Here’s a review of an interesting continuous variable transmission for bikes. While the whole idea is cool, I was particularly impressed by the handlebar indicator. In easy ‘gears’ the display shows a hill, while in harder gears the line flattens out. A quick look at the picture shows that it’s a very simple mechanism used, but provides much better feedback than a series of numbers (one’s low, but is low easy or hard?)
If you’re looking for inspiration as we stretch 23 days away from your New Year’s Resolution to cut down the amount of noxious swill inexplicably forcing its way down your wobbling gullet, try reading Kevin Smith on his decision to improve. Choice quote:
I don’t have a weight problem. There are people who can work their asses off to lose weight only to find that their genetics conspire against their best efforts. I’m not one of those people. I can lose weight – I just have a problem with getting off my fat ass. What can I say? I’m just a lazy fsck.
(About that last word – Yes I changed it. I’ve no problem with swearing in its place, and his site is a great place for it, I just don’t want to trip anyone’s work filters.)
Some people will find this funny. Others will not. My prediction is that my friend Dan from Canadialand will. So Dan, this one’s for you
I have a bad knee, following a dramatic accident a couple of months ago – I was walking sedately up some stairs when, shockingly, my knee gave way under me and hurt somewhat. I know, it’s a disturbing story, I should have warned you in advance.
Anyway, after visiting the doctor a month ago to get the standard “give it time” diagnosis I made another appointment for tomorrow, as it was still playing up. Naturally now, 12 hours before the appointment, it’s just fine. Best cure known to man.
OK, maybe not good, but something showed up in my moderate queue that at least raised a smile (no pun intended, as you’ll see). Edited for the best bits, and to remove the links:
DEAR DIARY
Day 1.
Just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with not much to celebrate.
When it came time to re-enact our wedding night, he locked himself in
the bathroom and cried.Day 2.
Today, he says he has a big secret to tell me. He’s impotent, he says,
and he wants me to be the first to know. Why doesn’t he tell me
something I don’t know! I mean, he actually thinks I haven’t noticed.Day 3.
This marriage is in trouble. A woman has needs. Yesterday, I saw a
picture of Nelson’s Column and burst into tears.Day 4.
A miracle has happened! There’s a new drug on the market that will fix
his ‘problem.’ It’s called Viagra. I told him that if he takes Viagra,
things will be just like they were on our wedding night. I think this
will work. I replaced his Prozac with the Viagra, hoping to lift
something other than his mood.Day 5.
What absolute bliss!!.Day 6.
Isn’t life wonderful but it’s difficult to write while he’s doing that.Day 7.
This Viagra thing has gone to his head. No pun intended! Yesterday, at
Burger King, the manager asked me if I’d like a Whopper. He thought they
were talking about him. But, have to admit it’s very nice – I don’t
think I’ve ever been so happy.Day 8.
I think he took too many over the weekend. Yesterday, instead of mowing
the lawn, he was using his new friend as a weed whacker. I’m also
getting a bit sore down there.Day 9.
No time to write. He might catch me.Day 10.
Okay, I admit it. I’m hiding. I mean, a girl can only take so much. And
to make matters worse, he’s washing the Viagra down with neat whisky!
What am I going to do? I feel tacky all over….Day 11.
I’m basically being screwed to death. It’s like living with a Black and
Decker drill. I woke up this morning hot-glued to the bed. Even my
armpits hurt. He’s a complete pig.Day 12.
I wish he was gay. I’ve stopped wearing make-up, cleaning my teeth or
even washing but he still keeps coming after me! Even yawning has become
dangerous ..Day 13.
Every time I shut my eyes, there’s a sneak attack! It’s like going to
bed with a scud missile. I can hardly walk and if he tries that “Oops,
sorry†thing again, I’ll kill the b*****d.Day 14.
I’ve done everything to turn him off. Nothing is working. I even started
dressing like a nun but this just seems to make him more horny. Help me.