tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39427652011-10-10T09:48:04.519-07:00Random Musings - and some thoughts about foodRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.comBlogger1451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-28086020254968671942011-05-31T16:50:00.000-07:002011-05-31T16:50:05.239-07:00

Found here.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-64305575085581485362011-03-15T16:52:00.000-07:002011-03-15T16:52:46.420-07:00

Just check here and browse.  I love that suction cup tape.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-57693605664597182272011-03-08T16:22:00.001-08:002011-03-08T16:22:29.019-08:00

Found here via Marginal Revolution.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-28054416184757188322011-01-12T10:47:00.001-08:002011-01-12T10:47:36.636-08:00

http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2011/01/curation_is_the.html

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-65063209984490561392011-01-03T16:49:00.001-08:002011-01-03T16:49:58.361-08:00

I've had similar thoughts to these myself. http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2011/01/trouble-in-the-house-of-google.html and http://paul.kedrosky.com/archives/2009/12/dishwashers_dem.html

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-82090514690738994632011-01-03T15:55:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:55:58.874-08:00

If you like fizzy sodas, the pour down the side method works well for that too. I'd also advise against plastic glasses/cups and adding ice first.  Always add the ice (slowly) after you pour the drink. Details here

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-33426964943811169702010-11-30T22:10:00.001-08:002010-11-30T22:10:56.495-08:00

The new 98% efficient furnace is in.  We have several new holes in the ceiling, and exterior walls. Can't complain though, we're warm.  After almost losing the old furnace on the coldest night of the year.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-564054530681253832010-10-01T21:50:00.000-07:002010-10-01T21:50:19.988-07:00

My son told me that for the first half of kindergarten he thought the peace sign was the pee sign.  As far as I know, there were no side affects from this confustion.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-30942280105039393782010-09-06T22:24:00.001-07:002010-09-06T22:25:10.943-07:00

Link

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-42025535535846562632010-08-25T11:44:00.000-07:002010-08-25T11:44:09.060-07:00

Flight 1 8:18 row 26 (ish) Flight 2 7:23 row 27

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-28354055702349969012010-08-24T15:07:00.001-07:002010-08-24T15:07:45.323-07:00

I just bought a shirt from them in Seattle, and it was shipped from another store.  Very cool, I wish I could offer something this slick to my clients.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-51295287544625718722010-08-03T16:56:00.000-07:002010-08-03T16:56:31.780-07:00

This years SIR Summer Populaire was considerable easier than last, and I finished in a smidge under 5 hours.  A few gently rolling hills and a headwind presented the only challenges along the way.  The weather and views were great, and most of the roads were too. I was amazed at how quickly we were able to get out of Olympia and into more rural areas, it was quite a nice treat. I felt pretty

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-28541137002062713332010-07-27T15:17:00.000-07:002010-07-27T15:17:38.399-07:00

Last week, after a very few false starts, my son took off riding without training wheels. I had removed his training wheels and pedals about a month earlier, to get him used to balancing and steering.  As he kicked around the blacktop faster and faster, I was pretty sure he was ready.  On the big night, I ziptied a broomstick to the back of his bike.  That allowed me to help him balance, without

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-15934500404174534252010-06-25T16:38:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:42:16.842-07:00

Last year my stated goal here was to finish a SIR 200k with a reasonable cushion.Yesterday I climbed 3rd on Queen Anne and didn't hit my lowest gear once. This is a significant improvement for me, and I think it bodes well for my chances on the SIR summer 200k. I may get some fit adjustments between now and then, but I'm feeling pretty optimistic overall.Now, I just need to keep riding and stay

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-57130863085339803182010-06-14T21:30:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:35:53.659-07:00

I had a really nice ride this past Saturday on my first Flying Wheels. I opted for for the 65 mile route, as I was feeling iffy about my fitness levels and Rob, my riding companion was sure he wasn't up to it.After driving around a bit more than necessary to find parking (ended up by Ooba Tooba), we were off. The forecast was for 77 and sunny and the weather didn't disappoint. Rob and I were both

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-61677043465974578602010-05-27T13:23:00.000-07:002010-05-27T13:24:16.911-07:00

Apparently, they aren't really bagels. So says a friend of mine who is a former professional baker. Real bagels are boiled the stuff at the market, just baked.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-88810149159261858512010-05-19T13:24:00.000-07:002010-08-25T11:44:30.849-07:00

Row 22, took 7 minutes and 53 seconds from the ding till I was moving. I had an aisle seat, so it was a smidge faster than a window.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-31849496455293913382010-04-27T09:52:00.000-07:002010-04-27T09:54:02.283-07:00

At this link http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/business/25view.html .It is at least somewhat true in my own firm, though I don't think we have huge disparities in capabilities and output here.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-60209719911896199822010-03-25T07:27:00.000-07:002010-03-25T07:28:43.290-07:00

See Seth's blog here.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-17463196446561206982010-03-10T08:06:00.000-08:002010-03-10T08:07:10.184-08:00

Biking directions now available from Google.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-67046795396088365402010-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:002010-02-10T13:27:18.547-08:00

I'd buy one of these for sure. Maybe even customize it a bit.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-32108686826175254392010-01-10T07:48:00.000-08:002010-01-10T08:15:46.256-08:00

Yesterday I met Duncan and the Seattle Randos for the first training ride of 2010, held along with the Cascade Bicycle Club. The ride was about 38 miles long, with 2,000 feet of climbing, if you didn't go astray. I stayed pretty much on course, thanks to my new GPS, but did miss one turn while talking to someone while my GPS was acting up a bit.I finished up in about 3:15, including a stop at

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-74869184077691695082010-01-10T07:32:00.001-08:002010-01-10T07:32:50.700-08:00

Well, maybe not yet, but still - it could happen.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8349923.stm

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-23902161158812048532009-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:002009-12-15T13:41:48.360-08:00

These are fake in the sense that the words don't exist, but the sounds should. I remember doing stuff like this as a kid.Italian EnglishAmerican Chinese Russian and more

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-67294869074548187692009-12-10T21:35:00.000-08:002009-12-10T21:37:50.348-08:00

For years, when Harley Davidson was booming I wondered "where is the money coming from to buy all these things?" They are very expensive discretionary items, and I doubted some of the "owners" could really afford > 20k to buy them. Looks like the HD bubble was a bit like, and related to, the housing bubble.Details here http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-54931306801972904142009-11-30T14:58:00.001-08:002009-11-30T14:58:55.619-08:00

seen here.pilfered from Marginal Revolution

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-83599540380076853542009-11-20T14:41:00.000-08:002009-11-20T14:45:11.364-08:00

Great article here. Sure, it is mostly a piece promoting someone's new book, but I think it is sound advice nonetheless.The only quibble I have with the Millionaire Next Door guys is that they treat becoming a millionaire as an exceptionally worthy goal in and of itself. Nothing wrong with gathering assets, I think everyone should. I don't think that living like an ascetic is worth it, if you

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-27692168910475255532009-11-20T13:10:00.000-08:002009-11-20T13:13:01.903-08:00

Andrew Sullivan columns on S. Palin can be found here. In my opionion, he is doing this country a favor by digging into this stuff. She is an ambitious, charismatic lunatic. The more people that know about the lunatic part, the better.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-32014776589408088082009-10-26T17:26:00.000-07:002009-10-26T17:38:07.075-07:00

In my continuing, but perhaps futile, quest to improve my hill climbing, I did my new Ballard coast loop this weekend. It has about 2,000 feet of elevation gain in around 25 miles. That's not a lot for some people, but quite a change for me.Until last summer, I always avoided hills when I could. I'd detour a mile or more to miss them in LA. Now I turn toward them when I can - not to anything

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-81909049168281327732009-10-09T14:41:00.000-07:002009-10-09T14:42:20.538-07:00

Is it these guys? Looks like it could be Mont Blanc, but I can't find any good info. Next question, how do I get my Thule accesories to work on my '10 Outback?

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-56302537911636275512009-10-05T13:30:00.000-07:002009-10-05T13:32:06.069-07:00

From Ben Casnocha's blogWhen no party is willing to express a preference out of politeness or genuine deference to another party of the decision -- on what type of cuisine to eat for dinner, say -- the decision-making process often gets trapped in a death spiral of deferential indecision. Certain decision-making tricks are needed. One reader taught me the 3-2-1 rule for deciding where to eat. The

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-80943137055432477792009-09-25T12:51:00.000-07:002009-09-25T12:52:46.936-07:00

Does it take a comedian to defend our civil liberties?http://washingtonindependent.com/60611/al-franken-reads-the-4th-amendment-to-justice-department-official

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-21525330629828186432009-09-08T21:58:00.000-07:002009-09-08T22:00:57.800-07:00

Some kids live on it, but not mine. This is a first.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-14797605349803160442009-09-03T21:38:00.000-07:002009-09-08T21:53:12.322-07:00

I went shopping for school supplies today, this time for someone else. I haven't made a shopping trip like this in over twenty years now, since I graduated from college. My last trip was all about divided spirals, pens and blue books, at least as far as I remember. In my earlier years, the school district published an official list - pencils, loose leaf binder paper, dividers, compass, pens and

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1232954993137081042009-08-04T15:24:00.000-07:002009-08-04T15:34:18.271-07:00

Link here. I have definitely found that the intangibles matter greatly for success. Persistence, playing well with others and more. Just wish I had more day to day grit.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-52173184518996831182009-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:002009-07-25T15:26:09.282-07:00

This article from the NYT talks about the brain's role in fatigue. I found it interesting because I've experienced something similar. After the SIR ride a few months ago, I found myself climbing better - and I think it is all because I found that when I pushed, my hillclimbing was better than I thought. It was as though I'd learned where my new limits were and my body now had permission to pedal

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-24351922255366913792009-07-24T16:02:00.000-07:002009-07-24T16:07:58.878-07:00

I really enjoy reading Slate, and often pick up a tip or two. Today, it was two.1 - how to fix your passwords.2 - I've always disliked warm soda, even after I put ice in it. Here comes the science. Scroll down to the bit about temperature and how the CO2 enters the head space in the can while warm. Also, I'm one of those who can taste the can, at least after the soda has been stored a while.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-7945827987041859222009-07-15T14:52:00.001-07:002009-07-15T15:09:35.469-07:00

Overall, I had a pretty good ride. I'm not really sure what my average speed was, as I managed to reset my bike computer several times, but I think it was in the 14 mph range. Of course, I had lots of help doing this, as I spent quite a bit of time drafting other cyclists - but not too close! I tried to get on the end of packs/pacelines and let people slide in front of me if they wished, as I

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-58502645752578480902009-07-02T06:47:00.000-07:002009-07-02T06:48:42.343-07:00

http://blindtaste.com/2009/07/02/do-taste-and-smell-adjectives-signal-valu/I really enjoy this blog. Great to check out if you are interested in food, but less interested in pretension.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-59265638430317192412009-06-28T09:47:00.000-07:002009-07-02T14:57:42.184-07:00

I need a better hydration setup for my Lightning. One water bottle cage won't cut it, as switching stuff from my bags is too time consuming while riding to a time limit. Ditto for food.I need a place to put the cue sheet. Jersey pocket + recumbent = sweaty, inaccessible mess.If I'm going to ride with SIR, I need to ride more hills, and/or get a better climbing bike (or just use the Salsa). I was

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-10828088985769993642009-06-28T08:18:00.000-07:002009-07-07T11:59:56.737-07:00

Update - photographic evidence here (last manned control) and here (Loretta's dining al fresco). Lovely yellow helmet no?Yesterday I rode my first rando event, the SIR "The Sound and the Fury - 100K" populaire. The course had some incredible views - Mt. Rainer, Tacoma Skyline, and lots and lots of water views. There were some killer hills, as advertised. I think I ended up walking three of them.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-18048818096187424452009-06-24T11:14:00.000-07:002009-07-02T14:58:50.620-07:00

Today I managed over 10 mph up the hill on Dexter going Southbound. Not setting any records to be sure, but several mph faster than I could manage last summer. Of course, I was on the Salsa which helps a lot, but still.Post STP, I plan to do quite a bit more hill climbing. Hopefully I can improve even more by next summer.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-70895024105653403042009-06-23T06:27:00.000-07:002009-07-02T14:59:11.509-07:00

This morning, when I had a few minutes to spare, I weighed each of my bikes. The Salsa Casseroll came in at 27 lbs with a Tubus rack and a pump. The Lightning Phantom was a whopping 39! That was with a rack, tail trunk and seat bag. Otherwise, both bikes have 1 waterbottle cage, computer, and fenders. (The Salsa also has a bell)I think I may need to cut back somewhat on the amount of stuff I

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-10077624323155578182009-06-09T09:11:00.000-07:002009-06-09T09:59:47.610-07:00

Saturday I took the Lightning out the Burke Gilman, to the Sammamish River Trail, then east into some hills near Redmond. I averaged a paltry 13.6 mph, but really spend most of my time over 14. The hills just killed my average speed. Although I think I'm a bit faster uphill now than I was earlier this spring, going from 3.5 mph to 5 isn't enough improvement.Overall I felt great on the ride,

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-47963077264900956952009-06-04T15:08:00.000-07:002009-07-02T15:00:14.937-07:00

I took the Salsa out for a quick ride south of downtown Seattle and back last night, and just loved it. I really enjoy my Lightning for longer rides and comfort, but the Casseroll has a sprightly feel that is completely lacking on my recumbent. (It is also 10 lbs or so lighter)I ended up riding several hundred yards on a dirt/gravel path to get around a detour and the relatively fat tires ate it

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-32780767365295177602009-05-26T14:19:00.001-07:002009-06-02T16:51:29.796-07:00

After 6 weeks off the bike with a medical issue (think "plumbing"), I did about 54 miles this weekend on Saturday, a round trip out the Burke Gilman to the Sammamish River Trail and on to Marymoor.Part way out I got mixed up in a Cascade ride that was supposed to keep 16 - 18 mph pace. In reality, we had several bursts up to 20, but good communication. The ride leader invited me along, but I

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-69919724615995830722009-03-31T15:37:00.000-07:002009-03-31T15:38:43.150-07:00

Seen here.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-25120231270013783412009-03-30T21:19:00.000-07:002009-03-30T21:38:28.950-07:00

This past Saturday, Duncan and I lapped Lake Washington again. Though the company was pleasant, the weather was not. It rained, and rained, and rained, pretty much the entire time we were out. On top of that it was pretty chilly. At one point we stopped for a snack, then froze when we remounted. I only warmed back up after we sprinted up the west side of the airport and got our cores up to

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-52772210162267946612009-03-23T12:09:00.000-07:002009-03-23T12:19:00.050-07:00

I did my first lap of Lake Washington this past weekend with Duncan, and overall it was a great ride. Just over 50 miles with more climbing than we'll see on the STP. I finished the ride feeling better on my Salsa than I ever have on an upright before. I'm really, really excited about that. My legs were a bit more fatigued than expected, both during and after the ride, but nothing to do about

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-34243587364863442272009-03-04T14:44:00.000-08:002009-03-04T14:48:27.447-08:00

Saw this cool article yesterday. I wonder how much I've been contributing to the effort?

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-17141634245123190442009-03-04T14:41:00.000-08:002009-03-12T13:31:24.350-07:00

Did you know you can look up people's email addresses, if you use your iphone with Exchange?If emailing, press the plus to add names, then the groups button, to the left. now choose Directories. It probably says you@xyz.com. In the search box, put in a few letters of the address or name you are looking for, then hit search and there you go!Also, to put a period after a sentence when typing, just

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-76521179186670934292009-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:002009-03-02T07:28:13.804-08:00

This past Saturday Duncan (and his brain)and I took our recumbents on a bit of a tour of Seattle's bike paths. What was planned as a leisurely out and back on the Burke Gilman turned into something else.Only a few minutes into our ride, my wife called to inform me I'd locked her out of the garage and that she had to call a friend to pick her and my son up for an am birthday party. (In one of my

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-33314435621281682012009-02-26T16:50:00.000-08:002009-02-26T16:51:15.822-08:00

Build some of these please!

