Best products from r/Buffalo

Hettig's on Mill St in Williamsville is where I go for advanced stuff (honest, inexpensive, quick, highest rated on Angie's List), but you might consider fixing this on your own. I replaced my own front suspension on a Pontiac Grand Prix without prior experience besides oil and brakes.

Buy a Haynes manual for your car (Amazon and most auto parts stores). [$20]

Buy essential tools if you don't have them: socket set (this will probably be 50% off in a month), deep socket set [metric/SAE], ratchet (if it doesn't come with the set), breaker bar, torque wrench (buy in Sears to make sure it's 'zeroed'), floor jack, jack stands (safety first), chocks (keep the car from rolling backwards while jacked-- essential), pliers, lug wrench (optional if you have the breaker bar and the socket to fit your lug nuts). Many of these can be bought at Harbor Freight without breaking the bank, but don't expect a ratchet or torque wrench from there to last very long. Definitely buy the jack, stands, and chocks there. [$50-100]

Buy a Monroe QuickStrut Strut Assembly [$120-150, depending on vehicle/wheel]. It includes the coil spring that you need as well as a new strut, all in one. This eliminates the need for a coil compressor, which is highly dangerous, especially when used on a busted spring. They carry them in AutoZone/Advance, but you can save a good 30% going through eBay. Just make sure to vet the seller thoroughly. Also be careful: the suspension parts for the 2.4L version of your car don't match those for the 3.0L version. Make sure you triple-check compatibility! If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to replace both front assemblies, as replacing only one might make your front end ever-so-slightly lopsided.

Follow the instructions in the Hayne's manual primarily. Use YouTube as a secondary guide. If you can get your hands on a service/maintenance manual (expensive and hard to get outside of a shop), use that above all. Heed all torque values for all nuts so you don't under or over tighten.

PM me if you have other questions. I've saved easily $1000 doing this by myself, even after buying a ton of tools. And the feeling of accomplishment, knowing you only spent ~$250 for a $600-1000 job, and you got a new strut out of it too, is unbeatable.

EDIT: added links.

If you're here for the long haul, it's your most important purchase. Kamik boots are my personal recommendation for a good value, but there are plenty of good brands. I see you're on foot a lot from other comments. YOU NEED HEAVY INSULATED BOOTS.

Also, the internet is always cheapest. You can make returns for free from amazon at khols.

https://www.amazon.com/Kamik-Mens-Fargo-Boot-Charcoal/dp/B07VZN2Z5D/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&qid=1570325289&refinements=p_89%3AKamik&s=apparel&sr=1-9

Edit: Wool socks. Not a blend (except for Merino, which is only better because it can be less itch). W. O. O. L. Good pairs can be $20+ but when it's 0 degrees you're be happy you did it. You don't actually have to wash them every time you wear them (even if that sounds gross).

https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Heavy-Thick-Wool-Socks/dp/B077Z2TCG1/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=wool+socks&qid=1570325675&sr=8-11

https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Vermont-Merino-Cushion/dp/B000P38QF8/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-1-QmV0d2VlbiAkMjAgYW5kICQyNQ%3D%3D-ac_d_pm&keywords=wool+socks&pd_rd_i=B000P38QF8&pd_rd_r=1db3f478-7d0a-4454-abd6-81d465f865a3&pd_rd_w=N9h2c&pd_rd_wg=ygsCO&pf_rd_p=24d053a8-30a1-4822-a2ff-4d1ab2b984fc&pf_rd_r=S7170NAF6K8Y50TVDK0A&psc=1&qid=1570325675

Snow gets you wet. If you want to be be comfortable, jeans will be your worst freaking enemy. Get some snow pants. Want to be warm and dry? Long johns. Or even flannel under the snow pants.

I live in North Buffalo and get 39 channels with my antenna. That said, I don't have one of those little things that are the size of a sheet of paper, that you prop up next to your TV. I had one of those and it kinda sucked. I didn't get a ton of channels, and the signal was spotty. So, I ordered a big antenna, installed it in the attic, and ran cable behind the walls to the TVs. This isn't the exact one I have, but it's very similar:
http://www.amazon.com/Element-Bowtie-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B0074H3IU6/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1464744285&sr=8-37&keywords=tv+antenna+outdoor

It's great! The picture quality is outstanding on the major networks (MUCH better than Cable ever was). And I'm not a big TV watcher. So the antenna and a Netflix subscription is plenty for me. Saving $120/month or more doesn't hurt either!

Do it yourself. Get a USB capture card (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VM60I8?tag=ttr_vhs_to_dvd_converters-20&ascsubtag=[site|ttr[cat|541[art|NA[pid|49767[tid|NA[bbc|NA).

If you don't have the camcorder to play them back, see if you can borrow one from someone.

If the tapes are VHS-C, you can get an adapter to play them back in a VCR pretty cheap.

If the tapes are 8mm, those camcorders were pretty common and you can probably find someone who has one pretty easily (I have one if you need to borrow it).

Do you not clean your boots or something?

A decent pair of leather boots that you seal at the beginning of the season and wipe off every couple months will last you decades.

Edit:

I should say - getting expensive but "fancy pants" boots isn't going to help you out (things like these Gucci "boots")

Instead, getting a good, well made, pair of insulated leather boots like these Chippewa boots that will last over a decade of daily winter wear with even modest maintenance.

$28 for 4 gallons free shipping. Find some friends haha. $7 a gallon? Please

Kraft Blue Cheese Crumbles Dressing (1 gal Jugs, Pack of 4) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIUDTZ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZSlqDb3BA5WP5

My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it. You could try this before making the switch just in case. Mint Mobile Starter Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HGOkDbGBNGSB9

Yea as others have mentioned I run the Kayak Shack at Canalside and do tours so can give you some suggestions.

Buffalo River - Lots of put-ins along the way, starting from West Seneca there is the DEC Launch on Harlem near Mineral Springs, Seneca Bluffs, Foot of Bailey, Red Jacket park, Riverfront Mutual park, Riverfest Park

On the Lake you can use the old sea plane launch near Lasalle park, which i don't think is an official launch but I know people that do use it.

Gallagher Beach is another decent place within city limits to launch from, as well as a few new launches on the Outer harbor that are being constructed as we speak so I can give more details.

Going South you have assorted Beaches to launch from for Lake paddling

North has more choices like Beaver Island on Grand Island and you can paddle to Strawberry island if you aren't weak, no offense but this area has more current than most, this feeds the Niagara falls so..be careful!

I know some go on Scajaquada Creek but I hear it smells bad and not sure where to launch from.

Still more North you have Ellicott Creek and Tonawanda Creek, this was used as the Erie Canal so can take you to Albany if you have time.

Beyond that i would check out this Local paddle Book for more info as I usually focus on the Buffalo River, or paddle in other States all together.

added - BTW We rent kayaks and SUP boards under the Skyway at Canalside 9-6 everyday and we offer tours through the Grain Elevators and the 11:30 we walk around Silo City and I give a personal hike/tour/sneak peak of the Rock Gym.

For walking I really reccomend YakTrax on your boots. I live in Elmwood Village and unlike the other reply the sidewalks around me are very spotty, with some dry and clear and others covered in packed snow and ice. (Especially the sidewalks outside Red Cross surprisingly.) The traction cleats help you stay upright and stay on the sidewalk, though note they can be slippery indoors on hard surfaces. Please don't walk in the street no matter how much Buffalonians love to do that.

Raised in Rochester, currently living in Buffalo, a good winter coat is crucial. I have a Northface that has an outer waterproof shell with a puffy, warm zip in liner. Makes layering easy without too many different pieces of clothing. Waterproof boots are a MUST. I have had these for 5 years, still on my first pair and 100% worth the investment. I always keep a spare outfit, flashlight, water bottles, and a snowbrush/ice scraper in my car just in case I get stuck some where or have to spend the night some where else due to bad weather.

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Others have covered it really well but just some advice from even a pretty experienced winter driver: don't overestimate your driving abilities. The roads can be surprisingly shitty, even if it doesn't seem visibly bad. It gets slick really fast so be aware, go slow and pump your brakes, don't slam them.

An editor of the Buffalo Spree just came out with a book called 100 Things to Do in Buffalo Before you Die that you may find useful.

Edit: WBFO is running a promo right now, where if you donate $6/month, you can get the book for free. Support local public radio!

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism

>In her groundbreaking new book, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, Melanie Joy explores the invisible system that shapes our perception of the meat we eat, so that we love some animals and eat others without knowing why. She calls this system carnism. Carnism is the belief system, or ideology, that allows us to selectively choose which animals become our meat, and it is sustained by complex psychological and social mechanisms. Like other "isms" (racism, ageism, etc.), carnism is most harmful when it is unrecognized and unacknowledged. Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows names and explains this phenomenon and offers it up for examination. Unlike the many books that explain why we shouldn't eat meat, Joy's book explains why we do eat meat -- and thus how we can make more informed choices as citizens and consumers.

(I have not actually read the book, but I was introduced to the term when Gever Tulley took it and applied the same concepts to danger to form Dangerism )

They aren't rubber, but I recently used these mats from amazon for the flooring of our basement playroom. If you have amazon prime the shipping is free.

Different approach, but a windshield cover like this may work well for you.

Piggy backing on this suggestion we have this- folding booster with tray And love it

I can't snag a good enough picture to do it justice...lol

It's a 5xLP Hardcover Book, with a copy of the cover on each "page", and the insert written on this page by Blair Jackson.

Here's a quick Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B00VI2L2ZG, but there are cheaper deals around the web I'm sure.

The Northface Etip gloves are a great recommendation, but I prefer leather gloves. I used this pair all last winter and found them well-worth the price: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CVB79XZ/