Speaking of work, did you see the story about B&N investing heavy in electronic books and losing a lot of money (so far). Betting on the future is such a tricky thing.
Monday, June 28, 2010
The dark side
I have the 13 inch one. Because it's not the size that counts, it's what you do with it.
Speaking of work, did you see the story about B&N investing heavy in electronic books and losing a lot of money (so far). Betting on the future is such a tricky thing.
Speaking of work, did you see the story about B&N investing heavy in electronic books and losing a lot of money (so far). Betting on the future is such a tricky thing.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Once in a blue moon
Like today, every 6 months or so I bike up Red Bud and Stratford. Just a little bi-annual reminder to myself that I don't like riding up Red Bud and Stratford.
The same can be said about Frankenbike. Every 6 months or so I set up at this monthly bike swap event. I don't sell much, and I usually wind up dehydrated. Yesterday's event was no different - just your typical display of Fixsters (my concatenation of fixie hipsters), bad tattoos, and bargain hunters. The heat was brutal, and I lasted less than 2 hours.
Here's my companion for most of that time - Berkeley. Poor dog was panting so hard, I gave up some of my shade to him while his owner dealt used parts in the sun.
I did, however, sell a Sugino track crankset. $45 for 2 hours work (yes, he talked me down from $50). Never again.
The same can be said about Frankenbike. Every 6 months or so I set up at this monthly bike swap event. I don't sell much, and I usually wind up dehydrated. Yesterday's event was no different - just your typical display of Fixsters (my concatenation of fixie hipsters), bad tattoos, and bargain hunters. The heat was brutal, and I lasted less than 2 hours.
Here's my companion for most of that time - Berkeley. Poor dog was panting so hard, I gave up some of my shade to him while his owner dealt used parts in the sun.
I did, however, sell a Sugino track crankset. $45 for 2 hours work (yes, he talked me down from $50). Never again.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
$2.22
There's a reason I'm banned from riding with a power meter - I produce so many watts that it intimidates my fellow riders. Why just this morning I broke another spoke while sprinting out of the saddle. I didn't realize my wheel fell out of true and was rubbing against my brake pads until I got home - again, because I am such a powerful rider I thought the added resistance was just the poor road surface.
Knowing that I'm scheduled to ride again tomorrow, I set about to swap out my wheels. Luckily, I save a pair of carbon fiber wheels just for these emergencies. They're pretty fancy - Bontrager OCLV carbon fiber rims with DT Swiss 240s hubs. However, they're not as fancy as the wheels they're replacing - the ones with Tune hubs, Kinlin rims, and titanium bladed spokes (of which one is now broken). Switching the cassette over was pretty easy, but after I mounted the wheel to the frame I noticed the inner cog was rubbing against the spokes. This is usually a bad thing. It's a good thing if you want an excuse not to ride. It's a bad thing if you actually want to ride.
Wanting to ride, I went to Bicycle Sport Shop to pick up a 1mm spacer to relieve that contact. Cost for the spacer: $1.07. I went ahead and brought along the rear wheel to see if they had a replacement spoke. They didn't. However, they suggested Nelo's Pro Cycles on Mesa. A quick stop there did produce an adequate spoke. Granted, it's only stainless steel and not titanium nor bladed, but it'll work for now. Besides - it was only $1.15. Total for my shopping trip today... $2.22. Not bad - I think I spent more on gas than on the parts.
A final word of caution: Given the difference in thermal expansion rates and elastic deformation ranges between the new stainless spoke and the original ti spokes, my wheel may become crazy unstable if I hammer on it. Looks like I'll have to throttle back on the power for now. Lucky for the other riders out there.
Knowing that I'm scheduled to ride again tomorrow, I set about to swap out my wheels. Luckily, I save a pair of carbon fiber wheels just for these emergencies. They're pretty fancy - Bontrager OCLV carbon fiber rims with DT Swiss 240s hubs. However, they're not as fancy as the wheels they're replacing - the ones with Tune hubs, Kinlin rims, and titanium bladed spokes (of which one is now broken). Switching the cassette over was pretty easy, but after I mounted the wheel to the frame I noticed the inner cog was rubbing against the spokes. This is usually a bad thing. It's a good thing if you want an excuse not to ride. It's a bad thing if you actually want to ride.
