Suaviloquent

Yep, include me as well, but it's the culmination of leech season, so we have some flexibility. I guess. Just don't get too bogged into it.

The UnAffordable Health Care Act is laughable. Too bad it was neither competitive nor did it go far enough, such as single payer. But the politicians south of the border should not look to Canada for a model. Waiting lines are causing people to literally die here. Rationing. Many Canadians go to Cuba, India, Japan and other places to get life-saving treatments which otherwise would have never been delivered in reasonable time.

Well, I'm kinda not being random, so please smash my face... and please, I'm just kinda doing a mind vent to wrap my head around how things simply HAVE to change. We need to adapt, or we're done. And it will happen in our lifetimes. You betcha! So, in order for the greater good, the car culture/propensity to eat red meat or meat AT ALL/excessive energy intensive use and more, everywhere basically... might need to die. Hell, my favourite cars, Camaro, Mustang, Cadillac, Lincoln Conti...Tesla. All of it might need to die. To be finished. Or we suffer the consequences. Climate change is a very real thing. What some people don't understand, is that it takes catastrophic events like a giant ass asteroid the size of Mt. Everest to say do so much global cooling (after the big fireball that incinerates everything living on land) over that just over a few decades, all the ash and soot reduces average temperatures by the same amount of degrees as the numbers of fingers we have on both of our hands. That's it. In a few decades, almost 90% of the Earth's forests will be incinerated, nearly all the coral will be dead, billions of people will be displaced because of the destruction of subsistence farming... the list goes on. It's not as simple as just changing your lightbulbs and buying organic local produce. It helps on an individual basis, but we need a massive shift towards sustainable, renewable energy sources and consumption patterns. There's never a time not to do it either. We are already headed towards, and have already had significant harm. I'm a Canadian, and I am torn as to what we should do with tar sands. Still a significant number of people owe their livelihoods to it. But it's so filthy. You never really get to see the extent of the damage, because by now people are used to seeing miles upon miles of wasteland. That used to be primal boreal forest! So much energy is used to get to the tar sands, and then even the extraction and purification processes are even more complex. And it isn't like taking crude oil, filtering it and then using fractional distillation. There's so many more steps in bitumen refining...I'm not an oil expert, but the next best substitute we have to oil is going all out on solar, wind and geothermal. Hydro will be dead if all the glaciers melt away. Because almost all of the rivers in the world rely on meltwater in the summer to have any flowing water. And think about it again, a lot of fish species in North America spawn inland. If those rivers go dry, how many more fisheries will be extinct? I'm not trying to have a public service message in this post. But when even a religious person like the Pope throws the entire weight of his message to support the science of climate change, you know it's more than just an inconvenient truth. Even turning every car that is ICE to EV or hydrogen and sourcing the power from renewable sources is still going to dump a lot of carbon dioxide (but far less than continuing the way we are) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But the way we live is fundamentally tied to the problem. The American Dream, as I know it is about a typical citizen working hard enough to one day own a property of a certain size, have a nuclear family, own 2 or more vehicles, and live some kind of dream that involves consumption of plentiful, and vast array of products and services, and then retire in some level of comfort. That simply isn't sustainable, and the developing world wants exactly the same as we do. Even the Pentagon has climate change as a national security problem! I didn't know that! Did any of you? I'm not a doom and gloom kind of person, but the reality has already set in for me. I don't think it is worthwhile for me to pursue a personal vehicle now unless there's no other way. But otherwise, I'll still reduce my meat consumption even more and stick with the frugality of cycling. I will actively pursue alternative employment arrangements where allowed...and try to help out where I can to reduce the footprint. I am very concerned, about this problem. I think it will also be important to know how to grow food in the future. I am thinking of learning some competency in gardening....

I just watched "Before the Flood" I am utterly convinced that we are all F*****. Eventually it will all affect us, regardless of who we are and where we come from. And part of me wants to see Musk succeed getting to Mars, part of me doesn't. For reasons I keep close to my chest. But think deeply enough, you'll realize why I would want for all of us to suffer, every human - especially the biggest polluters per capita, us North Americans.... Regardless of the means... Regardless of the price....

I don't think people wanting the highest tech auto are going to be enamored with the Conti even if it had a larger centre screen. They do have a digital instrument cluster screen, and that should do well enough. I think that SYNC 3 being among the most simplest of systems out there is a good thing, and standard Android Auto and Apple Carplay integration is nice. I guess the bigger screen would be of benefit to those looking specifically for the tech. But who's buying a Conti specifically for the latest doodad? Those wanting the Conti will buy it for its style and purpose, and available luxury amenities that for its segment that are well differentiated. It has the available power for those who must absolutely humiliate the majority of drivers on the road. It is surprisingly competent where it pertains to driving manners.

I'm finally looking back on this thread, and for the most part, the thread had been civilized, people have voiced their opinions, and by no means is the Conti a perfect car.

Hmmm, seems the part. Seems to be the right size, and looks like something that can and will sell. But with the crossover boom, having a vehicle that fills the 3-row niche is good enough one its own to make lots of dough. Well done VW, you finally have something for someone looking for something like that!

Dude....I don't understand you at all. I love this car so much more than the CT6 plus I think all that shiny and matte chrome effects makes it very clear this is a big brawler luxo sedan. And NO the chrome is NOT minimalist...BUT YES, IT IS DONE TASTEFULLY. There. Have it dude.

And I must say, I don't find the excessive chrome garish because, well, it's one of the few cars that happens to stick to that methodology of treatment of the accents these days. Plus that side view mirror with the beveled edges...It's so SHINY!!! Overall I think this car is just what Lincoln needs right now. Yeah yeah, we need a real S-Class fighter, but then again who would buy that? No one. Because then the Lincoln brand would be a major hindrance. But this is a stab at the 5/A6/E class segment in pricing, but a homage to American luxury anyways. Plus, I think the FWD roots thing is going to be a problem for Audi too in terms of "image" and "prestige". Their future Quattro models will default to FWD in normal driving. What's the point of having a longitudinal engine layout if you won't make the most of it? What's the point of having a bazooka if you can't use it?

So basically, I read the review. But really I picked this source because these are the first good pictures in good natural lighting to show the new Conti in production spec. I like the way it looks, I think this paint colour is very adventurous, but the blue paint with the blue interior is my personal favourite. I think the Conti screams luxo, and American luxo really well. It may not be to your tastes, but oh well, I can accept that America still knows how to make big sedans, however flawed or incomplete this or the CT6 are. Again, I only looked at this article for the pictures. More are their link: http://www.motor1.com/reviews/127066/2017-lincoln-continental-first-drive-review/

I don't agree with getting a base model supercar....based on the rules provided, and my further stipulation that.... Because it's thoroughly unrealistic, even for a dream garage. C'mon, somehow we dream to be on say, Ferrari's special insider list that you need to be in order to be approached by them for a sale, and you're gonna dream for a non option 488 GTB...C'MON....it would never happen like that. No way. Then again I wouldn't know, but still...base model? They'll be like this: fully load it or not, or pay more to get the less optioned version, because they knows that the collector types might want a stock, as close to pure Ferrari experience possible - and would pay more to get it.

I say to anyone who wants a base model Lexus LS, just get the Genesis G90 base model and enjoy a vehicle that beats Lexus at it's own game for like what, 75% of the price? Unless you like Rexusasu (reh-ku-sah-suuu) [sic] the Japanese way of saying Lexus.

Well, even with their ratings, delve into it further enough, they do plainly mention this survey is based off of their subscribers. Buick, well....I see a lot of vehicles in Buick right now, other than Lacrosse that are pretty long in the tooth, and that might just spike reliability, when the vehicles have been out there for so long. Ah, I woudn't base a purchase off of this, like any sensible person should, but the people who evaluate cars are auto engineers and work on their own cars. For example, i heard somewhere that one evaluator drives a Durango, and the other a previous gen (before 2012) VW Passat, even when Toyota or other Japanese brands would rate near the top. There are statistical tools used to account for the various different pooled sample sizes. But still, no survey is perfect. Unless you get a census. But that's like 150 million autos....way too much.

I thought it was a part of a mould used to make condoms. Really. Like condoms from whichever bygone era that's from.

What's going on around these parts?

- Genesis G90 base model (a screaming luxury deal I thinks) - Mazda Miata Club - Toyota Land Cruiser (I think even the base models are pretty decked out with off-road goodies) - Chevy SS (most of my choices follow a theme of models with very few configurations anyways, and bargain basement performance sedan right here) - And If I am going to be so cheap I might as well get a base model Chevy Spark as a beater car, either that or the 2017 Corolla, because it gets standard adaptive cruise control and things like that.

I'm not good at being sarcastic. Dammit. No what I meant is in the literal sense....forget about all the the work gone in to bake in the performance. A Camaro V6 now isn't just about the engine anymore. It's about all the work done in the platform, lightweighting, and steering and the intangibles...

......... ......... sticker shock over a vehicle because it has a certain cylinder count. I could mention a few vehicles that don't have cylinders at all that have blistering performance/performance intentions/useless stats for nerds and impressions... Also, Mercedes is in the works building a hypercar with an F1, 1.6L turbo-gheezer V6 hybrid cockadoodle bob thingamajigger according to MT. And Ford GT. Classic case of a V6 $450k supercar.

One of them is a Sprinter clone, one a previous gen Transit Connect, the other a Ford Ranger lookalike and the other a pint sized GMC Safari... In other words, they blend right in with the right kind of crowd.

I did fine over some sore spots, but selling back isn't the main reason. Being energy independent yourself, instead of waiting for inept government or unscrupulous profit mongering companies is the reason.

Which is exactly why you go net energy neutral and then stop worrying about ever paying for electricity or other energy utility bills every again. Really. You could have solar panels to sell the surplus of energy back to the grid, yet still use legacy natural gas appliances and things, and pay the fuel utility bill. It's that simple.

Also, very nice quick tip quickie. If you can't get past the full upgrade to Shimano brakes...I know it... As soon as your rotors wear out from any other manufacturer, you can switch to Shimano rotors no problem, with the brake calipers that came with the bike. Anyone telling you otherwise is a hack. Shimano rotors, the XT and above use an aluminum core with a steel braking surface. That's the best IMO, because a rotor that conducts heat well, will dissipate it better too. But a steel braking surface will have more friction against pads. resin pads - better for quietness, and in some cases rotor longevity, but metal pads have more friction, and better all weather performance. And resin can get easily corrupted with foreign matter, like mud and oily substances. If you spill oil or brake fluid on metal pads....just spray with (it's been a while, but... I think finish-line yellow degreaser) and light'em on fire!!

29ers are more forgiving on technical terrain, and yes, they can get to much higher speeds... But I learned on 26ers. and they actually having less rotational inertia, and for someone who could handle the technical terrain in spite of the lower compliance of smaller wheels, I'd say there is a place for them. cadence is a big factor to. I feel for me, if I was going to have higher variability on cadence, and more up and down or switch backs, I'm more agile on a 26er. If I'm bloodlust mode for the fastest speed possible, then 29er for sure, but I might not have as much fun though. Though few manufacturers still make 26er wheels. However, one thing for sure, 26er wheels are stronger than 29ers, because there is less flex in spokes. It's the flip side of less compliance....

Why yes sir, I dabbled in XC racing 5 years ago, but the best fun I've ever had is either Enduro or Downhill. Do yourselves all a favour and get the Giant Glory for downhill, if you go that route. Tried, and tested and true. And get the good stuff. Get SRAM X0 or Shimano XTR drivetrain. Don't get AVID Elixir's (DOT fluid is not good for pads or rotors if it leaks, hell it just shouldn't be sued at all IMO, even if it gives better sealing from air bubble accumulation). Get Shimano XTR with new ICETECH FREEZA Rotors. If you want high-tech even more, try XTR Di2. The best sequential shift setup there is. I think the shift points are top notch, really. One-by is nice too, but for people wanting a more versatile bike, a 2-by chainring setup will be very much appreciated if you also ride on the road or paved trails. Tubeless is all the rage now, it's lighter in most cases and proper installation will give you better flat resistance as smaller punctures will be sealed by the compound sealant. Just make sure the rims you have are corrosion resistant, as some sealant compounds are not to be used with certain wheels, or wheel manufacturers (like Shimano) will not guarantee their wheels for use with sealant in some cases. And when it comes to suspension, I'm partial to hardtails still, because that's where I started, but suspension will give you better isolation from technical terrain.