Adrian’s Microblog

Proud to say changed out my bike chain over the weekend. A step in my aspirations to become an amateur #bikemechanic. Couple things I learned in the process:

Bike chains are rated on “speed”, e.g. “11-speed”. But speed in this case doesn’t refer to the total number of bike speeds, but the number on the rear cogset (i.e., the rows of teeth on the back wheel). In my case, although my bike is 24-speed, I needed an 8-speed chain since my rear cogset had 8 rows of teeth. To size the chain to your bike after purchase, wrap it around the largest rows on the front and back (without threading through the normal path which includes the jockey wheel) - you want one link of overlap. Remove any excess links. Of course be sure to lubricate the chain when you’re done.

Most of what I’m learning is from “Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance” - great information in there. It’s not exactly a “bike maintenance for dummies” as it’s written with a little more lingo, but after spending time with it it starts to click and the wheels start to turn. ;) 🚲

Archival video footage in mint condition from 1911 that has been synchronized to normal speed.

It’s equal parts eery and enchanting - you feel like you’re stepping in to: “so this is what it felt like to live then”, and “it’s not that different - people are still people, doing their thing”.

Hope you enjoy watching it too.

Been continuing to evolve the “there and back again” digital/analog mediums for everyday function. Lately I’ve been experimenting with overall lists kept digitally, while “today’s list” is managed on paper. At first it was a daily index card, and now want to experiment with a Field Notes book. I definitely lean towards plain white paper, over ruled, gridded, dotted, reticled, or otherwise - somehow it’s less distracting and constraining.

The order arrives soon, and will see how experiment goes!

Where Have All the Beautiful Women Gone?

If you want to understand something, learn to stand under it. If you stand over it, you are “over-standing” (bringing in your preconceptions and presuppositions) and not “under-standing.”Bruce Herman, artist

24 Things You Should Know Before Starting A Vinyl Collection

What a great idea I saw at a friend’s house recently - custom “easel calendars” from Shutterfly. You can use their designs along side your photos, or upload your entirely custom design. Either way, a great and simple presentation that provides a wonderful special touch.

$24.99 via Shutterfly.

Paraphrased by Abp. Charles Chaput from Erasmus of Rotterdam’s work, ”The Manual of a Christian Knight“:

Rule 1: Deepen and increase your faith. Rule 2: Act on your faith; make it a living witness to others. Rule 3: Analyze and understand your fears; don’t be ruled by them. Rule 4: Make Jesus Christ the only guide and the only goal of your life. Rule 5: Turn away from material things; don’t be owned by them. Rule 6: Train your mind to distinguish the true nature of good and evil. Rule 7: Never let any failure or setback turn you away from God. Rule 8: Face temptation guided by God, not by worry or excuses. Rule 9: Always be ready for attacks from those who fear the Gospel and resent the good. Rule 10: Always be prepared for temptation. And do what you can to avoid it. Rule 11: Be alert to two special dangers: moral cowardice and personal pride. Rule 12: Face your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Rule 13: Treat each battle as if it were your last. Rule 14: A life of virtue has no room for vice; the little vices we tolerate become the most deadly. Rule 15: Every important decision has alternatives; think them through clearly and honestly in the light of what’s right. Rule 16: Never, ever give up or give in on any matter of moral substance. Rule 17: Always have a plan of action. Battles are often won or lost before they begin. Rule 18: Always think through, in advance, the consequences of your choices and actions. Rule 19: Do nothing—in public or private—that the people you love would not hold in esteem. Rule 20: Virtue is its own reward; it needs no applause. Rule 21: Life is demanding and brief; make it count. Rule 22: Admit and repent your wrongs, never lose hope, encourage your brothers, and then begin again.

CarBargains - Car Buying Service

Nigel Stanford’s music video, “Automatica: Robots vs. Music”.

A great engineering feat, as well as a reflection on the line (or lack thereof) between humans and machines.

(via Gary M)

P.S. If you enjoy this video, you may also like one of his previously posted on my tumblelog.