Wanting to ride, I went to Bicycle Sport Shop to pick up a 1mm spacer to relieve that contact. Cost for the spacer: $1.07. I went ahead and brought along the rear wheel to see if they had a replacement spoke. They didn't. However, they suggested Nelo's Pro Cycles on Mesa. A quick stop there did produce an adequate spoke. Granted, it's only stainless steel and not titanium nor bladed, but it'll work for now. Besides - it was only $1.15. Total for my shopping trip today... $2.22. Not bad - I think I spent more on gas than on the parts.
A final word of caution: Given the difference in thermal expansion rates and elastic deformation ranges between the new stainless spoke and the original ti spokes, my wheel may become crazy unstable if I hammer on it. Looks like I'll have to throttle back on the power for now. Lucky for the other riders out there.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Bad fish
Watched "Ondine" earlier - starring Colin Farrell and Alicja Bachleda. It's a pretty film. Not much more I can say about it. I did like this quote from the New York Times:
“Ondine” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). The film has some mild action, most provided by Ms. Bachleda’s wet breasts.
“Ondine” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). The film has some mild action, most provided by Ms. Bachleda’s wet breasts.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Rambling man
Spent some quality time in Houston this weekend. Friday for my brother's birthday (dinner, then went to see Jonah Hex - good movie), and Sunday for Father's day (brunch).
In between I had a free day, so I just sat around and read the morning away (the Bike Snob book). Later that night I had dinner with Storm, Ron and June at Pappadeaux on Richmond. Interesting mix. Each added his/her own flavor and unique perspective to the evening's conversation. Afterward, Ron left to meet up with his fiancée, and the rest of us went across the street to the Mucky Duck to see Skyrocket.
If you lived in Houston in the 90's, you're probably familiar with Trish and Darin Murphy - hometown siblings who played just about everywhere back then. They've both since relocated to Austin, where each of them fronts their own band. When they're not doing their original music thing, they play in probably the most accomplished 70's tribute band around - Skyrocket.
The show was actually a lot of fun. The well lubricated wives fawning over the guys in the band while their husbands watch dumbfounded was equally amusing to watch. After the show, I stepped up to an overly enthusiastic fan talking to Trish. She quickly turned to me, said hi, led me away, and thanked me for saving her from the drunk guy. So polite.
Got back to Austin late this afternoon. Managed to get in a run around Town Lake with the Allman Brothers on endless repeat.
In between I had a free day, so I just sat around and read the morning away (the Bike Snob book). Later that night I had dinner with Storm, Ron and June at Pappadeaux on Richmond. Interesting mix. Each added his/her own flavor and unique perspective to the evening's conversation. Afterward, Ron left to meet up with his fiancée, and the rest of us went across the street to the Mucky Duck to see Skyrocket.
If you lived in Houston in the 90's, you're probably familiar with Trish and Darin Murphy - hometown siblings who played just about everywhere back then. They've both since relocated to Austin, where each of them fronts their own band. When they're not doing their original music thing, they play in probably the most accomplished 70's tribute band around - Skyrocket.
The show was actually a lot of fun. The well lubricated wives fawning over the guys in the band while their husbands watch dumbfounded was equally amusing to watch. After the show, I stepped up to an overly enthusiastic fan talking to Trish. She quickly turned to me, said hi, led me away, and thanked me for saving her from the drunk guy. So polite.
Got back to Austin late this afternoon. Managed to get in a run around Town Lake with the Allman Brothers on endless repeat.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Exposed
Stopped by Mellow Johnny's early today to hear and see Bike Snob NYC. He's in town for a book signing. Instead of the usual reading most authors give, he gave a slide show of his childhood and the bikes he rode. Amusing guy, but I liked him better when he was anonymous. Now, when I read his column, I'll think of a middle-ish-age Jewish guy with a bald spot and a new baby boy. Not that there's anything wrong with that - just not a very edgy image. Oh, and he even has a name - Eben Weiss.
