Worst offenders: Mercedes

The first of an ongoing series...

Are these the cars owned by the worst drivers on the road? Erratic, too slow, too fast, blacked-up windows, ignorant of other road users, especially cyclists. Especially when reversing. Perhaps their occupants are so old and decrepit they can't turn round and look behind them - that's why they have all those fancy reversing sonar things. At least the boot breaks your fall when you crash into them.

Next time: Royal Mail trucks

Crank up the 'Wow" - MS Vista at the BL

A larger than usual gathering of geeks at the British Library to watch The Feeling get roped in to launch Windows Vista (and Turning the Pages 2.0). Choosing the New Wave of AOR to launch Microsoft (yawn) Vista seems very appropriate. Couldn't see it happening at MacExpo, even though Jobs' musical taste seem to run from the Eagles to the Eagles.

More here.

Bibliographic Software Rant

Today I spent 30 minutes or so downloading IdeaMason 3, which some people on the blogosphere have been getting very excited about. And compared to most pieces of software, it's fairly slick and does most of what you want. But not all. And that's the crucial thing. All these producs ultimately suck because of one or two fatal flaws.
IdeaMason - apart from the name, you can't import files from Web of Science, etc. or define your own types according to recognized standards (eg. EAD for archives).

Endnote - vast numbers of irritating little flaws and bugs, no real notetaking abilities, difficult to sort. And exensive.
Biblioscape - has it all,but no Z39-whatever connection, just 'screen scrapping', and it looks painful and is dreadfully buggy.
Papyrus - near perfect - for 1992. Doesn't play well or at all with XP, let alone Word 2007
Word 2007. Citation tool - this is more like it. But how to organize your notes (MS desktop search and the improved metadata 'ribbon' look like one solution), and - fatally - no Chicago footnote support. And nigh on impossible to amend the default formats. Roll on version 2.0
Others - NotaBene. Expensive, and like others in this category, you're pretty much dependent on having your pc or laptop with you.

What is needed/signs of hope.

1) Access anywhere. Work, home, library, book shop. Endnote Web looks promising, and nice that it's 'free' for those with a Web of Science subscription. [n.b., seems to have some problems with firewalls]
2) Run from flash drive. See (1). Biblioscape 7.0 promises this.
3) Google Scholar. They must have some bibliographic control in there; ditto google books (and their download .pdfs are wonderful - or at least will be). So, all that's needed is some way of harvesting the output reliably. Endnote seems to do this tolerably. Great for those without a subscription to journals.
4) Word 2007. Bad news for the little guys, but at least Microsoft have made a start - and it's a good one.
5) Adobe 8.0 (beta). Finally makes pdfs seem usable and almost easier than paper or even a codex for information (if not prolonged reading).
6) Google Notebook. Simple, free and does what it needs to, mostly. Is there a Google Cite in a lab somewhere?

Until then?

1) for those with good handwriting and access to a cheap stationers, index cards are hard to beat.
2) USB flash drives/ google docs/ gmail/ thinkanywhere - get your stuff wherever you are.
3) MS Word. It's still the standard - at least until openoffice gets it's file size and loading times under control. Make use of the keywords, files things properly and use desktop search (be it google, copernic, or ms). MS Outlook, if you've got a tablet PC.
4) Outlook/Palm todo lists. And keep it simple, with 'places' categories. Forget about prioritizing, and stick it in your calendar if it's time bound. Moleskines for those with neat handwriting and damp climates.
5) Tinderbox, for those with money and a Mac. For the rest of us, Muji pens and paper.
7) Avoid trying out software. It just clogs up your PC and wastes time. A bit like this blog...

UPDATE (Feb 2007)

Clearly I've ignored my own advice, esp. (7):

Still trying to get Endnote Web to work within my office firewall (integration with Word, that is). No joy so far, but the help team at Thompson have been, well, very helpful.

A couple of other pieces of software worth looking at:

1. Good Sync - a bit like Windows 95's weird briefcase feature, except this one keeps flash/usb drives (or whatever) in sync with desktop (or whatever). Free and effective, with most of the options you'll need.
2. JabRef 2.2 - open source Java-based bibliographic software. Especially useful if you have any idea what the hell LaTex is all about. (it's a nice front end for BibTex)
   

Tikit to ride?

Bike Friday are leaking - virally? - some info on their new machine for 2007, which promises, much like the much derided (although less so in the US, where not only do the cops in Philly station but also the late Rumsfeld use one) Segway to solve the world's transport problems.

Info. and some videos here: http://www.bikefriday.com/tikit

Could see it denting sales of Bromptons in the states, where Bike Friday is already pretty dominant along with Dahon, but not because of it's frighteningly fast fold (all to do with a catch in the seat column and internal wiring gubbins - wouldn 't like it to start collapsing on an emergeny stop), but because (a), it's new, and (b), it has a little handle and wheels along like a little barrow. The B can sort of do that - but I've never seen anyone look particularly happy and unlopsided. Great for those - such as women generally - who find a Brompton a bit of a dead weight.

Another question: where are all the Brompton videos on YouTube and Google Video?

Good post on City Slicker, btw

While I manage to get a smile, City Slicker is chatting to strangers...

In the Zone

One of the great things about cycling is that time when it's just you, the bike and the road, and you're just wizzing along, hardly any effort, a good high cadence, and the tyres and tarmac making a slick sound. Doesn't seem to happen very often, especially in London, but I remember it happening more often at university or school. Perhaps it was the relatively open roads or town street, or even the larger wheels of the racer, but it seems to take pace less with the B. It can happen, of course. During the London to Brighton ride, when there was a relatively empty stretch, for example. Maybe it's more to do with nostalgia and rather younger legs.

However, zipping home last night was one of those rides. Perhaps it was the sunset and the blue dusk, perhaps the wind was in the right direction. But it all made for a good ride.

More prosaically, the tyres were well pumped up (c. 100 psi each, a bit less in the front) and the chain was freshly oiled. I'd been using White Lightning for a while, ever since I got oil all over the Head of XXX department's hands, and found it okay, if needing topping up often (and turning any porous surface white when applied. Banksy would love the stuff). But it was running low and to top up the Wiggle order for the Altura Reflex and get a discount I plumped for the new White Lightning 'Wet Ride'. Not something to type into google at work... It's thick stuff, but promises to be less mucky than oil (it's not a wax). Bring on the rain! They also do an 'Epic' brand, for UK conditions, which may be worth a go for summer. Suspect the chain will need more regular cleaning as already lumps of black goo seem to be accumulating.

Also, managed to get a smile out of another cyclist on the way in.

Altura Reflex Review

This jacket has a lot to live up to. The reviews of its baby sibling, the Altura Crosslite have all been consistently excellent, with ratings of 8, 9 and even 10/10 (there are copies of some of the reviews at the Altura website) and some claiming it even beat paclite jackets for breathability. Here's my test of it.

The Basics: colours, fit, features

Since my Altura Nevis has failed because of the badly designed zip, Wiggle quickly dispatched a replacement within 24 hours (and at £70 after various discounts, very cheaply. Rack price is £99.99). Avoided the temptation to get the better looking but less visible black or blue to keep colleagues and family happy, and will feel something of a canary in a pub.

Still, its not a bad looking jacket. It relies on the stretch of the Altec Reactive fabric (windproof, waterproof, breathable, 20,000 g/m2/24hrs) rather than fancy tailoring and panels like the Nevis, but fits relatively tightly (no-where near as snug as a Gore bikewear affair or my Montane wind proof). Some bagginess in the arms and belly, but nothing too bad. Quite long at the back and okay at the front. Long on the neck, with a small bit of fabric to hid the zip. No fleece round the neck like the Nevis, but fits fine. It's not lined, so you won't get much warmth or lack of weird feeling on your skin. 8/10 for fit.

Comes fully loaded with:

• waterproof zips. Look fairly sturdy (TLL not YKK though), with a stop at the bottom to stop them fraying. Possible to work them with gloves; storm flap gets a bit caught if you're not careful (doesn't seem as bad as the Nevis though).
• Reflective strips. The reason I went for this - as the Nevis Nightvision (NV) is to the Nevis, so the Reflex is to the Crosslite. Not as much bling as the NV, but wide strips around the pockets, Altura branding, and front and side 'landing strips'. If a car can't see this then what's the point.
• Drawstring on neck and tail. Handy for temperature reg. Not the best for one-handed use.
• Rubberised Velcro sleeve closures. Excellent.
• Three waterproof pockets - back, chest, arm. Good for gloves, work pass, light, and iPod, if you cycle deaf.
• Rear vent. All along the shoulder blades.
• All seams taped - I'll come back to this.
• Ripstop fabric. Seems relatively tough. Think merino sweater, rather than (at one end of the toughness spectrum) fleece or (the other) cashmere.
• Lightweight carry pouch. Not attached, but handy. Suspect I'll lose it.

9/10 - no hood attachment, could be tougher?, NV reflection design

The Test Bed

Basically, me coming to work. 4 miles, about 19 minutes, 10 mph average, central London commute. Not the fastest, as a lot of traffic today. 1 degree Celsius with wind chill according to weather.com. Peter Storm coolmax T, Lowe Alpine mid-weight fleece, cotton cords, Goretex lined boots, windstopper gloves. Helmet, not hat. Brompton, yellow tyres, fully laden luggage rack. A bit nippy to start, but started to feel warm about 6 minutes in.

Results

Got to work and had a look. Didn't feel clammy, but running my hand around the inside of the jacket, could feel some dampness (cold). Closer inspection revealed this was mostly along the inch-thick seem tape. Other than that, seemed to breath better than the Nevis and as well as my Montane V2. Oddly, better breathing than the Montane windproof, but it was cold today. Suspect that you would have to work really hard to beat the moisture transfer on this thing and it to build up beyond what is in the fleece, etc. 9/10.

Conclusion

All sounds pretty good, right? So have I made the right decision? Actually, I think I should have gone for the NV yellow. Why? Well, I think I'll miss the side vent - not just to quickly cool down (although as the Reflex is so thin, prob. less of a problem), but to stash gloves, wallet etc. Also, I think the fit is slightly better, more jacket-like than sportswear. And the grey looks really good (not so great to stop cars reversing into you in daylight though). The Crosslite seems to have most of the features, just lacking some of the scotchlite, so that may be a better bet for the club cyclist.

The Altec Reactive fabric is pretty amazing. I suspect it comes from the same factory as Endura's offering - and works like eVent (e.g., small gaps in the material, rather than moisture transfer). I now see why some Goretex stuff comes with breathable seam tape - on such a minimalist jacket you really notice the contrast between the dry fabric and the cold, slightly damp tape. The lining is weird: lots of grey dimples.

However, come spring and autumn, I think I will appreciate the jacket more - it's very light and can be stashed easily in case of a shower.

Overall, 9/10 - but 8/10 for commuting.

London in the Snow

Unusual sight this morning: white snow all across the park. Barely an inch or so, but made for a fun ride in. Lots of people stopping to take photographs. The clouds grey and heavy with more rain, sleet or snow. Bike karma got its revenge: wondered why I was riding so slowly, then discovered a puncture in the rear tyre. Time to get some Schwalbe Marathons? If only they still did the slicks...

What's GTD good for

Spend a few minutes on the web looking at the cultish-GTD related websites, and about 90% of the stuff is about tweaking software, how to use a Moleskine diary, how to relate NA to Projects, etc. But ignoring all that obsessional stuff, it does seem to work. My question is 'why?'.

A few tentative answers:

1. getting stuff of your mind. Less worried, less stress, more work. Makes some sense.
2. not loosing stuff. Good filing, fewer bits of paper. Some people say up to 30% of time is spent looking for stuff.
3. getting rid of excuses. You take something out of the inbox, figure it can be done in 2 minutes, and make a start. No time wasted on starting, stopping, restarting, working out where you were.
4. makes you think about getting organised. What else does, except perhaps a new year? Being forced to list a project, with outcomes can't but help most tasks.
5. keeping inboxes manageable - see point 1.
6. Lists and Next Actions - always something to do - no procrastination here. Means you can just chug through a whole pile of tasks when you've the energy and time.
7. Weekly review. Keeps everything in intuitive order.
8. It isn't rocket science. Most systems would probably help, this one doesn't worry about prioritizing or being too complicated.

What else?

Thames :(

Alternative route this morning, along Grovesnor Road and Millbank, as although cold, it promised to be a clear, sunny morning.

A mistake. Not only was the wind blowing the wrong way, but the traffic along Millbank seems particularly determined to harrass bikes. And although Bazelgete, or his followers, no doubt had to build a wall along the Thames, it means you don't see a drop of water.

On the other hand, you can judge the barometer of the times, watching the dourness of the spook's faces as the rush into the MI5 building, see how perky Haw is after the court ruling that he shouldn't have been harrassed by the Met (as T4T on Today contemplated), and catch the sun glancing off the mother of parliaments, etc.

The ride up Westminster is further problematized by suicidal civil servants running out in front of you like lemmings, and vast articulated buses hoving along.

Altura/Zyro

The Altura Reflex has arrived. More of a chrome yellow than a day-glo (too sensible to go for the edgy and stylish black) and quite a roomy fit. Lighter than expected, and disappointed to see TLL rather than YKK zips (this was the brand that packed up on the Altura Nevis. Will keep receipt... More to follow. In the meantime, the website for 'Altura' is in fact the parent company, 'Zyro'. Good selection of reviews on the site.

Bet You Look Good in an Anorak

This guy looks a bit of a tool, right? We'll see if the jacket in the photo has a similar effect on me in a day or two, as my Altura Nevis has packed up - the zip's gone, and it seems to cost almost as much to repair it as to get a new one. Except this is the most expensive of Altura's efforts - not up there with Rapha or Gore Bike Wear, of course, but a combination of generic 'Paclite' type fabric and lots of reflective tape. And some pockets. It's called the Altura Relfex, and I'll post a report once I get it. After looking around, the Altura Night Vision and Endura Superlite looked like other worthy options, but were out of stock in Cyclesurgery, and Evans was overpriced as ever.

On another note, when will Westminster fill in those holes on Trafalgar Square - one almost sent me flying tonight, always a bit of a risk on the 16"-wheeled Brompton.

Finally, got asked today: what regular maintenance does a B need. Hard to think other than a bit of oil or lube on the chain, pumping up the tyres, checking the spokes and aluminium bits, adjusting the brakes from time to time. Is that it? Some bits need replacing, like the chain, after 2k miles or so

Bearskins

One of the risks of taking the road that runs along St James's Park (Horseguards), apart from the nerve jarring road surface, the dodgy lights at night and tourists acting like lemmings, is running into the marching band, with their currently controversial bearskin hats. No traffic means no bikes... but looking at the bayonets, I guess it makes sense, let alone the Sousaphone...
Wonder if they scare the Pelicans in the park?

Prince Charles - or the problem of bikes and cinemas

There's a lot to complain about cinemas in London, not least the cost. You can count on setting aside at least a tenner to watch most films; even more in Leicester Square. The Prince Charles Cinema is an exception, packing us in at £1.50 - £4.50 for not-so-current films (think in-flight movie or DVD material). It's always a bit of a crush, and the floor downstairs is raked down not up - very odd.

But, even more than most cinemas, no room for the Brompton. The solution, if you don't leave it behind: the nearby NCR carpark by Trafalgar Square reputedly has a relatively safe cycle park, under the watchful eye of the security guard. Just watch out for the Sound of Music sing-along.