Rancher builds 'Mad Max' gate to block smugglers, migrants along Texas border (youtube.com)
‘It used to be that the people that came across, all of them, just wanted a job.’
A spiked (meant to puncture a radiator if a vehicle tries to push it open) gate with a special lock.
One-upmanship between ranchers and illegal migrants for 20 years. They've also stolen his vehicles, drug mules have pointed guns at hunters, and he had to armor a house because IMs broke in through the walls and roof. He has to clean migrants' litter so his cows don't eat it.
‘You feel sorry for them, but then again I’m trying to protect what's mine.'
Migrant activity has slowed down over the past year. JD Vance said in one particular area crossings went down from 1500 daily to 30.
A neighbor is building a moat around his property (which isn't feasible for most).
Why this forgotten bicycle may be key to China's future (youtube.com)
The Flying Pidgeon. ... They tend to be disappointing for people who buy vintage ones. Heavy and clunky and not that well-built, and not that great to ride. Lots of thick, low-quality steel does make it durable, but weighs a ton. The pedals bend and fall off. ... The design was based on a vintage British Ralleigh Roadster someone in China had. ... All were black.
However, a guy in Calgary bought 2 at a garage sale, from a former diplomat who decades ago wanted a way for he and his wife to get around China, and the guy put like 2000km on without issue, but he said that his were government-issue ones meant for like the postal service or whoever, racing green not black, and maybe the government made higher quality ones.
China went from bikes to cars, but now there is some trend (including impetus from government, city government) to go towards bikes, making bike roads, tracks, etc. Streets are congested and parking fees are expensive. ... Attitudes are changing, bikes are no longer looked on as low-status, etc. People choose another way.