I've been considering a Tungsten Carbide band. I figure it will crack open even the most stubborn of bottles :D

Should work, it sounds like a light TATL period.

Agree on all counts.

Plus, my 7,200th post.

Likely so. It's a shame those dingbats at BD push all their TATL flights into MAN, but have hardly any onward connection opportunities from there (it's all from LHR :rolleyes:). They don't even have a MAN-AMS option :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

My girl and I have already looked at bands...she went fantasy shopping while I was negotiating the engagement piece. I even found myself a really nice piece, and it didn't take that long. I can't remember if it's plat or titanium, but it's certainly a nontraditional looking wedding band. I try to be nonconforming wherever possible.

Oh, forgot to mention: for those interested, I did put in a group sales contact request to the Devils. The question is if we should make CO-forum-wide or limit it to The Box.

Save weight! Save fuel! Save the planet! Follow the lead of Boeing, and get a carbon fiber (or whatever composite they use on the 787) ring instead! :D

... and he's back.

Sorry I've been MIA (not the airport code). I usually make a point of keeping up on important matters whilst I'm traveling (financials, the box, birth/death announcements) I was handicapped over the past couple of days with:

A) a wicked hangover :o (which the FA called me out on yesterday when I asked for my 27th glass of water)
B) a Hilton "sight and sound" room, which I've affectionately nick-named the "sound and fury" room.
C) being in SF w/out an iPhone - every time I whipped out my BB I had a crab apple lofted at my head. Even the homeless people in the tenderloin were mocking me.

In other news, I've been hard at work on the PBC, LLC business plan.

The homeless were mocking you because in SFO, the homeless are mid-level execs that can't afford housing. Said homelessness probably made waiting in line for their iPhones extremely easy.

My thoughts exactly. I've done Europe twice in September (sort of off-season for US tourists) and twice in the winter. All have been great, but going in winter has a lot of advantages. Hotels are cheaper, attractions aren't crowded (granted the hours may be reduced), and flights are often less crowded and easier to get reward tickets and/or upgrades on. Just pack appropriately, with clothes that can be layered, take along an umbrella, and go for it.

And one other advantage about going to at least London and Paris in the winter — the Underground/Metro aren't the miserable ovens they can be most of the summer. Riding un-air conditioned public transit in winter is a joy compared to late summer.

I seriously need to plan an international trip right now. My passport hasn't been stamped in nearly five months. I need to cross an ocean soon, or at least have definite plans to do so.

Come to think of it, all of my Europe trips have been in the winter too. London in January, Paris was I think in Feb., and I did Athens and Istanbul linked by cruise for the new millennium. One thing that sucks year round is those London Underground escalators. Did the Brits read the memo that escalators are not supposed to ascend at 45 degrees?

I'm running out of pages, and just had mine renewed a year ago. Time for me to plan a weekday trip to a U.S. Consulate/Embassy overseas for free pages...

You could just mail it in, but then again that wouldn't be the FT way.

I haven't been to Nicaragua, yet. Perhaps a page-addition trip to Managua is in order to complete my tour of Central America. FYI - Brasilian, Russian & S. African Visas/Stickers/Stamps are space hogs. Uruguay & Argentina's stamps are a little pudgy, as well.