April, 2009

Let’s get back to the basics…

While surfing the net today, I happened about a newly released PC that’s absolutely perfect for my parents: The MSI All-in-One Touch PC. It’s slim, energy-efficient, and simple to use! Check out this beauty.

It features an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor, 1 or 2GB RAM, 160 or 250GB Disk Drive, an 18.5″ 16:9 touchscreen, built-in DVD drive + wireless + speakers + mic + webcam + media card readers. What more could you want?

To top it all off? It consumes 40-60 watts of power and is virtually silent. It’s perfect for the kitchen or a small desk as it has such a small footprint… plus it’s pretty. And the price? Around $429.. shipped!

Now, if MSI would just release their Wind U115 Hybrid.. that’s the perfect PC for me.

Prior to seeing this video, I never knew of animosity toward the font Comic Sans.  If you have a few minutes and enjoy insight into some of the details of typography and interpretation of messaging, this is a good video.

A few months back I posted about building a home gym. To recap, I ended up buying a VTX 5-50 lbs dumbbell set and rack, a Hoist adjustable bench, a Spri professional 65mm ball, and some floor mats for good measure. Here’s the finished product (minus the wall mirrors which have yet to be installed).

I’ve been using the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday first thing in the morning and love it! I haven’t driven to the gym in over two months and so long as I can get out of bed in the morning at 6, I’m guaranteed to get in a great workout. Combine that with a well-stocked kitchen for making protein shakes and a rockin’ sound system and I’m sure to start off the day on a good note (no matter what side of the bed I got up on that morning!). If anyone is considering a home gym, I’d highly recommend it. The only downside to a dumbbell-only gym like this is that I have no pulldown machine. The next house will have enough space for that and several other machines (cable crossovers anyone?)

My Dynamic RunAbout 7 arrived today via UPS truck and a friendly UPS delivery man! I ordered the bike on Monday – yes, only three days ago – and it’s here already with all the accessories and such included. I purchased the RunAbout 7 in silver with fenders, rear carrier, bike computer, lighting system, and a grease gun for yearly maintenance. Ordering was simple and I can’t be more pleased with the company thus far.

My bike arrived in a nice, compact box.

Upon opening, the instructions were prominently positioned and I used those to begin assembling the bike.

First, everything comes out of the box. Everything included? Check.

Start building by putting the handles into the frame (yes – the vast majority of this bike is pre-assembled with only some major pieces to put together).

Next I put the front wheel on and started tightening down all bolts (with the included tools!).

Finished with the seat and checking that everything was tightened down.

Then I took it out for a spin! My first thoughts were that this is very different from my road bike. I sit in a more upright position and the handlebar grips and seat are soft. Yes! The seat is very soft and I can ride it very comfortably wearing khakis or jeans. Plus there is no crank gear to get pant legs caught on!

Pedaling is very smooth – as are the gear shifts. I wouldn’t even know that I’m shifting gears if it weren’t for the added pedaling difficulty in the higher gears. At this point, I’m smiling like a little kid having just rode his bike for the first time without training wheels. I feel free!

Alright, so here’s a few shots of the (mostly) finished product. I did a little more work after this like adjusting the seat and attempting to attach the rear carrier. It’s a beautiful bike all-in-all as these shots hopefully capture. Needless to say, I’m very impressed by the paint job and fit and finish of this bicycle.

My only complaint at this time is the difficulty of installing the rear carrier. I don’t know if I’m just stupid or what, but it doesn’t look like the universal carrier that shipped with this bike will fit without some modification or extra customizing. I gave up after working with it for an hour or two and decided to bring it to a local bike shop for assistance tomorrow. I also need to pick up a nice bike lock so I can start pedaling to work, the grocery store, the movies, Lowes, out to dinner, to my parents…. ahh… I’m lost in excitement already.

Here’s the happy owner with his new bicycle!

I’m happy to be home today.. back from what feels like a month of traveling. I’ve had two or three week long business trips plus a week long vacation in Alabama all sandwiched together and it feels like I’m flying from here to there every third day. I’m back home for this week and fly out again next week for Dallas. No trips for several months after that please. I’m worn out! I’m only looking forward to Dallas because I’ll get to see John and Jenni down there!

http://picasaweb.google.com/chad.kettner/NewOrleansOrangeBeachSpringBreak2009

If cosmic perspective and SETI interest you in the least, take 20 minutes and watch one of TED’s best presentations from February 2009.