Bikes, Business, and Tech

 

Tracker

When I started my job as an auditor, I was introduced to a tedious task that had previously been completely foreign to me; tracking time. Before too long I decided to write a program to track my time for me. Then, in a spirit of solidarity with fellow time-trackers throughout the world, my brother and I decided to write a program to help anyone track their time. For now, "anyone" is limited to Google Chrome users. Here is the link to the extension Tracker. Below is a set of instructions on how to install Google Chrome and install the time tracking program (which is called "Tracker"). There is also a downloadable PDF at the bottom with the same instructions.

1. Direct your browser to http://www.google.com/chrome.
Once you get there, click on the large blue button that says "Download Google Chrome" (see image below).
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You will have the chance to set Google Chrome as your default browser. I will leave that up to you, but for purposes of using the Tracker program, I do recommend it.

2. Click the big blue button that says "Accept and Install".
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You will be asked if you want to save a file called ChromeSetup.exe. Click "Save File". Open the file you just saved. A window will appear asking if you want to run the file. Click "Run".
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Follow the steps to install Chrome. Now on to the extension.

3. Using Chrome, go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/amjceojlfjidckejljbldjnmiebjmpab?hc=search&hcp=ext.
Click on the big blue button that says "Add to Chrome".
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You should see a little blue sundial in the top right corner of Chrome (you will click on this to see reports and change settings). 
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You should see a little box pop up in the bottom right of your screen, asking if you are at work. Click yes and you will be asked to sign in with a Google Account. This is so Tracker can keep track of what activities you have been submitting. If you don't have a Google Account, you will need to create one.
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I plan on writing a post soon with more instructions on how to use Tracker, but until then, if you have any questions leave them in the comments here, send them to chargetrackerapp@gmail.com, or tweet them to me. And please leave feedback so this app can improve. Thanks.

Click here to download:
Tracker_instructions.pdf (177 KB)
(download)

Posted September 26, 2011
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How we gave up our memory, and what's next

One of my favorite songs in high school (Saves the Day - Third Engine) is about a train ride made during a long distance relationship. At the end of the song Chris Conley laments "Oh, why don't they have phones on these things?" I have been riding the train to work over the last two weeks, and one day that song crossed my mind. As I looked around and saw 3/4's of the passengers on the train completely engrossed in their smartphones, I realized that lyric is obsolete. When I was in high school cell phones were strictly banned - I don't know the rules now, but I can't imagine most teenagers now would survive that many consecutive hours without sending a text. I only graduated 7 years ago - my how times have changed.

Cell phones are no longer a convenience - they are an extension of our selves. When I was in elementary school, I had all of my friends' phone numbers memorized. Now I don't even know my parents' home phone number. Why should I, when the device I use to call them also knows their number? I also don't know my parents; address, but if I need it, I can look in my Google Contacts, or even my Amazon.com address book (I have sent them gifts from Amazon in the past). I don't remember the names of actors in movies, but iMDB does. I don't remember my friends' birthdays, but Facebook does (though I don't really use this one - sorry friends). I don't remember the equation for the volume of a cone, but Wikipedia does. I don't remember what time to take my medicine, but my phone does. I don't remember what I'm going to do tomorrow, but Google Calendar does. I think it's pretty clear that, in not very many years, we have surrendered what was once a treasured function of our minds to machines.

Last week I read an article by Vivek Wadhwa about what aspect of his mind he would like to surrender next - decision making. He would like the new Google to know what he wants to search for, then deliver the best options based on his preferences (and those of his friends). In some cases, he would like the new Google to choose for him, including making dinner reservations and purchases with his credit card. I'm all for technology getting better and more useful, but there are some functions of my mind I would rather not relinquish.

Posted March 11, 2011
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Helmet Laws

I live in a state where one need not wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. I guess that's okay, at least according to Jerry Seinfeld.

The thing that amazes me is not that there is no Helmet Law here in Utah, but that so many people ride motorcycles and scooters without wearing helmets. That so many people have an utter disregard for their heads and lives is shocking. 

I would say that cycling is generally not a head-cracking activity, but I never ride my bike without a helmet. I have hit my head twice after crashing (once on a mountain bike and once on a road bike), and I'm not sure I would have survived either crash without a helmet. At the very least, I would have some permanent damage. Instead, I had a bad headache for a while. 

