Spend 30 minutes.

A good thing that came out of corporate bailout. Thanks to commute by bike
from which this piece comes.

Congressman Blumenauer of Oregon included a bike commuter benefit provision in the $700 billion Wall Street bailout package that passed both houses of Congress this week.

“We are delighted that the bicycle commuter benefits act has passed after a lengthy and persistent campaign spearheaded by Congressman Blumenauer (D-OR),” said League President Andy Clarke. “Bicycle commuters will now be extended similar benefits to people who take transit and drive to work – it’s an equitable and sensible incentive to encourage greater energy independence, improve air quality and health, and even help tackle climate change. Thanks to everyone who has helped reach this milestone, especially Walter Finch and Mele Williams, our government relations staff over the years who have worked tirelessly with Congressman Blumenauer, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and many others in Congress.”

The benefit allows employers to reimburse bike commuters up to $20 per month tax free for expenses related to their commute by bike. Bke commuters who receive other commuter benefits, such as a transit pass, are not eligible for further reimbursement.

I'm not so much worried about Babs and me. I've lived half my life, I've no kids and most of my dear friends are scattered around the country. Some of the few who live nearby are already preparing for post peak oil and the others, well I'll just continue to take it one day at a time.

I have concerns for my co-workers with young children. I'd rather they stop planning for the future as saving enough money for the next trip to Disney and start planning the future about how their family will survive. I don't waste my breath on them, most think this "will get better" and pull out more plastic to pay for gas. By the time they awaken it will be too late.

Some families around the planet are
preparing and I will continue to do the little that I do.

You knew it was coming. We were in elementary school, maybe high school. "They" told us. If you were like me you counted on your fingers, figured out how old you would be then and thought "at least I'll be old when it happens.

I don't feel so old. I wish I took action then.

environment

This is why I say we've already lost our country. But I still think we have a fighting chance locally.

From "Scoop, Independent News".
article

Others are able to say it so much better than me. If you're so inclined you may read this one.
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Tim Bennett is a writer, filmmaker and meat bag currently looking for the instruction manual in the Southeast US. You can read his blog and get in touch with him, maybe, at his website whatawaytogomovie

Old Marley was as dead as a door nail… This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.”
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

greetings from the gravity well

Are you wanting happiness and joy for the holiday season? Don't read more. Go elf yourself instead. Office Mess (chit from china) would like to use you in its advertising.

This is happening. It has happened before. I don't know if it was with as much frequency during human existence as it is now but does it really matter? Pompeii may have had 20,000 inhabitants. Buried by a volcanic eruption on August 24th, it was a town eventually forgotten until rediscovered in 1748.
Chichen Itza. (New Orleans) A place in South (North) American that had a political organization of rulership through council. It was a major economic power participating in trade (transportation of goods and tourism).
A revolt and civil war broke out (a hurricane came with resulting floods and fires) and Chichen Itza (New Orleans) went into decline. The site itself was never completely abandoned, the population declined and no major new constructions were built. What is New Orleans fate?




Imagine tracing your own DNA from Africa, 50,000 to 60,000 years ago, to where YOU live today. This is what I want for the winter holiday celebrations. This, and upgrades, and an assistant, and a way to steer my friends children through the mess we are leaving them. A way for them to survive to build a better life in harmony with the nature of things.

I am holding onto hope for our local politicians; Those Joliet law-makers who fiercely care about bringing and keeping the best in Joliet. Those in the Will County government who are doing what they can to attract business to develop Will County.

I don't have the same hope for our country though there's glimmer of hope for our state.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDHHryeBGZE

A person has to do what a person has to do. Thanks guy in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF_anaVcCXg