G. David Felt

Scary times ahead folks, watch your spending, debt load and be cautious as we are in for a crazy 4 years. 'Flashing a warning': Economist says Trump's plans leading to 'a terrible outcome'

Considering the number of folks that have had their life cut short in Hanford here due to what was supposed to be storage for life of radioactive Liquid, I would say this will fail and contaminate the earth, animals or humans in a new and destructive way. Honestly, I remember this from the news and the science behind it that it is the best way to store Nuclear waste, as a glass solid and then put it into an underground bunker like the old salt mines in the SW. SRS - Programs - Waste Solidification QUOTE: The largest radioactive waste glassification plant in the world, DWPF converts the high-level liquid nuclear waste currently stored at the Savannah River Site (SRS) into a solid glass form suitable for long-term storage and disposal. Scientists have long considered this glassification process, called “vitrification,” as the preferred option for immobilizing high-level radioactive liquids into a more stable, manageable form until a federal repository is ready.

Scary Times as Idiot47 kicks out people in the FDA who are working to protect our food sources. Elon Musk Foe Escorted Out of Fed Office After Refusing to Resign

Very interesting read and observations of what states have low scores. Map Reveals States with the Worst Reading and Math Scores - Newsweek

BMW for the 2026 model year of the iX SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle has stated that they have delivered a simplified design language EV with more power, range and efficency. Lets look at the options this updated EV SUV or SAV as BMW calls it offers. 2026 BMW iX models: iX xDrive45 provides 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an estimated range of up to 340 miles, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX M70 xDrive provides 650 hp and an estimated range of up to 302 miles in a performance-oriented M-specific design, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph Base MSRPs (+$1,175 destination and handling) 2025 BMW iX xDrive45 $75,150 2025 BMW iX xDrive60 $88,500 2025 BMW iX M70 xDrive $111,500 Simplified, enhanced sportiness design language on the exterior of the 2026 iX SAV. Did BMW achieve this? BMW has redesigned the headlights, turn indicators and updated the kidney grille, but is it enough to enhance the look? They say subtle diagonal lines are echoed from front to back while the front and rear aprons have a seamless design and a higher proportion of surfaces that are painted body-color. This simplified design language is paired with 20-inch alloy wheels by default but have the option of offering 21-, 22- and 23-inch wheel options. All of these aluminum wheels come with optional use aluminum inserts that help reduce drag. Interior: Progressive Luxury, Refined Sportiness BMW has for the first time offered in the iX upgraded seats that offer a wide range of adjustments, including backrest adjustments, lumbar support and pronounced contouring. This continues with upgraded Climate comfort package, to a panoramic roof and enhanced Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, with 30 speakers and exciters in the front seats, delivers an exceptionally intense and precisely balanced sound experience. You decide as here is the visually released images: iX xDrive45 interior iX xDrive60 interior iX M70 xDrive Interior Full gallery can be viewed here: 2026 BMW iX Gallery Some updated details in regards to the EV powertrain: Net usable power by model iX xDrive45 - 100.1 kWh iX xDrive60 - 113.4 kWh iX M79 xDrive - 112.8 kWh New Heat Pump More efficient predictive heat management of the battery pack Updated optimized charging software iX xDrive45 - 175 kW top charging speed iX xDrive60 - 195 kW top charging speed iX M79 xDrive - 195 kW top charging speed Automated optimized driving and parking with Level 2+ highway assistance Enhanced Smartphone control of parking and maneuvering Parking Assistant, including Back-Up Assistant Optional Parking Assistant Professional, part of the Driving Assistant Professional Package, adds Parking View including Top View, Panorama View and 3D View, as well as the BMW Drive Recorder and Anti-Theft Recorder Display and operating system, connectivity. Intuitive user experience and advanced digital services. BMW Maps navigation system with charging-optimized route planning Over-the-air updates: Remote Software Upgrade and BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades Video streaming and in-car gaming on the control display Personalized user experience with BMW ID, My BMW App and personal eSIM, BMW Digital Key Plus as standard Efficient driving with the efficiency trainer BMW app Optimized 400V architecture Production of the 2026 BMW iX will begin March 2025, deliveries are expected to commence Q2 of 2025. Further details to be released closer to launch. View full article

To quote: Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: “Highly emotive reinterpretation of quattro” This pretty much states the drive by Audi to offer a showcase EV that covers the potential of the PPE platform. Audi developed portal axles that enable gradient climbs of up to 100% with a wider track, increased ride height that delivers on a spectacular appearance that no other EV has delivered today. The Audi Q6 Offroad features a two-motor AWD Quattro powertrain that delivers 380 kW or 510 HP. A progressive off-road stance that increases the ride height by 160mm or 6.3 inches and a wider track of 250mm or 9.8 inches over current Audi width. The new portal axles allow an increase in torque by 50 percent, enabling the Q6 Offroad to climb a 45-degree gradient with no problems. The Q6 Off-road is built off the Audi Q6 e-tron, the first model built on the PPE or Premium Platform Electric system. It is the new reference point for electrically driven Vorsprung durch Technik. The Audi Q6 model series not only excels with impressive driving and charging performance but also sets standards in range and efficiency per their press release. The Q6 e-tron offroad concept can be seen in action on February 1, 2025, at the F.A.T. Ice Race and on the social media channels of @Audi Sport. The interior is currently what is found in the Q6 e-tron. Since this is based on an existing production version EV, the Q6 Offroad could easily be put into production based on feedback from various events where Audi is going to show this off and gather attendees' response. What do you think, should this go into production? View full article

