the credit crunch

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 2, 2008, 10:23:

bpm

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tejasmarcos says on Jun 2, 2008, 10:54:

i have all those articles saved for your questions above. i will post them later this afternoon....

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:00:

Every day I grow happier that I live a mile and a half from my office. I have a midsize SUV so my mileage ranges from 17-22 MPG, so it isn't too bad, but I am getting my wife some kind of compact, possibly hybrid SUV. There are too many giant fullsize SUVs and pickups in this town to drive a small compact car or I'd just get her a Civic. I don't want to be eating the bumper of one of the giant Ford F-350 that are so prevalent in this town.

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gorgonabob says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:05:

gas costs $4 a gallon in the states $5 in india and over $12 in Germany.. I think the world would be a lot better off if countries followed germanys exampled and taxed the hell out of gas to encourage research into new technologies and consumers buying cars that use less gas..

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romy says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:17:

so no shot at a smart car CG?
I've been driving an Outlander the past week that my brother's car broke down, and I've recommended it to my brother as a replacement. I've found fuel economy is similar to my mazda3 and the 2.4L engine is surprisingly powerful and offers great acceleration, which I love. I like driving on backroads and the acceleration is a must to get ahead of the turtles on the single-lane highways.

5cent/L gas in Venezuela isn't looking too bad, eh? But I seriously wouldn't mind higher gas prices if the tax dollars and incentive were used towards efficient and clean fuel research.

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sanandressi says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:18:

No taxation without representation...


Higher prices will fuel alternatives and conservation....free market forces at work. What I want to know is why as an American our corporate American leaders and politicians both D's and R's mind you care more about Chinese and Indians then fellow citizens? Welll...quick $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I have not seen any food shortages here in America. Maybe in the third world but not here.

Economies expand and then contract...we are in a contraction...it will reverse....

"This train will stop in Tucumcari"

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:24:

The problem with instituting a higher gas tax is that it would probably wreck the economy. Regardless of the causes, most cities in the US require the use of a car. In many areas, mass transit is not well developed. Consequently, artificially spiking the cost of gas through a tax would greatly hurt the average worker/consumer. Unfortunately, most people simply have no option other than driving.

Once mass transit options and alternative fuel sources were feasible and readily available, then such a scheme of higher gas taxes could be more realistic.

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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:46:

Well, if the remitters in the US keep sending the same amount in dollars, that's $350 million less in purchasing power for consumers in Colombia*

*remittances are $3.5 to $4.0 billion USD and I'm using a rough decline of 10% in the dollar v. peso (the actual decline has been higher). Grandma might have to delay that cataract surgery. Translation: The novia might need to delay her boob job or find a different US novio.

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sanandressi says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:50:

Yes, $100 to $200 BN dollars that could stay in the United States for schools, bridges, solar power, social security et al.....

"This train will stop in Tucumcari"

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miamimike says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:59:

Next year with a New US President it could effect the amount off $$$$ that will be sent to Col via Plan Colombia, one sure thing, credit crunch or not, it won't be the same(amount sent). Most other south american countries are weathering the crisis well due to their Booming Comodity Export trade(chile, argentina, brazil)

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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sloopskipper says on Jun 2, 2008, 12:53:

ColombianoGringo says on Jun 2, 2008, 11:00: flag

" . . . There are too many giant fullsize SUVs and pickups in this town to drive a small compact car or I'd just get her a Civic. I don't want to be eating the bumper of one of the giant Ford F-350 that are so prevalent in this town."

I think more of those big guys will soon be sitting, "unsalable", on the used car lots like the Dusenburgs and 16 cylinder Cadillacs during the depression because nobody could afford to drive them.

Many of those beautiful cars where simply chopped up.

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BillBigD says on Jun 2, 2008, 19:13:

Argentina-Might want to rethink that one

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laserboy says on Jun 2, 2008, 19:40:

Not a great time to own an RV thats for sure ... For whats its worth I think that all low cost countries will prosper provided there is polical stability and education. Columbians seem pretty educated but who knows.

What the hell next? Life is mad.

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miamimike says on Jun 2, 2008, 23:19:

Argentina--Not on Soybeans! They are going big guns with soy exports! Doing very well as are its neighbors Chile and Brazil!

Kat-I don't notice much of a difference with the credit crunch as I have always watched what&where I buy, car I drive ect. I bought a small vw diesel car that gets 55 MPG highway years ago when Gas was like $1.25/gallon, a small 50cc yamaha scooter for neighborhood trips that gets 75 mpg. I shop at the Goodwill Thrift second hand shops for clothing, I clip and use coupons as well as buying groceries at the .99 cent store. Many times I use Public buses for trips in the city. I've done this for years so I'm not making many New adjustments in my life. Brazilian Friends of mine in Kendall are lamenting the fact they have to lay off the Maid/Empleada. Imagine, they may have to actually cook and do their own Laundry. LOL And sell the Caddy Escalade SUV,,,A lot of People here in Miami are soon to be humbled as they sell off the Luxury Flatscreen TVs, SUVs on Craigslist. Its a great time to have cash and scoop up these deals for pennies on a Dollar,,,

Gas Hog RVs--forget it-you cannot give one away! If you truly have deep-pockets, Gas/Diesel fuel prices won't even get your attention. Luxury Boats and Homes/Condos are moving well here in Miami on up to West Palm/Vero Beach. No recession for the truly rich,,,

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 01:26:

miamimike you bound to notice it, even me... my car is also diesel and now to fill it it is costing me nearly £80 Pounds instead of £60, food shopping is been the same yet i am paying more, transport everything is been adding up.

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lpdiver says on Jun 3, 2008, 04:44:

Things are pretty good down here in South Louisiana, lots of works that pays well.

The cost of gas is a pain but bearable. The problems will arise when there is a SHORTAGE of gas. The manufacturers are manipulating the costs by reducing production.

Currently US refineries are running at 87% capacity. If production were increased to 92% capacity prices would plummet. They should be held criminally liable.

t

"cook some rice!"

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nine inch nails says on Jun 3, 2008, 06:54:

Ditto K1. Thanks.

Please see article in today's Miami Herald regarding Spirit. Just when they were starting new routes to Colombia. I hope they don't cut them.


JOB CUTS AHEAD



Miramar-based Spirit Airlines has sent letters to union leaders saying it will close bases and lay off or displace hundreds of pilots and flight attendants.


BY INA PAIVA CORDLE





Spirit Airlines may lay off or displace up to 60 percent of its flight attendants and as many as 45 percent of its pilots in two months, as it struggles to cope with soaring jet-fuel prices.
The Miramar-based low-cost carrier sent letters to union leaders Saturday, notifying them that it will furlough or displace up to 448 flight attendants and 242 pilots on Aug. 1, as the airline closes its New York LaGuardia and San Juan bases and reduces its Fort Lauderdale base. For flight attendants, the airline is also shutting its Detroit base.
‘‘We were blindsided,’’ said Sean Creed, chairman of the Spirit Airlines pilots union. ‘‘Nobody expected it.’’
Spirit would not confirm the numbers or disclose what flight cancellations will accompany the layoffs.
But according to the letters to Patricia Friend, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, up to 240 attendants will be affected in Fort Lauderdale, 141 in Detroit, 15 in New York and 52 in San Juan. Each letter names the flight attendants affected. Spirit has about 750 flight attendants.
The letters, written by Jeff Carlson, Spirit’s vice president of flight operations, are required by law under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN, as well as by union contracts.
Creed said that up to 242 pilots will also be affected, but he was driving and did not have the letters with the breakdowns by base. Spirit has 540 pilots, he said.
‘‘Everybody is shocked,’’ said Creed, who is based in Fort Lauderdale but lives in Connersville, Ind. ‘‘We had a meeting [May] 21st with the company, when they gave a completely different impression of the state of the industry as far as Spirit Airlines is concerned.’’
Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson would not discuss details.
‘‘Spirit notified the labor representatives of flight crews of potential reductions. These notices are necessary to comply with the WARN Act,’’ she wrote via e-mail in response to questions.
‘‘Spirit has made no final decisions about reductions, if any, but to maintain flexibility, we will need to continue to evaluate our overall flying this fall during our lowest demand period of the year if fuel prices remain at record levels.’’
Spirit’s roots are in Detroit, but it moved to Miramar in 1999 and began its strongest growth spurt after the private equity firm Indigo Partners took a majority ownership stake in July 2006.
Boosting its flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, Spirit in May 2007 became the largest carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
But the airline lost $16.7 million in the fourth quarter, on $187.1 million in revenue, according to the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
The prospective layoffs are the latest pullback in an industry reeling from record fuel prices. Last month, American Airlines said it would eliminate an unspecified number of jobs as it reduces its domestic capacity up to 12 percent in the fourth quarter.

The Hedge funds have all gone wild on us!

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nine inch nails says on Jun 3, 2008, 07:00:

Latin Am. should be able to weather this storm better since they are use to living on less to begin with but I hope the food cost increases don't hurt them.

I recently made a donation for food hunger relief in Haiti and will donate more if I get some extra budget. A $100 here and there not so much for me now since still employed but goes a long way to help those in dire straits needing basic food and medicine.

The Hedge funds have all gone wild on us!

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nine inch nails says on Jun 3, 2008, 07:03:

Yes Lousiana and Texus much better off since their economies solid with the rising costs of oil since energy industry is King there.

Just returned from Texas and you can tell almost immediately that things are going good, people not too stress and man them HMCs (hot mexican chicas) are well hot! I was drooling like a doggie (perro perro).

I think I moving back to Texus ASAP!

jajajajajaja

The Hedge funds have all gone wild on us!

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miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 08:29:

Kat--what kind of deisel car do you have? I know in Europe they have all those nifty small diesel motored cars that we NEVER get in the USA, like the MB Smart car, Pugeots,,ect and they get great mileage.My VW cost me like $56 for my last fill up but that will last me over 5 weeks minimally.

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 08:35:

mine is a Ford Galaxy (7 seeter), it does 45 MPG... next year i will get smaller car, i don't need this big one anymore...

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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 08:39:

MiamiMike - those diesels are finally coming to the US. They were prohibited for years because they are filthy and couldn't pass the pollution tests in California, New York and a couple of other states that account for something like 40% of the US auto market. With advancements in the engines and the ultra low sulfur diesel that's now the US standard, you'll be seeing them soon.

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 08:40:

flat screen takes a lot of power, i tell the kids to switch off the TV by the mains and no to leave it on stand by, also i got rid of my tumble dryer, don't need it actually... I am using energy bulbs all around the house, put the kids on wireless laptops so we got rid off their computer. and we only use heating in the winter thanks God we don't need air conditioning here.

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 08:47:

Now my question is how this will affect Colombia, i saw an article that properties are doing well, the peso is doing well, so in what way will this global credit will affect them, or shall we all move there :)))

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lpdiver says on Jun 3, 2008, 10:02:

I believe their building boom will go bust...(2-5 years) and some very good deals will there for the taking.

t

"cook some rice!"

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miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 11:23:

MiamiMike - those diesels are finally coming to the US. They were prohibited for years because they are filthy and couldn't pass the pollution tests in California, New York and a couple of other states that account for something like 40% of the US auto market. With advancements in the engines and the ultra low sulfur diesel that's now the US standard, you'll be seeing them soon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tinto--Not True! California was the only state VW Diesels couldn't be sold in. The Second generation Diesel cars(I've owned various diesels the last 10 years) are really clean. They are NOT Filthy, that is a myth and simply not true. VW and Mercedes have exported Diesels into the US since the 70s and the 2nd generation clean variety since the mid 90s. I am speaking of the Turbo Direct Injection electronic ignition variety. VW and Mercedes have exported this type into the USA since the late 90s and they put out very little smoke. And/or Noise. I belive the main reason these cars didn't come in was resistence from the 3 Major Automakers. The Profit margins aren't high on these compact or semicompact autos and you don't have to service a New Generation Diesel often as a gas combustion engine. So there goes service work profit. Other forces were at work besides air quality,like profit. As soon as a VW Diesel(newer variety) comes onto a Car lot in Miami, it usually leaves the same day-sold.
Not to mention Diesel fuel sold in the USA is of the clean type low sulfur so it burns a lot cleaner. Next time you out on the Interstate, look at the 18 wheelers, you hardly see any smoke leaving their stacks-not like the black smoke they put out 30 years ago. Now that was filthy. Volvo makes a Lot of Diesels(large, intermed, small) and they are worldwide leaders in clean diesel technology.

Tinto-how many Diesel motored vehicles have you actually owned in the last 20 years?

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miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 11:35:

Kat, if you lived here in Miami, I'd take you shopping in my little Red VW Bug but you know its a sub-compact so we would be in some pretty tight spaces.¿No tienes mani largos? Ji Ji

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 11:42:

Mike, Do you have a flower in your little dashboard vase? Ha Ha.

Sorry man. Just giving you the business.

How has your experience been with VWs? Several people I know bought VWs in the last five years and they've all traded them in because of constant problems.

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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 11:49:

MiamiMike - If you say so. I read the story a couple of years ago and can't find it but here are a few comments from Edmunds, Ford and BMW (the latter two produce lots of diesels elsewhere) talking about the emissions requirements and the need to be able to sell in all 50 states.

----------------------------
Currently, no light-duty diesel-powered vehicles are sold new in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York or Vermont because of stricter emissions standards in those states.

By eliminating sales in the five states with stricter standards, Mercedes-Benz is effectively reducing its sales potential by 40 percent.

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/alternativefuels/articles/93338/article....
---------------------

Damn! My memory is good. I was spot-on with five states and 40%.

;-)

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Cerealkiller says on Jun 3, 2008, 12:04:

We've noticed the increase in petrol prices as well, its 60 quid now to fill up the tank and its a rather small vehicle. Only thing is we just use it to go grocery shopping, as bf's work is a couple of blocks away and I just take the tube everywhere. I am thinking of getting a vespa and becoming a badass (mid-life crisis two decades early), but I am still thinking... Thankfully, public transport in London is better than driving as roads are sooo narrow it takes pretty much twice as long for me to drive than it would on the tube... I haven't noticed the difference in food prices yet, but I suppose that's only because I eat out everyday, and the only thing we buy is water, tons of fruit and cereal. As for energy saving, we hardly ever use central heating as winters are becoming increasingly mild, but the tumble dryer is a must, that's where I go energy batshit.

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

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miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 12:28:

Tinto-how many Diesel powered cars have you owned?

CG-I use that Flower vase for my Pen! Handy

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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 12:38:

None, because they're filthy, noisy, smelly and expensive to repair. Haha. I also have memories of the crappy diesels GM used to make (my Dad owned two or three cars with those POS motors).

But I'm a forgiving guy and if BMW starts selling better diesels in the US and they can still get up and go, I'd consider one.

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 3, 2008, 14:21:

miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 11:35: flag

Kat, if you lived here in Miami, I'd take you shopping in my little Red VW Bug but you know its a sub-compact so we would be in some pretty tight spaces.¿No tienes mani largos? Ji Ji


Ok to the naughty corner miamimike and wearing the tin hat foil jejje

i love vw bettles but the new models.

i want to get a little corsa

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BillBigD says on Jun 3, 2008, 14:37:

Miamimike
Farmers in Argentina have been protesting an increase in export taxes in the last two months, paralyzing grain exports (soybeans)and creating food shortages.Prices have dropped 14% from the high.Spain's largest oil company said workers have seized an Argentina plant in a protest over higher wages. Argentines' confidence in their government fell to the lowest level in five years. Does not sound like things are going all that well down there.

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miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 19:15:

Bill-out of curiousity I googled the subject and here's the first article that popped up:

"Thanks to China's soaring demand for soya products, soybeans are the most imported agricultural commodity in the world both in terms of value and quantity.
The United States, Brazil, Argentina and China produced 200 million metric tonnes of soybeans in 2005, 90% of the global total in 2005.

China is a dominant player on the world trade stage for soybeans. If China’s demand for soybeans continues at its current rate, soon the People’s Republic will import more than half of the world’s soybean imports while U.S. market share of soybean exports continues to decrease.

Soybeans are a versatile food product. Soya products include soy flour, soy milk, soybean oil, tofu, and textured vegetable protein (TVP) which are used to create vegetarian foods like Okara burgers. Soybeans are also a principal ingredient for soy sauce.

Top Soybean Producers

America led the world in soybean production in 2005, with an output of 84 million metric tonnes. Second-place Brazil produced 57 million tonnes, followed by Argentina with 41 million tonnes and China with 18 million tonnes.

America’s average annual growth rate of soybean production over the past 4 decades is 5% compared to Brazil’s more robust 14% average annual increase. Experts expect Brazil to overtake America as the world’s largest soybean producer within a few years.

Boasting an average annual increase of 27%, Argentinean soybean production has risen even faster than Brazil. Both South American nations have become strong competitors for the U.S. in the world soybean market."

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 19:25:

Kat--here's a Mini Cooper in a Diesel(UK) that presently doesn't come into the US but is for sale in your country. These things wuld sell like crazy if and when they hit the US Market as they are hot performers, built like a Tank yet deliver super Gas Mileage, probably in excess of 50 miles per gallon. The Heardroom for someone tall in these Mini Coopers is incredible, offering more leg and headroom then some full full size SUVs.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2007-07-REG-Mini-Cooper-DIESEL-Chilli-PK-Black_W...

VW Diesel similiar to mine(Red color, same model minus a few extas I have on mine)

http://motors.neighborhoods.ebay.com/volkswagen

Now I will go to the Corner Kat, but I don't have mani largos! Ja ja

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miamimike says on Jun 3, 2008, 20:00:

Tinto--check this VW Diesel(turbo). Gives you an idea just how clean burning these new Diesels are--look close!


BTW,those GM Diesels in the early 80s weren't even true diesels, they were left over Gas Engine blocks converted to diesel and they never really worked out. My Buddy had one though, a new Caddy Deville and he didn't have day's trouble with it and it gave 24+ MPG. He knew how to maintain a Diesel I may add being an over the road long haul trucker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwp8sUQ5tEM&feature=related

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kalder says on Jun 4, 2008, 00:13:

"I am thinking of getting a vespa and becoming a badass" CK

Riding a vespa makes you a badass???

...well maybe it does for vegetarians...;)

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

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Cerealkiller says on Jun 4, 2008, 02:59:

We are sensitive souls Kalder, anything over 15 Km/h is living on the edge.

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

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 4, 2008, 05:09:

miamimike I love those minis but they are too small, and i don't travel light :))))

You know i saw one in Cartagena, similar the one you got in your picture

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kalder says on Jun 4, 2008, 08:13:

Fair point CK. Anyway, it's hard to actually do more than 15 in London traffic.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

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miamimike says on Jun 4, 2008, 13:15:

Kat, those Minis fit 6 foot drivers withease. You aren't that tall or heavy are you? LOL

here's a couple Minis you would like, Modelo de Salsa; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQNocGQxf2M&NR=1


http://video.aol.com/video-detail/mini-cooper-d-65-mpg-slot-car/244830...

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 4, 2008, 14:09:

miamimike i am petite and my weight is ok for my height, but the boot of those car are tiny, just my make up bag will be struggling, :)))

that is an student car

i have been in an smart car, talking about small ........................

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miamimike says on Jun 5, 2008, 00:33:

Kat, I like the samll cars like the VW New Beetle(mine) or the Mini-cooper, Mercedes Smart as that way I don't have 4-5 people piling into my Car like a Taxi. When people see how small the rear seats are, they usually walk away and ask someone else for a Ride. Me lleva por favor, el coche de mike es tan pequeño ,,,Ja Ja

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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sloopskipper says on Jun 5, 2008, 06:06:

I hate the damned Diesels.

There are many larger SUVs (all Diesel) here in Panamá. And, along with the broken down Diablos Rojos belching smoke, odors, and noise, I have a constant oily soot covering everything in my apartment (even on the blades of my ceiling fans).

I rarely need to use air conditioning, therfore windows are almost always open. The crap accumulates in a day or two.

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