plus 3, Taking a taxi isn’t always a ride in the park - MSNBC |
- Taking a taxi isn’t always a ride in the park - MSNBC
- And they're off: auto show now open - Cincinnati.com
- Learn the basics of car care and more at Arts and Crafts Center - Ogden Standard-Examiner
- Help Wanted, Los Angeles: Seeking a Friendly Hard-Worker Who Has a ... - Insurance News Net
| Taking a taxi isn’t always a ride in the park - MSNBC Posted: 25 Feb 2010 08:24 AM PST Message from fivefilters.org: If you can, please donate to the full-text RSS service so we can continue developing it. Shana Graham was lucky. When the Seattle public relations exec was visiting India a few years ago, she hailed an auto rickshaw — one of those three-wheeled taxis lacking both doors and seat belts — and immediately found herself careening wildly through the streets. Her requests to slow down fell on deaf ears. "The driver was clearly drunk," she recalls, "and retorted, 'You Westerners, you have too much fear!'" As they sped into a traffic circle, he called back, "Don't worry! Be happy!" just before the rickshaw flattened, like a pancake, into a car. Luckily, Graham walked away from the accident with only a few bruises. But it's a reminder of how a five-minute trip across town can either be a joyride or a descent into chaos. Sure, every place has its share of scary cab drivers, but some places are worse than others. Bangkok, for instance, topped the "most dangerous" list of a recent Hotels.com taxi survey (though the city's cabbies also ranked as the fourth-most friendly). But the level of fright isn't always because of a rickety tuk-tuk. Depending on the location, there can be a risk of robbery, or the horror when you realize that your driver isn't watching the road but rather an episode of a reality show. Granted, most travelers who get in a cab upon landing at an airport or walking out of their hotel get nothing but an uneventful ride. And Alfred LaGasse, CEO of the Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association, says that the industry is, for the most part, pretty consistent in the industrialized world. He acknowledges, though, that there are some rough rides out there. "The variations come," he says, "with the kinds of regulations that countries choose to implement." Some countries have no regulations at all. In Lima, for instance, anyone with a car (or even a rental) can stick a taxi sign on the door and start picking up passengers — even if they have less of an idea where your hotel is than you do. The scariest rides carry the threat of assault, robbery or even murder. But usually the greatest threat one faces from a bad cab is getting taken for a ride in the financial sense. In almost every city around the world — including the U.S. — unlicensed cabs can try to gouge passengers with inflated fares. The risk isn't just a high price, says LaGasse, but liability in an accident. "With an illegal vehicle you have no protection whatsoever. Even if the driver carries personal insurance, that won't cover paying passengers." When in doubt about which cab to use, consider these tips from LaGasse. First, make sure the cab is licensed — "with a decal on the window or windshield and, generally speaking, a meter, though not always," he says. To plan ahead, call your hotel before you start a trip, and ask them what to look for and what kind of fare to expect from the airport. Other world travelers have their own survival tips. Greg Poschman, an Aspen, Colo.-based director and photographer who travels a lot in developing nations, says he insists on seat belts and has even used nylon camera straps to rig his own. He also never sits in the front seat. "Behind the driver is safest," he says, "as he will instinctively steer to save himself in a wreck." Sometimes, picking the right cabbie can actually bolster your security. When consultant Robert Longley was in Rio de Janiero during the 1990s, he and his wife had a taxi driver take them to see the rainforest. "We got pulled over by a cop who wanted all of our money," he recalls. "The taxi driver told him we were diplomats and that he would get into trouble if anything bad happened to us. The cop got on his motorcycle and left. We took our driver out for dinner that night." Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
| And they're off: auto show now open - Cincinnati.com Posted: 25 Feb 2010 08:17 AM PST Message from fivefilters.org: If you can, please donate to the full-text RSS service so we can continue developing it. The Cincinnati Auto Expo starts today as eager dealers hope the showcase of their latest and greatest models will entice 2010 sales. Dealers hope the show will wow potential customers as a tentative economic recovery - which pushed Ford into profitability - begins to take hold. Edward "Ace" Ammann, executive vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Association, said an industry rebound is inevitable, noting 8.5 million new cars were sold in 2009, down from the typical 14 to 15 million. "The auto industry is going to come back strong. There's a lot of pent up demand out there," he said. "The auto show always creates a spike in showroom visits." Visitors don't actually get to buy new cars at the expo, but dealers typically see sales jump after the show generates new excitement. Salespeople at the event are allowed to hand out business cards and make appointments at their dealerships to interested visitors, but aren't allowed to negotiate deals. "One of the benefits of the show is you can shop for all cars you're interested in under one roof and there's no pressure to buy," Ammann said. More than 30 automotive brands will showcase cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans and motorcycles, Missing will be Hummer, Saturn and Pontiac, which General Motors discontinued as part of its bankruptcy restructuring. Nissan has also bowed out auto shows this year, choosing other marketing avenues. Organizers don't release attendance figures, but thousands are expected to visit the popular show, which has been an annual event at the convention center for 20 years. Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
