BobMartens.net - Latest Comments

Re: The Role of the Web

Bob Martens — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:53:45 -0000

That is the way I have usually looked at things, but I worry about the API that would come out of such of a development practice.

Of course, the most obvious problem is that I am over thinking the entire thing and not building something.

Re: The Role of the Web

Nate Beran — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:12:34 -0000

Both are entirely valid approaches and really your course of action should be determined by the problem you're trying to solve with the software. Complexity might be less of a problem with the Twitter method. At least you don't have to deal with the most technical complexities right away. You can put thought and design into your API while you have a product already in production.

Re: Barn Down

Bob Martens — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:23:32 -0000

Yes, sometimes you need to let go and move on. I think there is a little bit of the "sunk cost fallacy" in here as well.

Re: Barn Down

Bob Martens — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:23:07 -0000

Sadly, I think after today it is all going to be buried. Time to make way.

Re: Barn Down

DF Paul — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:13:19 -0000

Also, hang on to any good pieces of lumber. Design Fugitives will purchase them ;)

Re: Barn Down

DF Paul — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:12:43 -0000

Great post Bob. This is the way we are to view the buildings in our lives.

Re: The Gutting of Apple Retail

Bob Martens — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:37:12 -0000

Agreed. They should be investing more money into the Apple Stores instead of looking at ways of cutting staff. Just mind-bogglingly.

Re: The Gutting of Apple Retail

Perry Lund — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:16:00 -0000

Every time I enter the Des Moines Apple Store, I am amazed at the number of employees and everyone is really busy most of the time. In fact, I would say the Apple Store in Iowa here is getting busier each time I visit it. The Genius Bar has vanished and in it's place are a couple standing height tables with "blue shirts" helping those in need. In some cases, small group or one-on-one classes are being conducted.

Apple Stores are not like the Gateway fiasco of a decade or more ago. I am not sure how Apple would slim down a busy operation like an Apple Store.

Re: Episode 3: Apple’s Ads

Marcus — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:21:27 -0000

They weren't as annoying as the old Mac vs PC ones.
But yes, it's probably just bias.

Re: What I Want from Apple

Bob Martens — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:12:34 -0000

If you are looking for crappy flashy updates, I'd probably look elsewhere. I'm hoping they release something to replace the current iPod Touch come this Fall, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that.

The new iPad is really a game-changing device, and I can't wait to look at the new MacBook Pro with Retina Display ... these high-res screens at any size are really exciting.

Re: What I Want from Apple

Jeffery Clark — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:28:41 -0000

Agreed. But updates also need to be worthwhile and not like the iphone 3 to 3gs or 4 to 4s updates like they've been doing. They've been better with the ipad, but still, there wasn't any reason for me to upgrade to the 2 from the 1, and the "3" still didn't seem like enough to justify the expense (I have the 64gb version). The only reason I'm considering upgrading my ipt3 is because it won't support ios6 and I could use the old one to run my xm skydock and play in my car only -- ie, appless, thus increasing that space for music/audiobooks.

Re: Microsoft’s Surface

Bob Martens — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:16:11 -0000

That's my problem ... they really didn't announce anything besides the intention of releasing a product in the future.

*yawn*

Re: Microsoft’s Surface

ithedgehog — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 02:45:30 -0000

I for one am certainly looking forward to the Surface and would very much like it if Microsoft would shut up and take my money.

I'm itching to see a Surface Tablet in action.

Re: New Retina Complaints

Bob Martens — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 07:54:42 -0000

It is a valid complaint if you are looking purely at how older programs are going to interpret the new pixels because that is what is going to happen for quite some time. I'm really not trying to pick on Miles or anyone else for that matter, we're just sitting in a transition period again.

I think that the sharpness and clarity increases will more than make up for any logical loss of information density if only because you'll be able to get clarity out of smaller objects you were just not able to before. The proof, of course, will be in how software developers use the pixels.

Re: New Retina Complaints

Bob Martens — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 07:52:01 -0000

For the same reason you comment on everything I comment on about Apple ... because it's fun. :-D

Re: New Retina Complaints

Marcus — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:57:24 -0000

Can Apple do no wrong Bob? I find your need to defend them amusing ;)

Re: New Retina Complaints

Alan — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:01:26 -0000

It's no shock that people a) immediately have a backlash against apple immediately after a keynote (normally because they didn't release the 3d neural interface with the high res built in BJ attachment that apple never promised anyway), but I know @milesforrest and he's generally right on the mark. Might be just an off the cuff :) Personally I know that math is hard, and if it actually worked like that I could see his complaint. I have similar complaints, but it's only because I can't afford one of those bad boys myself!

Re: Bicycle Commuting: Day Three

Bob Martens — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 08:59:13 -0000

Thanks for the tip. I'll try it out some time this week. My chain fell off again while biking up the same hill, so I'm starting to think that it is maybe that the bike just needs more work then I am thinking.

Will need to stop by the bike shop soon to figure out what to do next.

Re: Bicycle Commuting: Day Three

Curtis McHale — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:46:48 -0000

One technique tip for shifting is to let up on the pedal pressure a bit as the chain is trying to shift. It takes a bit of practice but after riding for 15 years I can tell you that I get my chain to shift on the upstroke of my right leg about 90% of the time. I don't think about it anymore.

