Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fintail

I end up getting things at Costco for my mom, who lives too far from one to make a membership viable. That, and the Costco Citi card pays for membership several times over, so the stuff I save money on is just a bonus.

Cool retro lineup in that pic, I will pick off the Acura Legend coupe at far right.

bwia

graphicguy said:

I drive in Detroit all the time. It’s nowhere near bad, comparatively.

Certainly not as bad as NYC, Boston (pre and post “Big Dig”), The Bay Area, I’ll throw Dallas in there, too. Those are my least favorite to drive in. Detroit would be well, well down the list.

Forgot....Chicago....anywhere in the loop is terrible. I got hit in a rental by a semi there. Crazy!

Why would one want to drive in Boston when we have such a superb subway system? Besides, Boston is small and an Uber ride is much, much, cheaper than the drive and park option. And that is why Boston is high on the list for Amazon's HQ2. By the way, apart from the HQ2 decision Amazon is also looking for an additional million square feet of office and R&D space in Boston where it has a significant presence.

graphicguy

fintail said:

I end up getting things at Costco for my mom, who lives too far from one to make a membership viable. That, and the Costco Citi card pays for membership several times over, so the stuff I save money on is just a bonus.

Cool retro lineup in that pic, I will pick off the Acura Legend coupe at far right.

Interesting about the cars in that parking lot. In the row closest to the screen, left to right......looks like some sort of AMC (Eagle, maybe?), Honda CRX, GM generic station wagon of the day (I’m going with a Buick version).

Across the other side (tail), Left to right, looks like a tail light to a Ford Escort, Ford Mustang, possibly the ill-fated Cadillac Cimeron next to it, then a Pontiac that’s backed into the parking space....maybe a 6000, then a Chevy full size.....maybe a Caprice?

The rest are tough to make out, except the silver car that’s driving down the aisle closest to the door....that looks an awful lot like a “Horizon/Omni” from ChryCo.

fintail

I think the AMC is a Concord. Then CRX, I agree on Buick wagon, a indeterminate early 80s car (maybe GM G body) , the Legend, and in the background I think a Dodge van. Definitely an 80s Omnirizon driving down the aisle.

On the other side, I agree Escort, Mustang, then a K-Car, Grand Am, big car is a Pontiac Parisienne, a couple of indeterminate cars (first one might be a Cavalier or similar J car), blue Cavalier, another couple mystery cars (one resembles a BMW E30), and what appears to be a white Tercel wagon in front of the "Entrance" sign.

graphicguy said:

Interesting about the cars in that parking lot. In the row closest to the screen, left to right......looks like some sort of AMC (Eagle, maybe?), Honda CRX, GM generic station wagon of the day (I’m going with a Buick version).

Across the other side (tail), Left to right, looks like a tail light to a Ford Escort, Ford Mustang, possibly the ill-fated Cadillac Cimeron next to it, then a Pontiac that’s backed into the parking space....maybe a 6000, then a Chevy full size.....maybe a Caprice?

The rest are tough to make out, except the silver car that’s driving down the aisle closest to the door....that looks an awful lot like a “Horizon/Omni” from ChryCo.

jmonroe

Michaell said:

Denver is scheduled to get its second IKEA in the next few years - on the other side of town from where I live (and the existing IKEA is).

The only IKEA in the Burgh area is on the other side of the earth of town from us. It's out towards the airport and I'm in no hurry to go out that way. We were at IKEA many years ago about 2 months after the newness wore off and didn't buy a single thing, which for Mrs. j is unimaginable. Still can't believe that.

 About the airport thingy, I don't even deal with that airport anymore. The last few years I have only flown to Delray Beach Florida to see my SIL several times and once to Myrtle Beach, so I use Spirit that flies out of Latrobe PA which is closer and more convenient for me anyway. On top of that, Spirit is cheaper and they don't even charge for parking, long or short term, at Latrobe. I hope we don't have any Spirit lurkers in here because I admit that I'd pay more to fly out of Latrobe than go to Greater Pitt, because it's so much better for me.

 As for Costco we don't go there because it's much further away for us compared to Sam's Club so I can't make an honest comparison but I know several people who belong to both and they say if you closed your eyes you wouldn't know the difference. In fact one of my better friends said, "people like to say they belong to Costco because saying you belong to Sam's Club infers you are a Wal-Mart type person". Again, just something I heard. I'm not knocking Costco and if they were closer than Sam's Club that's where we'd belong.

