Thanks for all the kind and supportive words everyone.
@oldfarmer50 just as @stickguy said, it is insurance that protects the bank to make sure they get paid if I default on the mortgage. It is very expensive. $12K tacked on to the back end of my mortgage (which I pay interest on) plus an additional $230 per month (over $11K in the 4 years I've owned the house). The whole thing is a scam. I borrow money and pay interest on it. I also have to pay for the bank's insurance (as well as pay interest on it).
I bought the condo in January 2004 and sold it in April 2010.
I don't feel bad about it. The best thing I did was sell my condo. It was built in the early 1970s and the buildings themselves needed constant care which meant major assessments every month on top of the common charges. Your condo might need updating, but at least you've got a beautiful 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550
I saw a sexy, white, CLS 550 4Matic the other day and said to myself: "I haven't heard from Mike in a while, i'll have to check in with him."
I firmly believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. If I would have taken the 1st offer on my condo, I never would have found my current home as it wouldn't have been on the market yet. I'm a little far from Kansas City to go into business with you and your son. If I don't get my kitchen done this year, it will be next year.
I'm a fantastic husband, father, son, & uncle. That's what I pride myself on.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Top Luxury Brands:
1. BMW
2. Mercedes Benz
3. Lexus
4. Audi
5. Cadillac
According to CNBC TV, sales of all luxury brands were up except for Cadillac that was down 1.2%, dragged down by the ATS. The ELR is a major disappointment as only 390 units were sold in June.
Speaking of mortgages, the high end real estate market is on fire driven by the Chinese and Canadians. The Chinese angle I can understand, but Canadian?
@jayrider said:
For some people, living like a pauper despite having millions in the bank, is it's own reward. Not spending money brings them joy. It takes all kinds -- to each his/her own.
Oh, I agree. But, I don't think it is the best way to be. It is nice to see people who live well within their means. On the other hand, having one broken down tiny 30 year old Hitachi washer/spin dryer, no air conditioner, not paying for extra cable when he could use the channels, not having air conditioning, wanting to use up anything in the freezer even though it is past the expiry date by years, giving us letters to mail for him and they never have a stamp on them, burning old newspapers and cardboard in the fireplace, etc. etc. is not using the money he has wisely.
Sure he loves to see it in the bank, but there is a fine balance between saving and getting the most possible out of life, even if you are a careful spender. What is the point in accumulating money if you will not spend it just to buy some necessities.
@bwia said:g of mortgages, the high end real estate market is on fire driven by the Chinese and Canadians. The Chinese angle I can understand, but Canadian?
>
All I know is Canadian real estate never really lost ground in the recession. Year over year prices are up 10%! But, homes in the US are a bargain, and it is hard to find ways to invest these days and make a profit. Comparable homes in Canada are probably 3X or 4X more expensive. Canadians are big buyers in Florida and Arizona right now. For what we paid for our Florida place you couldn't buy a garage in Toronto for that.
btw....It is a good thing Canadians are helping to stabilize the real estate market.
Re: the ELR by Cadillac. The car gets 5 out of 5 on Edmunds. But, how many people buy a 2 door personal car. I have no idea why GM would build the Solscice or the VUE...2 seater sports cars when the biggest sellers are 4 door cars like Camry or Fusion. Why pour money and resources into a vehicle that will be of limited interest? Looks like ELRs are about $75K with very limited discounts, so they are keeping the price artificially high. GM shouldn't even be in that market....few are.
Canadians? That's a bit odd. The economy is doing OK but isn't on fire. The exception is Alberta where the oil sands are causing a boom. Maybe it's rich Albertans wanting a luxo-home where it's warm.
@ab348 said:Canadians? That's a bit odd. The economy is doing OK but isn't on fire.
Canadians are buying property in Florida and Arizona, some for investment and some for a place to go in the winter. Many retired seniors are downsizing and can afford a 2nd home in the US.
A lot of people have saved and have pensions they know they will be able to manage. You can buy a condo or small home for the price of an RV camper vehicle. You can get a nice home for $150K to $200K in the US. Renting can cost almost $1000 a week - could add up if staying 6 months. It is hard to find anything you would want to live in for under $300K in most cities in Canada. Though the Canadian economy isn't booming, it is steady, and people with a stream of money are willing to spend it on things they want....like escaping a miserable winter.
Well, I can't read back 185 posts right now. Was up at Sloan Monday and they don't like what my platelets are up to. That's been a month now. I had just hit the once every three months checkup and now I'm back to once a month. Nothing dire but it isn't good. I suspect a low grade but persistent infection but that's just a guess.
It's kind of put my energy at zero but we still went out to a concert that was kind of a celebration for me getting this far. I paid for anyone that was a caregiver. Not that I have that kind of money but these are people who put themselves on the line when I needed that. I owe them.
Doing another show this Saturday with one of the guys from that show same place this Saturday and then Sunday heading out for 12 days more or less to do the Great Lakes somewhat and visit my donor's family.
That trip will be in the newly updated Mazda. I have more or less decided on a "fun car" and spend a little of the money doing good things for the Mazda (today it gets Koni shocks and probably the clutch master cylinder). This will be good.
Taking it day to day and have longer term plans that with any luck (and the current situation turning around which I think it will) will happen.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
GM's OnStar has been collecting data for over 20 years but it would appear that they are not using this data to spot defective and safety trends.
Not sure what the problem is but I would surmise the data set is too big for meaningful analysis. Perhaps, GM should consider sharing these data with other organizations who could drill down into these data and come up with meaningful trends that could be used by the entire auto industry. For competitive reasons they might not share their data but I believe this is a short-sighted approach to consumer safety and protection.
Fezo said:
That trip will be in the newly updated Mazda. I have more or less decided on a "fun car" and spend a little of the money doing good things for the Mazda (today it gets Koni shocks and probably the clutch master cylinder). This will be good.
I assume those are the shocks you posted here a while back. I find the concept of that kind of shock very interesting. To give better handling without bone jarring ride seems ideal.
Give us a report on how they perform when you get back.
Hope your health stabilizes too.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Actually, a Boston area CAddy dealer is advertising $15k off MSRP on all their ELRs. Caddy quickly put a $5k dealer spiff on 'em at launch. The price of the car has universally been decried as at least 50% too high. My guess is Caddy priced it at $76k so as not to lose money on each one they sell, unlike the Volt. I can't believe Caddy expected it to be a big seller. Of course, they made the same pricing mistake, imho, with the XLR and especially the XLRV.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
GM's OnStar has been collecting data for over 20 years but it would appear that they are not using this data to spot defective and safety trends.
Not sure what the problem is but I would surmise the data set is too big for meaningful analysis. Perhaps, GM should consider sharing these data with other organizations who could drill down into these data and come up with meaningful trends that could be used by the entire auto industry. For competitive reasons they might not share their data but I believe this is a short-sighted approach to consumer safety and protection.
Any thoughts on big data?
It really depends on what they have been collecting. In the case of the ignitions turning to the ACC position - does OnStar collect that data? If not, should they? Or is that too intrusive? The tin foil hat people already hate the idea of the "black box" that records that last XX seconds prior to an incident.
@laurasdada said:
Actually, a Boston area CAddy dealer is advertising $15k off MSRP on all their ELRs. Caddy quickly put a $5k dealer spiff on 'em at launch. The price of the car has universally been decried as at least 50% too high. My guess is Caddy priced it at $76k so as not to lose money on each one they sell, unlike the Volt. I can't believe Caddy expected it to be a big seller. Of course, they made the same pricing mistake, imho, with the XLR and especially the XLRV.
LD...even at $15K off MSRP, I still think the ELR is a tough sell. $45K is what I think the magic number is, and that's only because of the additional (and allegedly better ) features and quality of materials over the Volt. They might push that to $50K as an MSRP but I wouldn't wager that they'd sell at that price, either (unless some unsuspecting car buyer wanders in off the street, and has had their head wrapped in aluminum foil for the last year or so)
LD...even at $15K off MSRP, I still think the ELR is a tough sell. $45K is what I think the magic number is...
Even with distinctive styling and a rather nice interior, it's just a tough sell. Too little utility, too much competiton all around that price point. Maybe Caddy will slap in ICE of some sorts into it...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
@laurasdada said:
It's just a tough sell > Even with distinctive styling and a rather nice interior, it's just a tough sell. Too little utility, too much competiton all around that price point. Maybe Caddy will slap in ICE of some sorts into it...
