Anis Mojgani

Dear Self,

Poetry is a strange thing. If your experience is anything like mine (And I suspect it is), then your first encounters with poetry were probably silly limericks in school. They were alright and, if I'm being honest with myself, they still hold a special place in my heart. After that, you probably learned about a lot of classical poetry from folks like Shakespeare and Poe, but while it was clearly very well written and deep with meaning it was still aged and mostly inaccessible to me.

However, I've recently stumbled upon a fellow named Anis Mojgani who has changed my view of poetry completely. While I don't agree with everything that comes out of his mouth (Although the awesomeness of his beard almost convinces me to agree with anything he says), the powerful way in which he uses his words and the honesty with which he speaks is inspiring.

But your favorite part about his work is the common theme that seems to run through it. He is constantly pushing past the things society tells us are important and reminds us that there is more to life. That to satisfy our deepest needs we need more than movies with explosions, alcohol, piles of donuts, copious amounts of sex, expensive cars, gorilla-wrestling-sky-diving adventures (Where you wrestle a gorilla while you sky-dive), or whatever else society dictates will give our lives meaning, and purpose, and completion. And he is constantly making sure to remind his listeners that they have value. And these are conversations that need to happen more often.

So let me share with you.

Shake The Dust:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDtHdloK44

Come Closer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJxsTq0ReKM

For Those Who Can Still Ride In Airplanes (Interview in description):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvruwi211fU

Four Stars:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW9h-JbtDwo

Here Am I:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQAC3WXOOWE&feature=related

Why You Bike Even Though You're Convinced it's Moronic

Dear Self,

In the coming days, weeks, and months, you are going to seriously question your ability to make good choices. Shocking, I know. But the unseasonably warm weather, the potentially bitingly cold temperatures, and then the warm, melty spring weather will give you significant doubt as to your decision to travel by bike.

Don't try to tell me otherwise, I know you better than that. However much you may enjoy the outdoors and the physical exercise, you hate getting soaked by road water and you're not a fan of having your toes and fingers freeze.

So when you're doubting your choice to travel by bike, these are the reasons you started and will continue to bike.

1. It is very good for you. Until you get hit by a car. But if that never happens, you'll be in great physical condition.

2. You just saved a bunch of money on your car insurance by switching to biking! You've also saved on gas and vehicle maintenance!

3. You believe it's good for the world. Sure, your switching from driving a vehicle to biking won't do the world any good on it's own. But the only person you have control over is yourself, so that's where you'll start. Although if your views on slavery ever change (Along with slavery laws), you're getting a full time pedicab driver.

4. You don't want to support oil companies, their owners, or Middle Eastern dictators. There are people who deserve your money more. Except for Russell Hantz. He is the only oil company owner you're willing to support.

5. There is something to the idea of getting places on your own effort. The slower pace is also fairly peaceful. Again, with the exception of getting hit by cars - that's not peaceful at all.

So keep on biking! Even though your socks are soggy, some things are more important than your comfort!

With much love,

Yourself