Out of the Blue

I had too much going on to enjoy DOOM's 24 anniversary yesterday, but I will fire up the classic today to reminisce. I think the only version I have installed right now is on Steam, so I'll have to figure out if there's a way to play that with one of the new versions of the game, or if I'm just going old school, but either way, some demons are going to pay.

DOOMed Links: Thanks Ant.
Play: Lamborghini Drifter 2.
Link: Porgs, Ewoks and Rathtars: A Field Guide to ‘Star Wars’ Creatures. Thanks Neutronbeam.
Stories: Right Whales On The Brink Of Extinction After Number Plunges To 450.
North Korea's newest claim: Kim Jong Un can control the weather.
Media: Honest FCC Advert- Net Neutrality NSFW. Thanks Simon.
The moment when you dedicate your life to revenge.
Damn it, Charlie.
Auctions: Why Experts Don’t Believe This Is a Rare First Map of America. Thanks Neutronbeam.
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21 Replies. 2 pages. Viewing page 1.
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21.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 13, 2017, 10:47
21.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 13, 2017, 10:47
Dec 13, 2017, 10:47
 
Yeah, I've heard from multiple sources, including a IRL friend who is also a manual transmission guy, that CVTs have been much improved from their original incarnations.
“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” -- Carl Sagan
20.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 13, 2017, 09:00
20.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 13, 2017, 09:00
Dec 13, 2017, 09:00
 
Enahs wrote on Dec 12, 2017, 20:46:
I will also say that my CVT on my Subarus I really like, because I like driving in automatic mode most of the time but also really enjoy being able to up and down shift on the fly or in certain terrains drive the car as a clutch-less manual. All cars should have this option. But also the CVT in automatic mode at low to mid speeds when accelerating is not as smooth as I would like.

I don't have an issue with the smoothness of the CVT... And what I like about it is that it simulates an auto and upshifts and downshifts as if it had specific gears, which is more what most of us are used to, compared to how most CVTs steadily rev up and down.
Stephen "Blue" Heaslip
Blue's News Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, El Presidente for Life
Avatar 2
19.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 12, 2017, 20:46
Enahs
 
19.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 12, 2017, 20:46
Dec 12, 2017, 20:46
 Enahs
 
I will also say that my CVT on my Subarus I really like, because I like driving in automatic mode most of the time but also really enjoy being able to up and down shift on the fly or in certain terrains drive the car as a clutch-less manual. All cars should have this option. But also the CVT in automatic mode at low to mid speeds when accelerating is not as smooth as I would like.
I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.
- W. C. Fields
Avatar 15513
18.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 12, 2017, 20:43
Enahs
 
18.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 12, 2017, 20:43
Dec 12, 2017, 20:43
 Enahs
 
Cutter wrote on Dec 12, 2017, 09:20:
Enahs wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 21:38:
Cutter wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 16:59:
Anyone own a Subaru? Crosstrek specifically?

I have a Crosstrek and an Impreza. I get Subarus at cost, cause I know someone. At least in the US, the markup on Subarus's that are not the top of the line pimped out version are only ~$1000-1500. So you can not negotiate down a Subaru very much. Subarus also by default come with a crappy warranty compared to the other cars. But they maintain their value and condition longer than most other cars, so it is an odd dynamic. Subarus are also in high demand, and if you are not willing to take what is available near you, you will be waiting 1-3 months or paying a fee to transfer it from another dealer far away.

Thanks fellas.

Yeah, I noticed that in my research so far. The salesguy at the dealership said the same thing. They limit inventory intentionally to keep supply low and demand high so it's basically the sticker price or nothing. The warranty is pretty standard compared to the rest of them out there. But the longterm is the important bit. I like the boxer engine as well. Gonna go take a loot at the Kia and GMC today but so far it's looking very much like it'll probably be the Crosstrek.

The Impreza inventory is not kept low to maintain supplies. All 2017 and beyond Imprezas are assembled in Lafayette IN, which is where I use to live and why I know someone who gets me my Subarus at cost. They are literally making them as fast as they possibly can. They are at 100% production capacity and have 3 shifts operating ~360 days a year. But that is the only facility assembling Imprezas that are sold in the US (not sure if those are the ones going to Canada as well), and it is a large facility but still small compared to the facilities in Japan or China, and just limited in amount they can produce.
I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.
- W. C. Fields
Avatar 15513
17.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 12, 2017, 20:39
Enahs
 
17.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 12, 2017, 20:39
Dec 12, 2017, 20:39
 Enahs
 
Blue wrote on Dec 12, 2017, 10:52:
Cutter wrote on Dec 12, 2017, 09:20:
Enahs wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 21:38:
Cutter wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 16:59:
Anyone own a Subaru? Crosstrek specifically?

I have a Crosstrek and an Impreza. I get Subarus at cost, cause I know someone. At least in the US, the markup on Subarus's that are not the top of the line pimped out version are only ~$1000-1500. So you can not negotiate down a Subaru very much. Subarus also by default come with a crappy warranty compared to the other cars. But they maintain their value and condition longer than most other cars, so it is an odd dynamic. Subarus are also in high demand, and if you are not willing to take what is available near you, you will be waiting 1-3 months or paying a fee to transfer it from another dealer far away.

Thanks fellas.

Yeah, I noticed that in my research so far. The salesguy at the dealership said the same thing. They limit inventory intentionally to keep supply low and demand high so it's basically the sticker price or nothing. The warranty is pretty standard compared to the rest of them out there. But the longterm is the important bit. I like the boxer engine as well. Gonna go take a loot at the Kia and GMC today but so far it's looking very much like it'll probably be the Crosstrek.

Impreza owner here... We were looking for used, but these retain a surprising amount of their value, so we ended up buying a new 2017 model. After a run around the block updating the computer and replacing the battery it's been a trouble-free car that we really love. It rides well, gets great mileage despite the AWD, looks nice, and seems bigger on the inside than the outside (I presume it has D&D bag-of-holding technology). I see comments in reviews that its one engine choice is underpowered, but while it's not a race car, I think the acceleration is fine, and that only gets mentioned because it's one of the few quibbles you can possibly have with the car. It also has stellar crash-test results.

We're talking about replacing MrsBlue's Civic for our (presumed) move to PA, and I would say the Crosstrek is already atop our shortlist if we do move, based on our satisfaction with the Impreza. Enahs is right though, margins are tight on these, so don't expect to bargain them down very much from the sticker price.

Starting with the 2017 models, the Crosstrek is just an Impreza with added ground clearance and slight changes in minor curves of the body. It is literally the exact same engine and drive train, everything is the exact same parts except the suspension. Because the Crosstrek is a little taller, the feel of the drive is a little different. But if you like your 2017 Impreza you will like a 2017+ Crosstrek and will barely be able to tell you are in a different car, except for the height.
I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.
- W. C. Fields
Avatar 15513
16.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 12, 2017, 15:45
16.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 12, 2017, 15:45
Dec 12, 2017, 15:45
 
Also, try and buy at the end of the month when dealerships are trying to make quota. They sometimes sell below cost to make quota since their bonuses are tied to it.
If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends. Slava Ukraini!
Avatar 22024
15.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 12, 2017, 11:00
15.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 12, 2017, 11:00
Dec 12, 2017, 11:00
 
At least you can still get a Crosstrek with a manual transmission -- more than you can say for most vehicles...
“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” -- Carl Sagan
14.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 12, 2017, 10:52
14.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 12, 2017, 10:52
Dec 12, 2017, 10:52
 
Cutter wrote on Dec 12, 2017, 09:20:
Enahs wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 21:38:
Cutter wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 16:59:
Anyone own a Subaru? Crosstrek specifically?

I have a Crosstrek and an Impreza. I get Subarus at cost, cause I know someone. At least in the US, the markup on Subarus's that are not the top of the line pimped out version are only ~$1000-1500. So you can not negotiate down a Subaru very much. Subarus also by default come with a crappy warranty compared to the other cars. But they maintain their value and condition longer than most other cars, so it is an odd dynamic. Subarus are also in high demand, and if you are not willing to take what is available near you, you will be waiting 1-3 months or paying a fee to transfer it from another dealer far away.

Thanks fellas.

Yeah, I noticed that in my research so far. The salesguy at the dealership said the same thing. They limit inventory intentionally to keep supply low and demand high so it's basically the sticker price or nothing. The warranty is pretty standard compared to the rest of them out there. But the longterm is the important bit. I like the boxer engine as well. Gonna go take a loot at the Kia and GMC today but so far it's looking very much like it'll probably be the Crosstrek.

Impreza owner here... We were looking for used, but these retain a surprising amount of their value, so we ended up buying a new 2017 model. After a run around the block updating the computer and replacing the battery it's been a trouble-free car that we really love. It rides well, gets great mileage despite the AWD, looks nice, and seems bigger on the inside than the outside (I presume it has D&D bag-of-holding technology). I see comments in reviews that its one engine choice is underpowered, but while it's not a race car, I think the acceleration is fine, and that only gets mentioned because it's one of the few quibbles you can possibly have with the car. It also has stellar crash-test results.