But the experience is enough to ensure that I will never ride without a helmet. No matter how skilled you are at bicycle handling, no matter how careful you are, crashes happen. However, if fashion is an issue for you, maybe you would prefer this Swedish cyclist airbag collar:

Thanks to PopSci.com for the article.

Posted October 20, 2010
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Viva Bike Vegas 2010

Last Friday I drove to Las Vegas for a weekend of fun. The purpose of the trip was for me to ride in a century with my dad and brother. We all stocked up on carbs that evening at the Olive Garden (endless pasta bowl), and tried to get as much sleep as possible before the ride. 

The RTC Viva Bike Vegas includes a century ride (here is the route), a metric century (around 60 miles), and a shorter 30 mile ride. My brother did the metric century and I did the full century last year. It was my first century, and it was a fun, but painful experience.

We convinced our dad to ride the full century with us this year, and so a few months ago we all started training with our eyes on October 9. They considered me to be the resident expert, since I had finished the full century last year, so I gladly made stuff up whenever they asked for advice. I must not have been too far off, because we all finished together this year.

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Here we are at the half way point, holding a sign our wives made for us.

The ride started at 6:30am in downtown Las Vegas. From there we rode out toward Lake Mead, where we had our first rest stop. Last year there were only about 800 participants, I believe. This year there were 1500 for the century alone, and you could tell at the rest stop. The entire road was blocked off by cyclists, and there was a huge line for the port-a-potties. Plenty of people decided to walk to the other side of a nearby hill (some didn't quite make it to the other side) instead. My favorite quote from the day was overheard at this first rest stop:

Cyclist 1: "Alright, is everybody good? Let's go!"

Cyclist 2: "Kathy, it's not a race, it's a ride. There's no hurry."

Cyclist 1: "Are there more than two people? Are we on bikes? Then its a race. Let's go!"

The reason that Viva Bike Vegas was so popular this year was because all of the riders participating in the century got to ride over the recently completed, still unopened Hoover Dam Bridge. It was pretty awesome.
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This is us on the bridge.

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And this is the view from the bridge.

The rest of the day was filled with eating lots of banana bread, peeled apples (one of my favorite riding foods), orange slices, bananas, and tons of gels. Every rest stop had huge boxes of Gu gels (along with water, Clif bars, orange slices, bananas, and even some pizza). My dad had never tried gel before, and he loved it. I can only handle so many gels in a day, but when you need energy (and lack saliva), they are great.

My brother suffered from a bit of asthma during the second half of the ride, but he pulled through and we finished within the time, which was awesome. It's amazing that once you have done a century, doing another doesn't seem nearly as hard. This year wasn't nearly as hard for me, and next year won't be nearly as hard for my dad and brother. Hopefully we can have our Team Foote jerseys ready by then.

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The finish line, at last.

Posted October 17, 2010
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How Does Google Instant Affect Search Statistics

Instant

Since September 8, Google has been serving up results "dynamically" to anyone who wants them that way with its Google Instant feature. I find it somewhat surprising that it took them so long to implement Instant, considering the technology behind it is pretty simple, and really not that difficult to understand. When they implemented search suggestions in 2005, they were almost all the way there. That it took 5 years is strange, but I guess they had bugs to work out. At any rate, I think they've done a great job - I really like Instant, so much that I'll sometimes go to the Google page instead of searching from the omnibox in Chrome. 

But the other day I started to wonder about how the Google Search statistics will be calculated now. Before, Google knew when you were searching because you had to click a button or hit enter to perform the search. Now, every keystroke is a new search. How do they know which one I really meant? The simple answer is that, when I click on one of the links, that is when the "search" has been performed. But, often I search without clicking on any results at all, because the little bit of context below the link is all I was looking for. Also, with Instant, I have been increasingly searching several times without clicking on any of the links. I find a result that isn't quite what I'm looking for, but points me in the right direction, and I modify my search terms accordingly. Before Instant, that would have required several searches (so here's to Google for making it faster for me). But, how is Google counting my intermediate searches now. I think Instant is going to seriously affect the accuracy of Google Search Trends.

