A Little Indigestion . . .

So yes, I still claim I will eat the Philly. However, it's really got to be an intermittent thing, otherwise I will be too fat and lethargic to escape the floodwaters. Then again, I'll float better and be better-insulated against hypothermia . . . so much to consider. :-)

Seriously, though, I'm kind of an exercise nut at heart, and I like doing extreme cycling distance events, Hood to Coast, etc. Mr. Sans Auto and I still need to finish his cross-USA ride. That's why this blog is called "The Bri-onic Man" (although the topics have drifted from my fitness exploits . . . note to self: fix that) Thus, long-term I'll keep Philly consumption intermittent and I can even see myself getting back to my sugar-free ways (believe it or not, I did it for a while and actually slept better, got leaner, and felt better too!).

BUT, I can also see myself staying in line with the "Eat the Philly" philosophy. We had plenty of warning that this storm was approaching, and so I can use that opportunity to eat deadly food before I face the deadly elements. This circumstance of looming death storms has typically been rare (but as I said before, my prediction is that it'll become more frequent). When I'm warned, I'll chow! :-)

Thanks to all for slogging through the huge post, by the way. It was something that I needed to get down on (virtual) paper because it had been stewing inside me. I was most nervous about what kind of comments I might get from Sans. I've gotta say, you handled it with level-headedness and poise, and I think you might even let me ride with you again. Although I am not likely to ever match your enviro or blogging zeal, I admire your tenacity in both. I agree with you and dmo that focusing on the right priorities is going to tend to help the environment, too.

In light of the recent disaster here, my focus has mostly been on short-term preparedness. And, that's the best place to start for just about anybody, I suppose. Once that's solid, though, then I think you do need to get more into the "gray area" Sans was talking about. Self-sufficiency (bike prowess, being efficient, growing food, etc.) is certainly about the best kind of long-term preparedness. And, it's great insulation against price swings in oil and food. So, although I might lack confidence that mother nature will allow solar panels to stay on my roof, it's still a great idea to have efficient/passive lighting as a matter of cost savings. And who knows, it might even help us teeter at the "tipping point" a little longer before we take the plunge down our environmental Splash Mountain.

So I guess, in essence, I'm just elaborating and re-hashing what I already said: don't get so caught up with your small role in prevention (of climate disasters) that you're not prepared for your own local disasters (that are likely to happen because we're consuming like crazy, China is chopping down vast tracts of forests in Indonesia, etc.) But once one is sufficiently short-term prepared, there's a lot of wisdom to living light on the land as it pertains to long-term preparedness. The environmental ramifications of this strategy become a nice side-benefit.

Geoffrey: Glad you're using the Honda more. It's an efficiency and cost step in the right direction. Even though the mileage isn't as good as a bicycle, if you've gotta drive, a car like this would be sweet, too.

Nancy: At this point, arguing with Barry might help me sort out what the heck I even think anymore. I could really have a fine argument with myself. The fatalistic schizo part of me would say, "Go ahead and drive that Suburban (just don't complain to me about the cost of gas . . .) since we're all doomed anyway" and a different schizo part of me would say, "Well, every little bit helps. Besides, you'd be sparing a little more room on the road for bikes and I could even see when I'm backing the GTI out of parking spaces". Reminds me of a recent arrangement I hashed out with one of the nurses I work with at Tongue Point. Our parking habits made me have to pop up like a groundhog to see over her truck then hop quickly back in my car and hope to back out before anybody came up the road. Now, though, by rearranging how we park, I can see fine regardless (from a seated position) and it makes no difference to her. See, we can all live together in peace and love (until nature takes us out).

Eric: it's a little-known fact that you are funnier than I am. You'd be pleased to know I'm registered "independent". I still fear the RNC, nonetheless, and hope they will retaliate by raising taxes on gasoline.

Thanks again for all the feedback, everybody! Next time I need to float a controversial idea I'll know who to turn to.