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-78853455415749903632009-02-25T16:37:00.000-08:002009-02-25T16:38:40.240-08:00

Cool link of the day.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-77416060737034768462009-02-23T13:15:00.001-08:002009-02-23T13:51:14.826-08:00

Getting better all the time.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-58206316270647519302009-02-15T22:04:00.000-08:002009-02-15T22:05:34.873-08:00

Why is there no garment like a sweater for your legs?

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-52115397771200422022009-02-02T16:41:00.000-08:002009-02-02T16:45:59.988-08:00

Well, January was a pretty low mileage month. My guess is that I rode no more than 50 miles total, with 20 of that on Saturday. I commuted in a few times, and spent time test riding bikes to make up the rest of that. My goal is to follow the 2 day STP plan posted on the Cascade site, and I'm pretty sure that is doable, but I'll need to get a bit more focussed.On the plus side, I did buy the

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-61037755560178779742009-01-30T14:24:00.000-08:002009-01-30T14:35:08.951-08:00

Yesterday I climbed the hill two times on my new Casseroll, once up the Olympic to 10th route, then up 3rd from SPU. That was the first time I'd ever climbed it twice in one day, though I was pretty sure that I could. The first time was on the way home from work, and went pretty well. I rode downtown, then up the hill. I found myself pushing harder than normal, as the bike just feels like I

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-84790521325290177112009-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:002009-02-15T22:04:47.400-08:00

A long time ago, in a city far far away....I rode a "normal" bicycle, or really a few of them. A Free Spirit 10 speed (what happened to that thing?), followed by a Schwinn Varsity Deluxe (purchased in HS, stolen in college), replaced by a Trek 360 (ran the frame into a carport years later on a roof rack), then a Paramount frame that I gave away to someone for cutting my yard in about 2002. At

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-45965903118040713202009-01-13T21:41:00.001-08:002009-01-13T21:46:50.433-08:00

Looks like I ended up with 314 on the odometer for the Lightning, and around 90 and the Trek, for a total of 25 miles in December, or less than a single good ride in November. If it hadn't been for the snowpocalypse, I'm sure the totals would have been higher, but there was the holiday travel and whatnot. January hasn't started well, I think I've ridden about 10 miles total, so I'd better get

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1141033239285446552009-01-08T16:02:00.001-08:002009-01-08T16:04:31.284-08:00

3 hours, 445 parts. The worst part was threading the string through the little holes though.I'm sure there will be many more Christmas related assembly projects in my future.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-91667993347246117802008-12-05T08:50:00.000-08:002008-12-05T09:20:58.426-08:00

Looks like I did around 175 miles in November, my biggest month in many years. It was primarily a mix of 7 mile commute rides, 10 mile Saturday rides, and 25 mile Sunday rides. I did get one nice 30 miler in that I took over the I90 bridge, that left me tired, but not absurdly so, and a 25 miler out to Alki. Both were firsts for me, and my average speed was a bit low, as I was not sure about

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-31952042166089044682008-11-04T14:59:00.001-08:002008-11-04T22:08:37.193-08:00

Quick Riding Impression – this thing is FUN! I took it out for a 7ish mile jaunt the other night and had a blast. It is very user friendly (except for those trigger shifters, which I loathe), and basically comfy to boot. Plenty wide gearing, big cushy comfy tires, and a head up riding position all contributed to the fact that it was a hoot to ride. A few minor nits:• My behind was fatigued

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-49306763256162786162008-10-24T16:12:00.000-07:002008-10-24T16:13:50.855-07:00

Got my first glimpse of my growing bald spot during my haircut. What a thrill. :P

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-36169620371135630422008-10-06T12:08:00.000-07:002008-11-04T15:09:01.295-08:00

Last Saturday I took a look at the windy and cool conditions outside and tried to talk my son into a ride. "No daddy, it's too windy". As it turns out, he was right.I really wanted to go for a quick ride though so I thought I'd take the Magnolia scenic loop, which turned out to be tougher than expected. First of all, I had to do some climbing right off the bat, and I wasn't really warmed up.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-87900077554571519112008-09-30T07:26:00.000-07:002008-10-01T15:12:50.198-07:00

This Sunday I did another 20 miler with no hills, but at a bit faster pace. I went down the Burke Gilman, and met up with 2 other Bent riders near Gasworks. One was on a V Rex with huge tires, the other on a homebuilt streamliner, both could drop me at will. :P It was a nice ride (except for the streamliner crash) up to Matthews park where I turned around. The weather was incredible, with

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-7336416959953096932008-09-22T22:13:00.000-07:002008-09-22T22:22:41.656-07:00

Yesterday, I did an even 20 miles on the Phantom. It was about 55 and raining when I left, and didn't change much en route. My new wool jersey and shorts kept me plenty warm though, even when soaked. The original plan was to cross the Fremont bridge, then take the Burke Gilman to Ballard, up to Golden Gardens, then ascend into the neighborhood above. From there I'd head north to a friend's

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-65929071267642079872008-09-17T11:29:00.000-07:002008-09-17T11:41:39.545-07:00

Stuff I've bought for cycling so far since moving to Seattle:Commute related itemsFenders - 2 pairTailpack - 1Tubes - 2Front light - 1Rear flasher - 1Mirror - 1Rack - 1Non commute itemsWool clothing items - 2Tubes - 2Tire - 1New boom for recumbentNew seat for recumbentSeatpost - 1Adams Trail a bikeMy guess is that I've ridden about 200 miles so far since I arrived, and spent close to 5 dollars a

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-22149017715932870422008-08-18T07:08:00.000-07:002008-08-20T13:56:36.141-07:00

I have often wondered about those little white things in potting soil. Now I know more. Via Marginal Revolution.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-55046859965081205922008-08-15T11:30:00.000-07:002008-08-20T11:35:00.612-07:00

My first fancy Seattle latte is below (from Top Pot). The barista assured me that the design makes the drink taste better, but I'll repeat the experiment a few times to verify.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-63816995338243601492008-08-14T17:14:00.000-07:002008-08-14T17:16:44.127-07:00

So the other day, the boy and I turned on the TV and caught the end of some mediocre animated movie. At 15 min to the hour -Him: Daddy, this movie is almost over.Me: Oh, why do you think that?H: They're fighting all the bad guys. Usually, when they fight all the bad guys, the movie is almost over.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1161801537369403332006-10-25T11:34:00.000-07:002006-10-27T07:38:34.053-07:00

Interesting article here on the resentment the merely wealthy feel toward the ultrarich. I'd say this echoes some of what I'd heard here in LA.Update, another take on the same article.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1160690301838429472006-10-12T14:57:00.000-07:002006-10-12T14:58:21.850-07:00

Ever wonder where nachos came from? No? Well here's the story anyhow.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1160085720848137572006-10-05T14:57:00.000-07:002006-10-05T15:02:00.866-07:00

Need spare parts for your bicycle or accessory? This is the place to go. I couldn't find replacement parts for my pump anywhere in LA, but Mr. Spicer at SpicerCycles.com was able to get them, no problem. He's got access to one of the biggest distributors in the country, and you can search the catalog online. What more could you ask for? Good service? He's got that too!

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1159466163127648252006-09-28T10:53:00.000-07:002006-09-28T10:56:03.143-07:00

Fascinating post on why progressives lose elections. This reminds me a bit too much of my own experience in sales. I used to believe that people bought based on facts, hard experience has taught me otherwise.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1141261324148930762006-03-01T16:55:00.000-08:002006-03-01T17:02:04.150-08:00

Sure, sure one isn't supposed to talk about such things but hey - I just saw Robert Redford by my dentist's office! I can add that to my sightings list which includesAnthony Edwards - airline club/LAXAl Pacino - Toys R UsJon Voight - LAXPierce Brosnan - LAXDick Van Dyke - Best BuyAhnuld - several times in/around Santa MonicaSlash - bicycle shopLyle Lovett - motorcyle dealership (he later

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1141260906406707662006-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:002006-03-01T16:55:06.416-08:00

Interesting piece on L.A. schools (and attitudes towards low income students generally)http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh030106.shtml If liberals care about public schools, and about low income people in general, why are schools in a liberal Democratic stronghold so darn bad? I don't have the answers, but the article raises some great points.Many affluent liberals in the L.A. area shell out

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1140656502570371962006-02-22T16:57:00.000-08:002006-02-22T17:01:42.583-08:00

A note to some less experienced employees:Yes you are smart, and yes, you are knowledgeable. But you don't know everything, or even everything about the things you think you are expert in. Before opening your mouth and inserting feet, you might pause to consider that maybe, just maybe, someone else knows how to do their own job, and suggesting otherwise is not endearing.Just a tip.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1139361967705341032006-02-07T17:07:00.001-08:002006-02-07T17:34:15.246-08:00

Right now, I'm reading the Cryptonomicon, an interesting book all the cool kids were reading a few years ago. It's the best story about cryptography, warfare and cross generational treasure hunting I've ever read. The sad part is everyone else has moved on.Ditto for Freakonomics, Blink, and just about everything else I've read recently. I used to stay quite current with books, but now not so much

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1136846622513609652006-01-09T14:34:00.000-08:002006-03-01T17:06:35.946-08:00

MAC 3 Stroller - Avoid if you canMy wife and I bought one of these about 18 months ago, and at first we loved it. It was easier to handle than a "real" jog stroller, looked nice, and was easy to fold. Unfortunately, as the review notes, the design/build quality leaves something to be desired. Screws have fallen out (no locknuts or similar fasteners), we've had several flat tires, and the thing

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1114021534158675672005-04-16T11:15:00.000-07:002005-04-20T13:26:33.346-07:00

Whew, big Day for Max today.Playdate at the park - swings, trucks, swings, sand, swings and more swings. Yes, he does like swinging. If you take him out too quickly he yells, points at the swing and arches strongly in its direction.We went to the public library! No books for Max though, he likes to eat them as much as look at them right now, and I think the librarians would frown on that.First

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1102121490851637042004-12-03T16:45:00.000-08:002004-12-03T16:51:30.850-08:00

Hey blog, long time no see. So much to say, and apparently little inclination to say it. The Boy is great. He's so happy and gregarious I'd question his parentage (If I didn't know better) He's just started to move, sort of an infantryman crawl where he drags himself along by his arms. When he tries to crawl, he just pushes himself backwards - I'm sure he'll get his limbs synchronized soon,

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080991898371273762004-04-03T03:30:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.602-07:00

9 lbs. 6 oz! Delivered by C Section. More details later. Still blogging from hospital.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080972417817779872004-04-02T22:05:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.611-07:00

Wow, way way better nurse after the shift change, she is a real pro. Not too talkative, but at least she's doing her job well, to our untrained eyes at least. No significant change recently, we are at 6cm, but are due to be examined soon. We'll cross our fingers.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080958341064143902004-04-02T18:11:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.620-07:00

Dandy. She hasn't been turned in two hours, I got the wrong meal, her IV bag ran dry, and worst of all the doctor is over an hour late. I can't wait to get the comment card.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080946123043073852004-04-02T14:35:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.634-07:00

Second breakfast was about as bad as it looked, lunch looked and tasted slightly better. Not going to be any culinary highlights during this hospital stay. At about 11 a.m., her pain got so intense we had the doctors put the epidural in. Our was administered by a Russian doctor who seemed extremely competent, but was almost unintelligble. It was rather hard to understand his jokes and small

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080923061526061102004-04-02T08:22:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.657-07:00

Her water just broke! I wont go into any detailed discussion about it. If you are curious, I'd try Google. Surprise, they just brought me what Hobbits might call "second breakfast". Looks slightly gruesome, but i'll eat some anyhow I'm sure.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080918774811155932004-04-02T07:08:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.666-07:00

Bleh, that was just fuel, but the price was right - 1.73. She's not feeling so great, still a bit hungover from the morphine, and her left side is sore from sleeping on it last night. Turning over to the other side is a bigger ordeal than you might think, but she managed. Started the second, more potent drug to induce about 20 minutes ago. This also means no more eating or drinking for her

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080916114926732632004-04-02T06:26:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.673-07:00

Been awake for about an hour now, she's been up for 30 minutes or so and feeling woozy from the morphine. She isn't crazy about the after effects of the morphine, but I doubt she'd have slept so well without it. As it is, she probaby got 4 solid hours, and 2 fitful. I'm at about 5, which should be plenty. The nurse just recommended the breakfast burritos downstairs - I'm on my way.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080889851215683312004-04-01T23:09:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.680-07:00

Just had a visit from the nurse. She "repositioned" the Cervidil, looked painful. She was also kind enough to remove the monitors for a while, though they'll have to be reattached later. Some good news, the baby's head is on top of the cervix, and the cervix is feeling thin. Think we're going to try and get some sleep soon.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080885694112813262004-04-01T21:59:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.686-07:00

Just saw J & J from our childbirth class and they looked exhausted, she just delivered next door. Oddly enough, we watched her contractions and her baby's heartbeat on the monitor in our room. Small world.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080882349268420312004-04-01T21:02:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.698-07:00

My wife is holding up well, and truth be told, has for almost the whole preganacy. Every so often now, she stops talking and gets a look of pain or concentration or something else entirely. After a bit it passes, and she's back to normal. She's definitely planning on pain medication during labor, so hopefully none of this process will be *too* painful. Easy for me to be somewhat detached from

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080882084327973482004-04-01T21:00:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.706-07:00

Among the many supplies in the room are something called "chux". Anyone have any idea what those are? It just wouldn't be any fun asking the nurse.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080881256829852602004-04-01T20:44:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.714-07:00

Just finished dinner from Izzy's deli on Wilshire. Her - 1/2 Turkey Salad Sandwich, cup of matzoh ball soup (plus fruit salad and green salad not touched). Him - Tuna melt with cheddar, fries, bit of slaw (also not touched). The spawn is so big that he's mushed up her stomach to point that she just can't eat too much. She just told me she's topped off, sounds like a car. Just had a nursing

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1080874572753299602004-04-01T18:52:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.724-07:00

Ruth and I are at the Hospital. We arrived about two hours ago and have already had a few surprises. First, she is hooked up to monitors, and will be until the delivery is over - apparently this is standard for induction. Second, she gets to wear these over the thigh compression stockings from now until a week after delivery! Sexy! We are, by the way, in the room where Amy Irving delivered

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1071792830111571142003-12-18T16:13:00.000-08:002008-09-17T11:41:22.735-07:00

Starbucks vs. Subway I don't know why Starbucks own their stores outright, and Subway has franchisees, but I'm pretty sure Arnold Kling is wrong. Subway is notorious for selling many franchises in a given geography. According to a press release excerpting a study Pierre Azoulay (Sloan School of Management, MIT) ...another franchisor in the sample declared it was following the Subway

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-1058314195587501242003-07-15T17:09:00.000-07:002008-09-17T11:41:22.742-07:00

My most expensive burger ever I went to Josie's on Pico last night. It was heavenly as usual. Dinner started with Josie's customary slice of cheese and mushroom quiche; it was very thin, and very, very good. We only ordered one appetizer for the table - the sublime 100 tomato tart. Why 100? I have no idea. The tart consists primarily of rather sweet grape tomatoes on a bed of melted

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-958345602003-06-19T10:49:00.000-07:002008-09-17T11:41:22.750-07:00

10 of my LA favorites Inspired by Armed Liberal, who in turn was inspired by Tedman. I've only lived here 3 years, so I'm hardly an expert on L.A. dining, but listed in alphabetical order below are 10 of my favorites.... 26 Beach Cafe - Breakfast - Venice Although some praise their burgers and salads, I will not. I must however state, for the record, that they serve the most incredible French

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-955650982003-06-11T14:35:00.000-07:002008-09-17T11:41:22.765-07:00

Favorite Thing I Saw On A Blog Today A bit of a movie review from Bruce Anderson's Journal (no permalinks, but dated 2003-06-06) "Movie is muddled and confusing. If you have to read a long treatise on the meaning of the film after watching it to understand it, it's crap." I know I've had that feeling before.

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942765.post-954746582003-06-09T11:29:00.000-07:002008-09-17T11:41:22.776-07:00

The World's Best Concession Stand Crabcakes It was mid afternoon in Northern Virginia, at a little town fair. You've probably seen the type, plywood booths selling cotton candy, softserve ice cream and frozen -> microwaved corndogs. (These last are abominations, settle only for freshly dipped and fried dogs served with mustard. Yum) Also, little tent type booths selling "art" that seemed to

Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292873423927609760noreply@blogger.com0