The Things You See On A Bike Ride

First rule of Junk Church - Nobody talks about their junk.

Everybody stands. There is no kneeling at Junk Church.

Subterfuge Software

In my line of work I often have to remove crap software from computers. Most of the people don't know how it got there, primarily because they're not paying attention when they're updating something or adding something. Java updates are a good example. You always get a screen informing you that a toolbar is going to be installed, but it's not that obvious. You have to uncheck a box and click Next. Most people just keep clicking Next to get the process over with and software manufacturers have been taking advantage of this behavior for many years now.

Here's a different example. I was trying to install CutePDF when I was presented with a screen that was going to change my browser search options. I unchecked the boxes and and clicked Next and got this screen.

I clicked Ok and clicked Next again. And I got the same message to select checkboxes or click Next without selecting the checkboxes. I clicked OK and clicked Next. And got the same damn screen a third time. By now most less-than-savvy users would select a checkbox and click Next just to get past this. But I persevered and this came up next.

Again, most people would numbly click Accept thinking they're clicking Next and then wonder why they have some weather thing loaded up all the time.

Of course, removing local admin privileges nips all this in the bud.

Saved By The Vending Machine

Every once in a while I'll treat myself to a Dr Pepper while I'm at work. Yesterday I saw that something was amiss with the vending machine.

One bottle was leaning forward and another was partially released. "No problem," I thought. "I'll just select a different row."

Which I did. The retrieval mechanism moved to the row I selected but the bottle was not pushed forward like it was supposed to be. Instead it leaned forward. The machine paused. I was about to try to rock it when the retrieval mechanism moved up and down, knocking the bottle out. It fell to the bottom of the machine. Fortunately, the machine had been programmed to recognize that a bottle had not been properly dispensed and it refunded my money.

Final Wild West Series Race - CdA

The weather worked out perfect for me over the weekend. Saturday was nice so I could get yard work done. Sunday was a rainy mess for cyclocross racing. I was in the first and last race and got both bikes equally muddy. Unfortunately, my second race--on the single speed--was cut short. With two laps to go I flatted the rear tire. I don't have a spare so I DNF'd. But it was okay because I got plenty of time in. I didn't take many photos because I focused on making a video this week.

This was the last of the Wild West CX Series. The Inland NW Cyclocross Series has two more weekends of racing. I can't believe the season is almost over already.

Wild West Cyclocross - Coeur d'Alene from hank greer on Vimeo.

Sometimes I Just Can't Help Myself

I have a dog. His name is Hoof Hearted*. He's an okay dog. He'll drool on you but he's well behaved most of the time. But everybody loves him and there's really no earthly explanation for how popular he is. I mean, every time people come to the house they want to know Hoof Hearted.

* Name borrowed from the race horse.

New Hobby

I've been curious about picking locks for many years but I've just never done anything about it. Until now. It's frustrating so it requires patience. It's exciting to have the lock pop open suddenly. I hope to be able to break into my own house some day.