You rock, Stowe. This is probably the most complete, balanced, and well written take on Blackbox Republic so far. It is good to know that there are a number of folks out there very interested in seeing what Sam and April launch later this year. And thanks for reminding me of the words of Gabriel García Márquez: "Everyone has three lives: a public life, a private life, and a secret life." I will be using those liberally!

So glad that you came acoss and mentioned bodybugg, Auren. Astro is an amazing guy (a classmate of mine from Stanford), and it's been great working with him and the BodyMedia team to launch bodybugg as part of Apex Fitness Group. Apex has been developing nutrition programs for years, and bodybugg is the first time we've been able to give individuals the real knowledge they need to make intelligent decisions. For some, that will be just calorie management, but this is the first time that they will have the tools to understand calories in and calories out. For others, it will be about healthy eating: getting the right balance of protein/carbs/fat, reducing sodium, increasing fiber, managing cholesterol. What's great is the bodybugg provides the resources to do all of that, if someone chooses to spend the time. I'm even more impressed with the future directions that BodyMedia will take this technology. More than just a device for weight management, fitness, and nutrition, the technology in the bodybugg armband has some far-reaching medical applications, some of which will radically alter healthcare in the future. Losing weight is easier now. Staying healthy will be easier in the future! Great to reconnect, albeit indirectly. It's been a long time!

Always a tough transition...but glad to see that things are moving forward for the company! The beer is on me the next time I am in Palo Alto.