Tuesday, May 20, 2008

25 new messages in 14 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

* Runge - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2d2ded8a7c3d29ba?hl=en
* Don't see my website - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/c1e391c55512ed20?hl=en
* What's the best purchase you've ever made and why ? - 2 messages, 2 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/328770064cd1ad52?hl=en
* hai frieds - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/fde0b91c533656f8?hl=en
* Stumped on home repair of GFCI circuit all dead after light repair - 5
messages, 3 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2f0828145f4ee0ab?hl=en
* Thoughts on SUV Purchase... - 3 messages, 3 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/b131b24652af00b0?hl=en
* SMOKING BAN LAWS RESULTS ~ CHEAPSKATE EXCERCISE PITS FAILING ! - 2 messages,
2 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2bcbe8e5cc3c1395?hl=en
* Inexpensive car radio? - 2 messages, 2 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/1b899db711e6062b?hl=en
* Camcorder Hard Drive - Find Tips - SALES on Camcorders all Brand Names - 3
messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/821287311dc14324?hl=en
* Seismic work force pool - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/58b3c45184faf519?hl=en
* WWW.OVERINSTOCK.NET CHINA WHOLESALE NIKE AIR MEN 'S JORDAN SHOES - 1
messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/dc8c52e45b263512?hl=en
* EARN IN DOLLARS FROM HOME BASED BUSINESS - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/967531f0980e49ae?hl=en
* Cheap Designer Hoodies NFL NHL NBA (www.cncircle.cn) - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/7284aefac947736a?hl=en
* CHINA WHOLESALE Cartier WATCHES,T-SHIRT,glasses,,jeans ,bags AND MORE BRAND
GOODS FROM W+W+W.86WATCHES.+C+O+M - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/322287581ef59fca?hl=en

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Runge
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2d2ded8a7c3d29ba?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, May 19 2008 10:28 pm
From: "Runge11"


poor cretin
A sex maniac plays well heeded contributor

"Gregory Morrow" <gregorymorrow@earthlink.net> a écrit dans le message de
news:e4f244c5-011a-4f8d-9480-1a3e9902616e@26g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
> clams_casino wrote:
>
>> Gregory Morrow wrote:
>> >Runge11 blabbles:
>>
>> >>Lol eat at joes
>>
>> >We're afraid that the "yolk" is on you, dear scRunge...!!!
>>
>> >:-p
>>
>> >--
>> >Best
>>
>> When you reply, please remove all the spam links.
>
>
> Well, I *did* munge it...but in future I'll remove all spam links...
>
> I just wish we could "remove" this "Runge"...!!!
>
>
> --
> Best
> Greg
>
>
>


==============================================================================
TOPIC: Don't see my website
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/c1e391c55512ed20?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 12:04 am
From: skandhpree@gmail.com


Hi,


I am priya.

This is my website:

www.Groupdiscus.blogspot.com

Its free free free free free free free


==============================================================================
TOPIC: What's the best purchase you've ever made and why ?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/328770064cd1ad52?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 12:24 am
From: Shawn Hirn


In article <4830ad9f$0$30514$4c368faf@roadrunner.com>,
"Jerry Okamura" <okamuraj005@hawaii.rr.com> wrote:

> "Rod Speed" <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:69bha4F32f79hU1@mid.individual.net...
> > beadsbyirene <sanerthanyou@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> "Jerry Okamura" <okamuraj005@hawaii.rr.com> wrote in message
> >> news:483062a6$0$30481$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> >>>
> >>> "beadsbyirene" <sanerthanyou@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:pWLXj.143981$Er2.26457@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
> >>>>
> >>>> "FrediFizzx" <fredifizzx@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> >>>> news:699ej7F3219vmU1@mid.individual.net...
> >>>>> Yep, ditto on our house also. Bought for $23K back in the early
> >>>>> 70's. Very good for keepin' the rain off your head. ;-)
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Fred
> >>>>>
> >>>>> "Jerry Okamura" <okamuraj005@hawaii.rr.com> wrote in message
> >>>>> news:482f72c3$0$5707$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> >>>>>> The house we are presently living in now. We got it at a great
> >>>>>> price, and it has since appreciated in value considerably from
> >>>>>> our purchase price, in about eight years.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> "Joe" <cyan999@post.com> wrote in message
> >>>>>> news:8f2702cc-afb9-4964-bf0d-8425adb35b82@1g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
> >>>>>>> Exlcuding anything to do with admirable things like making a
> >>>>>>> charitable donation and / or paying for education (be it yours or
> >>>>>>> someone elses), what so far is
> >>>>>>> the best purchase you've ever made and please elaborate on why
> >>>>>>> you think so.
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> You guys are so materialistic. The best purchase I ever made was a
> >>>> marriage license for 3 bucks 48 years ago.
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>> Good point. But I do not consider the cost of a marriage license as
> >>> a purchase, because you did not have to "purchase" a licnese to live
> >>> with someone for the rest of your life. We do that because it is
> >>> one of those things we are expected to do, when we marry someone.
> >
> >> 48 years ago, you had to purchase a license to live with someone for the
> >> rest of your life. Living together without that license was considered
> >> 'sin' in those days.
> >
> > No it wasnt, plenty did it even then. That was the 60s when doing that was
> > rife.
> >
>
> This year is 2008. 48 years ago, would make it 1960.

Yup, and 30 years before that, my dad's parents lived in sin and they
eventually got married and stayed that way for several decades after
that.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 9:30 am
From: "Bob F"

"Bert Hyman" <bert@iphouse.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9AA3562CF6D36VeebleFetzer@127.0.0.1...

> I just meant that the curches were the ones who invented the concept
> of "living in sin", requiring their marriage ceremony to make the
> marriage legit. The idea of a civil ceremony is a relatively recent
> invention.

That was after the churches finally accepted the pagan practice of marraige.



==============================================================================
TOPIC: hai frieds
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/fde0b91c533656f8?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 12:33 am
From: nagarajan104@gmail.com


hai frieds


your visiting in web site


www.lovelyplacess.blogspot.com
www.lovelyplacess.blogspot.com
www.lovelyplacess.blogspot.com
www.lovelyplaces.blogspot.com


==============================================================================
TOPIC: Stumped on home repair of GFCI circuit all dead after light repair
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2f0828145f4ee0ab?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 5 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 2:21 am
From: "Telstra"


RED Or GFCI suffer from a problem called crossed Neutrals
For example a GFCI has a Active and Neutral and this Neutral
is looped to a light fed by a second Active. The Active from
the GFCI is carrying no current while the neutral is carrying the
current from the light and this imbalance will trip the GFCI OR
RCD. The same would apply to a crossed Active which is
supplying power to a circuit with a different Neutral.


"Donna" <donnaohl26@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:EB7Yj.5811$r82.729@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
> I'm stumped. I need your help. And, worse yet, I don't have much to tell
> you. And, it's hard to explain. But I'll try as I'm not sure what to do
> next.
>
> - I have a dead circuit in my house (6 outlets in toto)
> - The dead circuit "seems" to have gone dead after I put a bathroom
> switches in but I don't remember exactly when it went dead
> - The bathroom timed-light switch works perfectly fine though, so I don't
> see how they could be the source of the problem
> - All the house circut breakers have been set and reset scores of times
> - The circuit that is dead contains GCFI boxes and regular outlets
> - Specifically, the dead circuit contains 6 outlets, all dead
> a) bathroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
> b) bathroom 2 GCFI outlet (dead)
> c) bedroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
> d) bedroom 1 regular outlet (dead)
> e) outside two weatherproofed outlets (dead)
>
> When I put a circuit tester into each of the dead outlets, nothing lights
> up. Other outlets in the same bedroom work just fine. All but two of the
> dead outlets are along the same wall while the other two are nearby. No
> other outlets or switches in the house seem to have a problem.
>
> What more information can I provide so you can help me debug why I have
> these dead circuits? I'm sorry this is so frustrating but I don't know
> what
> to do for the next step. I'd take pictures but I don't know what to take a
> picture of for you.

== 2 of 5 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 5:00 am
From: "Telstra"


Whats wrong with my spelling, well not much until
Vista turned RCD Residual current device into RED
And GFCI into gift. Remember to turn off spell check
or at least pay attention to IT. HOW I MISS Win XP
and the $300 bucks i paid for Vista. Ever since i got
Vista i have not ben a very happy camper.

"Telstra" <tfwilson@clear.net.nz> wrote in message
news:48329847@clear.net.nz...
> RED Or GFCI suffer from a problem called crossed Neutrals
> For example a GFCI has a Active and Neutral and this Neutral
> is looped to a light fed by a second Active. The Active from
> the GFCI is carrying no current while the neutral is carrying the
> current from the light and this imbalance will trip the GFCI OR
> RCD. The same would apply to a crossed Active which is
> supplying power to a circuit with a different Neutral.
>
>
> "Donna" <donnaohl26@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:EB7Yj.5811$r82.729@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
>> I'm stumped. I need your help. And, worse yet, I don't have much to tell
>> you. And, it's hard to explain. But I'll try as I'm not sure what to do
>> next.
>>
>> - I have a dead circuit in my house (6 outlets in toto)
>> - The dead circuit "seems" to have gone dead after I put a bathroom
>> switches in but I don't remember exactly when it went dead
>> - The bathroom timed-light switch works perfectly fine though, so I don't
>> see how they could be the source of the problem
>> - All the house circut breakers have been set and reset scores of times
>> - The circuit that is dead contains GCFI boxes and regular outlets
>> - Specifically, the dead circuit contains 6 outlets, all dead
>> a) bathroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
>> b) bathroom 2 GCFI outlet (dead)
>> c) bedroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
>> d) bedroom 1 regular outlet (dead)
>> e) outside two weatherproofed outlets (dead)
>>
>> When I put a circuit tester into each of the dead outlets, nothing lights
>> up. Other outlets in the same bedroom work just fine. All but two of the
>> dead outlets are along the same wall while the other two are nearby. No
>> other outlets or switches in the house seem to have a problem.
>>
>> What more information can I provide so you can help me debug why I have
>> these dead circuits? I'm sorry this is so frustrating but I don't know
>> what
>> to do for the next step. I'd take pictures but I don't know what to take
>> a
>> picture of for you.
>

== 3 of 5 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 5:03 am
From: "Telstra"


Having just wrote all that it's just turned BEEN into
Ben

"Telstra" <tfwilson@clear.net.nz> wrote in message
news:4832bd81@clear.net.nz...
> Whats wrong with my spelling, well not much until
> Vista turned RCD Residual current device into RED
> And GFCI into gift. Remember to turn off spell check
> or at least pay attention to IT. HOW I MISS Win XP
> and the $300 bucks i paid for Vista. Ever since i got
> Vista i have not ben a very happy camper.
>
> "Telstra" <tfwilson@clear.net.nz> wrote in message
> news:48329847@clear.net.nz...
>> RED Or GFCI suffer from a problem called crossed Neutrals
>> For example a GFCI has a Active and Neutral and this Neutral
>> is looped to a light fed by a second Active. The Active from
>> the GFCI is carrying no current while the neutral is carrying the
>> current from the light and this imbalance will trip the GFCI OR
>> RCD. The same would apply to a crossed Active which is
>> supplying power to a circuit with a different Neutral.
>>
>>
>> "Donna" <donnaohl26@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:EB7Yj.5811$r82.729@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>> I'm stumped. I need your help. And, worse yet, I don't have much to tell
>>> you. And, it's hard to explain. But I'll try as I'm not sure what to do
>>> next.
>>>
>>> - I have a dead circuit in my house (6 outlets in toto)
>>> - The dead circuit "seems" to have gone dead after I put a bathroom
>>> switches in but I don't remember exactly when it went dead
>>> - The bathroom timed-light switch works perfectly fine though, so I
>>> don't
>>> see how they could be the source of the problem
>>> - All the house circut breakers have been set and reset scores of times
>>> - The circuit that is dead contains GCFI boxes and regular outlets
>>> - Specifically, the dead circuit contains 6 outlets, all dead
>>> a) bathroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
>>> b) bathroom 2 GCFI outlet (dead)
>>> c) bedroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
>>> d) bedroom 1 regular outlet (dead)
>>> e) outside two weatherproofed outlets (dead)
>>>
>>> When I put a circuit tester into each of the dead outlets, nothing
>>> lights
>>> up. Other outlets in the same bedroom work just fine. All but two of the
>>> dead outlets are along the same wall while the other two are nearby. No
>>> other outlets or switches in the house seem to have a problem.
>>>
>>> What more information can I provide so you can help me debug why I have
>>> these dead circuits? I'm sorry this is so frustrating but I don't know
>>> what
>>> to do for the next step. I'd take pictures but I don't know what to take
>>> a
>>> picture of for you.
>>
>

== 4 of 5 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 6:12 am
From: terry


> "Donna" <donnaoh...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>
> > I'm stumped. I need your help. And, worse yet, I don't have much to tell
> > you. And, it's hard to explain. But I'll try as I'm not sure what to do
> > next.
>
> > - I have a dead circuit in my house (6 outlets in toto)
> > - The dead circuit "seems" to have gone dead after I put a bathroom
> > switches in but I don't remember exactly when it went dead
> > - The bathroom timed-light switch works perfectly fine though, so I don't
> > see how they could be the source of the problem
> > - All the house circuit breakers have been set and reset scores of times
> > - The circuit that is dead contains GCFI boxes and regular outlets
> > - Specifically, the dead circuit contains 6 outlets, all dead
> > a) bathroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
> > b) bathroom 2 GCFI outlet (dead)
> > c) bedroom 1 GCFI outlet (dead)
> > d) bedroom 1 regular outlet (dead)
> > e) outside two weatherproofed outlets (dead)
>
> > When I put a circuit tester into each of the dead outlets, nothing lights
> > up. Other outlets in the same bedroom work just fine. All but two of the
> > dead outlets are along the same wall while the other two are nearby. No
> > other outlets or switches in the house seem to have a problem.
>
> > What more information can I provide so you can help me debug why I have
> > these dead circuits? I'm sorry this is so frustrating but I don't know
> > what
> > to do for the next step. I'd take pictures but I don't know what to take a
> > picture of for you.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Question: Why all those separate GFCI outlets? Perhaps can see 'one'
to protect all devices on that circuit in say the bathroom.

Although have been reading on this group that under some electrical
codes bathrooms 'now' should be on a separate circuit and have for
bathroom safety one GFCI protecting everything on that circuit.

The outside outlets are not mentioned as GFCI? Why not? Perhaps at
least the first one on that run (which might be inside the house?) or
the first one outside on that run should be GFCI!

Is the wiring a non standard mess? Maybe home wired (or extra outlets
added) by someone who didn't understand? Possibly with neutrals, or
something shared between circuits?

Also the OP should appreciate that the GFCIs operate to protect human
life when there is a 'difference' of current flow between the live
wire (usually black!) and the neutral (usually white). One assumption
for the use of GFCIs is that such a difference could be due to a
faulty appliance or device leaking to ground through a human body! A
person standing on wet/damp grass operating a faulty (electrically
leaking) metal handled electric lawnmower for example.

GFCIs, despite their name, are supposed to work even if there is 'no
ground' connected or the ground is broken at the outlet! A broken off
ground pin on the plug of an appliance for example. In some countries
the devices are referred to as RCDs, not Ground Fault Devices!

However one mis-wire could result in a major unbalance so that the
GFCI/GFCIs will never reset for normal operation.

Could be something significant there; especially if circuits have been
extended or tacked on later to original wiring!!!!! Be careful.

Sounds like a mis-wiring problem at or after the bathroom timer/light
switch????? Does that timer have a leakage to ground or is it the type
that sits there with a little bit of current going through to the
light bulb so that the timer will work? Even though light/fan is off?

Also what kind of bulb (regular bulb/s or CFL? And also what else does
the timer operate, the bathroom fan also? May prove once again that
some of these newer (electronic) devices are not always compatible
with each other. So you cannot always just join up new ones to an
existing circuit?

Older bathroom timers, for example, were 'sort of mechanical'; you
cranked them over and they ticked away, clockwork-like, for 20 30
minutes until the bathroom exhaust fan had done its job getting rid of
humidity and odours?

Suggest someone with electrical knowledge provide assistance.

== 5 of 5 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 7:00 am
From: clams_casino


Telstra wrote:

> Whats wrong with my spelling, well not much until
> Vista turned RCD Residual current device into RED
> And GFCI into gift. Remember to turn off spell check
> or at least pay attention to IT. HOW I MISS Win XP
> and the $300 bucks i paid for Vista. Ever since i got
> Vista i have not ben a very happy camper.
>

Amusing. Did you purposely write that passage?

Or is English not your first language?


==============================================================================
TOPIC: Thoughts on SUV Purchase...
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/b131b24652af00b0?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 2:52 am
From: Paul M. Eldridge


On Mon, 19 May 2008 05:14:08 +0000 (UTC), don@manx.misty.com (Don
Klipstein) wrote:

>In <gbu1345vduool4l2fa6ia0h40ci2sfqki6@4ax.com>, Paul M. Eldridge wrote in
>part:
>
>>No question, at just 20 miles a week, that helps the situation
>>considerably. But unless you plan to keep this new vehicle for some
>>time, the subsequent loss in its residual value could inflict some
>>pain. As you can appreciate, depreciation is typically the single
>>largest expense in ownership and there's really no way you can avoid
>>the downdraft.
>
> My model for motor vehicle ownership: Drive it less, since I do well
>with bicycles. Maintain it well, at least in the areas of working systems
>and parts. Blush well and pretty if I have friends or relatives seeing
>the paint job crapping out at 12-15 years (which I see being a common
>occurrence on roughly-1990 GM cars).
>
> If the darn thing works for 5 years after it was worth $2,000 -$2,500
>and does so with with less than 1.5-2 grand in repairs in the 5 years after
>depreciating to 2-2.5 kilobucks, then I think this is a bargain.

Hi Don,

Is your vehicle blue by chance? Dupont had problems with that colour
back in the late '80s and early '90s and there were Chrysler products
(e.g., Reliants, Shadows, etc.) that faded and blistered badly within
the first couple years of ownership.

>============================
>
> One thing to keep in mind: A likely major repair item on older cars is
>the air conditioning system. Failure of a critical part can accelerate
>aging of a few others of this system.
>
> If your "personal business model" is to tolerate a "beater" car, please
>figure into this "personal business model" tolerating a car that lacks
>functioning air conditioning.
>
> Please keep in mind that a working air conditioning system is a major
>part of defogging the windshield during those damp or rainy times when
>humidity output of one human body can fog up the windshield 4-10 minutes
>or whatever down the road.

The a/c on my 2002 300M Special died in year four and the two Chrysler
LHS I owned prior to this had their share of a/c problems as well
(evaporators as I recall). With the exception of the brakes and a/c,
everything else has been, thankfully, rock solid.
>
> My "personal business model" is to have my "primary car" being a
>Bianchi "Pista". Since it has no motor until it has a rider, I don't have
>to pay $3.80 or whatever per gallon for gasoline. It has no automatic
>transmission, no gearbox, no water pump, no air conditioning system, and
>no glass parts! Its brakes are comprised entirely of user-serviceable
>parts. The entire vehicle weighs approx. 23 pounds (approx. 10.5 kg)
>including the basket that I added on. OK, 24 pounds (11 kg) including the
>inner tubes that I use as giant rubber bands to get most of a week's worth
>of groceries to stay in the basket!
>
It's a great way to go, just be safe out there. I don't have to tell
you there are plenty of idiots behind the wheel who aren't paying
proper attention to the road.

Cheers,
Paul
>
> I have done all too much cycling when it is raining at 2 degrees C, and
>for that matter worked a job delivering sandwiches by bicycle when all day
>and all night it was pouring rain with temperature about -3 C. I made a
>bike my car, and I was able to crank out the body heat to keep on trucking
>even when my coat made crunching sounds in response to my movements due to
>the ice coating! This was about a week into January 1994.
>
> The "day after", when there was about 30 mm (about 1.2 inches) of
>smooth wet ice upon most surfaces to drive, cycle or walk upon, and USPO
>refused to deliver mail for maybe this only day of its history in SE PA, I
>delivered sandwiches (and everything else available from a sandwich shop
>with delivery service) by bicycle.
>
> I seem to think that Americans need to remember history, including how
>America has a major way of dividing being between "Puritans" and "Freedom-
>loving Outlaws"! Keep in mind the "success" of "Prohibition" and the 55
>MPH national speed limit!
>
> But also I see that Americans need to remember history in terms of
>needing to be "tough" against whatever tries to befell them - such as
>need to do their getting around undeterred by big inflation of fuel cost.
>I fear that my nation has all too many "modern softies"!
>
> This is all from me at this moment; "Weep-wreep-beep-That's-All-Folks"
>until the next day!
>
> - Don Klipstein (don@misty.com)

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 3:45 am
From: "Joe"


>> I wish we could go that direction... But the wife is set on a
>> non-minivan
>> so you know how that goes...
>
> The Hybrid Highlander would be the safest option, but if you are
> looking at cost, look at the Kia Rondo or Mazda5.

Went to Mazda and looked at the CX9(?)... Big, Expensive, Lexus-feeling
vehicle... Cost isn't that big of a stumbling block except that I want to
make sure I'm actually getting what I an paying for. We looked at Hyundai
since their ratings are now sky high... Car felt like it was half the
quality of the Mazda at the same price and the Mazda felt like it was 5-10%
below the Toyota...
--


Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R

Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
http://yunx.com/valk.htm

Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
http://tinyurl.com/hmzj
http://tinyurl.com/5apkg

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 6:45 am
From: George


Paul M. Eldridge wrote:
> On Sun, 18 May 2008 17:34:42 GMT, "Joe"
> <really-faked-but-works@yunx.com> wrote:
>
>>> Hi Joe,
>> Hello Paul,
>>
>>> If you're determined to buy new and can hold off making your purchase
>>> a little longer, you might be able to negotiate a better deal; these
>>> things are gathering dust on the lot and dealers are becoming
>>> increasingly more desperarate to move 'em, and that includes Toyota.
>> The sales here in NJ are actually *up* compared to two years ago. Go
>> figure... I had two dealers whip out their sales numbers over the past two
>> to four years (depending on dealer (Mazda / Toyota) showing the models they
>> sold, etc. Can you believe the one dealer sells 100+ and sometimes 250+
>> SUVs a month!!! Incredible... Unbelievable...
>
> Hi Joe,
>
> Wow, that really is amazing. I wonder how long that trend can be
> sustained, as gasoline prices continue their upward march. With
> various incentives and rebates now available, there may be a number of
> buyers eager to snatch up the bargains, but sooner or later their
> numbers will presumably dwindle. Again, if you can hold off making
> that purchase a little bit longer, the odds should be in your favour.

I think there are two things in play. One is NJ has the highest per
capita wealth in the US so there are a number of people who can afford
whatever they want no matter how wasteful it is. So when it is time to
buy their new his and hers fluffed up trucks each year to haul
themselves and their coffee around cost/waste/efficiency etc are all
very secondary considerations.

Second are the people who associate any change in what they do as
destroying their "freedom" (no one is going to tell *ME* what to do). So
they will do anything to rationalize driving a big fluffed up truck to
haul themselves and their large coffee around no matter how silly and
expensive it becomes.


>
>>> However, you'd be much further ahead looking at a one or two year old
>>> used model; in today's market, first-year depreciation on a truck or
>>> SUV can be as much as 30 or 40 per cent, so a $30,000.00 new vehicle
>>> could conceivable be worth less than $20,000.00 in as little as twelve
>>> months. There are a lot of SUV owners who are being hard squeezed by
>>> higher gas prices and who are highly modivated to sell, so there are
>>> plenty of deals to be had.
>> I'm looking all over Craigslist, etc and can't find too many 2007 or 2008
>> models in the Highlander or Outlander... They exist, but if I'm going to
>> make the leap and pay that $5.00+ a gallon to fill it, I'm going to get
>> exactly what I want at a good price. Thank God we don't do lots of miles on
>> the vehicle this is replacing. Maybe 20 or so a week.
>
> No question, at just 20 miles a week, that helps the situation
> considerably. But unless you plan to keep this new vehicle for some
> time, the subsequent loss in its residual value could inflict some
> pain. As you can appreciate, depreciation is typically the single
> largest expense in ownership and there's really no way you can avoid
> the downdraft.
>
>>> Lastly, there appears to be a growing stigma attached to these
>>> vehicles and I think a lot of folks are blaming truck and SUV owners
>>> for the rapid rise in gas prices (SUV = "gas guzzler" = higher demand
>>> = higher prices). Given the souring mood with respect to higher gas
>>> prices and free trade, I might recommend a mini-van instead;
>>> preferably, an American model such as the Dodge Caravan or Chrysler
>>> Town & Country.
>> I wish we could go that direction... But the wife is set on a non-minivan
>> so you know how that goes...
>
> I hear ya. Mini-vans aren't sexy, but they do offer the space and
> people carrying capability of a SUV, at a lower price point and,
> generally speaking, with much better fuel economy and in some cases
> safety.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Paul


==============================================================================
TOPIC: SMOKING BAN LAWS RESULTS ~ CHEAPSKATE EXCERCISE PITS FAILING !
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2bcbe8e5cc3c1395?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 3:48 am
From: clams_casino


Bruce Watson wrote:

>In article <c99269a5-3078-4471-84e7-ea94ba18347d@s50g2000hsb.googlegroups.com>,
> <Betten_Mann@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>>Just Enjoy it while you can.
>>
>>
>
>Like I said if smoking bans were responsible for a decline
>in business--and therefore a decline in taxes--towns would be repealing
>them faster than you can count.
>
>That's not happening. On the contrary, they are being passed
>faster than you can count.
>
>
>
>

In RI, state-wide restauarnt receipts climbed after the smoking ban was
implimented.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 10:37 am
From: Cindy Hamilton


On May 19, 8:46 pm, Betten_M...@yahoo.com wrote:

> Smart smoker's won't shop in any malls.

Smart smokers is an oxymoron.


==============================================================================
TOPIC: Inexpensive car radio?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/1b899db711e6062b?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 4:13 am
From: Al Bundy


Ken wrote:
> Where'a a good, preferably local, place to buy a very basic reliable
> generic radio for a 20-year-old pickup? Just the AM/FM with a couple of
> station buttons. No CD, tape, high power, GPS, fancy displays, quad
> sound, etc. needed. Chinese junk or good stuff?
>
> Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, ... Who?
>
> TIA
>
> Ken
Or just use a portable radio on the dash. Fasten it some way. If you
find one that uses 12VDC, you could wire it into the system or put a
plug in the lighter receptacle.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 10:31 am
From: ranck@vt.edu


Ken <invalid@invalid.com> wrote:
> Where'a a good, preferably local, place to buy a very basic reliable
> generic radio for a 20-year-old pickup? Just the AM/FM with a couple of
> station buttons. No CD, tape, high power, GPS, fancy displays, quad
> sound, etc. needed. Chinese junk or good stuff?

I'd go to www.crutchfield.com and pick something that fits.
You may end up with cassette or CD, but nothing says you have
to use it. My personal favorite is the Sony XR-CA350X. It has
a cassette player built in, but I like it because it has the
best FM reception I've ever seen. Picks up stations I didn't
even know existed with other radios. Cost $80. Crutchfield
will include adapters and plugs so you don't have to hack up
the wiring, and good install instructions, plus phone help
if you need it.

Yes, you can find some stuff cheaper at WalMart and the like,
but then you have to buy your own adapter plugs and any other
installation extras. Crutchfield also has cheaper, as low as
$40, radios but they still include cassette or CD and free adapters.

I have no relationship to Crutchfield other than as a happy
customer for many years and multiple purchases.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.


==============================================================================
TOPIC: Camcorder Hard Drive - Find Tips - SALES on Camcorders all Brand Names
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/821287311dc14324?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 5:15 am
From: phil-news-nospam@ipal.net


In rec.video.production Jacques E. Bouchard <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote:

| I still don't understand why so many people seemingly find the task of
| SKIPPING undesirable posts so damn challenging. Maybe they're chewing gum
| at the same time and can't muster the concentration. Or maybe it's the
| way some people have of making a big show of killfiling, as if to give
| some meaning to their otherwise meaningless and inconsequential drop in
| the ocean that is usenet.

If there were just a few spam posts, skipping them would not be a problem.
But (some?) spammers are flooding (at least some) newsgroups with so much
spam that it becomes hard to find legitimate posts. Instead of having a
screen or two of legitimate threads, I see a flood of many screens of spam.

It also slows down loading up the threads when changing groups (I read more
than one group).

It also drives some people away from Usenet.

The volume of spam could also be overloading some Usenet NNTP links and
result in additional delays. If we don't get this under control, it will.

"Just press D to delete" has never worked for email spam. Why would the
equivalent work for Usenet?

Google does have smart content analysis programs that can rather effectively
detect spam. They use it on INCOMING email. They need to start using it on
OUTGOING email _and_ on Usenet posts. Even if they used it only on accounts
that are "new" (in terms of when first being used to send email or do posts,
not in terms of when registered), it can dramatically reduce the spam. Once
an account has established a "reputation" over time of NOT spamming, then the
analysis applied on that account can be reduced and eventually eliminated.

Google _can_ do these things. If blocking them now gets them to do these
things, I'd consider it a success.

--
|WARNING: Due to extreme spam, googlegroups.com is blocked. Due to ignorance |
| by the abuse department, bellsouth.net is blocked. If you post to |
| Usenet from these places, find another Usenet provider ASAP. |
| Phil Howard KA9WGN (email for humans: first name in lower case at ipal.net) |

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 5:18 am
From: phil-news-nospam@ipal.net


In rec.video.production Jacques E. Bouchard <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote:
| Larry in AZ <usenet2@DE.LETE.THISljvideo.com> wrote in
| news:Xns9AA2660BA1791thefrogprince@69.28.173.184:
|
|> Waiving the right to remain silent, "Jacques E. Bouchard"
|><invalid@invalid.invalid> said:
|>
|>> I still don't understand why so many people seemingly find the task
|>> of SKIPPING undesirable posts so damn challenging. Maybe they're
|>> chewing gum at the same time and can't muster the concentration.
|>
|> Let's see if I can explain it with an analogy...
|>
|> I don't want to have to step around the neighbor's dog shit in my
|> yard. I want to keep his dog out of my yard.
|>
|> Therefore, I filter out all newsgroup posts from google groups...
|
| A more akin analogy would be to ripping out all the sod so you don't have
| to deal with dog shit...
|
| Mind you, I'm not asking anyone to justify their wholesale killfiling of
| Google Groups posts. I just find it amusing that so many people find
| pride in making the announcement that they've just thrown out the baby
| with the bath water.

It's in my signature not as a badge of pride, but to inform those who are
choosing to mix their posts in with the spam why it is their posts may not
be read. Based on a few emails I've gotten so far asking for help in how
to do this, it seems at least several people are doing this blocking. My
only advice to them is to turn it off on occaision to gauge how much of the
spam continues to flood Usenet.

--
|WARNING: Due to extreme spam, googlegroups.com is blocked. Due to ignorance |
| by the abuse department, bellsouth.net is blocked. If you post to |
| Usenet from these places, find another Usenet provider ASAP. |
| Phil Howard KA9WGN (email for humans: first name in lower case at ipal.net) |

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 5:22 am
From: phil-news-nospam@ipal.net


In rec.video.production Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:
| clams_casino <PeterGriffin@DrunkinClam.com> wrote
|> Jacques E. Bouchard wrote
|>> phil-news-nospam@ipal.net wrote
|
|>>> The solution is to put "googlegroups.com" in to match against the
|>>> message ID header, and block everything that comes from there. Most is spam, some is just lame lusers, and the very
|>>> few smart people that have been using it because they like web interfaces will figure out another place to post
|>>> from.
|
|>> The solution is to learn to skip messages with titles that are obviously spam. You overestimate the incentive for
|>> Google Groups users to find a news server.
|
|> Google has actually done newsgroups a big favor.
|
| Nope.
|
|> Since Google does nothing about the spam on google groups, most every spammer now uses just google groups.
|
| Yes, but so do plenty of non spam posters too.
|
|> If you filter all google group postings, you can filter some 99.9% of all the spam on newsgroups.
|
| And lose all the non spam posters who choose to post from there too.

That's why I didn't jump to doing the blocking the first day of the flood.
But it got worse. A lot worse. And Google was choosing to not apply some
technology it has to deal with it (e.g. do content analysis on outgoing).

--
|WARNING: Due to extreme spam, googlegroups.com is blocked. Due to ignorance |
| by the abuse department, bellsouth.net is blocked. If you post to |
| Usenet from these places, find another Usenet provider ASAP. |
| Phil Howard KA9WGN (email for humans: first name in lower case at ipal.net) |


==============================================================================
TOPIC: Seismic work force pool
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/58b3c45184faf519?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 6:38 am
From: chinagood008@yahoo.cn


Chuan Wenchuan four deep condolences over the earthquake victims
compatriots WWW.SNEAKER-OUTLET .CN


==============================================================================
TOPIC: WWW.OVERINSTOCK.NET CHINA WHOLESALE NIKE AIR MEN 'S JORDAN SHOES
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/dc8c52e45b263512?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 7:53 am
From: overinstock95@yahoo.com.cn


--------- www.overinstock.net -----------
Discount Coach Sandals, Dior Sandals, Prada Sandals, Chanel Sandals,
Versace Sandals, Crocs Sandals, Women's Sandals Men's Slippers From
China
Affliction T-shirts lacoste T-shirts Polo T-shirts Brand ShirtsGGG T-
shirts Designer T-Shirts Helen Coat burberry coat Cheap Jacket Juicy
Couture bbc hoodies bape hoodies Cheap Designer Hoodies NFL NHL NBA
MLB Jersey


==============================================================================
TOPIC: EARN IN DOLLARS FROM HOME BASED BUSINESS
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/967531f0980e49ae?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 8:02 am
From: BABLU


Hi,

I am doing home based business and earning a good amount of money
and found that business through internet is amazing to earn during
leisure.Its just easy and relaxing. Just login in the link below and
register yourself. register is free. then they will promote job for
you. I have provided three site links for you so that you can earn
money in which you want. Every job is genuine, good easy and
interesting too. Make a try and fill your pockets with dollars.

FREE ! FREE !

FULLY GENUINE HOME BASED

CLICK HERE

http://www.ezinfocenter.com/10122618/CB

http://Prabhiya.dubaimlm.com

http://www.CashBlasterPro.com/earndollars

While you've been reading the above, thousands of people all over the
world have been working. I even make money while I sleep! By this time
next week, so could YOU. Get full info here

http://www.ezinfocenter.com/10122618/CB

http://Prabhiya.dubaimlm.com

http://www.CashBlasterPro.com/earndollars

Network Marketing is BOOMING on the Web! Learn how we're sponsoring
OVER 100,000 monthly worldwide without mailing anything, without
faxing anything, without calling anyone! Totally Internet and system-
driven and we've only scratched the surface. Get started FREE! Sign up
as an affiliate at:

http://www.ezinfocenter.com/10122618/CB

http://Prabhiya.dubaimlm.com

http://www.CashBlasterPro.com/earndollars

For More Details :

Contact us at:

Priya Prabhu

No.75/31,Ist Floor , Subramanianm Swamy Koil Street

West Saidapet

chennai-600015

prabhuragav.b@gmail.com

http://www.ezinfocenter.com/10122618/CB

http://Prabhiya.dubaimlm.com

http://www.CashBlasterPro.com/earndollars


==============================================================================
TOPIC: Cheap Designer Hoodies NFL NHL NBA (www.cncircle.cn)
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/7284aefac947736a?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 8:18 am
From: dd


Affliction T-shirts lacoste T-shirts Polo T-shirts Brand ShirtsGGG T-
shirts Designer T-Shirts Helen Coat burberry coat Cheap Jacket Juicy
Couture bbc hoodies bape hoodies Cheap Designer Hoodies NFL NHL NBA
MLB Jersey
our webside: www.cncircle.cn


==============================================================================
TOPIC: CHINA WHOLESALE Cartier WATCHES,T-SHIRT,glasses,,jeans ,bags AND MORE
BRAND GOODS FROM W+W+W.86WATCHES.+C+O+M
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/322287581ef59fca?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, May 20 2008 9:06 am
From: 86watches


CHINA WHOLESALE Cartier WATCHES,T-SHIRT,glasses,,jeans ,bags AND MORE
BRAND GOODS FROM W+W+W.86WATCHES.+C+O+M

Web : http://www

86watches com
Mail: china_86watches#yahoo com cn
MSN : china_86watches#hotmail com

==============================================================================

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "misc.consumers.frugal-living"
group.

To post to this group, visit http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to misc.consumers.frugal-living-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

To change the way you get mail from this group, visit:
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/subscribe?hl=en

To report abuse, send email explaining the problem to abuse@googlegroups.com

==============================================================================
Google Groups: http://groups.google.com?hl=en

No comments: