Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fezo

Here's what to d with your hatch in yout Tesla since the fron trunk can take you luggage

fezo

Meanwhile I've been having too much fun with Miata weather mostly here. Met a guy in a new, as the call them now MX-5. That's good because the idea of Miata is to as closely as can be to an MGB a Lotus. Fob, doors that open just because you're standing there with the key in your pocket is not Miata, Push button start is not Miata.

That said it's a wonderful car. We met because I was pulled on the road trying to unshuffle Spotify. We pulls over anyway and we turn out to be living somewhat parallel lives. Great time.

Went cheap AWD drive van shopping with him. Nothing a salesman hates as much as a guy ready to pay cash on the spot but not a nickel more than that. The second guy called back to tell him they'd meet his deal. Last I heard he was playing one dealer against the other. Dealer on has a nicer van, better shape. Dealer two is cheaper but not as nice. If I were him I'd get dealer one to $4,000 OTD. If he'd go for it everybody (except dealer 2) is happy.

driver100

oldfarmer50
That last point is interesting. I haven't traveled outside the U.S. since before visas were required to go to Canada. Last time I think I only had to show a driver's licence and answer some perfunctory business or pleasure questions.

What did you need to enter? I assume the 6 months limit is to determine your permanent residence status. I know if I lived in Florida for 6 months and one day I wouldn't have to pay NY state income tax.

You need a Passport to go from the US to Canada or visa versa these days....not a Visa as that is a lot of paperwork. We also pay $50 a year and got a Nexxus card. It gets you through customs faster....they have done background checks on you and they know you are highly unlikely to commit a crime. If they do catch you coming across the border doing something illegal then you are finished....so, you have to be extra careful and you have to admit to taking say goods across that should be declared....you have to tell them, not wait for them to ask.

Yes, we are allowed to stay a total of 182 days = 6 months. We are in Florida for 5 months and save days because we do cross the border at other times of the year. If we go on a cruise ship for 5 days from say Miami then those days are still counted as being in the US since we left and came back to the US.

US is concerned about people overstaying their visiting time, and staying for longer periods of time. I have to fill out a US tax form that states I pay taxes, have assets, do my banking, own property and cars in Canada, and I am not doing anything to earn income while I am in the US. I am not complaining, I understand why it is done and that is fine....I am a guest and am glad I am able to be here.

You probably want to stay in NY state OF because of your work and family, lifestyle. But, for some people Florida offers a great lifestyle at a pretty modest price. I know lots of people especially as the baby boomers retire, who were going to be U.S.snowbirds but once they spent a winter here decided to give up their home in the North. Some of them have an RV or a boat etc, and head north for 3 months in the summer.

If you think it appeals to you it is really worth considering....Florida is like going to camp for seniors, every day.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50
That last point is interesting. I haven't traveled outside the U.S. since before visas were required to go to Canada. Last time I think I only had to show a driver's licence and answer some perfunctory business or pleasure questions.

What did you need to enter? I assume the 6 months limit is to determine your permanent residence status. I know if I lived in Florida for 6 months and one day I wouldn't have to pay NY state income tax.

You need a Passport to go from the US to Canada or visa versa these days....not a Visa as that is a lot of paperwork. We also pay $50 a year and got a Nexxus card. It gets you through customs faster....they have done background checks on you and they know you are highly unlikely to commit a crime. If they do catch you coming across the border doing something illegal then you are finished....so, you have to be extra careful and you have to admit to taking say goods across that should be declared....you have to tell them, not wait for them to ask.

Yes, we are allowed to stay a total of 182 days = 6 months. We are in Florida for 5 months and save days because we do cross the border at other times of the year. If we go on a cruise ship for 5 days from say Miami then those days are still counted as being in the US since we left and came back to the US.

US is concerned about people overstaying their visiting time, and staying for longer periods of time. I have to fill out a US tax form that states I pay taxes, have assets, do my banking, own property and cars in Canada, and I am not doing anything to earn income while I am in the US. I am not complaining, I understand why it is done and that is fine....I am a guest and am glad I am able to be here.

You probably want to stay in NY state OF because of your work and family, lifestyle. But, for some people Florida offers a great lifestyle at a pretty modest price. I know lots of people especially as the baby boomers retire, who were going to be U.S.snowbirds but once they spent a winter here decided to give up their home in the North. Some of them have an RV or a boat etc, and head north for 3 months in the summer.

If you think it appeals to you it is really worth considering....Florida is like going to camp for seniors, every day.



I think I mentioned before that my ideal retirement would be to live in Florida about 9 months and spend summers back in NY. Best of both worlds.

driver100

bwia said:

driver100 said:

On a more positive note....I tried the automatic parking feature for the first time tonight. You drive by slowly, the blue P is lit up. Stop, press OK, car will say on instrument panel put car in reverse to park and touch OK.

Car will reverse and it goes in at a really steep angle, and the wheel really turns fast and hard, but it parked the car perfectly and about 2 inches from the curb.

Sweet--but you forgot to mention how long that maneuver took? As I age I am beginning to lose my depth perception and parallel parking is becoming more and more difficult for me. Depending on the situation, I simply forgo a close parking opportunity and instead find a parking space that I can confidently negotiate.

I think automatic parking is more stressful than doing it myself, as I still have to watch and be ready, but I am not in control.

However, 1) I think after you do it a few times you will get to trust it more and
2) I would start to use it if I had for example a sore neck or if I had a problem with depth perception.
3) I would also use it if I tried to park 2 or 3X and missed, then I think it is time to give up.

Sometimes I pass a spot that I know I could get in but it is so tight I would have to use all my skills to do it...just not worth it to me.

isellhondas

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

Speaking of speed traps, ...

I have an interesting speed trap story. When I got out of the service I was driving home to my little Chicago burb which was a well know speed trap in my red Mustang with Alaska plates. Going through the town I knew to keep my speed down but I got pulled over anyway. Well typical for our town police he started talking about me speeding through his town and being the bad cop about it and I told him I was just discharged and on my way home. Once I told him my address and he found out I lived in the village his demeanor change 180 degrees and he became very pleasant and welcomed me home.

Yep it was a nasty little speed trap but they left the village residents alone.

As a public service I will now present Snakeweasels things not to say to a cop at a traffic stop.

#1.) back in the 80's I was with a friend of mine when he got pulled over, as the officer approached he looked at her and exclaimed "Oh my god you're a girl". He got the ticket.

#2.) Another friend maybe 15-20 years ago was pulled over and he thought he did nothing wrong and was very upset about the whole deal. After the officer did his check walked back to our car gave my friend a warning and was giving his license back when my friend says "Yeah you know you can't give me a ticket". He got the ticket.

The best thing to say to a motorcycle cop..." Say, weren't you one of the Village People?"

They just LOVE that!

driver100

oldfarmer50"
I think I mentioned before that my ideal retirement would be to live in Florida about 9 months and spend summers back in NY. Best of both worlds.

I think live in Florida about 9 months of the year and Maine for the summer......ocean, lots of green, nice scenery, lots of good lobster.

28firefighter

tifighter said:

So I came home from pickleball last night to find this in my driveway-


Driver was arrested for a DUI and taken before I got home. Tagged two other cars up the street before resting here. Wife was gone too, so no cars in the driveway, thank goodness. That pillar saved the house.

The picture no longer seems to be loading, but I can only imagine what it was showing. You live in Seattle proper as well, right?

Back in 2003 a drunk driver plowed her BMW straight through our front door and into our foyer at about 40 mph. My Dad had rebar reinforced concrete pillars and a 90 year old re-purposed rod iron fence installed after that. It was nearly impossible to miss, which was the point. And they were designed such that if you did miss, you were unlikely to be able to tell the tale after...

tifighter

tifighter said:

So I came home from pickleball last night to find this in my driveway-
>

Driver was arrested for a DUI and taken before I got home. Tagged two other cars up the street before resting here. Wife was gone too, so no cars in the driveway, thank goodness. That pillar saved the house.

Hmm, let's try the photo again-


Now is it showing up?

28firefighter

Yup - sure is. That looks like it could have been a lot worse given the vehicle...

british_rover

So finished off the first work as service manager didn't set anything on fire.

jmonroe

bwia said:

Someone sent me this and I feel compelled to share with the Edmunds community.

HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.

However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously.
A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.

A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.

Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it to regain a normal rhythm.

In this way, heart attack victims can get help or to a hospital.

Tell as many other people as possible about this. It could save their lives!

Thanks for that info 'bwia'. I never heard of that before. Of course I hope I never have to use it.

With the circulation that this site has it will probably get passed along to many people and I'll help do that too.

Consider it just another public service provided by this site.

Thanks again.

jmonroe

jmonroe

british_rover said:

So finished off the first work as service manager didn't set anything on fire.

OK, but did you fix anything?