It has an internal combustion engine to act as a generator so that there's no range anxiety needed like for the Leaf or Tesla.
@robr2 said:
bwia said:
tinfoil hat people who don't like the idea of black boxes
Ha ha count me in with the tinfoil hat crowd. I don't want some lawyer getting into my pocket because the car squealed on me.
Over the weekend some knucklehead crashed on I-90 and killed two of his friends. The police said he was doing 150 mph. even though there were no witnesses. You can only conclude that they pulled data from the black box. I guess I don't have a problem with that but I worry that some day a pointy headed bureaucrat will show up at my door and give me a ticket based on some black box data.
BTW he was supposedly driving a VW. What VW can go 150?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Back in the days before "black boxes", the Highway Patrol used to estimate speeds based on their reconstruction of the accident. (damage done, length of skid marks, how far objects traveled after impact, etc).
@henryn said:
Back in the days before "black boxes", the Highway Patrol used to estimate speeds based on their reconstruction of the accident. (damage done, length of skid marks, how far objects traveled after impact, etc).
And where the speedometer needle was jammed into the face or stuck by the impact.
I worry that some day a pointy headed bureaucrat will show up at my door and give me a ticket based on some black box data.
A few years ago we had a card-carrying member of the Safety [non-permissible content removed] commenting in one of the Edmunds topics. He thought that every car should be equipped with a GPS unit and that the driver should be mailed a ticket every time every time he/she exceeded the speed limit by 5-10 mph. I told him that I bet that he thought that the book 1984 had a happy ending...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@henryn said:
Back in the days before "black boxes", the Highway Patrol used to estimate speeds based on their reconstruction of the accident. (damage done, length of skid marks, how far objects traveled after impact, etc).
@imidazol97 said:And where the speedometer needle was jammed into the face or stuck by the impact.
Sorry, I saw yours after I wrote mine. Great minds think alike (and as a friend once said.....and fools seldom differ)
btw...is anyone else having problems with the bookmark feature. Mine seldom works, though it is time for a reboot. Lately I have been using the F5 key to renew my screen.
@driver100 said:
btw...is anyone else having problems with the bookmark feature.
Bookmarks are working fine today. I click on the link and it refreshes to show any new
posts on pages that I have marked--XP SP3, IE8 AND FireFox both have been
used today. I click on a link for one with new messages and it works.
I have had some problems with certain links in the list of forums that were
in my bookmarks page not going anywhere when I click on them--but that was
yesterday and the day before. Other links for topics with new posts did work.
It was only certain ones. I had recently turned off a Java startup program as
a part of security on my laptop and I thought that might have affected the
links. Today they've all worked fine. However, I was out of town part of the day
in Columbus.
Maybe a complete shut off and restart of the computer will set things back up.
Farmer, it was reported as a 2004 GLI (so Jetta). Doubt it is getting to 150 without some serious mods. But did sound like they were flying, and that stretch is a good place for it being so wide and flat. Dopes.
@roadburner said:
A few years ago we had a card-carrying member of the Safety [non-permissible content removed] commenting in one of the Edmunds topics. He thought that every car should be equipped with a GPS unit and that the driver should be mailed a ticket every time every time he/she exceeded the speed limit by 5-10 mph. I told him that I bet that he thought that the book 1984 had a happy ending...
Made my day!
Choice of shocks was a combination of browsing Tire Rack stock and reviews and a personal recommendation from in here. Of course when the recommendation actually hit my inbox I'd already committed. Just glad he agreed.
Farmer - yeah, the combo sounds ideal. Will see if it works as well in practice as in theory. Will find out later today when the mechanic finishes up.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
In regards to "automated enforcement"...
In my neck of the woods, if the prosecutor cannot call a flesh and blood witness then the charge is going to be dismissed.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@roadburner said:
In my neck of the woods, if the prosecutor cannot call a flesh and blood witness then the charge is going to be dismissed.
OK.....so, not sure what you're referring to. But, what you're saying is if I can find a way to drive a wee bit over the speed limit, without the local constables knowing exactly if it was me or not, I'm innocent?
> @driver100 said: > 9 Speed transmission > No CD player in instrument panel > New dial shifter
My thoughts on this; first is I think that 9 gears are to many. I would wonder if the the tranny would be hunting for the right gear in traffic where speed wasn't a constant. Secondly will this be a shiftable tranny as the previous generation was and if so how would that work with the dial?
