So, for the first time in my life, and I ain't young, I purchased 4 snow tires, and
alloy wheels

(would have preferred steelies).
Got em at Costco.CA (Canada, not California), and the tires will be shipped to the store, and the wheels and hardware to my house, to bring to the store to have them mounted, balanced and whatever.
My purchase:
4 Bridgestone Blizzaks WS80 235/50/18 H101
4 of these
http://images.costco-static.ca/image/media/oos350-100107501-894__3.jpg
AND WILL GET A SET OF 4 TOTES TO LUG THESE THINGS INTO MY HOUSE.
So now that I am in sticker shock, after buying my wife a 55" Samsung LED Smart TV over the weekend, to replace the 46" Sharp in the family room, which I will inherit and take down to my office. I am exhibiting signs of anxiety, realizing how much this endeavor cost me this evening. This was a necessity purchase, not an enjoyable purchase like something we can all get excited about, a new monstrous computer, a 80" LED smart TV, a new Genesis, altho I am happy with my new 2013RSpec, or even an Apple iPhone 6. Buying winter tires cause I live in the crummy environment I live in, is like buying windows for a house, or replacing a roof. Tons of money, and for what? Ya never get to actually enjoy them!
Okay, DANNY, stop ranting. You will get over this necessary purchase, and breathe again tomorrow.
SO THE bLIZZAKS WON OUT OVER THE mICHELIN xI-3, the Coopers I was looking at were only T rated, too far down the speed rating list, and I wanted a crunchier tire rather than an ice tire. Snow i can deal with, as I could ice, but with ice, I just don't go out.
BTW, my twin brother, Mr. D., got one hell of a deal on 4 tires/
rims from another member here. Too bad I do not live in Chicago, as i would have beaten him to the punch. Nope, no used 235/50/18s up here in my area. I had to pay full Costco.ca pricing.
Breathe...breathe..breathe.. OKAY! I have finished ranting, and I am now okay!