Yep. Deficit hawks, my ass.I'm reading $2.5T to as much as $3.9T (that's trillion) in lost tax revenue over ten years.
Toshi's thread
- Thread starter Toshi
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I'm guessing you have analyzed this before so I shall draw from your well of knowledge, but which CCs are currently offering the best travel benefits?
The wife and I both opened up United cards through Chase this past fall for the 50,000 mile bonus and proceeded to use that to fund the flights for our HI trip. Granted that we will hit the $100 annual fee this coming fall, and I enjoy playing the freebie game, who should I be looking to take advantage of next? Miles are a huge plus, but ancillary benefits are also appreciated as I'd like to wring out every dollar of savings as possible.
The wife and I both opened up United cards through Chase this past fall for the 50,000 mile bonus and proceeded to use that to fund the flights for our HI trip. Granted that we will hit the $100 annual fee this coming fall, and I enjoy playing the freebie game, who should I be looking to take advantage of next? Miles are a huge plus, but ancillary benefits are also appreciated as I'd like to wring out every dollar of savings as possible.
Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve if you're oontzy. 100k for Reserve is out the window, but 50k Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred as 50k United points if that's your thing or used at 1.25 cents/point directly to book travel.
Edit: with Reserve travel bookings are 1.5 cents/point. So it’s effectively 4.5%!
Edit: with Reserve travel bookings are 1.5 cents/point. So it’s effectively 4.5%!
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you have three kids.On a related note... I'm gonna spend the equivalent of a new car on a new retaining wall.
one weekend....go to lowes.....buy three shiny new shovels and a shit ton of railroad ties.....and a lot of beer for yourself.
the deficit has not mattered in 16 years....almost as long as RM has been around...
While this might work for me... my neighbor might be irritated when I chop the wall at the property line.
No gloves on rocks, you brave man!
https://www.seattletransitblog.com/2017/04/28/st3-kicks-off/
Seattle has some exciting transit development planned. I'd probably be living somewhere around that red line terminating in Alaska Junction. Current plan (as passed and approved by voters this past election) is for extending the light rail there, starting 2025, completion in 2030.
Right now getting out of West Seattle is kind of a mess, so it's nice to see a light at the end of a very long tunnel (or, in this case, an elevated light rail line).
And so you did...
As discussed earlier in this thread I really was planning on trying the e.thirteen tires a la Serial Midget, Nick, and Adventurous. GBS couldn't get them before June through either of their two distributors, though. Thus this will be the new tire setup:
Old (everything old and new alike Maxxis with the EXO sidewall): 2.3" Minion DHR up front, 2.25" Ardent out back
New: 2.5" Minion DHF Max Grip up front, 2.4" Minion DHR Triple Compound out back
These fat tires should be quite nice on the 31.6 mm inner diameter crabonz rims.
Old (everything old and new alike Maxxis with the EXO sidewall): 2.3" Minion DHR up front, 2.25" Ardent out back
New: 2.5" Minion DHF Max Grip up front, 2.4" Minion DHR Triple Compound out back
These fat tires should be quite nice on the 31.6 mm inner diameter crabonz rims.
WT version of the tyres?
Yup, wide.
T minus 6 days to the Seattle interview.
In unrelated news I'm close to ordering an Evo SS gimbal. Same hardware as the Rider M (same Chinese factory) but crucially they have a 1 year warranty. My credit card will up that warranty to 2 years. 2 years of service for $330 is much more palatable than 90 days of service for $250, which is what I'd expect from the generic product given my luck with these things thus far.
Update: Evo SS ordered.
https://www.evogimbals.com/collections/frontpage/products/evo-ss-3-axis-wearable-gimbal-for-gopro-hero-session-hero5-cameras
In unrelated news I'm close to ordering an Evo SS gimbal. Same hardware as the Rider M (same Chinese factory) but crucially they have a 1 year warranty. My credit card will up that warranty to 2 years. 2 years of service for $330 is much more palatable than 90 days of service for $250, which is what I'd expect from the generic product given my luck with these things thus far.
