A quick update on the lack of customer service from GM. It no longer concerns me. I purchased a new BMW so I don't care what GM does from here on in, as long as we taxpayers don't have to bail them out again. Following their attitude, I'll never buy a GM product again. Sadly, I think GM stands for Get Mauled by their customer service.
I tried to come back and buy a top of the line American product, but my willingness to get kicked in the family jewels by uncaring peons sitting at a desk somewhere is beyond my comprehension and acceptance, especially since the vehicle I purchased probably paid someones salary for many months. How quickly they forget the customer when times seem to get better; how fast the car companies forget the hands that feed them, until they need a handout once again. Not unlike the teenager who refuses to help until they need money for a date, GM won't be satisfied until they need money to stay afloat. And, by then, America should hand them drills instead of plugs!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Sadly, I find out the Truth About Cadillac
I was high on Cadillac. I'll admit that. As high as anyone could be with a new car. Up there in the ionosphere somewhere, but then...then...came the big letdown. That GM doesn't give a rats' ass about the customer after you buy the car, and wishes you wouldn't bother them, and hopes to never hear from you again.
My vehicle came without a navigation booklet. The vehicle has an owners manual about an inch and a half thick, but little information on the entertainment or navigation system; I thought it was just really sparse in content on those subjects. I never knew it was a separate booklet as it's not referred to as such in the manual, but found it was difficult to determine all the nuances of the navigation system until I found a copy of it on the Internet. Many things I never knew about, and small wonder there were items I couldn't find or do. So, in order not to copy a huge document online, and try to store a sheaf of letter size paper in the car, I requested the missing booklet.
I spoke to a very nice woman at Cadillac Customer Service, who turned me over to someone else in customer service, who then informed me that for a paltry $24.95 she would send me the book. WTF? It was missing when I bought the car. That didn't matter, because they don't replace missing items, and since the dealer has done nothing to replace the booklet (I did request one from them with no help), they couldn't help without $24.95.
This is the second time I have requested assistance from Cadillac regarding issues with the navigation system, and the second time I have heard the same sad story. The first time it took about a week to finally get some action from a person at Cadillac who agreed that the navigation system was not properly updated and arranged for an update. That damned near took an act of Congress.
Having to fight for every little issue is beyond comprehension. We also bought a new BMW within 30 days of this Cadillac and the difference in service and attention to detail is amazing. Following the purchase of the Cadillac, we received several calls from the dealer and all they wanted to be sure of was that we were happy enough to give them high marks on the GM survey. Not a word since. With the BMW, we receive e-mails from their general manager, a letter from the sales person, and communication about once a week asking if there is anything they can do to assure our experience is everything we wish it to be. Plus info from BMW America to help with vehicle familiarization, etc.
Once again, good old GM "f**k you" customer service sends another customer who tried to come back to American Iron back to another foreign car. A $53,000 vehicle and they balk over a $24.95 booklet that they forgot? Fine. I've already been to the BMW dealer to seek a deal on a new car. Luckily, it's not the money, but the principle.
On a footnote, I never experienced this type of "screw you" service from Ford. Must be part of the arrogance from being bailed out with MY money, huh? We got your money and sold you a car so now screw yourself. Hmm..no, you got it all wrong, GM. Screw you, and in the future, there won't be any more bail outs for you, especially from me personally, because I won't be buying another one of your products ever again. So you better do well. Because. there's at least a half-dozen cars you won't be selling me in the future. Oh, yeah, and about at least that many you won't be selling my spouse either. Wait, did I mention the corporate business in the family? Hmm...check the right hand and notice which finger is saluting GM now!
My vehicle came without a navigation booklet. The vehicle has an owners manual about an inch and a half thick, but little information on the entertainment or navigation system; I thought it was just really sparse in content on those subjects. I never knew it was a separate booklet as it's not referred to as such in the manual, but found it was difficult to determine all the nuances of the navigation system until I found a copy of it on the Internet. Many things I never knew about, and small wonder there were items I couldn't find or do. So, in order not to copy a huge document online, and try to store a sheaf of letter size paper in the car, I requested the missing booklet.
I spoke to a very nice woman at Cadillac Customer Service, who turned me over to someone else in customer service, who then informed me that for a paltry $24.95 she would send me the book. WTF? It was missing when I bought the car. That didn't matter, because they don't replace missing items, and since the dealer has done nothing to replace the booklet (I did request one from them with no help), they couldn't help without $24.95.
This is the second time I have requested assistance from Cadillac regarding issues with the navigation system, and the second time I have heard the same sad story. The first time it took about a week to finally get some action from a person at Cadillac who agreed that the navigation system was not properly updated and arranged for an update. That damned near took an act of Congress.
Having to fight for every little issue is beyond comprehension. We also bought a new BMW within 30 days of this Cadillac and the difference in service and attention to detail is amazing. Following the purchase of the Cadillac, we received several calls from the dealer and all they wanted to be sure of was that we were happy enough to give them high marks on the GM survey. Not a word since. With the BMW, we receive e-mails from their general manager, a letter from the sales person, and communication about once a week asking if there is anything they can do to assure our experience is everything we wish it to be. Plus info from BMW America to help with vehicle familiarization, etc.
Once again, good old GM "f**k you" customer service sends another customer who tried to come back to American Iron back to another foreign car. A $53,000 vehicle and they balk over a $24.95 booklet that they forgot? Fine. I've already been to the BMW dealer to seek a deal on a new car. Luckily, it's not the money, but the principle.
On a footnote, I never experienced this type of "screw you" service from Ford. Must be part of the arrogance from being bailed out with MY money, huh? We got your money and sold you a car so now screw yourself. Hmm..no, you got it all wrong, GM. Screw you, and in the future, there won't be any more bail outs for you, especially from me personally, because I won't be buying another one of your products ever again. So you better do well. Because. there's at least a half-dozen cars you won't be selling me in the future. Oh, yeah, and about at least that many you won't be selling my spouse either. Wait, did I mention the corporate business in the family? Hmm...check the right hand and notice which finger is saluting GM now!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Is it Really Time for Unity in Washington?
Talk around the water cooler, scuttlebutt it was called in the service, is that there will be more unity in Washington between the opposing parties. This allegedly due to the recent shootings in Tucson, Arizona.
Far be it from me to take lightly any hope of some sort of unity and forward movement by our elected officials, but it's so hard to believe they are taking such an outrageous act and using it as some sort of blanket truce, to tell us they are making an effort to be civil, and actually work together.
Washington thrives on division and derision, each side making the other look like fools and buffoons. Not to say that the current administration doesn't frequently look that way without any help from across the aisle. And not to say that the other side of the aisle doesn't also smack themselves with the stupid stick occasionally, and make us wonder why the hell they even open their mouths.
Unity? Actually moving forward to solve the issues that will make this country prosperous and productive again? Put people back to work and reduce the unemployment to near zero? Reduce the deficit, both at home and the trade deficit with other countries? Cut dependence on foreign countries products and energy, with a reasonable, not "knee-jerk" energy policy, that doesn't penalize ordinary Americans in favor of big business? Stop favoring splinter groups, and start listening to the majority of the American people on important issues? Cut welfare in favor of workfare, where people actually must work for money, and don't get paid for sitting at home having more children than they, or we, can afford? Stop paying for all benefits for illegal aliens, and tighten the borders so we have a secure America? Eliminate the so called "anchor baby" issue so babies born here to non-citizens do not automatically become US citizens?
No, this just isn't going to happen. Maybe I'm dreaming, but there is a left and a right in Washington and there is no centrist attitude that will allow them to meet in the center of the aisle. Unless there is a huge Pork Barrel there where all the politicians can heap their special interests in it along with a few things that really help the country along. And those special interests will offset and cost more than the good that the bills passed will do.
Finally, trying to pass off this new "unity" as a result of Congresswoman Giffords tragedy is shameful. The politicians didn't seem to want to be any more united for the twelve soldiers killed in the massacre at Fort Hood Texas in 2009. Nor for the killings of the four Lakewood, Washington police officers the same year, or for any of the other horrible incidents involving public servants or our service men and women. This is just a symbolic gesture to snow the public once again.
Sad, but with tragedy sometimes does come unity. Even more tragic is that I don't believe it comes in Washington political circles.
Far be it from me to take lightly any hope of some sort of unity and forward movement by our elected officials, but it's so hard to believe they are taking such an outrageous act and using it as some sort of blanket truce, to tell us they are making an effort to be civil, and actually work together.
Washington thrives on division and derision, each side making the other look like fools and buffoons. Not to say that the current administration doesn't frequently look that way without any help from across the aisle. And not to say that the other side of the aisle doesn't also smack themselves with the stupid stick occasionally, and make us wonder why the hell they even open their mouths.
Unity? Actually moving forward to solve the issues that will make this country prosperous and productive again? Put people back to work and reduce the unemployment to near zero? Reduce the deficit, both at home and the trade deficit with other countries? Cut dependence on foreign countries products and energy, with a reasonable, not "knee-jerk" energy policy, that doesn't penalize ordinary Americans in favor of big business? Stop favoring splinter groups, and start listening to the majority of the American people on important issues? Cut welfare in favor of workfare, where people actually must work for money, and don't get paid for sitting at home having more children than they, or we, can afford? Stop paying for all benefits for illegal aliens, and tighten the borders so we have a secure America? Eliminate the so called "anchor baby" issue so babies born here to non-citizens do not automatically become US citizens?
No, this just isn't going to happen. Maybe I'm dreaming, but there is a left and a right in Washington and there is no centrist attitude that will allow them to meet in the center of the aisle. Unless there is a huge Pork Barrel there where all the politicians can heap their special interests in it along with a few things that really help the country along. And those special interests will offset and cost more than the good that the bills passed will do.
Finally, trying to pass off this new "unity" as a result of Congresswoman Giffords tragedy is shameful. The politicians didn't seem to want to be any more united for the twelve soldiers killed in the massacre at Fort Hood Texas in 2009. Nor for the killings of the four Lakewood, Washington police officers the same year, or for any of the other horrible incidents involving public servants or our service men and women. This is just a symbolic gesture to snow the public once again.
Sad, but with tragedy sometimes does come unity. Even more tragic is that I don't believe it comes in Washington political circles.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
How Stable is YOUR Bank or Credit Union?
Did your bank or credit union suddenly start charging for things they used to provide free? Did the dividends and interest rates on your savings , Certificates of deposit (CD's) and IRA Certificates go from sizzle to drizzle? Has the offered interest rates on car and other loans rocketed while those other rates have dumped? If so, could your institution could be headed for the dumper as well?
We all know that banks are greedy. Same as credit card companies, which in the end, are usually banks. But credit unions? Those who operate on the premise to serve members? To reinvest that money to keep interest rates low on loans, and interest rates high on your savings? Well, I'd start to wonder about that when there are huge spreads in those rates among various institutions, and nobody can, or perhaps is unwilling, to explain why.
Example: I did much business with a local credit union including banking online. Then I was informed they were going to charge for banking online, the only service I actually used. The cost would exceed that of writing checks and sticking stamps every month. They explained they couldn't subsidize the costs of free online banking any longer, and had to charge the customers. Around the same time, their interest rates on savings and certificates plummeted, and interest rates on loans started climbing. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) which is the credit union equivalent to the banking industries FDIC had down rated the credit union from "well capitalized" in December 2008 to "adequately capitalized" in September 2009, a sign to me of potential problems. Maybe not failure now, but any downgrade is important where money is concerned. Especially with all the banks, and to a much lesser extent, credit union, failures these past several years.
Another credit union that remains "well capitalized" sponsors big dollar local events. How that affects their pocketbook, I don't know, but they too started dropping their savings and certificate rates precipitously, while loan rates started edging higher. All those big screen monitors on the walls of the branches and fancy offices, along with television commercials and sponsorship of professional sports spectaculars must cost a bundle. And that money isn't going into the member's savings accounts for sure.
To look up how your credit union is doing, check the National Credit Union Administration website at http://ncua/gov Then click on "Find a Credit Union by State" or "Advanced Search" in the upper right and go from there. If you find your credit union by State, copy the name and then go back to "Advanced Search" since you'll need to do that to get more information. When you get your credit union, click on "Call Reports" and then a date, and when that page come up, click to view the block showing "PCA Net Worth Calculation Worksheet." Lines 13 through 16 should give you some idea of changes in the overall financial health of your institution, and how it compares with others in your state and local area, or around the country should you choose to look. Go back and look at different quarters and years, to see whether it's doing better or worse than in the past.
Some institutions have "Moderately Undercapitalized and Significantly Undercapitalized" captions, so who knows where they are heading?
Just a final thought. Three credit unions within less than a ten mile radius:
A: New car loan: 1.99% for 6 years
4 Year CD with $20,000 deposit pays 2.40% annual interest.
B. New car loan: 2.99% for 5 years, 3.99% for 6 years
4 Year CD with $20,000 deposit pays 1.80% annual interest.
C: New car loan: 3.99% for 5.5 years
4 Year CD with $20,000 deposit pays 1.06% annual interest.
Big disparity... and the reasons why may lie in the wellness of the institutions? Only time will tell. Here's some interesting reading:
http://bankimplode.com/blog/category/credit-union-failures/
http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2010/09/24/when-credit-unions-fail/
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html
More very interesting reading...the UNOFFICIAL problem bank list by Calculated Risk for Dcember 2010: http://www.forextv.com/forex-news-story/forex-unofficial-problem-bank-list-increases-to-949-institutions
Bottom line is that it's your money. If you aren't looking after it, don't expect someone else to do it for you. You know, those guys in the nice offices who never seem to come out on the bottom? Them. They're looking out for Number One and you aren't even on the list!
We all know that banks are greedy. Same as credit card companies, which in the end, are usually banks. But credit unions? Those who operate on the premise to serve members? To reinvest that money to keep interest rates low on loans, and interest rates high on your savings? Well, I'd start to wonder about that when there are huge spreads in those rates among various institutions, and nobody can, or perhaps is unwilling, to explain why.
Example: I did much business with a local credit union including banking online. Then I was informed they were going to charge for banking online, the only service I actually used. The cost would exceed that of writing checks and sticking stamps every month. They explained they couldn't subsidize the costs of free online banking any longer, and had to charge the customers. Around the same time, their interest rates on savings and certificates plummeted, and interest rates on loans started climbing. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) which is the credit union equivalent to the banking industries FDIC had down rated the credit union from "well capitalized" in December 2008 to "adequately capitalized" in September 2009, a sign to me of potential problems. Maybe not failure now, but any downgrade is important where money is concerned. Especially with all the banks, and to a much lesser extent, credit union, failures these past several years.
Another credit union that remains "well capitalized" sponsors big dollar local events. How that affects their pocketbook, I don't know, but they too started dropping their savings and certificate rates precipitously, while loan rates started edging higher. All those big screen monitors on the walls of the branches and fancy offices, along with television commercials and sponsorship of professional sports spectaculars must cost a bundle. And that money isn't going into the member's savings accounts for sure.
To look up how your credit union is doing, check the National Credit Union Administration website at http://ncua/gov Then click on "Find a Credit Union by State" or "Advanced Search" in the upper right and go from there. If you find your credit union by State, copy the name and then go back to "Advanced Search" since you'll need to do that to get more information. When you get your credit union, click on "Call Reports" and then a date, and when that page come up, click to view the block showing "PCA Net Worth Calculation Worksheet." Lines 13 through 16 should give you some idea of changes in the overall financial health of your institution, and how it compares with others in your state and local area, or around the country should you choose to look. Go back and look at different quarters and years, to see whether it's doing better or worse than in the past.
Some institutions have "Moderately Undercapitalized and Significantly Undercapitalized" captions, so who knows where they are heading?
Just a final thought. Three credit unions within less than a ten mile radius:
A: New car loan: 1.99% for 6 years
4 Year CD with $20,000 deposit pays 2.40% annual interest.
B. New car loan: 2.99% for 5 years, 3.99% for 6 years
4 Year CD with $20,000 deposit pays 1.80% annual interest.
C: New car loan: 3.99% for 5.5 years
4 Year CD with $20,000 deposit pays 1.06% annual interest.
Big disparity... and the reasons why may lie in the wellness of the institutions? Only time will tell. Here's some interesting reading:
http://bankimplode.com/blog/category/credit-union-failures/
http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2010/09/24/when-credit-unions-fail/
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html
More very interesting reading...the UNOFFICIAL problem bank list by Calculated Risk for Dcember 2010: http://www.forextv.com/forex-news-story/forex-unofficial-problem-bank-list-increases-to-949-institutions
Bottom line is that it's your money. If you aren't looking after it, don't expect someone else to do it for you. You know, those guys in the nice offices who never seem to come out on the bottom? Them. They're looking out for Number One and you aren't even on the list!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Pat & Oscar's ... A No Response Company
For many years, I had the pleasure of dining at Pat & Oscar's Restaurant chain in the San Diego area. The food was always a cut above, the service excellent, and it was just a fun place to go.
In the beginning, it was just Oscar's, before Oscar added his wife Pat to the name. And for all those years, it was a gathering spot for myself and my employees for luncheons, catered meetings, informal business dinners, carry-out meals and family meals. I brought clients to "P&O's" as I came to call them, because they were a great place to go. A highly responsive organization and great food.
But something changed. A recent experience soured my last perhaps fifteen or more years experience with this chain. Following what I considered a very poor take-out order, I contacted them twice via their site, and they never responded. I attempted to contact them via their office phone, which was not answered; it simply invites you to leave a message.
In short, all those years of business has come to a halt. Although they are close by, we'll no longer do business. There are way too many fast food places available to simply be ignored by a company when you have a valid complaint about an order. And, it's the first complaint in all those years.
It's not that I was unwilling to "give it another try." It's that I feel as if the company doesn't care about their customers. Nobody can tell me they don't get nor read their e-mails that originate on their own site. It doesn't go to spam. It simply tells me they just don't want to be bothered with consumer issues.
And they wonder why you don't come back? The restaurant business has long been one with a difficult survival path, with about 30% failing in the first year. Pat & Oscar's has had a remarkably successful run, and I sure wish them continued success. But I won't be one of their customers anymore.
In the beginning, it was just Oscar's, before Oscar added his wife Pat to the name. And for all those years, it was a gathering spot for myself and my employees for luncheons, catered meetings, informal business dinners, carry-out meals and family meals. I brought clients to "P&O's" as I came to call them, because they were a great place to go. A highly responsive organization and great food.
But something changed. A recent experience soured my last perhaps fifteen or more years experience with this chain. Following what I considered a very poor take-out order, I contacted them twice via their site, and they never responded. I attempted to contact them via their office phone, which was not answered; it simply invites you to leave a message.
In short, all those years of business has come to a halt. Although they are close by, we'll no longer do business. There are way too many fast food places available to simply be ignored by a company when you have a valid complaint about an order. And, it's the first complaint in all those years.
It's not that I was unwilling to "give it another try." It's that I feel as if the company doesn't care about their customers. Nobody can tell me they don't get nor read their e-mails that originate on their own site. It doesn't go to spam. It simply tells me they just don't want to be bothered with consumer issues.
And they wonder why you don't come back? The restaurant business has long been one with a difficult survival path, with about 30% failing in the first year. Pat & Oscar's has had a remarkably successful run, and I sure wish them continued success. But I won't be one of their customers anymore.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
California's Bureaucracy is Way More Than Sacramento!
Whew. Over the past year or so, I found out just how screwed up the State of California really is. I mean so screwed up that it makes you want to vomit explosively. Especially when you realize that the lackadaisical attitude of the elected officials spreads all the way to the offices throughout the state. Yes, the same people who whine and cry that it's the "big politicians in Sacramento" who are at fault for this mess we're in." Sorry to use an expletive, but bullshit!
I have found that State offices pass the buck for not doing things that need to be done by saying they are too busy, don't have the manpower, it isn't their job, call someone else and then have phone systems that just don't allow you to make any choices at all, not even leave a message.
Example. A contractor is working with a suspended license. The State Contractors License Board enforcement unit in Norwalk indicates they actually need to physically see the contractor doing work, but won't have anyone available for three weeks to send to check the contractor out. Will he still be doing work in three weeks? WTF? The guy is doing work NOW! Get your ass out and see, and levy the fines that will fill the state coffers, protect the public against an unlicensed contractor and do your damned job. But no, nothing ever happens.
Illegal activity 1 State 0 Consumers -1
Example. Contractor is working without Workers Compensation insurance for his employees. While he states he has no employees and doesn't need to provide the State proof of a policy, he shows up for work each day with four or more workers for the job. Probably day laborers but still employees. State Division of Workers Compensation wants nothing to do with it. They only regulate insurance companies, and handle complaints against insurance companies by insured people. If this guy is uninsured, you need to go to the Labor Commission, part of the Department of Industrial Relations and let them know. We don't do that here.
Illegal activity 2 State 0 Consumers -2
Labor Commission phone system is a recording that plainly states it's not equipped to take messages. It provides you with a street address and tells you the business hours and that a Deputy Labor Commissioner is on duty. Also that you can call back and then you are done. No other options. Nobody to talk to, nobody to register your concerns with, nothing. Do they expect you to drive to the office and hope someone will actually be there to talk to you. Or, would you think that somehow, like a miracle, they might take action during this millennium? Oh, wait, the recording did say that they are not open certain days anymore since the State furlowed employees due to the budget crunch.
Illegal activity 3 State 0 Consumers -3
So, this teaches us several lessons. First is what a crap job the State is doing in many areas when you have to deal with them. Secondly, it reinforces most citizens "don't give a rat's ass" attitude about what goes on illegally since you can do all in your power and nothing gets resolved. Frankly, you're better off calling Channel 10 News investigations and asking them why these things go on like they do, and let them do the legwork if they care to.
Then we have the office that says we'll actually go out and check this situation out. It's just to appease you and they allegedly take down the information. They never do go out and when you contact them again to determine the results of their "action", they give you the cold shoulder or hang up on you. I believe that's because they think if they ignore you enough you'll simply go away. Oh, and while they have you on the phone, should you dare criticize their actions, they'll tell you what a wonderful job they are doing given the current budget constraints!
Honestly, the attitude of the State workers and the politicians here is why, in my opinion, Obama and the bunch of imbeciles in Washington got elected and some re-elected. People who can't do what is necessary to serve the people, and just let everything slide. Waiting for change.
November 2010 showed that change came. Not enough change perhaps, but some change nonetheless. Lots more is needed to dump these politicians and slackers on their butts. People are still screaming for change, and if you read the blogs, California State workers, they're screaming for YOU to get your butts booted out of your jobs, and replaced by people who will work for less money and do a better job. Most believe we could employ twice as many people for less money, reduce the ridiculously rich benefits packages, and save the State hundreds of millions to boot. Don't take my word for it, just read the blogs about the State financial conditions. Those are taxpayers' comments and those people pay your salary!
Maybe more State workers should look at and take lessons from the true public servants and quality professionals of our state and communities, our Emergency Service personnel, Highway Patrol, Cal-Fire, sheriff, police, fire, EMS, and those who lay it all on the line for the community every day, many making much less than the almost useless paper pushers who do so little to make this a better place to live. When you need our public safety professionals, they just respond. No bunch of buck passing...they just do their job. What the hell is wrong with the rest of you?
It's sad, but combined with those who want everything and contribute nothing to the system, there's is little to wonder about why we're in this financial condition.
I have found that State offices pass the buck for not doing things that need to be done by saying they are too busy, don't have the manpower, it isn't their job, call someone else and then have phone systems that just don't allow you to make any choices at all, not even leave a message.
Example. A contractor is working with a suspended license. The State Contractors License Board enforcement unit in Norwalk indicates they actually need to physically see the contractor doing work, but won't have anyone available for three weeks to send to check the contractor out. Will he still be doing work in three weeks? WTF? The guy is doing work NOW! Get your ass out and see, and levy the fines that will fill the state coffers, protect the public against an unlicensed contractor and do your damned job. But no, nothing ever happens.
Illegal activity 1 State 0 Consumers -1
Example. Contractor is working without Workers Compensation insurance for his employees. While he states he has no employees and doesn't need to provide the State proof of a policy, he shows up for work each day with four or more workers for the job. Probably day laborers but still employees. State Division of Workers Compensation wants nothing to do with it. They only regulate insurance companies, and handle complaints against insurance companies by insured people. If this guy is uninsured, you need to go to the Labor Commission, part of the Department of Industrial Relations and let them know. We don't do that here.
Illegal activity 2 State 0 Consumers -2
Labor Commission phone system is a recording that plainly states it's not equipped to take messages. It provides you with a street address and tells you the business hours and that a Deputy Labor Commissioner is on duty. Also that you can call back and then you are done. No other options. Nobody to talk to, nobody to register your concerns with, nothing. Do they expect you to drive to the office and hope someone will actually be there to talk to you. Or, would you think that somehow, like a miracle, they might take action during this millennium? Oh, wait, the recording did say that they are not open certain days anymore since the State furlowed employees due to the budget crunch.
Illegal activity 3 State 0 Consumers -3
So, this teaches us several lessons. First is what a crap job the State is doing in many areas when you have to deal with them. Secondly, it reinforces most citizens "don't give a rat's ass" attitude about what goes on illegally since you can do all in your power and nothing gets resolved. Frankly, you're better off calling Channel 10 News investigations and asking them why these things go on like they do, and let them do the legwork if they care to.
Then we have the office that says we'll actually go out and check this situation out. It's just to appease you and they allegedly take down the information. They never do go out and when you contact them again to determine the results of their "action", they give you the cold shoulder or hang up on you. I believe that's because they think if they ignore you enough you'll simply go away. Oh, and while they have you on the phone, should you dare criticize their actions, they'll tell you what a wonderful job they are doing given the current budget constraints!
Honestly, the attitude of the State workers and the politicians here is why, in my opinion, Obama and the bunch of imbeciles in Washington got elected and some re-elected. People who can't do what is necessary to serve the people, and just let everything slide. Waiting for change.
November 2010 showed that change came. Not enough change perhaps, but some change nonetheless. Lots more is needed to dump these politicians and slackers on their butts. People are still screaming for change, and if you read the blogs, California State workers, they're screaming for YOU to get your butts booted out of your jobs, and replaced by people who will work for less money and do a better job. Most believe we could employ twice as many people for less money, reduce the ridiculously rich benefits packages, and save the State hundreds of millions to boot. Don't take my word for it, just read the blogs about the State financial conditions. Those are taxpayers' comments and those people pay your salary!
Maybe more State workers should look at and take lessons from the true public servants and quality professionals of our state and communities, our Emergency Service personnel, Highway Patrol, Cal-Fire, sheriff, police, fire, EMS, and those who lay it all on the line for the community every day, many making much less than the almost useless paper pushers who do so little to make this a better place to live. When you need our public safety professionals, they just respond. No bunch of buck passing...they just do their job. What the hell is wrong with the rest of you?
It's sad, but combined with those who want everything and contribute nothing to the system, there's is little to wonder about why we're in this financial condition.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Ethanol - And the Corn Cob Isn't the Only Part You're Getting Screwed With!
Ethanol, also known as corn alcohol, was once touted as America's road to independence from foreign oil. Turning corn into alcohol to fuel internal combustion engines, as an abundant, relatively low cost, All-American homemade form of fuel, while boosting farm output and helping America's farmers. A grandiose idea of being energy self-sufficient with clean fuel dripping from that familiar yellow ear of corn all over the Midwest. Touted as a massive, never-ending supply. Gasohol stations sprouted up in the south and Midwest with over 1000 stations selling gasohol by January of 1980, with this new-fangled, and costly fuel in pumps ablaze with bright corn symbols.
Sounds great on the surface. doesn't it? Too bad most of it is...well..bullcrap! Let's see just how the Washington bureaucrats and administration has foisted a miserable hoax on the American people, costing us billions of dollars, not only in taxes, but also in fuel costs and repairs and added to the lousy gas mileage for our cars. And, providing 7 billion dollars in farm subsidies to grow corn strictly for ethanol fuel use, which we actually have little use for. Supporting farmers is one thing but why not grow the corn for food for impoverished people?
First, let's look at the BTU (British Thermal Units) equivalency of gasoline to ethanol. According to experts, there are 116,090 BTU's of energy in a U.S. gallon of regular grade gasoline, 76,000 BTU's of energy in a U.S. gallon of ethanol. Thus, it takes 1.53 gallons of ethanol to equal the same energy output of one U.S. gallon of gasoline.
Ethanol costs approximately 57 cents more per gallon to produce than gasoline! Add that together with the fact that it takes 1.53 gallons to equal the power of one gallon of gasoline! That alone equates to 87 cents in real energy costs for every gallon you put in your tank, using only ethanol. So, if gasoline was $3.00 a gallon in real cost in California, a guesstimated price for ethanol would be $3.57 a gallon. However, to produce the same energy of that gallon of $3.00 gasoline, you would have to fill up with 1.53 gallons of ethanol at a cost of $4.59 per gasoline gallon equivalent to drive the same miles. Now do you understand how you've been conned and screwed by the ethanol hoax?
Ethanol mileage tests showed that vehicles operated on ethanol gave exactly 2/3 the mileage of the same vehicles operated on gasoline!
"The EPA measured the gas mileage of what are called E85 (up to 85 percent ethanol) vehicles on the 2006 flexible fuel models. For the 31 models they tested the average reduction is 26% fewer miles per gallon. For example a car that gets 30 mpg on regular would typically get 22.2 mpg with E85. This is exactly what is predicted from the fact that E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline.
For these calculations, the EPA assumes that E85 costs $2.00 and regular $2.20/gallon. Obviously they are way off on the low side, especially for ethanol, but this proportion is similar to what DOE predict for the next few years. The loss in mileage more than makes up for the cost savings, and on average the EPA predicts driving on E85 will cost 23% more than driving on regular."
Ethanol is corrosive, and damages rubber and other engine parts. When it was introduced, motorists had major problems with engines that were not manufactured to allow the introduction of ethanol into the system, and seals leaked, and parts failed, necessitating expensive repairs. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, garden and landscaping equipment, outboard motors and marine engines suffered damage because of the ethanol blend. Now they have been re-designed to run with the current 10% ethanol, but not any greater percentage! But hold on...our government is allowing even more to flow into your tank!
On October 13, the EPA allowed an increase in the amount of ethanol in your fuel from 10% to 15%. The automakers, as well as 38 other groups, including environmental and others asked for congressional hearings, but were waved off and the EPA simply went through with the okay.
Does increased use of ethanol reduce dependence on foreign oil? Hell no! In the ten year period between 1999 and 2009, U.S. ethanol production increased from approximately 100,000 barrels per day to over 700,000 barrels per day. During that same time frame, our oil imports actually increased in excess of what the ethanol production was! I have heard that during the same time period, US oil exports doubled to 2 million barrels per day. That's amazing. We import more as demand grows yet we still export oil? And then provide 7 billion of dollars in farm subsidies to grow corn for ethanol to provide fuel we don't need? Ethanol production levels obviously have had had no apparent effect on oil imports or consumption.
What about pollution? The EPA admitted back in 2007 that increased use of ethanol in gasoline would increase emissions of key air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, by as much as 7 percent. On October 20, the agency again acknowledged that more ethanol consumption will mean higher emissions of key pollutants.
Sounds great on the surface. doesn't it? Too bad most of it is...well..bullcrap! Let's see just how the Washington bureaucrats and administration has foisted a miserable hoax on the American people, costing us billions of dollars, not only in taxes, but also in fuel costs and repairs and added to the lousy gas mileage for our cars. And, providing 7 billion dollars in farm subsidies to grow corn strictly for ethanol fuel use, which we actually have little use for. Supporting farmers is one thing but why not grow the corn for food for impoverished people?
First, let's look at the BTU (British Thermal Units) equivalency of gasoline to ethanol. According to experts, there are 116,090 BTU's of energy in a U.S. gallon of regular grade gasoline, 76,000 BTU's of energy in a U.S. gallon of ethanol. Thus, it takes 1.53 gallons of ethanol to equal the same energy output of one U.S. gallon of gasoline.
Ethanol costs approximately 57 cents more per gallon to produce than gasoline! Add that together with the fact that it takes 1.53 gallons to equal the power of one gallon of gasoline! That alone equates to 87 cents in real energy costs for every gallon you put in your tank, using only ethanol. So, if gasoline was $3.00 a gallon in real cost in California, a guesstimated price for ethanol would be $3.57 a gallon. However, to produce the same energy of that gallon of $3.00 gasoline, you would have to fill up with 1.53 gallons of ethanol at a cost of $4.59 per gasoline gallon equivalent to drive the same miles. Now do you understand how you've been conned and screwed by the ethanol hoax?
Ethanol mileage tests showed that vehicles operated on ethanol gave exactly 2/3 the mileage of the same vehicles operated on gasoline!
"The EPA measured the gas mileage of what are called E85 (up to 85 percent ethanol) vehicles on the 2006 flexible fuel models. For the 31 models they tested the average reduction is 26% fewer miles per gallon. For example a car that gets 30 mpg on regular would typically get 22.2 mpg with E85. This is exactly what is predicted from the fact that E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline.
For these calculations, the EPA assumes that E85 costs $2.00 and regular $2.20/gallon. Obviously they are way off on the low side, especially for ethanol, but this proportion is similar to what DOE predict for the next few years. The loss in mileage more than makes up for the cost savings, and on average the EPA predicts driving on E85 will cost 23% more than driving on regular."
Ethanol is corrosive, and damages rubber and other engine parts. When it was introduced, motorists had major problems with engines that were not manufactured to allow the introduction of ethanol into the system, and seals leaked, and parts failed, necessitating expensive repairs. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, garden and landscaping equipment, outboard motors and marine engines suffered damage because of the ethanol blend. Now they have been re-designed to run with the current 10% ethanol, but not any greater percentage! But hold on...our government is allowing even more to flow into your tank!
On October 13, the EPA allowed an increase in the amount of ethanol in your fuel from 10% to 15%. The automakers, as well as 38 other groups, including environmental and others asked for congressional hearings, but were waved off and the EPA simply went through with the okay.
Does increased use of ethanol reduce dependence on foreign oil? Hell no! In the ten year period between 1999 and 2009, U.S. ethanol production increased from approximately 100,000 barrels per day to over 700,000 barrels per day. During that same time frame, our oil imports actually increased in excess of what the ethanol production was! I have heard that during the same time period, US oil exports doubled to 2 million barrels per day. That's amazing. We import more as demand grows yet we still export oil? And then provide 7 billion of dollars in farm subsidies to grow corn for ethanol to provide fuel we don't need? Ethanol production levels obviously have had had no apparent effect on oil imports or consumption.
What about pollution? The EPA admitted back in 2007 that increased use of ethanol in gasoline would increase emissions of key air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, by as much as 7 percent. On October 20, the agency again acknowledged that more ethanol consumption will mean higher emissions of key pollutants.
On a personal note, we had a gasohol station in Florida that dispensed this wondrous concoction to the public without warning of the consequences of use. Seems that someone, somewhere, believed that high ethanol concentrations would be fine in cars. Much like a physician failing to warn you of the dire consequences of a new prescription, vehicles quickly stopped running as fuel filters clogged, rubber gaskets started leaking, carburetors became inoperative and the local repair shops were overwhelmed with repairs. Seems the gasohol was a poor fuel, but a wonderful solvent that ate everything in sight! It scoured the gas tanks so clean that all the gunk was dissolved into the fuel lines and clogged the filters. Either you had to drain the tank of 20 gallons of gas, or change the filters numerous times until all the gunk was out of the tank and lines. Then the gaskets in the carburetors needed changing, the rubber gas lines from tank to steel lines needed replacing, any under hood rubber lines containing fuel needed replacement. Lots of dollars lost here. And the gasohol station? It became a no-name regular fuel station quickly no longer selling gasohol. The end of the corn fuel history in my area.
Bend over, folks. That corn cob isn't done with you yet! The increased percentages of ethanol will obviously create problems for your cars and other power equipment. The bad noises you hear from under your hood are just your cars way of telling you that those people in Washington don't have your welfare at heart, unless you're on welfare that is. The noises will get louder and no, you can't take the repair bills off on your taxes either. Thank the EPA and the current administration for that.
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