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Totally agree with you. Like I mentioned in my other post, manufacturing jobs have been replaced by robotics and computer engineering jobs where one engineer can replicate his programming in 500 or more robots as opposed to having 500 aseembly line workers performing the same task.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I haven't been back to the home country since the late 90s. I would hope things have changed a bit since then. :surprise:
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Well done! Sounds just like Marlin.
My question is, why do people always pick on BMWs? :confuse:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You can be disappointed in me, but I have always paid for my breakfasts.
I met one team member at 7am at their hotel to talk over breakfast before the meetings started. I paid for my own breakfast.
Who else would you expect to pay for it? If it was a buffet style cheap little help yourself breakfast did you ask the manager of the hotel how much you should pay for your breakfast? You mean you didn't expense it to your company?
I doubt if the hotel would mind if 9 people were staying at the hotel management would care if you helped yourself to a small breakfast, it is just a promotional expense....but, it would be best to ask first.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You're welcome, Richard. For the set-up that allowed you to name drop a few places I've never heard of. With my limited ability to find anything more than a poorly lit vacancy sign along the road of life. Compared to your worldly ability to find the most prestigious residences on the map. I, a humble being with few shekels beyond that of an urchin, bow to your much grander choice of abodes. Again, trying for the humorous slant in a textual format.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
One more thought, how many of those 9 people took soap or shampoo from the hotel?
btw...can we move on from this topic. I think going in for the free breakfast is the equivalent of the people who go to a grocery store and take nuts, candies, or fruit from a bin, and eat it right there in the store. If I was a grocery store owner I would just shake my head and move on.
It has been mentioned that since I am in the book business would I condone someone stealing books. That is a little different. But, I would compare it to people who let their kids look and play with books and ruin them right there in the store...take out pages, take the merchandise attached to the book, or put the stickers into the book. What do I do, charge them? No, it is just part of the game, I chalk it up to promotional expenses.
So, is it wrong.....definitely. Is it worth all of this time and effort debating, no. I think my BIL is a nice guy, he wouldn't do anything seriously illegal, he just likes to play practical jokes.....not nice, maybe a bit humorous, but not a big deal in the scheme of things....especially when people can throw pizza at a nice BMW.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
This has always happened and this is another step. Industrial jobs changed to office and retail jobs. Now factory jobs are changing into programming jobs.
There used to be more sales jobs, such as people who would go to retail stores and write up orders to replace what sold. Today computers keep track of the inventory orders are sent electronically.
I wonder if we will become a jobless society? And, I wonder how it will work?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We made the cake last night, and just want to thank Richard for the recipe. It is a fantastic cake! My wife wasn't happy how she decorated it, but it was delicious none the less.
Because any post is better with pictures:
RE: Hotels
Just in the last few months I have stayed at hotels and used my room number to sign off on charges. It is quite common.
Like others I was a road warrior and have stayed in countless hotels. My favorite "budget" hotel has consistently been Holiday Inn Express. They have a nice breakfast, comfy beds, and most have been really clean. Marriott Courtyard is also an excellent choice, but no free breakfast and usually $30+ more than a HI Express.
I'm not stuck up or anything but I won't stay at a Motel 6, Econo Lodge and even many Best Westerns. The few I've stayed in were below my expectations. The company I work for doesn't want you staying in dumps. I'm frugal on expenses, but I'm not staying at a roach motel when others are staying in Marriott properties.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
2018 430i Gran Coupe
nyc....'grats to your ILs on the new Escape. While I was at the Chicago auto show, they had a couple of the new Escapes on display. I thought out of all the compact SUVs I saw (i.e. Rav4, CR-V, etc), I liked the Escape the best. Matter of fact, I remember thinking if someone didn't need room for 6 or 7 passengers, the Escape was better suited to a family than an Explorer, Tahoe or Durango is.
Richard, you asked if I had heard from the neighbor about the BMW. I had. I told him I had a deposit on the 3 already. He asked me about the final price. As much as I wanted to tell him, I didn't. As I told him, he wouldn't want me telling anyone what he paid for it if he had bought it.
That said, I told him that the new owner is looking at financing (whereas the neighbor said he was paying cash). He asked that I contact him if anything changed. I promised I would.
So, it's not really sold, yet. The deposit is refundable. The buyer called and asked for the VIN # last night. I asked him what the status was. He said he's going through his credit union for a loan.
I know dealers can get instant credit approvals. However, I don't know how fast or slow credit unions are in processing loans. Maybe the hold up is nothing. Or, maybe he's shopping around. Or, maybe he's shopping around for a loan. Or, maybe his credit union is slow. Who knows?
We got a little winter weather here last night. So, I told him I was driving the BMW to a meeting today in Downtown Cincinnati.
I suspect this is either a "Go" or a "No Go" tomorrow at the latest. We'll see!
So your bil copped a free breakfast. Big deal. I agree, move on.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The most promising catalysts to me is people who left in mid 2000's for jobs in the UK, Norway, Ireland and other countries that allowed employment of newly integrated European Union countries. Many of them have returned or will return home, as they never wanted to leave permanently. However, they tasted what actually a decent government and civic society really mean and they are likely to demand changes and project the example. Not without pain and resistance, of course.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I like the Holiday Inn Expresses, too.
However, if you must do business in a large downtown area (say Chicago, since I'm familiar with their downtown), it's sometimes worthwhile to stay downtown with higher room rates, than to stay in the 'burbs, rent a car, drive into downtown and park...even for a couple of hours. I've paid as much as $100 to park for a few hours in a city (NYC is where I paid that much).
While there are some hotels that offer free wifi (where I camp in my room at night and do emails), it's usually spotty since they try to serve an entire hotel with one, maybe two wifi routers.
I use a portable "hot spot" that I take with me. For reasons I can't explain, the more expensive the hotel, the more likely they'll charge you for wifi. Usually between $10-$20/24 hour period.
My hotspot costs $40/mo. It goes where I go.
Most of the food at the "free" breakfast hotels aren't really appealing to me. I'm far from being a hotel snob, or even a food snob. But, I'd rather get up a little earlier, go to a place that serves fresh fruit, maybe some wheat toast, and I'm good to go. I don't mind spending $10 for a good, and many times, healthier breakfast. I just feel better during the day if I stick with the fruit and toast routine.
My one breakfast "vice".....STARBUCKS....venti latte, no foam. :P
Speaking of coffee, I have a Keurig. The one I had previously (K cup) was about started spitting coffee, not in the cup, but on the counter. I cleaned it a few times....still, no luck. And, it's true, the K cups don't make very much coffee. But, they do make a very good cup of coffee.
Went to Bed Bath Beyond to buy some kitchen "stuff" (which mysteriously disappeared when the GF moved out) over the weekend. I'm looking around the store and see the "newer" Keurig machines. They're always helpful there. One of the kind employees approach me to ask if I have any questions. I tell her I bought a Keurig machine from BBB about 5-6 years ago and it started giving my problems, so I'm looking at another one. She asked me where I bought it. I told her it came from her store.
She said to bring it back and get a new one. Huh? It's well past the warranty period. She said they have a total satisfaction guarantee on everything they sell (even stuff out of warranty). So, I gathered up the "20% off coupon" they seem to send me every month, gather up the Keurig, give it to them, pick out a new one, and am out of there for about $20 out of my pocket.
The new ones have bigger cups to brew with. They can fill my travel mug. And, the coffee is the best I can make at home. Are they more expensive? Yep. But, I don't skimp on anything I eat or drink.
Bed Bath and Beyond....they get my business like Costco does....superlative customer satisfaction focus.
Yes! I've never understood it either. You pay $199+/night at the Marriott and then a $10 charge for Wifi, across the street a HIE or Courtyard is $149 with free wifi.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
People take pens and paperclips from work all the time. They may only use one or two soaps in a hotel room but they sometimes take the extras. They justify it by saying they paid for the room.
I have heard of a guy who used to take the extra rolls of toilet paper and Kleenex home with him. Once again, it is wrong....I am not saying it is right.
But, it is just one of those things, not a big deal.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
When I stay at the Hyatt at the McCormick Center it's for a trade show being held at the center.
Nothing like leaving the show floor at 5 PM and heading up to my room to get ready for dinner in a leisure manner instead of waiting in line for 30 minutes to catch a cab to the cheaper hotel a few miles away.
I second a suggestion that we move on. Seems It seems that somehow the breakfast issue struck a few sensitivities, mine included - for whatever reason. However, by now the subject has been exhausted, seems to me.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
GG, Maybe you can explain it in a way I'll understand.
I have a HAM radio buddy that uses his cell phone to bring wifi to his computer. He says it's only a small amount over his normal cell phone bill to do this. Something about 4G required.
I'm currently paying directv about $72/mo for satellite internet and $80/mo to Verizon for 2 (basic) cell phones. You mention $40/mo for a hotspot. Is that 24 hrs/day availibility and is it thru your smart/I phone? Stumped here. :confuse:
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Most of the newer Android phones and Iphones are capable of broadcasting the 3G/4G signal in the form of WiFi (just like a household router can do). A few simple settings such as network name and password and you are good to go.
I pay Verizon around $175/month for two smartphones with unlimited data (probably extinct now) and all the other bells and whistles.
You don't need 4G service for the hotspot to work, it will just be slower. It can be used anytime your phone is on. It does drain the battery really quickly so be near a power source.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
You can use a smart phone as a hotspot as well as many other small devices that use cellular signal to allow for data use. There is a cost involved - ATT is $20 for 4 GB if used with your smart phone.
I only countered back because you mentioned "fancy" (your word) places where you had stayed and not signed bills with your room number. I was pointing out a few where I had stayed and did sign bills with my room number. I simply didn't understand why you placed me in the Casablanca era as a time that people signed their bills with room numbers. Please understand that this is an act that still takes place today in some hotels.
As for not hearing of the places that I mentioned, I find that a bit odd. As well traveled as you have been around the world, I'm sure that you have heard of The Plaza in New York and The Fairmont in San Francisco. Still, I'll take your word for it.
"I, a humble being with few shekels beyond that of an urchin, bow to your much grander choice of abodes."
Come on now. You're not being fair. You're painting me as a snob. Everyone here knows that I was a teacher and a school administrator. We all know that those salaries are not large. I also worked two extra jobs for years. Please don't confuse my taste for the finer things in life with my bank account. It has only been in recent years that we acquired money and property through inheritance.
As for a "grander choice of abodes", I only stayed in those "fancy" hotels on special occasions. We usually stay in moderate or mid-range motels. I will say that I'm not staying at a Motel 6, but newer Best Westerns and Super 8's are not bad.
"Again, trying for the humorous slant in a textual format."
As the saying goes...."Beneath the cloak of humor I declare."
Though I don't perceive it to be humor, I'll honor your word. My previous post was sheer sarcasm and, for that, I apologize.
Richard
Richard
I feel like I know most of you guys. Love the sales and Car stories.
Must admit though, I do "check out" when you guys get off on a tangent.
Richard
Richard
We will, thanks again. I emailed your response to my wife.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
It seems you're paying a boatload just for internet access, however. That said, I've never priced satellite internet service. I've heard it's pretty slow, though.
There are a couple of ways you can go if you so choose. I use AT&T for my cell service. I cancelled my landline about a year ago and don't miss it one bit. So, that's a cost I no longer have.
I've been with AT&T for cell service since they were Cingular. As such, I was grandfathered into their unlimited plans for phone, messaging and data. If I were to add my iPhone as a hot spot (essentially, making it a traveling wifi modem), then my unlimited plan goes away. I don't want that.
So, I think my cell bill, with everything is about $80/mo. There's another company called Clear (www.clear.com) I use for internet service when I travel (email, etc). For $50/mo you get unlimited internet at 4G speeds (probably much faster than your satellite internet service). And, if you buy one of their traveling wifi modems for $50 (one time charge), you can take your internet with you.
I use their $36 plan because I only use their wifi hot spot when I travel. $50 gives you unlimited everything for internet use, wherever you are.
I think my AT&T bill is about $80/mo. Add in the $36 for a hot spot, and I'm covered for phone service, email, internet, video/music streaming (wherever I'm at, wherever I go).
Hope I didn't confuse you. Ask questions, as it sounds like there are several of us here that are doing the same thing.
Richard
daily intake for a normal person.
I know you directed this to Richard, but aren’t you being just a little bit presumptuous in thinking he is normal. I know he’s just a poster buddy but I thought you knew him better than that. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
But the tangents are the most interesting part of the posts. I do love the car stories about purchases and sales, but I do so few of those myself... not having enough shekels.
Tell me, though, isn't it from the posts about juicers, cooking, dieting, caring for others, usw., that have allowed you to see the others here as people that you "know"? I hope that the tangential posts have added rather than detracted from the virtual image of the folks here.
This is the best discussion on Edmunds.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Over in another forum, there was a claim that economy is improving and banks are hurrying to find places to loan their money. I think it's still the opposite and they are being careful.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
While entertaining and informative, sometimes i just cannot relate. That is when I "check out" until the tide turns to something that I can relate.
Doesn't detract from the overall feeling of "family" on here. And I'm proud to be a semi silent part of it!
I agree completely with your rationale. When I go to LaQuinta to visit my grandchildren, I could stay at a hotel in Indio ($100.00 a night less) rather than staying at a hotel on LaQuinta or Indian Wells, but I would rather pay $250.00 a night and be only 1 or 2 miles from their house rather than drive 8-10 miles to the cheaper hotels. I don't stay at their house because I am allergic to cats (they have 3 + 2 dogs). This way, When I drive back to my hotel late at night, it's a convenient 5 minute trip instead of 20 minutes.
Also, I have breakfast every morning at the hotel before going over to see the kids, and the hotels in LaQuinta or Indian Wells have great food (my daughter-in-law has never mastered the art of cooking so we also have dinner out on me, of course, rather than eating in). My daughter-in-law always insists that she cook dinner and of course to avoid that from happening I always tell her that she needs a break from the kitchen and I want to give her that break.
We usually eat at my favorite Mexican place, Las Consuelas, my favorite steak place, LJ's, and my favorite Italian place, which the all love. I even take them for dinner at my hotel one night. My son always thanks me profusely for giving him a respite of 4-5 days from his wife's cooking. So as you can see, I'm not the only one who recognizes her lack of prowess in the culinary arts. Even my grandchildren have thanked me. I wonder if that's the real reason they look forward to my annual visits.
But I pay a premium for a hotel room just for the convenience of location which, IMHO, is worth the extra bucks! The only reason I rent a car is because it gives me the freedom go spend some special times with each grandson by themselves rather than putting the burden for transportation on my son or DIL.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yes they are but they don’t know everything.
I touched on this a while back when we were on the Walmart discussion once before. BTW, I almost feel responsible for this discussion because I brought up the Walmart thing when I mentioned that Mrs. j thought they would be good competition for the local grocery chain that she thinks is a thief. OK, enough of that let me get on with it.
Son #1 works for a company that does business with Walmart. Don’t get me wrong, they are thrilled that they have Walmart as a customer but they are not led around by nose by them. Before my Son worked for them they got Walmart as a customer because they have a very good reputation in doing warehouse control. Their system is doing inventory control and truck deliveries to Walmarts various stores from their many distribution centers. When they were first contacted by Walmart his company sent a few of their top dogs (VP and marketing execs. etc) to meet with several higher level Walmart VP’s and their crew. Walmart stated how they wanted the warehouse run and asked if his company could do that. They said, “sure, but why do you want us to do it like that? We think we have a more efficient way of doing it”. Of course they got disgusted looks from the almighty Walmart people at first but when they heard an overview of the plan, the Walmart crew had very curious looks on their faces as if to say ‘maybe we don’t know everything’. Then they said, “this is a good time for a break. Lets meet back here in 20 minutes”. When they left the conference room the Walmart crew didn’t go to the boy’s room. They huddled up in another conference room. When they returned they said, “OK, show us the details of what you have” and they bought his companies plan. Sure they tweeked their plan a little but the major part of it was in place when they got to the meeting.
Sometimes you run into a sharp knife that might just have a better way to do something and the smart people recognize it and don’t want to mess with it.
Like I said, they don’t want to lose Walmart as a customer but it wouldn’t cause their company to collapse.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
When it arrives at the dealership, he'll give me a call to come up and "try it on for size!" Depending on the out the door cost to me, I will make my decision then. The mbusa.com site is supposed to list in detail the options and prices on March 25th along with a ton of updated pictures of the car. To be quite frank, I really like the car I have now. Too bad they discontinued the natural beige leather (saddle color) because I love that interior.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Presenting a better way to do it probably got them in the door. Itf all the companies just did it the way Walmart wanted to do it Walmart would have had the lowest bidder do it...and then fine their shorts off if they didn't do it to their specifications.
The best way to sell to Big Wally is to have an exclusive product that they really need....especially before they can knock it off and sell it for a lot less.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I don't normally bet, but I will bet $5 that you are going to be purchasing a 2014 Merc.
You are just too excited about this car not to want it. I can sense that the MB hormones are pumping thru your body.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My company was famous for that (well, to us internal know it alls). We were supposed to be the experts on how to run things, but the sales types always seemed to focus on replicating everything they currently had, not showing them better ways.
so in stead of having streamlined, consistent processes across clients, we ended up with customized messes that were impossible to support. And less satisfied customers than if we had just told them they needed to change something, and why!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You are just too excited about this car not to want it. I can sense that the MB hormones are pumping thru your body.
Well, I'm always ready to buy a new car, especially a Mercedes Benz, and from seeing pictures of the restyled Sport Sedan, I must admit it caused certain hormones in my body to be released. I really like the new front end and the new rear bumper as well as the rounded styling of the rear quarter panels. Changes in the seats (extra padding) and the new instrument cluster and larger NAV screen were needed. They finally added power retracting side view mirrors as well. The new headlights are 100% LED's and the trunk opens automatically by merely sticking your foot under the rear bumper (key needs to be in your pocket). Nice feature if your hands are full with packages or luggage.
As I mentioned before, this was more than a refresh for the Sport Sedan. The Luxury Sedan will keep the same grille and Star logo. The model restyle is now moved back to 2016. It still depends on the out the door cash difference between the new car less my trade. Much also depends on USAA pricing and incentives for loyalty. If there is a new car story to be posted, it won't be until after May 1st.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My uncle did that about 7 or 8 years ago. He works in the UK and comes back home every few months. He seems to enjoy it and since my cousins (his kids) are both adults and out of the house it makes things easier on their family for him to be away. I think I'm going to go visit the home country next year with my wife and son. Everyone I grew up with all have kids as well so it should be fun.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Sales types don't understand the workings of a company....they are a different breed. But, they are necessary, few companies can survive without a good salesmen. They can make or break a company. Treat them with respect. They aren't accountants, they aren't management, they don't know how things work....but, they keep orders coming in so people others will have their jobs.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
DIL #1 shops at a Walmart on a regular basis nowadays. When they moved into their hood in the early 90’s they were just about to build a grocery store not too far from them that is the one Mrs. j thinks has high prices. This chain all but owns this area. About 5 years later a Walmart was built farther away and she got to talking with the neighbor women and they said they now go to Walmart because the prices are better and she ought to get her nose out of the air and try it. She did and that’s why she goes there quite a bit now. Believe me, this is not a low entry neighborhood and it’s almost fashionable for the young moms to shop there because they are raising families and appreciate the lower prices. Yes, they all go to the closer big chain when they run out of things but they try to stay away from it as much as possible.
When we are out that way, usually at a restaurant, and we need something we go there before heading home. Mrs. j says the store is as clean as any of the other grocery stores she has shopped at and she says their prices are a good bit lower overall which is why she thinks when Walmart builds closer to us the competition will be good for the shoppers. Yes, there are some of the typical looking shoppers there that we have all seen and talked about but there are many more just like us. FWIW, the parking lot has its share of some nice cars too.
Like the old car salesmen here have said, “don’t pre-qualify the buyer ”
BTW, you must be the badest dude in this place having the you know whats to wear an OSU cap in MI country. :surprise:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
As opposed as to just helping myself to breakfast.
As to your second question, I didn't expense it b/c we got free lunch during the week, so I was ok with paying out of pocket.
"OSU" = The Ohio State University, arch rival of University of Michigan.
Only about 15 miles away from Ann Arbor, at that!!! Lucky I wasn't shot.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Ah, those were the days. My outfit would have us in pup tents and hitch-hiking if they thought they could get away with it.
"Back in the day" I remember getting put up in a wonderful hotel in downtown Ottawa for something like $180/night, and this was in the early '80s.
Oh well. . .
In other words, you ignore the majority of what goes on here. It's definitely an acquired taste.
As opposed as to just helping myself to breakfast.
It's funny about judging people. When we were staying in Florida City we went to an Everglades Conservation Park. When we drove in a sign said to protect your car because the buzzards could damage the cars. They do provide tarps but you have to fasten them to your car.
Some people left their Jeep Commander uncovered and there was about 15 buzzards on the roof and hood. The buzzards can do a lot of damage, they eat any rubber they can find and they scratch the paint. My BIL went over and chased the birds away and then he went and told the people they should cover their car.
Tonight we went for dinner and we used a 20% off coupon I had. We used mine so he gave his to the people at the table across from us. Maybe that is unethical in some people's books....are you only supposed to use coupons you have cut out?. He is a nice guy that people like, and he is a good person.
I would trust him as much as I would trust anyone, but, sometimes his pranks may go over the line slightly, but, they are done for fun, not to purposely rip anyone off.
I promise....that will be my last post on this topic....unless I think of something really important or have to reply.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know I went way back but one thought occured to me. How many car stories can 12 people tell?
We have to fill this space the rest of the time, when we aren't buying cars, with something to keep us bonding.
This is the glue that keeps us together between car sales stories.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250