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There’s no time to fool around with the mickey mouse stuff when it comes to buying a watch. And unless you’re buying your next jewelry watch from a jewelry store, i.e., Rolex or Tag Heuer, why not get a solid watch from a top shelf watch site, straight from Japan from Seiya Japan. Incredible customer service, prompt delivery (internationally), what could be better but probably being able to walk into a store to see the display of kick-ass watches and knowledgeable staff. Considering how much online searching you might do to even find information on a good watch, it’s doubtful you will find another site to even get you the goods for you other than Seiya…get something good like my new “good” watch (Seiko Tuna Can)…or “work” watch (Seiko Black Monster).

Been using the new coffee maker, a Krups FMF5. After replacing the gold filter and glass carafe on the previous Cuisinart, I thought the idea of not having more coffee made in the crusty-from-water elements coffee maker would be a good change. I also like the idea of a thermal carafe since I really dislike the taste of coffee that’s been sitting on the heating element for more time than a few minutes after brewing.

The Krups FMF5 is a stainless steel, ten-cup, thermal coffee maker with a water filter, but does not come with a gold reusable coffee filter, but I prefer the cost and ease of having one, so that’s what I use.

Despite all of the surprising flak and online hater reviews on the FMF5, I actually think it’s worth it…especially if you were like me and found it for more than half off the original price of about $40. I had a Krups before the Cuisinart and had to get back to using the water gauge on the side to determine how much water to put in the coffee maker…previously, I simply filled the Cuisinart carafe with water. The ratio of coffee grounds to water remains consistent, regardless of the weenies who claim my coffee’s too strong. The freshly brewed coffee is surprisingly not lava hot, but good and hot. Nice for your coffee cup, not nice due to the carafe’s design, you have to almost turn the coffee pot upside down to pour anything less than about three cups of coffee and raise the chance to inflict coffee burns all over, more so if you fail to lock the carafe lid. Otherwise, I am happy with this coffee maker. I enjoy the fact I can have hot coffee right after it’s completed brewing or almost an hour later with no burning taste in my mouth. Now if I can only find a easy homemade doughnut (hole) recipe…or an easy malasada recipe.

I admit, I exhibit some hypochondriac tendencies when at work.  Take for example, sharing my pen.  I think the notion of “ignorance is bliss” and not knowing works for me, like when I have to let someone use my pen to sign for the work performed.  I’d rather not know where or what their hands and fingers have been doing, prior to using my pen.  I have actually gone so far as to throw away a perfectly good pen because of what I’ve seen people do before handling my pen.  To save me in those situations, I have purchased a cheap box of Bic Round Stic Grip pens…since, on occasion, I may have to use the disposable pen myself and I like how they write…but will typically bust out one of my cheap pens, in the event I foresee myself throwing it right away.  But, it’s not like I’m going to use  my “good” Waterman pen (M.I.A., Retro 51) at work, so I also got and have been through a few pretty okay pens, the Bic Clic Stic and most recently, the Pilot G2 pen.  I actually think the G2 is a really nice writing pen, except for the fact that you have to wait a little bit for the ink to dry.  Sort of a hybrid, rollerball pen with nice balance, dorky clip but with a nice cushion grip, although I’ve yet to find the ultra and extra fine point version.  Too bad there’s not a permanent ink G2, since pens for those type of applications are still left to the Sharpie.

No doubt, for what vodka I enjoy, I really like Pearl vodka…probably so much that every time I have it in the liquor cabinet to drink, I get so consumed by it that I never end up writing a review of it.  Pearl vodka has that delicate balance and flavor of mineral, syrupy mouthfeel and a clean, crisp finish.  I think with less expensive vodka, you may get more a grainy, almost medicinal flavor that a lot of people associate with vodka, and therefore say they don’t like it.

When faced with getting a Bourbon and a vodka, I opted to buy the 2033 marketing strategy of Svedka vodka and put my $5 savings towards the 101 proof, Wild Turkey Bourbon.  Svedka is a vodka produced from wheat and distilled five times.  I am convinced the more times it’s distilled, the better…maybe the psychology being it won’t produce a hanger if I drink too much.  Svedka is very clean tasting, with just a slight hint of mineral…probably a very good mixing vodka for martinis, of course, I’ll mix any vodka for a vodka martini, the less vermouth the better the martini…but for my review, I drink it all in straight, neat shots.  To its credit, Svedka is capped with a screw top, much cleaner and less likely to spout-drip after pouring.  I doubt I’d have much different of an opinion in the future, when Svedka is supposed to become the number one vodka…if they had the Svedka girls pouring it out for free maybe…but in the meantime, I’ll drink it for what it’s worth…a.k.a. IKEA vodka.

Still fiddling around with the new phone (with hacks and mods). Getting used to the touch screen, the keypad entry and maneuvering around. Gmail is up and running (via IMAP). Downloaded my Mac syncing program, which works beautifully. For some reason, I my Touch shipped with a belt, horizontal-holsterish accessory, so I found a more acceptable option.

Update: I am very impressed with Sprint and their version of the HTC Touch. Basically, it looks as though all of the stuff available to improve or to fix this or that (faster processor, high speed connection, keyboard size, closing active programs, et cetera) for the HTC Touch is already “done” on the Sprint version.

With three days off for a weekend, it does get a bit getting used to. However, I ended my weekend in the same manner that I ended last week’s work week…with barbecue. Just as something out of the ordinary to do for the weekend, I headed out to Black Diamond to Rooter’s Barbecue and Catering.