In the future, try not to take credit for a negative. That's what I was told once when things didn't blow up as everyone thought it would when I was assigned a difficult task.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

So I came home from pickleball last night to find this in my driveway-
>

Driver was arrested for a DUI and taken before I got home. Tagged two other cars up the street before resting here. Wife was gone too, so no cars in the driveway, thank goodness. That pillar saved the house.

Hmm, let's try the photo again-


Now is it showing up?

What is that? A Toyota or a Ford?

28firefighter

oldfarmer50 said:

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

So I came home from pickleball last night to find this in my driveway-
>

Driver was arrested for a DUI and taken before I got home. Tagged two other cars up the street before resting here. Wife was gone too, so no cars in the driveway, thank goodness. That pillar saved the house.

Hmm, let's try the photo again-


Now is it showing up?

What is that? A Toyota or a Ford?

That appears to be an improperly docked Lincoln Navigator...

stever

Enjoyed following this Odyssey this afternoon.



In spite of the bumper sticker, there was a strap sort of holding the mattress to the roof rack.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

oldfarmer50 said:

tifighter said:

tifighter said:

So I came home from pickleball last night to find this in my driveway-
>

Driver was arrested for a DUI and taken before I got home. Tagged two other cars up the street before resting here. Wife was gone too, so no cars in the driveway, thank goodness. That pillar saved the house.

Hmm, let's try the photo again-


Now is it showing up?

What is that? A Toyota or a Ford?

That appears to be an improperly docked Lincoln Navigator...

That gave me my laugh for the day. Thanks, OF!

thebean

bwia said:

Someone sent me this and I feel compelled to share with the Edmunds community. HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it to regain a normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get help or to a hospital. Tell as many other people as possible about this. It could save their lives!

Sorry, but this is not true.  The American Heart Association, on their website, says this method, known as "cough CPR", does not work.  Go to heart.com and search for cough.  

driver100

thebean">
Sorry, but this is not true.  The American Heart Association, on their website, says this method, known as "cough CPR", does not work.  Go to heart.com and search for cough

Someone sent it to me awhile ago too and I checked it on snopes and it could do more harm than good. Call an ambulance, the sooner you get to a hospital the better your chances, and if you can take some aspirins get those into you as soon as possible.

SNOPES: Coughing during a heart atttack

Any advice or amazing stories should be checked out first unfortunately. People mean well but others like to play pranks.

oldfarmer50

british_rover said:

So finished off the first work as service manager didn't set anything on fire.

How is your current job different than the old one? Better hours...better commissions...less stress?

bwia

0 said:

tn"> Sorry, but this is not true.  The American Heart Association, on their website, says this method, known as "cough CPR", does not work.  Go to heart.com and search for cough

Someone sent it to me awhile ago too and I checked it on snopes and it could do more harm than good. Call an ambulance, the sooner you get to a hospital the better your chances, and if you can take some aspirins get those into you as soon as possible. SNOPES: Coughing during a heart atttack Any advice or amazing stories should be checked out first unfortunately. People mean well but others like to play pranks.


---------------

Sounds like a hoax and a Mea Culpa is in order. 

Nonetheless, is there a  doctor in the house that can explain if there is a theoretical basis for that assertion?

oldfarmer50

Need an opinion.

I plan on retiring next year and I'd like to dabble as a driver in a car related area. I was looking at the help wanted ads and found an odd posting. Does this sound legitimate?
----------------------

We are a licensed car wholesale dealer headquartered in New York and do business across the U.S. We buy and resell lots of luxury cars. Now we are looking for hardworking people in NY to join us as a car buyer.

This position will need to call dealers, place orders and schedule time to pick up the car when it arrives. You are not selling the cars, you are buying the cars. The reason why we need individual buyers is because those franchised car dealers only want to sell cars to end customers not resellers like us. You are not expected to lay out any of your own funds for this position.

Candidates must have a valid domestic driver's license, clean driving record and basic car knowledge.

You will start earning soon if accepted. This is a great part-time job to earn some quick cash. We also pay referral fees as well.

Requirement
1. Valid Driver's license and clean background
2. Good communication and negotiation skills
3. Strong Credit History (650 and above is preferred)
4. Home owner is a big plus

Our business is Booming and we are hiring!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so call right away!

snakeweasel

isellhondas said:

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

Speaking of speed traps, ...

I have an interesting speed trap story. When I got out of the service I was driving home to my little Chicago burb which was a well know speed trap in my red Mustang with Alaska plates. Going through the town I knew to keep my speed down but I got pulled over anyway. Well typical for our town police he started talking about me speeding through his town and being the bad cop about it and I told him I was just discharged and on my way home. Once I told him my address and he found out I lived in the village his demeanor change 180 degrees and he became very pleasant and welcomed me home.

