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Bamboo Bikes for Africa?
http://www.bamboobike.org/Home.html
"In this project, we will examine the feasibility of employing native bamboo for the bicycle frames, instead of the expensive and technically demanding carbon fiber material, or even the less expensive but also technically demanding aluminum or chromium-molybdenum steel that is commonly used to build bicycle frames." Why does this remind me of the old SNL skit "Fondue Pots for Namibia"? |
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#2
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Bamboo Bikes for Africa?
On Feb 8, 3:04 pm, Peter Cole wrote:
http://www.bamboobike.org/Home.html "In this project, we will examine the feasibility of employing native bamboo for the bicycle frames, instead of the expensive and technically demanding carbon fiber material, or even the less expensive but also technically demanding aluminum or chromium-molybdenum steel that is commonly used to build bicycle frames." Why does this remind me of the old SNL skit "Fondue Pots for Namibia"? Actually, I think the Caffee initiative in a continent particularly short of steelmaking plants is laudable. Compare this confession of linguistic crimes from an official do-gooder who deliberately confuses science and political correctness in her pursuit of her religious fanataticism: Dr Margaret Chan, Director General of WHO: "Up to now the polar bear has been the poster child for CC. We must use every scientifically sound and politically correct mechanism in the book to convince leaders that humanity really is the most important species endangered by CC." WHO is the World Health Organization, a body that about once every decade gets something right, which in the bureaucratic mess of the UN is an exemplary record. CC is apparently Climate Chaos. Dr Margaret Chan tells us she thinks it doesn't matter whether people believe her as a scientist (if she is -- there is no evidence of it here) or because she pushes the politically correct guilt button. That makes her "science" as suspect as the mantras of a swami, and turns her crusade into one of religion and faith rather than science. People like Dr Chan are more dangerous to our welfare than Al Qaeda; they waste vast swathes of money on stupidities like Kyoto, which by itself consumes enough resources to bring basic health and fresh water and primary education (the necessary compost for investment to grow in) to the entire Third World. Al Queda kills a few thousand; Kyoto will fail to save tens or hundreds of millions with those wasted resources. Which is the genocide? At least Mr Caffee shows a few people, who can show others, how to make transport with available resources. Transport is mobility and a way to earn money, and travel reduces tribal tensions in a continent quite ruined by tribal wars. He starts small and leaves off the grand, empty words which achieve nothing. He'll achieve more than Dr Chan. So what else is new at the UN? "You don't have to give a lot. Three Euro buys a poor African a latte." -- trendy collecting at my front door. Andre Jute Bicyclist, skeptic and simonite |
#3
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Bamboo Bikes for Africa?
On Feb 8, 9:39*am, Andre Jute wrote:
On Feb 8, 3:04 pm, Peter Cole wrote: http://www.bamboobike.org/Home.html "In this project, we will examine the feasibility of employing native bamboo for the bicycle frames, instead of the expensive and technically demanding carbon fiber material, or even the less expensive but also technically demanding aluminum or chromium-molybdenum steel that is commonly used to build bicycle frames." Why does this remind me of the old SNL skit "Fondue Pots for Namibia"? Actually, I think the Caffee initiative in a continent particularly short of steelmaking plants is laudable. Compare this confession of linguistic crimes from an official do-gooder who deliberately confuses science and political correctness in her pursuit of her religious fanataticism: Dr Margaret Chan, Director General of WHO: "Up to now the polar bear has been the poster child for CC. *We must use every scientifically sound and politically correct mechanism in the book to convince leaders that humanity really is the most important species endangered by CC." WHO is the World Health Organization, a body that *about once every decade gets something right, which in the bureaucratic mess of the UN is an exemplary record. CC is apparently Climate Chaos. Dr Margaret Chan tells us she thinks it doesn't matter whether people believe her as a scientist (if she is -- there is no evidence of it here) or because she pushes the politically correct guilt button. That makes her "science" as suspect as the mantras of a swami, and turns her crusade into one of religion and faith rather than science. People like Dr Chan are more dangerous to our welfare than Al Qaeda; they waste vast swathes of money on stupidities like Kyoto, which by itself consumes enough resources to bring basic health and fresh water and primary education (the necessary compost for investment to grow in) to the entire Third World. Al Queda kills a few thousand; Kyoto will fail to save tens or hundreds of millions with those wasted resources. Which is the genocide? At least Mr Caffee shows a few people, who can show others, how to make transport with available resources. Transport is mobility and a way to earn money, and travel reduces tribal tensions in a continent quite ruined by tribal wars. He starts small and leaves off the grand, empty words which achieve nothing. He'll achieve more than Dr Chan. So what else is new at the UN? "You don't have to give a lot. Three Euro buys a poor African a latte." -- trendy collecting at my front door. Hmmm, Dr. Margaret Chan is credited with confronting "the first human outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in 1997. She successfully defeated the spate of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong in 2003. She also launched new services to prevent disease and promote better health." http://www.who.int/dg/en/ Seems like she's achieved quite a bit. However, I agree that Craig Calfee efforts are definitely laudable and he should be commended! (Note, there may be bias on my part as I'm an owner of a 1997 Calfee tetra custom frame and LOVE IT!) |
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Bamboo Bikes for Africa?
