nativeAZ

Over the past year, I noted an average increase in my daily home consumption of electricity of 11 kWh per day (from 45 to 56 daily). This is based on a comparison of usage records for the same months in different years, so similar weather and other circumstances. I have not added anything that would increase usage, and in fact have been keeping the AC set higher than normal (82-84 instead of 78-80). So, I cannot figure why usage would increase this much per Day.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what could cause that type of increase or any device that will help find the problem? Is it possible that the electric meter from the electric company is not operating correctly as well?

Anyone who has been to the Desert Sky Pavilion for a show (formerly Ashley HomeStore Pavilion and Cricket Wireless Pavilion), what is your opinion on the place? We are thinking of doing an evening show there is summer and were wondering about the layout, seating, ease of access, and just general opinions. Right now we are looking at Section 205 behind the handicapped section...anyone know anything in particular about that area either? Thx!

I have a 2002 Buick Century which I believe is forward wheel drive and auto tran.

Note that the issue below does not seem to affect the driving or braking quality as yet.

It has started making a clunking sound at times when the brake pedal is released and also at times when the accelerator pedal is released lightly. It almost sounds like something is clicking into place but does not quite fit right. This is a recent change, has not always occurred. About a month ago, after this was noticeable, I also had to slam my brakes hard to keep from hitting a short stopping motorcycle, and it made a Loud thunk noise under the car then. It sounds and feels like it is coming from directly under the driver's feet. The car is also squealing a bit when the brakes are depressed which I assumed was the squealers starting, but the mechanic claims brakes are fine and did not seem interested in diagnosing the sound. The noise could be totally unrelated but thought I'd include all the details just in case.

Accordingly to mechanics that have seen the vehicle about 3-months ago, before this particular issue was really noticeable, the brakes and the transmission are fine. I also recently had the fuel pump replaced, and I am taking it in today to ensure the mechanics that checked the brakes put the tire back on correctly. I have had wheel bearing issues with my other Buicks, but this seems different.

Is there an arm or other device that controls depression and release for both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal that could cause a noise like this? Or any other ideas?

I picked up some drums for my daughter for Xmas. I told the guy at the store I needed drums for Wii BAND Hero (not Rock Band, although he seemed confused that there was a Band Hero). He told me the drums I bought will work with any of the games. While putting them out tonight, I noticed that the dongle says Rock Band on it. Now I'm concerned since I know Rock Band guitars often do not work with other games. The unit is a NWDMS2 model which I believe is Rock Band 2 edition drums. Does anyone know for certain if these are incompatible or will work with Band Hero (not Rock Band)? I would test them but I really am clueless about the entire system as far as how to make it play. - Thx!

I was trying to help my daughter with a math problem, and I was thrown by the wording as 1 BY 20 intead of 1 to 20 which I expected, but I think something just clicked, so can someone please confirm if this calculation below is correct, so I know I am thinking about it right now.

- Scale model is 1 by 20

- Scale ratio is 1:40

- Actual item size is 40 x 800

THX for the help!

OK, I jut re-installed Windows on my computer to correct some missing file issues. All is good and I am going through the 200 Windows updates again. I have had issues in the past AFTER downloading updates, plus they take up system space, So I do not like to download them unless they are necessary. I have been going through and reading all the Knowledge Base documents, and most of the Security Updates are for Remote attackers.

So, the question is, are these even necessary as:

1) It is a personal PC not on a network/server system.

2) I do NOT have remote access enabled on my computer, and never do, so no one should be able to remotely access anything anyway.

3) I have full Norton 360 protections enabled.

I tried to send this question to Microsoft, but that is near impossible to find a proper contact. So, I was hoping there was someone here who was knowledgeable in these types of issues. I have already eliminated any updates that were listed for specific regions (like Korea only even though they sent it to my system as an update), and any that were Local Attack issues (stating that the person must have local access and password to get to system before creating the problem).

Given the above system parameters I use, anyone know if Remote Attacker issue updates are even relevant, since RAC is off and Norton is on?

Is Holiday World worth the drive from Indianapolis with youngest at 11 years old? And if so, how bad are the crowds on a Sunday?

Traveling to Indianapolis in Summer with kids 10/11 years of age. We are from a large City with plenty of zoos, museums, etc. Is there anything unique in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas (no more than 6-hours driving distance) that you could recommend? Something we can't get or see at home? And are there any good amusement or water parks in the region?

I have an IBM Thinkcentre 8172-Y1L 3.2Ghz Desktop Computer. It's a great unit but I would like to upgrade the hard drive memory. Does anyone know if this unit can be installed with a secondary internal slave drive, or does it only accomodate one drive due to its compact size? I hate to start from stratch if avoidable, but have not been able to find a reliable external hard drive unit option.

I notice a small carnival in the parking lot of Arizona Mills today. Has anyone been?? If so, who is running it and can you get wristbands or just single ride tickets? Thx!

On a metal tube type bunk bed, how many pieces does it come in to be assembled and what are those pieces? I have found a bed we are considering, but it is a bunk and we would like to use just the top part (like a loft bed). We would have other items underneath to stabilize. But is that even possible? Can you leave off the bottom bunk mattress slats/holder piece, and still have the complete sides?

Anyone been to Chef Mickey's at Disney World for dinner and have an opinion on it?

Does it get chilly at night right now? We are coming from Arizona (so this is desert perspective of chilly) to WDW next week. It can be hot here in the day and jacket weather at night. Is it like that there, or is packing jackets silly?

At Disneyland, you show your AAA card and get a 10% discount off character meals and some other dining. Anyone know if the same applies at Disney World?

Has anyone done the Character Breakfast at the Confisco Grill in IOA at Universal Studios Orlando? Would appreciate opinions on value, characters, food. Thanks.

Are there any tolls to pay between the DisneyWorld property and Universal Studios Orlando? Also, Mears is offering a good special right now on tickets + transport. I thought driving ourselves would be more convenient, anyone used Mears and have an opinion as to convienence and time it takes to get there and back?

Do you have to buy special tickets to take part in the Kim Possible missions at Epcot? Or is it part of the theme park admission?

Is there a Build-A-Bear store located in Downtown Disney at Disney World or anywhere in the park? I thought I had heard there was one inside Planet Hollywood but cannot find anything on it.

If you are staying at a WDW resort and want to do Magic Hours at one of the parks in the evening, do you have to get a wristband inside that park by a certain time or can you enter after normal closing?

Does the Pop Century still leave basic toiletries like shampoo in the rooms every day? Also any opinion on if 50's building is still the quietest area?