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gscdiva · 6 years ago

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July 18, 2019

The Body

I am still developing this area; it is a work in progress. This is a two-step process for me. One involves the heart the other involves the physical body. There will be more to come on the physical body. I am working on my plan to become physically healthy. My daughter and I are adopting the Keto Diet and an exercising program. I am doing the meal prep and she is coordinating our exercise program. I will make sure to keep you updated on our progress and what we are doing, and how we are doing. Y’all keep praying for me! (lol)

The Heart

Now the matters of the heart are different altogether. Shortly after Michael’s transition in 2016, I had a talk with my Pop, (Pop Skipp), and he told me not to close off my heart. I asked him what did he mean by that because surely he did not mean what I was thinking. He did. He said that Michael would not want me to be alone and that he would want me to be happy. I told him I know but that would never happen, ever! It was the furthest thing from my mind. Actually, I told one of my brothers at church that God would have to put someone right in front of me for that to happen. This will have to wait for another blog post discussion at a later date. (Smile)

Matters of the heart involve more than just the love of another person. Yes, that is very important; because we all desire the need to be wanted and loved but matters of the heart also include your passions. What you are passionate about should fuel your heart, encourage you, and stimulate you to move forward. This was a time that I used to work on myself.

Life-Long Goal #1: Bachelor’s Degree

Despite the enemy’s rude accusations and intrusion in my life, in 2017 I DID finish a lifelong dream that he said I could never accomplish!

I completed my Undergraduate Degree!

From the time that I had to leave school in the ’80s, I have always had the desire to finish my degree. I grew up in Highland Park Michigan in a small town surrounded by the Detroit Metro area, with my cousins, the Heaths. My Grandmother’s married last name was Shaw, but she was born in Warrington GA. Yes, she is the one who taught me how to cook.

I had been in school from 2008 to 2017! So yes, I was discouraged and especially then because I seriously doubted myself. I was very close in In May of 2016, but due to Michael declining health, I decided to take a break. This was important for me because I wanted to be there fully for him as his caregiver.

In January 2017 a few months after his transition, I thought I was ready. You know the enemy was waiting on me! I enrolled in classes and I started getting anxious, and the thoughts came that I was not ready, I could not do this, and I was going to fail. I dropped the classes I and I had succumbed to defeat. Nevertheless, we serve an awesome GOD that does not give up on us that easily!

A few weeks later, my academic advisor called me, and he noticed that I had dropped out of classes for this session. His exact words were, “I know you are having a rough time and dealing with many things right now. But I wanted you to know that you only need 3 elective classes to graduate” I said “What!” He said, “Yes ma’am you only need three classes and they are electives to receive your diploma” Let me tell you taking two online classes in an 8-week period is not an easy task and I needed to take three! However, was determined to finish!

One of the last conversations I had with Michael was about school, and how much it was costing and how long I had been going. He said “Lita, I don’t care about all of that, I just want you to finish” I pushed and prayed through those 8 weeks and on May 15, 2017, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies!

I am finally a college graduate!! GOD IS GOOD!!

Life-Long Goal #2: Membership

For as long as I could remember, I wanted to be a part of a Sorority, but not just any sorority. I admired different women in my life that were members of this organization for years. I knew to be a part of a group of strong, extraordinary, educated women; I needed to step up my game. I did not just watch from the shadows, I continued life. I worked in my church and my community among many of these women. They are already my friends and sisters.

On January 13, 2018, I went to a meeting to gather more information and to let it be known that I was interested in starting the application process for membership into their organization. After receiving all of the necessary information, I began to gather my own documents and information needed for the application. Once I completed the application process, I waited and prayed hoping that I was among those selected to be granted the opportunity to seek membership into this illustrious organization. I finally received a call that I was selected, and I was ecstatic!! My 13 line sisters and I entered into an exhilarating, enlightening, and knowledgeable process, and on April 15, one day shy of what would have been my 30th wedding anniversary; I fulfilled a lifelong dream we were granted membership into the greatest sorority on the planet, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Even though it was the day before what was our wedding anniversary, this day turned out remarkable! Here I was still healing and dealing with my grief, anger, sadness, and depression. Thinking about what could have been and once again, God showed up and gave me a new reason to celebrate during this period. It could have been a week before or a week earlier, but it was the same week. (God’s divine plan) From that day on this time from in April will NOT be a source of sorrow and regret it will be a time of reflection, remembrance, and celebration. I will always remember April 16th but I will celebrate the time that I gain not only 13 new sisters, but I also became a part of a worldwide sisterhood.

