The Shaker Redefined

The Metrokane Flip-Top Cocktail Shaker

When I first saw this shaker it caught my eye because of the innovative flip top design. In this case beauty is more than skin deep.

The canister is double-lined so it's more substantial than any other shaker I've owned, and this design makes it significantly more quiet when shaking an ice filled drink. The screw on cap with flip top is also a cleaner design than the typical 3-part shaker.

The look and feel of this shaker almost compels you to become a full time mixologist, and after one use I put the other two shakers I own in the storage closet never to be seen again.


Here's the best place to pick up one of these for yourself:
http://www.surlatable.com/product/kitchen+%26+bar+tools/bar+tools/cocktails/metrokane+flip-top+cocktail+shaker.do

HD Bliss with the Samsung 4665 LCD TV

Before I tell you how incredible the Samsung 4465 LCD TV is I'm going to summarize my buying process.









Buying Process:

1. Plasma vs. LCD - the easiest way to determine which technology best fits your needs is to go to a store and watch the same image on both screens simultaneously. When I did this LCD was the clear winner.
2. Screen Size - the distance you sit from the TV dictates the size panel you'll need. From 6-10 feet a 46" panel is ideal.
3. Resolution - 1080p with True HD is what you want
   
4. Selecting a Manufacturer - Consumer Reports (CR) is a great resource to determine brands offer the best ratings. The March 2008 issue of CR rated the Samsung 4661 ($2200) at a 79 which 1 rating point lower than the #1 rated Sony Bravia ($3600) with a score of 80. The 4665 model is the replacement for the 4661 and the appliance store I bought this TV from indicated that for the money the Samsung TVs were a better buy.
5. Sales Tax - If your State has a sales tax seek out an appliance store in an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) which typically charges HALF the normal Sales Tax. Example: The UEZs in New Jersey offer a 3.5% sales tax vs. the normal 7.0%.
6. Service Provider tips - If you have cable access for your TV you'll have to upgrade to digital service and subscribe to the HD channels offered by your provider in order to maximize usage of your new HD TV
7. HDMI Cable - Make sure you buy a high quality HDMI cable to connect your digital box to the TV in order to maximize the picture quality. You'll get a cable from your Service provider with the HD box, however more than likely it will only transmit data at 720i resolution. The higher grade cable will ensure you are watching true 1080P.
   

Now here's why I love the Samsung 4665 LCD TV:

• The jaw dropping vivid picture quality
  
• True 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution offers an incredibly clear panel
  
• Samsung's ultra-fast switching technology and 8-millisecond response time decrease blurring, so even high-speed sports remain fluid and easy to watch.
  
• 3 HDMI inputs allows greater flexibility for component support
• Menu operation is intuitive and easy to navigate
  

Bite Men's Voyager Golf and Travel Shoe

These are the first pair of Bite golf shoes I've ever purchased. Most recently I've been wearing Callaway shoes for colder weather, but I have been searching for a pair for summer play.

These golf shoes not only offer great breathability with the mesh upper, but they deliver great comfort and the black sole hide grass stains so the shoes will look newer longer.

The sole of the shoe does not have interchangeable cleats but it does have a durable tread that should hold up over many rounds of play.


Where to buy:
http://www.amazon.com/Bite-Voyager-Travel-Charc-Black/dp/B000E0TR5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1199632639&sr=8-1