While I was at MJ's (that's what all the cool kids call it), I also had a chance to check out the new Team RadioShack bikes. That's Popo's on the end.
The graphics are very in-your-face. Very different from the Merckx bikes of the 7-11 and Motorola days.
While I was at MJ's (that's what all the cool kids call it), I also had a chance to check out the new Team RadioShack bikes. That's Popo's on the end.
The graphics are very in-your-face. Very different from the Merckx bikes of the 7-11 and Motorola days.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Feeling puffy
From the "no good deed goes unpunished" department.
Woke up today with a swollen right side of my face. That's the side where I got stung a couple of times in the temple. Odd that it took a couple of days to puff up. Nurse said it looked like I had gained a lot of weight and was blushing. Now, I know what I'll look like when I become a fat drunk. Doctor gave me a bunch of steroids. The swelling has already started to come down quite a bit.
Woke up today with a swollen right side of my face. That's the side where I got stung a couple of times in the temple. Odd that it took a couple of days to puff up. Nurse said it looked like I had gained a lot of weight and was blushing. Now, I know what I'll look like when I become a fat drunk. Doctor gave me a bunch of steroids. The swelling has already started to come down quite a bit.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Expeditions
Emerged from the A-Team showing at the Alamo Ritz Friday night to find this. Yes, this was ROT weekend. Was surprised by the number of kids out with their parents. Btw, the movie was a lot of fun - definitely big screen-worthy.
Saturday morning I rode down to Mellow Johnny's to take part in the Art Ride. My fender strut on my commuter kept popping off, which was very annoying, so I detoured home soon after the ride started.
In the afternoon, I joined the gang for a tour of hill country vineyards in celebration of EmSue's 30th birthday. 13 people, 5 wineries, and 6 hours makes for an interesting time. Thankfully, Kelvin doesn't drink. But he does dance. I'm not sure why everyone was so interested in the sun flower below.
I spent Sunday in New Braunfels with Eric and Dustin. We were there to help Keith clean up his house after the recent flooding. The water was up 52 inches in the house. I managed to get stung 3 times by a red wasp in the first 10 minutes I was there - all in the face. I thought it was only twice, but after my shower tonight, I noticed there was another one. Nice.
Evidence of the river's damage could be seen everywhere. Including an Expedition that was smashed into a tree (the porta-can wedged between the truck and tree is a nice touch).
Saturday morning I rode down to Mellow Johnny's to take part in the Art Ride. My fender strut on my commuter kept popping off, which was very annoying, so I detoured home soon after the ride started.
In the afternoon, I joined the gang for a tour of hill country vineyards in celebration of EmSue's 30th birthday. 13 people, 5 wineries, and 6 hours makes for an interesting time. Thankfully, Kelvin doesn't drink. But he does dance. I'm not sure why everyone was so interested in the sun flower below.
I spent Sunday in New Braunfels with Eric and Dustin. We were there to help Keith clean up his house after the recent flooding. The water was up 52 inches in the house. I managed to get stung 3 times by a red wasp in the first 10 minutes I was there - all in the face. I thought it was only twice, but after my shower tonight, I noticed there was another one. Nice.
Evidence of the river's damage could be seen everywhere. Including an Expedition that was smashed into a tree (the porta-can wedged between the truck and tree is a nice touch).
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
3 in 1
I started work as a Project Manager today. Same company as before, but I'm a permanent employee now. Signed the offer letter yesterday and was converted today. My official title is Project Manager, but my offer letter says I'm also the team lead and ScrumMaster. I agreed to be all 3 for one year, to help the company transition and to also give them time to find a lead to replace me. Looking forward to the many new challenges.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sadder n sh*t
Saw this bike on craigslist today:
He built the frame for his girlfriend. They broke up. She left the bike behind when she moved. Her old roommate is now selling it. I saw the bike in person last year. It's beautiful - especially if you like pepto bismol mixtes. The heart cutout is appropriate.