I was doing more than learning to survive in this new phase, this new chapter of my life, I was learning to live. I am stepping out into new horizons and experiencing things I have never experienced before. I have people who love and encourage me to be myself and not to fear what God has in store for me.

Someone very special told me “I could do anything I put my mind to do.”

I am stepping out on faith and giving this new chapter in my life a try. Does it terrify me to think about putting my heart and myself out there after 30 years? YES, it does. Nevertheless, it is all a part of the process of moving forward.

FAITH OVER FEAR

I am activating God’s plan for the rest of my life. I am plugging into what he has already instilled in me. I may not have known what the future holds but God did, and HE has prepared me for it, and I am ready for whatever HE has in store for me next. Chapter 2 is underway.

I love you all!

Be at peace & Have a Beautifully & Blessed Day!

Purging my Life 4: Physically Purging the house and the body Body Purge/ Heart Matters July 18, 2019 The Body I am still developing this area; it is a work in progress.

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gabriellakirtonblog · 5 years ago

Text

Best Fitness Articles — February 2, 2020

We scan the net, but if you’d like to submit your article for consideration, please do so via the PTDC Article Submission Form.

The Top Article of the Week

We’ve told 100,000 clients, “There are no bad foods.” And we’re not about to stop. Here’s why. — Brian St. Pierre, Precision Nutrition

As professionals, we know it’s not the occasional milkshake or candy bar that’s stopping our clients from reaching their goals. In fact, including indulgent favorites may just make them more successful.

In this week’s article of the week, Brian St. Pierre uses Precision Nutrition’s very large client base to explain how we can help our clients overcome their beliefs about “good” and “bad” foods.

General Health

How To Handle Judgmental Or Negative Friends And Family — Jill Coleman, jillfit.com

The Post-Surgical Knee: The Stability and Proprioception Rebuild — Noel FitzGibbon, Elite FTS

5 Steps For A Distraction “DETOX” — Martin Rooney, Training For Warriors

How Diet Influences Heart Disease Risk — Alan Flanagan, Sigma Nutrition

“How Often Should I Do This?” How to Answer The Homework Question — Dean Somerset, deansomerset.com

Fat Loss

9 Ways to Know You Should Stop Focusing on Fat Loss — Nia Shanks, niashanks.com

5 Reasons You’re Doing Everything Right & Not Losing Weight — Esther Avant, estheravant.com

If The Microbiome Is As All Important As We’re Led To Believe Isn’t That’s All The More Reason Not To Mess With Yours? — Yoni Freedhoff, Weighty Matters

Mitch’s Super Duper Dining Out Guide — Mitch Calvert, mitchcalvert.com

Strength Training

Top 4 Mistakes Beginners Make When Starting A Fitness Program. And How To Fix Them. —Shane McLean, tonygentilcore.com

How to Modify a Bootcamp Class for Women Who Are Pregnant — Marika Hart, Girls Gone Strong

The Best Strength Training Method of All Time — Christian Thibaudeau, T Nation

Squats vs. hip thrusts for glute growth: which is better? — Menno Henselmans, mennohenselmans.com

The Top 22 Kettkebell Swings For Power, Strength and Performance — Marcus Martinez, drjohnrusin.com

Career

How to Avoid Pitfalls with Exercise Selection and Progression — Bobby Fisk, Elite FTS

Survivorship Bias in Fitness — Bryan Krahn, bryankrahn.com

5 Things I Learned in the Transition From Intern to Strength Coach — Brady Purdin, Elite FTS

How To Help Desk-Bound Clients Thrive — Shirley Archer, NASM

The post Best Fitness Articles — February 2, 2020 appeared first on The PTDC.

Best Fitness Articles — February 2, 2020 published first on https://onezeroonesarms.tumblr.com/

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renojobshub · 5 years ago

Text

Maintenance Manager

For over 100 years, Keolis has been helping more people travel safely, comfortably, and efficiently than anyone else in the world. Keolis is an innovative partner working continuously to create solutions to meet the needs of our customers . . . today and in the future! We have been managing complex passenger transportation for more than a century and we are on a constant quest to find better ways of helping our customers achieve their goal of providing superior service to their communities.

