Paolino

I often wonder what my car would be like in a crash.. especially since my sis-in-law took the car out (before I got it), and got hit, so the bumper hangs a bit and is cracked.

The praise keeps on comin'.

1970something Valliant. Black vinyl interior. No a/c. 13 hour drive to the Carolinas when I was 4 and 5. That, combined with the short-shorts we wore in 1982 and uh, burned little legs.

I finally signed up for an account a couple of weeks ago and have yet to use it. I just can't see myself using it honestly. To me, I get a similar result from Facebook, so I wouldn't repeat it. I understand how people can be addicted to it, but it's just not working for me.

Well, I simply wrote in script... I didn't teach it or have examples of it in the classroom. I write in print now, because some students can't read script easily and I don't have the time to decipher it for them. My numerals though, are as they write in Italy. It gets the students used to seeing them because when they take state tests, they'll see it written so and not be confused why a "7" or a "0" have lines through them, or the "1" has a small hook on top.

What is "teacher's handwriting"? I have draftsmanlike printing as well--probably because my father was a draftsman and I almost went that route early on, so he always impressed how important neat penmanship was. As for European script, I've fought it. I show my students what it looks like, but other than that, I don't write like it. And yes, I mention penmanship is important in Italy and is a sign of a good background.

It's so sad but true... I had a kid sign his name on the state test... he had to cross his name out twice and rewrite it because he wrote it wrong. Students handwriting in general is atrocious. I can't write in cursive on the blackboard because some can't read it, and I have beautiful handwriting. I was one of those anal guys (shut up) who always had awesome handwriting, but that's partly because my parents were so strict about it. I was surprised when I returned to school for my Spanish certification, when I started taking notes I wrote in script... when I did my undergrad and masters, like Nick I wrote in all caps.

Interesting you bring it up--my friend HATES the new Prius commercials--she gets weirded out by them and turns the channel. It's nice that she's not falling for their advertisement, but I can't get too excited, she drives an xB.

Happy Birthday Sal! Post some more pics! LOL

Happy Birthday man!

In Italy you actually have to know basic car maintenance in order to get a license. I had to teach my friend Stacy how to add windshield washer fluid when she was 19.

I'm hoping that since they realize they don't have their "4 wheel drive" anymore, they'll actually NOT drive 80 during a nor'easter. I can't stand people who use the rationale that their 4WD/AWD vehicle means hey won't skid around. And as mentioned earlier, the majority of cars I see on the side of the road in accidents during inclement weather are SUVs.

Yes, I've heard of gay rape.

I leave 18-20% generally... if it's terrible service, 15% Or when we were in college and it was our friend waiting on us, 40%

If this was 2 years ago, I would have said Ford. But now, with the new Malibu, new LaCrosse and CTS, I say GM.

I'm a rarity. I prioritize quiet, comfort, refinement well over an amazing 0-60 time. Don't get me wrong, I don't want a slug. I can appreciate good effortless pickup or the ability to leave someone behind when they're ticking me off. Still, I tend to drive more on the conservative side and really don't use engines to their potential. A 3.0L for me would most-likely be fine. That said, I do agree this car with its weight needs more punch available. CXS (the sporty trim) should have at least matched the Maxima in numbers (290hp), would have been better if it was 300hp. With the average midsizer making 250-270hp, 280 is around the corner; the top trim of the LaX shouldn't be competing with the average midsizer. If there will be a new LaX Super, then try to match the Taurus Sho in power and offer it in AWD form.

Well, I know my parents have a low-mileage 2006 Lucerne and you hear the 3800 a little gruff that first second you hit the gas, light, hard, whatever. When the engine is cold, it's rougher than any OHC engine I've driven. Granted, I'm being very sensitive to it. To the average person, I don't think they'd notice anything. I'll leave with this: When my friend got her 2002 Accord EX V6, it was the first time I ever realized a V6 could be that smooth.

Thousand Island or Italian. Honestly, it depends on what type of salad I'm eating.

They'll come to an agreement and I bet the public will not know about it.

Accusation

Where does it say marshmallow ride and soft seats for the LaCrosse?

The other night my friend's mother was complaining she didn't like books on CD. Her reason kept me biting my tongue... she said she liked it that if you stopped a tape, it resumed where you left off. I felt like saying (since she said she listened in the car), "So does a CD."

1) Water in the AM. 2) Water with lunch. 3) Coffee & Water post lunch. 4) Water after work. 5) Water with dinner. 6) Water post dinner. 7) Green tea before bed.

They do.

I think it's awesome!