You really trust AMAZON with your PERSONAL medical information?
Amazon, TikTok, Meta, X, Placer AI etc know more about you than even yourself.
Placer AI tracks your phone pings to know if you are in a (geo fenced) space. They sell the data to retailers. For example a retailer knows what store you visit before and after you visit theirs. They also have time spent in each location. All can be used across the retail organization to help pick cotenancy, spots in strip malls … etc
I know I'm being watched and tracked. I just don't trust Amazon with my personal medical information. They already have access to "too much." When I go to checkout, it asks if I want to use any of my Business AMEX points to pay for the transaction. How do they have access to that information. I don't like it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
@nyccarguy said:
I know I'm being watched and tracked. I just don't trust Amazon with my personal medical information. They already have access to "too much." When I go to checkout, it asks if I want to use any of my Business AMEX points to pay for the transaction. How do they have access to that information. I don't like it.
Indeed that one is a little scary. Curious how that transfers over.
Best quote of the day. Patient for total knee replacement asked to say in her own words why she is in the OR. “My right knee is f@ucked up and I am here for you to unf@ck it”
The Weller 12 arrived in town last week in very limited supply at the low, low price of $79 in worthless Canadian dollars. It was on my list to get and I got to the store an hour before it opened only to find a long line of people wrapping around the block, so I abandoned all efforts. I found out later that the 66 bottles they received were all gone before noon. The same was true for the 54 bottles of Eagle Rare, also on my list at an even lower price of $69 Cdn.
The manufacturer, Buffalo Trace, limits supply in order to hype the demand and keep prices high.
You have to plan 12 years ahead, so maybe yes, maybe less?
Maybe, maybe not. I noted a report this week that talked about how whisky inventories in warehouses are at alarmingly high levels because of dropping sales volumes and over-production, so who knows. I do know that BT is notorious for holding back product. It makes little sense. I know my US friends are often in search of a bottle of regular Buffalo Trace and can never seem to find it. Here, there are oceans of it on the shelves of the smallest liquor stores in the tiniest of towns in back corners of the province. There is never a shortage of it here. Go figure.
Today's Dennis O'Sullivan was a fun read: QUESTION A few weeks ago in your column, you spoke about trusting the dealership for repairs since the technicians are well trained. You also spout out nonsense that it is best to buy from a reputable dealership because they stand behind their vehicles. This email discounts all the hype that you put on dealership trust because I was promised two new tires when I purchased the car. When I took delivery, they did not have the tires so I was told to come back in a week and they would have them. During that week, I had to replace the alternator, which cost me just under four hundred dollars. This happened four days after I took possession of the car. It has been one month, and I am still waiting for the two tires. Is there a story here and are you ready to change your mind?
Larry from Simcoe
ANSWER I wish that all my answers could be this easy. You were charged for the alternator because you specifically told the garage that you boosted your friend’s car and damaged the alternator. The dealer knowing this, gave you ten per cent off the part for goodwill. Your new tires are waiting for you right after you make good on the bounced cheque for the alternator. There is not a story here.
The manufacturer, Buffalo Trace, limits supply in order to hype the demand and keep prices high.
You have to plan 12 years ahead, so maybe yes, maybe less?
Maybe, maybe not. I noted a report this week that talked about how whisky inventories in warehouses are at alarmingly high levels because of dropping sales volumes and over-production, so who knows. I do know that BT is notorious for holding back product. It makes little sense. I know my US friends are often in search of a bottle of regular Buffalo Trace and can never seem to find it. Here, there are oceans of it on the shelves of the smallest liquor stores in the tiniest of towns in back corners of the province. There is never a shortage of it here. Go figure.
———————————————— Could be that Canadians have a more discriminating taste and don’t care for “regular” Buffalo Trace.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I think he selects these types because everyone likes to see a dishonest person get their comeuppance.
It surprises me that people try this kind of scam and it is fairly easy for Dennis to check and get the real facts. You are right, there is something satisfying about seeing a fraudster get caught.
@driver100 said:
It surprises me that people try this kind of scam and it is fairly easy for Dennis to check and get the real facts. You are right, there is something satisfying about seeing a fraudster get caught.
Nothing surprises me anymore.
People come in with things up orifices with these stories that they have not thought through. “I was walking and slipped and fell on this”. Hmm you were walking with no underwear or pants on and you slipped and fell on a well lubed…??? Yeah right.
My wife and daughter want so bad to see the Eras tour. I looked at the Toronto show and it’s about 8K for 4 nosebleed seats. That’s about what we are paying for our cruise next year…..
I have to say we watched the video version they release of the concert in our theater room. I had it extremely loud (100 DB+ to simulate being there) and I actually enjoyed it. Incredible concert whether you like her or not. Vocals and arrangements spot on and the whole production is like nothing I’ve ever seen.
That was one of the songs on the Halloween name that tune last night. We took third place. Would have tied for first but somehow I couldn’t come up with Talking Heads on the song Psycho Killer.. I blame the Tito’s and sodas.
@tjc78 said:
My wife and daughter want so bad to see the Eras tour. I looked at the Toronto show and it’s about 8K for 4 nosebleed seats. That’s about what we are paying for our cruise next year…..
I have to say we watched the video version they release of the concert in our theater room. I had it extremely loud (100 DB+ to simulate being there) and I actually enjoyed it. Incredible concert whether you like her or not. Vocals and arrangements spot on and the whole production is like nothing I’ve ever seen.
My guess is it sounded better there than it will in person.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
@tjc78 said:
My wife and daughter want so bad to see the Eras tour. I looked at the Toronto show and it’s about 8K for 4 nosebleed seats. That’s about what we are paying for our cruise next year…..
I have to say we watched the video version they release of the concert in our theater room. I had it extremely loud (100 DB+ to simulate being there) and I actually enjoyed it. Incredible concert whether you like her or not. Vocals and arrangements spot on and the whole production is like nothing I’ve ever seen.
My guess is it sounded better there than it will in person.
Possibly! It certainly was more comfortable and drinks were cheaper!
It surprises me that people try this kind of scam and it is fairly easy for Dennis to check and get the real facts. You are right, there is something satisfying about seeing a fraudster get caught.
Nothing surprises me anymore.
People come in with things up orifices with these stories that they have not thought through. “I was walking and slipped and fell on this”. Hmm you were walking with no underwear or pants on and you slipped and fell on a well lubed…??? Yeah right.
On the hospital series All Saints which is a hospital in Australia a guy comes in with a cell phone up his butt. They ask him how it happened, and he says he accidentally sat down on a chair and somehow it got lodged where the sun don't shine. He goes in to have the phone removed, they have him lie on his side, and just as the doctors are going to surgically remove the phone, one of the nurses finds his cell number and the phone starts playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
It surprises me that people try this kind of scam and it is fairly easy for Dennis to check and get the real facts. You are right, there is something satisfying about seeing a fraudster get caught.
Nothing surprises me anymore.
People come in with things up orifices with these stories that they have not thought through. “I was walking and slipped and fell on this”. Hmm you were walking with no underwear or pants on and you slipped and fell on a well lubed…??? Yeah right.
Hey, it could happen. 😂😂😂😂
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My wife and daughter want so bad to see the Eras tour. I looked at the Toronto show and it’s about 8K for 4 nosebleed seats. That’s about what we are paying for our cruise next year…..
I have to say we watched the video version they release of the concert in our theater room. I had it extremely loud (100 DB+ to simulate being there) and I actually enjoyed it. Incredible concert whether you like her or not. Vocals and arrangements spot on and the whole production is like nothing I’ve ever seen.
My guess is it sounded better there than it will in person.
————————————————- When it’s that loud how can you tell. Like they say in the music biz, “if you can’t carry a tune carry it louder. Very loud.”
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
A couple of weeks ago, while we were in CT for a wedding I noticed a screw in my let rear tire. Tire held air, so when I got home I cut off the protruding part of it with my Dremel. After watching some tire repair video's, I don't think any tire place will plug it, plus I'm not sure how far it is into the tire. Decided to just grind it down some more with the Dremel and hope for the best.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
@explorerx4 said:
A couple of weeks ago, while we were in CT for a wedding I noticed a screw in my let rear tire.
Tire held air, so when I got home I cut off the protruding part of it with my Dremel.
After watching some tire repair video's, I don't think any tire place will plug it, plus I'm not sure how far it is into the tire.
Decided to just grind it down some more with the Dremel and hope for the best.
I’d much rather pull and plug rather than take my chances with that
The look on their face is priceless when I point out that they would have to be walking through their garage with no underwear or pants on for what they say happened to happen. It needs to be said though.
@ab348, It's now ground down about flat with the valley between the treads. Our rip to Wisconsin is a vouple of weeks should bea good test. It already made it back from CT plus other driving before I did anything.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Had dinner with a former golf buddy I hadn't seen in a year or so last night. He was always a complainer.....bad neighbors, crazy kids, every little thing that could be wrong, was wrong.
Anyway, as you might imagine, he was also something of a hypochondriac. Last night, he said his Dr told him he should "get his affairs in order". Trying to be somewhat sensitive, I asked him what was wrong (against my better judgment). It was a litany of things....he has planar fascaitus (sp?), he's forgetting things and says his brain is rotting away, he has had all sorts of CAT SCANS, x-rays and MRIs. Not wanting to pry, I wished him the best and tried to lift his spirits and said we should play 18 holes (today) as the weather's good.
He barked back and said he wasn't sure he'd be alive.
A little taken aback. I called his wife today. She said he's fine, but doesn't think he can do anything at all.
OK.
I wanted to ask him and her, but again trying to be somewhat sensitive. Knowing he's a hypochondriac, has anyone ever heard a Dr tell a patient they should "get their affairs in order"? That just seems rather extreme and a bit insensitive to me. Or, trying to understand whether his "ailments" are really life threatening.
@explorerx4 said: @ab348,
It's now ground down about flat with the valley between the treads.
Our rip to Wisconsin is a vouple of weeks should bea good test.
It already made it back from CT plus other driving before I did anything.
I know we've covered all sorts of appliances in these discussions.
But, over the last 3 weeks or so, my Epson printer (about 3 years old) has had bouts where the prints coming out of it are either very "banded" or smeary. I've done the print head cleaning several times. Sometimes it helps, but after a few days, the terrible print quality returns. It's one of those Epson Printer "super ink tank" printers that Shaq advertises.
Didn't pay a lot for it, but didn't pay a little either.
There was one option left for maintenance on the Epson app.....DEEP CLEAN. Yeah...let's try that. So, hit that option and it says to call Epson Support.
Called Epson support. They said it's out of warranty (yeah...knew that) and said I'd have to send it in for service. Asked if I could do the "deep clean" myself. After a little cajoling, the support agent sent me the procedure for a deep clean. It's essentially replacing a "sponge" that periodically "wipes" the ink jets. And, you have to physically clean the jets. Won't get into the weeds, but it's like using a q-tip dipped in special cleaning solution that you rub on the teeny tips of the inkjets.
You have to buy the whole "kit" for a deep cleaning from Epson for about $125. How tough can it be to make my own kit?
I tried. Cut up a small sponge to fit where the old one was (which was an inky mess). the old one was glued in. Used some "Goo-Gone" after I tore the old sponge out and get the sponge residue cleaned up. It was MESSY. Used two sided tape to put the new sponge in (figuring I didn't want to re-glue the sponge in case I ever had to change it out, again). Used some isopropyl alcohol on the ink jet tips. There were clumps of sticky and dried ink I removed.
Put everything back together.
2 hours worth of work.
Well, ended up not printing anything resembling a document now. Plus, whatever those jets are made out of, they aren't very durable. I used what I thought was a very gentle scrubbing with q-tips. Ink is now going hither and yon, all over the place.
I just got back from Costco after buying a new HP Laser Jet printer. I ain't playing with inks, anymore.
Took me all of 5 minutes to connect the new printer to the network and get my first prints out.
Comments
Amazon, TikTok, Meta, X, Placer AI etc know more about you than even yourself.
Placer AI tracks your phone pings to know if you are in a (geo fenced) space. They sell the data to retailers. For example a retailer knows what store you visit before and after you visit theirs. They also have time spent in each location. All can be used across the retail organization to help pick cotenancy, spots in strip malls … etc
I know I'm being watched and tracked. I just don't trust Amazon with my personal medical information. They already have access to "too much." When I go to checkout, it asks if I want to use any of my Business AMEX points to pay for the transaction. How do they have access to that information. I don't like it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Indeed that one is a little scary. Curious how that transfers over.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
For all you bourbon fans. Two bottles at list found by my BIL at QFC last night. One for me.
OK, looks good but how do you plan on sharing it?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I’m looking for something as a Christmas gift for a bourbon drinker.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My understanding is it’s more readily available in Ohio at the list price of $50-$60.
It’s very uncommon here and sells online for 2-3x list.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
We wanted to get some Eagle Rare but nothing in the supply.
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2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
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2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
@28firefighter
Nice score at retail. I still prefer Eagle Rare but that’s a great bottle!
Enjoy it!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I was able to snag one of these last week, my first time trying this. I’ve only had a little, but it might be one of the best I’ve ever tried.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I have three bottles myself. It's very good.
QUESTION
A few weeks ago in your column, you spoke about trusting the dealership for repairs since the technicians are well trained. You also spout out nonsense that it is best to buy from a reputable dealership because they stand behind their vehicles. This email discounts all the hype that you put on dealership trust because I was promised two new tires when I purchased the car. When I took delivery, they did not have the tires so I was told to come back in a week and they would have them. During that week, I had to replace the alternator, which cost me just under four hundred dollars. This happened four days after I took possession of the car. It has been one month, and I am still waiting for the two tires. Is there a story here and are you ready to change your mind?
Larry from Simcoe
ANSWER
I wish that all my answers could be this easy. You were charged for the alternator because you specifically told the garage that you boosted your friend’s car and damaged the alternator. The dealer knowing this, gave you ten per cent off the part for goodwill. Your new tires are waiting for you right after you make good on the bounced cheque for the alternator. There is not a story here.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Could be that Canadians have a more discriminating taste and don’t care for “regular” Buffalo Trace.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I’m in NOLA for a few days. The Swifties have descended and I’ve seen a ridiculous number of decorated cars. (Yes, I got a ticket for tonight. YOLO!)
@xwesx I don’t think the Uber drivers would appreciate me decorating their cars.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Even the blue oyster ones?😎
Nothing surprises me anymore.
People come in with things up orifices with these stories that they have not thought through. “I was walking and slipped and fell on this”. Hmm you were walking with no underwear or pants on and you slipped and fell on a well lubed…??? Yeah right.
Even the blue oyster ones?😎
Don't fear the Reaper!
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I have to say we watched the video version they release of the concert in our theater room. I had it extremely loud (100 DB+ to simulate being there) and I actually enjoyed it. Incredible concert whether you like her or not. Vocals and arrangements spot on and the whole production is like nothing I’ve ever seen.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
That was one of the songs on the Halloween name that tune last night. We took third place. Would have tied for first but somehow I couldn’t come up with Talking Heads on the song Psycho Killer.. I blame the Tito’s and sodas.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
My guess is it sounded better there than it will in person.
There's a store who has it regularly in N. Ky....The Prohibition Bar.
Yes, it's good. My favorite? No!
Worth it? Not in the least!
Possibly! It certainly was more comfortable and drinks were cheaper!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Nothing surprises me anymore.
People come in with things up orifices with these stories that they have not thought through. “I was walking and slipped and fell on this”. Hmm you were walking with no underwear or pants on and you slipped and fell on a well lubed…??? Yeah right.
On the hospital series All Saints which is a hospital in Australia a guy comes in with a cell phone up his butt. They ask him how it happened, and he says he accidentally sat down on a chair and somehow it got lodged where the sun don't shine.
He goes in to have the phone removed, they have him lie on his side, and just as the doctors are going to surgically remove the phone, one of the nurses finds his cell number and the phone starts playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Nothing surprises me anymore.
People come in with things up orifices with these stories that they have not thought through. “I was walking and slipped and fell on this”. Hmm you were walking with no underwear or pants on and you slipped and fell on a well lubed…??? Yeah right.
Hey, it could happen. 😂😂😂😂
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@mjfloyd1 is spot on.
My guess is it sounded better there than it will in person.
————————————————-When it’s that loud how can you tell. Like they say in the music biz, “if you can’t carry a tune carry it louder. Very loud.”
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Tire held air, so when I got home I cut off the protruding part of it with my Dremel.
After watching some tire repair video's, I don't think any tire place will plug it, plus I'm not sure how far it is into the tire.
Decided to just grind it down some more with the Dremel and hope for the best.
IU Hoosiers 8-0. Kyle Schwarber came and left by helicopter.
I’d much rather pull and plug rather than take my chances with that
The look on their face is priceless when I point out that they would have to be walking through their garage with no underwear or pants on for what they say happened to happen. It needs to be said though.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
It's now ground down about flat with the valley between the treads.
Our rip to Wisconsin is a vouple of weeks should bea good test.
It already made it back from CT plus other driving before I did anything.
Anyway, as you might imagine, he was also something of a hypochondriac. Last night, he said his Dr told him he should "get his affairs in order". Trying to be somewhat sensitive, I asked him what was wrong (against my better judgment). It was a litany of things....he has planar fascaitus (sp?), he's forgetting things and says his brain is rotting away, he has had all sorts of CAT SCANS, x-rays and MRIs. Not wanting to pry, I wished him the best and tried to lift his spirits and said we should play 18 holes (today) as the weather's good.
He barked back and said he wasn't sure he'd be alive.
A little taken aback. I called his wife today. She said he's fine, but doesn't think he can do anything at all.
OK.
I wanted to ask him and her, but again trying to be somewhat sensitive. Knowing he's a hypochondriac, has anyone ever heard a Dr tell a patient they should "get their affairs in order"? That just seems rather extreme and a bit insensitive to me. Or, trying to understand whether his "ailments" are really life threatening.
I hope that you have an actual spare tire
But, over the last 3 weeks or so, my Epson printer (about 3 years old) has had bouts where the prints coming out of it are either very "banded" or smeary. I've done the print head cleaning several times. Sometimes it helps, but after a few days, the terrible print quality returns. It's one of those Epson Printer "super ink tank" printers that Shaq advertises.
Didn't pay a lot for it, but didn't pay a little either.
There was one option left for maintenance on the Epson app.....DEEP CLEAN. Yeah...let's try that. So, hit that option and it says to call Epson Support.
Called Epson support. They said it's out of warranty (yeah...knew that) and said I'd have to send it in for service. Asked if I could do the "deep clean" myself. After a little cajoling, the support agent sent me the procedure for a deep clean. It's essentially replacing a "sponge" that periodically "wipes" the ink jets. And, you have to physically clean the jets. Won't get into the weeds, but it's like using a q-tip dipped in special cleaning solution that you rub on the teeny tips of the inkjets.
You have to buy the whole "kit" for a deep cleaning from Epson for about $125. How tough can it be to make my own kit?
I tried. Cut up a small sponge to fit where the old one was (which was an inky mess). the old one was glued in. Used some "Goo-Gone" after I tore the old sponge out and get the sponge residue cleaned up. It was MESSY. Used two sided tape to put the new sponge in (figuring I didn't want to re-glue the sponge in case I ever had to change it out, again). Used some isopropyl alcohol on the ink jet tips. There were clumps of sticky and dried ink I removed.
Put everything back together.
2 hours worth of work.
Well, ended up not printing anything resembling a document now. Plus, whatever those jets are made out of, they aren't very durable. I used what I thought was a very gentle scrubbing with q-tips. Ink is now going hither and yon, all over the place.
I just got back from Costco after buying a new HP Laser Jet printer. I ain't playing with inks, anymore.
Took me all of 5 minutes to connect the new printer to the network and get my first prints out.