http://www.lukewalsh.com Applied tech, science, people, wisdom Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:50:01 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en There is some interesting software being developed in Corvallis. The invite-only consumer software appears to provide a laboratory for something much more lucrative - a "black box" audience-building engine. Strands Labs gives publishers and e-commerce sites the ability to craft widgets and recommendations that are highly relevant to the site ... http://www.lukewalsh.com/2009/04/21/strands-labs-in-corvallis/ I discovered a NYTIMES article this morning that is right on target. http://www.lukewalsh.com/2008/07/13/nytimes-unboxed-article/ ESPN writer Jim Caple is in town to write about the trials, and in a very flattering article published today he writes about Eugene and the town's dedication to the sport of track and field. http://www.lukewalsh.com/2008/07/04/espn-jim-caple/ I recently ordered some new Reef sandals from Zappos.com. In fact, I order almost ALL of my shoes from Zappos.com. Sure I also buy locally, but usually I can't because: The store doesn't have my size (11-12 is very common, popular shoes sell out fast). Driving to the store, trying on the ... http://www.lukewalsh.com/2008/05/06/zappos-customer-engagement/ Actually the only dog-friendly hotel I've stayed at in Portland. The Vintage Plaza on Broadway is a classic old hotel in the middle of downtown Portland. We stayed there for one night and were amazed at the treatment they gave Scout, our 6 month old yellow lab: 1. They treated him like ... http://www.lukewalsh.com/2008/03/26/dog-friendly-hotel-portland/ Last weekend we stayed at the Hotel Lucia on Broadway (highly recommended) and had dinner at Higgins Restaurant on Broadway. I ordered the Tuna steak special. It arrived on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, surrounded by a large sprig of basil and a circle of pesto. It was fresh, ... http://www.lukewalsh.com/2007/08/25/dining-in-portland/ Race organizers reversed the course this year, sending the toughest part of the run to miles 9 and 10. Does this mean the course switches every five years? A little barbaric, given how painful those last two miles were, but this race was built to hurt so nevermind that. The ... http://www.lukewalsh.com/2007/06/24/cape-mountain-trail-run-cmtr/ My new 2007 Brooks Beasts are here - ordered through Zappos, received them THE VERY NEXT DAY w/free shipping. Zappos is good stuff. I've put all of 7 miles on them this week. They are lighter, faster, and have a more stable heel than the 2006 model. I'm very impressed. When ... http://www.lukewalsh.com/2007/06/19/cape-mountain-run-this-weekend/ I am on a mission to determine which company has the best motion control running shoes. So far I have tried the Saucony Grid Stabil and Brooks Beast. The Saucony Grid Stabil is a nice shoe, lightweight w/great cushioning but not as stable as some shoes with a more stable instep. ... http://www.lukewalsh.com/2007/04/10/what-are-the-best-motion-control-running-shoes/