Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100 · July 2017

pensfan83 said:
@graphicguy and @driver100 so true about golf, but that's part of why we all play the game right? I have been playing since I was 16 years old and have never carded a game lower than 80, usually it's around 85-86. I'm content with that and simply try not to embarrass myself with a wayward drive or four putt. I'm thrilled if I string together 3-4 good holes over an entire round. But it's fun to play with a foursome and I find it cathartic to play a solitary round when I need to relax.

I didn't play a lot of sports before....I think I didn't want to go through the learning phase and I didn't like failure....losing.

Then I learned by having my own business, losing is a good thing. You learn more by your mistakes than successes. Failure makes you eliminate what doesn't work....it leads you to the successful path. Same in sports, it doesn't matter if you lose....as long as you make some good plays and have fun. Besides, the other team or players will love playing with you....if you lose!

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:
And, I'd rather play golf than gamble. Even though it's far longer of a time commitment, I enjoy the aesthetics of the course design, the history, the scenery and being outside.
Gambling is almost safer for me. Give me $500, put me in a casino and I'm guaranteed to walk out with at least half of that money because I'll tire of losing it. Give me the same amount of money and put me in a pro shop and I'll walk out with empty pockets.
At least if you go to the pro shop you got something to show for your $500!
I will come away with something from the Pro Shop....a Driver that won't improve my game. A dozen balls that I will eventually lose in the water or in the woods. Maybe a putter which will still allow me to 3 (sometimes 4) putt.

Casinos.....either you like them, or you don't. I know the people who enjoy casinos are usually avid lottery players, too. I don't care one way or there other. But, there's no way I could sit at slots for hours on end as I see some people do. Blackjack? 3 Card Poker? Craps? Rightfully or wrongfully, I kind of feel like I have some control over my own outcome. None of the table games make for a winning outcome most times, though.

If you can tolerate the losing to feed the excitement of winning, an hour here, an hour there is entertaining for me. More than that? I know whatever I put into my pocket will come back out of it if I stay there long enough.

Got on a winning streak at 3 card poker some years ago while in Vegas at a convention. For two hours, I bet I only lost less than 6-7 times. My rule was if I lost 3 hands in a row, I'd walk away. That finally happened but not before I pocketed over $7K. The casino comped me a dinner and an extra night's stay. I took them up on it, but didn't play another hand.

Another time, I did the same on the craps table. Played for 3 hours. I gave my (then) wife some of the chips, and cashed in some, to avoid the obvious penalties by cashing in something near $11K.

But, this is over 25 years of casino play. Some years, I didn't play at all, either. Usually, I walk in and win or lose $250 at a time (mostly lose). All-in-all, I'm thinking I'm even....even considering the big wins.

It's only fun if you don't risk a lot, though.

I think you make a good point about tolerating the losing. I found that the agony of losing was much greater for me than the thrill of winning so I never became much of a gambler. I'll still throw a few bucks on the mega lottery when the payout exceeds the odds of winning (290 million to one) but there's no "need" to do it. Same with golf. I enjoy it the few times I go but can take it or leave it.

My only true addiction is to finding that million dollar luxury car with zero miles for a hundrered bucks. (Odds of which are greater than 290 million to one).

iluvmysephia1 · July 2017

I don't know if red is my favorite 2018 Kia Rio5 color, but right now, dollars ta Winchell's donuts, this pup is my front-runner out of all of the new car offerings. I'm curious about pricing on the base 6-speed stick model - haven't seen anything from Kia yet on that.

2018 Kia Rio5

Michaell · July 2017

pensfan83 said:
@graphicguy and @driver100 so true about golf, but that's part of why we all play the game right? I have been playing since I was 16 years old and have never carded a game lower than 80, usually it's around 85-86. I'm content with that and simply try not to embarrass myself with a wayward drive or four putt. I'm thrilled if I string together 3-4 good holes over an entire round. But it's fun to play with a foursome and I find it cathartic to play a solitary round when I need to relax.

I've been playing since, I dunno, 10-11. I remember going to the par 3 course with a friend and playing all day for some ridiculously low green fee.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've broken 90 - most recently, last fall.

I've only gotten out once this year - was really rusty but managed to birdie the par 3 17th hole. It's shots like that that keep me coming back.

There is an off-topic thread here at Edmunds specific to golf. I could spend days and days and days talking about my various golf experiences.

ab348 · July 2017

driver100 said:

Ab, how are you feeling today?

Pretty much my usual crummy self today.

Yesterday I managed to mow the lawn both in front and back. They told me to lay off the yardwork over the weekend and I did but it was supposed to rain overnight and today (it did too) and things were looking pretty shaggy. Got thru it OK with a couple of short rest breaks.

