It’s a ford escape with different body panels, not Bigfoot.
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- Sun Nov 12, 2023 3:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which SUV to get?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 8408
- Thu Nov 09, 2023 10:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: RSU vest question
- Replies: 4
- Views: 583
Re: RSU vest question
I own that stock. Interesting that they haven't released vested RSU shares, I'm assuming they are trying to wait for Chinese approval and then directly give you the new company shares instead of the old then convert at the .21 to .25 ratio (I can't remember which).
I like everyone else in the world elected stock, but will have a forced capital gains event from the pro-rated cash portion they distribute.
Starting to worry the deal won't go through, which could crash the stock back to sub $100 range.
I like everyone else in the world elected stock, but will have a forced capital gains event from the pro-rated cash portion they distribute.
Starting to worry the deal won't go through, which could crash the stock back to sub $100 range.
- Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system
- Replies: 72
- Views: 7438
Re: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system
We had an HVAC engineering company evaluate our house with two older 5 tons. They did a blower door test that isolated each vent for leakage and a manual J. They sealed all our ducts , sealed all attic leaks, and blew cellulose in the attic. We dropped from 10 tons to 8 tons and are happy.
- Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Rolex Watch
- Replies: 25
- Views: 5091
Re: Rolex Watch
Look into Nesbit for Omega. Factory authorized and better work with quicker turnaround in my (pre-Covid) experience.
- Wed Apr 19, 2023 7:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ideas for 3 days in Dublin and 3 days in Galway Ireland
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1379
Re: Ideas for 3 days in Dublin and 3 days in Galway Ireland
Dublin - Enjoyed Trinity College, Jamesons Distillery (the building in Dublin is the old distillery which is now a visitors center), Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick’s Cathedral. Good pubs around every corner, good shopping. I got a wool sport coat that I love wearing in the fall and winter. Cellar bar was good, had fun at all the pubs in Temple Bar area. Brazen Head was fun.
Galway - Cliffs of Mohr, just generally seeing the countryside on this side of the island. It’s breathtaking. You will need a tour from Galway, if you get a car it can be difficult with cars, giant tour busses, and sheep all sharing the same road that is about 6 feet wide.
Galway - Cliffs of Mohr, just generally seeing the countryside on this side of the island. It’s breathtaking. You will need a tour from Galway, if you get a car it can be difficult with cars, giant tour busses, and sheep all sharing the same road that is about 6 feet wide.
- Sun Apr 16, 2023 10:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car for car camping
- Replies: 63
- Views: 7002
Re: Car for car camping
We used to sleep in the Nash Rambler with reclining front seats. I suppose no one designs this feature any more but it does do the job. Hudson Hornets also. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=OWf%2fN37h&id=8F877A7F2AFD1881CCE710504EDAE6087B4A8E55&thid=OIP.OWf_N37hNZahmaIA_tjpRwHaF5&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2f1.bp.blogspot.com%2f-WVpeHOyPe9g%2fXZ7NMo9eF6I%2fAAAAAAADpas%2fNrA2aG6CxkIc8gSPOvba1jA4Ld8kC8nhACLcBGAsYHQ%2fs1600%2fnash-sleeping-car.jpg&cdnurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.3967ff377ee13596a199a200fed8e947%3frik%3dVY5Kewjm2k5QEA%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0&exph=1273&expw=1600&q=nash+rambler+reclining+front+seats&simid=608051212204848333&FORM=IRPRST&ck=B5B597D5A697B5C941...
- Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mini split system capacity
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1258
Re: Mini split system capacity
Most mini splits have variable speed compressors and won’t have that issue.aerofreaky11 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 30, 2023 5:07 am If you oversize it it won't set back and modulate well and you'll have short cycling issues!
- Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mini split system capacity
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1258
Re: Mini split system capacity
Since you describe this as a sun room I’m assuming it is windows all the way around? And has four skylights?
Unless it is shaded by trees it is quite possible that in direct sun in a warm climate you will need 18k btu of cooling.
Unless it is shaded by trees it is quite possible that in direct sun in a warm climate you will need 18k btu of cooling.
- Wed Mar 29, 2023 11:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
- Replies: 178
- Views: 17304
Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?
