The New Practicality

A Sunday in Hell

2009-12-21T14:10:00.003-08:00

Slacker

2009-11-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

After a Turkey day of driving around Sacramento, the lost souls, old houses, and pseudo-intellectual-hip-o-phile-whiners somewhat remind me of Slacker--Richard Linklater's "groundbreaking and influential" indie film from 1991. Sadly it's become a bit dated, but it's a great snapshot of a time when "indie" was on the cusp of becoming mainstream.

UPDATE

Just saw this at NYTimes.com 36 Hours in Austin Texas

Best Waste of a Sunday

2009-11-23T00:59:00.001-08:00

Almost back on the bike

2009-11-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

Due to insulin pumping issues, I've been off my bike for two crazy (and boring) months. On Friday I (finally!) get my new Omni Pod hooked up--just in time for rainy winter riding.

Here's the Omnipod on someone in far better shape than me.

Becks Record Club

2009-11-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

Only available at beck.com

Record Club: Velvet Underground & Nico 'Waiting for My Man' from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

What's going on with this bike?

2009-10-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Found this bike at the Fully Loaded Touring Bicycle gallery. Can anyone tell me what the deal is with the drivetrain? Is the chain connecting to some sort or PTO or is it a power assist? (Click on the pic for a full size image.

Spotted: Beautiful Batavus

2009-10-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Powerlines

2009-10-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where my powerline photo obsession started, but here's a small sample of my archive.

Enjoy.

Raleigh Gran Sport

2009-10-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

I truly truly love this bike. I believe it was built in the early 60s at the Carlton Shop (the wrap-around seat stay is a dead giveaway). When I bought it, she had a mix of 60s and 70s components--including the original Campy Gran Sport derailer. Recently I updated the brakes and drivetrain to make it more San Francisco-friendly. The next thing it needs is a paint-job and new wheels. I want to cold set the rear axel to 130mm so I could fit her with modern wheels, but I'm afraid I'd mess up in the process. Sadly I haven't been able to fine a 120mm rear hub at a reasonable price.

Mr Fink has a man-crush on Mr McQueen

2009-09-23T22:06:00.001-07:00

The Fever . . .

2009-09-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

Standoff Fever to be precise . . .

What to do with those leftover plastic cores at the end of Tressostar bar-tape roll? Make standoffs for your Ostrich front bag of course!

They make for a snug fit, while leaving you hands plenty of bar-gripping real-estate. One of these days I'll give them a few coats amber shellack so they'll match the color of the leather.

2009-09-23T16:55:00.001-07:00

Two Tickets to Carradice

2009-09-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

My Carradice Nelson Longflap saddlebag has arrived and I have to say it's pretty damn cool. I was worried about the dreaded Carradice leg-bump, but it turned out to be a non-issue. However, when loaded the bottom of the bag interferes with my cantilever brake cables so I felt some hacking was in order.

I made a standoff out of a 2" PCP coupler wrapped in leftover cotton handlebar tape, and attached it to the bag with a short Rivendell Irish Strap. The standoff gives it plenty of clearance off the cable.

For good measure I took a 1/2" dowel and used it as a spar in the bottom of the bag. It's held in place by 2 small wood screws.

In all, I think it looks great--and it's a close match for my Ostrich randonneur bag. This should be a perfect set-up for a 2-3 day credit card tour.

Bidness Time

2009-09-17T00:34:00.001-07:00

Grandpa Buys Me Lunch

2009-09-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

There's no such thing as a free lunch . . . except when Papa's paying.

[Ann's Coffee Shop - Menlo Park, California]

Bunkers

2009-09-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

I'm Digging . . .

2009-09-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

My Vans:

I've decided my toes are too ugly for flip flops.

Missing L.A.

2009-09-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks in cold foggy boring pretentious old San Francisco, I can't wait to get back home to good ol' L.A.

Cranes of the Dogpatch

2009-09-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

Canon TX + Cross Processed Agfa = Green Gold

The New Practicality

2009-09-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

It should be noted the the phrase "The New Practicality" was coined by the every intelligent and witty Daniel. In describing the new standard for a "hip" lifestyle, he used the phrase "the new practicality".

Wearing jeans that don't fall apart after 6 weeks of wear? Practical.

Boots made in America and built to last? Practical.

A fixed-gear bicycle that tears up your knees and wrecks your back? Not practical.

Hand crafted, well made anything? Practical.

Kitsch and Tchotchke? If it's not sustainable, it's not practical.

Enjoy.