The limo fiasco COUNTDOWN with Keith Olberman

<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keith Olberman's limo fiasco Countdown  examined in detail in New York City.</h2><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXzj3_fXFvcw4MKJvJ1R3Mhojh7zQY5JwvV8-eOegLhph577gsh9fvzOoedSZ6WNw1jcmAXMw3CjoOjHXxlzYgH6WOnsZ02_0RwbhRBz-ddPNkZlgwuVcgnngkceyZaB-zJItUh0KOru0/s1600/keitholberman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXzj3_fXFvcw4MKJvJ1R3Mhojh7zQY5JwvV8-eOegLhph577gsh9fvzOoedSZ6WNw1jcmAXMw3CjoOjHXxlzYgH6WOnsZ02_0RwbhRBz-ddPNkZlgwuVcgnngkceyZaB-zJItUh0KOru0/s1600/keitholberman.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">COUNT DOWN the list of horrible limos!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There seems to be great controversy around keith Olberman being fired form the network, and one issue surrounding this controversy is that he was unhappy with limo service provided by the network. Every article  writes about Olberman as being a difficult shallow man who cannot tolerate the poor common man. These article failed to examine the very problem with these poor and mediocre taxi services which are disguised as "car & limo services". These writer prefer to attack Keith Olberman by citing that �smelly drivers�, and �drivers who try to speak him�. Well these are legitimate problems and for one to raise and be concerned about such matters does not make oneself conceded. Some of these black car service and taxi drivers are living in their taxi cabs. Think about it for a minute and ask yourself some honest questions?<br /><br />Can I tolerate a smelly taxi ride, smelly public bus transportation for breakfast on my way to work?<br /><br />Am I prepared to give a full scale interview to a driver early in morning, when in fact I am attempting to read my emails, or responding to emails and or attempting to make calls?<br /><br />When I call for a corporate car and limousine service, do I expect a vehicle cleaner than a taxi cab? <br /><br />How is it possible for a driver to educate me on brain surgery, finance 101 or sports 101 when I am the authority in my field?<br /><br />How will I get to work or destination safely when I have an idol chatter distracted by conversations while driving?<br /><br />So we have identified that the writers do a great job in shedding light about problems with some poor black car and taxi drivers but fail to question themselves whether smelly ride and a distracted idol chatter are acceptable. These writers don't even examine these so called limos. Instead, they take cheap shots by attacking Keith Olberman about being a person difficult to work with. Rather they shall examine these poor and mediocre taxis disguised as limo services.<br /><br />Before we examine these so called �limo services� qualified to be called luxury or first class corporate car service or limo services. Lets examine the terms "limousine and chauffeur". What comes to mind when we think the terms limo and chauffeur services? To be nuetral, I refer to the internet and Google the term "limousine and chauffeur".<br /><br />After typing the term limousine on Google, I click to wikipedias link to refer to their definition of limousine. �A limousine (or limo) is a <b>luxury sedan or saloon car,</b> one with lenghtnened wheelbase or <u>driven by a chauffeur </u>and a partition between driver and rear passengers.�<br /><br />So now Googling and clicking on wikipedia, the term chauffeur �<span style="font-weight: normal;">Chauffeur is a person employed to drive a passenger motor vehicle, e</span><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">specially a luxury vehicle such as a large sedan or limousine.�</span></u><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaME6Cox1QihIsqeNJnI7g0P9npTQDfbdmD9c9DnMFNQc11G-obfQwDr5FT0CaLwwx21W5m1G1RwuLPCy7KJYr43YZP_LMfwo-wDiT7hOvSqeakBNh_x05t3a0oL3q4RMNoMMYnK8IsSBf/s1600/jetlimo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaME6Cox1QihIsqeNJnI7g0P9npTQDfbdmD9c9DnMFNQc11G-obfQwDr5FT0CaLwwx21W5m1G1RwuLPCy7KJYr43YZP_LMfwo-wDiT7hOvSqeakBNh_x05t3a0oL3q4RMNoMMYnK8IsSBf/s320/jetlimo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSL Transportation meticulous long wheel base Cadillac DTS L@ FRG </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XavPUn20Vpw_bxkc1OavN9yOfHxphudBs_xcMQZP8JSwKzp5TIO6IEQ8QJw9HlSrYu5pCI9juLe-vmRV1M1Z2ohVu1jsMq47nQUU8a6lg3AGiSB29qY-dE_dyxlmm19YAiOHIz7i7z_6/s1600/chauffeur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XavPUn20Vpw_bxkc1OavN9yOfHxphudBs_xcMQZP8JSwKzp5TIO6IEQ8QJw9HlSrYu5pCI9juLe-vmRV1M1Z2ohVu1jsMq47nQUU8a6lg3AGiSB29qY-dE_dyxlmm19YAiOHIz7i7z_6/s320/chauffeur.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">professional courteous uniformed chauffeur assisting client</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2hKZjW90XMKU9bbGPDu1km9QlulKsYATXr4V6LwZyNAYPf_daHKaacKLjtGBctqURll_Sp0dkbJgKFcbi3FBj_b-GLFOUBA9dmb5R_WnzBzKy1SJYZv_MadwLyRwJLLMy0P0ryh4fAol/s1600/jetlimo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2hKZjW90XMKU9bbGPDu1km9QlulKsYATXr4V6LwZyNAYPf_daHKaacKLjtGBctqURll_Sp0dkbJgKFcbi3FBj_b-GLFOUBA9dmb5R_WnzBzKy1SJYZv_MadwLyRwJLLMy0P0ryh4fAol/s320/jetlimo5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSL Transportation @ KJRA awaiting helicopter</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">It appears that the terms <strong><u>�luxury�, �saloon</u></strong>� associate with <u>limousine or chauffeur</u>. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Here are all issues on the list that <u><strong>disqualifies service to be considered luxury, limo, or chauffeur services or even first class.</strong></u></div><br /><ol><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Driver owned or company owned vehicles that are mechanically poor.</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">vehicles that have poor body work and unmatched shades of panels</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">vehicles that are dirty in and out</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">vehicles interior that shot up and smells like feet</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">a driver who sleeps, eats in car</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">a driver who has a poor personal hygiene</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">a driver who lacks �THE KNOWLEDGE�</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">a driver who cannot drive smoothly</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">a driver who lacks etiquettes</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">improperly dressed driver</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">the company who has inexperienced staff, dispatch, and management</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">dispatchers who cannot plan trips diligently</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">vehicles arriving LATE for pickups</div><li><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">and so much more which that is disqaulified to be termed first class or luxury experience.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"></div></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTWOV4pcVLhD_chULr7dv-NEc7vM9M1qzCVDEu5TPb3m2KPjE_UxxJ9tjWBguY41KXXAQDei7S9noObaGFuwfErVTIUda89spEXS7-RlIq_GfwsZ2EBLN3SdIpVR9SxOIvCaKCERzrRWr/s1600/lastresort24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTWOV4pcVLhD_chULr7dv-NEc7vM9M1qzCVDEu5TPb3m2KPjE_UxxJ9tjWBguY41KXXAQDei7S9noObaGFuwfErVTIUda89spEXS7-RlIq_GfwsZ2EBLN3SdIpVR9SxOIvCaKCERzrRWr/s1600/lastresort24.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mohsan is one a cab driver, logging hundred hours with Uber in a week. Uber Limo?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><strong>T</strong><em><strong>otal hours</strong> in a given week 24 x 7= 168 hours per week.</em></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv3sYSDWsNbdqrhZ0KGUtxS11eLVNTTh0_qY1QQsGyBWIdfCQBQbpfQclBRr4fnM6MUllrwG22R3_mcbDiOVdn-4KsqwFmHOk2L6yueBJ3uIdkQuEexuib7AOShtjfst6gpzDqnG0JcNK/s1600/lastresort17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv3sYSDWsNbdqrhZ0KGUtxS11eLVNTTh0_qY1QQsGyBWIdfCQBQbpfQclBRr4fnM6MUllrwG22R3_mcbDiOVdn-4KsqwFmHOk2L6yueBJ3uIdkQuEexuib7AOShtjfst6gpzDqnG0JcNK/s320/lastresort17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">missing hubcaps on Lincoln Town Car, steering wheel cover, car trees and political affiliations</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkP5e43EuYmrLuB2SOMYEP2JRQF9pSxxnUCRT6IhobJiZhBraDlR98eXkypX7peq-MPEvBECaYNiSbXnS6J-CQh0K6jf91AsRXV8gRy015O_lodjNrn3CZL0EM71oFVhYTuOx8O8Wfa93/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkP5e43EuYmrLuB2SOMYEP2JRQF9pSxxnUCRT6IhobJiZhBraDlR98eXkypX7peq-MPEvBECaYNiSbXnS6J-CQh0K6jf91AsRXV8gRy015O_lodjNrn3CZL0EM71oFVhYTuOx8O8Wfa93/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">horrible paint job on driver owned  Lincoln Town Car, chrome trim hammered and placed back in position</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">??</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Unfortunately, there are companies in New York City who consider themselves limo services with a loose network of <u>driver owned Lincoln Town Cars</u>who offer all of of the above on list of disqualifications and therefore are <u>disqualified to be termed �limo, Luxury, chauffeur� services</u>. Since these companies do not own and operate a fleet of vehicles, they do not even know if the car has been washed. These companies do not test, train, or hire screened qualified drivers. These companies do not even know about their drivers personal hygiene, appearance and dress because there is a rare contact between the company and driver on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. These incompetent comnpanies have inexperienced staff, dispatchers and management whose origins stem from taxi hustles. These so called limo comapanies are good at the street like taxi HUSTLES! The hustle is basically selling on far fetched exaggerations, false promises, and telling consumers �we save you money on limo�.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ta76Dc1QWMWuK8_Uwl4J4DKrim9MhK4dMTeceCVddxWCRat0lkJZ8epMVSaZJO3M2vahmM-YaLF0i7FGPgRcv2SIHSpapFAcsqetK8Rt4wOSvEDxOyP39aYYbJvNlbp69QNfYw05hfUQ/s1600/lastresort16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ta76Dc1QWMWuK8_Uwl4J4DKrim9MhK4dMTeceCVddxWCRat0lkJZ8epMVSaZJO3M2vahmM-YaLF0i7FGPgRcv2SIHSpapFAcsqetK8Rt4wOSvEDxOyP39aYYbJvNlbp69QNfYw05hfUQ/s320/lastresort16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ex taxi driver- now moving towards upscale service- limo at taxi?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">So the problem is <strong><u>not Keith </u>Olberman</strong>, or anyone who is seeking first class car service "limousine service" between work, meetings or busy executive travel. The problem lies within those vendors who mislead us by selling poor products and services on basis of quality.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjAsECzqozs4FT56Jnu5M66CwFmNpGRSbIdr4vT3U8uRf34v3cRiyzvMPG6AWgKVwSh5YkwSRm1kF1SnNdsPWdlqFzi4E7LK-tAQriXnuctlGFPykYrmssoK_h9lrLL2w7kKN-Jh950bM/s1600/chefboyardi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjAsECzqozs4FT56Jnu5M66CwFmNpGRSbIdr4vT3U8uRf34v3cRiyzvMPG6AWgKVwSh5YkwSRm1kF1SnNdsPWdlqFzi4E7LK-tAQriXnuctlGFPykYrmssoK_h9lrLL2w7kKN-Jh950bM/s1600/chefboyardi.png" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Come on all of you writers attacking Keith Olberman, try eating canned <strong>Chef Boyardee</strong>with your family especially after being told that special food prepared by the top chef working at <strong>IL MULINO.</strong>  Lets not be hypocrites here! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPJ5hQOUqe2j6NCFPKI-Cu94Dz5JBxbwBgEIIdJ7V-hhbu_poNy7OS5LXfedK7fO5pB_wuYIKFNN0QlHk8J3_n2dvSX8mxXUQPhDYuQUx6mau4cW8WBrk5x1d54oB-02956eL5Cw9J03X/s1600/ilmulino.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPJ5hQOUqe2j6NCFPKI-Cu94Dz5JBxbwBgEIIdJ7V-hhbu_poNy7OS5LXfedK7fO5pB_wuYIKFNN0QlHk8J3_n2dvSX8mxXUQPhDYuQUx6mau4cW8WBrk5x1d54oB-02956eL5Cw9J03X/s1600/ilmulino.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IL Mulino authentic first class Italian restaurant</td></tr></tbody></table>

