Drew Dowdell

My advice for the bread machine. Don't use it to make bread. The best thing I found for it is as a dough machine, but I never actually cook the bread in it... which somewhat defeats the purpose. Bread really requires two rises to be any good. Bread machines can only do single rise, which is why all bread machine bread comes out too dense and basically tasteless. If I use the bread machine (it's good for making pizza dough ahead of time), I punch down the dough after the first rise, remove it from the machine, form it into whatever type of loaf or roll I'm going for, and then let it rise again in an OFF oven with a bowl of hot boiled water under the pan. I've been getting artisan quality bread this way. I've got a set of 13 year old Ginsus that can't even.. cut through bread.

Croc, Do you ever do any bread making? I've been doing home made bread of various recipes every week now. and they've all turned out fantastic. just wanted to get your thoughts on it if you had any. Oh... and I need new kitchen knives...preferably that were dishwasher safe... and looking for recommendations.

Definitely in need. I just need to figure out what roles will be and who is interested in doing what.

I don't want this to get lost in the Google Ads thread. Please read, comment, and suggest alterations. I'm pretty much set on this direction generally, but refinements are welcome. ------- Here is my vision for Cheers and Gears. I don't care if we have 500 members of 500,000.... that's not how I'm measuring our success. Eventually, and with the appropriate software development changes, I want C&G to be an automotive Wikipedia with the best forums (not necessarily biggest) around. I want C&G to be the reference site for car people to learn about the "stovebolt chevy" then kick around and argue about it. I want C&G to offer the automotive news, but since we don't have the staff or funds to be the quickest to market, I want us to be the smartest to comment. I want people to "go look it up on C&G, because they'll have the right answer".

Well that was fun. Apparently the IP.Chat disables the board index. Chat is down till there is a fix. Sorry guys.

on it.

Chat software has been updated to the Invision Power software instead of ParaChat. This will cut some cost out of our monthly server bill (Parachat was $10 a month). At the moment, there is a 5-user limit. If anyone feels this is an issue, We can upgrade to 20 user limit for $19 flat fee per year very easily. As far as the software is concerned, it seems substantially higher quality than the plug in Parachat we were using.

For you! Special Deal! $34 dolla!

I want to go, but the Toronado won't make the trip yet (still needs tires and exhaust), and I waited too long to get a rental

+1 This much of an improvement is shocking! I look forward to the 300c. If Chrysler put the same amount of effort in there, it's going to be amazing!

The visiting Chinese.

Well they never let us up close to the Volt at the shows.... it was always perimetered off so I couldn't get in it.

Would you believe, with all the times I've seen the Volt in person at the auto shows and the like.... I never knew it was a hatchback.

Some minor updates to the Standard and Premium plans: Most people on Standard Plan will have no effective change. Changes highlighted in red Standard plan: Free * Number of seconds between searches 30 seconds. * Edit post time restriction limited to 15 minutes. * Limited to 100 messages in PM system. * Add/Edit signature after 25 posts. - This was done because Bots come on and post with advertisements in their signatures. Premium plan: $12/annually * Everything currently available to a standard member: * Removal of Ads in the forums and gallery sections - Ads remain on front page portal * Number of seconds between searches reduced from 30 seconds to 10 seconds. * Edit post time restriction removed. * 500 message limit in Private Message system. * Change your display name up to once per day. * Upload your own avatar. * Customize your user profile. * Edit signature immediately. * Ability to embed HTML in the posts of select forums. * Access to the "Rated R" forum upon request. * Access to the "C&G Council" where Admins will take up issues for a vote that a larger number of C&Gers should have a say in. * Ability to request free upgrade to the "Politics and Social issues" forum. * An @Cheersandgears.com email address by request.

With Alloys?

I can't seem to build a 2011 Golf 2rd or 4rd with bluetooth and alloys for less than $20k

distinctive or not, ergonomics, noise, and lame fuel economy for it's size ruin it for me

Oh have I got the place for you today...

Not bloody likely

Snow capability is a big concern for you there in Phoenix, eh? Equinox 4-cylinder can do 30 on the highway if you're gentle with it.

This is going to end up in Politics real soon. TRY to keep it civil in here.