I have the general impression that a hybrid with two systems (ICE and EV) in one car has less advantages than just going to a full EV. I thought one of the significant advantages of an EV is much less maintenance. But seems like with a hybrid you would have the maintenance disadvantages of both ICE and EV vehicles (just look at all the discussion of battery replacement here, which, btw, does not seem like a big issue to me from what I've read). This was my thought also. I work from home, my husband commutes about 20 miles per day. We have a 2016 ICE Toyota Tacoma that I want to keep until 2036 if possible (20 years), he usually drives that to work. We also have a 2006 Honda Civic which sees very little mileage, I want to replace it in 4 ye...
- Wed Mar 29, 2023 6:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
- Replies: 178
- Views: 17304
Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?
They sell replacement engine and transmissions for newer cars as well…bendix wrote: ↑Tue Mar 28, 2023 9:33 pmLet´s assume you´re right. Why is there a whole market of companies out there making a living of third party hybrid battery replacements? Why do they sell even for Toyotas, of which I think very highly, replacement batteries for a 2016-2020 Prius? For a 2014-2019 Highlander? Wouldnt that strongly indicate there´s a market for it and consequentially this happens maybe a bit more often than one would like?
If you are going to call something “unreliable” because you can buy the replacement parts then I’m assuming you ride a horse to work?
- Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are Kia models still a good buy?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4431
Re: Are Kia models still a good buy?
They tried to mask the problem. They lied to the NHTSA and an internal whistleblower then gave them the original data and they got fined like $200M dollars. Their offices in Korea were raided by law enforcement over the coverup.
The class action settlements now total $5.2B, they wish they could covered it up.
The class action settlements now total $5.2B, they wish they could covered it up.
- Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are Kia models still a good buy?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4431
Re: Are Kia models still a good buy?
I personally wouldn’t get one after the theta II series engine fiasco. Pilot, MDX, Highlander, explorer, CX-9. There are a lot of options out there. My parents just bought a Kia Seltos and they love it so far. I don't know a lot about cars, but a well-known master mechanic that I trust has made similar comments in that he would never buy a Kia. That may or may not be worth anything, however. I don’t know how it is this year, but in 2022 some dealerships had a waiting list 4 - 6 months long to have your blown engine replaced under warranty. Not to excuse that but there have similar been reports of multi-month/year delays due to airbag recalls for several manufacturers. And some other issues that have never been resolved to some customers' s...
- Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
- Replies: 178
- Views: 17304
Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?
I believe Hybrids are a left pocket richt pocket type of game. While they do use less fuel and help you to save money, the batteries are usually end of life after 10 years or 150k miles. Replacing it eats something in the rough order of magnitude of your accumulated fuel savings... You are falling prey to the same fallacy that concerns most people with EV batteries not lasting "long enough"...as has been pointed out multiple times above on this thread, just because the hybrid batteries are warrantied for at least 10 years/150k miles doesn't mean that is all that they are expected to last. Read this very thread for plenty of examples. If you do need to replace the battery to get 20 years / 200k miles out of the vehicle, you are pr...
- Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
- Replies: 178
- Views: 17304
Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?
I believe Hybrids are a left pocket richt pocket type of game. While they do use less fuel and help you to save money, the batteries are usually end of life after 10 years or 150k miles. Replacing it eats something in the rough order of magnitude of your accumulated fuel savings... You are falling prey to the same fallacy that concerns most people with EV batteries not lasting "long enough"...as has been pointed out multiple times above on this thread, just because the hybrid batteries are warrantied for at least 10 years/150k miles doesn't mean that is all that they are expected to last. Read this very thread for plenty of examples. If you do need to replace the battery to get 20 years / 200k miles out of the vehicle, you are pr...
- Mon Mar 27, 2023 5:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are Kia models still a good buy?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4431
Re: Are Kia models still a good buy?
I don’t know how it is this year, but in 2022 some dealerships had a waiting list 4 - 6 months long to have your blown engine replaced under warranty.
- Mon Mar 27, 2023 2:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are Kia models still a good buy?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4431
Re: Are Kia models still a good buy?
I personally wouldn’t get one after the theta II series engine fiasco.
Pilot, MDX, Highlander, explorer, CX-9. There are a lot of options out there.
Pilot, MDX, Highlander, explorer, CX-9. There are a lot of options out there.
- Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
- Replies: 178
- Views: 17304
Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?
This is an interesting thread for sure! I have 'zero' experience with a hybrid, but I must say the narrative about how their batteries will be needing replacement and it's sooo expensive, blah blah, certainly is the rumor mill I heard. I just assumed it must work out to be about the same in the end as far as maintenance/ongoing costs, or that they could at least say it will be or be better in order to be able to sell them at a Dealer. However after reading the above posts of seemingly actual users, It did seem that having a much longer gap of thinking about if my 4 cars would need a gas fill-up, or not have to think about my battery actually needing replacement for 10+ to 20 years vs. the constant worry of when any of my 4 cars batteries w...
- Sun Mar 26, 2023 8:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
- Replies: 178
- Views: 17304
Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?
This is an interesting thread for sure! I have 'zero' experience with a hybrid, but I must say the narrative about how their batteries will be needing replacement and it's sooo expensive, blah blah, certainly is the rumor mill I heard. I just assumed it must work out to be about the same in the end as far as maintenance/ongoing costs, or that they could at least say it will be or be better in order to be able to sell them at a Dealer. However after reading the above posts of seemingly actual users, It did seem that having a much longer gap of thinking about if my 4 cars would need a gas fill-up, or not have to think about my battery actually needing replacement for 10+ to 20 years vs. the constant worry of when any of my 4 cars batteries w...
- Sun Mar 26, 2023 7:22 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
- Replies: 178
- Views: 17304
Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?
As more manufacturers introduce “mild hybrids” (starter motors on steroids that add electric power) in order to eke another MPG for cafe you will find more models where your only options are mild hybrid or PHEV which is the situation for the 2023 XC90.
Heck, it’s getting harder to get a dodge Ram without mild hybrid.
Heck, it’s getting harder to get a dodge Ram without mild hybrid.
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Last Week Tonight on timeshares
- Replies: 137
- Views: 17038
Re: Last Week Tonight on timeshares
Disney Vacation Club with the ability to rent your points out (and real demand there keeping point rentals at or ahead of maintenance) and a robust secondary market seems to be one of the only points based time shares that has actual value.
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 3:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best place to get a hitch installed?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 2423
Re: Best place to get a hitch installed?
As a side note: check your owners manual. Typically the highest advertised tow capacity requires a factory tow package which would have the hitch, wiring and potentially other components like increased cooling for engine / transmission. As anecdotal information I have had two midsize SUVs where on one the standard vehicle could tow 3500 but with tow package was 6200. The other the standard vehicle had 1500lbs but with tow package was 3500. It can make a significant difference. Also when looking at trailers, DO NOT use "dry weight" as a metric. The GVWR (loaded weight) is what you need to be focused on. Trailer sales people dont give one iota if you exceed your vehicle capability, they are not responsible for that, you are. Figure...
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:43 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best place to get a hitch installed?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 2423
Re: Best place to get a hitch installed?
I second the recommendation to check on your tow rating. A friend had a CX9 and it was rated for 2000 pounds without tow package (so if you just have uhaul install a hitch) or 3500 with the factory tow package that includes additional things like transmission coolers.
On the trailer front based on wanting to house 4 people and be lightweight I recommend looking into a pop up. The smaller frontal area is also much better for your transmission.
On the trailer front based on wanting to house 4 people and be lightweight I recommend looking into a pop up. The smaller frontal area is also much better for your transmission.
- Mon Mar 20, 2023 4:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Honda CRV or Suburu Forrester or other SUV
- Replies: 125
- Views: 15774
Re: Honda CRV or Suburu Forrester or other SUV
Just bought a new 2023 Forester Limited. It is extremely quiet, comfortable and smooth driving. As good as my Outback. OK, but what was the OTD price and the taxes? I ask because my neighbor is shopping and told me all the outrageous prices that he was quoted when he went to dealers. Outrageous means more than 30% more than what we paid for a 2021 Honda CR-V and he will have to wait weeks, if not months, to have the car delivered. Unless you are in the same state his OTD price is irrelevant to you. Price of the car quoted by the dealer includes everything on the sticker including delivery. Most dealers add a doc fee, in this environment you have to work a little harder to avoid the BS paint protection package charges or worse market adjust...
- Mon Mar 20, 2023 4:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2.5 days in Memphis
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1872
Re: 2.5 days in Memphis
I’ve been to St Louis Zoo and Memphis Zoo, I would still go to the Memphis Zoo.
