Burlington Bike Path Speak

What's Been Your Greatest Creation?

2011-05-30T17:51:00.005-04:00

Answers:

The love I show my husband.
Myself
My two children -- Barb
Jonah and Ella
A windmill that can pull a small weight up with its energy -- Alexandre S.
Penny Cluse taco salad
Farmhouse corn muffins
A great place to wait for the rapture
Everything
The Burlington Bike Path
My imagination -- Faith
Fellowship, unity and networks that bring about healing and happiness in the lives of suffering people
I've got two, Kezia and Cowan
My greatest creations are Ella and Trudy
We made an awesome Lego spaceship
My first poop on the potty -- Adaline, 3 years old
My family -- Elizabeth
I built a nice chimney once, oh yeah and a really nice terasse -- Eric
I made a cup of coffee once that was pretty good. It needed a lot of sugar though.
Everyday
A life of happiness with no regrets
My daughters
My children
Our marriage -- Ed and Charlotte
My new self
I made a Lego spaceship without instructions

What Is The Strangest Food You've Eaten?

2010-09-08T20:37:00.004-04:00

ANSWERS:

Guinea pig
Snails
Whale sushi
Chicken feet...actually, I couldn't make myself eat them
I've eaten a big green worm hanging from a tree at North Beach. Bitter.
Chocolate covered cockroach.
Diet Coke (yuk!)
Sea Urchin at a Japenese restaurant in Colorado. It was both solid and liquid; solid when untouched, liquified when finger/tongue made contact, solid again post touch. Acquired taste indeed.
Fish eyes.
Mississippi black snake
Troll House cookies (ED note: yes, that's what they wrote)
Crab brains in Tokyo, Japan
Seaweed
Crickets
Broccoli - Nolan, age 6
Twinkies and taco sauce - Zippy the pinhead
Borscht
Ant eggrolls - SSC
Alligator and snake
Squirrel
Leche nuts? - Sequoia
Pigeon, bumble bees and jelly fish in China
Chicken gizzards and fufu
Crocodile
Road runner

What Law Have You Wanted To Break...and Why?

2010-08-01T21:30:00.004-04:00

Answers:

Fires on the lake...why not?
Get naked in public
Nothing
Practicing law without a license. If you can argue with logic, why waste 3 years at school?
Trespassing. Why do we need so many fences? We didn't make the land.
Gravity. Because flying without a plane would be so much more fun!
The law that kids under the age of 17 can't drive...because I am 8.

These were the only answers suitable for reprinting. This question elicited many profane responses...so we've changes the question.

Upcoming Questions

2010-07-12T11:57:00.003-04:00

Here are questions that will be coming up soon. Have one to add? Send an email to chapin dot spencer at gmail dot com.

What is the strangest food that you've eaten?
What law have you always wanted to break...and why haven't you?
What secret have you wanted to share?
Tell us about a near death experience you've had.

What Was Your Most Embarassing Moment?

2010-07-10T22:07:00.004-04:00

ANSWERS:

I had a huge crush on Mike Czhicowski in the 11th grade. When I heard that his grandmother had died I badked almond cookies and brought them to his house. His mother answered the door and asked who I was. All I could say was "Mike?" She rolled her eyes and called him over. He came to the door and our conversation when something like this:

me: "hi"
Mike: "What are you doing here?"
me: "um... I baked you cookies."
Mike: "uhuh, why?"
me: "cause uh...."
Mike: "oh.... what kind are they?"
me: "almond"
Mike: "I'm allergic to nuts."

I spoke Japanese to someone who was Korean, they got really offended.
um.... I dropped my skirt in the middle of Hannaford's and everybody saw.
I had my period in front of the whole school in seventh grade. I bled on an Adirondack chair.
My boyfriend and I got caught "hooking up" at a beach. They called our parents.
When I peed my pants while on stage during a high school production of Alice in Wonderland. Oy!
My friend pants'ed me in front of a lot of people (at a hotel)
Talking about someone at a party and having them standing behind me. Whoops!
Meeting my boyfriend's parents on 4/20 at Ridin' High skate shop where I worked. Sleeping in a hammock and got out with my butt asleep. Knocked over the whole row of mopeds in front of his parents. Eek!
Getting stopped and searched at the Canadian border. They found weed residue and a bowl.
Cutting a girl's lip with my braces while engaging in my first French kiss.
When I went to school without my glasses for the first time.
When I got angry at the wrong person.
When I knocked over the speakers at an orchestra concert.
When I didn't know how to kiss.
Your sign spelled "embarrassing" incorrectly, that's embarrassing! (Ed note: Yup, we forgot one of the "r"s, whoops!)

When Was the Last Time You Wrote a Real Letter?

2010-05-31T16:41:00.003-04:00

Current Answers:

Every month I send birthday cards to my friends!
Last month I wrote many letters to people who helped me. ~ Celia
Last month ~ Lylie
Two days ago
Last summer when at camp
A month or so ago
To you! Because I graduated and you're awesome! Love, Ectocooler (Thanks Emily!)
Two months to the day. I never heard back from her either.
Yesterday
2002
3 weeks ago
Dear Chapin and Rebecca. Right now! Sincerely, Meg
I right letters all the time. My grandma doesn't like computers so I right her letters all the time.
May 2, 2010
If postcards count, 9 months. If not, then six years, when my brother was in basic training.
This morning.
The last time I used the postal service to correspond was about a month ago...if we aren't counting postcards because I sent 3 of these in the last 2 weeks. I like the act of writing out thoughts, it can be a cathartic, centering activity if you find the right rhythm. I also love getting the fanciest stamps they carry at the post office and I always hand decorate my envelopes with lots of flare. Email could never replace the thoughtful and romantic medium of letter writing. ~ Trish, ONE
2 years ago when my best friend was living in Spain. Also, your box is infested with ants. ~ S.E.W.
A. Just now.
2 days ago. It's important, especially for our elders who don't use computers.
When a long-time friend went to Boot Camp in Missouri last summer. BTW, she is the stereotypical blonde who survived and thrived in the army. Amazing person.
I am still an avid fan of letters! I hope it never becomes obsolete! ~ Suzanne
I wrote real letters when I was in prison. By hand on lined paper. Very civilized. ~ R.L.
The last time I wrote a letter was last summer to my friend in Utah. ~ T.M.C.
I think the last time I wrote a real letter was at camp last year. I know this is going to change since two really good friends of mine are going to the Air Force Academy.

