Democratic Primary map-interactive goodness

I found this really cool interactive democratic primary map (there's one for the republicans too) at The New York Times website. It breaks down each state by county as well. I don't know how accurate the information is, but the visuals sure beat looking at just plain numbers in my opinion! The site also has some other neat interactive features for other information such as super delegate lists (including quotes) and voting schedules.

Let's not forget who's running this circus...

I love that the audience in the background is the figure in Edward Munch's The Scream.

A South Side Spring

Spring has finally arrived on the South Side!

I took the opportunity yesterday to check out the section of the South Side Trail extending from the Hot Metal Bridge to where it ends near a concrete factory. 2 1/2 miles out and 2 1/2 back. I stopped to sit on a rock to read and take in the scenery, with no rush to leave. That is, until the cold breeze became more than I could stand sitting still.

Aside from the occasional train that roared past, it was pretty peaceful. I'll have to do more of this impromptu riding as the days grow nicer.

Which makes me wonder: Do days grow? Would a day in the middle of summer be 6' 5" whereas a winter day would be 4' 8"? Does a day have a personality to which niceness can be attributed? Does niceness grow much like leaves grow on trees?

Hmm, I'll have to think about that for a while...

Happy New Year!

I want to wish everyone all the best for 2008. It's a new year and a good time to start fresh. Every day is new, so every day is a good time for change, but there is something about looking to a new year that makes people introspect and take stock of their life.

Thanks to all for your part in shaping my life! We are not meant to live in a vacuum, and so many of you have been very involved in the details of who I am and will become. I am forever indebted to my friends, family and community.

Here are some things that I'm looking forward to in this year:

1. Value sleep more...try to get at least 7 hours every night if not more...try to go to sleep around 11:00 PM more often.
2. Ride my bike at least 75% of the time, with at least 1 - 2 days per week in the winter months.
3. Take Sunday, or some other day and spend at least part of it in solitude/meditation, the rest just relaxing, reading books, hanging out with people etc. A true sabbath of sorts.
4. Try to play guitar for at least 15 minutes everyday or every other.
5. Go to the Homeless ministry every Saturday if possible.
6. Cook at least twice a week.
7. Get a setup for digital video and start making a movie.
8. Figure out if I REALLY want to go to grad school, and for what (aka: what do I want to do when I grow up?)
9. Call/write people more often, even if it's just for a few minutes. Especially my 93 year-old grandma. Sorry if I've been a punk and haven't been in touch...hope we can catch up soon!
10. Hold more babies.

I think slowing down and rest are the big priorities for this year. Slow down to enjoy the things in front of me, and rest so that when the right opportunities are presenting themselves, I'll be alert and ready to go for it. A little less fear, a little more trust, and a lot more grace. Keeping the number one priority of loving God and loving people ever before me.

I can't wait to start.

Wasteland

by MichiLauke
http://gimppac.deviantart.com/art/Wasteland-71797727

Agnostic Bible follower?

A.J. Jacobs is a guy who's done some pretty crazy stuff, not the least of these being his literal following of the Bible for a year...as a self-professed agnostic.

Check out the blog interview here.

Pretty crazy stuff! I guess this misses the point of faith and just sticks to the rules, missing the heart of why the rules exist...there is no relationship here. Still, it's pretty interesting for sure. Ha ha, I love it how he "stoned" an adulterer by throwing a pebble at him. :)

Any thoughts?

Hot Metal Bike/Pedestrian Bridge Now Open!

This is one of a few great accomplishments for the biking community of late. The new Hot Metal Bike/Pedestrian bridge was officially opened this afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that had a tremendous turn-out!! It started on the 2nd avenue side of the bridge...I was a bit late and was met by an almost literal wall of people walking, biking and blading, in the latest gear, in business suits and in regular Jo cold weather clothing. It was a bright sunny day, the bridge looked gorgeous and the Pittsburgh skyline looked fantastic in the background.

To the left is a photo of the event, taken by my friend Mike Vindler. You can see the rest of his photos by clicking on the following link: http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.vindler/HotMetalBridgeOpening

The festivities and speeches continued in REI (I'm sure they had some GREAT business that day!).

The completion of this project brings the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage (a trail that will eventually link Pittsburgh to DC) much closer to reality. On a more local level, this bridge will connect the Eliza Furnace Trail to the South Side Trail and bring a safer access point for walkers and bikers alike.

Other recent biking/bridge victories include buffered bike lanes on the redone Birmingham Bridge, and a pedestrian/biking sidewalk on the newly reopened 31st street bridge.

To find out more about biking or the trails in the Pittsburgh area, visit these links:
www.bike-pgh.org
www.friendsoftheriverfront.org
www.atatrail.org