NDL

No reason to discuss it further Igor, nor is there a reason to apologize . I now understand the sentiment behind your statement and, had I been on the boards/threads that you mentioned, I'm sure that I would've stood right along side with you, in rebuking any self-righteous poster who sought to condemn others. Of course I hold a Biblical worldview towards issues like Marriage and Family, but I am also taught to talk to people in love; not in condemnation (Ephesians 4:15). I hope that I am not crossing the line, and again, the last thing I’d want to do is derail Paolino’s thread, but for any interested, here’s an excellent resource: http://calvarychapel.com/?show=Resources.Ebooks.harvest Finally, at the risk of sounding corny, once again, this thread is a strong reminder about why our Forum is the best around !

Tmp, I appreciate tremendously, the fact that you went out of your way to address this issue. In short, (because I don't want to derail Paolino's thought-provoking thread), I agree with you one-thousand-fold: I love this forum, and I love this forum because of the diverse topics and ideas that have come up on this forum; the posters who respectfully debate, and as a result, I have come away a much richer person, as I see things through the eyes of my fellow posters who come from different backgrounds, religions, orientations, etc. I appreciate the fact that Igor2 opened his post, by encouraging Paolino for his discussion on matters that some consider taboo. Yet in encouraging Paolino, he named an entire religious group (Christians); thereby tarring each and every member of said religious group (RE: “huge christian witch burning backlash), while, through his aforementioned writing (when encouraging Paolino), promoted a mind-set that is purported to champion consideration for all ideas. Yet, under the banner of ‘tolerance’ and ‘open-mindedness,’ come the mockery of those who simply disagree. For that reason, I can’t help but see the intellectual inconsistency and dishonesty of said mind-set. Why did I address the above issue? For one reason, and one reason only: There are a lot of hurting people in the world, and, at the risk of sounding corny, it’s important that everyone know that God loves each and every person; gay or not; atheist or not. I am a Christian; a Christian who reads his Bible on an almost-daily, if-not-daily, basis. And, as a member of my church’s ministry, I attend church several times per week. I am as Christian as they come; yet I take people on a ‘person-by-person’ basis. My close circle of friends include(d) a person who’s gay, and one of my closest friends is an atheist. That doesn’t mean that God agree’s with all we do (this includes myself, and even the most ‘religious’ people around), but His love for us is unconditional. In a hurting world, it’s important that people know this. (Sorry Paolino, for momentarily taking your thread off course.)

That's kind of interesting, as I am a devout fundamentalist Christian, yet, as someone who recognizes his own imperfections, I am not given to dispensing a 'witch burning backlash' - nor are any my fellow Christian posters here. Interesting indeed, as consideration and tolerance, in this case, seems to selective. Paolino: While I understand your feelings about family and children, this I have to ask you: Would your feelings be any different, if you were a straight male? Here's why I ask the question: Because while you see many of your friends married off, I see many of my straight male friends, who also seek to have families of their own, but they don't, as they haven't found the right partner's to start family(s) with. Therefore, I think it's important to make the distinction, between wanting a family of your own, versus wanting a family and being gay. Because while being gay determines the logistics about how you might conceive a child, being gay doesn't directly determine your ability in having a family, etc. For this reason, I would separate your sexual orientation, with the fact that you haven't your own children and family. Also, I’d bet if you took a poll, at least half of the people polled, would explain that their life as adults isn’t the life that they envisioned themselves having, when they were younger. You never know what tomorrow brings, and you can have hope in that .

I currently haven't any gay friends, unless I include my Brother, who I look at not only as my Brother, but as a friend too... Sad thing is that I once had a close friendship with someone who was gay, my friend Daryll, although I didn't know of his orientation, until after we parted ways (I lost contact after he moved). Kinda feel bad about that, because we were close, and I'd bet that he would've felt more at ease, had he not hid his orientation. One last thought: At the risk of type-casting gay people, many of the gay people I have come across are detail oriented, neat, and clean - which is cool, because I am that way too.

We run a fleet of last generation Malibu's, with many using the Twin Cam engine. With a consistant maintainance schedule, they hold up admirably, especially considering the fairly severe service that they're dealt. Someone else said it, and I agree; the Twin Cam isn't simply a rebadged Quad 4, but it's a Quad 4 with many improvements.

It's amazing what's out there...

Overall, you're right, although I was thinking "wildly successful" with respect to products like the Accord, Camry, Corolla and Civic. You make many excellent points, although I don't follow the above logic. You rightly point out that buying foreign, hurts the U.S. worker and economy. But how is this any different from what Ford & GM have been doing: outsourcing engineering to their European counterparts? Indeed, you're right.

Of the top of my head, here are a few platforms that come to mind - platforms not designed in America, and/or specifically for the American market: - Chevy Cobalt - Chevy Malibu - Pontiac G6 - The Ecotec and 3.6L V6 were designed in Europe.

In checking another forum, a poster is bemoaning the fact that many new GM products are being, and will continue to be, engineered in places other than America for the U.S. market. Which brings back to memory a recent Lutz statement, who, in so many words said that we wouldn't even recognize GM in 10 years - that, in time, they will once again become the powerhouse that they once were. This begs the question: With GM promoting products that start off as designs for other markets, in other words, as GM cars become fully globalized, thereby ignoring the specific needs of the U.S. consumer, and the U.S. worker, is GM's resurrection worth the price of it's resurrection? Kinda brings back the old adage: "If you change the butt of your Grandfather's axe, and then the head of your Grandfather's axe, is it still your Grandfather's axe?" Finally, I can’t help but note the irony of foreign companies like Honda and Toyota, who design cars specifically for the U.S. markets, and are wildly successful when they do. Yet GM and Ford are doing the complete opposite... I'm still weighing this out, although I wonder what others are thinking...I won't be able to reply back for a good day or two, but welcome other opinions.

Paolino, thanks for the entertaining thread, which had me in tears! Paul, you have to understand; most people are not going to take your car complaints seriously, partially because of the way you frame your complaints: "The Century is problematic again. Oh, I recently drove Mark's 2007 Lexus LS, which not only massages your feet, but wipes your ass - all at the same time. The 20 speaker sound system in the Lexus reproduces sound with amazing fidelity. You gently press the accelerator in Mark's car, and it moves effortlessly. The front suspension in the Lexus LS is so quiet too. Now getting back to my 14-year-old Century, the front suspension is making a banging noise." When you frame a question like that, the natural conclusion that one is drawn to, is that you're comparing your old car to something new, and a premium car at that. On the flipside, and in your defense, you have *always* been spot on about your cars; more so than anyone I know. Here's the problem with your situation: Your automotive knowledge, whether you realize it or not, is far above what is taught at local "learn to repair your car" workshops. Therefore, your best bet is to pick up a repair manual, for your specific car. Also, reading forums helps...

While time constraints prevent me from replying to each and every poster, thanks to all, for your replies, for each and every response was very helpful. And again, not that I'd wish for anyone to have trouble with their phones, but it's nice to know that I am not the only one with a problematic LG phone. Luckilly, it looks like I might be able to renew my contract early, and pick up a new RAZR or Nokia...

Croc, I have had my eye on the RAZR phone. Glad you like yours, because I may very well be getting the same. PurdueGuy, thanks for your take on Samsung. Verizon carries a new Samsung model that I have my eye on too...

I update my phone every other week. Plus, I take my phone to the Verizon store often, to get software updates. I'm pretty certain that the problem it's device (brand) related...

I'm looking for something to replace my LG 6100, which continually drops calls, among other things - including terrible reception (five bars to one, while I am sitting in the same place), calls breaking up (even while I have five bars), etc. What cellphone brand has been good for you?

76ChevyTrucker, thanks again!

76Chevy, thanks for your help. Here's what might seem to be a stupid question, but it's better that I ask, than to run into trouble: Do I bleed the system with the motor off, or on? Warm or cold? Thanks again

Sixty, thanks for the suggestions...If it is the radiator, I am hoping that flushing the system might help some (enough).

Thanks everyone, for the helpful replies! Z28luvr01, I doubt if it's an air buble, because after installing the new thermostat, I did exactly as you wrote. We'll see if that's the problem however, as I plan on flushing the system in a week or two...I'm hoping that it is.

I was somewhat surprised to hear you say that I have a heavy Brooklyn accent when I'm not watching my pronunciation, because I don't see (hear) it. Then again, you are far from the first person to say that, so I must assume that it's true ... ROFL @ Jughandles Mustard on burgers is nasty. I didn't know that people had mustard on their burgers, until I moved out of NY. Then I found out, that we're the odd ones ...

Great seeing your face here Trinacria ! Time prevents me from replying fully, but for now, here are some answers: I'm sure it might surprise you, but few Long Islander's go by nicknames... Nah, I wouldn't say that New Yorkers like to complain, but the above ethnic groups have rightly earned that distinction. That's because Jamaica Queens, is a notoriously bad neighborhood. Plus, switching trains is a pain-in-the-neck. Think quick, because on an off day, it's possible to miss the train! One last thing: Check out Glen Cove, an area where Mass is still said in Italian. In fact, on a Sunday morning, it's common to smell sauce being made from area residents, while driving down the street...

I'm trying to figure out what's going on with my Wife's Century, with the 3100V6. The car has been running hot for the past four months - with the temp needle going 3/4 of the way towards H. I recently replaced the thermostat, which seemed to have helped for a week, but now it's running hot again. Here's the thing that puzzles me: The temperature of the motor is affected by highway speed. In other words, the car will run hot @ 55 mph - yet the engine should be running at only 2,000 rpm's (nevermind all of the fairly cold air rushing through the radiator). Now that it's getting warmer, I plan on flushing the system, and seeing if that helps a bit. The fan is working properly... Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!

Thanks for the heads up, I hope GMRULES again!

Z28, thanks for the great thread! Here are my favorites: I near hate Long Island, but suprisingly enough, the above one is true! I didn't miss LI, until I moved away... Again, this is true too! Funny enough, because I never considered Long Islander's as those having accents, but to the rest of American's, we do. True. While I don't consider LI pizza or bagels the best (because I compare everything to the Brooklyn - which is 'The Standard'), I gotta admit that the above one is true. LOL

There's no question that a condescending tone should *never* be used. Also, I'm right with you when you suggest people reference the Bible, instead of their own opinions (although few people care to know what the Bible says). All in all, it's been great dialoging with you, Trinacria, and Fly. I hope that this thread has been as helpful to others, as it has been to me. Sadly though, I have wished for greater participation from both sides of the spectrum. For it seems as though this thread has been dominated by a few Christian posters, and many moderates. It’d have been great to see a greater level of participation from the author of this thread, and like-minded people.

Agreed. I think it's extremely important, that those teaching remember that they're of a fallen nature; thus fallable. But here's the reason why I brought up my own imperfections: I wonder how many times I have taught, and the person to whom I am teaching, in their mind, was recalling something that I may, or may not, have done. Perhaps in their mind, they might have thought 'hypocrite', just as others on this thread have done. So what's the solution? Not teach? That isn't an option, and for two reasons: - Scripture commands us to spread the Good News. - There are so many people misrepresenting our faith, in a bigoted and/or judgemental way, that compells me to welcome the wronged and hurting, with open arms. For as another poster pointed out: While Jesus might not love all of our actions and choices, He loves each one of us. Finally, if there was an element of hypocrisy in my life, I would hope that someone would point it out - that I might correct it. Agree or disagree? But in doing so, don't forget that the person showing where I may be wrong, is a hypocrite.