During the long one hour commutes by train, there are basically a limited number of activities I care to do before arriving at work. In order of preference:

• Read a book.
• Stare out the window.
• Do things on my netbook.
• Listen to music.
• Talk to the person next to me.

Just killing time is not the correct term for this, but in a way it does seem like that sometimes. Retaining a sense of usefulness and/or oneness with nature is a worthy pursuit.