Vibram Five Fingers: Bikila

Creepy, gross, hippie, awkward, weird. All very common words to describe the look of these fabulous shoes. But looks aren't what Vibram shoes are about, they just happen to have a form following function type of aesthetic about them.

Our average notions of what shoes should look and feel like are all but thrown out the window when you put these shoes on. Socks optional, skin tight, super light and flexible, these are the Vibram Five Finger shoes.

With an individual spot for each toe, this shoe really allows one to feel as if they are walking/running/hiking barefoot. But with the comfort of a rubberized sole and cushioned material, you never feel the danger that you would when wearing nothing on your feet. Feel free to step on those pointy rocks, broken glass (not recommended but I did it) and beauty bark. No cuts, no scrapes, no splinters. It's truly a whole new feeling on your feet.

After a solid week with these shoes, walking mostly in an urban setting and some light running, I can safely say that I have never felt so light footed and comfortable while on my feet.

Admittedly, the first couple days after buying these shoes, it was hard to get used to, they were not broken in and my body had not adjusted to the sensation of walking over hard, flat surfaces in a minimalist-type shoe. But once the shoe material stretched a bit to conform to my foot and toes, and after a few hours of walking time put into the shoes, my body adjusted and I couldn't wait for an excuse to throw these on.

If you, like me, are looking for something comfortable to run and walk in, these are the shoes to get. I know that there are other "minimalist" shoes out there that don't have the weird individual toes look, but I think that makes up a good part of why these shoes are so comfortable and unique.

I don't mind the look at all, and I have no complex about people seeing my toes, and the benefit in comfort I get from them is more than worth the stares and jokes made by my friends.

And some may wonder about the smell from not wearing socks, and so far there isn't an odoriferous smell emanating from the shoes or my feet after I walk or run for a couple miles. If you put the shoe in your face and smell it, yes, you will smell feet. But it's nothing like someone would smell them from across the room or in a car.

Considering how breathable they are, my feet did not sweat, even in the 100+ degree temps we had over the July 4th weekend. Plus, they are machine washable and air drying, so no special needs in cleaning.

I picked up these things on sale at REI for $79.99, and I highly, HIGHLY recommend you try some on so you know your size and if your feet are or aren't too deformed to fit.

CPU Wars

Not surprisingly, this is going to be another super-nerdy blog. What a great way to get back into the blogging habit, no?

Yes, it's been well over a year since my last blog, no I haven't forgotten about this place, just have had a hectic year to say the least.

One of the last times I blogged about something nerdy, it was my love for the iPhone I had just purchased. Now, however, I'm obsessed with Android phones. I still have my iPhone, but it's time for a change.

This change has been prompted by the need (read: want) for a larger screen and a new interface. iOS is getting long-in-the-tooth for me even though it's still, in my opinion, the best mobile platform in the game. I've hacked and slashed my way through many jailbreaks on this iPhone and I have experienced all there is to experience with this software, so it's time for a change.

Blackberry is of course out of the question, Windows Phone 7 is still Microsoft and WebOS is dead.

Android phones have always fascinated me, not because of the operating system necessarily, but because there are so many options to be had with hardware. Big screens, small screens, different camera resolutions and quality, some have front facing cameras, others have crazy new display technology, and the list goes on.

These differences all have their ups and downs, I don't think i'll find the perfect combination, but I thoroughly enjoy the decision making that needs to go into finding a phone that fits me.

One of the big gimmicks this year is the CPU. The talk has been all about Nvidia's Tegra 2 processor, yielding dual-core technology. This opposed to some of the single core CPU's running at higher clock speeds than the Tegra 2. Of course, higher clock speeds with the same old architecture equals lower battery life, usually. This has yet to be confirmed in any sort of comparisons as almost none of these new phones have been touched, much less reviewed by any one.

So if it comes down to it, what's the best decision? A phone that runs quicker with lower battery life, or a phone that runs more efficiently but not as fast and perhaps with other shortcomings (like a smaller screen, lower quality camera, perhaps no front facing camera, etc)?

Since I charge my iPhone every night anyway, sometimes twice a day, it's a sign that I use my phone a lot, so having greater battery life might be the way to go and any Tegra 2 phone would be a no-brainer. However, I doubt i'll get 2 days worth even from the newest technology of phones, so why not just get the fastest phone and not worry about battery life?

Ahhh! Dilemmas. AT&T is coming out with some fantastic Android phones in the next 2-3 months, so I'm hoping to run in and test them out for myself soon, but for now I just have to watch my friends and other tech blogs talk about CES and all the wonderful gadgets that are floating around Vegas this weekend.

It's Real

Someone shared this clip on Facebook a while back, and I can't get a certain scene out of my head.

Near the middle of the clip (~4mins) when the female actress was being discriminated against, the lady shopper got so offended and angry at what was going on that she was overwhelmed with her emotions and she started to cry. Although it was not timely, as she was confronted with general remarks about racism AFTER the incident occurs.

It's a scene that i'm likely to remember for a long time, because it's not everyday that you go without some kind of reference to racism in our society, either in our music, news stories, or daily experiences. It's also not everyday that you see someone fighting for someone else's rights, a stranger, someone who could have just walked away from an "uncomfortable situation". Granted she wasn't the only person to openly oppose the racism, but it was a white female at the defense of a girl of color. It seems old fashioned but no less powerful. It happens again at the end when a bunch of people walk out of the store in protest, but it wasn't quite as provocative.

It is absolutely amazing, and it's really sad that I have to ask myself "would I have the same kind of emotional reaction?". Granted I would most likely vocalize my objection to the situation, but being a guy, I can't see myself crying over the situation. That really bugs me, because I WANT to be so emotionally effected by such a real and hurtful situation. It makes me proud that there is proof of humanity's good side on video in our recent past.

I know people do great things for people all the time, but this is so small, and so simple of a problem that it feels much easier to relate to than anything else i've seen.

I don't at all feel bad for the douchebags who stood there and did nothing, said nothing and just walked away. What a bunch of gutless son's of bitches. I'm glad they got humiliated nationally and I hope they never live it down. Only after they get confronted by cameras do they act like they gave even a little bit of a damn for the blatant racism that went on.

As a whole, our world has a long way to go, but I have no doubt that it we will have our day when racism will only be remembered through our history books.

here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFO1b9I-u5Q&feature=PlayList&p=E61C9F22C92722C4&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=14

A New Love

For years i've been caught in this pathetic loop of radio station playlists and remixes. So pathetic, in fact, that I began to resent music, finding myself listening more to Public Radio than anything else. Not dissing Public Radio at all, but it just didn't feel like I should be listening to it everyday, every time I got in the car. That type of lifestyle is reserved for my old age, not under 40 years-old.

About a year ago, my hard drive on my MacBook crashed, leaving me with nothing (no, I hadn't backed it up at the time). This, plus a few other external influences got me off my ass and I got to rebuilding my music library.

My friend let me have all of his music from his hard drive, the ones not locked in iTunes format, and I began listening to everything he had. Not that I hadn't had heard of these bands/artists before, but I never really gave them the time of day. I started doing some research into these artists and groups and found all their best albums and went on a downloading spree.

Granted I didn't like EVERYTHING I heard, so I inevitably chopped out a few gigs of music that wasn't to my taste and began honing my library contents to music I would actually listen to.

I threw away any inhibition and started collecting songs and albums from before my childhood and on. Yes, anybody from N'SYNC and Britney Spears to Nine-Inch-Nails and The Smashing Pumpkins. I tend to feel self conscious listening to "Oops, I Did It Again" in my car, but it's not so bad when played before or after some other diverse music in a public environment or during a party.

I have found that I have a few favorite artists that I can't get enough of, as late as I am to appreciate them, like Kings of Leon and Evanescence.

Oddly, though, I don't flock to the hip/hop and rap that I used to be so fond of. Although I have an clear need to listen to Ne-Yo and other R&B songs every now and again, I don't like keeping myself on that playlist for very long.

It might be my desire to change or diversify my musical palette, but whatever it is, I know i'm enjoying my new found musical love.

