So, I'm driving down to Home Depot to pick up some needs when I see this bright red banner drooped over the wall of a auto repair business that reads: $13.88 Oil Change and Lube! My gosh, that is at least $10 cheaper than I usually pay. So, I bite and stop in for the details. As I approach the business, I read below the banner in small letters the caveat: Most cars!
Well, I I have a Minvan. And one would think I have what is considered "most cars" in California because as I drive around these days all I see are SUV's, Minivans and small pick-up trucks. Well, with further questioning, I find that the $13.88 price only applies to "small cars" like the Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Camry. For MY car, I'm told it's gonna cost $27.95 (PLUS disposal of the old oil), which is more than I usually pay.
This got me thinking. How many cars these days need a Lube job? I'm told the frame is sealed and there is no place to lube. Yet, most oil places advertise giving you a lube with the oil change. In fact, they usually don't check the brake fluid levels "for liability purposes!"
This prompts other important questions I have: How often should you change the oil in your car? Do you consider the time since your last oil change or miles driven? Does it matter how old the car is? Does it lmatter if you drive freeway miles or around town miles? Does it really matter what oil you use, synthetic or regular?
Decisions, decisions. And try asking various mechanics what is best...they all have different opinions.
I think oil in the car should be good for how ever long you own your car. I mean with the technology we have today, why not?
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Who would name their daughters Malilia and Sasha?
Certainly, not me! But the President of the United States might!
Barack Obama is not one of my favorite politicians. His outlook on the economy and life in general is too liberal for me.
His decision to name two perfectly innocent young ladies permanent names like this seems somewhat out of character. I mean why bring attention or highlight names that in no way fit into the mainstream of American culture. Even if he didn't come up with the names and his wife did, why would he approve names that could possibly affect these girls for the rest of their lives.
Barack Obama is not one of my favorite politicians. His outlook on the economy and life in general is too liberal for me.
His decision to name two perfectly innocent young ladies permanent names like this seems somewhat out of character. I mean why bring attention or highlight names that in no way fit into the mainstream of American culture. Even if he didn't come up with the names and his wife did, why would he approve names that could possibly affect these girls for the rest of their lives.
Three things I now appreciate...
There are three things I've grown to appreciate as I experience life.
1. Money has no real value unless you SPEND it!
Believe it or not, some people don't know this. They go through life amassing huge amounts of money and wealth and then someday die without really using money for what it was intended for. Sure, a bank account, equity or cash offers you some sort of a secure feeling, but that is strictly temporary and emotional. I'm reminded of the joke where the husband tells his wife that when he dies, he wants all his money thrown in the casket when he is buried. The wife does exactly what he wants and writes a check for the full amount of his wealth and slips it in the coffin when he is buried. I make it a point to ask senior citizens what they plan to do with all the money they have saved when they die and besides the usual inheritance response, not much else is offered.
2. Tomorrow always comes.
If you're having a "bad hair day" for any reason, just wait 24 hours and things will undoubtedly improve or change for the better by the next day. Not fully understanding this causes people to make decisions and take premature action that sometimes brings unfortunate consequences.
3. If you can't pee freely, you most likely won't have quality of life!
Only someone who has had difficulty with this particular urological ailment will know what I am talking about. Most people don't think about it. Disgusting as it it is, peeing on demand is a right we've all grown to perform without limitations, until, that is you develop a medical condition which prevents you from performing this most basic human act. It's a lot like breathing, as long as there is air, we perform this task without any effort or concern. But when you can't or are unable to breathe, nothing else matters. The same with peeing. Rushing off to an emergency room in excruciating pain only to have a catheter inserted will convince you how serious this condition can get. After all, the longer you live, the more you appreciate what quality of life really is and not being able to pee can put a big dent in that quality.
1. Money has no real value unless you SPEND it!
Believe it or not, some people don't know this. They go through life amassing huge amounts of money and wealth and then someday die without really using money for what it was intended for. Sure, a bank account, equity or cash offers you some sort of a secure feeling, but that is strictly temporary and emotional. I'm reminded of the joke where the husband tells his wife that when he dies, he wants all his money thrown in the casket when he is buried. The wife does exactly what he wants and writes a check for the full amount of his wealth and slips it in the coffin when he is buried. I make it a point to ask senior citizens what they plan to do with all the money they have saved when they die and besides the usual inheritance response, not much else is offered.
2. Tomorrow always comes.
If you're having a "bad hair day" for any reason, just wait 24 hours and things will undoubtedly improve or change for the better by the next day. Not fully understanding this causes people to make decisions and take premature action that sometimes brings unfortunate consequences.
3. If you can't pee freely, you most likely won't have quality of life!
Only someone who has had difficulty with this particular urological ailment will know what I am talking about. Most people don't think about it. Disgusting as it it is, peeing on demand is a right we've all grown to perform without limitations, until, that is you develop a medical condition which prevents you from performing this most basic human act. It's a lot like breathing, as long as there is air, we perform this task without any effort or concern. But when you can't or are unable to breathe, nothing else matters. The same with peeing. Rushing off to an emergency room in excruciating pain only to have a catheter inserted will convince you how serious this condition can get. After all, the longer you live, the more you appreciate what quality of life really is and not being able to pee can put a big dent in that quality.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Producing Automobiles with 3D Printing
I never thought it would happen in my lifetime. But they now have the technology to produce automobiles with 3D printing. What is 3D printing, you ask?
Simply, it's making copies or creating objects with a 3D printer. Much like when you make a copy of a page on your home printer. But, you produce a usable physical item instead. Initially, this technology was intended to be used in the Space program where instead of flying a broken part up to a space station, you simple "fax" one there!
Wow!
So far, these 3D printer produced automobiles are not your usual cars, as they are a toned down version with fewer workable parts. But nonetheless, these are cars that you can actually drive.
That got me thinking.
If this catches on, no more assembly lines, no more bailing out automakers, no more GM, no more unions and best of all, NO MORE GOING TO THE AUTO DEALERSHIP AND DEALING WITH THE CAR SALESMAN!
Instead, you would march off to a 3D printer, make a few adjustments, choose your specifications and viola, out comes your car! (I am told that in a few years, you will only have to wait hours for your "printed" car, but in 10 years, it could only take 6 minutes!)
And just think what is going to happen to the auto parts industry? Your typical auto parts store will simply be a walk-in copy center. No more ordering part number Az 123456 for a 6 cylinder Toyota Camry.
I really think this technology should be applied to other more practical things.....like food, water and dare I say...money!
Just think, you're running low on cash, so you head off to your nearest 3D printer and order a million dollars or so.
I am absolutely baffled by this technology...has anyone thought this through? The person owning a couple of 3D printers really owns the world!
I wonder who will regulate this technology? The 3D police?
Better yet, the owner of a 3D printer will never have to buy a lottery ticket again...he already owns the jackpot!
Simply, it's making copies or creating objects with a 3D printer. Much like when you make a copy of a page on your home printer. But, you produce a usable physical item instead. Initially, this technology was intended to be used in the Space program where instead of flying a broken part up to a space station, you simple "fax" one there!
Wow!
So far, these 3D printer produced automobiles are not your usual cars, as they are a toned down version with fewer workable parts. But nonetheless, these are cars that you can actually drive.
That got me thinking.
If this catches on, no more assembly lines, no more bailing out automakers, no more GM, no more unions and best of all, NO MORE GOING TO THE AUTO DEALERSHIP AND DEALING WITH THE CAR SALESMAN!
Instead, you would march off to a 3D printer, make a few adjustments, choose your specifications and viola, out comes your car! (I am told that in a few years, you will only have to wait hours for your "printed" car, but in 10 years, it could only take 6 minutes!)
And just think what is going to happen to the auto parts industry? Your typical auto parts store will simply be a walk-in copy center. No more ordering part number Az 123456 for a 6 cylinder Toyota Camry.
I really think this technology should be applied to other more practical things.....like food, water and dare I say...money!
Just think, you're running low on cash, so you head off to your nearest 3D printer and order a million dollars or so.
I am absolutely baffled by this technology...has anyone thought this through? The person owning a couple of 3D printers really owns the world!
I wonder who will regulate this technology? The 3D police?
Better yet, the owner of a 3D printer will never have to buy a lottery ticket again...he already owns the jackpot!
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Why I NOW do Most of My Investing at a Donut Shoppe Rather than the Stock Market
It occurred to me that with the volatility of the NY Stock Market, the chances of timing my purchase of stocks to realize a significant gain is getting more difficult.
Which is why my latest investment strategy has been simply to just buy donuts. You see, everything about donuts is positive...the dough rises when the donut is cooked, they almost always taste good and the sugar gives me highs that make my stock purchases pale in contrast.
But there is another reason I really like going to the local donut shoppe...they have a terminal there for all the latest State lottery games and products. In fact, based on my observation, they sell 10x more lottery tickets than donuts.
It's been said that playing the lottery is like playing (investing) in the stock market. You pick some numbers and you might win. Well, you pick a stock and you could win also. No difference. In fact, picking numbers may be your better bet. A stock is influenced by so many factors, and there is no sure "bet."
It takes a lot more money to play the stock market..but only a few dollars to play the lottery.
And the free advice I get about the lottery is priceless..."You can't win if you don't play!" is my favorite.
I know, but if you play, you can also lose. Heck, isn't that the same as the stock market?
And then there's this... "The lottery is for people who are bad at math."
When I play the lottery, I don't like to spend my mind thinking. When I invest in the stock market, I have to look at all these graphs, compute these formulas, analyze the momentum, read the analysts reports and figure exit strategies. And I am really bad at math.
With the lottery all I do is say "quick pick." I wish my stock broker had that option.
Now, there are some other products that the lottery has that do tax your efforts. Take the scratchers, for example. Which numbers do I scratch off first..the winning numbers or "your numbers." And how do I scratch them..with a coin, a key, my finger nail or an official scratcher? Or do I simply bar code the ticket and let the computer tell me if I won..no scratching necessary!
Yeah, the way I've got it figured, I have 13 years left to live. After looking at my bank account, if I "invest" $3-5 a day in the lottery, I have just enough to last 13 years. Unless I win, of course, then WHO KNOWS! But if I take that that same back account amount, and invest in the stock market, WHO KNOWS!
Have to go now..It's Saturday morning and I need a donut fix. Or do I mean, a lottery fix. Actually, I lost so much in the stock market last week, a donut just might make me a winner again!
Which is why my latest investment strategy has been simply to just buy donuts. You see, everything about donuts is positive...the dough rises when the donut is cooked, they almost always taste good and the sugar gives me highs that make my stock purchases pale in contrast.
But there is another reason I really like going to the local donut shoppe...they have a terminal there for all the latest State lottery games and products. In fact, based on my observation, they sell 10x more lottery tickets than donuts.
It's been said that playing the lottery is like playing (investing) in the stock market. You pick some numbers and you might win. Well, you pick a stock and you could win also. No difference. In fact, picking numbers may be your better bet. A stock is influenced by so many factors, and there is no sure "bet."
It takes a lot more money to play the stock market..but only a few dollars to play the lottery.
And the free advice I get about the lottery is priceless..."You can't win if you don't play!" is my favorite.
I know, but if you play, you can also lose. Heck, isn't that the same as the stock market?
And then there's this... "The lottery is for people who are bad at math."
When I play the lottery, I don't like to spend my mind thinking. When I invest in the stock market, I have to look at all these graphs, compute these formulas, analyze the momentum, read the analysts reports and figure exit strategies. And I am really bad at math.
With the lottery all I do is say "quick pick." I wish my stock broker had that option.
Now, there are some other products that the lottery has that do tax your efforts. Take the scratchers, for example. Which numbers do I scratch off first..the winning numbers or "your numbers." And how do I scratch them..with a coin, a key, my finger nail or an official scratcher? Or do I simply bar code the ticket and let the computer tell me if I won..no scratching necessary!
Yeah, the way I've got it figured, I have 13 years left to live. After looking at my bank account, if I "invest" $3-5 a day in the lottery, I have just enough to last 13 years. Unless I win, of course, then WHO KNOWS! But if I take that that same back account amount, and invest in the stock market, WHO KNOWS!
Have to go now..It's Saturday morning and I need a donut fix. Or do I mean, a lottery fix. Actually, I lost so much in the stock market last week, a donut just might make me a winner again!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
The NEW Normal?
It was just recently that I was informed of a situation that utterly surprised me.
It seems there is some sort of a trend out there in America where people who have fallen on hard times are choosing to just not pay their mortgage payments anymore. They have lost their job, been downsized or they just can't afford to make the payment for any reason. Generally, these are middle to upper class people with a family and a sizeable mortgage or upscale home.
What is interesting about this is the posture of the mortgage company: They seem to have taken a passive approach to this trend and are not aggressively taking any action (like foreclosure)that will uproot the occupants of the home where payments have stopped. The mortgage companies just don't want the bad press. They don't want to be accused of kicking people out of their precious homes.
These homeowners know this attitude exists and are taking advantage of it. I have heard and seen cases where mortgage payments are not and have not been made for years and the homeowner still lives in the home.
What seems to be the tipping point is if the house is "under water" where the "appraised" value is less than the amount of the mortgage. The homeowner just can't see paying on something that has NO equity. The bank or mortgage company doesn't really want to foreclose and dispose of property where they cannot recoup their loan. So they just do nothing or delay their punitive alternatives.
I am told this is the New Normal: if you can't pay your mortgage payment anymore, then don't. Forget that you have signed a document saying you have legally entered into a contract to repay the amount you are loaned. The only thing you lose for the foreseeable future is your credit rating and if you have no credit card debt to begin with or pay cash for everything, then who really needs a good credit rating?
What happen to the personal obligation to honor a contract that you have signed? What happen to the concept that a man keep his word and payback what he has borrowed?
Is this the New Normal or is HONOR dead in America?
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Saturday Morning Observations
Couldn't sleep Saturday morning. Of all the days I'd like to sleep in, no obligation Saturday is the one.
So, That got me thinking. Haven't read a local newspaper in years so thought I 'd kill time doing that. So, I hustled off to the local up the local convenience store and whoa, it was now 50 cents PLUS tax. Plus tax? (I remember when it was 10 cents and NO tax..did they slip another tax in on us?) I thought they only tax things that were important!
There was the usual front page musings, ie Trump this, Trump that, upcoming elections and ADVERTISING. Yep, there is now advertising on Page 1. I really thought it was too expensive to advertise on Page 1?
The next few pages were devoted to stories about mishaps, injuries, shootings and death. Of the remaining pages in the first section, the most prominent "story" was ADVERTISING! Yep, full page ads, too. Everything from cars, furniture, education and medical remedies. Where's the news?
What is news, anyway? Is it something we don't know? Is it something we need to know? Or is something we need to buy? Is it fake or real? After reading the first 20 pages of the Saturday morning newspaper, I know where to buy my next car (although I don't need one) , which hearing aid is best for me ( I hear perfectly) where to get my next education degree (I can buy those online, can't I?), where to get a new mattress (I sleep on the couch!), how to get rid of burning, tingling or numb feet (wear larger shoes!) , and oh, three different ads on why I should buy this newspaper!
I don't know why I should pay for a newspaper, after all, don't the advertisers pay for it? Does my 50 cents (plus tax) really help offset the paper costs, printing, or color pictures?
I've decided to abandon my paper reading and just leave the rest of the paper for someone else to read. I'm gonna do something more invigorating, healthy, inspiring, time consuming and something that might SAVE me money..... garage sailing!
Yes, this is for me. Stopped on the way home from buying the newspaper and followed the signs to the first garage sale I've been to in years. And did I get a DEAL...The guy offered me a FREE Saturday morning newspaper!
So, That got me thinking. Haven't read a local newspaper in years so thought I 'd kill time doing that. So, I hustled off to the local up the local convenience store and whoa, it was now 50 cents PLUS tax. Plus tax? (I remember when it was 10 cents and NO tax..did they slip another tax in on us?) I thought they only tax things that were important!
There was the usual front page musings, ie Trump this, Trump that, upcoming elections and ADVERTISING. Yep, there is now advertising on Page 1. I really thought it was too expensive to advertise on Page 1?
The next few pages were devoted to stories about mishaps, injuries, shootings and death. Of the remaining pages in the first section, the most prominent "story" was ADVERTISING! Yep, full page ads, too. Everything from cars, furniture, education and medical remedies. Where's the news?
What is news, anyway? Is it something we don't know? Is it something we need to know? Or is something we need to buy? Is it fake or real? After reading the first 20 pages of the Saturday morning newspaper, I know where to buy my next car (although I don't need one) , which hearing aid is best for me ( I hear perfectly) where to get my next education degree (I can buy those online, can't I?), where to get a new mattress (I sleep on the couch!), how to get rid of burning, tingling or numb feet (wear larger shoes!) , and oh, three different ads on why I should buy this newspaper!
I don't know why I should pay for a newspaper, after all, don't the advertisers pay for it? Does my 50 cents (plus tax) really help offset the paper costs, printing, or color pictures?
I've decided to abandon my paper reading and just leave the rest of the paper for someone else to read. I'm gonna do something more invigorating, healthy, inspiring, time consuming and something that might SAVE me money..... garage sailing!
Yes, this is for me. Stopped on the way home from buying the newspaper and followed the signs to the first garage sale I've been to in years. And did I get a DEAL...The guy offered me a FREE Saturday morning newspaper!
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