trinacriabob

Allegiant is out of Las Vegas as a headquarters. They have a weird route system that is good for people who can use those point to point routes. They also use secondary airports, like Clearwater-St. Pete instead of Tampa. I've never flown on them nor on Frontier. I flew on Spirit once and it was fine. My Big 3 rankings are: 1 United 2 Delta - American (tie) American has been coming up with decent domestic one-way fare numbers, so they're up from 3. I was on MIA-LAX on their big 777-300. It was a good flight and full. The cabin crew was all middle-aged guys. I've never seen that before, especially on a big plane. They gave out those delicious Biscoff cookies. One of the attendants was a super sassy Black guy. I later asked him for some more of those cookies. He told me they didn't have anymore. Later, I went to the back galley and another Miami-based flight attendant - he seemed like a Cuban guy - looked in a few bins and gave me a couple of those cookies. The Black guy was showy and hilarious, but obviously not the best he should be for that job. Whenever I have asked for an extra snack pack or two on ANY airline, they always give them to me!

I think it's her blues-y vibe. That stuff tends to reign in the southeastern quadrant of the U.S.

I was thinking about Bonnie, whose face seems to tell a lot of stories, in a Nashville sort of way. I thought she was from within 250 miles from Nashville. Heck no. She was born in Burbank, CA ... L.A.'s San Fernando Valley! She ended up going to high school in the Hudson River Valley, north of NYC, and started out at Radcliffe (Harvard). It doesn't look like she finished. But, for those who bolted from the Harvards and Stanfords to pursue a vision and it worked out, more power to them. It usually doesn't turn out that way for the others and that's why we don't hear about them. I'm not a huge fan of Bonnie Raitt, as her stuff has too much twang in it. However, this is her best song, in my opinion, and I listen to it from time to time. See, I had her figured out incorrectly. Chalk one up for our boldest member who, more so than anyone here, had issues with my stereotyping. Go live in big cities and/or travel, and you'll be stereotyping in no time.

Delta was my go-to airline. Their service is still very good. I used to like the airline more when I lived in the Atlanta area and they hadn't yet merged with Northwest. It became way too big and they lost their unique hospitable "Southern" style, if you want to call it that. (But, with the way people are acting on planes, that could be one reason!) Also, among the Big 3 carriers in t the U.S., it handles baggage the best. In one survey, I saw that American was the worst, at .91 complaints per 100 bags. That's a lot! Delta's is about half that. Surprisingly, Allegiant scored the best among the domestics. Delta's frequent flyer program is now among the worst, in my opinion. Redemption of miles for flights is way, way higher than with United or American. I'm not flying Delta much anymore. Also, ITA Airways goes with Delta because it's SkyTeam. In less than a year, they'll be with Star Alliance, because Lufthansa is in this United-led group of airlines. United's program is the best of the domestic ones and the one I like to use. We do have Southwest to thank for another thing: one-way pricing. For the longest time, one-way pricing was prohibitive, sometimes costing more than round trip tickets. Southwest priced by point to point treks. Other low cost carriers that were sprouting did the same thing. This helped bring more reasonably one-way pricing to domestic airlines across the board.

MECHANICAL PHOTOS This is the view of the engine bay: one can see 4 exhaust manifolds, there not being a turbocharger, and a easy to access battery (there are some cars where it is challenging) This is the lengthwise view of the engine bay, seen from the side of the accessory belt, and, anymore, engine shrouds are an exercise in creativity and branding This indicates that the engine is a 2.5-liter (4 cylinder) and that OBD II continues to reign and no adjustments are needed - - - - - END OF PHOTOS

INTERIOR PHOTOS This is the view of the front of the cabin from the front driver's door This is the view of the rear of the cabin from the front driver's door These are the conventionally shaped front buckets seats, with headrests that neatly slide into the top of the seats, as well as an armrest that is the right height to rest one's arm and a console where its height is also just about right Kudos for this cleanly organized instrument cluster. I like that they feature 3 circular gauges instead of 2, giving lots of options on how to set up the middle gauge. The nighttime colors of pale white and orange/red were so-so ... I much prefer it when they use blue or green, based on cars I've owned The infotainment center screen (NOT a touch screen) is a little unusual, but the way it is placed into the top of the dash is not obtrusive. On the other hand, panels and vents are thin at the center stack and to the right of it This is the leather stitched steering wheel and the controls available on it I was having some difficulty with the buttons on the left, where toggling up and down or push sometimes became "blurred" The center console was easy enough to understand, even though I wish the cup holders were back closer to the armrest and center bin. Also, the round knob at the rear of the gear selector had more of a learning curve than I was expecting. Anymore, there are so many settings and variables. This is the rear seating area in the cabin This is the view over one's shoulder, which I found to be workable. The way those rear headrests slide down snugly into the rear seats is something that others should emulate. This is the fairly roomy rear trunk and the split to push down the rear seats individually (or together) can be seen.

EXTERIOR PHOTOS Angled view from the front Angled view from the rear ... I like this vantage point in terms of its lines, the slight lip at the trunk's edge, and the simple taillamp assembly A sleek enough silhouette paying some homage to the recent Mazda 6, which I think was their most attractive product for a good number of years

This rental experience, lasting one week, was a surprise all the way around. The first thing that comes to mind is how helpful the agents were upon renting and returning the vehicle. I got my assigned category of vehicle, plus a small upward bump, assuming this sedan could be considered midsized. The current Mazda 3 sedan (2024 model year rental) appears to have grown up and, with its thicker pillars and haunches, looked like it was going to be a nicer car for an entire week than the only other time I’ve rented a Mazda 3, about 5 years ago, and for which that rental lasted only 1 day. Do I like the way the current Mazda 3 looks? Mostly yes, and some no. I like the flow of the silhouette and, to some extent, the definition of the volumes. The side profile is attractive enough. The same could be said for the rear fascia and taillamp assembly. However, I’m not a fan of the trademark too tall grille for this size of car. Its Mazda’s current vernacular and it probably works a little better on their larger vehicles, but this is just my opinion. The Mazda 3’s interior is spartan in its volumes and finishes, almost looking Germanic. I have different feelings about the instrument cluster than I do the overall dashboard. The main instrument pod is very clearly and cleanly laid out. It has 3 main pods, with the center pod, which can be configured in many ways, dominating the others. The tachometer is to the left and larger and very readable fuel and temperature gauges are to the right. As for the remainder of the dash, a slightly angled and narrow almost tear drop like infotainment screen is embedded into the cowl. Ventilation slots are thin and run horizontally. The climate control panel is workable, but not as visually appealing, and even symmetrical, that other vehicles are currently using. The steering wheel feels good to the touch, with its materials, but, even with upward seat adjustments, I did not have the command I wanted over the top of the dashboard. It felt slightly more astronaut or race-car driver-like than I would have wanted. However, the seating shape is conventional and supportive, so comfort wasn’t as issue. Seating is neither too cushy nor too hard. I did need some extra time to get used to 2 areas in terms of using settings. The first was that the infotainment display was not a touch screen, but one operated by a large dial sitting right behind the gear selection lever. It was not that intuitive and it would lead me to return to the home setting to try again. The other was the cluster of controls on the left side of the steering wheel. In some of the audio controls, there was too fine of a line between toggling up or down or pushing on it. At times, I didn’t get the intended result I was looking for. The Mazda 3’s forte seems to be its handling. It inspired some confidence and, as I found myself on some expressways with a legal speed limit of 75 mph, I noticed that quickly changing lanes and the feeling of being in control were both very good. However, in this niche, I’ve had vehicles that were quieter and more isolated. I remember the last-gen Mazda 3 of a handful of years ago as being both grainy in its engine and busy as it rode on washboard pavement. This one is much improved. However, there is the engine hum, which some may like, and maybe a marginally higher amount of road noise or tire thum coming through than in some of its current competitors. When you put your foot into it, it definitely makes itself heard, albeit as a rhythmic purr. The engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a displacement that was once so common, and it is naturally aspirated. The transmission is a 6-speed geared automatic. Shifts were clean and, consistent with the other communication from its mechanical aspects to its driver, shifts 1-2 and 2-3 were felt, though not at all unpleasant, in normal to spirited driving. Even some step-gear and DSG transmissions have gotten to the point where they seemingly “slush” into the next gear. While I might like drivability that is even quieter and more isolated, I appreciated a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. The reliability of Mazda powertrains is supposedly good. Even though the cabin front position is low for my taste, the seats are supportive and there is enough leg room, though it’s also a little more work to get into and out of the car. Rear seat legroom seems acceptable for medium-height adults, albeit probably not so much for tall people. The somewhat thicker rear pillar does not impede visibility when turning one’s head toward the rear. Visibility through the greenhouse is workable and, in concert with the Mazda 3’s styling, is appealing. Trunk space is also good for the Mazda 3’s size and the split folding rear seats make it even more generous. I did not calculate the Mazda 3’s fuel economy. Compared to a smaller 4-cylinder displacement and a CVT, the fuel needle moved a little more quickly, but, also, the vehicle does not come with a very large tank. It also did not spin at lower rpms while maintaining highway speed, with some vehicles in the same niche now cruising along at, say, 1800 rpms, either because of more gears or a CVT. I’d say I was noticing slightly over 2000 rpms when maintaining highway speed. Still, it got acceptable fuel mileage. It did not affect what I was going to write, but I did glance at professional reviewers’ opinions on the Mazda 3. Most are very pleased with the vehicle. Again, I thought it was competent, and I really appreciated its road manners and its feeling planted but liked, instead of loved, most of the other aspects of its drivability and its features. However, it’s worth taking note of the Mazda 3’s price point and good record.- - - - - - PHOTOS FORTHCOMING

It's on the bucket list. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It seems that when you go back to purge photos you've stored, the portrait versions are more likely to be candidates for deletion than their landscape versions.

I am now sitting at the table with my computer and felt some faint but rhythmic swaying. I didn't think it was me moving in my chair. I typed in "earthquake Italy" on my phone. It was a ways off, but just 2 minutes prior.

With all due respect to Pope Francis and wishing the best for him, there was a one liner joke I heard as a teen said in Italianized English about the church worrying too much about what went on in people's bedrooms: "He no play da game, he no make da rules."

Happened to see this as I was using one of those aircraft/airport locator apps so I can see the "probable" route to pick seats on the "correct" side for views ... Nice, if I may say so. There's some amazing work in this niche out there.

Just heard this in a store ... ... with some people I knew, the lyrics that turned into our own joke were "a little bit of Sandra in the sun." Except that we didn't like this person.

It's funny that all these vehicles look like 5-door hatchbacks to me. I'd have to look it up, but that Q8 does not sound attractive. One of the ugliest 2-volume set of wheels has to be the Nissan Armada. That thing is a fright.

MECHANICAL PHOTOS What's different here? It may not be apparent. Once you start opening the hood, there is no need to manually place the prop rod to keep the hood open. This is to be expected for a more premium car line, whereas VW-SEAT-Skoda tend to have prop rods that you slot into place. This is a transverse view of the engine bay where there are 4 cylinders at work under the hood, and which are assisted by a turbocharger as the plumbing would indicate. - - - - - END OF PHOTOS

INTERIOR PHOTOS This is the view upon getting into the driver's seat; the leather steering wheel is nicely stitched and finished This is the view from the passenger front door From a driver's seat that has been adjusted upward, the view over the cowl is good (the best is probably that of the last-gen Chevy Malibu); not the way the infotainment screen is slightly recessed and how circular air ducts figure prominently Instrumentation is very simple (less is more?) and the insertion of temperature and fuel gauges is an interesting presentation; the info box is between the tachometer and the speedometer, with it being set to show vehicle speed when in "drive." Also, the odometer (re)setting is right at the base of this photo Controlling the infotainment screen is done by that circular dial. It's probably a more practical way and helps the longevity of what would have been a touch screen, but there is learning curve This shows the seating and space available to rear seat passengers This shows the visibility given the real sail panel, and also shows how the front bucket seats are finished

EXTERIOR PHOTOS This is the front of the slightly angled vehicle which sports the typical Audi grille vocabulary The side of the vehicle shows a tall beltline and the rear sail panel appears to be thick, but, once inside, it's more manageable than it looks from the outside This is the rear of the vehicle, and one can see the cover that is over the cargo area

They have had some incredible fares. If needing 2 bags, plus a carry-on and a backpack, it made those fares shine. If you check in when the period opens, you usually get group A or B, so it's not a bad seat. They announced assigned seating a while back ... that doesn't bother me so much. There won't be much to differentiate them, except for maybe a few point to point treks that they do well. It'll just push me over back to the legacy cariers.

It happened ... ... there will be no more free bags* on Southwest Airlines. I'm saddened by this. * for flights booked on or after May 28th

This vehicle was an upgrade, although that situation didn’t go smoothly. There was a fair bit of obfuscation that led to an upcharge for this Audi Q2. I actually wanted a smaller sedan with an automatic, so somewhat of a downgrade, but they didn’t have vehicles in that category. The other vehicles were larger and I turned down a newer Citroen DS 7 SUV. As I was being presented with choices, all with automatic transmissions, I would be checking their retail prices on my phone. I didn’t want that expensive of a car. For being an Audi, this is “somewhat” lower priced, but, per reading reviews and comments, this a vehicle where the sticker can climb if optioned up. As I got into the Audi Q2, it didn’t seem much different in content and feel from the VW family of brands cars like it. The dashboard was very functional and the seats were upholstered in fabric. The dashboard had a central cluster with 2 large dials: the tachometer and the speedometer, with temperature and fuel gauges inset within their curvature. In between them was a squarish digital display with many clearly shown items of information such as time, temperature, odometer, and, if set up as such, a digital display of the vehicle’s speed. The trip odometer allows for resetting it through a button underneath the cluster rather than through a stalk. The infotainment center is upright, but recessed into a small “swale” at the top of the center stack. Center vents and side vents are round, and the opening is adjustable by clasping and turning the slight extension at their center … almost like a design going back to Cutlass Supreme colonnades and even some AMC products; however, here, the affect is Germanic and the build quality appears to be higher. The seating has fabric in its insets, which feel sturdier and tweed-like to the touch, with some nicely done non-contrasting stitching inside strong bolsters. One is not hemmed in, but, rather, supported. The seats are comfortable over long distances. I set things up in the Audi’s infotainment system, with the Bluetooth set up not as easy as I would have hoped. (In some rentals, it’s fairly easy.) I also needed help upon returning it to detach my information. I delete all other phones on vehicles rather soon, mostly because the list irritates me! While it has a tall trademark Audi grille, the other parts of the sheet metal are nondescript and the rear sail panel, with its appliques, is thick. The beltline seems a little high, such that the car actually looks a little thick throughout, a look that is accentuated by sheet metal that lacks sculpting and “character lines.” As I pulled out, the Q2’s personality immediately came through as nimble. That means that it was not as taut as, say, the VW Polo I’ve become accustomed to. However, it didn’t take that long to get used to it. The handling was very easy and the ride was serene, with some wind noise. There was not much in the way of tire thum. The engine was a 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine. The model badging 35 TSFI refers to its specific engine, which makes about 150 hp. Additionally, it was surprisingly efficient in how it used fuel, and reviews point this out. Per the display of the gears on the dash, the numbers shown went from 1 through 7. Automatic transmissions in Europe, especially by German companies, are smooth and reliable units. The early shifts (1 to 2 and 2 to 3) were very clean and later ones were imperceptible. If not fully up to highway speed, gear 5 or 6 was retained. In any case, rarely did the tachometer exceed 2,000 rpms, and this probably contributed to its commendable fuel economy. Again, I had told myself that with this nimble handling and softer ride, the control might not be as good as in a VW, a SEAT, or a Skoda. This simply wasn’t true. It handled just as well on winding highways and in cloverleafs. It’s obvious that, since this is a more premium brand, the higher price commands that sort of nimble, at times almost detached, flipping of the steering wheel while always maintaining a tight grip on the road. That said, the Audi Q2 feels a little contradictory in that it holds the road yet the steering wheel spins so effortlessly and the ride can be a little soft. Either I am used to more communication from the steering wheel or I’ve come to prefer cars with more road feel. It is, however, a pleasant and controlled vehicle at all times. This is the second car I’ve gotten to drive where the infotainment system is not a touch screen. A dial between the gear selector and the console is turned to highlight/illuminate the selections on the touch screen and then, on taps (downward) on it. Most likely, it's that touch screens, with their size and complex graphics, are costlier to repair. A large dial, as a solid-state piece, might be less work and less expense to replace if it were to fail at some point in the future. However, the learning curve is a little long for rotating the dial to get it to do what you want it to do instead of manually selecting an item on the touch screen. If you like the Audi brand and want to be in this niche or something of a similar price point, like a BMW, then the Audi Q2 could be your vehicle. It’s one of the lower priced Audis, and a little more than an A1. However, if the perceived prestige is not mandatory, there are other vehicles that deliver most of the same features at a slightly lower price, with many of them powered by 3-cylinder engines. - - - - - PHOTOS FORTHCOMING

I am quoting myself, so to speak. I was speaking with this friend today and, while overall views haven't changed, there was "defense" of Musk because (and I'm only citing the items he mentioned): 1) he was thrown under the bus in favor of Mary Barra at a speech at GM, and 2) regarding the failed SpaceX rocket launch on 1/16/25, mistakes happen and people and organizations learn from them. I don't recall item 1), so I looked up the YouTube and the comments were mixed, with a few people mentioning that this was on GM property and, for that matter, neither Ford nor Stellantis were given props, from what I listened to, and 2) completely oblivious to the launch event, I was there on 1/16/25 and thought, "Everyone has closed shop and checked out, so I might as well watch the launch." I made a 1 minute video of it on my phone. Later that evening, I learned of the aftermath and thought that, with this now being routine, that shouldn't have happened and it also posed air traffic control issues as well as danger to people and property depending on where the debris* fell. *We Americans pronounce it "duh-bree," while I once heard a VIP in the UK refer to is as "deh-bris" ... never forgot that So there's that update.

How time flies. The S.S. United States made the trip, being towed by tugs down the Atlantic and around the entirety of Florida. They have pulled it in to Mobile Bay, ahead of schedule. If I find myself in Pensacola in the very near future, I will go over and look at it, if that's possible. I've never seen it and I've always wanted to. Big kudos for every report I've seen on this: they just refer to its destination as "the Gulf" ... period. I noticed that. I approve.

Yo, good morning ... ... the days when "big hair" seemed like a contest.

Today, March 6th, would have been Michelangelo's birthday. At a time when most men in Renaissance Italy lived about 45 to 55 years, he lived to be 89 years old.