For immediate consideration, please visit our main Recruiting Page: https://ift.tt/2dMgLf3 and complete an online job application.

Position Summary:

The Director of Maintenance is responsible to provide oversight of senior management staff, which includes an assistant maintenance manager, multiple shop supervisors, and a maintenance training/development manager; this is not a comprehensive list.

This location is technologically savvy, heavily DATA ORIENTED, with major investments in an EV fleet to include oversight of Proterra buses and associated charging infrastructure. It is a diversified fleet and so a delicate balancing act occurs between a heavy diesel fleet (which includes artic buses) and on-going investments in electrification with a possible 100% shift to EV by 2025.

The ideal candidate will be first and foremost a people person who understands the value of his/her employees while balancing classic heavy diesel paradigms with where the industry is headed in terms of EV and SAE LVL 5 automation. Said candidate must have a thirst for knowledge, an aptitude for utilizing data for quality iterations on par with Six Sigma principles, an understanding of MAAS philosophy, and, the foresight to balance where we are with where we want to be.

If you believe, your employees are your most valuable asset and can balance the workload while mentoring your staff so that they can learn the future of where our team wants to be—this is the job!

Core Competencies/Responsibilities:

Ensures that Shop Safety policy, procedures and regulations are implemented and a safe working environment is provided in all maintenance areas, and working with the Safety Manager in conducting monthly Maintenance Safety Meetings.

Coordinates with the Operations Manager regularly to ensure vehicle readiness; implements corrective action / process changes necessary to maximize vehicle availability and minimize late pullouts.

Ensures the implementation of a detailed Preventive Maintenance Inspection program for each vehicle type, the operating facility and equipment that is compliant with OEM, Client, Federal SGR requirements, Transit Asset Management Plan, and Keolis Standards.

Ensures achievement of all maintenance-related contract performance standards set by Client (or Keolis) including type and timeliness of PMIs, miles operated between road calls, time “out of service”, missed service.

Leverages intimate knowledge of contractual maintenance requirements, collective bargaining agreement, and maintenance P&L to direct operations in a compliant and fiscally responsible manner

Utilizes performance measures on a daily basis to manage mechanic productivity, efficiency/effectiveness, accountability, and implements continuous improvement plans to improve performance.

Ensures compliance with Keolis’ Maintenance and Quality Assurance Policies and Procedures; including performance of PMI Audits.

Utilizes data analytics to perform PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE.

Routinely performs road call, “late pulls” and vehicle readiness root cause analyses and adjust PMI, vehicle servicing or other maintenance processes to prevent recurring problems.

Ensure that maintenance technicians are trained on current operating procedures, are properly equipped, and motivated so that the maintenance program can be accomplished in a safe, timely, and cost effective manner.

Schedules employees for the department; ensures the effective supervision of mechanics and other shop workers.

Conducts routine “toolbox” meetings to review shop operating, repair issues and administrative matters

Administer collective bargaining agreement provisions as required

Responsible for hiring; discipline up to and including termination; approving salary increases or decreases; training and employee development; planning and directing the work; handling employee complaints or grievances; and handling performance reviews.

Approves priority of maintenance and repairs based on availability of materials and parts and requirements of scheduled operations

Oversees the development of efficient repair schedules; reviews repair cost estimates

Coordinates work performed by outside vendors

Is budget oriented understands labor rates per CBA and shop hours per job-task. Subsequently understands the value of appropriate assignment within the context of the CBA.

Controls and monitors inventory of parts, tires, lubricants and fuel (as required)

Schedules and administers fleet maintenance, assists in troubleshooting problems with equipment.

Ensures compliance on a day-to-day basis with State, Federal, Company and Client requirements.

Participates in the development and administration of the operational and/or capital budget

Works closely with location general manager and regional maintenance management providing status of maintenance and budget requirements. Reviews financial and budget variances, review repair orders or code and approve account payable documents.

Completes special projects as assigned. Required to perform hands-on work activities.

Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods.

Identifies opportunities for reducing and/or eliminating overtime by creating efficiency within the existing budget.

Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

7 years of light, medium or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance experience.

Minimum 4 years of maintenance experience in a public transportation environment at or above the supervisory level.

