Tuesday: Chew your news: Mandeville Canyon trial, People Powered Movement Photo Contest, IN TRANSIT

Yesterday Dr. Christopher Thomas Thompson was found guilty of assaulting two cyclists riding down Mandeville Canyon Road in Los Angeles. On July 4th, 2008, in what can only be called a display of extreme road rage, Thompson cut off and then abruptly braked in front of cyclists Ron Peterson and Christian Stoehr, sending Peterson flying through the rear window of the doctor's red Infinity. Specifically, Thompson was found guilty of six felonies: "two counts each of assault with a deadly weapon and battery with serious bodily injury as well as reckless driving causing specified injury and mayhem. He was also convicted of misdemeanor reckless driving." He faces up to ten years in prison, but with no prior criminal record, Thompson will probably receive less at his sentencing on December 3rd. He is currently in custody without bail. The debate remains regarding the cyclists' behavior that day, but there is no excuse for Thompson's reaction.

While I am relieved - and quite honestly, shocked - to see the consequences fall as I believe they should, I am sad that someone had to go to the emergency and I am sad that someone has to go to jail. Please be kind to each other out there...and when someone does something unfavorable to you, do not react with anger. An unkind person deserves only your pity, not your ire. After all, negativity is not worth your very valuable time.

We must move on to more positive things now, so, my fellow cyclists, it's time to express your love of commuter cycling with a photo contest from the Alliance for Biking & Walking! The People Powered Movement Photo Contest is calling for high quality photos of folks biking and walking as part of their everyday lives. The grand prize is a ten day all expense paid bike tour of Tuscany! Check the website for more details! The deadline is December 11th! Good luck!

And speaking of movement, please take a moment to check out this project from artist Jonathan Dueck, who needs help completing his 16mm films presented by IN TRANSIT.





Collaborating with I Heart Lung, Chad VanGaalen, Deneir, and Son Lux, Dueck spliced together twenty short films from his creatively deconstructed 16mm. The project was supposed to be released on DVD through an American record label, but, unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, Dueck must now design, produce, and manufacture the DVDs on his own.

I know that under our current economic situation, it's difficult to find that spare money to give, but the holidays are coming up, and Dueck needs $2600 by December 25th, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a little bit of art and culture? So check out the Kickstarter site and really reconsider those next two Starbucks!

Thanks everyone and please have a gorgeous, happy, productive day!