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Then came the battle with the torqued-too-tight lug nuts. The old muscles ain't what they use to be but I cursed them off in the end. Those space saver spares are such a joke and after I got it on I didn't trust such a little bicycle wheel so I rustled through the barn and found a tire that matched his from the old GMC van. Pretty worn but better than the OEM spare.
So I had that mounted and he's back on the road. I am in need of pain medication.
I hate getting old.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Welcome to the new tax collection system. The cowards in government don't have the courage to raise tax rates so the make the police into revenue enhancers.
The fact that they just want the cash is evident in the zero point deal.
That system is such a regressive tax system that it makes my blood boil. While $299 might be a pain for you it could very well devastate some poor guy driving his hooptie to his minimum wage job at McDonald's. If he can't pay, there goes his license and his job unless he wants to drive illegally.
There is such protest about the "99%" getting shafted that it angers me to think our traffic enforcement system is so unfair. :mad:
OK rant over. I guess being away for a while left me with some pent up frustration.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Not exactly:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I don't buy it. The guy driving his hooptie should just drive the speed limit. For the record, I think everybody else should too, not just the person who can afford the fine.
A better system would be to fine somebody x% of their salary/assests (Formula to be determined later.)
Oh, I agree with that 100%. But people make mistakes and it seems unfair that the fine for mistakes is a burden to one and not another.
I like that idea of a fine as a % of income but I believe that violates the equal protection clause of some dusty old document somewhere. Maybe roadburner (the judge) could enlighten us.
IIRC, the point system was designed to equalize the impact but communities decided they wanted the cash and now trade the points for a quick guilty plea.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
tcj - not only are our car insurance rates lower than NY & NJ, but so are property taxes.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Good investigative and IT skills. Much appreciated, I have a friend who wanted to know more details...I'll pass that on.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Where did you go on your vacation? Largo? Seems you have been in the sun too long. If you carry through on this arguement then people who can afford it should pay more for similar things, the same car, the same food, the same house, the same plane ride etc. There won't be an incentive for any one to make more money, you will always pay according to your ability to pay.
btw, while we are talking about the top 1%, and I am not in the top 1%;
Top 1% Pay More Income Tax Than Bottom 90%
And, according to 2006 tax figures,
The top 1% of taxpayers pay about 40% of all income taxes, the top 10% pay 71%, and the top 50% pay 97% of all taxes. The bottom 50% pays less than 3% of all income taxes paid.
In chart form, it looks like this:
The guy in the hooptie on his way to his job at MacDonalds probably pays almost no taxes, yet likes to use the facilities and services the people who do pay taxes have provided for him.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ha ha maybe you should go back and read my entire post. I was talking about how I thought it was unfair that communities were just looking for a fast money grab and how that might be unfair to the less well off. I have nothing against rich people, in fact, I hope to be one someday (richard64 are you listening?).
Another poster suggested fines as a portion of income but I believe that would be unconstitutional here in the US no matter how much it might satisfy the class-envy crowd.
You use the "pay no taxes" argument and that's true as far as it goes but poor people do pay taxes in the form of sales taxes and fees which are regressive taxes (kind of like traffic fines). When you consider my property taxes I pay about 40% of my income to the government on an annual income that wouldn't cover the cost of a base 3 series.
No one hates paying taxes more than I do and I was just trying to point out how regressive traffic taxes can be when government uses that form of collection rather than take the heat for raising income taxes.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Fair enough. At least you can avoid paying the speeding fine type of tax, just by driving within the speed limits. I look at a speeding ticket as a bit of a tax grab, but, I am sure there are lots of times I don't get caught so it all balances out.
Less than 15 years ago, before the business did well, we owned a farm too. We didn't pay any taxes for a few years as our combined income was too low. We had to rent out about 40 acres to a farmer, for a few $100s, so we could get an exemption....otherwise our property taxes would be through the roof.
I am sympathetic to people who work hard but struggle financially....I was there! On one stretch of I-75, it was just South of one town, it could be Macon, there are about 6 lanes going South, the speed limit is an unbelievably low 50, there were about 10 police cars lined up along the side of the road giving out tickets. It was a complete 100% money trap. I thought about a lot of the people getting tickets in old beat up cars and how $100 could really hurt their budget. I was saved because I was behind a car that was going pretty slow. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
No, you won't have to go back. Go on a web search for an attorney who specializes in speeding tickets in the town nearest to where you got the ticket. He/She will represent you in court, get the ticket reduced to either a lower speed or a smaller infraction such as "improper equipment". For $300 to $400, you'll save your license, any points, and no increase in your car insurance. Take it from one who knows; I've followed this procedure more times than I care to admit. I'll give you the same advice that you gave me two years ago: Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
Richard
This just doesn't sound like you. Why didn't your son clean out his own nasty trunk and change his own tire? If he's old enough to have a license, his father has more important things to do.