The talk about golf makes me remember how much I miss it. I was never all that good (my lowest score was 78 on a par-67 course, at my best I was a mid-80s shooter) but I loved it and played as much as I could. Then the knee problem started taking away the enjoyment and after the heart surgery in 2009 my sternum never healed correctly and I couldn't make a decent swing any more without risk of injury, plus it hurt too. So I had to give it up. I really do miss it.

I think my body was made by Fiat or Lada.

jmonroe · July 2017

qbrozen said:

jmonroe said:

jmonroe said:

Some people enjoy gambling but I just can't get into it. I went to a casino once, at Foxwoods, but wasn't curious enough to approach the gaming tables or slot machines. Instead, I had a nice steak dinner and did some people watching.
I'm the same way. It may be a case of having a bad example to go on, but we have a smallish casino here and I find the place depressing. I have never been one for card games or the like either, so I guess it is just something I never got. Unfortunately in ours even the food is poor.
I have NEVER been to a casino and gambled. I've walked through a couple but never stopped to play. I doubt that I ever will unless I have at least a 50/50 chance of winning and since those places ain't going to change the odds, I feel safe about what I just said.

Being as cheap as I am, I won't even throw down a dime unless I have an even chance at getting the dime that belongs to the house. I can't understand why anyone would even try, even with a dime.

I think Vegas is more than happy to do business with people you say, "I have $400 to play and as soon as it's gone I quit". Then next year they say the same thing and then the years after that. Multiply this by millions of people, not to mention the millions of BIG losers, and pretty soon, up goes another high rise casino/hotel.

I'll never understand it.

Anyone in here know what the odds are in Vegas today, say for the slots and blackjack. I've heard you have better odds at blackjack than the slots but maybe I have old data.

jmonroe

You have to look at it from an entertainment perspective. I don't understand the interest in playing golf, but I get that some people enjoy doing it. Playing cards is fun for lots of people, including me. Most of the time, I break even or get enough to pay for the buffet. So I had a good time for 4-6 hrs and it cost next to nothing. That is a far better deal for entertainment than a lot of other choices.

If you can convince yourself that having a better than even chance of losing your money is entertainment, then by all means have some entertainment. For you it appears it ain't so risky.

Me, I'd rather go wash my hands again before getting to the buffet.

jmonroe
I'm guaranteed 100% to lose my money with other forms of entertainment. One does not have to "convince oneself" what is entertaining. No need to belittle what others find enjoyable. You are better than that.

I wasn't trying to belittle you. I was merely saying I'd rather find another way to kill time.

It's your money so you have the say in how you want to spend it. You're the one that gets up every morning to earn that money so your the boss.

jmonroe

Michaell · July 2017

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

Ab, how are you feeling today?
Pretty much my usual crummy self today.

Yesterday I managed to mow the lawn both in front and back. They told me to lay off the yardwork over the weekend and I did but it was supposed to rain overnight and today (it did too) and things were looking pretty shaggy. Got thru it OK with a couple of short rest breaks.

The talk about golf makes me remember how much I miss it. I was never all that good (my lowest score was 78 on a par-67 course, at my best I was a mid-80s shooter) but I loved it and played as much as I could. Then the knee problem started taking away the enjoyment and after the heart surgery in 2009 my sternum never healed correctly and I couldn't make a decent swing any more without risk of injury, plus it hurt too. So I had to give it up. I really do miss it.

I think my body was made by Fiat or Lada.

@ab348 - I picked up my love of golf from my dad. I remember going with him and learning the rules and etiquette of the game when I was a kid.

When he retired, he started working at the golf course so he could play free golf. He had two regular foursomes he was part of - every Monday and Wednesday morning. He became the handicap chairman of the men's club.

He did this for 15 years until he was struck by a case of the shingles. Wasn't able to play after that - he couldn't spend that much time in the sun.

When I went to visit him a few years back, I took him to the course, got a cart, and drove him around the course one last time. He saw and spoke to a bunch of his friends, and he seemed pretty happy about the experience.

Sigh - I miss my dad. Lots of good golf experiences with him. I was never able to beat him, however. Typical senior golfer - short and straight, every hole.

pensfan83 · July 2017

Michaell said:
I've been playing since, I dunno, 10-11. I remember going to the par 3 course with a friend and playing all day for some ridiculously low green fee.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've broken 90 - most recently, last fall.

I've only gotten out once this year - was really rusty but managed to birdie the par 3 17th hole. It's shots like that that keep me coming back.

