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It seems i am not the only one missing in action...
Where is Dewey? No posts in over a month!
And... Len (Ljflx)? Nothing either.
How about Charlie (Cyclone4)?... maybe one post in a month.
Others are rarely here as well.
Whatever might be going on, it appears that many of this forum's veterans (including myself) aren't posting much...or nothing at all,
Just an observation... for whatever it's worth.
TM
TM
Also... I'm not sure if Clembo posted much, if anything.
Strange times.
TM
Below was a recent article that continues the saga. Quite interesting.
Automotive News Europe
May 25, 2009
STUTTGART (Reuters) -- Porsche confirmed on Monday it got a 700 million euro ($980 million) loan from Audi AG but insisted it could cope with its debt woes.
"Porsche is not on the verge of insolvency even if that is alleged over and over," a company spokesman said. He was referring to media reports about the German group whose brash takeover of VW has stalled, forcing it instead to seek a merger with VW. Premium carmaker Audi AG said during the weekend that it loaned the money to Porsche, Volkswagen's biggest sharehorlder, adding a bizarre twist to Porsche's failed effort to take full control of Europe's largest automaker. Porsche, which owns a 51 percent voting stake in VW, said the loan matured at the end of September 2009. Laboring under a 9 billion euro load of debt it had accumulated by the end of January, Porsche was forced to abandon a complete takeover of the Wolfsburg-based automaker. Porsche's Distribution arm was used as collateral.
German weekly magazine Der Spiegel reported that the loan was made to help prop up Porsche's finances earlier this year and that Porsche's owners had put up Porsche Holding GmbH as collateral to Audi AG. Porsche Holding is an Austria-based automotive wholesale distribution firm owned by the Porsche and Piech families, who also control Porsche Automobil Holding SE. In March, Porsche Automobil Holding SE struggled to raise 12.5 billion euros in loans to cover the cost of refinancing its debt. Porsche eventually raised 10 billion euros, and in the past week said it had raised a further 750 million euros. The company is still trying to get an extra 1.75 billion in loans. After abandoning its takeover plans, Porsche Automobil is now seeking a merger with Volkswagen AG. The Porsche spokesman said talks were being held at the executive board level and that no timetable for concluding them had been agreed. The partners had originally aimed to wrap up the talks on creating an integrated automotive group by early June. Last week, Porsche said the talks would take longer than that. Porsche's shares fell more than 7 percent in early trading on Monday, weighed down by concerns over the state of its finances, but recovered somewhat to trade down 3.9 percent at 43.44 euros by 12:23 CET.
And so the bizzare twist continues.
I have been looking at the Pre. It looks like it's going to be a serious multi-tasker, which is a big requirement of mine. S60 does multi-tasking very well, while the iPhone can't do it at all. The one major concern I have (other than the fact that its on Sprint) is that I'm pretty sure at least initially, Pre apps are going to be browser based, like iPhone 1.0 - which was terrible. Unless and until apps can run natively, the Pre's ultimate capabilities will be very limited.
At this point, I'm a lot more interested in Android, and S60 Touch. There hasn't been a decent Android phone yet, but eventually somebody like HTC will make one that is as good from a design standpoint as their WM phones.
The non touch versions of S60 seem to have hit a wall in terms of capability. None of the latest Nokia E-series business phones can do anything more than my E90, (other than native HTML email) which was released all the way back in 2007. However, S60 Touch is still in its infancy, and its already a lot more powerful than Palm's WebOS, in that it supports real applications. IMO, the N97 is a very capable iPhone challenger, if not killer. Unfortunately, once again, the only way to get it is unlocked for $800 on this side of the pond.
What's your take on this device?
Also, if you are interested in Android, the HTC Dream device might interest you.
TM
Apparently the Glyde is quite a hip little phone because he's constantly getting compliments on it... I actually miss it sometimes despite really liking my Storm.
TM
Indeed. IMO the Touch Pro 2 is by far the best WM phone. The keyboard is much better than the N97's. It makes the Xperia X1 hype machine look like garbage. Therein lies the rub though - its a WM phone. HTC's skin is one of the better ones, but what's underneath is very, very ugly. WM 6.5 doesn't seem to be much better.
If the TP2 was running Android or S60 Touch, I'd consider replacing my E90 with it. As is, I'll have to pass.
Since we are taking a moment to ponder where some of our regulars are, I'll share an opinion on why some interest may have waned a bit. I'll make these points with full knowledge that all of you may not agree and I don't want to upset anyone but I thought that I'll give it a shot.
I believe that the amount of off topic posts has been pretty high for quite a while, some of these are interesting and I read them all but we have drifted towards everything from politics to watches, to cameras, to computers and so on. I have learned quite alot about some of these topics from you guys but it is not the reason why we come to this forum.
I also think that we have spent a lot of talk time on Hybrids, Hyundais, and other non-luxury cars. Again, interesting but maybe not of interest to some of the "old regulars".
I also think that the global economic woes have made luxury cars less relevant to many people's everyday lives unless you are seriously interested in other folks opinions as you may be buying one soon. Plus let's face it, not a lot of positive news has been on people's minds, we all know friends and family members who have lost jobs, talking about expensive hobbies such as these cars is best done at a little lower profile than was done 2-3 years ago.
Finally, I think that the industry has been a bit boring as well. We have not seem a bunch of exciting cars coming into the market in this range. The new LS460 - great car but not exciting. The new 750, well we had a couple of stabs at threads here but no one seems interested. Maybe the new XJ and A8 next year will generate some excitement. I know that I miss some of the old passionate debates about these cars. None of us were ever right 100% of the time but it was fun to read and participate in.
If I offended anyone I'm sorry. I may be wrong but these thoughts are just one guys opinions. I do hope that we get back a little of the old mojo that this forum had, it was fun. We seem to have an even larger group of interesting, knowledgable members than before, so I hope that we get a little momentum, I'll commit to trying harder myself.
BTW - the GL is still letter perfect and I love it.
Actually, I imagine they have been as busy as we've been.
Whatever it is... nice to hear from you!
TM
Cell Phone Evolution
I wonder if there was a cell phone dock in the 7'er??
Regards,
OW
Not so incidentally the Lambo dealer in New England quietly gave his cars and their sign back to Lamborgini and said thanks, but no thanks. With the exception of Jaguar , when is the last time you ever heard of a dealer voluntarily giving up a franchise? Finally, as I mentioned in an earlier post, the largest Porsche dealer in the world is now bankruptcy in FL.
I've owned many of the phones on that list. It is interesting how different brands have dominated the industry since the '80s. First it was Motorola, then Nokia, and now almost all of the "dumb phones" seem to be Korean designs, mostly Samsung and LGs.
I wonder if there was a cell phone dock in the 7'er??
Motorola StarTrac (startac?) was the BMW docking phone, but I think that wasn't until later in the 80s. My friends kept trading adapters so they could use more modern phones with that interface. In a way it set the standard, like the iPod.
You've got a good point here. At this point I have little interest in Lexus. They've been engaging in a lot of over-promising and under-delivering as of late. "1989 all over again"? Don't think so. The RX is their big vehicle, and the new one is just kind of a bigger, heavier version of the old one. Nothing to see here, move along.
I am interested in in the XJ, as well as the A7 and the A8.
To purchase, or is it curious interest?
TM
BTW - the GL is still letter perfect and I love it.
All sounds good, Len. Hope all is well with you too. I am so glad that you went with the GL. Best large SUV out there, IMO.
TM
As for the language, the grammar is so similar to Spanish so if you're ok with Spanish then you can easily figure out how to speak the language. Pronounciation is even simpler, it's all as is, like German or Japanese. And they use alphabet (thank goodness on that part).
I believe it's all due to the lack of anything new in the luxury car world, it's getting even slower this year as far as I see. So far we only see BMW 5-GT and X1 as the latest news, plus the new E-class and Audi A7 concept. Other than that there really isn't much worth discussing.
As for Hyundai, it'll soon, very soon, become relevant when Hyundai finally brings the Equus to the US market. I doubt it'll lure enough buyers away from the Japanese and European competitors, but it's an entry categorized as luxury sedan nonetheless.
I didn't know the new E was for sale yet, maybe it was an MB car.
I don't see many luxury cars here in Jakarta, however I see a few that aren't sold in US, and they will leave your jaws dropping. Try a $70k Toyota Alphard luxury minivan ($120k here after tax). WHA??? :surprise: Yes you read it right, $70k for a minivan. Of course it's not just your regular minivan, it's got Mark Levinson stereo, real maple trim, Lexus grade leather, reclining backseats (and those are darn comfy, I dare say) including individual armrests and even a pillow on each seat to match. What's even more surprising is the Toyota's not alone, there are Nissan Elgrand and Honda Ellysion fighting in the same class....
About six weeks ago, my life took an unexpected and most unpleasant turn for the worse (no health issues, but I have lost about 15 pounds...). These past few weeks, while I've somewhat lurked here, there has just been no spirit, no muse to move me to write. My interest in cars is currently on a back burner. And it is a crowded burner, back there.
My most fervent hope is that this is a temporary (6, 8, 12 months? Well, I have to believe that if it drags on past 6-8 months, the outcome will realize my current worst fear) situation. But I have absolutely no control over my current station in life, which has left me as a witches cauldron simmering with almost every emotion imaginable. And, unfortunately, none of those emotions include humor or joy. But, that is beginning to change? I'm trying to:
Acquire the serenity to
accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And the Wisdom to know the difference.
That is a powerful statement, and a tall order.
But, to steer somewhat into topic, I did find the strength to put two coats of Zaino Z-5 on the TL this past weekend. I'll Z-2 next.
Hoping that all is well with you and yours, I remain a most somber Laurasdada.
'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...)
Your words are wise. When things are bad, consider how much worse they could be... it adds perspective. Be thankful for what you have. I wish you and your family the best, as you work through your challenge.
I recently saw my business come to a terrible standstill, due to the economic crisis, and I was so depressed and frightened... but then I re-worked my business model. Now, we are busier than we've ever been!! On top of that, I am moving my family to Malibu, and will try a lifestyle that is beach-oriented. I use my situation as an example because I was emotionally devastated at first, but out of adversity came something even better!! You will get through this. You are as witty as anyone I've ever known.
Applying Zaino is always therapeutic... good idea!! I know you will work through your challenges and make choices that can improve your life. Keep us posted.
TM
Regards,
OW
I am SO sorry to hear of your struggles. Keep your head up high and try to be positive.
I can think of something that will make you feel better.....Red Sox and Patriots
Ice cold German beer.
F1, or ALMS on the TV.
Grilling food.
Apexes in the 335.
May God bless you all, and may you find more and more enjoyable things/hobbies as the years pile up!!!!!!!!
Un fuerte abrazo,
Jose
I cannot help but say ¡¡Visca el Barça!!
Regards,
Jose
Can you imagine the British papers tomorrow? They will absolutely crucify MU!! :shades:
Visca el Barca!! La vida es sueno!!
Que lo siento, I do not have a "Spanish" keyboard! :surprise:
Thanks, Jose, you put a smile on my face! :shades:
I will ask La Jefe to make ranchos huevos tomorrow for breakfast in their honor!!
After I duck from the plate she throws at my head, I will pour some Cheerios in a bowl!
Regards,
OW
Me neither. IMO, MU greatness today was not destroying the match playing defensive to the extreme. Quite similarly to what Real Madrid did three weeks ago (FCB 6 — RM 2).
And right you are, I anticipate the smell of scorched English Soccer Player wrapped in newspaper. That reminds me of Bernt Schuster, an excellent German player and last Real Madrid coach responding recently to a quite dumb journalist: Who knows here more about soccer, you or I?
Regards,
Jose
PS: Did you see the President of the Italian Republic, Mr Berlusconi, sleeping in the box during the match? Laughable.
I'm sorry MU gave such a poor showing for itself. Except for Ronaldo, MU looked asleep. What a terrible disappointment for MU fans! How could they play without aggression in such a big game?? I don't understand it.
Well, the Italian President had no team in the hunt. Even so, we agree he was a poor host! He wished to get back to his one passionate hobby, flirting with young beautiful women! :shades:
Boring? More than a long cricket or baseball game to a pair of foreign eyes? :P
Yeah, most MU players looked asleep; may be this is a state of mind induced by the way Barça hides the ball. Either you run over all the rivals or you ends tired of pursuing a phantom. They call it "el rondó". But you looks very knowledgeable about soccer, Howard, you really does.
Regards,
Jose
Edited: Berlusconi looked certainly tired. :sick: BTW, it's time for me to go to sleep. Good night!
Not to me. But many people in the US think it is.
Luckily, I get the world class soccer matches on ESPNHD here, with 2 great announcers-one from England and a really saucy knave from Ireland.
Don't ask me how I know, Jose, but something tells me you are correct: It is time for you to go to sleep! Good night and enjoy the great victory for a long time!
Visca el Barca! :shades:
You have such a wonderful way with words, and the last words are distressing ....No matter what -you have a group of admirers on this board, and I am sure many more around you.....Tony
I realize that gasoline prices have been a lot less than they were when they were recently pushing $4-$5/gallon. And I also know that our resident expert, Len, has told us why gasoline prices should stay low for a long time. To be clear, I like and respect Len a whole lot, but I am convinced that gasoline prices are going to go a lot higher moving forward. Anytime from this very moment up to only two years from now... I believe we are going to see outrageous gasoline prices... and this next time they aren't coming back down... ever.
The oil producers must raise the prices and limit the supply or they end up losing too much money. They are aware of the trend and the political support towards saving energy and becoming energy independent... not good for big oil. Even if they flood the market with oil, the trend is in place. The only thing left for big oil to do is limit the supply and raise the prices... and they are going to really stick it to us this next round. The President's 35 mpg average won't be nearly enough. We will need to get tough or we will be in the same pickle for another decade or two.
In addition, we must contend with China and the rest of the world that wants to gobble up all the fossil fuel that they can get their hands on.
We must become energy independent, or we will suffer the consequences... and those consequences could be huge... very huge.
Sorry Len... I have to call it like I see it.
TM
We'll see. I'm not so sure, at least not in the next few years. The $5 gallon had pretty much nothing to do with supply/demand forces. Eventually we will get to a "peak oil" situation where the fields will be tapped out, supply will be limited, and we'd better hope that we're well into the hydrogen/electric economy by then. I don't see that happening before 2030 or so.
It just isn't as profitable to have huge stockpiles and aggressive production as compared to a tight supply and controlled production.
On top of that, consider the current situation in the Middle East... including the political, economic, and military situations... and even the recent nuclear developments. Oil supplies can quite easily get interrupted or limited.
If we can agree that the oil companies are in business to make profits, then it is quite logical for them to limit the supply and force prices to higher levels.
Unless Obama can broker some sort of miracle deal with Saudi Arabia, and if he can also solve the Palestine-Israel issue, as well as the nuclear Iran issue, everything is pointing to higher prices at the pump.
Thanks for your perspective, LG. I'd like to hear Len's latest take on the situation when he gets the chance.
TM
It's gotten much much..... worse. Really, motorcycles are everywhere and they drive like crazy, passing redlights and don;t even hesitate to bump their bikes to cars just so the car will yield for them.
At first whenever I got angry at someone who umped my car, they threatened me (and they particularly love to pick on foreigners). But now that I can speak Indonesian fluently they aren't as agressive anymore.
Took my wife back for a visit and rode a bus from Jakarta to Surabaya. She was so terrified of the traffic she had to sit in the back and not look forward. Enjoy your time.
Thanks, ggur. You're right, the language is easy. But you actually drove from jakarta to surabaya??? Everybody told me that the path is dangerous now, lots of accidents and ahem, robbers on the sideways.
And no, Jakarta is nowhere near the city it used to be back in the 70s, my coworkers here said.