I think a newer style message board would be pretty nice. I haven't seen many tent camping forums get much use though, I search around for them from time to time to see if anything new comes up. So far this one seems to be the most active, has good information and good members. Other than this the only other thing I've found to be informative and kept up to date is some of the yahoo groups. So, I think a new message board would be nice, but from looking around at other places on the net it doesn't appear as though it would get much traffic.

As I understand it, this is not as new fangled a forum as some others, and I hear its short on disk space... In the main listing, the first (top) threads are the most recent -- including those without a response, if any. Threads here are sorted by recency, except that unanswered (single-post) threads remains higher in the main list than those with one or more responses, and threads with a single response (e.g., spam) drop more quickly than threads containing multiple comments. Within a thread, newer posts are added at the end (bottom), but the thread itself will move up in the main listing as new responses are added. Blue threads are either new, or older stuff you haven't read (respectively, higher or lower in the main list). When you read (really, open) a thread, its color changes from blue to purple. If, when you return, the color of a thread you're following has changed back from purple to blue, then one or more new responses have been posted that you haven't seen. [I suppose this assumes a cookie knows you were here before.] In time, old threads drop off the first page to subsequent pages. You can go directly to these subsequent pages by clicking on 2 or 24 or whatever, or search all posts here using the search form at the bottom of your screen. HTH...

There's a time and place for all of them. I really like email. Any time I can take business away from the post office I'm thrilled. Instant messaging is very handy for chatting with people you don't see too often who happen to be online when you are but it's also a good way to leave a quick message. Texting is a little quicker in some respects since the person usually has the phone on them. I really think it's rude when you're with someone talking, dining or whatever and in comes the signal and they drop everything to look at the text message. Then they usually have to give a quick text back. Then there's usually at least one or two more repeats. It's like the ones who constantly answer the cell for unimportant calls. I've started getting up and walking off and say obviously they're/that's more important than what we're doing so finish that up and let me know. I really find it hard to justify all these kids of all ages having expensive cell phones so they can be notified of terrorists! Isn't that going a bit overboard? No wonder the kids aren't learning! I have a prepaid cell and will not give out the number to too many since I know I'd be bombarded with spam. Cute little quotes, 150 "hi!" messages and other worthless garbage. I give out a forwarding number so they can't text me when I want them to be able to call me. I use Yahoo Instant Messenger to text people. It's great. I have the keyboard, a decent size monitor and it doesn't cost anything. There's 154 character limit to a text so sometimes you need to abbreviate. There's nothing wrong with that in my bood. I do get annoyed with some of the more obscure phrases and it bugs the daylights out of me when people have to use instant messenger abbreviations on forums. There was one guy in another forum who insisted on all abbreviations. "u ppl sh And I don't have picture messaging and don't want it. Email me the pictures if you want to send them or transfer them by instant messenger. There's definitely purposes for it, I agree. I think it's good for history to have the hanging of Saddam Hussein recorded, even as poorly as it was and I find it no more offensive than the Zapruder film. The pictures of Whacko Jacko on the stretcher, and even the shots of David Carradine to show that what was being said wasn't true, are some valid uses. But there's abuse too. The more technology, the more chance for abuse. I do find it hilarious when people can't make a phone call when the power goes out because they have only cordless phones or rely on cell service and are in a dead spot. But then again I laughed so hard I nearly drove off the road when I saw a tow truck on the side of the road with its hood up! I thought about stopping and offering to help for about $250. But that wouldn't be nice, would it?

We got a chance to see the Electrolux yesterday. Thank you, whirlpool trainee. Your link encouraged us to travel to see the pair. Unfortunately the scented gasket makes it a non-option for me (Contacted Electrolux; they do not offer a non-scented option.) If the gasket were unscented, I would have gone with the pair. Lowes has it on sale for $899 each and offers an extended 5 year warranty. From the review I read, the condenser jug needs to be emptied every second or third cycle unless you direct drain the dryer, which is an option. There is a condensing filter, located at the bottom, front of the machine which also needs rinsing frequently -- consideration for people who have trouble getting on bended knee; you might plan a pedestal set-up. The reviewer stated that a normal load took an average of two (gulp) hours to dry. Hubby and I have decided that we'll continue to air-dry what we can to save on our ever-increasing electric bill since whatever we buy will be a condensing dryer. Not much reported on the washer other than it offers a lot of options and steam and it is 2.4 cubic feet -- largest of the compacts. It has an on-board heater like the Miele (also 110v). Though it is NSF certified, I didn't check whether it meets the more stringent of the two certifications. From the owner's manual I was unsure of when the on-board heater was activated; clearly during the sanitary cycle, but I couldn't tell if it heats water for a HOT load or just takes straight hot house water. But then, Miele isn't any help there either; if it weren't for rococogurl I wouldn't have a clue as to what my Miele is doing behind the scenes. We really liked the looks and feel of the pair and were disappointed to come home empty-handed.