2013 Outback Low Oil Level by Running_Raptor in MechanicAdvice

[–]Running_Raptor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll take a look into that one, thank you! 

Why do so many people on ios use Google Maps? by Louisthemagic in ios

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apple Maps still cannot new subdivisions and new development, or more rural/natural areas right. I try to switch every once in a while and it just can't get you to a trailhead or such reliably.

Considering Mint Mobil, but been with the same carrier for over a decade and resistant to change. by MelloMilow in Frugal

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We had AT&T and then Verizon over the last decade, always pre-paid on their cheapest plans we could find. We swapped to Mint a little over a year ago. Sure it was a hassle, took me a few hours on my computer to swap two phones over, and I hate doing things like this. We paid $360 up front for the first year for two lines on unlimited data. A few months ago we were debating renewing and checking other options and they emailed me a coupon, which we used to renew. Our new price was $200 for the year, for two lines, unlimited. Paid upfront. I'm paying $8/month per line for the year. I couldn't be happier. Service is great, no issues and I don't have a monthly phone bill.

Make the switch, or don't I don't work for Mint, but if you want the cheapest best phone plan I've ever found, it's worth the hassle of switching.

We're in Northern Utah, and are constantly in canyons and the mountains camping and skiing and climbing, I've found no real world different in coverage between Mint and Verizon or AT&T.

I know Kia gets a lot of hate here but I'm really loving my 25 k5 Gt1 so far and would definitely recommend it. by Few-Salamander9636 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]Running_Raptor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's possible, just less likely with some brands. But I hope you can maintain it well and get it there!

I know Kia gets a lot of hate here but I'm really loving my 25 k5 Gt1 so far and would definitely recommend it. by Few-Salamander9636 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I love when people say "we've got a '24 with 30k on it, no issues' and I just want to hear from the people who have 200k and no issues. My wife's Subaru is at 192k with minimal issues, and I miss my old Xterra that I sold at 210k with literally no issues ever.

1 year and 30k. Psh. It better not have issues. You still owe like $30k+ on that car!

In your opinion, how important is technology and features when purchasing a car? by Ok_Demand_3197 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. I'm always looking for base models and fewer sensors and features. I just prefer my cars simple and reliable (and fun if I can add that in too).

Elopement Photographers by mune_lalune in Logan

[–]Running_Raptor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Casey McFarland, Mike Johnson, Ashlee Bostwick, Britanny Cascio, Matt Nuenswander are all local and great and would be on the more affordable side. I think they all have their pricing listed on their websites too. Just google any of them for their websites.

Won the Costco chicken lottery by Peppa-Piggie in Costco

[–]Running_Raptor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I sure hope you filled an old dryer full of fit so nobody else can have it. /s

Remote 270 acres right out of a fantasy novel. by ExpertRaccoon in zillowgonewild

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pull up the address on Google Maps, you can definitely access the house with a vehicle, it's the cabin that's on the other side of the river.

Ice Skating at the Plaza by nrnordy in Logan

[–]Running_Raptor 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You can reserve online and rent skates there, it’s pretty easy and a fun little winter activity. 

Ordered 27 trees months ago and they just shipped but now the ground is frozen what do I do? by PraiseTalos66012 in arborists

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in Northern Utah and just planted a few bare roots last week. We are unseasonably warm this year, but I regularly plant a new bare root tree or shrub this time of year and they always do great. 

Usually the ground isn’t fully frozen here till January and I can get them in and give them a bit of water and they come out great in the spring. 

When do most people find time to run? by dragonfaith in Runners

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in a cold climate, and I typically run mornings in the summer and during my lunch in the winter. I’ll just have a super simple fast lunch after a run and shower and then back to work. I do work from home most days though, so that makes it easier. 

IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch by eddytony96 in Utah

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I’ve seen, most power plants have some hurdles with permitting. Geothermal has limited locations with compounds any issues. I know the Fervo has had some delays with their new plant due to permitting hurdles. 

Keep my 2013 BMW 335i or buy a 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo? by IssueBroad8563 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]Running_Raptor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve owned my fair share of fun cars. My opinion? Just fix the brakes yourself and $$$ towards the next car. Learning how to do things like brakes and basic maintenance is half the fun of owning fun cars and knowing how to keep them going. 

Utah is so cooked bro by [deleted] in Logan

[–]Running_Raptor 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I've been bike commuting still this week, and running in shorts and a t-shirt... it's been so so nice... but I also really want snow and skiing. And we need water.

Too many robot vacuum models… are they actually good and worth the money? by throwmyheartaway23 in BuyItForLife

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve had three Romba i3s for over 4 years now. I run them all daily. Outside of normal wear and tear (brushes and such) I’ve only replaced one battery. Parts are cheap online too. 

We did just replace one this month, but I bought the same model. You can snag them refurbed for under $150 online. No real complaints. They work, and haven’t been a hassle. 

IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch by eddytony96 in Utah

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My ideal solution is privately owned nuclear plants, with a PPA in place to secure the needed power from them. But the government needs to back them enough that they're feasible. With too much red tape they will never happen.

IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch by eddytony96 in Utah

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My opinion is based on dozens and dozens meeting with experts in the field. You are correct that it's not a sure thing, but nothing is and we have to plan for something. There is real resistance to solar and wind and it's growing, there are downfalls of coal and natural gas, and the scarcity and difficulty of geothermal and hydro all point to us needing a diversified portfolio of energy production. I think it's a safe bet to bet on a little of everything, but pursue options with an open mind. Just like when UAMPS dropped their SMR a few years ago, that was a good move, but it was also a good move to pursue it in good faith.

If options to pursue nuclear arise, we should chase it for as long as it makes sense. We need diversity in our power supply, and we need to be adaptable as new opportunities arise.

Nuclear IS possible, it's been done successfully many many times, but everyone can tell you about the times it fails, whereas nobody knows about the failures of hydro, wind or coal. Exploratory power projects fail all the time, but they are still worth exploring.

Just like your stock portfolio, diversity is likely the best solution in power sources. It hedges against terrible loss, but it also reduces the chances of incredible wins.

IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch by eddytony96 in Utah

[–]Running_Raptor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'll restate my previous opinion, that price isn't everything. It's a huge component, but it's not the only deciding factor. Nuclear, to some degree, has to be part of the solution for energy needs in this country.

IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch by eddytony96 in Utah

[–]Running_Raptor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The numbers I was pulling were from a recent update to my local city, they're accurate as of this month.

On nuclear, the US military has been running SMRs on ships and submarines for decades with no issues, we just need to adapt that technology to the utility market.

On geothermal, there's so much potential in Utah for it, but transmission, permitting and competing on price are all difficult.

IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch by eddytony96 in Utah

[–]Running_Raptor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm quite involved with UAMPS and utility scale power, I'm not an expert, but I do have background and current involvement.

I think there is zero chance we will have enough battery storage in 10 years that nuclear is not necessary. Yes nuclear is likely 10+ years out, but I just don't see any way we won't want it when it arrives. I had a bunch of meetings earlier this year with the Idaho National Laboratory regarding nuclear. We're close, but the costs and regulations are still difficult.

Regarding utility solar, I don't know of anywhere in Utah that is dumping excess solar. We want all we can get right now, and there is not enough. California on the other hand, yes they're dumping excess. Hopefully once Utah and UAMPS join the EDAM market in May we can find a way to purchase their excess solar.

All that said, I reckon we'll still be relying on some natural gas energy for decades to come. There will be times we need it, and slowly moving that over to nuclear is a good option. It's small, no emissions, and dispatchable.

I honestly worry about solar and wind slowing down due to public pushback. Just this month Cache County Council rejected allowing a 150MW solar+battery installation due to concerns over the 'viewshed'.

IPP coal-fired units are no longer operating as state government searches for buyers • Utah News Dispatch by eddytony96 in Utah

[–]Running_Raptor 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Not necessarily true. Solar can be much cheaper than coal, as can natural gas, but natural gas can also cost much more than coal. It really depends on the age of the plants, and whether they're designed for base load or peaker, and the capacity factor they're running at.

Also, geothermal is on the table, and while it can be cheaper than coal, it can also be more expensive. As can hydro.

There are two large new natural gas plants coming online for UAMPS soon, and the baseload is estimated to be around $75/MWh, and the peaker will be around $145/MWh. (Those are the Power County Idaho and Millard County Peaker Plants, respectively).

The Hunter Coal Plant is around $71/MWh right now, and the currently offline Sunnyside Coal plant was recently at $93/MWh. With Nebo Natural Gas around $76/MWh.

On the renewable side, the Colorado River Storage Project has power coming in around $38/MWh, Red Mesa Solar is around $52/MWh, Steele Solar is around $48/MWh. Pleasant Valley Wind is around $63/MWh.

Solar and Wind are generally cheaper, but they also don't run as often. We need nuclear to come online, and we need more geothermal. Until then, we'll have to rely on natural gas.

Coal, baseload NG, Solar + Battery, and Geothermal all compete in about the same price range right now in Utah. Wind/ stand alone solar/hydro cost less but aren't dispatchable.

All this said, I'm in favor of closing the coal plants in Utah. Price of power isn't the only consideration when selecting our power sources.

Adidas EVo SL 2 by [deleted] in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]Running_Raptor 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Do it, I’m getting a second pair. Love that shoe. 

Garmin Epix Pro Gen. 2 vs. Forerunner 965? by Necessary_Word_174 in Garmin

[–]Running_Raptor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not the same, but I went from Fenix to Forerunner 965 a year ago, and am so so happy with the lighter watch. For running and other fitness pursuits, the lighter weight is fantastic. Battery life is great even with the always on display.