Bike There?

With all the love that Google has been given on this blog, it only seems fair to ask for something in return other than quality features for free (which are of course paid for by advertising contingent upon site visits, thus the whole former part irons out itself.)

Google Map has many unique and helpful features, not the least of which being the ability to quickly and easily change routes using a drag and drop technique. It has come to the mind of some civic minded folk that a new feature is necessary. Bike there. These individuals have found it reasonable to petition google to add this feature over time to its mapping software. They also request two methods: direct route, and safe route. The author for one thinks you should go check it out and sign the petition.

Who knew one could petition private companies in this manner? Oh well, here's hoping it's successful so more people can enjoy bike rides without the fear of being crushed by large hunks of metal. With that in mind, people can start showing up places looking like our friend below.

Effectiveness

Gordo Byrn has a great article on personal planning. You can find it here.

More is Less

No, that's not a usage error of the colloquialism in the title. It's the beginning of a question. In regards to making money, having things, and doing things, why do we constantly need more? It often requires more of our time to work extra hours for more money, to take care of the things we've bought which we don't need or use. Yet we as a culture are still obsessed with it. It's very easy (and not that inaccurate IMO) that one of the reasons it's done is to avoid slowing down and facing the fears of silence, simplicity, and calm. The problem is that this way of life has no true center and roams around the spirit like a devil pac-man eating up any substance that exists until all that remains is a shell, just a sketch of the former and intended whole person. The difficulty arises in having to say no, in having to pay bills, in feeling the need to maintain the "everything's just fine (even though I'm losing my mind)" view for the world to see.

All the time and money that we've accumulated has done nothing but rob us of true purpose. The things and the love of money do not inherently bring life. In fact, the opposite is the case more often than not. To walk away from a world of wealth is a difficult thing. But is it worth your soul?

Decaf..good for the soul

So about a month ago, I got off the caffeine. I now sleep better, take more time to relax, have more energy at work, and generally enjoy my life more. I'm just saying: think about it.