wow, that's pretty dog gone outstanding right there!

My biggest problem with the paperback route is that right now, I'm heavy into the Public Domain/Creative Commons titles, and it doesn't make sense to me to pay for a paper copy of something I can download for free. Since I'm not likely to buy any content, it almost is a Gillette sort of deal for me. I figure if I consider the first 100 free books I download to be $1 purchases, it's pretty much paid for itself. Also, though I love the tactile experience of a paper book, something about the form factor on these ereaders really calls to me. They just look so darn much more comfortable to hold. I often try to read lying down, and paper books are just so impractical for that.

First, thanks for the offer! I don't think I'd feel right borrowing such an expensive item, though.

What model of Sony did you get? The little bit I've played with them in stores, the touch-screen models are abysmal. I couldn't stand the glare on those things. I've actually been trying out e-reading on my netbook and on my homebrew e-reader (The Schmindle) and I've pretty well decided that I do like the format, I just want a more polished dedicated e-reading device. I'm really liking what I'm seeing in the libre pro--it doesn't have an e-ink screen, but rather it has a monochrome lcd, which looks almost as bright/sharp as some of the more popular eink screens, at least to my eye. It supports a wider variety of formats than some of the big name ereaders, and the bare-bones design of it really appeals to me. I also like the way it organizes books, verses the way the Kindle, et. al handle it. This Libre Pro appears to be the most utilitarian ebook reader on the market in what I'd consider a fair price range.

if you haven't tried it yet, you should check out Sprecher's Black Bavarian. It's not even close to an imperial stout but it's still tasty. I wish I lived closer to WI so I could try some of Sprecher's seasonal beers. They also produce an Irish Stout and a Winter Brew that I really want to try.

Just looked it up, and it sounds pretty tasty.

I do live close to WI and am occasionally in WI. About all I can ever find is their root beer. Maybe I am just not hitting the right season. Oh well, the way things are going it isn't safe (PR wise) to buy any liquid refreshments locally anyway.

oh man oh man oh man, if I didn't already love the Pearls Before Swine comics enough, been reading Stephan Pastis' blog this afternoon....happy102happy102:happy102, just what every Monday needs!

Exhibit A:

What happened to using the Tungsten?

Sprecher's beer has a really small distribution area. Even inside Wisconsin it can be kinda hard to find.

And why isn't it safe in the PR department to buy locally?

thank you so much for sharing. I needed a good, long, hard laugh. I'm sure the parish secretary's wondering what's wrong with me. :happy102

The Tungsten is kind of a proof-of-concept check for me, and I'm finding that the electronic book is a good fit for my needs, but that tiny, non-reflective screen and the horrible battery life are real drawbacks. Otherwise, the setup is pretty cool. And the price drop in that Libre Pro is just making my pay finger itch.

On a bright note today....

I have a serious den cleaning to do and I took some stuff to work to photo for sale. While I was taking pictures, our technical director walks by and sees the brushes and asks what I'm doing with them. I told him and he bought a horn handled kimson and mint old red and black Ever-Ready. We got talking about shaving and turns out he shaves with a slim adjustable his father owned and some store blades. I told him I would bring in some sample packs for him tomorrow.

Ya know.. the public perception thing of if you try to defend yourself you must be guilty and so must everyone who is defending you scenario...

Local climate at the moment is building for something like this to play out...

Headline on day 1: Local teacher caught with alcohol in public
Headline on day 2: Teachers' union and lawyers claim that teacher did no wrong.
Headline on day 3: Investigation continues on charges that school system and union and trying to cover up allegations of teacher misconduct.
Headline on day 4: State investigation opened into alleged falsification of statements by local union.

Yeah... we are running on the don't drink, don't party, don't do anything local plan at the moment.

Ahh... I followed your lead and got my old Tungsten up an running. It didn't take long before I realized why I stopped using it - the power button is problematic. However, It hasn't been too bad for reading a book during quiet moments during the day.

Kewl Beans! Way to go!

Thus is why GOD hath madeth the Internet!!!

Unless you live in the State Run Commonwealth of PA where the state dictates what alcohol you can and cannot have. It pains me to say it, but I am glad NJ is just a few minutes away.

Illegal to import liquor into Indiana by internet as well. Of course it is also illegal to transport it into the state on your own. Hmmmm perhaps shipping After shave breaks the law. I am guessing that if it contains Alcohol than it probably is illegal.

We also can't purchase on Sundays, election days, and several national holidays.

Ahhh...... I worketh in that great state, and it sucks!!! Good thing I live in MD, where there is no limits on alcohol content, and you can get beer in just about every convenience store.

**Reminder to myself**

DO NOT MOVE TO INDIANA!!!!

Until recently PA had no Sundays also. Wine and Liquor are only sold in state run stores. We do have beer distrubtors, but you must buy beer by the case, unless you want to pay outrageous bar prices for a six pack.

I wonder how much alcohol in something makes it illegal to ship by a private citizen.

We can get wine in liquor in department and grocery stores (even Target). However, they can't sell it cold. Designated liquor stores (sell liquor related items only and under 21 not allowed) can sell cold cases.

Bars can serve cold beer but not cold pop... Bars of course are closed on Sundays, election day, and holidays. However, you can walk into a sit down restaurant any day of the year and order as much as you want as long as you at least order an appetizer and drink it all there.

Did I mention that everybody now gets carded no matter how old you are...

Wow that pretty much sucks. We don't have the luxury of grocery store booze purchases, but can buy it on Sunday. Bars and liquor stores are open also.

I don't understand the not being able to sell cold soda at a bar. Forcing designated drivers to drink warm soda seems odd to me.

I have been saying for years now, if you really want to cut down the number of drunk driving deaths, close down every bar. Just sayin'.