Update: Evo SS ordered.
https://www.evogimbals.com/collections/frontpage/products/evo-ss-3-axis-wearable-gimbal-for-gopro-hero-session-hero5-cameras
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Perhaps I should build myself one of these
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2000-hp-toyota-land-speed-cruiser-picks-up-world-record-at-230-mph/
Giant turbos not depicted. Per the below article they're behind the mesh replacing the fog lights in the lower fascia.
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/toyotas-230mph-land-cruiser-full-story
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2000-hp-toyota-land-speed-cruiser-picks-up-world-record-at-230-mph/
Giant turbos not depicted. Per the below article they're behind the mesh replacing the fog lights in the lower fascia.
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/toyotas-230mph-land-cruiser-full-story
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You want the XJ220 transit van 
I saw that article recently. Trippy to see those XJ220 wheels on it.You want the XJ220 transit van
Looks slow from this perspective, eh? This is deceptive since other than the two groups of hikers and the botched attempt at riding over that downed tree I was pretty much on pace, and my pace on this particular segment is quite ok objectively:
https://www.strava.com/segments/10502792
(I'm at 28th as of today from an effort last month.)
ML looks like fun!
I need to remember my folding saw to take care of that tree on the downhill...
Fun times yesterday.
Fun times yesterday.
Well, shit. Today didn't turn out like I'd hoped, or rather this potential job isn't what I'd imagined. Interviews themselves were fine and I may yet get an offer… but I'll be declining it if so.
My fears about driving to Everett were confirmed, for one. Moreover, at least for the first year I'd be driving all over the Eastside and parts north (Edmonds, Ballard, Totem Lake, Issaquah, Kirkland, and Everett). There are only a few "seats"/assignments in First Hill and Cherry Hill so I wouldn't be there since those are apparently choice picks for those higher on the totem pole. Those sites that I wouldn't be at would be the only ones with a decent/non-car commute.
The other, big issue is that many of these sites only have one or two rads on site at a time. That's a recipe for isolation and even more burnout.
I really do like Seattle and my kids adore their grandmother, but I'm not going to spend my life in a car, away from them, for not tremendously more money and certainly not enough to directly offset the nutty house prices.
In conclusion: nope. I will still idly look for Kaiser jobs there (or here!) that'd involve just a single site like my current gig but this proposed arrangement is really unattractive.
My fears about driving to Everett were confirmed, for one. Moreover, at least for the first year I'd be driving all over the Eastside and parts north (Edmonds, Ballard, Totem Lake, Issaquah, Kirkland, and Everett). There are only a few "seats"/assignments in First Hill and Cherry Hill so I wouldn't be there since those are apparently choice picks for those higher on the totem pole. Those sites that I wouldn't be at would be the only ones with a decent/non-car commute.
The other, big issue is that many of these sites only have one or two rads on site at a time. That's a recipe for isolation and even more burnout.
I really do like Seattle and my kids adore their grandmother, but I'm not going to spend my life in a car, away from them, for not tremendously more money and certainly not enough to directly offset the nutty house prices.
In conclusion: nope. I will still idly look for Kaiser jobs there (or here!) that'd involve just a single site like my current gig but this proposed arrangement is really unattractive.
Minivan musings:
[bunch of crap deleted here where it basically comes down to that used pricing is stupid, and I may well go new if I get a Sienna]
The big news that I found while browsing for model year changes (e.g. 2017 Sienna got an 8 speed transmission instead of the prior 6 speed) is that for 2018 Toyota Safety Sense P is going to be standard on all trims.
It also got a new, ugly beak. Meh.
This update will also bring USB ports to all 3 rows, which would be appreciated by my kids when they grow older and start to ignore their dear daddy.
The safety junks plus the stupid used pricing (and 0% APR on new vehicles, etc.) make it pretty clear that I should wait until the fall when these new, uglier Siennas start hitting showrooms.
Edit: Wife-bot also reports that she wants something new, since she presumes we'll keep it for many a year. Sienna, Odyssey, or possibly the dark horse/ugly interior Pacifica Hybrid if she takes a liking to that.
