n_maher

Done, sorry for taking so long.

Not but much, CJ, if history is any indicator of the value of used Apple products.

Jeff, Curious that you were unimpressed with the Audi's quality especially the interior since in all the reviews that I've been reading they are generally regarded as having one of the best of (if not the) of the bunch. The 4Runner, assuming that's the beater you're talking about, is certainly a nice ride. The newer ones are ok but I simply hate parts of the interior. I don't know who the designers are working for Toyota but they've done some simply daft things in the last few years with center consoles and radios. Just hideous.

Dropped the Roubaix off for a new rear derailleur cable and adjustment today. While it's in the shop I'm going to try its saddle on the calfee. Here's to hoping.

The entire commute in this morning was into a steady 15mph wind with gusts over 20. It sucked. In spots where I normally average ~20 I was well under 15. The good news is that if the winds hold I should have a ripping ride home.

Smeggy can't be happy either.

The new fusion is great. I would have recommended against the Camry as it is due for a massive update next model year. I'm clueless related to Mazda offerings. Long ago the dealer was kind of an asshat but that may have changed in the last few decades.

Shit Tyll, that sucks for moto season. And damnit, I thought I had it bad mowing my yard. Although in fairness, mine requires weekly maintenance and I don't have cows to help out.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Depending on what you're looking for in terms of options you might consider something like a certified pre-owned Audi A4 or BMW 328. They can be had for well under $30k with ~30k miles and figure 2011/12 vintage. In my experience these cars feel (and are) quite a bit nicer than the usual suspects from the US and Japan. That said, the new Fusion is a very nice looking car. I've only driven the previous generation Hybrids (work has a bunch) and they ride nice enough but I'm generally just not a huge fan of CVT/Hybrid drive systems and won't be driving one till the last well dries up and there isn't another option.

Jeff, I hadn't considered a lease but with your yearly mileage that makes a ton of sense. At ~15k a year I'm close to making it work but I'm not ready to consider a car payment a simple recurring expense that never ends.

^^ the rs5 is sick. Jeff, if I were in your shoes I'd buy something lighty used. You'd take less of a hit the next you get bored. And I'll trade my clinker for yours, straight up.

I second this recommendation. If my commute wasn't 20 miles each way I'd still be using mine. Justin, if you want to try one I could ship one down to you.

Detailed pictures would probably help.

I saw an R8 yesterday Jeff, that seemed nice. Give us some examples of what you're looking at and what you didn't like and maybe we can come up with something. I waffle all over the map when it comes to what I think would make a good next car. The real problem is that my current car has been paid off for 3 years and shows no real signs of needing to be replaced.

It was in the beans.

Woke up well rested and looking forward to the weekend. Fired up the coffee grinder and the day promptly went to shit. If you look closely you'll see a rock jammed in grinding mechanism. Despite the grinder saying that it has ways of dealing with this to avoid burning up the motor it was incapable of saving itself. I got the rock out and fired it back up (pun fully intended) and poof, magic smoke. Fudge.

Happy Birthday!

We'll be thinking of you, Steve and hoping that round 2 in Texas is somehow better.

Oh Marshall, there you go offering actual advice. Here I was hoping that you'd tell him how to do a mini plug to speaker wire adapter... Of course what I really can't believe is someone in 2014 not understanding how to plug an iPod into a device that has an AUX connection.

The one that came on it is horrible and not of my choosing, that is the only reason.

I spent an hour and a half working with my LBS on the fit on the Calfee. It actually wasn't far off from where I think it'll end up but we ran out of time to try different saddles, that'll happen this week and then it'll time be to start riding it.

Excellent. And damnit, I was supposed to send you a crank.

Happy Birthday, Jeffy!

RE: taxes - this year I decided to see how I was doing using just Turbo Tax and hired an accountant. Result - I payed for the privilege of finding out that I know how to read instructions and fill out forms. The guy was kind of an ass about it too... Still, we got a little back which is the side of the equation that I like to err on. Sorry to hear aobut your situation, Shelly. That's just not much fun. Todd, nice! We spent both days at each grand parents house. Saturday was with my wife's family and was nice, if a bit hectic. Sunday was at my parents and was quite a bit of fun with 5 little ones (ages 3 to 10) all running about and playing with each other all over the place. What I could really use now is a weekend...