SoundCloud.com

Seems like a potentially cool service for sharing and distributing home brewed music.

My Art - Adam Glazier

I just added a lot of my artwork to flickr.
Check it out »

Recumbent Bikes - Research

I recently became obsessed with the idea of recumbent bikes. The biggest draw for me was to feel like I was riding a go-cart. Other benefits include better visibility to cars and easier on the body than a regular bike. Learn more about the specific benefits and drawbacks at wikipedia ».

These two articles also help explain the advantages and disadvantages of various configurations of recumbent's:
FAQ >>
Part I - Why A Recumbent >>
Part II - Which Recumbent >>


Challenge Bikes - Trike Concept XT $3800 (33lbs / Wheelbase 46")

Below are some recommendations for serious recumbent bikes. My criteria for finding these bikes was:
• Highest quality / No price limit
• Low profile / Sport / Light weight
• Options (Rear Suspension / Foldable / etc.)
• Good looking :)

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2 Wheelers
Benefits - 10lbs lighter than recumbent trikes on average.
Drawbacks - Harder to stop, start and balance...especially up hill.
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Challenge Bikes - Seiran SL $3200 (23lbs / USS optional / Wheelbase 49.2")

Challenge Bikes - Fujin SL II $3700 (19lbs / Wheelbase 48.8")

Challenge Bikes - Mistral SL $3300 (24lbs / USS optional / Rear Suspension / Wheelbase 43.3")

Challenge Bikes - Hurricane SL $3500 (24lbs / Rear Suspension / Wheelbase 42.1")

HP Velotechnik - Speedmachine $3100 (32lbs / Wheelbase 46" / Full Suspension / USS optional)


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Trikes
Benefits - Easier to stop and start as well as going up hill.
Drawbacks - 10lbs heavier than 2 wheel recumbent's on average.
=========================================================
Catrike - Pocket $2000 (29lbs / Wheelbase 35")

Catrike - 700 $2700 (33lbs / Wheelbase 45")

Trice Q - With a hardshell seat $3000 (36lbs / Foldable / Rear Suspension / Wheelbase 42")

Challenge Bikes - Trike Concept XT $3800 (33lbs / Wheelbase 46")

Greenspeed - GTS $5000 (35lbs / Wheelbase 41.3")

HP Velotechnik - Scorpion FX $3100 (38lbs / Wheelbase 40" / Full Suspension / Foldable)

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Local Dealers (Bay Area):
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Recumbent Bikes & Trikes by CVC - SF
www.recumbents-cvc.com - (415) 221-3601

Zach Kaplan Recumbents - Alameda
M-F by appointment only: (510) 522-2368

Challenge Bikes Dealer (Woodland, CO)
www.angletechcycles.com - (800) 793-3038

How to choose an air filter

I spent the past few hours looking for air filters, read some how-to's, looked at several comparison sites, product sites and wiki's. Below are my results on what too look for in a air filtration system.


Types of Air Filtration:
HEPA - a specially designed filter effective against many particles. Ignore products that say "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-like". There is only one HEPA certification.

Ionic - electronically charges particles causing them to attract to collector plates or fall to the floor. These work better if they have a fan built in. Some of these units produce ozone. Trace amounts are fine, and units that produce large amounts are illegal now in California.

UV Lamp (Photocatalytic oxidation [PCO]) - effective against living microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. Some air filters have the lamps inside the unit (see: Alen).

Ozone Generator - creates ozone which seeks out contaminants. Stay away from air purifiers that create ozone as a by-product of the air purification process. Ozone is in no way, shape, or form good for the human body.

Carbon Filter - removes chemicals, fumes, and smoke



Things to look for in an air filter:

• Noise output (dBA) - Quiet doesn't mean that it cleans the air better. If you are sensitive to the noise, leaving it on while your at work could be a good alternative.
• Type of filter (HEPA / Ionic / UV) - See type list above for more info.
  
• High Warranty - The warranty varies dramatically from unit to unit.
  
• Room Size (sq ft) - The coverage measurement for air filters is in square feet and not cubic feet. My assumption is that they are setting this based on the average ceiling height for home around 10 feet high. Since vaulted ceilings have more air, factor that extra space in best you can. It's better to over do it than to under do it. Also account for odd floor layouts that may inhibit airflow. Small units in each room will do much better than one large unit in a house. If you have bad allergies or asthma cut in half what the unit says it covers.
• Filter Replacement / Cost - The price of filters can vary dramatically from unit to unit.
  
• Filter change indicator light (nice to have) - most high-end units have these.
  
• Look for energy star or energy efficient units - most high-end units have similar enery consumption.
  

Recommended Units:
These recommendations were chosen because they have the highest standards and maximum coverage. The coverage usually sets the price and each company offers varying options for and specialties. For instance, the company Alen offers units specifically for filtering air that has unusually high gas levels. I chose to stick with the basic air purifiers for homes instead of going into the industrial application area. This site (air-purifiers-america.com) is a good place to browse for more units and here is a test they did to compare top units from the leading brands »

Alen A375UV Ultra - $499
Coverage: 800 sq ft
Type: HEPA + Ionic + UV (I love that this one has built in UV!)
Size: Small & Compact
Style: Ugly (Like an 80s robot in a plastic tuxedo)
Noise Level: 35-65 dBA
Warranty: Lifetime
HEPA Replacement Filter: 6-9 months - $49

IQAir HealthPro Compact - $649
Coverage: 900 sq ft
Type: HEPA
Size: Medium
Style: Awkward (Like a 90s version of a plastic art deco porta-potty)
Noise Level: 72 dBA
Warranty: 5 yr
Pre-filter Replacement: 6-18 months - $69
HEPA Replacement Filter: 2-4 years - $189

BlueAir 601 - $599
Coverage: 680 sq ft
Type: HEPA + Electrostatic
Size: Medium
Style: Well Designed
Noise Level: 32-68 dBA
Warranty: 10 yr
HEPA Replacement Filter: 6-9 months - $79

BlueAir 501 - $499
Coverage: 550 sq ft
Type: HEPA + Electrostatic
Size: Large
Style: Well Designed
Noise Level: 32-68 dBA
Warranty: 10 yr
HEPA Replacement Filter: 6-9 months - $79



Size Comparison:

View full size comparison »



I might get one of these for my small office that is blocked from air circulation. Since it doesn't have a timer, I would get an outlet timer so it turns on when I'm not around.
Alen T100 Desktop - $149
Coverage: 125 sq ft
Type: HEPA + Electrostatic
Size: Tiny
Style: Well Designed
Noise Level: N/A (probably much quieter than the larger units)
Warranty: Lifetime
HEPA Replacement Filter: 6-9 months - $79

How to choose an air filter / How to pick an air filter / How to find an air filter

Odd Robot Boxes

The most odd vintage robot boxes from MSI in Chicago.
View Gallery »

Some of my thoughts on Religion

I sit and squeeze my fists weekly about the blind mentality guided by religion, but for some reason, when I come face to face with someone that uses it, I don't hold it against them.

I see that type of thought as a really bad idea that works for most people...an idea virus. And I'm more mad at the idea than the people.

But sometimes its hard to separate...I'm not perfect at all.