Yep it was a nasty little speed trap but they left the village residents alone.

As a public service I will now present Snakeweasels things not to say to a cop at a traffic stop.

#1.) back in the 80's I was with a friend of mine when he got pulled over, as the officer approached he looked at her and exclaimed "Oh my god you're a girl". He got the ticket.

#2.) Another friend maybe 15-20 years ago was pulled over and he thought he did nothing wrong and was very upset about the whole deal. After the officer did his check walked back to our car gave my friend a warning and was giving his license back when my friend says "Yeah you know you can't give me a ticket". He got the ticket.

The best thing to say to a motorcycle cop..." Say, weren't you one of the Village People?"

They just LOVE that!

The building that I work at houses a state police district headquarters that from time to time has motorcycle cops outside and I have used that line on them occasionally.

driver100

>

Sounds like a hoax and a Mea Culpa is in order.Nonetheless, is there a  doctor in the house that can explain if there is a theoretical basis for that assertion?

We all are easily taken in by these posts on the internet, after all, it came from a friend and they wouldn't send you something that isn't true.....and the person who sent it to you meant to do the right thing.

I am not a doctor but I believe I read one doctor did say coughing could work. I think they said it could work in certain situations and if done properly....but, that perfect storm seldom happens, so just go with the tried and true. Get to a hospital or call an ambulance....time is the most important factor, and get some aspirins in you. If you can call 911 they will give instructions on how to lie down etc., but the coughing will just take up extra time in most cases.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

Need an opinion. I plan on retiring next year and I'd like to dabble as a driver in a car related area. I was looking at the help wanted ads and found an odd posting. Does this sound legitimate? ---------------------- We are a licensed car wholesale dealer headquartered in New York and do business across the U.S. We buy and resell lots of luxury cars. Now we are looking for hardworking people in NY to join us as a car buyer. This position will need to call dealers, place orders and schedule time to pick up the car when it arrives. You are not selling the cars, you are buying the cars. The reason why we need individual buyers is because those franchised car dealers only want to sell cars to end customers not resellers like us. You are not expected to lay out any of your own funds for this position. Candidates must have a valid domestic driver's license, clean driving record and basic car knowledge. You will start earning soon if accepted. This is a great part-time job to earn some quick cash. We also pay referral fees as well. Requirement 1. Valid Driver's license and clean background 2. Good communication and negotiation skills 3. Strong Credit History (650 and above is preferred) 4. Home owner is a big plus Our business is Booming and we are hiring!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so call right away!

I'd be very wary of this company, OF.  They are using you as a buyer of luxury cars - in most States, you need to be licensed to buy that many cars.  

Why would this company need to know if you own your own home?  Something smells fishy here, OF.  If you are buying cars in your name, there could be problems such as insurance, liability,  license fees, State business taxes, etc.  

Before doing anything I would consult with the BBB and an attorney.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

Need an opinion.

I plan on retiring next year and I'd like to dabble as a driver in a car related area. I was looking at the help wanted ads and found an odd posting. Does this sound legitimate?
----------------------

We are a licensed car wholesale dealer headquartered in New York and do business across the U.S. We buy and resell lots of luxury cars. Now we are looking for hardworking people in NY to join us as a car buyer.

This position will need to call dealers, place orders and schedule time to pick up the car when it arrives. You are not selling the cars, you are buying the cars. The reason why we need individual buyers is because those franchised car dealers only want to sell cars to end customers not resellers like us. You are not expected to lay out any of your own funds for this position.

Candidates must have a valid domestic driver's license, clean driving record and basic car knowledge.

You will start earning soon if accepted. This is a great part-time job to earn some quick cash. We also pay referral fees as well.

Requirement
1. Valid Driver's license and clean background
2. Good communication and negotiation skills
3. Strong Credit History (650 and above is preferred)
4. Home owner is a big plus

Our business is Booming and we are hiring!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so call right away!

You would be the perfect candidate oldfarmer and I would gladly be a reference for you.

It does make some sense but I would be very carefully, especially if you have to pay a fee to take a course or for any other reason. OTOH, some start up may have a great idea and really need people to do the work. 9strong credit rating and especially owning a house could be legit concerns, but, they could also mean you have something they want - your money)

It sounds too good to just leave it, but, I would go in saying, if this thing works out it would be a bonus....in the mean time tread carefully.

abacomike

driver100 said:

>

Sounds like a hoax and a Mea Culpa is in order.Nonetheless, is there a  doctor in the house that can explain if there is a theoretical basis for that assertion?

We all are easily taken in by these posts on the internet, after all, it came from a friend and they wouldn't send you something that isn't true.....and the person who sent it to you meant to do the right thing. I am not a doctor but I believe I read one doctor did say coughing could work. I think they said it could work in certain situations and if done properly....but, that perfect storm seldom happens, so just go with the tried and true. Get to a hospital or call an ambulance....time is the most important factor, and get some aspirins in you. If you can call 911 they will give instructions on how to lie down etc., but the coughing will just take up extra time in most cases.

Remember, I just lived through this a few months ago.  I wouldn't have had enough strength to cough and take deep breaths.  My symptoms were weakness, shortness of breath and a burning sensation in my left upper chest - like my lung was burning.  It took me 2 hours to realize it was serious as the symptoms got worse.  I could not get out of bed I was so weak.

I was told by my cardiologist that there are many differences in how the body reacts to a heart attack and it depends on what part of the heart is affected.  Some people get back pain while others get pain down their left arm or chest pain or just tightening in the chest.  Most heart attacks, but not all, are accompanied by severe shortness of breath.

Every heart attack is different in the way the body reacts to it.  I was lucky that I called the paramedics when I did.  There was very slight damage to my heart - but it could have been worse.

driver100

Mike, I woke up in the middle of the night and realized I didn't get back to you about 14 Cdns living in your 48 unit complex. That is a large percentage! Plus the other snowbirds too! Your place must seem deserted in the summer!

I did say that Snowbirds may put off doing maintenance until next year, as people procrastinate and the CDN ones may hope the CDN dollar will be worth more then. BUT, 2 things I was thinking at about 3 a.m.:
1) The maintenance guy should be happy to have the CDNS there or he may not have a job, and
2) If the Canadians/and other Snowbirds up and left the property values would plummet.

Maybe you should hold a party for the departing snowbirds, drink a toast and tell them you will be looking forward to when they return.

qbrozen

OF, I'd be curious what they say if you call.

i can understand the homeowner part if they are giving you money to buy cars for them. Tougher for a homeowner to just up and disappear with a $100k car the company paid for.

i do wonder about the credit though. That makes me think maybe they are making you finance it as "insurance" that you won't deliver the car to them, and then they either cut you a check to pay the loan plus your fee or they pay the loan directly. Either way is a HUGE risk to the driver for numerous and obvious reasons. 

abacomike

driver100 said:

Mike, I woke up in the middle of the night and realized I didn't get back to you about 14 Cdns living in your 48 unit complex. That is a large percentage! Plus the other snowbirds too! Your place must seem deserted in the summer! I did say that Snowbirds may put off doing maintenance until next year, as people procrastinate and the CDN ones may hope the CDN dollar will be worth more then. BUT, 2 things I was thinking at about 3 a.m.: 1) The maintenance guy should be happy to have the CDNS there or he may not have a job, and 2) If the Canadians/and other Snowbirds up and left the property values would plummet. Maybe you should hold a party for the departing snowbirds, drink a toast and tell them you will be looking forward to when they return.

There is no question that the more snowbirds that own condos the better.  The place is deserted all right during summer months.  The problem that exists is that the deserted condo units are not checked or inspected regularly - leaks, electricity, etc.  The community has a service run by security to check on those condos every other week, but most owners do not want to pay the fees for the service so these units go unchecked.

bwia

Luxury brands have reluctantly embraced the SUV.

I read in the NY Times and elsewhere that the upscale SUV is all the rave at the NY Auto show with the exception of one hold out, Aston Martin.

Not surprising, as the SUV/CUV is the major profit center for most brands and for Porsche, the Cayenne and Panamera are its best selling models, high price not withstanding.

How do these ultra-luxury newcomers differentiate themselves? Apparently, they are doing it on price and size, with $250,000 + becoming the norm with the compact size the defacto choice of the Euro market. Buyers at these price points don't necessarily worry about gas prices but some models use hybrid technology that bring their mpg in line with CAFE standards.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Need an opinion.

I plan on retiring next year and I'd like to dabble as a driver in a car related area. I was looking at the help wanted ads and found an odd posting. Does this sound legitimate?
----------------------

We are a licensed car wholesale dealer headquartered in New York and do business across the U.S. We buy and resell lots of luxury cars. Now we are looking for hardworking people in NY to join us as a car buyer.

