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CARRY YOUR STATUS WITH YOU

After doing some research on cars between Colombia and California I've found out that the car you drive is your status symbol. You are what you drive. It SEEMS to be more important to some people to drive an impressive car (in their opinion) than to have a really nice house. Colombians still seem to descriminate against social status even though nobody calls it descrimination, that's just the way it is. A new BMW 3 series in Bogota is impressive and admired, the same car in California is a cute car. But also the same BMW in Bogota would cost more than 200 percent of what it would cost in California. To Californians it's important to have a good dependable car for transportation (in the working class). But it seems that in Bogota the same working class has to go the extra mile to buy a very expensive car even if their budget doesn't allow it but you have to impress everybody even if you don't have any money left for gas. It's a STATUS symbol, you are what you drive. Am I the only one who sees it that way?

By mrgizmo on Aug 26, 2007, 14:30 in Friendly Talkzone.

panthdave says on Aug 26, 2007, 14:44:

There you go I knew Rolo's were stuckup snobs thats why I am in Medellin Paisas are much different.

panthdave Miami

Man Tequila says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:07:

My thoughts

People who judge you by what you drive are usually jerks.

The wealthy folks I know consider cars a depreciable asset and generally could afford much nicer cars than they drive.

I dress down in Colombia and tell folks I drive a 1997 Corolla. Colombia is still a place where you can run into problems even with luck, friends and influence.

I read one study saying that 20% of Italians or maybe Germans fake exotic vacations to impress their neighbours. Living a lie is added stress you don't need. Don't spend too much time caring what the neighbours think. The working class in Colombia can't afford a fancy car for status, I would think given car costs in Colombia. But anyone who would choose a non-functional trophy over a servicible jalopy gets what they deserve.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Tinto (Moderator) says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:07:

I don't think Bogota's working class, let alone the middle class, can afford a new BMW.

The 2007 328i with with the premium package (leather and power seats) is about $37,000. Let's call that the "basic" BMW 3-series. Add tax and you're real close to $40,000 USD. If it's 50% more in Colombia you're talking $60,000 USD. To be able to afford that, you're getting pretty high up on the socio-economic ladder.

panthdave says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:11:

Rolo's are still snobs they treat people much differently in Bogota than Medellin...Materialistic.

panthdave Miami

Tinto (Moderator) says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:13:

Those rotten Italians: they take fake vacations and they sell fake extra virgin olive oil. What's next, fake orgasms?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12571726

;-)

Man Tequila says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:19:

I remember reading the olive oil article, and feeling cheated. But then I thought it's not like Italians are the only ones to fake virginity. I wonder if Morphus likes extra virgins?

mrgizmo says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:22:

panthdave - sadly but true. And I'm a Rolo living in California with many paisa friends. Although we have changed thru out the years we are still stuck up. For some reason we need to impress people and show that we belong to a higher STRATO. Why? That's the way we were brought up and we pass it on to other generations. Maybe that's why we call each other DOCTOR even to people who don't even have a college degree but they have a executive position. Feeling superior to others it's important to Rolos. Rolos don't get offended, I'm a Rolo. Now paisas are more open and more sociable but they too have that Status need, I've met enough paisas from Medellin and Quindio to make this comment.

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

Mr. Hollywood says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:28:

Not sure I get the OP's true point. It's true that you have to drive a much fancier car in California than in Bogota if you want people to notice you for your car. On the other hand, there sure seem to be a lot more people in the United Statesw who look at fancy cars as an expression of their "self-worth." Hell, for a lot of Colombians, going "high on the hog" is taking the Transmilenio instead of a Collectivo.

Man Tequila says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:29:

I think Colombians in general have a big need for status, although this is true for many, many other people too. Colombia might be different (or maybe not) since:

(1) People who rise from poverty to great success often overdo the luxuries
(2) People already wealthy don't always want the stigma of rising from poverty or not being from an influential familty
(3) Class distinctions in Colombia might be emphasized at a very early age and stick
(4) Colombia has a certain image in the eyes of the world which, theoretically, might give an emigrant an inferiority complex and a need to distinguish oneself

Colombians call executives "Doctor"? Sucking up, or just to friends who return the favour? That is kind of pretentious.

panthdave says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:31:

It is like competition...In a way many people hurt themselves financially here in Miami when they want to competite against people with a higher income..I have found well to do Paisas are more sociable with the lower income households or people...Rolo's look down at you like your dirt just because your not in that higher Estrata or in a new car..I have not seen Paisas do that..more down to earth..Thats just what I have seen but maybe its changing but know many Rolo's here in Miami a few JAP Rolos Yes Jewish Rolo's from Bogota and they are really snobby and cannot be seen talking to somebody blue collar or not at there income level..

Again just what I have seen...between Paisa's and Rolo's...

panthdave Miami

Leeroy says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:36:

Strangely enough, my girlfriend and I have been speaking for a while about buying a car.

She is determined to get some piece of crap Renault Twingo. I am thinking Subaru Impreza.

I cannot really justify wanting such an expensive car on any rational grounds, I just want it. As much as I might not like to admit it, I am sure there is a "look at the sexy car I´ve got!" psychology behind there somewhere. She, on the other hand, is thinking practically.

In this case, the English guy is more concerned about the car=status equation than the Colombian girl...

panthdave says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:38:

Leeroy if you don't mind where is your Colombian GF from??? Just curious if you don't mind

panthdave Miami

Leeroy says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:40:

Bogota.

Leeroy says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:41:

Oh and she grew up in Estrata 5, if that adds anything to the equation.

robi666 says on Aug 26, 2007, 15:57:

Hej Tinto...
1) A real Italian can say the good olive oil from the bad one just tasting it.
2) I never heard of a friend of mine faking an exotic vacation. What for? Faking a sexual relation with a beautiful girl, it's another story...
3) About orgasm... I heard stories from many Colombianitas faking an orgasm with their gringo novio... ;-) could they tell the difference?

About cars... people here seem to forget that to drive a nice car is FUN! Drove a Jag XKR, a Lotus Elise and an old Porsche Turbo at home... not sure you can do it here without risking of being kidnapped! So, I'll go for an old Ford Bronco, with natural GAS tank of course! :-)

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

miamimike says on Aug 26, 2007, 16:27:

I see this many times here in Miami although it seems Colombians in General do this "Look at my fancy Car" Routine.I see Colombians many times LIVING in Apartments way too expensive for their Income. Same for their Cars-big new SUVs, leased in many cases with payments $400 monthly.A money losing asset from Day One(unless its a classic) Sad thing is by the time they get done paying for their fancy cars and/or Apartments, they hardly have money leftover to pay the Gas, Electric, Phone and food bill. Much importance for the Impression.

PD-I don't know here in Miami if there is much difference in this Phenomenon between Rolos and Paisas. I met this one Lady from Medellin who lives in a fancy a$$ condo on Williams ISland, like around 183st and Biscayne, just before the Adventura Mall. She rented a $1700 Luxury apartment, drove a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee oh and of course, had the latest Chic CellPhone. To top it off, her Son lived in another apartment ABOVE her, paying the same for Rent, $1700. He drove a new Red Sports Car. Beofre that, she rented a Luxury Home in where else, but status conscious "Weston". In this time frame over 5 years, they never bought any of the homes or apartments they lived in, any of which would have least have doubled in Value had they bought instead of rented. Her Ex-Husband left her some $$$ in a divorce case in Col and she burned through the money like crazy. But she kept up the "Image",,,LOL

Another Woman I know(from Bogota) rented in Sunny Isles, a Luxury Apartment overlooking the Intercoastal Waterwayoff 163rd st. She payed $1400 monthly, when it went up to $1600 2 years ago, she had to give it up and moved to an Apartment in Little Haiti on Miami ave and 52 st.She payed $700 monthly for a 2 BR but was embarassed to have hometown friends from Bogota visit her because she was living amongst black Haitians(there are white haitians also). Finally she gave up the apartment and moved back to LA. In all this time of living here-5 years, she could have easily bought a place as many mortage companies were then writing "0" down payment loans. Had she bought in this time frame, she too could have doubled her $$$ .Extremely shortsighted to have missed such a big investment oppurtunity. Crass Materialism,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

panthdave says on Aug 26, 2007, 16:37:

Sunny Isles intracoastal front to Little Haiti Get the hell out of here...No Way.. thats a classic..

panthdave Miami

britz30 says on Aug 26, 2007, 16:38:

I don't mean to sound niave, but... How do you know what social standing someone is in? Do you ask them, do you know by the way they talk, dress, walk? Please enlighten me. Thanks!

panthdave says on Aug 26, 2007, 16:41:

You mean social or income Britz.....

panthdave Miami

miamimike says on Aug 26, 2007, 16:59:

PD--Yes that was a HUGE downgrade and personal embarassment for this Lady! Her Mom(a friend of mine)told me never to say anything to the family when I was in Bogota. As an American, I would never give the neighborhood a second thought as a Good friend of mine, a Haitian Doctor, has his clinic not far from her apartment complex. It was like old homeweek for me first time I went to see her place. She was equally shocked when she heard I visit a Haitian Doctor for treatment,,LOL

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

Lostgringo says on Aug 26, 2007, 17:47:

Personally I don't see much difference between Americans and Colombians wanting to "one up" each other. Except that in Colombia the more you "look" rich the more you are likely to kidnapped or have money extorted from you. Also, in Colombia you need body guards to protect you if you have allot of money. I don't know if this is exactly the same in North America. At least not on the same scale. Now if you really want to impress your friends here in Colombia or anywhere for that matter book a few days at this hotel...........however, if you want to impress your friends stay at this hotel for a few days............or NOT

http://www.forbes.com/2002/03/07/0307feat_2.html

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

bickerss says on Aug 26, 2007, 19:21:

jaja i stay in an aparthotel in bogota - its not the best but ok and near zona rosa (and only 800,00 pesos a month ). My amiga asked me why I was so poor and didnt I have a job because I lve there. Seems I need a 150 sq mt places in rosales to be cool jaj. Didnt stop her asking for moey to buy chiclets off the street vendor though - guess i am not as poor as some!!

morphus says on Aug 26, 2007, 19:28:

Shit...i'll go down there with this Bentley and show them all up

opo909

morphus says on Aug 26, 2007, 19:31:

Normally, i'm not into luxury cars but when I saw this car close up I thought it was a work of art. Look at that dash

89898

gringoloid says on Aug 26, 2007, 19:52:

If a colombian wanted to impress someone in Hawaii; this would be the place to do it.

You would also save a few dollars from the Forbes magazine above:

http://www.fabulous-homes.com/gold/

*

Lostgringo says on Aug 26, 2007, 19:52:

Bickers you living in Bogota?????? I thought for sure you live in Medellin. Why Bogota? Sounds like you got a great deal near Zona Rosa. Do you ever rent it out? By the way, how are you? You say you actually sprang for chicklets....what a guy lol.

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

bickerss says on Aug 26, 2007, 20:25:

well being as tight as i am, amd after being called poor and cheap, i didnt spring for them!! It is an aparthotel near zona rosa - good value. Not the best but is all i need.

bradenmiami says on Aug 26, 2007, 20:35:

I lived in Miami before I moved to Medellin, and Iove the fact that there is much less of a status thing going on down here when it comes to cars. Having spent most of my Colombian experience in Barranquilla and Medellin, I can say firsthand that 90% of the people in both of these cities see cars mostly as a method of transportation, and not a status symbol.

Living here, for the first time in my life, I have NEVER had anyone ask how I get somewhere, or care once they found out if I took a bus, metro, taxi or moto! It is soooooo nice not to be in Miami, getting dirty looks when I didnt have the money to buy anything except for a subcompact Chevy or having to pay the insurance, maintenance and payment of a higher-end car I bought for "status" once I was more financially secure! In fact I am happy to say that I might be buying the cheapest car I have ever bought in my life - a 1979 yellow Land Rover Santana..the truck of my dreams - for a whopping $6k!!!!

Sure, there are occasional "status" comments or interests when it comes to what Strato you live in, or if you are driving a big ass luxury car or SUV you definitely get looks, but its not necerssary...and thats what I like about it!

I can't speak for Bogota, but that's too bad if it is equal to Miami with the status factor....

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

arthur brode says on Aug 26, 2007, 20:40:

Morphus,because a Colombian doesnt kiss up to you that makes him/her snobby? I dont compare the Colombians that Live in Miami with the Colombians that live in Colombia.

Besides,i rather roll up in one of these:)

http://www.astonmartin.com/astonmartindbs/html/index.htm

http://www.calirentals.net/

arthur brode says on Aug 26, 2007, 21:16:

Thank You,Rubito

http://www.calirentals.net/

miamimike says on Aug 26, 2007, 21:22:

bradenmiami says on Sunday August 26th, 2007 20:35:

I lived in Miami before I moved to Medellin, and Iove the fact that there is much less of a status thing going on down here when it comes to cars. Having spent most of my Colombian experience in Barranquilla and Medellin, I can say firsthand that 90% of the people in both of these cities see cars mostly as a method of transportation, and not a status symbol.

Living here, for the first time in my life, I have NEVER had anyone ask how I get somewhere, or care once they found out if I took a bus, metro, taxi or moto! It is soooooo nice not to be in Miami, getting dirty looks when I didnt have the money to buy anything except for a subcompact Chevy or having to pay the insurance, maintenance and payment of a higher-end car I bought for "status" once I was more financially secure! In fact I am happy to say that I might be buying the cheapest car I have ever bought in my life - a 1979 yellow Land Rover Santana..the truck of my dreams - for a whopping $6k!!!!

Sure, there are occasional "status" comments or interests when it comes to what Strato you live in, or if you are driving a big ass luxury car or SUV you definitely get looks, but its not necerssary...and thats what I like about it!

I can't speak for Bogota, but that's too bad if it is equal to Miami with the status factor....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hey Brad-I hear ya on the Status BS here in Miami!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

mrgizmo says on Aug 26, 2007, 21:49:

The point I'm trying to make is the fact that a social status is very important to people from Colombia (mainly Bogota). The reason for this being that there's still social descrimination in Colombia and there seems to be a need to show your stuff (or fake having it) to impress people into believing that your are from a higher Strata. Not every class has the need to do it. The rich don't need to show that they are rich but the middle class struggles to show that they are better than the lower classes. It wasn't a statement it was an opinion and a question at the same time. That's the impression I get after talking to a lot of people about owning a car in Bogota. The car is a status symbol. In the old days it was the way you dressed: the business suit, the necktie, the overcoat, the hat. Even when they went on an outting in the countryside (pueblos) men used to wear a business suit and a necktie and a hat. I guess that showed everybody that they belonged to a certain class. Now the attire is very casual and cars are more accessible, therefore cars are the STATUS symbol to show what Strata we are from.

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

love2colombia says on Aug 26, 2007, 22:15:

¿Quiren estatus? el mafiso rasguño esta vendiendo su lindo Ferrari, ¿algun interesado?

EL FERRARI DE “RASGUÑO�? A BUEN RECAUDO DE ESTUPEFACIENTES /11:00 a.m.

La Dirección Nacional de Estupefacientes le enseñó a los medios de comunicación esta mañana el Ferrari que la Fiscalía le incauto a alias “Rasguño�?. El flamante vehículo, a pesar de ser modelo 91, tiene sólo 800 kilómetros de recorrido y hace parte de las excentricidades del capo, recientemente extraditado a los Estados Unidos.

El automóvil es de color negro y de acuerdo a lo informado por el Director Nacional de Estupefacientes, Carlos Albornoz Guerrero, será avaluado y posteriormente vendido al público por el sistema de mejor oferta.

Hasta tanto, y por tratarse de un vehículo avaluado en aproximadamente 250 mil dólares, unos 475 millones de pesos, permanecerá con todos los cuidados en los garajes de la Dirección de Estupefacientes.

El Director de Estupefacientes agregó que este vehículo era una de las piezas que el reconocido narcotraficante más quería, junto a una pistola en oro puro, de valor incalculable, que también está en poder de Estupefacientes.

Preocupa la devaluación del dólar
En diálogo con los medios de comunicación, albornoz reiteró la preocupación por los recursos que está perdiendo el Estado debido a la devaluación del dólar, refiriéndose a los dólares incautados recientemente al también narcotraficante Juan Carlos Ramírez Abadía, alias ‘Chupeta’.

Estos millones de dólares, dijo Albornoz, fueron enviados a los Estados Unidos para que sea ese país quien verifique la autenticidad de los mismos. Posteriormente regresarán para ser administrados por la Dirección Nacional de Estupefacientes. El cálculo del alto funcionario es que a la fecha, por la devaluación de la moneda norteamericana, se han perdido cerca de seis mil millones de pesos.

morphus says on Aug 27, 2007, 13:26:

arthur_brode, I just said i'll go down there with a Bentley. Why are you pointing a finger at me? I did'nt write the OP. I'm not worried about anybody kissing up to me. I prefer to just blend in. The snobby Colombians are snobby with other Colombians from my observations.

Cerealkiller says on Aug 27, 2007, 13:58:

This kind of thread is always a good laugh...so colombians are snobs and try to make others believe theyve got more than what they really do? Oh, but how very colombian of them!!! What about those is the US who max up their credit cards to keep up with a lifestyle they cannot afford and pay it off by maxing up another one? Or the city suits in london who do the same for a dolce gabbana coat to pretend theyre someone?
Come on guys, get real, colombians for the most part have more pressing needs that buying cars they cannot afford, chances are less colombians buy knock off gucci shit than people in the US or anywhere in the global north....people in the UK are going bankrupt more than ever before because they cannot afford to pay their mortgage...why? because they asked for more money than they could afford to pay. Why are young women in both sides of the north atlantic wearing huge ass sunglasses, getting fake tans and stylying their empty heads like Paris? could it possibly be that they just want to appear stylish? rich? Perhaps not...because thats something colombians do, especially rolos.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

ColombianoGringo says on Aug 27, 2007, 14:26:

How is this any different from people in the US. The vast majority of luxury cars are leased by people who can't afford them. How many times haven't you seen some idiot driving an Escalade and parking it at some shitty apartment complex? At least in Colombia(outside of Cali) you don't see as many idiots who bling out their cars with rims and other BS just to impress strangers at stoplights.

morphus says on Aug 27, 2007, 15:29:

"How is this any different from people in the US"

Here we don't treat pedestrians like rodents. Plus, having a car here is no big deal. Even people earning mimimum wage drive new cars.

morphus says on Aug 27, 2007, 15:41:

Its ok to have a nice car but I observed a lot of snobby behavior in Colombia. For example, in Medellin I saw a woman back her car into a motorcycle. There was some damage to the motorcycle. A lot of people were looking. She just gets out of her car like nothing happened. She did'nt say anything or show any emotion and just walked into a store with her nose in the air. She basically did'nt give a fok. Here in the U.S. most people would have been very apologetic or showed some emotion.

ColombianoGringo says on Aug 27, 2007, 15:54:

I was responding to the OP about "I've found out that the car you drive is your status symbol."

panthdave says on Aug 27, 2007, 17:42:

How did the Estados Unidos get involved here..Morphus I really don't know if you call that a snob the lady who hit the motorcycle but maybe just trying to slime her way out of it.. What comes down to is that I really think Rolo's treat lower income people like dirt compared to the Paisas they are alittle different and can have friends in lower estratas and respect a person as they are..Rolo's don't...

panthdave Miami

tomtom33 says on Aug 27, 2007, 18:52:

"...2/3 of them are estrato 3 or lower." That is surprising. About 75% of Cartagena is estrato 1. I guess I erroneously assumed that all larger Colombian cities were as skewed.

Gator says on Aug 27, 2007, 19:14:

Rubito;
"I admit even I wouldn't like the Rolos much if I stayed north of 80 and west of 15 the whole time I was there, but even THAT is a generalization."

Damn! I'm walking (living) on the razor's edge."

Very true about Cartagena. Don't believe us (Rubito and I). Just get out of Bocagrande and the Old Walled City. Best way? Grab a local bus and just keep going. Once you get around La Popa and past that you will get a real awakening.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

arthur brode says on Aug 27, 2007, 20:07:

But i dont see "Road Rage" incidents occuring here in Colombia as frequent as they do in the U.S.

http://www.calirentals.net/

Man Tequila says on Aug 27, 2007, 20:16:

I've never heard of anyone in the US offing a witness to a "road rage" incident. I am sure Colombia is a country where you learn to keep your cool and keep your temper. When you live with big injustices the small ones become less important?

arthur brode says on Aug 27, 2007, 21:05:

"Road Rage" is rampant in the U.S. and Miami is the King.
The U.S. is a country were you learn to keep your cool and not lose your temper because if you dont you will suffer an injustice.
Colombia is laid back and the people are not agressive like they are in the U.S.

http://www.calirentals.net/

Man Tequila says on Aug 27, 2007, 21:35:

Colombians are very laid back and far less aggressive than most Americans. It's one of the reasons Colombians are great people. I must say the dichotomy confuses me tremendously given the stories you hear in Colombia, though, about remarkable aggression. I always had trouble picturing how such a fate could befall such placid people. I still don't get it, and I mean it in the nicest way.

Tinto (Moderator) says on Aug 27, 2007, 22:38:

I think Road Rage is a media creation. There is no precise definition and there are no statistics/comparisons. It's mostly anecdotal, hyperventilating stories to get you to watch the local news and on a national basis, it's cheap, sensational filler material for the cable news networks.

Robert Jorge says on Aug 28, 2007, 00:40:

I lived in the Miami area for a while. I agree ... the road rage there is ridiculous. 2 years ago when I went down there to fix up a rental, my buddy and I were driving from Coconut Grove to Homestead on US1. There was some idiot that almost ran into us, and then proceeded to slow down to 10mph in front of us. My buddy makes the mistake of honking. My 2nd day in Miami, and I got some Puerto Rican guy jumping out of his car with a pistol. We drove on, nothing happened, but jeepers. (I assume he was Puerto Rican. His car had a PR flag thingy hanging from the rear view mirror) .... by the way, is it mandatory to hang a PR flag from your mirror in Miami if you are from PR?

When I was a freshman in college, two guys had a fender bender on the busiest street in Muncie, Indiana. They both jumped out of their cars yelling. One guy had a machete, swung it, and the other guy put his arm up to defend himself. His arm was severed at the elbow. Broad daylight, dozens of witnesses. Welcome to the US.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

junkyak says on Aug 28, 2007, 01:48:

Is carjacking common in Colombia?

Will I be targeted if I drive down there rolling on dubs with tv's in the headrests?

miamimike says on Aug 28, 2007, 02:13:

Hey RJ--are you sure that wasn't a Cuban Flag in the Car you had a problem with on US 1?? Sounds more Cuban then PR,,,Here in the Miami area the MOST Aggressive rivers are the Cubans and the female variety more Aggressive then the male. USA Today ranked Miami the worst(most aggressive ) place to drive in the US. The Bigger the SUV or Pickup, the more aggressive the Driver!!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

LA_MONA says on Aug 28, 2007, 02:27:

Alot of road rage in UK too.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

gringolondinense says on Aug 28, 2007, 03:01:

Did anyone see Top Gear, where they each bought a car and painted stuff on the sides like "God loves gays", "NASCAR sucks" and "Vote Hilary", then drove across Alabama. They pulled into a gas station and the owner (a lady) came out and said "GET YOUR GODAMM MOTHER*** ASSES OUTTA HERE!! IM GONNA CALL THE BOYZ!!" and then a SUV turned up with guys carrying guns and baseball bats, who were gonna kill all the presenters, who had no choice other than to abandon their cars and run away. Bloody funny. I was shocked how agressive people were towards them, I mean people were getting seriously worked up about it.

gringolondinense says on Aug 28, 2007, 03:04:

oh yer and to cap it all, they ended up in New orleans and tried to donate the car to a baptist church. these guys turned up and said "get the fook off our street" and again the presenters had to make an escape lol. Friendly people.!!

LA_MONA says on Aug 28, 2007, 03:27:

GL so you watch Top Gear, typical! don't you find you have to drive aggressively in London or you'll be made mincemeat of? And I feel very sorry for the guy's on motorbikes in London. I like the way you say "yer" it's so cockney, mate.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

gringolondinense says on Aug 28, 2007, 03:41:

hahh! well Mona, sometimes Im a bit cockney and othertimes Im posh. It depends who im with. Well, driving in london is aggressive, but not as aggressive as other towns I have been to, so Im probably more aggressive than your average London driver. You should see how people drive in brussels...insane. Ive never seen so many accidents in my life, or so many dead bodies for that matter. Just look around the streets there and the dents in the cars tell it all.

LA_MONA says on Aug 28, 2007, 03:46:

Really? Sounds as bad as Spain..my husband is over there and I worry all the time about that, they are real maniacs over there, every Monday they give a report on the news about how many were killed over the w/end....didn't know about Brussel's being like that too.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

gringolondinense says on Aug 28, 2007, 03:59:

oh yes, the spanish are crazzy too! must be that latin blood. People seem to still drive around in 1975 Renault 5s that dont have any brakes. Well I suppose if they crash, at least they can be resuscitated by a gorgeous senorita espagnol. :)

morphus says on Aug 28, 2007, 10:40:

Yeah most likely Cuban. The Puert Rican flag and the Cuban flag look similar. If I lived in Miami, I would have probably killed somebody by now due to the road rage. Every time I go there I get into something. One time I was driving and stopped at a red light. I was asking the car next to me for directions. As soon as the light turned green, the guy started blowing his horn and would'nt stop. I got out of the car and threw a gallon jug of water at his windshield. He was scared...lol

Cerealkiller says on Aug 28, 2007, 11:01:

hahaha gringo londinense i did watch that Top Gear episode it was sooooo funny. And when they got to New Orleans people didnt want to receive the cars because they were too old...hahahaha that was the best.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

elmodefoque says on Aug 28, 2007, 11:03:

HEY MORPH, i get pay thursday, let's get drunk in the village or better yer in Iguana, i owe you beers.

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

Man Tequila says on Aug 28, 2007, 11:14:

Elmo, have they invented a toilet with Internet access.

http://www.google.com/tisp/press.html
http://www.chefelf.com/iloo.shtml

Hmmm, maybe I'll just get an ILoo (read the shmtl). Funny how these announcements seem to occur on the same day.

Robert Jorge says on Aug 28, 2007, 11:43:

The car for sure had a rican flag dangling from the mirror.

Morph, I can picture you throwing that gallon jug at the other guy's windshield. That is hilarious. And he had it coming.

An example of how everybody is on edge in Miami while driving: If stopped at a stoplight in traffic, simply open your door and get out of the car. Notice the looks on people's faces in the other cars. Once, I had to re-close my trunk while stopped in traffic. I got out, walked towards the back of the car and the chick behind me was trying to put her car in reverse to get out of there. She was terrified. I felt horrible, she had kids in the car. I just smiled and put my hands up in that "I give up - no problem" gesture, closed my trunk, and drove away when the light turned green.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

robi666 says on Aug 28, 2007, 11:47:

"She was terrified" Wow... how you look like Robert? :-)

Tinto (Moderator) says on Aug 28, 2007, 11:49:

Man! I haven't vacationed in the Keys or Miami in a decade and I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. From what I've learned on this site it's tops in things like:

- Road Rage
- High priced homes that people can't afford
- Hotbed of Social Security and visa fraud
- Especially corrupt and incompetent city government
- Spineless, welfare sucking Cubans
- Poorest large city in the nation
- Very violent
- etc, etc

Yet every time I watch CSI Miami it looks like a great place. :-)

LA_MONA says on Aug 28, 2007, 11:53:

So you watch that too Tinto? ;-)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Tinto (Moderator) says on Aug 28, 2007, 12:02:

Yeah, it's my weekly TV vice. I know half the equipment and techniques are make believe but the women are hot, the cars and buildings are cool and I amuse myself trying to predict the brief, profound lines coming from the mouth of David Caruso. Ha-ha.

LA_MONA says on Aug 28, 2007, 12:05:

Me too Tinto! I am addicted to CSI Miami and Las Vegas, the guys are hot! In the Las Vegas one the older guy is hot too, but David Caruso is not my cup of tea, but I love it when he takes off his sunglasses and gives that "look" LOL.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

podborski says on Aug 28, 2007, 18:41:

I haven't seen those CSI shows but they can't be as good as the old Miami Vice was...

That TV show was (I think) responsible for the great music that routinely shows up on TV today, because if I remember the stories and dialogue were weak, but you still had to watch it to find out what the latest cool music was, and of course to learn how to wear pink linen sports jackets.

miamimike says on Aug 28, 2007, 23:03:

- Road Rage
- High priced homes that people can't afford
- Hotbed of Social Security and visa fraud
- Especially corrupt and incompetent city government
- Spineless, welfare sucking Cubans
- Poorest large city in the nation
- Very violent
- etc, etc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tinto--add Medicare fraud and overcrowded schools to your list and its pretty complete. There are some upsides though, Killer Beaches and an endless supply of new Carribbean and South American women! Not to mention our November to april weather is to die for,,,Even this Summer, with Miami being considered Tropical, so far the Temps have been higher in many Northern and southcentral states,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

gringolondinense says on Aug 29, 2007, 00:18:

Isnt Florida full of inbreds? Its just what I heard. I heard that if you turn off the main roads, you end up in a little forest clearing full of trailer trash, Deliverance style :). Nice!

panthdave says on Aug 29, 2007, 04:05:

So Funny CSI Miami..not even close to what Miami is about.So happy I can stay in my little hood of Aventura and Hallandale Beach.away from all the bullcrap...in Miami..I can say my area has changed but still away from the real chaos of MIA>>>>Only time I head to Miami is the airport every two weeks.

Though in my hood many stuck up JAPs like the stuck up Rolo's...

panthdave Miami

arthur brode says on Aug 29, 2007, 05:30:

Yeah,Miami is a Riot.Every loser that cant make it in the north comes down to Florida.But i do miss the Garage sales:)And lets not forget the Hurricanes and expensive Hurricane insurance.The worst month is just right around the corner.Good luck,M.M:)

http://www.calirentals.net/

panthdave says on Aug 29, 2007, 06:26:

In a way GIB your right...isn't that sad...Well tomorrow morning need to travel down I-95 to MIA with Miami traffic for my morning flight down south...

I am due need to get some medicine...in Medellin..

panthdave Miami

arthur brode says on Aug 29, 2007, 06:38:

sweating bullets

http://www.calirentals.net/

arthur brode says on Aug 29, 2007, 06:40:

LOL
gringolondinense

http://www.calirentals.net/

billyb says on Aug 29, 2007, 06:41:

How about some reverse roadrage, a while back I was on the balcony of our house in Cali just having an afternoon beer and watching life go by, and below at the intersection this guy starts blasting his horn at the guy in front of him who actally had the temerity to stop for a stop sign and let the traffic with the right of way go by, well the guy that had stopped finally got out of his car and very calmly walked over to the guy blasting his horn, pulled out a gun pointed it at the other guy's head and made him beg for forgiveness. You won't catch me blasting my horn at anybody in Cali any time soon.

arthur brode says on Aug 29, 2007, 06:56:

How about the time when i was 17,driving drunk down I-95 at 5am and these guys pull up to me at around 80mph and start shooting at my Car for no reason?

http://www.calirentals.net/

tomtom33 says on Aug 29, 2007, 07:10:

Damn Art, you convinced me. The US is more dangerous than Colombia.

gringolondinense says on Aug 29, 2007, 07:15:

OK guys, get your bangos out, put a bit of straw in the corner of your mouths and I will count us in...1...2....3......

dong dong dong, twang twang twang....

(dont forget to move your heads from side to side as you play)...

:)

miamimike says on Aug 29, 2007, 07:17:

Yeah,Miami is a Riot.Every loser that cant make it in the north comes down to Florida
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AB-that's not 100% true! Some of us Northerners came to Miami via Job Transfers as was my case. I would say many more who can't make it in the Carribbean Nations, central&South America wash up on Miami's shores,,,You really don't see many Northern folks(usa types) migrating down to Miami. Most of them stop in northern Ft Lauderdale. On the other coast i would agree many northenners are living as far south as Naples. Florida has some weird demographics to say the least. Many Northern Natives(gringos) have wrote Miami off as a lost cause and more leave Miami every day.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

panthdave says on Aug 29, 2007, 07:35:

Aventura use to be only for the snow birds and then it starting changing but now the way things are going there leaving faster than I can believe maybe will go back to Snowbirds only and the elderly living in South Beach and Miami will go back to its old style..

I will love that ..

panthdave Miami

billyb says on Aug 29, 2007, 08:34:

Hey AB, from what I hear, there was a reason :)

Cerealkiller says on Aug 29, 2007, 08:38:

Oh god I hated miami...I have nothing but nasty things to say about the place...once i got to Orlando everything was cool again.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

arthur brode says on Aug 29, 2007, 09:35:

yeah billy,if that doesnt teach you not to drink and drive,nothing will.

http://www.calirentals.net/

msaucey says on Aug 29, 2007, 10:14:

I always heard about Miami as being kind of like a trendy place to be, where everyone is a snob and what not.... So, I went there to check it out.... It turns out that it MIAMI BEACH that's like that... Miami is just scary, I drove through little Haiti and saw people fighting, but that could have just been a coincidence.... Ended up partying in Ft. Lauderdale instead of Miami... But, I like more mellow, like the Florida Keys were cool...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

Robert Jorge says on Aug 29, 2007, 13:34:

Well, the dirt in a mucky bucket of water always settles at the bottom. So, if you want to see the losers, go down to Key West. (not Miami) Not that everybody in Key West is a loser - far from it. Gay, perhaps; but not all losers. A few of the losers get filtered out and end up in Florida City before getting to the Keys. And, like Panther or MiamiM said, several get filtered out and end up in north Broward Co. Most of the inbreds and daughter lovers end up around Lake Okeechobee. The demographics of Florida in general is something very unique in the US, if not the world.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

arthur brode says on Aug 29, 2007, 17:15:

i dont find it funny:(

Hey GIB,what would happen if we spilled some spot remover on you?? jajajaajjaajaj

http://www.calirentals.net/

ColombianoGringo says on Aug 29, 2007, 18:15:

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I like Miami. I don't think I would live there for a variety of reasons, but it is a blast to visit.

In fact, my current profile pic was taken in Miami Beach. Hence the big grin. There is a higher concentration of amazingly beautiful women in Miami than any place I have seen in the US.

arthur brode says on Aug 29, 2007, 18:30:

good luck meeting them:)

http://www.calirentals.net/

morphus says on Aug 29, 2007, 19:30:

When i'm in Miami/South Beach I go for the drunken Euro chicks on vacation. They're usually easy.

gringolondinense says on Aug 30, 2007, 01:55:

Im feeling like a lucky guy now after reading all the posts.

A few years ago, I actually booked up a huge holiday in florida. I was gonna stay in miami, drive up to the north west, then drive all the way to the keys. I had about 5 hotels all booked up. But then, my girls relative died, and she had to go abroad to the funeral. Luckily the tour company were understanding and cancelled it.

Phewwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!

ColombianoGringo says on Aug 30, 2007, 07:51:

Meeting women in Miami is easy. The best thing to do is to talk to them at the beach or walking up and down Ocean Dr during the day.

morphus says on Aug 30, 2007, 15:30:

Yeah Ocean Drive. I like the sidewalk cafes. Theres mad ho's walking around.

ColombianoGringo says on Aug 30, 2007, 16:00:

"Theres mad ho's walking around."

Morphus, Truer words were never spoken. You crack me the hell up sometimes.

Does anyone know if there is still a Colombian or Venezuelan club on Collins? I think it was called Macondos or something like that. That place was the mother lode for hot Colombianas.

Leeroy says on Aug 30, 2007, 16:44:

Hoes.

Hoes.

"There's mad hoes walking around".

Or

"There are mad hoes walking around".

No apostrophe. It would indicate possession or abbreviation. This is pluralisation.
So no apostrophe.

So it goes "Hoes".

I'll get my coat...

:)

morphus says on Aug 30, 2007, 17:02:

Learn more at http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ho's

Ho'ing

Working the streets as a prostitute.

That bitch is ho'ing.

2. ho ho ho

3 Ladies of the evening

i saw a particularily nice looking group of ho ho ho's

tags ho ho ho santa christmas whore hoe

3. ho ho ho

Santa's cry, or three prostitutes.

ho ho ho, it's christmas!

4. ho
Woman

Being a woman is the sole requisite for being a "ho".

She's a ho.
I dated that fat ho.
You's a ho.

tags bitch slut female woman whore

5. ho
Given no meanen to Ho Ho Ho

You a ho, Buh yo Mama smells like a toe.

6. ho
the laugh santa clause says during christmas time

ho ho ho ho merry X-mas

7. dirty ho

see dirty stank ho

Your sister is a dirty ho.

morphus says on Aug 30, 2007, 17:06:

bitch slap that ho

To Bitch Slap That Ho!

9. Flow Ho - Ho that is on her period.

Maria is a flow ho.

Leeroy says on Aug 30, 2007, 21:30:

No matter - if "to ho" is indeed a verb (as defined by the Urban Dictionary) it would still not need an apostrophe in its gerund/present participle form.

Just as
"do" does not become "do'ing"
"ho" does not become "ho'ing"

If one is to talk regarding hoes, one should at least respect the rules of grammar while doing so. Disrespecting women is one thing - grammar is quite another...

I am reminded of "Kid'n Play":

"Tell me, why did you call his mother a gardening tool?"

houstongal says on Aug 30, 2007, 22:50:

LOL Mr. Grammar!

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

houstongal says on Aug 30, 2007, 22:57:

LOL Mr Grammar!

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

ColombianoGringo says on Aug 31, 2007, 08:47:

Maybe we should consult the Ho's bible.

"I want to be a Ho" by Velvet Jones

You too can be a ho in just six short weeks.

capitan_centella says on Sep 5, 2007, 21:28:

If I am what I drive and I don´t have a car, Therefore I don´t exist.

jejejejeje. . .

Still you have a point, so much people think that having nice things (among them cars) it´s a symbol of status. Crazy, becouse driving in colombia is the most closest thing to get a nervous breakdown for free. I do prefer my two legs and my unicycle.

I´m serious.

"When you open your eyes, you turn around with the world, But it can change, if you only close it, and see a dream to yourself." Me.

billyb says on Sep 5, 2007, 22:15:

Damn Rubi, tell the truth now, how much is the Alcladia de Bogota paying you to promote it on PBH :)

goin_south says on Sep 6, 2007, 00:12:

if u r what ya drive, that makes some of us a BICYCLE, doesn't it?

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 6, 2007, 07:59:

I saw quite a lot of expensive cars in Cartagena

In villavicencio the most common one is the toyota hi lux specially the new one. it's very pretty

engage brain before opening mouth

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 6, 2007, 08:02:

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

engage brain before opening mouth

panthdave says on Sep 6, 2007, 16:17:

MSaucey said it all...Sorry I have my Social life in the Ft.Lauderdale and get this I live in Miami Dade County...Some of the best music is still in S.Beach which the clubs fly in some of the best DJ's from Europe...thats the only time I would go to S.Beach..but I get comped thru my work I am a cheap bastard..and all other times are in Lauderdale...Beach too....

Medellin is starting to pump up some night life now but lately been hanging low on the nightlife...mostly house parties in Medellin...which get good too..

panthdave Miami

goin_south says on Sep 7, 2007, 02:19:

another good investment, eh?
Toyota rules the world.

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 04:31:

I think they are very good cars. :)))

BTW Cars are never good investment unless it's a classic

engage brain before opening mouth

goin_south says on Sep 7, 2007, 05:15:

...and, unless you know someone who wants to buy it from you ;)

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

MaSep says on Sep 7, 2007, 08:49:

I wonder what the hell the Bogota mayor does with the money for the roads, and where thouse engineers designers went for education, there are roads completly no sense and so wrong designed.

ColombianoGringo says on Sep 7, 2007, 14:31:

I wouldn't call them a good investment, but Toyotas are great. I am on my second 4runner. I traded my last one in at almost 100,000 miles and it still had the original brake pads. I have NEVER had to take either one in for any kind of repair.

A friend of mine was always bragging about how good the service department is at Mercedes Benz dealers. I finally shut him up when I pointed out that I didn't have a clue what Toyota service was like, because I have never had to use it. His $60,000 Mercedes is in the shop at least a few times a year for all kinds of problems.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 14:59:

I totally agree with you CG my mum's have a toyota hi lux and it is a wonderful car, my husband owned a mercedes which forever was in the garage at the end i got feed up of the garage bills and told him to sell it. we got rid off it thanks god!! someone told me that the Mercedes made after 1998 had many problems they weren't built like the old ones....

engage brain before opening mouth

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 15:05:

Sadly i want to get rid off of my galaxy, it is too big for me now, my son have its own car and my daughter is using the bus a lot so is just me in this 7 seeter, but it is so spacious that i don't know and comfortable that I don't know what to get to replace it , but at the same time my heart love this car, i know it is not practical, but I love it!!!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

engage brain before opening mouth

ColombianoGringo says on Sep 7, 2007, 15:14:

Kat,
You're right. It is the newer MBs that have a lot of problems. I had a 1967 Mercedes 230 in college(1987) that was built like a tank and still ran great on the original engine.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 15:33:

yep he told me that, he said the old mercedez were built to last forever!!! you should've kept yours :))))

engage brain before opening mouth

robi666 says on Sep 7, 2007, 16:07:

Ehm... yes Toyotas... being an English woman :-), you may know my car...
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Still in Europe... I would bring it here with a diplomatic spot, but it would be like to sing... "Atracameeee"

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 16:11:

I am not an English woman, but nice car, is that a toyota celica?

engage brain before opening mouth

robi666 says on Sep 7, 2007, 16:14:

:-( Sigh!

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 16:19:

it is made by toyota? or another brands it also looks like a jaguar

engage brain before opening mouth

robi666 says on Sep 7, 2007, 16:24:

I know I know... you do not look like an English woman...

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 16:28:

good, now your car it is jaguar isn't it? maybe an XK8

engage brain before opening mouth

goin_south says on Sep 7, 2007, 22:38:

what I meant above was that investment in Toyota stock may be a good one. They just keep on keepin on.

I am doing my part, paying on three toyota notes at the time.
I have never watched the stock, but would imagine it just keeps on going, a little like IBM.

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

ColombianoGringo says on Sep 9, 2007, 22:09:

I think that is a one of the last reals Jags. Nice looking ride.

Sadly, the newer Jags are nothing more than fancy Fords now. My cousin bought an X-type. It looks nice, but it is Ford Contour/Mondeo with a makeover. I drove it once and it felt like it was going to rattle apart.

christobeldawg says on Sep 9, 2007, 22:23:

I noticed that with the new xtype. also the Mercedes cars have become basically Chryslers, with an added amenity or 2, and yet now have been driven down to Chrysler standards. whassup?

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 10, 2007, 02:02:

Jags are made by ford
minis made by BMW
Bentley made by volkswagen btw I have a friend who owns a bentley similar to the one above and he said that it does 18 miles to the gallon!!!!! talking about throwing money away

engage brain before opening mouth

goin_south says on Sep 10, 2007, 03:16:

'minis'? what are you talking about, kat1?

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 10, 2007, 03:38:

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

the mini cooper..

engage brain before opening mouth

elmodefoque says on Sep 10, 2007, 06:21:

que tipico

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

elmodefoque says on Sep 10, 2007, 06:22:

que tipico, por eso el pais no vale un culo

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

ColombianoGringo says on Sep 10, 2007, 08:01:

There is an old adage that states

If you mix a barrell of sewage with a teaspoon of you get sewage.

If you mix a barrell of wine, with a teaspoon of sewage you get sewage.

The point is that if you mix the most minute of Chrysler into a Mercedes, you get sewage. But honestly, their problems cannot really be blamed on Chrysler. MB started making cars with overly complex, untested systems. People were having all kinds of problems with the electronics that ran the cars. They have been getting better of the last few years but are simply no worth the premium price.

Still, who had the genious idea to merge with Chrysler?

Lisa Zee says on Sep 10, 2007, 21:21:

You guys should join NPR on "car talk" LOL
I am very proud to own a Toyota Rav4 lx. I travel often to Lake Tahoe and Sedona Arizona, and mary long trips, and I can say, it is an excellent comfortable, and economic, and beautiful, small SUV.

christobeldawg says on Sep 10, 2007, 21:46:

My 99 Jeep Cherokee is a car to love, though not reliable when it comes to the little but expensive electronic issues, but a classic nonetheless, and it will go anywhere.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

Man Tequila says on Sep 10, 2007, 22:05:

When we run out of oil I will ride my bike more.

goin_south says on Sep 10, 2007, 22:10:

Oh, come on, now. GWBush just announced last week that ''we have discovered that likely, there are more oil reserves in Colorado/Rockie Mountains, than all of the mideast.. together." You think 'they' were lying their ass off???
(Nice diversionary comment/tactic)...
Then why didn't we pull out of Iraq? jajejjj
Oh! I remember, it's not about oil....;))

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

christobeldawg says on Sep 10, 2007, 22:11:

another energy source will make a smooth transition into our needs as oil runs out.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

goin_south says on Sep 10, 2007, 22:41:

a smooth transition ??? I don't think, or it would already have happened. And, Rubito makes alot of good points.

Things in America (north, of course!) can change; they already are ;)
Right Rubito? right.

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

christobeldawg says on Sep 10, 2007, 22:44:

Gs, come on, it will happen. we don't have to see how it will happen at this point to know that it will happen.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

christobeldawg says on Sep 10, 2007, 22:52:

the rest of the world, I believe, will adjust to new technologies\alternaives long before that will happen

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

ColombianoGringo says on Sep 10, 2007, 22:57:

I would love to not drive a car. Sadly, the public transportation in Houston is a joke. We have one small light rail line that goes from the football stadium to downtown by the baseball stadium. Like many cities in the US, you basically can't function here without a car.

RussianFred says on Sep 11, 2007, 00:04:

I like driving my 4x4 Escalade. But not as much as my Benz SL55 that eats more gas.! Shit the little sports car eats more gas than my big 4x4, wow!

It's a fun car for my mid-life criss!

Annual Drug Deaths: Tobacco: 395,000, Alcohol: 125,000, 'Legal' Drugs: 38,000, Illegal Drug Overdoses: 5,200, Marijuana: 0. Considering government subsidies of tobacco, just what is our government protecting us from in the drug war?--Ralph Nader

tomtom33 says on Sep 11, 2007, 05:59:

My 4x4 Expedition doesn't burn much gas sitting in the garage 8 months per year. But I need it to pull my boat with the 50-gallon gas tank. My bikes don't work very well on the lake.

gringoloid says on Sep 11, 2007, 09:07:

goinsouth: All I know about the midwest oil thing is that the Queen of England has been buying up huge lots of Colorado real estate.

Now I'm serious about this because I know there are a lot of disbelievers here, but the Denver International Airport was built with all kinds of freemasonry/illumnati symbolism.

I'll send a link later.

Man Tequila says on Sep 11, 2007, 10:25:

I'm all for cutting down on cars. I understand how an innocent person getting killed with a car is a tragedy. I am amazed Rubito thinks this true as well, since getting murdered might merely be "just desserts". Don't folks hit by cars have it coming to them? Won't this help cull the surplus herds?

billyb says on Sep 11, 2007, 12:38:

Man T, i see your point. Somebody getting killed by a car is just a Darwinian thing, if they had been more fit physically and mentally, it wouldn't have happened :)