need a car. Does anyone have an extra car sitting around??? Anybody own a car dealership???
On Friday night my car was stolen. I arrived home from San Diego. Parked outside the house. Went in. Hung out with Melqui for an hour before going to dinner and when we went outside an hour later the car was gone.
It happened on Friday but I'm only talking about it today cause I've literally been in shock for the last two days. Not angry shock or sad shock...just...I just can't believe it's gone. It was stolen once before in SF but I got it back.
Honestly, the car was being destroyed in Tijuana. The streets here are horrible. The potholes are deep like craters. I've seen cars get stuck in Tijuana potholes. The drivers in Mexico are not good. They ignore traffic signals and signs. You never know if you're in a one-lane, two-lane, or three-lane road. It's a free-for-all. No one has insurance.
You park, go in a store, come out and there's a huge dent in your side.
A month ago someone hit Melqui while he was parked.
I could go on and on. This car would not have survived another year in Mexico. It's sad, but true.
And I'm grateful I got as much as I did out of it. 20 years and 350,000 miles. It was in very good condition before coming to Mexico. The mechanics couldn't believe how many miles it had and some said they thought I would get to 500,000 miles and more. Caryn Horwitz, my long term friend, biz partner, ex-wife, bought the car 20 years ago, brand new. Who would've thought 20 years later I'd still be driving it.
But it's gone and I'm sure it's in a million pieces by now.
The hardest part is that I loved that car. People would ask if I wanted a new car and truthfully, I didn't. I wanted that car to keep running perfectly.
I travelled all over the country in that car. Had countless crazy adventures. I feel like I've lost my diary. Or a scrapbook. I feel like I've lost a friend. One
So now, here I am in Mexico, with no car. Melqui walked to work today. Yesterday, Melqui and I rode on a bus that was so rundown it was comical. They call them Calafia's. I'll take a photo an post it on the blog or Facebook.
I need to find a very tough, strong truck, van or suv, I think. I hope to start touring again and traveling, and it would be great to have something with storage. I don't know. My favorite car I ever rode in, besides my Honda, were the those 1970 vans with swivel seats, carpeting and tables...lol...like moving hotel rooms...my friend Cameron Parsons had one and I loved it.
So I don't know what I'm gonna do. But that's the news.
Adios 1991 Honda Accord. I miss you so much! Nothing lasts forever
Monday, August 30, 2010
Maserati GranTurismo Pulled Over with Lindsay Lohan Behind the Wheel
Lindsay Lohan who was just released from drug rehab, was pulled over by police for running a stop sign in Los Angeles by the LAPD. Apparently Lohan was on her way to one of her old party spots, the Chateau Marmont Hotel, and ran a stop sign while trying to get away from possible paparazzi. The police officer let her go with only a warning, and Lohan and her passenger were off to the hotel in no time. They stayed at the hotel until approximately 1 AM.
The Maserati GranTurismo that she was driving is a $150,000 car with 433 horsepower,and a look to die for. Lohan just recently finished serving 2 weeks in jail for violating her probation. The 24 year old actress has to give random drug tests now, which is a condition of her release from rehab last week. She has had a history of late night partying, drug abuse, and run-ins with the law. The fact that she is continuing to go out and party at the same hot spots as she was before her rehab began, doesn’t suggest that she is trying to change her ways, but who knows.
Watch True Blood Season 3 Episode 11 ” Fresh Blood “- Episodes Online
Well, I have an idea of what to expect in the new episode of True Blood, I’m sure you can not wait to see it. Yeah, I know the kind of feeling you have now, you can not resist the temptation to see this episode here and now. Am I right? And you desperately looking for a link to the goodsite where you can watch this episode online and possibly in HD. Yes, you can watch this episode in HD to watch in High Definition. Don’t miss this exciting and a heart thrilling episode of True Blood Season 3 Episode 11
Christina Hendricks Emmys 2010:Christina Hendricks Measurements
Christina Hendricks Emmys 2010:Christina Hendricks Measurements – There is no doubt that Christina Hendricks is a gorgeous woman. She receives a lot of attention for being beautiful on the red carpet, and her Emmy nomination goes to show that she is appreciated for her work as well. You would think that with all the attention she has received, designers would be fighting to get her to wear their dress to the Emmy Awards. That is not entirely true. Perhaps Hendricks is too curvaceous for Hollywood.
Last year, she was voted the sexiest woman alive by Esquire. She said last week that she could not find one designer who was willing to let her wear a dress to the award show. She said that most designers only lend out a size 0 or 2, two sizes that she would not be able to fit into.She is a thick girl with a large chest. While most of the civilized world would agree that she is absolutely stunning, it appears that designers just do not have a dress that is made for her, and it is unfortunate that the fashion industry does not feel that they need to manufacture dresses for her body type.
Christina Hendricks measurements are 39D-30-39, accord to rumors her weight is close to 154 pounds.
She is 5 foot 8, and has said that she wears a size 14. Eventually, she was able to find a gown that was designed by Zac Posen, and looked absolutely ravishing in it. Hendricks has said that she actually feels her most beautiful when she is 15 pounds heavier, back when she was modeling in Italy. It is clear that she is disappointed with the treatment that beautifully big women receive in Hollywood.
U.S. Open 2010: Homegirl Melanie Oudin makes it look easy
The U.S. Open 2010 tennis tournament began today from Flushing Meadows in New York and the last Grand Slam tournament of the year looks set to be as thrilling as ever with some great play to look forward to. If you don’t want to miss a moment’s action take the links here to the TV schedule or details for free online live streaming.
Today homegirl, Melanie Oudin, started her campaign in great style beating opponent Olga Savchuk in their first-round match, 6-3, 6-0. Oudin came to prominence at last year’s U.S. Open securing her way to the quarter-finals in only her second appearance there. This year saw the American off to a good start, winning in just 56 minutes, according to Hal Spivack over on Fanhouse.
In her post-match interview from the Arthur Ashe stadium 18-year-old Oudin said, “After I won the first set everything felt good again,” and also added how honored she felt beginning her tournament on Ashe. Oudin, from Marietta, Ga. ranked 44th certainly made it look easy, winning 79% of her first-serve points and 86% of her second-serve points. If she felt the pressure she sure didn’t show it.
Omaha Nighthawks sign Clarett
Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett signed a contract today with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.
"I am humbled by the opportunity the Omaha Nighthawks have given me and will dedicate myself on and off the field to prove that I can be a valuable member of the team and the Omaha community," Clarett said in a statement. "I am committed to working hard to earn the right for a second chance in football and more importantly in life."
Clarett, 26, has not played football since being released by the Denver Broncos during training camp in 2005. He was arrested on Jan. 1, 2006 after robbing a couple at gunpoint outside a Downtown bar and again later that year while wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying four guns in his car.
He pleaded guilty in September 2006 to aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon. He was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison but was granted early release after 3 1/2 years.
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David W. Fais last week granted a request by Clarett to travel to Nebraska for a tryout. Clarett worked out for the team Sunday.
The Nighthawks said in a release that Clarett would participate in his first team practice today and will be available to talk to media on Wednesday following the team's morning practice session.
"The team and I are excited to have Maurice Clarett join the Nighthawks family," Nighthawks coach Jeff Jagodzinski said in a statement. "He will be treated just like every other player on the roster and will be expected to perform to the best of his abilities both on and off the field."
UFL Commissioner Michael Huygue added, "I met with Maurice Clarett today and additionally reviewed all of the reports surrounding his circumstances. I support allowing his return to football and believe he will make the most of this opportunity."
Burning Man 2010 Kicks off Today in Black Rock City, Nevada
Burning Man 2010 is running from today, August 30th until September 6th. It will take place in Black Rock City, Nevada just as it does every other year. The annual event is expected to be extremely entertaining this year. For those of you are are considering attending the event but don’t know exactly what it is, it an art and dance festival that began back in 1986 by Larry Harvey and Jerry James, along with a few friends they had met on Baker Beach, San Francisco. They burned a giant wooden man and a wooden dog . The man measured approximately 2.7 meters. The event moved to Black Rock City, Nevada in 1990 and has been there every year since, with the exception of 1997. It is not an event that can simply be defined by a few words. It’s a huge get-together where people wear what they want (including nothing at all), and do what they want. Burning Man 2010 is expecting over 50,000 people, and tickets will run you at least $210.00. Some go up as high as $360.00. You can expect to see crazy looking costumes, performance art, dancing, and a 40 foot effigy. The event has been attracting a lot of drug use lately, so city officials will have a vast number of undercover police officers roaming around. “I don’t want my guys to be party poopers, but we have a job to do. They’re not bad people, but they like to use drugs,” said Mark Pirtle, who is in charge of the Bureau of Land Management.
What is albuterol?
Paris Hilton was arrested on Friday night for cocaine possession (in Las Vegas, Nevada). In addition to cocaine, she also had other items, including the prescription medication albuterol, a police report indicates.
What is albuterol?
Albuterol is a prescription medicine used to treat asthma. Specifically, it is used for the relief of bronchospasm (bronchial tube spasm) in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Albuterol is frequently distributed in inhalers, but also in tablet or liquid form. In the case of Hilton, the albuterol was in the form of a broken tablet.
According to the police report, Hilton said the person did not belong to her. Rather, it belonged to a friend. On the other hand, Hilton claimed ownership of the broken Albuterol pill, Zig Zag wrappers commonly used to wrap marijuana joints, $1,300 in cash and credit cards.
The police report said Hilton, 29, asked to use a bathroom after police stopped the Cadillac Escalade she was in. The car was stopped because police detected a "strong odor of marijuana" from an open window.
"While we were waiting for the female officer to arrive, Hilton said she needed to put some lip balm on, and I handed her the purse from the table. As she began to open it, I saw a small bindle of what I believed to be cocaine in a clear baggy begin to fall from the purse into my hand."
Evidently the reason she needed to go to the bathroom not to put lip balm on, but to flush something, and not bodily waste, either.
The last time Paris Hilton faced down the law, upon hearing a sentence of 45 days in jail, Hilton shouted, "It's not right!" and started screaming for her mother. What was not right, in her opinion, was that she was not above the law due to her riches. Many celebrities act as such.
Hurricane Earl path may cross Long Island, Cape Cod before Labor Day
The latest National Weather Service projection has moved the track of the storm, now a Category 4 hurricane, farther west. If Earl stays on that path, it could threaten the eastern US, especially Long Island and parts of New England, as early as Thursday night or Friday.
Weather service officials, however, say, “Nothing is etched in stone.”
IN PICTURES: Huge hurricanes
“The margin of error is still 200 to 300 miles,” says Dennis Feltgen, a spokesman for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. “But everyone needs to be paying attention to this.”
Even if the storm does not hit the coast, forecasters are certain it will cause rough surf that could prevent thousands of residents and vacationers in the Northeast from enjoying a dip in the ocean this Labor Day weekend.
“The rip currents are going to continue through the first half of the weekend,” warns Henry Margusity, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather.com in State College, Pa.
Mr. Margusity says there is still a lot of uncertainty about the exact track of the storm. At the moment, he suspects that it will mainly remain offshore, resulting in strong gusty tropical-force winds on eastern Long Island and rain in New York City. The storm would then track northeast and hit Cape Cod for several hours before heading for Maine and Canada’s Maritime Provinces.
“I think on Long Island it will just look like a bad nor’easter storm, and on the cape there could be some hurricane-force winds,” says Margusity.
If the storm were to move even farther west, it could follow Interstate 95 up the coast. This could cause major damage as storm surge waters get pushed up the Hudson River and high winds hit Long Island.
“I could see the eye cutting over eastern Long Island and then Boston,” says Margusity.
What will determine the track of the storm is a powerful low-pressure zone that is currently moving through the Midwest, bringing rain and thunderstorms.
“Hurricanes like to back into these lows,” says Margusity. The low-pressure zone may also cause the storm to get sucked to the Northeast, depending on the timing.
Emergency officials in New York say they have begun conversations with county officials about storm preparedness.
“We have our plans in place,” says Dennis Michalski, director of Public Information for the New York State Division of Homeland Security.