He built the frame for his girlfriend. They broke up. She left the bike behind when she moved. Her old roommate is now selling it. I saw the bike in person last year. It's beautiful - especially if you like pepto bismol mixtes. The heart cutout is appropriate.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Recycle
Renew:
The former home brew store / modern furniture shop / skateboard shop on North Loop (53rd Street) is now a fancy cafe. Foreign and Domestic, Food and Drinks. Very South Congress-y. I tried to stop by for lunch today, but they are closed Sundays and Mondays. Based on the owners' pedigrees, I'm very hopeful regarding their food quality.
Reuse:
I've had this 25th Anniversary Specialized StumpJumper for a while now - the StumpJumper was the first production mountain bike, debuting in 1981. Mine's just a rolling chassis at this point. This limited edition remake was originally outfitted with a mix of modern and retro components, but the modern stuff never looked right. I've been wanting to find an era-correct set of parts to put on it, and I think I've finally hit the jackpot. Check it out - a Shimano Deore XT "deer head" group from 1983. Now, I'm just missing a Biopace crank to complete the transformation.
Refuse:
I hate rehab projects that lack imagination. Case in point, this house near Avenue H and North Loop. It lacked character before, it lacks character now. Except now it's probably somewhere north of $300K. Come on - if you're going to completely gut a house and spend all that money to rebuild from the ground up - add at least one interesting feature. Oh wait, they did increase the roof pitch, so they could add a master suite upstairs. Very subtle. And clever. It might even pass the Historical Commission guidelines. The original architects would be proud.
The former home brew store / modern furniture shop / skateboard shop on North Loop (53rd Street) is now a fancy cafe. Foreign and Domestic, Food and Drinks. Very South Congress-y. I tried to stop by for lunch today, but they are closed Sundays and Mondays. Based on the owners' pedigrees, I'm very hopeful regarding their food quality.
Reuse:
I've had this 25th Anniversary Specialized StumpJumper for a while now - the StumpJumper was the first production mountain bike, debuting in 1981. Mine's just a rolling chassis at this point. This limited edition remake was originally outfitted with a mix of modern and retro components, but the modern stuff never looked right. I've been wanting to find an era-correct set of parts to put on it, and I think I've finally hit the jackpot. Check it out - a Shimano Deore XT "deer head" group from 1983. Now, I'm just missing a Biopace crank to complete the transformation.
Refuse:
I hate rehab projects that lack imagination. Case in point, this house near Avenue H and North Loop. It lacked character before, it lacks character now. Except now it's probably somewhere north of $300K. Come on - if you're going to completely gut a house and spend all that money to rebuild from the ground up - add at least one interesting feature. Oh wait, they did increase the roof pitch, so they could add a master suite upstairs. Very subtle. And clever. It might even pass the Historical Commission guidelines. The original architects would be proud.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Marketing
My homework for the weekend... putting the New York Times on the Barnes and Noble e-book store for use on the iPad. Now, that's a mouth-full.
Speaking of good marketing campaigns, I have to give Pilot House Coffee their due for going door to door with a carafe of hot coffee and free samples. They also provide the first pound free, and you can sign up to have additional coffee delivered monthly. The coffee is roasted down the street and delivered by scooter. Nice folks, and their coffee smells great.
Btw, I'm the new ScrumMaster at work for our development team. My first official act was to schedule some meetings.
Speaking of good marketing campaigns, I have to give Pilot House Coffee their due for going door to door with a carafe of hot coffee and free samples. They also provide the first pound free, and you can sign up to have additional coffee delivered monthly. The coffee is roasted down the street and delivered by scooter. Nice folks, and their coffee smells great.
Btw, I'm the new ScrumMaster at work for our development team. My first official act was to schedule some meetings.
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