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And thanks even more for finding something in the New York Times that's worth reading. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, but this way I don't have to wade through the other 99.9% of what's in there.
Do I sense Volvo desperation here?
link title
How about Toyota's Prius brand of accessories?
A Prius environmentally friendly hair gel anyone?
A Prius organic granola bar grown with grains and seeds that were planted and handpicked by non-mechanized,non fuel consuming laborers in some third world country where they were paid socially acceptable salaries so they can afford a comfortable mud hut built by hand with non fuel consuming construction equipment ?
Next step is utilizing hemp as a natural resource. (J/K, of course.)
TM
Nice to read your burst of messages....Thinking of your short of tm a while back, and it`s decline, I checked it out recently....Thought it might be something to buy...Lo and behold I saw it had no dividend...For the life of me I can`t understand why a mature company doesn`t share with their stockholders some of the profit?? It negates the reason to invest , as is apparently now being recognized by many...Tony
Indeed, last time I checked it was Barack Obama, not Bernie Sanders for President. Obama has been painted by the right as some sort of ultra-liberal socialist, in much the same way they paint every Democratic candidate. He's not Dennis Kucinich. He's a little to the left of Mrs. Clinton, but far from the most liberal candidates that ran this time.
I'm willing to pay a bit more taxes if that means more money for roads, bridges, the power grid, schools, etc. I don't think its "unpatriotic", or makes me not a "real" American. What bothers me is when my taxes go to no-bid military contractors with zero accountability who overcharge the government and under serve the soldiers. That's unpatriotic.
Quite true, it feels great to be paying under 3 bucks for premium lately. Makes me feel slightly better when I use some of the S6's immense power.
By that same logic, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, and Porsche should pack up and leave town altogether, and the Motorsport, AMG, and RennSport divisions should all be eliminated from the US.
While I'll never be able to even get close to the real potential of the S6, which at 125mph is just getting warmed up, I'm still glad I can buy one in the US. With a 55mph limit on most roads in PA, there's really no need to have anything more than an A6 2.0T, but I wouldn't buy that car if it were the only choice.
Absolutely, LG!!
And... if we believe those right extremists they'll try to convince us that it's unpatriotic to contribute tax money to our country to help build its infrastructure.
They will argue that it's more patriotic to deny tax payment for America's needs. How freakin' backwards does it get.
When folks REALLY love this country, then they are willing to sacrifice for her... and that includes paying taxes and/or civil or military service. The truth is, LG, that your statement is MORE patriotic, not less. It shows your willingness to sacrifice for your country. We are on the same page, 100%.
TM
My daughter and I went and looked at some vehicles tonight, and you might be surprised at the outcome. I know I was surprised.
She insisted that we look at small SUVs in addition to the two cars she was interested in, which included the VW Jetta TDI and the Honda Civic Hybrid.
First, she wanted to see some Jeeps. So, we looked and we left. That was the end of that... no thank you very much.
We then checked out the '09 VW Jetta TDI and the '09 Honda Civic Hybrid, and the VW was clearly the nicer vehicle, for about the same price. Terrific value, with clear German crafsmanship, although still a little too much cheaper plastic here and there... but very impressive!
Then, because she was still thinking small SUV, we went to look at the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. That's when I got the surprise I never expected. What a neat little vehicle. Gas mileage into the 30's, runs on regular, and drives smooth and quiet with plenty of zip. I've checked some of the reviews and they are generally excellent, although the '09 brakes received some criticism... but my test of the brakes went perfectly, and I was hard on them more than once. Also, the ride was much quieter and considerably smoother than expected. The steering was ultra smooth.
Surprisingly, with the Limited Edition, the amenities are plentiful, with everything from Bluetooth to touch-screen NAV, SYNC, satellite radio, USB and iPod connection, hard drive music recorder, heated seats, leather, all power options, split zone climate control, 115-volt power outlet, interior ambient lighting, door-mounted keypad, moonroof, rear-parking sensors, and all the other typical bells and whistles.
I kept thinking how this can't be so, but the truth is that the Ford Escape Hybrid is a nifty little SUV that seems just right for her. No wonder it has a 9.6 consumer review rating. As far as the safety goes, it has a great safety rating and has airbags all around, including side airbag curtains for the rear as well as the front.
A total surprise!... go figure!.... so we left a deposit and expect to pick it up tomorrow after they do a complete detail.
Oh, and the price? After a bunch of interesting discussions, we landed a fair enough deal at three hundred thirty dollars over dealer's cost. That was good enough for me.
Gentlemen, if I take delivery of this vehicle tomorrow, as expected... will this make me the first hybrid buyer here on this forum, out of all the regular posters?
TM
Well in markets like this one, I look for defensive plays-the blueist of the blue chips with dividends of around 3%, hopefully more.
Having a tough time prepping the wife for the Florida written drivers' test. Man, I'm glad I don't have to take it! I must get her to pass. It is my ticket back to a BMW 3 Series. I must!! :surprise: Seriously, if she doesn't pass the test, I will sell the VW and get a 328i. This should happen by Spring.
Don't worry. We will get out of this mess just fine.
Tony, I have all the money I will ever need....
If I die tomorrow!!!
If she starts complaining about the regenerative braking and the artificial steering, there is always room on Edmunds for another poster.
My son-in-law got a Ferrari a few months ago. He trades for GS. I think his Ferrari-buying days may be over thanks to the oversight of his new big shareholder, Uncle Sam! :surprise:
Interesting choice. The Escape is such an old vehicle and the standard versions are so mediocre compared to the CR-V and RAV4 that the hybrid seems to have just gone under the radar, even though as you've said its actually a pretty effective system, unlike the Vue hybrid, for instance.
CR says that the brakes for '09 are supposed to be improved, apparently earlier versions had very long stopping distances, so hopefully that's less of an issue. Reliability for the most recent models looks to be very good.
True. Somewhere at Ford, someone saw the light. The '09 Hybrid's Limited Edition package brings the vehicle right to the front edge with all the latest techno-goodies, in addition to a very modern hybrid powertrain.
I totally admit that it was definately under my radar, but quite a remarkable and pleasant discovery.
My only complaint (which I've kept to myself)... my daughter really had her heart set on black, and of course that's exactly the one they had in stock... a fully-loaded black one. Oh well, sure don't want to sweat the little stuff. But, we all know the bottom line on who will be the guy washing that vehicle most often... C'est moi.
TM
Hahaha. Oh well, C'est la vie. Wax wax wax! :shades:
There is no task a father cannot good-heartedly—even if groaning, mumbling or openly complaining in parallel—make to help his daughter (I am speaking from experience.
Have good Zainoings afterwards!
Regards,
Jose
Congratulations for the new hybrid. My daughter when she reaches 16 will have finally the honour of driving our 83 MB300D. If she complains I will just show her the picture of the rusty 78 Ford Granada I drove as a young man
Washing cars? Nope not me! I dont have the attention span nor the patience to wash cars. I just send it for annual detailing and I pay for monthly interior and exterior cleanings.
A new Lexus dealership is being built not to far from where I live. That is good news for me since Lexus Toronto dealerships are usually located faraway from downtown. So there you go now I have another reason to transform myself from a BMW fan to a Lexus fan. :surprise:
That may very well be the case but unfortunately the most important person during these US elections disagrees with you: Joe the Plumber.
My immediate neighbor who recently moved back to Manhattan used to be a trader in Goldman Sachs. He lived a few years here in Toronto as a Hedge Fund Manager. Despite this he drove a Honda Civic and his wife drove a Honda Pilot. He told me driving modest cars is part of Goldman Sachs culture. Well at least your son-in-law is a non-conformist and I think thats good especially when it involves a Ferarri.
I bought some stocks this morning, Dewey, with the DJ down big. Looks like Average Joe has finally given up. Here comes the panic selling, and with it, hopefully, within a few weeks, the end of this miserable bear.
It's either the buying opportunity of a lifetime or the apocalypse. I choose to believe it is the former.
I think it's the hedge funds capitulating more than average Joe. For this average Joe, I'm standing pat. This, too, shall pass.
Regards,
OW
My wife is forcing me to buy the Honda CR-V next month which will be turned over to my daughter in 2-3 years. She will not spend the extra for the H.
Anyway, give us details of the buying/driving experience as it unfolds.
Let's see what laurasdada buys for her when she gets her license?!
Funny thing, you never know what these kids are gonna do!
Regards,
OW
I congradulate you on your open mindedness....I hope to be able to also have a chance to buy American in a year or so, if there is a choice....I further hope your daughter has `the time of her life`....Tony
Let`s not speak of dying---Many of my friends including my sixty two year old neighbor have died this year--shocking-- You do have alot riding on this `drivers test`. maybe some help on the grocery shopping, for one ..What sort of credentials does she need I read they changed the format due to Homeland Security ( I need to replace mine next year)....
I hope you are right about the `bear` market, but do think it will take a good number of months before we see light.....Unless this whole thing is a hoax, then there is too much damage done , but I would imagine there to be a number of big jumps as we are seeing.....Tony
The whole thing IS a hoax, Tony! Nothing justifies this kind of unrelenting selling. I would hope that Congress and/or the SEC does a full investigation of just who is responsible for wiping out many folks' hopes and dreams over the last several months (the last 5 years of market gains) and making the recession an inevitable self-fulfilling prophecy.
Anyhow, when I visit the BMW dealer sometime in 2009, I'm sure I will be able to get a 2009 328i for invoice or below. Small solace.
Yes, Joe the unlicensed, back-taxes owing, $40K a year plumber who would be much better off under the Obama tax plan. That's how the Republicans keep winning elections, they convince guys like that (with help from Limbaugh, Hannity, etc.) that the liberals are comin' to take their money and guns away. Republicans must get people to vote against their own interests in order to win.
BTW TagMan, congratulations on the purchase of a nice little Ford hybrid vehicle for your daughter. You truly are open minded. My wife has been driving the RX400H the past 3 years. The lease actually expired in late April (it was a one payment lease) but we are extending it to at least next April (possibly longer) to wait for the next generation of Lexus hybrids coming out some time in 2009. They will be much more fuel efficient but still luxurious. In the real world, the RX400H only averages about 24-25 mpg. That is not acceptable in our opinion.
I hope the SEC analyzes every market trade from mid-September through October and determines why such unrelenting selling was happening resulting in trillions of dollars in losses. If it's Hedge Funds redemptions, let's get together with other countries to make 'em illegal. In attempting to make a select group of wealthy clients rich, they have succeeded in making the other 95% of us poorer. It's got to stop.
Cheers. Enjoy sunset.
Here's to a better future!
God forbid that people should aspire to do better in the future.
My wife was also interested in the 400h until I told her that she'd only get 23-25mpg tops. The ML Bluetec is even worse, it can only average around 21mpg because its a 5200lb. porker. Combine that with fuel that's harder to find and more expensive than premium, and it makes about zero sense.
Currently the Q5 is still at the top of the list to replace our X3 next year. We crossed off the Volvo after learning that they've done absolutely nothing to improve their worst in the industry NAV system.
Say it aint so!!! Thank Heavens I know the true meaning of owning a vehicle of this caliber.
Well you guys, its been a while since you've heard from me. Outside of the R8, there haven't been any other additions too the family. My wife has been tooling around in the W-12 and I''ve been scooting around in the 335.
I was really bummed out when MB decided not to bring the GLK to market w/out Bluetec. That was my main reason for not buying the much needed SUV. So now the wait is on for the redesigned X3 with te 3.0TD. Full-size SUV is out of the question. The Tiguan is a nice piece but a bit small for us.
Must've been a real idiot to have that happen in a Quattro Audi. The S6 is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven in terms of traction in the rain. It simply isn't bothered by it in the slightest.
I think there also might be a Q5 3.0TDi by the time the new BMW diesel is available, which would also be worth checking out. I haven't been impressed by the Tiguan. It's far too expensive for what it is. The more I've seen of the GLK, the less I like it. The interior with its hard angles is very strange, one mag described it as "80's style" which I agree with. Cars from the '70s and '80s had the worst interiors in the history of the automobile, and Lincoln and M-B should not be trying to bring that back.
How do you know a politician is lying? My fear is that Obama is running on the promise to raise taxes. Yes, theoretically just on you rich folks. But, how easy will it be to simply raise taxes a bit more broadly, as that is what he said he would do. "Sorry folks, things are worse than I thought when I was campaigning. More wealth must be shared a little further on down the economic food chain, I'm afraid. Did I say $250,000? Sorry, a slip of the tongue. I meant $50,000. But, it's neighborly... Gotta get those rebate checks in the hands of the folks who didn't make enough to actually pay taxes..." Obama does plan to spend a bit more too, I believe.
Not to say that McCain won't do the same, any different. Who knows? Remember, "Read my lips!" Raising taxes on corporations? Please, guess who will ultimately pay... And, I agree. I wouldn't mind paying a little more to help the country and those less fortunate. But you know what? I do that already! Federal/state/already high property/sales taxes. I choose to donate money, clothing, food etc. to many worthy charities. I pay my taxes honestly. But, I'm not sure I'm thrilled with what our fine elected officials do with all the money, Democrat, Republican, Green or Independent. I believe that (and I may be wrong) that since the Bush tax cuts, tax revenues are higher than before! Not to mention that the "rich" are already footing the largest slice of the tax pie. But, is spending up exponentially with these increased revenues?
I remain undecided, but would like taxes left alone, as they are. Let the Bush cuts continue beyond 2010. Simplify the bloody tax code, which will save money in collection/filing/auditing taxes. Reign in spending, no $500 toilet seats and hammers, no bridges to Palin's back yard, no $$$ to study the migratory habits of pterodactyls. No "no bids." Run the government more like a family or family business, you can't just keep reaching into your families/customer pockets when things aren't going exactly as planned. They will shop elsewhere...
But, and no offense to those fine professions that y'all may gather to which I refer, taxes will never be simplified as long as certain professions count on the ridiculous complexity of this code to earn a decent living!
Nothing concrete or factual here, just the frustrated ramblings of basically a Democrat who is just sick and tired of the lying, cronyism, Old Boys Network, same old same old. As the great philosoper once wrote, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..."
We do get fooled again.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
May I know which bmws he's got?
And which ferrari are we talking about? New 1?".
I understand how you feel, but I think the decision is rather an easy one this time. Do you want a "fundamental de-regulator" to work that "hands off" approach on everything the government does, since it worked so well with the banking industry? Do you want a President whose foreign policy will be influenced by registered foreign agents of countries like Georgia, whose economic policy will be influenced by the likes of Phil Gramm and Rick Davis, who wants to tax health benefits, privatize the VA, and stay in Iraq for the next hundred years? A President who has been utterly incoherent on the economic crisis, whose answer to every question is "eliminate pork barrel spending" ($18 billion of the $3 trillion budget) and who picked as his running mate the most inexperienced, unqualified person in modern American history? If so, vote McCain. If you've enjoyed eight years of Bush, vote McCain.
If not, Obama is the best candidate the Democrats have offered in a very long time.
Churchill was weak when he began. FDR was weak when he began. JFK was weak when he began. What saved them wasn't their lack of experience but their good judgements.
McCain has neither experience or judgement in the most critical thing that matters to US national security and that is the economy. National security is not about bombing Iran but everything to do with being economically strong . History has shown that when a superpower's economy declines its national security declines with it.
By the way I am conservative (fiscal not social) and I always cheered every Republican candidate even Bob Dole for God's sakes. But Mr. McCain does not represent fiscal conservativism. He represents BIG GOVERNMENT and BIG DEFICITS. That is not fiscal conservatism. That is George Wism
And my last point is that everything I wrote above is highly irrelevant since I am Canadian and I cant vote in the USA. :P
No, I won't regret my decision. I'll take comfort in the fact that Obama will not invade the wrong country, destroy the fourth amendment, violate the Geneva convention, and turn all of our allies against us. Republicans keep trying to put the fault of 9/11 on Bill Clinton, but the truth is it happened on George Bush's watch. The entire country and most of the world was with us, and Bush squandered all of that support. He'll leave office with some 19% approval, and will go down as the worst president in history.
I will not vote out of fear of what Al Qaeda might do. That line of attack might've worked in '02 and '04, but the fear card has been played out. People are worried about how to stay in their homes, how to keep their jobs, how to pay their medical bills, and how to send their kids to college. That's why Obama is going to win.
What also happened on George Bush's watch was a weakening of Al Qaeda and no new terrorist attack on our country since September 11th, 2001. Quite a significant achievement. Al Qaeda won't be afraid of or respect a leader who wants to "talk" to his enemies. The safety of the US must come first. Obama will be terrorist-tested in the first year of his presidency, if he wins. I have no doubt about that.
Since I live in Florida, I may get to vote for McCain 2 or 3 times.
As Bill Clinton had said "It's the Economy Stupid".