New York is better prepared than it has been in the past because it has an evacuation plan, says Nicholas Coch, a professor at City University of New York and an expert on preparedness.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Disney/Pixar’s World of Cars Online brings free Radiator Springs fun to your web browser
World of Cars Online is an expansive virtual world on the Internet that constantly changes with new games, adventures and community activities for kids and their friends to enjoy together. Create a Car – create a custom car with loads of modifications and upgrades to choose from Meet “Cars” Movie Characters – engage with quirky “Cars” characters in offbeat adventures and more; Explore the Open Road – play fun games and activities in Radiator Springs and beyond; Make New Friends – meet, chat and play with thousands of other Cars or race against them on a variety of tracks; Start a Racing Career – race to become the new Piston Cup Champ. Cars can work their way up from local dirt tracks to the national circuit; Build a Yard – outfit a yard for friends to check out and visit, and eventually build custom race tracks.
Features include:
In the driver's seat of 'Cars' online community
This week, Walt Disney Co. formally unveiled its latest online community: World of Cars, inspired by Pixar Animation Studios' 2006 hit movie "Cars."
The Burbank entertainment giant plans to begin revving its marketing engine for the virtual world this month, with promotions appearing on Disney Channel and elsewhere. World of Cars is Disney's fifth online community — one that's designed to keep children interacting with Lightning McQueen, Mater and other characters from the movie until "Cars 2" is released in 2011.
Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor': Albert Pujols receives Hope Award
On the 47th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, radio host Glenn Beck kicked off his "Restoring Honor" rally, which is billed as a non-partisan event in Washington D.C. The rally features, among other speakers, former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin and St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and player Albert Pujols.
Beck has said the rally will "reclaim the civil rights movement" in helping America turn back to God. Part of that was giving the Hope Award to Pujols, who is currently in Washington D.C. for a series against the Nationals. La Russa and Pujols agreed to be involved only if the event was apolitical -- La Russa and Pujols recently found themselves on opposite ends of the Arizona immigration law debate, as La Russa supports it and Pujols adamantly does not.
If you'd like to watch more of the rally, it is streaming live on Facebook. Complete information about the rally can be found at Glenn Beck's official site.
Beck has said the rally will "reclaim the civil rights movement" in helping America turn back to God. Part of that was giving the Hope Award to Pujols, who is currently in Washington D.C. for a series against the Nationals. La Russa and Pujols agreed to be involved only if the event was apolitical -- La Russa and Pujols recently found themselves on opposite ends of the Arizona immigration law debate, as La Russa supports it and Pujols adamantly does not.
If you'd like to watch more of the rally, it is streaming live on Facebook. Complete information about the rally can be found at Glenn Beck's official site.
Inside Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' rally
Rachel and Ray Thompson, both 29, drove with their four kids from Indiana. Both are fans of Glenn Beck and criticized President Obama for fanning the divisions in this nation.
"There are a lot of divisive issues in this country that need to be addressed in the way Dr. King addressed them and [Obama] has failed to do that," Ray Thompson, an electrician, said. "From a multi-racial family, I say shame on him." (Ray is white; Rachel is African American.)
"He does have an awesome power to do something about it, but he is not. He is just sitting back," said Rachel, a massage therapist. Neither was troubled by the timing of the rally -- on the anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream" speech. They said the speech King's niece Alveda King gave was the most uplifting of the day.
-- Annie Gowen
Counter-protesters carrying a King "dream" and Beck " nightmare" banner are stationed on the north side of the Lincoln Memorial, opposite 23rd Street NW.
The crowd has occasionally shouted "USA, USA" or "Glenn Beck, Glenn Beck" against them. A few Beck supporters are arguing with counter-protesters but mostly they are being ignored.
-- Robert McCartney
- - -
A counter-protester, Ben Thielen, 32, a District public-policy worker, caused a stir with a sign that said, "It's because of the 1st Amendment that Glenn Beck can spew his filth on the steps."
People walking by yelled at him "Who do you work for?" and "Nice hate speech!"
Then Thielen engaged in a long debate with another federal employee, age 47, who would give his name only as David, about whether an Islamic center should be built near Ground Zero -- David was against it, Thielen for it.
"What a waste of sperm!" David said when he walked away in disgust. Then a gray-haired woman accosted Thielen and tried to rip the placard out of his hand, screaming, "No signs! No signs!" This was a reference to the event's organizers' hope that political signs would not be displayed, although "Don't Tread on Me" flags are being waved at the event.
"She just came up to me and said 'No signs!' and clawed me like a wild animal," Thielen said, showing off red marks on his arms.
-- Annie Gowen
- - -
D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Pete Piringer said rescuers have evaluated several dozen people on the Mall for conditions including bee stings, twisted ankles and heat-related issues, including several asthmatics and diabetics.
Several people were transported to the hospital, but none had conditions considered serious or life-threatening, Piringer said.
-- Clarence F. Williams
- - -
Scott Garvin, an officer of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers union local in Maryland, stood near the monument steps, handing out fliers with a photo of Martin Luther King Jr. and the headline, "Don't Tarnish the dream."
The union's concern: Chinese masons who Garvin said have been brought in to work on the construction on the King memorial on the Mall when some U.S. masons are unemployed.
-- Amy Goldstein
- - -
When former Alaska governor Sarah Palin mentioned John McCain, Steve Richardson, 72, of Denver shouted, "John who?"
Richardson, who attended last year's 9/12 rally, said, "I just think McCain was a better airman than a politician."
-- Amy Goldstein
- - -
In the rear of the rally, hundreds sprawled in the shade of shadow cast by the Washington Monument and a nearby tree.
Scott Hackney was under the tree with his wife, four kids and his in-laws. They drove 24 hours nonstop from their home in Nocona, Tex., after hearing about the assembly on Glenn Beck's television show. Hackney, 37, a construction worker, said the biggest crowd he'd been in before was at a football game.
"We just wanted to be part of this," he said. "Just to be among a group of people expressing patriotism and a return to traditional values. I can't even hear anything. But that's okay. Just to be here sends an important message: that the backbone of the country is the family. Messing with the definition of family is dangerous. Strong families make a strong country."
-- Carol A. Morello
Alveda King Speaks at Glenn Beck's DC Rally
On the 47th anniversary of her uncle's historic "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, politician and activist Alveda King has joined conservative commentator Glenn Beck at the same spot to bring people together in paying tribute to America's soldiers and "restoring honor" to America Glenn Beck's rally at the Lincoln Memorial causes controversy. King, the niece of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. and daughter of his brother activist A. D. King, is currently the director of African-American outreach at the pro-life group Priests for Life and has recently stepped into the spotlight after several appearances on Beck's radio program.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Networks take different paths in covering Glenn Beck 'Restoring Honor' rally
Fox News, MSNBC and CNN all say they will treat Beck's rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial like any other newsworthy event. All three networks have assigned reporters and camera crews to monitor speeches by Beck, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin (R) and other dignitaries in what is being billed as a "nonpolitical" rally. Beck has drawn criticism for scheduling on the same date and in the same location as Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, although he has said the timing is accidental. But in the days leading up to the rally, the three networks have looked at the same story very differently. One important factor may be that Beck is a popular Fox News host, and that the rally's star attraction, Palin, happens to be a Fox News contributor. Over the past month, CNN has mentioned Beck's connection to Fox News and the rally only once as of Friday evening. On the eve of the rally Friday night, CNN aired an interview of Al Sharpton by talk-show host John King in which Sharpton criticized Beck for saying he's "reclaiming the civil rights movement." On the same day as Beck's event, Sharpton has organized another rally in Washington to honor King. MSNBC has made numerous references to Beck and to Fox, though usually in disparaging fashion. One host, Cenk Uygur, while substituting for Ed Schultz, called the rally "ridiculous" and an "ego trip" and branded Beck "a bad guy." MSNBC host Keith Olbermann has been particularly aggressive, asking one guest on Thursday, "Are we expecting to see [Beck] part the Reflecting Pool?" Fox News says that it has no official connection to the demonstration, explaining that Beck has organized it separately from his duties as a weekday host. Still, the network's tone has been much more friendly when it comes to the rally. In addition to dozens of mentions of it on his own show, Beck has appeared on "Fox and Friends," the network's morning program, and on Bill O'Reilly's evening program to discuss it. "Fox and Friends" directed viewers to Beck's Web site. The rally's organizers -- the Beck-affiliated 9-12 Project and Mercury Radio Arts -- have told the National Park Service in their permit application that they expect 300,000 people to attend. That figure would place it among the largest demonstrations in the Mall's history, although some have doubted that the rally will draw anything close to it. if None of the cable networks would say on Friday how much time they will devote to the Beck and Sharpton rallies, or how they will describe Beck's and Palin's affiliation with Fox. Fox News says it won't pre-empt its regular two-hour bloc of business news programs on Saturday morning for coverage, although Michael Clemente, Fox's senior vice president of news editorial, left open the possibility of giving some coverage to the Beck rally during brief news "breaks" during the morning. Beck and Palin are scheduled to speak between 10 and noon. "We're treating it like so many events that happen on the Mall and draw a big crowd," he said, comparing it to anti-abortion marches and the Million Man March. He added, "It will be judged on the merits, by what people say, how many people are there and by how the crowd reacts to what's said." MSNBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines said his network will have reporters doing live hourly reports from both rallies during the morning. He declined to say whether Beck's employment on Fox News would be mentioned. CNN spokeswoman Edie Emery said her network will cover both rallies "like we'd cover any other political news event," but also would not comment on how its reporters will refer to Beck and Fox. The "Restoring Honor" rally is described by its organizers as a celebration of "our heroes, our heritage and our future" that "pays tribute to America's service personnel and other upstanding citizens who embody our nation's founding principles of integrity, truth and honor," according to its Web site. The event will feature a "Lincoln Memorial Re-dedication Ceremony." In addition to Beck and Palin, speakers include baseball superstar Albert Pujols and St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa. When Beck announced the event last fall on Fox News and his syndicated radio program, he promised to unveil "The Plan," a 100-year outline designed to "save the country." But the focus of the event quickly changed, with Beck opting for an event that would raise money for a Tampa-based group called the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a philanthropy that assists the families of fallen or injured special-forces personnel.
High School Football Rankings have Trinity (Texas) Tops in the Nation
Pre-season High School football rankings have Trinity High School of Euless, Texas ranked No. 1 overall following a 14-2 campaign a year ago. Each of the first three teams in the rankings are from either Texas or Florida, two national football hotbeds.Following Trinity is No. 2 Miami Central of Miami, Florida, and No. 3 Abilene from Abilene, Texas, according to the USA Today poll. Seven teams out of the 25 are from either Texas or Florida, including six in the top nine.Of Trinity, which pulled down the top ranking, USA Today notes the team started slowly a year ago but finished with 13 consecutive wins en route to their third 5A-I state championship in the last five years.Florida and Texas often dominate these sorts of lists, but the fact of the matter is nothing is a less exact science than ranking high school football teams across the entire nation. The sheer number of schools in all corners of the country makes it a nearly impossible task.So, yes, Trinity is likely one of the best teams in the nation. But can anyone unequivocally say it is the top team in all the land? No way. There's just no possible way that every team in the country can be accounted for.Of course, the idea of a pre-season poll isn't to predict the finish but rather to establish some sort of hierarchy. It could be that experts believe the same at the end of the season.Of course, national high school polls are good for bulletin boards and little else. Each team is chasing a state championship in its respective locale and isn't particularly worried about national rankings, since there is no national championship showdown.So take the rankings for what they are: An approximation of who some of the most talented teams in the country may be.
Nicki Minaj and Drake Married Announced On Twitter
Nicki Minaj and Drake got married. At least thats what they are telling the world via their twitter page. It all started when Nicki Minaj challenged Drake's manhood by tweeting "U scurred? @drakkardnoir u ready to make the announcement or wha?"
My initial thoughts were more along the line of 'What exactly would that announcement be? Maybe Drake would tell the world they'd be dropping a new song a new song? But MARRIAGE? Really?
Drake replied by tweeting "@nickiminaj Baby I am never scared. PROUD is more the word I would use."
Followed by "Please refer to @nickiminaj as Mrs. Aubrey Drake Graham and dont stare at her too long. She's finally mine. :)"
Nicki Minaj cosigned the whole thing by replying "Yes, its true. Drake and I tied the knot."