This position will need to call dealers, place orders and schedule time to pick up the car when it arrives. You are not selling the cars, you are buying the cars. The reason why we need individual buyers is because those franchised car dealers only want to sell cars to end customers not resellers like us. You are not expected to lay out any of your own funds for this position.

Candidates must have a valid domestic driver's license, clean driving record and basic car knowledge.

You will start earning soon if accepted. This is a great part-time job to earn some quick cash. We also pay referral fees as well.

Requirement
1. Valid Driver's license and clean background
2. Good communication and negotiation skills
3. Strong Credit History (650 and above is preferred)
4. Home owner is a big plus

Our business is Booming and we are hiring!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so call right away!

I'd be very wary of this company, OF.  They are using you as a buyer of luxury cars - in most States, you need to be licensed to buy that many cars.  

Why would this company need to know if you own your own home?  Something smells fishy here, OF.  If you are buying cars in your name, there could be problems such as insurance, liability,  license fees, State business taxes, etc.  

Before doing anything I would consult with the BBB and an attorney.

Yeah, my Spidey sense was tingling at that. Couldn't figure out what business model would profit from paying someone else to buy cars for you. And why wouldn't a dealer want to sell to another dealer? Doesn't smell right. Just wanted to run it by people who were in the business to see if they ever heard of such a thing.

graphicguy

OF...old adage, if it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck, as a bill like a duck, it's probably a duck. IF it looks like a scam........etc, etc, etc.

Ty....WOW! The driver of the Navigator must have been pretty drunk to miss the driveway entirely. Insurance bill for that stone work isn't going to be small. Glad no one was hurt.

Driver....we do a lot of DOD work. As such, everything we bill is in U.S. dollars. We also do business with foreign entities (with the blessing of the U.S.). We stipulate up front we bill in U.S. dollars. You get deep into a contract a couple of years, personnel changes, legal depts change, and all of a sudden, someone is asking who signed the contract agreed to it. Canada is actually pretty good about it. They just need an explanation of what they signed. Other countries and currencies? No so much!

They have a budget that was assigned for the project in the currency valuation from 24 months ago. Now, as in Canada's case, for example, they have shortfall because of those currency fluctuations.

You're right, no way to predict currency swings....especially ones that have swung as much as 30%, as with the Canadian dollar over the last few years.

graphicguy

Serviced the lawn tractor this a.m. Sharpened and balanced the blades, changed the oil, put in a new battery. Can't believe I'm cutting grass in March, but here I go.

stickguy

Red flags all over farmer. If you want to drive, see about being a dealer swap driver.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

Mike, I woke up in the middle of the night and realized I didn't get back to you about 14 Cdns living in your 48 unit complex. That is a large percentage! Plus the other snowbirds too! Your place must seem deserted in the summer!

I did say that Snowbirds may put off doing maintenance until next year, as people procrastinate and the CDN ones may hope the CDN dollar will be worth more then. BUT, 2 things I was thinking at about 3 a.m.:
1) The maintenance guy should be happy to have the CDNS there or he may not have a job, and
2) If the Canadians/and other Snowbirds up and left the property values would plummet.

Maybe you should hold a party for the departing snowbirds, drink a toast and tell them you will be looking forward to when they return.

There is no question that the more snowbirds that own condos the better.  The place is deserted all right during summer months.  The problem that exists is that the deserted condo units are not checked or inspected regularly - leaks, electricity, etc.  The community has a service run by security to check on those condos every other week, but most owners do not want to pay the fees for the service so these units go unchecked.

Our neighbors are here year round and they check on our place regularly. If they didn't do that I would pay for it to be done. Some enterprising residents will do that for $30 or $40 a month, and I think it is a good idea. I know people just lock up and go away and they have had ants or leaking pipes and other problems.......I don't want to leave a substantial investment to chance....and those owners may have a problem if they make an insurance claim. Our policy is good if we "turn off the water" at source or have the place checked every 48 hours.

We also fill drains with water (if they go dry alligators or snakes could get in, and smell and gasses could escape (I know, more information than necessary) and we have a bug guy come in half way through the summer.

Mr_Shiftright

stever said:

Enjoyed following this Odyssey this afternoon.



In spite of the bumper sticker, there was a strap sort of holding the mattress to the roof rack.

Mattresses on car roofs are sources of endless entertainment. I really like it when the driver is reaching out the window to "hold" the mattress while he drives---yeah, that'll work.

I also like the "flaming mattress", which often occurs when the driver of a pickup truck flips his cigarette out the window.

Mr_Shiftright

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

>

Sounds like a hoax and a Mea Culpa is in order.Nonetheless, is there a  doctor in the house that can explain if there is a theoretical basis for that assertion?

We all are easily taken in by these posts on the internet, after all, it came from a friend and they wouldn't send you something that isn't true.....and the person who sent it to you meant to do the right thing.

I am not a doctor but I believe I read one doctor did say coughing could work. I think they said it could work in certain situations and if done properly....but, that perfect storm seldom happens, so just go with the tried and true. Get to a hospital or call an ambulance....time is the most important factor, and get some aspirins in you. If you can call 911 they will give instructions on how to lie down etc., but the coughing will just take up extra time in most cases.

Remember, I just lived through this a few months ago.  I wouldn't have had enough strength to cough and take deep breaths.  My symptoms were weakness, shortness of breath and a burning sensation in my left upper chest - like my lung was burning.  It took me 2 hours to realize it was serious as the symptoms got worse.  I could not get out of bed I was so weak.

I was told by my cardiologist that there are many differences in how the body reacts to a heart attack and it depends on what part of the heart is affected.  Some people get back pain while others get pain down their left arm or chest pain or just tightening in the chest.  Most heart attacks, but not all, are accompanied by severe shortness of breath.

Every heart attack is different in the way the body reacts to it.  I was lucky that I called the paramedics when I did.  There was very slight damage to my heart - but it could have been worse.

Here's the SNOPES article on "cough CPR". Sounds like you'd best be careful trying it.

driver100

GG, Our dollar collapsed with the price of oil, and very few people saw that one coming. Our economy is actually doing OK, but oil makes up a large portion of our stock market and GDP.

It is hard to plan for the future when your currency gets devalued so much. We bought the Passat for $23k when $ was 95 cents to, so that would cost 20% more so if we cashed out on the Passat it would have cost almost nothing to own for 3 years...by some fluke of nature. That's why I say, buy wisely, but don't deny yourself something...you never know what the future brings, and sometimes spending money actually saves you money.

roadburner

graphicguy said:

Serviced the lawn tractor this a.m. Sharpened and balanced the blades, changed the oil, put in a new battery. Can't believe I'm cutting grass in March, but here I go.

I pay a guy to cut my lawn the first two times, so I won't do it myself until mid to late April. Evey year these weird onions pop up and when you cut them they turn into a gooey mess. Sometimes the mowers will sit and spin the tires on the cuttings- and of course the mower deck clogs. After the first two cuts the d*mn things don't return- which is why I let a pro handle it...

driver100

Mr_Shiftright"
Here's the SNOPES article on "cough CPR". Sounds like you'd best be careful trying it.

You missed something in between Mr S......we pretty well debunked this theory. And, Mike, said he wouldn't have had the time or inclination to cough.

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright"
Here's the SNOPES article on "cough CPR". Sounds like you'd best be careful trying it.

You missed something in between Mr S......we pretty well debunked this theory. And, Mike, said he wouldn't have had the time or inclination to cough.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yeah, I saw the other comments--I just thought the article had some interesting information in it---Snopes didn't call it "False", but a "Mixture".

ab348

roadburner said:

I pay a guy to cut my lawn the first two times, so I won't do it myself until mid to late April. Evey year these weird onions pop up and when you cut them they turn into a gooey mess. Sometimes the mowers will sit and spin the tires on the cuttings- and of course the mower deck clogs. After the first two cuts the d*mn things don't return- which is why I let a pro handle it...

I hate onions (in food) with a passion so if they appeared in my lawn I would take it as a sign from above to put in Astroturf.

abacomike

@graphicguy said:

"OF...old adage, if it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck, as a bill like a duck, it's probably a duck. IF it looks like a scam........etc, etc, etc."

I've heard the above a little differently, "...if is smells like (excrement), looks like (excrement), tastes like (excrement), it's definitely (excrement)!"   

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

Need an opinion.

I plan on retiring next year and I'd like to dabble as a driver in a car related area. I was looking at the help wanted ads and found an odd posting. Does this sound legitimate?
----------------------

We are a licensed car wholesale dealer headquartered in New York and do business across the U.S. We buy and resell lots of luxury cars. Now we are looking for hardworking people in NY to join us as a car buyer.

This position will need to call dealers, place orders and schedule time to pick up the car when it arrives. You are not selling the cars, you are buying the cars. The reason why we need individual buyers is because those franchised car dealers only want to sell cars to end customers not resellers like us. You are not expected to lay out any of your own funds for this position.

Candidates must have a valid domestic driver's license, clean driving record and basic car knowledge.

You will start earning soon if accepted. This is a great part-time job to earn some quick cash. We also pay referral fees as well.

Requirement
1. Valid Driver's license and clean background
2. Good communication and negotiation skills
3. Strong Credit History (650 and above is preferred)
4. Home owner is a big plus

Our business is Booming and we are hiring!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so call right away!

Something tells me to run, not walk but run, away from this as fast as you can.

Also I would like to know why they are buying from other dealers if they are a "wholesale dealer", wouldn't it be better to buy from the manufacturer?

I can see it now, you buy that $250K MB for this company, 5 days later that car is on a boat to South America, the check they gave you to pay for it turns to rubber and you're left holding the bag and this wholesale dealer in New York now is a wholesale dealer in Boston operating under a different name.

Stay away, stay far far away.

driver100

I got a renewal email from Sirius today....Sirius Canada. This year I had paid $120, by telling them I would let it lapse if they didn't give me the same rate as the previous year.

The email says it is now $220 yr, but if I renew early I get it for $160.

I called and told them I would only pay what I am currently paying.

He told me I would be without it and I said I would let it expire and I would sign up in the US since we live there for half the year.

He gave me a hard time telling me the rate would be the full rate. I said I heard my US friends get it for 6 months for $40.

So after all this he gave me almost the same price as last year if I took it today instead of April 10th

I agreed. Instead of $120 it is $124....I think they feel compelled to get a little bit more out of me just to show their power.

Now I need a shower....but, I am good for almost another year, and it is worth $10 a month to me.

bwia

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Need an opinion.

This position will need to call dealers, place orders and schedule time to pick up the car when it arrives. You are not selling the cars, you are buying the cars. The reason why we need individual buyers is because those franchised car dealers only want to sell cars to end customers not resellers like us. You are not expected to lay out any of your own funds for this position.

This sounds like the Costco and CarsDirect model, yes?--or am I missing something.
What is not clear, is what they intend to do with the cars they purchase? Modify them, or sell them to an illicit dealer network.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

I got a renewal email from Sirius today....Sirius Canada. This year I had paid $120, by telling them I would let it lapse if they didn't give me the same rate as the previous year.

The email says it is now $220 yr, but if I renew early I get it for $160.

I called and told them I would only pay what I am currently paying.

He told me I would be without it and I said I would let it expire and I would sign up in the US since we live there for half the year.

He gave me a hard time telling me the rate would be the full rate. I said I heard my US friends get it for 6 months for $40.

So after all this he gave me almost the same price as last year if I took it today instead of April 10th

I agreed. Instead of $120 it is $124....I think they feel compelled to get a little bit more out of me just to show their power.

Now I need a shower....but, I am good for almost another year, and it is worth $10 a month to me.

My car has XM radio and since I bought it used it didn't have a free trial period, then one day I got a letter offering one month free service just to check it out. I listened for maybe a week to 10 days and then never again. I just let the free trial period run out only listening to it for the first quarter of the time.

I have so much music on my phone I could drive coast to coast and not listen to the same song twice (OK I do have one song on there six times but by different artists in different styles).

abacomike

It is not like the Costco or Cars-Direct model.  Even though you supposedly are employed by this company, you actually are not.  You become an independent contractor - a middleman - who negotiates deals for vehicles and then you sell those vehicles to the company who gave you the purchase price to begin with.  They, in turn pay you a commission for your efforts.  Remember, you are buying these vehicles under your name, not the company's name.  This, you are the owner of record for those vehicles.  That is why States require licenses to buy more than a couple or three cars a year.

I once received a letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles requiring that I sign an affidavit that I am not a wholesaler of vehicles and that when I buy a car, I am buying it for my own or my family's personal use.  I guess even they thought that I was a dealer or wholesaler because of the many cars I have purchased. 

abacomike

I am coming up for renewal for Sirius radio in May - when my car will be 6 months old.  It would be just for music because all 2016 Mercedes-Benz vehicles come with a 5-year Sirius Traffic and Weather plan.  I would opt for music only since I do not listen to talk or news programming.  

I think I was paying $65-$70 for a 1-year subscription on my E400 for music channels only.  I actually only listen to two of their music channels, but I do like thei internet radio which I listen to on my phone with my earphones.  Should be interesting to see how this works out in about a month.  If the subscription is too high in price, I sure wouldn't miss satellite radio because I really don't spend much time in the car.  Also, I have over 200 songs on my phone as well which I just plug into the car's audio system like an iPod.