Stories from the Sales Frontlines

sterlingdog

"...but doesn't 'our gardener' sound a bit elitist?"

I certainly understand your view point and would like to explain the use of the term "gardener". Over the years of owning various homes, I always used the terms "lawn guy", "yard man", etc. When we purchased this large home, I was introduced to this wonderful older man who had cared for the lawn and garden for the last 25 years. He smiled and said, "I'm the gardener and I come with the house, if you would like my services." Your term "amateur landscaper" definitely would not apply to this gentleman. He knows all of the plants on the property by scientific name, how to care for them, and does beautiful landscaping. Since this home actually has a formal, beautiful Japanese garden with fountains and sitting areas, it seemed appropriate for me to call our guy a "gardener". His other customers also use that term, and he seems to prefer it. In our case, it's a throw back to the old South. Some terms die hard here, especially among the older gentry. Based on all that our wonderful guy does for us, I'll be happy to use any term that he so chooses.

I will have to say this. I don't go along with this politically correct crap. I call it what it is. I try not to offend people, but titles and preferences to disguise what something is has gone too far. My guy here is a "gardener" because he actually takes care of a garden. He likes his title. If he just cut the grass, then he would be a "yard man" or a "lawn care" guy.

I'll tell you one more thing. I worked two jobs (sometimes three) for over 40 years. I'm an old guy. I really don't give a "tinkers squat" what the Occupy Wall Street crowd thinks. Besides, they need to be looking for a job instead of occupying the street. Neither do I care what the 99%, 45%, or 20% think of how I live my life. Besides, I help to keep up part of the population---still paying plenty of taxes in my Golden Years.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not angry with you. I'm just sharing my thoughts since you asked. Have a great New Year.

Richard

sterlingdog

LOL! How I wish!

Richard

sterlingdog

Based on your recent track record, you better stay away from this one. :P No, "Floral Engineer" won't do. That would leave out the shrubs, trees, and grass.

Richard

sterlingdog

LOL! Mike, you are such a hoot---and SO right about that speech issue these days. Bwia would have fainted if I had used the term "house boy", "servant" or "maid". We do call the lady that cleans the house "housekeeper". Perhaps she should be "domestic engineer" or "hygiene specialist" or, to keep things car related, the "mop and glow expert". :P

Richard

[Deleted User]

No problem. I use the Battery Tender Junior, which is a little less sophisticated than the model you're looking at, but meets the needs of the WaveRunner battery.

fezo

I remember my mom used to talk about buying apples from this old lazy who was 90 if she was a day. My mom was going to get the apples herself and the old woman isisted she was going to let "the boy" take care of it. "The boy tuned out to be her brother and was maybe 85....

Back from the doctor with a cough suppressant and a Z-pack antibiotic. I feel a little better and don't have the fever anymore. I could still use some more sleep.

oldfarmer50

Fezo, was it you who sold your Toyota when the acceleration issue first surfaced? My old mind can't remember details any more.

Any way, as part of the $1 billion settlement with the government Toyota agreed to set aside $250 million for people who sold their Toyotas at a loss. If that's you it might pay to look into it.

Might be a nice little Christmas present.

oldfarmer50

"...Buying apples from this old lazy who was 90..."

If I make it to 90 I intend to be lazy too. :P

stickguy

That was Mako, and the Avalon his wife would no longer ride in.

Fezo will take anything if it is cheap enough.

fezo

Well, it does actually have to be a decent car - not just cheap... I have three Toyotas at the moment.

houdini1

OMG Richard, what a wonderful post. I could not have said it better myself. Actually, I couldn't have said it near as well. I think many of us from your generation feel the same way. I know I do.

I am still chuckling !

[Deleted User]

A 85-year-old boy. I love it. At 38 years old and managing a large department I still introduce myself as "Whipping Boy" at work. I like to wait until after people flaunt their titles and responsibilities.

cdnpinhead

I will have to say this. I don't go along with this politically correct crap.

Well Richard, we've had our moments, but I've got to say that I agree with you 100% on this, along with the rest of your post.

Have a happy new year in your new environs.

You'll have to let us know how the home show and all the other more pleasant holiday activities went when you get a chance.

abacomike

I certainly understand your view point and would like to explain the use of the term "gardener"

Richard, you sure didn't have to justify your use of "gardener" to me!

If you answer the question, "...and what does that nice man do for a living..." by responding "he takes care of our garden", then the response to "...then what is his job title?..." would appropriately be "GARDENER"!!!!!!!

abacomike

For almost a year now, we have been hearing about a "fiscal cliff" that we will fall over on January 1, 2014. This was as a result of the President and both houses of congress failing to agree on tax increases and spending cuts. Now, there is still no agreement on spending and taxes, after one full year of arguing and both sides calling each other names.

I am not a wealthy person, and the impending tax increases will amount to about $2500 a year for me, personally, at my income level. I do not mind paying that increase if it means the deficit will be eliminated and we can begin paying off some of that 17 trillion dollar accumulated deficit. Additionally, the government will be forced to cut spending significantly.

My take on this is positive. If something isn't done voluntarily, then the sequestration could be the best thing that could happen! There is a concern that the increased taxes and government cut-backs would cause our economy to go into serious recession - but if our debt and deficits begin to ebb, eventually creating a significant reduction in the size of government and the elimination of long term debt, that would strengthen our economy since we would be paying less debt interest.

There is no question that this will cause even higher unemployment, but only in the short term. If our society keeps kicking the proverbial can down the road, what does the future look like for our children and grandchildren. I believe that for the long term security and survival of our country, WE MUST TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS AND REVERSE THIS MESS NOW!

If we don't begin eliminating debt and deficits, our country will end up like Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome! We can 't keep spending more than we have and our increased taxes MUST go to reduce debt and deficits and CANNOT be used to spend even more. That is why we need both - higher taxes and reduced spending by government.

Just look at California, Illinois and many other states who are about to default on their bond interest and state obligations. Is our government so blind and stupid that they don't realize what is about to happen. The answer to that is YES!

bwia

I certainly understand your view point and would like to explain the use of the term "gardener".

Richard, my comments were written tongue in cheek and I was simply taking a jab at the one-percenters. Often, so many of us feel some degree of guilt and sometimes have to defend our lifestyle which we work so hard to attain. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading your response and your take on political correctness gone amuck.

sterlingdog

So glad that the fever is gone and that you saw the doctor. Do try to get more sleep. I realize that it is hard to do when you have a cough. It keeps waking you up during the night. During the three weeks of my cough, I took to the family room sofa at night. I propped up with a large pillow which helped me sleep and not cough as much. Hope you feel better soon.

Richard

driver100

I use the Battery Tender Junior, which is a little less sophisticated than the model you're looking at, but meets the needs of the WaveRunner battery.

I ordered a Battery Tender along with the cigarette lighter adapter and it should arrive next week.

Is there a particular brand of gas preservative that you would recommend, and where do you buy it?

roadburner

Assume, you meant the green one, not the Hello Kitty model.

My son's girlfriend is a Hello Kitty fan, so I bought her this shirt for Christmas:

fezo

Oh, nice shirt!

Well, two bits of not so good news. One is that the fever is back, but a good degree less than it had been. I think I have this thing on the run.

The other thing is back when I was living in Hope Lodge there was one other guy with what I had - myledydplastic syndrome. Now he was 6 years older than me and had lots of other issues (not like I don't but....). I just found out he died. I know I shouldn't but I take that one a little personally. That's now three that are gone. A lot more are still quite around.

driver100

Talking about cars, we went to see the movie Lincoln today. If you considered seeing this movie, and if you are in the mood for a movie that is educational and serious, then this movie is a masterpiece.

The acting was incredible, and Daniel Day Lewis seemed to be more like Lincoln than Lincoln. It is quite amazing to see some things never change, mainly the way politics work...with bribes and manipulating. You can almost see parallels between the fight to abolish slavery and the politicians fighting while the fiscal cliff is approaching. Lincoln seems kind of laid back, but he is brilliant in the way he gets what he wants.

The movie made me reflect on the power of a democratic nation.....what an amazing and powerful concept. People who live in a democracy are so very fortunate.

This movie is not Skyfall....it isn't just escapism (which is sometimes good too). If you had considered seeing it, and you are in the mood for a serious movie, chances are you will enjoy it.

driver100

One is that the fever is back,

Fever is a good thing, so just stay positive;

*It tells us when there is an infection, and the pattern of fever may give clues to the type of infection
*It slows us down so our bodies can focus on fighting the infection while we lie pathetically in bed
*Many infectious organisms don’t grow as well when the temperature is raised
*There is evidence that the immune system works better when a person has fever

I am 65 and I have heard about two contemporaries who have died in the last 2 weeks. It does happen when you reach this stage of life. I always think every year over 40 is a bonus.

Hope that fever works on the infection and you are feeling better really soon.

imidazol97

>I told him to do the fourth tree because I was going inside to have a LARGE cocktail.

You did fine. I would have tried to run a brown or green cord up along the trunk on the hidden side to the top like the earlier poster said. Wiring it the wrong way sounds like something I would do after a large cocktail... 'cause I rarely drink anything.

Got to do a good deed for Christmas. Visited friends in MI after Christmas. She had asked if I'd work on the dryer which wouldn't (work). Took my meters and tools along in the car, troubleshot the circuit diagram eliminating heater element, motor, and got to the cycle selector (timer) and found the problem. Checked online and found local parts places. Learned that a website for a national applicance parts online supply that I've used often to look up parts from home is headquartered about 8-10 minutes from their house in Canton, MI. Part for the Amana was in stock. Neighbor across street had said he'd pick it up if I needed a part while he was out doing errands. He got it on his way home as the snow storm on Wednesday in the Midwest was starting to hit. Whatta a run of good luck.

Dryer 12 months and 3 weeks old when it broke. Amana wouldn't do anything under warranty. For $80 it was fixed. Of course my service charge was $389 for the 215 miles and 30 minutes of time. :grin

I have never seen anything as cheaply made as the timer setup for the cycle selector switch. The cams that turn various circuits on and off for the cycles ride on three thin rings of plastic instead of on a solid core of plastic. One ring broke. With a little epoxy glue, I could have glued it back in place for a temporary fix. Or maybe duct tape would have worked!!!

But the product was built cheap, cheap, cheap. Anybody wanna guess where the part was made? Same for the replacement. I told her I'd glue the other one back and she could put it away for when the replacements breaks...

abacomike

Talking about cars, we went to see the movie Lincoln today. If you considered seeing this movie, and if you are in the mood for a movie that is educational and serious, then this movie is a masterpiece

I saw the movie "Lincoln" on Christmas Day. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the acting and the quality of Daniel Day Lewis's portrayal of the 16th President. Historically, it stays true to actual events.

I also saw "Skyfall" and it was probably the best of all the James Bond movies. Sean Connery couldn't have played James Bond as well as he played that part. I've noticed significant changes in the personality of James Bond in these last three entries including "Casino Royale"! He seems to be more ruthless and does not have the sense of humor the previous Bond portrayers gave to the part. Definitely worth the price of admission, as was Lincoln.

abacomike

Dryer 12 months and 3 weeks old when it broke. Amana wouldn't do anything under warranty. For $80 it was fixed. Of course my service charge was $389 for the 215 miles and 30 minutes of time. :grin

There was a time (15-20 years ago) when Amana was the best made, longest lasting and technically advanced appliances on the market. But since they were sold years ago and are no longer made with the same quality parts and by the same quality craftsmen. Same was true of Maytag. We've had great experiences with General Electric appliances. We've had or GE stove/oven, dishwasher and refrigerator/freezer for 20 years now with only minor repairs needed recently.

I've tried to get my Dad to buy new appliances, but he refuses. Even our washer/dryer combo is 20 years old and still works fine. That's saying something about quality and reliability. I can't wait to replace them because the newer models are much more energy efficient and would save quite a bit off our electric bills if we had more efficient appliances. We are all electric since natural gas is unavailable to us down here. Only propane.

[Deleted User]

STA-BIL is an established brand with a good reputation and very easy to find. Any parts store will have it. Mixing instructions are on the bottle and it has a built-in measuring chamber (just squeeze the bottle to fill the reservoir).

roadburner

Ian Fleming's Bond was a ruthless killer. prior to Daniel Craig, the closest to the literary Bond was Connery in Dr. No; check the scene beginning at 4:40 in this clip. Classic.

abacomike

Ian Fleming's Bond was a ruthless killer. prior to Daniel Craig, the closest to the literary Bond was Connery in Dr. No

I watched the whole series. Great link if you like Bond films. I've seen them all but the last three with Daniel Craig are stupendous. You see the true "dark" side of James Bond through his characterizations and portrayals in his starring role as Bond.

I must confess that I've never read any of the novels by Fleming because I prefer the action that movies can depict.

But this latest one, "Skyfall is superb.

Thanks again for the link. The first option is 7 minutes of 007 - scenes from all the Bond films - well worth the 7 minutes, that is for sure!

nyccarguy

Thanks for the link Roadburner. I'm definitely a big Daniel Craig (as James Bond) fan. He's definitely the best in the bond movies made during my lifetime. Although I liked Pierce too, but maybe my judgement of him is clouded because he drove BMWs. I've got to check out Sky Fall while its out in the theater.

sterlingdog

That lady is so lucky to have you as a friend. You always amaze me with the technical skill and knowledge that you possess. You won't believe what I have done with your advice in the past. Though I couldn't follow it myself, I would print it off, take it to a repair person and ask them to do what you said. I've had a few strange looks, but they did what I asked. You should write a DIY book on a variety of topics. BTW, I did the tree incorrectly BEFORE I had the large cocktail. As little as I drink, I would never have been able to get up the ladder if I had the cocktail first.

Richard

verdugo

That is why we need both - higher taxes and reduced spending by government.

Absolutely!!! Both sides will have to give in a little and reach a compromise. I hope they have the balls to ingnore their respective loony fringes.

sterlingdog

"Well Richard, we've had our moments, but..."

I know, but I've always had great respect for your views. Besides, I have a special place in my heart for those of Polish heritage. I think that I told you the story of my Polish student from many years ago.

Have a wonderful new year yourself.

Richard

sterlingdog

You and I usually see eye to eye on things. It's a good thing that you live across the country from me. We would make dangerous neighbors. :P

Richard

sterlingdog

"My take on this is positive."

Mike, I thought that I was a loner with this view. Good for you. You expressed my feelings exactly. I think that a fall from the cliff may be just what we need. We've got to halt this constant spending and work on the deficit. Entitlements are way out of control, and there is little incenitve to save or invest in our country. We must begin at some point; it needs to be now. If Congress would go home for a year or two, we might get something accomplished.

Richard

driver100

STA-BIL is an established brand with a good reputation and very easy to find

Thanks again, much appreciated....made notes to buy some just before we leave.

tjc78

I have come to the conclusion that pretty much any appliance you buy today is garbage. Nothing lasts like it used to and I think we all as consumers just have to suck it up.

My wife and I have a bet I know I am going to win. When we did the kitchen almost two years ago we moved the 25ish year old Kenmore fridge to the basement for beer duty. I told her that will be still running when the new Kenmore (LG made) gives up the ghost.

As it is, the ice maker has already been acting up, and it runs noisier than the old unit.

Driver: +1 on Stabil. Good stuff.

jmonroe

Dryer 12 months and 3 weeks old when it broke. Amana wouldn't do anything under warranty.

I told this tale before.

When we redid the kitchen in January 2010 we got a new Kenmore dishwasher to replace the still working GE. When that dishwasher was 15 months old it stopped working. I called Sears national service department and was told to go pound sand because it was out of warranty and I should have bought an extended warranty when it was offered to me (they saw on my record of sale that I refused to buy it) so they washed their hands of my problem. Just for fun I called the local Sears store and wanted to talk to the store manager to let him know how I felt about this but I was directed to the appliance department anyway. The salesman that answered told me to call back later in the day and talk to the manager of the appliance department. I figured that was going nowhere too but I called back just the same. The manager looks up my sales record and sees that we bought a complete kitchens worth of appliances from Sears and says, “ I want to keep a good customer like you happy. Come in and pick out any dishwasher you want and the full purchase price of the broken dishwasher will be applied to the new one.”

Sears also did an out of warranty repair on a range we bought many years ago when we bought our second house because the salesman wanted to keep me happy. So, when a store wants to do something they can or they can turn their back on their customer like Hyundai did when Mrs. j’s XG350 blew up.

But the product was built cheap, cheap, cheap.

Sounds like the timer that went bad twice on the dishwasher we had in SC when we lived there for 5 years. The first one was a warranty repair within the first year but the replacement for that one was on me until I complained to Maytag and got a refund of the price I paid for it. When I installed the one I bought I noticed the dash letter suffix on the timer model number was several letters higher than the one it replaced. We moved about a year and a half after that one was replaced so I don’t know if Maytag finally got it right or not.

FWIW, our local Sears store will be going out of business soon to make way for a Wal-Mart that bought the ground. Not happy about that at all. There is a rumor that Sears will rebuild elsewhere in town or maybe rent space in the local mall or build a new store in the mall complex area.

