By Michael, on April 23rd, 2006
We’re destroying mountains, including their soils and forests, in order to get at the coal. In other words, we’re destroying a permanent value in order to get at an almost inconceivably transient value. That coal has a value only if and when it is burnt. And after it is burnt, it is a pollutant and [...] . . . → Read More: Land Value
By Michael, on April 13th, 2006
A marine reservist returning from Iraq along with his combat unit while in uniform, carrying orders and having ID was denied boarding of an airplane in Los Angeles. Why? Because he was on the do not fly list. Why? Because when he shipped out to Iraq there were traces of gunpowder on his combat boots. [...] . . . → Read More: HFS
By Michael, on April 13th, 2006
We recently found our way into Simpatica. Great food without pretentions. Becuase they are close to Vivande meats it’s not very veg friendly. Having said that, Jennifer was entranced with her fritata with nettles. We signed up for their email list and the first message arrived today. This section caught my eye. I can’t stress [...] . . . → Read More: Food Sense
By Michael, on April 12th, 2006
Getting dressed this morning, preparing to drive to work, a strong internal voice said “no!” I changed clothes and rode. On the bike I could smell the perfume of the woman waiting for the bus, the oil and vinegar dressing at a Subway shop and freshly cut lumber at a mill. I got to experience [...] . . . → Read More: Scents Today
By Michael, on April 10th, 2006
Saturday it was raining, raining hard as I drove us to Salem for a visit with the Robare family. I dropped Jennifer at the door, “let them know I want to get out and ride before I lose my resolve.” At 11:00 while I was unloading the bike at Willamette Mission State Park the rain [...] . . . → Read More: Waconda Wandering
By Michael, on April 4th, 2006
It seems that cockroaches communicate with each other and cooperate on group decisions. This story describes the experiments which indicate the behaviors. Choice bits: Cockroaches govern themselves in a very simple democracy where each insect has equal standing and group consultations precede decisions that affect the entire group When they encounter each other they recognize [...] . . . → Read More: Cockroach Cooperation
By Michael, on April 4th, 2006
A friend, let’s call her Ruth, is having some life issues. Ruth is one of my early bike mentors and rides a lot. But she hasn’t ridden lately aside from going to work and back. She wrote: Meanwhile, I am feeling defeated in my efforts to ride more often for pleasure. My work schedule is [...] . . . → Read More: How to Ride
By Michael, on March 29th, 2006
We’ve been a bit stressed in the workgroup lately. Or at least that’s what my manager was worrying about in an impromptu team meeting. To lighten things up I’ve introduced my co-workers to The Daily WTF. A recent gem was introduced with this: In yesterday’s post (Bitten by the Enterprise Bug), we learned how vital [...] . . . → Read More: Laughter is Good for You
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