Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy · December 2015

snakeweasel said:

graphicguy said:
So, think I mentioned that while the wife is away in China for an extended stay, I was going to take a cruise, which I did, last week.

Always fun, but a little different doing it solo. Interesting, though...how people react to you when they find out you're solo. Different story for a different time, however.

Anyway, got back last Saturday. I had cruised out of Bayonne, NJ. New ship (Anthem of the Seas), so it was beautiful. Itinerary wasn't so great (NJ to Cape Canaveral to Bahamas and back).

Those of you who have never cruised, while most food and entertainment is included, drinks and casino plar are/is not. Drinks are probably a bit overpriced, but aside from a couple of beers and some good bourbon at day's end, I wasn't the lush some onboard appeared to be.
Most cruise line offer a drink package where it's unlimited drinks for a set price.
graphicguy said:
Arrived back home and got a call a day later from AMEX questioning a charge I had made. I bought some Christmas gifts in the Bahamas and figured they were questioning those.
When we go we usually give our card issuer our itinerary so they know where we should be making charges on our trip.

Snake....the cruise line (Royal Caribbean) did offer drink packages. The one I was interested in (with my bourbons listed as included) ran $57/day. That's $400 for the week, plus tip. Seemed excessive.

When talking to AMEX about my card, they said it didn't matter where I was when I incur charges as cc numbers are captured and sold in seconds, and charges could end up being made anywhere in the world at that point. It just so happened I was in NJ and that's where they found the number being used. As I look back, I bought lunch using my AMEX at EWR. Plenty of people could have seen my number...the people sitting to either side of me when I paid for my lunch, the waitress, the cashier, or someone sitting around capturing cc numbers on their laptop when mine was swiped in the cc machine.

I tried to give AMEX my itinerary before I left. But, they said it was unneeded because of their algorithms used for fraud and the amount of traveling I do for work.

henryn · December 2015

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

abacomike said:

Usually by this time of year, I wear jeans and a sweatshirt or sweater. But you guys up north have had record temps too.
I mowed the outfield grass at my baseball field this afternoon. It was in the 60's - the temperature, not the height of the grass. This is in PA.
We had an all time record high of 72. That's not just a record for Christmas Eve but for the whole winter. It was only 70 on the 4th of July.

Here in Houston it is 77 degrees. It misted / sprinkled overnight, everything is wet, the sun has come out and the humidity is terrible. A very unpleasant Christmas Day.

abacomike · December 2015

85 degrees here in South Florida with a "feels like temperature" of 89 degrees - so you can imagine the humidity level. Since I moved to Florida 15 years ago, it hasn't felt like a real Christmas on December 25th. Never cold here and the word "snow" is only heard on the Weather Channel when it snows somewhere else.

ab348 · December 2015

Right now in Halifax Nova Scotia it is 55 degrees F, sunny and lovely, the nicest Christmas Day here I can remember. By Monday it is supposed to be down to 19 F and snowing. Ugh.

Mr_Shiftright · December 2015

Chilly in California. I'm freezing here at 53 degrees.

28firefighter · December 2015

Truly chilly in Seattle. High of 39 degrees.

snakeweasel · December 2015

roadburner said:
In contrast, if you actually DO live where it consistently takes 20 seconds to get to 45 mph due to traffic, I'd say you need to relocate; in that soul-killing environment I'd opine that driving a three cylinder Fiesta slushbox is probably overkill.

Sometime try timing how long it takes to get up to 40 or 45 if you are say the fourth or fifth car from the traffic light.

snakeweasel · December 2015

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

Then there is a lawyer who will help you no matter what kind of record you have or how many crimes you have committed. I think his motto is you're not guilty until they find you guilty.
Remember that lawyers are not there to determine right and wrong but to argue their clients case.
Yeh, that's just what they say to ease their conscience so they can live with themselves

Lawyers hate the death penalty.....then they lose a good client.

They don't say it to ease their conscience, they say it because lawyers are advocates for their clients. Lawyers have a fiduciary duty to argue their clients case.

abacomike · December 2015

28firefighter said:

Truly chilly in Seattle. High of 39 degrees.

Just got a call from my grandson (La Quinta CA - just 8 miles east of Palm Springs). It's 63 degrees there. Usually they are in the upper 60's to low 70's. He said the have had a cold winter so far and very cold at night - 40's. West coast has sure had a tough couple of months - and the east coast is sauna-like.

Things are supposed to change toward the end of next week. But we are forecasted to stay in the 80's - very warm for this time of year.

driver100 · December 2015

snakeweasel"

They don't say it to ease their conscience, they say it because lawyers are advocates for their clients. Lawyers have a fiduciary duty to argue their clients case.

In some cases. Other times it is just a good excuse for defending some [non-permissible content removed] we all know is guilty anyway.

abacomike · December 2015

driver100 said:

snakeweasel" They don't say it to ease their conscience, they say it because lawyers are advocates for their clients. Lawyers have a fiduciary duty to argue their clients case.
In some cases. Other times it is just a good excuse for defending some [non-permissible content removed] we all know is guilty anyway.

You mean like the dozens and dozens of mostly men who were wrongly convicted of serious felonies and are released from prison based on DNA evidence proving they were innocent?

Mr_Shiftright · December 2015

As JFK once said: (paraphrase) "any country that cannot give legal rights to its worst citizens will never save its best ones".

The US Constitution guarantees certain human rights to anyone who has a foot on US soil, no matter if they are illegal, criminal, terrorist or from outer space. Just being here gives you certain rights--not as many as citizens of course, but certain basic human rights. This is what makes this country so unique in the world.

imidazol97 · December 2015

Happy Boxing Day to our friends from the North. If you aren't in Canada,
do you still celebrate Boxing Day--a question for our friends in Sunny HOT
Florida.

abacomike · December 2015

imidazol97 said:

Happy Boxing Day to our friends from the North. If you aren't in Canada, do you still celebrate Boxing Day--a question for our friends in Sunny HOT Florida.

Sorry, I don't wear "boxers"!

imidazol97 · December 2015

abacomike said:

Sorry, I don't wear "boxers"!

Whoa. Too much information!!! LOL

ab348 · December 2015

Boxing Day is apparently an old English term regarding the day after Christmas.that has carried on up here. Supposed to have nothing to do with underwear or pugilists. There are a few different explanations for what it is supposed to be. Growing up here all I figured was that it was a second holiday to recover from Christmas Day. We have Boxing Day sales in the stores except here in Eastern Canada where I live, where those do not begin until the 27th. Nothing except gas stations, pharmacies and eateries are open here today.

suydam · December 2015

I thought it was the day people boxed up items to take for charity after the bounty received on Xmas.

oldfarmer50 · December 2015

This year's favorite present.

My son overheard me laughing at that Nationwide Insurance commercial where the guy's Mustang is his "baby" so he used his computer graphics skills to make me up this:

Makes a father proud.

fezo · December 2015

nyccarguy said:
@fezo - where in CT?

New Hartford.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2005&zip=08050&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=[MAZDA[MIATA[]][]]&vehicleStyleCodes=CONVERT&modelCode1=MIATA&makeCode1=MAZDA&startYear=1999&showcaseOwnerId=0&firstRecord=0&searchRadius=200&listingId=414730026&Log=0

Could use a new top but nice car.

fezo · December 2015

suydam said:
I don't think that's an issue for them at the moment. They've sold over 60,000 Encores this year and about as many Enclaves. They are bringing out a midsize SUV. They are also bringing out new versions of their sedans, which is their weak spot at the moment.

They are also taking that the next Regal will include a wagon. If that happens maybe I really would rather drive a Buick!

stever · December 2015

fezo said:
Could use a new top but nice car.

My wife thinks that one is cute. Looks nicer than the few "desert" Miatas I've seen on craigslist around here.

snakeweasel · December 2015

imidazol97 said:
Happy Boxing Day to our friends from the North. If you aren't in Canada,
do you still celebrate Boxing Day--a question for our friends in Sunny HOT
Florida.

I haven't done any Boxing since I was in the service. I won 2 out of 4 matches.

oldfarmer50 · December 2015

fezo said:

nyccarguy said:
@fezo - where in CT?
New Hartford.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2005&zip=08050&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=[MAZDA[MIATA[]][]]&vehicleStyleCodes=CONVERT&modelCode1=MIATA&makeCode1=MAZDA&startYear=1999&showcaseOwnerId=0&firstRecord=0&searchRadius=200&listingId=414730026&Log=0

Could use a new top but nice car.

Why would you need a new top? If you drive a car like that in the rain you're doing it wrong. A guy at work has a 1970 Cutlass convertible with a ripped top. Only drives it on sunny days. Bet nyccarguyguy is on his way there right now to steal it.

fezo · December 2015

snakeweasel said:

roadburner said:

snakeweasel said:

When you go to the movies do you buy the extra large drink and extra large popcorn knowing full well that you will only consume half of it and throw away the rest?
Nope- I eat/drink it all and then go back for refills; a ponycar without a V8 is an automotive crime against nature- one almost as bad as a Miata with an automatic. If I do get a ponycar it will take at least 425hp to catch my eye...
.

I think an automatic in a Miata is about the largest automotive crime against nature that there is. Al very least the one it has been my misfortune to experience.

I more or less agree that a ponycar without a V8 just sounds wrong, but I could live with a clear conscience with that 300 hp Mustang as long as it had a stick and Brembos. I find thee days that I want a car that stops quickly as much as I want one that accelerates quickly.

As far as acceleration, If I could find another ^s wagon like my late, lamented one I'd sell the 5 and buy it. That was as near a perfect car as I could come by. Should have spent the money and fixed the cats....

Only one I've seen on Autotrader says "CEL light is on due to O2 sensor," In NJ it's illegal to sell a car that won't pass inspection - even for a private individual (this was a small time used car dealer). No matter. It's white. Looks miserable in white/

fezo · December 2015

abacomike said:

imidazol97 said:

Happy Boxing Day to our friends from the North. If you aren't in Canada,
do you still celebrate Boxing Day--a question for our friends in Sunny HOT
Florida.

Sorry, I don't wear "boxers"!

A brief statement from Mike.

Mr_Shiftright · December 2015

Here's what WIKI says:

"Boxing Day is a holiday traditionally celebrated the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a "Christmas box", from their masters, employers or customers."

nyccarguy · December 2015

@oldfarmer50 - no thank-you. I'll pass. My next punch is going to have at least 300 hp.

snakeweasel · December 2015

My wife wanted to take the grandkids to American Girl for lunch today. So guess where I am at right now? Yep I got dragged into this. Someone please kill me.

abacomike · December 2015

snakeweasel said:

My wife wanted to take the grandkids to American Girl for lunch today. So guess where I am at right now? Yep I got dragged into this. Someone please kill me.

I remember when I would fly out to see my son and grandsons in CA, the boys always wanted to go to Chuckie Cheese (Pizza). The food was OK, but it's the most expensive lunch I've ever experienced. $45.00 for the food and $200 for the tokens to play all the games. Then, until they made up their minds how to spend the tickets they won on prizes, it was like a slow death.

That's the place I would always say to myself, "...if only God would take me now before it's too late...l"

suydam · December 2015

I've been to Chuckie Cheese. Once. I think American Girl might be worse.

snakeweasel · December 2015

abacomike said:

snakeweasel said:

My wife wanted to take the grandkids to American Girl for lunch today. So guess where I am at right now? Yep I got dragged into this. Someone please kill me.

I remember when I would fly out to see my son and grandsons in CA, the boys always wanted to go to Chuckie Cheese (Pizza). The food was OK, but it's the most expensive lunch I've ever experienced. $45.00 for the food and $200 for the tokens to play all the games. Then, until they made up their minds how to spend the tickets they won on prizes, it was like a slow death.

That's the place I would always say to myself, "...if only God would take me now before it's too late...l"

Oh how I am feeling that now. This place is so saccharine that I am going to get diabetes just sitting here. Food is pricey and substandard and I'll be lucky to get out of here with less than $40 in parking fees.

Edited to add: and there is this doll that is just sitting there staring at me with its hollow soul stealing eyes.

snakeweasel · December 2015

suydam said:

I've been to Chuckie Cheese. Once. I think American Girl might be worse.

I now have been to both American Girl is worse.

tjc78 · December 2015

I've heard about the dolls, but never the Cafe. Luckily for me there isn't one close to Philly so my wife won't be making me take my daughter there when she is older!

Chuckie Cheese is hell on earth for parents. Enough said

abacomike · December 2015

snakeweasel said:

suydam said:

I've been to Chuckie Cheese. Once. I think American Girl might be worse.

I now have been to both American Girl is worse.

