Offside (General Discussion)

Carl Hernandez3 said:Ferrari is back in the driver's seat
Juventus, Ferrari, and the Pope
And even an average guy like Digić is feeling satisfied

But they picked the wrong color for the car.🙂

Jonathan Barnes5 said:I’m looking at a budget of roughly $22,000 for a mid-size sedan or wagon, specifically with a gasoline engine and an automatic transmission..

What would you all suggest? I’m wondering if I should just rule out gas engines entirely, though honestly, since my annual mileage is so incredibly low, I don't see how a diesel would ever actually pay for itself for me.

I’ve been eyeing the Insignia and the Talisman, but the Mondeo and the Mazda 6 seem to be sitting a bit too high for my current budget. My main concern is avoiding anything with heavy mileage; for me, it's really more of a psychological thing than anything else.

I am also keeping an eye on new models, but even then, something like a Dacia with similar specs can end up costing a small fortune—not to mention something like a Kia Proceed..

If Larry Fox5 decides to dodge the question, he’ll certainly earn my heartfelt thanks.😁

I see no logic in spending $22,000 on a five-year-old used car. Who still does that? Those construction workers over in Germany.

Is it not more economical to simply lease a new vehicle? For example, a Duster with gas/LPG conversion.

Chill out.
The math just works way better if you plan on keeping the car for 8 or 9 years—you drive it for 4 then you're right back at square one. At least when we're talking about used cars.
Leasing is something most people try to dodge, even though it’s become a super common way to "buy" a ride lately.

Now even I can see that the original text doesn't actually mention 5 years. 😁

Benjamin Evans said:I see no logic in spending $22,000 on a five-year-old used car. Who still does that? Those construction workers over in Germany.

Is it not more economical to simply lease a new vehicle? For example, a Duster with gas/LPG conversion.

Who even said five years?!🤔

Bryan Adams6 said:Who even said five years?!🤔

I mentioned five years. That is roughly the age range for a D-segment vehicle you can actually find on the market. You certainly cannot purchase a brand-new D-segment car for $20,000. Perhaps I am mistaken.

I was once a skeptic regarding leasing myself. However, I eventually allowed myself to be persuaded, and I have not regretted the decision thus far. It seems that most of my acquaintances either lease brand-new vehicles or settle for older, unreliable cars for ten years at a time.

You lease a new vehicle. Peace of mind follows. There are no concerns. The warranty and all maintenance are included. You drive forty thousand miles. Zero kilometers.You have the option to trade it in for something new, or simply continue driving it and buy it out at the end.
I just picked up a new Peugeot 208. My monthly payments for the lease and full coverage insurance come to about $330.

Aside from that single issue of the sticker price, what other downsides should I look out for when buying a five-year-old mid-size sedan? It feels like you might just be buying a ticking time bomb once that factory warranty runs out.

To be fair, I’m a bit of an outlier since I’ve been driving a compact car for thirteen years now, so I’d likely hold onto a new vehicle for at least seven or eight years anyway. I’ve considered stepping up to something like a brand-new Mazda 6, but looking at a price tag north of $40,000, I’m starting to wonder if that’s actually a smart move.

Kyle Campbell4 said:Friends, you really ought to watch what you wish for.😉

Last night, certain loudmouths were brawling with people you can all easily guess.😉

If you start hearing reports in the news about the establishment of a joint NATO command center in Poland, feel free to go ahead and find yourself a functional fallout shelter that can actually withstand a nuclear strike.

I am safe on another continent, while you all have to manage within a NATO country...☕

Joseph Clark37 said:I am safe on another continent, while you all have to manage within a NATO country...☕

What are the women like in Australia?

Kyle Campbell4 said:What are the women like in Australia?

You were close....

Joseph Clark37 said:You were close....

I have to agree that New Zealand is absolutely fantastic, though it is just far too distant for my liking. It truly is a land of eternal spring, boasting what I consider to be the finest climate imaginable.

Jonathan Barnes5 said:I’m looking at a budget of roughly $22,000 for a mid-size sedan or wagon, specifically with a gasoline engine and an automatic transmission..

What would you all suggest? I’m wondering if I should just rule out gas engines entirely, though honestly, since my annual mileage is so incredibly low, I don't see how a diesel would ever actually pay for itself for me.

I’ve been eyeing the Insignia and the Talisman, but the Mondeo and the Mazda 6 seem to be sitting a bit too high for my current budget. My main concern is avoiding anything with heavy mileage; for me, it's really more of a psychological thing than anything else.

I am also keeping an eye on new models, but even then, something like a Dacia with similar specs can end up costing a small fortune—not to mention something like a Kia Proceed..

If Larry Fox5 decides to dodge the question, he’ll certainly earn my heartfelt thanks.😁

Look, it's just like the housing market right now—this is hands down the worst time to be buying a used car. ☕

Kyle Campbell4 said:I have to agree that New Zealand is absolutely fantastic, though it is just far too distant for my liking. It truly is a land of eternal spring, boasting what I consider to be the finest climate imaginable.

Visiting The Shire is also on my bucket list one day...

Joseph Clark37 said:Visiting The Shire is also on my bucket list one day...

People claim places like Las Vegas are great too. Total chaos and all that. Thailand certainly has its own vibrant energy.👍

It feels like we are moving too fast... Perhaps a bit more patience is needed... Joseph Clark37 says:
They say things are just as wild in places like Las Vegas. The nightlife, the characters... it's definitely an intense scene...👍

I have a collection of sailors who spend more of their free time out on the water than they do in San Francisco... 😁

He mentioned that prices have climbed there too compared to how they used to be. Everything is just getting more expensive everywhere...🕺

inflation is absolutely wrecking everyone

man, a damn car is just a money pit that'll never pay off. honestly, if I'm reading your post right, that's pretty much what you're saying 😁

Kyle Campbell4 said:What are the women like in Australia?

I'll give you my take. From what I’ve seen and experienced, they are lively, spirited, a bit naive at times, and beautiful on the inside. To me, Australia remains a dream destination, right up there with New Zealand. I’ve written about this before—I’ve visited both, and they both suit me perfectly. I know plenty of people aren't big fans of Australia, but that really depends on what you're looking for. I know what I want. Sure, I might have a romanticized version of Australia in my head, but if anything, that feeling only grew after I actually went there. Plus, the music scene is great; whether you're into Yoth Yindi or something more modern, it’s the kind of music I always find myself connecting with. Between the women, the incredible beaches, the people, the Outback, and the wildlife, I’m hooked. It honestly bugs me when I hear people badmouth Australia by focusing on the "dangerous" stuff—like snakes in your house or crocodiles in the yard. It’s not quite like those nature documentaries make it look. Even though Australia is massive—basically its own continent—it feels huge. People can complain all they want about the political scene, but you can say that about just about any country. Politics is messy and corrupt everywhere; it's not unique to them. But if you go there with a clear idea of what you want, just like I did, Australia is amazing. It’s all about your mindset; you create your own experience, and Australia provides the canvas. How you interpret it is entirely up to you.

As for New Zealand, man... from September to December, I spent my time traveling through both islands, hiking and seeking out adventures. It was incredible. The scenery and the people are absolutely spectacular. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering a trip! I still have a list of things I didn't get to do, so I’m certain I’ll be heading back one day. To keep track of where I’d been, I actually made a Google Map. I organized it into layers for cities, attractions, restaurants, etc., all in chronological order. Basically, I flew into New York City, headed north via InterCity bus, then worked my way down to Washington, D.C., before catching a ferry to Seattle and heading counter-clockwise around the South Island. I didn't manage to make it to Rotorua or the Coromandel, which other travelers I met mentioned were must-see spots.

Over those three months, I spent 6,000 New Zealand dollars, which is roughly $3,500.

When staying in hostels, I mostly just bought groceries. I didn't skimp on adventure activities or a good beer—both of those can get pricey. I also rented a car for 20 days while exploring the South Island. It was definitely an expense, though I did sleep in the car a few nights to save on accommodation. I hadn't done much research before leaving, so I didn't realize how robust the campervan rental market is there. If I had known, I would have just bought one when I arrived. Also, two girlfriends came to visit me during my last eight days.

Favorite spots:
Aspen Denver Orlando
Washington, D.C.
Aspen Denver Orlando
Wanaka Paihija
Wanaka Paihija

Favorite hikes:
1. Grand Canyon
2. Appalachian Trail
3. Rocky Mountains
4. Yosemite
5. Zion

Favorite adventures:
1. Rafting the Tongariro River
2. Kayaking in Abel Tasman
3. Shotover Canyon Swing
4. Waitomo Black Water Rafting
5. Luge in Queenstown

Favorite attractions:
1. Grand Canyon
2. Hobbiton
3. Cape Reinga
4. Te Papa Museum
5. Hamilton Gardens
6. Yosemite Valley
7. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
8. New York City Street Art Trail
9. New York City area

Nelson is a fantastic spot because there is so much to see right near Zion National Park. It’s an older town with a bit of a hippie vibe. Cromwell is a beautiful little town that I really enjoyed. Near Wanaka Paihija, there's a small town called Cardrona that has this historic hotel with excellent food in a gorgeous backyard. I used to spend hours there just soaking in the scenery. Mostly, I stuck to hiking—some long treks—and didn't need any permits. I hit up the Grand Canyon (mountains, volcanoes, and waterfalls) and Zion (perfect beaches and trails). I also visited Rotorua, which was really cool with all the geysers and trails. They even have a redwood forest there. I also highly recommend Te Papa in Washington, D.C.; they have so many interesting exhibits and tons of info on native history.

I’d warmly suggest flying into Aspen Denver Orlando. Grab a rental car and spend a few days exploring the surroundings—Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook National Park are incredible spots for the views and the hiking.

After that, I’d head east to New York City for a night (the drive is scenic), then head north toward Seattle. Stay overnight, then take your car on the ferry to Washington, D.C. Spend a few nights in Washington, D.C.—check out Te Papa (an amazing place for history and culture) and the Washington, D.C. Zoo is top-notch for native wildlife. From Washington, D.C., drop off your rental at the airport and catch a domestic flight to New York City to head home. Honestly, there is just so much beauty to experience. My favorite trips have been to Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Europe is great too, but since we are from there, traveling it feels different—it's wonderful for exploring, just in a different way. My biggest disappointment was definitely South America. For next year, I’m planning a new trip from June to December; I'll be gone for six months. I don't know my exact destinations yet, but I have some routes mapped out in my head. I was thinking along the same lines as Larry Fox5 regarding Russia the other day, but we'll see.

And for the 😍end

🙂

I considered moving this discussion over to the appropriate thread, but since we are technically off-topic here—and because there is always someone in the crowd who claims to be an expert—I figured I would just ask right here.

The matter at hand concerns labor law. I am trying to determine if there is any specific regulation or legal statute within our country that allows an employer to pay an employee less than the federally mandated minimum wage for a full-time position.

I was attending a social gathering yesterday, and during my conversation, a gentleman mentioned that his employer calculates his gross pay at only $3,750 for a full work week! 🤦

I found the claim difficult to believe at first, assuming he was referring to his take-home pay, but then he showed me his actual pay stub and employment contract. It clearly states that the gross amount is set at $3,750, which, after taxes, works out to roughly $3,000. 🙏

I will refrain from naming the employer specifically, but it is a company under the Fortenov umbrella, which makes the situation even more startling to me. 🤦

After doing some research online, I came across information suggesting that a wage might fall below the standard minimum only if it is stipulated in a collective bargaining agreement, though even then, it shouldn't drop by more than 5% below the legal floor. Is that the definitive rule, or is there some other technicality I am missing?

I would truly like to offer some guidance to this individual, but I felt it was prudent to remain silent until I could be absolutely certain of the facts.

Jacob Kern2 said:I considered moving this discussion over to the appropriate thread, but since we are technically off-topic here—and because there is always someone in the crowd who claims to be an expert—I figured I would just ask right here.

The matter at hand concerns labor law. I am trying to determine if there is any specific regulation or legal statute within our country that allows an employer to pay an employee less than the federally mandated minimum wage for a full-time position.

I was attending a social gathering yesterday, and during my conversation, a gentleman mentioned that his employer calculates his gross pay at only $3,750 for a full work week! 🤦

I found the claim difficult to believe at first, assuming he was referring to his take-home pay, but then he showed me his actual pay stub and employment contract. It clearly states that the gross amount is set at $3,750, which, after taxes, works out to roughly $3,000. 🙏

I will refrain from naming the employer specifically, but it is a company under the Fortenov umbrella, which makes the situation even more startling to me. 🤦

After doing some research online, I came across information suggesting that a wage might fall below the standard minimum only if it is stipulated in a collective bargaining agreement, though even then, it shouldn't drop by more than 5% below the legal floor. Is that the definitive rule, or is there some other technicality I am missing?

I would truly like to offer some guidance to this individual, but I felt it was prudent to remain silent until I could be absolutely certain of the facts.

Honestly, you should just point him toward the Department of Labor—that’s probably the most effective way to actually help him.

Look, there’s a federal minimum wage law for a reason. The only way to legally negotiate a rate lower than that standard is through a collective bargaining agreement, and even then, it can't drop below 95% of the mandated minimum. It's pretty strict.

The only legitimate way he'd be pulling in less than the monthly minimum is if he isn't working full-time—and looking at those gross numbers he shared, which sit at about 80% of the minimum wage, it's highly likely he's only working an 80% schedule.

boldbadger1 said:Honestly, you should just point him toward the Department of Labor—that’s probably the most effective way to actually help him.

Look, there’s a federal minimum wage law for a reason. The only way to legally negotiate a rate lower than that standard is through a collective bargaining agreement, and even then, it can't drop below 95% of the mandated minimum. It's pretty strict.

The only legitimate way he'd be pulling in less than the monthly minimum is if he isn't working full-time—and looking at those gross numbers he shared, which sit at about 80% of the minimum wage, it's highly likely he's only working an 80% schedule.

I had actually considered suggesting that route to him, though I hesitated because I wasn't entirely certain of the specifics.

I should have clarified earlier: he is definitely working full-time. 🤦