‘I wonder where that two-legged guy went? Well, I have things to do so I am out of here!’
Monday, March 22, 2010
Dog Driver
Top Used Car Dealer Hank Graff Davison talks about Used Cars...
Buying a used car should be fun. Buying a used car should be exciting. Remember when you first got behind the wheel of a car? Remember the excitement? Remember the freedom? The planets aligned and all was right with the world. When you buy a used car we believe that you should have those feelings again, or at least as close as you possibly can. Here at Hank Graff Chevrolet Davison, used cars are what we do best. We love used cars because there is nothing quite like selling a used car to a customer and seeing the look on their face when they drive away. They always smile. They smile because they are happy and excited. They smile because they know that they just saved hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the used car or used truck that they are driving. We also like to think that they are smiling because of the experience that we have provided for them. We take customer satisfaction very seriously at Hank Graff Chevrolet Davison. There is a reason why we are the top dealer for new Chevrolet and used cars and used trucks. You are the reason that we have been in business for over 95 years.
If you are interested in buying a used car or used truck, we would love to assist you in any way that we can, even if you don’t buy from us. We encourage you to shop around for used cars and discover for yourself the superior customer service, selection and prices that you will find at Hank Graff Chevrolet Davison compared to ANY other new or used car dealership anywhere.
You will find many “tips and tricks” on buying used cars all over the internet. We even have a few of our own for you to use. We encourage you to use all of these. When you buy a used car or used truck we want you to be as well educated as possible so that you know that you are making the right decision for YOU. Many think that the process of buying a used car is simple. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A used car or used truck sale involves intimate communication between buyer and seller. It is our responsibility to provide you with the best tools and resources that you need in order you to make the right decision for yourself. Integrity and honesty are paramount.
We will always do our best to help you to find the best used car or used truck that fits your needs. Used car and used truck buyers are the cornerstone of any successful used car or used truck dealership and it is our mission to make your experience as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. Please visit our help center, contact us via email, or call 810-653-4111 if you have any questions about buying a used car or used truck.
Lexus IS 250C review
We Brits are an optimistic bunch. Even though we only get about 38 minutes of sunshine each summer, we buy more convertibles than almost anyone else in Europe. Britain is the second biggest European market for drop-tops and that means we have a greater appetite for open-air motoring than the French, the Italians or the Spanish.
The only problem is that removing the roof can spoil a good car, or at least make it noisier, sloppier to drive and easier to steal. That’s why car makers invented the metal folding hard top, which is meant to mix the advantages of a coupé with the fun of a cabriolet.
This arrangement features on the latest Lexus IS 250C, a £34,550-plus open-top version of the IS saloon that’s pitched as a rival to the class-leading BMW 3-series Convertible and recently launched Mercedes E-class Coupé. The IS 250C is claimed to have the world’s fastest metal folding roof. Like most rivals’ similar systems, it is split into three sections to ease stowage. Powered by 15 electric motors and fitted with 37 sensors to ensure its panels don’t thwack anything when, at the touch of a button, they flail into the air and fold intricately into the boot, the intricate system even has a “roof brake” to allow a well-damped closure.
To accommodate the intriguing folding roof system, Lexus has redesigned much of the IS’s bodywork. Only the mirrors, door handles and bonnet are common between the four-door saloon and this convertible, so the two look quite different. To my eyes the IS 250C is a little frumpy and inelegant, despite the designer’s best efforts to disguise its elongated rear end – an Audi A5 Cabriolet is much prettier.
An A5 isn’t as refined, however. Lexus has paid special attention to this area, adding extra sound-deadening materials in an effort to make the IS 250C impressively quiet. But when the roof is down these gains don’t count for much and this soundproofing also makes the car considerably heavier.
At least the ride is smooth on standard 17in wheels as we pootle along Nice’s coastal promenade – the sort of glamorous setting this car has been designed to suit. The upmarket cabin is also as well-appointed as an MP’s second home, if a little more compact, while the generous boot is big enough for two large travel bags.
Halting at a traffic light provides the opportunity to put the speed of this roof to the test. Press the button and all 15 motors buzz into life. A driver behind beeps his horn, assuming we’re going to hold him up, but just 21 seconds later the process is complete.
We head out of Nice and up to the twisty roads that form stages of the Monte Carlo Rally. This is where the IS 250C’s flaws are most cruelly exposed. The only engine on offer – a smooth-revving, 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with 205bhp – feels weak and overwhelmed in this environment, while the automatic gearbox swaps cogs constantly in an effort to find more urge. The United States will get a version with an extra 100bhp but the bigger engine’s emissions preclude its appearance in Europe.
Much as the engine won’t satisfy keener drivers, neither will the handling. The problem is the car’s bloated weight, which prevents the IS 250C from having the panache of cheaper rivals such as the BMW
3-series Convertible. It’s safe and has numerous electronic driver aids, but it’s not sharp. It’s disappointingly dull.
All in, this is a refined cruiser that could appeal if you’re after a plush, comfortable and soft-driving convertible. But the reason we buy so many open-top cars in Britain is surely because they’re fun, and the IS 250C’s sanitised driving sensations mean that it isn’t.
Friday, March 19, 2010
out with the old, in with the new
I’d like to introduce you to the newest addition to my life: my new German boyfriend, Johan Sven Ip.
So you may ask, why name him Johan Sven? Well, I was brainstorming with EH about what to name him and we decided that since he is German, it would be fitting for him to have a traditional German name. We went through various ideas, including Klaus, Hans, Tobias, and Adolf (yes. Adolf…kinda funny? No? Anyways…), and eventually I settled on Johan Sven. I then decided to look up what this actually meant and discovered the following:
Johan = God’s gracious gift
Sven = Boy
Hahaha…subtle sign, no? This new car was meant to be mine. And I think the meaning is cute too! 
Anyways, Johan is looking forward to meeting you! Hopefully he can be friends with my friends.
What A Labster does....
…..on her Spring Break is not always the most logical. So she has homework that she needs to do but hey she is a college student who is trying to destress.
So…Saturday, she continued her streak of being unable to get home without needing to call her parents to have them come get her. This time instead of being snow it was Sam’s clutch. Thanks dad for teaching me what to do when that happened. I was able to get her over to a McDonald’s/gas station. Then after my dad arrived…we played the great game of where is a u-haul??? This was after my dad tried to drive Sam home with me following in the truck.
Sunday…Since I missed Mass on Saturday, I went. Then we went to see the Terracotta Warriors, which turned into a great adventure because we did not realize that DC was a) hosting a St. Pat’s Day Parade b) would blocked a LARGE majority of the city off for it. Overall, It was a nice display. I was delighted to figure out that i knew a lot of the information based off of educationed guesses.
Monday…I went into my old high school to talk with my internship teachers. I can not wait for May and be in a classroom everyday seeing how it really works.
Tuesday….We went to see the Arlington Cathedral and went to daily mass. Then we went shopping for shoes, which we found. Then there was scrapbooking.
Wednesday….was spent at Woodlawn looking at the lovely needlework exhibit.
Thursday …was spent working on getting the house organized and cleaned. I also inputted booking into my computer list of books I own.
I have also spent this week working on my Junior Week costumes, which is another entire blog post or two of it’s own.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Signs of Spring #2
Just a few more days till Spring arrives and I have some more signs to bring spring on home. I have chosen to focus on the signs that can be seen around cars, specifically my car, and the adventure cars can bring.
4st Sign of Spring: The shoe store that appears inside of my car. If you read my last post then you know my hatred for socks. This hatred extends to shoes that I have to tie. Let me slip something on my fine little toes and I am good to go. So, when the weather warms and my toes cry for freedom I pack up the socks and bring out the shoes that provide a little more fresh air for my 10 little friends.
I have chocos, crocs, and a few pairs of shoes that have a little flip and flop in them. All provide the freedom my toes crave. The funny news is that they come off without any hassle, which makes me want to take them off and free my little toesies even more. So, I end up driving barefoot with one pair, then leave that pair in the car, then come out the next day with another pair, I leave those in the car…and so on and so on. Eventually all the shoes I have end up piled, not in the backseat but right up front under my legs. It’s good in the long run. I have choices wherever I go and I never have to worry about being unprepared.
5th Sign of Spring: Windows down. I love driving along with the windows down, the air invigorating me as I venture to my destination. I love watching all the other people enjoying a beautiful day with their windows down. I also love feeling sorry for the people who love their air conditioning a little too much. I love sitting in a car on a great day when the question comes up, “do yall want the windows up or down?” All it takes is a look and the driver knows….yes, they know. On the warmer days I love the realization that your back is covered in sweat, but who cares I had the windows down. So, I encourage you if you are not a person who enjoys this as I do, to simply roll your windows down, turn on some fabulous music, put your sunglasses on, and take a long drive. You will not regret it, and if you do then we probably cannot be friends.
6th Sign of Spring: Random Road trips. There is something about road trips with a few good pals that stirs the soul. Spring is the perfect time. Getting outside after a long winter and seeing the green creep back into the outdoors. Drive to Mississippi and back just because it is Sunday afternoon and you want too. 
Drive up to Rome to go camping and have an elderly couple scare and creep the living daylights out of you then become your best friends. Decide with a few friends that you want some fireworks but we are in Georgia so drive to South Carolina and get some. The key is to stop at any place that seems fun. Giant piles of tires, creepy restaurants that just look great, and on the side of the road to play with the family of scarecrows or creepy dogs. The possibilities are endless.
So as Spring approaches take your socks off, roll down your window (or simply push the button that makes them go down) just drive because you can and enjoy life. It is there to be enjoy and by golly I am gonna do it!
- Is it in the trolley?
Nope but it soon may be. The car boot sale season is looming – so I felt I needed to get equipped and as I am approaching 40 I should invest in my very own older people’s version of a portmanteau – a shopping trolley. So of course I decided to scour the planet for something cool and funky to drag round the fields as its nigh on impossible with a grumbling toddler in one hand and a pile of tat (sorry glorious vintage finds) in the other. I found this funky little number in dearest deutschland. I was so excited when it arrived this morning by DHL (yes that is rather sad to profess that excitement about a trolley!). Amazingly fast two day delivery though. Here I am proudly wheeling it outside my house, much to the embarrassment of the photographer! My daughter is going to love it and no doubt will be wanting a ride in it too!
A small amount goes a long way...
So, after a truly inspiring interview I did with “1000 Drawings” Creative Director, David Chong last week, I have been on this “do-good-be-good-think-good-vibe” and it’s starting to filter into my life in the smallest but most significant ways.
Yesterday, I took the plunge and divulged some rather personal, yet quirky details about myself on my blog…some of it was a little too introspective, I tend to over share sometimes, even in verbal confrontations. Yes, my mum always said that it’s better to speak your mind being an asshole than say nothing as a coward. So, naturally I say pretty much whatever comes to mind, on a daily basis…never mind the constant dialogue I have with myself, I wish I had a Legal Scribe to type exactly what is going through my mind at every second of the day…! She’d be overworked…but I’d totally bring her coffee and sh*t.
Back to the issue at hand…I stumbled across a post from Sheena Gates highlighting an initiative one of her friends (Briget Garvin) is running at the moment…
Briget needs a new car…The End.
Quoted from Sheena’s Blog -
“Briget is running a cool little initiative. Basically, you pay her R260 and you get advertising for three years. Your money will go towards being 1 of 500 donations, all in the name of her buying a newer, better car for her family. Her blog has been around for years, and she has a sound business in Durbs that is reputable too. I’ve met this funny woman, and she’s so worth the support. Go help her out, please.”
Briget's Initiative
Now, when you read her rhymes and reasons for why she needs the car and why she…REALLY…needs a car, I honestly couldn’t help myself! I felt compelled to help and I don’t even know her…and you know what, it feels so damn good to help out a stranger. I’m not one for believing in the power of positive thought and “The Shhhecret” and sheeet like that, it’s not not my thing…although…Karma on the other hand is something else entirely, I don’t think it’s something that you can read about in a book or watch on a DVD…it’s just what it is and shouldn’t be questioned.
Anyway, I feel a little “skaam” (shy) about posting the banking details of her initiative on this post…so here are all the relative links, nicely labeled and directed for your perusal:
Sheena’s Blog Post – Link
Briget’s Blog Post – Link
Briget’s “My R260 Car” Propoal – Link
So what’s in it for: (Even if the philanthropy bug hasn’t hit home just yet…)
Directly quoted from Briget’s “Mt R260 Car” -
“For each person that donates R260.00 towards my car they will receive a position on the website linking back to them with a small avatar and 140 characters of text for a period of three years. This site will be proudly displayed on the car for that period giving each and everyone as much exposure as possible!
Everywhere I go, people will see the link on the car and be able to read up about this project and see the list of 500 people who made this possible.
So would you like to be one of the 500 people?? Do you have R260 and no idea what to do with it?”
So, maybe it isn’t all for “mahala“…but it’s seems like a small price to pay for the amount you’ll get back, never mind the “good vibrations”…
I'm in...I'm in...I'm in...!!!
I hope you are able to dig down deep and find a small pebble of philanthropy and cast it into the pool of generosity…it feels good man, trust me…(Hoping not to sound too much like a hippie there…)…!
Cheers
Monday, March 15, 2010
Online Car Games Top Speed
Have you ever wanted to re-enact a great battle that happened in the past? You may not be able to travel back in time, but you can re-enact the battle by choosing it as the theme for a certain airsoft game. It is not uncommon for groups of friends to base the rules and even costumes of their games on real historical events.
Is it worth it? And introduce a particular skill or aspect of the topic in practice, or reinforce previous learning games help matters by making high-value practices, while effectively reducing emotional filter, students (and Krash Terrell, 1993).Other factors that may affect our choice of the following games: ? The number of students ? Approximate size ? Classroom Environment ? For a long time ? Materials, Realia, or the type of support available Games , they can significantly help our students to learn the game interesting, innovative and fun.A useful and commonly practiced in almost all games in teaching and learning sites are as follows: ? Games ? Temporary protection regime and the physical movement games ? Interactive games ? Strategy games ? Online computer games and to create a good language learners use different learning games, ESL or EFL classroom, the teacher may lead to many positive features, which help reduce the emotional screening and better learning.
If you’re a parent, you remember the tremendous joy with which you celebrated every first – first rolling over, first steps, first words. By the time they begin writing, they’re four or five years old and while there are still many firsts to celebrate, there’s nothing quite as transforming as first words. From the moment they’re born, children are trying to communicate and they never stop. Even quiet children are communicative in their own way, using their body language to tell you how they feel or to get your attention.
There are options to limit it to a regular amusement park, the zoo’s water park, or a combination of anything.The possibilities are endless! If you want to download Tycoon Games, there are links that will open a blank page and a window to download files.This can be used to purchase the game that is not compatible with Vista.And, yes, download the file, click Open and extract the new or the original folder.. Visit the site and find other ways of Cars games top speed.
Cooking games. Transporting yourself the experience of a great chef is enjoyable for childish girls, who have fun in the kitchen. Enjoy exquisite food, indulge in some great food. If it does not work, you will get some lackluster feedback and your eater will hate it.
However, these free resources, which can quickly download and use any method you choose.These free printable baby shower games really add a nice touch tot the baby shower event.Instead, to explain the rules of The Game for everyone, because people are talking instead goes to a good piece of paper, colors and graphics that explain the rules of The Game.
If this new format, before first use.The best way to download PSP games to participate in local society.The registration fee is required, which is payable, and only once.
Doll games. Play with dolls, but on the internet. Pretty self explanatory but without the need to get a barbie.
Registration fee paid PSP membership sites is usually $ 35 and $ 50 After becoming a member, will be treated to a long list of downloadable games, including video, music, television programs and many others.You can count on great customer support.
Painting games. Take on the lifestyle of an artist and paint on the world wide web.
Women, always a million and one things to do on our list, but the friendship, we have the time to support and nourish our friends.Different meetings is one of the most enjoyable evening and the game is easy.
Adventure, Puzzle, Simulation Games. while still appealing to men a lot of the time, these games offer distinctive escape and entertainment when aimed at young girls. To find URLs that distinctively have younger women targeted parts of these games, all it takes is a little search of games for young children.
Should contain a more thematic Thanksgiving holiday award party games can be planned for all games.You can find a lot of PARTIES, convenient and cheap plastic toys as a fun and since used SUPPLIES.
Overdue For a Wash
I went through a car wash today. I got dirty jeans climbing into the car, which seemed like some kinda sign. I got the superdeluxe rainbow foam wash. Tristan used to be morbidly terrified of car washes, and I don’t seem to have gotten back in the habit. Which is pathetic: he is 5. When I came out of Asda, I had to start looking at all of the license plates (number plates). Turns out my car is blue-grey when it is clean. Another sign that I’d postponed washing for too long: I thought the (decidedly unjazzy) Jazz was grey-brown.
PEEP TOE SALE <3
FYI:
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WITH PEEP TOE
DON’T MISS OUT
SATURDAY 20TH MARCH
SUNDAY 21ST MARCH
@ 4/190 BOURKE RD ALEXANDRIA 2015 SYDNEY NSW
LOCATED IN THE SYDNEY CORPORATE PARK
CAR PARKING IS LIMITED BUT AVAILABLE ON SITE
THE SALE WILL CONTINUE ONLINE TUESDAY 23RD MARCH @ 9AM
***YAY SEE YOU ALL THERE XO
Friday, March 12, 2010
Carz
During my lifetime I’ve been hit with few car commercials I totally loved. I already talked about one of them here… But I’m gonna list it again today.
All this is happening because of the commercial for Chevrolet Spark that I’m totally loving.
I don’t like the way the car looks and I don’t think it can do much, but the commercial is real good.
A lovely car advert (print) was “Do you speak Micra?”
They used to give out little books with Micra language. Sexay ! Unfortunately my excitement ended the moment I actually saw the car. Bleurgh. I unfortunately do not have the wee book anymore, but here’s the video. Nothing like the book though. 
I also kinda liked the Volkswagen Tiguan commercial, starring Seal and Heidi Klum
And here’s a new cute commercial that I just found, for the Honda Civic baby.
The old one is good too, although neither of them are enough for this hotness of a car:
Last, but definitely not least, is the Volvo advert I’ve already presented here. TWICE. Best I’ve ever seen. Now I don’t know if Volvo is that good, but I do know the advert totally rocks. And it only takes an angle… And a word.
Car Game Top Speed
The motorcar capital of Italy, Turin, and the 2006 Winter Olympics was famously hosted with the snowy backdrop being a popular skiing station for ski enthusiasts. This Italian city is only a drive away from France and the appeal of this city is more French-influenced than other Italian cities. One of the most famous tourist sites are the Mole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Stadium.
All the above mentioned goals and ambitions, which led to Traveljigsaw able to meet all year, because the basic principles unshakable theyve developed and followed to the letter.Their goal is to hire a quality service around the world, that the low prices and competition to ensure that the client and / or prospective customers to save time by doing business with one company or several companies and institutions around the world.Companies such as Car Hire 3000 is one of the beneficiaries, who have circulated for years Traveljigsaw car rental services worldwide.
There are two sorts of GPS tracking systems: passive and active (also known as “real-time”). The passive system stores the location, velocity, bearings, and an activated event (such as if the starter key is on/off or the door is opened/closed). When the car reaches a prearranged location, the device is removed and a computer evaluates the information stored.
However, there are ways to move without credit history.Many lenders, car loans, all types of people.
Read more about Car Games Top Speed List:
Cars games top speed
Another must-see location is the London Eye, situated at the banks of the river Thames. It is the largest exhibition wheel in the world and it provides tourists with a spectacular overview of the entire city.
Use Co-signing good Try ABC Loans No Credit Auto Loan guide Recommended creditors.To create a strong credit history takes time.
Aside from the entertainment section, there are also lost-and-found services, and even a car hire counter. The Care Hire Gatwick Airport provides the best rates for travelers looking forward to visiting London and nearing tourist spots. There are several benefits which every traveler should be attentive to.
Because these systems are able to detect break-in the situation of the owner notified the owner will also provide important information on how to proceed.And if the silent mode is selected, these things can be achieved without warning a thief that the alarm time.
Above all it should be remembered that you have a better chance of survival if you stay with your vehicle if you become stuck. Also, tell your family members or friends of your intention to travel and an estimated time of arrival and inform them of the route that you will be taking. That way if you do become stuck and as long as you stay with your vehicle help will be dispatched as soon as possible. If no one knows where you are going or when you are likely to arrive it could be hours before help arrives and nobody wants to go down that road!
This is the reason why some people only buy fuel at night, when it’s cold! Vintage cars, choke, which determines how much more fuel than newer cars, the engine has an automatic choke, that you have it.Now we know basics behind the car, why it is difficult to start cold in the morning, we now know, began to discuss their methods.Tips turn the engine cold morning – the sun was warm a small battery.If you have the time and day, you can put your car in direct sunlight.
Certain car hire allows unlimited mileage which means that you be on the road for the entire holiday and do not have to worry about keeping count of your travel miles.
This also applies to pedestrians and cyclists through.One of the big things when buying used Volkswagen dealer recognized by the peace that you are with it.Used car is a good alternative to buying new, since the low price you can get a reliable car, which is still a lot of mileage and performance will remain.
Security is assured when you decide to take up your own automobile. The benefits of car hire is plentiful, therefore discover the city via your own ride. Ultimate travel satisfaction is definitely guaranteed.
Open bra is for you means better protection of vinyl other that the area around the headlights and the front cover is installed to satisfy the above.In this area, the officer of rock and debris from the road up to a volatile paint chip magnet.Them, serve them waxed Keep , but also to keep them seriously chaos of the streets should be protected. cele more , the most powerful and fastest street legal production car in the world expensive called Bugatti Veyron 16.
Another Day...
Well I woke up this morning at 6:30am and got ready to drive my Mom to work since she doesn’t have a car yet. So we’re driving to her job and on the way I’d say about three people almost hit me and my Mom is totally about to freak. The wreck has really made her even more scared about other people driving. So anywho I missed the road I was supposed to turn on. Kind of a crappy morning already. So I drop my Mom of an hop on the toll road and fly home.
I get home in like 15 minutes and turn the news on and see today it’s gonna rain all day just about. So listening to the news I’m checking out a site and see something about old guys and fanny packs and I take a look and find a De-motivational poster of Chuck Norris, Epic Beard Man, and Hulk Hogan all wearing fanny packs and then I watched the viral video of Epic beard man and had a great laugh that amused me all day. If you wanna know what I’m talking about send me a message 
Yeah so it rained all day….lol. Odd how the news people are only right about the bad weather. So I’m breaker again today and at my last place it starts lightning and the close the ride and for the last hour of my day I held an umbrella and walked around in the rain. After work I walk to my car through the rivers of the Universal Orlando employee parking lot to my car. On my way out of the parking lot I see one of the guys who work in one of the cafeterias and since it’s pouring I ask him if he needs a ride and he’s more than happy to get out of the rain.
Sorry if my thoughts aren’t running smoothly, I’m on the phone with my Girlfriend and trying to type this too Ok so back to my day, I get home and decide to drive past the house and go to the mail thing at the end of the street and check the mail. I get out get the mail and hop back in the car because it’s still raining. I put the key back in the ignition and turn it and rahh tatatatatatatat, rah tatatatatatata IT WON’T START, again rahh tatatatatatatata, rahh tatatatatatat nothing!!!!! So I get out and preform a true three point turn without power steering and by myself I might add. Then I started pushing my car and hear a van behind and the guy inside asks if I need and help and I say…. yes I said yes. We start pushing the car and get about halfway down the road and I tell him I’ll be okay. I push it to across the street from the house and try again and nothing. I go in yell and holler like all guys do when their cars suck for no reason. Mom gets home from being brought home by a friend and she wants to get pizza and I tell her uhhh.. my car doesn’t work and then she kind of freaks. I’m like I think it’s electrical so I’ll let it sit for a while. So after we order Papa Johns and watch Old Dogs I go out and turn the key and VVVVRRRHHOOOOMMMMMMMM!!! lol sorry I was happy can’t you tell So I let it run just a bit and come in and tell my Mom and she’s happy too.
After all that I just got out of the shower and I’m on the phone with Liz. Kind of a poopie day but ended up pretty well. Okay time to be done… Ttyl world.
Kenny
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Cars and Trucks for sale listing service booms
by John Stokes
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People move or change jobs, families grow, gas prices go up – -these are just a few reasons why people need to sell their used cars. However, no matter what the reasons are everyone wants to sell their cars quickly and hassle free. Are you one of these people?
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Car buisiness Lingo
Up- A fresh customer who comes on the lot. Who ever is “up” (next in line) takes the up (talks to the costumer). If someone had three “ups” today then they talked to three fresh customers.
Tire Kicker- Someone who has no intentions of buying a car but wants to look at all of them. They often come over from the service department.
Stroker- Someone who has no intentions of buying a car but doesn’t have the balls to tell the salesman so they pretend they are interested and usually leave saying something like “we have a movie to catch” or we have a roast in the oven” or “Do you have a card?” as if to try and not hurt the car sales mans feelings.
Mr. and Mrs. Strokenowski- Referring to a stroker, or a couple of strokers. Example: I had only one up today and it was Mr. and Mrs Strokenowski.
Plus Plus Plus- A shorter version of the vehicle price plus Taxes, plus Tag , plus Dealer Fee, Plus Lemon Law Fee, plus so on and so forth. Example: They could have the car $28,000 plus, plus, plus
First Pencil- The first set of numbers presented. Usually sticker price plus plus plus
Lay Down- Someone who buys after seeing the first pencil with out trying to negotiate in any way
Mr. and Mrs Laydownski- Referring to a lay down. Example: I had a great day! Mr and Mrs. Laydownski bought a car today.
Be Back- A customer who leaves saying “we’ll be back”
Be Back Bus- an imaginary bus that a be back climbs on after leaving the dealership that drives around everywhere except for back to the dealership and is never seen again.
O.T.D.- Out The Door. A number referring to total cost of a vehicle with all taxes and fees included.
Walking Numbers- A ridiculously low set of numbers presented to the customer as they are walking out the door to price shop other dealerships. It is usually not accurate.
Baguette- Given to customers who are wasting a salesmans time or being extremely unpleasant and rude. Example: Do you like baguettes sir? Yes or no Well baguette the F^@k outa here!
Good-Buy- When a customer offers a ridiculously low offer. Example: A customer offers $10,000 for a vehicle tagged at $30,000. Sounds like your looking for a good buy? Well good bye!
and they kick the customer out of the dealership.
Chizzler- Someone who keeps asking for more and more off the price by asking foe spoilers, window tint, and more money until the dealership makes no money, loses money, or tells them to leave.
Roach- Someone who has no money or credit
Ghost- Someone who can not buy anything because of a usually good, but very limited credit history.
Credit Bandit- Someone with credit so bad they obviously only buy things on credit with intentions of never paying it back.
Tanked- When a customer has negative equity in their vehicle and owes more than it is worth then they are tanked.
Upside Down-”Tanked” Example: “They where upside down $6,000 on their trade in.
C.B.S. Disease- Can’t Buy S#!t disease.ive the honest
Tower- The sales managers desk. Often elevated to cause the salesmen and customers to feel intimidated and vulnerable.
Sales Desk- The sales managers desk.
Box- The finance office. If a customer agrees to numbers and is signing the paperwork then they are in the box with a finance manager. The salesman usually uses this time to go gas up the customers vehicle for them.
T.O.- Turn Over. If a salesman is making zero progress with a customer then they T.O. it to a manager or more experienced salesman to see if they can make any progress.
Write Up- Working numbers on paper inside the dealership with a customer.
Walk Around- A presentation of the vehicle the salesman is trying to sell. Ideally it is done before a test drive.
Silent walk around- A wordless evaluation of a trade in before going inside in which a salesman touches and rubs all the imperfections on the trade in as if to point them out to the customer and make them feel like it should be worth less. If the salesman talks during the silent walk around then it losses the effect.
Mini/Flat- A minimum commission. Usually between $50 and $200. A dealership will never under any circumstances pay a salesman less than a mini for selling a car even if it results in negative profit.
Pound- $1000. if a deal created $5,000 gross profit then it is referred to as five pounder.
Nickel- $500
Tore their heads off- To make extremely large profits off a costumer. Example: “We tore their heads off.”
Broom- When a salesman greets a customer but never seems to get any further, they are a broom because they keep brooming or sweeping customers right off of the lot.
Hooked- When a customer calls the dealership and you set an appointment with them. Although a salesman is not supposed to give a price over the phone it is usually done by quoting an extremely low, fictitious, price to get the customer excited about coming to the dealership.
Too Highs- Referring to foreigners (usually Asians and Indians) who are not fluent in English. When seeing the price tag on a vehicle
they say “too high, too high!”
H.M.O.’s- A “too high”. Notorious for asking How Much Off?
Wall Street Valet, now in Pakistan
I marvel at the entrepreneurial skills of everyday Pakistanis. I had an early morning meeting at I I Chundrigar Road. Being the “Wall Street of Pakistan”, there is no parking available on that long stretch of bank-lined tarmac. A group of enterprising men, however, are operating a valet service unlike any other.
They are not commissioned by any particular company, so its not valet in the traditional sense. These are just a bunch of guys who take the keys to your car and drive it to a parking spot 2 kilometers away. Because they have been doing this without fail for so long, people like me trust these nameless men with our cars. When you want your car back, one of these guys will be ready with another person’s car that needs to be dropped to the parking, and you can tag along with him to get to yours. The system is brilliant.
All this for a paltry 30 rupees! A conservative guess at the numbers of cars using this service per day would land somewhere around 200. These guys should be richer than the people whose cars they park in no time!
Makes me proud to be a Pakistani.
Image Courtesy: Kamran Yosuf
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tanque Verde Location Receives Thanks From Rick
Just Brakes customer Rick had this to say about Just Brakes Service Center #298 Tanque Verde in Tucson, AZ:
I wanted to thank Damon and Andy for fixing my front brakes. I was hesitant at first, but Damon put my mind at ease. Andy explained to me exactly what was going on and he repaired the brakes very professionally. Both of these gentleman are a credit to your company and very honest, forthright.
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How to talk money with your spouse-to-be
(ARA) – Will you raise your kids with a particular religion, will you both register with the same political party and how will you arrange reception seating to ensure your new mother-in-law is content with who is at her table and where she will sit? Getting married generates no shortage of opportunities to have important conversations with your spouse-to-be.
Maybe you can postpone or even dodge altogether some of those talks, but at least one potentially challenging conversation can actually help ensure your marital bliss down the road – the talk about finances. Numerous polls and studies have shown that money is one of the top reasons couples fight, that it generates more stress in a marriage than almost any topic other than children and is a deciding factor in a large percentage of breakups.
Making sure you’re both on the same financial page before the wedding can help ensure that post “I do” money talks will be less divisive and stressful. And, the good news is that establishing a sound financial footing for the future is not nearly as complicated as you might fear.
The financial experts at SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company offer some advice:
Start with a budget
If you’ve lived alone as a single for a while, you may already have your own budget, but now you are balancing income and expenses for two people. If you combine your income and expenses, you’ll need to combine your budgets too.
Write down everything each of you spends every month, taking into account housing, food, utilities, transportation, student loans, credit card balances, car payments, taxes and nonessential spending. Next, consider what your financial goals are – do you want to save for a down payment on a house? Are you content to rent and instead focus on paying down revolving debt? Once you determine what your shared goals are, you can adjust your budget accordingly, reducing spending on nonessential items and focusing on spending that moves you toward your overall financial goal.
Establish an emergency fund
One reason so many families and couples suffered greatly in this recession was because they had little or no emergency funds set aside. An emergency fund helps ensure that you and your partner are secure should something happen, like one of you loses a job or experiences a serious health issue. Agree on how much you want to save for “a rainy day;” experts advise you should save 5 to 10 percent of your income in a joint savings account.
Pay yourself first by having cash for your emergency fund directly withdrawn from your paycheck or checking account and deposited in your savings account. Aim to accrue three to six months of living expenses in your emergency fund.
Life insurance is crucial
If you’re young, single, in good health and debt-free, you may not need life insurance. For virtually everyone else, and especially newlyweds who have taken on new responsibilities and often new debt, life insurance is a must, experts agree. Life insurance can give you peace of mind that your loved ones will have sufficient money to take care of themselves should anything happen to you – and it’s affordable. To learn how to create a budget, to access a variety of financial tools or to learn more about life insurance go to www.sbliusa.com. For a free, no-obligation quote go to pg.sbliusa.com/specialoffer/ppc/mat/ or call (866) 331-3078 to speak with an SBLI USA representative. Even better, go to www.sbliusa.com to complete the entire application process – from quoting, to paying – online today.
Make a plan – together
Write down your mutual financial goals. Your plan should be specific and realistic, listing the actual steps you will take to achieve your goals, including buying a home, starting a family, taking vacations and saving for retirement. Decide what additional investments you’ll make apart from your regular savings, such as maximizing your 401(k) or IRA contributions.
Be sure to include tracking your expense and income, as well as your tax burden, in your overall plan. Decide what tax filing status will be best for you, and consult a tax advisor if you’re not sure.
Reduce debt
Credit card debt is the top obstacle to a secure financial future and a major stressor in a marriage. Knowing your credit scores is essential; check them annually with all three major credit bureaus. Scrutinize your reports and correct any errors that could affect your ability to get a loan at a desirable interest rate in the future.
Money talk doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little strategy and the right attitude, you can build the financial security you need to secure a successful, happy life together
Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty of Clearwater, FL
727-510-2100 robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com. Specializing in 1st time homebuyers.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Remove Grease Stains From Carpet and Clothing
Removing grease stains from carpet, clothing, upholstery, etc. can now be easily achieved by using Odor-Z-Way. Before, when someone tracked grease onto your carpet, you were probably like myself and fought and fought to get the stain to come out, if you even could. If you couldn’t get the stain out, you would probably put something over the stained area or had to replace the carpet or throw the pair of jeans away. Let me take you through a step by step process on how to remove grease stains.
Since grease in an oil based substance, you will need a solvent of some type to loosen the stain. I usually use a product called Imperial Cleaner for my solvent. You need to use a solvent because this will help loosen the grease stain and allow the Odor-Z-Way to absorb the stain into its crystal structure. Now, simply take your solvent and squirt the grease stain. You do not need to soak the stain. Just simply dampen the affected area. Once you have done this, sprinkle the Odor-Z-Way over the grease stain. You want to use enough Odor-Z-Way to where the grease stain is covered. Start rubbing the Odor-Z-Way into the stain. You really want to rub the Odor-Z-Way in so that the product can get all the way into the fibers. You will start to see the Odor-Z-Way turn to a brownish color, indicating that the Odor-Z-Way is absorbing the grease stain. After rubbing the Odor-Z-Way in, leave the product on the grease spot for a couple of hours. You might have to follow these steps a couple of times before the stain comes completely out, but you will save you carpet, clothing, etc. The last step is to vacuum up your carpet or wash your clothes and your stain will finally be gone.
Once you follow these steps, you will completely have removed the grease stain. In my opinion, the best part of all of this is that you spent roughly $15 and put in minimal work to remove a grease stain to save $30, $100, $1000+ that you would have spent on replacing your jeans, the carpet, etc. To me this is a small investment for such big savings in the long run.
Whats wrong with your car?
Well everything! I guess these notes are better than having your car keyed right? Well, unless your car is the one getting hit…
I must admit, my car alarm goes off once awhile too…
I hate it when people do that to me!
Well, this just sucks.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Vroom Vroom!!
This super cute little boy set is one of several new ones we just put up on the website. Speaking of new stuff and the website… we now have a “New Items” page so you can easily see all the fun new stuff we are constantly adding. Head over there and take a look around.
Male Bashing Chapter 3.
You will always know when you are driving behind a car driven by a male with one hand on the wheel while yakking away on the phone.. the obvious signs are:
- They drive really slow at the fast lane.
- They can’t align their car to the road.
- They zoom in and out of your lane ‘unconciously’.
Men are like that… one mind, one track, one focus. They can’t perform more than one task at a time.. perfectly.
But than again, they are a better being of the two species in some areas. Men tend to be much kinder in giving the space when one signal to shift lane.
Men, I can’t live without them… can I?.
Getting Screwed...
Yesterday, all day, my car information system told me, “WARNING…TIRE LEVEL VERY LOW”…and of course I completely ignored it, waiting until we were going to an event last night to rush to the gas station and fill the tire with air. On our way home, I meant to stop and buy a can of Fix-a-Flat, but instead, opted to rush home and hide under the warm covers of our bed.
So it should be no surprise that when I woke up, excited to run to Starbucks and grab my daily 6-shot Iced Americano before heading out to lunch with our friend, that I found a completely flat, or as I called it, dead tire. And of course, it should also be of no surprise that I cussed out that ole truck driver in the sky.
And that got me absolutely nowhere.
So I came inside and started complaining to Alex who was lost in a world of Brother’s and Sisters and Grey’s Anatomy. “We’ll just call someone to bring us a can of that stuff and then we’ll go get a new tire. It’s not that deep.” He said, focused on the television.
“But I just paid the bills and now I have to buy a new tire and we don’t get to do anything else today because now our day is ruined!” I cursed. And he just stared at me. “Is there anything else you want to complain about?” He asked.
So I cleaned out the garage while we waited for our friend and I got more and more angry thinking about how, as Gilda Radner so appropriately said years ago, It’s always something! And that’s exactly how I felt. And then we drove to the tire place and the guy told me a new tire would be $200 and of course…I freaked out again. “I’ll give you some money,” Alex said, “How much do you want”, but I just really wanted to complain.
Until the guy came out and showed me the screw that had been stuck in my car tire. “I can fix it. It’ll only be about $25 bucks.” He said, walking away. And the guy behind the counter smiled over at me and smirked, “You got screwed!” And he was right. But not because of the tire, but because for some reason, I let it bother me all day. And as we were walking out, Alex reminded me of this as he teased me about how I had already spent the $200 on the tire before the guy even came out.
So I guess the lesson, which I give to everyone else, because it’s always easier to coach than it is to perform, is to take my own damn lessons and not borrow trouble and enjoy the present. Because the rest of the day was awesome and in my entire life…I’ve never been given more than I can handle in a day! And that’s a miracle.
And then I thought back to Gilda Radner and how I had always loved her humor on Saturday Night Live and how I loved her love affair with Gene Wilder so I started looking up some of her quotes because I think we need to look back to our teachers on a regular basis. And funny enough…I read the quotes, some of my favorites I had heard uttered so many times from my mom, and I realized, LIFE, is just not that serious…so I thought I’d share a few of them….
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.”
“It’s such an act of optimism to get through a day and enjoy it and laugh and do all that without thinking about death. What spirit human beings have!”
“The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.”
“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.”
Damn! I needed that today. I needed to stand in my front yard and watch my puppies Boo and Tucker run across the grass for the first time in their life, I needed to hear a version of Mr. Tambourine Man I had never heard before, I needed to eat some delicious pineapple pizza with my man and I needed to drive and dance in the car, listening to great music…how amazing life is…if only we could remember that every second and live as such…and maybe, with a little practice, I will…because we’re on borrowed time as it is!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Amtrak Train Demolishes Car In Moorpark,Ca...1 Dead...
Amtrak train collides with truck in Moorpark,Ca...1 killed!!!(Photo by ROB VARELA/VC Star.com)
Breaking News-A man has died this morning as a result of a collision between his pick-up truck and an Amtrak train dubbed the Pacific Surfliner, in the city of Moorpark,California.
Moorpark is a suburb of Los Angeles, and is located about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The Pacific Surfliner is a popular line that runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
Authorities responded to Los Angeles Avenue and Grimes Canyon at about 10:20 a.m., according to Bill Nash from the Ventura County Fire Department. Rescuers extricated the victim from the car, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, Nash said.
Initial reports from the California Highway Patrol indicated that the driver of the truck was trapped inside, but was still conscious and breathing,but unfortunately he soon expired from his injuries sustained in the collision said Bill Nash, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
There were no reported injuries on the train, and the train was shut-down due to the collision.
Apparently, the accident occurred at a train crossing, and ABC news reports…Authorities said the train crossing is part of the farming community, and there were no crossing arms.(SOURCE)
Crossing arms are in place as a safety measure to ensure drivers that a train is near, and you should not attempt to cross at this time.When they are not in place,a collision such as the one that occurred this morning,is inevitable.
Interestingly enough,there was a string of deadly collisions between Amtrak trains and motorist at train crossings that had no crossing arms in 2000. In one highly publicized incident, a driver was killed in a tree trimming truck, several of the passengers were injured on the truck, and 28 injuries were sustained by the passengers on the Amtrak train.
In the 2000 crash,rescue personnel at the scene… said that the crash occurred as the tree trimmers were driving on a private road, leading to a storage yard, at 10765 New Los Angeles Ave. to dump a truckload of tree trimmings.
There are no crossing arms or signals at the site, but there is railroad crossing and stop signs posted.
The crash occurred in the same area as several other train-vehicle collisions. Just last year, two men died after their car was struck by a train while crossing the tracks at Hitch Road, authorities said.(SOURCE-2000 Moorpark AMTRAK and truck collision)
In both collisions, the 2000 crash and the one today, the cause of the accident and deaths is the fact that the county has not felt the need to install fully functioning crossing arms,or maintain them.
In light of today’s tragedy, I have to ask,….how many lives will have to be lost, until this hazard is deemed serious enough for them to install crossing arms at all train crossings that are in use???
I am certain that the families of today’s victim, and all the past victims of the train crossings with no crossing arms will appreciate the swift action to correct this hazard, …that has taken the lives of their loved ones.
Hopefully, those in charge will consider the lives lost, as payment in blood, for their much-needed crossing arms, even if it is a rural farming community.
Sources….
MercuryNews.com
Ventura County Star News
Ready for Summer
Snow fell in circular wet flurries
as I drove to work this morning
(not even sticking to the road)
making everyone drive just a bit slower
I revved the engine, seeing no ice,
my mind on the last picture I saw
flash on my desktop (the one of us
all in the swan boat in Providence)
my hair was too short and we were
sleeveless under the scorching sun
grins popping out our cheeks,
eyes squinting to block the rays
The snow will slink away by noon
and summer will still be on my mind
as I sit in my windowless world of work,
keeping my hot imagery close, ready.
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