Finally about the CD player, nor really needed this day and age. Far easier to connect a smart phone or mp3 player and have dozens of CD's worth playing continuously.
One more thing: bring back the convertible.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> @roadburner said: >In regards to "automated enforcement"... In my neck of the woods, if the prosecutor cannot call a flesh and blood witness then the charge is going to be dismissed.
So let's say you kill someone and there is a boat load of evidence including but not limited to your fingerprints on the murder weapon, your DNA at the crime scene, your clothes soaked in the victims blood and a security video showing you doing the dirty deed you should go free because there is no witness?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@snakeweasel said:
One more thing: bring back the convertible.
If the 200 tranny is similar to the rotary shifter in my car, I can shift the ZF 8 speed tranny with paddles on the steering wheel. Left paddle down, right up. But, does the 200 hockey puck retract into the console? Ha! I thought not! Point: Jaguar.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
@snakeweasel said:
So let's say you kill someone and there is a boat load of evidence including but not limited to your fingerprints on the murder weapon, your DNA at the crime scene, your clothes soaked in the victims blood and a security video showing you doing the dirty deed you should go free because there is no witness?
Apples and oranges one offense is an infraction the other is a capital crime.
Who are you planning to kill?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I really like the little "hat hanger" shifter on the dash of my minivan. Intuitive yet doesn't take up much room. The lack of a 3-2-1 was "different" at first, but you just tap the shifter left to down shift (6-5-4 etc.) and tap it to the right to upshift.
I do miss the overdrive off button that was on the steering wheel stalk of our last van though.
That is an entirely different scenario; in your example the evidence was collected and analyzed by human beings. Those same human individuals are available in court to explain how the evidence was collected and analyzed- and these witnesses are subject to cross-examination. In the case of automated enforcement there is simply one picture from one machine- with no human input or verification whatsoever.
Would you be comfortable with convicting an individual of murder solely on the basis of written reports, photos, and printouts submitted by the prosecution?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
> @oldfarmer50 said: >Apples and oranges one offense is an infraction the other is a capital crime.
Rules of evidence should be consistent in the enforcement of the law. Unless there is something in the particular statue then physical evidence should do.
>Who are you planning to kill?
A bottle of bourbon, just don't tell anyone.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> @roadburner said: >In the case of automated enforcement there is simply one picture from one machine- with no human input or verification whatsoever.
It's not as automated as you think. The photos are reviewed by a professional that can be cross examined in a court of law.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@oldfarmer50 said:
I like the looks of the Dart. What are the engine choices? I heard you can get something with 290 hp. Not bad.
You can, 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds - not bad.
Two engines are available, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 184 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 295 hp, both paired with a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available only with the V6.
9 speed transmission is for better gas mileage. Reviews say it is good and seamless.
Paddle shifters because of the knob gear shifter.
CD was removed, not a bad thing unless you have some old Duran Duran CDs you still use.
It would still be a non starter for me. What can the "professional" testify about? Automated enforcement is nothing more than an efficient way to fill public and private coffers while making it easier for the insurance company to raise your premiums the lack of any additional loss exposure.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@snakeweasel said:
It's not as automated as you think. The photos are reviewed by a professional that can be cross examined in a court of law.
Here in the Southeast Coast of Florida, they installed hundreds of cameras at busy intersections to catch drivers passing red lights. When defendants appeared in court pleading "not guilty" with their attorney, 98% of the cases ended up being dismissed. According to many defense attorneys, for some reason, judges dismissed the charges due to the fact that there was only one picture of a car with a rear license plate as evidence. Even though the picture is taken in the middle of the intersection and the light is "red", the judges cited the fact that if the car had entered the intersection while the light was yellow, the driver had not "passed" a red light. There are too many variables such as speed, distance to stop, etc.
So, after spending millions of dollars on these cameras and computers, they are starting to remove them because the courts have not determined that they are foolproof evidence of a driver passing a red light. Interesting - spending millions of dollars and the local governments ended up with a bill rather than income from "red light passers!"
Frequently down here in south Florida, you can beat a speeding ticket if you were caught on radar and doing only 5 mph over the limit (except in a school crossing areas where the courts determined that 1 mph over the limit was excessive). It had to do with the different radar units, calibrations, certifications, etc. But there was no mercy from the courts for going over the 15 mph limit in school zones. I agree with the courts on that.
Tomorrow morning I have to go in for a colonoscopy - my very first one in many, many years. I have to start with Ducolax tablets at 3:00 PM this afternoon (in 20 minutes) and take one tablet with lots of water every 15 minutes until I've taken 5 of them. Then, at 5:00 PM., I have to drink 2 litres of water with a ton of Mirilax by 7:00 P.M. Strictly liquid diet for the rest of the day and nothing after midnight.
So, I would think this will be one of my last posts for today since I don't have access to a computer in the bathroom.
My Mom had colon cancer, so I am more at risk than most, I guess.
I'll let you all know "...how things come out" tomorrow when I get home from the hospital.
Comments
Thanks for all the kind and supportive words everyone.
@oldfarmer50 just as @stickguy said, it is insurance that protects the bank to make sure they get paid if I default on the mortgage. It is very expensive. $12K tacked on to the back end of my mortgage (which I pay interest on) plus an additional $230 per month (over $11K in the 4 years I've owned the house). The whole thing is a scam. I borrow money and pay interest on it. I also have to pay for the bank's insurance (as well as pay interest on it).
I bought the condo in January 2004 and sold it in April 2010.
@abacomike
I don't feel bad about it. The best thing I did was sell my condo. It was built in the early 1970s and the buildings themselves needed constant care which meant major assessments every month on top of the common charges. Your condo might need updating, but at least you've got a beautiful 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550
I saw a sexy, white, CLS 550 4Matic the other day and said to myself: "I haven't heard from Mike in a while, i'll have to check in with him."
@houdini
I firmly believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. If I would have taken the 1st offer on my condo, I never would have found my current home as it wouldn't have been on the market yet. I'm a little far from Kansas City to go into business with you and your son. If I don't get my kitchen done this year, it will be next year.
I'm a fantastic husband, father, son, & uncle. That's what I pride myself on.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Top Luxury Brands:
1. BMW
2. Mercedes Benz
3. Lexus
4. Audi
5. Cadillac
According to CNBC TV, sales of all luxury brands were up except for Cadillac that was down 1.2%, dragged down by the ATS. The ELR is a major disappointment as only 390 units were sold in June.
Speaking of mortgages, the high end real estate market is on fire driven by the Chinese and Canadians. The Chinese angle I can understand, but Canadian?
Oh, I agree. But, I don't think it is the best way to be. It is nice to see people who live well within their means. On the other hand, having one broken down tiny 30 year old Hitachi washer/spin dryer, no air conditioner, not paying for extra cable when he could use the channels, not having air conditioning, wanting to use up anything in the freezer even though it is past the expiry date by years, giving us letters to mail for him and they never have a stamp on them, burning old newspapers and cardboard in the fireplace, etc. etc. is not using the money he has wisely.
Sure he loves to see it in the bank, but there is a fine balance between saving and getting the most possible out of life, even if you are a careful spender. What is the point in accumulating money if you will not spend it just to buy some necessities.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
>
All I know is Canadian real estate never really lost ground in the recession. Year over year prices are up 10%! But, homes in the US are a bargain, and it is hard to find ways to invest these days and make a profit. Comparable homes in Canada are probably 3X or 4X more expensive. Canadians are big buyers in Florida and Arizona right now. For what we paid for our Florida place you couldn't buy a garage in Toronto for that.
btw....It is a good thing Canadians are helping to stabilize the real estate market.
Re: the ELR by Cadillac. The car gets 5 out of 5 on Edmunds. But, how many people buy a 2 door personal car. I have no idea why GM would build the Solscice or the VUE...2 seater sports cars when the biggest sellers are 4 door cars like Camry or Fusion. Why pour money and resources into a vehicle that will be of limited interest? Looks like ELRs are about $75K with very limited discounts, so they are keeping the price artificially high. GM shouldn't even be in that market....few are.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
@nyccarguy Re: $12K tacked on to the back end of my mortgage'. I've never heard of that. Monthly premiums for PMI, yes.
"...I'm a fantastic husband, father, son, & uncle. That's what I pride myself on..."
And that's what really matters.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Canadians? That's a bit odd. The economy is doing OK but isn't on fire. The exception is Alberta where the oil sands are causing a boom. Maybe it's rich Albertans wanting a luxo-home where it's warm.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Canadians are buying property in Florida and Arizona, some for investment and some for a place to go in the winter. Many retired seniors are downsizing and can afford a 2nd home in the US.
A lot of people have saved and have pensions they know they will be able to manage. You can buy a condo or small home for the price of an RV camper vehicle. You can get a nice home for $150K to $200K in the US. Renting can cost almost $1000 a week - could add up if staying 6 months. It is hard to find anything you would want to live in for under $300K in most cities in Canada. Though the Canadian economy isn't booming, it is steady, and people with a stream of money are willing to spend it on things they want....like escaping a miserable winter.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Well, I can't read back 185 posts right now. Was up at Sloan Monday and they don't like what my platelets are up to. That's been a month now. I had just hit the once every three months checkup and now I'm back to once a month. Nothing dire but it isn't good. I suspect a low grade but persistent infection but that's just a guess.
It's kind of put my energy at zero but we still went out to a concert that was kind of a celebration for me getting this far. I paid for anyone that was a caregiver. Not that I have that kind of money but these are people who put themselves on the line when I needed that. I owe them.
Doing another show this Saturday with one of the guys from that show same place this Saturday and then Sunday heading out for 12 days more or less to do the Great Lakes somewhat and visit my donor's family.
That trip will be in the newly updated Mazda. I have more or less decided on a "fun car" and spend a little of the money doing good things for the Mazda (today it gets Koni shocks and probably the clutch master cylinder). This will be good.
Taking it day to day and have longer term plans that with any luck (and the current situation turning around which I think it will) will happen.
Is GM's OnStar Big Data Underutilized?
GM's OnStar has been collecting data for over 20 years but it would appear that they are not using this data to spot defective and safety trends.
Not sure what the problem is but I would surmise the data set is too big for meaningful analysis. Perhaps, GM should consider sharing these data with other organizations who could drill down into these data and come up with meaningful trends that could be used by the entire auto industry. For competitive reasons they might not share their data but I believe this is a short-sighted approach to consumer safety and protection.
Any thoughts on big data?
Fezo said:
That trip will be in the newly updated Mazda. I have more or less decided on a "fun car" and spend a little of the money doing good things for the Mazda (today it gets Koni shocks and probably the clutch master cylinder). This will be good.
I assume those are the shocks you posted here a while back. I find the concept of that kind of shock very interesting. To give better handling without bone jarring ride seems ideal.
Give us a report on how they perform when you get back.
Hope your health stabilizes too.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Actually, a Boston area CAddy dealer is advertising $15k off MSRP on all their ELRs. Caddy quickly put a $5k dealer spiff on 'em at launch. The price of the car has universally been decried as at least 50% too high. My guess is Caddy priced it at $76k so as not to lose money on each one they sell, unlike the Volt. I can't believe Caddy expected it to be a big seller. Of course, they made the same pricing mistake, imho, with the XLR and especially the XLRV.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
@bwia said:
It really depends on what they have been collecting. In the case of the ignitions turning to the ACC position - does OnStar collect that data? If not, should they? Or is that too intrusive? The tin foil hat people already hate the idea of the "black box" that records that last XX seconds prior to an incident.
I don't think you missed anything too earth shattering....not too many political comments lately.
Hope you get your platelets back up to speed.
Let us know how you make out with those shocks. Why did you settle on those and what is that they are supposed to do?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
LD...even at $15K off MSRP, I still think the ELR is a tough sell. $45K is what I think the magic number is, and that's only because of the additional (and allegedly better ) features and quality of materials over the Volt. They might push that to $50K as an MSRP but I wouldn't wager that they'd sell at that price, either (unless some unsuspecting car buyer wanders in off the street, and has had their head wrapped in aluminum foil for the last year or so)
It's just a tough sell> @graphicguy said:
Even with distinctive styling and a rather nice interior, it's just a tough sell. Too little utility, too much competiton all around that price point. Maybe Caddy will slap in ICE of some sorts into it...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
It has an internal combustion engine to act as a generator so that there's no range anxiety needed like for the Leaf or Tesla.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Ha ha count me in with the tinfoil hat crowd. I don't want some lawyer getting into my pocket because the car squealed on me.
Over the weekend some knucklehead crashed on I-90 and killed two of his friends. The police said he was doing 150 mph. even though there were no witnesses. You can only conclude that they pulled data from the black box. I guess I don't have a problem with that but I worry that some day a pointy headed bureaucrat will show up at my door and give me a ticket based on some black box data.
BTW he was supposedly driving a VW. What VW can go 150?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Back in the days before "black boxes", the Highway Patrol used to estimate speeds based on their reconstruction of the accident. (damage done, length of skid marks, how far objects traveled after impact, etc).
And where the speedometer needle was jammed into the face or stuck by the impact.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
>
A few years ago we had a card-carrying member of the Safety [non-permissible content removed] commenting in one of the Edmunds topics. He thought that every car should be equipped with a GPS unit and that the driver should be mailed a ticket every time every time he/she exceeded the speed limit by 5-10 mph. I told him that I bet that he thought that the book 1984 had a happy ending...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Frozen speedometer, etc
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sorry, I saw yours after I wrote mine. Great minds think alike (and as a friend once said.....and fools seldom differ)
btw...is anyone else having problems with the bookmark feature. Mine seldom works, though it is time for a reboot. Lately I have been using the F5 key to renew my screen.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
he thought that the book 1984 had a happy ending...
LOL. My belly laugh for the day.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Bookmarks are working fine today. I click on the link and it refreshes to show any new
posts on pages that I have marked--XP SP3, IE8 AND FireFox both have been
used today. I click on a link for one with new messages and it works.
I have had some problems with certain links in the list of forums that were
in my bookmarks page not going anywhere when I click on them--but that was
yesterday and the day before. Other links for topics with new posts did work.
It was only certain ones. I had recently turned off a Java startup program as
a part of security on my laptop and I thought that might have affected the
links. Today they've all worked fine. However, I was out of town part of the day
in Columbus.
Maybe a complete shut off and restart of the computer will set things back up.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Farmer, it was reported as a 2004 GLI (so Jetta). Doubt it is getting to 150 without some serious mods. But did sound like they were flying, and that stretch is a good place for it being so wide and flat. Dopes.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
RE: 1984----"Don't do it to me...do it to HIM!" LOL!
You can ALREADY get a ticket in the mail---red light cameras! $480 fine in San Francisco.
Thanks, I will try that. Using F5 button isn't too bad, just harder to know where you left off and how many posts you need to read to catch up.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
New Chrysler 200 has some interesting features;
9 Speed transmission
No CD player in instrument panel
New dial shifter (takes up less room, more room for cup holders etc)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Interior looking very Audi-ish/Jaguar-ish.......
Made my day!
Choice of shocks was a combination of browsing Tire Rack stock and reviews and a personal recommendation from in here. Of course when the recommendation actually hit my inbox I'd already committed. Just glad he agreed.
Farmer - yeah, the combo sounds ideal. Will see if it works as well in practice as in theory. Will find out later today when the mechanic finishes up.
That's the same Fiat sourced platform that carries the Dodge Dart, right?
I like the looks of the Dart. What are the engine choices? I heard you can get something with 290 hp. Not bad.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Basically a stretched dart. 2.4l 4, and the honking V6. Quite an upgrade visually and on paper from the old 200
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I should know this, but is the V6 the current 3.6L Pentastar or the new 3.2L V6 as found in the Cherokee?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
In regards to "automated enforcement"...
In my neck of the woods, if the prosecutor cannot call a flesh and blood witness then the charge is going to be dismissed.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
OK.....so, not sure what you're referring to. But, what you're saying is if I can find a way to drive a wee bit over the speed limit, without the local constables knowing exactly if it was me or not, I'm innocent?
IMO, a picture from an automated device is not sufficient evidence to convict someone of a driving offense.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
> 9 Speed transmission
> No CD player in instrument panel
> New dial shifter
My thoughts on this; first is I think that 9 gears are to many. I would wonder if the the tranny would be hunting for the right gear in traffic where speed wasn't a constant. Secondly will this be a shiftable tranny as the previous generation was and if so how would that work with the dial?
Finally about the CD player, nor really needed this day and age. Far easier to connect a smart phone or mp3 player and have dozens of CD's worth playing continuously.