| Learn the basics of car care and more at Arts and Crafts Center - Ogden Standard-Examiner Posted: 25 Feb 2010 07:34 AM PST Message from fivefilters.org: If you can, please donate to the full-text RSS service so we can continue developing it. The Arts and Crafts Center is looking for new instructors in oil painting, water color, digital photography and other areas of interest. For more information, call the center at (801) 586-0566. Auto Hobby Shop, State Safety Inspections and Emissions Inspections, both for $43. Call for appointment, (801) 777-3476. Advance Framing Class, March 17, 5:30 p.m., and March 22, 2:30 p.m., each class will be three hours, $45 per student plus $10 for supplies, Connie Thomas, instructor Interior design workshop, Fridays, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., four-week class begins March 5, $55 per student, Patricia Broffel, instructor Wizard Mat cutting class by appointment at (801) 586-0567, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $60 per student, Connie Thomas, instructor Strip piece quilting class, Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., four-week class begins March 3, $40 per student, Marcie Reilly, instructor RBI Scroll Saw class, Thursdays, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., four-week class, $25 per student, Larry Chantland, instructor Basic framing four-hour class, Wednesday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m., or Monday, March 22, at 10 a.m., $45 per student, supplies included Advanced framing class, advanced V-grooved, brush-up Course all offered by appointment only, $45 per student, Connie Thomas instructor, call (801) 586-0567 Basic cartooning class, Mondays, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., four-week class begins March 8, $40 per student, supplies included, open to children ages 10 and older, Eric Broffel, cartoonist Advanced folk art class, Tuesdays, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., in Building 1279 Room 2, four-week class begins March 2, $30 per student, Tirzah Probasco, instructor Developing woodworking equipment skills class by appointment, call Ron at (801) 725-0041 and then payments are made at the Frame Shop. The two-week class on Wednesdays, is 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., $49 per student plus the cost of materials, Ron Snorgrass, instructor Beginning tole painting class, begins by appointment, Thursdays, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., must have six students, four-week class, $30 per student, Tirzah Probasco, instructor, call (801) 825-2660 Basic stained glass class, Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., five-week class starts March 23, $49 per student plus the cost of materials, Ron Snorgrass, instructor Intermediate stained glass class, Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., five week class starts March 25, $49 per student plus the cost of materieals, Ron Snorgrass, instructor Wood shop equipment certification card class: Power Tools Institute Course, every Friday, 2 p.m.-3 p.m., and every Saturday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., $5 per student, Wood Shop staff will provide the training Woodworking class begins by appointment, Mondays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., eight week class, $80 per student plus the cost of materials, you select the woodworking project and Ron will teach you how to build it, Ron Snorgrass, instructor, (801) 725-0041 Woodworking classes available: Basic joints class, $40 plus the cost of materials, one day (4 hours) Workshop/studio time, $20, one day (2 hours) Woodworking beginning boxes, $45 plus the cost of materials, four weeks (10 hours) Desk clocks or mantel clocks, $45, four weeks (10 hours) All available by appointment. Call Ron Snorgrass, instructor, at (801) 725-0041 Car Care Clinic covers all the major automotive parts, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., four-week course begins March 10, $50 per student, Thomas "TJ" Johnson, instructor Base Auto Mart is designed to assist base personnel in the sale of their personal vehicles including motorcycles and recreational vehicles. There is a $10 fee per space, for 14 days, for vehicles smaller than 17 feet or $12.50 per space, 14 days, for vehicles larger than 17 feet in length. Class Sign-ups 586-0567, Auto Hobby Shop 777-3476, Engraving Shop 777-2649, Embroidery Service 777-2649, Wood Shop 586-0565, Frame Shop 586-0567 Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Help Wanted, Los Angeles: Seeking a Friendly Hard-Worker Who Has a ... - Insurance News Net Posted: 25 Feb 2010 06:15 AM PST Message from fivefilters.org: If you can, please donate to the full-text RSS service so we can continue developing it. Progressive Takes Its Search for the Next Progressive Insurance Superstore 'Employee' to Los Angeles MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As tricked-out name tags, retro hair styles, and "I ? Insurance" buttons sweep the nation, Angelinos have the chance to compete for a spot alongside Progressive's helpful insurance expert, Flo, to star in a national ad. Flo helper-hopefuls in the greater Los Angeles area will have the opportunity to try out in-person at Hollywood and Highland on March 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Video try-outs can also be submitted at www.helpflo.com through March 21. "It's been really busy in our Superstore and I'm psyched to have an extra pair of hands to help all of my friends, I mean, our customers," said Flo, Progressive's always-happy-to-help insurance clerk. "If you're friendly, hard working, and love insurance—after all, who doesn't—try out!" "This contest is a great way for people to interact with Flo and our brand in a new way," says Chris Owen, Marketing Business Leader for Progressive. "We're excited to bring our search for the next Superstore star to L.A. What better place to be than in a city that's known as the entertainment capital of the world, and with the Hollywood sign as our backdrop." Entrants will be judged on a variety of criteria including their overall appeal and how engaging they are, camera presence, and originality. Visit the Web site for the Official Rules. America will vote on the top 10 semi-finalists at www.helpflo.com and narrow the field to three. The three finalists will then be flown to Los Angeles for a live try out with Flo. For more information:
About Progressive Progressive is committed to becoming consumers' #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes, including superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat, and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to http://www.progressive.com. Please enable Javascript The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at (NYSE:PGR). No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited. Contest runs 1/25/10 - 3/21/10. Open to adult residents of the U.S. Official rules at helpflo.com. Progressive Marketing, 300 North Commons Blvd, Mayfield Village, OH 44143. Progressive PR Source: Progressive Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
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