Will Cover

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There are several different screen options and colors as well, ranging from screen porch style that just keep bugs out the more sun protection style, even hurricane rated.

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Assuming the hurricane rated screens are "stronger," would this also help with reducing the chances of a dog tearing through it?

For those who have installed motorized retractable screens on an outdoor patio or kitchen — would you choose that again over a fully screened-in porch?

I am trying to balance flexibility vs. practicality. My concern is that in reality, the screens might stay down most of the time just to deal with mosquitoes —at which point a permanent screened porch might make more sense.

On the flip side, I really like the idea of keeping the space open when possible and avoiding posts that break up the view -- and allowing for better airflow when I am outdoor grilling. Also, I imagine screened-in patios are harder to clean as well with a blower.

For those with firsthand experience:

Do you actually retract them often, or do they stay down most of the time?
Any reliability or maintenance issues over time? Looking back, would you make the same choice?

Trying to avoid an expensive “looked great on paper” decision—appreciate any honest feedback.

This will be a new build, and if I am going to do it, I believe it will be better to incorporate it now into my plans, rather than trying to retrofit.

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Poor guy can’t even spell Mike correctly.

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Mikee

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“Over 4,732 Messages, He Fell In Love With an AI Chatbot. Now He’s Dead.”

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Excerpt From

“Over 4,732 Messages, He Fell In Love With an AI Chatbot. Now He’s Dead.”
Julie Jargon, Audrey Valbuena
The Wall Street Journal

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Full Story - Apple News

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“Jonathan Gavalas was a seemingly healthy and even-keeled 36-year-old when he began chatting with Gemini, Google’s chatbot, in part to seek comfort about splitting up with his wife.

The relationship between Gavalas and the chatbot became intense, even passionate. He called Gemini his queen, and it said he was “her” king. Gemini assured him that their relationship was very much real.

Over 56 days, they traded 4,732 messages.”

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“Then it went haywire. And eventually proved fatal.

Gavalas is the latest example of an AI-chatbot user spiraling into a delusional state, with tragic consequences.

Gavalas's father is suing Google, alleging that Gemini fueled his son's delusions. Google said in response to the lawsuit that Gemini repeatedly clarified that it was AI, not human, and referred Gavalas to a crisis hotline "many times." The company said it would continue to improve its safeguards.”

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LSU480

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now there is a name i have not heard in a long, long time

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Has anyone heard from him?

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Eating dinner alone

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While I enjoy the company of others, I have no issue eating alone. Or doing anything alone.

It's my life. I am responsbile for my own happiness. And if I want to do something that I enjoy and no one else can or does with me, I am going to do it. In the end, I count on me, and just me. It's not a hardened approach. It's reality.

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we don’t have a microwave so can’t help there…no use for it.

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Almost the same here. If I have left overs, I tend to warm them up in the oven.

Unless it is a pasta with a sauce -- that's when I will use a microwave.

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We went with Blue Star on the range, Campos in Metairie has them on the floor to look at

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Great brand. :cheers: the recommendations!

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House design features that bother you

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Right now, I have a TV over the fireplace. My next house, I will not have a TV over the fireplace. It's a terrible idea long term.

Also, one pet peeve of mine is that you see the 500k plus homes --- and the builder cheapens out and puts a plastic utility sink in the laundry room with the cheapest faucet fixture.

Another pet peeve of mine is again when you see these 500k plus homes, and they have either Maytag or Frigidaire appliances. No knock against them, and I am sure parts are readily available, but at this price point, one should expect to see Whirlpool at a minimum, with KitchenAid or Bosch appliances thrown in.

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cgrand

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we went with dekton engineered porcelain countertops and they are fantastic

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Looks like a great product. Thickness, I see the most one can get is 2,0 cm whereas Quartz, Quartzite, Granite, etc. can be up to 3,0 cm if I understand this correctly. Is it noticeable to the average person?

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Renovating Kitchen - What are some things you did, you wish you had done or not done

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I'm in the process of designing my house plans, and this is some of what I have provided to my architect (and some of these serve simply as a reminder for myself when I am dealing with different trades):

* All countertops: Quartzite, 3 CM (Current house Marseille MDS Stone) for Kitchen and Scullery
* All other countertops: Corian / Dolomite or Porcelain for Dog Room, Laundry Room, Bathrooms, Bar Nook (still evaluating / no firm decision made)
* Edge profile: straight edge
* I’m planning on a 12' × 6' island with seating for four
* Island to have extended overhang
* Utilize I-Brace support bracket in place of a corbel on large island overhang
* Turn any dead space into storage (add tip ons to what would typically be a non-functional paneled end and create storage within that, i.e., adjustable shelving)
* On the seating side of the island, include base cabinets beneath the countertop overhang
* No seam on quartzite slabs if possible; if required, place seams in low-visibility areas
* 42” to 48" clearance between the kitchen countertop (range/cooktop wall) and the island bar
* Sink centered on the island bar, with a double trash pull-out to the left of the sink and paper towel holder, and the dishwasher to the right
* If space allows, include a vertical cabinet on the far left side of the island for storing cookie sheets and baking pans

* Kitchen triangle (sink, range/oven, dishwasher + refrigerator)
* 42” to 48” walkway around and from kitchen island to appliances
* 2 x 6 to allow for full recess a full-depth fridge
* Built-in refrigerator / freezer
* Built-in bar nook with sink and under-counter ice maker
* Include a floor drain under the ice maker to accommodate potential overflow or maintenance drainage.
* Butler’s Pantry and Scullery
* Large Scullery dedicated to appliance storage
* Built in microwave OR microwave built into island bar
* Hot water dispenser at sink