The limo fiasco COUNTDOWN with Keith Olberman

Keith Olberman's limo fiasco Countdown  examined in detail in New York City. COUNT DOWN the list of horrible limos! There seems to be gr...

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5 day intensive driving course Peterborough "When turning right at a roundabout, look left!"

<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QsZA7AKXLTrAnNlAH00tXY0yOOdTCD8f2uJVtF3RWVtNGrjCIX1k-DG7OfP4E9O0UDUiHuUP9XxhEVmxGSchGs4Ifa_OHmz3x7Yx1-dx31TGOIachfMNN04vdxWK_8k0ZDUEWwvwA_o/s1600/20151106_160340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QsZA7AKXLTrAnNlAH00tXY0yOOdTCD8f2uJVtF3RWVtNGrjCIX1k-DG7OfP4E9O0UDUiHuUP9XxhEVmxGSchGs4Ifa_OHmz3x7Yx1-dx31TGOIachfMNN04vdxWK_8k0ZDUEWwvwA_o/s320/20151106_160340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You would be excused for wondering if I�ve been watching too much Joey on �I�m a Celebrity�, but there is method in my apparent madness.  The following 2 examples are guaranteed to crop up on your <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/5-day-intensive-driving-course-peterborough-grantham/" target="_blank">5 day intensive driving course in Peterborough</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first example is when we can use traffic coming from our left or straight over, to block the traffic coming from our right!  Blockers....there�s an idea!  Take a look at it in action <a href="http://youtu.be/PdpmjVcuMqk" target="_blank">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second example is when we need to initially drive over to our left, in order to drive round the roundabout.  Looking in that left side mirror before you do so, is a #gooddrivinghabit  Take a look <a href="http://youtu.be/tvahcE7uQ_4" target="_blank">here</a> at how this is useful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good luck and keep monitoring this blog for more classic Joey one-liners!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">BIG TOM Driving School   5 Day Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough 01733 306016</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

5 day intensive driving course Peterborough "When turning right at a roundabout, look left!"

You would be excused for wondering if I�ve been watching too much Joey on �I�m a Celebrity�, but there is method in my apparent madness.  Th...

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Uber's questionable Price Gouging tactics require in depth examination

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Uber's  price gouging tactics</strong> also referred to as surge pricing are not justifiable compared with all other  car services because Uber Nuts largest number of  cars participating on their network, Uber does not have a human dispatch infrastructure and the related expenses and the secret partners emails about dynamic pricing raise an eyebrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOa5wCXLBx7NlKBWKSnkiPGvqsBn99mOyLZMb8UAUEOsFMFNyEb6KbEDyPzPia2YEB2cwhgE0bjddet30oM7rFzOY0ZxA-VAA_kQUKV_PLWsr0bxT__X1MrmOxS_6yWGGCk_fj2ZWGZLh/s1600/Uber-nuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOa5wCXLBx7NlKBWKSnkiPGvqsBn99mOyLZMb8UAUEOsFMFNyEb6KbEDyPzPia2YEB2cwhgE0bjddet30oM7rFzOY0ZxA-VAA_kQUKV_PLWsr0bxT__X1MrmOxS_6yWGGCk_fj2ZWGZLh/s1600/Uber-nuts.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>First I would like to educate readers that Uber does not own, nor do they operate any vehicles. Uber has drivers who own their vehicles and pay Uber commissions for referals. Most of these drivers are full time  affiliated driver with Uber and some are part time non affiliated driver owned cars. Uber has 4 registered bases with the taxi and limousine commission in NYC and has the highest number of affiliated drivers compared with all other car services.<br /><br />There are 3,053 dedicated Uber cars which are affiliated and working with Uber on a full time basis.<br />The second largest black car base (Skyline Car service)  has 598 affiliated drivers who are also cooperating with Uber in taking trips. In addition, there are other drivers from other black car bases who are working with Uber. Isn't it ironic that a company having the highest numbers of affiliated drivers on its network on any given day compared to any other bases in New York City, plus having drivers from Skyline and other bases on it's network is using excuses about shortage of drivers and need to surge price? Uber has always given consumers the argument that with supply shortage and high demand,  adding a dynamic pricing will get more vehicles on the road. When examining the statistics, Uber already highest ratio of supply (vehicles) to serve consumers when comparing it with all other bases. So where are they getting more supply (driver/cars)  from? Why is it that Uber has to price gouge whereas other licensed bases which are a fraction of Uber's size are not price gouging? In addition, Uber does not have the additional staff expense the smaller bases have.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvLEUxEekjqZjPx4qcEzXHUqNHgHSg68kPLUE3_df0eyc7Jm5qDZzag5ffo2KRrAWyuE8vV_avo-Zx69ZeNEeb7Eygrs57wllPo4rP7KlC2dZfcSxo7-aP_Ibya7NHI8250UAEyvmWb_6/s1600/uber-finger1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvLEUxEekjqZjPx4qcEzXHUqNHgHSg68kPLUE3_df0eyc7Jm5qDZzag5ffo2KRrAWyuE8vV_avo-Zx69ZeNEeb7Eygrs57wllPo4rP7KlC2dZfcSxo7-aP_Ibya7NHI8250UAEyvmWb_6/s1600/uber-finger1.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>All these conventional smaller bases have to pay the expenses for dispatchers, reservationist, customer service representatives,computers, two way radios and phone lines. Whereas Uber does not have such expenses. Uber's drivers are carrying the task of mobile customer service, mobile dispatchers and drivers on the road. The electronic app  bypasses the human staff thereby eliminating related expenses. So given that Uber having this competitive advantage and savings, should they not be passing on these savjngs to consumers? Uber's claims are in contradiction. Even the partner emails indicate Uber's carefully crafted gouging days.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHAf1R4PIPNWrP0InO_pCLMFm7qn8pJepKnIWyHf1wZMTgaKQtIh_N5Q_ft-GBMHOP30VLxUQMkUk1GpVeSyJmCXPZU7AIjDUt5XTtt2t4krLXt9B2Jdj_Ov85_W1nY-j5z5L6Pp0-pfS/s1600/truck_dispatchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHAf1R4PIPNWrP0InO_pCLMFm7qn8pJepKnIWyHf1wZMTgaKQtIh_N5Q_ft-GBMHOP30VLxUQMkUk1GpVeSyJmCXPZU7AIjDUt5XTtt2t4krLXt9B2Jdj_Ov85_W1nY-j5z5L6Pp0-pfS/s1600/truck_dispatchers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Uber weekly partner emails outline days and times they will be instituting surge pricing. Is it not ironic that Uber can forecast future supply shortages and high demand cycles? Any affiliated driver working with Uber can agree that Uber's weekly emails outline weather patterns and declared dates and times they will be price gouging. Usually Uber takes advantage of this in rain, windy weather, holidays, Friday and Saturday nights and or whenever they that timing is right. <br /><br />Uber continues to price gouge consumers even after the controversial price gouging throughout Hurricane Sandy, transit workers strike, New Years Eve. Uber was highly criticized by Paul Carr and consumers throughout these periods as they charged up to 6 to 10 times the normal rate. Uber sets a bad example to other transportation service providers and other businesses. Uber should halt price gouging amd operate as a responsible business.<br /><br />Data of Uber registered bases obtained from NYC Taxi & Limo Commission<br /><br />Black car bases registered with address 27-55 Jackson Ave, LIC, NY<br />Found in NYC TLC records.<br /><br />Hinter LLC base # B02598-1,028 affiliated driver owned cars <br />schmecker LLC base # B02682-142 affiliated driver owned cars <br />Unter LLC- base # B02512- 511 affiliated driver owned cars<br />weitter LLC- base # B02617-1,372 affiliated driver owned cars<br /><br />Uber Price Gouging articles<br /><br /><a href="http://pandodaily.com/2012/10/31/assholes-shrug/" target="_blank">http://pandodaily.com/2012/10/31/assholes-shrug/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pandodaily.com/2012/11/02/a-final-word-on-uber-and-their-ghastly-attempt-to-spin-their-way-to-sainthood/" target="_blank">http://pandodaily.com/2012/11/02/a-final-word-on-uber-and-their-ghastly-attempt-to-spin-their-way-to-sainthood/</a><br /><br />Article on Uber CEO:<br /><a href="http://pandodaily.com/2012/10/24/travis-shrugged/" target="_blank">http://pandodaily.com/2012/10/24/travis-shrugged/</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06L9arxXzhiEVC6NOt0tK0KnHXhw4Yz-r0bJMCnWNFZOWiajSqRAzBgXkRNKYKzoTDhqPhF-RKlnNvR9uO8i6PKBS8FWd6FR5RAO7ulsNQAeNQHqtJbUngKiVGpZJgVBswNbWuyrJfoGH/s1600/uber-finger1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06L9arxXzhiEVC6NOt0tK0KnHXhw4Yz-r0bJMCnWNFZOWiajSqRAzBgXkRNKYKzoTDhqPhF-RKlnNvR9uO8i6PKBS8FWd6FR5RAO7ulsNQAeNQHqtJbUngKiVGpZJgVBswNbWuyrJfoGH/s1600/uber-finger1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZo4nBDfBGTvHnc-581v9x-3Na5WRUlFlBkmOON3Tb7HebXWI5IPuja8Sl-AuRAVC6n3bBl2k5rEIPwk_tG7cpXHM_0YbQtlpqZ9RbnxASI_333cB80I-lJAtDc1BJl-93po_b5DzypXn/s1600/f56c4_uber-finger1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZo4nBDfBGTvHnc-581v9x-3Na5WRUlFlBkmOON3Tb7HebXWI5IPuja8Sl-AuRAVC6n3bBl2k5rEIPwk_tG7cpXHM_0YbQtlpqZ9RbnxASI_333cB80I-lJAtDc1BJl-93po_b5DzypXn/s1600/f56c4_uber-finger1.png" /></a></div><br />

