Big frame

Bicycle messenger, 1914 (Library of Congress photo)

This guy delivered telegrams for Western Union in Birmingham, Ala., in 1914. At least his cap says "Western Union."

But where did he put the telegrams to be delivered? There's no bag or pouch in sight.

His bike looks heavy and hard to pedal. The steel frame is huge: I bet it wasn't easy to swing that left leg over the seat. And look at the gearing: big front chainwheel and small fixed cog in the back.

While the road looks flat, remember that Birmingham has some steep hills he probably had to climb. How he stopped, once he got started, isn't clear. There's probably a coaster brake in that rear hub.

Phone bill scam

Be sure to check your phone bill carefully for extra charges. I saw one on mine from TECHMAX SOLUTIONS, Inc. for something called "efax svc monthly fee." The charge was $9.62.

I'm not sure how long this is has been on my bill, but I called and complained. The phone rep cancelled the "service" and gave me a credit for a couple of months.

It's a total scam.

Dictionary

The American Heritage Dictionary is one of the most-used apps on my iPod touch--I've put it in the bottom bar where it's available on any screen. It's easy-to-use (the shake-to-clear-the-search-field feature is great). The definitions and the usage guide are well-written and make all kinds of good sense. The voice pronunciation is clear and responds instantly. The app's only drawback is its size: the download time requires lots of patience. All in all, it's the best money I've spent on a dictionary. 

scribefire

first post using scribefire for safari--it's a plugin. also want to see if how hypertext links work. Here's one to arts & letters daily.

Leno's Big Push

NBC is spending $10 million to promote Jay Leno's new show. ....

Another way to use Facebook

In class on Thursday, we talked a little about the increasing number of employers who use the Web to check up on job applicants and whether the stuff on a Facebook page might be embarassing some day. Here's a piece that takes a different viewpoint: You can use Facebook to your advantage.

Cycling

A friend and I went cycling on Sunday morning. I did about 36 miles; he went on for a few miles more. There was something invigorating about the morning. Lots of other people were out on their bicycles and, for the first time in months, it was slightly cool.