On Yer Bike!!

I'm perplexed, dear reader. Try as I might, I can't understand WHY I'm so annoyed by the Paris bike rental scheme Vélib. Why does the whole thing irritate me so? There's no logical explanation. The dear Mrs. LOG suggested that it might be a reaction to a deep-seated fear that, one day, someone is going to make me get on one and I will have to do some real exercise. She may have a point. Whatever. Although I never felt this way about in-line skating (remember when THAT was fashionable?). Anyway, amazingly even without my backing, Vélib is a huge success. In less than a month, we've gone from crowds of people standing looking puzzled by the bike station just by Rhino75 Towers to a severe Vélib shortage. It's almost impossible to get your hands on one at the weekend, even if you wanted to. Which I don't. Why, it'll soon be easier to get a cab than a bike. Yet, I can't shake the feeling that the whole thing's a huge con, that we're all being taken in somehow, although I don't know in what way or even by whom. I remain convinced that it's the start of a very slippery slope. Harrumph.

After the Minitel...

After the Minitel..., originally uploaded by rhino75.

France is, as you know, dear reader, so often at the forefront of new technology. The Minitel, chip 'n' pin technology, smart cards, well the list is endless. Now, pay attention and remember where you saw it first, because here is a picture of Micke demonstrating the NEXT BIG THING. Logging on at the lights. Too cheap/broke to buy a Blackberry but need to check your email while on the move? No problem, sir. Just hop out of the car at the next set of traffic lights and enter your password. Not sure where you are but can't afford GPS? Again, a quick log on at the lights and you're on your way again in a trice. Careful though. Don't try it if the little man's flashing...safety first.