Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: General Cogitation Page 10 of 11

My First Attempt At Smoking

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On June 17, 2013

In Grill Master Biggs

Smoking a brisket. I’m sure some of you knew that, others might have thought I lost my damn mind. No, I don’t smoke and I never will. Anyway, this past weekend was my first attempt at smoking my first brisket. I didn’t do anything too fancy. The meat I bought was a 3.81 lb beef brisket from Costco. I didn’t want to buy anything too expensive in case I screwed it up. I used charcoal and water with some hickory wood chips for flavor.

R2-B2 Smoker Droid

I call him R2-B2 (he’s a Smoker Droid)

The rub I used was a custom rub that a friend created using various spices from some research on the Internet (and whatever I had in the house). It was an excellent debut rub!! I didn’t use any BBQ, this time (but it will probably be part of the attempt for the next time). I started the smoker about 9:30 and placed the brisket on the grill about 10:00 to cook for about 6-8 hours. Using a suggestion by Iron Chef Bobby Flay, about every hour I would go out and spritz the brisket with some Apple Cider Vinegar from a spray bottle. The real trick was keeping the temperature at an ideal level. About half way through I had to add more charcoal and more water.

It was a far more tiresome process then I expected (especially since I was in the basement playing on the computer between spritzings). The rewards were worth the effort though. It turned out pretty damn good and I’ve already come up with some ideas for the next time. Perhaps a different rub with some different spices, maybe a marinade. Either way, I’d say it was a pretty successful first try! It’s just a matter of honing my skills and making a few minor adjustments and then I’ll be ready for Bobby Flay’s Throwdown 🙂

/cheers

I Think I’m Addicted

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On June 4, 2013

In General Cogitation

bibs1Hello. My name is Biggs, and I’m addicted to exercising.

A year ago, if you would have told me that I would have participated in two 5K walks within three weeks of each other, I would have laughed in your face. Now, what I find equally as strange, is that I’m researching additional 5K activities.During our recent 5K walk, the Redlegs Run, my wife and I discussed the idea of trying to participate in one walk a month. I think I am becoming addicted to this.

I know they say that when you get into a routine of exercising that it can become addicting, and that is true. On days when I don’t exercise, or if I go a couple days in a row where I don’t exercise, I definitely feel like I haven’t completed my day. I pay even closer attention to what I’m eating and how much I eat because I don’t want to start to reverse what I have already worked so hard to lose. An important lesson to keep in mind when this happens is to not overdue it when you do get a chance to work out again. Sometimes our minds tell us that we need to push ourselves harder to compensate for missed opportunities. The problem with that is its one of the easiest ways to injure yourself; and injury will only make you miss more exercise opportunities.

When your body gets use to a routine, your metabolism increases and thus you begin to burn more even when your body is at rest. As long as you don’t gorge yourself on pizza and ice cream, you are not likely to gain too much weight if you miss a few days. This is clearly one of the healthiest addictions I’ve ever had.

So, Bring On The 5Ks!

The Woes of Windows 8

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On May 15, 2013

In General Cogitation, Microsoft, Technology

geek-300x300It was announced yesterday that the official name for the Windows Blue update will be Windows 8.1 (which isn’t a surprising naming convention, pretty much in-line with previous naming styles). Microsoft has said that this update will be free to all current users of Windows 8 which pretty much makes it a glorified service pack. Be that as it may, this update does have some interesting (rumored) updates that responds to some of the harsh criticisms Windows 8 has endured since its launch.

Windows 8.1 will champion the return of the standard Start Menu and a Boot-to-Desktop option, which addresses probably two of the biggest Windows 8 criticisms. They were the two biggest design complaints I had (I find the tiled “Start Screen” absolutely horrid). When Microsoft announced that there will be an 8.1 containing updates that address user concerns, they did not officially comment whether the Start Menu would be returning. However, as more and more details came out, the bulk of the concerns were still centered around the fact that users still want the old Start Menu back. I would say that at this point chances are good we will see it back in 8.1.

One of the other things I read that is allegedly coming in the 8.1 patch is a more mouse-friendly Charms bar. As I’ve vehemently expressed in the past, slapping a touch interface onto a standard desktop and expecting the experience to remain the same was asinine. Using the mouse is a completely different user experience then using a touch interface (this is why its a better idea to separate the OS code bases then try to combine then, hence iOS and OS X). If you are unfamiliar with the Charms bar, its essentially what has replaced pinning programs to the app bar. Its accessed from the right side of the screen by swiping your finger. Obviously this isn’t as natural if you are using a mouse. The rumor is that in 8.1 this will be more “mouse friendly”.

Finally, the last thing I’ve heard (thus far) that will be added in 8.1 is a tutorial for learning how to use the new Windows 8 desktop/interface. Some of the criticisms Windows 8 received was that there was a bit of a learning curve. Many people I’ve talked to that use Windows 8 regularly always say “I’ve gotten use to it”, which says to me that isn’t intuitive and requires some acclimation.

