Bruce Steidinger gives the Rockford area high marks for its network of bike paths that snake along more than 20 miles of the Rock River, Willow Creek and Perryville Road. There's just one problem. There are a lot of gaps in the system. "For most people who live in and around Rockford, you're stuck in your neighborhood if you want to ride your bike," said Steidinger, owner of Shosie's Cyclery in Loves Park. "We've got a lot of great paths. We need to get them connected. Even when I get the chance to leave the shop and go biking, I've got to put the bike on the car rack and drive out to where I can ride." Steidinger's critique comes as no surprise to local transportation planners. Rockford Area Transportation Study — the region's transportation planning group — meets today to adopt a study that recommends construction of nearly 228 miles of sidewalks and 425 miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths and on-street bike lanes throughout the Rock River Valley.

December 2007

For those of you who don't know what a linchpin is, it is a pin that binds a wheel to an axle for support and stability. Unfortunately for Sarah that wheel is becoming very squeeky, especially after yesterday's Cape Cod Times editorial in the Cape Cod Times titled "A Failing Grade." Under the leadership of Sarah Peake the number of affordable units created was 10 times lower than it should have been, with over a third of the units only available to the elderly. What can I say, I warned voters in my radio ads about what happened when Sarah and her rich elitist gay friends promoted gentrification Provincetown by saying "Is this what you want coming to your town." I never expected that it would come so soon. I agree with the Cape Cod Times. Sarah, along with her close friends and campaign worker machine people who work at the affordable housing programs on the Cape, get an F. Of course there will be no affordable housing when the management of Cape housing organizations use their resources to promote their friends' political campaigns, just like when Sarah's best friend, and a manger at a Lower Cape housing organization, used her management status to smear opponents of Peake (including yours truly) to her subordinates and some of the organizations low-income tenants.

2008 high school soccer season preview

Smunk's height is a huge advantage on corner kicks as his flying header attempts are quickly becoming legendary at Beaufort.

The versatile Stewart could be used on defense or play more of an offensive position.

Jen and Violet's Pink Pants Peek-a-boo!

Jennifer Garner and Violet just going about their business may not be the most thrilling, but they certainly find ways to make the daily routine exciting for themselves. Yesterday the favorite momma/daughter duo kept it simple with a trip to Whole Foods and then to the park. They played some peek-a-boo and Violet rocked her toy cell phone around her neck. An afternoon at the grocery store and swings may have nothing on finding a maybe new pet kitty, but Violet's smile is still big as ever. So adorable and happy, how could that not brighten up your Tuesday?

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Blizzard of '78 memories?

Five days after the Blizzard of '78, cars were still abandoned on Route 128 near the Dedham/Westwood town line. As we prepare our 30th anniversary coverage of the storm, we want to hear from you.

Clinton's confidence dwindles as aides face her campaign's possible ...

Obama is more than an empty suit. He has prospored only because so many people despise the Clintons. His position on most everything is identical to the Clintons' therefore the basic premise of most of his opinions have not been tested. His leftist view of the world just will not fly with most Americans.

Rome defeat could spell Frank Hadden's end

Even the calendar seems to have it in for Frank Hadden. As he considers what remains of the RBS Six Nations championship, the Scotland coach might have expected a more propitious schedule than the one that obliges him to take his side to Rome on the 15th of next month. Or, as the Eternal City's resident soothsayers are wont to call it, the Ides of March.

Tom Stienstra

Below a footbridge, hundreds of sandpipers hopped around the mudflats. To the right, along a slough edged by pickleweed, cordgrass and more wetlands, a giant egret and snowy egret also poked around for food.

Bothin Marsh is an expansive wetland with a gorgeous, flat trail for walks, hikes or bike rides, located along the bay with easy access from Sausalito, right along Highway 101 next to Richardson Bay in Marin County.