Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

xwesx

We will take a road trip in a couple of weeks. That should put about 6,000 miles on the Forester... and might actually give it some reasonable miles before changing the oil on the 7/4 weekend!

nyccarguy said:

Did I miss the part when you said WHY you are taking the Forester instead of your road trip stud, Q7 TDI?

You can talk to my wife about that.... Or, uh... listen to her lecture?

6K is actually a fairly short trip for us. It takes 5K (round trip) just to get between home and the US ("lower 48"). We're just making a quick run down to Oregon for a few days. Should only be gone about ten days total.

And, as either Driver or Mike mentioned earlier, I don't have the patience to worry about something like fuel prices. Yeah, I may not like it, but I'm not going to let it dictate my activities either. As such, the price I end up paying makes no difference to me.

jmonroe

cdnpinhead said:

He's no slouch, but that steerable rear dolly is the cat's [non-permissible content removed]. Either way, interesting. Thanks.

You're right, that was not that guys first rodeo and steerable rear dolly or not, that is SOME KINDA maneuvering.

When I lived in SC I made many trips to Hilton Head for weekends (about a 2 1/2 hour drive). On the way, I saw too many logging trucks on the road and they are pieces of junk and the drivers are wild cowboys. The first time some fellow workers head me saying I was going to Hilton Head for the weekend, they warned me up and down to be on the lookout for those things once I got near a certain town and they were right. You never want to be within 150 feet of those things in all directions.

jmonroe

jmonroe

xwesx said:

We will take a road trip in a couple of weeks. That should put about 6,000 miles on the Forester... and might actually give it some reasonable miles before changing the oil on the 7/4 weekend!

nyccarguy said:

Did I miss the part when you said WHY you are taking the Forester instead of your road trip stud, Q7 TDI?

You can talk to my wife about that.... Or, uh... listen to her lecture?

6K is actually a fairly short trip for us. It takes 5K (round trip) just to get between home and the US ("lower 48"). We're just making a quick run down to Oregon for a few days. Should only be gone about ten days total.

And, as either Driver or Mike mentioned earlier, I don't have the patience to worry about something like fuel prices. Yeah, I may not like it, but I'm not going to let it dictate my activities either. As such, the price I end up paying makes no difference to me.

I didn't think @xwesx bought gas in Oregon. I remember your post where you just get-it-and-go. Do they carry guns now.

jmonroe

driver100

xwesx said:

6K is actually a fairly short trip for us. It takes 5K (round trip) just to get between home and the US ("lower 48"). We're just making a quick run down to Oregon for a few days. Should only be gone about ten days total.

And, as either Driver or Mike mentioned earlier, I don't have the patience to worry about something like fuel prices. Yeah, I may not like it, but I'm not going to let it dictate my activities either. As such, the price I end up paying makes no difference to me.

Mike watches the price of gas, I do but, I won't try to go across 6 lanes of traffic and then try to get back again to save 5 cents a gallon....or even 20 cents......12 gallons $2.40! I won't wait inline at Sams Club to save 10 cents a gallon, or any amount probably.

In the big scheme of things that $2.40 isn't going to change my life too much. I know one day I may be down to my last buck, and I will wish I had that extra $2.40 so I could buy my last beer, or bottle of Costco wine.

6k miles is like driving from Toronto to Tampa, and back, and then doing it again. It takes me a week to recover from the trip one way! I think it will take 200 gallons to go 6k miles at at 30 mpg, if gas costs 25 cents more a gallon, isn't that like $50?

Same with tipping on a trip. If I spend an extra $2 or $3 being fairly generous....if I go to 10 places it adds $30 to a trip that is costing $1000s, and I feel better treating people well, who have made my vacation more enjoyable.

abacomike

driver100 said:

6K is actually a fairly short trip for us. It takes 5K (round trip) just to get between home and the US ("lower 48"). We're just making a quick run down to Oregon for a few days. Should only be gone about ten days total. And, as either Driver or Mike mentioned earlier, I don't have the patience to worry about something like fuel prices. Yeah, I may not like it, but I'm not going to let it dictate my activities either. As such, the price I end up paying makes no difference to me.

Mike watches the price of gas, I do but, I won't try to go across 6 lanes of traffic and then try to get back again to save 5 cents a gallon....or even 20 cents......12 gallons $2.40! I won't wait inline at Sams Club to save 10 cents a gallon, or any amount probably. In the big scheme of things that $2.40 isn't going to change my life too much. I know one day I may be down to my last buck, and I will wish I had that extra $2.40 so I could buy my last beer, or bottle of Costco wine. 6k miles is like driving from Toronto to Tampa, and back, and then doing it again. It takes me a week to recover from the trip one way! I think it will take 200 gallons to go 6k miles at at 30 mpg, if gas costs 25 cents more a gallon, isn't that like $50? Same with tipping on a trip. If I spend an extra $2 or $3 being fairly generous....if I go to 10 places it adds $30 to a trip that is costing $1000s, and I feel better treating people well, who have made my vacation more enjoyable.

I agree, driver - 2, 5, or even 10 cents a gallon in savings is not going to change where I buy gas or my lifestyle.  I buy my gas at either Costco or the local Marathon station down the street from me - both stations price their gasoline at the lowest or within 10 cents a gallon of each other.  To drive 3 miles farther to buy gas at 10 cents a gallon less makes no sense.  That’s 6 miles or 1/3 of a gallon since my car gets 18-20 mpg in city driving.

But gas prices have risen so much so quickly it is beginning to eat away st whatever tax savings the average driver got with the tax cut.  I am spending $11 a week more than I did 6 months ago.  That’s about $600 a year.  If gas prices continue to rise 8-10 cents a gallon every ten days, it will have a negative effect on our economy.

sb55

I don't remember where I posted this originally. Sorry it is a long post.
My 5 month old Airstream travel trailer was rear ended 3 hours into a 2 week trip in mid-April. The guy who hit me did about $10,000.00 in damage. Coincidentally, I was going to Ohio for this trip and decided to get the Airstream fixed at the factory in Jackson Center, Ohio. His insurance, Progressive, agreed to pay for all of the damage.
What they didn't agree to was to pay to get it back to me. The quote that I got to have it towed back to me is $1365.00. They claim that I chose to get if repaired there, which I did. But, there is no closer or better place to repair it. I have been talking to for them over a month. They finally agreed two weeks ago to pay a good faith $200.00 to help defray expenses. I refused. Then I got a "post claim" survey and was not kind. Plus, my insurance agent suggested that I make a claim with the State Insurance Dept. and see what happens. The guy called me back and upped the offer to $300.00. I was silent and decided to wait it out. Then on Monday he offered to $527.00. He broke it down that I could rent a truck and drive the 1600 miles round trip and tow it home for $527.00. I don't think so. So I was silent again figuring I would get at least $527.00
Anyway, just yesterday I got this in my inbox:
"As I have not yet heard back on your decision relating to your towing/shipping fees, I completed further research on the issue. Per our discussions with area vendors we were able to confirm that some of your work necessary to bring the Airstream back to pre-accident condition would be best suited for the factory. I apologize for our earlier push-back and will see to it that you are paid for the appropriate shipping price of the unit back to you.
Were you able to get a physical written quote from the factory? Per our previous discussion you noted that you may have had two quotes for that shipping work. If you are able to provide something in writing I will review for issuance of a check today.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions and again thank you"
Yay! I guess that I must have hit a nerve with them.

nyccarguy

Good job @sb55!

houdini1

jmonroe said:

cdnpinhead said:

He's no slouch, but that steerable rear dolly is the cat's [non-permissible content removed]. Either way, interesting. Thanks.

You're right, that was not that guys first rodeo and steerable rear dolly or not, that is SOME KINDA maneuvering.

When I lived in SC I made many trips to Hilton Head for weekends (about a 2 1/2 hour drive). On the way, I saw too many logging trucks on the road and they are pieces of junk and the drivers are wild cowboys. The first time some fellow workers head me saying I was going to Hilton Head for the weekend, they warned me up and down to be on the lookout for those things once I got near a certain town and they were right. You never want to be within 150 feet of those things in all directions.

jmonroe

I agree with your assessment jmonroe. Back in the "old days" when I was working, one of my clients was a pipe line "stringer". He had a fleet of trucks that hauled and unloaded pipe along the path of the pipe line. Those trucks were similar to timber haulers, in that when they were deadheading, the trailers could be collapsed or shortened up. On one occasion one of the collapsed trailers suddenly became undone, lengthened out and swung into the path of a motorcycle. End of story.

bwia

New Technology Aims to Lessen Impact of Potholes On Cars. According to the NY Times while the system doesn’t make speed bumps obsolete, its goal is to become the kind of system that car owners won’t be able to live without once self-driving technology turns them from drivers into passengers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV40V1KC3RA

oldfarmer50

sb55 said:

I don't remember where I posted this originally. Sorry it is a long post.
My 5 month old Airstream travel trailer was rear ended 3 hours into a 2 week trip in mid-April. The guy who hit me did about $10,000.00 in damage. Coincidentally, I was going to Ohio for this trip and decided to get the Airstream fixed at the factory in Jackson Center, Ohio. His insurance, Progressive, agreed to pay for all of the damage.
What they didn't agree to was to pay to get it back to me. The quote that I got to have it towed back to me is $1365.00. They claim that I chose to get if repaired there, which I did. But, there is no closer or better place to repair it. I have been talking to for them over a month. They finally agreed two weeks ago to pay a good faith $200.00 to help defray expenses. I refused. Then I got a "post claim" survey and was not kind. Plus, my insurance agent suggested that I make a claim with the State Insurance Dept. and see what happens. The guy called me back and upped the offer to $300.00. I was silent and decided to wait it out. Then on Monday he offered to $527.00. He broke it down that I could rent a truck and drive the 1600 miles round trip and tow it home for $527.00. I don't think so. So I was silent again figuring I would get at least $527.00
Anyway, just yesterday I got this in my inbox:
"As I have not yet heard back on your decision relating to your towing/shipping fees, I completed further research on the issue. Per our discussions with area vendors we were able to confirm that some of your work necessary to bring the Airstream back to pre-accident condition would be best suited for the factory. I apologize for our earlier push-back and will see to it that you are paid for the appropriate shipping price of the unit back to you.
Were you able to get a physical written quote from the factory? Per our previous discussion you noted that you may have had two quotes for that shipping work. If you are able to provide something in writing I will review for issuance of a check today.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions and again thank you"
Yay! I guess that I must have hit a nerve with them.

Proof that if you don't ask, you don't get.

graphicguy

suydam said:

Gas prices are always higher in summer when people travel more.

I use the app “Fuelly” religiously as I track all of my car expenses there (part of my usage is written off on my taxes). I have tracked every car, every fill up, at every station for the last several years using Fuelly (or its predecessors).

Last year at this time, PUG was $2.49/gal at Costco. My fill up last Sunday at the same Costco was $3.26/gal for PUG. So much for regional or season differentials. That’s a huge delta.

Nope....has nothing to do with summer month driving for the price differentials. Gas prices are once again being artificially manipulated.

This is ominous!

imidazol97

abacomike said:

But gas prices have risen so much so quickly it is beginning to eat away st whatever tax savings the average driver got with the tax cut.  I am spending $11 a week more than I did 6 months ago.

The tax cut is unrelated to the pricing of oils on the world market. The price of oil was lower due to the slowed economies for several years, giving the appearannce of stability at that price. OPEC has been successful with their reduced production along with some other countries who are having troubles not being able to produce as much.

The US fracking production has a higher cost basis, as I understand things, and more production may cut in from home producing a homeostasis at a higher price level. I read recently that US is producing more oil than we use.

Furthermore, I see much higher transportation occuring over the last 9 months or so, based on my truck assessment. Traffic of semis on I70 and I75 here at the Crossroads of America has been much higher than before. During 09 and 10 there were times trucking was really low due to the low state of the economy here. That trucking uses more fuel but indicates a healthier US economy.

ab348

As always, the price of oil is only a small factor in the price of gasoline at the pumps. We are buying a product made from oil but we do not run our cars on crude. The price of gasoline can be manipulated by many factors, from the sharpies in the commodity trading biz to the refiners shutting down capacity to the media inflaming fears among the public of an impending shortage.

Thankfully I no longer drive enough to be concerned about it very much, though I do marvel locally at how our media here makes the public hypersensitive about gas prices by speculating and reporting constantly on even minor price changes. Wish they did the same for things at the grocery store. "Last week this tub of yogurt sold for $1.99, today it is over $4.00 as experts predict further price increases, making this summer even worse for consumers..."

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

But gas prices have risen so much so quickly it is beginning to eat away st whatever tax savings the average driver got with the tax cut.  I am spending $11 a week more than I did 6 months ago.

The tax cut is unrelated to the pricing of oils on the world market. The price of oil was lower due to the slowed economies for several years, giving the appearannce of stability at that price. OPEC has been successful with their reduced production along with some other countries who are having troubles not being able to produce as much. The US fracking production has a higher cost basis, as I understand things, and more production may cut in from home producing a homeostasis at a higher price level. I read recently that US is producing more oil than we use. Furthermore, I see much higher transportation occuring over the last 9 months or so, based on my truck assessment. Traffic of semis on I70 and I75 here at the Crossroads of America has been much higher than before. During 09 and 10 there were times trucking was really low due to the low state of the economy here. That trucking uses more fuel but indicates a healthier US economy.

Imid, I think you misunderstood my post about rising gas prices beginning to eat away at the tax cut.

What I inferred is that even though the tax cut may have saved $1000 in taxes to an individual, if that individual is spending $600+ a year more for gasoline since the tax savings, he is now only $400 ahead.  With rising costs of food and other items, that tax savings disappears effectively.

I agree that there is no direct relationship between oil and tax cuts, however, when gasoline prices rise at such high rates in such a short period of time, the average consumer has less discretionary dollars to spend on goods and services that boost economic growth in our economy.

tbirdmarco

Injoyed reading  all above

Mr_Shiftright

Rising fuel prices in particular sucks immense quantities of money out of the economy. Not only do you pay more for gas, you'll pay more for bread and milk due to transport costs rising.

Sandman6472

Whatever, it still stinks and with no end in sight, don’t get it. Luckily I’ve got a pretty economical vehicle to drive and being home since the first of May, haven’t had to buy any petrol and as of today, still have half a tank. Plan on returning to work the 11th of June if my doctors release me, will see my out of pocket costs go back up. Besides petrol, there’s also the tolls I have to pay. My commute would double time wise if I had to take all back roads plus the traffic would drive me nuts especially in the early evening. In the morning, would be easier but would also mean I’d need to get up earlier to leave earlier. Thus, taking the toll roads save time and distance to my commute and will continue to use it. Luckily it’s only three days a week and the other days are just errands around the house.
Plan on giving up the auction gig as it’s really not worth what I’m getting paid and it’s a distance away. Wanted to see how it all worked and now I have so time to stick with one gig only.

The Sandman

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

Speaking of which, has anyone ever heard of auto insurance that offers replacement value of a new car if yours is totaled?

Yes, that's pretty common in CA at least in the first year. If you manage to total your car within 12 months of buying it, it makes sense to have replacement coverage. Haven't heard of that being offered beyond the first year though.

graphicguy

This is a “deja vu” moment with gas and housing prices. Demand for gas has either been declining or flat for years now. That trend will continue given how much more efficient vehicles become and the continued growth of alternative fuel vehicles.

BTW...the U.S. is self sufficient when it comes to oil. We’re now one of the largest producers and EXPORTERS of oil in the world. What happens in the Middle East, or China or Korea has no effect on the amount of oil available in and to North America.

No Demand issues and no supply issues, yet the prices are sky rocketing. Something’s amiss.

Add to that, the housing prices we’re seeing in areas on either coast are crazy.

Icing on the cake, banking regulations were just rolled back.

Rising gas prices, rising real estate prices, lax banking oversight???

Any of this sound familiar?

Apparently we’ve learned nothing since 2008. The scary part? All of this benefits one person sitting in the White House.

andres3

explorerx4 said:

Interesting topic about replacement vehicle insurance.
What happens if you buy a last year model and it is totaled within the covered period?

Probably been answered, but in the US, I'd guess replacement value is the value you paid. Canada sounds like they actually replace your car with a like-version in the current model year. That might be tough if you buy something that's discontinued. I'd bet US companies limit that liability to no more than you paid for the car which is documented on your sales contract.

houdini1

andres3 said:

explorerx4 said:

Interesting topic about replacement vehicle insurance.
What happens if you buy a last year model and it is totaled within the covered period?

Probably been answered, but in the US, I'd guess replacement value is the value you paid. Canada sounds like they actually replace your car with a like-version in the current model year. That might be tough if you buy something that's discontinued. I'd bet US companies limit that liability to no more than you paid for the car which is documented on your sales contract.

Happened to me once when one of my boys wrecked his new car. Paid for what we paid for the car, including sales tax and registration fees. No push back at all.

driver100

sb55
I don't remember where I posted this originally.

.
Sb, you did post here about the trailer. It is similar to what I found out when I had my car totaled. Insurance will try to do everything possible to avoid paying. The adjusters are given bonuses and promotions based on how well they can prevent pay outs. You have to go after them and be persistent, always assume they are there to avoid paying.

Congratulations....you won a very tough battle.

imidazol97

Sitting with the grandpuppy today for first time.

houdini1

Mr_Shiftright said:

Rising fuel prices in particular sucks immense quantities of money out of the economy. Not only do you pay more for gas, you'll pay more for bread and milk due to transport costs rising.

Oil companies have always played us on gas prices. Gas prices go up when there is even a hit of oil prices rising, but move down at a glacial pace when oil prices go down. They have perfected their excuses for this over many years of gouging people. Oh, it is the seasonal formula changing, oh, a refinery in Houston had to shut down, oh, our transportation costs have gone up, oh, it's OPEC's fault, on, and on, and on.

Mr_Shiftright

graphicguy said:

This is a “deja vu” moment with gas and housing prices. Demand for gas has either been declining or flat for years now. That trend will continue given how much more efficient vehicles become and the continued growth of alternative fuel vehicles.

BTW...the U.S. is self sufficient when it comes to oil. We’re now one of the largest producers and EXPORTERS of oil in the world. What happens in the Middle East, or China or Korea has no effect on the amount of oil available in and to North America.

No Demand issues and no supply issues, yet the prices are sky rocketing. Something’s amiss.

Add to that, the housing prices we’re seeing in areas on either coast are crazy.

Icing on the cake, banking regulations were just rolled back.

Rising gas prices, rising real estate prices, lax banking oversight???

Any of this sound familiar?

Apparently we’ve learned nothing since 2008. The scary part? All of this benefits one person sitting in the White House.

"Hard" commodities are not subject to the same regulations as stocks. You can start rumors, post fake news--there's are lots of tricks to drive up prices. (e.g., gold, oil).

andres3

ab348 said:

Some good news on the health front, which I really needed.