One more thing: bring back the convertible.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
>In regards to "automated enforcement"... In my neck of the woods, if the prosecutor cannot call a flesh and blood witness then the charge is going to be dismissed.
So let's say you kill someone and there is a boat load of evidence including but not limited to your fingerprints on the murder weapon, your DNA at the crime scene, your clothes soaked in the victims blood and a security video showing you doing the dirty deed you should go free because there is no witness?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
If the 200 tranny is similar to the rotary shifter in my car, I can shift the ZF 8 speed tranny with paddles on the steering wheel. Left paddle down, right up. But, does the 200 hockey puck retract into the console? Ha! I thought not! Point: Jaguar.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Apples and oranges one offense is an infraction the other is a capital crime.
Who are you planning to kill?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I really like the little "hat hanger" shifter on the dash of my minivan. Intuitive yet doesn't take up much room. The lack of a 3-2-1 was "different" at first, but you just tap the shifter left to down shift (6-5-4 etc.) and tap it to the right to upshift.
I do miss the overdrive off button that was on the steering wheel stalk of our last van though.
@snakeweasel
That is an entirely different scenario; in your example the evidence was collected and analyzed by human beings. Those same human individuals are available in court to explain how the evidence was collected and analyzed- and these witnesses are subject to cross-examination. In the case of automated enforcement there is simply one picture from one machine- with no human input or verification whatsoever.
Would you be comfortable with convicting an individual of murder solely on the basis of written reports, photos, and printouts submitted by the prosecution?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
>Apples and oranges one offense is an infraction the other is a capital crime.
Rules of evidence should be consistent in the enforcement of the law. Unless there is something in the particular statue then physical evidence should do.
>Who are you planning to kill?
A bottle of bourbon, just don't tell anyone.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The dash shifter:
>In the case of automated enforcement there is simply one picture from one machine- with no human input or verification whatsoever.
It's not as automated as you think. The photos are reviewed by a professional that can be cross examined in a court of law.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You can, 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds - not bad.
Two engines are available, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 184 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 295 hp, both paired with a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available only with the V6.
9 speed transmission is for better gas mileage. Reviews say it is good and seamless.
Paddle shifters because of the knob gear shifter.
CD was removed, not a bad thing unless you have some old Duran Duran CDs you still use.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It would still be a non starter for me. What can the "professional" testify about? Automated enforcement is nothing more than an efficient way to fill public and private coffers while making it easier for the insurance company to raise your premiums the lack of any additional loss exposure.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Here in the Southeast Coast of Florida, they installed hundreds of cameras at busy intersections to catch drivers passing red lights. When defendants appeared in court pleading "not guilty" with their attorney, 98% of the cases ended up being dismissed. According to many defense attorneys, for some reason, judges dismissed the charges due to the fact that there was only one picture of a car with a rear license plate as evidence. Even though the picture is taken in the middle of the intersection and the light is "red", the judges cited the fact that if the car had entered the intersection while the light was yellow, the driver had not "passed" a red light. There are too many variables such as speed, distance to stop, etc.
So, after spending millions of dollars on these cameras and computers, they are starting to remove them because the courts have not determined that they are foolproof evidence of a driver passing a red light. Interesting - spending millions of dollars and the local governments ended up with a bill rather than income from "red light passers!"
Frequently down here in south Florida, you can beat a speeding ticket if you were caught on radar and doing only 5 mph over the limit (except in a school crossing areas where the courts determined that 1 mph over the limit was excessive). It had to do with the different radar units, calibrations, certifications, etc. But there was no mercy from the courts for going over the 15 mph limit in school zones. I agree with the courts on that.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
SPEAKING OF "MOVING VIOLATIONS!"
Tomorrow morning I have to go in for a colonoscopy - my very first one in many, many years. I have to start with Ducolax tablets at 3:00 PM this afternoon (in 20 minutes) and take one tablet with lots of water every 15 minutes until I've taken 5 of them. Then, at 5:00 PM., I have to drink 2 litres of water with a ton of Mirilax by 7:00 P.M. Strictly liquid diet for the rest of the day and nothing after midnight.
So, I would think this will be one of my last posts for today since I don't have access to a computer in the bathroom.
My Mom had colon cancer, so I am more at risk than most, I guess.
I'll let you all know "...how things come out" tomorrow when I get home from the hospital.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger