When snow can be appreciated

As I was so pleasantly reminded on my recent trip home, I really enjoy the user-centered design of my snowboard bindings. I bought the K2 cinch a couple years ago when my original strap style ones broke. They are a form of step-in bindings where the back support can be released via a cable and lever to allow the user to step into them without undoing the top straps.

Recent models can be found on their website, pictured here is the women's Cinch Vette.

Their tag line:
"A testament to classic K2 engineering ingenuity, the Vette’s quick entry and exit speed is complemented by a cornucopia of customization options that only a strap system can provide."

Wow, K2 with the fancy words. I do love these bindings though! They are very easy to use, and a great improvement from traditional strap bindings or previous step-in models. (though they still include fully adjustable 'speed ratchet' straps similar to traditional ones) I don't have to sit in everyone's way at the top of the lift to strap in for five minutes, and I don't have to take my gloves off to feed the plastic tongue into the ratchet sleeve or to make tightness adjustments. With the cinch bindings the step in action is most easily performed while standing and the release and lock apparatus uses a flexible band that is easy to slip a gloved hand into to pull the lever up or down (also without sitting). It can be done in a matter of seconds instead of minutes. The other step-ins I've mentioned alleviated these same issues, but were susceptible to other problems that made them difficult to use. These models allow you to simply step down and click in using no straps at all, but would often become snow and ice covered forcing the user to stop and clean them before they would fasten securely. Many users also complained about the diminished support from removing the top straps. Cinch bindings are the best of both versions, customization in fit from the straps which can be adjusted when needed and quick binding action per ride.

The greatest source for expensive useless "innovations"

On my recent flight home I indulged in my favorite airplane pastime, flipping through a Skymall and laughing to myself about all the strange products I can’t imagine anyone would want, much less need.

The most entertaining discovery this trip was the Peugeot Elis Electric Salt & Pepper Combo. This set of ‘Stainless Look’ automated Pepper and Salt Mill runs on AAA batteries and eliminates the need to grind pepper or fresh rock salt by hand. Their value proposition:
“Treat your guests to the elegance of fresh-ground pepper and rock salt without the workout.”
Ha. Someone had to be joking to call grinding salt or pepper a workout, that’s just embarrassing! The best part of it all is the $199 price tag.

On the positive side, this product may have some emotional value because they are sleek and shiny and fit in with contemporary style. One customer review stated what a great conversational piece they are. Additionally, they have some interesting and useful features including a light that enables the user to more easily see the grind amount and several grind settings. They are also treated to resist corrosion and wear. While I can see the lure of having everything in one’s kitchen cutting edge and high tech, to me these seem impractical. Using electronics and batteries to accomplish such a simple task just opens the door to malfunction. Just imagine hosting a dinner for friends and having to leave the table mid-meal to go find batteries for the pepper mill! Automating the process also eliminates the feel of the kernels crushing, a satisfying element of using an “old fashioned” mill.

My original thought was that this design did not really solve a need and was merely someone trying to make a cool product, but based on the reviews this is a great innovation for older people or those lacking good hand function.