the great vehicle debate

I drive a truck... a 4X4 gas guzzling, smoke puffing, huge truck. It's a beautiful truck, red, almost fully loaded, peach to drive, fast, responsive - I really like my truck.

But lately I've had this thing happening in my head every time I get behind the wheel. I think 'silly girl' (that's how I speak to myself when I am having a conversation with me) 'just what the heck do you need this big piece of metal? It's really too big for what you do, it costs a fortune to run (gas costs per month are currently edging towards $600), you can't park it downtown, its almost a liability - not to mention it is a huge polluter.

So, I've decided to do something about it. I'm downsizing. Like so many things in my life that I have found 'not necessary' the big red truck is one of them. Now those who have been within earshot of me lately know of the woes and frustration I have undergone while trying to put myself into a new vehicle. Notice I say 'put myself into'.

My first bit of frustration came when I found out that dealerships really don't want your business. I think I am a pretty 'qualified' buyer. I won't go near a dealer unless I want to do something, I go in knowing basically what I want, I know the terms I want it in, I know the cost of doing business etc. I am straight up and straight ahead. This time around I even further qualified myself by telling several sales men (and three managers) I am in the market for a new vehicle NOW!

No one took me seriously. As it turned out, I ended up selling myself the vehicle of my choice, at pretty much my deal. I'm neither happy nor disappointed. I'm a bit put off that no one wanted to earn my business. I'm even more put off when I hear the auto industry whine about loses.

Bottom line, I think you can be standing there with a suitcase of $100 bills ready to step into a new vehicle and 90% of the sales reps out there wouldn't be interested in talking to you. Why? I don't know. Maybe I don't deal with hungry enough reps? Maybe dealing with managers has it's downfalls.

So, the long and short of this story.... if it all holds together, I will be driving my much smaller, much more fuel efficient, easier to park Edge by the end of the day on Friday. Now I do say, if all holds together. You just never know with a deal that sounds as if it 'was too good to be true'.

For any of you out there thinking about buying or leasing yourself a new vehicle, I've rounded up some best practices to help you get the best deal you can with the least amount of frustration.

#1) Do some research. Have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for in an auto. Passion is still the number one downfall in negotiating a good deal, don't fall prey to the 'I love it, got to have it' - this is not a pair of shoes!

#2) Know your price range. Whether you are leasing or buying most auto makers now how calculators on their product pages. They will even allow you to 'build and price' your vehicle. This little feature allows you to set some expectations such as what is in your price range and where your top end of the deal is.

#3) Don't buy/lease on your first trip out. Go on a fact finding mission. Be prepared to visit at least two dealerships to keep the other one honest.

#4) There is always room to negotiate! Work a bit, save a lot.

#5) If you really have hit your best deal, go for the extras that don't cost in the deal; ie. free oil changes, free tires etc.

#6) There is no need to rush - so don't. Make sure you are happy with the deal.

#7) Skinny deals are not always the best deals. Try not to beat your dealership up too much, leave them something in the deal. They really do need to make a bit of money on these deals, it allows them to help you out in a pinch and go the extra mile for you. That doesn't mean that you don't get yourself the best deal you can.... just be realistic.

There are volumes written on how to get your best car deal. If you want help, it is out there. Remember if it sounds to good to be true, it likely is... well unless it is chocolate and red wine :)

On that note, have Hot Cherry Day!

My scary bunny photo got yanked and I got my knuckles wrapped

Yep, freedom of the Internet doesn't really mean it's free - or something like that. Before I get going, you'll notice this blog has no pictures.... a show of respect for Mr. Bunny.

Here's the deal. Everyone knows I source funny pictures for the Hot Cherry Review Blog. Sometimes, they get yanked, most times they don't. I don't take the time to ask permission every time I grab one, nor do I believe I should have to. If someone drops into our site - how they find their pictures on Hot Cherry is beyond me - Google maybe? - (same way I find the pics in the first place?) spots their picture and don't want it being their, they yank it. No big deal. I'm easy to get along with. Personally, if I was to stumble on one of my pictures used somewhere, I'd kinda be happy about it... buy hey, that's just me.

So, as it turns out, the picture of the kinda scary Easter Bunny was the property of the Director of Web Media of the the First Baptist Church of Springdale & The Church at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers. Here's the email I received today: 'Hello, Yesterday I noticed that you had used a photo from a blog we maintain, BetweenSundays.com. After seeing that you had used it in a post, I removed the image from the server. Please remove the call to this image on your post dated April 04, 2007. I appreciate your time and consideration. Any further use of digital images without our consent will force us to take legal action.'

I know what you are thinking.... Saturday I wrestled with the Salvation Army and today I'm back at it, now with the Baptist's - at this rate I am likely going to hell.

But you don't understand..... I don't want to go to hell. Even though I confess, I am not a church goer, nor am I the devote Anglican as I was baptised, I am not a bad person. I love my fellow man, cherish all, believe in higher powers, I'm thoughtful, considerate, law abiding etc. I don't go to Church because I feel that I would be somehow lying to myself - I have never sorted out what I actually believe in and until I do, I won't be going.

My point of all this.... well, aside from the threat of 'legal action' - wosh... was that a bit harsh or what? It's not like I was putting their photos all over 'nasty' sites, nor was I using them in derogatory ways, I didn't make t-shirts and I wasn't going to use it in any other form. It was a cute and funny picture - great photographer actually, I liked it, you liked, we used it. We certainly meant no harm.

Okay, I know you are nail biting waiting to hear how I responded.... okay, here it is: 'My sincere apologies 'name withheld' (I could get sued for using it) There were no disclaimers on your photo, in fact it was found on a random 'Google images, Easter Bunnies' search.
I do not use copyrighted or protected images, your image was allowed.
Perhaps you may want to do some research on protecting your images and not allowing them to be searchable on the Internet.
Have a wonderful day and all the best to you (name withheld).'

To that, this was his response: 'Thank you for your quick response and timely action. I appreciate your concern, but while I am concerned about the use of our digital media, I am not interested in removing them from search engines.
I did, however, find a great source of information that you might want to read when you get a chance. It explains that all intellectual property belongs to the creator, regardless of copyrights. Might be helpful.
http://www.2learn.ca/copyright/gencopyright.html'

Okay, I've been made to feel like a criminal.... yes, I've been punished again.... I guess if I would have known who the creator was, I may have asked to use the image. On the other hand, had there been a disclaimer or the creator's name, I would have likely just passed the photo by and found another one to use instead.

And no, I don't agree with the response. I've said it over and over again. Don't put shit on the Internet that you don't want others to see or use. That goes for nasty comments about your boss or your best friend, video of you and hubby/wife getting it on, pictures of your kids, pictures of your house, of yourself naked....

Time and time again I run into people who lash out against what can be found online. Now, before anyone takes my comments to extremes, I've said it before and I will say it again - there is no place anywhere for the likes of child porn, abuse, etc. There are sick, demented people out there. For this same reason, I don't like to see pictures that are searchable of stuff that these freaks can grab and use for their personal gratification. That's sick and there are 'humans' that do it. Let us all agree that there is nasty, disgusting, repulsive shit online - govern yourself accordingly. The same Internet is responsible for global communications, shared knowledge, resources etc, heck it even helps the Baptist Church out by disseminating knowledge and teachings. It's not all bad.

What ever has happened to being reasonable Internet citizens though? The 'Good Director of Web Development' will not take measures to protect his images that will restrict them from 'searches', but he will chastise me and threaten legal action if I persist. Hey, I'm the good guy here. Think of how many freaks with fetishes about people dressed in Easter Bunny outfits are out there - those are the ones the 'Good Director' needs to worry about.

Besides that I'm not 100% sure that you can claim ownership of a photo that is posted on the Internet which the creator has not taken the time to put their tag/name or TM on ... I do know (from consulting our lawyer, who specializes in e-com and Internet) that there are some very muddy areas. I can seriously say though, I do not have the energy, desire or bandwidth to argue with Mr. Director any further, so I'll just allow him this one and be done with funny looking Easter Bunnies from Baptist websites.

I am not out to piss in any one's cornflakes - (shit, can I say that without a copyright allowance?), I would have appreciated a quick note from the 'Director' saying.... hey, pulled your picture, didn't like how it was used, next time, please don't use mine. Have a great day.

On that note... You all behave and have yourselves a Hot Cherry Day!

Bunnies, eggs and strange stuff

Well it's Easter Sunday.... a day of rest, relaxation and mindless surfing of the Internet. (it's been a long weekend already and we've decided that staying close to home was a must) I couldn't resist the urge to share with you what I've learned.

Well then, have a lovely day, I'll catch up with you later in the week!

Seriously, there simply is not much on either on the traditional tube or on the internet. I've cruised through eBay several times - never buy on eBay on a holiday auction! There are too many people who are attempting to escape their families (who arrived sometime last week and are not due to leave until mid this week) and have found sanctuary in online auctions. Never the less, I have a couple of items I am currently holding the winning bid on - duh.

So while I contemplate my winning auctions I have wandered all over the Internet today. I got my gym schedule for the week, did a bit of 'work related' research, looked at a couple of online fashion shows and for the most part, I basically managed to waist hours today. (oh and no, we don't have family visiting)

Speaking of family - 'the daughter' is somewhere in Montreal for the evening. Her and 'the boy' took off this morning with assorted other friends we have never met to go to a 'wicked' all night party.... something about 'white'..... Oh to be 21 and very foolish again. I of course couldn't let her leave without the 'be careful, it's Montreal you know' lecture. Ahhh, they don't care. Hey wait, neither did we.

I do have a funny story.... my apologies if I've already told this one to you. 'Hubby' along with collecting vintage cuff links, now has a fancy for vintage luggage. (don't ask, I don't know) So, after I left a very disappointing auction early yesterday morning, I cruised through the streets of Smiths Falls. Along one street it the 'Salvation Army Store', along side the building is what looks like an immaculate piece of 40's luggage. I slam on the breaks, hop out and take a look - sure enough, it is.

Now, I don't know what time the 'Sally Anne' opens so I go to the door. I'm met by a rather 'abrupt' women who announces 'we don't open until 10!'. It starts from there. In my hand is this piece of luggage I so desperately want to purchase from the store.

I apologize for disturbing her and explain my find and tell her I would like to buy it from her. 'NO!, you can't'. 'Huhh??' 'We are not open' she tells me again. (she is speaking to me through a crack in the door btw) 'But, I'm not from here, so, can I come back when you open at 10 and buy it then?' 'NO! it has to go to intake first', she tells me. 'But, I'm not from here, I won't be coming back, can I just come back at 10 and buy it from you? Can you give it to intake and then I can pay you? After 10, when you open of course?' 'NO! It has to go to intake first, then I can sell it to you, but not today!' she is getting pretty hot with me now. 'But.... ' I say, 'NO! I Can not sell it to you today!'

I know when I'm not going to win the battle, so I hang my head and take the luggage and put it back along side the building. I know what you are thinking, the same thing I am thinking - screw it, throw it in the truck and leave! But I can't, it's like stealing from God - I couldn't do it. Instead I left to drive around town, grab a coffee and wait until the store opened.

In the meantime, I call 'Hubby' and give him the news. What do I do, I ask... 'I thought about just taking it, but I can't do that'. 'NO' he says, you can't do that. 'Wait till store opens, go find the intake guy and plead with him.

So, I do. Just as I am pulling up to the store, I notice a man wearing a Salvation Army shirt loading the drop offs from the day before into the truck, I guess for 'intake'. I park, get out and walk up to him. He tells me 'Oh yeah, (insert name of lady at the door earlier in here)..... told me about you. (I know what she told him, that I likely stole the suitcase) He looks me directly in the eye and says....'I'll have to charge you $5 though and I can't take you money on the street, I'll need to take the piece in through the back door, you go through the front, I'll meet you at the cash register, okay?' I'm delighted of course.

$5, two trips and an outrageous confrontation and I'm out of there with my very cool, very perfect vintage luggage. All of it happens on Easter weekend.... very strange.

Hope you've had a wonderful Easter Sunday.... I will be back with more this week - I just can't help myself.
Have a wonderful Hot Cherry Easter Monday!

Oh shit, it's Wednesday!

Yikes.... Wednesday - where did the week go?

I woke up this morning in an 'almost cold sweat' - notice I say 'almost' and 'cold sweat' - I figured I had dreamt that I had forgotten to do something important. Not that I often don't forget, I do, often. I need to write everything down or I will forget. There was a time when I lived with sticky notes and was the 'post-it' note's best customer. Those days have long since past - now I just wake up frightened.

I've spent the entire day wondering just what I have forgotten, there has to be something about that alone that is all wrong. The fact that I worry about it is even worse. Take for example 'the daughter'. She forgets things all of the time; that her insurance payment is due (to me btw because she can't remember to change the billing over to her name, it still comes out of my account), her laundry, that the mascara in her pocket does not belong to her and that the cool, very funky retro sunglasses perched on top of her head actually need to be perched in a basket in my dressing room. Does she loose any sleep over these things she forgets - no way - she's probably forgotten all about it.

Why then are some of us so twisted up about what we can't remember in the first place? Don't look to me for an answer, just nod and acknowledge that we are all really 'bent'!

On other fronts, I think I have developed a sort of awe inspired fetish for video - no not that type of fetish... wait, let me think.... Seriously, video video - the clean and funny or not so funny stuff that is recorded and stored for viewing at a later date. Every time I turn around recently I seem to be running into more and more applications for live video feeds over the Internet. Rather like your best friend buying a car that you have never heard of and then all of a sudden everyone is driving one. I'm not entirely sure what the best thing to do with this video thing I have - some say porn is an option.... I say,... 'hey baby, with this butt, it's not!' I have my ideas and no, they are not 'dirty' of course they are all top secret so I can't tell you right now either. (buy me a whiskey or two (okay maybe a few more than that) though, and I can't be held responsible for what comes out of my mouth.

Our friends are in Mexico right now, with a young neighbor couple who are renewing their vows. Yes, I did say young, you now should ask 'why?'. I don't know. Well I do know why our friends are there - they wanted a vacation and it seemed like a good idea at the time. Why the 'kiddies' are renewing their vows so early in the marriage life span, I don't know. Why do couples need to renew their vows anyways? We have the photos and likely the video (ahhh, see) what do these couples know that I don't. Was there are reason involved, such as infidelity? Is it guilt? Or is it just an excuse to go on vacation? Sounds like an excellent revenue generator for some resort on the Myan Riviera!

I know you are sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering what 'the daughter' and 'hubby' have been up to this last week. Let me start with 'hubby'. The amazing man I married has once again reversioned himself. When we met he was one of the least compassionate men I had ever engaged in conversation with. (but then again he wouldn't wear pink.... yeah, ask him about his tailored Venice french cuffed pink shirt) This week and a portion of last week the unfortunate of the world weighed heavy on his mind. I'm happy he is thinking in terms like this..... I would just like to know why now. This does not make him a candidate for some religious based group that would like to get their hands on his (and my) hard earned $s - but it is still a bit of a step in another direction. I wonder often if our lovely daughter hasn't effected him more than he will let on.

Speaking of 'the daughter'. She returned home this Monday (which was also her 21st birthday) to visit with her poor old folks and of course collect the gifts that we showered her with. We wanted to get her all useful things this time... we especially wanted to get her a gift card from a grocery store so that she would have emergency money for food if she needed it. After much consideration though, I opted for clothes, a collection of 'needed items' for her day to day existence and a gift card to Shoppers. Why no groceries... well... I don't know what grocery store is in the area of where she is now living and I was convinced that if there was not one right close the gift card would just go to waste.

So home our little darling comes. She tells us about her wild birthday weekend... how she has no money...... how they partied three nights..... how she has no money..... how she is thinking about becoming a tattoo and piercing person. Yep. Welder, Piercer... I can see the relationship there. They both work with industrial metal - duh. Oh, she brought her laundry too. I can't win. We also had a discussion about the pig pen of a bedroom that she maintains in this house. 'Oh, I was thinking about that' she says, 'so I'm going to have to come home and pack up all my stuff to move into our new apartment, like, one night, maybe next week'. I of course respond... 'cool' and then ask her... what are you going to pack your stuff in? 'Oh, I hadn't thought about that'.... the rest of the evening our conversation sounded like that.... 'oh, I hadn't thought about that'. What can I say.

In the morning she gets up, running late she jogs to the door and goes outside for a smoke. Comes back in and goes back up stairs. 10 minutes later and almost late now, she comes back down and goes to fetch the laundry from the drier. 'Ahhhh damn it!', yeah it's 'daughter'. 'My clothes aren't dry!' I smile and say... 'well sweetie... why didn't your check them when you woke me up pounding down the stairs chatting to your friend on the phone at 1am? Or, why didn't you check them when you went outside to have a smoke?' 'Oh' she says 'I guess I forgot'. I can't win!

So that's the start to my week. Whatcha up to this coming long weekend? Traditionally we spend Thursday night having way too much fun at the local Pub. We get up and drag our sorry butts to the area's biggest junk auction on Good Friday. We spend Saturday doing 'stuff'. Saturday night back at our local Pub and Sunday trying to remember just why our heads hurt.

I know I've forgotten to tell you something, that I was meaning to tell you. Likely some cool information about how you can buy something so under value that it is insane - but hey.... I forget. Have a wonderful Hot Cherry Easter weekend - I promise, I'll catch up next week.