Barefoot

Ok. Agreed. Some designs for running shoes have gone over the top. Coils, rounded soles and computer chips - doesn't this take away the simplicity of running? However, the simple concept of the FiveFingers design by Vibram seems a little extreme too. I don't think they would be good for running on concrete in the city, but running in an open field for an ultimate game? Perfect. Here's the NYTimes article I stumbled upon:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/business/30shoe.html?_r=1&8dpc

I will be curious to see how these shoes take off over the next few years. If I hear rave reviews, perhaps I will have to try the bare bones, er... "barefoot" approach to running.

Put the fun between your legs!

Get your head out of the gutter - I'm talking about bikes. My most recent obsession is to find an old road bike and build a sweet single speed commuter. I am new to the whole indy - underground "build a rad fixie" group, so maybe you readers are very familiar with this site - but, for those who aren't - here's a link to Milwaukee Bicycle Co.

http://www.benscycle.net/

Once I find my dream frame (old, slightly beat up, but coated in a cool retro-color), I plan to replace components like the wheels and crank set with new colorful ones from a place like MKE bicycle co.

first EVER!

This is my first blog post ever! I've realized that this is actually my fourth blog that I have designed and yet my first to ever get published. Out with the shame of worrying about misspelled words and in with pouring care-free thoughts all over this "inter-hoopty" thing we call the web.

My thoughts for this blog were to share cool looking designs that I come across. I'm sure that most of these designs will relate to home building and home furnishing, for this is where my interests lie. For those who don't know me, I am an engineer (in training) getting my masters with a focus on "Building Systems." Yeah, that's right. Building systems = your HVAC system, lighting system, electrical system, and any other system related to a building. Basically, I am an architectural engineer who focuses on green building design and energy efficiency. BUT - I also have an eye for the architectural and design side of things too. (Not your typical engineer.) So. For this blog, expect to see random "cool" things that will range from silly little doo-dads to actual buildings and home designs that leave you wishing you had a bigger pay check.

To start, I'd like to share my first link. This is the "Gable Home" that is being built by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the Solar Decathlon 2009. I love the simplicity of it and the reuse of wood from an old grain silo.

http://solardecathlon.uiuc.edu/gallery.html

Can't wait to follow the SD09 competition! More information on the competition can be found here:

http://www.solardecathlon.org/

~rois