Food wise you can’t go wrong going back to Gus’s.
Check out Cozy Corner BBQ and try the Cornish Hen, BBQ Shop, and Interstate BBQ (Lunch) as well.
Food wise you can’t go wrong going back to Gus’s.
Check out Cozy Corner BBQ and try the Cornish Hen, BBQ Shop, and Interstate BBQ (Lunch) as well.
- Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC
- Replies: 64
- Views: 5093
Re: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC
What’s the hotel price range you are looking for?
I haven’t gone with kids, but traveling by myself for meetings at Federal Triangle I really like the Willard. It’s right by the national mall so all the museums are easy walking distance. It’s $300 - $400 a night, but a fantastic historic hotel.
There is a JW Marriott right there as well which is nice.
I haven’t gone with kids, but traveling by myself for meetings at Federal Triangle I really like the Willard. It’s right by the national mall so all the museums are easy walking distance. It’s $300 - $400 a night, but a fantastic historic hotel.
There is a JW Marriott right there as well which is nice.
- Sat Mar 04, 2023 1:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
- Replies: 52
- Views: 6253
Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Yeah, if your AC is only a couple of years old just replace with a budget gas furnace now. When your AC kicks the bucket look at a dual fuel heat pump.CMD1 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 12:34 pm Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, super helpful! We had the first vendor out and they recommended replacing with a new gas furnace given we have a high efficiency setup and our AC is only a few years old. He said they sold 50/50 HP/gas but his pitch didn't make it compelling for electric heat pumps, saying there isn't really an monthly energy savings. Will be talking to more vendors.
- Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Memphis by train
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1082
Re: Memphis by train
We've lived in a Memphis suburb for the past 17 years. In terms of places to visit, the top two places I always recommend are Sun Records and the Civil Rights Museum. Our out-of-town guests normally give high marks to both places. The Civil Rights Museum is truly outstanding. Graceland is fine too. It is a big and dated house. But, worth seeing once if you haven't been there. I like Elvis' music, but his home is not a place I have wanted to revisit. Many Beale Street bars have live music. Depending on when in May you will be here, check out the "Memphis in May" 2023 website. Central BBQ is the best BBQ in Memphis, in my opinion. It is "wet" BBQ. There is a Central BBQ near the Civil Rights Museum. Young Ave Deli is a go...
- Sat Mar 04, 2023 8:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Memphis by train
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1082
Re: Memphis by train
I'll be traveling by Amtrak in May - from east to west and plan a stop of a few nights in Memphis. I am a huge roots music fan, so there is much to see there. Will be on foot or rideshare/taxi - possibly a bus to Graceland. Please chime in with your Memphis suggestions - food, sights, tips for getting around, hotels, music haunts, safety concerns, must see places. Gracias. Depending on if you are coming from Chicago or NOLA you are either going to get to Memphis very early in the AM or very late. The train station is on the south end of downtown while many of the attractions and hotels are further north. If very early you will want to Uber to your hotel and have them store your bag until check in. You can find hotels from moderate to expen...
- Sat Mar 04, 2023 8:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Memphis by train
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1082
Re: Memphis by train
We've lived in a Memphis suburb for the past 17 years. In terms of places to visit, the top two places I always recommend are Sun Records and the Civil Rights Museum. Our out-of-town guests normally give high marks to both places. The Civil Rights Museum is truly outstanding. Graceland is fine too. It is a big and dated house. But, worth seeing once if you haven't been there. I like Elvis' music, but his home is not a place I have wanted to revisit. Many Beale Street bars have live music. Depending on when in May you will be here, check out the "Memphis in May" 2023 website. Central BBQ is the best BBQ in Memphis, in my opinion. It is "wet" BBQ. There is a Central BBQ near the Civil Rights Museum. Young Ave Deli is a go...
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney World Vacation
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4329
Re: Disney World Vacation
I cannot stress this enough -- work with a Disney Travel Planner, and plan in advance (i.e. at least 6 months). The Disney Planner will get you the best deals, handle tons of logistics (like reservations for meals, certain scheduled stuff), and truly make the experience special. I have one who is PHENOMENAL, so feel free to private message me if you'd like her contact info. But DEFINITELY book with a Disney Travel Planner. They pulled the dining reservations in to 60 days instead of 180, and pulled the ride reservations in from 60 days to the day before with Genie+. Disney now requires way less lead up than it did. This REALLY helps people like us. They still have availability for the dates we wanted. It's not cheap and certainly not somet...