My very worst experience was when I took my grandson to Universal Studios Orlando. Between the walking, the backbreaking roller coasters, the waiting in line for every attraction, the hotel costs and the cost of food (not counting his airfare and the cost of driving there and back and the clothes I bought him), I was $2500 poorer than before I went there. His entire visit cost me over $4500. I think I'd rather leave him money in my will than do that again!

suydam · December 2015

Well, a theme park is a whole different order of things. You either decide to just go with the flow of the experience or avoid it altogether. I enjoy them them occasionally. In fact, I'm going to Potterworld in Orlando next month. But these theme restaurants are so overcrowded, loud, and have horrible food. I can't believe there isn't an American Girl in Philly since there's one in Columbus.

stever · December 2015

It's like a theme park around here today. Hanging out with friends in Abominable Snowman Land. The snow flume ride is up next. Chilly landing though.

imidazol97 · December 2015

snakeweasel said:
My wife wanted to take the grandkids to American Girl for lunch today. So guess where I am at right now? Yep I got dragged into this. Someone please kill me.

American Girl?

ab348 · December 2015

imidazol97 said:

snakeweasel said:
My wife wanted to take the grandkids to American Girl for lunch today. So guess where I am at right now? Yep I got dragged into this. Someone please kill me.
American Girl?

Before today I had never heard of these places and now I have seen references to them on two different websites in a few hours, neither very complimentary.

PF_Flyer · December 2015

stever said:
It's like a theme park around here today. Hanging out with friends in Abominable Snowman Land. The snow flume ride is up next. Chilly landing though.

Send that my way. I really don't want to mow the grass between Christmas and New Years :@

abacomike · December 2015

ab348 said:

My wife wanted to take the grandkids to American Girl for lunch today. So guess where I am at right now? Yep I got dragged into this. Someone please kill me.
American Girl?
Before today I had never heard of these places and now I have seen references to them on two different websites in a few hours, neither very complimentary.

Don't get us wrong - the kids LOVE going to those places - it's just not for parents and/or adults. Food is barely edible - but the kids think the parents are portable ATM's for them.

berri · December 2015

Guys, these places aren't always a lot of fun personally, but the efforts matter. You'll look back at the memories and so will your kids down the road. Life goes fast...

suydam · December 2015

It's true. If you're a 9 or 10 year old girl American Girl is really special.

oldfarmer50 · December 2015

snakeweasel said:
My wife wanted to take the grandkids to American Girl for lunch today. So guess where I am at right now? Yep I got dragged into this. Someone please kill me.

Don't worry, just take a shot of testosterone when you get home and you'll be fine.

abacomike · December 2015

berri said:

Guys, these places aren't always a lot of fun personally, but the efforts matter. You'll look back at the memories and so will your kids down the road. Life goes fast...

My "efforts" have already been expended as both a parent and then as a grandparent. Would I take those experiences back if I could? Absolutely not! But I can moan and groan a little after the fact, can't I?

houdini1 · December 2015

abacomike said:

berri said:

Guys, these places aren't always a lot of fun personally, but the efforts matter. You'll look back at the memories and so will your kids down the road. Life goes fast...

My "efforts" have already been expended as both a parent and then as a grandparent. Would I take those experiences back if I could? Absolutely not! But I can moan and groan a little after the fact, can't I?

I certainly understand, Mike. I'm in the same boat !

fezo · December 2015

I have managed to escape both Chuckie and American Girl, My oldest daughter was content to get one of the dolls which she played with constantly. Would read up on the other girls but that was it, Perhaps the gatherings came later.

Used to be OK with Disney but they changed their handicapped policy so that it's just another fast pass or whatever you call it. Instead of the way it used to be you now have to go where the ride is, get a time, and come back at that time. That and how they are now gearing their prices to millionaires and they're done for me.

I remember in 01 going down to an empty Disney (after 9/11 there was quite a period where people didn't go anywhere. Not this boy). My second oldest was a nut for the Star Wars ride, which normally had long lines. We'd go out and right back in. Had a ball. At one point Jen and the older girls went off to do something so I ended up sitting hanging around with then 6 week old Carrie. Some woman comes up and says, "your first Grandchild?" No my latest child. (Claire was still in China.) She felt all embarrassed. I told her not to be. I was certainly old enough to qualify but my kids weren't old enough. Now two of them are but no weddings on the offing. For the second one that is currently a good thing. She has a boyfriend. Nuff said.