Richard
That was excellent advice I gave you and I wish I had followed it. I was going faster than I should have, mainly because of the two trucks I wanted to get away from.
Also, and I didn't get into this with the trooper, but we left Florida 2 days early because of an urgent family matter. Another factor was we wanted to come back before a big snow storm materialized...it was to be the biggest storm of the winter hitting Windsor and Southern Ontario...the exact route we were to take. I didn't tell the trooper all this or for sure he wouldn't have believed me.
I will try on Monday to see if they have the information from the officer yet...maybe something happened to him (ha ha - not with my luck).
If not, we go back to Florida on Friday and I will have a few days to try to call. If I don't find out the amount or if it is a big one, I will do exactly what you suggested (sometimes it's good to have experience in certain matters), and try to get a lawyer in Memphis to look after it.
If I don't appear or pay I can get up to 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2500. First step will be to try to figure out how much to mail them, but I might need a lawyer to even find out that much the way things are going.
Thanks for the idea though....it might be necessary to get a lawyer for this thing, and I didn't even consider that...it is a great idea.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I still don't understand exactly what happened, but a year ago (1.5 now) my son got a ticket up at college. Ended up going showing up to "negotiate" with the DA, and agreed to knock it down (2 pts, but cold do the defensive driving course online to have them offset). So, took the deal, and paid a modest fine + costs.
about a year later almost, he gets a check in the mail indicating it was some kind of refund. From the cryptic memo with the check, and I think calling the courthouse, it seems that the right paperwork/ticket never got filed, so they tossed the whole thing out after the fact, and ended up refunding almost the entire amount he paid. I never actually checked with the NY DMV (and sure as heck never asked my insurance co.), but I don't think it ever even got into the system. And once they tossed it, IMO it never happened!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That surprised me too. When we got the Legacy the salesman was very good about knowing the car was for Mrs. j. As soon as we got to the dealership the salesman came out to greet us. He introduced himself to all of us (me, Mrs. j and Son #1) and he quickly turned to Mrs. j and said, “I understand that this is going to be your car and that this good looking guy
The salesman today are so much better than what they were years ago but I know there are still some old school guys out there but to hit on 5 of them like Becky Quick did is bad luck. She must have a magnet for these types.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The short answer is that he has an idiot for a father.
Actually he was gone all day. He got a part as an extra in a movie starring that big guy from The Green Mile. I think the name of the movie is The Challenger. The were filming nearby.
I had some time to kill and I just can't resist the urge to "rescue" my kids.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
They have to catch you first.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf-OHcivvos
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Just back from an early party for my brothers (there are twins 15 months after me) turning 60. Great old time and we stayed over and three out of my four brothers got together for basic chat and try to figure as much out as possible for my upcoming transplant. I go in the hospital a week from today.
I like the way the police cars are set up like bowling pins. Just drive between them and you can get through. I could probably get through the spike belt with my run flat tires.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's basically what the trooper told me. If he charged me with careless driving, which it seems he could have, then I would have had to show up in court. If I sign I am guilty and mail in the money (I don't know the amount yet) then hopefully that will do it.
This is Tennessee, but, sounds like the same deal.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Did you feel liberated? You don't have to worry about being caught if you drive within the limits. Did you find it less stressful? Now you can just enjoy driving your car.
I find it so rewarding too. There were places I would drive over the limit before, now when I see an officer I go by thinking I won, he didn't catch me. Not to mention the savings....I'd rather go out for a nice dinner than pay a fine.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The amount for going 96 in a 70 zone is $198.95. I can pay by certified cheque, or money order, or when I asked she said I could pay electronically but there is a 4% charge for doing that.
My ticket won't be posted until this afternoon, so I think I should just pay it. It actually sounds like a bargain.
Like I say, it is my first ticket in 18 years so ammatorized using the Driver Method of payments, it's about $12 a year. Better than 29 days in prison....wasn't looking forward to that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I agree completely. Cheques are Canadian spelling, and I use the word automatically because sometimes you have to think when you see checks - it can have several meanings.
It will probably cost almost as much for a courier or stamps, and if I pay online I will have a receipt and know it is done.
Also, every one in the bank won't know I got a speeding ticket in Tennessee!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Give them the VISA numbers and go about your business.
You got off cheap. VA would have been reckless driving (20 over).
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
anyway, i think we settled on our spring break trip. Seriously considered flying into Charleston, but decided to make it a driving trip instead. Plan is to drive to williamsburg VA for a couple of days (Busch gardens, and some historical sightseeing, maybe Jamestown). Then drive down to Nags Head to spend a few days and do some activities down that way.
Then drive home from Nags to NJ via the bridge/tunnel and up the DelMarVa.
even with gas prices up, and taking the van (so not fantastic MPG), we will still save a bundle over 3 plan tickets, a rental car, airport parking, etc.
My wife did get pretty interested in C'ton and Savanna, so I think we will do that ourselves down the road without any kids. Seems like a better "adult" trip.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So, should we buy a new car for the trip?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Of COURSE they are! By now we are used to seeing antidisestablishmentarianism and being told that's how Canadians spell egg.
Here's a nice going into the hospital present you could get me..... See? Not even greedy and asking for a car....
That's a good plan you've got. You'll enjoy it. To spend a little extra money and lengthen the total time but have a much nicer trip take the Cape May Ferry down to Delaware and proceed down to the Bridge Tunnel. You'll love it.
Off to Sloan Kettering Maybe catch up on the iPod....
Maybe the guys can get together and get you one!
Yes, you're not greedy at all...it could have been worse. A car, like you said or the original Les Paul guitar.
Talking about cars, my friend is supposed to give me a ride in his new Maserati today.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Could have been reckless driving in Tennessee too! I think by not arguing it saved me from that fate.
I will pay as soon as it is posted and if I can figure out how to pay online.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
how to pay traffic fines online
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Thanks mako. I will try that later this afternoon...she said my ticket won't be posted until later today.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It was done. I had trouble because it wouldn't accept my Canadian address or postal code. In fact when you do the pull down window it only lists the U.S. states.
Fortunately, we now have a Florida address we could use. Hopefully the address on the ticket doesn't have to match your real address, the invoice number is on there.
If I am put in prison for 29 days because my payment didn't get through maybe my Edmunds membership will pay to get me out on bail.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
No.. but, we may come see you on visiting day!
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Nope but it will get you one of these:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
RFLOL ..........and, don't forget to bring me one of those T-shirts I hear about.
Also, if you hear of a reporter who wants to interview someone in prison for a speeding ticket I'll be glad to talk to him.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What! It will get me a muffin?
btw I have an ongoing argument with a friend over which is the proper way to slice a muffin in half. We have asked many waitresses for their expert opinion. He says, it should be cut the way it has been sliced in the picture you posted, with a top and the less desireable bottom.
I think it should be sliced down the middle so both halves are equal. Then, both halves can be taosted equally, or if eaten they both have the more desireable top part and bottom part equally distributed.
Slicing it this way is also more fair, if you are sharing it with someone. In that case both halves are completely equal.
I think that if you are bringing me a file, you'll have to hide it in something larger, like maybe a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Stumps
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I actually did see that episode of Seinfeld and loved it. I forgot all about it.
I guess I was taught you should eat up all your food or it would be sent to some country where people are starving, so that is why I think the muffin should be treated equally...if you want the good part you should also have the stump. If you only eat the top and leave the rest you are a spoiled brat.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks tjc....that brought back memories, I did see that Seinfeld show, and remember it clearly. It is amazing how they can focus on one simple thing in life that we all have experienced, and make it into a 30 minute show. The muffin one is a classic, but my favorite is the soup [non-permissible content removed].
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What? Thats an outrage. This is "Stories from the Sales Frontlines" for Petes sake, everyones favorite needs to be Kramer seeing how far he could go on 'E'.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Well, the Thursday and Saturday visits are canceled. Turns out that particular regimen was for a clinical trial that it turns out if full so I'm not doing that. Friday I'm still on to have that catheter put in my chest. Unlike my port, this one will hang out rather than be buried under the skin. Fortunately before they discharge me they will take it out.
Today the doctor says be prepared for a rough patch (as opposed to a normal bone marrow transplant) because I have all these other issues that are unusual. My theory is I'm still going to ace it. An interesting part is that a couple of my old issues will go away with the transplant. I have thalassemia - an anemia that folks with Mediterranean ancestry often get. That will go away because the donor doesn't have it. My autoimmune issues - inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia should also go away. That part is way cool.
There's still time on that guitar! I tell you it would be perfect. I'll be happy to tell you where to ship it.....
Had teh top down for part of the trip today and tomorrow I'm going to take the afternoon and head over with the top down again and go look at the ocean for a bit and probably go check out the local lighthouse.
What about the increase in your insurance and/or points on your license over a period of three or four years? That insurance can really add up during those years. Also, better make sure that you won't lose your license for 90 days to six months. In most states, you lose your license when you admit guilt for exceeding 15 mph over the posted speed. There are questions here that you need to get answered before you jump off and pay the fine.
It just dawned on me. I bet there is no reciprocity between the U.S. and Canada regarding speeding tickets. Perhaps yours won't be reported to your home province. In that case, just pay the ticket and forget it. From now on, you can just enjoy speeding on our highways and only paying $200 when you get caught. Nice work if you can get it.
Richard
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I was going to bring that up too, I seriously doubt it.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic