u/ChaoticVulcan

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Did not see that coming. I'm outta here!

We just let go of our 2016 SE at around 160,000 miles because of the issues that could've been solved by a VCM Muzzler (live and learn).

We're starting from scratch with a 2026 Elite. Does anyone have a handy guide of what to change, when to change it, and what will be needed for every job? Looking for a compilation of lightbulbs, windshield wipers, accessories, replacement part kits, and everything else I can start to keep on hand and avoid going to the shop.

First thing we asked the sales guy, "Will we need to pay a monthly data fee for this to work?" We were assured you could cast from your phone. We got an Amazon Fire Stick, but it will only work on our home WiFi and we can't get it to recognize a phone hotspot. Looks like we're going to have to bite the bullet and get the data plan. My wife is convinced she can plug her phone in with an HDMI, but I know that's only going to last until she wants her phone.

I'm probably too lazy for a Raspberry Pi, and part of me is considering bringing the Blu-Ray on long trips.

Any advice?

I live in Texas and I was in town last week for work. The best bit of advice I got from this sub was to leave yourself open to discoveries. Almost everywhere I went was from onsite intel, bolstered by reddit searches and Google.

Landed Sunday and walked a mile through the Puerto Rican Day Parade with my luggage in tow because it's as close as the Uber could get. Dropped my bags at Romer's on 51st and 8th and headed down 9th Ave to Lovely's Old Fashioned. This was probably the only tip I got directly from Reddit and it was a good one. Different type of burger than in Texas, but a solid start to my week.

Dropped in for a beer at Clara, and the resident foodie strongly recommended Chalong Southern Thai and Din Tai Fung. I filed those away for later.

Checked into the room, recharged, and took the Subway to the Village East Angelika to see Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass on the last day of the Tribeca Film Fest. Along the way I had a slice and a coke at Cello's Pizzeria. Crispy, good, but a little too burnt for my taste. Gathered more intel at the theater, Lilly's in Hell's Kitchen and Marie's Crisis Cafe. Watched the movie, laughed a lot, and rode the subway up.to my room.

Started Monday by walking down 8th to Liberty Bagels and got an excellent Nova Bagel. Worked from the room all day and ate dinner at Chalong before going to the work party. I played it safe with the Pad Thai and these delectable shrimp tacos in shells of fried coconut. Made it to the party. Met some exceptional people, and watched the sun set on Manhattan from the rooftop of Ink 48. On my way down 48th, I mentioned to someone I was heading to Lilly's when someone on the street overheard me and loudly testified against going there and recommended Hold Fast or Deacon Brodie's. Dropped into Deacon's and it was really nice, but I'm a talker and I got the feeling that chatting up the patrons would be tough. Went to Lilly's, talked a lot, and drank way too much for a Monday night.

Attended an incredible summit at Glasshouse and had dinner at KYU in SoHo. This was the absolute best dinner I had the whole trip. Interesting menu, family-style service, and unexpected flavors. Truly remarkable, and all thanks to the first conversation I had when I landed at LaGuardia. Had one more beer in SoHo, but I was completely out of steam. On my way to dinner, I noticed the Daily Show was a block away from the summit and I put in for tickets.

Stopped in at Afficionado for a cup of coffee before heading to the workshops at the summit. The whole thing wrapped at 3, and I was in line for The Daily Show by 3:30. The security guy at TDS recommended Patsy's for Italian and he looked like he knew what he was talking about. Made it into the studio. Watching TDS made me want more comedy, so after dinner I decided to check out the original Comedy Cellar. It was cool, but I wasn't going to stay awake much longer so I headed back without even seeing a show. Not quite ready to go to bed and back in Hell's Kitchen, I checked out Hold Fast on Restaurant Row. Met Jason, the owner, and a couple of really good people. Excellent conversation, fueled by the best Manhattans I've ever drank. I swear I'll never have them anywhere else.

Thursday's Knicks Parade scrubbed my planned meetings in the city, so I stood in line a scored Rush tickets for Oh Mary. I headed down 5th Avenue to souvenir shop for the kids. Walked through 30 Rock, Lego Store, Bryant Park and picked up some cool stuff. One o'clock rolled around and I hadn't eaten or drank all day. I walked in to Din Tai Fung, but wasn't willing to die in that extremely long line. Luckily, an Oh Mary line friend recommended Saar Indian Bistro and I devoured a plate of Butter Chicken like my life depended on it. I wasn't too sure Oh Mary would appeal to me, but it was hilarious and I adore Maya Rudolph. I'd wanted to check out Marie's Crisis Cafe that night, but I promised Jason I'd eat there before I left so I headed back to Hold Fast. My new friends were there with their friends and welcomed me to their table. I had my last Manhattan, exchanged information, and hugged Jason goodbye.

On my way back to the room, I passed Frisson Coffee and decided that was where I'd have coffee on Friday.

Woke up Friday and after my coffee I headed to Hudson Bagels. There I had an even better Nova. I flew out at 12:30 from Newark.

I was delighted by the openness and vibrance of the city. I never expected New Yorkers to be so open and willing to get to know me. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction, I mean, my first experience was literally a Seinfeld episode.

Thanks for the hospitality, yall. Knicks in Five.

Is there a particular Moonshine Shack location that improves my chances of getting barfight missions from Maggie? They're my favorite and I haven't seen them in ages.

On a few occasions, my 4-year-old boy, who is admittedly rambunctious, comes home with significant bumps and bruises. The injuries that really grab my attention are those that appear to be inflicted by the caregiver. Nail marks that broke the skin on his arm in an exact position where someone would grab him and, most recently, a series of scratches back and forth on the back of his neck.

When I ask him what happened, he sounds like he's being coached. He says he tripped or even puts his fingers to his lips and says, "shhhhh." Once, he did implicate one of his caregivers, but my wife thinks I'm coercing him.

My wife is always quick to dismiss these, but that's another issue altogether. She makes excuses, and I think it's because she doesn't want a confrontation when we're taking him out at the beginning of next school year.

I'm furious, and I believe the administration of the place would deny everything. My instinct is to pop in today unannounced and demand a better explanation and to move him to another caregiver. Changing locations is probably not in the cards at this time of year.

I'm angry and I feel helpless. Open to advice.