On Feb 8, 10:04 am, Peter Cole wrote:
http://www.bamboobike.org/Home.html "In this project, we will examine the feasibility of employing native bamboo for the bicycle frames, instead of the expensive and technically demanding carbon fiber material, or even the less expensive but also technically demanding aluminum or chromium-molybdenum steel that is commonly used to build bicycle frames." Why does this remind me of the old SNL skit "Fondue Pots for Namibia"? Aluminum production is one of Ghana's biggest industries. I'm sure they've got some people there who can figure out how to weld the stuff. |
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Bamboo Bikes for Africa?
On Feb 8, 4:47 pm, A Muzi wrote:
Peter Cole wrote: http://www.bamboobike.org/Home.html "In this project, we will examine the feasibility of employing native bamboo for the bicycle frames, instead of the expensive and technically demanding carbon fiber material, or even the less expensive but also technically demanding aluminum or chromium-molybdenum steel that is commonly used to build bicycle frames." Why does this remind me of the old SNL skit "Fondue Pots for Namibia"? wrote: Aluminum production is one of Ghana's biggest industries. I'm sure they've got some people there who can figure out how to weld the stuff. South Africa, even under ANC, is a reasonably efficient rapidly developing economy and has both steel tube and bicycle factories already, skilled labor and a vibrant investment market. There are other barriers to 'African bicycles' than frame material. p.s. I read a cute book from Nigeria on the local steelmaking technique which began with an admonishment that no women should be allowed near the kiln to spoil the steel with their feminine spirit. -- Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April, 1971 Is "kiln" an African euphemism for "porn stash"? Because I worked at a place with a rule like that once. |
#7
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Bamboo Bikes for Africa?
In article ,
A Muzi wrote: Peter Cole wrote: http://www.bamboobike.org/Home.html "In this project, we will examine the feasibility of employing native bamboo for the bicycle frames, instead of the expensive and technically demanding carbon fiber material, or even the less expensive but also technically demanding aluminum or chromium-molybdenum steel that is commonly used to build bicycle frames." Why does this remind me of the old SNL skit "Fondue Pots for Namibia"? wrote: Aluminum production is one of Ghana's biggest industries. I'm sure they've got some people there who can figure out how to weld the stuff. South Africa, even under ANC, is a reasonably efficient rapidly developing economy and has both steel tube and bicycle factories already, skilled labor and a vibrant investment market. There are other barriers to 'African bicycles' than frame material. p.s. I read a cute book from Nigeria on the local steelmaking technique which began with an admonishment that no women should be allowed near the kiln to spoil the steel with their feminine spirit. I am in the habit of making up reasons for reports of apparently unreasonable behavior. The problem with having a woman around the kiln is that the men take their mind off steel-making. -- Michael Press |
#8
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Bamboo Bikes for Africa?
On Feb 10, 10:14 pm, still just me wrote:
On Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:24:04 -0800, Michael Press wrote: I am in the habit of making up reasons for reports of apparently unreasonable behavior. The problem with having a woman around the kiln is that the men take their mind off steel-making. Except in the gay steel plants. There's one in Springfield. |
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