Fred: So you don't worry that it's possible for someone to send out a biological or electronic trigger that effectively overrides your own sense of ideals and values and replaces them with an alternative coercive agenda that reduces you to a mindless meat puppet? Shopkeeper: Wow. People used to think that I was paranoid.

'Time Bomb'


Natter 70: Hookers and Blow  

Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.


-t - Aug 28, 2012 11:29:09 am PDT #19873 of 30001
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration

Is automatic "standard" now?

I have been told that. I don't know who gets to decide that sort of thing.


Glamcookie - Aug 28, 2012 11:30:22 am PDT #19874 of 30001
I know my own heart and understand my fellow man. But I am made unlike anyone I have ever met. I dare to say I am like no one in the whole world. - Anne Lister

I have always driven a manual. My mom says she'll know I'm truly an adult when I buy an automatic. Sadly, that day is fast approaching since it's so hard to find manuals anymore. When I bought my current car in 2000 I insisted on a manual transmission and my car had to be shipped from Japan.


Hil R. - Aug 28, 2012 11:31:51 am PDT #19875 of 30001
Sometimes I think I might just move up to Vermont, open a bookstore or a vegan restaurant. Adam Schlesinger, z''l

We learned a song with a list of the states in elementary school. It was called "Fifty Nifty United States." The song book said it was written by Ray Charles, and we were all disappointed when our music teacher told us that it was a different Ray Charles.

I've only driven cars with automatic transmission.


Sophia Brooks - Aug 28, 2012 11:32:35 am PDT #19876 of 30001
Cats to become a rabbit should gather immediately now here

I think I can drive stick, but I haven't since 1992, and then it was only a few times, so I don't know. I understand how, however.


Jesse - Aug 28, 2012 11:37:21 am PDT #19877 of 30001
Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be.

So, if I want to get renters' insurance (my lease says I have to), do I actually have to get quotes from every frigging company, or can I figure that since two of the major companies were about the same and one was cheaper for more coverage, I should just get that cheaper one?


-t - Aug 28, 2012 11:39:19 am PDT #19878 of 30001
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration

Yes, do that.


msbelle - Aug 28, 2012 11:40:26 am PDT #19879 of 30001
I remember the crazy days. 500 posts an hour. Nubmer! Natgbsb

Get the cheaper more coverage.


msbelle - Aug 28, 2012 11:40:32 am PDT #19880 of 30001
I remember the crazy days. 500 posts an hour. Nubmer! Natgbsb

Jesse - Aug 28, 2012 11:44:32 am PDT #19881 of 30001
Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be.

I don't need to get even more estimates, in case there's a better deal somewhere? OK then.


NoiseDesign - Aug 28, 2012 11:46:15 am PDT #19882 of 30001
Our wings are not tired

Cars with manual transmissions tend to be cheaper than the same model with automatic transmissions. The gear box for the manual transmission tends to last longer than the "slush box" for the automatic transmission. And, depending on how you drive, cars with manual transmissions tend to get better mileage than those with automatic transmissions. So I'm a fan of the stick shift.

The tide is changing on this. The latest generation of automatic transmissions are more fuel efficient in most cases. They also tend to offer more gears, 8 speed autos are coming out on more and more cars, and there is at least one 9 speed automatic now. With the exception of a possible 7 speed from Porsche coming out, manuals tend to end at 6 gears. The cost savings on purchase is going away as well. Since manuals are less in demand they are now an upcharge on some cars, such as the 5 speed on the Titanium trim Focus.

High end performance cars have moved largely away from manuals in favor of dual clutch automatic transmissions. This is the case for BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and the top end Porsche cars.