Random Thoughts Thread

[trinacriabob]

4 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Allegiant is a U.S. airline? Never seen or heard them here on the west coast.

One Reason I love Alaska, never had a bad baggage issue with them and they have their out to you in the baggage area in 20 min or less promise or a bunch of free air miles. United is an airline I avoid like the plague. 

Allegiant is out of Las Vegas as a headquarters.  They have a weird route system that is good for people who can use those point to point routes.  They also use secondary airports, like Clearwater-St. Pete instead of Tampa.  I've never flown on them nor on Frontier.  I flew on Spirit once and it was fine.

My Big 3 rankings are:

1 United

2 Delta - American (tie)

American has been coming up with decent domestic one-way fare numbers, so they're up from 3.  I was on MIA-LAX on their big 777-300.  It was a good flight and full.  The cabin crew was all middle-aged guys.  I've never seen that before, especially on a big plane. They gave out those delicious Biscoff cookies.  One of the attendants was a super sassy Black guy.  I later asked him for some more of those cookies.  He told me they didn't have anymore.  Later, I went to the back galley and another Miami-based flight attendant - he seemed like a Cuban guy - looked in a few bins and gave me a couple of those cookies.  The Black guy was showy and hilarious, but obviously not the best he should be for that job.  Whenever I have asked for an extra snack pack or two on ANY airline, they always give them to me!

[Robert Hall]

I remember Allegiant used to fly in and out of Mesa Gateway Airport instead of Sky Harbor in the Phoenix area.   Never flown them.  I flew Frontier a lot when I lived in Colorado (they were Denver based 20 years ago), flew Southwest a lot then and when I lived in Arizona.  I've flown very little since moving back to Ohio in 2017, doing more road trips than flying.  I like Delta and American.   

[trinacriabob]

14 hours ago, Robert Hall said:

I remember Allegiant used to fly in and out of Mesa Gateway Airport instead of Sky Harbor in the Phoenix area.   Never flown them.  I flew Frontier a lot when I lived in Colorado (they were Denver based 20 years ago), flew Southwest a lot then and when I lived in Arizona.  I've flown very little since moving back to Ohio in 2017, doing more road trips than flying.  I like Delta and American.   

As long as they bundle bags, seating, etc., it's fine.  Frontier is still prominently seen at Denver, with big hangars and stuff like that.  They and Spirit have these "clubs" you belong to to access lower fares and add-ons ... more clutter than I want for my inbox and my mind.

[trinacriabob]

I can't believe I'm writing this.

I'm purging random paper stuff I find in my luggage and I found a Subaru Legacy brochure from when I walked into a dealership right before Christmas.  This was in another area where I was visiting a childhood friend, but I didn't say I was from out of town.  Of course, the salesman wants to get my information and all that, and I declined, saying I'm just looking.

The Chevy Malibu is now gone.  The Legacy is supposed to wind things down  I don't like Kia, Hyundai, Nissan and Mazda ICE products much.  I think they could have done a nicer job with the new Camry, but, the plus is that Camrys will now only be hybrids.  As much as I dislike and make fun of Subaru wagons,  a Legacy (Limited) sedan in dark metallic blue with a tan cloth interior would be a nice little sedan to putt around in that doesn't make any sociopolitical statements.  Yes, it is the ONLY one of their products I like and it is ending production fairly soon.

This is sort of what, in marketing parlance, would be called "market push" instead of "market pull," even though I don't think this fits those definitions neatly.  They want to "push" what they offer onto consumers instead of having consumers "pulled" in by what attracts them to vehicles.  My 2 cents.  I'm scratching my head.

[G. David Felt]

3 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

I can't believe I'm writing this.

I'm purging random paper stuff I find in my luggage and I found a Subaru Legacy brochure from when I walked into a dealership right before Christmas.  This was in another area where I was visiting a childhood friend, but I didn't say I was from out of town.  Of course, the salesman wants to get my information and all that, and I declined, saying I'm just looking.

The Chevy Malibu is now gone.  The Legacy is supposed to wind things down  I don't like Kia, Hyundai, Nissan and Mazda ICE products much.  I think they could have done a nicer job with the new Camry, but, the plus is that Camrys will now only be hybrids.  As much as I dislike and make fun of Subaru wagons,  a Legacy (Limited) sedan in dark metallic blue with a tan cloth interior would be a nice little sedan to putt around in that doesn't make any sociopolitical statements.  Yes, it is the ONLY one of their products I like and it is ending production fairly soon.

This is sort of what, in marketing parlance, would be called "market push" instead of "market pull," even though I don't think this fits those definitions neatly.  They want to "push" what they offer onto consumers instead of having consumers "pulled" in by what attracts them to vehicles.  My 2 cents.  I'm scratching my head.

Buy a Subaru and you make the statement of I am an ECO Warrior is one of the two statements that is how they are seen here in the PNW. LOL

[A Horse With No Name]

1 hour ago, G. David Felt said:

Buy a Subaru and you make the statement of I am an ECO Warrior is one of the two statements that is how they are seen here in the PNW. LOL

They are one of the only brands I would consider now. 

[A Horse With No Name]

Sadly....(not really sad about this...)

[trinacriabob]

2 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Buy a Subaru and you make the statement of I am an ECO Warrior is one of the two statements that is how they are seen here in the PNW. LOL

I know.  Their presence in the PNW almost borders on conformity.

I've got a great flip-off story between Bellingham and Burlington on I-5.  I was with a friend coming back from VanCity.  I wouldn't relay here it without the visuals and enough detail.  We laughed our asses off.  This was the late '90s.  That was a good decade.

[A Horse With No Name]

[G. David Felt]

On 3/21/2025 at 11:37 AM, A Horse With No Name said:

I have a friend and everytime he hears of people paying money like that for a Colon Cleanse, he always reminds me that he has it naturally built in, just drink a glass of buttermilk and he is flowing for the next 24hrs, cheaper than the Taco Bell Deal in his mind.

[trinacriabob]

10 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

I have a friend and everytime he hears of people paying money like that for a Colon Cleanse, he always reminds me that he has it naturally built in, just drink a glass of buttermilk and he is flowing for the next 24hrs, cheaper than the Taco Bell Deal in his mind.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435

I had to look this up.  Got it.  What you do before medical procedures.  Not recommended at other times.

Otherwise, lots of water and good fruits and vegetables (berries, citrus, different beans, cabbage, spinach, etc.)

- - - - -

Someone likes their Taco Bell at $1.99 instead of $4.99!

https://www.tmz.com/watch/0-c6cbtqbv/

If I didn't know otherwise and saw her, I'd think she'd be the classic Orange County (CA) "Karen:"  "I need to speak to the manager!"

[Drew Dowdell]

On 3/21/2025 at 2:37 PM, A Horse With No Name said:

I must be in the minority, but Taco Bell never had this effect on me. I can just eat it.

[Drew Dowdell]

Was searching for an oil filter for my motorcycle and checking the fitment list, it also fits the BMW i3.

Both of these share parts.

[G. David Felt]

Hyundai has announced a 21 billion dollar investment in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028 improving its production to 1.2 million ICE/EVs per year for Kia/Hyundai/Genesis products.

https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/4404

Hyundai Motor Group Commits to U.S. Growth with USD 21 Billion Investment

 

• The Group to invest a total of USD 21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028
• USD 9 billion to expand U.S. automobile production to 1.2 million units annually
• USD 6 billion to enhance parts, logistics and steel business, increasing the localization of auto parts and strengthening supply chains
• USD 6 billion to expand future industries and strengthen external partnerships and energy infrastructure, including EV charging
• Investment is expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by 2028, including 14,000 direct full-time jobs

SEOUL, March 24, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is announcing a significant investment of USD 21 billion in the United States from 2025 to 2028.

This commitment reflects the Group’s strategic focus on expanding its manufacturing capabilities, advancing future technologies, and enhancing energy infrastructure in America. This latest U.S. investment builds on the Group’s existing allocation of approximately USD 20.5 billion since entering the U.S. market in 1986.

“Hyundai Motor Group is deepening its partnership with the United States, reinforcing our shared vision for American industrial leadership. The Group’s investment and efforts will further expand our operations in the U.S. and grow our American workforce. Thank you to our American partners, employees, and communities. We’re proud to stand with you, and proud to build the future together.”

Expanding automotive production capacity

To reinforce its production capabilities, the Group will invest a total of USD 9 billion to establish an annual production capacity in the U.S. of 1.2 million vehicles across its automotive brands, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis.

In addition, the Group plans to invest in improving its production facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Kia Autoland Georgia, to further enhance its customer-centric approach in delivering high-quality automobiles.

Enhancing parts localization and logistics to strengthen supply chain

A total of USD 6 billion will be allocated to increase the localization rate of automotive components – including core parts for electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery packs – to form an auto cluster following expansion of the Group’s production facilities, as well as strengthening Group logistics to ensure robust supply chains and investing in steel production in the U.S.

Hyundai Steel, the Group’s steel affiliate, will construct an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel mill in the state of Louisiana, capable of producing 2.7 million tons of steel annually. This facility will produce low-carbon steel sheets using the abundant supply of steel scrap in the U.S. with the aim of enhancing the Group’s agility and flexibility in response to external uncertainties.

Strengthening collaboration in future industries and investing in energy infrastructure

The Group will invest USD 6 billion to drive innovation and expand strategic partnerships with U.S. companies in areas including autonomous driving, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced air mobility (AAM).

Key initiatives include:

• Collaborating with Boston Dynamics to expand the U.S. ecosystem for robotics components and establish a mass-production system
• Partnering with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of AI solutions for future mobility, including autonomous driving and robotics
• Advancing R&D with Supernal, the Group’s US affiliate for AAM business, to commercialize an eVTOL vehicle by 2028
• Supplying robotaxis to Waymo as part of its strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, and co-developing autonomous driving services with Aptiv
• Investing potential startups through venture capital and other funding mechanisms to support U.S. startups specializing in mobility, robotics, and AI

As part of its USD 6 billion commitment, the Group will also invest in energy infrastructure projects to secure new business opportunities and contribute to the development of sustainable energy generation, including:

• Strategic cooperation between Hyundai Engineering & Construction Holtec International on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology
• Establishing infrastructure to bolster use of renewable energy
• Investing in IONNA EV charging alliance to expand infrastructure

Through these investments, the Group anticipates it will create 14,000 new direct full-time jobs in the U.S. by 2028. The overall economic impact is expected to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across related industries.

The Group plans to hold its Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America Grand Opening celebration in Georgia, U.S., later this week, marking the completion of the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history, just two and a half years after breaking ground.

HMGMA exemplifies HMG’s dedication to driving economic growth, furthering technological advancements, and delivering sustainable solutions to the U.S. market, creating or supporting over 570,000 jobs nationwide.

[trinacriabob]

My Tuesday ... changed planes and had to overnight. 

I have never given this city enough time.  What a stunning city hall.

[trinacriabob]

On 3/24/2025 at 10:03 AM, Drew Dowdell said:

I must be in the minority, but Taco Bell never had this effect on me. I can just eat it.

Taco Bell is sort of in last place when it comes to Mexican for me.  All their stuff has that almost uniform taste, just like McDonald's and BK.

Out West, Del Taco and El Pollo Loco are better options in my book.

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, trinacriabob said:

My Tuesday ... changed planes and had to overnight. 

I have never given this city enough time.  What a stunning city hall.

What place is this, I do not recognize it other than European style.

[trinacriabob]

50 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

What place is this, I do not recognize it other than European style.

Philadelphia City Hall.  It is mostly French Second Empire style, if I remember correctly.  A statue of William Penn stands on top of the clock tower.  It has a big plaza in front of it.  I like it.

[G. David Felt]

@Drew Dowdell Very cool progress on R2 from Rivian.

Building for R2 by Rivian - Rivian Stories

[Drew Dowdell]

Just now, G. David Felt said:

@Drew Dowdell Very cool progress on R2 from Rivian.

Building for R2 by Rivian - Rivian Stories

yeah, I got the e-mail about it because I'm a reservation holder.  I technically need to cancel that. Albert decided he didn't like the R2.

[G. David Felt]

4 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

yeah, I got the e-mail about it because I'm a reservation holder.  I technically need to cancel that. Albert decided he didn't like the R2.

Have you had Albert look at the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis portfolio?

Maybe a GV60?

[G. David Felt]

The upcoming quarterly report of Tesla is going to be interesting and I suspect major drop in sales. Edmonds is reporting registrations across the U.S. has dropped big time.

The bad news continues for Elon Musk: Tesla users are switching to other car manufacturers at record levels

[G. David Felt]

WOW, California now has 48% more chargers than gas pumps.

California Just Crossed an EV Milestone. Here's How

[A Horse With No Name]

Having been to Mexico, I can say that Mexican food in Mexico is better than almost any Mexican food you will eat in the USA.

7 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

WOW, California now has 48% more chargers than gas pumps.

California Just Crossed an EV Milestone. Here's How

Good.

10 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

The upcoming quarterly report of Tesla is going to be interesting and I suspect major drop in sales. Edmonds is reporting registrations across the U.S. has dropped big time.

The bad news continues for Elon Musk: Tesla users are switching to other car manufacturers at record levels

I love this, can't happen to more deserving folks.  Time for Tesla to drive off into the history books and rest in peace with Tucker, Saturn, Studebaker, and Whippet.

11 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

yeah, I got the e-mail about it because I'm a reservation holder.  I technically need to cancel that. Albert decided he didn't like the R2.

Will be interesting to see which direction you go next.

16 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

Philadelphia City Hall.  It is mostly French Second Empire style, if I remember correctly.  A statue of William Penn stands on top of the clock tower.  It has a big plaza in front of it.  I like it.

I always loved that building. My wife worked for a few summers in Philly when we were dating...was always happy to visit Philadelphia for a number of reasons.

18 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

My Tuesday ... changed planes and had to overnight. 

I have never given this city enough time.  What a stunning city hall.

It is gorgeous

[A Horse With No Name]

 

I really like this mission style table, I may try to build it later this year.

[A Horse With No Name]

 

Edited Wednesday at 01:10 PM by A Horse With No Name

[A Horse With No Name]

 

[G. David Felt]

Interesting read
Why the Tesla backlash could help electric cars finally go mainstream

[G. David Felt]

WOW, if this truly happens, then we will see a reduction in auto choices with a 25% tariff on all auto's not made in the U.S.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/electric-cars/trump-will-announce-auto-tariffs-at-a-white-house-news-conference/ar-AA1BIspq?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[trinacriabob]

21 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

The upcoming quarterly report of Tesla is going to be interesting and I suspect major drop in sales. Edmonds is reporting registrations across the U.S. has dropped big time.

The bad news continues for Elon Musk: Tesla users are switching to other car manufacturers at record levels

Weird upward "blip" for TSLA per the graph.  I have always thought the "theory of efficient markets" isn't without its faults.  We've all seen irrational exuberance, puffery, or whatever you want to call it.  Also, did this person not assess what casting such a broad megalomaniacal net could do to his commercial businesses?

[G. David Felt]

7 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

Weird upward "blip" for TSLA per the graph.  I have always thought the "theory of efficient markets" isn't without its faults.  We've all seen irrational exuberance, puffery, or whatever you want to call it.  Also, did this person not assess what casting such a broad megalomaniacal net could do to his commercial businesses?

Narcissist never think they are wrong, nor do they ever think what they do should affect them. I also think he is looking to mess up the government more so that his companies can take over key areas to run increasing his perceived power, control and money.

To Musk, he probably thinks the drop is a short-term thing as anyone that goes against Tesla is now considered a Terrorist.

The conversion from Democracy to Fascist communism with what he sees as everyone should only be driving a Tesla is his narcissistic view imho.

This is why I hope Tesla now fails as an auto company and everyone else succeeds as he clearly is out of his Ketamine fueled brain.

[Drew Dowdell]

23 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Have you had Albert look at the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis portfolio?

Maybe a GV60?

Genesis is on my list, specifically the GV60. The EV GV 70 also seems to lease well.

We went to the Pittsburgh Auto Show last month (ewww, public days, I had to mingle with peasants) but oddly, the Korean trio brought very few EVs. Only the EV9 was there. He did like the look of that one, but the ZDX is more his size. I wanted him to look at the EV6 and the Ioniq 6, but neither were there.

[trinacriabob]

1 hour ago, G. David Felt said:

Narcissist never think they are wrong, nor do they ever think what they do should affect them. I also think he is looking to mess up the government more so that his companies can take over key areas to run increasing his perceived power, control and money.

To Musk, he probably thinks the drop is a short-term thing as anyone that goes against Tesla is now considered a Terrorist.

The conversion from Democracy to Fascist communism with what he sees as everyone should only be driving a Tesla is his narcissistic view imho.

This is why I hope Tesla now fails as an auto company and everyone else succeeds as he clearly is out of his Ketamine fueled brain.

I believe that you can get a good read on people - most of the time - and I knew I never liked him early on, not knowing much about him.  Then, when you read about him in more detail, it's both off putting and corroborates what you guessed in the first place.

After driving that rented Tesla, and which I promptly exchanged, I know I would never want one of their products.  In the last year, I walked up to a parked Chevy EV (Bolt, not sure) and, while an EV, everything, such as the dash, looked more conventional and with a reasonable learning curve.

I have way more questions than answers when it comes to EVs.  The next one for me is going to be ICE or hybrid.  The range on that rented Tesla was also not enough for the long distances and open spaces I'd be covering.

[trinacriabob]

Sensible ... and efficient 

[G. David Felt]

About time someone held Tesla accountable for the lies of FSD. China has forced them due to the failure of being able to self drive and it is now called in China "Intelligent Assisted Driving" or IAD. 

IAD sounds like a terrorist bomb.

Tesla Forced to Change Name of "Full Self-Driving" in China, Since Its Cars Can't Fully Drive Themselves

[oldshurst442]

I understand @Drew Dowdell 's concern regarding politics in this forum.

But, what gets me, is that too many Americans are afraid to engage in 'politics'.

Its like some sort of taboo. 

Rule #1:  Do not talk about Fight Club politics

Rule #2:  DO NOT TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB  POLITICS

What is politics anyway?

politics: derived from an ancient  GREEK word politika which means "affairs of the cities".   Polis is city in GREEK.

Politikos in ancient and in modern Greek means of or relating to citizens which in turn there is another GREEK word politis which is citizen.

Politics in English refers to the governance of an area.  And "governance" includes all kinds of stuff and ideas. And those stuff and ideas are governed by and to the people of that area. Much like that original Greek word and idea where the English word and idea comes from.

 

Politics is not taboo.

Politics has been made taboo by those above us governing us to control us by simply telling us not to engage in politics.  To not share ideas.  To not talk about politics.

I was asked to answer a question about caring. Caring about politics and about caring regarding our political landscape of our lands of where we reside and call home/home country.

We also use an example to not talk about politics in these forums as an escape from the real world.  Because politcs are real tough.

Yeah well...Ive defined politics in another thread in these here forums to which I just copy/pasted again. I also said in that thread in these here forums that we simply cannot escape politics.  We cannot. 

And we have to care about politics.  Because caring about politics is caring for your community, for your well being for yourself in your community and for your fellow neighbours.  And as a WHOLE to progress and evolve and not devolve.

Too many entities in the U.S. right now only want to MUZZLE information regarding politics and are only interested in spreading mis and dis information for not the greater good of the majority of the people but for benefit of a very select few.

Simply stated:

I simply REFUSE to be muzzled to talk about politics.

I will continue to post articles that refute mis and dis information.

Since the last time I posted in here, the current President of the United (HA!) States of America has gone  tariff wild. On and off and on and off only to put on more tariffs on foreign cars including those from Canada only to retreat that statement from cars coming from Canada that have at least a 50% American content in them and so forth and so forth.

The problem lies that automotive treaties have been signed by Canada and the US regarding 60 years ago. This current deall at least.  The excuse being that President in charge wants to build the American automotive industry again.

*SIGH*

Mis and dis information

Trump also has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. 

*SIGH*

GM and Ford of AMERICA uses Canadian steel and aluminium because the US simply cannot produce enough.

*SIGH*

All those factories that NEED to be built, where will Ford and GM get their steel and aluminum from?

Canada?

Russia?

Trump keeps on saying that the US does not need Canada.

But Canada needs to be American state #51

 

There is so much bullshyte from Trump  just from this single scenario that if Americans do NOT talk about politics, Trump and the powers that enable Trump will be duping Americans for a loooooonnnng time. 

This rant ends. But Ill be back for mor political informing as it is MY duty to keep you informed. 

 

[A Horse With No Name]

On 3/26/2025 at 4:51 PM, G. David Felt said:

Interesting read
Why the Tesla backlash could help electric cars finally go mainstream

One can hope

13 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

I understand @Drew Dowdell 's concern regarding politics in this forum.

But, what gets me, is that too many Americans are afraid to engage in 'politics'.

Its like some sort of taboo. 

Rule #1:  Do not talk about Fight Club politics

Rule #2:  DO NOT TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB  POLITICS

What is politics anyway?

politics: derived from an ancient  GREEK word politika which means "affairs of the cities".   Polis is city in GREEK.

Politikos in ancient and in modern Greek means of or relating to citizens which in turn there is another GREEK word politis which is citizen.

Politics in English refers to the governance of an area.  And "governance" includes all kinds of stuff and ideas. And those stuff and ideas are governed by and to the people of that area. Much like that original Greek word and idea where the English word and idea comes from.

 

Politics is not taboo.

Politics has been made taboo by those above us governing us to control us by simply telling us not to engage in politics.  To not share ideas.  To not talk about politics.

I was asked to answer a question about caring. Caring about politics and about caring regarding our political landscape of our lands of where we reside and call home/home country.

We also use an example to not talk about politics in these forums as an escape from the real world.  Because politcs are real tough.

Yeah well...Ive defined politics in another thread in these here forums to which I just copy/pasted again. I also said in that thread in these here forums that we simply cannot escape politics.  We cannot. 

And we have to care about politics.  Because caring about politics is caring for your community, for your well being for yourself in your community and for your fellow neighbours.  And as a WHOLE to progress and evolve and not devolve.

Too many entities in the U.S. right now only want to MUZZLE information regarding politics and are only interested in spreading mis and dis information for not the greater good of the majority of the people but for benefit of a very select few.

Simply stated:

I simply REFUSE to be muzzled to talk about politics.

I will continue to post articles that refute mis and dis information.

Since the last time I posted in here, the current President of the United (HA!) States of America has gone  tariff wild. On and off and on and off only to put on more tariffs on foreign cars including those from Canada only to retreat that statement from cars coming from Canada that have at least a 50% American content in them and so forth and so forth.

The problem lies that automotive treaties have been signed by Canada and the US regarding 60 years ago. This current deall at least.  The excuse being that President in charge wants to build the American automotive industry again.

*SIGH*

Mis and dis information

Trump also has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. 

*SIGH*

GM and Ford of AMERICA uses Canadian steel and aluminium because the US simply cannot produce enough.

*SIGH*

All those factories that NEED to be built, where will Ford and GM get their steel and aluminum from?

Canada?

Russia?

Trump keeps on saying that the US does not need Canada.

But Canada needs to be American state #51

 

There is so much bullshyte from Trump  just from this single scenario that if Americans do NOT talk about politics, Trump and the powers that enable Trump will be duping Americans for a loooooonnnng time. 

This rant ends. But Ill be back for mor political informing as it is MY duty to keep you informed. 

 

At this point it is a done deal, I want to retire elsewhere and never see this country ever again. Politics is a waste of time because Trump and current policies are what and who a large percentage of America really is. 

So I vote keep the politics out.

On 3/26/2025 at 9:34 PM, trinacriabob said:

Sensible ... and efficient 

I love Maya, and agree

On 3/26/2025 at 6:49 PM, G. David Felt said:

WOW, if this truly happens, then we will see a reduction in auto choices with a 25% tariff on all auto's not made in the U.S.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/electric-cars/trump-will-announce-auto-tariffs-at-a-white-house-news-conference/ar-AA1BIspq?ocid=BingNewsSerp

I plan on keeping my paid off truck. Maybe I can make it to retirement, and retire somewhere that I don't need a car.  That is sort of my hope at the moment. 

[Drew Dowdell]

17 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

I understand @Drew Dowdell 's concern regarding politics in this forum.

But, what gets me, is that too many Americans are afraid to engage in 'politics'.

Oh I LOVE to engage in politics and talk politics.  It is difficult for me to follow my own rule here.

But there are other places on the internet for that and I would rather we keep this a friendly place. Politics can, especially of late, ruin relationships and friendships. I've left car clubs over politics and the general bad behavior associated with older white straight men of a particular political party.

For a time, I considered shutting down C&G because every thread devolved into an "I love EVs"/"You're a dumb liberal if you do" fight and it really killed my love for this hobby. It has been difficult for me to return to it.

[A Horse With No Name]

46 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Oh I LOVE to engage in politics and talk politics.  It is difficult for me to follow my own rule here.

But there are other places on the internet for that and I would rather we keep this a friendly place. Politics can, especially of late, ruin relationships and friendships. I've left car clubs over politics and the general bad behavior associated with older white straight men of a particular political party.

For a time, I considered shutting down C&G because every thread devolved into an "I love EVs"/"You're a dumb liberal if you do" fight and it really killed my love for this hobby. It has been difficult for me to return to it.

I love having you here. 

Cybertruck is 17 times more likely to be involved in a fire fatality than a Ford Pinto. 

 

[A Horse With No Name]

 

 

[A Horse With No Name]

 

[ccap41]

21 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

I understand @Drew Dowdell 's concern regarding politics in this forum.

But, what gets me, is that too many Americans are afraid to engage in 'politics'.

Its like some sort of taboo. 

Talking, in general, about politics is not taboo. Talking politics where politics are not wanting to be talked about, is taboo. Nobody is going to specific group pages (Corvette, Mustang, Dallas Cowboys, Montreal Canadians, Dale Earnhardt Jr) groups and wanting to talk politics. Go to political pages that are dedicated to talking that stuff. There are sooooo many pages/sites available if you want to talk politics. Talk politics with people who want to talk politics. That seems fair, right? 

Personally, I don't want to be talking about the new Silverado EV's multiple trims and battery sizes and have somebody cram some political garbage into the comment section. 

[oldshurst442]

8 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

At this point it is a done deal, I want to retire elsewhere and never see this country ever again. Politics is a waste of time because Trump and current policies are what and who a large percentage of America really is. 

I understand

8 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

So I vote keep the politics out.

It took me a whole month the marinate that idea of keeping politics put of discussion.  Not only in here, but in general in real life.  But seeing these forums are real life anyway, Ive merged the two worlds together.

It took me a month to understand the whole mystique about 'politics'.

This is why I came to the conclusion that politics is not taboo. And it shouldnt be. Ever. 

I also came to the realization that the folk that want to control us and/or divide us, who ever those folk may be, also flood the mass media of all kinds of media entities  with trolls and podcasters and influencers and bots, and press secretaries with mis and dis information.  

I simply cannot just let mis and dis information run loose.   

Since when do we bow down? Since when do we let lies, threats and innuendo win the day?

Its false to say that we, the people, cant do nothing.  When we do nothing is the day we lose everything. 

We have a voice, and we shall use that voice.  THAT is the very least thing we can do. 

And I simply refuse to let the lies be transmitted.    

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Oh I LOVE to engage in politics and talk politics.  It is difficult for me to follow my own rule here.

But there are other places on the internet for that and I would rather we keep this a friendly place. Politics can, especially of late, ruin relationships and friendships. I've left car clubs over politics and the general bad behavior associated with older white straight men of a particular political party.

For a time, I considered shutting down C&G because every thread devolved into an "I love EVs"/"You're a dumb liberal if you do" fight and it really killed my love for this hobby. It has been difficult for me to return to it.

 

I understand. 

It took me a month not posting to come to a conclusion.  I was cyber bullied...again. 

Its OK for cyberbullying but its not OK to talk about what REALLY is going on with our leaders.  The dude that cyberbullied me discussed that not a single thread goes by without 'politics' being discussed. Yet nothing in those threads were really any threat to anybody.  

Polititcs is not taboo.

Discussing or pointing out that governing folk are taking liberties with our liberties is not in any way a threat to discussing automobiles on this site.

I took a second read of those threads that this particular person was crying about and trying to make an issue of and there was nothing childish or unfriendly. 

The ONLY thing that was stated was the truth. 

IF said truth was NOT a truth to this person crying, then the issue really is with this person.

I told him to leave.  He told me to phoque off.  Thing is, he cyberbullied me last year and I took the whole year off.   

NO!  If he cannot handle a pissed off Canadian who is GREEK from QUEBEC (a nod to the other troll who only seems to want to pick fights) because TRUTH was said in those threads then HE must look himself in the mirror. 

He does not engage in politics he says.   He asked me a question about caring...

Well, when we do NOT engage in politics, when we do NOT share information, then you get what is the current political climate in the USA. 
 

Ill ask ANY of you:

1. Do ANY of you believe that Canada is a threat to the US?

2. Do ANY of you believe that Canada has screwed the US in any way economically?

3. Do ANY of you believe that Canada is the US' enemy?

4. Do ANY of you believe that the US does not need Canada?

5. Do ANY of you believe that the US subsidizes Canada to the tune of 200 billion dollars per year?

6. Do ANY of you believe that Canada is not a real country?

7. Do ANY of you believe that Canada should become the 51st State?

 

and finally

 

8. Have you heard Trump say all those things?

 

Questions 1-7:  If any of those questions is an answer yes, then THIS is why ANYBODY has to engage in politics.  Because there is a whole lot of malarkey being spewed by Trump.

If question #8 is a no.  

Then THIS is why EVERYBODY needs to engage in politics.

There is so much bullshyte from Trump  just from this single scenario that if Americans do NOT talk about politics, Trump and the powers that enable Trump will be duping Americans for a loooooonnnng time. 

 

 

[A Horse With No Name]

2 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

I understand

It took me a whole month the marinate that idea of keeping politics put of discussion.  Not only in here, but in general in real life.  But seeing these forums are real life anyway, Ive merged the two worlds together.

It took me a month to understand the whole mystique about 'politics'.

This is why I came to the conclusion that politics is not taboo. And it shouldnt be. Ever. 

I also came to the realization that the folk that want to control us and/or divide us, who ever those folk may be, also flood the mass media of all kinds of media entities  with trolls and podcasters and influencers and bots, and press secretaries with mis and dis information.  

I simply cannot just let mis and dis information run loose.   

Since when do we bow down? Since when do we let lies, threats and innuendo win the day?

Its false to say that we, the people, cant do nothing.  When we do nothing is the day we lose everything. 

We have a voice, and we shall use that voice.  THAT is the very least thing we can do. 

And I simply refuse to let the lies be transmitted.    

 

I understand. 

It took me a month not posting to come to a conclusion.  I was cyber bullied...again. 

Its OK for cyberbullying but its not OK to talk about what REALLY is going on with our leaders.  The dude that cyberbullied me discussed that not a single thread goes by without 'politics' being discussed. Yet nothing in those threads were really any threat to anybody.  

Polititcs is not taboo.

Discussing or pointing out that governing folk are taking liberties with our liberties is not in any way a threat to discussing automobiles on this site.

I took a second read of those threads that this particular person was crying about and trying to make an issue of and there was nothing childish or unfriendly. 

The ONLY thing that was stated was the truth. 

IF said truth was NOT a truth to this person crying, then the issue really is with this person.

I told him to leave.  He told me to phoque off.  Thing is, he cyberbullied me last year and I took the whole year off.   

NO!  If he cannot handle a pissed off Canadian who is GREEK from QUEBEC (a nod to the other troll who only seems to want to pick fights) because TRUTH was said in those threads then HE must look himself in the mirror. 

He does not engage in politics he says.   He asked me a question about caring...

Well, when we do NOT engage in politics, when we do NOT share information, then you get what is the current political climate in the USA. 
 

Ill ask ANY of you:

1. Do ANY of you believe that Canada is a threat to the US?

2. Do ANY of you believe that Canada has screwed the US in any way economically?

3. Do ANY of you believe that Canada is the US' enemy?

4. Do ANY of you believe that the US does not need Canada?

5. Do ANY of you believe that the US subsidizes Canada to the tune of 200 billion dollars per year?

6. Do ANY of you believe that Canada is not a real country?

7. Do ANY of you believe that Canada should become the 51st State?

 

and finally

 

8. Have you heard Trump say all those things?

 

Questions 1-7:  If any of those questions is an answer yes, then THIS is why ANYBODY has to engage in politics.  Because there is a whole lot of malarkey being spewed by Trump.

If question #8 is a no.  

Then THIS is why EVERYBODY needs to engage in politics.

There is so much bullshyte from Trump  just from this single scenario that if Americans do NOT talk about politics, Trump and the powers that enable Trump will be duping Americans for a loooooonnnng time. 

 

 

I think Canada has an aging population and an insane southern neighbor. Robin Williams described Canada as a really nice apartment situated above a meth lab, and he was not incorrect. 

I don't see sanity in any form returning to the US. 

I need to move for my own safety and sanity. If I can put off moving for a few years, it will be easier on me in the long term. 

That being said, I love the forums here. 

5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Talking, in general, about politics is not taboo. Talking politics where politics are not wanting to be talked about, is taboo. Nobody is going to specific group pages (Corvette, Mustang, Dallas Cowboys, Montreal Canadians, Dale Earnhardt Jr) groups and wanting to talk politics. Go to political pages that are dedicated to talking that stuff. There are sooooo many pages/sites available if you want to talk politics. Talk politics with people who want to talk politics. That seems fair, right? 

Personally, I don't want to be talking about the new Silverado EV's multiple trims and battery sizes and have somebody cram some political garbage into the comment section. 

I hear ya. 

 

[ccap41]

6 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

Its OK for cyberbullying but its not OK to talk about what REALLY is going on with our leaders.  The dude that cyberbullied me discussed that not a single thread goes by without 'politics' being discussed. Yet nothing in those threads were really any threat to anybody.

If you're referring to me. Just say so. 

[oldshurst442]

5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Talking, in general, about politics is not taboo. Talking politics where politics are not wanting to be talked about, is taboo. Nobody is going to specific group pages (Corvette, Mustang, Dallas Cowboys, Montreal Canadians, Dale Earnhardt Jr) groups and wanting to talk politics. Go to political pages that are dedicated to talking that stuff. There are sooooo many pages/sites available if you want to talk politics. Talk politics with people who want to talk politics. That seems fair, right? 

Personally, I don't want to be talking about the new Silverado EV's multiple trims and battery sizes and have somebody cram some political garbage into the comment section. 

 

Politics is everywhere.

You simply cannot escape it.

Politics is not garbage.

What is garbage is the lies that keep on being said by a certain political party.

There is absolutey NOTHING wrong in a CIVIL discussion about ANY kind of political debate.

It only becomes toxic when the person involved is toxic him/herself.  Them/They or ANY other pronoun they WISH to choose.  

See what I did there?

Did you know that a certain political party has already censored that kind of topic and wording?

Well, you might not want to see it on a Montreal Canadiens hockey game, but it sure DOES exist at a Montreal Canadiens hockey game... 

4 nations hockey game at the MONTREAL arena... 

 

 

And yesterdays Blue Jays game... 

CCAP...you cant escape it. 

Trump has REALLY divided us.

And THAT is why I care... 

And THAT is why I will NOT let lies win the day...

 

 

5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

If you're referring to me. Just say so. 

Do you feel it could be you?

 

[oldshurst442]

10 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

I need to move for my own safety and sanity. If I can put off moving for a few years, it will be easier on me in the long term. 

I agree.

Not pointing fingers at you.  I TRULY understand that half your country is vile, disgusting, racist and very very uneducated and even more gullible. 

But...if you leave, again, not pointing the finger at you, I understand your wish to leave your country, but if everybody leaves, then nobody worth a damn will be able to defend her (the USA) from the vile pigs that are ruining a very awesone country.

And I know the US' history quite well. I understand COMPLETELY understand the innuendo about the US. 

The US is both a racist, sexist cesspool, but it also is THE BEST place in the world.  

There is a reason why France gave the Statue of Liberty to the US as a gift.

There is also a reason why France just asked for her back.

But the US is worth fighting for... 

[oldshurst442]

17 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

That being said, I love the forums here. 

I wont be pushing agendas...

I will enforce on myself subject matter to ensure you continue to love the forums here.   You know, car pictures, airplane pics.  Commentary on how I HATE BMWs, Toyotas and SUVs.  Ill add Teslas to that list. 

Ill praise Chinese BYDs and Corvettes.  442s and Trans Ams. 

But if I hear Trumpster say a lie, I will correct it on the Random Thoughts thread as a rant.   Nothing toxic.  I will be busy daily doing that of course...

[oldshurst442]

 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/our-staff-made-a-mistake-toronto-blue-jays-fan-tossed-from-rogers-centre-for-sporting-canada-is-not-for-sale-hat/

 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/never-take-that-hat-off-doug-ford-calls-blue-jays-fan-who-was-removed-for-wearing-canada-is-not-for-sale-hat/

 

 

 

[oldshurst442]

 

Trump did call our Prime Minister by his actual title.  Prime Minister and not governor.

He did say it was a good call.  (But werent all calls from the US to Canada since all this tariff nonsense began were good calls?)

PM Carney also said it was a good call.

Trump did lie that other countries have apologized to him... 

As if all other countries have taken advantage of the US.  Like he keeps on crying on about puffing his chest.  (Elbows up Canada!!! Right to his unprotected head)  Trump playing the victimhood card is a bad look in my opnion.  Makes the US look really really weak.   Like the US never had a backbone. And with Trump in charge a spineless backbone even worse...

 

 

Al, that though still doesnt change the fact the Canadians will NOT be buying anything American for a very looooooong time.   Damage is done.   Elbows up!