Beating OPEC

So, crude oil just hit $135 a barrel...they're saying that within two years it could get to $200. At the rate we're going, we might not have to wait two years. That could push gas close to eight bucks a gallon.

I was reading a news article about telecommuting, and how computers, the Internet, and stuff like the new generation of teleconferencing has made working from home an extremely viable option for more and more people (and and extremely cost-effective approach for employers). I wonder if that's the wave of the future; the high-tech might end up going into supporting lives that involve a lot less travel, rather than coming with new ways to get from point A to point B.

I'm very fortunate to live just a few miles from my office. We chose something close because I work such early hours, and because we really liked the community we're in. We had looked at a town about 25 miles from work, and we're both extremely glad we didn't move there. We'd be spending a couple hundred bucks a month more on gas at this point.

I started commuting to work by bicycle this week...it's only adding about ten minutes to my commute each way, and it's good to get the exercise. I spent a bunch of time over the weekend tuning up my bike, installing lights, etc. The first day I thought that riding the bike seemed harder than I would have thought it should be, but it was my first ride of the season. Yesterday and today it seemed like the ride home was especially difficult (it's a slight upward incline all the way home, and I had a pretty significant headwind both days). Still, it seemed like I was slowing to a crawl on the way home.

This afternoon I took a look at my bike to see if everything was working. I picked up the front end and gave the front wheel a spin; lo and behold, the brake was dragging on the front wheel! It's actually been braking slightly the whole time I've been riding for the past three days!

Moron. Right here.

I made some adjustments, and I'm guessing the ride home will be a bit easier tomorrow...