What Would Jesus Buy?

I don't agree with all of Reverend Billy's ideas about religion but I feel he uses the iconic street preacher effect to good use in a satirical look at the cult of buying in North America. The film What Would Jesus Buy is funny, engaging, and thought-provoking. It really examines the Christmas Season as it has been co-opted by Big Business, Big Banking (read: massive credit card debt) and even in some ways Religion, and encourages the idea that "you don't have to buy a gift to give a gift". 


Amen.

The Joy of Giving

The Christmas Season is one of my favorite times of the year---the spiritual aspect of the season the crisp air, Christmas decorations, hot coco, and time with family. One of my chief pleasures though is gift giving. However, I agree with Rev Billy on this one who says, "You don't have to buy a gift to give a gift" which is so true!

However, I do enjoy giving to people in this world who don't have much to begin with and who struggle to meet their daily needs. Through World Vision I give a bicycle for a girl each year so that she can get to school safely as well as do things for her family. Given how much most of us in North America spend on bike gear each year, this is a small expense that makes a HUGE difference in someone's life. 

Ride on people!

If I balk at riding in the cold, this song always gets me going....

Mark Ronson is creative, smart, and eclectic. I love it!

Thanksgiving Thought: What does it mean to See?

Blindness from Michael Snowdon on Vimeo.

Car-free in Atlanta for a Year

Atlanta is my old stomping grounds so this video from CNN's Urban Planet by Chris Hrubesh drew my attention. Hrubesh writes:

"My first big change toward "greener" living was my purchase of an early 1900s loft less than a mile from CNN. Ditching my automobile has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, despite some of the challenges. Without a car payment, insurance, gas or maintenance, I save at least $300 to $500 a month, even after I factor in car rentals and bike maintenance. I have lost and kept off 10 pounds of weight since I made my lifestyle switch and I have made many new friends that choose to pedal instead of drive. I exchanged my coveted parking spot at work for a free gym membership and five monthly round-trip passes on Atlanta's mass transit system. CNN gives this, as well as other perks, to employees who walk or ride a bike to work. To me, this deal was a "no brainer" and I took the bait."

If you have ever ridden a bike in parts of the South (major car country) you will understand how impressed I am with this guy taking the lane! I also LOVE that Atlanta has Zipcar now. Very cool.

David Goggins: Human Machine

I have posted on David G. before but I saw this video and was, once again, really impressed. His dedication to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation which provides college scholarships for the children of Special Ops warriors who have fallen in the line of duty is humbling and encouraging in an age of passivity and cynicism. Many people see problems each day but do very little, if anything, to contribute to solving them. Dave continues to push the boundaries of what is possible and it really encourages me.

One Less Car

Biking around town with Randy “The Ethicist” Cohen from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

I wheelie like Randy Cohen---after seeing this video, you wheel too. You should also check out a wonderful video, One Less Car, at CineDulce that is awesome! A virtual "ballet" of modern commuting juxtaposed with bike commuting.