TXTIGERTAIL

I had to dispute a charge through Capital One once. I had all receipt backup for the dispute. Capital One first tried to get me to “work it out” with the vendor, and I did. The vendor wouldn’t budge. I then pressed it with Capital One and their final response was something along the lines of “we aren’t willing to pursue the vendor for over billing, but because you are such a long-standing valuable customer we will refund you the money”

I was not pleased with how Capital One handled it, but they did make it right with me. I think it took two management levels above the Customer Service hotline operator.

My mom got power back last night. She lives off Dobbin Huffsmith. I’m off 1488 by Magnolia HS, still no power here.

Between inflation and SLI stock performance, I can now contribute 107 boxes of Franzia to the wine mixer.

Negative market forces have led me to revise my “Franzia Forecast” downward. I can now provide 134 boxes of Franzia for the wine mixer.

I ended up choosing a Nikon Z5 for the camera body (this was a gift and the reason for the $1500 budget)

I purchased two lenses to start:
Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S
Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8

I can’t wait for clear night skies to attempt my first Astro shot.

Second question for the group. I’m looking for a good tripod for shooting while hiking/backpacking; there is an aluminum option by Peak Design that looks good. Any opinions or other suggestions for a good tripod?

Thank you for the detailed response, and to all others who took the time to respond.

I plan to use the camera in colder conditions (below 20 degrees at times) and I’m seeing some reviews say the Nikon Z50 doesn’t perform well at low temps.

I’ll do more research in the other options you posted (excluding the $50k set-up). :)

A sleeping bag fits just fine in the back of an Audi A7, with the 2nd row seats folded down, if you’re 5’6”.

I had a few good nights under the stars out west.

Changed my Cap One Money market to a Performance Savings thanks to this topic. Thank you!

Are the national forests in New Mexico back open? You might double check. I was there at the end of May and everything was closed due to fire danger.

When working Contract W2 I increase my rate over direct hire to cover my additional cost of benefits not provided (health care, retirement contribution, etc.). The rate as a c2c (corp to corp) will be significantly higher to cover all that and taxes as well.