Uber's questionable Price Gouging tactics require in depth examination

Uber's  price gouging tactics also referred to as surge pricing are not justifiable compared with all other  car services because Uber ...

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Uber blasts email to media to rechange the rules in Portland and Paris France.

Uber has been emailing everyone to write on behalf of them to change the minimum prearrangement rules because it fears that it's creative, questionable and taxi operation disguised and  wrapped in limo and technology no longer may be sustainable. Why is Uber asking others to write for them when they are the beneficiaries of profits? This seems pretty upsurd, but if anyone ever has used Uber Car service has received these emails from Uber.<br /><br />In October 2013, Uber sent users an email to write and convince Mayor  of Portland to deregulate the 30minute prearrangement rule. In this email, Uber claimed that taxi business is bad and Portland requires improvement in service and the city should be technology friendly. Uber also makes claims that with deregulation there will be improvements in taxi service. So the question is that those Lincoln Town Car owner operators who are registered as Livery cars and bypass the city's taxi medallion system registrations, requirments and regulations will be improvement in service? It sounds more like disguised taxis operating on a different standard. Is Uber suggesting that the current taxi services cannot provide an app to consumers and provide the same technology? How are consumers benefiting with Uber's surge pricing charges?How is it improvement in service with existing  regulated taxi metered rates in Portland  compared to Uber instituting  Surge Pricing? Uber always portrays itself a victim from the taxi industry and not admitting that they are attempting to provide taxi service in real time disguised under the technology wrapper. In addition, Uber sends another email to users after regulators clearly defined Livery from taxis with the new minimum prearrangement rule making.<br /><br />Once again on October 16th 2013, Uber sent a blast email to users "Save Uber Paris".In this email, Uber claims to bring technology to an old industry bringing convenience to travelers and public. Uber never wrote in this email how the VTC "Vendor Transportation Companies" also known as the owner operators working Uber system are not registered as medallion taxis, and are not licensed and are not inspected as taxis are operating in a fashion similar to taxis. It asks readers to write to the French government. When reader clicks on the names of officials on the list, the email defaults in subject line and also in body without allowing reader to write their own opinion. This is exactly what appears in email browser subject line " VTC: I'm opposed to that 15min rule". In the body of email, it defaults to<br />"Prime Minster Ayrault<br />as one of tens of thousands of Parisians who relies on speedy, safe and reliable VTC transportation, I strongly urge you to reject a proposal Parisians to wait 15minutes before getting a VTC ride..."<br />The email goes on to bluff about how this limits transportation, process hurting consumers and jobs.<br />Really Uber? Giving a green light to gypsy type livery operators to operate as taxis without undergoing the existing taxi standards will be safe for Parisians? In addition, with Uber's surge pricing model will hurt the consumers as there is limited to no over watch and accountability.<br /><br />It is pretty clear that Uber's media campaign is designed for their own interests and not publics best interest. Shall Uber want to bypass the prearrangement rule, then the VTC's shall purchase a taxi medallion, be regulated as licensed taxis and held to same standards as the existing licensed taxis in Paris or anywhere Uber opposes prearrangement.<br /><br />No other Livery company in Portland, Denver or Paris opposes prearrangement except for Uber.

Uber blasts email to media to rechange the rules in Portland and Paris France.

Uber has been emailing everyone to write on behalf of them to change the minimum prearrangement rules because it fears that it's creativ...

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Presidential Limousine replica-The Beast, Cadillac limousine replica

Cadillac One. The Beast. President Barack Obama�s custom Cadillac <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">presidential limo</a> goes by many names, but as famous as The Beast is, we still don�t know anything about its powertrain (rumor is it�s a diesel), armor, or even what the interior looks like. That�s why when Sony studios representatives asked if we wanted to drive their replica of the Beast from this summer�s �White House Down,� we couldn�t say yes fast enough. <br /><br />But first, a little background. Starring Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum, �White House Down� is about a domestic terrorist group that�s taken over the White House and is trying to do evil bad guy things to America, much like the plot to �Olympus Has Fallen,� which opened earlier this year. Foxx plays the president, while Tatum plays the secret service agent tasked with protecting him.<br /><div style="clear: both;"></div>Each of the four <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Cadillac limo</a> replicas in the movie started life as a run-of-the-mill Chevrolet Suburban, Cyril O�Neal of Ghostlight Industries, the builders of The Beast, told. The Suburbans were stripped of their body, stretched, and widened, and hand-built from Fiberglass. O�Neal said it was so much work that they might as well have started from scratch with two pieces of steel, rather than build their way up from a Suburban. The real Beast is rumored to be built on a chassis of the GMC Topkick, the Suburban�s big brother. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PQhIy_qjLdE?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div>Building an accurate replica actually proved more difficult than he and car coordinator Graham Kelley.<br /><br />When I first got asked to do this, I didn�t poo-poo it so much, but I figured �oh that�s alright, it�s a <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Cadillac limo</a>, alright maybe the roof is a little lower, we�ll figure it out,� Kelly said. �I�ll go and buy a stretch Cadillac and make it the right length, and off we go. We�ll have three or four of them and it won�t be a big problem. And it wasn�t until we actually started getting into this, which was actually probably a little too late, that we realized, very quickly -- it was one of those moments where you go, �oh my god.��<br /><div style="clear: both;"></div>The problem Kelly and O�Neal ran into was getting accurate info on The Beast so they could build a realistic replica. Not surprisingly, GM and the White House were no help. So the company started building a model based on the headlights, which they determined were from a current-gen Cadillac Escalade. O�Neal and his team worked backward from there, using known measurements like the 12-inch tall Escalade headlight, and Obama�s six-foot-one frame to determine the proper proportions of the car. The result is a pretty dead-on replica from the outside. <br /><br />The interior was actually a bit easier to build since not many images exist of the Cadillac�s cabin. That allowed O�Neal and Kelly to use their imaginations when it came to the limo�s insides, which resulted in the car getting James Bond-like gadgets and screens. In reality, the replica�s interior is pretty basic. The driver�s compartment feels like an Escalade�s with a familiar shifter, steering wheel, and seats, with the main differences being the custom instrument panel, kill switches, and fake buttons in the center stack. The back seat looks how you�d imagine the President�s <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">limo</a> looking, with two forward facing seats and two rear-facing jump seats.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PQhIy_qjLdE?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div>There�s really no way of knowing for sure what powers the real Beast, and for the purposes of �White House Down,� it really didn�t matter. Each Beast replica is powered by a Chevy LS3 V-8, mated to the standard Suburban transmission and transfer case. Yep, The Beast replicas are all four-wheel drive. As Kelly told us, apart from a single shot, all the stunts were done with a driver in the car, �We had it basically performing as a rally car on the field; it was sideways, and four-wheel drifting. It was being hit by Suburbans, it crashed through trees and vegetable gardens,� he said. Each of the hand-built replicas cost near $1 million, so you can understand why he may have been reluctant to crash one into a pool as part of the filming. <br />Despite all the work and money the �White House Down� crew put into building its Beast replica from the ground up, the car drives like a cobbled-together Franken-Caddy that�s been rammed by Suburbans and crashed through trees by Hollywood actors and stuntmen. Still, when�s the next time I�ll get a chance to drive the President�s limo?

Presidential Limousine replica-The Beast, Cadillac limousine replica

Cadillac One. The Beast. President Barack Obama�s custom Cadillac presidential limo goes by many names, but as famous as The Beast is, we ...

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New York & London Partners working together on the London Cab.

<br />I have known Gary from The London Cab Company since I started putting the London taxi restoration project. I am happy to have known Gary from the London Cab Company because he has helped me a lot, and we have worked together strategically in corporate travel marketing campaigns.<br /><br />We have had a few beers as Gary visited New York, and I suggested him in his need for decommissioned New York City taxis. <br /><br />On September 2013, I was contacted by a film agency which was interested in filming a London Cab to recreate a London scene in New York. While I did not have any specific details about the ad, except the filming people requested to have the London cab. So I contacted Gary, asking him if he would give permission for me to make replica tags, replica medallion, replica ID's and a sign on the doors �The London Cab Company�. After getting this permission, I got to work. Gary from the London Cab Company sent me images, measurements and instructions to make a replica of London taxi.<br />?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn0AKgtVEXkMIpp1SOOuZDQbUpotDt_RlOluw6aKLbkBTV32QwW45KIOGUCYpqsLLTL2sLJ0w5_SZZrd1UwASlRdprQygoTq7znw45YhKHQeP3OdY3c3pqde5NWyf5Oy5JUhh7PAg5_Yz/s1600/London_cab_on_film_NY_pic2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn0AKgtVEXkMIpp1SOOuZDQbUpotDt_RlOluw6aKLbkBTV32QwW45KIOGUCYpqsLLTL2sLJ0w5_SZZrd1UwASlRdprQygoTq7znw45YhKHQeP3OdY3c3pqde5NWyf5Oy5JUhh7PAg5_Yz/s1600/London_cab_on_film_NY_pic2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSL Transportation replicates Gary's London Cab for film recreating a scene in UK.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnqgbbb0Uj7GBYHbdkNW3dcz1H29QWJSbW0L3Szo9vqZORgB7ZOBaijvU10zVoQAHP6h1iFQy3OXrqFmWW2dILR4fcmthzzXKF47CX_2Yr97_MqW_y5Lc3pUxGBhCHPEAVSh1OHRRcFdX/s1600/London_cab_in_Film_NYC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnqgbbb0Uj7GBYHbdkNW3dcz1H29QWJSbW0L3Szo9vqZORgB7ZOBaijvU10zVoQAHP6h1iFQy3OXrqFmWW2dILR4fcmthzzXKF47CX_2Yr97_MqW_y5Lc3pUxGBhCHPEAVSh1OHRRcFdX/s1600/London_cab_in_Film_NYC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Replica Public Carriage Office medallion and Tags for film in New York </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The great thing is that these are real tag and license numbers and are not some fake numbers.</div><br />My buddy Al at the Taxi Depot made the medallion, and tags. The printing people printed and laminated the ID's, tax disc, while Signazon printing crew made London cab Company magnetic signs.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vqte8tUHmuzayMOrlwTpkwUojLecfx9uZCPJ0aS0b6Zjhcv7JrexHZZyr2LCW82s7RhvGTsosmIxCR4Pk6zaoWy-ATv30cw350IUEitgbcbNWfE8vlRyjJr7GyZzkQ2do6NgI3Cd4Lcf/s1600/London_cab_Company_replica_permits_for_film_NY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vqte8tUHmuzayMOrlwTpkwUojLecfx9uZCPJ0aS0b6Zjhcv7JrexHZZyr2LCW82s7RhvGTsosmIxCR4Pk6zaoWy-ATv30cw350IUEitgbcbNWfE8vlRyjJr7GyZzkQ2do6NgI3Cd4Lcf/s1600/London_cab_Company_replica_permits_for_film_NY.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York Taxi & Limousine Commission For hire permit taped out with black tape<br />London taxi Disc and Drivers License as issued by the PCO- film in New York</td></tr></tbody></table>I did have to request high resolution file from Gary and I personally drove out to Signazon's facility to pickup the signs to ensure that on Sunday 9/22/2013 we were 100% prepared. I am glad that I made such great emphasis on rush orders because we were instructed to report at 13 Doyers Street, New York, NY by 06:30A.M.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ8bEfMxX5uT-_Jx2okk0fqKiBH8W75nqVu12WlHYKHGtMQqnl1zZHsPNMHCGufvmC19s3EiflXxSnE7EbPeiWoEsiSpMhVY6goFo5NvAJv6-H8hsWVhaESyfuHolZJrs5tDzCTCtXEGE/s1600/London_cab_on_film_New_york.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ8bEfMxX5uT-_Jx2okk0fqKiBH8W75nqVu12WlHYKHGtMQqnl1zZHsPNMHCGufvmC19s3EiflXxSnE7EbPeiWoEsiSpMhVY6goFo5NvAJv6-H8hsWVhaESyfuHolZJrs5tDzCTCtXEGE/s1600/London_cab_on_film_New_york.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London cab Company magnetic signs on doors-replica of the Real London Cab Company for NY film</td></tr></tbody></table>So we placed our New York State tags in front and rear window and reported to set location.<br /><br />Milton, (driver of the London cab), told me that Kevin Bacon was spotted with directors and film crew and he was to be in this advertisement. Wow- this made me even more happy about my passionate efforts in preparing this car for film with extra attention to details.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUwLkvjD2IhtWsgt8podrkjh7L_7K-ehahsDH13WB1cznFjdIAUJH5SgiOh8TUSty07zxBVJ0tdUcf4viQP7zhKJH87zoOkUerAhE7nw91-sS4GmETJDSJ9GunGinf2FM5LVBf530PfNG/s1600/milton_London_Cab_film.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUwLkvjD2IhtWsgt8podrkjh7L_7K-ehahsDH13WB1cznFjdIAUJH5SgiOh8TUSty07zxBVJ0tdUcf4viQP7zhKJH87zoOkUerAhE7nw91-sS4GmETJDSJ9GunGinf2FM5LVBf530PfNG/s1600/milton_London_Cab_film.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chauffeur Milton standing front of 13 Doyers St, New York, NY-film area</td></tr></tbody></table>The next day, Michael Begasse wrote in an email � Thank you Rick, the cab was perfect, the footage is on it's way to London, where it will be edited for Broadcast.�<br /><br />I am excited that as a friend and business partner, I got to provide the film people the London Cab, and got my buddy Gary The London Cab Company some spotlight on advertisement. I hope to see this ad soon.<br /><br />To learn more about our Chauffeured London Cabs for weddings, films and or any special events please visit us at <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">www.limousine-rental.net</a>

New York & London Partners working together on the London Cab.

I have known Gary from The London Cab Company since I started putting the London taxi restoration project. I am happy to have known Gary fro...

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Classic and Antique Cars for weddings

<em><strong>Classic cars for weddings are easily the classiest</strong></em> form of <strong>wedding transportation available</strong>. Think antique cars, Mustangs, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces Silver Clouds. Unfortunately, while you've seen them in photos, they can be difficult to secure for wedding day.<br />How to find a classic car for wedding transportation<br />?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmWf3JeggwNB5mGjS2u5s9XYGRXpI2aRXBz4rNLxmo6Ej0rI7W_Pi9qCDCBpYRv4BtgT8-NZkU9PpLZEXJ7VtTURcARD1CIZt75eZ3MHBathvwwF0oJS9yMfjBcTJ9Ex1Vt1Y9LTFqCov/s1600/LONDON_TAXI_Manhattan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmWf3JeggwNB5mGjS2u5s9XYGRXpI2aRXBz4rNLxmo6Ej0rI7W_Pi9qCDCBpYRv4BtgT8-NZkU9PpLZEXJ7VtTURcARD1CIZt75eZ3MHBathvwwF0oJS9yMfjBcTJ9Ex1Vt1Y9LTFqCov/s1600/LONDON_TAXI_Manhattan.JPG" title="Vintage Limousine Cars for hire in New York City" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1967 Vintage London Cab FX4 " Yorkville"</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Classic cars are available through wedding transportation companies</a> virtually everywhere. However, most companies will only have one or two classic cars available to rent, as they are expensive to purchase and maintain. Accordingly, if you're set on a classic car, you're going to have to do some research in your area, and book in advance.<br /><br />Start with you your local limousine rental companies and visit as many local wedding transportation company websites as you can find. You'll quickly find that the options are limited to some degree.<br />Classic "classic cars"<br /><br />Classic cars that are generally available include:<br /><br />Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud<br />London Taxi<br />Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Series<br />Essex Super Six<br />Ford Model T or Ford Model A<br />Some things to know about classic cars<br /><br />Classic cars will be a bit smaller than a stretch limo and are likely only be able to accommodate the groom and bride. You're not likely to have a glass partition for some private time, so you'll just have to get used to having your driver only 3 feet away. Finally, you're not likely going to be allowed to drive the car away, for obvious liability and sentimentality reasons. Nevertheless, hiring a classic car is a fantastic touch. As for the groomsmen and bridesmaids, you can hire a separate limousine for them.<br /><br /><strong>Make sure the classic car is clean</strong><br />?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5H5sLmxrSjBkwN6Cl9_03qJOYUPUbqVyPeOGMJVH-4Sul-TC7T1xjvv7ZKjgICE2FBhVsw8mMC69f0OOgvWXlOqWC0wFB-VQFZOqqt2knEdZvJtRaRq9xbXgFVftJYixx3IkBmabyumy/s1600/black_london_cab_New_York_vintage_wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="classic antique cars for hire for New York weddings" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5H5sLmxrSjBkwN6Cl9_03qJOYUPUbqVyPeOGMJVH-4Sul-TC7T1xjvv7ZKjgICE2FBhVsw8mMC69f0OOgvWXlOqWC0wFB-VQFZOqqt2knEdZvJtRaRq9xbXgFVftJYixx3IkBmabyumy/s1600/black_london_cab_New_York_vintage_wedding.JPG" title="classic antique cars for hire for New York weddings" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black London Cab TX by CSL Transportation</td></tr></tbody></table><br />?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt5wNZyurp0lu32__RbYFr294ztMmXg1qlQHEdpzND7asINxFkEkQD2kr-3ba0aO8FS_QOylm0jY5MUfCuXMicWzRvEVY_nZMhTe4FAxAcBH79khrZ0D6uygtHHSWQsRFS0Ve6IZb-yHY/s1600/black_London_cab_nyc_wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="classic antique cars for hire for New York City weddings" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt5wNZyurp0lu32__RbYFr294ztMmXg1qlQHEdpzND7asINxFkEkQD2kr-3ba0aO8FS_QOylm0jY5MUfCuXMicWzRvEVY_nZMhTe4FAxAcBH79khrZ0D6uygtHHSWQsRFS0Ve6IZb-yHY/s1600/black_London_cab_nyc_wedding.JPG" title="classic antique cars for hire for New York City weddings" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London TX2 with Just Married sign and bells and whistles</td></tr></tbody></table><br />????One thing that a smart groom will want to do is to ensure that the <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">classic car is clean</a>. Many classic cars sport overly greased door hinges, which do not combine well with whiter-than-white bridal gowns. Some classic cars have been upgraded to offer Air Conditioner, mood lights and in car amenities such as a mini bar,?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-E1CC-DsW2IJo-bxT-HerIDzp0SFRiK8FF1SgZRCT7nU8Gs-r0eO0xl5tkRlP-RSO1y3vddj8scRLDwqqKMN4ipr1YrE_hOOBKRH7SM7db2ZZqWT5ncjE_vsc_XRrp3lpCTqEgL0CJBF1/s1600/1967+csl+london+taxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-E1CC-DsW2IJo-bxT-HerIDzp0SFRiK8FF1SgZRCT7nU8Gs-r0eO0xl5tkRlP-RSO1y3vddj8scRLDwqqKMN4ipr1YrE_hOOBKRH7SM7db2ZZqWT5ncjE_vsc_XRrp3lpCTqEgL0CJBF1/s1600/1967+csl+london+taxi.jpg" title="Classic, vintage and antique cars for wedding in New York" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1967 London Cab by CSL</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Classic car rental rates for wedding day</a><br /><br />Classic cars will run about the same price as a stretch SUV, so you can plan on spending a minimum of $500 plus gratuity.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtvAnEWsjfeVST_E1l1_G-4iJkwq_t5Juxk70TM0MPEEuouUcDBXCIhvQfYlDAnFCzaCii_0BONvCMfsqDCbu1zupQBvt17WSxEBNbRci2Uz6lxi_cZktzv6XvVQSMNsLGeLhVHs90JLL/s1600/wedding_magnetic_sign-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtvAnEWsjfeVST_E1l1_G-4iJkwq_t5Juxk70TM0MPEEuouUcDBXCIhvQfYlDAnFCzaCii_0BONvCMfsqDCbu1zupQBvt17WSxEBNbRci2Uz6lxi_cZktzv6XvVQSMNsLGeLhVHs90JLL/s1600/wedding_magnetic_sign-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLk5XwHYhK9qehj4dQETaQFogrYxK7KTEaHlupjYpHmMMAOGh9uN2EWpmDy9Lf5CNbLHtG44FPP9MRklw3osziB9qFNKXdJ-opZxklaaUVCvGCvClRBrSA4wkTOMSpHOZCVDI6sZYX63X/s1600/wedding_magnetic_sign_2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLk5XwHYhK9qehj4dQETaQFogrYxK7KTEaHlupjYpHmMMAOGh9uN2EWpmDy9Lf5CNbLHtG44FPP9MRklw3osziB9qFNKXdJ-opZxklaaUVCvGCvClRBrSA4wkTOMSpHOZCVDI6sZYX63X/s1600/wedding_magnetic_sign_2-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>

