Less expensive, more effective ways to increase safety
As a daily traveler of Iris Ave. (in a car, gasp!) for the last 20 years or so I read all of the opinions about The Road Diet published in the Camera with interest. I loved Judy Nogg’s guest opinion piece from July 20, and then was most interested in Gary Garrison’s editorial from Aug. 11.
I hope it goes without saying that safety for all should be paramount. But I am having a hard time buying that safety is driving (pun intended) this discussion. In Gary’s last line about reducing the number of lanes on Iris, “…it will collectively speed us toward a better future where our infrastructure prioritizes green alternatives and safety — not just convenience.” There it is, the “green alternative” description that makes this a virtuous pursuit, common sense be damned.
The Iris road diet feels like a case of The Vocal Minority getting their way becuase it’s a “green” endeavor, and how dare anyone question it?
There are already great ways to get all around Boulder on a bike, I know, as I used to be an avid cyclist. And there are less expensive, and more effective ways to increase safety (many good suggestions have been made) for all on Iris, but these things aren’t as sexy as doing a “road diet,” for the very small minority of people who commute on bicycles. When the road diet is done we can say we’re that much closer to the biking utopia we hope to become, however unrealistic that is.
Well, all of us Iris commuters will have plenty of time to ponder this as we sit in our cars during construction delays. And, we’ll meet new neighbors as we drive through side streets (please drive slowly, wave and be courteous!) seeking alternatives to driving on Iris.
Noel Bennett, Boulder
Are writers artists?
I recently read the book “Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life,” by Teresa R. Funke. And her answer is a resounding “yes”! Writers are definitely artists. And I agree. Probably the most prolific and successful writer of our time is Nora Roberts who has published about 250 works of fiction. All of her books go straight to the best-seller list upon publication. Her readers and reviewers call her a word artist.
No two books are alike. So, when I decided to write a novel, I wrote to Ms. Roberts and asked for her secret. I was surprised to receive her reply with her secret. She said, “My ideas come from my imagination and I have a very vivid imagination.” Teresa Funke would agree. Ms. Roberts’ books are so well-written that they are enjoyable a second or third time through.
What I like about Nora Roberts’ books is how professional her writing always is. I’ve had men in my classes who blow off her writing as simply romantic stories for women. I once told those men that women read those stories because they describe how women want to be treated. They want men to treat them as independent, intelligent and self-sufficient, like Nora has her male characters treat her women. Those men turned to the women in class who confirmed my analysis.
Teresa Funke is a noted author and sought-after presenter. She will be the guest speaker at the Longmont Writers Club’s free workshop on September 28 from 1-3 p.m. at the Longmont Public Library. Teresa will guide you through exercises to boost your artistic creativity with your own “bursts of brilliance.”
Bill Ellis, Longmont
The history of the Harvest House
If memory serves me right the Harvest House was for several decades known as the Hilton Harvest House, and much later the Millenium Harvest House.
Stein Sture, Boulder