We also got a number of very random responses to this question, including:

Dear bikeway: Thank you for the tools to express my appreciation for surroundings and splendor. We are lucky folk. Love and kisses, the Maple Queen
Dear Burlington: I hold this truth to be self-evident: that all drivers should be well aware of the cones at workzones. Follow the cone tapers with their respective 'keep right' signs. Follow your nose wherever it goes. Sincerely, a worker in Burlington
I wish there could be less fuzz in the air.
Do not ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Are you a believer? ~ Greg
I eat watermelon. Yes.

What Do You Pledge To Do For Yourself This Summer?

2010-05-29T11:34:00.002-04:00

CURRENT ANSWERS:

Save enough money to move to Florida in the fall
Get fit! Wahoo! Love myself more!
Play!
Own a giraffe
Ride 50 miles for VT Cares on the Champ Ride! Go team Bike Recycle!
I pledge to honor my soul and my body so that I might make a difference in my community. I pledge to do this by slowing down sometimes, honoring my breath and maintaining the best balance I can. Because I can. C.K.
Hi Rebecca and Chapin. See you in the relay?! ~ Ginger
Lose weight
Drink a fish
Go boating
Quit my job. Hoorah!
Be carried by my cousin so I don't have to walk
Lean mad German. ~ JP
Play more drums!
Enjoy the locality of food and all of its goodness.
Nice project! What happened to my most embarrassing moment question? My new answer: AC
Go to the beaches and ride my bike and maybe go to Montreal
Thank you to the amazing groundsman for cleaning up the foliage that grew overnight.
I pledge to poop everyday (Ed note: thanks for the cute kid drawing)
I will exercise more!
Swimming - Julie
Move my body!
Get a job. ~ Dave
Swim (a lot)

What Is Your Favorite Place to Visit in Vermont?

2010-04-12T19:38:00.010-04:00

YOUR ANSWERS:

Barnet and West Barnet Vermont because I was born and raised there. The rural beauty and scenery are amazing. - Elizabeth
South Hero because of the scenery and apple orchards. - Michael
Ben & Jerry's, Waterbury and Grand Isle
Stowe alpine slide and Splash at the Burlington Boathouse
Maidstone State Park
Skyline Lodge on the Long Trail
My childhood home in Springfield
Couchy with mantuni
Sudbury
Sledding down Camel's Hump or Knoll Farm in Fayston
Burlington because it is great and so is this box!
Manchester Center though I also enjoy visiting Shelburne
Texas Falls near Middlebury is beautiful (kind of a secret treasure) Carol, Georgia VT
One favorite is the bike path here! NE Kingdom, Danville, Plainfield
Rutland Movie Theater
I love going to the Shelburne Museum
Burlington Bike Path - beautiful views, lots of space to bike
Lake Willoughby
Prison
Anywhere but Rutland
The lake (beach)
Maidstone State Park
Stave Island
Jay Peak
Shelburne Bay
Shelburne Farms
Friends in Vermont
Burlington, Waitsfield water hole, Mad River Glen
Karme Choling, Barnet VT
Seymour Lake
Nothing
Chelsea, VT
Single Pebble
The Huntington Gorge
Lake Willoughby and Lake Champlain
Oakledge Park, Mount Philo and Shelburne Farms
Bread and Puppet
Caleb's place
Smuggler's Notch in the fall -- beautiful leaves, dramatic rocks and cliffs, waterfalls in the rain
Oakledge Park
The Flynn
UVM Skiing Carnival
Smuggler's Notch, watching the sunset at Battery Park
Hog Island in Swanton
My grand daughter's house in Richmond
Woodstock - the town and people are great!
Shelburne Orchard -- great views, great vibes
Camels Hump
My couch and Muddy Waters
Indian Brook Park in Essex
Journey's End in Johnson, VT
58 Conger Avenue in Burlington -- Nice patio!
I think I might fall in love with a man from Stowe.
The airport, the Charlotte Flea Market -- three walkers for the March of Dimes
Lone Rock Point is kinda neat.
Bike Path in the summer and Stowe -- taking a dip in the stream
Echo patio, Shelburne Farms, Burlington waterfront
Waterslide near Lake Willoughby -- Corey
North Street, Montpelier -- Jesse
Burlington Waterfront and the falls behind Johnson State College!
56 and 58 Conger Avenue
The Busy Bee Diner in Glover
Jefferson Falls
Camels Hump summit, anytime
Bennington Museum
Chili's for their El Presidente margarita
Camels Hump peak, Red Onion, the mountain stream beside the road between Bennington and Brattleboro
The waterfront bike path on a beautiful sunny day
The Kingdom, Bristol falls
I like Pie!...and the Stowe Pinnacle
McDonalds
Brewster River Falls in Jeffersonville
Anywhere where you aren't knocked out by noxious cow patty fumes. Ugh. Gross. Go veggie!
Lake Willoughby on a nice summer day
New World Tortilla
The O.P.
I love visiting Burlington the most because of all the wonderful people. - Rob
Mount Mansfield
Full Tank
Anywhere on the Long Trail, especially Butler Lodge on Mansfield
Country roads in the summer like Route 14 and Route 17
Little River Dam in Waterbury

What Is Your Favorite Sign of Spring?

2010-03-07T13:10:00.013-05:00

ANSWERS:

"Some say the world will end in fire. Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire. But if I had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate, to say that for destruction ice is also great, and would suffice." Robert Frost
Skiing, kayaking and running all in one weekend
It's a tie -- either the birds chirping in the morning or the daffodils!
A clean bikepath
Being able to go outside without adding layers!
People smiling!
People coming out of the woodwork
The trees are green (Seth), the sun is warmer (Nina)
The blooming of spirits
The smell of freshly mowed grass and newly laid pine for the landscaping
Redwing blackbirds
Sage's shirt (Sage is our neighbor)
Lilacs and cherry blossoms
Dandelions (Ella), spotted salamanders (Gwen), hot dog stands (Gary)
When people come outside to take in the rays (nice picture!)
Flowers and smiles
The sun (2)
Flowers
Buds (the tree kind)
Open up my sandbox
The sound of peepers
Nice weather
It means school is almost over
Nights on the porch
Peas
The emergence of creatures
The smell after the first thaw
The song birds, peepers and crocuses
Warm nights
Chocolate! - Jonah
The birds chirping
The Trail Speak sign!
Seeing the green return
Longer, warmer days, brighter mornings, dry sidewalks and bike paths! - Barb and Jim
Waking up to new bird sounds...waxwings!
A tan face
Sunshine and fresh air, the true smell of spring at last - Alexandre Silberman
Early morning songbirds singing (Thanks for the great picture of a bird)
The sun - Jason
The flowers - Jessica
First sounds of birds, first sign of flowers (thanks for the pictures!)
The rain and then the flowers
Sun! - Christine, Winooski
Little edges of green underneath the dead grass - HMH, Winooski
Sampling dog poop buffets
Spring peepers and maple syrup
Flowers blooming
Running out here (on the bike path) again!
Cool March mornings like the ones I fell in loving during many years ago.
When you can snowboard in a t-shirt - Taraleigh, B'town
Blooming skunk cabbage at the north end of the bike path
The smell of cold wet soil and when the trees are pink with their buds
Thank you for asking...redwing blackbirds and spring beauties
All of the birds and the tops of the trees turning red
No snow, sunshine, smiling faces, birds chirping
Don't need jackets = feel free and light
Warm weather
More sunshine
Red-winged blackbirds
The smell of things blooming
Fine ladies shedding layers
Bare skin!
The smell
The coming of early sprouts of tulips
No more snow! (nice picture)
This one (meaning the TrailSpeak kiosk)
Grass and flowers - A.M., age 3
My 3 year old playing in the dirt with her dump truck in bare feet
Patios on Church Street
Mud! For all that it is. For all that it portends. ;-) Yana
Little birds chirping, growing plant life
Peeper frogs
The smell. I'm not sure if I can tell you what it smells just like, but it definitively smells different than winter and as soon as I get a whiff of it, I know it's spring.
Crocuses
The geese coming back and the birds singing
The return of leaves, greenery
Seeing everyone train for the Vermont City Marathon. We'll see ya on the road.
The constellation Orion's early disappearance from the night sky ;-)
Snow!
Swimming buoys on the waterfront!
Birds singing. Crocuses. Dirt smells.

What Is Your Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition?

2009-11-26T11:47:00.003-05:00

OK, It's time for a holiday season question! ANSWERS:

Football and yams
The stuffing!
Our Christian Scientist grandmother greeted us with a Christian Science reading when she arrived at our house.
Eating 2+ pounds of turkey
Turkey Bowl
Getting together with friends
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Snitching crispy turkey skin with my stepdaughter
Celebrating our Thanksgiving tradition everyday! - TAM

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?

2009-08-16T14:51:00.006-04:00

Hi friends. The TrailSpeak kiosk is finally open for the 2009. Thank for your patience and thanks in advance for all of your answers.

ANSWERS:

You speak French like a Spanish cow (French proverb)
You can't legislate morals (Phil Coyne, my father)
Love one another (Jesus)
If wishes were horses, then there would be horse poop all over the place (Philip Holt)
Don't take life too seriously
My soul is a mushroom that blossoms off fruit becoming goodness to others
Life is a series of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster (Tom Stoppard)
One more act of fine dissemblance
Be the change you wish to see in the world (Gandhi)
If you haven't experienced pain, how can you experience any joy?
"On your left!"
Life is good
Even a blind man knows when the sun is shining
Blood is thicker than water
Cold hands, warm heart (My grandpa)
Wherever you are, be there
Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyways (John Wayne)
Apathy is death
In the name of God, stop a moment, look around you (Leo Tolstoy)
Every time it frickin' rains, it frickin' rains on me (L.K.)
You're only as old as you feel
Those few who choose the way of the wind dread and cherish it forever (The Gift by Patrick O'Leary)
Just breathe, just believe
Never wrestle with a pig, because you just get dirty and the pig enjoys it (Ottergirl)
Worth a shot
Don't let your dreams just be dreams
Even the smallest person can change the course of the future (Alexis, Belgium)
Trust your mind
Stay young, you'll live longer
One good thing about music...when it hits you feel no pain (Marley)
Look at the stars, look how they shine for you (Coldplay)
Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die today
Live and let live
O Great Spirit giver of all life, whose thundering voice we hear in the winds "Protect us all!" (Abenaki)
I seek strength not to be greater than my brother or sister but to fight my Greatest enemy of all...myself!
It never hurts to ask
The Real Work: It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go, we have come to our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings. Wendell Berry
Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.
We all have wings, some of us just don't know how to fly.
If at first you don't succeed, you're doing it wrong.
Everything is one. - Fuzz
Word theft is a felony in the land of righteousness.
Responsibility is not the same as blame.
A penny saved is a penny earned. - Benjamin Franklin
Chin up! - Kelcy and Maggie
No worries; there are bigger problems in the world - D. Hill
It's great to be alive
All is well that ends well.
The more you know, the less you need.
2 legit 2 quit.
Let go and let God.
I never said it is easy. I just said it is easier than doing nothing.
Care more than others think is wise, Risk more than others think is safe, Dream more than others think is practical, Expect more than others think is possible! - Marion and Winlow
I'm from Vermont and I'll smoke it if I want!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE RAIN?

2008-08-26T14:46:00.005-04:00

We have had so much rain this summer. In an effort to look on the bright side lets share what we all love about the rain. My favorite things to do are to go puddle jumping, go for a run, work in the garden (to ensure being really muddy when I'm done) and watch a thunderstorm roll in off the lake. I love the drama of it all. The other bonus is I don't have to water my garden as much.

Here is what you all said you like to do in the rain....

Dance (from Shorty)
Swim in the rain (from Big John)
Get in sweat pants and watch movies with ice cream
Go for a run (Jessica)
Eat grilled cheese
Get wet! (from FTF)
Stay in bed with a good book, my good husband, and a good cup of tea
Have a water fight
Make out (2)
Listen to the rain fall on the roof
Watch movies and eat dessert (from Emily)
Ride my bike (from Rosie)
Kiss my girlfriend
Run onto the street and then take shelter in a house under construction
Read
Pay with my dog Cider (from Felipe, age 3)
Go inside, go to sleep (from Rosalie, age 3 and 3/4)
Play! (from Sadie, age 3 and 1/2)
Watch "The Office"...straight up!
Late night fugitive adventures. "Until you are ready to leave all behind you, you are not ready for a walk" Thoreau
Transplanting in the garden
I like to skinny dip in Lake Champlain with all my friends and play drums...but not at the same time. (from HH)
Hop and splash (from Kari)
Jump in puddles (2)
Soccer
Sit and watch and smell the wet concrete. If there's lightning I'll get my camera.
I like to run in the rain- John.
Running in Needam Mass.
Make love or walk in the woods
Talk to Becky-
Catch raindrops on my tongue- Hazel age 5
Walk in my rainbow rainboots
Run
Dance on Isham St.
J'aime marcher sous la pluie. -Anne
I like the sound of rain.
I like to play in the rain
Chew cud
Camp, but 7 nights of glorious rain is pretty suh-weet too!!
Puddle stomping
Running around on pavement barefoot, trying to avoid all the earthworms that surface during the storm.
Stay inside and read a book, swimming is fun too! SQ
Kiss in a swimming hole whilst swimming
Play soccer
Write songs
Ride my bike to Montreal and then in the Tour de l'ile
Smooch my man
Kiss- Jess
Drink hot and tea and listen to the thunder and lightning
Bring all my house plants outside
Go for a walk barefoot in the forest
Read Pride and Prejudice (curled up in bed with a cup of tea and at least one cat for company)
Wash my hair
Run naked with red rain boots (age 3)
Sleep till 3 in the afternoon
Splash in puddles- Kenadee
Walk in the wood
Walk around and listen to Pink Floyd
Sit outside on the porch and watch the rain- Jonna
Sit on a bench and just let go of all my Y2K-man hang-ups, listen to the rain pitter patter on roofs, awnings feel it drip, dripple on my face and laugh, giggle really. Ooo! especially with my girlfriend- Eric
Run topless- mike
Watch a movie and cuddle
Run in bathing suits in puddles- Wood-lewis family
Cook, or take a bath with candles and read in the water
Sing-Blaire
Splash in puddles
Get wet!

Why Should We Keep Intervale Compost Open?

2008-07-05T13:25:00.004-04:00

Well, we finally have set up the TrailSpeak kiosk for 2008. We have asked our kick off question since Burlington's wonderful Intervale Compost facility is under threat of closure. Feel free to come by and sign the petition or call your local and state leaders to urge them to solve the political impasse. Thanks!

Current Answers:

Keeping the intervale composting open is compatible with sustainable uses for the intervale area. Keep food out of the landfill.
That lovely smell in the Intervale keeps me connected to my food and where it comes from. Let's not forget how we get food.
I appreciate the petition and support the Intervale but I didn't sign the petition because I thought putting down my name on an unattended list could create a chance for this info to be misused by someone. Peace.

Petition Signers:

Nancy Comstock
Jeff Comstock
Craig Chipman
Lee Lazarev
Susan Lazarev
Trevor Stuart
Bryan Stuart
Gary Stuart
Phoebe Berkel
Bob Berkel
Isabel Kloumann

Closed For The Season

2007-11-06T21:35:00.000-05:00

Hi friends and neighbors,

With the cold weather and our ongoing house renovation project, we've decided to close down TrailSpeak until next spring. Thank you all for your wonderful responses to the kiosk's questions.

~ Rebecca and Chapin

Current Question: What one event in history would you change...and why?

2007-09-11T22:10:00.001-04:00

September / October Answers:

The extinction of the dinosaurs. Why? We'd have awesome hunting.
Me being bad. ~ Kenadee
I would have met my love Theresa sooner so we could have spent even more wonderful years together.
Make the reparations imposed on Germany after WWI less harsh. Perhaps this would have prevented their economic collapse which enabled the Nazi's rise to power.
I would stop the invention of the wheel so that people would have been more inclined to stay home rather than spreading their stuff on other people's fields. ~ Steph
My birth, then I would bear no witness to human's decline.
Stop Hitler no later than Czechoslovakia to avoid WWII.
The colonization of "primitive" peoples, which then lead to civil wars, genocide, etc.
Bush being "elected".
I would change it so that nobody would steal stuff.
The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It ushered in a whole new world of violent possibilities that will never be taken back.
The invention of welding and forging steel. There would be no guns, cars or mechanized farms.
I would change the fact that I ever met Anne.
I would take back September 11 -- we wouldn't be scared into really bad decisions.
No war because people die a lot. ~ Ella
We should have let the South secede the first time.
Dan Qualye letting GMO food to the market without any long-term knowledge of the experiment on our food supply, on human beings and plants and animals.
The total destruction and desecration of Indian land and culture.
I wouldn't change anything. If we change an event it would only happen at another time and place.
The birth Jesus Christ. We've been cursed ever since with the arrogant concept that the son of God came to earth...we are all sons and daughters of the great spirit.

What is your most embarassing moment?

2007-08-05T20:35:00.000-04:00

August Answers:

We can't wait to see what our public will reveal. Some of the hardest moments in our lives. Often ones we will never forget no matter how hard we try...

When my mom calls me squiggy in front of everyone. - Theodore
I am embarrassed that I have nothing to say that you would print.
When my brother put something in someone else's pocket. - Eva
Wow, free pen. Thanks!
I crashed into the bagel store in Shelburne two years ago!
I was skate boarding with a frozen blended coffee and hit a pebble on Church St. The drink hit the ground forming a perfect puddle which I landed in in front of some of the most attractive people I would never meet. :(
One time I pushed back too hard on my bike pedal and fell off my seat. - Sammy, age 5
I was in class leaning in my seat, fell backward hit my head on the water fountain.
When I was in first grade I was heading out of school with everyone. A teacher came up to me and pulled on my dress...it was caught in my backpack! - Juliana
When I was 11, my parents at the supper table told jokes about the moile who circumcised me and what an awful job he did.
When I got sick and had to go to bed at my own birthday sleepover. - E.P., age 11
Once my next door neighbors pulled down my pants, ALida, age 7
Once, I accidentally "fluffed" after prom when I was sleeping in the car with my boyfriend of 2 months. Luckily he wasn't too grossed out.
Tired from shopping I walked into a 3-way mirror and said "Oh, excuse me, I'm sorry" to myself!
A classic -- my skirt was tucked all the way into my nylons in the back -- full butt exposure -- walking down the hall in high school
When I was four, I passed gas on an airplane and said "I have gas" - A. from S. Burlington
I labelled a power point presentation as my power point, but abbreviated it "my pp" so at a talk of lots of scientists it opened up on the big screen as "my pp"
Going to the beach with my bikini on, but forgetting I was still wearing a front closure bra that I had simply unhooked the late night prior. I didn't discover what I'd done until I was at a busy beach on the Cape...and I had to try and wrestle off the bra with everyone behind me.
I guess I've had a few...once I stood up in fourth grade to recite a story and I was so thin (at the time) that my skirt fell down in front of the whole class! Going to school was a little harder for the rest of the spring. - Karen
When I was seven, we were at my grandpa's house in Oklahoma for Christmas. I fell off the top bunk one morning with the whole family sitting around the bunkhouse drinking coffee. Uncles, aunts, cousins, grandpa, parents, everybody laughed. So embarrassing. - Coyote
I don't get embarrassed too easily...so after cutting a male client's hair in Burlington, he noticed this funny wire poking out of my shirt. It was the underwire from my bra! So I wore it as a head band for the rest of the day. Not embarrassing, just funny.
I was 15 and in Cancun with my family. I wanted to be off in the water alone to look cool or whatever. I was taken by a wave and came up topless. A man came over and asked me if I was ok? I was completely embarrassed and feeling very uncool.
I was 15 and my super cool cousin who was in a SKA band invited me to come to his practice. I had a huge crush on his trumpet player and was trying to be cool and was too busy doing so to notice the spring loaded door which consequently slammed on my head. Not cool! Or the time I set off the fire alarm at the Hard Rock Cafe in Baltimore when I was with my girl scout troop. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT.
I "shorted" in the 6th grade and my brother told all my friends even when my mom told him not to.
At the World Boy Scout Jamboree Alberta 1983. They had these big latrine tents -- the "stalls" only partioned on the bottom, so you could see other people from the chest up. I walking into one, saw several guys -- and as a very self conscious teenager, I immediately left without relieving myself. I found another latrine tent with nobody inside, so I rushed in, took a seat, and hoped I could finish before anyone came in. Halfway through, two women appeared at the door of the tent. I startled and the immediately left -- but called from the outside of the tent that I was in the women's bathroom. Oops! At least they were kind enough to guard the door until I finished... - Dave, Jericho, VT

What Is One Thing To Make Burlington A Better Town?

2007-07-16T18:27:00.000-04:00

Answers:

Wireless internet in City parks
Livable wages for Burlington School District support staff
Buses that run on Sundays
Less roads and more trees and bike paths
More dirty secrets
Better public transit
Progressives who would start acting progressive and listen to the people who love this town!
More people just like me...and Chapin - Liam (Thanks Liam, you get extra credit for this answer)
Less police violence and less pedophiles
More code enforcement so families will stay in Burlington
Real good men in their 30's ;-)
My ex-girlfriend moving!
Recycle bins on the bike path. Maybe 1 or 2 at each park area. Thanks for your service.
College students who don't litter or swear when they're standing outside the bars. One thing the town doesn't need - another yoga studio.
A little taqueria right next to Speeder & Earls on Pine Street. Nothing fancy - just a stand with real Mexican food, open early in the morning and late at night for hungry people. I will run it if someone will fund it! I'll use all green products, too. - Graciela P.
More alternative energy like wind and solar
Improved bike lanes
No open container law on Church Street
Get more New Yorkers to move here! Love, Fundarr
More Folk Food patties! hee, hee
More hours of bus service - evenings and weekends (love your surveys)
Jobs, affordable housing and free ice cream on Tuesday.
The first Friday art opening should include outdoor music events. - Seth
More control over loitering and pan handling. :-)
A carless downtown like Copenhagen. Thanks!
A good skatepark. No bad cops.
Eliminate graffiti.
Free buses and public transportation for all! - Heather
Affordable housing.
Church Street should be run by the city or community -- not by an organization.
More bike lanes in town, better public transportation, and more jobs.
Get rid of Moran plant and build recreation center / marketplace / parking / commercial space.
Less Progressives.
Make Burlington smoke free. Ban smoking.
Decriminalize marijuana.
Connect bike path to others in the region
Increase the amount of forested open space that is available to the public -- five times what we have now, at least
I would like to see the bike path plowed and salted during the winter. - Dr. Dave
Repair this great bike path that we have. It is so beat.
Fix our transportation problems- crossing lights, paths, streets, sidewalks. The police need to enforce and the city needs to provide.
More trails like this one. More buses like College St. shuttle.
More Minorities!
More Single Men!
NO HIPPIES!!! and the evaporation of annoying grassroots bull#$%* like this stupid "trailspeak" thing. Please take this thing down and stop disrupting my peaceful commute to work.
A real network of bike paths, specifically for transportation- no pedestrians taking up path dawdling over entire lane area- which is OK for a wreck (sic) path, but for real commuters-bike commuters. That would dramatically improve B-town area.
Maintain bikepath
People should stop running redlights.
Cleaner lake areas. Ecoli- eww
Remove the stinky water /sewage treatment plant from the waterfront.
Lower taxes/ Cleaner lake/ more bikepaths.
More variety in people and political viewpoints (though there's not much anyone can do about this one)
Burlington would be a much better place if Bill Jones would marry me. Potter
More bikes, less cars!

I am amazed how many people want more and better transportation and bike facilities. I just warms my heart- rg

Who is your hero or heroine?

2007-07-07T13:42:00.000-04:00

July 2007 Answers:

Chris Bliss...sense of balance (Check out the YouTube video and you will see why)
Gib Mach- my dad- He was a positive influence in many lives and a super role model.
Marin Luther King, Jr. and Starhawk- Great courage and power thru nonviolent activism.
My hero is my son, who faces the challenge of multiple disabilities with grace, dignity, patience and perseverance.
My mom & my husband - when my son was born at home and the midwife didn't show up in time, they delivered my son. No firetrucks or 911 necessary. We call them our local heroes.
My late grandmother (Nonny) is my heroine. Her husband died when my mom was only 2. She also had a one year old, a three year old and five other children. She had to raise these 8 children on her own as well as run the family business. She even took in two foster children. She was very independent and always happy. She taught me to always enjoy life no matter what life hands you. - Deb R.
My mom who fought cancer and almost won. She taught me how to fight hard.
Muhammad Ali - Outstanding moral principles and courage to stand up for them. Plus the greatest boxer of our time! Pacifist, warrior, hero.
Michael Moore, you're my hero.
My dad 'cause he's got some crazy stories
Mahatma Ghandi for standing up in the face of oppression
Sir Richard Burton - an English explorer/spy in the 18th century India who made great strides in language and culture. He was kind of a jerk though.
My hero is Jesus Christ. He died for me. He rose for me. He lives for me. And has a home prepared for me in heaven!!
John Lennon - he was fearless
Jesus Christ - he died for us
James Bond- RJW
Georgia O'Keefe for one
Desmond Tutu
Carry Weed- PKC
My teacher, Miss McMorris/ my mom
Bobby Kennedy. He brought the hopes of equality to all people.
Dad, he rocks
Charlie the Unicorn- he lost a kidney for comedy... :)
Joseph Stalin for bringing so many people together forever.
Oprah. CH
Truth is so transcendent that we depend on it more than it will ever depend on us. SK
The Buddah for sharing a path for peace
Ceasar Millan, rehabilitates dogs while training people- Go dog whisperer!
Superman- need we say more...
mom and dad
my hero is anyone who can face the reality of our world and not be discouraged.
Joan Benoit who won the 1st Olympic women's marathon in 1984 in Los Angeles. When she was way ahead of the pack and alone on the LA freeway all the commentators predicted she'd "never last." She went on to win! I still admire her. It was a great moment for women and sports.
Superman
Gary Snyder- Award wining poet, proactive environmentalist has lived a diverse life following his won rules and path and came out as a humble role model.
My hero- for the moment is Madeline Kunin- who paved the way for women in Vermont and justice in Europe and a healthy environment!
My mom! Because she has such an open mind and youthful spirit at almost 80!
Pat Tillman- Gave up Million $ Triggered to serve by 9/11/01

What Is Your Least Favorite Food? And Why?

2007-06-27T07:38:00.000-04:00

Your Answers:

Cooked spinach. I love fresh spinach, but the mushy cooked stuff is gross.
Animal liver, because everything passes through the liver.
Eggplant, ewww! - Arielle
Seafood is gross. Yuck. - Eve
Purple grapes with seeds. I hate the gooey texture and the bitterness of the seeds when I bite into them.
Brussel spouts. My parents always made me eat them
French fries. I love them, I want them, I lust after them -- then I hate myself for eating them -- so they are my least favorite.
Jello, the texture makes me remember that I'm eating cow's hoofs.
No food is my least favorite. - Justin B
This is a tricky question. There is so much tasty food! Hmm, Guess it would have to be soft-boiled eggs. Too runny...but fried and hard boiled are yummy!
Crow, definitely crow. Hate eating crow. It offends the palate of self denial. - Poet of the north
Caviar!
Fake anything, like fake butter, artificial "vanilla" and those weird tofu hot dogs and tofurkeys. Give me the real stuff.
Any veggies except green beans, salad stuff and corn on the cob
Andouille - French blood sausage. Ick!
Liver and onions (plain liver is even worse)
Swiss cheese - it tastes weird
Broccoli - the taste
Sea urchin (ocean poop)
Buffalo nuts
Mom: lima beans (texture, yuk) Kids: mayo (Dad loves both)
Jello, because I really have no idea what is in it and it wiggles in a very scary way on a spoon!
Marshmellows
Mayo, because I always have to fill containers of it at work, and it has no taste and is bad for you!
Four legged animals! They taste bad and are bad for the environment.
5 day old hot dogs. Yuck!
Beets! They smell bad and are not good.
Asparagus - tastes icky and makes your pee smell funny
Banana ice cream - Seth
Eggplant
I hate liver. It feels like velvet in my mouth.
Any food that isn't fresh, whole, and local, and non-organic foods. My digestive system flourishes when it is nourished by sustainable food production!
Liver, because I do not like the taste of it and the smell. Thank you.
Sushi made with "natti" - thoe gooey, stringy, slimy fermented soy sludge. - Ron
Spinach, because i just don't like spinach. -E
Cow skin boiled- because of its nasty taste and how it goes to slime in my mouth. Ate it in N. Camaroon. -M
There isn't really any food that I've tried that I don't like. But, eggplant and artichokes top my list of least favs- too sour and too hard to prepare.. unless breaded and deep fried. :) Long trail girl
Meat! tt
Mystery meat.. self explanatory.
Grapefruit! It makes everything too bitter, but I love Fresca!
Once I thought there was nothing one could do to mess up something as perfect as cheese. And then I tried Goat cheese. Yuck!
If it walks, breathes, reproduces, poops and makes a noise, it's icky- says Jana.
Meat... because I'm a stinky hippy-ass vegetarian.
Rocks
Peanut butter because it makes me constipated! All day!
Gross jello. It's alien.
Lima beans. had to eat 2 each time served as a kid.
Fried foods because they are not good for you.
Lamb. Poor Mary
Brussel sprouts. Gross. - Jeff, Charlotte NC
Bananas, because they are mushy and disgusting
"Potetklubb" - Norwegian for potato club
Humans - then I'd be an cannibal

What is the best thing about your dad?

