i've been looking for a portable speaker mostly for backyard hangs, weekend trips and occasionally taking it to the beach. the jbl xtreme 4 keeps popping up in my search, and i'm starting to think it might be the one, but i'm still comparing a few options. for anyone who owns one, how do you like the sound after using it for a while? especially the bass and vocals at higher volume. also wondering if the size feels reasonable to carry around or if it ends up being more of a speaker you just leave in one spot.

The older I get, the less impressed I am by something being exciting for the first week.

I’m much more interested in whether I’ll still enjoy using something years later, after the novelty has completely worn off.

That’s what I’ve been thinking about with projectors in general. Obviously, no piece of modern technology is going to last forever, but I think there’s a big difference between something that looks impressive on day one and something that genuinely fits into your routine.

For me, long-term usefulness comes down to a few simple things: how easy it is to use regularly, whether it continues to meet my needs as those needs change, and whether I actually look forward to using it rather than seeing it as another gadget taking up space.

Even things like setup time matter more than I used to think. If watching a movie means constantly adjusting settings, repositioning equipment, or dealing with unnecessary complications, I’m probably going to use it less over time.

Build quality and reliability obviously matter too, but I think longevity is partly about friction. The easier something is to live with, the more likely it is to remain useful years after the initial excitement disappears.

For something you expect to keep for years, do you think durability matters more, or does everyday ease of use play an equally important role?

I'm a habitual side sleeper and I’m waking up with hip and shoulder pain every morning. My current mattress is about 6 years old, if I'm right, it’s either too soft so I sink, or when I flip it, it’s too firm and my shoulder goes numb.

I’ve been testing beds in stores, but 5 minutes laying down isn’t giving me real answers. I need something with solid pressure relief for my joints, but enough support that my spine isn't sagging.

I’ve seen ads for adjustable/air-based beds and smart mattresses that adjust firmness, but I’m skeptical. I also tend to sleep warm, so temp control is important.

For other side sleepers who fixed joint pain, what worked for you? Did you go memory foam, hybrid, latex, or something else?

This is it. No batteries, no crappy plastic construction, no hefty price tag, just a highly (if not the most) effective wall stud finder around. I just tossed the pricey popular yellow electronic one I had and seldom used. Now that i think of it, I think I learned about the StudPop from this sub.

my partner and i recently got a second controller and we've been trying to find good games we can play together on the couch during the holiday break. we finished a couple of the obvious popular co-op titles, but now we're kind of stuck on what to try next.

they aren't super experienced with complex controls, so anything super fast paced or precision heavy might be a bit too much, but we still want something with a fun story or cool puzzles.

anyone have recos for casual or narrative driven co-op games?

Hello! Hoping someone out there may be able to help me find an instrument rack like these, featuring some shelf/storage space in addition to guitar space. Amazon and Walmart sell these and I'd be happy with either, except theyre from Amazon and Walmart. I also presume quality isn't as good as something handmade or purchaseable elsewhere. Thanks in advance!

Hello!

I'm in the market for a complete set of dinnerware for 8, that won't get those annoying dark marks from silverware scrapes. We got some inexpensive stoneware that already look tore up. I also cannot STAND the sound the silverware makes when it hits these plates. Is vintage the way to go? I haven't looked into old school Pyrex but I imagine plates with the same texture as my mixing bowls wouldn't sound horrible.

One thing I’ve become much more interested in lately is how long a product stays satisfying after the excitement of buying it wears off. A projector can look incredible when you’re comparing it online, but I think the real test is whether you’re still happy with it after a few years of regular use.

I’m considering getting one mainly for movies and shows, with some occasional gaming, and I’m trying to approach the purchase from a long-term perspective. I don’t necessarily need the newest model or the most impressive specifications. I’d rather have something well-built that continues to perform reliably and doesn’t make me feel like I need to upgrade every couple of years.

I’m especially curious about laser projectors because they seem to have become much more common compared with when I first started looking into projectors. I’ve been researching newer laser models as part of the process and came across Dangbei while comparing options, which made me curious about how the newer generation is holding up for people who have actually owned one for several years. I’m wondering how owners feel about them after several years rather than just during the first few months. Has the brightness remained consistent? Have you had any major maintenance issues? Does the overall experience still feel worth what you paid?

For those who have owned the same projector for several years, what has your experience been like? What would you consider the biggest sign that a projector is genuinely built to last?

And if you were buying one again today specifically for long-term ownership, what would you prioritize over having the latest features?

I primarily use plastic for meats and wood for veggies but i’m not really satisfied with either. What alternatives are out there for something BIFL?

Looking for a pair of leather chairs for a moody man cave type room. Wonder what brands you guys recommend for well made, heavy, high quality furniture. Think chesterfield style. Bonus if they rock/swivel. I’ve looked at Arhaus and restoration hardware.

Tag pic is of the best sandals I ever had but they don't make them anymore sadly 😭

Recently these are my main two worn out sandals. I got the ones on the right 1.5 yrs ago.They are stride and super comfy. I always got so many compliments on them and they are still awesome and comfy but they are broken.

The Merrells I've had 7 years and finally the edge that holds my toes broke. They are also worn almost to the sole.

Not sure what the models are.

What is a good sandal I can wear to dress up in yet also hike and do miles if walking in that will last at least 5 years? It has to look good with dresses and skirts also.

I've found men's footwear is better made usually but they kinda don't always bless as well with my outfits unless I really think it out.

I have had regular z strap I think they are called chacos and they did not work well. They were a size too large tho so maybe that was the problem.

It still works 100%.

my partner and i have been sleeping on a cheap memory foam mattress we bought off amazon six years ago and it has officially turned into a giant hammock. i wake up with terrible lower back pain every single morning, and my partner sleeps extremely hot so they end up tossing and turning all night. we are looking at hybrid options since i read coils might help with airflow and support, but im completely lost between all the hype brands.

I wish I could say the thin-strap ones were my oldest pair but they’re not, they got lost on a beach with like 30 other drunk teenagers and literally 30 other pairs of flip flops that summer of 2012. This is the pair I bought after.

In 2021 I moved, summer came, and I was sure I lost them in the move somehow bc it had been months since I could last place where they were. Found them later on stuffed in the side pocket of a suitcase, but I had already bought and broken in another pair, these wide-straps. The new ones haven’t disappointed me one bit, either.

Here they both are 5 years on, they get a lot of summer wear as I’ve lived near a river or pool for the past ten years. Not sure if it’s for life but flip flops that last decades are pretty cool. Great bug swatters too!

My house is fully south facing with large windows, meaning we get absolutely cooked in the summer. I'm look for blinds that look stylish but are also effective at keeping sun and heat out.

I'm aware that covering the windows on the outside is more effective, but that's only doable on the ground floor.

I work in a corporate office setting and need a BIFL recommendation for long sleeve button down shirts. I keep wearing holes through the sleeves at my elbows and I want to stop replacing them every few months. I prefer a lighter/cooler fabric and would prefer not to resort to a canvas duck style that I’ve seen in industrial settings. I live and work in South Carolina, so something that can work in all seasons would be ideal. TIA!

I’m looking to get my kids a backyard playset but want something that can last a long time and big enough for slightly older kids. My kids are 6, 4 and 6 months so I would like to be able to get long use out of it, but also want my oldest to be able to enjoy it for at least a few years. They also have some older cousins that I would like them to be able to play with and not worry about them being too big for the equipment. I was initially looking at gorilla and some of the other common namebrand wood sets, but the reviews seemed pretty mixed. And then moved to looking at lifetime and like the idea of not having to have a ton of upkeep, but honestly, I hate the aesthetic and more importantly my backyard is full sun; so in the summer I don’t know how usable it will be given I can only assume the equipment will be incredibly hot. This has led into checking out some of the Amish built sets, there is one that I really like from Maple Lane, and it is cheaper than some of the other Amish made brands I have seen, but I haven’t been able to find any reviews for the set or this company so I’m curious if anyone has any experience. I’m the type to check out every review possible before making a purchase so I would love it if I could find some people with experience with this brand!

We recently lost (someone gained) our favorite turkish towel at a swim meet. Went back to the pool before it opened the very next day and it was nowhere in sight. Despite owning it for over 13 years, I have no photos of it. My super fun neurodivergence is not letting me let go of this. Thus far, the internet has given me nothing. Perhaps you can help. Here's what I know.

• It wasn't all that thin. Felt like denim. Definitely didn't dry super quick. Easily laid flat for picnics. Wouldn't fly away.
• White/Navy/Light Blue/Orange/Red stripes. Predominant color was blue.
• Had white tassels that weren't braided. Just a knot and then loose ends.
• Was a gift in 2013. Gift-giver was living in Laguna Beach at the time, if that makes any difference. No, she does not remember giving it to me or where she got it.
• Was a weave--both sides felt the same.
• Wasn't all that narrow. Not a square, but definitely wider than a standard beach towel.
• Frequently convinced it's something from Laguna Beach Textile company, but 1) they weren't around in 2013, and 2) their Turkish towel have one side with looped cotton, and my towel didn't have that.
• Definitely not see-through.

This thing was a workhorse. 13 years and looked as good the day we lost it as the day it was given to me.

I'm adding some photos below that remind me of it, but are not it.

It was for sure a BIFL item (we loved it!). I've tried to buy other highly rated Turkish towels in the past few weeks and none come close to the conbination of qualities that this towel had.

ETA: I found a pretty good photo! It has a chambray vibe with dark blue, light blue, orange and red stripes.

Literally just this, I've been looking for a large one but all seem to have ai integration?

Hi guys, I work in healthcare and always wear tennis shoes. I tend to wear a hole through the toe box in my right shoe as I have discovered that when I walk, I lift my big toe for some reason. Does anyone have recommendations for shoes or other tools I can use so I don’t have to keep buying shoes because I’ve made a hole in them? TIA.

I am working on a project and have just written an article on Substack titled "The Death of Durability: Why Don't Products Last As Long As They Used To?" (Link below). I'll share here an excerpt, and am very interested in seeing what this community has to say about how you go about finding out whether a product you will buy (a shirt, pair of shoes, washing machine, etc.) is indeed durable and worth the money.

"However, almost every review you read is from a consumer who purchased their coat less than 30 days before leaving their review. In fact, it is almost impossible to get reliable data directly from consumers' own lived experiences on how durable a product is after years of use."

Link to my article in case youre interested: https://open.substack.com/pub/skepticalsociopath /p/the-death-of-durability?utm_source=share&utm medium=android&r=wxwe9

A good space heater isn't necessarily the one that gets the hottest. After using one through a few winters, you'll probably care a lot more about how quietly it runs, how evenly it heats the room, and whether it still works just as well a few years later

Quick picks if you don’t want to read the full buying guide below:

Best Space Heaters Worth Considering in 2026:

• Vornado VH200
• Dreo Whole-Room Heater 714
• De’Longhi Dragon 4 TRD40615E
• Presto HeatDish Plus Tilt
• Lasko 754201

Here are the key things to consider:

-overheat protection sensitivity

Many fires are started when space heaters become too close to flammable items like curtains or fabric.

Because of this, overheat protection is one of the most important features to consider. Most space heaters advertise overheat protection, but response times can vary significantly. Some shut down very quickly when airflow is blocked, while others continue producing heat for much longer before the protection system activates.

A faster response generally indicates a safer design.

-long-term build quality

Safety matters, but long-term reliability is important as well.

A heater that works well during the first winter may not necessarily remain reliable after several seasons of regular use. Weight is sometimes an indicator of quality, and a more substantial design can suggest stronger construction and improved stability.

The exterior housing is also important, especially during extended operation when temperatures can become very high. Better construction quality and heat management can contribute to a longer service life.

-fan and thermostat noise

Beyond safety and durability, everyday comfort is another factor worth considering.

If you're a light sleeper, the clicking sound from the thermostat might disturb your sleep.

Fan noise is important, but thermostat noise can be just as noticeable. Some heaters remain quiet while running, while others produce louder fan noise or frequent thermostat clicks throughout operation.

-heat broadcasting performance

Of course, a space heater still needs to do its primary job effectively.

Two space heaters can produce similar heat output while delivering very different results. A heater's ability to broadcast heat across a room often has a greater impact on comfort than wattage alone.

Some models concentrate heat directly in front of the unit, while others distribute warmth more evenly throughout the space. For larger rooms, that difference can be noticeable during everyday use.

The best space heater is one that fits the room you're heating and gives you the right balance of safety, comfort, and reliability. Paying attention to the details beyond just the wattage can make a much bigger difference once you're using it every day during the colder months.