james j

I'm shopping for a reliable used car and have found a 2002 Buick Century with 125,000 miles for $6000. The dealer offers an extended warranty of 100,000 miles/ 5 years beyond the mileage at the time of purchase (included in this price). Is this a good deal?

Who has the best motel rates in the Mackinaw area for this upcoming weekend (may 18, 19, 2007)?

What is the best deal for a Mackinaw City or St. Ignace motel with two beds in one room for this weekend (May 18, 19, 2007). The best answer will be from an area local or frequent traveler who can quote prices as listed on the street sign (in front of the motel), or a known coupon source (with online info). Please don't send information on places over $50. a night. I know that good places exist in this area within this price range, I'd just like to know who has the best clean rooms with good service, best complimentary breakfasts, best views, in-room refrigerator., etc...

Downtown Flint is being filmed for the next Will Ferrel comedy sports movie. What do you know about this? Know of any images and sites about this?

http://www.sports-venue.info/Movies/Update_Semi-Pr...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0839980/

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3409

http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v...

http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/...

I'm driving to Toronto for Doors Open

http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen/index.htm

and I'm wondering where is the best inexpensive place to stay. I usually stay at the Neill Wycik http://www.neill-wycik.com/

but was wondering if anyone here knew of a better place?

If you could set up a "fight to the finish" cage match between two national restaurant mascots (or commercial characters such as grimace, the Noid, arby's oven mitt, etc..), which ones do you think would make the most interesting battle? Characters get to use food items from their representative restaurant (example: The KFC Colonal could use a chicken bucket and drumsticks as weapons). Please explain in detail how you think the battle might play out. Enjoy your food fight, let the games begin... Another thought, if you'd like to pair up candidates "Bracket style" (like the March madness b-ball playoffs), I'd enjoy that too. O.K. have at it!

I'm asking about the meat itself, rather than the restaurant who serves it (although, feel free to let me know who makes 'em best, anyway)

Who makes the best natural casing dog?

A) Dearborn http://www.dearborn-sausage.com/catalog/...

B) Koegel http://www.koegelmeats.com/

C) Kowalski http://www8.mailordercentral.com/kowalsk...

D) Other?

Also, do you like the coney sauce Detroit style (wet) or Flint style (Dry and loose)

Thanks for answering J.J.

Although this forum is meant for "dining out" questions, I'd like to ask this question here because of the regional classification of Detroit area, not found in the food and drink classification.

I'm asking about the meat itself, rather than the restaurant who serves it (although, feel free to let me know who makes 'em best, anyway)

Who makes the best natural casing dog?

A) Dearborn http://www.dearborn-sausage.com/catalog/

B) Koegel http://www.koegelmeats.com/

C) Kowalski http://www8.mailordercentral.com/kowalski/

D) Other?

Also, do you like the coney sauce Detroit style (wet) or Flint style (Dry and loose)

Thanks for answering J.J.

The ones I like are Calders, Guernsey, and farther away, Thomas Organic Creamery

http://www.guernseyfarmsdairy.com/icecre...

http://www.calderdairy.com/

http://thomasorganiccreamery.com/...

Who would you most likely want to avoid being seated next to at a fine restaurant? Explain why.

A. A cigar smoker

B. Screaming kids

C. Cell phone addicts

D. Stinky gassy garlic eater

E. The Blues Brothers (you know the scene in the original movie)

Who would you most likely want to avoid being seated next to at a fine restaurant? Explain why.

A. A cigar smoker

B. Screaming kids

C. Cell phone addicts

D. Stinky farting garlic eater

E. The Blues Brothers (you know the scene in the original movie)

Yesterday at a charity silent auction, I bought a box lot for $4 which included a mens wristwatch with the name brand OMAX. It has mechanical movement (the back side is visible so you can see the spring movement and gears working). It is automatic (there is a mechanism which winds the watch with wrist movement). Back to the front, in the 12 o'clock position is a smaller hour and minute hand. In the 37 second (little past 7 o'clock) position is a 30 second totalizer with about a 160 degree sweep which runs counterclockwise then resets, the action jumps to a second 30 second smaller totalizer in the 23 second (a little before 5'o clock on the main dial). In the 6 o'clock position are tiny words "swiss made". The body is large and heavy (like a Rolex). The wristband is medium brown, possibly alligator. Words on the back say " KC003 ALL STAINLESS STEEL 3ATM WATER RESISTANT". intricate etching on winding weight suggests to me that this isn't counterfeit. What do similar watches cost?

As summer is approaching, it's time to start planning ahead to make sure the best stuff to do isn't missed (and invite friends to come along). If you know of an inexpensive (or free) festival or event within a few hours drive of Detroit, please let me know. Insider tips like where to park, best food, particular items not to miss would also be appreciated. Here are some of my favorites:

May 19,20 East Lansing Art Festival

May 26, 27 Doors Open Toronto

June 22-24 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

June thru August Sundays Frankenmuth Free Concerts

July 18-21 Ann Arbor Art Fairs

August 10-12 Great Lakes Folk Fest

August 18 Woodward Dream Cruise

http://www.doorsopen.org/

http://www.elartfest.com/

http://www.michiganguild.org/art_fair_summer.html

http://www.michiganchallenge.com/

http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/

http://greatlakesfolkfest.net/

http://www.michigan.org/travel/events/events.asp?c...

Thanks James J

Many of the best tasting foods ever created are no longer available. Some examples (in my opinion) are:

McDonalds McRib, Chopped Beefsteak, Mc DLT, Mcfries before they cooked them in veggie oil. These are just McDonalds. Others, which I crave are ChiChi's Cancun (seafood enchiladas), Howard Johnson's Tendersweet clams, Bill Knapps (the whole menu). Non-restaurant items include Krunchers potato chips alfredo (the blue bag), Vernors ginger ale (the original formula, aged in wooden barrels), Mountain Dew (with real citrus juice and glass bottles).

Which do you crave the most, or do you remember another which should be on this list?

McDonalds used to make a McRib sandwich in the 1990s, and a Chopped Beefsteak in the late 70s, early 80s, do you remember these? Which was your favorite? What is the closest substitute available in restaurants today?

The Entertainment book has lots of great 2 for 1 deals. I'm wondering which is the best. Please explain why, and if you've eaten here before, what's the best item to order.

http://www.entertainment.com/save/dining?N=25&WT.s...

If you have the Flint michigan "Fun Book", I'll take answers for that one as well.

Thanks J.J.

What's your favorite memory? The pig trough eating contest? The foam hats on the ceiling? The Huge jawbreakers and lollypops in the candy store? Childhood birthday parties? Do you think that this concept is due for a comeback?

Looking for a good deal on a tasty whole maine lobster dinner for under $20 if possible. I'm looking for good value, not fancy cloth napkins, unless, of course you get both for a great price.