2007-06-18T21:42:00.001-04:00

In honor of Father's day...

This question received a lot of answers. Check it out...

My dad made the best fried-egg sandwiches
He plays all the sports with me and is good at baking. - Ella
I like to play fight with him - Sammy, age 5
How strong he is - Alida, age 7
I like his hair.- Eliot age 2
He is cool. We bike and have fun together.
He is retired and now works for me. Couldn't ask for anyone better!
He believes in Jesus Christ.
The guy is a freakin' comedian.
His integrity - Mark
His love of nature - Barb
His generosity and friendliness - Ron
Integrity
He taught me how to skip stones and he was really awesome at it too (more than 12 times with one stone)
His gratitude and kindness
He loves my humor and gives perfect advice
His big bear hugs and warm, gruff personality
He was a cowboy and he loved me very much - Coyote
The fact that he's my dad ;)
He's really nice and funny
He's the most self-less person I know. I love him. - Karrie
He's just fun to be with!
That he has a great sense of humor, is a little goofy and knows more about math than anyone really needs or wants to know.
Hmmm...He flys a plane, and sometimes flies me and my friends to places...very convenient.
He always seems to know the right thing to say when you need a smile
My dad reminds me of pontoon boats and sailboats! Katie
I like my Dad's SMILE! HE always smiles and he's always optimistic, unlike me sometimes. -Jess
My dad is dependable, responsible, always there when you need him. He's friendly a dn has a great smile. He also has great moral values. - Deb
My dad is always there for me. -Max
Pop has unending enthusiasm for hikes, bikes, skis etc. Aways up for it, encouraging me.
His easy going personality. He never gets upset.
His smile
His self-confidence, which he passed along to me.
He plays baseball with me. -Ella
He's wise, kind and loves good food and wine.
That he pays me well.
He's smart, environmentally conscious, he believes in me and loves me. P.S. makes the best popcorn ever!!
My dad's compassion for all people.
I like him... no I love him. Matt age 32
He loves me unconditionally.
Have you got nothing better to do!!!! - Dave

Should the penny be decommissioned? Why or Why not?

2007-06-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

June 11-18, 2007 Answers:

Yes!! They are annoying and aren't worth the metal they are made of.
Heck yes! Down with Pennies!

1.They're not worth the time it takes to pick them up.
2.They're so dirty all the time.
3.It cost 1.4cents to manufacture one penny.
4. New Zealand did away with them and they are doing just fine.
Let's round to the nearest nickel!

No, because if you drill a hole in a penny it's cheaper than buying a washer!
Yes. I believe pennies are useless, they cost more to produce than they are worth, sooo make them worth 2cents!- Liam
A penny for your thoughts, 3 penny theatre, a penny saved is a penny earned, penny ante, penny royal, pennywaist, George Penny Washington, the penny colossus, where will this erosion of our culture end? When will the hate stop? Is there a God blessing our country anymore? Why do you even ask an evil abomination of a question like this? A penny for your thoughts.
Yes it should. For years (20+) overseas in the military PX's they have rounded up or down.
The sooner the better.
This is a good idea. Kudos to you folks. I read about this little artistic/neighborly vision in the paper. Pennies are good -- it gives us hope that things will be cheap.
No. Everything would be four cents more.
It depends. If I had a penny for every time I passed by a dead skunk this past week in the middle of the Intervale trail -- well, we could just use the nickel (actually it was the same dead skunk each time).
No, because Lincoln rocks!
No way! It would be unamericanful.
Yes. Really too small an amount to make any use today.
Yes because its unnecessary in its consumption of energy and materials, both in its production and recycling.
Yes, but we would need good warning so we could cash in the 400,00o pennies that we each have in jars. And Lincoln need a new assignment.
Jana says "no way"! What would I save for a rainy day?
No, if they were decommissioned, there would be no lucky days.
No, if they are decommissioned, my loafers would be bare!
Yes, in New Zealand there are no pennies and tax is included in the price. What you see is what you pay -- all in multiples of 5. Easy!
No, because then I would be officially 'old'!
Yes, it is useless. Australia laughs at us for still using it. They round up.
What about "a good luck penny" or "a penny for your thoughts"? I like pennies just because we have always had them...and besides everything is changing too fast!
No, I think pennies allow us to feel like we are getting more for our $! I say bring back the hay penny.
No, the penny should stay as a symbolical memory of Abraham Lincoln. Apart from that, saving up pennies for a long time can have some results.
No, how will I save my pennies? Every cent counts. $9.99 isn't $10.
Yes, no one uses it anyway. It's more of a pain to carry them than they are worth.
No, I like the penny.
Yes, it costs more money to make than it's worth!
Yes, because it's easier for kindergarteners to count. Alida, age 7
Absolutely!
Yes, because it's a hassle -- make them 5 cents and up.
No. Having the lowest denomination as something other than one is wrong. Copper is beautiful. Abraham Lincoln deserves it. Nothing will ever cost 99 cents again. Stamps will have to be raised in 5 cent increments. Everything will ultimately cost more. Those pennies add up. It ruins the base 10 system for our $. We should bring back the gold dollar coin, though.
Yes, and let's get rid of nickels and dimes too! - Gary
Yes. Why? Because it is such a small amount of money. Lots of pennies are dropped on the ground along sides of parking lots and meters (due to angry people and meters not taking pennies). Can you imagine the amount of pennies lost or just dropped on the ground? People think twice about nickels and dimes because they add up quick. The best way to count pennies is by the pound!
If the penny is decommissioned, what do we get for change?
No! You can't say something is $1.37 or $0.26. - Ella
Should this question even matter. Does it make any difference at all?

What do you do to make the world a better place?

2007-06-04T10:12:00.000-04:00

Answers From June 4th Till June 11th:

Give second chances (but not thirds)
When my dog poops, I use the scoop
Give, give, give. And in that we receive the most precious gift of all...Gratitude
36 years as a child protective services social worker, 12 years as a developmental home provider, 3 years WIC program (w/ Bob Kiss!). I'm tired of the walking wounded and the posers who make a living off of them.
Make every road a bike path -- Solly
Plant seeds and be happy -- Ella
Stop worrying about being late -- Chris
Do not use car much -- Ella
Essential oil room spray freshness
Bring diversity. Allow all to be in one place. Burlington is beautiful and natural with clean, crisp air, the lake and the mountains.
Work with international environmental policy. It is the last planet we have.
Follow the example of Miss Rumphius: do something to make the world a little more beautiful (although the world is pretty beautiful already)
I'm a teacher
I ask myself that all the time. I try to be nice to people and I think of the song "It's a wonderful world" by Louie Armstrong -- especially the line "what they're really saying is 'I love you'." Bye.
How about fighting encroaching Everglade development
We don't trample the greens and we smile a lot
Get 'rid' of the following: politicians, preachers, teachers, police -- Scott
If people just stopped more often and chilled
I work in the social service field and am a massage therapist. I love people. -- DT
Do not buy conflict diamonds
I try to be kind to people and animals, ride a bike as much as possible, and use as little energy as possible. I can't wait for the rails to trail is complete from St. Johnsbury to here. I want to take that trip before I get too old.
Create a sustainable community: www.griffinhillvt.com
I volunteer at FAHC in the emergency room. - dcs
Please, close Depot St. to cars the road says closed on one end and DO NOT ENTER on the other end. All the kids who use Depot St. are in danger of being hit by cars, who are breaking the law by using Depot. Police should take more action against these drivers before there is a disaster.
Give out FREE HUGS like Juan Mann. www.myspace.com/freehugsvt
Respect each other. Love (yes, Love!) one and all. "Peace, love, joy" Aunt Jemima
I don't. At best I don't cause much damage.
Bike...of course!
Build a compostable toilet / outhouse with a tin roof. Smile more. :-) Spend more time laying in a hammock. Shop thrift and support my community!! (great idea)
Ride my bike -- Ella
Teach my children to protect our environment, teach by example. Sing, smile and be happy.
I give and I care about you, but to be truthful, the less you do the less you have to fix.
We need signs on the path advising biers to give notice when overtaking.
Need more Plum trees. Thanks. Bryan.

What do you like to make instead of buy?

2007-05-20T20:46:00.000-04:00

Answers from May 20 - June 3, 2007

Love!!! obviously (4)
Apple pie (2)
Bread, mmm... (2)
I like making babies (2)
Ice cream sodas and music
Food...homemade is always better
Chocolate Chip Cookies and pizza
Ella says lemonade, Garry says music
Strawberry rhubarb pie and jewelry
Cheese, soap, beer and money (oh wait, that doesn't work so well...)
Yogurt
Dessert
Cards
A BLT with my own tomatoes
Food, chicken quesadilla w/ apricot papaya salsa
Guacamole
Tortillas & salsa
Happiness!
Chocolate chip cookies
Envelopes and stationary
Burritos
Vegetable curry
Beautiful 7 grain bread with seeds because it makes my house smell sweet and warm, because it tastes like real food, and because my hands need to knead.
Haircut
Clothes (recycled)
Eva says brownies, cake, pizza, pesto, macaroni
I love to make new clothes out of old ones!
Cards, gifts, hummus
candles
applesauce
pesto, laughter, picnics. xoxo
Lemonade, Lucy age 4.5
Breakfast
Cake, cookies, YOU! :)
Lighting fixtures (.. and love!)
ice cream
Greeting Cards
Pesto and hair scrunches
Salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lemon juice, pepper and salt
Fruit salad and hats
Scrumptious, stick in your teeth pesto!
Stretched canvasses for painting
Coffee
Music
Kids, cakes and biscuits
Cookies
A global consciousness where we all realize out interconnectedness and interdependence
Love, as the Beatles said in Can't Buy Me Love "And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make"
Muffins or cookies
Greeting cards for birthdays, thank yous, etc.
Need cigarette butt cans along path. Oh yeah, pick up your trash and curb your dog!
Do it yourself all the way
Everything D.I.Y.
In order: Hard lemonade, bikes, pie, ethnic foods, love
I thought of salad dressing, but then it came to me: my life's purpose
Pizza...even though it ends up costing more than take-out it is fun and much more yummy!
Art!
Strawberry jam
Jana and Adam say pesto
Monopoly games
Forget this question...Who maintains the bike path? Barney Rubble? Pave that #$%*& thing!

What do you want to know about fellow path users?

2007-05-20T11:45:00.000-04:00

May 12-20, 2007 answers

Who R U and what is this?
Do they wish the old mile markers were back? The mile markers were a great way to keep track.
I would like to know if my fellow path users think the environment is the greatest priority for our concerns and joys. Steph
How they feel about the surface conditions on the path. PS: great idea and great box.
Do you wear your helmet? Do you like me? Do you wear boxers or briefs?
I'd want to express my gratitude to sister and brother travelers on this path for your hellos, your "on your left" when my little one and I are cruisiung with our stroller at a slow pace, for the bits of overheard conversation for funny moments shared -- like sharing news about smelling the first skunk of spring, not far from where I write this.
Will the path be plowed in winter? Can there be a cross country skiing dedicated lane? Can there be extra bike lanes in Burlington?
Wow. This is just the best walking and biking path. Nothing like it in Pawlet VT.
Do you remember the rules? Pass on left. Stay alert. Be nice.
Are you ever afraid of being a victim of crime on the bikepath?
What gives you the most enjoyment on the bikepath?
Watch out for the invasive bamboo-like weed that is growing right south from here!

What is Burlington Bike Path Speak?

2007-05-20T11:33:00.001-04:00

We've installed an informal survey kiosk at mile 1 of the Burlington Bike Path (VT) to generate community discussion on a wide range of topics -- some fun and some serious.

Why do this you ask? Our friend Noah had 31 kiosks left over from his 2006 Northern Forest Canoe Trail survey project. The kiosks were lonely sitting in his back yard. We decided it would be fun to put one of his kiosks on the path and see what happened.

Every week, we'll change the question and post the week's answers here. Simple as that. We hope you'll speak up.

Rebecca and Chapin