Now and again I get suggestions to listen to new music or old music from my sister or friends. Sometimes I pretend not to enjoy the music they suggest, probably my prideful attitude, like I should be the one to find the good music myself, not anyone else. It's really sad, because there really isn't much music that I dislike, and I should be happy to share musical taste with others. It's something i'm working on, being more humble and willing to be more openly open-minded, if that makes any sense.

Anybody who LOVES a song or an artist is the type of person that I enjoy talking to about music. I get to see why they love the music they do, and what it reminds them of. Sometimes one gets to share an experience or feeling, and sometimes the feelings are alien, but it's always fairly personal to share those types of things, and I am nothing but grateful to the people who do.

Now holler back and tell me what you listen to.

iHeart

just checkin' in to say how much i love this thing

seriously awesome technology, sigh, im so late to this bandwagon, even after working for 2 years at at&t. stupid ass company, doesnt give you their most popular phone to demo, fucking retarded. had to buy my own. so glad i did though, worth it

Inconsiderate With a Chance of Disturbance

Ever have it so that when you are studying quietly and intently at a cafe with plenty of space around you and no distractions? It's pretty productive, you can get a lot done. The scenario is precious, and you should cherish every moment of your focused studies.

Here come two ladies, speaking in jibber-jabber language WITH TWO STROLLERS. Yup, they chose to sit RIGHT next to me. Not leaving a space between me and themselves, not across the cafe, but next to me. Babies crying, mommies yapping, my blood boiling, headache pounding, patience failing, I tried to continue and get through my work.

If an unfortunate situation arises, something that neither party could help, I could possibly try and put it out-of-sight out-of-mind, but the sheer disrespect as I sat there with my backpack, giant 1000+ page DAT study book, paper and pencil, calculator and computer as these ladies sat right next to me with crying babies was too much for me.

I am generally a very forgiving and non-confrontational person, but these people were disrupting almost with intent. I could not imagine what could possess someone to completely ignore the signs of a studious person and sit down with loud conversation right next to this person. I might be able to understand if i had headphones on, it would look like i couldn't be as disturbed, but I had no such opportunity to block them out.

They continued to laugh and converse loudly and in comprehensibly in their language while their kids were wailing in their strollers, their only console was a short rocking motion by each parent.

I had had it, I put my pencil down, sat up straight, and turned my head at the closest bitch and stared her down. She didn't notice my glare, but her friend did. The friend gave me a quick "oh, so sorree". My response of "yea" was abrupt enough to give them the hint, they got up shortly after and left.

I was so pissed off that i ended up not finishing that chapter and left 10 minutes later with the biggest scowl on my face.

Seriously, what the fuck? One person might be stupid enough, but even if they had half a brain to start with, two people would surely increase the chances of a right decision to be made. Apparently they both couldnt scrounge up enough smarts between the both of them to figure out they were being complete asshole bitches. Fuck.

The Inconsistent Driver...

Finally, back to blogging. Got my routine down, so I should be doing this more regularly now.

So, you all know what im talking about when I mention the "inconsistent driver". It's that guy/girl who cant decide if they are a slow or fast driver, aggressive or non-aggressive.

It's the car you hate being behind at stop lights because they take FOREVER to get up to speed, then when you try and pass them, they magically speed up to 10+ mph over the speed limit and block your pass maneuver!! GAHHH!! Im getting really annoyed just thinking about it while I type this out.

How about when a car decides to weave in and out of traffic to get past the REALLY slow drivers, but they themselves dont go above the speed limit? They assume because they are passing other cars, that they deserve to stay in the fast lane when there are clearly people behind them able to go MUCH faster.

Since i've gotten my motorcycle (there will be a blog about that later) i've noticed much more frequently the bad drivers on the road. They may frustrate everybody on a daily basis, but when you're on a bike, its more of a death obstacle, in which if you pre-judge their road behavior, you may be in for a nasty/deadly fall.

You know those movies like Minority Report where their vehicles are all automated on the freeways and you just sit back and let the car drive itself? As addicted to driving/riding as I am, its when I see these horrible drivers on the road that I want the future to come more quickly and get rid of these drivers.

Be safe out there, and always watch everything and everyone around you, you could be saving lives by just paying attention a little harder.

The Ultimate C*#k Block

There are those occasions when you are talking to a man/woman and you get completely side-swiped by someone who interjects in the middle of a conversation, or what have you, and either ruins the moment or ends up turning the conversation towards him/her.

That my friend, is a classic cock-block.

Lets define this word shall we? It’s could be the case that you are a female, talking to a handsome bloke, when a stranger or friend decides to get in the way. She then has BLOCKED the potential possession of…yes, that’s right, cock.

It could also be the case that you are a fly guy, mackin’ on a sultry goddess, when a friend or stranger decides to destroy the mood or try and steal your spotlight. He therefore has BLOCKED your attempts at making moves, or what have you. He is therefore referred to as a COCK who has just BLOCKED you. However, this scenario could also have been interpreted as your own COCK being BLOCKED from whatever un-chaste activity you were hoping to pursue.

Now that we are on the same page as to what can constitute cock-blocking, let’s put a real life scenario on the table.

So I was in the back room, in my boss’ office, talking to this girl from Apple about their promotions for us employees and this girl was pretty cute, very soft spoken, but very intelligent. But whatever, it was professional and I was asking questions and what not, then here comes this co-worker of mine, who thinks literally every girl wants him (sounds like someone else I know…) which is very laughable if you’ve seen/met him. He walks by and sees this girl I’m talking to and stops dead, turns and starts making fun of how I never hit my goals and how I wont win this contest we are having, blah blah, typical insecurity.

This girl is like “what the hell is he talking about?” and I casually reply to this guy and I’m like, “listen, we are having a professional conversation here buddy, would you like to join?” He then continues to say how I wouldn’t know what professional looks like or whatever, so this girl finally turns to me and says “Hey Hoodean, here is my card, let me have yours and we’ll keep in touch.” Dumbfounded as she leaves the store, this guy says to me in a tone of near desperation “Look dummy, you scared her off.” I very loudly chuckled and retorted, “Hey man, in the end, I have her number and you don’t.”

That, ladies and gentlemen, is what happens when a cock-block fails horribly.

Road Haze

Ah, it's been a while, folks. But let's pick up like it was just yesterday, shall we?

So, when I finally get a warm, sunny day here in Washington state, I take full advantage as much as possible. This, for me, being driving with my windows down and sunroof open. Nothing is more satisfying than a nice drive in good weather. Then along comes fucktard #1.

A chick pulls out in front of me on a two lane road, where I can't pass, and is smoking up a storm. I go from enjoying the sunshine to puking my guts out. I roll up my windows and close my sunroof, turn on the A/C and realize that I must switch into recirculating air so as not to pull in the fresh smell of ASS from the bitch in front of me. Having not used my A/C in over 8 months, naturally it smells like shit as the A/C warms (or colds) up.

So here is my dilemma. Would one be out of line to engage his or herself in road rage against something that is totally legal but extremely disgusting and bitchly, or should one just take it in the ass and adjust his or her surroundings to accommodate for said asshole?

That was a rhetorical question. As soon as the street opened up into a 4 lane road, I opened up my exhaust, making my car unbearably loud, and scream past this bitch with her windows down and scared the ever loving shit out of her by nearly scraping the entire side of her car whilst making an incredibly loud ruckus in her face. I finished by cutting her off and giving her a light brake check, then sped off at a good pace, leaving her in a funk of un-catalyzed exhaust fumes (touche bitch!)

Naturally she honked and flashed me, but I was long gone for her to pull up next to me at the next light. But I don't at all feel bad for endangering her or myself and inducing road rage in myself or her. The way I see it, she brought it on herself and I doubt I'm the only one who feels like smokers in cars should choke on their own death instead of exposing it to others, regardless of where they decide to engage in their dirty habits

'09

It's gonna be a good year.

The slate is clean and I can use this new found freedom to become who I really want to be. Mold myself into the man I want to be, and seize the opportunities that are laid out before me.

My new year's resolution goes something like this:

"to not be held back and do what i've always wanted to do, plan my future around ME. This year, I am free of bad habits, and will surround myself with the people who truly care for me."

Good-fucking-night, people. Welcome to 2009!