Filed under  //   Google   Google Instant   analytics   seach   technology  
Posted October 15, 2010
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Lonely at the top

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About a week and a half I rode the Alpine Loop, as I had said that I would. I had planned on riding it with a few other people, but none of them could go. I considered just giving up and not doing it, or putting it off until later, but I decided I had better stick to my commitment and do it, even alone. I took the picture above at the top of the climb (8,060 ft.) with my cell phone.

For anyone interested in climbing the Alpine Loop, here are my suggestions. If you're like me, and not sure that you can do it, just pick a date and do it. Tell someone that you're going to do it, and then report to them how it went. Make yourself accountable for the ride. I've been vaguely planning on doing this ride for about 2.5 years. It shouldn't have taken me this long. 

Go with a friend, if you can. I couldn't, and things went alright, but I definitely would have preferred riding with someone else. It's nice to have someone to be miserable with, and someone to help you set a pace.

If you go up the Provo Canyon (Sundance) side, realize that the climb gets way way easier after Sundance. It's still a good climb, and you still have a long way to go, but it gets way easier, so don't quit.

Ride when there isn't a lot of traffic. I went on a Friday morning, and that was okay, but a mid-weekday morning (like Tuesday) is probably better. Be aware that the roads are very narrow and the cars don't really care that you are there.

Descend slowly. I know the thrill is in coming down, but at least while the roads are narrow with lots of hairpin turns, it's not worth your bike or life. It's still a fun ride, even if you aren't cranking down the mountain at full speed.

Bring food. You'll get hungry.

Enjoy. I wish I would have done this ride sooner. It was easier than I thought it would be, and it was a lot of fun. And the scenery is unbeatable, riding in the shadow of Mt. Timp. This is a great ride.

Posted October 13, 2010
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Alpine Loop Update

A few weeks ago I wrote about my goal to ride the Alpine Loop. I have since ridden quite a lot, up quite a lot of hills. I don't know if I'm ready yet, but I'm doing it anyway. Last week I rode up to Sundance, which is on the Alpine Loop route. According to a friend I occasionally ride with, the climb to Sundance is the hardest part. I hope so, because it was very steep. He said that the next 7 or 8 miles of climbing after that aren't so bad. I'll be the judge of that.

Well, I'm moving away from Utah this winter, so this is probably going to be one of my last chances to ride the Alpine Loop. I don't want to leave without having done it, so I will be doing it on October 1, barring any crises. If anyone would would care to join me, I would love to have company, so let me know.

Posted September 22, 2010
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The Casual Future

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I am old enough to remember when almost everyone read a newspaper made of paper, but young enough to not have read too many of them myself (in paper). I am old enough to remember when there was no such thing as the world wide web. I remember getting my first email account (pre-Microsoft Hotmail). Now I use the Internet more often than I use running water. And I don't even own a smart phone. We are entering an era where most of our content consumption comes from screen, and much of it is created by our peers rather than professionals. The tools of production have been democratized and people are using them all over (including me, right here). I am personally in favor of this change, because more people have the chance to express their views, and there is the potential for greater variety of ideas.

However, there is a problem with this revolution - as professionals take pride in their work, but amateurs (hobbyists) often don't. When news articles were printed, page space was a scarce resource, and, presumably, only the best material was printed. Now, the cost of publishing trash and drivel is so low that editing is a thing of the past. Publish then filter, as Clay Shirky says in his book Here Comes Everybody. The 140 character limit of Twitter forces us to abbreviate and often use poor grammar. Text messaging does the same thing for most of us. 

This isn't really a problem, since search engines and rss feeds can do a pretty good job of helping filter out the trash. The problem is that the casual language of the amateur blogs is becoming the norm, even on professional blog and magazine sites. Here's an example from Wired.com - Dude Totally Re-Creates San Francisco With Toothpicks. Almost any post on techcrunch.com will also serve as an example. Techcrunch authors systematically use questionable if not inappropriate language in their posts. They often post multiple articles per week labled "NSFW." Is there anything wrong with someone writing like that on their personal blog? I would say, definitely no. Is there anything wrong with a New York Times reporter writing like that, even for online-only articles? It sure seems that there is. So, is there anything wrong with an online-only newspaper/blog writing like that? I don't know. But that's the future, so maybe we should expect more.

