iPhone Finder Works
Find My iPhone location tracking enables all-city chase

It's been over a year since I posted my first Top 5, and figured I was due. Additionally, this is an interesting one. So Interesting that I could only come up with 4.
I'm drawing a blank on the source of the quote, or even the exact wording, but it goes something link "Design isn't just how something looks, it's how something works". This 4 (well technically 5) things work well, for me. I realize this is a completely subjective list, so the "for me" is an important distinction.
The first one should be obvious to anyone that knows me. I'm a fan, nearly a fanboy. And while I let fly with a flippant "Get a mac" as a solution to, say, a flat tire, my point is that Apple with both OS X and the iPhone have made some very conscious design decisions for how their products work. Some of those decisions require a brain shift on their part of the customers, and this rubs some people the wrong way. But it's this sort of commitment to what they feel is "the right way" that has produce some really good stuff. That being said, they've had a few misses, as will happen when you take that tack.
The Dyson. This item is very, very similar to why the Apple gear is on the list. But in a way, maybe they should be at number one since they've taken a fairly simple concept and have made it better in ways I never considered for the simple act of vacuuming. Prior to acquiring our Dyson, I didn't get what the big deal was (much like folks are about Apple). But like my switch to Apple, I talked to some people who had first hand experience and decided to take the jump, despite the price. Glad we did. Dyson has taken the vacuum to a different level. The thing just sucks. It pulls crap out of the carpet that you never knew was there. The first time we used it was almost disgusting as what it pulled up that the old one never did. Aside from it's basic function, how it moves, how the accessories work, and the accessories it comes with all fall into the idea stated above: it's how it works. The 5 year no questions warrantee and the killer coupon we got at the time (thanks
tofer1977) made the decision a lot easier. If you have the means, I highly suggest picking one up.
Things and Things Touch are software applications. Basically they are task lists. They are based around the core concepts of GTD and they both have a special elegance to them. I want to make software this well designed. They've kept a simple idea simple, but have embellished it without encumbering it.
Most folks know TIVO. They were first out of the gate with the idea of a DVR, but more importantly, they spent a lot of time on how one interacts with it. I've used quite a few other DVR systems other than TIVO and they all are complete crap in comparison. We have an older TIVO in our office that doesn't get a lot of use. But even though it works differently from our primary DVR, it still feels second nature where our primary one still feels clumsy after 2 years of use. If things go as announced I hope to be able to have TIVO once again as my primary DVR later this year.
| Distance: | 3.10 mi |
| Time: | 36'33" |
| Pace: | 11'47"/mi |
| Calories: | 545 |
| full version | |
Due to scheduling needs, It made sense to go into the gym with Aly this morning. Whcih meant I was on the treadmill at 5:30....ack! I decided to push myself by starting at 5.5, dropping to 5.0 for most of the run, and then do the last 200m at 6.2, which would be my ideal pace to do a 30 min 5k. Then end result is that I shaved almost 5 minutes off my last time. I also ended the run with an HR of 190+. Perhaps I'm over-reaching just a touch.
Perhaps because of my quicker pace, but the nike+ system was WAY off, so distance is thanks to the treadmill, pace is due to my division.

| Distance: | 3.14 mi |
| Time: | 44'10" |
| Pace: | 13'06"/mi |
| Calories: | 531 |
| full version | |
Since I could finally manage stairs without so much pain that I was walking funny, I figured I should go for another run. I did the same route as I did on Monday, but in the other direction. This made for an interesting comparison of short, steep ascents with long descents vs. the other way around.
I think I like this way a little better. I didn't have to stop, and shaved more than a minute off my time, so you gotta love that. But the short, intense drive with the long cool off seems to suit me a little better.
| Distance: | 3.11 mi |
| Time: | 42'16" |
| Pace: | 13'35"/mi |
| Calories: | 545 |
| full version | |
4 1/2 months later I decided to go for a run. Been contemplating it for a bit, and after talking some with
rivuletca this morning about her running the SL Marathon 5k I decided to give it a go.
I'm pretty darn happy with it all. My pace wasn't too far off last time but since it was so long ago, and in thicker air (at sea level) and on level ground, I'll take the difference. Not to mention the fact that I walked for a few minutes after the last climb. I attribute the decent time to the fact that I weigh about 15 lbs. less than I did at my last run.
Speaking of climbing, for some reason I decided to do the hilly route, dunno why. 170 ft. elevation change:
I feel wasted, and stairs are "fun", but it was good...might even do it again sometime...