Jim

My first reaction was - why was he riding across the grated bridge deck when there was a safe option? I regularly ride over that bridge and the University Bridge and have seen bicycles ride over the grated portion on a handful of times,and even then wondered why take the risk. But - I was not aware of the history. Really - if WSDOT had other accident reports then do one of two things - 1) post a sign that requires bikes to use the sidewalk, or 2) fix the dang thing with cheap epoxy; which is what the did - too late. Option 1 likely would not avoided a lawsuit. But for the rider, a little common sense goes a long way.

It's a bear. Trust me, I'm a professional. FYI- I've seen blonde black bears up there that have a resemblance to Mr. Griz. Doubtful that you saw griz, but you can never say never.

Not arguing either way. I just personally avoid those grates where ever they are, particularly when there is an off-road option. ....but if they knew about as you say they should have spent the what? $500 or so to just fix it.

Feel bad for the guy but all the bikers I know avoid those metal grates like the plague and just ride on the cement walkway for bikes and pedestrians. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013265574_gendler27m.html

I think this is the best. Almost makes me want to sign up for cable! http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-25-2010/npr-staffing-decision-2010

This is about as succinct as it gets. These gross generalizations aren't very helpful. A minority of regressives control the political process because citizens are disenfranchised and it's difficult to blame them for it considering the repeated betrayal by Democrats. I think it's true - people don't seem to be able to think critically anymore.

Hmmm. I thought his job was a news analyst. He decides to go moonlight and spout off opinions that NPR deems interfers with his job. Yes, they can fire him. No, there are no free speech issues here. He can go ahead and spout anyplace he wants; NPR decided it did not mix with how he was employeed. It was in their view, unprofessional and recurrent behavior.

Agreed. NPR was exercising it's perception of Juan's job as a news analyst vs. a commentator. He can now go do what he wants to at Fox. You may not like the outcome but there are no First Amendment issues involved.

This is about as succinct as it gets.

Point taken. But the same generalization.

"Racism is a lazy man's substitute for using good judgment ... Common sense becomes racism when skin color becomes a formula for figuring out who is a danger to me.” ----- Juan Williams ...but that was then, and now is, well, now.

I'll try a pair on, thanks.

There are a number of issues that need to be carefully considered, but I don't have a problem with limitations on contributions and imposing a requirement for full disclosure. Otherwise, with the money=speech scenario, corporate interests will have a louder voice, much louder. There is no reality based information to suggest that somehow Unions and contributions by individuals is going to keep up with the moneyed interests. Yes, I have concerns regarding how free speech is constrained but what we have now is the more money you have the more you have access and the more your message is out there. Take a look a the quote I posted at the beginning of the thread - does anyone actually belive that is a true statement?

I seriously doubt if the upper Enchantment Lakes are stocked - WDFW stopped the practice of high lake stocking because these small lakes did not have fish in them to start with and the amphibian populations were decimated from introducing fish. May be some remnants however and I know Colchuck has some cutthroats in the 7-10 in range (yum). Also see: http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/showthread.php/15174-Fishing-in-the-Enchantments

Oh, that's getting awfully close to the devil of a downhill binding.

I know, let's compare it to something kicked out by a random numbers generator for a really high correlation. Oh, wait...

It's a free market thing, you wouldn't understand.

Friends don't let friends wear racing jerseys.

This current parlor puzzle is asinine.

Unfortunately, 5 out of 9 Supreme Court justices.

Do NOT do this. You will immediately be recognized as a weakling by other riders. Or worse yet, a road weenie.

Thanks. Good points. The refute from the Party of No Clue is either simpleton (trickle down BS) or some oragami explanation as to why this is good for 'Merica.

Saw this quote from the Citizen's United decision - gotta love it. Reminds me of when that old rainmaker, Trent Lott, was asked about the fairness of moneyed interests having access to the halls of power - his response: "Well, folks can find other ways of gaining access". Uh-huh. ..this court now concludes that independent expenditures, including those made by corporations, do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption. That speakers may have influence over or access to elected officials does not mean that those officials are corrupt. And the appearance of influence or access will not cause the electorate to lose faith in this democracy. Money equals free speech advocates in 3, 2, 1..

No argument regarding rural issues. But you haven't addressed the market failure in U.S. cities where it is easier to provide access. And your assumption that high speed internet is only applicable to entertainment and not commerce and academics is false. The issue is why are we paying such high rates for lousy service in the US compared to the rest of the world where there is comprehensive planning, and lo and behold, solvent communications companies making a profit.

Meanwhile, the market (and great lobbying) solution: Much of this can be attributed to other countries actually developing and implementing a national plan - what a concept. Yea, yea, we have a lot of land area here but even when you do a city by city comparision the results are the same. Similar to the hodge-podge cell tower system and standards we have here, compared to other countries where cell towers are on one standard and you don't have seperate phone companies planting their own and duplicative towers.