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

Glad you're here today - your email address doesn't work.
Could you send an email to us kirstie_h@edmunds.com and pr@edmunds.com? Our PR team is interested in hearing your Hyundai denied warranty story.

jmonroe

Glad you're here today - your email address doesn't work.

I’m at work right now so I’ll send the email from my home email when I get home later today.

How nasty is your PR team? I can give them all they want.

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

They're actually working with a reporter at a well-known publication. They'll be nice to you, but you can be as nasty to Hyundai as you like.

abacomike

. If Congress would go home for a year or two, we might get something accomplished

I think you are right about congress. The Senate does absolutely nothing, and I really mean that. They don't vote on budgets, bills, legislation - what do they do. Harry Reid refuses to being bills to the floor. I'll bet if we shut Congress down for two years, no one would even know they were shut down - except the rhetoric would end.

At least the House votes on bills and legislation, but it gets no where. Then the President threatens to veto anything and everything if it got to his desk for a signature.

Our government is helpless to even help itself, let alone help our country.

driver100

from Sears and says, “ I want to keep a good customer like you happy.

Unfortunately Sears nice attitude and customer relations is going to do them in. It was very honorable of them to replace the out of warranty dishwasher. Actually clever, because they would probably put pressure on the supplier to take it back, so for a little effort they kept a good customer.

Not too many retailers will do those kind of extras these days. Management just wants to have a good quarter so their jobs will still be there...profit goes down if you do too much for a customer these days.

driver100

? Our PR team is interested in hearing your Hyundai denied warranty story.

He said he didn't want to talk about it anymore! :sick:

Kirstie_H

Well, it's not like anyone is going to hold him down and perform water torture until he spills the beans.

oldfarmer50

"...he doesn't want to talk about it..."

This is jmonroe we're talking about, right? :confuse:

If I were Mr. Monroe I would e mail Kristie's post to Hyundai corporate and ask them if a new engine is worth his wrath.

sterlingdog

Believe me. He'll talk to these guys. Something may come of this. Besides, there's nothing like sweet revenge to ease the pain of a dastardly deed.

Richard

abacomike

Believe me. He'll talk to these guys. Something may come of this. Besides, there's nothing like sweet revenge to ease the pain of a dastardly deed

*jmonroe "vindictive"? Never! I can't believe the jmonroe we all know and love is a vindictive soul. Why there isn't a bad bone in that stalwart body of his. He is a kind, generous, knowledgable, sympathetic sort of guy who is there when anyone needs a helping hand. He doesn't have the nastiness in his soul needed to let that automobile manufacturer know what he really thinks of them.

C'mon people, this good and decent person just couldn't say anything bad about anyone or anything - and we all know that for a fact!

Now let me tell you about this bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you at a bargain basement price.

sterlingdog

Mike, what do you think of this plan?

1. Send Congress home for two years.
2. Send the president and cabinet to Chicago for two years.
3. Put the American Vets in charge of the Pentagon.
4. Close the Dept. of Education permanently.
5. Put the Salvation Army in charge of the Budget Dept. with their good budget skills.
6. Close the IRS permanently and replace it with a flat tax for ALL citizens.
7. Send our standing army to patrol the American-Mexican borders for illegals and drug dealers.
8. Shut down the Postal Office and give the business to Post Net, UPS, and Fed Ex.
9. Put Homeland Security on the planes, trains, and buses instead of the terminals.
10. Put prayer, basic political science, and budget keeping skills in all of our schools. Pull the pants up and bring the skirts down.
11. Raise the taxes on all imports and use the funds to cut the deficit. (Begin making our own products again....increased employment opportunities)
12. Drill for our own oil and tell the Arabs to get lost.

I suppose that they would call my list "The Dirty Dozen".

Richard

abacomike

I suppose that they would call my list "The Dirty Dozen"

Richard, I have tremendous respect for you, your judgment and your sense of humor. I know you must have put much thought into your "12 Step Program" you outlined in your post. Now if Congress and the President would put just half of the skills and thoughts you presented in your post, we wouldn't be in the mess we are now.

cdnpinhead

Now if Congress and the President would put just half of the skills and thoughts you presented in your post, we wouldn't be in the mess we are now.

True, but then the people who need to be paid off wouldn't get paid off.

Therefore this, or anything else that makes sense, will never happen.

Gotta love them Chicago politicians; and don't forget the unions and the socialists (yeah, I know,a distinction without much of a difference, but there is one).