 Talking about Sam's Club, we just bought a Samsung 50 inch TV there yesterday and saved 50 bucks compared to Best Buy. We had stopped at Best Buy first just to see what was available to replace a still working 37 inch Toshiba LCD job that we got in 2008 for the office. Had to get some stuff at Sam's so I decided to see what they had. I was very surprised to see they had the identical TV, not just close, but identical Samsung TV.

 It looks good to me so far but I'll have to ask one of our friends that have both memberships, the next time they come over, if the Samsung that Costco sells has a better picture but I doubt it.   

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

I think the AMC is a Concord. Then CRX, I agree on Buick wagon, a indeterminate early 80s car (maybe GM G body) , the Legend, and in the background I think a Dodge van. Definitely an 80s Omnirizon driving down the aisle.

On the other side, I agree Escort, Mustang, then a K-Car, Grand Am, big car is a Pontiac Parisienne, a couple of indeterminate cars (first one might be a Cavalier or similar J car), blue Cavalier, another couple mystery cars (one resembles a BMW E30), and what appears to be a white Tercel wagon in front of the "Entrance" sign.

graphicguy said:

Interesting about the cars in that parking lot. In the row closest to the screen, left to right......looks like some sort of AMC (Eagle, maybe?), Honda CRX, GM generic station wagon of the day (I’m going with a Buick version).

Across the other side (tail), Left to right, looks like a tail light to a Ford Escort, Ford Mustang, possibly the ill-fated Cadillac Cimeron next to it, then a Pontiac that’s backed into the parking space....maybe a 6000, then a Chevy full size.....maybe a Caprice?

The rest are tough to make out, except the silver car that’s driving down the aisle closest to the door....that looks an awful lot like a “Horizon/Omni” from ChryCo.

Ha ha and I thought I was the only one who stared at that picture trying to name all the old cars. man, what a crazy bunch.

laurasdada

Yeah, what BWIA wrote. You don't drive in Boston, you walk and take the T. Pahk ya cah.

I visit Costco weekly after work (gas and shopping, fabulous dinner!), usually no problem. Weekends, nope.

You don't drive in LA. You park your car slowly on highways...

Mr_Shiftright

I like how IKEA designs the floor plan so that you're trapped. You're like a mouse running in a maze, trying to find an exit. Exquisite torture.

andres3

imidazol97 said:

I believe MI is a no-fault insurance state. Friends of ours moved there about 10 years back. They're at the far west end of Wayne County and near Plymouth, a highly praised area. She had 3 different accidents over a period of a year and I am sure two were NOT her fault and may have involved parking lots or entrances/exits. Her insurance went up drastically. No fault insurance?

No-Fault = Good drivers subsidize the bad drivers more so than we already do.

CHP says we have a 97% Seat Belt compliance rate in the State of CA, but 50% of fatalities involve the lack of seat belt use. But speed kills, right?

andres3

I think I've let my hatred of Auto Insurance out of the bag before, but just in case you wondered why I use the word hate, don't take my word for it:

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/bristol_west.html

Even a guy that sells the stuff couldn't be very enthusiastic about it:

https://www.expertinsurancereviews.com/insurance-company-reviews/bristol-west/

https://bristol-west-insurance.pissedconsumer.com/hateful-bristol-west-insurance-20120418313105.html

If you have Bristol West as your Insurance carrier, I strongly recommend you cancel it immediately for the sake of humanity.

The fact they are still in business 15 years after pulling the same fraudulent claims handling on me in 2002 & 2003 speaks volumes about the industry, and those who supposedly "regulate" it!

They are based in Florida, so add that to the list of things not to like about FL, in addition to the hanging voting chad issue.

andres3

fintail said:

I think I hit IKEA every other year or so. Costco on the other hand, probably every 6-8 weeks. That's one I definitely get to right when they open - the parking lots of every local Costco are questionably designed (just as bad as IKEA), and the skills of the drivers makes one lose faith in humanity - something about the sensory overload of the places lowers the already minuscule ability of the typical local driver to a new level. These places are a big part of why online shopping is such a big hit.

Did I mention a Costco parking lot is where my S4 took some very noticeable damage without a single word on a piece of paper being left.

I'd pay $1,000 for a video of them committing the act.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Ha ha and I thought I was the only one who stared at that picture trying to name all the old cars. man, what a crazy bunch.

If you want to do some further '80s-car spotting, here is the short video that image came from. Also fun for the interior/people shots.

https://www.facebook.com/CBCNovaScotia/videos/10154060243591842/

isellhondas

fintail said:

I think I hit IKEA every other year or so. Costco on the other hand, probably every 6-8 weeks. That's one I definitely get to right when they open - the parking lots of every local Costco are questionably designed (just as bad as IKEA), and the skills of the drivers makes one lose faith in humanity - something about the sensory overload of the places lowers the already minuscule ability of the typical local driver to a new level. These places are a big part of why online shopping is such a big hit.

Our Costco is about a five minute drive and it's next to Costco's World Headquarters. The parking lot is a mess any day of the week. I'll hear horns blowing, obscenities being yelled and just a lot of unhappy people. I was there a couple of weeks age mid week no less and after driving around the lot three times, suffering one near miss. I left. At least I didn't get flipped off which has also happened there. This is in mamby pampy Seattle too! Well, not Seattle but close!

driver100

Our Costco is 25 minutes away, we get there early......get a $5 huge chicken and other necessities and be out in 30 minutes. They have the best parking spaces, an extra margin on each side. Store is much cleaner than Sams and is more organized. TVs come with a great warranty.....Costco will look after your problems.

Sam's is 15 minutes away, since it is closer we go there more often. Food items are actually better at Sam's, clothing is awful. Fixtures, cash registers, whole store looks grubby compared to Costco. Also have $5 huge chickens........both must be given steroids!

driver100

Got my windshield bullet hole repaired at Safelite.....almost invisible repair. Took 30 minutes, treated like a king. Cost $115 total....if I ever decide on a new windshield can use payment towards a new one.

stickguy

Lots of sams clubs closing now FWIW.

We go to BJs. Nearest Costco is about 1/2 hour away, so not worth it to us.

dino001

I go to Costco almost once a week. I use them for groceries (lunch meat, fruit, meat cuts and usual cleaning/laundry goods), except vegetables, as bags are too big for them to survive at my rate of eating. Maybe tomatoes sometimes. I always look what's on the coupons and plan ahead. When I'm in store, I will look what's new and buy an unplanned item on occasion, but not as often as Costco would want me to, of course. If I need something, my first thought is look at Costco, then Amazon, then a mall store or a general retailer. I will do price comparison. I noticed that recently Amazon prices went decisively up to the point you may find things cheaper at a store or website (especially in Florida we now pay sales tax on Amazon-sold items). You actually have to be very careful, as their "Marketplace" has some really unsavory players, when it comes to pricing. I've seen items double or even tripple vs. a fair price. All kinds of stuff is sold at huge markups, so watch out. Even their "Prime" items are not always priced low - often the delivery is simply rolled into the price and then you get "free delivery", so it washes out with a local store. You can't assume anymore that because it's Amazon, it's going to be cheaper, but you only get convenience of not having to go and some items are delivered even same day. There are some days I simply don't want to go anywhere shopping, so Amazon really works out, but are catching up, both with availability and pricing.

I recently got a Walmart app, as I was shopping for something that was clearly overpriced at Amazon and it looks much better. This Jet.com acquisition is paying off (they bought the talent and kept it). Still didn't buy anything there, as my needs are currently covered, but if Amazon keeps hiking its price, I may.

Michaell

dino001 said:

I recently got a Walmart app, as I was shopping for something that was clearly overpriced at Amazon and it looks much better. This Jet.com acquisition is paying off (they bought the talent and kept it). Still didn't buy anything there, as my needs are currently covered, but if Amazon keeps hiking its price, I may.

Actually, I just read today that the president of Jet.com is leaving, after only 18 months in the role after the buyout by WM.

suydam

driver100 said:

Our Costco is 25 minutes away, we get there early......get a $5 huge chicken and other necessities and be out in 30 minutes. They have the best parking spaces, an extra margin on each side. Store is much cleaner than Sams and is more organized. TVs come with a great warranty.....Costco will look after your problems.

Sam's is 15 minutes away, since it is closer we go there more often. Food items are actually better at Sam's, clothing is awful. Fixtures, cash registers, whole store looks grubby compared to Costco. Also have $5 huge chickens........both must be given steroids!

Same here with our Costco. Very clean, lots of parking, and it’s in a mall with other stores and restaurants. Excellent place to get eye exams and glasses. Pretty decent wine selection. I especially like the membership for the Costco car rental service which is excellent.
I’ve never been in a Sam’s Club and there’s no Walmart here. I don’t miss either one.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Lots of sams clubs closing now FWIW.

We go to BJs. Nearest Costco is about 1/2 hour away, so not worth it to us.

We go to Sam's because it's closer. BJs never impressed me. I suppose I should hate Sam's because they brought in a lot of new employees before Christmas and then fired them in January. One was my princess niece.

I guess this is the new corporate management. Hire 10 and let them fight it out until you decide to keep the 2 who will work themselves to death. I hope Enterprise doesn't pull this.

I'm so glad to be retired instead of starting out. My father worked for GE for 42 years right out of the Navy. I had two jobs one lasted 15 years the other 27. They say most kids should expect to change jobs every 18 months.

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

Our Costco is 25 minutes away, we get there early......get a $5 huge chicken and other necessities and be out in 30 minutes. They have the best parking spaces, an extra margin on each side. Store is much cleaner than Sams and is more organized. TVs come with a great warranty.....Costco will look after your problems.

Sam's is 15 minutes away, since it is closer we go there more often. Food items are actually better at Sam's, clothing is awful. Fixtures, cash registers, whole store looks grubby compared to Costco. Also have $5 huge chickens........both must be given steroids!

Actually they are "pumped up" chickens.

explorerx4

My advice don't go to IKEA during college move in week!

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

Lots of sams clubs closing now FWIW.

We go to BJs. Nearest Costco is about 1/2 hour away, so not worth it to us.

I'm so glad to be retired instead of starting out. My father worked for GE for 42 years right out of the Navy. I had two jobs one lasted 15 years the other 27. They say most kids should expect to change jobs every 18 months

.

I am so glad I am not working anymore....I had 3 jobs in my last 4 years of working. I can't count how many jobs I have had....one lasted 16 years but the next highest was 3 years. Companies have no loyalty to workers and visa versa, most try to get away with as much as they can, businesses don't last like they used to, they try to cut out as much as they can, and getting to work is getting more and more difficult. Also, those nice middle management and comfortable sales jobs have disappeared....they just need people at the top and the grunts at the bottom to do the heavy lifting.

I would never hire me for any job....I am so jaded. Working for yourself is one of the hardest things you can do, but, if it works it is very rewarding.

A local boy Bob Young was the co-founder of Red Hat Linux and when asked how he could risk everything to try and make a start up company work he said, "Nah, the real risk would be getting a job with a big company and then getting fired after a short time".

cdnpinhead

In March it'll be 50 years since I started at the place I still work, though I took a time out from 1970 to 1980. Either way, it was a wonderful place to work up until about 5-10 years ago. Yes, I know, I'm well beyond a dinosaur -- fossil probably covers it.

bwia

I once had a Costco card but never used it. I got the card with the intention of using it to get the promotional price on a set of tires only to be told that the promotion did not apply to the tires I wanted. What a waste of my membership fee. 

We do all of our grocery shopping at Stop and Shop where we get up to  $1.50 off a gallon of Shell or Stop and Shop petrol.

As to IKEA, I've been there twice. The maze layout of their stores is brilliant. They should try that at a Chevy dealership where they sell  so many models. 

explorerx4

They are still trying to sell this place, about 2 miles from me.
I think it's just cursed. Was originally built for a nefarious individual.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/see-inside-50-cents-massive-mansion-he-forgot-he-owned/ar-AAvdfuq?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=DELLDHP

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

Lots of sams clubs closing now FWIW.

We go to BJs. Nearest Costco is about 1/2 hour away, so not worth it to us.

I'm so glad to be retired instead of starting out. My father worked for GE for 42 years right out of the Navy. I had two jobs one lasted 15 years the other 27. They say most kids should expect to change jobs every 18 months

.

I am so glad I am not working anymore....I had 3 jobs in my last 4 years of working. I can't count how many jobs I have had....one lasted 16 years but the next highest was 3 years. Companies have no loyalty to workers and visa versa, most try to get away with as much as they can, businesses don't last like they used to, they try to cut out as much as they can, and getting to work is getting more and more difficult. Also, those nice middle management and comfortable sales jobs have disappeared....they just need people at the top and the grunts at the bottom to do the heavy lifting.

I would never hire me for any job....I am so jaded. Working for yourself is one of the hardest things you can do, but, if it works it is very rewarding.

A local boy Bob Young was the co-founder of Red Hat Linux and when asked how he could risk everything to try and make a start up company work he said, "Nah, the real risk would be getting a job with a big company and then getting fired after a short time".

Actually companies love to hire old farts like us. Obsessive work ethic and a humble attitude makes us the ideal workers. We show up and do the job without a lot of drama. Also we're too tired or too afraid of our wives to sexually harass anyone.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

They are still trying to sell this place, about 2 miles from me.
I think it's just cursed. Was originally built for a nefarious individual.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/see-inside-50-cents-massive-mansion-he-forgot-he-owned/ar-AAvdfuq?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=DELLDHP

Wish I could "forget" I owned a mansion and millions in Bitcoin. Gotta hand it to fiddy cent for keeping it real.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
One our retired friends is working shuttling cars at a rental agency.
He is thinking of quitting because it is too stressful.
Signed up to work x number of hours, but they keep pushing him for more.
Works 3 days a week. That's all I know.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

@oldfarmer50,
One our retired friends is working shuttling cars at a rental agency.
He is thinking of quitting because it is too stressful.
Signed up to work x number of hours, but they keep pushing him for more.
Works 3 days a week. That's all I know.

Ha ha that's the problem, they keep trying to promote us when we just want to have a hobby job.

Here's a reason I no longer drive a school bus. Thank heavens for the kids those buses are built like tanks. Safest things on the road.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hPwDbYoblVQ

Sandman6472

OF, might as well check out what Hertz has to offer, might work out better for ya. Worth a shot I'd say. Not counting on getting the Enterprise gig but ya never know. If they give me 25 hours and I find I like what they are doing, could always cut back at Hertz. Don't want 50 hours either but would possibly do 40.
Please give me a shout out on Monday night so I can find out how your day went and what they had you do. The extra ammo might come in handy at my Tuesday afternoon interview. Appreciate that!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Was employed by Uncle Sam for 31 years, my career job. One of a dying breed here as I still get a monthly pension. Looking back, so glad I took the postal exam and worked there. The old timers always said, "you'll never get rich...but you'll make a living"! That's exactly what happened to!
This going back to work was never my idea. The wife got jealous that I was home all the time but hell, I did the wash, the cooking, the shopping and most everything dealing with the house. But still wasn't enough since it didn't come with a pay check. Can honestly say I understand why housewives who stayed home and did almost everything resented their spouses when they said being a housewife wasn't a "real job"!
Next day, went on Craigslist and found a driving job which eventually led me to where I am now.But if I could quit tomorrow, I'd be happy also!

The Sandman

roadburner

Well, today I filed for Commonwealth's Attorney; I just announced on Facebook and I've received a positive response. It will be interesting, to say the least.

Michaell

roadburner said:

Well, today I filed for Commonwealth's Attorney; I just announced on Facebook and I've received a positive response. It will be interesting, to say the least.

Go get 'em, RB!

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

Lots of sams clubs closing now FWIW.

We go to BJs. Nearest Costco is about 1/2 hour away, so not worth it to us.

I'm so glad to be retired instead of starting out. My father worked for GE for 42 years right out of the Navy. I had two jobs one lasted 15 years the other 27. They say most kids should expect to change jobs every 18 months

.

I am so glad I am not working anymore....I had 3 jobs in my last 4 years of working. I can't count how many jobs I have had....one lasted 16 years but the next highest was 3 years. Companies have no loyalty to workers and visa versa, most try to get away with as much as they can, businesses don't last like they used to, they try to cut out as much as they can, and getting to work is getting more and more difficult. Also, those nice middle management and comfortable sales jobs have disappeared....they just need people at the top and the grunts at the bottom to do the heavy lifting.

I would never hire me for any job....I am so jaded. Working for yourself is one of the hardest things you can do, but, if it works it is very rewarding.

A local boy Bob Young was the co-founder of Red Hat Linux and when asked how he could risk everything to try and make a start up company work he said, "Nah, the real risk would be getting a job with a big company and then getting fired after a short time".

Actually companies love to hire old farts like us. Obsessive work ethic and a humble attitude makes us the ideal workers. We show up and do the job without a lot of drama. Also we're too tired or too afraid of our wives to sexually harass anyone.

I agree....when we hired "mature" workers they did much better.....they have all that cocky young attitude stuff knocked out of them when they get past 50.....55+ even better. The young one's would be texting friends, watching movies on their phones, or just have a bad attitude.....one guy loved to bet (football loteries etc) and that was on his mind more than his work. I hired one young lady who told me she really wanted to work hard and be a part of the business.........my first clue things were going downhill was when I got a call from the check cashing company wanting to know if she was employed with us. Wonder about the judgement of someone who would rather pay a premium and is too lazy to go to a real bank. Next problem came was when we got really busy and she kept having to run to the washroom and then have to go home early....morning sickness! No, give me an older person anytime.

driver100

roadburner said:

Well, today I filed for Commonwealth's Attorney; I just announced on Facebook and I've received a positive response. It will be interesting, to say the least.

Good luck...maybe we will get some good good courtroom type car stories.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

Well, today I filed for Commonwealth's Attorney; I just announced on Facebook and I've received a positive response. It will be interesting, to say the least.

That's great, I wish you all the luck. We need people of integrity in public office.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

Our Costco is 25 minutes away, we get there early......get a $5 huge chicken and other necessities and be out in 30 minutes. They have the best parking spaces, an extra margin on each side. Store is much cleaner than Sams and is more organized. TVs come with a great warranty.....Costco will look after your problems. Sam's is 15 minutes away, since it is closer we go there more often. Food items are actually better at Sam's, clothing is awful. Fixtures, cash registers, whole store looks grubby compared to Costco. Also have $5 huge chickens........both must be given steroids!

It's interesting that you mention the food being better at Sam's but not being pleased with the clothing.

When we first started going to Sam's it was only for the paper products, canned goods, dishwasher cleaning suds and stuff like that. Never even considered buying meat there until one time while walking past the meat cases I saw some steaks that were cut and trimmed the way I like them so I got a package of 4 steaks. Mrs. j was kinda leery about that but I figured how bad could they be. Turns out there was nothing wrong with them and now I try to buy all my steaks there and Mrs. gets her chicken there too. And yes, those roasted chickens are pretty good and are less at Sam's and not only do they taste better than at the grocery store they are also bigger. So now when we want a cooked bird that is the only place we get it.

 Now about their clothes, I don't buy much of that at Sam's but about 5 years ago, while I was still working, I passed by a nice gray shirt that had a pattern and the material had a nice sheen to it, very different looking from the plain shirt material that we all have. Even Mrs. j was surprised that Sam's had a shirt like that. I think it was less that 20 bucks.

 Fast forward to the first time I wore that shirt to work. Our group secretary, excuse me they were called administrative assistants then, who was pretty fashion conscious walked into the kitchen as I was getting my first cup of coffee of the day and said, "hey jmonroe, did you wife dress you this morning, that's a really nice looking shirt". I told her I dress myself and I pick out my own clothes. Again she complimented me about the shirt and asked where I got it. When I told her Sam's she thought I was kidding. Just then several other admins walked into the kitchen and she said, "don't you think that's a nice shirt jmonroe has on? Too bad his pants aren't as nice". For the record there was nothing wrong with my black pants. She then grabs me around the waste and starts turning me around saying, "look how nice it fits him". Then she asks the other admins to come over and feel how nice the material was. I put a stop to that right quick saying, "HEY, KNOCK IT OFF. I AIN'T NO MANIKIN, YOU KNOW".

 If something like that happened today I could have turned them in for sexual harassment.

jmonroe 

jmonroe

roadburner said:

Well, today I filed for Commonwealth's Attorney; I just announced on Facebook and I've received a positive response. It will be interesting, to say the least.

Good luck and don't forget to give us some court room tales. By now you have probably heard all of them but we haven't.

jmonroe

28firefighter

Good luck @roadburner! 

andres3

Speaking of Court, my $99 lawyer did the bare minimum. Sort of in cahoots with the Police and Court. The court is getting the same fine amount, the police showed up for trial and got the conviction, but my lawyer got the judge to make it some other vehicle code that is a non-moving violation (no point) and therefore, the insurance company doesnt' get a piece of this cake! That last part I'm happy about, but the rest is just bare minimum results for my $99.

Next up, that ticket where I had the Officer specify the County Seat as the Venue.... mysteriously, I got a Courtesy Notice due 2/20/18 and it's for the East-County hell-hole Courthouse! How did the County Seat get changed to El Cajon?

I didn't sign to appear for El Cajon. I signed to appear at Kearny Mesa.

What to do............ What to do.... I have a feeling the "pound sound" I didn't sign to appear at that court argument won't work. Perhaps a letter demanding they follow the law and give me the County Seat (and make the correction to venue) would work. There is a Vehicle Code that makes this demand and right absolute.

28firefighter

How often do you get pulled over?  Did I miss that?

andres3

28firefighter said:

How often do you get pulled over?  Did I miss that?

Well, the last two I believe were the same rookie/young sheriff/cop at the exact same spot during the exact same time of day (early morning on my way to work).

The only difference between the 2nd is that it is 5 MPH less offensive than the 1st (I learned my lesson, sort of, LOL!).

So the first time he didn't know about the Vehicle Code allowing someone to demand the County Seat if they live or work closer to it. He wrote it for East County, but then sent the Court a "correction" for venue after he figured out the truth (which he said he would), and I was glad he followed up as promised. The courts have seemed to have "lost" that ticket as it isn't in the sytem at all. I think I broke the system as the young cop still has his integrity. I'm told the Statue of limitations is 2 years.

On the second ticket, asking for the County Seat is what triggered him to remember it was probably me, the same person. He wrote the citation for the County Seat on the spot because he already knew the law from researching it last time. I played dumb when he asked me if I was the "one." I just said I drove the route every morning.

This stretch of road has an underposted below the 85th percentile speed limit. He used radar both times. I believe that breaks the speed trap law.

Someone needs to educate this officer on the myths of "speed kills" that was probably ingrained in him during the Academy training for Sheriffs. Perhaps they are getting revenge with the venue trick from them realizing they lost the other citation from their records. Who knows!

The one the lawyer just pled down to a nonpoint violation was a Stop Sign violation.

andres3

I hereby propose, a Federal National Traffic Citation/Ticket Immunity law be implemented effective immediately by Executive Order and Legislative Act.

If an American Citizen has a driving record with no at-fault accidents totaling more than $500 in damages in the last 7 years, they shall have 3-strike immunity from Traffic Fines. This means they would have to be pulled over 4 times in one year in order to begin accumulating tickets/fines.

The incentive to not "goof off" is that if you don't maintain your pristine "no accident" driving record, you will lose the 3-strike immunity/year benefit for at least 7 years as you re-establish your good record.

Therefore, the law self-corrects. Those that drive unsafely will undoubtedly receive little benefit. Good drivers will be incentivized and rewarded for driving safely over the long-run.

I may allow for some exceptions, or perhaps 3-strikes-in-one violations, such as DUI, texting while driving, and left lane camping. Probably anything over .16 BAC would be 4-strikes in one.

For sure, my plan will reduce accidents and revenue streams from traffic tickets. Judges will have to survive with wood-laminate instead of mahogany finished courtrooms, and the Police will be more free to concentrate on serious crimes. The shortcomings of "Officer Discretion" will be corrected. The system will be improved. The status quo will be advanced.

28firefighter

So, fairly often then?

tjc78

andres3 said:

I hereby propose, a Federal National Traffic Citation/Ticket Immunity law be implemented effective immediately by Executive Order and Legislative Act. If an American Citizen has a driving record with no at-fault accidents totaling more than $500 in damages in the last 7 years, they shall have 3-strike immunity from Traffic Fines. This means they would have to be pulled over 4 times in one year in order to begin accumulating tickets/fines. The incentive to not "goof off" is that if you don't maintain your pristine "no accident" driving record, you will lose the 3-strike immunity/year benefit for at least 7 years as you re-establish your good record. Therefore, the law self-corrects. Those that drive unsafely will undoubtedly receive little benefit. Good drivers will be incentivized and rewarded for driving safely over the long-run. I may allow for some exceptions, or perhaps 3-strikes-in-one violations, such as DUI, texting while driving, and left lane camping. Probably anything over .16 BAC would be 4-strikes in one. For sure, my plan will reduce accidents and revenue streams from traffic tickets. Judges will have to survive with wood-laminate instead of mahogany finished courtrooms, and the Police will be more free to concentrate on serious crimes. The shortcomings of "Officer Discretion" will be corrected. The system will be improved. The status quo will be advanced.

Wouldn’t work... cops would be pulling people over for far less than they do now and things wouldn’t improve a bit.  

As for the no points but a fine thing ... in my crazy days that was the standard thing when you showed up at court here in NJ.  No lawyer required.  

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Our Costco is 25 minutes away, we get there early......get a $5 huge chicken and other necessities and be out in 30 minutes. They have the best parking spaces, an extra margin on each side. Store is much cleaner than Sams and is more organized. TVs come with a great warranty.....Costco will look after your problems.

Sam's is 15 minutes away, since it is closer we go there more often. Food items are actually better at Sam's, clothing is awful. Fixtures, cash registers, whole store looks grubby compared to Costco. Also have $5 huge chickens........both must be given steroids!

It's
interesting that you mention the food being better at Sam's but not being
pleased with the clothing.

When we
first started going to Sam's it was only
for the paper products, canned goods, dishwasher cleaning suds and stuff like
that. Never even considered buying meat there until one time while walking past
the meat cases I saw some steaks that were cut and trimmed the way I like them
so I got a package of 4 steaks. Mrs. j was kinda leery about that but I figured
how bad could they be. Turns out there was nothing wrong with them and now I
try to buy all my steaks there and Mrs. gets her chicken there too. And yes,
those roasted chickens are pretty good and are less at Sam's and not only do
they taste better than at the grocery store they are also bigger. So now when
we want a cooked bird that is the only place we get it.

 Now about
their clothes, I don't buy much of that at Sam's but about 5 years ago, while I
was still working, I passed by a nice gray shirt that had a pattern and the
material had a nice sheen to it, very different looking from the plain shirt
material that we all have. Even Mrs. j was surprised that Sam's had a shirt
like that. I think it was less that 20 bucks.

 Fast
forward to the first time I wore that shirt to work. Our group secretary,
excuse me they were called administrative assistants then, who was pretty
fashion conscious walked into the kitchen as I was getting my first cup of
coffee of the day and said, "hey jmonroe, did you wife dress you this
morning, that's a really nice looking shirt". I told her I dress myself
and I pick out my own clothes. Again she complimented me about the shirt and asked
where I got it. When I told her Sam's she thought I was kidding. Just then
several other admins walked into the kitchen and she said, "don't you
think that's a nice shirt jmonroe has on? Too bad his pants aren't as
nice". For the record there was nothing wrong with my black pants. She
then grabs me around the waste and starts turning me around saying, "look
how nice it fits him". Then she asks the other admins to come over and
feel how nice the material was. I put a stop to that right quick saying, "HEY, KNOCK IT OFF. I AIN'T NO MANIKIN, YOU KNOW".

 If something
like that happened today I could have turned them in for sexual harassment.

jmonroe 

My wife buys all our meats at Sam's and usually it's equal to or better than the supermarket. We frequently buy clothes there too...for me. About 20 years ago I picked up a good quality leather jacket for $50 that I still wear. We also scoop up Marquritaville t shirts whenever they have them for $3-5. Love em' in summer because they're cool and show off my farm boy form.

BTW, those women WERE sexually harassing you. They were just better at it than your typical knuckledragger guy.

jmonroe

andres3 said:

I hereby propose, a Federal National Traffic Citation/Ticket Immunity law be implemented effective immediately by Executive Order and Legislative Act.

If an American Citizen has a driving record with no at-fault accidents totaling more than $500 in damages in the last 7 years, they shall have 3-strike immunity from Traffic Fines. This means they would have to be pulled over 4 times in one year in order to begin accumulating tickets/fines.

The incentive to not "goof off" is that if you don't maintain your pristine "no accident" driving record, you will lose the 3-strike immunity/year benefit for at least 7 years as you re-establish your good record.

Therefore, the law self-corrects. Those that drive unsafely will undoubtedly receive little benefit. Good drivers will be incentivized and rewarded for driving safely over the long-run.

I may allow for some exceptions, or perhaps 3-strikes-in-one violations, such as DUI, texting while driving, and left lane camping. Probably anything over .16 BAC would be 4-strikes in one.

For sure, my plan will reduce accidents and revenue streams from traffic tickets. Judges will have to survive with wood-laminate instead of mahogany finished courtrooms, and the Police will be more free to concentrate on serious crimes. The shortcomings of "Officer Discretion" will be corrected. The system will be improved. The status quo will be advanced.

I know you will do what you want but most people would just obey the traffic laws and avoid getting as many tickets as you get. Another benefit is spending your hard earned money for family expenses and yet another benefit would be having more time for friends and family. Maybe even see you in here more often. But, we live in a free country so you're free to do it your way.

jmonroe

graphicguy

stickguy said:

Lots of sams clubs closing now FWIW.

We go to BJs. Nearest Costco is about 1/2 hour away, so not worth it to us.

Two Sam's closed just recently in Cincinnati. Not sure why. They are always packed.

@driver100 ...I agree about the differences in Costco and Sam's. Employees at Sam's seem to be surly and couldn't care less about being helpful. Costco on the other hand has helpful people, seemingly better merchandise, great warranties, and on everything except electronics, everything is returnable, always, for any reason. Even on TVs, they extend the manufacturer's warranty if you buy them with the Costco charge card.

At one point I had a membership at both as my company offers a free Sam's membership. I kept my Costco membership as I like it a lot more.