millan.info / blog

iQ for iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:58:00 +0000

Why limit yourself to one search engine? Use iQ to search from a variety of today's most popular search providers and services.

Simply type in a search term and quickly choose from any of the services on the list. It's that simple.

iQ is the quick and easy way to search on the iPhone.

Ride #2: La Verne to Upland

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:00:00 +0000

This Sunday's ride was an encouraging one as I continued my hopeful transition from a "big-fat-dynamo" to a sleek, spandex-wearing cyclist.

I managed a distance of 15.6 miles to Upload from La Verne along Baseline Ave. After passing the strenuous hilly climb leading into Claremont, I was on a roll. After a couple more miles the Endorphins began to kick in and I was feeling great.

During my ride I was reminded of what a liberating and mentally cleansing experience cycling can be. This was all about what my body was completely capable of handling and, in the grand scheme of things, what could be more rewarding?

Fortunately, I was able to maintain a steady breathing rhythm throughout my ride, for which I can only attribute to my evening jogs. My leg muscles were fine too. What forced me to turn around, however, was an overwhelmingly numb set of toes. After a quick five minute water break I turned back and headed back home.

The following week, after talking things over with my co-worker buddy, Mike Panoff, who is quite the advanced cyclist, it became quite clear that my shoe and pedal set-up was the cause for my numb toes. Addressing this will clearly become the focus of my next visit to Incycle in San Dimas.

The problem is that I'm wearing jogging shoes with an old pedal design from the late-1980's that encourage the use of special late-1980's style cycling shoes. Unfortunately, these late-1980's style shoes are no longer in production. So, I'll need to upgrade to the latest and greatest pedal/shoe technology of today.

On that note, I should point out that so much has changed in the world of cycling over the past fifteen years. In a way, for me, it is a bit like traveling into the future. A very exciting yet expensive future. ;-)

Back to the Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:52:00 +0000

This Sunday marked my return to the world of cycling after a sixteen year break. I managed to pull off a 8.6 mile ride from my house along Baseline Rd. to my eventual goal in Claremont.

About two miles into my ride, I began to recollect many of the little details about cycling that I had long since forgotten. In short, you never really forget these things and after about three miles I was truly beginning to enjoy my ride.

Unfortunately, it was shortly after this point that I accidently knocked my bike computer from its base while changing gears. As my computer flew towards the gutter I reacted too quickly and abruptly stopped my bike to retrieve it. This was a big mistake as no sooner did a tremendously painful muscle cramp set in on my right calf. Despite having warmed up I have to believe the abrupt stop is what caused it.

Still, this didn't really help things as, unbeknownst to me, I was about to face about one mile of very steep hill as I entered into Claremont. Eventually, I was able to struggle my way up the hill which was definitely the most difficult part of the ride.

Overall, it was a beautiful morning and I really enjoyed this particular path. Generally speaking, Baseline Rd. accommodates bikes quite well with its wide lanes, light traffic and occasional bike paths. I noticed a good amount of seasoned cyclists as well, which was reassuring. I'll be attempting it again this weekend. Without the muscle cramp, of course.

Michelle - Age 5

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Aidan - Age 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:40:00 +0000

Making Christmas '07

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 05:39:00 +0000

Dorothy and the Scarecrow

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 02:00:00 +0000

La Verne Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 23:00:00 +0000

Downtown L.A. and Olvera Street

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 06:22:00 +0000

Aquarium of the Pacific '07

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:00:00 +0000

America's Top Public High Schools

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:18:00 +0000

According to Newsweek magazine, Bonita High School in La Verne ranks in the top 3% of high schools across the country.

This is good news. Hopefully this trend will continue by the time Michelle and Aidan start attending.

Ranking was determined by the number of Advanced Placement, Intl. Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students divided by the number of graduating seniors.

"The Millans"

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:41:00 +0000

Pismo 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sun, 20 May 2007 03:08:00 +0000

Michelle's Year Four Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sun, 13 May 2007 22:00:00 +0000

10 Reasons It Doesn't Pay To Be ’The Computer Guy’

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Thu, 03 May 2007 21:06:00 +0000

No kidding!

I've had individuals track me down at the oddest times of day for either direct computer help or answers to very "Googlible" questions. I've since learned not to tell people that I know either how to fix computers or build them.

I've said it before, I do enjoy helping family members or close friends with their computers. I recall a time not too long ago when 90% of the people I knew did not even own a computer, so for me it's definitely something to appreciate.

In the past, I've encountered problems with referral-type situations or people I barely knew coming to me for help. My main pet-peeve was meeting someone, establishing that I "knew computers", and immediately getting back a "well then, you simply must help me with my computer sometime" remark. Imagine meeting a mechanic at a gathering and immediately asking him to tune-up your car's engine. It's ridiculous. I think people simply aren't willing to pay, or accustomed to paying, for computer troubleshooting or repairs.

Still, the absolute worst type of moocher has got to be the individual who assumes that you're willing to share all your software with them. Sure, why not. "While I'm at it, how about I borrow your truck next time I feel like going on vacation?"

Computer repair can be a very time consuming effort and time is money. Next time someone helps you with your computer remember to return the favor with either a gift certificate, a nice meal, a small gift, etc. You'll be needing their help again very soon. Especially if you don't own a Mac.

Aidan's 1st Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:59:00 +0000

Aidan Starts Gymboree

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:00:00 +0000

Aidan's First Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:00:00 +0000

Christmas Morning '06

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 04:47:00 +0000

Christmas Eve '06

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000

Christmas Eve 2006 was topped off with a very special homemade prime rib dinner, a preparation of Christmas treats for Santa and his reindeer followed by a reading of "The Night Before Christmas".

Millan Christmas Party '06

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000

Our annual Christmas party was celebrated with delicious food, family togetherness and spirited song.

Lower Winter Creek Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Big Santa Anita Canyon

Disneyland

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 04:12:00 +0000

Michelle's third visit and Aidan's first.

Halloween '06

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:28:00 +0000

Part Three: The Family

Part Two: Old Town La Verne

Part One: At Home

Pumpkin Patch

noreply@blogger.com (Ernest Millan) — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 18:31:00 +0000

The Pumpkin Pests visit the Pumpkin Patch.