To get involved in Syria's civil war or not - because of suspected use of Chemical Weapons?
My opinion is to leave it up to the United Nations to determine. Also, it must be debated in Congress before we commit any more of our young men and women to yet another military conflict.
Yeah, that's one of the few topics we ask that members avoid in here - we're pretty lenient about the conversation in this discussion, but political or religious discussions never go well (anywhere), and are best avoided here. Thanks.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Buddy Holly originally called the song Cindy Lou. The title was later changed to "Peggy Sue" in reference to Crickets drummer Jerry Allison's girlfriend (and future wife), Peggy Sue Gerron, with whom he had recently had a temporary breakup.
Allison thought he could get back with his girlfriend if they made the song her name.
Yes, I should have known Maria Elena Santiago, in the play they met for the first time and Buddy knew he was going to marry her.
When I listen to either a CD or my memory stick in the Mustang and get out to eat, shop whatever, and get back in the car the radio switches back to FM. Is there a way to make the default remain what it was before I got out of the car?
Also, I've heard others talk about a built in hard drive. How do you know if you have one and how do you use it? I like the latest tech but hate reading tomes of info when a 3 X 5 card should be all you need.
Also, I've heard others talk about a built in hard drive.
Good question. I think I found out by accident, someone mentioned the car had it and then I had to look it up. I have about 50 songs I got from CDs and from the USB stick, and those favorits are on the hard drive. They can be played in order or you can choose the song you want, or you can select random.
I think you will have to check the guide around the audio section to see if you have hard drive capability.
I guess your Mustang reverts to FM when it is turned on each time. The 535 continues with whatever mode it was left in. If I switch out of HD or USB, it will pick up where I left it when I come back.
Hope you have a hard drive....it is really a great feature.
The song title is Maria Elena, which I thought would give it away and it's by a band called the Smithereens. Although the band name makes them sound like a punk band their music was actually fairly mellow, but not mainstream; more alternative or what used to be called "college rock". Not sure if the band is still recording.
By the way explorer have you seen the new bacon covered Fords? The ones I saw were Fiestas. It's some kind of graphic vinyl stickers that look like huge pieces of bacon. Ford seems to be involved in the project in some fashion. $78 plus installation (minimum). More if you really cover the car.
I think it's pretty interesting, but would get old in a hurry. Works well against that lime green (chartreuse?) paint job. Probably wouldn't work at all on a brown or red paint color.
Now he looks like a sizable number of guys I see in my classes and at Walmart. When did that become a fairly typical look? Even the earring is right. I don't remember one guy in the 60s of 70s with an earring unless he was portraying a pirate and almost no one with a shave head (except Yul Brynner and Kojak). Actually now it's less about earrings and more about post, piercings and particularly tattoos--men and women. Many of the young guys are sporting these portholes in their earlobes and I'm seeing more tattoos creep up the neck towards the face I'm not criticizing, merely observing.
I can't think of any tattoo I would have thought was cool in my teens or twenties that I would want on me now, but maybe I'm in the minority.
Not really. This week I had the pleasure of taking a tour of Universal Technical Institute near Boston. I must say this is an impressive 225,000 sq. ft. facility/school that trains young men and women to become outstanding auto mechanics and technicians.
I find myself taking this tour because my son does not want to go to college but instead has found a passion for cars. He enrolled in the Automotive & Diesel Program with the hope of becoming a Mercedes Benz certified technician.
There were several aspects of the tour that impressed me. Among them a Mercedes-Benz ELITE and Nissan/Infiniti training programs---that is beyond UTI's basic training; thousands of square feet of training equipment, including real Mercedes and Infiniti cars; massive diesel trucks; and the facilities were well lighted and so clean you could eat off the floor.
I asked what was the success rate of UTI graduates on the ASE certification exams. They did not have that data available but said UTI training counts as one of the two years experience required for ASE certification. However, they mention their graduates are sought after and they have partnerships and articulation agreements with all of the auto manufacturers and dealers.
At first I was opposed to my son attending a technical and training school but I saw how passionate he is about high performance cars that I had no choice but to give him my blessings and wish him well.
Don't know how much well trained mechanics make but I was blown away by UTI's training program and the testimony of those who hire their graduates. Wasn't that what high schools were supposed to do in the first place? Provide vocational training to the non-college bound student? But I digress.
I think your son is making a very smart decision and I am glad that you have given him your blessings. I think most university degrees have devolved into a huge ripoff. The cost is about 3 times what it should be, and saddling young people with huge debts.
Plus, in today's world almost any corporate job is a rat race. I was lucky and got out before it got too bad, but I have heard quite a few horror stories that when anyone hits 50 his days are numbered.
Your son is doing what he loves and he should always have a good job.
I too think he's making a smart decision. Was he in a traditional high school or in one of the tech/voc schools here in MA?
Did he look into the community colleges that offer an AS automotive technology program? They offer programs that are certified by the manufacturers, offer some business/computer classes and can be much lower priced than UTI.
I too think he's making a smart decision. Was he in a traditional high school or in one of the tech/voc schools here in MA?
Yes he went to a traditional high school and he didn't show any tech inclinations until recently. He was into music and the arts but got turned on by Elon Musk and he worships at the alter of Tesla. Go figure.
As to community colleges, they do not have the reputation or connections with Mercedes Benz, Infiniti and BMW that he covets. Also, the Norwood facility is one of UTI's crown jewels where they bring in students for their marque programs from locations around the country.
Houdini, I think he will do well at UTI. He has a good aptitude for electricity and electronics and if he had his way he would sleep at the school.
Oh yeah, I realize that. I was just saying that if the car actually looks that good and is the 400lbs. lighter like they are saying, it could be a real winner.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I took my new school bus out for a spin today. Brand new model with more cameras than a Hollywood studio. One thing I didn't like was it doesn't have a radio to play music. Just a jack where you plug in an IPod or something.
So now I have to endure the stares from the kid at the electronics store as I try to explain how I need a plug in gizmo that plays AM radio.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
When I was an elementary principal, I always looked forward to the stack of behavior write up slips generated by the angels on the bus. Enjoy the year.
When I was an elementary principal, I always looked forward to the stack of behavior write up slips generated by the angels on the bus.
Back in the days when I, too, was a school principal, I had very few problems with the 10-12 arriving and departing daily from my schools. The major reason for that was due to the fact that suspension from transportation services for misbehavior would result on the parents having to drive their kid to school for 10 or more school days - and the parents were not happy with that task. So they were very supportive of rules of behavior on the buses.
But when I was administering a high school, it was very different - activity buses for sports and clubs were the worst and always took an abundance of time for investigating the circumstances of the discipline reports, writing up the suspensions, hearings with the school board when parents appealed the determinations, etc. I had 2 assistant principals that handled most of that, but I was the one who had to sign off on the suspensions, the detentions, and appear at the hearings.
Oldfarmer, I certainly do not envy you and what you must have to go through every so often regarding discipline. Elementary schools are not the same as middle and high schools. Been in all three, and elementary was my preference.
I used to catch some grief from some hosts who felt I was not welcoming to some new members. These were what I felt were fake posts, but I have modified my forum behavior. Probably for the better. :P Fake Profiles
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I used to catch some grief from some hosts who felt I was not welcoming to some new members.
Explorer, I remember when I first started posting, that you were less-than-tolerant of me because I was somewhat confused by all the posts and often replied to the wrong posters.
But over the past year or so, you have been nothing less than a pussycat! I can almost hear you you "purring" at times.
I did read the link you posted and was somewhat surprised over that lawsuit and the fact that there were (and may still be) fake posters on this site. Truly amazing - but I guess nothing should surprise any of us after the NSA disclosures. Who knew?
I did not think any of those fakes were in the forums. Just in the dealer rater part of the site (that I don't happen to frequent).
I have posted some dealer ratings for my Mercedes Dealer (Delray Mercedes), and all of them were honest and positive. I read quite a few of the reviews from other dealerships and found quite a few negatives for some other Mercedes Dealers in the area, so I assumed they were legit. But after reading explorer's link, it seems obvious there was a lot of "hanky-pinky" going on with some posts.
Unfortunately, fake posts do have a negative affect on one's impressions of those ratings - especially now since you don't know the honest ones from the fake ones.
The corporation I worked for dumped their employees before 40 to avoid age discrimination lawsuits. When they got rid of me at 39 I was so burned out dealing with the tragedy of brain injuries it was a relief.
I think many young people should consider trades instead of college. A liberal Arts degree today is almost worthless. There just aren't any jobs for them any more.
If bwia's kid is ambitious enough he can work for a MB shop and do work on the side until he builds enough clients to open his own shop.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thank you all for the kind thoughts. I've been doing this so long that the occasional gun pointed my way or death threats don't phase me.
The kids are the easy part. I just convince them that I am crazier than any of them and it throws them so off balance that they behave. It's the parents who are the biggest problem. Many feel that I am their personal servant and take exception when I set them straight.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I never noticed that. I always thought your comments were pretty spot on. We all have our moments and phony posting has become a big problem on all social media. Feel free to bash the bots.
If bwia's kid is ambitious enough he can work for a MB shop and do work on the side until he builds enough clients to open his own shop.
You are spot on and that's his plan anyway. If he decides to follow through I will gladly become a secret (hands-off) partner in his new venture.
Speaking of vocational education versus the traditional liberal arts degree, in terms of educational value, a liberal arts degree is equivalent to what a good high school education used to be.
Spending four years pursuing a college degree with a pile of student loans and no good job prospects has become a vexing problem in America. The Student loan debt bomb is now at $1.2 trillion and climbing. Some parents often force their children to attend college without looking closely at the financial consequences or other occupational avenues.
Have we become a country of snubs, that every child has to attend college, or is our decision driven by a knowledge based economy?
Apparently some services take this very seriously as I was surprised that HomeAdvisor called to verify that I had written the review. I guess one can no longer remain anonymous. Although inefficient I believe it is good quality control though.
Looks like someone is selling off a classic car collection near me. I don't know antique car values but if you're interested in cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s this guy seems to have a barn full.
That article, and others printed about the suit, are a little bit confusing because they refer to "forums" where people can rate their dealership experience. We don't really call them "forums." It's this: http://www.edmunds.com/dealer-reviews/
The accounts that company set up never posted in our actual forums - they just submitted reviews for dealerships. None of those reviews got published on the site.
We do something similar to what bwia was describing, only we don't call, we email, and only if there's something that looks hinky to us.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Mike, I did think you were sort of in that category, although mostly those are 1 and done. An unnamed Host emailed me, and after reading it, I changed how I respond to other's posts. It was an education, not a threat to do something like banning me.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Mike, I did think you were sort of in that category, although mostly those are 1 and done.
I was just starting to post at that time and because I use an iPhone for posting, it was very difficult for me to keep up with who posted what. But since that one time when you raked me over the coals (deservedly I might add) we have been good friends - and I cherish that. You are a great poster and quite knowledgeable - I envy that as well.
Your opinions are to the point and I agree with almost everything you post. Thanks for setting me straight a couple of years ago - much appreciated.
I don't know antique car values but if you're interested in cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s this guy seems to have a barn full.
I really like cars from the 50s and that plum color is my favorite. From the advert, "Car has been in storage for 10yrs, Needs minimal cleaning and work. Car ran when it was parked..." To me, it needs more than minimal cleaning and the price seems a little high.
>We do something similar to what bwia was describing, only we don't call, we email, and only if there's something that looks hinky to us.
I started reading some of the reviews of dealerships in our area after this talk about the commercialized reviews that the other company tried to get posted.
I noticed one store where most of the reviews were glowing talks about how great one salesman, let's say Herb, was. To me, most seem suspicious as to whether a real customer wrote them, or they were scripted. As I think back they used terms most folks buying a vehicle wouldn't use.
Does Edmunds try to purge those reviews that don't quite pass the authenticity test for being from a real consumer?
Yes, we do. Sometimes a particular salesperson at a dealership is just better at follow-up and providing an easy post-sale process for consumers to submit reviews. We see that a lot - and we check out everything to do our best to ensure that the reviews were submitted by legitimate consumers, and submitted by the consumer him/herself. If we find anything that smells of fraud, even if we discover it days, weeks, months, etc., later, we remove those reviews.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I can't speak for Richard but this old boy is plugging along. I will start trying to slip in more regularly.
Don't know where I left off the the Epstein Barr complication but I can tell you that life got a whole lot better. They managed to remove the affected lymph node - leaving a nice maybe 7 inch scar that most people say they can't see because they don't want me to feel bad about it but finally someone yesterday (an old co-worker) said something along the lines of "Whoa! Catch that scar!" Right on the right side of my neck. Like a dueling scar or maybe Frankenstein if I could add a couple of bolts.
Anyway, they started treating me with this infusion drug called Retuxin and the Epstein Barr is gone! I've gone 7 weeks in a row (yes for two months I have had to travel two hours each way because it's a test that not any old lab will do) with a negative reading! For the first time in ages doc lifted a restriction - I can go back to the gym (wearing loves and being careful) starting September 1 - a year and a half since I've been allowed to. Still can't swim, mostly can't drink (don't tell doc about the beer) and still have food restrictions but I think we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now my target date is New Years. That has no basis in reality but we'll give it a go.
The retuxin killed all my b cells (that's what Epstein Barr latches onto - and stays latent in them until something wakes them up. In my old immune system the triggering event was an auto accident. Left me with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for years. I've had to take a dozen or so prescription meds for years. Only the names change. If I can get off the ones that are directly related to the transplant I could cut that in half.
Feeling good, getting my real hair back instead of chemo hair and looking ahead.
Good to be back!
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I used to think, boy that guy has a hard way to go, but not any more.
You get your hair back! I have thick hair on both sides, but the top has only strands the barber leaves a little longer so as not to make people squint when the light bounces off the top of my head.
All kidding aside, glad to hear you're slowly beating the causes and not just the symptoms of what ails you. Much luck with your full recovery.
fezo, I can just tell from the tone of your post that you are on the road to recovery ! Congratulations, and it is so good to hear from you and to hear all the good news.
I have said it before and I will say it again. Nothing can stop you. You are the toughest SOB I have ever known !
but I can tell you that life got a whole lot better.
Great to hear such encouraging and positive news. Hang in there old boy, soon you will be as good as new. Fezo, tried to look up Retuxin but came up with Rituxan. One major side effect of Rituxan, is the uncontrollable desire to blog on Edmunds. --Stay well my friend--
Fezo.....to pile on....glad to hear you're well, and good to see you back.
Many of the posters here have been posting for a good long while. I mentioned before, one of the first people I remember here is isellhondas. I think I started posting somewhere in the mid '90s. Edmunds reset the servers so it only shows me being a member since the 'oughts.
In all that time, I can only think of two people who have caused me to gather warnings from the Edmunds hosts. One was a guy who had several screen names here. The last I remember is PCH101. He really slammed all the then sales people here, as well as any other poster who would state how they come to their deals on buying a car. He was insulting.
The other is a person I've interfaced with in the ELLPS thread. Kind of the same type of person as above, except the guy in the thread is condescending to anyone who has a different car than he likes, or has a car he perceives as better than his and puts his jealousies in his posts.
Letting someone get me riled up over posts in an automotive forum makes me question my own maturity. So now, I scroll right past the posts by anyone who acts like a jerk.
Still, two jerks in nearly 20 years of posting? That's not so bad.
Comments
Smart business woman. That nonsense got her $10 million in free publicity.
I learned a new word which I didn't need "twerking".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My opinion is to leave it up to the United Nations to determine. Also, it must be debated in Congress before we commit any more of our young men and women to yet another military conflict.
Any other opinions?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Buddy Holly originally called the song Cindy Lou. The title was later changed to "Peggy Sue" in reference to Crickets drummer Jerry Allison's girlfriend (and future wife), Peggy Sue Gerron, with whom he had recently had a temporary breakup.
Allison thought he could get back with his girlfriend if they made the song her name.
Yes, I should have known Maria Elena Santiago, in the play they met for the first time and Buddy knew he was going to marry her.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sometimes it backfires....Janet Jackson.
"Twerking"....yeh life was better before I ever heard of that word.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Is there a way to make the default remain what it was before I got out of the car?
Also, I've heard others talk about a built in hard drive. How do you know if you have one and how do you use it? I like the latest tech but hate reading tomes of info when a 3 X 5 card should be all you need.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Good question. I think I found out by accident, someone mentioned the car had it and then I had to look it up. I have about 50 songs I got from CDs and from the USB stick, and those favorits are on the hard drive. They can be played in order or you can choose the song you want, or you can select random.
I think you will have to check the guide around the audio section to see if you have hard drive capability.
I guess your Mustang reverts to FM when it is turned on each time. The 535 continues with whatever mode it was left in. If I switch out of HD or USB, it will pick up where I left it when I come back.
Hope you have a hard drive....it is really a great feature.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The song title is Maria Elena, which I thought would give it away and it's by a band called the Smithereens. Although the band name makes them sound like a punk band their music was actually fairly mellow, but not mainstream; more alternative or what used to be called "college rock". Not sure if the band is still recording.
By the way explorer have you seen the new bacon covered Fords? The ones I saw were Fiestas. It's some kind of graphic vinyl stickers that look like huge pieces of bacon. Ford seems to be involved in the project in some fashion. $78 plus installation (minimum). More if you really cover the car.
I think it's pretty interesting, but would get old in a hurry. Works well against that lime green (chartreuse?) paint job. Probably wouldn't work at all on a brown or red paint color.
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/08/28/finally-you-can-wrap-your-ford-in-bacon/?hpt- =hp_t3
Gogiboy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFUUnhqquAw
Now he looks like a sizable number of guys I see in my classes and at Walmart. When did that become a fairly typical look? Even the earring is right. I don't remember one guy in the 60s of 70s with an earring unless he was portraying a pirate and almost no one with a shave head (except Yul Brynner and Kojak). Actually now it's less about earrings and more about post, piercings and particularly tattoos--men and women. Many of the young guys are sporting these portholes in their earlobes and I'm seeing more tattoos creep up the neck towards the face I'm not criticizing, merely observing.
I can't think of any tattoo I would have thought was cool in my teens or twenties that I would want on me now, but maybe I'm in the minority.
Gogiboy
I find myself taking this tour because my son does not want to go to college but instead has found a passion for cars. He enrolled in the Automotive & Diesel Program with the hope of becoming a Mercedes Benz certified technician.
There were several aspects of the tour that impressed me. Among them a Mercedes-Benz ELITE and Nissan/Infiniti training programs---that is beyond UTI's basic training; thousands of square feet of training equipment, including real Mercedes and Infiniti cars; massive diesel trucks; and the facilities were well lighted and so clean you could eat off the floor.
I asked what was the success rate of UTI graduates on the ASE certification exams. They did not have that data available but said UTI training counts as one of the two years experience required for ASE certification. However, they mention their graduates are sought after and they have partnerships and articulation agreements with all of the auto manufacturers and dealers.
At first I was opposed to my son attending a technical and training school but I saw how passionate he is about high performance cars that I had no choice but to give him my blessings and wish him well.
Don't know how much well trained mechanics make but I was blown away by UTI's training program and the testimony of those who hire their graduates. Wasn't that what high schools were supposed to do in the first place? Provide vocational training to the non-college bound student? But I digress.
Plus, in today's world almost any corporate job is a rat race. I was lucky and got out before it got too bad, but I have heard quite a few horror stories that when anyone hits 50 his days are numbered.
Your son is doing what he loves and he should always have a good job.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Did he look into the community colleges that offer an AS automotive technology program? They offer programs that are certified by the manufacturers, offer some business/computer classes and can be much lower priced than UTI.
Just food for thought.
Yes he went to a traditional high school and he didn't show any tech inclinations until recently. He was into music and the arts but got turned on by Elon Musk and he worships at the alter of Tesla. Go figure.
As to community colleges, they do not have the reputation or connections with Mercedes Benz, Infiniti and BMW that he covets. Also, the Norwood facility is one of UTI's crown jewels where they bring in students for their marque programs from locations around the country.
Houdini, I think he will do well at UTI. He has a good aptitude for electricity and electronics and if he had his way he would sleep at the school.
Oh yeah, I realize that. I was just saying that if the car actually looks that good and is the 400lbs. lighter like they are saying, it could be a real winner.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I took my new school bus out for a spin today. Brand new model with more cameras than a Hollywood studio. One thing I didn't like was it doesn't have a radio to play music. Just a jack where you plug in an IPod or something.
So now I have to endure the stares from the kid at the electronics store as I try to explain how I need a plug in gizmo that plays AM radio.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Back in the days when I, too, was a school principal, I had very few problems with the 10-12 arriving and departing daily from my schools. The major reason for that was due to the fact that suspension from transportation services for misbehavior would result on the parents having to drive their kid to school for 10 or more school days - and the parents were not happy with that task. So they were very supportive of rules of behavior on the buses.
But when I was administering a high school, it was very different - activity buses for sports and clubs were the worst and always took an abundance of time for investigating the circumstances of the discipline reports, writing up the suspensions, hearings with the school board when parents appealed the determinations, etc. I had 2 assistant principals that handled most of that, but I was the one who had to sign off on the suspensions, the detentions, and appear at the hearings.
Oldfarmer, I certainly do not envy you and what you must have to go through every so often regarding discipline. Elementary schools are not the same as middle and high schools. Been in all three, and elementary was my preference.
Have a good year, oldfarmer.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Probably for the better. :P
Fake Profiles
Explorer, I remember when I first started posting, that you were less-than-tolerant of me because I was somewhat confused by all the posts and often replied to the wrong posters.
But over the past year or so, you have been nothing less than a pussycat! I can almost hear you you "purring" at times.
I did read the link you posted and was somewhat surprised over that lawsuit and the fact that there were (and may still be) fake posters on this site. Truly amazing - but I guess nothing should surprise any of us after the NSA disclosures. Who knew?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have posted some dealer ratings for my Mercedes Dealer (Delray Mercedes), and all of them were honest and positive. I read quite a few of the reviews from other dealerships and found quite a few negatives for some other Mercedes Dealers in the area, so I assumed they were legit. But after reading explorer's link, it seems obvious there was a lot of "hanky-pinky" going on with some posts.
Unfortunately, fake posts do have a negative affect on one's impressions of those ratings - especially now since you don't know the honest ones from the fake ones.
Most unfortunate!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The corporation I worked for dumped their employees before 40 to avoid age discrimination lawsuits. When they got rid of me at 39 I was so burned out dealing with the tragedy of brain injuries it was a relief.
I think many young people should consider trades instead of college. A liberal Arts degree today is almost worthless. There just aren't any jobs for them any more.
If bwia's kid is ambitious enough he can work for a MB shop and do work on the side until he builds enough clients to open his own shop.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thank you all for the kind thoughts. I've been doing this so long that the occasional gun pointed my way or death threats don't phase me.
The kids are the easy part. I just convince them that I am crazier than any of them and it throws them so off balance that they behave. It's the parents who are the biggest problem. Many feel that I am their personal servant and take exception when I set them straight.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I never noticed that. I always thought your comments were pretty spot on. We all have our moments and phony posting has become a big problem on all social media. Feel free to bash the bots.
Is this what you were talking about?
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f27d441/0!vuserName=mikeanderson1
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f27d43a
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You are spot on and that's his plan anyway. If he decides to follow through I will gladly become a secret (hands-off) partner in his new venture.
Speaking of vocational education versus the traditional liberal arts degree, in terms of educational value, a liberal arts degree is equivalent to what a good high school education used to be.
Spending four years pursuing a college degree with a pile of student loans and no good job prospects has become a vexing problem in America. The Student loan debt bomb is now at $1.2 trillion and climbing. Some parents often force their children to attend college without looking closely at the financial consequences or other occupational avenues.
Have we become a country of snubs, that every child has to attend college, or is our decision driven by a knowledge based economy?
Maybe that is why some posters have disappeared lately.
Richard, Monroe, Snake sounded like real people to me!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Apparently some services take this very seriously as I was surprised that HomeAdvisor called to verify that I had written the review. I guess one can no longer remain anonymous. Although inefficient I believe it is good quality control though.
Having a mechanic to do cheap repairs on all the old POSs I'd like to buy is a dream of mine.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4025716449.html
It's listed on the Albany NY Craigslist. Search: Clifton Park and you'll see quite a few.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The accounts that company set up never posted in our actual forums - they just submitted reviews for dealerships. None of those reviews got published on the site.
We do something similar to what bwia was describing, only we don't call, we email, and only if there's something that looks hinky to us.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
An unnamed Host emailed me, and after reading it, I changed how I respond to other's posts.
It was an education, not a threat to do something like banning me.
I was just starting to post at that time and because I use an iPhone for posting, it was very difficult for me to keep up with who posted what. But since that one time when you raked me over the coals (deservedly I might add) we have been good friends - and I cherish that. You are a great poster and quite knowledgeable - I envy that as well.
Your opinions are to the point and I agree with almost everything you post. Thanks for setting me straight a couple of years ago - much appreciated.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I really like cars from the 50s and that plum color is my favorite. From the advert, "Car has been in storage for 10yrs, Needs minimal cleaning and work. Car ran when it was parked..." To me, it needs more than minimal cleaning and the price seems a little high.
I started reading some of the reviews of dealerships in our area after this talk about the commercialized reviews that the other company tried to get posted.
I noticed one store where most of the reviews were glowing talks about how great one salesman, let's say Herb, was. To me, most seem suspicious as to whether a real customer wrote them, or they were scripted. As I think back they used terms most folks buying a vehicle wouldn't use.
Does Edmunds try to purge those reviews that don't quite pass the authenticity test for being from a real consumer?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Sometimes a particular salesperson at a dealership is just better at follow-up and providing an easy post-sale process for consumers to submit reviews. We see that a lot - and we check out everything to do our best to ensure that the reviews were submitted by legitimate consumers, and submitted by the consumer him/herself. If we find anything that smells of fraud, even if we discover it days, weeks, months, etc., later, we remove those reviews.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Don't know where I left off the the Epstein Barr complication but I can tell you that life got a whole lot better. They managed to remove the affected lymph node - leaving a nice maybe 7 inch scar that most people say they can't see because they don't want me to feel bad about it but finally someone yesterday (an old co-worker) said something along the lines of "Whoa! Catch that scar!" Right on the right side of my neck. Like a dueling scar or maybe Frankenstein if I could add a couple of bolts.
Anyway, they started treating me with this infusion drug called Retuxin and the Epstein Barr is gone! I've gone 7 weeks in a row (yes for two months I have had to travel two hours each way because it's a test that not any old lab will do) with a negative reading! For the first time in ages doc lifted a restriction - I can go back to the gym (wearing loves and being careful) starting September 1 - a year and a half since I've been allowed to. Still can't swim, mostly can't drink (don't tell doc about the beer) and still have food restrictions but I think we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now my target date is New Years. That has no basis in reality but we'll give it a go.
The retuxin killed all my b cells (that's what Epstein Barr latches onto - and stays latent in them until something wakes them up. In my old immune system the triggering event was an auto accident. Left me with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for years. I've had to take a dozen or so prescription meds for years. Only the names change. If I can get off the ones that are directly related to the transplant I could cut that in half.
Feeling good, getting my real hair back instead of chemo hair and looking ahead.
Good to be back!
You get your hair back! I have thick hair on both sides, but the top has only strands the barber leaves a little longer so as not to make people squint when the light bounces off the top of my head.
All kidding aside, glad to hear you're slowly beating the causes and not just the symptoms of what ails you. Much luck with your full recovery.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Good to hear from you again, fezo, and that life is finally beginning to treat you more "humanely"!
Maybe you can soon begin to enjoy yourself a bit more.
And BTW, I'm sure the docs know about the beers.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I have said it before and I will say it again. Nothing can stop you. You are the toughest SOB I have ever known !
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I am really glad to see you post back here with your report. And you're feeling good, that's worth a lot.
And motivated enough to want to get back in the gym. Good luck.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Stick in there fezo, we're all pulling for you. In no time you'll be riding in a new convertible with your new hair blowing in the wind.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Great to hear such encouraging and positive news. Hang in there old boy, soon you will be as good as new. Fezo, tried to look up Retuxin but came up with Rituxan. One major side effect of Rituxan, is the uncontrollable desire to blog on Edmunds. --Stay well my friend--
Agreed!!!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Nice to have you back....are you driving around in the vert again?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Many of the posters here have been posting for a good long while. I mentioned before, one of the first people I remember here is isellhondas. I think I started posting somewhere in the mid '90s. Edmunds reset the servers so it only shows me being a member since the 'oughts.
In all that time, I can only think of two people who have caused me to gather warnings from the Edmunds hosts. One was a guy who had several screen names here. The last I remember is PCH101. He really slammed all the then sales people here, as well as any other poster who would state how they come to their deals on buying a car. He was insulting.
The other is a person I've interfaced with in the ELLPS thread. Kind of the same type of person as above, except the guy in the thread is condescending to anyone who has a different car than he likes, or has a car he perceives as better than his and puts his jealousies in his posts.
Letting someone get me riled up over posts in an automotive forum makes me question my own maturity. So now, I scroll right past the posts by anyone who acts like a jerk.
Still, two jerks in nearly 20 years of posting? That's not so bad.