Some libraries don’t post local tech online — for example, you can’t book the Cambridge laptops or hotspots through the website.

Radar guns can be tricky to use and often need to be calibrated to be accurate. I’d suggest that your “Plan B” of tape measure and timer be implemented anyway as part of your experimental design, to help you assess and correct for any systematic bias in radar gun readings.

What parts have you had to replace?

We have an 11 year old Navien combination heat/hot water tankless, and have never replaced any parts in it. There have been a couple of times the hot water flow sensor got jammed up with something and had to be cleaned out for the hot water to flow again. And you do need the approximately annual clean/descale service.

I always think (with no proof) that while there’s a lot of wealth in Massachusetts, people here are often careful not to be showy with it, at least compared to some other places. Sort of a New England ethos. That is true in Cambridge which is socially progressive even for MA (though you do now see tech and venture capital bros in supercars in Cambridge…). Anyway, hence the popularity of brands like Volkswagen and Volvo (and Saab back in the day), which have a bit of Euro style and quality, and aren’t cheap, but also aren’t perceived as show-off “I’ve made it” cars like BMW, Audi and Mercedes. They’re also from Northern Europe and good in bad weather.

Among Japanese cars, Mazdas are also often a little nicer (and a little more expensive) than entry level Hondas and Nissans while being non-luxury cars. Basically another option for people who aren’t shopping solely on price, and can pay a little more for a nicer option.

An easy assumption for the Saabs and Volvos might be that a good chunk of the renting population in some neighborhoods are the children of upper-middle class families, many of whom were given the used 2000-2012 era family cars by their parents. Or, by virtue of being the product of that economic class and they simply sought used vehicles similar to what they are accustomed.

Yeah plan B is measuring tape and a stopwatch :D

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The Saab used to be really popular. It was kind of like the Tesla of its day. Quirky, luxurious but not ostentatious, good design. It's sort of a classic professorial status symbol. It doesn't denote wealth as much as modesty and intelligence.

Unfortunately they stopped making them, and the latter models were rebadged Subaru at least in one case.

If you want an example of an even earlier example of this kind of vehicle, there's a Morris mini that lives near Dali.

harvard sq is v pinkys up. residents in the area would naturally gravitate towards expensive cars. nissan is absolutely popular in massachusetts. my landlord, mom, and SIL all have nissans.

more economical people would get a honda and toyota for the perceived reliability. nissan has a general consumer belief of being a cheap, beater car. you must remember, these people (camb residents) are not car people. they dont car about their car, its for them to get around.

Liam’s knee, son.

If you can't find a radar gun, you could probably also deduce the speed of things if you take continuous video of them.

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Late night car thoughts I see...

Nissan is a pretty bad car. That would be my guess.

Will do Monday, thanks!

Thanks so much! I looked at the online catalog and looks like none of the Minuteman libraries have one, but I might call just to see :)

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🧡💜💙💚💛

They cost more and fit in the bike lanes they lobby for

I have seen several Saab 9-3 around here and there, and several days ago, I have even seen a Saab 9-5 whilst biking around Cambridge.

I am curious how many trucks you see in Cambridge belong to the residents? From what I have seen, nearly all trucks belong to the contractors who work in Cambridge.

Even though Ford does sell a lot of trucks, they do sell passenger cars as well, such as the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Ford Escape, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, etc, and virtually all police cars in Cambridge are Ford Explorers.

Baldwin is the most challenging school to get a placement without proximity. Take a close look at the numbers. It may not be worth burning a lottery spot on.

I was underwhelmed by G&P when we toured it, but many regard it as the best elementary school in the city. I thought Peabody was great, but it was a bit far and the hours didn’t work so l well for our family. If it was walkable for us, it would have been a no brainer.

Having 2 years of kindergarten may be the best thing about CPS.

I think some factors you're seeing are that:

• Cambridge is a relatively wealthy place

• lots of tight spaces

• The local population is exceptionally socially progressive

Because Cambridge is wealthy, brands that target people with poorer credit such as Nissan are less common here. Because space is tight, large vehicles like SUVs and trucks are very rare, and those make up a large fraction of Ford, GMC etc's product line. Also the progressive population tends to favor electric cars and quirkier brands like Subaru.

I don't know about Saab, maybe we just have a large international population, some of whom like them?

I don’t, but you could try calling the Waltham or Watertown libraries — both have a very dedicated “Library of Things” selection, and you can get a library card for the Minuteman Library Network (Cambridge, both libraries listed above, and several more) for free, even as a college student.

I’d recommend calling city hall or the non emergency police number. They may be willing to help

We had a whole house water filter installed and an RO setup added to our kitchen sink by H2O Care out of Middleton. Been very happy with the result. Unfortunately didn’t have room for the softener, but they do those too.

Exactly Cambridge residents are so fortunate to have fresh pond, why not use it?!