Riverspots: Yes, the contractor finished the streambed with application of an acrylic sealer. Unfortunately I did not notice the brand. I am hoping it will go several years before I need to re-seal. We averted disaster near the end of the job when at least a pint of concrete sealer flowed downstream into the pond. It was just carelessness on the contractor's part; he'd never built a garden stream before! I thought the fish were goners. But the sealer floated right on the pond's surface and we were able to remove all of it with a skimmer and a couple of old t-shirts. I was amazed that the fish didn't seem affected at all.

If you want to save some dollars on a first machine, consider a refurbished one. Take a look at the ones on Whole Latte Love or Abbree Coffee. I understand they are under common ownership now -- I've bought from both of them and both of our espresso machines (DH took one to the office) were bought refurbished. I have no hesitation recommending them for retail, best price or helpful service. When we bought ours, Gaggia was one of the brands they were recommending. I can't remember the reason (might have been the adjustable brewing head that let DH brew into an espresso cup and me into a tall mug), but we went with Jura-Capresso. You would probably be happy with either brand, but do check out the refurbished ones. Here is a link that might be useful: Refurbished Models

I'll have to look at those two when I get a chance. I probably won't get a chance until next week, so maybe somebody else will chime in in the meantime. I listen to radio on my ipod, but I usually do it on the plane or in a hotel room--I get podcasts and download them, then load them on my ipod. What is WXHR? I've tried to find info on it, and most of what I've found points to a defunct radio station.

Now to find a great deal or even a good deal. Two places to look are Apple's online Store, where they sell refurbished and discontinued models, and Small Dog Electronics, an on-line etailer that is just opening up a bricks-and-mortar store in Vermont. My iPod (a third-generation bought when the fourth came out) was an Apple Store refurb and you would never know it didn't come out of a brand-new box. I've dealt with both Apple and Small Dog on more than one occasion and have been pleased with all of the transactions.