Aftermath

I am so disgusted right now. Disgusted and ashamed to call myself a citizen of Canada. The events that happened this weekend during the G20 Summit in Toronto has left a pock mock on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We weren't treated as citizens. The police descended onto the city about a week before, and their presence was felt. About 22,000 police from around the country came and almost $1 billion was put into security costs for this meeting of world leaders. The costs of human rights and justice was far greater as I witnessed police brutality for the first time in my life.

The police charged at people who were peacefully protesting, illegally arresting, detaining and searching innocent people. Their actions were so atrocious and it is shameful that none of our leaders or politicians have commented. It's unclear whether the police were given orders or simply acted in a manner that made them the aggressors, but either way, the police were the real bullies here. I am so angry, words cannot even begin to describe the rage I, and many of Toronto residents are feeling.

The police were the ones in black. The police were the ones in riot gear, with gas masks, shields, bullet-proof vests, batons and guns. The police were the ones who charged, the ones who stomped and kneed bare flesh, who hit people without any protection. The police were the ones rounding up journalists and detaining innocent bystanders in the rain for hours. They were the ones telling lies and acting illegally, yet I doubt that there will be any repercussions for the actions witnessed today.

How did this happen? And why are our "leaders" staying silent still?

It's been a long day, and my emotions range from shock, anger, disgust, horror and shame. The summits may be over, but the scars are going to run deep. Toronto, you may not call yourself The Good anymore. Shame, shame, shame.

Why do I only know lady babes?

Let's look at the facts, shall we?

Minor earthquake. Check.

Lunar eclipse. Check.

Major protests against world leaders and incredibly wasteful summits. Check.

Tense World Cup matches. Check.

What else will the weekend hold?

I am Liz Lemon

One of my besties, Julie, is away in Switzerland for two months, so we've been e-mailing back and forth. It's been nice to have someone in a different country to correspond with again.

When I was younger, I used to have pen pals from all over, and it was a joy to receive letters about every three weeks. The postmarks and stamps were in different languages, and it felt like such a privilege to have a foreign envelope delivered straight to my door with a message that was handwritten and for me only. Not only that, the stationary and stamps and envelopes were as telling about a person and their land as was the letters themselves.

So while this isn't a letter (yet), these photos are for you, Jules.

May Daze

I got my first fiction rejection letter!

Maybe I need to redefine my definition of babe after my hangout with Maria. I love that chica. She's just so easy-going and honest.

Me: She's a babe! (Random chit chat about a bike babe.) She's one of those who can ride in heels!

Maria: Psssh! That's nothing. Show me a person who can play baseball in heels!

Fair enough. Well said, Maria. Heels or no heels, she's one of the best!

I ride, therefore I am

Yes, yes, y'all! It's Bike Month in Toronto, and there is a whole whack of goodness cruising around until June 30th.

First, let me mention a couple good organizations and events that are happening throughout the month. Start off by checking out the Toronto Cyclists Union at the Bicycle Service Station at Union Station. You can get free air and safety checks as well as all-you-need-to-know cycling information.

There's also a bunch of urban fruit harvesting events with Not Far from the Tree, which organizes a residential fruit-picking program. Bike around, pick fruit that would otherwise go to waste, share with others, enjoy!

Community Bicycle Network is holding a number of workshops for beginners and those ready to tackle more advanced projects, like wheel building.

The Igor Kenk graphic exhibition is going on at Type Books until the June 30th.

As for individual events going on this week, check it:

Bluffs, Beers and Pizza in the Park - Friday, June 4, 6:30 departure Riverdale Park East, just north of Broadview and Gerrard East
Go for a ride to the Scarborough Bluffs and scarf pizza, guzzle beer with other hot cyclists while enjoying the romantic sunset.

Also on Friday from 6:30 until 8:30 pm is Diverse Bicycle City at the Parkdale Community Centre (75 Lansdowne Ave). The new Cyclists Handbook will be launched and there'll be lots of exhibits, snacks and intercultural performances.

I've seen a number of souped up bikes, but Donald Quan's Bikrophone is by far the most melodic. It'll be on display in the lobby of 401 Richmond St. I'll definitely be going to gawk at it. Quan will also be performing live on Thursday, June 17th.

The Bike Joint is hosting a Family Treasure Hunt on Sunday. Starting at noon, you can round up the kiddies and head to 290A Harbord St. to scour the city for clues and learn about local history. Yeah!

And finally on Sunday, June 6th, head to Bike Sauce! It's Toronto's newest DIY bike repair shop. They're organizing a joy ride to the Leslie Spit and a picnic by the lighthouse! Now, THAT's a Sunday!

Happy cycling this week! Please don't rain...