I've been doing pretty good here for the most part.... doing my best at staying cool when it gets so hot and humid out. Trying not to get too bored, since it's been a major job just trying to find a job for myself!

Hello there, new to the site and just thought I'd leave a message here. How is everyone enjoying the summer?

I recently found an interesting article in the newspaper and thought it
was really crazy that people actually are doing this! There's these
groups of very crazy green energy saver types of people who call
themselves hypermilers. They use up as little of their gas in their cars
as long as possible and go as far as they can with the same tank of gas
over a long period of time. Mainly, they all drive hybrid cars, no
doubt. It's been stated that drivers have exceeded 164 MPG in current
market vehicles while competing in these special marathons, just for
these purposes. They've been able to achieve over 2,254 miles on a tank
of gas. That is just unbelievably amazing!

On Wikipedia..... it says that.... "One of the best ways to optimize
mileage (both hybrid and non-hybrid) is to keep up with vehicle
maintenance. Key parameters to maintain are tire pressure, tire balance,
and proper motor oil weight and level. Hypermilers often inflate their
tires to the maximum recommended air pressure, since the harder a tire
is the less energy is required to move it. Under-inflated tires can
lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all
four tires per gas tank." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermiler

But, to save gas while going down hill or something, one turns off the
engine and coasts in neutral! Now, that is just totally dangerous,
especially while in traffic and whatnot. Here's some other stuff to
check out

http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2007/01/king_of_the_hypermilers.html?welcome=true

http://www.hypermilers.com/

Anyone got any thoughts?

I was looking at some poetry online and came across is old poem. I just
wanted to warn you that I did not write this, but it really hit me when
I read it.... and just wanted to share this with a bunch of people.

The poem, Desiderata, was written by Max Ehrmann back in 1927
originally. After I looked up this awesome writer on Wikipedia I had
come to find out, the man was 55 years old when he wrote it and was an
attorney from Indiana. But first, he received a degree in English from
DePaul University, followed by a degree in Philosophy from Harvard
University. Which means, he was a very educated person. And at the age
of 41, Ehrmann decided to become a writer.

It's something we should all try and live by....

Desirderata: (Latin for: "something desired as essential")

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Before I even begin.... yes, I know 'disconnectionate' is not a word,
but once you read the poem, you will totally understand.

Disconnectionate Life

These feelings, these thoughts, these ideas
Flowing through my mind, endlessly
Wondering, all to myself
Figuring it all out
Wandering amongst these people, alone with myself
Ever lost and forgotten, in nearly every moment
I hear, yet, I lose sense of the words spoken
So disconnected in such a disconnectionate life

I grasp for whatever happens
Being brought into reality of the moment
By friendly strangers, distant growing friends
Sense of belonging happens
If only, for a short while
Always grasping out
Holding onto the moments that happen

Feeling so connected
Getting myself forever lost, within such moments
Wandering about, with these stranger friends, these people
Laughing, joking, smiling, eyes all a sparkle with light
The joyfelt tears of happiness hidden in myself
Being caught in these wonderful moments

Every moment shared, every emotion felt
Such power, such beauty happens
A connection deepens, lasting nearly forever
Until that spark starts to be lost in the darkening night
And so, the faces fade, the friendly strangers dim
Phantoms of the moment, lost into the gloom

I feel so lost once more
Wondering what ever happened
Thoughts so scattered, questions abound
What ever happens, to that spark?
Why can't it not stay alight forever?
That connection, is only temporary?

Wandering, with my soul so lost
Knowing only that....
I live such a disconnectionate life
And so...... I can only.....
Figure out where to go and what to do next
Remember being forever lost in the special moments shared
That happened, for a short while
Watching always, for that spark to light
Once more
In this disconnectionate life that I be in

Hey there to anyone reading this,

Just wanted to post that I'm totally new to this place and looking to
get to know completely random strangers.... it's why I'm here, not
afraid of it either.