Friday Funny: Pedestrian Planner is Hell on Wheels

By day, Nicole Losch works on the Sidewalk Strategic Plan for Burlington Public Works. But in the evenings, look out.

1 minute read

May 23, 2008, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


"It's a quiet day at the office for Nicole Losch. She's tweaking sidewalk and bike path plans for the Burlington Public Works Department to protect pedestrians.

Losch chuckles, 'Then I get to go out after work and participate in collisions!'

In the company of a dozen or so other professional women, Losch ditches her daytime persona and becomes 'Bruise Control.'

Together, they are the Green Mountain Derby Dames. They're part of a nationwide resurgence in Roller Derby, that hybrid of spectacle and sport that was a television staple in the 1950s and 60s.

Everyone here has an alter-ego like 'Puma Vicious' or 'Star Slayer,' and everyone's in clothes, if you can call shredded fishnet leggings, frilly panties, and knee-high fluorescent socks 'clothes.' They would give grandma a heart attack."

Thursday, May 22, 2008 in WCAX-TV

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog