China and the Olympic flame

I just want to get in my opinion about the whole China Olympics controversy. We've been seeing it on the news long enough now, and it's time to weigh in on the subject. It isn't right to say that "it's none of my business what goes on in China." The way human dignity is treated in the world is very much every one's business.
First thing to be said is that I do agree that China's human rights record is appalling and that steps must be taken to pressure the government of that country to change its policies. As one of the most populated nations in the world, they have a responsibility to be a model for other countries.
Attacking the institution of the Olympic Games is not the way to push for change. The games are a symbol of peaceful competition, the very opposite of combat for revolution. By extinguishing the flame, the protesters have lowered themselves to the standard of those who suppress freedom, not just for Tibet, but for the populace of the country as a whole. The opportunity has been lost to violence.
A better use of the Olympic torch relay would have been to have groups of protesters along the route who would all turn their backs on the torch, and block view of it with signs which display examples of human rights violations. The object is to overshadow the games with the reality of life in China, using the torch to light the dark corners where things are hidden. In a dark room, do you turn off the flashlight when looking for the fuse box?
Violence only begets more violence. Action of the type we have seen on television should always be considered a last resort. To take that physical conflict outside of China as a means of protest is simply unacceptable. We are supposed to be the civilized ones in this debate, it is high time we started acting like it. As I said, the protesters should not be stooping to the level of the people they are complaining about.
I have great sympathy for those who are being kept down by corrupt regimes around the world. I support them in their call for change. However, violence and attacking institutions of international peace is not the way to achieve that change.
I will fight for human rights. I would willingly lay down my life to protect innocents. Attacking somebody to get media attention? That is so wrong and sick.

Is that spring I see?

It has been just beautiful out the last few days here, which makes me dare to ask the question, is spring finally here?
I suppose, as a Canadian, you would think I'd be used to being cooped up indoors for five months out of the year. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, nobody wants to be kept indoors by the weather any longer than they have to. It doesn't help the for the last two years, we have been totally spoiled by warmer than normal winters with less than average snowfall.
This year, our area is flirting with a record fall of almost fourteen feet total. The likes of this hasn't been seen since the winter of 1976. I remember that year. Ten foot snow banks were everywhere. My family was snowed in for the best part of a week, unable to get farther than the end of the driveway.
I really shouldn't complain though. Across the border, in Watertown NY, they are dealing with almost fifteen feet of snow, which is now melting and threatening to flood anything not up above river level. We aren't facing anything like that here.
That is the big benefit of all of the snow this year. We have seen enough to raise the level of the St. Lawrence River to heights that haven't been seen in years. With mild, dry winters, there just hasn't been enough to keep the system full. Millions depend on the river for drinking water. The tourism industry was hurting, with docks having to be extended yards just to get to water. This year, we won't have those kinds of problems.
I am looking forward to spring and summer this year. I have a lot of work to do, but there is a lot of pleasant stuff to look ahead to as well. For example, the landlord has created flower beds along the side of the building, and the superintendent told me that I can plant anything I want. In that spirit, I plan to put in a few hastas, some tomatoes, and some peppers. No reason a flower bed has to be merely ornamental. I might even put in a few perennial herbs, just for kicks. I'd love to grow a little mint. It's useful whenever somebody has a cold or anything.
I do have to work on the car this summer though. The body took a real beating this year. At twelve years old, most people would throw her away, but she is a good car still, and worth the task of working with fiberglass and body fill. My wife loves that car, and it has been very good to her. You don't break up a combination like that.
The longer days are here. Time to take advantage and enjoy.

Alternative vehicle ideas

I've been playing with the idea of car design lately. If you spend enough time behind the wheel, I think you just have to start thinking about what you would most like to see in a vehicle.
With gas prices being what they are today, I have been thinking mostly about alternative drive designs. My thought is an electric car, receiving it's power from a small gas powered electrical generator. The combustion engine does not move the vehicle, the electric motors on all four wheels do that. The generator only charges the batteries. The system provides the best of both energy sources to the car. Electric motors accelerate and give best power through the entire range, and there are few moving parts, and the generator gives the car better range than just batteries could.
The other thing cars need today is to be sized correctly for the way we live. The trend towards suvs has to stop. Why does there have to be such a huge tank to move one person from home to work and back, with stops at the grocery store? There should be a return to the small truck and compact car. Give them enough stance to handle Canadian roads, but let's not get into overkill here people.
For my wife and myself, I'd like to see a North American version of the Smart car. It would have a small rear seat, suitable for children or two adults on short trips, that could be folded flat to hold a week's worth of groceries. In Europe, they tend to shop every couple of days, so a tiny car is fine. The streets are narrower there too. In North America, we have more space in our cities, and we tend to do our shopping in bulk. Give us a smart car that reflects this.
It would be nice to sit down with the people at General Motors or Ford and discuss the ideas I've had. It would probably never go anywhere, as long as people are willing to pay high gas prices and demand the large behemoths to feel more powerful on the road. Still, it would be nice to have my thoughts in there.