So it looks like Drake got the cookies! Congrats Drake. He's getting a track record. Do you believe them?
Bank of America online banking glitch at BankofAmerica.com - BAC Stock Trades Up
Bank of America customers were without their online banking service for at least four hours on Friday. This came due to a glitch involving the BankofAmerica.com website. With online banking services down, the BAC stock seemed unaffected though.
According to MyFox8.com, the Bank of America banking service suffered an outage on Friday due to a "temporary system" issue. There was no specific reason given as for the bank website's down time though. Customers were unable to access the website for over three-and-a-half hours on Friday August 27, 2010.
Bank of America is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Service was finally brought back after 5:15 PM EST, after the outage had started around 1:25PM EST. This particular Bank of America online banking glitch only affected the only account access, but did not affect any BOA ATMs or banks.
It's been reported that service is back for the banking website, but due to volume customers may still experience slow load times or trouble logging in. At the close of the stock market on Friday, Bank of America stock (BAC) had traded up by .17, and was up 0.04 in after hours trading.
Glitches like this can be costly for both customers and banks. Many people enjoy using online banking services from the comfort of their own home so when a glitch takes the service offline for hours, it hurts. There's also been plenty of customers not happy with the Bank of America service in general, especially during the financial implosion that occurred within the past several years. Bank of America is still considered a top bank stock despite today's four hour outage, so it probably won't shut down too many investors.
However, even though BAC stock seems unaffected, the Bank of America banking service is still questionable. Could this latest glitch make more customers move to other banks with more secure online services and less fees?
According to MyFox8.com, the Bank of America banking service suffered an outage on Friday due to a "temporary system" issue. There was no specific reason given as for the bank website's down time though. Customers were unable to access the website for over three-and-a-half hours on Friday August 27, 2010.
Bank of America is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Service was finally brought back after 5:15 PM EST, after the outage had started around 1:25PM EST. This particular Bank of America online banking glitch only affected the only account access, but did not affect any BOA ATMs or banks.
It's been reported that service is back for the banking website, but due to volume customers may still experience slow load times or trouble logging in. At the close of the stock market on Friday, Bank of America stock (BAC) had traded up by .17, and was up 0.04 in after hours trading.
Glitches like this can be costly for both customers and banks. Many people enjoy using online banking services from the comfort of their own home so when a glitch takes the service offline for hours, it hurts. There's also been plenty of customers not happy with the Bank of America service in general, especially during the financial implosion that occurred within the past several years. Bank of America is still considered a top bank stock despite today's four hour outage, so it probably won't shut down too many investors.
However, even though BAC stock seems unaffected, the Bank of America banking service is still questionable. Could this latest glitch make more customers move to other banks with more secure online services and less fees?
People: Leonardo DiCaprio embroiled in 2nd stalker case
This week, the actor won a restraining order against a woman who says she's his wife and allegedly has been harassing DiCaprio with letters and showing up to meetings and public functions he's attending.
That came a day before a Canadian woman who allegedly slashed DiCaprio's face with a bottle five years ago was formerly ordered to stand trial in Los Angeles on a charge of felony assault with a deadly weapon.
A California judge granted DiCaprio's request for a temporary restraining order against 41-year-old Livia Bistriceanu of Chicago, who, according to court documents, believes she is DiCaprio's wife and that she's carrying his child -- which she says is baby Jesus.
Technically, one could consider that a compliment, but we doubt DiCaprio sees it that way.
He said in his petition for the restraining order that Bistriceanu repeatedly tried to contact him "sending me unwanted and unsolicited letters in which she expressed delusional thoughts and irrational feelings, calling and showing up at business meetings I am associated with and, most recently, locating and traveling to my private residence," where she acts "aggressively "... yelling and screaming." He also claimed Bistriceanu told him she believes she and DiCaprio are destined to meet up in the afterlife and raise their Baby Jesus together.
A Los Angeles judge ordered Bistriceanu to stay
Meanwhile, Aretha Wilson will stand trial on one count of felony assault with a deadly weapon after a ruling Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court that prosecutors had enough evidence to carry on with their case. Wilson was arrested in Toronto in 2008, three years after her alleged attack on DiCaprio at a Hollywood party, and was recently extradited to the U.S. to face the allegation. She has pleaded not guilty.
MORE CELEBS JOIN 'DANCING WITH THE STARS': Bristol Palin, Margaret Cho and Jennifer Grey have been added to the cast of the upcoming season of "Dancing With the Stars," reports said this week.
Grey should have a leg up on the competition if she can remember the smooth moves she used in the movie "Dirty Dancing" about 150 years ago. Plus, she's reportedly being paired with everyone's favorite stud muffin, "DWTS" pro Derek Hough.
JOHNSTON KEEPS BURNING PALIN FAMILY: Levi Johnston has been through a lot of stuff lately, not all of which has cast him in the most favorable light. Does he regret any of it?
Yes! He wishes he had never publicly apologized to Sarah Palin for talking smack about her family. This was when he got engaged to Bristol for, like, a half-hour a month or so ago.
"The only thing I wish I wouldn't have done is to put out that apology (to Palin and family)," he said in an interview with CBS' "The Early Show." "'Cause it kind of makes me sound like a liar. And I've never lied about anything. So that's probably the only thing. The rest of the stuff I can live with." He said he made the apology to make "my fiancee happy."
Accident Health Insurance Plans
Guide to Accident Health Insurance Plans in the United States
Accident health insurance plans are attracting a lot of attention in the supplemental accident coverage market because it's so practical. This type of personal injury insurance plan falls into the indemnity category rather then the insurance category. Indemnity's compensate you for damage, loss, or injury in cash payments to you directly or the health care provider. These plans are guarantee issue and require no health questions when enrolling. Americans who have this clever type of accident plan receive benefits with any doctor, emergency room hospital, or urgent care type facility. Members can choose a benefit amount (policy face value) of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000. These principal sum benefits are payed per accident (per injury). Typical deductible (deductible is the dollar amount person must pay before insurance company pays) is $100 dollars and all other hospital bills are payed up to the policy max. If someone has the $10,000 benefit accident plan and gets injured, resulting into a a $10,000 dollar ACL knee surgery, it could potentially only cost the member $100 dollars out of pocket. Member can also choose any surgeon for the procedure which is comforting.
Personal accident insurance are membership plans that have monthly dues. These association benefits clearly state they are not insurance but a type of accident medical expense plan. Coverage is for bodily injuries and not disease or sickness. Emergency room coverage is the core focus. Other names for this type of plan include supplemental accident coverage, emergency room insurance, accident medical expense benefit, accident health insurance plan, 24 hour accident coverage, and accident medical coverage. Anyone who's had a high deductible insurance plan knows that a lot of bills come from the emergency room.
Association based membership benefits isn't anything new. The main benefit to these plans are affordable monthly dues, everyone qualifies, and benefits are paid in conjunction with any licensed medical care facility or doctor. The applications don't have any health questions during enrollment but automatic acceptance is only up to age 64 or 70.
Everyone being able to qualify for a personal accident insurance plan is a good thing. Flexibility for members to choose any doctors office, medical clinic, or hospital emergency room makes sense because this is a type of accidental injury policy. When I was researching these plans and gathering all the sales brochures, having the ability to choose any doctor, clinic, or hospital ER was consistent and true. The accident medical coverage usually has a $100 dollar deductible and a per member coverage amount of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000. Plans pay part of the bills you are charged at the doctor, hospital, ER, up to the maximum benefit chosen per covered injury. Another way to phrase that is a personal injury insurance plan pays for all bodily injuries from a accident, less the $100 deductible, up to the maximum benefit of $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000.
In most circumstances these plans pay accidental injury benefits. Except for injuries a member sustains while under the influence of drugs / alcohol, during act of war, or if also covered on workers compensation. These are standard rules for just about any health insurance product. Injury benefits are payed to members per incident or per injury. During coverage, each accident is treated as a new event with new benefit payments, but subject to another $100 dollar deductible. Benefits are paid directly to members or the health care provider. Some plans only pay the health care provider, and other plans clearly state they pay the member directly. You'll have to review the policy to see how payment is handled.
Specific benefits covered by this type of personal injury insurance plan include: doctors fee for surgery (inpatient or outpatient), ambulance expenses, doctors visits, hospital emergency room care, anesthesia services, prescription drugs, nurse expenses, hospital confinement, operating room, laboratory tests, x-rays, MRI's, dental treatment to sound natural teeth, physical therapy, hospital room and board.
During my research of checking out dozens of these accident insurance plans it was interesting to find out that a lot of these plans are underwritten by Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company. This means that Guarantee Trust Life is "backing" this type of personal accident coverage and that hundreds of health insurance firms are marketing the plans for them. So there are a lot of different agencies selling these plans but the trail leads back to one main insurance company. Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company has been around for 70 plus years and is located at 1275 Milwaukee Ave. Glenview, Illinois 60025. Of all the different firms selling these plans the best rates I've found so far is the following.
For individuals, a $5,000 benefit plan is around $22 a month, $7,500 benefit is $28 a month, and a $10,000 is $34 dollars a month. For families, $5,000 benefit is $35 a month, $7,500 is $41 a month, and $10,000 is $47 dollars a month. The $10,000 accident benefit plan at $47 dollars a month includes the entire family. Even if the family has six members, it's still $47 a month total. Bigger the family, the more that $47 a month membership stretches. Anyway you look at it, that is a lot of useful real world coverage for that price.
Personal accident insurance plans are sold by some health insurance agents to compliment their clients HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan). Due to medical inflation and the constant rate increases from insurance companies, typical deductibles these days are $5,000 and $10,000. Deductible is the dollar amount a covered person must pay before the health insurance policy kicks in. This basically means the insured has to come up with that $5,000 or $10,000 dollars before the policy pays anything. This is where the common complaint that "my health insurance plan doesn't pay anything" comes from. What people are saying is that when they rush to the emergency room from a accidental injury, odds are they will be paying that deductible out of pocket on top of the expensive premiums every month. It's for this reason that emergency room insurance plans offset that deductible exposure. Plans help pay the expenses associated with accidents which is realistic. This upfront accident coverage can pay off that huge deductible. In short, these accident insurance policies fill in the gaps perfect with the catastrophic high deductible plans being offered in the United States. Picking up a accident plan as a "stand alone" supplement is equally as smart.
Car Insurance Fraud
When you're on the road, several of your fellow motorists are looking to make a quick buck by scamming your insurance company. While this may seem like a tall task, it can actually be accomplished quite easily. Most instances of car insurance fraud involve a motorist intentionally causing an innocent driver to crash into his or her car so that he or she may make an insurance claim.
Since the objective of insurance scammers is to collect on your insurance policy, they will trick you into colliding with them. Though they caused the accident, it may still be considered your fault since your automobile is the one that initiated contact with the scammer's automobile.
Most of the schemes scammers employ are quite simplistic; many of them involve braking suddenly to cause the motorist behind them to crash into them. Some methods involve waving a driver into a queuing line of traffic, then speeding up and hitting the driver and denying having waved in the police report, making the other driver at fault.
Fraudulent claims can be quite costly not only to your insurance company, but to you. When you get into an accident and you are found to be at fault, your insurance premium may go up. Depending on what the other driver claims, your premium could increase even more. Some of the things insurance scammers tend to claim are:
Personal injury and medical bills
Car repairs
Rental cars
Lost wages
In many cases, it can be hard to prove fraud since many insurance scammers have phantom witnesses to testify against you. A phantom witness is a person who works in conjunction with the insurance scammer and was not at the scene of the crash but claims to be and says you were responsible for the crash.
Unfortunately, you can also suffer serious injury in an insurance fraud case. Just because you are the one who crashes into the other car doesn't mean that you are less likely to get injured. You may suffer whiplash, broken bones, or something even more serious. In these cases, when you think fraud may have been involved, getting a personal injury lawyer is in your best interests.
APS Sportec Audi S5 V6
The latest project from APS of Brackley, UK importer for the Swiss Sportec is a new performance upgrade Audi S5 quattro coupé and cabriolet, 2009MY and above, that are powered by the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 TFSI engine. They call it the 'Stage One' upgrade, even though there’s only one plan and there’s no stage two! What’s really important is that the package adds 97 bhp to the output of S5’s V6.
So instead of 328 bhp at 6000 rpm standard you get 425 bhp at 6640 rpm, while the stock car’s 440 Nm (325 lb.ft) is now upgraded to 520 Nm (379 lb.ft) at 4250 rpm as well. They say it considerably enhances the in-gear and fast cruising performance of the car, in keeping with its luxury GT credentials, but don’t expect much as the acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph is reduced by 0.5 seconds and the top speed is still limited to 155 mph.
Car Wash Sunday, August 29 11a-2p in Greenwich
Hey everyone
Just a reminder that the Car Wash for Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is this Sunday. Its 11am-2pm in the Richard's Parking Lot on Greenwich ave in Greenwich, CT. It'll be $15-$20 for a wash depending on the size of the car and an extra $10 to have your mats vacuumed. Thanks for all the support !
Amelia and Mairead
Just a reminder that the Car Wash for Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is this Sunday. Its 11am-2pm in the Richard's Parking Lot on Greenwich ave in Greenwich, CT. It'll be $15-$20 for a wash depending on the size of the car and an extra $10 to have your mats vacuumed. Thanks for all the support !
Amelia and Mairead
Saving money !
Money has been tight for everyone lately. I myself have been trying to come up with ways to save some cash. So I made a list of my monthly expenses. Then looked at each individual item, and attempted to come up with ways to save on each one. What paid off the most was shopping my car insurance. Using my net book and blackberry I got online and received several quotes which only take about 10 minutes at the most to complete. I ended up going from Geico to Progressive. This move is going to save me $800 a year, and will be providing me with almost the exact same level of coverage slightly less or better in some areas!. My question is what are some things everyone else does to save money? Does anyone use technology to save?
Aviva Car Insurance - Car Insurance
Aviva Car Insurance
Firstly, for those of you not already familiar with the change, Aviva is the new name for Norwich Union. I guess the marketing men finally had their say and have successfully reduced the brand to a single word – think ‘Amazon’, ‘Google’, ‘Yahoo’ etc..
More importantly there seems to be a battle out there in UK motor insurance land in respect of offering 12 months cover for the price of 10 or even for the price of nine months?! This trend seems to be being fought out by two of the biggest players – Aviva and Direct Line.
Get the Aviva deal…
Currently offering great deals on car insurance without compromising on quality (their words, not ours). If you’re a new customer with 4 or more years’ no claims discount, you could make a big saving with their 12 months’ car insurance for the price of 10 offer*. And that’s on top of an online discount of up to 15%.
Firstly, for those of you not already familiar with the change, Aviva is the new name for Norwich Union. I guess the marketing men finally had their say and have successfully reduced the brand to a single word – think ‘Amazon’, ‘Google’, ‘Yahoo’ etc..
More importantly there seems to be a battle out there in UK motor insurance land in respect of offering 12 months cover for the price of 10 or even for the price of nine months?! This trend seems to be being fought out by two of the biggest players – Aviva and Direct Line.
Get the Aviva deal…
Currently offering great deals on car insurance without compromising on quality (their words, not ours). If you’re a new customer with 4 or more years’ no claims discount, you could make a big saving with their 12 months’ car insurance for the price of 10 offer*. And that’s on top of an online discount of up to 15%.
Some Great Tips To Help Sports Car Owners Save On Car Insurance
Getting insurance on a sports car can be more expensive than what you are looking to spend. Sports cars usually require a higher rate every month than most other cars. At most all sports car owners want full coverage on their prize winning jewels. Even though getting insurance on your 350z will never compare to getting insurance on your family mini van, there are however a few things that a sports ="" do="" to="" get="" lower="" fares.="" of="" these="" four="" tips="" can="" help="" an="" owner="" keep="">sports car prices lower than any before.
="" do="" to="" get="" lower="" fares.="" of="" these="" four="" tips="" can="" help="" an="" owner="" keep=""> In the first place, a homeowner check to see whether membership will give discounts on prices. Sometimes a member can be substantially reduced prices. Teachers and state employees in general to achieve the reduction, but rarely see. Always ask your agent if there are clubs you can join your rate to decrease. Typically, a club willyou lower rates than if you hadn't joined one.
="" do="" to="" get="" lower="" fares.="" of="" these="" four="" tips="" can="" help="" an="" owner="" keep="">Next, you should always compare the prices of rates from different companies. It does not take a long time for you to call around and compare the rates for your car. You might find a really low price from an agency you may have never though of. There are aids available to help you compare these rates; these can be the best place to find your really low rates. Although, you may get better offers it will pay off to call around. Most always an agent with the knowledge of the info you need may be able to save you hundreds of dollars by switching to there company.
="" do="" to="" get="" lower="" fares.="" of="" these="" four="" tips="" can="" help="" an="" owner="" keep="">After that, you may get even more by bringing multiple policies to your agent. A lot of insurance companies can help you with lower rates if you use them to insure everything you have and own. You can save a lot by having all your vehicles insured by the same agency. You can most likely save more by making these deals under the table. The savings may not be pointed at your sports car. Instead you may find cost savings just from having all your cars insured with them.
="" do="" to="" get="" lower="" fares.="" of="" these="" four="" tips="" can="" help="" an="" owner="" keep="">At last, ask your agent if there are any special programs that you can get into that can lower your rates every month. Some agencies may lower your rates if you take a course online for defensive driving. If a kid is driving a car, there may be lower rates for good grades. Most agencies will offer to lower your rates if you remain accident free for a period of time.
="" do="" to="" get="" lower="" fares.="" of="" these="" four="" tips="" can="" help="" an="" owner="" keep="">It is of great interest to get good insurance for your sports car. Getting cheaper coverage can lower your rates, but more than likely can leave you unprotected.
="" do="" to="" get="" lower="" fares.="" of="" these="" four="" tips="" can="" help="" an="" owner="" keep="">If you remember to ask about memberships, compare, and take all your business to one agent they will most likely save you a whole lot on your rates, you can more than likely get the lowest rates around.
Ways to Lower Car Insurance Premiums - Part 1
It may seem to be an impossible notion, but believe it or not, there are effective ways of being able to lower the cost of car insurance premiums that are coming out of your pocket. Below you will find some of the most common ways that countless consumers take advantage of every single day, to benefit from low rates on their vehicle coverage costs.
Stay away from cars that are considered to be a high-risk Yes, this does include sports cars! - The thought may be very appealing to be able to cruise around town in one of the most popular vehicles on the market, but you can bet your bottom dollar that you will end up paying an arm and a leg for the high cost of automobile insurance if you do decide to purchase a high-profile vehicle.
Age always has been, and always will be a factor - It is safe to say that not one single person can add a few years onto their age so that they will be able to take advantage of cheaper insurance rates. However, there IS something that can be done to lower your rates. Taking it upon yourself to register in various driving courses that most cities offer is a benefit that will help out a great deal in the long run.
Try to prevent the need to turn in automobile insurance claims - As the years add up, this is one key factor that can effectively reduce the high cost of car insurance premiums. After years have been accumulated of not filing a claim, there are even some agents that provide their clients with rates that are discounted for being such a safe driver.
Keep your foot of the gas pedal! - It is no fun to learn the hard way just how much speeding tickets can affect the cost of your automobile insurance premiums. If you get too many citations, you may even find yourself without any coverage at all, because most companies will drop clients that show a habit of having a lead foot.
Anti-theft and safety devices - Although many of the newer model vehicles have these types of devices already installed on the vehicle, if you drive a vehicle without these devices you can also purchase them separately and have them installed yourself. Doing everything you can to prevent car wrecks and theft is an advantage that you will also notice in your wallet. This is because most car insurance companies offer special deductions for vehicle owners that drive automobiles with these extra features.
Special Delivery
I saw a report which made me laugh...then sigh.
A stonemason in the Rhone Valley took out professional insurance to cover his fledgling business, which cost him an arm and a leg.
He then discovered that other companies charged about half what he was paying and asked his insurers for a reduction.
You can imagine the upshot of that little initiative.
They had his money and they were sticking to it.
In fact, they sent him a bill, just to rub his nose in it.
Somewhat indignant, he bethought himself of what to do about it and inspiration struck.
Taking a large block of stone and the tools of his trade he wrote...or chiselled...a cheque in stone.
Everything legally required was there...names, amounts, order to pay...and he even took a bailiff with him to witness that payment had duly been made.
It can't be often that a bailiff has been asked to accompany a massive block of stone in an ancient van on a journey through the Rhone Valley, but I suppose it made a change from banging on doors demanding to seize the television.
The stonemason, the stone and the bailiff duly arrived....only to find that the insurance company's office had closed one hour earlier than usual.
This being France, clearly someone had denounced him!
Probably the journalist from the local paper whom he had summoned to photograph his arrival.
Disappointed, he asked the bailiff to witness that he had done everything in his power to deliver the cheque...well, short of flinging it through the window which would have resulted in the unwelcome attentions of the police, taking his statement from his hospital bed while he recovered from the hernia operation....and returned home, announcing that if the insurance company wanted their cheque they could come and get it.
Why do I suspect the journalist of being less than sympathetic?
Because he ended his report with the lugubrious statement that the stonemason would probably find that his bank would close down his account...for chiselling their name on the stone without their permission.
I expect he was on the bank doorstep first thing the next morning with a photograph as evidence.
The stonemason appeared to be quite a young chap, or I would have suspected that he had been inspired by A.P. Herbert's tale of the negotiable cow, published in the 1930s....the reported attempt of one Albert Haddock to pay what he regarded as an unjustifiable tax demand by writing a cheque on the backside of a cow of malevolent aspect...not forgetting the then obligatory fiscal stamp attached to one of its' horns.....and delivering the animal to the offices of the Inland Revenue...or the Inland Revenge as a disgruntled friend used to call it.
It is rare for an individual to express indignation in France...they go in for collective action - the solidarity bit - to make it more difficult for the police to pick them off and their employers to discriminate against them, though this relative safety cannot be relied on by bands of youths from the urban high rise estates when the police manage to outnumber them.
Gypsies, 'gens de voyage', 'manouches', call them what you will, are good at collective action, thus proving that they are, as they proudly claim, French and not foreigners.
In the recent events at St. Aignan following the shooting of a manouche by the gendarmerie, a crowd wearing balaclavas managed to take over the town centre, cutting down trees with chainsaws which, as one of them claimed, were lying unattended on the ground and breaking into and robbing the baker's shop!
What happened?
Well, about three of them were taken to court and had their hands slapped. Thus the value of collective action.
I did see one incident of individual action when I had not long moved to France.
It was in the days when banks would have outposts in the villages....usually just a room...which would be open on one or two afternoons a week, as a service to local customers.
Given some of the customers I saw going in there I used to suspect that the banks had these little branches to prevent some of their less salubrious customers from lowering the tone of the branch in town, nattily attired as they tended to be in sagging trousers, vests bearing the signs of their last three meals and torn tartan caps.
Passing the village branch one afternoon on my way to see a friend I was astounded to see that a huge pile of manure had been deposited in the doorway....and that the bank clerk was waving frantically from behind the window.
Now, in a village where the eyes behind the shutters missed nothing, from the priest falling out of his car having drink taken to the unexpected sighting of Madame Machin wearing her Sunday best during the week, the arrival of such an unusual deposit could not have gone unnoticed....but nothing was stirring in the heat of the afternoon except the flies busy working the heap.
I now know that I should have ducked out of sight and continued to my friend's house by the back alley behind the church, but I was relatively new to France and did not know the form.
I approached the window.
'Can you 'phone the town branch for me?'
'Don't you have a 'phone in there?'
'No....the bank don't want the expense.'
'What shall I say?'..........Thinking that if I were the person at the other end of the line when some foreigner called to say that one of their clerks was imprisoned behind a pile of manure I would not tend to take it seriously, putting the whole thing down to a lack of familiarity with the language and an over familiarity with the bottle.
''Tell them Camille says to send Jean-Aymon and his tractor and trailer down here right away.'
'What about the gendarmerie?'
'They don't have a tractor and trailer.'
He gave me the number and I went to the call box by the mairie...shuttered and silent...to call his bank.
I told them what he had told me to tell them and there was a sharp intake of breath at the other end and then a pause while someone higher in grade was informed.
A man then came on the line, identified only as Claude, who instructed me to return to Camille with the news that Jean-Aymon had been contacted and would be on his way.
I returned to the window and gave the clerk the news.
Was there anything else I could do?
No, but I would be very welcome to open an account with his bank once he got the door open.
Awarding him full marks for a sang-froid almost British in its' nature, I went on my way to my friend, accompanied by a few hopeful flies keen for a change of diet.
She...and the gaggle drinking coffee and cognac in her kitchen...knew all about it, of course.
Apparently, there had been a falling out between the bank and Monsieur Lacroix, farmer and vigneron.
Unable to come to an agreement, Monsieur Lacroix had closed his bank account and then sent down his workman with a load of manure to close the bank door.
There was general agreement that this was not fair on Camille, who was not responsible for the actions of his superiors and who did not have access to a lavatory and that Monsieur Lacroix should have taken his manure to the town branch, except, of course, that even the local town police could not overlook a steaming heap of the best dumped in the main square,and there would have been unpleasantness.
There may be unpleasantness ahead for the stonemason, however.
Once you have signed a contract with a French insurance company, that contract is automatically renewed unless you cancel it...usually some three months before its' expiry date and by registered letter.
Not that they take much notice.
Eight years after cancelling with one company, their computer still churns out demands for payments and threats of bailiffs every year...that's how I can tell it's October.
I suspect the stonemason will find that he will be renewing the acquaintance of his companion, the bailiff.....when he arrives to bang on the door and seize the television for non-payment of his insurance policy.
A stonemason in the Rhone Valley took out professional insurance to cover his fledgling business, which cost him an arm and a leg.
He then discovered that other companies charged about half what he was paying and asked his insurers for a reduction.
You can imagine the upshot of that little initiative.
They had his money and they were sticking to it.
In fact, they sent him a bill, just to rub his nose in it.
Somewhat indignant, he bethought himself of what to do about it and inspiration struck.
Taking a large block of stone and the tools of his trade he wrote...or chiselled...a cheque in stone.
Everything legally required was there...names, amounts, order to pay...and he even took a bailiff with him to witness that payment had duly been made.
It can't be often that a bailiff has been asked to accompany a massive block of stone in an ancient van on a journey through the Rhone Valley, but I suppose it made a change from banging on doors demanding to seize the television.
The stonemason, the stone and the bailiff duly arrived....only to find that the insurance company's office had closed one hour earlier than usual.
This being France, clearly someone had denounced him!
Probably the journalist from the local paper whom he had summoned to photograph his arrival.
Disappointed, he asked the bailiff to witness that he had done everything in his power to deliver the cheque...well, short of flinging it through the window which would have resulted in the unwelcome attentions of the police, taking his statement from his hospital bed while he recovered from the hernia operation....and returned home, announcing that if the insurance company wanted their cheque they could come and get it.
Why do I suspect the journalist of being less than sympathetic?
Because he ended his report with the lugubrious statement that the stonemason would probably find that his bank would close down his account...for chiselling their name on the stone without their permission.
I expect he was on the bank doorstep first thing the next morning with a photograph as evidence.
The stonemason appeared to be quite a young chap, or I would have suspected that he had been inspired by A.P. Herbert's tale of the negotiable cow, published in the 1930s....the reported attempt of one Albert Haddock to pay what he regarded as an unjustifiable tax demand by writing a cheque on the backside of a cow of malevolent aspect...not forgetting the then obligatory fiscal stamp attached to one of its' horns.....and delivering the animal to the offices of the Inland Revenue...or the Inland Revenge as a disgruntled friend used to call it.
It is rare for an individual to express indignation in France...they go in for collective action - the solidarity bit - to make it more difficult for the police to pick them off and their employers to discriminate against them, though this relative safety cannot be relied on by bands of youths from the urban high rise estates when the police manage to outnumber them.
Gypsies, 'gens de voyage', 'manouches', call them what you will, are good at collective action, thus proving that they are, as they proudly claim, French and not foreigners.
In the recent events at St. Aignan following the shooting of a manouche by the gendarmerie, a crowd wearing balaclavas managed to take over the town centre, cutting down trees with chainsaws which, as one of them claimed, were lying unattended on the ground and breaking into and robbing the baker's shop!
What happened?
Well, about three of them were taken to court and had their hands slapped. Thus the value of collective action.
I did see one incident of individual action when I had not long moved to France.
It was in the days when banks would have outposts in the villages....usually just a room...which would be open on one or two afternoons a week, as a service to local customers.
Given some of the customers I saw going in there I used to suspect that the banks had these little branches to prevent some of their less salubrious customers from lowering the tone of the branch in town, nattily attired as they tended to be in sagging trousers, vests bearing the signs of their last three meals and torn tartan caps.
Passing the village branch one afternoon on my way to see a friend I was astounded to see that a huge pile of manure had been deposited in the doorway....and that the bank clerk was waving frantically from behind the window.
Now, in a village where the eyes behind the shutters missed nothing, from the priest falling out of his car having drink taken to the unexpected sighting of Madame Machin wearing her Sunday best during the week, the arrival of such an unusual deposit could not have gone unnoticed....but nothing was stirring in the heat of the afternoon except the flies busy working the heap.
I now know that I should have ducked out of sight and continued to my friend's house by the back alley behind the church, but I was relatively new to France and did not know the form.
I approached the window.
'Can you 'phone the town branch for me?'
'Don't you have a 'phone in there?'
'No....the bank don't want the expense.'
'What shall I say?'..........Thinking that if I were the person at the other end of the line when some foreigner called to say that one of their clerks was imprisoned behind a pile of manure I would not tend to take it seriously, putting the whole thing down to a lack of familiarity with the language and an over familiarity with the bottle.
''Tell them Camille says to send Jean-Aymon and his tractor and trailer down here right away.'
'What about the gendarmerie?'
'They don't have a tractor and trailer.'
He gave me the number and I went to the call box by the mairie...shuttered and silent...to call his bank.
I told them what he had told me to tell them and there was a sharp intake of breath at the other end and then a pause while someone higher in grade was informed.
A man then came on the line, identified only as Claude, who instructed me to return to Camille with the news that Jean-Aymon had been contacted and would be on his way.
I returned to the window and gave the clerk the news.
Was there anything else I could do?
No, but I would be very welcome to open an account with his bank once he got the door open.
Awarding him full marks for a sang-froid almost British in its' nature, I went on my way to my friend, accompanied by a few hopeful flies keen for a change of diet.
She...and the gaggle drinking coffee and cognac in her kitchen...knew all about it, of course.
Apparently, there had been a falling out between the bank and Monsieur Lacroix, farmer and vigneron.
Unable to come to an agreement, Monsieur Lacroix had closed his bank account and then sent down his workman with a load of manure to close the bank door.
There was general agreement that this was not fair on Camille, who was not responsible for the actions of his superiors and who did not have access to a lavatory and that Monsieur Lacroix should have taken his manure to the town branch, except, of course, that even the local town police could not overlook a steaming heap of the best dumped in the main square,and there would have been unpleasantness.
There may be unpleasantness ahead for the stonemason, however.
Once you have signed a contract with a French insurance company, that contract is automatically renewed unless you cancel it...usually some three months before its' expiry date and by registered letter.
Not that they take much notice.
Eight years after cancelling with one company, their computer still churns out demands for payments and threats of bailiffs every year...that's how I can tell it's October.
I suspect the stonemason will find that he will be renewing the acquaintance of his companion, the bailiff.....when he arrives to bang on the door and seize the television for non-payment of his insurance policy.
How to Make Conservative a bad word: Use Facts
Since I was a kid the right or “conservatives” have worked very hard to make Liberal/Progressive a bad word and over the years they have somewhat succeeded. How many people respond to the question what is your political belief system? Well most people I know even though I know they are liberal say well I ‘am more of an Independent. When I get asked that question I say loudly and proudly, I ‘am a liberal progressive, you know the type that makes Rush Limbaugh mad. So why do people think Liberal is a bad thing to be, we all know the 30 year story of the right –wing attack on Liberals so I will not go into that. What his post is about is how to make Conservative a really bad word, which it should be. Conservatives has fought against advancement in this country since it’s founding.
So here is what you say and do next time someone asks you if you are a Liberal/Progressive/Commie, say “why yes I ‘am and I am very proud of what Liberals have done for this country”. Then ask them if they are a Conservative, if they say yes ask them what type of conservative are you, are you like the conservatives that didn’t think Woman deserved the right to Vote, or are you the type of conservative that didn’t or doesn’t think Blacks are equal to whites. Do you believe like Conservatives in the past that white people have a right to own other people, or that it is ok for a company to kill there employee’s? Ask them are you the type of conservative that thinks it is ok for a Company to lie about its product on TV and then not have to pay victims when the product harms them? Are they the type of Conservative that thinks that it is ok for companies to fire people just because they are gay or black or of a different political party? Do they believe like most conservatives that we should get rid of the IRS, FDA, OSHA, SEC, EPA and the Departments of Education and Labor? Do they agree with Conservatives that we should end Social Security and Medicare? Should Unemployment insurance be dropped? Should we allow senior citizens to fend for themselves when they get to old to work?
Now I can go on like that for some time and they get worse and worse and worse as you go, but you get the idea. The important thing is that the only way we have moved forward in this country is by doing Liberal and Progressive things and dismissing Conservatives and their “values” as we go. As you know I have not been a big supporter of President Obama on this blog but he did say something the other day that gets right to the point he said” to move a car forward you put the car in “D” and to go in reverse you but the car in “R” “now which way do you what to go, I like going forward.
So always remember “say it Loud and say it proud” I ‘am a liberal and then stay on the attack, you don’t need to defend being Liberal, history always does that.
So here is what you say and do next time someone asks you if you are a Liberal/Progressive/Commie, say “why yes I ‘am and I am very proud of what Liberals have done for this country”. Then ask them if they are a Conservative, if they say yes ask them what type of conservative are you, are you like the conservatives that didn’t think Woman deserved the right to Vote, or are you the type of conservative that didn’t or doesn’t think Blacks are equal to whites. Do you believe like Conservatives in the past that white people have a right to own other people, or that it is ok for a company to kill there employee’s? Ask them are you the type of conservative that thinks it is ok for a Company to lie about its product on TV and then not have to pay victims when the product harms them? Are they the type of Conservative that thinks that it is ok for companies to fire people just because they are gay or black or of a different political party? Do they believe like most conservatives that we should get rid of the IRS, FDA, OSHA, SEC, EPA and the Departments of Education and Labor? Do they agree with Conservatives that we should end Social Security and Medicare? Should Unemployment insurance be dropped? Should we allow senior citizens to fend for themselves when they get to old to work?
Now I can go on like that for some time and they get worse and worse and worse as you go, but you get the idea. The important thing is that the only way we have moved forward in this country is by doing Liberal and Progressive things and dismissing Conservatives and their “values” as we go. As you know I have not been a big supporter of President Obama on this blog but he did say something the other day that gets right to the point he said” to move a car forward you put the car in “D” and to go in reverse you but the car in “R” “now which way do you what to go, I like going forward.
So always remember “say it Loud and say it proud” I ‘am a liberal and then stay on the attack, you don’t need to defend being Liberal, history always does that.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
NC Teen Driver Insurance Rates Explained.wmv
In NC when you add your teenager to your auto insurance policy, almost everyone knows their rates are going to go up. But few people understand how the system works and what you can do about it to minimize these additional charges on your policy. This video explains how it works and what your options are. For safety tools to help teach your child to be a better driver, visit our teen driver safety web site at www.teendriverinsurance.co For help with your teen driver insurance policy visit us online at www.ClinardInsurance.com or call us toll free at 877-687-7557.
Great Price for $8.34
I Want to Be Rich! a Teenager's Modem to Money: Financial Planning for Teenagers Review
In "I Want To Be Rich!...A Teenager's Modem to Money" Ms. Humbolt gives the basics for financial planning that all teenagers should follow if they are going to take charge of their financial futures, rather than having their financial futures take charge of them. It is all here, budgets, taxes, inflation, wages, jobs, a college education, investing, etc. This is a book that teens should buy as an investment in their futures. The book is well suited for giving to a teen by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. The best time start a teen on the road to financial planning is now, not 20-30 years from now.
I Want to Be Rich! a Teenager's Modem to Money: Financial Planning for Teenagers Overview
I Want To Be Rich! discusses goal setting and budgets; the importance of saving; investments like bonds, sotcks, and mutual funds; the value of a higher education and how to finance it; how to obtain credit; job hunting skills; and owning a business.
In "I Want To Be Rich!...A Teenager's Modem to Money" Ms. Humbolt gives the basics for financial planning that all teenagers should follow if they are going to take charge of their financial futures, rather than having their financial futures take charge of them. It is all here, budgets, taxes, inflation, wages, jobs, a college education, investing, etc. This is a book that teens should buy as an investment in their futures. The book is well suited for giving to a teen by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. The best time start a teen on the road to financial planning is now, not 20-30 years from now.
I Want to Be Rich! a Teenager's Modem to Money: Financial Planning for Teenagers Overview
I Want To Be Rich! discusses goal setting and budgets; the importance of saving; investments like bonds, sotcks, and mutual funds; the value of a higher education and how to finance it; how to obtain credit; job hunting skills; and owning a business.
Leasing Used Cars
Leasing a used vehicle can be an attractive deal in many ways, no least getting you into that luxury model or SUV, for lower monthly payments than a brand new one. Be prepared, however, to do some more homework to dissect a good deal.
As with new car-leasing, your price research should focus on the key figures that are the initial market value and the estimated residual value of the used car. This is harder to predict since there is no factory-set sticker price on used cars, and the residual percentage is very much pegged to a subjective current retail value.
Use different sources to get a rough idea of the value of the used car: your local dealerships, internet car-evaluating tools, such as Edmunds.com and Cars.com, to name but a few. Another way to pin down a good estimate is to compare the lease on your given car to a lease on a new-car with the same make and model.
This should give you a better picture of the difference between leasing new and going for used. Just like leasing a new car, used vehicle leasing is more attractive when residual values depreciate the least. You stand a better chance of finding a bargain in the high-end, luxury vehicles that keep their values better as used cars.
Next, you need to check the initial mileage and the overall vehicle condition. The maximum mileage on a used car should be no more than 12,000 miles a year. A 3-year old car with 50,000 miles on the clock is very unlikely to make a good used-vehicle lease. Check for signs of excessive use, like worn seat fabric, worn pedal pads and dirty engine, which might indicate that the odometer has been rolled back.
If the car is not certified, you need to get it thoroughly inspected. Ask your dealer for a manufacturer-sponsored certification program or have your car certified by a qualified mechanic or inspection service.
Most used-car deals don’t come with gap coverage. This is a special type of coverage, normally offered on a new auto-lease, to cover the consumer if the leased vehicle is lost, stolen or damaged. Typically, auto-insurance policies cover only what your car is worth at the time of loss, not what you still owe on the lease.
The difference could run into thousands of dollars. For peace of mind, do not enter into any used-car lease without gap-coverage. Arrange it separately with either the lease dealer or your auto-insurance company.
As with new car-leasing, your price research should focus on the key figures that are the initial market value and the estimated residual value of the used car. This is harder to predict since there is no factory-set sticker price on used cars, and the residual percentage is very much pegged to a subjective current retail value.
Use different sources to get a rough idea of the value of the used car: your local dealerships, internet car-evaluating tools, such as Edmunds.com and Cars.com, to name but a few. Another way to pin down a good estimate is to compare the lease on your given car to a lease on a new-car with the same make and model.
This should give you a better picture of the difference between leasing new and going for used. Just like leasing a new car, used vehicle leasing is more attractive when residual values depreciate the least. You stand a better chance of finding a bargain in the high-end, luxury vehicles that keep their values better as used cars.
Next, you need to check the initial mileage and the overall vehicle condition. The maximum mileage on a used car should be no more than 12,000 miles a year. A 3-year old car with 50,000 miles on the clock is very unlikely to make a good used-vehicle lease. Check for signs of excessive use, like worn seat fabric, worn pedal pads and dirty engine, which might indicate that the odometer has been rolled back.
If the car is not certified, you need to get it thoroughly inspected. Ask your dealer for a manufacturer-sponsored certification program or have your car certified by a qualified mechanic or inspection service.
Most used-car deals don’t come with gap coverage. This is a special type of coverage, normally offered on a new auto-lease, to cover the consumer if the leased vehicle is lost, stolen or damaged. Typically, auto-insurance policies cover only what your car is worth at the time of loss, not what you still owe on the lease.
The difference could run into thousands of dollars. For peace of mind, do not enter into any used-car lease without gap-coverage. Arrange it separately with either the lease dealer or your auto-insurance company.
motor BIMOTA DB7 Oronero 2010 pictures
Journalists from around the world gathered at the demanding Misano Adriatico World Circuit in Italy to put the new DB7 to the ultimate test for a sport bike – professional pilots at full race speeds on a world-class racetrack. Misano challenged both pilot and the DB7 with blurring top speed, arm straining braking and kneedragging lean-angles hour after hour. The day began with journalists falling in love with the unique design and style of the DB7, described as “sex on wheels”. The day ended with applause for a motorcycle as capable on the track as its aggressive sporting look implies. Praise for the track manners, stability and ease of riding fast were poured upon the DB7 Superbike. Hand-built and available in limited numbers, the DB7 is the most sought after Bimota motorcycle ever.
The DB7 looks like no other Superbike, never to be mistaken for another brand. With the team colours of red, white and black applied to the carbon fiber body shaped by the pen and hands of designer Enrico Borghesan, the Bimota family dna is clear to see. Powered by the incredible Ducati 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione engine, the DB7 enhances the performance of the motor with Bimota chassis concepts and exceptional lightweight. The new Bimota Superbike introduces a long list of innovations including a beautiful oval tube hybrid-trellis frame, distinct Bimota styling, a structural carbon fiber rear sub-frame and unrivalled component details. Bimota performance and innovation has never been more beautiful.
This Superbike dares true motorcyclists to get close and indulge in its details. The beauty and drama of the DB7 at a distance is surpassed only by its detail. Each and every assembly, fastener and chassis component is elegantly fashioned and manufactured with care using advanced materials. From billet machined subframes, footrests and control levers to the structural carbon fiber tail section and titanium silencer, no compromise was ever considered nor made. The details are simply spectacular.
The handcrafted DB7 remains at the pinnacle of the sportbike world, but the Bimota engineers, led by Andrea Acquaviva, wanted to go even further. During this year’s International Motorcycle Exposition (EICMA) in Milan Italy, Bimota unveiled an even more extreme and technologically advanced DB7 -- the Oronero.
Bimota has exploited weight saving structural carbon fiber for tail sections in both in its DB7 and signature hub center steering Tesi 3D with tremendous success. Now in the next natural step, Bimota DB7 Ononero boasts a carbon fiber frame and swingarm.
Appearing for the first time in a production motorcycle, Bimota has now developed a structural carbon fiber frame material in cooperation with the engineering and manufacturing of BRBike. This is advanced technology formerly exploited in Formula 1 race cars and military aircraft, substitutes the traditional steel and aluminium structures with this incredible ultra light material.
The Ononero’s frame and swingarm share the same external dimensions of the standard DB7, but are
devoid of traditional welds and mitred junctions. The result is an up-to-now unthought-of featherweight chassis.
The 6 Kg reduction in weight with this advanced frame and swingarm results in a completed bike with an astounding overall dry weight of 164Kg, and with 164 hp, the Oronero has an almost the magical ‘power to weight’ ratio.
Additional weight saving innovations include a titanium rear shock spring and lightened ‘wave’ front brake discs.
Further innovations for the Oronero includes new race derived all digital GET instrumentation, which is
virtually a stand alone, dedicated computer. The advanced meter monitors the Oronero’s engine systems but also the bike’s dynamic performance including lap times, service due warning, time and a long list of customizable features. Further the instrument features built-in onboard GPS, that recognizes which track you are circulating, automatically records lap times via GPS, and later allows you to visualize and analyse track sessions on your PC. The Get instrumentation has many expandable functions, including active suspension monitoring and more.
Even with the praise poured upon the DB7 for its ultimate attention to details, beauty and track confidence, the Oronero version achieves an even higher standard. A new standard of light-weight, rigidly stable chassis dynamics and astounding track performance.
The Oronero version of the DB7 will be crafted in a limited series and is available for reservation now.
Specifications
ENGINE
Engine Configuration: Twin cylinder 90°
Displacement: 1099 cc
Engine Cooling: liquid cooling
Compression Ratio: 12.5±0.5:1
Valves per cylinder: 4
Bore x Stroke: 104.0 mm x 64.7 mm
Engine Redline: 10.700 rpm
Valvetrain Type: Desmodromic valve actuation
Intake Valve Diameter: Ø 42 mm
Exhaust Valve Diameter: Ø 34 mm
Fuel Pump: 3.5 bar, electronic
Throttle Body Size: 60 mm
Exhaust System: 2 in 1 in 1, inox
Emission: EURO 3
Injection: Walbro
Injectors: Magneti Marelli
Lubrication System: Wet Sump
Transmission Type: Dry clutch multi-disc with hydraulic actuation system
Primary Drive ratio: 32/59
Final Drive ratio: 15/38
Transmission ratio: VI = 15/37
V = 17/30
IV = 20/28
III: 22/26
II: 23/24
I: 24/23
CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Steering angle: 25°
Swingarm length: 525±20 mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Footpeg height: 400mm
Handlebar height: 860
Overall length: 2100 mm
Overall width: 700 mm
Overall height: 1115 mm
Ground clearance: 135 mm
Front suspension: Marzocchi UD fork DLC fully adjustable diameter: 43 mm stroke: 120 mm
Rear suspension: Extreme Tech Monoshock fully adjustable low/high speed wheel stroke: 120 mm
TITANIUM spring
Front brake: Double Ø320 mm Braking WAVE floating disc, 4-pistons,4-pads with radial Brembo callipers,
radial pumps
Rear brake: Ø230 mm Bimota floating disc, 2-pistons, 2-pads with Brembo calliper
Wheels: FRONT. 3.5x17.0 Forged Al Alloy Bimota Experience
REAR. 6.5x17.0 Forged Al Alloy Bimota Experience
Tires: FRONT. 120/70 ZR 17, Continental Race Attack
REAR. 190/55 ZR 17, Continental Race Attack
Fuel tank: 16 l (4 l reserve)
Total weight dry: 164 kg
Color: carbon fiber
The DB7 looks like no other Superbike, never to be mistaken for another brand. With the team colours of red, white and black applied to the carbon fiber body shaped by the pen and hands of designer Enrico Borghesan, the Bimota family dna is clear to see. Powered by the incredible Ducati 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione engine, the DB7 enhances the performance of the motor with Bimota chassis concepts and exceptional lightweight. The new Bimota Superbike introduces a long list of innovations including a beautiful oval tube hybrid-trellis frame, distinct Bimota styling, a structural carbon fiber rear sub-frame and unrivalled component details. Bimota performance and innovation has never been more beautiful.
This Superbike dares true motorcyclists to get close and indulge in its details. The beauty and drama of the DB7 at a distance is surpassed only by its detail. Each and every assembly, fastener and chassis component is elegantly fashioned and manufactured with care using advanced materials. From billet machined subframes, footrests and control levers to the structural carbon fiber tail section and titanium silencer, no compromise was ever considered nor made. The details are simply spectacular.
The handcrafted DB7 remains at the pinnacle of the sportbike world, but the Bimota engineers, led by Andrea Acquaviva, wanted to go even further. During this year’s International Motorcycle Exposition (EICMA) in Milan Italy, Bimota unveiled an even more extreme and technologically advanced DB7 -- the Oronero.
Bimota has exploited weight saving structural carbon fiber for tail sections in both in its DB7 and signature hub center steering Tesi 3D with tremendous success. Now in the next natural step, Bimota DB7 Ononero boasts a carbon fiber frame and swingarm.
Appearing for the first time in a production motorcycle, Bimota has now developed a structural carbon fiber frame material in cooperation with the engineering and manufacturing of BRBike. This is advanced technology formerly exploited in Formula 1 race cars and military aircraft, substitutes the traditional steel and aluminium structures with this incredible ultra light material.
The Ononero’s frame and swingarm share the same external dimensions of the standard DB7, but are
devoid of traditional welds and mitred junctions. The result is an up-to-now unthought-of featherweight chassis.
The 6 Kg reduction in weight with this advanced frame and swingarm results in a completed bike with an astounding overall dry weight of 164Kg, and with 164 hp, the Oronero has an almost the magical ‘power to weight’ ratio.
Additional weight saving innovations include a titanium rear shock spring and lightened ‘wave’ front brake discs.
Further innovations for the Oronero includes new race derived all digital GET instrumentation, which is
virtually a stand alone, dedicated computer. The advanced meter monitors the Oronero’s engine systems but also the bike’s dynamic performance including lap times, service due warning, time and a long list of customizable features. Further the instrument features built-in onboard GPS, that recognizes which track you are circulating, automatically records lap times via GPS, and later allows you to visualize and analyse track sessions on your PC. The Get instrumentation has many expandable functions, including active suspension monitoring and more.
Even with the praise poured upon the DB7 for its ultimate attention to details, beauty and track confidence, the Oronero version achieves an even higher standard. A new standard of light-weight, rigidly stable chassis dynamics and astounding track performance.
The Oronero version of the DB7 will be crafted in a limited series and is available for reservation now.
Specifications
ENGINE
Engine Configuration: Twin cylinder 90°
Displacement: 1099 cc
Engine Cooling: liquid cooling
Compression Ratio: 12.5±0.5:1
Valves per cylinder: 4
Bore x Stroke: 104.0 mm x 64.7 mm
Engine Redline: 10.700 rpm
Valvetrain Type: Desmodromic valve actuation
Intake Valve Diameter: Ø 42 mm
Exhaust Valve Diameter: Ø 34 mm
Fuel Pump: 3.5 bar, electronic
Throttle Body Size: 60 mm
Exhaust System: 2 in 1 in 1, inox
Emission: EURO 3
Injection: Walbro
Injectors: Magneti Marelli
Lubrication System: Wet Sump
Transmission Type: Dry clutch multi-disc with hydraulic actuation system
Primary Drive ratio: 32/59
Final Drive ratio: 15/38
Transmission ratio: VI = 15/37
V = 17/30
IV = 20/28
III: 22/26
II: 23/24
I: 24/23
CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Steering angle: 25°
Swingarm length: 525±20 mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Footpeg height: 400mm
Handlebar height: 860
Overall length: 2100 mm
Overall width: 700 mm
Overall height: 1115 mm
Ground clearance: 135 mm
Front suspension: Marzocchi UD fork DLC fully adjustable diameter: 43 mm stroke: 120 mm
Rear suspension: Extreme Tech Monoshock fully adjustable low/high speed wheel stroke: 120 mm
TITANIUM spring
Front brake: Double Ø320 mm Braking WAVE floating disc, 4-pistons,4-pads with radial Brembo callipers,
radial pumps
Rear brake: Ø230 mm Bimota floating disc, 2-pistons, 2-pads with Brembo calliper
Wheels: FRONT. 3.5x17.0 Forged Al Alloy Bimota Experience
REAR. 6.5x17.0 Forged Al Alloy Bimota Experience
Tires: FRONT. 120/70 ZR 17, Continental Race Attack
REAR. 190/55 ZR 17, Continental Race Attack
Fuel tank: 16 l (4 l reserve)
Total weight dry: 164 kg
Color: carbon fiber
How to Get Young Person's Car Insurance
car insurance can cause a substantial strain on the budget of young drivers who generally have limited disposable income compared to older drivers. Young persons car insurance should be cheap and yet comprehensive enough to take care of contingencies. Here are some tips to help young people find a good deal on auto coverage.
- If you are a student then look for discounts such as good grades discount or student discount. Take up a defensive driving course. The course will brighten up your chances of getting a good rate for automobile insurance.
- Stick with cheap car models. A car which is cheaper and easier to maintain and repair will fetch you cheap auto coverage than a brand new car.
- Do away with extras in the policy such as the road side assistance or car rental in case on contingencies. In most cases you do not need it frequently. Young persons can cut down on their automobile insurance significantly by opting only for the liability than for a comprehensive coverage, if they drive a cheap car.
- If you are a parent looking for young persons car insurance for your teenager, consider a adding him or her as an added driver on your existing auto insurance policy. Some of the best companies also offer multiple driver discounts.
- To further reduce the young driver rates, one can schedule the payments every six months because the deductibles are higher for payments that are scheduled closer.
Make Sure that Your Car Insurance Company Gets Honored
Make Sure that Your Car Insurance Company Gets Honored
However, since car insurance policies can be very complicated, you may not even be covered by your policy if something happens to your car. If your car’s wheels get destroyed and the wheels are not covered by your cheap auto insurance policy, then the car insurance company will have nothing to do with your repair or replacement expenses. This can be a waste, especially since you pay a hefty monthly fee to the insurance company to keep your insurance policy going.
To minimize the chances of you getting a bad deal for your money the next time you run into an automobil accident, be sure that you get the best car insurance rates and ins policy that you can possibly get. The best insurance may not mean the most expensive or most loaded policies, because not everybody can afford to pay such hefty fees. What you do need on the other hand is the best automobile insurance company and quote that your own money can buy and pay for every month.
More than getting the most affordable deal, you should also sign up with an auto insurance company or agent that is ready to help you whenever you find yourself in a tight spot. In this case, cheap doesn’t always mean good because just because insurance is offered to you at an extremely low price means that the company is sure to help and pay what is due their client when the time comes.
When people get into accidents, their insurance agents (if they’re that sort) make it very hard on them and try to wiggle out of paying by arguing that they are not covered by the car insurance policy or that the insurance company should only pay part of the expenses. Ask around with family, friends and people you trust on who they believe the best and most trustworthy companies are before signing.
The Sad State of Advertising
So I realized something as I was waking up from being passed out on the couch--advertising for the majority of products out there just sucks. I mean, you've got two extremes for ads. You've got the ones that got made on a budget of five dollars and just suck for lack of effort, and the ones that try to be so clever they end up circling around the whole spectrum to awesome, coming back around and sucking anyway because you have no idea what it was for.
Like this one ad that I just saw on TV. I don't remember the product or service or even the genre of it, and I watched it ten minutes ago. The one thing I can remember is that there was this repeating shot of a lady walking up a staircase saying something after the voiceover, and by the end of the commercial she'd walked up the same steps five times, saying something different each time.
Or you get the ads that spend so much time being clever that they completely forget to mention the product save for a logo at the end. Car commercials seem to do this every time a blockbuster movie comes out. I swear, they forget what the kerr they're trying to sell. You get this long, extended Iron Man 2 trailer, and then at the end they go, "Oh yeah, buy an Audi."
But coming back around to five-dollar sucktastic, ever seen an ad for Outrageous Audio? It's a car audio shop up here in Portland, so if you live anywhere else, you haven't. But their ads consist of a logo, and then 30 seconds to a minute of this really annoying guy yelling at the camera that he's got 'Sony iPod Decks for only 59 bucks! Until they're gone!!' and acting surprised that they're offering a deal that amazing. Acting poorly, I should say, because his 'surprised' face reads like a guy who just received an unexpected colonoscopy.
Like this one ad that I just saw on TV. I don't remember the product or service or even the genre of it, and I watched it ten minutes ago. The one thing I can remember is that there was this repeating shot of a lady walking up a staircase saying something after the voiceover, and by the end of the commercial she'd walked up the same steps five times, saying something different each time.
Or you get the ads that spend so much time being clever that they completely forget to mention the product save for a logo at the end. Car commercials seem to do this every time a blockbuster movie comes out. I swear, they forget what the kerr they're trying to sell. You get this long, extended Iron Man 2 trailer, and then at the end they go, "Oh yeah, buy an Audi."
But coming back around to five-dollar sucktastic, ever seen an ad for Outrageous Audio? It's a car audio shop up here in Portland, so if you live anywhere else, you haven't. But their ads consist of a logo, and then 30 seconds to a minute of this really annoying guy yelling at the camera that he's got 'Sony iPod Decks for only 59 bucks! Until they're gone!!' and acting surprised that they're offering a deal that amazing. Acting poorly, I should say, because his 'surprised' face reads like a guy who just received an unexpected colonoscopy.
Insurance For a Car
I'm wanting to buy a car soon and one of the things I'm going to need to get is an insurance quote. I'm going to want the best value I can get just in case, you know. Truth is I've never owned my own car, so I don't really know what it takes to keep them maintained, all I know is I need to be insured, I'm just not that confident a driver, though I don't think it's compulsory down here, it's good to have it.
car insurance quotes.....................
Three of our vehicle is covered by State Farm Insurance. I didn't pay our insurance this month yet, I will wait until next week for my husband's paycheck. So far we don't have any problem with it and we are happy for our car insurance. Our trusted agent is always there to help us, my husband is the one who contact our agent every time we have problem in our car or if we have any questions regarding to this matter. If you don't have car insurance yet, you better check statefarm.com, you can save $489 on your car insurance if you apply today. You can also get a car insurance quotes directly to their website and in just a few minutes, you will have car insurance you need!
Basic Tips About Car Insunace Policies
Introduction
If you are planning to buy a Car, it is worth paying attention on carious clauses on insuring your own vehicle. There are various factors like Insured’s Declared Value (IDV) and No Claim Bonus (NCB) will add or reduce the cost of your insurance. It is advisable to know the facts before you buy an insurance. This website will give you basic idea on what are the various factors you have to consider while buying the Car insurance.
If you are planning to buy a Car, it is worth paying attention on carious clauses on insuring your own vehicle. There are various factors like Insured’s Declared Value (IDV) and No Claim Bonus (NCB) will add or reduce the cost of your insurance. It is advisable to know the facts before you buy an insurance. This website will give you basic idea on what are the various factors you have to consider while buying the Car insurance.
Insurance Talk
So, I have 4 different insurance companies insuring 2 cars, and house, and a rental unit. It is a pain. The problem has always been that I can't get one company to insure everything, When I bought the 03 VW GTI it was on a weekend, so I signed up with Geico on line. It was easy, but Geico is a pain to deal with. I pay the insurance every 6 months and I get the bill in the mail usually about 5 days before it is due. Five Days! I mean, how incompetent can a company be that they can't get out a biannual bill sooner that a week before it is due.
This is not an isolated instance with them. This time it was issued on the 19th, I got it on the 24th, and it is due on the first of September. Every time this has happened I say I'm going to drop them and this time I did. Allstate insures my home and they have all of the ads now saying how I can save money if I switch from Geico. Plus I get a discount on my homeowner's insurance if I also insure my car.
I called my agent and faxed her over the paper work from Geico. She called me back a few minutes later and said that even if I went with the bare legal limits on my car insurance, they still wouldn't come close to Geico. WTF! I didn't bother to ask her about the ads on TV. Even with the discount I would get on homeowner's insurance because I added my car, it still wasn't worth it. They were easily 40% higher than Geico.
I then called AAA (CSAA around here). They insure the 71 Ford pickup. I told them I wanted to insure 2 cars, home and rental property, but I wanted to make sure they insured post and pier foundation. For a while they said they definitely did not, but that story has been changing in the last few years, depending on who you talk to at CSAA. The guy I was talking to only handled car insurance, but told me the policy had changed about 2 years ago. Their auto insurance rates were very good. I increased my coverage on the 03 GTI and lowered my premium by about $175 a year compared to Geico. For my truck CSAA sends a bill every month and I can pay all of it or make 12 monthly payments.
He then transferred me over to homeowner's insurance. I got a young woman with a charming southern accent. Even though it is CSAA (California State Automobile Association) she was in Arizona. The conversation went like this.
Judy: Hello, this is Judy, how can I help you today?
Me: I want to see about insuring my home and a rental property. I currently have 2 cars with CSAA.
Judy: Ok, let's start with the home. Is your primary residence?
Me: Yes, but before we go any further, do you insure homes on a post and pier foundation.
Judy: Oh no, I'm sorry we don't.
Me: Are you sure? The people at my local office and the guy in auto insurance told me the policy has changed.
Judy: Well, let me find out. Hold on.
Me: {listening to hold music}
Judy: How far off the ground is your house?
Me: Umm, 2 feet, maybe
Judy: Oh, only 2 feet. Then that is no problem. I thought you meant it was like built in to the side of a mountain or something. You know, like on stilts.
Me: Nope, just 2 feet off the ground.
Judy: Ok, well let me get some information and then I can get you a quote.
Judy: How many square feet.
Me: About 3000, maybe a little more.
Judy: How old is the roof, plumbing, and electrical.
Me: Everything has been replaced in the last 10 years. It is all new, and brought up to modern code.
Judy: Great. And what year was it built.
Me: 1895
Judy: Oh, it must be beautiful. I love those old home.
Me: Well,I like it
Judy: Oh, hold on a minute. I need to check the manual.
Me: {Listening to hold music}
Judy: Well, because it was built before 1900 you would need to gut the home to the studs and put it on a cement foundation before we could insure it. Is that something you are willing to do.
Me: No, I really don't think so, but thank you anyway.
This is not an isolated instance with them. This time it was issued on the 19th, I got it on the 24th, and it is due on the first of September. Every time this has happened I say I'm going to drop them and this time I did. Allstate insures my home and they have all of the ads now saying how I can save money if I switch from Geico. Plus I get a discount on my homeowner's insurance if I also insure my car.
I called my agent and faxed her over the paper work from Geico. She called me back a few minutes later and said that even if I went with the bare legal limits on my car insurance, they still wouldn't come close to Geico. WTF! I didn't bother to ask her about the ads on TV. Even with the discount I would get on homeowner's insurance because I added my car, it still wasn't worth it. They were easily 40% higher than Geico.
I then called AAA (CSAA around here). They insure the 71 Ford pickup. I told them I wanted to insure 2 cars, home and rental property, but I wanted to make sure they insured post and pier foundation. For a while they said they definitely did not, but that story has been changing in the last few years, depending on who you talk to at CSAA. The guy I was talking to only handled car insurance, but told me the policy had changed about 2 years ago. Their auto insurance rates were very good. I increased my coverage on the 03 GTI and lowered my premium by about $175 a year compared to Geico. For my truck CSAA sends a bill every month and I can pay all of it or make 12 monthly payments.
He then transferred me over to homeowner's insurance. I got a young woman with a charming southern accent. Even though it is CSAA (California State Automobile Association) she was in Arizona. The conversation went like this.
Judy: Hello, this is Judy, how can I help you today?
Me: I want to see about insuring my home and a rental property. I currently have 2 cars with CSAA.
Judy: Ok, let's start with the home. Is your primary residence?
Me: Yes, but before we go any further, do you insure homes on a post and pier foundation.
Judy: Oh no, I'm sorry we don't.
Me: Are you sure? The people at my local office and the guy in auto insurance told me the policy has changed.
Judy: Well, let me find out. Hold on.
Me: {listening to hold music}
Judy: How far off the ground is your house?
Me: Umm, 2 feet, maybe
Judy: Oh, only 2 feet. Then that is no problem. I thought you meant it was like built in to the side of a mountain or something. You know, like on stilts.
Me: Nope, just 2 feet off the ground.
Judy: Ok, well let me get some information and then I can get you a quote.
Judy: How many square feet.
Me: About 3000, maybe a little more.
Judy: How old is the roof, plumbing, and electrical.
Me: Everything has been replaced in the last 10 years. It is all new, and brought up to modern code.
Judy: Great. And what year was it built.
Me: 1895
Judy: Oh, it must be beautiful. I love those old home.
Me: Well,I like it
Judy: Oh, hold on a minute. I need to check the manual.
Me: {Listening to hold music}
Judy: Well, because it was built before 1900 you would need to gut the home to the studs and put it on a cement foundation before we could insure it. Is that something you are willing to do.
Me: No, I really don't think so, but thank you anyway.
Insurance Auto Repair
Most people know about insurance for their car or auto insurance, auto insurance, but the repair is not known to people. Motor Insurance Repair provides assurance to our cars by the police is to Auto Insurance usual. You can think of automobile repair as an extended warranty on your car. Usually, car manufacturers give a maximum of 3 to 4 year warranty and that toowithin 40,000 miles. More importantly, the problems start to creep into your car just after 3 years and 40,000 miles.
Unfortunately, at this time the warranty on your car has been exceeded and auto insurance policies do not cover maintenance costs and wear and tear. Your insurance covers damage done during an accident, theft or similar situations. This is where insurance car repair can come to your rescue. It willcare of your car maintenance, normal wear and the cost of car repairs in case it crashes on you. As you can see, it can be a real advantage to have this kind of politics.
There are some types of insurance, car repair available. The basic policy covers only the normal maintenance of your vehicle, including the costs of wear. Although the bumper to bumper policy will include any cost that you incur for your carrepaired.
While taking out insurance for car repair, you must take care of a number of things. First, you must decide what type of coverage you want on this policy. Needless to say, more coverage will amount more upscale. Then, it is deductible. You may want to keep the franchise a little high to reduce the amount of premiums. Also check if the policy is transferable or not. It's a good idea to get a policy that you transferred to get a good price if you wantsell your car.
Cheap Car Insurance Quotes - How Great Offers easy and fast
You can not go after auto insurance is your best bet is so, the acquisition benign best deal around. This is now easier than ever before. In fact, all you do is get free insurance quotes cheap auto clip of the aces and one of them. This sounds quite simple and fast, but that is not thoroughly disgusting the case.
given the opportunity, not as quotes like how you tied. More importantly, the ability of you, either end with tenderscompletely abortive to you. You can change capacity in all detours and get completely lost. Finally, you can end up advantageous huge premiums for poor coverage. You can include all those accidents. The key is how to acquire the best quotes apperceive benign cheap car insurance in the fastest way.
The aboriginal affair is changed to a large cardinal of the special features offered by companies that coat of arms for the Arcade service.You do not have to hunt for free anniversary aggregation separately. It is best if you go to the stay, a car insurance policy is that the website lists of account width limited suppliers are present that in your. Then you can go deals on the modified sites, analysis and plenty of delay for the cheap.
Normally, you get back the account of the account provider you that anniversary will see articulation accompanied by a short presentation. PayAbsorption to these rates. The advice in their appearance you how to save the average range. In addition, you will see how reliable the aggregation quotes cheap car insurance is charity. The celebrated account providers usually accept, reliable services hip abutment. best action for the selection of the best quote accoutrement, but those are absolutely perfectly acceptable action that you claimed to date a co-partner of Personnel.
Once you have received on the website of the account provider, you can accept a quick visit and see the insurers are alive with them. If many of the acclaimed show up company, this is quite an acceptable guarantee the credibility and the respect of the offers you will get any. Plus, how the big insurance companies apperceive usually the larger action discounts to their customers.
In adjusting to car insurances">cheap car> Insurance quotes you can bound to accept matching recognition of all the questions about your active history and alleged facts quickly. You can not possibly answer all apperceive with copious accuracy so it is best to use quotes in the active Almanac Back You are the jack in the anatomy of the provider. You can understand the acquisition questions to your agent as well. It is the capital you able to recognize them and frankly asAccurately as possible.
You should not stop until you accept the hunt to start an ample cardinal of cheap car insurance quotes. It is important not for the aboriginal action you get any amount, it seems, are benign. The aphorism is that it is always a major acquisition as a visitor you as you continue to consistently.
Looking For Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes - What You Can Expect on the Market
It seems that now it is easier than anytime to acquirement a car insurance policy. You do not charge to boutique about for Ages and pay aerial fees to a broker. All you accept to do is go online and get a agglomeration of cheap auto insurance quotes. You apperceive able-bodied that the ante you will be presented with are primarily based on your alone affairs such as your active history and insurance record.
At the aforementioned time the prices are bent by the car insurance market. It is absolutely account exploring the trends. These will accommodate account why the ante are at a assertive level. added importantly, acquirements added about the bazaar will acquiesce you to accomplish the best benign deal. Also, you will be Able to do all the all-important amendments in your action back the appropriate time comes.
The bazaar for auto insurance is a almost abiding one. Its allotment in the industry is actual large. It comes alone afterwards the one of the bloom insurance segment. This can be explained by the actuality that the auto advantage is binding for all car drivers and owners in the majority of states. This abiding bazaar attendance trend shows that there can hardly be any fluctuations on the bazaar in agreement of accumulation and demand. In about-face you cannot apprehend any ample accouterment in the prices of the assorted policies. Thus, accustomed that there are no above fluctuations in the market, the ante of the cheap auto insurance quotes will abide almost abiding for a continued time.
On the added hand, there are abounding insurance companies that accept suffered from the bread-and-butter downturn. They were not as abominably hit as some above cyberbanking and added types of advance companies. However, their positions accept been weekend. At the aforementioned time, the abundance of the citizenry has shrunk. This agency that added and added bodies cannot allow to acquire aerial insurance costs. These trends accommodate for the abridgement in ante present in the cheap auto insurance quotes. So, if you chase adamantine abundant you will absolutely acquisition absolutely abundant bargains. At the aforementioned time you should not absence to analysis the insurance aggregation and analysis its rating. afterwards all, you charge to sing a arrangement with a financially abiding and reliable company.
In any case you cannot apprehend the prices to be acutely low. This is because there are added and added big players on the market. It is accurate that they are angry for barter aggravating to access their bazaar share. They action ample discounts, which anatomy the lower rates. At the aforementioned time there is beneath antagonism on the bazaar - there are abundant beneath players. This agency that the amount levels may abatement hardly on average, but they abide aural a set range. The closing is not acutely low.
Overall, you can acquisition actual cheap auto insurance quotes as continued as you administer to booty advantage of the discounts offered by the above companies. It is absolutely not a acceptable abstraction to go for the atomic big-ticket accord that ability not be reliable.
Looking For Cheap Car Insurance Quotes - Surprising Factors That Affect the Rates
You would absolutely appetite to accomplish a abundant arrangement back you boutique for auto insurance. This is important back you are activity to accept to pay premiums for best of your approaching life. So, you accept to be a adeptness client now unless you appetite to buck an unnecessarily ample banking burden. The best way in which to get the best deals is to appeal cheap insurance quotes online.
You artlessly charge to go to a committed website alms these, acknowledgment a few questions and get an action aural minutes. The action is simple, effortless and acutely quick. However, it can be hardly ambagious as able-bodied abnormally for aboriginal time insurance buyers. You accept to apperceive added about the accumulation of the ante you are presented with. You charge to apperceive what factors they are based on.
Your active almanac and the cardinal of accomplished claims you accept (if any) are capital for the assurance of the exceptional you will accept to pay. But there are added factors that assume surprising, but absolutely comedy a basic role in the accumulation of the ante you are presented with.
Your age is a acute factor. It will actuate how cheap the cheap car insurance quotes you get will be. The individuals beneath 25 are advised to be amateur and chancy drivers. So, if you are in this accumulation you can apprehend to pay a abundantly ample bulk for insurance. This is decidedly applicative to teenagers. The earlier you are the beneath you will pay.
Your gender additionally determines the admeasurement of the exceptional you will accept to pay. Women are advised to be safer drivers than men. The statistical abstracts shows that they changeable motorists are complex in beneath accidents. They additionally accomplish a abate cardinal of claims. Generally, women are believed to be added accurate and beneath affecting back they are abaft the will.
Your occupations additionally plays a role in the assurance of the ante you are offered. This ability assume to be a bit far fetched, but generally the insurers amount out what affectionate of disciplinarian you are and how generally you use your car by attractive at your job. For example, if you are in the ball business, you ability be advised reckless. If your job requires you to biking out of boondocks abounding times, you will accept to pay added because you will absolutely accept a academy mileage.
Your breadth of abode will additionally affect the exceptional you will be presented with. Some towns and neighborhoods are advised to be riskier for drivers. The insurance companies attending at the cardinal of alley accidents that accept happened in your breadth and ability readily access the ante aloof because added collisions occurred there.
Your apprenticeship may additionally actuate how low the ante of the cheap car insurance quotes you get will be. The bodies with a academy amount are generally advised to be beneath acceptable to account an accident. On the added hand, beneath accomplished individuals may accept to pay added because they are believed to be riskier drivers.
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