shellylh

No. Also, you could probably sell your black Tri-Star on ebay for not much of a loss (if you wanted to deal with that). I bet you could easily get over $200 for the Tri-Star. I have seen Aeronauts go for over $200 but they might have had an Absolute strap (but a new Aeronaut is only $220). Also, I haven't seen any Tri-Stars selling on ebay lately.

Congrats Al and Bryan! Ric: Does the "mindfold" work?

Also, if you want a laptop only bag, STM makes some decent and fairly cheap ones. I use the medium "jacket" as a case but it also comes with a minimal strap and has a pocket in front. I would have to check to see if the power brick would fit in the pocket though. http://www.stmbags.com/catalog/laptop-shoulder-bags/

I know I am going to sound like a faboy but the Tom Bihn ID + Absolute Strap is a really nice 15" MBP bag but maybe more than you need. It is much nice than I thought it would be until I used it. Speaking of Tom Bihn, they will soon be having bags 1050d ballistic nylon in Navy http://www.tombihn.com/blog/node/1792

Happy happy Birthday Ari!

I agree Mike, the Capresso grinder is so much better than the Cuisinart, good choice! I bought a Fender Super Champ XD last night to go with my new guitar (which should be here today)! It is so much nicer than my old crappy amp even with my old crappy guitar.

Happy birthday!

Went to the store to find out that the phone had already been sent out. I talked to the tech guy and he assured me that all phones were wiped clean before they left the store. I guess I will just have to trust him at this point.

No unlock drawing/code unfortunately, it was a bit annoying to have on but I guess I will need to do that in the future. I cannot believe what an idiot I was. How will they know if my phone is still there or which one is my phone?

By the way, I am an idiot. I took the Epic back to the store without wiping it clean. The guy at the store said don't worry it will be wiped clean... and I stupidly trusted him at that moment. Now I wish I would have asked for it back to erase everything myself. Sigh. I don't think there is much I can do about it now. Don't think I had many passwords stored. I use 1password which asks for a master password and deleted that program before returning it. Also, I changed my google dropbox and bank passwords for good measure. Anything else you can think of doing?

The Swype Beta is open so there is no problem getting it, just want to make sure it is not going to screw up my phone if I install it... or if there was some risk of it stealing information that I type like password, credit card numbers, etc.

Traded in the Epic for the Nexus S today. The Nexus S is pure google awesome. One thing I would like to do is install Swype on it. Is there any (security) risk to doing this?

^This! Got the last one at the store.

2001 Panza Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner and now a pour of Pappy Van Winkle 20yr and a glass of Mountain Valley Spring Water on the side

The Nexus S looks nice. I have no idea if my store has them in stock but I am seriously thinking about trading in the bulky and software bloated Epic for the sleek and trim Nexus S.

Damn, that looks good. I do need a smoker!

Martini with blue cheese stuffed olives (5:1 Hendricks to Dolin Dry with a splash of olive juice)

You tell em Al. We are mixers and proud!

Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes!!! You all are awesome and I really cannot ask for a better group of friends. The birthday has been great so far, I have basically done nothing productive (except an easy workout at the gym which was definitely needed). Went to a new restaurant last night for a pre-birthday dinner. Tonight I am going to grill some steaks with Tim (aka hubby) and have some good wine, beer and cocktails. Life doesn't get much better than that. John: Yep, that is the story. It's probably better told in person after a few drinks though.

Happy Birthday!

I almost bought a bottle of the higher proofed Old Raj today. I think Marc said that one was the better of the two. It certainly is more HC approved at 55% than the one I have at a mere 46%.

Definitely like the t-shirt Al... better not wear it in Florida though.

This

*Anvil* Bramble 3/2 oz Old Raj gin 3/4 oz Creme de Mure 1/2 oz simple syrup 1/2 oz lemon juice This is pretty nice.

Had some Amalaya Malbec with dinner (Rum and Coke short ribs). I liked the Malbec but preferred my husband's Cabernet Sauvignon (Barnard Griffin) which was excellent - I am going to buy a few bottles next time I am out. Greg, I'll keep an eye out for the Pedras.