So are the changes coming in 8.1 an unofficial admission of failure? I don’t know. I mean, I am one of the harshest critics for Windows 8 and I don’t know if I would even go so far as to say that 8.1 is admitting that it was a failure. I’d be more inclined to say that Microsoft is finally listening to customer criticisms and responding accordingly. Will these changes elicit a change of heart for me? I doubt it. Many people say that if you would be upgrading from Windows 7 (which would be me) that its probably not really worth is as there aren’t that many differences (except for the “Start Screen”, obviously). I am curious, however, to see how folks respond to the changes. We’ll find out later this year.

/cheers

How I Used FitBit To Lose Weight

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On May 9, 2013

In General Cogitation

chartAs you can see from the graph I pulled from the FitBit phone app, I have been losing weight steadily since I purchased my FitBit back in January. During that time many have asked me what I have done and the FitBit has been one of the main components.

There are several options to choose from if you are thinking about buying a FitBit and it all depends on what you want to track and how much you are willing to spend. The cheaper option ($59) is the FitBit Zip which will just track your steps and sync it with the phone app and website. If you want to track your sleep and stairs then you might want to look at the FitBit One (this is the one I have, its $99). The One comes with additional features such as a silent alarm and a wrist band to use at night. The newest model is the FitBit Flex, which has all the same features (and price) of the FitBit One but it can be worn in the shower and, allegedly, can be worn while swimming up to 10 meters below the water (I don’t know, water and my FitBit still makes me skeptical).

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Not A FanBoy, Just Pragmatic

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On May 7, 2013

In Apple, General Cogitation, Linux, Microsoft, Technology

quillI’ve been trashing Microsoft quite a bit lately (some of it might be behavioral regression from my anti-Microsoft days). I think a lot of it has to do with how much I dislike Windows 8 and how easily people are blindly being lead to its use like sheep to the slaughter. I think Windows 8 is Microsoft’s worst design idea since adding that damn ribbon to the top of all their Office products.

There I go digressing again.

The truth is, I don’t hate everything Microsoft. In fact I love Windows 7. In my opinion its the best version of Windows. I often joke that it took Microsoft 7 versions to finally get it right. I also spend most of my career working in Microsoft technologies and I enjoy it. I’m pretty good with .NET, so clearly I’m not a hater, I just think that not everything Microsoft makes is gold. I like to remain pragmatic.

At home I not only run a machine with Windows 7 but I also have a Mac Mini and I’m currently building a Slackware (Linux) file server. So when it comes to operating systems, I’m not loyal to anyone. (Ask me about peripherals, however and Logitech will be the only one I recommend.) When I’m asked about phones or tablets, it isn’t a matter of which company is better because they all have their skeletons; I often tell people to try out the devices at the store and pick for yourself. If its an iPad, a Galaxy tablet or a Kindle Fire, it doesn’t matter to me, as long as it meets your needs.

The application of technology to your life shouldn’t be about what the latest gizmo or widget that Company X has created (and marketed with unnecessary gusto and fanfare). The decision to apply technology should be based on if it properly meets your need and if it has the potential for some longevity. The last thing you want to do is buy a device (like a Windows phone that will be obsolete in April 2014, per Microsoft), or implement a technological solution that you will have to replace in a year.

When I’m making a recommendation, to me, its more important to find the right solution that best meets the needs of the consumer or client. I won’t recommend something just because its the latest buzz by Microsoft or Google. It has to be the best option, above all other potential solutions because that’s what the customer ultimately wants.

/cheers

No Gimmick Needed to Lose Weight

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On January 18, 2013

In General Cogitation

rocky_lSo I woke up to a pleasant surprise, I have lost enough weight that I am now the lowest I have been probably since I was in college!

The best part about my weight loss so far is that I didn’t use any of the latest weight loss gimmicks and fads you see on television and the Internet. I used good old fashioned perseverance, exercise and portion control. I still eat a lot of the same foods that I’ve always enjoyed, I’ve just learned to eat smaller portions. I still drink pop and coffee but I have thrown in 24-48 oz of water. I also feel that the techniques in self-discipline and pushing myself I learned in martial arts also played a role (Thanks Tom).

I’ve been exercising 3-4 days a week for 25-30 minutes working upper and lower body. I mean, basically I’m ensuring that I’m burning more calories then I consume. Granted I may have had to give up a couple of foods that I like, but those have mostly been foods that I don’t have very often anyway. For example, I will probably never order a Baconater from Wendy’s again but I did eat at LaRosa’s for dinner the other night and I still dropped a pound the next day.

Everybody’s body chemistry is different so this method may not work for others so I’m not suggesting that those other programs are bogus, just not for me. It’s easier for me to follow a regimen that I’ve designed instead of a regimen dictated by someone else. I think my advice for anyone that is trying to lose weight, if programs like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig doesn’t work (or its too pricey) then just try a more rational approach. Count your calories, try to walk more (I bought a Fitbit) and find exercises that you enjoy doing. Finally, don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Your body needs time to adjust to the new way its burning  fat and building muscle.

Cheers!

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