Votika

It is very common to go out with friends for drinks or to have a few cocktails with dinner, but getting into the car to drive home after a night of drinking is never a good idea. Driving after consuming alcohol is a bad decision on many different levels; the consequences of getting caught are not worth the risks.

Driving under the influence of alcohol presents health risks not only to the driver but to the passengers in the car and the other drivers on the road. Once someone has consumed alcohol, their judgment becomes impaired and their reflexes become slower. With slower reflexes and blurry vision it is difficult to operate a car and can easily lead to an accident.

Many lives are lost each year due to drunk driving and many families are devastated by the loss of a loved one due to a DUI accident. The driver who causes such an action can be charged with man slaughter and can spend many years in jail as a result.

State laws and police forces have become increasingly strict on DUI infractions. The laws differ from state to state but in most states a violation leads to jail time, a suspended license, and extremely high fees. Those who break these laws will most likely have to go to a law office to make sure the proper paperwork is filled out and will inevitably have to pay legal fees.

So while going out and having drinks with friends is a fun way to be social, driving afterwards can lead to very severe consequences. Rather than paying astronomical fines and legal fees, pay for a cab or car service.

Most people who are buying a car focus on things like make, model, and price. There’s another important thing to consider when purchasing a car, especially a new one, and that’s where you buy it. Choosing a dealer can be just as important as choosing a specific vehicle. If you choose well, you’ll be starting a relationship with the dealer that will last you the life of the car, and possibly through your next car as well.

Ask around your town to find out which dealers your friends and family have had good relationships with. This means asking not just who has the best prices, but who offers good value — low pressure sales staff, fair negotiating, no lemons sold, helpful mechanics, these are all part of providing good service that might make it worth paying a little more in sticker price. Look for dealers that have been around for years, like buerkle honda in the Twin Cities. Longevity, while not perfect, can be a good indicator of service.

Next do some research online. Check with the BBB, the state attorney general and other consumer protection agencies to make sure the dealer doesn’t have any outstanding complaints or a history of bad service. There are also plenty of online review sites and forums where you can check out the reputation of any company.

Now you’re ready to go to the dealer or a couple of dealers with your list of needs and budget for a car and see what they can do for you. If you’ve done your homework and chosen a good dealer, they’ll be able to help you find exactly what you need.

If you’re shipping a motorcycle across the country or even overseas, it can be a very stressful situation. Most cycle owners develop strong emotional attachments to their bikes and the thought of entrusting them to a stranger can be wrenching. Rest assured that motorcycle shipping is usually a safe option for transporting your beloved bike, as long as you choose a reputable shipping company.

Choosing a company to ship your bike is no different than choosing any other major service provider. You’ll want to check that there are no major complaints against them with consumer reporting agencies or on online review sites. You should ask for references as well as verify that they have the proper licenses and insurance to operate both in your current location and in the destination as well as everywhere in between. You should also inquire as to the actual mode of transportation, as the types of carriers and trailers vary.

Other steps that you can take to ensure a hassle-free transport include checking with your own insurance company to make sure your motorcycle is adequately covered during transport and also if it ends up in storage at either end. You will also want to be careful to inspect the shipping order, contract, and the bill of lading to make sure you understand what the company is required to provide and cover and what is your responsibility. Lastly, remember to be flexible rather than demanding. A shipping company is subject to weather, traffic , and other road conditions that might delay transport of your motorcycle. Be patient and understanding. If you’ve selected a company you trust, then there’s probably nothing to worry about.

My final day in New York City, I was lucky enough to win free tickets to in the audience for ‘The Late Show’ with David Letterman! It was on the spur of the moment that I put my name in a draw a couple of days ago and viola’, I was selected! I laughed the whole hour of the show; David Letterman was so quick witted and his guest Larry David was fabulous. Before the taping started, David comes out and actually speaks with us, the audience and he answered questions. Then, when the show starts, he used the material from his dialogue with us during the recording of the show. As an audience member, we all felt like we were in on a joke and the rest of the viewing audience didn’t have a clue. This only made us all laugh more. I really enjoy the band, they are tight and sublime.

It was sad to be packing my bags on the last morning in New York City. I had hired a car here in New York so I could drive back to Washington D.C.  What a difference this city is compared to D.C.  It’s like heading back to Canberra from Melbourne. Respectively, these capital cities are interesting places to visit, but they have no soul due to them being planned out cities. Where in contrast to cities that developed upon themselves as their needs demanded and provided opportunities for nooks and crannies that are uncovered during an aimless exploration.

I tried to soak in all of my final morning, from a quick stroll in Central Park, a look over the Manhattan skyline, watching the steam rise through the subway vents and eating a warm pretzel from a street vendor. This is a city I will never forget.