I’ve never been out this way, this far before, but it looks like things are developing out there too with all of the new housing projects and shopping centers. Rooter’s is located right off the main road. It’s got a hunting, lodge-y atmosphere
and very friendly service. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich and had a few bites of the smoked pork sandwich. Both were ordered with the “spicy” barbecue sauce, the other choice is “mild,” served on the side. The barbecue sauce had good heat and spice, but on the salty side which made for a nice compliment to the meat. The meat was sliced, not chop/shredded, but tender and flavorful.

I think the main difference with Rooter’s versus Cedar River or any other barbecue place is the smoke in the meat and the barbecue sauce. Rooter’s and Cedar River don’t bring as much smoke to the meat, but both were served up tender and moist. I preferred Cedar River’s barbecue sauce, but again, it’s all personal preference.

I didn’t see or take note of any beer availability at Rooter’s, but there is espresso and coffee for those who enjoy their barbecue like that. The prices are reasonable and if I am ever out there in the area for work and wanted a hot meal, I’d stop by for lunch and maybe try out some of their other menu items too.
By the way, the broccoli and cheese soup was excellent.

Well on my way, back on the routine of being part of the work force. Taking my own lunches in places to eat, just using the bathroom and not buying anything and hanging out in parking lots. For kicks, I will eat out when I can afford it and handle it like a special occasion…or at least a lighter version of one.

As a work well done for becoming certified to handle a 28′ ladder, I went out with some guys to Cedar River Smoke House in Renton. I was skeptical about their barbecue and held out hope that it at least had some smoke, flavor and would be worth it. I admit, I did only have a smoke pork sandwich, so I wasn’t gauging things by having any of the smoked meat in its entirety…ribs, brisket or chicken (and more, all of which are available in meals and solo). But, it was pretty good. The pork was flavorful, shredded tender and my sandwich roll was filled nicely. I ordered it with the “medium” barbecue sauce, the other choices are “mild” and “hot,” all of which is served on the side, just how I like my barbecue sauce…with a good taste of its spices and not too sweet . The combination lunches are available with a side of your choice, which include baked potatoes, baked beans, chili, cole slaw and more. The atmosphere is very family friendly, with beer and espresso available and a kitchen to check out from almost every seat in the place. I certainly prefer a place like Cedar River Barbecue over restaurants like Longhorn Barbecue, which on my visits, seemed a bit too corporate and fast food-like.

Over the lunch conversation, I did overhear about this place, Rooter’s in Black Diamond, so that might be another place and chance to try out and have more barbecue. Especially since my chimney starter is broken and I haven’t gone out and bought a new one.

Being that I am so particular, especially about work-issued items (unlike government issue, who can afford to hand out brand new gear, thanks to that thing known as taxes) I typically end up getting and re-buying my own tools or using my own from the beginning. I suppose when you go from the private to public or personal to commercial sector, items are different and in this case, I was issued a ratty-ass, moldy Klein tool bag…along with some rusty tools, which I am planning on personally replacing soon…so I visited the Klein site and determined MyToolStore.com provided the biggest selection, good prices and good reviews. And no doubt, I think if I run into needing tools that my local big-box store does not sell or have available, I am turning to MyToolStore.com. My first order included an out-of-stock item, whereby I received a call from them and was informed of its delayed availability, but soon to be fulfilled via drop-ship from the manufacturer. Very nice, good experience, for something outside the realm of Sears, Home Depot and Lowes.

Admittedly, Booker’s Bourbon is good, not simply because it’s expensive or fancy looking, but because it has a very robust flavor without being…well, basically gasoline. Granted, if you’re not prepared before or after putting it to your mouth, you may very well end up with a burning surprise in your throat…I actually think it’s so strong, you get that feeling even as the Bourbon approaches your lips…like a hot, burning stove. However, if you manage to sip and taste, Booker’s has a very sweet, syrupy feel, which coaxes the Bourbon further into your gut mouth, there’s a nice full woody, aged flavor, followed by a strong, deep kick of its smooth aftertaste. I am surprised that such a high proof and high alcohol content Bourbon is really palatable. Cutting the Booker’s with water or ice perhaps would produce a fine sipping experience, presenting even more nuances as you enjoy it. I liked this Bourbon and would definitely look foward to having it in my liquor cabinet…too bad its price and accessibility is so limited (to me). Currently, I’d save it for special occasions, but too bad I don’t have a bottle of regular Bourbon for regular drinking because Booker’s is one worth saving. By the way, the boxed packaging more resembles accessing a fire extinguisher…without breaking the plastic front or the box, if I’ve got a lot of emergencies, this might not always be the best to access frequently, but it would remind me that I was drinking something special.

If you’ve ever owned a “ribbed” finish product and have dealt the complications of using one, then you totally understand the major flaw with the Sanyo Katana DLX. If you’ve owned an old Sanyo cell phone, think of it being better and you’re familiar with the DLX (UI, camera, functions). Its got the same basic functions and menus, improved for the new era, but nothing cutting edge and at least you don’t have to use something more lame. As far as the aforementioned “ribbed” feature, whether it’s the finish to a knife, computer, watch, et cetera, it is like the most scratchable (viewable) finish next to high polish and with the DLX, almost impossible to keep blemishes and smegma-like particles off of the front of the phone. Although, overall, I am very pleased with my upgraded phone, barring the cosmetic and the service plan issues I’ve experienced, good thing I’ve been more open-minded and accepting, like even wearing new jeans/pants purposefully “professionally” finished (abrasions, hand-sanding and whiskers) probably because that’s about all the choice I have. My website is viewable and quick on the DLX and EV-DO, I’ve fixed my own technical support issues and other than the impish blue keypad backlight for the keys, I am very satisfied with the new phone, even if I’ve discovered, I don’t have the greatest service coverage in my house.