I have been waiting for a heart valve replacement for the better part of a year. For the last 5 motnhs that has been on hold because as part of the workup in preparation for that, a "routine" CT scan showed some odd things re. my kidneys - a whole bunch of small masses attached to each. Cardiology called in Urology, who were a bit baffled and ordered a bunch of tests including a MRI and needle biospsies of each kidney. Their feeling was that it was cancer.

Got called in today and was told they are benign. May be something called an angiomyolipoma which, while not great, is generally treatable and non-urgent at this point. That means my valve procedure can go forward. Always nice to be told you don't have cancer, when you (and the docs) thought you did.

Sort of like being told your ATS needs a complete engine rebuild, only to find out it was just a bad spark plug?

jipster

sb55 said:

I don't remember where I posted this originally. Sorry it is a long post. My 5 month old Airstream travel trailer was rear ended 3 hours into a 2 week trip in mid-April. The guy who hit me did about $10,000.00 in damage. Coincidentally, I was going to Ohio for this trip and decided to get the Airstream fixed at the factory in Jackson Center, Ohio. His insurance, Progressive, agreed to pay for all of the damage. What they didn't agree to was to pay to get it back to me. The quote that I got to have it towed back to me is $1365.00. They claim that I chose to get if repaired there, which I did. But, there is no closer or better place to repair it. I have been talking to for them over a month. They finally agreed two weeks ago to pay a good faith $200.00 to help defray expenses. I refused. Then I got a "post claim" survey and was not kind. Plus, my insurance agent suggested that I make a claim with the State Insurance Dept. and see what happens. The guy called me back and upped the offer to $300.00. I was silent and decided to wait it out. Then on Monday he offered to $527.00. He broke it down that I could rent a truck and drive the 1600 miles round trip and tow it home for $527.00. I don't think so. So I was silent again figuring I would get at least $527.00 Anyway, just yesterday I got this in my inbox: "As I have not yet heard back on your decision relating to your towing/shipping fees, I completed further research on the issue. Per our discussions with area vendors we were able to confirm that some of your work necessary to bring the Airstream back to pre-accident condition would be best suited for the factory. I apologize for our earlier push-back and will see to it that you are paid for the appropriate shipping price of the unit back to you. Were you able to get a physical written quote from the factory? Per our previous discussion you noted that you may have had two quotes for that shipping work. If you are able to provide something in writing I will review for issuance of a check today. Please let me know if you have any additional questions and again thank you" Yay! I guess that I must have hit a nerve with them.

Congrats! Well done. This guy deserves a complimentary Edmunds t-shirt. I still have mine! Shifty?

dino001

houdini1 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Rising fuel prices in particular sucks immense quantities of money out of the economy. Not only do you pay more for gas, you'll pay more for bread and milk due to transport costs rising.

Oil companies have always played us on gas prices. Gas prices go up when there is even a hit of oil prices rising, but move down at a glacial pace when oil prices go down. They have perfected their excuses for this over many years of gouging people. Oh, it is the seasonal formula changing, oh, a refinery in Houston had to shut down, oh, our transportation costs have gone up, oh, it's OPEC's fault, on, and on, and on.

This may be true, but did you care when countless oil companies started defaulting on their loans and went into bankruptcies in 2016-17? Or during late 90s, when oil was so low that it forced consolidation for them just to survive? Probably not and you shouldn't - it was their problem, along with banks and shareholders. Why should they care what you (or I) think now? They raise the gas price and in general oil price because they can. They can provide you with a basic explanation what is contributing to that increase at this moment, but if you don't want to listen, then the answer is simple - "because we said so".

I'm far from excusing these guys, but people in their mass also have very selective memories. Sales of trucks and SUVs go to the roof, people act like low gas prices are to stay "forever" and then everybody starts screaming murder when they go up 50 cents, or a dollar on increased demand and political tensions.

Oil companies are a very convenient boogie man. Nobody likes them, for a good reason, I may say. In court trials they call it an "unsympathetic defendant". Jury itches to convict such a person as we all "know" he/she is "obviously" guilty of "something", so the actual charges on the docket don't really matter.

dino001

graphicguy said:

This is a “deja vu” moment with gas and housing prices. Demand for gas has either been declining or flat for years now. That trend will continue given how much more efficient vehicles become and the continued growth of alternative fuel vehicles.

I've seen you repeates this claim more than once, so I finally checked. You may have been correct 8 years out of over 35. See link below. I chose December to follow: Daily volume sales of finished gasoline product in December 1983 was 290K gallons, 1993 328K (up), 2003 369K (up), 2013 340K (down), 2017 368K (up). From those years, 1983-2014 was consistent with Y-Y upticks, then there was 8 years of downticks (2004-2012). Since then we have consistent upticks again. Did not take the 2004 high just yet, but it's closing on it. With current boom in trucks and SUV, it's coming.

https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=C100000001&f=M

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

sb55
I don't remember where I posted this originally.

.
Sb, you did post here about the trailer. It is similar to what I found out when I had my car totaled. Insurance will try to do everything possible to avoid paying. The adjusters are given bonuses and promotions based on how well they can prevent pay outs. You have to go after them and be persistent, always assume they are there to avoid paying.

Congratulations....you won a very tough battle.

My sample of one says that's not always the case. In 2007 someone backed into my car and was ticketed. Progressive ins.(his carrier) repaired the damage, gave me a loaner and even payed for a cracked evap. canister that triggered a CEL a week after I got the car back. The adjuster came to my house, looked at the part and wrote an additional check. He certainly could have given me a hard time on that. The total payout was about $2000 which was probably more than the car was worth at the time.

andres3

driver100 said:

Ab, good luck with your heart.....I would never guess you had any medical problems if you hadn't mentioned it....you maintain a positive attitude in life, and you have a very clever sense of humor....great qualities.

GG: nice to have you back.....when we don't hear from someone I sometimes wonder if something really bad happened....chances are we would never know. Maybe we should leave our passwords and names in our wills.

JMonroe; Interesting question about pig and bovine hearts. How about if someone is a vegetarian or vegan, what do they do?

Mike; I think many youth are alienated. Many parents don't care about their kids, have no clue about teaching values. I think drugs are a problem....when I taught elementary school in the early 70s few kids had ADD (attention deficit disorder), hyperactivity, alcohol syndrome and many other disorders along with all the violence kids are exposed to. There are lots of factors. Schools should have fences and gates, and a central entrance where people entering are monitored.

They do in California. Schools go in lock-down mode when they want to.

When I was in school I never had to have "active shooter training/drills" Being as no kids have died from a fire in all of CA recent history, perhaps it's time to ax the Fire Drill program. I fear my daughter will have to do the active shooter drills and training when she begins elementary school.

andres3

abacomike said:

My subsequent comments are in no way intended to belittle the tragedies being experienced by those unfortunate US citizens who reside on the Big Island of Hawaii.  May God help those affected by the eruption(s) of Kilauea. 

i was thinking about this volcanic eruption in a different, If not weird, way.

As a consequence of that eruption and the ensuing lava flows, the State of Hawaii and the United States are increasing in area every day - the same way the Islands were created thousands and thousands of years ago.  At last report, the lava flows are sliding into the Pacific Ocean and, if this continues for several weeks/months/years, it could eventually cause a real estate boom on the Big Island once everything cools down - which could be many years.

Obviously, the increased acreage will be owned by the State of Hawaii.  Too bad volcanoes can’t take the place of countries that are imperialistic - forever seeking more territory to influence.  

But, the eruption on Hawaii only proves once again that there are no perfect places to live on our planet - San Diego is close, but still not perfect.

San Diego would be perfect if not for the threat of earthquakes, fire storms, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department

explorerx4

@bwia,
Lincoln and later one of the Ford Fusion models has had that anti pothole technology for several years.
This one presented in the video is probably an improved version.

snakeweasel

bwia said:

New Technology Aims to Lessen Impact of Potholes On Cars. According to the NY Times while the system doesn’t make speed bumps obsolete, its goal is to become the kind of system that car owners won’t be able to live without once self-driving technology turns them from drivers into passengers. 

Here is some anti pothole technology for you.

https://youtu.be/NWzPCLcbExo

explorerx4

Over the weekend, I read an article about how Zillow got sued for inaccurate home values ( Zillow Estimates).
Zillow did not lose.
Decided to put in my address in a search engine and see the results.
They are comically sad. Not one has the correct square footage and a couple of them I checked show a house about a quarter of a mile away.
Driver100 would use the info as gospel.

berri

All the politician hype and hoopla about pipelines creating jobs is really, beside short term construction jobs, jobs in refining and exporting fuel out of places like Texas and Louisiana.

berri

Dino - I'd say London and Wall Street have more to do with artificially propped up gas prices than the oil companies. Also, gas station owners who cry poor, but jack current inventory prices up that were bought at lower prices, while delaying reducing prices when inventory prices go down. Now Washington is letting big pharma pull this same crap off with things like the epi-pen supposed shortages. K Street lobbyist money and Congressional and white house involvement pays (literally).

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

sb55
I don't remember where I posted this originally.

.
Sb, you did post here about the trailer. It is similar to what I found out when I had my car totaled. Insurance will try to do everything possible to avoid paying. The adjusters are given bonuses and promotions based on how well they can prevent pay outs. You have to go after them and be persistent, always assume they are there to avoid paying.

Congratulations....you won a very tough battle.

My sample of one says that's not always the case. In 2007 someone backed into my car and was ticketed. Progressive ins.(his carrier) repaired the damage, gave me a loaner and even payed for a cracked evap. canister that triggered a CEL a week after I got the car back. The adjuster came to my house, looked at the part and wrote an additional check. He certainly could have given me a hard time on that. The total payout was about $2000 which was probably more than the car was worth at the time.

That is probably the exception. You can google lots of articles about how insurance companies work hard....to deny claims. Such as this one;

11 Tricks Insurance Companies Use to Deny Claims

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Over the weekend, I read an article about how Zillow got sued for inaccurate home values ( Zillow Estimates).
Zillow did not lose.
Decided to put in my address in a search engine and see the results.
They are comically sad. Not one has the correct square footage and a couple of them I checked show a house about a quarter of a mile away.
Driver100 would use the info as gospel.

If it is on the internet it must be real..........

xwesx

There are those markets that follow the normal supply/demand equation, and there are those that do not. Oil and "big pharma" both fall into the latter category. In the short term, anyway, these suppliers can literally charge anything they want, and consumers *will* pay it.

dino001

xwesx said:

There are those markets that follow the normal supply/demand equation, and there are those that do not. Oil and "big pharma" both fall into the latter category. In the short term, anyway, these suppliers can literally charge anything they want, and consumers *will* pay it.

It’s very true. I’ll say though that oil and gasoline do come eventually to balance, before the next swing, caused by overkeraged traders. Sometimes the bigger the specukation one way, the bigger the crash. Remember $140 per barrel going to $20+ in 2008 in just few months? Neither price was right, it quickly bounced to about $50 and stayed there for couple of years, before the next climb. Then the next “gold rush” in 2014. This time it went to about $120+, then $35 or so, until speculators unwinded their positions. The sad part is those speculators and their regulators never learn. Wemay be seeing another one forming.

abacomike

Just got the following alert on my iPhone:

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAYEVENING 

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MIAMI HAS ISSUED A

* FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS, COASTAL BROWARD, COASTAL COLLIER, COASTAL MIAMI-DADE, COASTAL PALM BEACH, FAR SOUTH MIAMI-DADE, GLADES, HENDRY, INLAND BROWARD, INLAND COLLIER, INLAND MIAMI-DADE, INLAND PALM BEACH, MAINLAND MONROE, METRO BROWARD, METRO MIAMI- DADE, AND METRO PALM BEACH.

* FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING

* WIDESPREAD RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES ARE EXPECTED DUE TO

DEEP TROPICAL MOISTURE STREAMING NORTHWARD INTO SOUTH FLORIDA.

LOCALLY MUCH HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE POSSIBLE. RAINFALL OF THIS

MAGNITUDE MAY LEAD TO FLOODING.

* GROUNDS ARE FAIRLY SATURATED FROM RAINFALL EARLIER IN THE WEEK

SO ADDITIONAL RAINFALL WILL MORE EASILY RUNOFF AND LEAD TO

FLOODING. FLOODING OF CANALS, STREETS, AND UNDERPASSES, AS WELL

AS OTHER DRAINAGE AREAS AND LOW-LYING SPOTS CAN BE EXPECTED.

THE HARDEST HIT AREAS MAY SEE WATER INTRUDING ON VULNERABLE

STRUCTURES AND CAUSING IMPASSABLE TRAVEL LANES AND ROADWAYS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS 

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON

CURRENT FORECASTS.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE

FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE

PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

Looks like we’re washed out once again.

Sandman6472

Mike, no such alert on my iPhone as of yet but betting you have the newer "X" or "8" and mines an older "6s Plus" but have a brand new battery courtesy of the Apple store in Boca plus my $29.00. Said my battery wasn't that bad but since I was there and waited the hour, put in a brand new one. It does charge a bit faster so am happy. But, still looking for a new "8 plus" and once I find the right one, will buy it. All I need to do is transfer the sim card and I'll be up and running. I assume your nano sim is all one needs. If I'm wrong here, someone please let me know so I can do it correctly. A co-worker has the new "8 plus" and says it charges much faster and seems to go from 100 to 40 a bit slower than his older iPhone.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Suffering from "vertigo" it seems and not quite sure what that is. I'm dizzy a lot and fall if I get up too quickly and my balance is a bit off. Using a walker now and I feel much better using it instead of my usual cane. Once I get better, was told I can go back to my cane which works for me.

The Sandman

fintail

I think there's another run-up coming, too. Unfortunately, it may end like the one in 08 with helping to push the overall economy over a cliff. All we need is some international instability, and the current gang can whip it up.

dino001 said:

It’s very true. I’ll say though that oil and gasoline do come eventually to balance, before the next swing, caused by overkeraged traders. Sometimes the bigger the specukation one way, the bigger the crash. Remember $140 per barrel going to $20+ in 2008 in just few months? Neither price was right, it quickly bounced to about $50 and stayed there for couple of years, before the next climb. Then the next “gold rush” in 2014. This time it went to about $120+, then $35 or so, until speculators unwinded their positions. The sad part is those speculators and their regulators never learn. Wemay be seeing another one forming.

abacomike

sandman_6472 said:

Mike, no such alert on my iPhone as of yet but betting you have the newer "X" or "8" and mines an older "6s Plus" but have a brand new battery courtesy of the Apple store in Boca plus my $29.00. Said my battery wasn't that bad but since I was there and waited the hour, put in a brand new one. It does charge a bit faster so am happy. But, still looking for a new "8 plus" and once I find the right one, will buy it. All I need to do is transfer the sim card and I'll be up and running. I assume your nano sim is all one needs. If I'm wrong here, someone please let me know so I can do it correctly. A co-worker has the new "8 plus" and says it charges much faster and seems to go from 100 to 40 a bit slower than his older iPhone. The Sandman

I’m getting a new iPhone in November when they come out with the 8S+.  I want to get s phone that can charge wirelessly.  I have a wireless charging pad in my console in my car which would be much better than a plug in wire.

BTW, that alert came through one of my Apps - but was broadcast by the Miami Hurricane Center.

That vertigo or dizziness can be very dangerous.  Be careful.

snakeweasel

explorerx4 said:

Over the weekend, I read an article about how Zillow got sued for inaccurate home values ( Zillow Estimates). Zillow did not lose. Decided to put in my address in a search engine and see the results. They are comically sad. Not one has the correct square footage and a couple of them I checked show a house about a quarter of a mile away. Driver100 would use the info as gospel.

I had to check and Zillow shows the house across the street being worth 17K more than our house. It has the exact same floor plan but it has a different elevation but we are on the lake. if anything we should have a higher estimate. 

Sandman6472

I plan to be that's why I haven't driven much at all. Don't want to have an accident so go out around 5:30 in the morning to pick up an egg biscuit at McDonalds and get a late dinner. Tomorrow we'll go to Publix and get me food I can cook here at home. Tried Panera Bread today but they screwed up the order so badly and it took 70 minutes to get here. Driver got lost and was in front of the wrong house insisting he was at our house. I was in the open garage and told him, no, you're on the wrong street. Finally, just got in the car in the rain and found him, naturally, in front of the wrong house on the next street over.Then he started to argue with me about him being at the right place and me not being at my house. Jerk. Called the manager and they comped the sandwich. Too add to the nonsense, they didn't read my order to well as they put it on the wrong bread with the wrong condiments. No more Panera Bread in our house!!
But yes, will be careful to not endanger anyone else on the roads or me for that matter. But today, felt better than yesterday and tomorrow should be a better day. By next Friday, should be almost back to normal but will go back to Hertz come the 11th of June, give myself another 16 days to be me again. Think that's fair enough.

The Sandman

(P.S. First time I've been in the hospital since 1981, first time I've ever been this sick. So not used to it all and being in the hospital was a bit humiliating. Twice they let me sit in bed with wet underwear for a good half hour and the next night, same thing but soiled my underwear. Kept hitting the button for help, but it never came. After awhile, nature just gave way and it all came out. as never so humiliated in my whole life, and if they had just come within a reasonable amount of time, none of this would've happened. The head nurse finally came in the next day and I had to say something which was good since it never happened again. They became more attentive after that and no more accidents. But a shame they had to put me through that stuff and me, am a very clean person all the time. Shower every day, always try to look good and smell good. This was a real eye opener and I finally saw how bad our health care in America really is. And that rehab place was even worse, had my family get me out within 36 hours as it was the worst place I've ever been in with a good deal of the staff totally uncaring...a total nightmare!!)

driver100

Wow Sandy....between you and Mike you get into some odd experiences. Maybe it is a Southern Florida thing.

driver100

I think I mentioned we are helping my older brother move from a 1600 sq ft 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm apartment to a 350 sq ft seniors home. He does the hoarding, found about 60 old style check books, 15 nightlights, 5 pairs of new shoes - and same boots, etc.

He has been in the apartment for 35 years. His lease will end and the landlord insisted that he remove 850 sq ft of carpet and an area equivalent to an 8 X 8 ft room of wallpaper.

It is hard to find a handyman who will do this kind of grunt work. Most want to do cleaner easier work, like install cabinets, put in a tile floor. I called one guy who was rated high.....supposed to meet him last Tues at 3. Wasn't there by 3:30, started phoning 3X. Got him and he forgot, said he would be there in 30 minutes. He looked at it, said around $1000 but would send me an estimate that evening....never sent it - I asked him once, then thought this isn't the kind of guy I can trust.

All the handymen or odd job guys said they were busy, they could try in about a month. Then I found a site called Trusted Pros.....they are in Canada and I am wondering if you have something similar. You log in, and you list the job you want done "Carpet removal and wallpaper removal". Tradesmen email or call you if they are available. I had 3 replies within 24 hours...all had 4.7 or higher stars out of 5.

I met the first guy from Demo King....the guy was great. He loves to demolish things....doesn't build anything. He has never removed wallpaper but his girlfriend will see if she wants to tackle that job. He'll remove the carpets for $300........what a great deal. He loves to work, loves to demolish stuff. He drove up in an Escalade. I am really impressed with the website and the way it works!