A new bike would make this less of a need, but it's still a good practice to get in to.

Re: Bicycle Commuting: The Start

jason fowler — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:19:54 -0000

Don't get me started on the Nest! If we had central A/C, it'd already be on the wall.

Also, another tip. If there's (almost) anything you have questions about with cycling, check out http://sheldonbrown.com . Sheldon, who has since passed, has left this wonderful resource of all things bike. (c:

Re: Bicycle Commuting: The Start

Bob Martens — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:23:47 -0000

Thanks Jason (and good to hear from you)!

One thing I do need to look at is lights, but for now I only ride during the day and try and stare people down as much as possible so that they know that I am there.

Those packs look great, and I already ride with a backpack, but a waterproof one would be great. I'll need to talk with my wife to see if I can finagle a pack for Christmas or my birthday (even though I'd like to get a Nest first). Fenders might be the first thing I look into getting after a different bike (or an updated and tuned current one).

Thanks again for the info, I'll definitely look into the things you've talked about.

Re: Bicycle Commuting: The Start

jason fowler — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:46:10 -0000

I apologize for the language, but I figured this video was hilariously appropriate for this discussion: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Re: Bicycle Commuting: The Start

jason fowler — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:34:14 -0000

I completely agree with Curtis.

If you want something not so road-bikey, a bike with a good 3 or 7-speed Shimano Nexus or Sturmey-Archer hub would be perfect. The ones you'll see overseas have full chain guards so nothing gets caught in the chain. You don't really see that much over here, but for your commute, that'd probably be perfect.

Fenders are also an awesome idea. My fixed-gear has full fenders and it's what I've been using lately on my 9.5 mile commute to Apple. It's great for those day-after-rain rides where there are little puddles and such on the ground, but the weather is still nice. Keeps the nice water stripe from appearing on your backside.

If you're ever riding before dawn or after dusk, make sure to have several good lights. For night rides, I've got 2 blinking headlights, 2 blinking taillights, spoke lights and a blinkie on my bag. Just want to make dang sure I'm as visible as possible.

And Chrome makes some absolutely awesome bags. I've also got a Chrome Metropolis that's 5+ years old. They're not cheap, but it's a good investment that'll last a long time. If riding with a backpack doesn't tickle your pickle, there's always an option of getting a rear rack and some panniers. I will warn you though, depending on the load you're putting in the panniers, it will make the bike handle differently, so just be prepared.

As far as clothing and such, I know I'm going to be sweaty when I get to work, so I just make sure to take a shower before I leave, wear whatever is comfortable for the day (contrary to popular American belief, you don't have to have lycra on to ride to work), then pack a small towel and a change of clothing just in case. When I get to work, cool off, dry off, and put my blue shirt on and I'm ready for the day.

Another tip as far as being sweaty/stinky after a ride - for the past 7 years or so, I've only been using this Thai deodorant stick (http://www.deodorantstones..... I may sound like an infomercial, but I absolutely love it. It doesn't stop you from sweating (which, to be honest, is a natural thing you body needs to do), but it does stop you from stinking. It's amazing. I got my dad to start using it and my wife uses something similar. Also, it lasts for freaking ever. I'm pretty sure this is my 2nd one I've had in the last 7 years.

But spread the word and show your co-workers how great it is to bike to work! I've recruited a couple of guys that live nearby and hopefully before the summer's over, I'll be able to help others catch the bug.

Happy riding!
-jason / toj

Re: Bicycle Commuting: The Start

Bob Martens — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:12:31 -0000

Just the guy I was hoping to hear from!

I will look into everything you say. The shorts are probably a good idea, and I will look into a waterproof pack for the rainy parts of the year (and maybe even Winter).

Thanks for your recommendations.

Re: Bicycle Commuting: The Start

Curtis McHale — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:08:54 -0000

Good to hear that you're getting out on a bike, now on to the bike tech.

I'm not sure that the Earl is the right bike for you at this point, mainly because of the gearing it comes with. Without getting too technical, my racing road bike has easier gearing for hills than the Earl comes with.

I'd suggest something with gearing and that accepts full fenders. You can reduce the maintenance by going with something that has internal gearing (gears built in to the hub not exposed to the elements) but you loose some of the top and low end gearing available from a regularly set up bike. Internals have 3 - 5 speeds. From Trek there is the PDX and District that are similar in budget.

Other brands to look at are Specialized, Giant, Cannondale, Felt...Probably anything in a proper bike shop (not department store) will be fine.

Some recommendations for commuting:

1. Get fenders. I snap on a fender for my racing bike in solo rides in the rain. A wet ass sucks. Racks can be nice too.
2. For longer rides get proper cycling shorts. If you don't want to be seen in them then wear something over. You don't want saddle sores (butt blisters) trust me.
3. Get a good waterproof bag. I have a Chrome metropolis. If you don't like the messenger style they make backpacks too. My old one is still in use with a friend and it's 6 years old.
4. Get a tune up on the old bike. It may still not work as nice as a new but it will work way better and that will make it more fun.

As far as a shirt goes, I'd probably just bring a spare shirt like you are. It's not long enough that a 'technical' shirt or jersey is worth it, IMO.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.