Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

sda

[Deleted User]

Funny timing to see all the comments on diets and lifestyle changes. Last weekend I wrapped up a 22-day juice fast similar to that shown in "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead". I was approaching the overweight category on the Body Mass Index at 181 pounds and 6 feet tall, but I did it for another reason.

Sugar addiction. Terrible thing. People might have thought of me as skinny based on my height, but in reality I wasn't healthy. I literally could not pass up candy and treats even if I desperately wanted to. And I did want to. My blood tests over the lasts few years showed my health slipping and while I knew I needed to cut back, I just couldn't seem to do it. The addiction became worse despite my desires to reverse the trend.

So I went on the juice fast with no solids whatsoever. Extremely high veggie juice intake with about 20% fruits, all juiced at home with organic produce.. I also drank unsweetened almond milk with veggie protein powder and hemp seeds for a big kick of protein each day.

The juice fast did the trick for me, literally resetting my body. The cravings stopped after 2 weeks, but I stayed on the fast another week just to be sure. My weight dropped from 181 to 168 and I've held steady while lifting weights and introducing solid low-carb dinners. I still juice breakfast and lunch and plan to continue doing so. The drinks pack a huge hit of micronutrients.

The difference in how I feel is night and day. No more cyclical lags in energy, no more drowsiness in the middle of the day. No more uncomfortable stuffed feeling after a meal. No more guilt. I'm back in control of my eating decisions, which is helping me with discipline in other areas of my life.

So glad I did it. Now maintenance becomes the key.

I tested my blood again at the 3-week mark, and all my levels fell into optimal. Literally dead center between too low or too high in most categories. It's amazing what impact diet choices have on our bodies and mental health, and how quickly the body will recover if fed the right foods.

Mr_Shiftright

That's right. One has to change the way one eats in order to achieve a permanent weight loss--but it has to be a normalized diet, not a fad.

abacomike

@tyguy:

When I met you and your family earlier this year, you sure didn't look unhealthy nor did you appear overweight.  I guess looks can be deceiving.

I am impressed with your accomplishments and "stick-to-it-ness"!  Congrats!

driver100

imidazol97 said:

I like watching the various cars go through the drive through at ChickFilA. Saw a car with a Genesis badge but it was an SUV or van. I didn't think Hyundai was making a Genesis SUV.

Looked at it closer and realized that was probably a Chrysler marque on the front. When I see the Chrysler 200, the badge is similar to a Genesis. Car Looked nice in all white, just white, no opalescent, no diamond white, just white. Finally saw the back corner and it looked like it said "Pacifica." Showed heritage from Town and Country but without the huge van look. Nice lines.

Looks great. Chrysler is really counting on this one selling well. The last Pacifica didn't do too well.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

That's right. One has to change the way one eats in order to achieve a permanent weight loss--but it has to be a normalized diet, not a fad.

True! Every year there are diet books that become best sellers. They work, and then people slip back into old habits. Fad diets don't work...only a major lifestyle change.

Ty you have done really well. You found what works for you. TJC found what works for him. I cut down on carbs and calories, try to eat real food so I am not eating empty calories, and aim for about 2000 calories a day.

abacomike

I just finished watching, perhaps for the 30th time, "The Caine Mutiny" on cable TV.   Humphrey Bogart was at his best in that movie.  It brought back the memory of an experience I had back in 1992 while living in Palm Desert, just east of Palm Springs.

I was sitting in a restaurant at a fund-raising dinner in a pretty swanky restaurant in Palm Springs for the school I headed.  I was at a table with several dignitaries who had contributed thousands to the school, however there was one individual I had never met before sitting to my left.  The Drysdale's (Don and his wife) were hosting the dinner and were introducing the 40+ guests table by table.

When they introduced the guests at my table, the gentleman to my left stood when his name was called - he was Herman Wouk.  I did not recognize him or remember that he was the author of "The Caine Mutiny".  We started a conversation and I innocently asked him what he did for a living.  In his very heavy New York City accent, he said he wrote novels.  I still did not place him.  I asked him if he could tell me which novels he had published and he responded that his best known work was "The Caine Mutiny!"  I became flushed and speechless for the first time in my life.  I was so embarrassed and apologized to him for not recognizing his name nor the fact that his book had won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1951.  We had a long conversation about his other books, "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance".  

I met met him several times for lunch after that - our conversations were thoughtful and filled with his life experiences.  He was brought up in a very strict Jewish family and studied Judism.  He still lives in the desert and just celebrated his 100th birthday.

But to this day I am haunted by my failure to place his name with that of one of my most favorite novels and movies. 

houdini1

I read a lot of books and most of my reading is done on my mini ipad. When reading on an E reader, you really don't "see" the book you are reading, that is, you don't have the normal visual cues that you have when reading a conventional book. You aren't always looking at the cover, title, and author, etc.

When reading like this, one thing I have noticed is that occasionally I will finish a book and have to double check to remember the name of the book and/or the author.

henryn

When I was younger I did a tremendous amount of reading. Probably too much, I tended to live in the books more than in the real world. And I have to say that "The Winds of War" ranks right up at the top, definitely one of the 10 best books I have ever read.

I think the mini-series was probably one of the best 2 mini-series ever done for TV. The other, being of course, Lonesome Dove. Which also ranks in my list of 10 best books.

roadburner

jmonroe said:

houdini1 said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

I absolutely love good pastrami. Provolone and deli mustard on rye, perfect.

No Reubens though. I dislike corned beef (really dislike!), russian and Slaw. Other than that, the rye bread is fine!

I know you have issues but C'mon man, nobody doesn't like good corned beef.

You gotta get that fixed someday.

jmonroe

Some day if you are in the area, go to Oaklawn Racetrack in Hot Springs, AR. It is only open in early Spring, and they have the best corned beef in the civilized world !!

Thanks for the tip 'houdini'. I will probably never go there but if I do, I'll try it.

Who would have ever guessed that a racetrack would have great food?

Hey RB, does your track have good food too? If so, it's a whole lot closer to me than AR.

jmonroe

Putnam's snack bar isn't bad; haven't eaten at the NCM track, just the museum.

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

That's right. One has to change the way one eats in order to achieve a permanent weight loss--but it has to be a normalized diet, not a fad.

My wife's an R.D. and she always says that there's no magic bullet- you simply have to expend more calories than you consume.

28firefighter

roadburner said:

That's right. One has to change the way one eats in order to achieve a permanent weight loss--but it has to be a normalized diet, not a fad.

My wife's an R.D. and she always says that there's no magic bullet- you simply have to expend more calories than you consume.

My wife the RD says the same thing, but is also quick to acknowledge that not everyone likes that answer. 

roadburner

Well cr@p!!!
I was driving home and something hit the windshield of the 2er- leaving a 6" long crack. I called Safeco and I was diverted to Safelite and given am appointment date of May 31st. I did some research and found that there were very few BMW owners who were happy with aftermarket glass(as an aside, I subscribe to the Brit magazine BMW CAR and one of their long-term test cars has has several issues with a windshield replacement company). On top of that, I seriously doubt that Safelite stocks ANY 2 Series glass on-site; I've only seen two on the road since I bought mine.

Anyway, I contacted the Service Manager at my BMW dealer and he told me hat they'd handle it- I'd get a loaner while they deal with the claim. He also told me that they do a lot of corrective work from other glass shops. Sometimes the rain-sensing wiper or automatic headlamps have gone MIA. At least I know it will be done right. There's no deductible on glass repair in KY if you have Comprehensive coverage, but if Safeco gripes about the cost of BMW parts I'll just pay the difference myself rather than let Billy Bob and Company mess up my car.

abacomike

roadburner said:

Well cr@p!!! I was driving home and something hit the windshield of the 2er- leaving a 6" long crack. I called Safeco and I was diverted to Safelite and given am appointment date of May 31st. I did some research and found that there were very few BMW owners who were happy with aftermarket glass(as an aside, I subscribe to the Brit magazine BMW CAR and one of their long-term test cars has has several issues with a windshield replacement company). On top of that, I seriously doubt that Safelite stocks ANY 2 Series glass on-site; I've only seen two on the road since I bought mine. Anyway, I contacted the Service Manager at my BMW dealer and he told me hat they'd handle it- I'd get a loaner while they deal with the claim. He also told me that they do a lot of corrective work from other glass shops. Sometimes the rain-sensing wiper or automatic headlamps have gone MIA. At least I know it will be done right. There's no deductible on glass repair in KY if you have Comprehensive coverage, but if Safeco gripes about the cost of BMW parts I'll just pay the difference myself rather than let Billy Bob and Company mess up my car.

Sorry to hear about this, RB.  If it's done right with the correct parts, you'll be fine.  I hate after market stuff.  When you pay big dollars for a car and you take care of it, OEM parts are best - at least for peace of mind!

roadburner

abacomike said:

Sorry to hear about this, RB.  If it's done right with the correct parts, you'll be fine.  I hate after market stuff.  When you pay big dollars for a car and you take care of it, OEM parts are best - at least for peace of mind!

I'm just glad it will be fixed properly- and that there was no other damage. My son told me to bring it in on a day he's working so that he can valet it...

I just wish I had been driving my 1995 3 Series; the windshield is pitted quite a bit after 20 years and 144k miles.

Mr_Shiftright

roadburner said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

That's right. One has to change the way one eats in order to achieve a permanent weight loss--but it has to be a normalized diet, not a fad.

My wife's an R.D. and she always says that there's no magic bullet- you simply have to expend more calories than you consume.

One tip off is that if you are on the same diet as Gwyneth Paltrow it's probably a bad idea.

The latest is putting butter and coconut oil in your coffee to achieve a magic state of "fat-burning". Of course, not just any butter or any coconut oil----oh, no......it has to be special, and you have to buy it at Whole Foods, and it costs a lot more than that pedestrian butter you've been eating. You should also buy the book and the DVD to make SURE you're doing it right. (If it doesn't work, you're not doing it right, is the problem---of course!)

nyccarguy

Great job on the weight loss/lifestyle change guys!  It's NOT easy!  My best friend lost a lot of weight and has changed his body!  He tells me everyday what a struggle it is.

On the subject of Diet Coke.  That is probably the worst thing for you.  Not only is it pure chemicals, but it actually makes you crave sugar.  My best friend always says:  look at the people you see drinking diet coke.

stickguy

My wife would laugh at that load to go into the pilot. As in, where is the rest of it? the amount of stuff she brings to go anywhere is astounding.

driver100

roadburner said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

That's right. One has to change the way one eats in order to achieve a permanent weight loss--but it has to be a normalized diet, not a fad.

My wife's an R.D. and she always says that there's no magic bullet- you simply have to expend more calories than you consume.

If you want to lose weight, the best exercise is pushing yourself away from the table.

oldfarmer50

murphydog said:

Well darn it - we had a local guy inquire about the Ghia, seemed pretty interested at first. Was going to come today to look at it, but we had to move that out to Monday. Sent a note this morning that he found another vehicle...Sigh...

You can get some real flakes from CL. Just be glad he didn't put you through a test drive before telling you that.

driver100

About books.....I worked for a major book publisher for 16 years. At a sales meeting in Phoenix we had Norman Mailer as a guest, he wrote the excellent book Executioner's Song about a true murder. I read the book so they put me at his table.

I didn't find out until about half way through the meal that he was a real hot head, was married 6 times, he stabbed one wife twice, he has gone to prison, gotten into big arguments, and while filming a scene bit off and chewed on a piece of Rip Torn's ear. I was very careful what I said to Norman during that dinner, didn't want to upset him........but, I loved his book.

abacomike

@driver100:

Good thing Norman Mahler's appetite for ears was suppressed during your dinner with him.  Between you and Van Gogh, ears could have been on the menu that night.  

driver100

Maybe it would be a good ice-breaker.
OMG, what happened to your ear?
It got bitten off by Norman Mailer!

murphydog

oldfarmer50 said:

murphydog said:

Well darn it - we had a local guy inquire about the Ghia, seemed pretty interested at first. Was going to come today to look at it, but we had to move that out to Monday. Sent a note this morning that he found another vehicle...Sigh...

You can get some real flakes from CL. Just be glad he didn't put you through a test drive before telling you that.

this guy actually reached out via The Samba - CL has resulted in a single question about the brand of aftermarket seats.

I have chrome wheels on the way to replace the red ones. Once installed will update photos and place the car in a few more locations.

driver100

I was just wondering how many miles can I expect to get from my Continental Tires on the E400?
I have 24000 miles on them now, but, I think our 2008 335 with RFTs needed new ones before 30k miles.
Since the rears are a different size from the fronts, do they get moved around when the car is serviced....right wheel to left and visa versa?

coldinohio

driver100
staggered (diff size front/rear) and unidirectional tires (have inside and outside and only go round in one direction) are rarely rotated , as far as I know

driver100

coldinohio said:

driver100
staggered (diff size front/rear) and unidirectional tires (have inside and outside and only go round in one direction) are rarely rotated , as far as I know

Thanks coldin. One more thing I don't have to be concerned about, thank goodness!

jmonroe

roadburner said:

Well cr@p!!!
I was driving home and something hit the windshield of the 2er- leaving a 6" long crack. I called Safeco and I was diverted to Safelite and given am appointment date of May 31st. I did some research and found that there were very few BMW owners who were happy with aftermarket glass(as an aside, I subscribe to the Brit magazine BMW CAR and one of their long-term test cars has has several issues with a windshield replacement company). On top of that, I seriously doubt that Safelite stocks ANY 2 Series glass on-site; I've only seen two on the road since I bought mine.

Anyway, I contacted the Service Manager at my BMW dealer and he told me hat they'd handle it- I'd get a loaner while they deal with the claim. He also told me that they do a lot of corrective work from other glass shops. Sometimes the rain-sensing wiper or automatic headlamps have gone MIA. At least I know it will be done right. There's no deductible on glass repair in KY if you have Comprehensive coverage, but if Safeco gripes about the cost of BMW parts I'll just pay the difference myself rather than let Billy Bob and Company mess up my car.

I had to replace the windshield on my '09 Genny about 3 weeks before I traded it last May. I had a crack about 4 inches long at the very top of the right side in the shaded area. When I first noticed it during the winter about a year before I replaced it I decided to wait until spring to have it replaced. Talk about out of site out of mind, that surely applied in my situation. The car even went through a PA safety inspection and because the crack was way outside of the wiper area I knew I wouldn't have a problem with the inspection but when I decided to look around for another car, that's when I knew I better get it replaced.

Finally, when I decided to get it replaced I wanted an OEM replacement (to be sure I wouldn't get dinged when I traded if they even checked windshields) so I called my insurance company and they told me I could get any brand I wanted and I could go to any shop I wanted to use. All I had to do was pay my $100 comprehensive deductible. Since Mrs. j's '12 Subie had to have a windshield replaced about 4 months after she got it, I decided to use that glass shop since I didn't have a problem with their work. When I told them I wanted the OEM they said OK but you can't use our published $50 coupon to offset your $100 deductible for the OEM brand because they didn't stock it and they would have to get it from the dealer. They said they would call in about 3 days to make an appointment once they got it from the dealer and that's what they did. Had it changed right in my driveway on a nice clear day with no rain.

Over the years I've been told by people in my area that even when they go to the dealer to get a windshield replaced, while they get the OEM windshield, the dealer calls in a glass shop to do the work.

FWIW, when I went to a mega dealer's body shop for a quote for Mrs. j's Subie when the right front fender had to be replaced because of a parking lot hit and run, I asked the guy doing the quoting about what I heard about shops subletting out windshield work and he said they have been doing that for many years. When I said, "even for Cadillac's, BMW's and Infiniti's"? His answer was, "yes, all of our cars. They do that kind of work all day long every day and we have not had problems so we still use them".

jmonroe

roadburner

jmonroe said:

Over the years I've been told by people in my area that even when they go to the dealer to get a windshield replaced, while they get the OEM windshield, the dealer calls in a glass shop to do the work.

FWIW, when I went to a mega dealer's body shop for a quote for Mrs. j's Subie when the right front fender had to be replaced because of a parking lot hit and run, I asked the guy doing the quoting about what I heard about shops subletting out windshield work and he said they have been doing that for many years. When I said, "even for Cadillac's, BMW's and Infiniti's"? His answer was, "yes, all of our cars. They do that kind of work all day long every day and we have not had problems so we still use them".

jmonroe

I've heard that too, but in the case of my BMW dealer they actually do the work themselves. With all the new technology that can be affected by a vehicle's windshield and how it is installed I suspect that will become more common.
I also don't buy the Safelite "Just as good as OEM!"claim- at least when it comes to the more upscale models. I'd let them R&R my Wrangler windshield, but that's as far as I'd trust them.

stickguy

Even Edd China subs out windshield installs

abacomike

stickguy said:

Even Edd China subs out windshield installs

Right you are, stick.  He'll pull the casing and molding, but not the windshield.  

driver100

All I know is the Safelite guy told me a new Safelite windshield would cost $700 installed. An official Mercedes windshield with a decal would cost $1300. According to him they were made exactly the same and came from the same factory.

If I got a new windshield installed I'd probably get the Safelite $700 windshield, and the $5 decal you guys suggested....from EBay. It will look and be as good as new!

roadburner

driver100 said:

All I know is the Safelite guy told me a new Safelite windshield would cost $700 installed. An official Mercedes windshield with a decal would cost $1300. According to him they were made exactly the same and came from the same factory.

What would you expect a Safelite employee to say? "Our windshields are considerably cheaper because they are crap"?

abacomike

roadburner said:

All I know is the Safelite guy told me a new Safelite windshield would cost $700 installed. An official Mercedes windshield with a decal would cost $1300. According to him they were made exactly the same and came from the same factory.

What would you expect a Safelite employee to say? "Our windshields are considerably cheaper because they are crap"?

There is no way that a Safelite front windshield replacement is identical to one installed by Mercedes-Benz using MB OEM part(s).  Period! 

berri

Heck, I've changed multiple windshields on various brands of vehicles over the years, never paid the mark-up rip-off on OEM and never noticed any difference in noise levels, durability, whatever. Maybe if you had something real complex - otherwise I don't see any real advantage to that much higher price.

abacomike

berri said:

Heck, I've changed multiple windshields on various brands of vehicles over the years, never paid the mark-up rip-off on OEM and never noticed any difference in noise levels, durability, whatever. Maybe if you had something real complex - otherwise I don't see any real advantage to that much higher price.

The UV light down here in the summer is ferocious.  Mercedes-Benz windshields reduce UV light entering the vehicle by 85% front and rear.  Essential to maintain a nice interior in South Florida.  I also use a Mercedes-Benz sun screen cut to fit the front interior perfectly.  I also put up my power sunshade in the rear to reduce heat.  I do not tint my cars because it reduces rear night vision.

roadburner

abacomike said:

There is no way that a Safelite front windshield replacement is identical to one installed by Mercedes-Benz using MB OEM part(s).  Period! 

The windshield for my 2er is supplied with a part bonded to it that connects to the car's light and rain sensor harnesses; who provides that part to Safelite? The OEM supplier? Right.

berri

Yeah, but those are more complex issues than most cars have.

abacomike

berri said:

Yeah, but those are more complex issues than most cars have.

If I was leasing the car, I would call Safelite for a replacement.  But I own the car - so I would opt for the OEM replacement windshield.

roadburner

berri said:

Heck, I've changed multiple windshields on various brands of vehicles over the years, never paid the mark-up rip-off on OEM and never noticed any difference in noise levels, durability, whatever. Maybe if you had something real complex - otherwise I don't see any real advantage to that much higher price.

Like I said, I'd let Safelite tackle my Wrangler's windshield, but that's where I draw the line.

As for OEM "rip-offs," I can get an OEM BMW F22 windshield for the staggering sum of-are you sitting down?- a whopping $245. MSRP is only $391, but most dealers will knock off at least 20%. OEM BMW mounting parts? Less than $45. Safelite did offer to R&R the wiper blades for around $8 less than the OEM BMW refills- but who knows where they came from? Lower Slobbovia?
That sure makes me want to go to Billy Bob's Windshield Replacement, Tanning Salon, and Coin-Operated Laundromat...

berri

Does Satellite even make an 85% UV reduction windshield? You are driving a high end vehicle, but most of us are not. So your decision may often be different than the majority of vehicle owners. I'm just saying that most Ford, Chevy, Toyota etc. type drivers probably don't gain much, if anything, by paying a much higher price for an OEM windshield. Never owned anything beyond a Buick and probably never will. I guess I'm too much of a cash flow oriented guy in making decisions

roadburner

Well as I said, my insurance company is paying and I shouldn't have to pay a cent. But if worse comes to worse I'll just pay the difference between Safelite's estimate and what it costs to have the job done at my dealer.

stickguy

Insurance in jersey doesn't cover glass. So the 2 I had done in my life both came out of pocket. No clue what brand, but not safelite and not an issue

roadburner

Today is my favorite Sunday of the whole year- my son and I always watch the races at Monaco, Indianapolis, and Charlotte-except for the years that we actually go to Indy.
As always, a great day!

Michaell

roadburner said:

Today is my favorite Sunday of the whole year- my son and I always watch the races at Monaco, Indianapolis, and Charlotte-except for the years that we actually go to Indy.
As always, a great day!

My rear end is sore from sitting all day watching the races ... though I did get out and mow the grass and water the garden.

abacomike

stickguy said:

Insurance in jersey doesn't cover glass. So the 2 I had done in my life both came out of pocket. No clue what brand, but not safelite and not an issue

My policy covers front windshield 100% - no deductible - but my comprehensive deductible is $500 for side and rear windows.  I read the details in the policy and all it says is that they will pay 100% of the cost of repair or replacement of the windshield.  Doesn't say anything about having to use their contractors.  I hope I never have to deal with it.

tjc78

I'm sure I told this before but I had to replace the windshield on the Lacrosse. Like Stick mentioned here in rip off Jersey we are on the hook for our own glass repairs. I had a well respected glass shop in the area do the work. My car had HUD and the OEM was over $1,000. They suggested an aftermarket replacement at $650 (ish, I can't remember exact amount). I was assured it was identical in quality and the HUD would function properly. In the end it was fine and when I turned the lease in, it wasn't even mentioned (and yes the logo was different so you could tell if you wanted to).

If I wasn't paying, well then yes of course I'd want OEM.

driver100

According to the Safelite website:

"What is the difference between OEM and OEE auto glass?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) auto glass is made by the same manufacturer as your original glass. Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) auto glass is made to the same standards, but by a different manufacturer. Our customers can choose OEM or OEE prior to service by calling 877-664-8931.

OEM VS OEE

From what I have been reading, OEM and OEE glass are the very same, just might be made by a different glass maker but to the exact same standards.

Aftermarket glass can be substandard.

Aftermarket Auto Glass
Aftermarket glass is made by companies that do not contract with any car manufacturers, and do not have the legal right to manufacture auto glass to the exact same specifications as OEM distributors due to licensing and copyright laws. Safelite is one of the main aftermarket or "original equipment equivalent (OEE)" auto glass manufacturers. Aftermarket glass is significantly cheaper than OEM or dealer glass. It's usually a different thickness than OEM glass, and most dealers will not accept aftermarket glass when you return a leased vehicle because the glass differs so much from the original design, and does not carry the same guarantees as OEM auto glass

OEM OEE Aftermarket

IMHO, Safelite wants to maintain their reputation, and they buy from legitimate manufacturers who make windshields to the same standards as OEM. If they weren't legit, the car makers wouldn't give them the rights to their windshield designs.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

All I know is the Safelite guy told me a new Safelite windshield would cost $700 installed. An official Mercedes windshield with a decal would cost $1300. According to him they were made exactly the same and came from the same factory.

If I got a new windshield installed I'd probably get the Safelite $700 windshield, and the $5 decal you guys suggested....from EBay. It will look and be as good as new!

Safelite replaced the windshield on my leSabre with the antenna and interior coating for the HUD. Couldn't see any difference between them. The windshield carried a marque of a different company that I'd not seen before. Probably the same supplier who made the windshields for GM originally. It's sensible to extrapolate the same occurs with other "special" cars and the replacements.

suydam

If you use a good glass shop they'll give you good advice. Once I passed by a man mowing the edge of his yard, and a stone chip was thrown right onto my passenger window. Completely shattered the window. Replaced with local glass shop recommendation. It was fine.