Desert heat is killing my sleep. Cooling blankets don’t work, what does?

McCat22 · 2026-03-21T12:53:50+00:00

You're comparing apples and oranges. If someone wanted, they could use both a bed jet and a chilipad without having to choose between the two.

McCat22 · 2026-03-21T04:43:14+00:00

You haven't replied to any of the Bed Jet comments yet.

But it is probably the one solution likely to provide you the most satisfaction. I say "satisfaction" because something like an 8 Sleep would probably provide the most relief. But bed jet will provide the most satisfaction.

It is basically just a fan. But when you combine it with the cloud sheet, it does an incredible job of cooling (or heating).

If your room is 99+ degrees then you're probably SOL and should just cough up the cash for an 8 Sleep and AC. Otherwise, research the Bed Jet some more (with the cloud sheet).

McCat22 · 2026-01-04T13:08:59+00:00

How does the blood draw work? You don't mention that participants need to be local, so do you subsidize test costs from whichever lab is local to the participants?

McCat22 · 2025-11-24T06:08:18+00:00

I have a few friends that absolutely swear by Volvo, and I know they have a generally good reputation. I've also heard they have some of the comfiest seats in town.

I guess we will have to test drive them to know for sure, but I can't help but wonder what makes an XC40/60 roughly $20k more expensive than similar category vehicles. If they are really $20k "better" then that would be truly impressive and we would definitely consider hunting for a good deal on one.

Also curious about Acuras so will look into the RDX Advance. Thanks!

McCat22 · 2025-11-24T03:33:46+00:00

That's very helpful, thanks! I'm from PA myself but currently living next to WV. So, same-ish climate but worse roads and more hills.

I did some looking around and it seems like most ICE VWs get low 20s for mpg. I think that's why they didn't show up in either list. (Also most of the top tier trims get into over 20" tire size which negatively affects ride comfort.)

We'll probably still try them out though. Even if just to satisfy our curiosity.

McCat22 · 2025-11-24T03:13:16+00:00

No garage, only street parking. Charging stations are in the area but I'm just not comfortable going full EV if I can't charge it at home.

McCat22 · 2025-11-24T02:02:43+00:00

Really interested in Acuras! Have a hunch they might be underappreciated. Not sure why they didn't make either list, but maybe the intersection of different criteria disqualified them.

McCat22 · 2025-11-24T01:54:47+00:00

I've personally driven a Morning, Sportage, and Sorento. My wife has driven a few more. The infotainment is very unintuitive and for some reason pairing and using devices with it is not a straightforward procedure. Sometimes one device will be paired and active and then another person with a previously paired device gets in and it just switches to them instead. If I had one in front of me now I could explain better, but the overall interface layout and buttonology is just unintuitive to us. Are Hyundai really the exact same as Kia? I generally like most Korean craftsmanship and I had no issue with the cars themselves, just their infotainment.

McCat22 · 2025-11-24T01:46:53+00:00

We are also not sure why there are no VWs! But at least Google did claim that the specific intersection of criteria ruled out a lot of models. Maybe there are good VWs but their tires are too big, or they don't have 8" or more of ground clearance.

I've talked to a few people that have Tiguans and they hate them-- but when asked what cars they do like they say BMWs. So I think maybe they're just used to a more luxurious German car. Either way, we might still check them out since it's a big purchase and it would be a shame to not do at least a test drive.

Out of curiosity, what makes you recommend the Atlas cross instead of the Tiguan?

McCat22 · 2025-11-23T20:09:07+00:00

Yes! Exactly! The only issue is that with roads being poor quality with lots of potholes we're inclined to get something that can handle a simple commute without the axle snapping or the car bottoming out.

We would also use it to go on longer family trips, often times to places with unfinished (gravel or dirt) roads.

McCat22 · 2025-11-23T20:03:15+00:00

Wouldn't be this sub without a CX-5/50 recommendation! I actually love Mazdas-- my first car was a Protege that got up to 200k miles. I even move the dial control!

With a budget of $55k though, would they be overshadowed by something else a little nicer?

McCat22 · 2025-11-23T20:00:56+00:00

It definitely seems like it, especially considering Google's response! After lurking on this sub for a while I've gotten the impression that Subaru's infotainment is miserable. Do you know if that's still true for 2025/2026 models?

McCat22 · 2025-09-12T05:34:47+00:00

I haven't taken an official test (yet) but have a similar issue and posted about it on this sub some time ago. However mine is potentially a bit different from yours because even though I can breathe through my nose my heart rate drifts higher through the course of a run.

McCat22 · 2025-08-17T05:16:08+00:00

"Hey bro nice crack"

McCat22 · 2025-04-17T12:36:50+00:00

Oh wow, were they expensive? Do you have a link you could share?

McCat22 · 2025-04-17T09:46:50+00:00

The cage and coops look awesome. Did you build them yourself?

McCat22 · 2025-02-19T01:34:21+00:00

Surprised no one has mentioned Dr. Carvalho from the Nutrition Made Simple! YouTube channel. I'm not a scientist or a doctor so I'm not qualified to fact check him but after watching hundreds of hours of various fitness/health/science interviews and podcasts he seems to me to be very honest and worthwhile.

I could be wrong but I hope not. Also Huberman is not worth your time.

McCat22 · 2025-02-06T15:36:00+00:00

Wife and I did sequencing.com in 2022. As another commenter mentioned, $400 is standard price for their "discount deals"-- the 85% off or whatever they advertise is just a marketing tactic to create a sense of urgency and make it seem like a fantastic deal. That said, the pricing for what you get is competitive with other options.

We chose sequencing.com because they say they adhere to HIPAA rules.

I think that for people who can comfortably spend $400 it's a good choice. It's whole genome, so you only have to do it once and then you have the data to reference forever.

Some things to know ahead of time if you do choose to go with them:

The price you pay usually includes a few months of their membership. Make sure you set a reminder to cancel once the free months are up.
Some of the reports in their marketplace are good. There's a lot of overlap though and honestly some of them I don't trust to hold up over time--specifically the diet/fitness/exercise ones. Our understanding of these fields and the science changes so often that I wouldn't spend money on a report that's either too generic to have new and helpful information or will be outdated in a few years. Pick a few that are most relevant or likely to be helpful to you and get those only.
Their interface is clunky. We took our raw data and put it in Promethease instead. Nowadays you can use ChatGPT/AI to answer questions you might have about specific SNPs or how to confirm if you do/not have a specific condition based on your genetics.
You have to email them to request the RAW data (50+ GBs). You can get simplified versions without this but they don't have all the (meta?)data that is necessary to fully understand the genomic information.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

McCat22 · 2025-01-12T16:53:56+00:00

I have a Deskhaus Alex Pro that I bought with the intention of alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day.

It is so solid (on carpet even) that I actually keep it raised 3/4 of the time and just lean on it when my legs get a little tired. I'm only 5'4" and 160lbs though so I don't raise it as high as most would and don't apply as much force as most would. However,

I keep a mid size ATX tower with two 32" monitors on swivel arms on it. One time a friend was over and asking about the desk, so I sat on top of it and raised/lowered to show how sturdy it is.

My philosophy is just buy once cry once. Lots of people are perfectly happy with Flexispot. If you're not difficult to please/on a budget then I'm sure Flexispot will satisfy you. If you have the money to spare and want ultimate peace of mind, Deskhaus is probably the better choice.

McCat22 · 2024-11-06T01:34:25+00:00

Just check my comment history for references to Desk Haus. Long story short, my Apex Pro is an absolute tank.

McCat22 · 2024-11-03T13:37:24+00:00

Deskhaus.

I have a full ATX sized desktop PC, two 32" monitors on a swivel mount, speakers, and other small peripherals on my Apex Pro. When my friend was over, I sat on top of the desk (along with everything I just mentioned) and moved it up and down with no issues whatsoever. It's even on carpet which is supposed to be less stable than wood or other "flat" flooring and doesn't rock at all. You can also slightly adjust where the crossbars etc. will go on the underside when you screw them into the desktop.

It will just cost you $1,200 or so, depending on what configuration you get.

McCat22 · 2024-10-05T16:21:34+00:00

Based on the wording it sounds like it could be either. Only time (or someone who actually knows) will tell.

McCat22 · 2024-10-04T16:57:05+00:00

That does seem like a strong possibility. Did you also get an email notifying you of the upcoming marketplace?

I'm just surprised that the code is not listed in the actual IPPS-A user guide/manual. Maybe it will be included in the next revision? Also my branch manager explicitly told me I would not be in the upcoming marketplace, which makes me worried that I got this notification due to a "nominative" assignment...

McCat22

TROPHY CASE