Phones have come a long way since two cans on a string. We use phones to chat, instant message, post, play and tweet. And as more and more consumers switch to smart phones, there are more and more opportunities for businesses to engage them. Experts predict that mobile phones will be the primary Internet device by 2020, so tailoring your messages to this technology is a 21st-Century must. Here are five ways you can take part in What’s Next in mobile technology:

• Be sure your website is designed for mobile viewing
• Consider asking customers to opt-in to phone text lists for text messages about sales, specials and events
• Invite customers to use photos and video on their phones to show friends their favorite things about your product or service
• Encourage repeat customers by making special offers through location-based check-ins on Gowalla, Foursquare or Facebook Places
• Create tailored solutions for customers with QR codes and custom apps

Certainly the ever-expanding functionality of "the phone" has improved the way we work, play and live, but it's important to remember at its core, the phone, like the wheel, still has a fundamental purpose that often gets taken for granted. It might be easy to upgrade or replace your phone, but nothing can replace the human connection. So don’t let your mobile marketing become just another way to spam consumers; make it a better way to connect with them.

When my granddad passed this March, I inherited two "motorcycles" - a 1970 Honda Trail90 (red) and a 1970 Honda CT-70 (blue). The bikes have been in our family since original purchase - I even learned to ride the smaller one when I was about 13. They both have less than 1200 miles each and are well-maintained but aged - I'm sure the last time the CT-70 was serviced was when I rode it, circa '88; even longer for the Trail90. So we got these bikes home and, at the prodding of a motor-head friend did a little research on them, only to discover that they are somewhat collectible or at least desirable. But we don't intend to sell them - rather, I'd like to ride them.

I feel compelled to get at least the Trail90 running for lots of reasons:
1) It's the most street-legal, the other isn't.
2) If it gets decent gas mileage it will actually be useful around town.
3) It's kinda cool looking in a retro kind of way.
4) It seems like the right thing to do as a good steward of what I have been given.
5) I'd really like to be able to say I did.

I already know it needs SOME work - battery, tires, tags, title etc - but I for now I want to see if it will run, then we'll get the rest of it figured out. So I gathered all of the necessary pre-flight materials - gas, new battery, oil, grease etc. Replaced the battery. Checked the oil and the drive chain. But when I put gas in the tank, it promptly came out the bottom. Upon further inspection, I discovered the fuel lines were weathered, cracked and broken off. Oh great - looks like this wont be as easy as I had hoped.

And this is where the adventure begins: I have no small engine repair experience. I know very little about combustion engines and even less about motorcycles. I am not mechanically inclined. I do have some experience from the repairs I have done on my own, but I harbor more resentment than satisfaction from most of those experiences. But with the support of my wife and help from a little thing called the internet, I am determined to make this happen. So far I have successfully removed the exhaust brackets to get the gas tank off and remove the bad fuel lines - now I am looking for replacement parts. New fuel lines are too fat to fit throught the hole in the chassis, so I am ordering repro parts off the web. I have kept careful records of where everything goes so I know how to put it all back.

This is uncharted territory for me. I have a feeling this is going to be an ongoing process of repairs. But we are in it for the long haul - determined and motivated. I've got the owner's manual and the Shop Manual as well (my granddad was pretty organized). I've got all the tools I should need (which reminds me about a post I am considering writing on a man's tools and the knowledge how to use them... but I digress). But most of all I am determined. I suppose if it is worth having, it is worth working for. So begins the experiment to see if I can repair this bike and get it running. I'll try to keep you posted of the progress. Wish me luck!

Trey

Ok I admit it, I have a pair of Crocs. And I "get it" because they are damn comfortable.

(By the way, that's NOT me!!!)

But HOLY CRAP they are ridiculous looking. I say this because we spent the past weekend at the lake so I got to see a lot of people wearing them. I typically only wear mine in the yard because they're easy-on-easy-off, so I don't really get a chance to see what they look like as part of an ensemble (I never even thought to make them part of an ensemble).

Having now seen them from a spectator's point of view, I can tell you quite assuredly that they are one of the worst fashion elements ever. Actually I don't even think they are intended to be part of any kind of statement... unless the look you are going for is "retar-duck". They may even be the gateway drug to wearing black socks with shorts and it's just a quick parlay to a fanny pack. Ugh. In that moment I was ashamed that even I owned a pair and swore to never wear them in public.

Clearly this is one of those function vs. form arguments but I'm really not sure the functionality is winning.