[bunch of crap deleted here where it basically comes down to that used pricing is stupid, and I may well go new if I get a Sienna]
The big news that I found while browsing for model year changes (e.g. 2017 Sienna got an 8 speed transmission instead of the prior 6 speed) is that for 2018 Toyota Safety Sense P is going to be standard on all trims.
It also got a new, ugly beak. Meh.
I like this greatly: the first step towards autonomous cars. (Recall that this is the same safety suite that was a plus in the Prius Prime's book. It and the non-Prime Prius got it in 2017--this 2018 Sienna is but a year behind.)
This update will also bring USB ports to all 3 rows, which would be appreciated by my kids when they grow older and start to ignore their dear daddy.
The safety junks plus the stupid used pricing (and 0% APR on new vehicles, etc.) make it pretty clear that I should wait until the fall when these new, uglier Siennas start hitting showrooms.
Edit: Wife-bot also reports that she wants something new, since she presumes we'll keep it for many a year. Sienna, Odyssey, or possibly the dark horse/ugly interior Pacifica Hybrid if she takes a liking to that.
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Mountain Lion "Through the trees" segment, recorded on this very busy day today with the GoPro mounted up to my new Evo SS gimbal. Motor noise is an issue, as is readily evident. I think it'll be better if I force the microphones to stay in the wind noise reduction setting.
At least no horizon tilt, although it certainly had its share of bobbles where it lost control momentarily on the upper section...
So Jessica wants a new minivan, and the 2018 Odyssey looks great from the first impressions, so it'll come down to a new minivan shaped box in the fall or winter. Done and done.
For me, though...? We did settle that I should get something that has 3 kid car seat capability as does the Land Cruiser, whether 3 across in the 2nd row or with a 3rd row.
Thus the hare-brained idea of the day:
Chrysler 300. Why in the world this? Well, it's one of the few sedans that cars.com says can legitimately take 3 car seats across:
The net result is that I could lease one with the V8, autobrake this and that, and most of the trimmings for 36 months about $500/month with nothing down, and given that I apparently have a bit of car ADD this might not be a bad thing. The mileage limits wouldn't be an issue for me and with the LEAF lease we've proven that we're careful enough with our cars to not ding them all too hell....
For me, though...? We did settle that I should get something that has 3 kid car seat capability as does the Land Cruiser, whether 3 across in the 2nd row or with a 3rd row.
Thus the hare-brained idea of the day:
Chrysler 300. Why in the world this? Well, it's one of the few sedans that cars.com says can legitimately take 3 car seats across:
The net result is that I could lease one with the V8, autobrake this and that, and most of the trimmings for 36 months about $500/month with nothing down, and given that I apparently have a bit of car ADD this might not be a bad thing. The mileage limits wouldn't be an issue for me and with the LEAF lease we've proven that we're careful enough with our cars to not ding them all too hell....
3 car seats?
I think it's happening. Wife already has bunk beds 'n shit picked out for the room Mariko and Yuna will eventually have to share.3 car seats?
Regarding this Chrysler 300 idea that I honestly don't like very much
, I searched yet again for whether 3 car seats can fit in the back of a Lexus LS 460. I had originally found this, which suggests it's a no-go.
But this pictorial evidence of 3 seats installed is pretty hard to deny:
Since it was one of the original cars in my long-running Test driven on a rainy Sunday thread (most of which was cross-posted here) the LS is indeed a favorite of mine... Somehow me driving a Lexus sedan, especially one bought used, seems to make a hell of a lot more sense than me driving a leased Fiat-Chrysler.
I do the schlep up to Everett every day. commute times average a hair over 30 minutes, half my time is getting to the interstate. It takes that much time to get anywhere more than 25 blocks in the city. I'm guessing it takes 30 minutes just to get out of west seattle?
Have you considered a hydrofoil in your alternative transportation alternatives?
Last night I requested (for free!) to transfer a 2012 Lexus LS 460 L AWD to a local CarMax in Denver. Price is appropriate for dealer retail. No obligation to buy yet.
I did agree with the wife that I'd hang onto the Land Cruiser until she actually gets a minivan (probably in winter), since otherwise we'd be short when people visited, assuming two car seats plus adult is tight in the LS's back row.
I did agree with the wife that I'd hang onto the Land Cruiser until she actually gets a minivan (probably in winter), since otherwise we'd be short when people visited, assuming two car seats plus adult is tight in the LS's back row.
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15-30 min from MIL's place in the north, accessible part of West Seattle to downtown spending on traffic. Moreover it's a soul-killing experience, bringing out the worst in drivers.
"[Someone else] and Toshi,
[The chair] and I are pleased to let you know that we want you to complete your dossier for promotion for the June 30th deadline this year.
Our review shows that you are highly qualified and ready to send your Dossier to the committee.
Be sure to emphasize the national work that you are doing so that the P&T committee notes you have an emerging national reputation.
[... elided stuff on who to contact, etc.]
Congratulations!
[Vice Chair of Professional Development]"
[The chair] and I are pleased to let you know that we want you to complete your dossier for promotion for the June 30th deadline this year.
Our review shows that you are highly qualified and ready to send your Dossier to the committee.
Be sure to emphasize the national work that you are doing so that the P&T committee notes you have an emerging national reputation.
[... elided stuff on who to contact, etc.]
Congratulations!
[Vice Chair of Professional Development]"
A "dossier"?
VERY classy!
VERY classy!
It's a huge pile of (electronic) paperwork, with much redundant. Pages upon pages of self-promotion.
Promotion == 6%ish base pay bump. I'll take whatever I can to pay off my debts, to which I shall shortly be adding. Of course, with the pace of academics I'll submit it in June, it'll be reviewed by the full promotions and tenure committee in December, and if I get it I'd officially be promoted in July 2018.
The LS I'm transferring in should be in Lakewood in about 21 days. The Land Cruiser will be relegated to the curb until the age of the minivan arrives in earnest.
Promotion == 6%ish base pay bump. I'll take whatever I can to pay off my debts, to which I shall shortly be adding. Of course, with the pace of academics I'll submit it in June, it'll be reviewed by the full promotions and tenure committee in December, and if I get it I'd officially be promoted in July 2018.
The LS I'm transferring in should be in Lakewood in about 21 days. The Land Cruiser will be relegated to the curb until the age of the minivan arrives in earnest.
Video's still processing but I'll put it here as a placeholder for later:
It's a non-stop run from the top of the trees to the last creek crossing marking the end of the downhill. There are some seriously fast dudes and dudettes out in Colorado--KOM and QOM are minutes ahead of me yet. I find arm pump the limiting factor.
These stats are gleaned from today's ride (via StravistiX). These percentiles are from my various PRs, not all of which were today, clearly. Still pretty funny to see 77th percentile climbing and 2nd-10th percentile on the dedicated downhill segments. I know what I like, and pain while grinding uphill is not on that list.
It's a non-stop run from the top of the trees to the last creek crossing marking the end of the downhill. There are some seriously fast dudes and dudettes out in Colorado--KOM and QOM are minutes ahead of me yet. I find arm pump the limiting factor.
These stats are gleaned from today's ride (via StravistiX). These percentiles are from my various PRs, not all of which were today, clearly. Still pretty funny to see 77th percentile climbing and 2nd-10th percentile on the dedicated downhill segments. I know what I like, and pain while grinding uphill is not on that list.
Something's impacting my download speeds:
I certainly hope I don't have 600 Mbps of background processes sucking up all that download bandwidth I'm not seeing. Hmph. Ticket opened with CenturyLink. I was seeing consistent 700-900 Mbps down before the contract renewed in December 2016--not sure if coincidence but I certainly haven't changed the main router or its firmware since then.
I certainly hope I don't have 600 Mbps of background processes sucking up all that download bandwidth I'm not seeing. Hmph. Ticket opened with CenturyLink. I was seeing consistent 700-900 Mbps down before the contract renewed in December 2016--not sure if coincidence but I certainly haven't changed the main router or its firmware since then.