We're talking about replacing MrsBlue's Civic for our (presumed) move to PA, and I would say the Crosstrek is already atop our shortlist if we do move, based on our satisfaction with the Impreza. Enahs is right though, margins are tight on these, so don't expect to bargain them down very much from the sticker price.
Stephen "Blue" Heaslip
Blue's News Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, El Presidente for Life
Avatar 2
13.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 12, 2017, 09:20
13.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 12, 2017, 09:20
Dec 12, 2017, 09:20
 
Enahs wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 21:38:
Cutter wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 16:59:
Anyone own a Subaru? Crosstrek specifically?

I have a Crosstrek and an Impreza. I get Subarus at cost, cause I know someone. At least in the US, the markup on Subarus's that are not the top of the line pimped out version are only ~$1000-1500. So you can not negotiate down a Subaru very much. Subarus also by default come with a crappy warranty compared to the other cars. But they maintain their value and condition longer than most other cars, so it is an odd dynamic. Subarus are also in high demand, and if you are not willing to take what is available near you, you will be waiting 1-3 months or paying a fee to transfer it from another dealer far away.

Thanks fellas.

Yeah, I noticed that in my research so far. The salesguy at the dealership said the same thing. They limit inventory intentionally to keep supply low and demand high so it's basically the sticker price or nothing. The warranty is pretty standard compared to the rest of them out there. But the longterm is the important bit. I like the boxer engine as well. Gonna go take a loot at the Kia and GMC today but so far it's looking very much like it'll probably be the Crosstrek.
"The horse I bet on was so slow, the jockey kept a diary of the trip." - Henny Youngman
12.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 11, 2017, 21:38
Enahs
 
12.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 11, 2017, 21:38
Dec 11, 2017, 21:38
 Enahs
 
Cutter wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 16:59:
Anyone own a Subaru? Crosstrek specifically?

I have a Crosstrek and an Impreza. I get Subarus at cost, cause I know someone. At least in the US, the markup on Subarus's that are not the top of the line pimped out version are only ~$1000-1500. So you can not negotiate down a Subaru very much. Subarus also by default come with a crappy warranty compared to the other cars. But they maintain their value and condition longer than most other cars, so it is an odd dynamic. Subarus are also in high demand, and if you are not willing to take what is available near you, you will be waiting 1-3 months or paying a fee to transfer it from another dealer far away.
I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.
- W. C. Fields
Avatar 15513
11.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 11, 2017, 21:16
WarPig
 
11.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 11, 2017, 21:16
Dec 11, 2017, 21:16
 WarPig
 
Last year I bought the one mid-size truck that you didn't mention, a Honda Ridgeline, and I love it. You don't get the towing that you get with the Chevy or the Toyota but it's still 5000lbs which is more than enough for me. I think it's the only unibody (instead of body-on-frame) truck you can buy and the difference in the ride and handling was very noticeable to me. I replaced an old Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Ridgeline and noticed no difference in how well it got through the ice and snow last year (and we had a lot).

My favorite feature is the "trunk" under the bed - along with the tailgate that opens both ways.

That being said, you also can't go wrong with a Mazda (my other car is a Miata).
Avatar 1750
10.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 11, 2017, 17:30
10.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 11, 2017, 17:30
Dec 11, 2017, 17:30
 
Cutter wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 16:59:
Anyone own a Subaru? Crosstrek specifically? I'm just starting the hunt for a new car and I'm either going to be going with a small pickup or crossover SUV as I need the cargo space and something a littler tougher for country driving. Today I looked at the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Quashqi, and the Subaru Crosstrek.

Toyota and Chevy sucked so they're off the list. Frontier was too small for leg room. Couldn't believe that one, all this space in the cab and the seat can't go back to utilize it, really bad design. The Quashqi was "just enough" legroom so it'll warrant a second look as I whittle down my option. So far the Crosstrek is the clear front runner. Loads of legrom, cargo space, nice interior and comfortable.

Other vehicles to still look at Kia Forte 5 and the Niro (anyone driver a hybrid? Are they worth it?) GMC Canyon, Mazda CX3. Once I see what's a good fit and what I like best than I'll start doing the research and shopping around. I remember someone here saying not too long ago the best way to do this was email bomb a dozen or so dealers with the specifics you're looking for and see who comes back with what. Last time I bought a car was a decade ago so any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

I have a CX5, and I like it, so maybe check out the CX3?

Also, if most of your driving is city, you really owe it to yourself to look into a hybrid, like the RAV4 Hybrid.
If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends. Slava Ukraini!
Avatar 22024
9.
 
Re: The Farthest: Voyager in Space
Dec 11, 2017, 17:24
9.
Re: The Farthest: Voyager in Space Dec 11, 2017, 17:24
Dec 11, 2017, 17:24
 
Ludomancer wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 12:21:
Definitely grab Brutal Doom. It's amazing.

I dunno, I couldn't get into it. Made me pine for the original levels.
If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends. Slava Ukraini!
Avatar 22024
8.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 11, 2017, 17:04
8.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 11, 2017, 17:04
Dec 11, 2017, 17:04
 
Mr. Tact wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 12:22:
While I have no desire to see or participate in an Earth where people don't wear clothes, I have occasionally wondered if on average intelligent species around the universe do or don't wear clothing. It wouldn't surprise me if in some societies the only time clothing was worn was for protection reasons, which is why we humans sometimes need to wear them. Wouldn't want to go outside today in the 30 degree temperatures without protection from the cold...

When I lived in Vancouver we used to go to Wreck Beach now and then - it's a nude beach there. You get whole families - they all seem to be European - and stuff. It's amazing how quickly you acclimate to it. The first 5 minutes are kind of awkward and embarrassing then you don't even notice it after that. I've always wanted to hang glide naked off a mountain!
"The horse I bet on was so slow, the jockey kept a diary of the trip." - Henny Youngman
7.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 11, 2017, 16:59
7.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 11, 2017, 16:59
Dec 11, 2017, 16:59
 
Anyone own a Subaru? Crosstrek specifically? I'm just starting the hunt for a new car and I'm either going to be going with a small pickup or crossover SUV as I need the cargo space and something a littler tougher for country driving. Today I looked at the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Quashqi, and the Subaru Crosstrek.

Toyota and Chevy sucked so they're off the list. Frontier was too small for leg room. Couldn't believe that one, all this space in the cab and the seat can't go back to utilize it, really bad design. The Quashqi was "just enough" legroom so it'll warrant a second look as I whittle down my option. So far the Crosstrek is the clear front runner. Loads of legrom, cargo space, nice interior and comfortable.

Other vehicles to still look at Kia Forte 5 and the Niro (anyone driver a hybrid? Are they worth it?) GMC Canyon, Mazda CX3. Once I see what's a good fit and what I like best than I'll start doing the research and shopping around. I remember someone here saying not too long ago the best way to do this was email bomb a dozen or so dealers with the specifics you're looking for and see who comes back with what. Last time I bought a car was a decade ago so any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
"The horse I bet on was so slow, the jockey kept a diary of the trip." - Henny Youngman
6.
 
Re: The Farthest: Voyager in Space
Dec 11, 2017, 14:36
6.
Re: The Farthest: Voyager in Space Dec 11, 2017, 14:36
Dec 11, 2017, 14:36
 
RedEye9 wrote on Dec 11, 2017, 12:06:
If you get a chance to watch http://www.pbs.org/the-farthest/home/ you won't be disappointed. To think that both Voyagers will still be hurtling through space long after our sun is a brown dwarf boggles the mind.

And thankfully among the 115 pictures pressed into the gold record, not one is of the naked human body showing the naughty parts. Evangelicals gotta protect sensitive aliens from earthen pr0n amirite.

Cool! Thanks for that link RedEye9. Thumbsup

Avatar 55780
5.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 11, 2017, 13:57
5.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 11, 2017, 13:57
Dec 11, 2017, 13:57
 
Welp, Ready Player One's trailer makes it look fantastic. I'm more excited about it than The Last Jedi.
Avatar 15603
4.
 
Re: Out of the Blue
Dec 11, 2017, 12:22
4.
Re: Out of the Blue Dec 11, 2017, 12:22
Dec 11, 2017, 12:22
 
While I have no desire to see or participate in an Earth where people don't wear clothes, I have occasionally wondered if on average intelligent species around the universe do or don't wear clothing. It wouldn't surprise me if in some societies the only time clothing was worn was for protection reasons, which is why we humans sometimes need to wear them. Wouldn't want to go outside today in the 30 degree temperatures without protection from the cold...
“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” -- Carl Sagan
3.
 
Re: The Farthest: Voyager in Space
Dec 11, 2017, 12:21
3.
Re: The Farthest: Voyager in Space Dec 11, 2017, 12:21
Dec 11, 2017, 12:21
 
Definitely grab Brutal Doom. It's amazing.
2.
 
The Farthest: Voyager in Space
Dec 11, 2017, 12:06
2.
The Farthest: Voyager in Space Dec 11, 2017, 12:06
Dec 11, 2017, 12:06
 

If you get a chance to watch http://www.pbs.org/the-farthest/home/ you won't be disappointed. To think that both Voyagers will still be hurtling through space long after our sun is a brown dwarf boggles the mind.

And thankfully among the 115 pictures pressed into the gold record, not one is of the naked human body showing the naughty parts. Evangelicals gotta protect sensitive aliens from earthen pr0n amirite.
"I expect death to be nothingness and by removing from me all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism." Isaac Asimov
Avatar 58135
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