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cops dating siteMar 11, 2010
... Chemistry Romance Plan Chemistry.com, which has previously positioned itself as a gay-friendly alternative to eHarmony, is now promoting a ...Feb 20, 2013 ... A California man is accused of raping a woman he met on a Christian dating website -- and police fear there may be other victims.Nov 28, 2012 ... London police have charged a 45-year-old St
. Thomas man with impersonating a police officer on a dating website. A woman alerted police ...This is no game, so rethink whether you want to hunt down that cop! ... There is actually a free dating site called "TheBadge.org" that officers like myself use to ...May 14, 2008 ..
. Kim: Ive been dating a cop for over a year. ... for more than a year is someone I never would have picked if I saw him on a dating Web site.People in those professions have ZERO respect for anyone who wants to date them for their job. Even if they go out with you, trust me... they are ...Omg are you serious this was actually posted .
..this is a forum for cops not a dating site ...does the word holster sniffer mean anything to you ...and news flash ...Feb 19, 2013 ... California authorities have arrested a man who they suspect raped a woman he met on a Christian dating website
. Sean Banks, 37, has been ...Police Bazars best FREE dating site! 100% Free Online Dating and Personal Ads for Police Bazar Singles at Mingle2.com. Stop wasting money at other dating ...Sep 5, 2013 ... Bad romance: The NYPD has launched an internal investigation into cops who have been posting pictures in their uniforms on dating websites.


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LIGHTS OUT FOR LIZ: Foa Foa to Four
"Houdini Magic" The Galu men hurry a plan into place to both Russell and still keep their number advantage, pushing Shambo into the tribe chief role. Foa Foa continues their losing ways and starts grasping at straws to rid them of their supposed curse.
RUSSELL CRUMBLES: Galu Leader Unglued
"This Is The Man Test" Conditions in Samoa go from bad to worse as contestants battle hunger, dehydration, and cold. Russell S. pushes himself to the brink and his body finally gives out, bringing his game crashing down.
Survivor: Samoa episode 6 title: "This Is The Man Test"
The reward challenge is stopped when one castaway requires emergency medical attention and heavy rain takes its toll on both tribes. Both tribes are forced to be creative in finding ways to weather the elements when a relentless rain storm batters the island. Airs today, October 22, 2009, at 8 PM EST on CBS.
VOMIT AND VAMOOSE: Ashley Throws Up And Strikes Out
"Walking On Thin Ice" A poor performance in a gross food challenge proves to be Ashley's undoing, and two days straight of torrential downpours threaten to undo everyone else. Russell S. punishes Shambo for losing a chicken, and Russell H. almost threatens Liz for daring to question him.
Recent Posts
- VAL CORRALLED — The Unofficial Guide to Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Episode 2
- NADA FOR NADIYA — The Unofficial Guide to Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Episode 1
- Former MLB Player, Amazing Race Alums Featured in Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water Cast
- GOOD COP, BEST COP — Tony Vlachos wins Survivor: Cagayan – Brawn vs. Brains vs. Beauty
- CBS previews Survivor: San Juan Del Sur — Blood vs. Water

subset: commoncrawl


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Kristina Groves wins second Olympic medal
RICHMOND, B.C. - In an ideal world for Canada's long-track speedskating team, Christine Nesbitt would be standing alongside Kristina Groves on the podium at the Richmond Olympic Oval, each celebrating their second medal of these Winter Games before an adoring crowd.
Kristina Groves of Canada rounds a corner on her way to a silver medal in the women's 1500 meter long-track speed skating race at the Richmond Oval on Sunday February 21, 2010 at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Robert Skinner
RICHMOND, B.C. - In an ideal world for Canada's long-track speedskating team, Christine Nesbitt would be standing alongside Kristina Groves on the podium at the Richmond Olympic Oval, each celebrating their second medal of these Winter Games before an adoring crowd.
But these are far from ideal times, so the silver medal claimed by Groves in Sunday's women's 1,500 metres was like a well-placed ice-pack for a team still trying to soothe itself from some stinging body blows in recent days.
Yes, the gaudy nine-medal haul many predicted, including long-track team officials in private, is a thing of the past. Nesbitt's sixth-place finish Sunday pretty much made sure of that. But hitting on one of two projected medals in this race is still a step towards keeping things from flying completely off the rails.
"I'm happy for that for sure," said Groves. "It's not something I go into a race thinking about, but all of us, every member of this Canadian team is doing everything they can to live up to the expectations and the hopes and dreams of the nation.
"That's sport, it's really hard. That was a really, really hard race."
No doubt, and it came a day after teammate Denny Morrison struggled for the second time at these Games and publicly questioned his program following his ninth-place finish in the men's 1,500. He backtracked from his comments Sunday and apologized to Speed Skating Canada, but the incident hung in the backdrop.
Then Groves changed the atmosphere with the third silver of her Olympic career, becoming the first Canadian to win multiple medals at the Vancouver Games. The 33-year-old from Ottawa also claimed bronze in the women's 3,000 a week earlier and missed out on another third by six-hundredths of a second in the 1,000.
Nesbitt won that race, and was a leading candidate to join Groves on the 1,500 podium until she faded in the final 200 metres and settled for sixth, leaving the country's speedskaters 3-for-6 in terms of medals they had projected for themselves so far.
The 24-year-old from London, Ont., who was despondent after skating poorly in her 1,000 win, was much happier after having "a lot more fun" in the 1,500, freed from the draining pressure around her.
"I didn't realize or acknowledge how much pressure and stress I had on myself to perform in that 1,000," said Nesbitt. "It took a lot of energy out of me and even (Saturday) I was really tired just doing my pre-race skate.
"I went into this race just wanting to skate and enjoy it and normally when I do that for 1,500 I end up skating really well and on the podium. I wasn't today, obviously, but it's still good and I still won a gold medal so I can't be that upset."
Ireen Wust won gold in one minute 56.89 seconds — the fifth long-track medal for the Netherlands — followed by Groves in 1:57.14 and 3,000 champion Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic in 1:57.96, less than four-tenths of a second ahead of Nesbitt.
Cindy Klassen was 21st in 2:00.67 while fellow Winnipegger Brittany Schussler, who had skate problems before her race and barely made it to the start line in time, was 35th in 2:04.17.
Like Lucas Makowsky of Regina a night earlier, Schussler was considered a dark-horse candidate for a medal. While the Canadian team still has a good shot at winning three medals in the four remaining long-track events, they haven't had any of their longshots pull through and make up for favourites who faded.
"When you've got one or two that are slipping away, you ask yourself what is it?" said national team coach Marcel Lacroix. "The Olympics are the Olympics, that's why (Saturday), you had a guy (Mark Tuitert) that won a gold medal beating Shani Davis by half a second and he hasn't won a race in four years. The guy came, said he had nothing to lose, boom, let's go. What the hell? He just won it.
"That's the Olympics, you get these surprise medals, and unfortunately, we haven't had those surprise medals. Hopefully it's going to convert here soon."
Maybe the whole team needs to watch and learn from Groves a bit more.
Waiting for the gun to go off, she had the look of a prize fighter dying to get at their opponent. She attacked her race that way, too, and was on pace to supplant Wust until the final seconds.
"I was pretty pissed off," Groves said of her approach at the line. "I was actually kind of drawing from the 1,000 because I really felt like I had it that day and I didn't quite put it together, it was so close that day, I think that's why I came out of the gates blazing.
"It was an incredible 1,100 for me and I just kind of lost it in the last 100 metres."
Groves and Nesbitt had dominated the 1,500 this season, each winning two World Cup races.
They also share an intense but friendly rivalry, each unwilling to play second fiddle to the other. After finishing second to Groves at the Calgary World Cup by eight-hundredths of a second in December, Nesbitt said it hurt more losing out to her teammate than someone else because she'd be reminded of it every day in training.
And much like Nesbitt winning gold in the 1,000, Groves was also lamenting how much better she might have been.
"I think we're always our own worst critics," she said. "As athletes we're always striving to be better, certainly there were parts of that race that were great for me and one part that wasn't. That's just the way sport goes, you're always trying to get better and for me, I think I had a good race, it wasn't incredible, but I think in time I'll look back and appreciate just how hard it was even to get this medal."
- Smith's OT goal gives Huskies CIS title
- Canada hammers Germany at U18 championship
- Minnesota Whitecaps wins Clarkson Cup
- Dufour-Lapointe, Gingras win at freestyle nationals
- Canadian short-track skaters win silver
- Olympic champion Medvedtseva retires from biathlon
- Germany wins biathlon mixed-relay world title
- Canadian skaters wrap up successful worlds


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Apple makes it official: iPhone 5 launch Oct 4
UPDATE SEPT 28: Apple confirmed an October 4 (October 5 NZ time) event will be centred around the iPhone - presumably the new model.
An invite sent to US media overnight states, "Let's talk iPhone."
There is no information on the specifics of the event beyond those three words.
But for Apple, which usually discloses little or nothing about the topic of a media launch, the invite is considered uncharacteristically loquacious.
SEPT 27: Apple will unveil the iPhone 5 at an October 4 (October 5 NZ time) event, according to a story on The Wall Street Journal's tech blog today.
A big media event has been scheduled for that day in Cupertino, California (the company's home base), hosted by new Apple CEO Tim Cook - but the company has kept mum on details.
The usually reliable AllThingsD quotes Wedge Partners analyst Bob Blair saying the October 4 event will definitely centre on the launch of a new iPhone - and new iPhone singular, not multiple models as hinted by board member Al Gore over the weekend.
That means - if Apple follows its usual staged rollout - the new iPhone should arrive in New Zealand around December.
That's the good news.
The bad is that Mr Blair is picking the iPhone 5 will look a lot like the iPhone 4, with only a few incremental improvements.
Dampening expectations
The wet blanket analyst told AllThingsD that the new iPhone 5 "will feature a faster A5 processor, a higher-resolution eight megapixel camera and possibly a larger screen. But beyond this, its design will be largely similar to that of the iPhone 4."
Mr Blair does not see a pumped up version of the existing model, dubbed the iPhone 4S, but rather a model with memory lowered to 8GB (currently, 16GB and 32GB models are offered) being used to attack the more price-conscious market.
Apple has repeatedly declined to comment on the iPhone 5's release date worldwide, or locally.
Comments and questions13
Seems like a new i Phone every few months. This really is milking it. Those that spent $1000+ on I's 1 and 2 must be pig sick. Whens i Phone 6 launched - Friday?
Apple's release cycle is a year to 18 months - about the same as every other cellphone manafacturer, car maker, and other companies that make consumer goods.
I already have a iPhone 5 its made by Samsung its the SG2
You forgot to mention that Android is awful though .
In response to Anonymous...
Haters and Fanbois never going to change...
I have used iOS lots and android wins hands down! Not crippled by Crapple....
I have used iOS lots and android wins hands down. Don't like been locked down by Crapple


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(via nerdqueen-deactivated20131222)Source: ariannsmartell
a song of ice and bitch i might
(via nerdqueen-deactivated20131222)Source: ariannsmartell
Today fucking sucks. I miss my daddy. How has it already been a year? What have I done in a year? Fucking nothing. I came home from college to go to RV. That's great. Not failing or anything. I've lost more friends than I can count. I've cried more than I think I ever have in my whole life. I've fallen apart time and time again. I don't want another year like this. I can't handle another year like this. I can't do it. I need to be happy again. I need to be okay with my life again. I can't keep going on hating myself and everything I'm doing. I need to feel better. And I'm terrified I won't. Ever. Adn it scares me that I even think that I may never get better. I've been down that road before and it didn't end well. I don't want to be there again. And I'm trying so hard to fight against it but I'm getting so tired of it. Everyday is a fucking struggle. Everyday I have to put on a happy face and hold it together until I'm finally alone. And then everything comes pouring out. I can't keep doing this. I just can't.
Because I do.
Source: my-dead-spirit
please make it stop. keeps happening over and over again
Source: bawsslady
"I think that if I ever have kids, and they are upset, I won't tell them that people are starving in China or anything like that because it wouldn't change the fact that they were upset. And even if somebody else has it much worse, that doesn't really change the fact that you have what you have."
I feel like I'm drowning. And I know I have a lot going on right now but it's called being an adult. So of this is what being a grown up is like will I get used to it or will I just never get better? Will I go through my entire life just being miserable and not wanting to be here but put a smile on my face and pretend to be happy for everyone else? And is getting used to it really any better? I've gotten used to be sad. It's comfortable and familiar but I don't want that to be my life. I know it's wrong that I'm so used to being sad and I want to be happy more than anything. I want to be happy more than I want my daddy back and more than I want Ryan back and more than I wish none of this past year had ever happened. Because I know I'll be stronger for it, once I get through this. I know when other things happen in my life, other events, tragic or not, I'll be better equipped to handle it. I won't end up so low again. But that's only if I do get better. Right now that doesn't seem possible. And I hate that.
I don't know where this post has gone. I rambled and now I'm a little lost. And I don't feel like going back through it and trying to figure it out. But I suppose that's what happens every time I write. I get lost in my own thoughts. It happens when I'm not writing as well. Just obviously only in my head. Rather than on paper for everyone to read. Not that I'm expecting people to actually read this. I'd have to think a lot of myself to expect people to actually read through my post. I'd like to be able to help other people going through hard times. Who knows if that'll ever actually happen though. I guess just if someone does read this and they are struggling they'll know they aren't the only one. Maybe that'll help.
Today would have been Mr Rogers' 84th birthday. Thanks for showing me how to rock a cardigan and always been a kind neighbor.
true story:
one time some dudes stole mr. rogers's car, and it got into the news, like you'd expect
the next day the car was back where he'd left it with a note that said "we're so sorry, we never would've taken it if we'd known it was yours"
I like to think they recognized this as a sign from god and turned their lives around
another true story: mr. rogers lobbied in favor of vcrs back when the tv and movie industries were against them, because he wanted families to be able to record shows and watch them together
he was always, always thinking about children, letting them know it's okay to be sad or scared or mad and how to deal with it, letting them know there's at least one person in the world who loves them just the way they are
and no matter who you were, no matter why you crossed his path, he wanted to know about your life and understand you and be your friend
I believe he is a for-real saint and I wish I could be more like him but it's okay, I know he loves me just the way I am
Another true story: one time he received a letter from a blind girl who mentioned that she gets nervous sometimes that he'd forget to feed the fish. From that moment on, he made some comment outloud about how he was feeding the fish so she and any other blind viewers would know that he hadn't forgotten.
Always reblog Mr. Rogers.
i'm actually crying you don't understand
hey i never realized how much of a cute old man he is.
(via strawberritaa)Source: suicideblonde


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9 recommendations
Go get it.»www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/···261.htmlCheers,TH
2 recommendations
Release Notes & Changelog:Bug FixesThis release contains fixes for security vulnerabilities. For more information, see Oracle Security Alert for CVE-2013-0422.In addition, the following change has been made:Area: deploySynopsis: Default Security Level Setting Changed to HighThe default security level for Java applets and web start applications has been increased from "Medium" to "High". This affects the conditions under which unsigned (sandboxed) Java web applications can run. Previously, as long as you had the latest secure Java release installed applets and web start applications would continue to run as always. With the "High" setting the user is always warned before any unsigned application is run to prevent silent exploitation.»www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/···856.html--Triple Helix - Microsoft® MVP Consumer Security 2012/13VIP Member Of ASAP - (Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals)Official Webroot SecureAnywhere (Prevx) Support Forum Helper.(H59 Clan)
Thanks TH.Another 0-day in 3 ... 2 ... 1
1 recommendation
Thank, I just had the update notice pop-up myself. I already did have the security level set to high on my system. --Proud ASAP member since 2005Microsoft MVP/Consumer Security 2009-2010
Got it, thank you!However, still leaving it disabled.
Thanks.We'll see if I can patch everything I need to before the next zero-day shows up.
I keep it enabled, but since I only use Firefox, and use the NoScript add-on, it's essentially disabled by default for most sites. I only enable scripting permanently on sites I regularly visit that need it to work properly. Go to read an article somewhere else, and as long as the sites works properly, I won't temporarily enable scripting. No need to allow scripting on sites that don't need it.--Proud ASAP member since 2005Microsoft MVP/Consumer Security 2009-2010
Saw this on the Symantec news forums a little while ago, thanks for the update!
Yesterday I disabled my Java but only after manually updating it to 7u10. Java never told me that the update was available. Checked the settings and even though it is set to auto run an update check one hadn't been run since October. Lousy program.
Got it, thank you!However, still leaving it disabled.
Thank you!
More info: »isc.sans.edu/diary/Java+0-Day+pa···ed/14932TH
I had disabled Java 7 u10 from both IE and Firefox only, but now I do not see the Java plugins at all. Before, I just DISABLED the plugin.Where did those Java plugins go in Firefox now???Just installed this new latest version.Strange. as I re-enabled Java from the Java control panel, it re-appeared under the plugins in Firefox. Would this be normal with Firefox if I enable and disable Java from the Java control panel?Thanks
Java update still has bugs, says expert
quote:Java security expert Adam Gowdiak, who has discovered several bugs in the software over the past year, said that the update from Oracle leaves unfixed several critical security flaws.
Thanks. Very fast Run for Win 8 x64 Pro & IE10. No reboot.
Yesterday I disabled my Java but only after manually updating it to 7u10. Java never told me that the update was available. Checked the settings and even though it is set to auto run an update check one hadn't been run since October. Lousy program.
There isn't any way to set auto update for Java on Win 8. That's because the 64bit version doesn't have it. Suits me but I was wondering what you guys were talking about since I have no autoupdate setting in the Java panel.--When governments fear people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. Thomas Jefferson
The 32-bit version of Java, which does have an autoupdate option, is what 99% of users use. If you have a 32-bit browser, and most likely you do, the 64-bit Java isn't used.--Don't feed trolls--it only makes them grow!
This has the same bug as 7u10 where the installer doesn't add the registry keys for the Firefox plugin. See the end of this thread for my work-around:»Java Updates/Java SE 6 Update 38/Java SE 7u10
Thanks!Now, some bad news. This doesn't do a thing to fix the current zero day exploit, except that Java now has an ironically, malware looking pop up that asks for permission to run the applet.Also, because of a combination of both Apple's and Oracles incompetence no update to 1.7u11 is available for Mac OS 10.6 aka "Snow Leopard. Which, is what I happen to run.Now, there IS a workaround. I downloaded the 1.7u11SDK and installed it with Pacifist. I also removed Java 1.6 and that broke the Java preferences app. So, I re-installed Java 1.6 with an Apple updater and just unchecked it.So lame... /rant
Fixes nothing other than setting all security settings to 'High'. Users can still be prompted to execute exploit code, and original vulnerability still exists.US-CERT still advises disabling Java in the web browser.»www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/T···10A.html
Installed 7u11, and lost the control panel thingy again!At least I know how to launch it from the directory.
The 32-bit version of Java, which does have an autoupdate option, is what 99% of users use. If you have a 32-bit browser, and most likely you do, the 64-bit Java isn't used.
Every time you update Java, it resets the "automatic update" frequency to ONCE A MONTH. You need to change that to daily yourself after every update if you want to rely on Java updating itself.
I've had that popup for some time now because I set the earlier version of Java (10) to high for the slider. I see the slider every time I do a speed test on a variety of sites. I don't think the popup looks "malwarish" yet you are the second person in this thread to comment that it does to you. I think it is a very nice looking popup. What makes it look "malwarish"?--When governments fear people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. Thomas Jefferson


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It's been quite a bottle-popping year for alt-pop trio fun., who managed to both top the Hot 100 for over a month with Janelle Monae-assisted smash "We Are Young" and escape one-hit wonder status thanks to follow-up single "Some Nights." Decked out in a tan trench coat, Nate Ruess and his bandmates hit up Saturday Night Live on November 3 to give what came off as quite a caffeinated, triumphant performance the latter tune. Watch above.
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What Coaching is?
Coaching is an efficient, high impact process that helps high performing people improve results in ways that are sustainable over time.
Coaching is an efficient, high impact process that helps high performing people improve results in ways that are sustainable over time.
Author: Andrew Neitlich
One of the jobs of a business coach, consultant, and advisor is to help clients quickly see a path to get results. In the case of increasing revenues, there are four primary strategies that business leaders need to master.
Strategy One: Increase the number of people who are aware of and interested in your products. In other words, generate more prospects. There are literally hundreds of ways to get more visible to your target market, and every business owner should have at least five to ten marketing tactics at work all the time in order to attract more prospects. The more visible you are – with a compelling marketing message for your target market – the more business you will generate.
Strategy Two: Increase your conversion rate so that more prospects buy from you.Visibility is not enough. You also need to hone your sales process to convert prospects to customers. For instance, many online businesses incorrectly focus first on driving traffic to their website when a more profitable strategy would be to focus first on having a website that converts more visitors to customers. What good is traffic if few people buy when they come to your website? Similarly, sales-oriented businesses should develop a consistent, constantly improving sales process, so that every sales person follows proven best practices.
Strategy Three: Increase the average price per sale. Many businesses have an opportunity to earn more money per sale by bundling products, adjusting pricing, cross-selling, and changing the products or service portfolio. For instance, one retailer of proprietary products for parents had a $20 average sale until she bundled products into beautifully packaged gift sets and increased the average sale to over $65.
Strategy Four: Increase the number of sales per customer over time. In today's economy, it is expensive to attract new customers. Therefore, customer loyalty – or a high lifetime value of a customer – is essential to the survival and success of almost every business. It is crucial to have a business with products, services, a service model, and relationship marketing that keeps customers coming back and has them raving about your business to others. Business owners need to put in place a process and systems to build ongoing relationships, continue to provide value to customers, and be the first business a customer thinks to call when they have a need.
The above strategies are an excellent framework for business owners to consider how to increase sales. From there, the business coach and business owner can develop the right tactics, a set of ambitious goals, and an action plan to optimize each strategy and take the business to the next level of growth and profitability.
Of course, as with any framework, the business owner also has to be sure to have systems in place, cash flow, and operational capacity to handle growth, along with a gross profit margin that feeds the bottom line as revenues grow
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text: October 26, 2012written by jcb Because We Are All Dorks More or Less Star Trek The Original Series by Dusty Abell (via Dust Abell/Deviant Art) Thanks Bad Astronomer for the heads up on the artwork. No related posts. Posted in Art, Popular Culture Tagged with art, popular culture, star trek, television, tv


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NO Result After 3 Treatments
I had 3 treatments of Sculptra, spaced about 1...
I had 3 treatments of Sculptra, spaced about 1 month apart each. It was very expensive. I was trying to fill in my hollow cheeks. I saw Absolutely NO result. My cheeks look just as hollow as they did before. I do not recommend this product. Big waste of time and money. I would like my money back.
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Comments (5)
Tammy. It's NOT the product. It's the DOCTOR. Unless you go to one of the FEW Sculptra specialists in the country... you're wasting your time. Sculptra is injected VERY differently than all the other fillers. There may be only 6 or 7 doctors around the country who can apply Sculptra properly. Yes... only 6 or 7. I list them in a separate section.
- Reply
hi please could you tell me the doctors you recommend for having sculptra done with. Many thanks.
- Reply
Sculptra builds collagen with time. You wont see results in 1-3 months. Your doctor should have told you it will take 6+
- Reply
I had been getting fillers injected for years. Due to smoking, my cheeks started to hollow significantly on my left side. I have used collagen and restylyne for years for my laugh lines. I decided to go to another plastic surgeon to have sculptura done. Too expensive and not long lasting AT ALL. I had three seperate injections over a three month period. It looked good for approximately 3 weeks. I had Sculptura done from Oct-Dec, I ended up getting a fat tranfer to fill up my cheeks in June. Do NOT opt for Sculptura for hollow cheeks!!! Waste of money. Incidentally, I had the fat transfer done almost a year ago and it is still intact. I also find Perlane to be wonderful for the laugh lines.
- Reply
I have had the proceedure to treat facial lipodystrophy . Two sessions over a 4 yr. period and have been very please I would caution that some practitioners may be better than others. It is important that you see satisfactory results on patients who are using the same Dr. you are considering . Technique is very important.
- Reply


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KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and KVET officers executed a search warrant in the 500-block of Lawrence Street in Kalamazoo Wednesday. Tips from concerned citizens indicated that drug trafficking had been taking place in the area.
A search turned up a large quantity of marijuana, what they suspect to be crack cocaine, an electronic scale, and packaging equipment. Law enforcement also located a handgun.
A 21-year-old Kalamazoo man was arrested on charges of Possession with Intent To Deliver Marijuana and Felony Firearm. He's currently lodged in the Kalamazoo County Jail.
Anyone that might have further information on the case is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety or Silent Observer.


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For nearly 23 minutes in June, Nik Wallenda walked along a 2-inch wire high above as in 1,500 feet above a gorge near the Grand Canyon.
As viewers breathlessly followed his trek, live on the Discovery Channel, they heard Wallenda, 34, offer non-stop prayers to Jesus.
A sampling: Definitely whipping that cable Golly, wind. Go away, in the name of Jesus Thank you, Lord. Thank you for calming that cable, Lord Oh, yeah. Thats my savior. Thats Jesus.
On Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Wallenda will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway, to perform on the high wire with his sister, Lijana. Theyll be 140 feet above pit road during the pre-race show for the Bank of America 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
The Sarasota, Fla.-based skywalker, who comes from a circus family and counts televangelist Joel Osteen among his friends, answered questions from the Observer about how his faith fits with what many call his daredevil stunts.
Here are his answers, edited for length.
Q. Watching you walking over the Grand Canyon, I was nervous. Wheres your head when youre in such peril? You appeared to be praying the whole time.
A. Ive walked the wire since I was 2 years old. Weve done it (as a family) for about seven generations over 200 years. So its not like I feel Im in peril. But I find my peace and comfort in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I will call out his name. I believe theres a lot of power in that name. But a lot of what I do comes from training. I dont believe in any way that God holds me on that wire as if Im a puppet. I believe that God has given me a very unique talent and I can use it to glorify his name.
Q. Was your circus family always religious?
A. The last couple of generations have been. Ive seen my great-grandfather walking where he was talking to God. Who else do you talk to when youre up there?
Q. Do you have a spiritual regimen right before each walk?
A. People say, Are you superstitious? Not in any way. The only thing I do is I say a prayer with my family. Often, I lead that prayer, just praying that God will get the glory out of what I do, in one way or the other.
Q. Sounds like you have a conversation with God while youre actually on the wire?
A. The Bible says pray without ceasing. And thats what I do in life. Ill be driving my truck around and talking (aloud) to Jesus, saying Thank you Jesus, thank you Lord. When I am on the wire, it really is a personal zone. Theres me and that wire. I dont even think about the cameras and the microphone and all that stuff. I think thats why people respect it so much the fact that its not forced. Its not like Im trying to preach the word or shove the Bible down peoples throats. This is just a guy calling on God and finding his comfort and his peace.
Q. Given your faith, what do you think when people call you a daredevil?
A. I dont see what I do as being a daredevil. I am doing something Ive prepared for my entire life. Theres a lot of science and a lot of engineering. Yes, Im risking my life. But so are you when you get in your car after you leave home. The biggest (blowback) I get is from those who are overly religious and who will say, How dare you! You are tempting God. I in no way am tempting God
Q. But some in your family have died. That doesnt give you pause?
A. Ive lost my great-grandfather and Ive lost some of my uncles. Theres risk in everything that we do. I think we should live every day like its our last because then you tend to love more and care more about your family. When I leave my house to go to the store, I give my wife and kids a hug and a kiss and say, I love you guys and Ill see you in a bit. Before I get on that cable, I give my wife and kids a kiss and I say, I love you and Ill see you in a bit.
Q. Do you see what you do as a ministry?
A. Absolutely. I get thousands upon thousands of letters from people who were inspired, touched. I called a woman with cancer who wrote me, and she now treats her daily walk with cancer the same way, calling out to Jesus and trusting in him for peace.
Q. After walking a tightrope over the Grand Canyon and Niagra Falls, walking over Charlotte Motor Speedway would seem to be a piece of cake for you?
A. You can never become complacent. Its kind of like our religion or beliefs. You cant learn the Bible enough. But in a normal, perfect setting, with no wind and the wire rigged to the right tension and stabilized properly, its no different than walking on the ground.
Q. You seem fearless. Does anything scare you?
A. I have a fear of God and a fear of my wife.
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Buying Used Without No Clues
July 28, 2009
I'm generally freaking out about buying a car (used, my first) and have a short laundry list of very general questions.
My wife and I need a car. Before winter definitely, but within 2-3 weeks for some convenience reasons would be good. She's coming back visiting her folks this weekend, and the hunt begins in earnest, after a few forays to a few places, next week.
Here's what we've settled on so far:
99% sure we're getting a used Toyota, Hyunda or Honda. Reliable, get good reviews in the slightly-old copy of Phil Edmonstun's Lemon-Aid guide my dad lent me, more expensive than American brands but we're not so keen on buying American these days.
My wife wants a 2005 or newer. I'm not sure why but I think she's afraid that I, being a skinflint, will insist on a rustbucket if she doesn't set out some parameters. From what I can see, the biggest price drop is from zero to two years old, so that actually plays well into my penny-pinching ways... if a 2-year-old car costs 75% of original retail and a 5-year-old costs 60%, the most "value" is in the 2-year-old.
Here's the thing: I know bupkis about cars; under pressure I think I'm pretty sure the red ones go faster. I'm exaggerating -- I spent one summer in high school working at a gas station, so I've checked oil before and stuff -- but I'm in
no way
qualified to gauge the worth of a used car. I've never owned one, and I'm downhill of mid-30s; hers have always been hand-me-downs so she's never been car shopping.
We'll also be doing all of this in my second language, French, which my wife doesn't speak at all. While I speak pretty good business French and decent conversational French, "car French" is not in my comfort zone.
We have a fair-sized down payment, as we've agreed that it makes more sense to dump our savings on the car than to pay interest on the thing, as interest earned on this money would not outpace interest charged on a car loan. Our budget is $8-10K. We can stretch that up a bit if necessary. Assume we can pay 50% or so of a car in the $8-10K price range.
We intend to drive around town for the most part, maybe the 30 km trip to visit friends in neighouring places once every couple of weeks, and a 400 km round trip to Montreal once a month.
So here, at last, are the questions:
Is "dealer used" a better idea than "used-car-dealer used" or "classifieds in the paper" used? I have the vague idea that the Toyota used lot, affiliated with the Toyota new lot, will offer better vehicles that are more expensive than "regular" used-car dealers, which will be slightly cheaper, and the classified-ad cars will be cheapest of all but highly risky. Is that a fair assumption?
Can I trust a used car salesman? I'm aware of the stereotype, but I'm also of the belief that most people are generally good, and it's a reputation-driven industry. Assuming the guy isn't wearing a porkpie hat, chomping a stogie and telling me this was only driven by an old lady on Sundays as he fiddles the odometer with a grimy screwdriver, is flat-out asking a used dealer for advice a good idea, or begging to be taken to the cleaners?
If a car is nearing the end of its warranty (say 90,000 out of 100,000 km), what does that... er... mean? Are warranties super good? Kinda good? Is there a way to gauge how much a remaining warranty adds to the value of the car?
Is it better to buy an old car with low mileage or a new car with high mileage?
This thread
dances around that same question, but winds up being a series of recommendations to check prior maintenance. Which is excellent, but I still need to know -- maintenance done, is a 2007 car with 120,000 km on it better or worse than a 2005 car with 80,000 km on it, assuming price is similar*?
If buying used, is there a huge advantage in buying local? It would be much, much cheaper to shop around in Montreal than here, but that's a two-hour drive away. How important is it to be able to revisit the dealer you bought the car from, barring some sort of catastrophic failure in the first couple of weeks?
Given that we'll be able to supply a sizable down payment, will that put us in a better position to negotiate the financing rate? Most places around here seem to ballpark at 2.9%, which ain't terrible, but I wouldn't mind knocking that down a bit if I could.
Last and most important: I'm feeling overwhelmed, like I don't have enough knowledge to evaluate or to negotiate. Part of me says "dude, people buy cars
all the time
but the much larger part of me says "dude, don't be stupid with
." How in God's name do I calm myself down over this?
This, by the way, is the local Toyota dealer.
This is Honda.
And this is Hyundai.
For comparison,
this is the used-car section
of the most popular (by a wide margin) classifieds site in the province, sorted for my area.
*I pulled those years and mileages out of my butt. I'm looking for more of a general answer.
posted by
Travel & Transportation
(19 answers total)
10 users marked this as a favorite
This doesn't really answer your question(s) - but my husband and I feel about the same way you do about purchasing a vehicle. It's scary, overwhelming and we really know little about cars and therefore do not feel qualified to purchase a used vehicle.
And this is why the past few cars we've purchased have been new. I feel like, although they aren't as financially smart to buy as say a 2 year-old car, purchasing new really equated to purchasing peace of mind for us.
However, that said, our vehicles are starting to get old and we know one of these days we'll have to buy another. I think we would consider buying a pre-owned vehicle. BUT, for some reason, I feel less confident about purchasing a used vehicle from an ordinary person than from let's say a dealership that has a section of pre-owned vehicles with warranties attached.
posted by
on July 28, 2009
I know very little about cars. I have though a Subaru that I have had for 15 years and has some 125,000 miles on it. Not a great car, ever, but reliable and cheap (when I bought it. Can not say about prices now.)
Best advice (without talking money or year): I think Honda has the best record for reliability, low cost of repeairs...Toyota close to it but not number one.
posted by
on July 28, 2009
I understand your trepidation in buying your first car. I went through the same thing. I ended up buying a '92 Corolla from a somewhat sketchy-seeming used car dealer who struck me as the kind of guy who might be a fence for the mafia. Having said that, the car was AWESOME. Hands down the best car I've ever owned. I sold the thing 2 years ago at 200,000 miles and the new owner says it's still going.
I got a fair deal for it, I think; I paid around $8600 for it at 43k in '95. What I'm trying to say is, it's all about the car. You just need to find the right car, and then do your research and offer the dealer, whoever he is, the right price. Check to make sure that the car hasn't been in an accident (this is very important). You can do this by getting the vehicle's VIN number and checking it's history online. A dealer might have a better collection of cars, but he also might be in a situation where he can try and sell you a bunch of extras that you don't need/don't want to pay for.
Do all the research you need to do, check the Kelly Blue Book value for the car, etc. Decide what you think is fair, and then go into the dealership and talk to the guy. If you're feeling uncomfortable, or if you feel pressure because the salesman's giving you the hard sell, you can always walk out. The salesman has no power once you walk off the lot. And you can empower yourself a lot by doing some research.
You can do this! And when you do, it will be great.
posted by
on July 28, 2009
my usual advice to myself is this: you cannot trust anything that comes out of anyone's mouth regarding an item you are about to purchase from them. you must let the vehicle do the talking. if you know what to look for, all the evidence you need will be in front of you. if you don't an
mechanic will.
years ago, i bought an '87 pathfinder privately. the guy said a bunch of buyers were anxious to get it. i decided i wanted it and went to get the money. when i returned, i asked him about the other buyers. he said they'd been there and wanted the vehicle, too. his boy (about 3) yelled out, "what people, daddy? i didn't see any people!"
i bought the vehicle anyway, because even though he was a lying sack of shit, the transaction was legit and the car was a good deal. i drove it until it had over 400,000km, and now my parents have it.
i have a second rule that goes like this: never buy used from a dealer. however, if the dealer is a major brand dealer, and they're offering a warrantee, that might offset the premium you'll pay.
posted by
on July 28, 2009
Don't throw Nissan off the list, it is most certainly in the crowd you are looking at.
Think about the mileage and the model year both on their own and in conjunction. The miles/yr is a reasonable way to think about how the car was actually driven.
If you are thinking about buying it, take it to a mechanic and pay them as much as $150 to give it the once over and determine what if anything is out of inspection or in need of immediate repair.
Check the
Kelley Blue Book
to determine a baseline price ballpark for each car you look seriously at.
Don't take any financing from the car dealer (you can almost certainly get better if you go elsewhere).
If you go with the classifieds route, stop in to a handful of them just to check them out with no intent whatsoever to buy. This will make you a little more comfortable with the back and forth of it before you have to really negotiate on something.
Mostly, just don't be scared, it is your money and you can always keep it and not buy the one car that someone happens to be pushing on you. If you remember that you can always just walk away, it gets a lot less scary.
Good luck!
posted by
on July 28, 2009
I'm in no way qualified to gauge the worth of a used car.
The best used cars available are ones that are "Certified Pre Owned." They've been well inspected, well maintained, and are low mileage vehicles. They also come with a manufacturer's warranty. For instance, Honda's CPO warranty will cover the car up to 100,000 miles. A CPO car will generally cost more than a comparable private party or used car lot vehicle, but (in my experience as someone who certifies cars at a dealer) we do a pretty thorough job of reconditioning these cars. In my case, our standards are strict since the manufacturer realizes that a CPO vehicle is likely to be someones introduction to the brand and they want to make a good first impression. A CPO car will also usually have the most up-to-date services, recalls, or updates performed on it as part of the reconditioning process.
When buying a used car, you'll have to drive it and be able to discern if the steering and ride feels right, if it pulls, and if the smells and sounds of the car are correct. You'll have to be able to examine the exterior and be able to tell from touch and sight if it's been repainted. You'll have to be able to look past the shiny ArmorAll to the real car underneath. When buying a CPO car, that's already been done by a certified technician who signs all of the paperwork and stands by their description of the vehicle as a "good CPO candidate." If I certify a car and a potential buyer or a salesman discovers a faul with the vehicle that would disqualify its certification, that falls back on me. To give you an idea of how strict we are
(at Audi, at least)
, I can deny certification if, in my opinion based on the service history, the car has been in the shop too often.
And the warranty will absolutely pay for itself, considering the price difference between "used" and CPO.
Can I trust a used car salesman?
They're a salesman first, in my experience. They're typically in no way a car expert, technically savvy, or even aware of the functions of the features on the car they're selling. Their job is to make money by selling you a car. When buying a car from ANYBODY it's up to YOU AND ONLY YOU to be an expert on what you're trying to buy. Consumer Reports is your absolute best friend when it comes to this.
Is "dealer used" a better idea than "used-car-dealer used" or "classifieds in the paper" used?
Yes. Based on my interactions and experiences, a non-brand "used-car-dealer" lot (except CarMax) operates on a superslim overhead and would rather bandaid a car to get it sold than actually fix it. Their warranties aren't very good and they don't typically have highly skilled and trained technicians to address your concerns.
Classified ads have good deals if you really know what you're looking for and know how to evaluate a car.
I'm feeling overwhelmed, like I don't have enough knowledge to evaluate or to negotiate.
Don't worry! At the end of the day, no matter what you pay, the dealership will make a proft and you will drive away with a car. Don't put such a huge emphasis on "getting a deal." Just be aware of how much you're willing to pay for a certain car and try to get as close to that as possible. If you feel like it's too much, look for something else or visit a different dealer. Take you time with a decision. The best thing to do is call all of the Honda/Toyota/Hyundai dealerships in your area, tell them what you want and how much you'll pay for it. Wait about three weeks and someone will call you with the car you're looking for. There's always a salesman who'll want to earn your business. Just remember, they're trying to make X number of sales every month. As long as you can be patient, someone will come around. When I bought a brand new car a few years ago, that's the tactic that I used. I knew what the rock-bottom invoice price was, I knew what features I wanted, and I knew what color I wanted. I made a few visits, took a few test drives in similar cars and called every dealership within 60 miles. The second to last day of the month, a dealership called me and told me that they had traded a car off their lot to get mine. They're more desperate to sell the car than you are to buy it, if you can just be patient.
posted by
on July 28, 2009 [
2 favorites
The Consumerist has some great, ultra-paranoid stuff under their
"used-car" tag
. Read it and learn how to be a horrible, stubborn prick when dealing with salesman. I figure that these guys are good enough that you'll never be able to tell whether they're genuinely nice or just working you. Assume the latter and give them hell regardless.
Also, if relliability is your primary concernt, there is no reason to buy anything other than a Honda or Toyota. They will save you so much money in repair costs and resale vaule that the "cheaper" Hyundai will be nothing of the sort two years down the road.
posted by
on July 28, 2009
Tempting as it might be to avoid a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic--get one, even if the car's a couple years old.
posted by
on July 28, 2009 [
3 favorites
One thing I learned in the process of buying my first car when I was young and dumb: get your financing BEFORE you go to the dealer. Do NOT finance via the dealership. Your local credit union is usually going to be your best bet.
posted by
on July 28, 2009 [
1 favorite
definitely get the car checked out by a professional before you buy it. a mechanic at some chain place (who i had never seen before, not like my personal mechanic) told me about a pretty major problem with a used corolla i was on the verge of buying. and then i kept looking and found a kia that is a great car. so it was worth the $100 i paid him. i also got financing through my credit union at a much better rate than the dealer was offering, and without a penalty for paying it off early.
you really can't trust the salespeople, unfortunately. if they have any doubts about the car they will not ever share them with you, because then you might not buy the car, and they lose a sale. there are bad used cars, even toyotas and hondas, that's why the having them checked out step is so important.
posted by
on July 28, 2009
Why not consider a (new) Honda Fit? Not too expensive, can carry lots of stuff, comes with a warranty, and is even fun-to-drive. You can finance longer-term and you'll probably get a much better resale value 4 years from now than anything you buy used. I just can't think of anything that provides a better value-to-cost ratio.
posted by
on July 28, 2009 [
1 favorite
Re: the language thing -- can you enlist a friend whose car-French is more fluent than yours to help you be sure you are understanding fully and making yourself clearly understood?
posted by
on July 28, 2009
There are always exceptions - the fabulous Pinto that runs like a champ, the worthless Honda that's a lemon - and the exceptions produce vociferous partisans. Ignore them. Go after statistics from reasonably competent and objective sources - f.ex. Consumer Reports.
Basic facts: differences between car brands in reliability are there, but not huge statistically speaking. And cars of recent vintage have gotten pretty reliable. So, if brand A is twice as reliable as brand B - it still may not mean much, if the stats are 1 problem per 1000 vehicles, vs 2 problems per 1000 vehicles. That caveat out of the way, there are still very good reasons to pick one brand versus another - and quite apart from comfort and what you need the car for, and apart from aesthetics and even mileage. And that's how expensive and difficult it is to fix the car - and almost every car needs some kind of fixing at some point. Example: let's say you go for brand A which is twice as reliable as brand B. But brand A is a fairly exotic foreign car - and so there are not many independent mechanics who work on this car, and you're stuck with the thieving dealer (if indeed the dealer is bad), and worse, parts are super expensive, and it's very expensive to fix even simple things and do basic maintenance. So it actually makes sense to buy brand B, because you'll come out way ahead even with worse reliability.
Brands. Keeping in mind the above basic facts, the reliability of your choices goes from Honda (best) and Toyota (close, but very good), to Hyundai (reasonable reliability starting in 2004 for the Elantra specifically, and 2006 other models). Honda and Toyota also have tons of independent mechanics, and parts are reasonably cheap. Hyundai is much worse as far as mechanics specializing, but reasonably cheap parts. Value: yes, Hondas are the most reliable, but are
overpriced (used) for the reliability advantage compared to Toyotas - on the other hand, excellent resale value. Hyundai are undervalued (used) compared to their reliability disadvantage, but miserable resale value (though that's slowly changing for recent models starting 2006 or so).
Price. Look at edmunds.com for "true market value", input your choices and zip code. This is a decent ballpark figure. As a buyer you are in a stronger position in today's economy compared to sellers. That goes double for dealers. You are in a power position. Don't brandish it like a blunt weapon, but be quietly aware of your power. YOU are in the driver's seat. Have a max price in mind, after you've priced the local market and looked at edmunds.com true value. AND STICK TO IT. Get your car for less, but never for more - especially in this market.
Dealers - ignore whatever comes out of their mouths - I treat their statements as funny noises slipping out from between two wrestling worms (their lips). Not that all are crooks, and not that all are ignorant, and not that all are out to hustle you. But you are almost never in a position to tell when that is the case. So why try to do the impossible - read their minds? Ignore their statements.
You'll get some kind of limited warranty. You should still have a mechanic check out the car. And you might want to take a friend along, who knows a bit about cars. Check out the VIN, but it's not 100% reliable and can give you a false sense of security.
Before you even get so far as a mechanic, perform a basic inspection. Look to see if the car's hood is aligned (space between hood and the rest of the body is even - equal spaces on both sides), and same for the trunk lid - if not, it might mean the car was in a serious accident. Same for spaces around all the doors. Are the tires on one side of the car more worn? Is there an unusual pattern to the wear? The car might be pulling to one side or the frame is misaligned after an accident. Are any of the body panels of a slightly different shade, or otherwise look newer? Might have been replaced after an accident. Is there an unusual smell inside of the car, especially a musty smell? Might have been flooded - avoid. Is there a dried sign of a water-line inside at a height of a few inches off the floor? Flooded. Take a napkin and swab the inside of the exhaust pipe - does it burn oil? Open the engine hood - look up at the underside of the hood - do you see signs of a burn or smoke deposits? Might have blown a gasket or had an engine fire. How does the engine look? All sprayed with old oil deposits? How do the hoses look - are they old and cracked? Check the oil - is it filthy and low? Check the transmission fluid - is it dirty? Are there metallic specs floating in it? If yes, immediately step away from that car - the transmission might be on its last leg. Look under the car - is anything leaking?
Drive the car. Pay particular attention to how it starts. Check all the lights and electrical functions - electrical issues can be a bitch and expensive to diagnose and fix. Try out all the speeds in the transmission - does it hesitate? Does it jump when it changes speed? Does it slip? How is the reverse? Transmissions can be very hard and frankly uneconomic to diagnose (opening up can cost a fortune) - so the least issues with the transmission, and you should walk away. Engine - does it whine, hesitate, choke?
Don't discount how it looks inside and outside - people who don't care about their car, frequently don't maintain it properly. If it's trashed - avoid. Also avoid modded cars - they might have been raced (applies especially to certain models of Hondas). A newer car (2005 and newer) that's been repainted - very suspicious.
In general, since you are looking at newer cars (I think you should allow the 2004 models as well), it is the mileage that matters more. I'd sooner take a one-two year older car, but with 10K-20K fewer miles. In such recent vintage, it is all about miles, miles, miles. Wear = tear, and you can only ameliorate it, but never eliminate with proper maintenance - and you never know how well maintained a car has been... go for the lower miles!
Now, once you've selected your car, take it to a mechanic. Pay the $100-$150 for a thorough inspection - ask him to hook up his computer and retrieve any codes that might be stored in your car's computer - that will tell you if there were any major problems and what the codes were. Have him generate a thorough list of all things that need to be worked on, or are flawed - including what he'd charge to fix all the issues. If there are serious problems, of course, look for another car. But even if there are only maintenance issues (new brakes, new hoses, tires, bulb replacements etc.) - you can present that list as a negotiating point to the dealer... either have them drop the price some or fix some of the stuff for free.
If you do buy it - keep a sharp eye and a running list of issues during the warranty time, and take advantage of the warranty before it expires.
And fear not - there are millions and millions of cars out there. There's easily one that's just perfect for you.
Good luck!
posted by
on July 28, 2009 [
4 favorites
Sign up for Consumer Reports for a couple of months and look up any models you are interested in. I did and I don't regret it.
posted by
on July 28, 2009
One piece of advice if you're buying used and from a dealer: get a "certified" car. I've had a certified Honda Civic for 10 years and have had just maintenance like 30k, 60k, 90k services and regular oil changes.
posted by
bunny hugger
on July 28, 2009
We've gone every way-- new, dealer used, used car dealer, classifieds, lucked into one from our mechanic once. First car we bought was from the classifieds and it was a great little car. You'll have more trouble getting financing for using the classifieds, since you'll have to go to a bank rather than the dealer. As everyone says, do your homework on the model and always always always take the car to an independent mechanic for confirmation on condition, no matter how per-certified it is. Any dealer who won't let you do that is not to be trusted. Clearly you're not in the US if you have to do this in French, but if you have dealers where you are like Saturn or CarMax, where they don't pull the "let me go talk to my manager" garbage and make you sit there for 5 hours trying to buy a car, GO TO THAT DEALER. These places are fantastic. They will then pull that crap on you for financing but you don't have to put up with it. Once you find a car you tell them "I have to be out of here in one hour, and when that hour is up, get up and walk away. You can do this. There's always another car. Once you do this to them, they get the message and will not fuck with you. Regarding financing, check the math. Dealers will sometimes just add in shit that make the monthly payments go up. Once you know the price and the interest, check out what the monthly payment should be. If it's different than the one they are telling you, ask why. Some places try to add in expensive maintenance contracts that they then finance through the loan, adding to the cost for you (and the profit for them.)
Yes, buying in warranty is better, because some basic maintenance is covered, but it's not a reason to buy a particular car.
We have only ever bought 2 cars new; used is better for price reasons and because you'll be subject to less bullshit from the dealer. We always go for later model (less than 5 years old) and the lowest mileage we can find balanced against what we know we can pay. We once bought a car from our mechanic-- 12 year old chassis, 6 year old replaced engine with 65,000 miles on it, $5,000. Drove it into the ground (got another 125K out of her). We like to buy Saturns because they are amazing workhorse cars that never need maintenance and have wonderfully trained sales staff (or used to, who knows what will happen now.)
posted by
on July 29, 2009 [
1 favorite
I have really simple advice: watch
Wheeler Dealers
. It's a show from the UK where every episode they buy, restore, and sell a car. While all of their cars are older than what you want, watching enough of them you get the hang of how to buy a good used car, what can go wrong with cars, what it takes to fix this stuff, and you get a look at the selling process.
Because a good used car is a complex thing, and it really comes down to how well it was taken care of prior, buying a car from an individual with a full service record is usually your best bet. However, large car dealers---like Toyota---will inspect every used car they buy, usually extremely throughly. I would stay away from used only lots, unless the car is still under the manufactures warranty.
As for general car design advice, learn to look at them in a more reductionist way: brake system, engine design, safety features, fit and finish, paint quality. Cars can be deceptively attractive on the surface but can be found to be hiding bad design in the particulars. The Toyota Corolla is a great example. A much loved car on this site, with great gas mileage and so on. But they have drum brakes on the rear. Drum! Like a car from the 70s would. I would assemble a list of desired design elements and attempt to evaluate every car with regard to it.
Also, Ford now has reliability on par with the Japanese.
posted by
on July 29, 2009 [
1 favorite
No matter how trustworthy the dealer seems and even if the car is certified pre-owned, get the car inspected by at least one independent mechanic. I had my current station wagon inspected by two different mechanics before I bought it.
I thought I wanted to purchase another nice-looking certified pre-owned vehicle from the brand's dealer. The dealership discouraged me from taking the vehicle to a mechanic, emphasizing that it was certified. I took it to a trusted mechanic anyway and he found all sorts of problems that had been hidden. It turned out that the car had been in a serious wreck. The dealership apologized and I took my business elsewhere. The lesson I learned was always get the car you are considering independently inspected.
posted by
on July 29, 2009
Oh, and I second what rabbitrabbit said. If you can join a local credit union or talk to your bank about financing beforehand, do that. You will most likely receive a much better interest rate from a credit union than a dealership.
posted by
on July 29, 2009
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LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) -- The Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole has set a Jan. 16 hearing to review its own decision to release a convicted double murderer in five years.
MORE: Man jailed in 1980's N. Idaho killing set for release
Executive Director Olivia Craven told other media outlets the commission will only be reviewing the decision to grant parole to Bryan Lankford. He was sentenced to life in prison for the 1983 beating deaths of U.S. Marine Capt. Robert Bravence and his wife, Cheryl, of El Paso, Texas. The couple had been camping in central Idaho when they were attacked.
WATCH: Bryan Lankford's brother asks for third trial in Lewiston
In October, the commission set Oct. 24, 2018, as the release date for the 55-year-old Lankford.
Craven says the commission is reviewing its decision because of a procedural error. She declined to elaborate on the nature of the error.


text:
MJ Kim/Spice Girls LLP via Getty Images New BFF's Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria had some girl talk backstage during The Return of Spice Girls World Tour at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England. But...Read More
Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images – Thomas D. McAvoy/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Valentino's last collection closed Paris Fashion Week with a sea of models dressed in his signature red gowns. A lovely end-cap on a career...Read More
Jeff Vespa / WireImage/Getty Images Though they are not typically in the mix as major festival buyers – preferring instead to produce their own films – James Schamus and fellow Focus Features executives paid major...Read More
Gary Gershoff / WireImage/Getty Images It almost slipped by me. Rambo comes out this weekend. Don't miss it. It has CROSSBOWS. No 60ish action stars were harmed during the making of this film. Penguins and small...Read More
Barry King / WireImage/Getty Images In the case the faithful haven't noticed, the Getty Images Entertainment Blog (maybe just me) is a bit obsessed with Paul Thomas Anderson, him being adorable, freakishly talented, and writer...Read More
Lawrence Tynes celebrates his game-winning field goal. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) "I just wanted to get out of the cold. I think I was inside before it went through. I knew it was good."...Read More


text:
Just got back from a New Zealand cruise on Sun Princess. I highly recommend this ship. Big but not too big, and the crew - mostly Phillipino - were excellent.
A couple of tips: Avoid the feeding frenzy at the buffet and use your allocated sitting in the dining rooms for breakfast and dinner. Purchase a "coffee card" $35 for 15 specialty coffees. If you are into non-alcoholic drinks including "mocktails" purchase a soft drink package - excellent value according to fellow travellers.
Interesting thing about this cruise was that there were very few children (less than 10 according to the crew).
Sun Princess is now doing an Aust east coast cruise on its way to Japan for a while.


text:
The European Commission launched a free satellite system that offers more precise navigation than the U.S.-based Global Positioning System. The system, known as the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), aims to aid pilots, drivers and blind people.
EGNOS improves the accuracy of GPS signals from 10 meters to two meters and lays the groundwork for the Galileo project, the European Union's competitor to GPS, which is due to launch in 2014, reports Reuters. The EGNOS system will utilize three satellites and 34 groundstations, provide coverage to most European states, and has the built-in capacity to be extended to North Africa and neighboring EU countries, according to GPS World.
Post a comment
Business performance information for strategic and operational decision-making
SOA uses interoperable services grouped around business processes to ease data integration
Data warehousing helps companies make sense of their operational data


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We have looked at Joni Mitchell from many sides now. She stands, slim and pale, slender and fragile, as a vital monument to the musical and lyrical communication of concepts and emotions.
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Charles Nduka, MD
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5 out of 5 stars
24 Years Old, No Confidence Needed a Septorhinaplasty - United Kingdom, GB
Mr Charles Nduka is a lovely very talented surgeon, I was so confident at my consultations and new I wanted him to perform my surgery. He did a spectacular job and am so happy with my new nose. He new exactly what I wanted in my dream nose and did exactly that. I would recommend him to anybody looking for rhinoplasty and am confident to say any kind of cosmetic surgery at all. I am so thankful to him and would only ever consider him if I wanted any further cosmetic enhancement in the future.
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At any rate, Amsterdam is very different from Bruges. Like a Venice of the north.
THE BEER WALL — One of the most popular destinations in Bruges, it boasts a ridiculous amount of beer.
I woke up early and went for a walk. Bruges is much nicer in the morning when the streets aren't packed with holiday tourists.
-In Bruges (2008)
*aggressively raps waiting for the bus in the rain in the rain wait-waiting for the bus in the rain*


text:
From an editorial Thursday in the Greensboro News & Record:
Gov. Pat McCrorys school safety initiative is one of the most sensible ideas to come from Raleigh so far this year.
One reason is because McCrory doesnt want all the ideas to come from Raleigh.
The governor announced Tuesday the formation of the N.C. Center for Safer Schools. It responds to concerns about school security since the massacre of 20 children at a Connecticut elementary school in December.
That tragedy has prompted a spate of proposed legislation, including measures that would authorize school officials to carry guns. Is that the best way to make schools safer?
Unlike some legislators, McCrory didnt claim an answer. He didnt call for new laws or issue executive orders. Instead, he asked for other ideas. Or, as Department of Public Safety Secretary Kieran Shanahan said: Were not here to tell schools and communities what to do. We want to work with schools, communities and families on an individual basis to meet their localized needs.
The center, headed by a former Wake County public school teacher and administrator, will hold eight public meetings around the state next month. It will try to develop a comprehensive strategy of best practices throughout the state and country to protect our children, teachers, school administrators and our communities, McCrory said.
This is a good approach for two reasons. First, it sets a goal of collecting information about what already works in other places. Theres no need to invent new solutions if existing ones are available. Second, it promises local flexibility based on specific needs and circumstances.
Legislative remedies tend to conform to prevailing political views and dictate policies from the state level to the local level.
After the Sandy Hook tragedy, no one should dismiss the possibility that similar violence could occur in a North Carolina school. At the same time, the chances of that happening at any one school are remote. It isnt practical or wise to turn every school into an armed fortress. So, whats the right balance?
Now is a good time to determine what role the state can play in keeping children and adults safer at school.
The governors approach is more likely to come up with good ideas and cooperative approaches than is the legislature with its formula of passing new laws that everyone must follow, whether they make sense locally or not. This is an issue where the governors listen-and-learn leadership can work best.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Observer editorial board.
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text:
It brought to light my own mildly amusing accent. I am Scottish by birth, and 3/4 Scottish by parentage for at least one generation. I was born in the Highlands, and lived in Edinburgh for about 12 years.
I have since moved to London. My accent has been suggested as American, Canadian, Irish, Northern Irish, West Country, English, Australian and "Where are you from?".
My point is, I'd be interested in meeting Stephen to see what he thought. It'd be interesting to say the least.


text:
Florida Medical Marijuana Bill Assigned to Senate Committee
TALLAHASSEE, FL (TheDailyChronic) — A bill that would allow the medical use of marijuana in the Sunshine State has been assigned to the Health Policy Committee in the Florida Senate.
The Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act, SB 1250, would allow patients with certain qualifying medical conditions, or their officially designated caregivers, to privately possess up to four ounces of marijuana and grow up to eight marijuana plants.
The Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act now in the Senate's Health Policy Committee. Florida residents are urged to contact committee members and tell them the importance of passing this legislation:
Senator Aaron Bean (R) email@example.com
Senator Eleanor Sobel (D) email@example.com
Senator Jeff Brandes (R) email@example.com
Senator Oscar Braynon,II(D) firstname.lastname@example.com
Senator Anitere Flores (R) email@example.com
Senator Bill Galvano (R) firstname.lastname@example.com
Senator Rene Garcia (R) email@example.com
Senator Denise Grimsley(R)firstname.lastname@example.com
Senator Arthenia Joyner(D) email@example.com
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StrutzFest is annual musical festival held at the Darrington Bluegrass Grounds And Amphitheater, in Darrington, Washington.
Will you be staying in Darrington? To learn more about the town have a look at:
shopping, dining and grocery, lodging or camping and other services around town.
Dedicated to the memory of our dear friend, Mike Turner, an amazing friend who loved music and life, with a generous spirit that touched everyone he met. The administrators of STRUTZFEST, will donate money raised through ticket sales to Children's Hospital of Seattle, along with other local charities.
Strutzfest on Facebook
Click here for information about other events and happenings in Darrington, Washington.