There is an off-topic thread here at Edmunds specific to golf. I could spend days and days and days talking about my various golf experiences.

Our cheapest options were the 9 hole and 18 hole courses operated by the county within the boundaries of the county park. I don't remember the green fee but it was also very cheap. The summer after my senior year in HS and through college I worked in the bag room at a local country club, which netted me free golf on Mondays when it was closed to members. It was a great opportunity to play on a pristine course on a college student's budget. Up until about 7-8 years ago I was able to golf 2-3 times per week, now it's a few scattered times per month due to business traveling and life in general. And I love hitting shots like that too though the feeling of euphoria is quickly followed by a bogey or worse for me

ab348 · July 2017

Michaell said:

@ab348 - I picked up my love of golf from my dad. I remember going with him and learning the rules and etiquette of the game when I was a kid.

When he retired, he started working at the golf course so he could play free golf. He had two regular foursomes he was part of - every Monday and Wednesday morning. He became the handicap chairman of the men's club.

He did this for 15 years until he was struck by a case of the shingles. Wasn't able to play after that - he couldn't spend that much time in the sun.

When I went to visit him a few years back, I took him to the course, got a cart, and drove him around the course one last time. He saw and spoke to a bunch of his friends, and he seemed pretty happy about the experience.

Sigh - I miss my dad. Lots of good golf experiences with him. I was never able to beat him, however. Typical senior golfer - short and straight, every hole.

Good memory of your dad.

When I first started playing those senior guys drove m e crazy. I could blow it 50 yards past them on the tee if I caught it right - but of course I often was crooked, and had no short game. They just bunted it around and were deadly on and around the greens. Eventually I became more like them.

As you and @pensfan83 said, there is nothing to keep you coming back like the feeling of hitting it just right. Even just one.

Michaell · July 2017

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

@ab348 - I picked up my love of golf from my dad. I remember going with him and learning the rules and etiquette of the game when I was a kid.

When he retired, he started working at the golf course so he could play free golf. He had two regular foursomes he was part of - every Monday and Wednesday morning. He became the handicap chairman of the men's club.

He did this for 15 years until he was struck by a case of the shingles. Wasn't able to play after that - he couldn't spend that much time in the sun.

When I went to visit him a few years back, I took him to the course, got a cart, and drove him around the course one last time. He saw and spoke to a bunch of his friends, and he seemed pretty happy about the experience.

Sigh - I miss my dad. Lots of good golf experiences with him. I was never able to beat him, however. Typical senior golfer - short and straight, every hole.
Good memory of your dad.

When I first started playing those senior guys drove m e crazy. I could blow it 50 yards past them on the tee if I caught it right - but of course I often was crooked, and had no short game. They just bunted it around and were deadly on and around the greens. Eventually I became more like them.

As you and @pensfan83 said, there is nothing to keep you coming back like the feeling of hitting it just right. Even just one.

My son has also picked up an affinity for the game. At six foot plus, he hits the ball a long way. But, his short game also suffers.

He's taken on a part time job at the cart barn of a course close to him. Not sure if that nets him free golf.

bwia · July 2017

There is an Ap for that ... and it can instantly diagnose any of 7,000+ engine problems for cars from 1996 to today. It tells you if there's a problem with your car, how severe it is, and if it's an emergency or not (all in simple and easy to understand terms) – leaving shady mechanics in the dust – no longer able to rip you off!
Too good to be true? Watch this short 2½ minute video.

https://youtu.be/NeIYFrVfjFw

laurasdada · July 2017

I hate smoking, always have. But, I enjoy the casino atmosphere, I seek out no smoking tables/areas. I don't play slots, no strategy or interaction. Blackjack, with the right mix of people can be fun, social. I honestly believe I've about broken even at Blackjack over the years, but the last few years I'm up as:
1. I don't go too often
2. I manage my money and never lose "all" my money.
3. I play OK basic strategy
4. Most importantly, I've learned that the only way to walk away a winner, is to walk away a winner.

Craps is fun, too. But, you can lose a lot of $ very quickly. Bet the pass, free odds behind the line, place bets on the favorable odds numbers. Keep it simple. When I did play, if I was lucky enough to accumulate some winnings, I'd go for higher odd bets (field, hard ways), but small amounts.

Roulette? Don't forget the green numbers; numbers pay 35-1, but there are 37 numbers...

Like golf, tennis or car shopping, it's a recreational activity for me. I won't get rich, won't go poor gambling. Casino sends me perks, free concert tix, meals, (very) occasional comped room. Recently saw the Bare Naked Ladies (who knew it was a band!) with free tix. Had a nice dinner (not free), skipped the gambling, good music. All thanks to Blackjack!

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

bwia said:
There is an Ap for that ... and it can instantly diagnose any of 7,000+ engine problems for cars from 1996 to today. It tells you if there's a problem with your car, how severe it is, and if it's an emergency or not (all in simple and easy to understand terms) – leaving shady mechanics in the dust – no longer able to rip you off!
Too good to be true? Watch this short 2½ minute video.
https://youtu.be/NeIYFrVfjFw

I don't understand why you need Bluetooth to get the info. Isn't BT just the wireless earpiece for acellular phone? Why not display the problem on the gizmo's screen? It's plugged right in to the port isn't it?

Or is my poor tech knowledge making me look foolish?

Would this app differ from a plain old code reader?

Mr_Shiftright · July 2017

bwia said:
There is an Ap for that ... and it can instantly diagnose any of 7,000+ engine problems for cars from 1996 to today. It tells you if there's a problem with your car, how severe it is, and if it's an emergency or not (all in simple and easy to understand terms) – leaving shady mechanics in the dust – no longer able to rip you off!
Too good to be true? Watch this short 2½ minute video.
https://youtu.be/NeIYFrVfjFw

Yeah, it's too good to be true but nonetheless it might be useful for ballpark diagnosis. Not sure it's much more than a ginned-up simple code reader or if it's worth $60 bucks.

28firefighter · July 2017

Alright everyone, gather around and let me tell you a story. It won't be as good as a @jmonroe story, but it still has a happy ending.

During our trip to Italy, I came down with a pretty nasty sore throat. I started a course of antibiotics while in Italy and continued them after we returned home. Sore throat went away, I felt fine. As soon as I finished the meds, my sore throat returned and I started having fairly low grade fevers. Over the course of the next 7 days, I visited urgent care who diagnosed me with a viral sore throat and sent me home. The fevers persisted and started getting worse (102-103) and I was taking Tylenol and Advil around the clock. A return visit to urgent care didn't yield anything significant, though I did convince them to draw labs.

Labs came back showing significantly elevated liver function tests and I woke up in the middle of the night with a fever approaching 105. At that point I drove myself to the ER and was admitted soon after. Over the next couple of days, my fevers persisted and increased, my ability to breathe unassisted decreased and I became septic. I was transferred to the intensive care unit to stabilize me where again, I continued to deteriorate - my fevers hit as high as 108.5 and I was on 100% oxygen with a re-breather attached. I don't remember a lot of what happened, to be quite honest - I'm getting a lot secondhand from my family who stayed with me night and day in the hospital.

It took about 7 days of "waiting" and deteriorating in the ICU (don't get me started), but I ended up being diagnosed with a very aggressive fungal infection that was complicated by an immune system response related to my Crohn's disease and associated medication. Once they figured it all out, I was started on some very aggressive IV anti-fungals for 7 days and then was transitioned to an oral medication.

Bottom line? I'm extremely lucky to be alive and that I had people advocating for me. Many of the physicians I encountered assumed it was a virus (despite evidence to the contrary) and wanted to do nothing but let it run it's course. If they had continued to do that, I wouldn't be here right now.

At this point, my liver and lungs are going to take quite some time to recover from the trauma, but I am home and on the mend. I'm responding to and tolerating the medication I am on, which is greatly aiding my recovery. I spent the weekend playing with Sam and my wife and being grateful that I'm still here.

Thank god for family, nurses and health insurance. I can't wait to see what the hospital bills my insurance company - we've placed bets and every single bet is that it's some degree over $1mm.

qbrozen · July 2017

jmonroe said:

I wasn't trying to belittle you. I was merely saying I'd rather find another way to kill time.

Ok. Good to hear. I just took the "if you can convince yourself" comment very negatively.

qbrozen · July 2017

bwia said:
There is an Ap for that ... and it can instantly diagnose any of 7,000+ engine problems for cars from 1996 to today. It tells you if there's a problem with your car, how severe it is, and if it's an emergency or not (all in simple and easy to understand terms) – leaving shady mechanics in the dust – no longer able to rip you off!
Too good to be true? Watch this short 2½ minute video.
https://youtu.be/NeIYFrVfjFw

It is nothing new. I have a similar program that I downloaded for free and a wireless OBDII dongle I got for $15 from ebay. However, neither the program I have nor this new one can access everything. Most manufacturers have systems in the car on lockdown and only accessible if you have their proprietary software. And, in some cases, even proper security clearance (for example, a regional mechanic, or whatever that person is called, has more access to BMW systems than any mechanic in the dealer's shop).

driver100 · July 2017

We should have a Cars & Conversation Annual Golf Game....somewhere. Maybe Las Vegas!

Michaell · July 2017

driver100 said:
We should have a Cars & Conversation Annual Golf Game....somewhere. Maybe Las Vegas!

Nah, courses are too expensive there.

I'd vote for St. George, UT / Mesquite, NV, however.

Beautiful scenery and challenging courses.

pensfan83 · July 2017

@28firefighter - very glad to hear you pulled through what sounds like one of the most awful experiences and it's great to hear you are improving everyday and getting back to being able to spend time with your family. Best of luck on your path to full recovery.

28firefighter · July 2017

pensfan83 said:
@28firefighter - very glad to hear you pulled through what sounds like one of the most awful experiences and it's great to hear you are improving everyday and getting back to being able to spend time with your family. Best of luck on your path to full recovery.

Thanks, @pensfan83. Very happy and grateful to be home.

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

qbrozen said:

bwia said:
There is an Ap for that ... and it can instantly diagnose any of 7,000+ engine problems for cars from 1996 to today. It tells you if there's a problem with your car, how severe it is, and if it's an emergency or not (all in simple and easy to understand terms) – leaving shady mechanics in the dust – no longer able to rip you off!
Too good to be true? Watch this short 2½ minute video.
https://youtu.be/NeIYFrVfjFw
It is nothing new. I have a similar program that I downloaded for free and a wireless OBDII dongle I got for $15 from ebay. However, neither the program I have nor this new one can access everything. Most manufacturers have systems in the car on lockdown and only accessible if you have their proprietary software. And, in some cases, even proper security clearance (for example, a regional mechanic, or whatever that person is called, has more access to BMW systems than any mechanic in the dealer's shop).

That's pretty rotten. Is that to stop you from taking your car to an indie shop? I wonder if those thingys you plug in to get lower insurance rates have access to everything too.

abacomike · July 2017

28firefighter said:
Alright everyone, gather around and let me tell you a story. It won't be as good as a @jmonroe story, but it still has a happy ending.

During our trip to Italy, I came down with a pretty nasty sore throat. I started a course of antibiotics while in Italy and continued them after we returned home. Sore throat went away, I felt fine. As soon as I finished the meds, my sore throat returned and I started having fairly low grade fevers. Over the course of the next 7 days, I visited urgent care who diagnosed me with a viral sore throat and sent me home. The fevers persisted and started getting worse (102-103) and I was taking Tylenol and Advil around the clock. A return visit to urgent care didn't yield anything significant, though I did convince them to draw labs.

Labs came back showing significantly elevated liver function tests and I woke up in the middle of the night with a fever approaching 105. At that point I drove myself to the ER and was admitted soon after. Over the next couple of days, my fevers persisted and increased, my ability to breathe unassisted decreased and I became septic. I was transferred to the intensive care unit to stabilize me where again, I continued to deteriorate - my fevers hit as high as 108.5 and I was on 100% oxygen with a re-breather attached. I don't remember a lot of what happened, to be quite honest - I'm getting a lot secondhand from my family who stayed with me night and day in the hospital.

It took about 7 days of "waiting" and deteriorating in the ICU (don't get me started), but I ended up being diagnosed with a very aggressive fungal infection that was complicated by an immune system response related to my Crohn's disease and associated medication. Once they figured it all out, I was started on some very aggressive IV anti-fungals for 7 days and then was transitioned to an oral medication.

Bottom line? I'm extremely lucky to be alive and that I had people advocating for me. Many of the physicians I encountered assumed it was a virus (despite evidence to the contrary) and wanted to do nothing but let it run it's course. If they had continued to do that, I wouldn't be here right now.

At this point, my liver and lungs are going to take quite some time to recover from the trauma, but I am home and on the mend. I'm responding to and tolerating the medication I am on, which is greatly aiding my recovery. I spent the weekend playing with Sam and my wife and being grateful that I'm still here.

Thank god for family, nurses and health insurance. I can't wait to see what the hospital bills my insurance company - we've placed bets and every single bet is that it's some degree over $1mm.

Holy mackerel FF! Misdiagnoses and incorrect treatment are the cause of many untimely deaths. Thank goodness they finally figured it out. That is one of the problems with traveling internationally - you never know what you are going to catch. Remember I told everyone that I hated to fly in a plane because I always got sick the next day with some viral infection. The main thing is that you are alive and well and getting better as each day/week/month passes.

God's speed, FF. You'll be in my prayers for awhile until you are 100%.

jmonroe · July 2017

@28firefighter

Happy to hear you are on the mend. That must have been hell for your family. Hopefully you will fully recover faster than expected. Just have fun with Sam and the family for now.

FWIW, even if your story isn't as good as some of mine, it's pretty damn close.

Just pop in here as often as you can so we can keep an eye on you.

jmonroe

houdini1 · July 2017

oldfarmer50 said:

sda said:

fintail said:
Bureaucracy is not really different in the US, positions where one is effectively untouchable in many roles after a certain time, and departments just do what they can to keep budgets intact, with insane pension systems that give a ROI unattainable for any normal investor, where you can retire at 55-60 with 80% of your highest income and COLAs guaranteed for life. It can't last forever.

Taxes aren't the evil, it's all about what you receive for taxes. My counterpart in developed Europe may pay a bit more in taxes, but receives more benefit for each unit of tax paid. A couple of ER visits in the past few years brought that home for me.

I think the scope and size of the praetorian sector is the key difference between Canada and the US, along with healthcare (the funds from fund the other depending on where one lives). It's a significant economic impact in the US, and many base their identity around it. Otherwise, for example,Vancouver is awfully like Seattle in demographics and attitudes (at least Vancouver had the stones to enact a pittance tax on black money real estate speculators, Seattle needs one too), and some Canadian areas away from urban cores (at least in my experience in BC) aren't that much different from their American counterparts - the "redneck" identity is alive and well. I think the same might be true say for ON vs NY.
It doesn't matter where you live (any country) has 'rednecks'.
Hey, easy on the slurs against farmers. The true Rednecks.

Yeah, and all us who play golf !

roadburner · July 2017

We took the M235i on our vacation to Seabrook Island SC; the car averaged 30.6 mpg for the entire trip- which included all too many traffic jams on the way back home. It strikes an almost perfect balance between performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

roadburner · July 2017

28firefighter said:
Alright everyone, gather around and let me tell you a story. It won't be as good as a @jmonroe story, but it still has a happy ending.

During our trip to Italy, I came down with a pretty nasty sore throat. I started a course of antibiotics while in Italy and continued them after we returned home. Sore throat went away, I felt fine. As soon as I finished the meds, my sore throat returned and I started having fairly low grade fevers. Over the course of the next 7 days, I visited urgent care who diagnosed me with a viral sore throat and sent me home. The fevers persisted and started getting worse (102-103) and I was taking Tylenol and Advil around the clock. A return visit to urgent care didn't yield anything significant, though I did convince them to draw labs.

Labs came back showing significantly elevated liver function tests and I woke up in the middle of the night with a fever approaching 105. At that point I drove myself to the ER and was admitted soon after. Over the next couple of days, my fevers persisted and increased, my ability to breathe unassisted decreased and I became septic. I was transferred to the intensive care unit to stabilize me where again, I continued to deteriorate - my fevers hit as high as 108.5 and I was on 100% oxygen with a re-breather attached. I don't remember a lot of what happened, to be quite honest - I'm getting a lot secondhand from my family who stayed with me night and day in the hospital.

It took about 7 days of "waiting" and deteriorating in the ICU (don't get me started), but I ended up being diagnosed with a very aggressive fungal infection that was complicated by an immune system response related to my Crohn's disease and associated medication. Once they figured it all out, I was started on some very aggressive IV anti-fungals for 7 days and then was transitioned to an oral medication.

Bottom line? I'm extremely lucky to be alive and that I had people advocating for me. Many of the physicians I encountered assumed it was a virus (despite evidence to the contrary) and wanted to do nothing but let it run it's course. If they had continued to do that, I wouldn't be here right now.

At this point, my liver and lungs are going to take quite some time to recover from the trauma, but I am home and on the mend. I'm responding to and tolerating the medication I am on, which is greatly aiding my recovery. I spent the weekend playing with Sam and my wife and being grateful that I'm still here.

Thank god for family, nurses and health insurance. I can't wait to see what the hospital bills my insurance company - we've placed bets and every single bet is that it's some degree over $1mm.

Glad it got worked out!

abacomike · July 2017

Just got home from the local Hyundai dealership after test driving the 2018 3.3 L twin turbo Sport G80 and the 3.8 L V6 G80. They are totally different cars, and I mean totally different. On the outside, you can tell the two cars are a bit different because of the front grille and by the wheels. Otherwise, it is difficult to tell the two cars apart.

Once you open the front driver's door on each model, there is a significant difference in the seats, the dashboard and the console - one has brushed wood and the Sport model has carbon fiber. Brake and accelerator pedals are burnished in chrome (aluminum) trim on the Sport. The seats seem to be kind of narrow for a big guy like me, but other than that, the car is comfortable for a 6'2" guy. The array of gadgets in the Sport 3.3 Liter Turbo are astonishing - quite similar in the numbers of buttons and knobs to my 740i. The interior of both cars is rich looking and rich feeling with high grade leathers used throughout the vehicles. I drove a White over black interior G80 3.3 Sport and a Silver over black G80 3.8. The G80 3.8 had the ultimate package and MSRP'd for about $53,000+. The G80 3.3 Sport had no options but was equipped with every conceivable goodie that the G80 3.8 had - ultimate package + if you know what I mean, and MSRP'd for about $56,000.

First, the audio systems. They were about the same in each car - 15 speakers with one woofer. Sound was quite good, but no graphic equalizers - just mid range, treble and bass settings. The 3.3 Sport was much sportier inside with what seemed like more buttons and knobs. Fairly comfortable except for the very narrow seats. Both cars had extendable power thigh bolsters.

Now for the driving experience. I drove the G80 3.3 Sport with twin turbos first. The car is like a bullet - fast as heck from a standing stop to 70 mph. Even at 55 mph, when you kick the accelerator down, you get that boost that is so familiar with a turbo. The car handled more like a sports car than a sedan. Steering was responsive as were the brakes and the cornering outstanding. Forgetting all the nanny options and considering just the ride, handling and acceleration, this car has what I feel has been lacking in the Genesis models. This is more a BMW 4 or 5 series than anything I've ever driver, including the Mercedes Benz E Sport Sedans. It is quiet yet aggressively designed and engineered. The only negative I could come up with for the G80 3.3 Turbo Sport was that it was too harsh a ride for an old fogy like me. I know I would be in pain after about 2 hours of driving up to see my brother in Ponte Vedra. Other than that, the car is pure perfection, IMHO.

Next, I drove the G80 3.8 equipped with the ultimate package (that means everything). The ride was a bit more comfortable for me, less harsh over bumps and road lines than the Sport. Car was definitely underpowered for my tastes even though it sported 300+ hp, it didn't seem like it had that much power - maybe it was a lack of torque. Excellent driving car, but still the seats were a bit too narrow for my tastes and comfort. There is no doubt that Hyundai has done a marvelous job with the G80, both 3.8 and 3.3 - buy I was most amazed by the 3.3's power and handling. This G80 3.3 Turbo Sport is no Genesis - it's a BMW disguised as a Korean car. If the ride was not as harsh as I experience, I might have bought one right there on the spot.

In comparison to my 740i, the G80 3.3 Sport was a superstar in terms of handling and cornering. I prefer my BMW ride and nanny goodies over the G80 3.8, but that G80 3.3 was a Ferrari in Sheep's Clothing - if you get my drift.

That car is a must to drive if you haven't yet test driven one. For you younger guys who are a bit leaner and more used to a true sports car feel, it's a tremendously well engineered car. I fell in love with it - but only for short trips. If I could afford to have two car parked outside my condo, I would buy a G80 3.3 Sport immediately. You all need to drive this car to truly understand my excitement.

houdini1 · July 2017

Good review Mike, what was the msrp on the two? If you had to buy one of them, which one?

ab348 · July 2017

Wow, 28FF, that's is a harrowing tale. I am obviously glad you are here to tell it. It is frightening to think that doctors would just be willing to have you wait it out with those symptoms.

I assume you think that the origin is something you encountered in Italy?

28firefighter · July 2017

The irony of everything that happened to me, is that I picked up the infection on a business trip to Indiana. The trip to Italy had nothing to do with it!

imidazol97 · July 2017

abacomike said:
Just got home from the local Hyundai dealership after test driving the 2018 3.3 L twin turbo Sport G80 and the 3.8 L V6 G80. T

I gotta ask what prompted you to stop by to test drive these cars? Are you getting ownership fever with your BMW?

abacomike · July 2017

houdini1 said:

Good review Mike, what was the msrp on the two? If you had to buy one of them, which one?

Re-read the second paragraph - both MSRP's are there.

I would definitely buy the 3.3 turbo Sport. It's an amazing vehicle - just too hard a ride for me.

abacomike · July 2017

imidazol97 said:

Just got home from the local Hyundai dealership after test driving the 2018 3.3 L twin turbo Sport G80 and the 3.8 L V6 G80. T
I gotta ask what prompted you to stop by to test drive these cars? Are you getting ownership fever with your BMW?

Ya never know with me, do ya? I'm keeping my BMW 740i, no matter what!

dino001 · July 2017

abacomike said:
Just got home from the local Hyundai dealership after test driving ....

I knew that!!!! You promised, Mike - you promised...

imidazol97 · July 2017

abacomike said:

imidazol97 said:

Just got home from the local Hyundai dealership after test driving the 2018 3.3 L twin turbo Sport G80 and the 3.8 L V6 G80. T
I gotta ask what prompted you to stop by to test drive these cars? Are you getting ownership fever with your BMW?

Ya never know with me, do ya? I'm keeping my BMW 740i, no matter what!

Lol

houdini1 · July 2017

28firefighter said:
The irony of everything that happened to me, is that I picked up the infection on a business trip to Indiana. The trip to Italy had nothing to do with it!

It is great that you have people in your life that were willing to fight for you when you were unable to fight for yourself. You are a lucky man !! Congratulations !!

tbirdmarco · July 2017

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1uqENT5ZA2c

imidazol97 · July 2017

abacomike said:
The only negative I could come up with for the G80 3.3 Turbo Sport was that it was too harsh a ride for an old fogy like me. I know I would be in pain after about 2 hours of driving up to see my brother in Ponte Vedra.

Didn't this Hyundai have adjustable suspension settings? It's supposed to be a premium Hyundai model.

abacomike · July 2017

dino001 said:

Just got home from the local Hyundai dealership after test driving ....
I knew that!!!! You promised, Mike - you promised...

Have not broken my promise and I have no intentions of breaking my promise. Besides, I just had a pull-ahead oil and filter change on the 740i - a rarity for me, as you are aware!

abacomike · July 2017

imidazol97 said:

The only negative I could come up with for the G80 3.3 Turbo Sport was that it was too harsh a ride for an old fogy like me. I know I would be in pain after about 2 hours of driving up to see my brother in Ponte Vedra.
Didn't this Hyundai have adjustable suspension settings? It's supposed to be a premium Hyundai model.

Yes, imid, both did. Sport, normal and economy settings. I had the G80 3.3 Sport setting on "normal". Can you imagine what my derrière would feel like if I had the car in sport mode? Wait, don't answer that!

graphicguy · July 2017

LD....your point #4 is the key to winning.

28FF....mercy...happy to hear you're on the right side of recovery.

PF_Flyer · July 2017

Had an unusual moment on the road this morning. Unfortunately no way to get a photo because i had no idea it was about to happen. As I stopped to make the turn into the gym parking lot, I noticed that every other car I could see was white. About 5 or 6 coming down the street that I had to wait to make my turn for, another half dozen or so coming up behind, and a couple waiting to come out onto the street from a grocery store parking lot. Had to be at least 12-15 different makes/models, but every last one of them WHITE.

Felt like a was in some kind of commercial

imidazol97 · July 2017

PF_Flyer said:
Had to be at least 12-15 different makes/models, but every last one of them WHITE.

Felt like a was in some kind of commercial

And every one of them was "real people, not actors."

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

28firefighter said:
The irony of everything that happened to me, is that I picked up the infection on a business trip to Indiana. The trip to Italy had nothing to do with it!

Did you go spelunking and kiss a bat? Glad you're feeling better.

When does the Porsche arrive?

driver100 · July 2017

FF, Really good to hear you are good to go and back with us. Thanks for the info too, always good to be reminded you have to fight for the best medical care and do your homework too.

Mike, great reviews, makes me want to give that Sport model a try. I just couldn't do it though......I have been pleased 100% with the name brands, I don't want the no-name product until it is truly been proven. I might save myself $20000, but I don't gamble, so I don't want to throw away $60000 either.

carnaught · July 2017

@28firefighter, so glad you are allright, and on the road to recovery! It is so fortunate the diagnosis of Histoplasmosis was made when it was. It is such an obscure organism, can present many different ways, and not the first thing that would come to mind. Give Sam an extra hug and kiss each day.

carnaught · July 2017

@abacomike, thanks for the nice Genesis reviews!

abacomike · July 2017

driver100 said:

FF, Really good to hear you are good to go and back with us. Thanks for the info too, always good to be reminded you have to fight for the best medical care and do your homework too. Mike, great reviews, makes me want to give that Sport model a try. I just couldn't do it though......I have been pleased 100% with the name brands, I don't want the no-name product until it is truly been proven. I might save myself $20000, but I don't gamble, so I don't want to throw away $60000 either.

You're starting to sound like a snob, driver. $56,000+ for a car is not "peanuts"! Name brands are often worth the money - but so is the Genesis G80 3.3 Sport.

sda · July 2017

28firefighter said:
The irony of everything that happened to me, is that I picked up the infection on a business trip to Indiana. The trip to Italy had nothing to do with it!

I am so relieved to learn you are doing better and wish you a complete and quick recovery.

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