Recently bought a couple HyperDrive Album’s to see if they would be viable replacements for my old Nexto eXtreme 2700′s. In short, the answer is a profound “NO!” I listened to all the talk and really wanted to believe the HyperDrive would stack up well, even knowing that the previous HyperDrive products I owned were pretty much junk. So, I dropped $500 on two Albums and loaded them with 500gb drives. In side-by-side tests with the Nexto eXtreme 2700, the Album is slower at both copying and verifying data. And when connected to the computer, the Album is practically useless. Took over 30 minutes to generate thumbnails for a directory of photos in Bridge. The same directory on the Nexto took just under 6 minutes to completely generate. Needless to say, I need fast devices both for backup and for post-processing. So, the brand new Hyperdrive Albums are going right on top of the junk pile in my garage. Lesson learned. I was just about to order a HyperMac external battery too, but I will not do so now.
Last night was one of the later nights on record for me. Didn’t go to sleep this morning until about 8am and then had to be back up at 10:30 for breakfast with Leslie’s sisters. Had a great time at the fights, despite being a little under the weather. I was really pleased that a lot of the fights lived up to the hype and a couple even impressed me more than expected.
I thought Pellegrino/Tavares was fight of the night, for sure, and a good candidate for fight of the year. Pellegrino just looked awesome, especially in round 1 where he droped Tavares twice and looked to be in position to finish the fight. It was one of the more dominant single rounds I’ve witnessed in a long time. But then for Thiago to turn around and take round 2 was just awesome. Other than the fact that he clearly tapped to a tight armbar in the second, he controlled the round and got himself right back in the fight. But Pellegrino stayed strong and pulled out the victory with a gutsy third round performance.
Tim Boetsch also looked great. That dude hits fucking hard. Patt took a few good shots before the crushing KO blow. Props to him for taking that fight on such short notice.
Due to Hurricane Ike, the Ft Lauderdale trip for WEC was cancelled, so we’re hanging out in the hotel room in Atlanta today and flying back tomorrow. It’s really nice to have a day to just chill and not worry about work or anything. I’m kicking back in this cozy bed watching Andy Murray vs. Rafael Nadal at the US Open. If Murray can pull out the victory, I’ll win about $150, woohoo! I’ve also got money on Jankovic tonight in the women’s final. If both her and Murray win, Joshy might be buying a new gun soon. 
We’re having a BBQ at the house this weekend. Anyone in the area who knows where we live or how to get ahold of us is welcome. Please bring lots of good imported or microbrew beer. Preferred favorites include Newcastle, Guiness, or if you can find it – Shiner Bock. Shindig starts around 4pm tomorrow. Bring your swim trunks too.
Death is never a fun subject, no matter the circumstances. I was woken up this morning with a message that a co-worker from my department was killed last night in a car accident. It hasn’t really sunk in at this point. He was a super-talented kid and was always eager to take the job head on and gave 110% every day. He was one of the few people here that kept almost the same hours that I did. I only wish I would’ve known him better. We’re going to be hard pressed to fill his shoes.