Am I the only one who thinks P-C's uncle sounds like an asshole?

Nope!

Well, no. I mean, yeah, it is, but in most dealerships the salesman is trying to manipulate you into spending as much as possible. Whether that takes charm or lying or bullying, that's what they'll do. My DH used to sell cars and even now many car salesman engage in the kind of tricks that other businesses don't.

I will echo what Sean said. I had purchased new cars my entire life and CarMax has really changed my perspective on how a car dealership should operate. Apparently their salespeople get their commission based on how many cars they sell, not on the value of the car, so they don't push you into a higher model. Prices are set, so there's no games with the sales manager, in fact, you never see them. Same thing, you don't deal with finance department. They put your info into a computer right in front of you and you see the offers from the banks come up right in front of you. Pick the one you like and then sign the paperwork. You have 5 days to return the car for any reason. Don't like the color, return it, neighbor laughed at your choice, return it. You have 3 days to shop for a different financing deal with no penalties as well.

So now that Saturn isn't what it was - I'm going to go to Carmax. Cool. But from even the reasonable carbuying experience, I expect our cars to fall apart before we buy again.

BTW, if you are a recruiter -- Don't say -- You'll never find a job at that salary. Even if you are right -- why would anyone work with you when you stoop to fear tactics in the first 20 min phone call you have with someone. You sound desperate and incompetent.

What's a good corset buying site(s)? I can't remember recommendations.

dark garden

[link]

P-C, whew! I tipsy-typed and then regreted it, thinking I may have totally offended you. Whew!

I adore Wanda Sykes, too, but that might've been Natter (oh, the perils of clicking "read new" and not paying attention).

Cashmere, are you readying for Vegas, or what?! Do I need to go buy a corset too??

Cashmere, are you readying for Vegas, or what?! Do I need to go buy a corset too??

I doubt I can get one that quickly! DH mentioned that he wants me to buy one, so I'm in the market.

Thanks, beth! I'm looking there. I like Stormy Leather's leather corsets but their site is down. If I'm going to spend the money, I'd like to go custom.

Mechantes is also good, and a bit less pricey for custom.

You know how you have to talk to them? Like a whore. You know why? Because that's what they are, they're whores. They'll try to fuck you any way they can. If you go to a whore, she might say, "$200." And you say, "For you, bitch? I don't think so." "No no no, $175." It's like that.

He also told me that buying a used car was like buying a whore. I think my uncle is related to Frank Miller.

See, this did make me laugh my ass off, because it is absolutely not in keeping with the mental image of your uncle (if it's the same uncle) that I had built up. And because I would pay cash money to see your uncle bringing his astoundingly rude interpersonal skills to a conversation with the car salesman guy who asked if you were going to go back "to your country". Cash money.

But, that said - seriously, I can see no possible justification for talking to a prostitute in such a fashion. That's just awful. Awful. I mean, it's awful enough when you're horrible to someone in another service industry, like a waiter or something, but when it's somebody you're negotiating having sex with - good heavens. I just don't understand people. Why such wanton discourtesy and belittling of other people? Why?

signed, sat next to a truly obnoxious bunch of White British Men in the pub the other day - the kind of guys who are all over Bangkok, but whom I very rarely actually happen across in the course of my life here. And the way they were talking about their partners and exploits, and the astonishing rudeness with which they returned their food to the waitress, calling a bacon sandwich "filth" and all this bullying rubbish just to show how fucking manly and powerful and rich and white they were - I was one gigantic cringe.