Carz, Cardz, and Marketz
I’m about to part with the green monster and already bought a new (used) car yesterday. I’d been shopping around on craigslist and doing some general research for the last few weeks. I had honed in on a Honda Civic EX, because its practicality was overwhelming. The first one I chose to “visit” was a strong contender; its only drawback was an automatic transmission. (It should go without saying that I’m a stick girl) It was priced a little below retail book - my frugal sweet spot. And I loved the company that had it up for sale. Driscoll Motors primarily sells to dealers. They don’t advertise. They will sell you a car, but it’s a little like ordering soup from the soup nazi. If you check out their website (now my favorite home page ever - written by Wade I was later to learn) you’ll see what I mean. Actually they are sweethearts to deal with, but I don’t think they want anyone to know it.
The car was clean down to the title and had just about everything I was looking for, but I still headed on down to a place on Airport Blvd. Harb Motors had about a dozen Hondas advertised; each about $2000 below book. As I pulled into the lot, there were “pristine” looking Hondas everywhere. I couldn’t understand why they were so cheap. I pulled past the garage, which was a frenzy of activity. My “Danger, Will Robinson” moment came when I drove around back where there were dozens of Honda carcasses - some badly maimed and many more long dead. I pulled in beside one, only to discover there was some guy sleeping in it. As I walked among the pretty cars, I noticed there wasn’t a title in the lot: these were ALL salvage cars. I ran back to the sanctuary of the monster.
The next day, I wrote Driscoll Motors a check and was happy to do it. I enjoyed reading this today on their website “—SOLD, You Missed It!!!— Well Equipped & Nice EX Automatic 2dr Coupe, 38+ MPG!!! Power moonroof, alloy wheels, 1.7L VTEC engine, ABS, CD, cruise control, tilt wheel, and power everything but seats. Well cared-for Texas car with a clean AutoCheck history report.”
My “new” car still needs a name. And the monster? She’s going to a nice home in the neighborhood where I have been assured of visiting rights.
I’m actually taking a rare night off from the local game tonight. Maybe I want an extra week to bask in my money finish last week. Every three months the tournament is a $50 freezeout (the “Big One”). I went to the final table with a short stack (raise your hand if you’re surprised). I survived two all-ins with an edge to make it to the bubble. I then had to hit a river two-outer to survive, but was still the shortest stack. I was in the big blind (with one chip left) when the next shortest stack pushed all-in and got called by the SB. I folded almost without looking. Short stack’s pocket eights cracked by A-K. I went out on the very next hand and made the money; all-in on my SB. Luck and a short stack: my formula for success.
Well I looked into inflation indexed bonds (TIPS) and gave them a thumbs down. Seems like the April auction will likely go off with a 0% coupon rate. Even with the inflation adjusted principal, that kinda sucks. And things aren’t exactly Mr. Sunshine on the credit front yet. It looks like the banks are backing out of funding the Clear Channels private equity buy-out. I still think there’s more blood in the streets to come for the banks and real estate sector. Dan just phoned in with the news that he’s been evicted from the place he was renting in Vegas - and knows a number more compatriots that have received the same news - even Chops. Foreclosures still abounding. I think my next play might be for Unilever. I once owned that stock for a fund I was managing and it just laid there. But a consumer stock with a 4.40% yield might be worth owning at this point - even if it just lays there.
And I hate to admit that I watch American Idol - and seldom is it noteworthy. But I thought David Cook’s version of Billy Jean was brilliant.
Your next assignments:
1) Name for the “new” auto
2) Your favorite remade version of a song
PS. Pics of the car are from Driscoll Motors website. I will get better resolution pics of it over the next 11 years.
Car name: ‘Cita (short for Mamacita)
Remake: Steve Earle’s version of “Willin’”
Otis said this on March 26th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
1. Car name: Sweet Spot
2. Remake: Tuck Andress’s version of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish”
In fact, this is probably my favorite song (instrumental or otherwise) ever. It’s one man on one guitar in one take.
I couldn’t find it on You Tube, but check out this version of Man in the Mirror. Give it at least until midway through the song. He really starts to tear it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLFjk0KXjIk
Dr. Chako said this on March 26th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
1. Car Name: George. (I’ll hug him and squeeze him and call him George)
2. Amazing Grace done by the Maverick Choir. If you haven’t heard it, watch Maverick with Mel Gibson and they play it to start the closing credits. Great version.
James Guill said this on March 27th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I’m proud to say that I’ve received multiple rides in the Green Monster, even during the “vegetable oil” phase. I have no suggestions for naming the new car, because I think it should be like an Indian name — it has to be earned. Spend some time with the car, and pick a name by the end of the WSOP.
Me? I’m lazy. All six of my cars have been named “Tasmanian Devil.” I’ve had Tazz, Tazz II, Tazz III, Tazz IV, Tazz V, and Tazz VI. Tazz I, II, and IV were all black 1983 Honda Civic S Hatchbacks. Tazz III was a black 1988 Prelude. Tazz V was a yellow 1988 Honda CRX Si. Tazz VI is a forest green Saturn SC2. The original Tazz was the only one that had built-in time travel capabilities. (Amy knows what I’m talking about.)
As Tazz VI is on its last legs, I’d like for Tazz VII to be a dark green Honda Element from the early 2000’s, but it depends on how much cash I have on hand before the WSOP begins. (I want a newer vehicle for the drive from Atlanta to Vegas.)
I’ve actually watched a few seasons of American Idol, and I’ve got a few picks this season. I didn’t like David Cook in the early rounds (his attempt to hide his balding head bugs me), but his rockin’ remakes have made me a believer — I’d buy his album. His rendition of “Billie Jean” was fantastic.
However, as a child of the ’80s, I have to point out that the video of Michael Jackson’s breakout performance of “Billie Jean” was recently released on iTunes. He performed the song during the Motown 25th Anniversary Special, and it brought down the house. It’s the first time he debuted the moonwalk, and it’s an electric performance to watch.
While I really enjoyed Cook’s new version of that classic song, Michael Jackson’s performance from the peak of his career (before he became a total freak) was far better. (Even if it was probably lip synced.)
BJ Nemeth said this on March 27th, 2008 at 6:29 am
I have to approve of the car, I’ve got the same in darker silver, but with a stick, and of course and added tape deck.
Amy- the knob on the left front side of the seat adjusts it’s height.
1. I’m with BJ on naming the car. It really should be earned. Considerations for the mean time: Silver (as in Hi Ho…), Silverado.
2. Hmmm…I know I’m missing something, quick thoughts: “Tears of a clown” by English Beat, “Jealous Guy” by Roxy Music, “Babe I’m gonna leave you” by Zeppelin, “Train kept a rollin” by Aerosmith. Marshall Crenshaw’s live (recorded) cover of “Knowing me, knowing you” is pretty cool.
Matt said this on March 27th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Congrats on the car purchase!
I feel your joy. I bought a new (used) car in November, and I’m still thrilled every time I get in it.
Car name suggestion: Silver Bullet (If, in fact, it is silver and I’m not in an early morning daze.)
Jennifer said this on March 27th, 2008 at 11:40 am
That car looks like it wants to be called 9/10 Suited to me.
As for favorite remake? Hands down, Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt” as performed by Johnny Cash.
gracie said this on March 27th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
The car looks a Queen of Hearts to me *grin. And the best cover is Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire covered by Social Distortion.
Katitude said this on March 27th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I’m revising my cover choice, Gracie nailed it. The Cash version of “Hurt” is the bomb.
I think that 9/10 Suited doesn’t quite flow off the tongue though. Other ideas: Silver Surfer, Silver Hammer.
Matt said this on March 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I agree with BJ. The name should be earned.
My current favourite remake is Angel by Shaggy. Every time I hear the line “close than my peeps you are to me, baby” I smile.
pokertart said this on March 28th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
We have had at least one Honda in the family since the day I got married almost 20 years ago. The last one we still have is a 1992 Accord that I got when my father passed away. I use it for my winter car, and it will soon be in the hands of my 16 year old daughter.
Enjoy your Honda. It may be with you for a long time.
lightning36 said this on March 28th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Don’t have a name for the car, as far as I can remember you never implemented any of my decisions anyway, so would just be urinating into the wind.
On the car, just one yhing, I think you may have purchased something of a citrus fruit as the steering wheel seems to have been fitted to the wrong side of the car - maybe a Texas thing I guess.
Your downunder - barracuda
chris n said this on March 29th, 2008 at 4:52 am
1) cincity
2) petty’s cover of I Won’t Back Down of johnny cash
Proto said this on March 30th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Sylvia it it’s girl.. Sylvester if it’s a boy…
All time favorite cover is The Gourds covering Snoop Dogg’s Gin And Juice ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y4imEPbhPI&feature=related
ll miguel said this on March 31st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
1) The Silver Steed
2) While the Smashing Pumpkins did an amazing cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, I’m going to throw my hat into the ring for Nelly Furtado’s acoustic version of Gnarl’s Barkley’s Crazy. There is also a great folk rock cover of Outkast’s Hey Ya, but I can’t remember the musician’s name.
Jordan from HighOnPoker said this on April 1st, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Hmm… Sylvester. Very nice. I think it’s now my top choice, with Silver Surfer second.
I still think Gracie nailed the cover.
mkgcars said this on April 1st, 2008 at 4:59 pm