Classic and Antique Cars for weddings

Classic cars for weddings are easily the classiest form of wedding transportation available . Think antique cars, Mustangs, Bentleys and Ro...

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A Better Understanding Of Affiliates Within The Ground Transportation Industry.

<strong>A Better Understanding of Affiliates Within The Ground Transportation Industry.</strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURLabLmwLUBRuFoMDKk2HcMMBiPSkWnzlgj_5c0oy7Gw9k8Ni8rgGr581AqsyTDm3uLbqPDKnaniY_hB5wrIOuoRldkYNje_LShT4oIgh3U_L_T0O47r2_3v7-bgWgmoDe2w1LWwoE1QR/s1600/affiliate2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURLabLmwLUBRuFoMDKk2HcMMBiPSkWnzlgj_5c0oy7Gw9k8Ni8rgGr581AqsyTDm3uLbqPDKnaniY_hB5wrIOuoRldkYNje_LShT4oIgh3U_L_T0O47r2_3v7-bgWgmoDe2w1LWwoE1QR/s1600/affiliate2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The two types of affiliates within the transportation industry operating as an Operator affiliate (OA), and a transportation broker affiliate (TBA).  Both types of affiliates offer  pros and cons to industry. First I would like to start by discussing (OA) operator affiliate. <br /><br />An operator affiliate is an existing limousine company with equipment, employees that operates in an area.. Operator affiliates have actual driving experiences,  service experiences. In addition, they also have an expense experience with fleet management and related overhead costs such  insurances, workers compensation insurances, driver drug testing-screening-background checks,licensing and other misc. expenses. Are operator affiliates beneficial for us? Yes, they can be and can also be useless for us.<br /><br />Some local operator affiliates can be very helpful whereas some can be useless and inconsiderate in working together in reciprocating business.<br />Examples of useless affiliates are NOT helping one another on jobs in time of critical need, inconsiderate in offering an affiliate discount, or just unwilling on sharing useful trade information and strategies for collective success. And of course, good useful affiliates are the opposite of useless OAS.<br />For example, our local affiliate London Town Cars is a very useful and extremely considerate affiliate which works which works with us trip management, offers us and any other affiliate a generous affiliate discount. In addition, they go above and beyond for servicing our clients. And for all of this, we reciprocate the same for this affiliate or any other affiliate of same attitude.<br />A good example of an unhelpful affiliates is pretty much all the opposite of a good affiliate. No point in elaborating it.<br /><br />Operator affiliates can also be potential competitors and can also hinder new entrants in given market.s operator affiliates can create price wars in a given market, <br />However since price wars cannot go on forever, Sensible operators  begin to work as an industry collectively for mutual interests.<br />Operator affiliates are involved and are active in regulatory issues  regarding their industry. Operator affiliates understand some of the complex challenges in a given market. By developing good<br />working relationship with every affiliate in our market, we can minimize price wars and maintain a stable market for all.<br />Out-of-state affiliates and global affiliates (OAs) can be also useful for an operator because it allows operator to earn additional stream of revenue opportunity while building up a national affiliate network. An operator can offer their clients one stop shop, arrange transportation within the network and earn a markup on jobs.<br />Out of state/country OA affiliates are not competing within our local market, except they are interested in some discount in order to earn a commission. That is pretty much the same case for a local affiliate and a broker affiliate. It makes sense to offer them some discount because they have to make money.<br /><br />After discussing operator affiliates, Let us shift discussion over to transportation broker affiliates (TBAs).<br /><br />Transportation broker affiliates do not own and operate any vehicles. Transportation broker affiliate are call centers that book jobs and distribute them to actual operators. Examples of TBAs are Limo Link, Savoya, Ground Clinks, and many others.<br />Transportation broker affiliates do not have the actual fleet management experiences, or in depth experience since they do not have much overhead with drivers, insurances, licensing, and garaging.  TBAs do not have any much interest in regulation, policies of taxi and limousine commissions except that they have access to vehicle and cover their job with an incentive.<br /><br />Transportation broker affiliates ultimate goals are to make commissions.  TBA 's act as your commissioned based sales team, which works great for operator since it minimizes fixed overhead costs. However transportation broker affiliates can also become potential competitors of the actual operator and as well as potentially damage their market. For this reason I will label transportation brokers as in a category of good and bad TBAs.<br /><br />Good TBAs -Transportation broker Affiliates are not price pressuring operators and or imposing their own market rates and expecting affiliates to accept them. Good transportation brokers have the ability to find new clients and sell services without pressuring operators about prices.<br />Good TBAs transportation affiliate brokers honor operators policies and payment terms. Good TBAs transportation broker affiliates will provide the operator with a credit card for billing. While Good TBAs-Transportation broker affiliates can present revenue opportunities, But bad ones can damage our  own market. Here is how:<br /><br />The bad TBAs transportation broker affiliates  sells operators services at discounted rates publicly. Here are some examples of bad TBAs: Uber, Black Lane, Ground bLink, and so many to the list. The bad TBA list is pretty long. These TBAs transportation brokers give false promises  about a superior service at discount rates publicly. These transportation brokers turn to operators by persuading operators that their work can be used as incremental fill in revenue, or trips can be used as deadheads and even promise high-volume work.<br />These discounted rates can replace an operators market rate and become the new benchmark for rate reference in a given market.  For example a TBA transportation broker who markets, convinces the public and gets the discount jobs covered using good affiliates can mislead public and create a new benchmark for rate reference. Example a TBA announces LAX (Los Angeles airport) transfers to West Hollywood to be $49.00,  JFK to NYC $60-$65.00.  These bad TBAs transportation brokers only damages the stability  of an operators transportation market. These TBA's do not lose with setting low -low rates because they have no cost associating with performing the actual trips.<br />Since TBAs  only have call centers there only real costs are telecommunications and phone answering services and office space.<br />Most TBA's are more successful with selling limo services at taxi prices and making hidden charges from consumers known as admin fees, reservation fees, and others. We have encountered these bad TBAs more frequently and we continue to be approached them.<br /><br />Recently we were approached by European TBA just as Uber which operates as "Blacklane limousines". Reading their opening line of their presentation they began to announce and bluff "since 2008 in a recessionary economy  chauffeured transportation services has risen <u>but at a bargain price</u>".<br />This statement is contradictory,  and the equivalent as saying "it's a bad economy and people want to eat premium best steak in town and they are paying McDonald's prices".  <br />We quickly realized this TBAs intent and impact on our market and kindly rejected to supply transportation services for this TBA, despite them calling us and requesting additional information about our company. We chose not to participate in this creative, Unscrupulous  Transportation broker who made ambiguous statements. In addition exaggerated claims about incremental revenue income.These types of TBAs affiliates only result  in us losing money and damaging our own market for chauffeured  transportation services in New York City.<br /><br />In addition these transportation broker affiliates can also become our own potential competitors in a our own market dominating with low prices.  Most operators do perceive bad TBAs transportation broker affiliates as potential competitors in their market but rather only see actual operators as competitors. Bad TBAs Transportation broker affiliates can wage  longer price wars in the market because they are not affected by lowered rates and rising operational costs. The reasons simply that they are not performing the jobs with their own equipment. BAD TBAs Transportation broker affiliates will make up to 30 to 35% on any run which they can get covered. If they cannot get a trip covered, they are not losing much.<br />Transportation broker affiliates do not have to worry about rising costs such as insurance premiums, fuel, Worker's Compensation, licensing fees or any other operational costs.<br />Transportation broker affiliates look at it this way. <br />30% of $100=$30 still made money<br />30% Of $70 equals<br />30% of $25 equals<br />30% of $15 equals<br />In either case transportation broker affiliate makes money without worrying about the expense component associated with the trips.<br />This is why bad transportation broker affiliates can damage a market, wage longer price wars in a any  market. For the simple fact that they're not affected by the operational costs in completing trips<br /><br />The most important part of working with any type of affiliate is to have clear payment terms.<br />Always obtain a credit card  and an authorization form on file. Some large operators promise to pay affiliates by check which can be anywhere between 45 to 60 days.<br />Getting paid 45 to 60 days is not the ideal Because this can damage and operators cash flow.<br />In addition some affiliates have habits for not paying affiliates (ranging from hundreds to thousands). We have been victimized by some large OAs and  by TBAs. Do not become inspired by the size of the company, and offer to perform work without a credit card. Get payment first!<br />We have had the experience from local affiliates and TBAs of not being paid for trips. For all of  these reason we suggest affiliates to have a credit card on file from all types of affiliates because of bad actors.<br /><br />Good OAs operator affiliates and good TBAs [transportation broker affiliates] can help operators with you revenue opportunities- however bad OAs [operator affiliates] and TBAs  [transportation broker affiliates] can become a nightmare for operators.<br /><br />It is critical for all limousine operators to understand the affiliate business, the pros the cons, and hopefully develop  policies to strengthen and stabilize their chauffeured transportation market.

A Better Understanding Of Affiliates Within The Ground Transportation Industry.

A Better Understanding of Affiliates Within The Ground Transportation Industry. The two types of affiliates within the transportation indust...

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Mr. Norwegian: Part Three

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2013/08/mr-norwegian-part-one.html" target="_blank">Mr. Norwegian: Part One</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2013/08/mr-norwegian-part-two.html" target="_blank">Mr. Norwegian: Part Two</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It's chilly standing in the cold night air speaking with Mr. Norwegian. Part of me is thinking that he�s a very pleasant young man in appearance and manners. And the other part of me is thinking that I need to make sure we get all of his information for the rental company ... in case we never hear from him again. He's talking about having borrowed his friend's car and wanting to pay for damages instead of going through the police and insurance company. And I'm weighing my want to trust him against the possibility of me needing to pay for the collision if I wrongly judge his character.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, Mr. Norwegian was driving his Swedish friend's car. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, there wasn't much damage to his car. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, there was significant damage to our car. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, his friend has insurance. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, having insurance pay for an at-fault collision would raise his friend's premium dramatically and probably ruin their relationship. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, he is financially able to handle the cost of the collision if we agree to settle privately.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, we need a police report for the rental car agency.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, he respects our decision to call the police.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mr. Norwegian's Serbian language skills are adequate but when going to jail for causing a collision is on the line, it's important to have a native speaker in your corner. He called his Serbian roommates. As we continue to talk with him, we find out that Mr. Norwegian is in Belgrade</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> working in a hospital emergency room as part of his medical training. He will become a doctor in the next couple of years. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="im adL" style="background-color: white;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Thinking of the wonderful ER doctor who sewed up Jovana's hand last year, I can totally picture Mr. Norwegian working in the same position. Even in the middle of a crisis, he is both calm and genuine. It�s endearing. He could have driven off. He could have been angry. He could have done a number of things, but instead he decided to get to know us a little better. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;"> I'm sure he </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;">probably never imagined that someone else may go to the ER because of something he did.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The police dispatched to our scene arrive. I'm back to sitting in the car and feeling warmer already with the door closed. I look in the back seat. My girls haven't woken up and Anja is patiently sitting. She's never been in a collision before or even been pulled over by the police. This particular situation seems to be an ideal learning ground. Adults all acting mature. It's a relief, really.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Jovana starts writing out what happened. Mr. Norwegian takes a </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">breathalyzer</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> test. Clean. The officer taps on out window. Now it's Jovana's turn. She blows into the device. And is also alcohol-free. No surprise there. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">The crash wasn't as bad as it could have been. No one got hurt. Or died. Or even needed the ER. It's just a money issue. That's okay. I believe we were divinely protected.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JmO0BVLyKATyKMlGUQrr8vm0iS_J-JO00ua8zk4DpPF67X__yZQOEV5GVzCppMl-Pk4tc-h0LmLJkfGIlrbtcIybCBUKSOk9aDTdDd6dQDq69dD2klIfNVwwRTWvpdt0q1s0vlsTAAw/s1600/IMG_20130604_214149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JmO0BVLyKATyKMlGUQrr8vm0iS_J-JO00ua8zk4DpPF67X__yZQOEV5GVzCppMl-Pk4tc-h0LmLJkfGIlrbtcIybCBUKSOk9aDTdDd6dQDq69dD2klIfNVwwRTWvpdt0q1s0vlsTAAw/s400/IMG_20130604_214149.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jovana gets hands on training in incident reporting.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;">Mr. Norwegian genuinely feels bad to have put a kink in our evening plans. It takes an hour or more to get all the paperwork done and be on our way. He leans in the window and offers to take us all out to dinner to make up for our inconvenience. What? Who does that? The gesture is well received. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;">Did I mention that Mr. Norwegian is good looking? Intelligent. Calm under pressure. Maybe in his mid-20s. Yes, this is the type of guy we want for Jovana. We exchanged phone numbers.</span><br /><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfgZBG9-ME9rzubap7RuH4ZFcFgpoQzE3L4rvBEbreWaa1Q9rKZfqOgGOytk7RfpA779ziKutGAMDEdxihrTIElAVilRtmmmuLKIphXWiJ25hseh5pM_ydsVBzyBlhAn-asyyTgJqsz0/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfgZBG9-ME9rzubap7RuH4ZFcFgpoQzE3L4rvBEbreWaa1Q9rKZfqOgGOytk7RfpA779ziKutGAMDEdxihrTIElAVilRtmmmuLKIphXWiJ25hseh5pM_ydsVBzyBlhAn-asyyTgJqsz0/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jocelyn was surprised to find out the next morning that we'd been in a collision. <br />She'd gone back to sleep after the initial impact.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, we didn�t have time to take Mr. Norwegian up on his offer before we were scheduled to go to Slovenia 36 hours later.  </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, we arranged to exchange our smashed car before we left town.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, the smashed car was a �koda.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, names are humorous. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;">�koda</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">  means �darn it� or �bummer� in Slovene.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, we didn't get a copy of the police report to give to the rental agency.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, Mr. Norwegian had already been in and arranged payment</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, our rental agency didn't haven any other cars available in the peak season.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fortunately, rental agencies are friends with each other and loan cars between themselves.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ026WbUW1c6ILWiF5T9tTFmTbG-0OKvMrzf7DLGzELPljnJbd2a94KCciHnQ4DOZJkIVqodfKsgMFx3Z-DOpLiI60z0islrC3z7QzQodCdpz4gT8zV6ugNLo7hOOXXSDEREq8JwRG28/s1600/DSC_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ026WbUW1c6ILWiF5T9tTFmTbG-0OKvMrzf7DLGzELPljnJbd2a94KCciHnQ4DOZJkIVqodfKsgMFx3Z-DOpLiI60z0islrC3z7QzQodCdpz4gT8zV6ugNLo7hOOXXSDEREq8JwRG28/s400/DSC_0515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The next morning, my girls and I leave for Slovenia in a roomy Chevrolet</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">While we were gone Jovana and Mr. </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">Norwegian</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> continued to text each other. The timing for meeting up would be tight. Jovana's in her final days of her undergraduate studies. After we return from Slovenia, we�ll only have one free evening before my husband and sons come to join us on our Balkan adventure. Two days later Jovana will take her final exams for college and that same afternoon, we�ll all leave for Macedonia. </span></span><br /><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When we come back to Belgrade, Jovana will pack her bags and have one day before flying to </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Germany. She'll be gone</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> for 6 months while doing an internship with an insurance company. That doesn't even take into consideration Mr. Norwegian's work schedule. Yikes! Timing this meet up will definitely be tight. And puts a damper on my plans for their happily ever after.</span></span></div></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;">Yet still I dream. I picture them at a party together. They looked fantastic. Heads turned as they walked into the room. In a more private moment, someone would ask them how they met. She would say, �on the street� and he would add, �I just ran into her.� They'd look at each other and smile. Because very few people knew the whole truth.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To my delight, Jovana and Mr. Norwegian meet up a couple of days before we get back. He dresses up. She doesn't. It doesn't matter, they have easy conversation and enjoy each other's company. Interestingly, Mr. Norwegian is familiar with the </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Pacific Northwest</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. His sister lived and worked in </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Bellevue</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">�the same city where the main office to our driving school is located. And where Jovana interned last summer. Sharing a connection over two continents convinces me even more that these two are meant for each other.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He's 30, she tells me. "Well, at least he looks young," I say.  </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;">They exchange a few more texts. And then one evening in Macedonia, Mr. Norwegian sends Jovana a Facebook friend request. I push. I plead. "Jovana, did you accept it yet?" She didn't. Not too soon, she tells me. "But </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px;">he</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px;"> is your destiny!" Bridget, calm down. Nothing will come of this. I'm leaving. He's in Serbia. Then he'll leave. "Jovana! Life if full of challenges and you've just gotten a peek into how this guy handles a crisis. You want someone like that."</span></div></div></div></div>

Mr. Norwegian: Part Three

Mr. Norwegian: Part One Mr. Norwegian: Part Two It's chilly standing in the cold night air speaking with Mr. Norwegian. Part of me is th...

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Mr. Norwegian: Part Two

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2013/08/mr-norwegian-part-one.html" target="_blank">Mr. Norwegian: Part One</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;">We turned left from a dark side street onto the main road a few moments after the light turned green. Just a few more minutes and we�d be back to Jovana�s apartment. But, as soon as we entered the intersection we knew we were in trouble with no way to escape</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Bright headlights were coming straight for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">There was no where to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Squealing brakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Crunching car.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Screaming erupts from the back seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Our car stalls.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jocelyn starts to cry.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">It�s her door that�s been smashed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">We look at our light. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">It�s still green.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><br /></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jovana jumped out of our car to chase the guy down. Hit and runs in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Belgrade</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"> are common and there was no way she was going to let this guy get away. Turns out the driver wasn�t going to flee. He got out of his vehicle, a bit stunned. He missed seeing his red light because he�d been looking just beyond it at the green arrow marking his reversible lane as open. An unfortunate, but easy mistake to make. He tries to stop. Or swerve. Or do something. Anything. But it�s too late. We�ve been hit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Our situation remains precarious. Like targets, we are sitting in the middle of the intersection vulnerable to getting hit again. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">I get out, run around to the driver�s seat, put on the hazard lights and try to start the car. Nothing happens. Yikes! A line of cars slowly begins to go around us. Jovana calls out, �don�t move the car!� She wants the police to see everything in its original position�.they�re now on their way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">My thoughts immediately went back to the driving instructor conversation Jovana and I had been having literally two minutes prior to the crash. And I chuckle. I know this collision isn�t her fault. But the irony of it all is pretty humorous.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">While waiting for the police, another random officer happened upon us. First he checked to make sure we were okay. Drivers who cause injury to others in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Belgrade</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"> don�t just get a ticket. They go to jail. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">I didn�t know for sure but I thought we were. Jocelyn, asleep before the crash, cried for a minute as it was happening and then fell back asleep. The officer wanted to make sure she was okay and to call an ambulance, if necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">I got out to open her door. It was stuck. I put my whole body into it, grabbed the handle and gave it my best pull. Success! Jocelyn didn�t wake up when I took her out but nuzzled into my shoulder seeking comfort from the chill night air.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">The officer directed us to move our car, which thankfully started immediately, onto the sidewalk and out of traffic. A large back up had already formed and needed release. After getting everyone in a safe holding pattern, the officer left and we waited for the officers dispatched to our collision to arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0i8adjCekRY-gQtqd0WRkGvghuIMVYy0c9yqsH0FGe9JGIL101qP6hITD8GyJUrYmrGRdUiarg1g4FBuK_qnqqjoR4dn4ZOIdFEYDxFh4rrFmZ-CvGjK9OqC1msnGRLzGosXcelDZh0/s1600/Jovana+Belgrade+collision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0i8adjCekRY-gQtqd0WRkGvghuIMVYy0c9yqsH0FGe9JGIL101qP6hITD8GyJUrYmrGRdUiarg1g4FBuK_qnqqjoR4dn4ZOIdFEYDxFh4rrFmZ-CvGjK9OqC1msnGRLzGosXcelDZh0/s320/Jovana+Belgrade+collision.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">While we waited, the guy who hit us, who we now call Mr. Norwegian (he�s from </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">Norway</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.0pt;">), came over to our vehicle. I got out. �Do you speak English?� I asked. �Yes,� he replied. We shook hands as introduced ourselves. �You know there are better ways to go about meeting people,� I said with a grin.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPwgB6K3EjHlMGvj9FLKRifvsjrI7J_eUdjsgt7w_mHnPI_3a5DDxrls61zR5bKdAu-NXK1qlbwhUpFTRQBQL9EAu43NNvsAB9VNatAO6j0UBGSY0sMLmYAk7gfgL4m3UYRozPV26WgA/s1600/Mr.+Norwegian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPwgB6K3EjHlMGvj9FLKRifvsjrI7J_eUdjsgt7w_mHnPI_3a5DDxrls61zR5bKdAu-NXK1qlbwhUpFTRQBQL9EAu43NNvsAB9VNatAO6j0UBGSY0sMLmYAk7gfgL4m3UYRozPV26WgA/s400/Mr.+Norwegian.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complements of Facebook you now have Mr. Norwegian's photo.</td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Mr. Norwegian: Part Two

Mr. Norwegian: Part One We turned left from a dark side street onto the main road a few moments after the light turned green. Just a few mor...

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Mr. Norwegian: Part One

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visibility in the center of Belgrade was low as we winded our way through the narrow streets headed for home. Jovana and her cousin Anja had just run in to pick up a take-out pizza. Kira, almost 2, refused to nap earlier in the day and needed extra amounts of attention. We were anxious to eat and end the day with a good night�s sleep. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The evening had turned torturous about the time my girls started throwing dirt from the potted plants at the mall, and got worse when they had to touch everything in the shops, then broke a necklace, </span>wouldn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> stop with the name calling in the car and had overall disobedience issues.  A fight had broken out earlier between Jocelyn, age 4 and Anja, 12. It </span>didn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> seem to matter that they�d been best of friends since we had arrived one week earlier. Or that we�d played games together in the arcade. They definitely </span>weren't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> getting along now. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlnZgvgY49TkHDraePHQaZBdHLfkgDmF91aXzBlZ2yrFHZAOWBJciZ5T9igxqeQm7EuwUlnmIguIWtCvpHhnfJ5sJiMwOqnIqaN-icjs2PZMuYtzayykQqHLiPfnS1pvybRels3jHQe4/s1600/Anja,+Jocelyn+and+Kira+in+Belgrade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlnZgvgY49TkHDraePHQaZBdHLfkgDmF91aXzBlZ2yrFHZAOWBJciZ5T9igxqeQm7EuwUlnmIguIWtCvpHhnfJ5sJiMwOqnIqaN-icjs2PZMuYtzayykQqHLiPfnS1pvybRels3jHQe4/s400/Anja,+Jocelyn+and+Kira+in+Belgrade.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anja, Jocelyn and Kira</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a lull in the back seat commotion. Turning around, I realized the temporary cease-fire came from both Kira and Jocelyn falling asleep. Jovana and Anja returned. I held the pizza in my lap and felt its warmth. My stomach growled the moment the aroma hit my nose.  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I added Jovana to my rental car policy for times like these. She�s a conscientious driver and fully capable of getting me and my jet-lagged girls around. I was her driving instructor and helped her get her first license when she was an exchange student in our home almost five years ago. She improved her ability to handle road crazy by going home to Belgrade and learning to drive a stick shift in city traffic, which is not an easy task. It takes complete focus to get to any destination and avoid numerous hazards.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've<span style="font-family: inherit;"> been trying to devise a plan for Jovana to come back to Seattle to live. She�s got a clean driving record and has almost had a license long enough to become eligible to be a driving instructor. Ooh, the perfect set up. She can come back to live with us and have a real job and earn enough money to get ahead when she comes back to Serbia. She can make in an hour in Seattle the same amount as she can make in a day as a student in Belgrade. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I offered her a job as an instructor at my driving school. Jovana�s dream has always been to teach teens how to drive. Ha ha. I�m not sure that�s anyone�s dream. But it�s fun and keeps you young. The conversation moved to her upcoming internship in an insurance company in Germany and what the possible future may hold. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We turned left from a dark side street onto the main road a few moments after the light turned green. Just a few more minutes and we�d be back to Jovana�s apartment. But, as soon as we entered the intersection we knew we were in trouble with no way to escape. </span></span></div>

Mr. Norwegian: Part One

Visibility in the center of Belgrade was low as we winded our way through the narrow streets headed for home. Jovana and her cousin Anja had...

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Custom Wood of Long Island New York: Limousine, Van, Bus interiors

<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Today I will be highlighting <strong><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">LIMOUSINE</a>works of Custom Wood</strong> in Deer Park Long Island New York. First I would like to introduce Bobby and Frankie, who are natives of Long Island New York. They have been working with coach builders since 1984. Bobby and Frankie have done limousine interiors for Gaines & Dilingers, Empire Coach, and other coach builders. They also work with limousine fleets and small operators by upgrading vehicle interiors.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoun93ZBib0nyig3JRyUINVhDrSBLObaHPZnv_f2NE0RlEDpRGPYRpZZsUp-u8y74Ro61M6FVK4XAhYm10mcVzN82Te19YTI4lCvQWeZav3-Nd4XwbF4HiyI8ft-EHrzSDiInzW5gyDXdc/s1600/customwood4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoun93ZBib0nyig3JRyUINVhDrSBLObaHPZnv_f2NE0RlEDpRGPYRpZZsUp-u8y74Ro61M6FVK4XAhYm10mcVzN82Te19YTI4lCvQWeZav3-Nd4XwbF4HiyI8ft-EHrzSDiInzW5gyDXdc/s1600/customwood4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom Wood redoing Interior on a vintage car</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Custom Wood is not limited to any vehicle type, whether upgrading a limousine, van, race car, classic car, motor coach or whatever your imagination. Custom Wood can certainly transform your vehicle into a spectacular modern limousine. They are unlike some build companies who have cheap inexperienced outsources or cheap in house labor, who conduct minimal oversight. They are actually building it themselves. Yes, Bobby and Frankie�s outstanding results are driven because they are personally involved in the build process and have years of build experience. All work is started and completed at Custom Woods facility at 55C Brook Avenue, Deer Park, NY, 11729.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYC-EatYTV4ifslofbS0b6l2ouIxDMJcVvch2Zn6uP_63Trtv5-h5aIdVdvnm4I-VRikopiZXygdFvajCq6OChTmRlP2C167PozP7VD52htqoGgPN6Vk9HGazY06SW_y2llMiNnfcfjoE/s1600/customwood2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYC-EatYTV4ifslofbS0b6l2ouIxDMJcVvch2Zn6uP_63Trtv5-h5aIdVdvnm4I-VRikopiZXygdFvajCq6OChTmRlP2C167PozP7VD52htqoGgPN6Vk9HGazY06SW_y2llMiNnfcfjoE/s1600/customwood2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have had a great results on all of my vehicles. Custom Wood has performed work on my stretch limousines, vans and as well as a vintage London cab. Let me show you some my vehicles they have worked on. I wanted a <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/london_taxi_ny.html" target="_blank">UNIQUE vintage chauffeuredLondon Cab</a> with all modern amenities.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/london_taxi_ny.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" 1967 London taxi Rental in New York City by CSL Transportation" border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a2_VnnIRxd4ZWVTk4FxSl9DzJYg73hjEfcnvoSgrCTjHwSs3dCA9YwjPOQCe9bswog7oLwYEo1hZaG0gSANr1QUeowpJm2L-vIC8qzdhkCNjByuVyqCiuzUBo_rzSbi1YTGz_AXrMsYs/s1600/1967+csl+london+taxi+1.jpg" title=" 1967 London taxi Rental in New York City by CSL Transportation" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> 1967 London taxi Rental in New York City by CSL Transportation</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Bobby and Frankie listened to my needs in the initial consultation. They made some great suggestions and so I scheduled vehicle for an appointment. I was given a written estimate, and I left vehicle with a deposit to return back upon work completion. About three weeks later, I had one of the most unique and spectacular looking vintage <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/london_taxi_ny.html" target="_blank">London cab for my clientele in New YorkCity</a>. Here are some images.</div><br />??<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/london_taxi_ny.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGGxLi9QDZiLdhvw_HAW_iDe84zsCdKpCqF3qOQTFa-Ajc1y0kgTeEWU7czggE_Vl8kxdf0UO8p8VzjSw1LatIVZe_dkd_YjI9zN_bvPeH8Vo-xuMAL6mFY8PFoM3kbpYotgbRuJiLNzd/s1600/1967+csl+london+taxi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">modern amenities in 1967 London Taxi.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/london_taxi_ny.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" 1967 London taxi Rental in New York City by CSL Transportation" border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYXgcqmc3Bc_crfT26htKIjURcvLKUwpi8T-iqYHtiUhgcWWA-f-MuFgmvh8Kw1nrd6F8QlMgb78BAvOXa1unXYVgEZKf8Gn9nulnl_Vp68-iyUTpG4NvnaBmZM0VcJ_Pex3VwMYgCGLl/s1600/londoncan_interior_bar.jpg" title=" 1967 London taxi Rental in New York City by CSL Transportation" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hackney Carriage Rate Card section removed and placed a mini Bar</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I also find them very helpful in updating limousines and party buses. LIMOUSINE operators are always worried about being up to date with vehicles within the industry. Since, Stretch limousines only differ in interior design every couple years, and difficulty in buying a stretch limousine every couple of years is a hassle. I upgraded my stretch limousine interiors and went far and beyond to even creating my own designs. After having a few drinks at the whiskey bar in Manhattan New York city I decide to update giving it a unique wood premium look. I even labeled it the CSL whiskey edition. I had my own company logo carved into the bar. Bobby and Frankie once again were given the task resembling the interior of Whiskey Bar in this stretch limousine. I can only say that every client we serviced had the best experience in our Whiskey Edition stretch limousine.</div><br />?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGwRu1dLyZc-oTZgZgn5qLI5lrnWHQxbePkHp2ETxS7iyJ25gdyAwRtLeYlGDPuE-KnVovjAvrNBYn_IV_sSAzjFjxla2six6zc_9jXVtxbdZ-pp2pr-FDicvlOsU6Adcj8NVvL2BhAwQ/s1600/whiskey_bar_limo.jpg" title="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">120 inch stretch Limousine "Whiskey Edition"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />???<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g5_p_LZyX7B-85mHTXqIi2NyGHr2if5C2B_cFz2qquU0ih0ifFDuX7SZ6a5MbHcNsf0gEF53itHyXNUgFd3piOue5w-Yn4vBqbKlLMUlJ1vHHXxixH10lK6_33Gk4krmWGgsK2g2zmld/s1600/whiskey_bar_limo_Nyc.jpg" title="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mahogany wood bar in Whiskey Limousine by CSL</td></tr></tbody></table><br />?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78zsm3ajElbGZVW6UjaCWMqmMsDe3pZzH0g846gPy_h6PfjERp7hJ7HgMTC1SX3qfa7ee5U_HRCrWgHm9SEMK-n_ahxW7WcCsnw8vBG6Mj0kDOoxXV1Bd1r8XsWOFaPAFSPB8g7lziyNR/s1600/whiskey_bar_limo_NYC_Limousine.jpg" title="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unique MODERN overhead diamond shaped mirror</td></tr></tbody></table><br />?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5e-pH3P-BhTKNYyzVilQlGuyR9XL2ExgPpZhUZMt9Z2dThCPGULXYlY_gOXgLQgNywrcCraHm6rFcUVhbeNMYypWzJxVqKlQtci4n7Hb8zf_XJl5SJSzxXwb2UgaWptDi0JliOqZ6kRC/s1600/whiskey_edition_limo_bar_CSL_NYC.jpg" title="whiskey edition stretch limousine in New York by CSL Transportation" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSL logo carved in Bar  of Whiskey Edition Limousine</td></tr></tbody></table>Recently I have upgraded the rear armrest on the Cadillac DTS sedan.<br />I was unhappy with the factory armrest, which opens and a plastic cup holder flips out. In my opinion the factory Cadillac DTS armrest resembles more of a $.99 store look. So I decided to have an armrest made from wood, containing two bottle holders, a cut out for tissues and a cut out for mints and candy.<br />Bobby and Frankie understood my vision over the phone, and scheduled me in for an appointment.<br />Frankie informed me that they can do the job however they can also give it a little more ambiance with some lighting. I returned back in a week for my custom arm rest. I sent pictures to Mr. Steven Spencer of London Town cars and even he liked the rear armrest on this Cadillac. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvn9a37N8c0RBR7SUxe0w3ET5OJl1l5VkUK0ghbC-z6NIKBPA5Uq4HGantSZw5eZM8j6MUs4C8oOFbtuBUk2u-EW42OEH2cJZtfKOnzBAw9kNZdQiZRsHUkgGHT4CUh6vu1HBOLcUi_oB/s1600/customwood7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvn9a37N8c0RBR7SUxe0w3ET5OJl1l5VkUK0ghbC-z6NIKBPA5Uq4HGantSZw5eZM8j6MUs4C8oOFbtuBUk2u-EW42OEH2cJZtfKOnzBAw9kNZdQiZRsHUkgGHT4CUh6vu1HBOLcUi_oB/s1600/customwood7.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Stasso Exceutive" Cadillac DTS by CSL Transportation</td></tr></tbody></table>Custom wood understands the limousine operators Vision and can bring that vision to reality. They are reasonably priced and the turnaround Time to completion is Excellent.<br />The reason that they can complete the task in a timely fashion is because they have pre-cut templates for the bars, cup holders, and stock of Fiber Optic, LED lighting, light boxes, Electrical wiring, power inverters, LCD screens , And as well as a leather vinyl and carpeting. They can even make any unique designs for limousines, Vans, Party Buses.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy9FEj2dlHQ9oysRHDf0BKJcqwZDcN-tckfZCy69yOSXKVICfzMtJKyGb7HQnIijTjBTEfgkiE6r5bSw7K1zDDu4ckt1g5KArltayqHL4e8TBWP9JawzLxlCR2T6lIE-oBGjwSd2oV_Vg/s1600/customwood5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy9FEj2dlHQ9oysRHDf0BKJcqwZDcN-tckfZCy69yOSXKVICfzMtJKyGb7HQnIijTjBTEfgkiE6r5bSw7K1zDDu4ckt1g5KArltayqHL4e8TBWP9JawzLxlCR2T6lIE-oBGjwSd2oV_Vg/s1600/customwood5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre cut limousine bar templates @ Custom Wood Inc</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8A_yMkuS-3BN18QrvtnfMbHRBTRiVN3pgBszu_nLo5iS6yji5iSuJ5FNn9t8__bY6M2jAHslG91JJvS_jO4vkid3yJ4vm5dat_HZ5CwVosgJTf_K-OYzABiuh0oFzoVsPiTdn94NBfSM/s1600/customwood2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8A_yMkuS-3BN18QrvtnfMbHRBTRiVN3pgBszu_nLo5iS6yji5iSuJ5FNn9t8__bY6M2jAHslG91JJvS_jO4vkid3yJ4vm5dat_HZ5CwVosgJTf_K-OYzABiuh0oFzoVsPiTdn94NBfSM/s1600/customwood2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5nDVfJ98jphz-mbcx4-VAQbh0UNnMInewDsrox-uzcvSiAalR0IzId1CeA3EHR88VgVguF3VqYeQKc24XFshGtA5ZIUv-h2nNxubzB-UuNLnqG3oEkzlJ4Pf6p0-xYshRdUuF_M2uZ4o/s1600/customwood10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5nDVfJ98jphz-mbcx4-VAQbh0UNnMInewDsrox-uzcvSiAalR0IzId1CeA3EHR88VgVguF3VqYeQKc24XFshGtA5ZIUv-h2nNxubzB-UuNLnqG3oEkzlJ4Pf6p0-xYshRdUuF_M2uZ4o/s1600/customwood10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre cut Partition templates for limousines</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MXpoaKzzWVngKMbA2HdFYZlly7PY2b0DG1Ky0tVdRnjyXcQ5DIhuzltLT-dffaClm_v4QlEy-HqzdQWPal1eHEG1Y-Ij887JTY4zgnEBTay7-vjmxxGX3J_LAffppsjF5PVM8KCTNnjC/s1600/customwood9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MXpoaKzzWVngKMbA2HdFYZlly7PY2b0DG1Ky0tVdRnjyXcQ5DIhuzltLT-dffaClm_v4QlEy-HqzdQWPal1eHEG1Y-Ij887JTY4zgnEBTay7-vjmxxGX3J_LAffppsjF5PVM8KCTNnjC/s1600/customwood9.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">completing the CSL Stasso Executive Cadillac DTS</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Given all the years of terrific results and experience with Custom Wood, I wanted to share this information with other limousine fleet and operators of <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Sedan, vans stretchlimousines and buses</a>.<br />Any <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">LIMOUSINE</a> operator who owns a nice stretch limousine, van or bus and require upgrades, I highly recommend visiting Custom Wood in Deer Park Long Island New York<br />Anyone who wishes in upgrading their limousines can discuss their needs with Bobby or Frankie at<br />631-667-4227<br />Or send them an email at <a href="mailto:customwood1@optonline.net">customwood1@optonline.net</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">CSL TRANSPORTATION-1st Class Chauffeured Transportation in New York City, Los Angeles</a></div>

Custom Wood of Long Island New York: Limousine, Van, Bus interiors

 Today I will be highlighting LIMOUSINE works of Custom Wood in Deer Park Long Island New York. First I would like to introduce Bobby and ...

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