WOW, this just causes so much un-needed caos from an Idiot President and administration that affects so many levels including the auto industry which is a far over reach of presidential powers as the house and senate approved many of these money spends. Trump administration orders sweeping freeze of federal aid - POLITICO The above incompetent dictator wannabe moron is going to run up against his own people now that this will affect jobs in Red states. POLITICO Pro | Article | More Republicans back IRA tax credits in reconciliation fight Michigan has over $27 billion committed to assembly of EVs to battery packs, the only state more than Georgia that has $26 billion committed. Trump is trying to kill it all building what will lead America to being behind the world as they move forward and behind China. Michigan electric vehicle industry responds to Trump policy changes | AP News Good info on why Heat pumps are making a difference. Heat pumps in EVs are making a big difference in cold-weather driving | The Verge Great list on the EVs that have heat pumps. recurrentauto.com/questions/which-electric-vehicles-have-heat-pumps

Cool that Hyundai came in 1st and 2nd place at Daytona, but I wonder how long the sport will survive when I see so few people in the stands. Hyundai Wins at Daytona for the First Time in IMSA TCR History - Hyundai Newsroom

New Owners of Pizza Bank, still pretty good after all these years from when it was a Seafirst Bank!

Good solid review The Premium Electric Truck That Justifies Every Dollar Over Its Rivals

Have to agree here with this guy, no one should work any longer than they want too, as long as you are financially set to live comfortably. With that said, I also agree with him that the thinking of retiring at 65 is out of date in todays age of much longer life. Billionaire BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Declares No One Should Have To Work Longer Than They Want But Says Retiring At 65 Is 'Crazy'

I get the point your making, VW never gelled with me nor the California vibe thing of Surfing and the van. It could be that growing up in the PNW where Conversion GM and Ford full size vans and some Dodge full size vans was a bigger influence on me, especially for the outdoor mountain, backwoods adventure thing as to why the Kia WKNDR gels with me far more than the VW thing. Yes, you and Robert are right in that VW did the van thing far sooner than America did with GM, Ford and Dodge, but then having a full-size van conversion with a full-size bed in it that fit this big guy compared to the cramped mid-size VW noise box was different to me than others. My dad when he married my mom had both a VW Beetle and the Van, they sold both for their first station wagon and drove my sister up to Washington State where they got away from the cement Jungle of the greater LA area and then I was created and lived my life here till after college, moving away and living all over the U.S. Came back to the PNW as the kids were in elementary school as I was wanting to make a career change and wanted family support during the transition. Never left once I entered the Computer Engineering side of life after leaving sales for a better balance of Work / family life. VW is gelling with those that had fond memories of past VW vans / lifestyle, but I am not sure if it will get long life with the younger generation. I already see way too many conversions Mercedes Vans at the mountain pass for ski/snowboard, camping, etc. than I do anything else. I also see a ton of Ford / GM chassis trucks that have been converted into a type of van living RV. Time will tell as to what comes in the 21st century as we move forward with EV's. I will say that if KIA delivers on their Modular PVB, I can see it being very popular with folks that want to change between a pickup and van for family needs. Crazy price, but happy that some rich person paid $3.7 million for the very first 2025 ZR1 Corvette. 2025 Corvette ZR1 VIN 001 Raises $3.7 million for Red Cross at Charity Auction

Got it, like many, myself included you do not like trump. Sadly, many women and minorities voted allowing him to get back into office. The big LIE is on with him daily since taking office lying to the public, we have 4 years of the idiot47, but please let's temper the language as ya never know when some young person will visit our site. Thank you for your support. At my PT on Friday, I cracked up laughing talking to a retired marine who was wearing this shirt.

Initially Kia introduced the PV5 versatile electric van as the Kia PBV or "Platform Beyond Vehicle", a module electric platform that could serve as a people moving van in various configurations, a cargo van for last mile deliveries or a modular truck. Kia also has stated that the Modular PBV could be used as a driverless transportation vehicle for various types of people hauling service from Taxi like rides around a city, airport shuttles, special needs shuttle service, or company campus service just to name a few. With such a modular system, Kia has moved forward with a Global PV5 Van that is the start of a complete PV family of electric vans for the global auto market. The PV7 will be their full-size van with greater interior space, longer driving range and enhanced functionalities for use case needs. The PV1 will be the smallest, optimized for agile, short-distance driving, transportation logistics, allowing for optimized use in the inner city. The PV family of vans will start with the PV5 scheduled to be released mid 2025. It will come in three versions initially, Basic or passenger van, Cargo / Specialty van and Chassis cab. Weight has always been a concern for some in regard to how heavy some EVs, especially in the Luxury segment of full-size SUVs have become with approaching 10,000 lbs. The PVB / PV5 platform is reducing weight and parts by using what they call "Dynamic Hybrid" modular body structure. This platform is a weldless body structure enabling the length of moveable members to be flexibly adjusted according to the vehicle use purpose. Comprised of high-strength tubular steel and engineered polymers, typical parts are reduced by 55 percent with no loss in rigidity. Kia has stated that the PVB modularity will be a huge success for their launch of the PV5. An integrated rail system on the vehicle's ceiling, floor, and side panels, as well as on the exterior, enables effortless customization of the vehicle to meet individual customer needs. This system enables seamless transfer of goods and items between vehicles, using cabinets and frames. The 'rails' within this ecosystem simplify the movement of items between vehicles, while the modular design of the 'tiles' and functional accessories, such as speakers and shelves, offer limitless flexibility for a wide range of scenarios. The PV5 will come in the following dimensions: Width - 1,900mm or 75 inches Length - 4,645mm or 183 inches Height - 1,900mm or 75 inches Wheelbase - 2,995 or 118 inches Some of the exceptions are in the high roof format, 2,200mm or 87 inches tall. This would be as an example the PV5 High Roof Cargo van. Sizing of the other two models are as follows: PV7 Length 5,270mm or 207.5 inches Width 2,065mm or 81 inches Height 2,120mm or 83.5 inches Wheelbase 3,390mm or 133.5 inches PV1 Length 3,210mm or 126 inches Width 1,675mm or 66 inches Height 1,715mm or 67.5 inches Wheelbase 2,210mm or 87 inches The Kia PVB platform is built on an 800V architecture that is very versatile in incorporating options like Ride-hailing service to Wheelchair accessibility, Cargo Delivery, Pop-up store use and with V2L or Vehicle to Load capabilities, the PV family makes just about any trip an easy day. Kia has proven that they are ready to deliver 80% battery charge in less than 20 minutes. Kia currently has test mules running around Europe where it will launch first before expanding across the globe. PBV test mules The PV1 will be using in-wheel motors allowing ease of movement especially in older cities where roads are narrow. Kia is pushing the bounderies as they showed off at the 2024 SEMA show their PV5 WKNDR Concept van that has been very well received by both end users and outfitters that can see using the Chassis system to build custom activity vehicles. Style is a very subjective personal preference, yet with an 800V powertrain system, fast charging, versatile configuration and V2L, the PVB platform will be setting standards for many market segments. You can view more on the PBV system here: Kia Worldwide At a time where you have some folks pulling back into a 1960's thinking and others pushing into a 2260's future mind set, Kia is one to watch as they push the boundaries of how you look at the future of automobiles, personal workspace and changing one thinking. If vans are not your thing, then check out the EV3 that is setting EV sales records in Europe last year, is coming to the U.S. end of 2025 early 2026 as an entry level EV. Even if your not interested in electric vehicles, Kia I feel nails it with their EVs commercial above. View full article

The Movie Say Anything Staring John Cusack was filmed in the Greater Seattle Washington Area, specifically: Bellevue Mall interior, filmed passing the exterior of Westlake mall in Downtown Seattle, driving past the teapot location is actually in Tacoma Washington, you can read about it here: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2977, When Diana and her dad are driving to graduation, that is filmed in the Fremont neighborhood, the Dicks Drive in location for burgers and fries is the Dick's located in Wallingford, the prison scene is filmed at Spokane correctional facility. That is all that I remember of the film and I have it in my library, so I tend to watch it a bit. 😛

Great Movie, Song and Car!!! Not to mention filmed in Seattle!!!

Very cool project on drift wood. Transforming Driftwood into Stunning Art with Epoxy | Watch If he does do away with FEMA, the Southern States are going to regret having #47 in the White house. 'This is what they voted for': Red state voters mocked on MSNBC after new Trump proposal Seems Tesla has run foul of many all across the Globe, but Dutch seem to be very pissed. Nearly a third of Elon Musk’s EV-loving Dutch customers may sell their Teslas: ‘There’s been a debate in the Netherlands around Tesla shame’

Tesla Shame is real, I have heard from a number of coworkers who are trading in their Tesla for other EVs as they want nothing to do with a company that supports hatred. Plus there are much better options now in comparison to a Tesla.

Total cost of electricity since I installed my Level 2 charger at home, charging from May to December, total fuel cost was $423 dollars for the year in 2024.

Wow, forget the Kia Boys, seems Subaru web flaws is much worse. https://www.wired.com/story/subaru-location-tracking-vulnerabilities/

@surreal1272 You are right that style is personal, but if you look at the full picture, a 400V slow ID-Buzz versus 800V versatile van, Kia is winning here imho. I get the VW history But this is very appealing as a lifestyle Van also plus the superior tech.

So this is the presentation from last year at CES: CES 2024 | Kia Global Brand Site | Movement that inspires Official Global site for the PVB: Kia PBV lineup | Kia Global Brand Site | Movement that inspires Then as SEMA they showed off the rugged offroad version which I covered here: