Any laws, rules, etc. a newbie in Madison should know??? (Kohler: credit report, taxes)

[sondra_finchley]

Originally Posted by JBoughton

Well, the I does stand for Illinois. Use your imagination...

I think that particular form of endearment is more popular in resort areas where most people come from the Chicago area, like Lake Geneva and Door County.

Kohler too.... man we are overrun with them in the summers!

I have to say (and not to start some fight here or something or refute someone elses observations) my partner and I have also experienced some significant issues whilst driving here, including considerable tailgating (yesterday in fact, on the west side of town by Trader Joes). Its gotten to the point where I will bike just about anywhere in town to avoid having to drive- I find drivers here quite inconsiderate (lack of directionals used, not paying attention to the road due to phone use, speed problems, parking issues, poorly timed stoplights, the insane wear and tear my brake pads are taking, etc). One gentleman back in February I thought he was either going to run us off the road or was going to follow us to our destination to do... something. He was so aggressive and actually staring us down that I got my phone out to call the police and report him out of fear for my safety. My car has WI plates but other than that just an S (for Sweden) and a Swedish flag. (maybe the guy had issues with social democratic nationalities?) Disclaimer- I have a low tolerance for driving but find Chicago a breeze to drive in compared to Madison. YMMV obviously.

The driving/parking situation is one of the aspects we dont enjoy about Madison and we will likely be moving on once he is finished with school. This town just isnt for us, even though it is lovely at times.

[beetpapp]

I find the variety of responses on the driving issue so interesting. I visit Chicago often (we're talking chicago proper not the 'burbs) and find the driving there to be off the charts CRAZY. Swerving, honking, aggressive maneuvering, tailgating - and of course horrible parking. I'm an LA native, and so I know my share of bad driving towns and I'm a fairly assertive driver myself (please read assertive not aggressive). Madison seemed docile compared to West LA or Chicago. But of course, I'm also sure I'll experience a fair amount of all the things listed above in Madison as well. But I certainly have never found driving in Chicago to be pleasant or a breeze.. I actually don't think I've been to any city with 100k plus people and not experienced these things at least some of the time.

[BOItoMSN]

I jumped on the Beltline at Whitney Way going East the other day around 5 pm (I usually take side roads). It was like a parking lot. Took me 25 minutes to drive 3 miles. As I sat there I thought to myself "this must be what Chicago is like!"

Normally traffic seems the worst around campus during the school year, unfortunately now they are doing construction work on University ave.

I try to find less traveled routes to try and avoid this. Mentally I feel as long as I keep moving, it keeps my frustration levels low.

[subclavius]

I lived in downtown Chicago for two years and still do business there from time to time. I was absolutely shocked to read that anyone would find driving there easy going, unless they are describing some of the suburbs.

Madison has plenty of bad, aggressive drivers too. Let's face it, they're everywhere.

Although there are a few regional differences in regards to driving style and the quality of transportation infrastucture, I think it's more a function of the American lifestyle than anything that can be attributed to a city's personality. Rush hour traffic on the Beltline stinks because it's undersized relative to peak traffic volume, but that doesn't create bad drivers it just aggravates them.

So, in keeping with the original purpose of the thread: Avoid the Beltline during rush hour. McKee also backs up, at least when west bound after 5 pm. Mornings on McKee don't seem too bad in either direction. If you bike on the Capital City Trail as an east/west alternative, a permit is required, or at least that is the law is on the books. I've never seen anyone checking for them but I heard the fine can be pricey if caught. There's a form at the city website you can fill out to get one for free, provided you're commuting and not using the trail for recreation.

Also, a southern chunk of Fish Hatchery is going to be closed for a couple of months starting Monday, June 8th.

Hmmm....traffic to the Alliant Center can back up to the exits on the Beltline if it's a big event or it catches the city by surprise. That's all for now...

[mommyntheoc]

We're here...our closing was delayed which is apparently the norm these days...trying to find out who we set up home phone with?

[ranger17]

your home phone will depend on the area you live in as far as who the supplier is there. TDS covers a large portion, but there are other companies in some of the subs as well. You can also look at Charter ( the cable company ) as they can get you phone along with your cable packages.
Enjoy the area!

[Megan1967]

Originally Posted by mommyntheoc

We're here...our closing was delayed which is apparently the norm these days...trying to find out who we set up home phone with?

Are you in a hotel? You and all your worldly belongings?

Sorry, can't help on the telephone. Your Realtor should be able to provide you with that info though (I'd hope).

[beetpapp]

We signed up for the Charter bundle (phone, internet, cable).

[dzial67]

Who would you recommend for a home phone for houses on the Isthmus?

[mommyntheoc]

So whenever I mentioned CHARTER, people all started complaining about them...but our hookup and billing has been flawless. The bill came and it is correct, the hookup for internet and phone went quicker and smoother than any company I've ever dealt with in CA...I can only think the expectations are higher here, these consumers would go crazy dealing with customer service in southern CA. lol

Our phone is running at $42 per month with taxes included...very high, however it includes all the calling features (voicemail, unlimited long distance, caller id, etc)...there is no option to remove these options, and we don't use them except the long distance.

Our cable internet is running at $31 per month with taxes, it has been faster than any other cable internet provider I've ever had, and I've had a variety within the past decade. We used our own modem that we bought from Cox last year...worked perfectly right away even with our wireless router.

TV is an additional $10 per month, but we didn't get it since we don't watch tv generally. The only thing that would ever be turned on is PBS, well it turns out SW Madison has PERFECT airwave reception, even in HD, for many stations with an HDTV antenna...looks perfect on our 37" LCD HDTV - I think it looks better than the compressed tv coming through the lines. Just a heads up for anyone moving to this area... :-)