Jimiz.net – Jim Becher on the web

I had a few setbacks on  commuting this week.  Over the weekend I let someone borrow my bike for a race here in GR.  During the race the chain broke.   Thankfully we were able to get them another bike in about 15 min.  I felt bad that the chain broke, especially since they were in the middle of a race.

However, this put me without the bike until I could purchase a new chain.  In the process of getting a new chain, I got a few other tools and items for commuting.

To replace the chain I needed a chain tool, which I promptly busted using the first time.   I was able to make it work but it took twice the time.  I always tend to forget about the chain on my bike.  The chain was the original one and had taken a beating.   This time around I got a bottle of White Lightning to make sure that I keep the chain lubricated and cleaned.    I then purchased a seat post rack.  My intention is to not have to carry a backpack.  I installed the seat post rack but now I have to figure what to use on the rack.  My current backpack is too large and spills off the side.   I also had to remove my rear flashing light and now don’t have a place to mount the light.   I’m not too sure that I really want to commute in the dark without the rear light.  I’m working on a solution at the moment.    In addition to the other items, I also got a bike computer.  On my road bike I mainly use the computer to track speed and distance.    I realized last week while commuting it was hard to see how fast I was going, and to also note how far I had gone.    Because I have an older rock shock on the bike it was a pain to add the sensors.

Anyone have other suggestions for accessories when biking?   Are you a backpack or rack / panniers type person?  I’d love any feedback on ideas.

I currently have many things that I would love to acquire.    Some of these I consider great design and others I find as great tools.

Seating:

Eames Aluminum office chair – a great office chair that is comfortable and also good looking:  http://store.hermanmiller.com/Products/Eames-Aluminum-Group-Management-Chair

Eames Lounge – I have  wanted this chair for years.  It would be a great addition to the house as both a show piece and also seating:  http://store.hermanmiller.com/store/servlet/dynamicKit__10151_-1_10051_1097?CAWELAID=846660089

Backpack – Waterproof backpack that would be great for commuting and work:  http://www.missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/rucksack/sanction.php

Backpack – Not as good looking as the mission backpack but the same function: http://www.amazon.com/Overboard-Liters-Premium-Waterproof-Backpack/dp/B004D13NCE

Commuting coat – Mission workshop makes some of the best looking functional items: http://www.missionworkshop.com/products/apparel/jacket/waterproof-orion.php

Digital Lock – A door lock that kids can use on the house, never leave a key lost: http://www.amazon.com/Schlage-FE595VCAM619ACC-Camelot-Keypad-Accent/dp/B000NJJ1TY

Stereo – I love hi-tech gadgets but this is just pure vintage goodness.  My father had the Pioneer SX-727.  I have been watching for a good version of this.  Pioneer SX-1010 - http://www.classicaudio.com/value/pio/SX1010.html

This is just a good list of things.  I will eventually get around to buying  a few of these.

I get all types of security questions from home users.  How do I secure my wireless so people can’t use it?  How can I make sure people can’t steal files on my computer?  How can I keep the kids from going to sites they are not suppose to be on?

For the last one, how to secure and block sites I recommend OpenDNS.  Not only does open dns allow you to speed up your surfing (more on that later). It also allows you to monitor, maintain, and block sites that are used from your network.

To utilize OpenDNS you need to set your router’s dns service to use OpenDNS. This is a fairly simple task if you know how to admin your home router. In most cases your router is a (netgear, linksys, or dlink device). OpenDNS has instructions for most versions. Once you add their Primary (208.67.222.222) and Secondary (208.67.220.220) ip address to your router you are almost done.

You then create an account at openDNS and setup your rules. I choose the moderate setting and then modified it to block adult content and removed Proxy / anonymous sites (since I use wifi-vpn.com)

customized Settings

With a simple DNS change on your router you can now block all types of sites and specific urls. Example, if you wanted to block some specific port site or other url (www.xxxsomething.com) you would add this to the open dns block list. One of my colleagues at work has blocked facebook when his kids did not meet the grades or rules.

Once you have set your rules / filters for OpenDNS you can now monitor what is being done on your network. OpenDNS has great reporting to show you how much traffic you have done and what domains people go to. Here is a sample of what people have gone to on our Family cottage wireless network.

Overall OpenDNS is a great tool for your home or business. It can block unwanted sites and also track usage and sites people should not go to.

I am not one to have a belt clip for my phone.  One of the main elements of having a phone for me is to be able to fit without being seen in a pocket.   I currently have an iPhone 4 and like the size and function it has (don’t like the weight – remember I keep it in my pocket).

Since my first smart phone I have never kept a case for any of them.  I have tried many cases and covers for both my iPhone 3 and my iPhone4 but they all caused more hassle than it was worth.  Some were too bulky, others would catch on my pocket, and some would just gather pocket lint.

So for the past few years I have used a naked phone (phone with out a case).  That is until recently when I was in a meeting and scratched the crap out of the back of my iphone.  I thought it would be nice to have a simple just back to the phone to stop that from happening and cushion it.

I happened to see a google add and also a quick mention of  Gelaskins on some site.  It may have been hak5.   Gelaskins make iphone, iPad, and laptop covers or skins.  The iPhone skin was just what I was looking for.   A very thin back overlay.  It also comes with sides and front, but I don’t intent on using those.    You can also choose from many styles or create your own.  I decided to make my own.

If you are looking for a iPad or iPhone case, give these a quick try.  the iPod case is really cool, you could get custom ones made for your business.

GelaSkins are removable covers for protecting and customizing your portable devices. They feature stunning, photo-quality graphics ranging from fine art prints to contemporary urban images designed by our growing family of artists from around the globe. Stand out in the crowd with personalized protection from GelaSkins.

Give them a try, so far I am happy with the design process.  I uploaded the image and customized the rest.  I made the purchase on Sunday Night and it was shipped Monday.

The site was easy to use and the communication was great.  They use 3m adhesive and help stop scratches.  They make covers for most portable devices.

If you have been living in the woods or maybe have not read the paper or have internet access you might have missed all the hype about the iPad. I am really interested in how this device will work, can’t wait to get my hands on one. I’m not going to be crazy like these people
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/sys/1670903531.html (750 seems a bit high)

However, I will get one. I am still looking for one mobile device (this is not that device) but it is closer to what I am looking for. So far in my quest for the best device I have only one machine that can even be on the list (My ThinkPad). Though I have had many close encounters. My Iphone is great (fits a problem I have) mobile email and communication. I purchased a netbook to use around the house (under the couch) when I wanted to surf. The problem was it did not have a long enough battery and the screen was too small. I ended using my macbook more than the netbook.

WHY: So why the iPad. First, I think it is a great device. Easy on (this is important). It can surf the web, I know because I do this enough on my iphone. The iPad will allow you to use ebooks (some may disagree, but I have not bought a kindle yet and this may have more features).

WHO: I think the initial users of the iPad may be Apple lovers and those who need gadgets (or want gadgets). The others will use it similar to a tablet, note taking, surfing, all around connected device.

In reality, it is not much different than the old PDA or Palm Pilots. It will have your contacts, calendar, and info (and a lot more). I can remember a Palm III costing at least 300 bucks.

As with the iPhone I can already see this being jail broke, hacked, and modded. Time will tell if the iPad is a success or just another Segway.