As I see it, an even bigger problem is that the casual is replacing the professional or dignified all over the place, not just in newspaper articles. And, as casual becomes the norm all over, quality will decrease all over. News, movies, and TV shows (arguably, these are already pretty bad) will get worse, but so will things like conversations, relationships, social interactions, and most everything else. When today's casual becomes tomorrow's formal, we can only imagine what tomorrow's casual will be. 

Screenshot edited by: Steven Foote

Posted September 8, 2010
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The Elusive Alpine Loop

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I found out about the Alpine Loop (the route on mapmyride) about the same time I found out about LOTOJA. Both of them seemed, at the time like insurmountable challenges for me. And, frankly, thus far they have been. I wanted to sign up for LOTOJA two years ago, and I'm really glad I didn't. I will finish that race, but I'm not ready yet, and I know it. I have felt like I wasn't ready for the Alpine Loop, either, until this year. 

I rode quite a lot last year, and finished the year with my first century at Viva Bike Vegas. My legs are stronger this year, and I think I'm ready. I'm going to ride the full loop, up Provo Canyon and down American Fork canyon, and back to Provo. If anyone has any tips for me, send them my way or post them in the comments.

Filed under  //   Alpine Loop   Utah   cycling  
Posted August 30, 2010
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Why to Buy a Road Bike

A few weeks ago I wrote about how to buy a road bike. I think I ought to explain why I believe a road bike is a worthy use of money. I am proud to say that since I started riding, I have convinced three and a half of my siblings (one just borrows), one of my parents, and my wife to buy road bikes. All it took for me was one ride on my cousins Trek, and I was sold, even though both the bike and the shoes were far too large for me.

Where do you ride?

Every kid has a mountain bike, and for good reason. Kids ride off road, and kids crash their bikes a lot. Kids also love going off curbs. Most adults also own mountain bikes, but most mountain bike-owning adults ride their mountain bikes almost exclusively on roads. Coincidentally, there is a bike meant for road riding. The light frames, thin wheels, and smooth tires make road bikes ideal for the type of riding that most people do (or would do). Some people worry about not being able to jump up and down curbs anymore - once you've passed a car that's doing 35, I doubt you'll miss jumping curbs. Bikes are supposed to be ridden in the road and not on the sidewalk anyway (if you're older than 10).

The Calorie Income Statement

So, I'm not really an expert here, but the health class I took in college made weight loss seem about as simple as accounting (I am an expert in accounting, or at least I'm working on it), but backwards. In accounting if your revenues exceed your expenses, you gain money and that's good. With our bodies, if calories burned exceed calories ingested, we lose weight (in general). I guess different diets have different ways of accomplishing this, but in general, burning more calories is a good thing. On Saturday I rode for 1 hour, 22 minutes, and 40 seconds and burned approximately 1189 calories (according to mapmyride.com - here's the route).Not bad for a sport you do while sitting down.

Zero-impact

I ran cross country in high school, and I still like running a bit, but it's hard to beat not being beat up and jarred. While it's true that cycling can be a little tough on your knees, it's nothing compared to running, especially if you have your bike fit properly.

The Places You'll Go

On my ride on Saturday I rode past BYU campus, the Provo River, Bridal Veil Falls, Upper Falls, and a little ways up the Alpine Loop (that's a goal I'm working on - more on that in later posts). While I've been riding I've had horses run along side me in a field on Canyon Road; I've seen ostriches and llamas in Springville and Spanish Fork, and wild turkeys in South Fork; I've seen beavers, rattle snakes (from a safe distance, fortunately), and amazing birds; I've ridden past Utah Lake, the Great Salt Lake, Lake Mead, and come October, the Hoover Dam. In almost all of the instances above I started from my apartment or my parents' house. You can cover amazing distances on a road bike, and see amazing things. And usually you ride at a speed appropriate for actually appreciating those amazing things.

Perhaps the biggest motivator for getting a road bike is just experiencing the ride. I admit that road bikes are not for everyone, but they really are a lot of fun, and they're worth a try.

Filed under  //   biking   buying a road bike   cycling   exercise   fitness   road biking  
Posted August 22, 2010
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