Who needs a lippy personal assistant when Siri or one of her agreeable friends from another cell phone company hang onto every word you say? It’s all good unless the little gadget slips out of your fingers in the middle of a very important powwow and the screen shatters as it bounces on the floor.

Even if your cell plan covers accidental damage, it may translate to high deductibles and big hassles, but downtowners no longer need to worry. New business owner Colin Sand of Buckeye Laptop turns around simple repairs like this and others (oh yea, laptops, too) in a wham-bam sort of way.

Buckeye Laptop opened last week at 107 S. High Street, which makes it an easy walk from all parts of downtown. Colin Sands handles on-site repairs of laptops, phones and tablets – everything from broken screens to data retrieval. Gotta computer virus? He can take care of that, too. Colin turns around simple repairs like cell phone screens in a day so you’ll be talking to Siri again in no time.

Not only will Colin take care of repairs, but he will stock computer and phone accessories as well as laptops. Merchandise is competitively priced so it gives you one more place to shop while you support the local guy.

Colin worked for a large computer repair company before putting his entrepreneurial skills to test. “I have always enjoyed getting people's electronic toys up and running,” said Colin. “My goal at Buckeye Laptop is to make the repair process as simple and stress-free as possible along with providing a fast turnaround and fair price.”

Colin will install some new signage soon, but in the meantime, we want to let you know his digs are tucked in between Subway and CVC on South High. Stop in and say hello.

And comment below to let us know what other local retail would come in handy for you. When you do you'll be entered to win two tickets to Opera Columbus' HMS Pinafore!

The weather has finally gotten the message and we are ready to embrace the lazy hazy days! What better way to unwind after work than with a tasty, frosty beverage and some hot tunes?

Each Thursday all summer long, head over to the Columbus Commons for the perfect kick-off to the weekend. The Downtown Live Summer Concert Series returns to the Bicentennial Pavilion stage on Thursday, May 30 from 7 – 11 p.m. The evening starts off with the Phillip Fox Band followed by the sounds of Mojoflo.

Each week you can take in fantastic local music and it won’t cost you a red cent! If your tummy gets rumbly, grab a bite from one of the food trucks. And you can quench your thirst with a cold pop or two. If sports are your thing, the Downtown Kickball League will also be playing for all the marbles. Sit a minute and watch the battle. Summer fun aplenty!

Where’s your favorite happy hour? Do you prefer a quiet outside patio like Latitude 41, or do you prefer dark and mysterious like Manifesto? So many choices. As we sampled and perused our options, we found lots of downtown places. The names of some particularly interesting cocktails jumped out right away - Commit To Be Lit for example. We had to share some of our faves in our own Top 10 List, which will get you started on a bang-up happy hour. You may just want to reserve your cab now because you are in for a treat.

10. Taste your very own Rainbow of Mojitos at the Cup o’ Joe/Mojo Lounge on High Street across from Columbus Commons.

9. Channel 007 when you order a Vesper at Latitude 41, the very drink James Bond orders for a night on the town.

8. Along with the Commit to be Lit, find a Jungle Jack Hanna at Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails. It’s served tall and garnished with a live tiger (when in stock).

7. Take a Shot in the Dark at 89 Fish and Grill, which is Bulleit Bourbon, balsamic reduction, basil and a squeeze of lime. 

6. For the beer lovers out there, order a Bear Ass Pale Ale at The Elevator, or for a darker brew, you can’t beat the Procrastinator Dopplebock. American Craft Brew Week is this week so there’s no time like the present.

5. If brewskies bring trouble your way, you may need to stop by the Jury Room for a Bordello Bubbly – OYO Stone Fruit Vodka, Chambord, champagne and bitters.

4. Do you say, “Jamaican Me Crazy” every Monday after work? Well, Lexi’s on Third has just what you need with a concoction of Captain Morgan, Malibu rum, triple sec, pineapple juice and splash of OJ. 

3. If your coworkers are fine, but your kids are driving you nuts, Manifesto Grato and Scotch Bar will stir you up a Mommy’s Little Helper of Stoli Bluberri, Triple Sec and Cranberry.

2. When one too many brings on a Purple Haze at J.Gumbos, then you will need to make one last stop to…

1. Escape to another world with The Grass Skirt Zombie at Grass Skirt Tiki Room.

We know this list will just get you started. Leave a comment here and tell us where your favorite happy hour digs are. Cheers.

Before summer arrives with lazy days by the pool, May brings a plethora of fun for kids of all ages. Mark your calendars for these great events happening downtown this week!

Laurie Berkner Band
Location: Palace Theatre
Hours: May 18, 1 p.m.
capa.com
Children's music superstars and Nick Jr. favorites The Laurie Berkner Band will be in town with their "Animal Party" tour. Families will enjoy old favorites and new songs from their Party Day! DVD. Kids can bring a favorite stuffed animal and wear their party clothes and dancing shoes!

EMS & Safety Day
Location: COSI
Hours: May 19, noon – 4 p.m.
cosi.org
Bring the little ones to COSI to meet firefighters from the Columbus Division of Fire and other emergency personnel. They can take in fire trucks up close and watch a Mediflight helicopter take off and land on COSI’s lawn.

Pirate Weekend
Location: Santa Maria
Hours: May 18 - 19, noon - 5 p.m.
Admission: 3.50 - 4.50
Phone: 614.645.8760
santamaria.org
Pirate re-enactors from around the country will bring the historic past of pirates to life on board the Santa Maria. Come for a fun family adventure, taking in pirate culture, dress, weaponry and the pirate code. A battle will ensue each day at 2 p.m. as pirates try to board the Santa Maria, complete cannon and gun fire (weather permitting)!

Food Truck Food Court
Location: Columbus Commons
Hours: Thursdays, May 9 - September 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Phone: 614.545.4700
columbuscommons.org
While not a for-kids-only event, the Food Truck Food Court is a great place to bring the kids to fuel their summer fun. Enjoy a plethora of fantastic lunch options from local food trucks and carts such as Ajumama, Burrito Bus, Hungry Monkey, Leslie's Creperie, Paddy Wagon, Pitabilities, That Food Truck and a monthly rotating dessert truck (currently featuring Sweet the Mobile Cupcakery).