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 3:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney World Vacation
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4329
Re: Disney World Vacation
I cannot stress this enough -- work with a Disney Travel Planner, and plan in advance (i.e. at least 6 months). The Disney Planner will get you the best deals, handle tons of logistics (like reservations for meals, certain scheduled stuff), and truly make the experience special. I have one who is PHENOMENAL, so feel free to private message me if you'd like her contact info. But DEFINITELY book with a Disney Travel Planner. They pulled the dining reservations in to 60 days instead of 180, and pulled the ride reservations in from 60 days to the day before with Genie+. Disney now requires way less lead up than it did. This REALLY helps people like us. They still have availability for the dates we wanted. It's not cheap and certainly not somet...
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 1:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney World Vacation
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4329
Re: Disney World Vacation
They pulled the dining reservations in to 60 days instead of 180, and pulled the ride reservations in from 60 days to the day before with Genie+.Chadnudj wrote: ↑Fri Mar 03, 2023 8:56 am I cannot stress this enough -- work with a Disney Travel Planner, and plan in advance (i.e. at least 6 months).
The Disney Planner will get you the best deals, handle tons of logistics (like reservations for meals, certain scheduled stuff), and truly make the experience special. I have one who is PHENOMENAL, so feel free to private message me if you'd like her contact info. But DEFINITELY book with a Disney Travel Planner.
Disney now requires way less lead up than it did.
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 1:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney World Vacation
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4329
Re: Disney World Vacation
Thanks for comments. Realistically how far in advance do we have to book? Such as is it still OK to get in sometime this summer? We are limited in dates because of kids school. Basically we are stuck picking between Memorial Day and first weekend of August due to school. Kids do not get an "October Break" long enough to both travel and do Disney right. When our first was really young and was free, we did a token day in the Magic Kingdom, as part of another vacation, but it wasn't that great, as kids that young cannot ride much of anything and have no memory of ever having been there. That was a while ago, but I don't remember the parking/transportation being that bad. Then we could not hope to afford to stay on-site. Now we proba...
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 1:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Classes or books to learn public speaking
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1569
Re: Classes or books to learn public speaking
We have used Bart Queens programs (specifically Speak America) very effectively in a company I used to work for.
https://bartqueen.com/training-programs/
https://bartqueen.com/training-programs/
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 8:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney World Vacation
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4329
Re: Disney World Vacation
Once you are over about 4 days additional days on your ticket are cheap.
In Oct a 4 day ticket is 546, a 7 day ticket is 651.
Save money by having days you don’t do Genie +. Although I do endorse a half day at the pool to relax then hit up Food and Wine at Epcot.
We have been to Disney World 6 times and Disney Land 3 times (Our kids are 15 and almost 13 now and are over it but loved it for a while). Costs have skyrocket, our first trip we paid $2100 for a moderate hotel, park tickets, and free dining in 2009 and our last trip we paid $2400 for just the tickets. We use Marriot points at the swan and dolphin to offset hotel costs.
In Oct a 4 day ticket is 546, a 7 day ticket is 651.
Save money by having days you don’t do Genie +. Although I do endorse a half day at the pool to relax then hit up Food and Wine at Epcot.
We have been to Disney World 6 times and Disney Land 3 times (Our kids are 15 and almost 13 now and are over it but loved it for a while). Costs have skyrocket, our first trip we paid $2100 for a moderate hotel, park tickets, and free dining in 2009 and our last trip we paid $2400 for just the tickets. We use Marriot points at the swan and dolphin to offset hotel costs.
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:59 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney World Vacation
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4329
Re: Disney World Vacation
I second going in the fall. You have two unique things going on, Epcot Food and Wine and Micky’s Not So Scary Halloween (separate ticket). You will want to stay someplace on-site with good transportation. I like the Epcot area hotels (Pop Century, Art of Animation, Swan and Dolphin, Caribbean Beach). They all have busses and another mode of transit (boat, skyliner) that give you easy access to most things. Planning wise the new replacement for fast pass (Genie+) means that you don’t have to reserve rides in advance, it is day of or day before. Dining reservations for sit down restaurants open 60 days before your hotel arrival for your entire stay window. If there are must have restaurants then you will want to make than happen, otherwise if...
- Thu Mar 02, 2023 2:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need recommendations for Canvas camping tent
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2214
Re: Need recommendations for Canvas camping tent
Stovejacks for hot tenting with a wood stove are much more common in the canvas tent options than a nylon.quantAndHold wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 10:13 am The 70’s called, and wants their tent back.
Seriously, the reason canvas tents are hard to find is because newer materials make much better tents. Lighter, dry faster, less maintenance, store smaller…
- Thu Mar 02, 2023 9:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Protecting cars on driveway
- Replies: 176
- Views: 16351
Re: Protecting cars on driveway
If it is an HOA neighborhood that owns the streets (city isn’t responsible for maintenance) typically they can install license plate cameras at the entrances to get tags off of all cars that enter.DoubleComma wrote: ↑Wed Sep 29, 2021 2:24 pm Is this a neighborhood wide issue, or just bad luck that seems to find your van?
If it’s neighborhood wide, besides moving, a friendly chat with the local PD might persuade them to step up their presence in your area. Car break-in/theft, vandalism, and similar seem to be more of a crime of opportunity. Increased PD presence might reduce the opportunity.
- Wed Mar 01, 2023 9:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Landscaping, pest control and pool maintenance on a rental property.
- Replies: 8
- Views: 894
Re: Landscaping, pest control and pool maintenance on a rental property.
If you can roll a pool service contract into the cost of the rent do it. If they let it go to hell it will cause you no end of problems. What do you mean by if they let it go to hell, it will cause you no end of problems. Thank you. The PH in the pool needs to be around 7.6. If they stop maintaining it and the PH goes above 8.1 or below 7.2 it can cause permanent damage to components of the pool. Shorten the life of liners, cause permanent etching of plaster, eat metal components like light niches and ladders, corrode pump seals and then destroy the pump motor. Plaster pools need to maintain a specific calcium hardness or stains and rough plaster can result. If they let organic materials build up in unbalanced water it can stain plaster po...
- Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Landscaping, pest control and pool maintenance on a rental property.
- Replies: 8
- Views: 894
Re: Landscaping, pest control and pool maintenance on a rental property.
If you can roll a pool service contract into the cost of the rent do it. If they let it go to hell it will cause you no end of problems.
- Mon Feb 27, 2023 8:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need recommendations for Canvas camping tent
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2214
Re: Need recommendations for Canvas camping tent
Please give me recommendations for a good quality long lasting canvas tent preferably made in USA. This is for car camping. It will mostly be used by two people with two camp cots. Occasionally will need to fit upto 4 adults in 4 sleeping bags on the floor. I think a 10 x 10 size will be adequate. Budget: upto $1500. I will be camping in northern Wisconsin in the fall. I do not camp when there is snow on the ground. Thanks. I am considering something like this. (sprinbar traveller) https://springbar.com/pages/traveler-lp ( I already have the usual kind of thin plastic light weight tent) Have you thought about a popup camper? Basically a hybrid of a canvas tent and a trailer. Easier setup than a canvas wall tent with stove Jack. On the tent...
- Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
- Replies: 81
- Views: 9611
Re: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
We have an 06' Accord and 10' Odyssey. My wife drives the Odyssey and really wants to get a new car and wants it to be an SUV so she can fit our 3 kids in the car. She's pushing for the Honda Pilot, but I'm worried about the space since we usually take it on 3-4 roadtrips per year. We test drove the pilot and our 12 year old (who hasn't hit a growth spurt) was complaining about the lack of room back there. There is clearly way less luggage space in the back compared to a minivan. Any families of 5 use the Pilot (or similar 3-row SUV) as their primary car? Is it workable or are you better off with a minivan? I’ve owned two pilots and I’m probably going to get another. Pilot is built for a family of four who takes 6 people places for kids ev...
- Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New Samsung - what wireless earbuds tolerable for audiophile
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1012
Re: New Samsung - what wireless earbuds tolerable for audiophile
I know you asked about earbuds. But if you are going wireless, consider at least trying a pair of over-the-ear bluetooth headphones for one day. Take my advice on this. Like you, I used wired IEMs for probably two decades, hiking, jogging, etc. However the in-ears recently started to bother me on longer hikes. I tried the wireless earpods, didn’t like them. Bluetooth wireless IEMs sounded noticeably degraded from the wired IEMs, in my opinion. I tried a pair of over-the-ear ~$100 Raycon Everyday wireless headphones while hiking outside, and more expensive Bose bluetooth over-the-ear inside. The over-the-ear wireless formfactor is a gamechanger. I now understand why so many people are out and about using, listening, exercising with over-the...
- Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
- Replies: 81
- Views: 9611
Re: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
My current (2017) Pilot will be replaced in 2025. We will look at Grand Highlander or the new generation (new for 2023) Pilot which I like the look of but my wife isn’t sold on.
- Sat Feb 18, 2023 1:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
- Replies: 81
- Views: 9611
Re: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
I know there are other posts but I was hoping that some of you would chime in and give me your opinion. I have until December to decide on which 3-row car to get come December of 2023. I currently drive Subaru Forester (2nd time leasing it). I live in Michigan and I have had zero issues with it in snow. I know someone will bring it up but don't want a minivan as I enjoy SUVs more and may take it to some off-roading. I kept an open mind and test drove: Kia Telluride Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander Subaru Ascent I don't think I will test drive: VW Atlas Hyandai Pallisade For now, I have my heart set to lease for 36-months a Subaru Ascent Premium. Then, if I am satisfied, I will buy a higher-end trim Subaru Ascent as I plan to keep it for long-...
- Sat Feb 18, 2023 1:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
- Replies: 81
- Views: 9611
Re: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
You said "offroading" so I zero'd right in on that. Of your list, the Subaru is the only one with a "real" AWD system that's not going to leave you stuck when the going gets tough. My absolute first thought for "real" offroading is, of course Jeep. The Grand Cherokee will drive around and probably over every vehicle on your list as the kids throw lolly pops at you from the back of the vehicle. I looked at the Jeep website and they have a $2000 rebate going on right now. On top of this, Jeep was the first to figure out how to get chips and other parts way ahead of every other manufacturer. My local, small Jeep dealer has 51 gas Grand Cherokees and 10 4xe which is plug in hybrid. Just down the street, the Toyota...
- Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Exotic cars
- Replies: 164
- Views: 10477
Re: Exotic cars
If you’re thinking about buying one you should distinguish between a performance car (good handling, acceleration, etc) and a luxury car (comfortable seats, quiet ride). Typically people who say exotic are talking about a performance car (like a Ferrari) that usually isn’t driven daily. I’d think more about what you want. Do you want to drive fast and go to track days? Have something very luxurious instead? Or just something that looks cool from the outside? Currently I drive a Lexus. Lexus I think drives like a touring car or luxury car. It is so boring. Previously I drove a BMW that was much more sporty or athletic. I am looking for something with a sporty drive, but not uncomfortable. I would love the reliability of the Lexus, but it is...
- Sat Feb 11, 2023 9:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Airport Security Question
- Replies: 63
- Views: 6715
Re: Airport Security Question
Depends on if you have precheck. In the precheck like you send your bag through with laptop, tablet, and cell all in there no problem.stan1 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:59 amCell phones are OK in carry on, tablets and laptops are still to be removed.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening
- Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cruise Transportation - Big Family
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3056
Re: Cruise Transportation - Big Family
Check out happy limousine in Orlando. I haven’t used them for cruise terminal, but I have used them a lot for MCO to celebration or Disney world area. Always waiting for me in the airport with the car close and ready to go.
They have suburban, limo, and van options that should work for you. We get a suburban just because my kids are large (my youngest at 12 year old is 6 feet tall).
They have suburban, limo, and van options that should work for you. We get a suburban just because my kids are large (my youngest at 12 year old is 6 feet tall).
- Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Shutterfly ending the share sites
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2689
Re: Shutterfly ending the share sites
Check out the Band app.
Photos, Calendars, Messages, Chats.
My sons school trap team was on Shutterfly, moved to the Band app. The high school band is also on there, and the Boy Scout troop is looking at moving.
Photos, Calendars, Messages, Chats.
My sons school trap team was on Shutterfly, moved to the Band app. The high school band is also on there, and the Boy Scout troop is looking at moving.