I always tell that one that if she ever doubts I love her remember I sat through the Pokemon movie with her in the theater maybe the second day it was out. One of the longer 90 minutes of my life.

abacomike · December 2015

fezo said:

I have managed to escape both Chuckie and American Girl, My oldest daughter was content to get one of the dolls which she played with constantly. Would read up on the other girls but that was it, Perhaps the gatherings came later. Used to be OK with Disney but they changed their handicapped policy so that it's just another fast pass or whatever you call it. Instead of the way it used to be you now have to go where the ride is, get a time, and come back at that time. That and how they are now gearing their prices to millionaires and they're done for me. I remember in 01 going down to an empty Disney (after 9/11 there was quite a period where people didn't go anywhere. Not this boy). My second oldest was a nut for the Star Wars ride, which normally had long lines. We'd go out and right back in. Had a ball. At one point Jen and the older girls went off to do something so I ended up sitting hanging around with then 6 week old Carrie. Some woman comes up and says, "your first Grandchild?" No my latest child. (Claire was still in China.) She felt all embarrassed. I told her not to be. I was certainly old enough to qualify but my kids weren't old enough. Now two of them are but no weddings on the offing. For the second one that is currently a good thing. She has a boyfriend. Nuff said. I always tell that one that if she ever doubts I love her remember I sat through the Pokemon movie with her in the theater maybe the second day it was out. One of the longer 90 minutes of my life.

My oldest grandson (15 years old) called me yesterday to wish me a Merry Christmas and to thank me for the check I sent him. As we were talking, I told him how much I loved him and how much I missed him. I reminisced with him a bit when he was a little boy and the things we did together. I reminded him that if he ever doubted that I've always loved him, to think back to the almost 2 hours I sat with him in a movie theater so he could see the The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when he was 7 years old. He laughed for almost a minute remembering my groans and moans as I munched on everything I could lay my hands on at the snack bar so I didn't have to concentrate on the movie. He said, "...nope, Poppy, I remember my first bicycle, my first custom skate board and my first bedroom furniture as well as the many movies you sat through!"

I was surprised he didn't question me about my heart attack (which he knows about) - probably afraid to talk about it with me.

Yep - been there and done that!

driver100 · December 2015

"

abacomike"
You mean like the dozens and dozens of mostly men who were wrongly convicted of serious felonies and are released from prison based on DNA evidence proving they were innocent?

Agreed, that happens and is a good thing.

I mean there are lots of cases when the defense lawyer knows his client is guilty, and the lawyer defends him, and often gets him off. I doubt it is because the lawyer truly believes the defendant is guilty...he does it for the money and because he is skilled at getting the guilty off. The lawyer will say it is his job to protect everyone, but, I think that is just an excuse so he can sleep at nights. In my opinion the OJ Simpson case exemplifies this, and Johnnie Cochran was his lawyer. At least they finally got OJ for robbery.

I know not every one would agree with me. I have a tennis buddy who is a lawyer and he only takes cases of a decent nature........doesn't want to defend criminals.

driver100 · December 2015

Mr_Shiftright said:
As JFK once said: (paraphrase) "any country that cannot give legal rights to its worst citizens will never save its best ones".

The US Constitution guarantees certain human rights to anyone who has a foot on US soil, no matter if they are illegal, criminal, terrorist or from outer space. Just being here gives you certain rights--not as many as citizens of course, but certain basic human rights. This is what makes this country so unique in the world.

Well said and I agree completely. But, and i am only speaking for myself, if I had to defend someone who I was pretty sure did it....I don't think I could do it. OTOH, it is a great and wonderful thing that we can all be represented in a court of law. Much better than being thrown off a building or being locked in a cell for a few years.

I really like reading and seeing movies that are legal thrillers. I have often thought what an awful life it would be, defending a murderer or drug dealer etc. I am glad people do it, but, I am glad I don't have to do it.

abacomike · December 2015

driver100 said:

"
abacomike" You mean like the dozens and dozens of mostly men who were wrongly convicted of serious felonies and are released from prison based on DNA evidence proving they were innocent?
Agreed, that happens and is a good thing. I mean there are lots of cases when the defense lawyer knows his client is guilty, and the lawyer defends him, and often gets him off. I doubt it is because the lawyer truly believes the defendant is guilty...he does it for the money and because he is skilled at getting the guilty off. The lawyer will say it is his job to protect everyone, but, I think that is just an excuse so he can sleep at nights. In my opinion the OJ Simpson case exemplifies this, and Johnnie Cochran was his lawyer. At least they finally got OJ for robbery. I know not every one would agree with me. I have a tennis buddy who is a lawyer and he only takes cases of a decent nature........doesn't want to defend criminals.

What makes this country truly great is our justice system. You are always innocent until proven guilty - beyond a reasonable doubt!

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