I was listening to an interview with Sally Carson (Fixpert) on Bike Talk on KPFK today and she was saying cool stuff about the way you should act as a cyclist. About not being all aggro and flipping the bird, but just trucking along in all weather having a good time. When you send out positive vibes to drivers, you inspire them to bike because it looks so fun (and then you won’t inspire drivers to hate cyclists more).
I needed to hear that. I sometimes get really frustrated with cars and suvs cutting me off or almost hitting me and I yell and flip the bird. It can really get to me, about how cars have more rights, and can just run you off the road, and that the police or whoever would take their side. And how cars contribute to smog and exhaust just choking me and shortening my life. Bitches.
But like Laura tells me, it is not worth getting so mad and worked up over. Also, like Sally said, you can inspire them to ride bikes, which is like better for the whole world. And they were talking about on the show that anyone on any kind of bike (road, mountain, beach cruiser, fixed gear, whatever) is GREAT because it is SO MUCH BETTER than them driving around in SUVs. There is no reason to be an elitist about it. The main goals of the cycling community should always to have more people riding.
I have always been inspired by people like that, being so cool and nice to everyone. I feel like there are elitist and accepting cool people in any community. I would like to be more like that, not all aggro and elitist all the time, but be really cool, positive, and accepting. We all have a right to love life and not to be shamed for trying.
I joined Last.fm as a new years resolution of sorts. I was inspired by Kottke’s post, and, in general, my love for stats. So, needless to say, I’ve been checking up on my Last.fm account from time to time. Today, something very exciting happened: Between January 3, 2007 and now (July 16, 2007 at 4:17 pm) I have listened to 10,000 songs.1 If I continue at this current rate it will take me almost 6 years to get to 100,000, the next big milestone I guess. Anyways, here’s the stats.
My top 20 artists so far this year are as follows:2
1. The Blow
2. YACHT
3. Mirah
4. Bob Dylan
5. Deerhoof
6. The Righteous and Harmonious Fists (represent!)
7. Manta
8. Cat Power
9. Adrian Orange
10. Dear Nora
11. The Badger King
12. Wu-Tang Clan
13. Bobby Birdman
14. Tom Waits
15. Prodigy (of Mobb Deep)
16. Lavender Diamond
17. Dirty Projectors
18. High Places
19. CocoRosie
20. Belle and Sebastian
None of these are really surprising… If there was a “Top Time Elapsed” I think Public Radio International would be higher (currently 29) up in the list because all the podcasts I listen to are around an hour each.
Some fun graphical representations:
my mainstream percentage
And a weird gooey graph
1This includes my time at work (where I listen the most, 8-5 Monday-Friday since the summer began) and home (Far less than work lately because I’m at home less. Plus lately, with no internet connection at home, I don’t know how much is being tracked). This does not include my iPod (I know you can track your iPod listening, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet, plus I haven’t really used my iPod much lately).
2Not including the current month.
I listen to a lot of Public Radio, especially at work. Here’s what I choose to listen to on a daily basis. And why.
Fair Game (website/iTunes)
Fair Game plays a huge part of the first half of my work day. Not that the show is that long. I look forward to Fair Game so much. It’s funny as hell. It’s like the Daily Show for the radio, but different. The show is definitely aimed at the younger generation. And let me tell you, we can’t get enough. Also, Faith Salie is cute as hell. “We like her airheaded giggles juxtaposed with astute commentary.”
This American Life (website/iTunes)
The best part of Mondays is coming to work and listening to This American Life. So beautiful, so tragic. I’m sure you’ve already listened to or at least heard of This American Life, so I’ll move on.
The Writer’s Almanac (website/iTunes)
Your daily dose of Garrison. Combines historic factoids and poetry, all wrapped together in 5:20.
Radio Lab (website/iTunes)
I recently discovered Radio Lab (via This American Life). At the beginning of the podcast the announcer says: “Radio Lab is a limited run series.” So far, online, there are only 5 episodes. This show is great because it has the production quality of This American Life and is like MythBusters. Not really like MythBusters, but is based on interesting experiments and experiences. The show leaves you with the feeling that life is beautiful.
KPCC (website/iTunes)
Whenever. Ran out of podcasts? Listen to streaming Pasadena Public Awesome. And, if you give them money, you get a tote.
