Daniel's Place

Earlier this week I hit 337 miles of bike commuting. Cuz that’s just how I roll.

Commute stats - 337 miles

Milage is conservatively estimated estimated based on some cracked out computer’s idea of how I bike to work. Actual distance is a little higher.

Gas milage is also very conservative given the stop-and-go nature of city driving.

I do, however, get about 50 miles to the power bar on my bike. 337 that.

Swine flu is running rampant in the hearts and minds of people across the world. To aid in calming the pandemic paranoia, I have assembled a simple guide that may save your life. Remember, more lives than your own may depend on your actions. 

Each step is important and must be performed in the listed order. Do not skip any steps. 

Swine Flu Preparations

Step 1: Get Supplies

For this to work, you will need:

• A particle mask that is not rated to protect you from anything but indirect exposure to spray paint
• A marker capable of writing on the particle mask

Step 1: Supplies

Step 2: Preparations 

This step requires several actions and is the most complicated step: 

1. Turn the mask inside out (typically less writing on the inside)
2. Draw a pig snout over the place where your nose goes 
3. Write “OINK” on the mask so people know what’s going on

Step 2: Prepare

Step 3: Protect

Now that your mask is ready to go, put it on your face. Be sure to cover your nose and mouth to maximize the amount of air moving through the mask. 

Warning: Don’t wear the mask for long periods of time; you’re inhaling fumes from the marker. Only wear the mask in short stents when it’s likely to get the biggest reaction from the folks around you. 

Step 3: Protect

Congratulations! You’re now protected from the hysteria that is Swine Flu. 

Parting thoughts 

Really? Are people really that concerned? If you are, then turn off the AC and hang up the plastic. Folks disseminating the news are interested in protecting their jobs in the wake of all this transparent accountability. In the world of work we call this “covering your ass.” Sometimes you just need a little more time and information. 

Is Twitter to blame? Not for the mass hysteria. If you don’t recognize an Internet meme when you see it, please learn more. 

More stuff on Twitter 

Interestingly enough, we are witnessing a very effective method of broadly disclosing information to the public. Twitter represents the emotional pulse of the millions of users who grasp its purpose. This  is certainly worth study.

The Internet is, once again, changing the way we interact with our world. The question is no longer what are the implications of increasingly connected systems, rather what are the implications of increasingly connected people?