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, preferred. High School/GED diploma required.

Mechanical school certificate and/or ASE certification. Master Certification preferred

Computer skills including Microsoft Office, Vehicle Maintenance and Inventory Management Software.

Willing to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the business.

Valid driver license. CDL preferred

Good written and oral communication skills

Broad understanding of all mechanical systems related to transportation vehicles.

Familiarity with laws/regulations associated with the safe operation of maintenance facilities.

Ability to read, interpret and apply documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

Ability to organize and perform work efficiently; strong attention to detail and data-savvy

Ability to work well with labor.

Travel requirement (as a percent) :

KEOLIS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

from Reno Jobs Hub https://ift.tt/2EL7WQm via Maintenance Manager

#Reno Jobs Hub

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fitness-19 · 8 years ago

Quote

Why has the three-wheeled car been so popular in history and yet never succeeded?The year is 1980, and we are sitting in the elaborate three-story "tree house" behind the Sigma Chi fraternity at General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, smoking an awful lot of pot. The topic is cars, of course, and given than the economy is in the toilet, gas is available only on even and odd days, and the 1980 Corvette 305 "California" is maybe cranking out a pitiful 180 HP on a good day, it seems that the days of high-performance cars are behind us. The Chevette is one of GM's best-selling cars at the time."What about a three-wheeled car?" someone says, exhaling marijuana smoke. And no, his name wasn't Elio, but maybe he had the same conversation in the same tree-house, a decade later, when he also went to GMI. The speaker passes the bong, and a marijuana-fueled discussion ensues.The appeal of the three-wheeled car is very simple. Emissions controls and safety standards meant that cars of that era got shitty gas mileage, had poor performance, and cost a lot of money to build and buy. A three-wheeled car would sell like hotcakes in the recession era of 1980!A three-wheeled car, which could be registered as a motorcycle, would avoid emissions and safety standards, and thus be very cheap to make, have good performance, and get fantastic gas mileage. For simple commuting and going to the grocery store, it would make a good second car. A few more bong hits, and it starts to sound like a viable idea. The bong hits being the key.The Reliant Robin was made in the UK until 2001, as severe taxes on cars made three-wheelers far less expensive to own. However changing economic conditions and regulations put an end to the three-wheelers for the most part. As the UK slides into depression following Brexit, perhaps the new Nissan plant there can crank out these poverty-mobiles once again.And it is an idea whose time has come and gone, time and time again. Whenever a recession hits - or a depression - or government regulations make building an ordinary car too expensive, people start thinking about three-wheeled cars. And a lot of them have been made over the years. Probably the largest market was in England, where three-wheeled cars were taxed far less than ordinary cars, and thus a lot were made and sold for many years. They also had three-wheeled "motorized wheelchairs" which were leased to handicapped people for a minimal cost, so they could get around. For an island that is so small you can walk drive across it in a day, such vehicles might make sense on low-speed secondary roads.The Queen next to an "invalid car" which were leased to handicapped people in the UK to help them get around. Few exist today, and likely many handicapped people ended up dead or further handicapped if they got into an accident in one of these deathtraps.In other markets, not so much. After World War II, shattered economies in Germany, Japan, and Italy turned to three-wheeled cars (or tiny four-wheeled microcars) as their solution to the problem of no work, no money, and no gas. In Italy, the Vespa scooter was born. These cars are poverty-mobiles that become popular when an economy crashes. They were even briefly popular (in concept if not in execution) in postwar America, when new cars were in high demand and factories couldn't make them fast enough. The Davis Divan, (shown at the top of the page) sat four across and was developed during the post-war car shortage - but quickly faded from the scene. The Tucker was also born during this era.As you can see, transitional economic conditions often result the development of oddball cars. The problem is, of course, that recessions end. People make more money and they no longer want poverty-cars. In the 1970's, maybe such a "car" would have sold, in limited numbers. And yes, people tried back then to build three-wheeled cars - it turned out to be a scam. But by the mid 1980's, when the economy started to recover, sales would taper off to nothing. In a way, it is like the recession of 1958, which spawned the Chevy II, the Falcon, and the Valiant (and put VW on the map in the USA). Small, cheap cars started to sell well in America, then, but by the mid-1960's, everyone wanted a big-block "Muscle Car". When the oil crises hit in 1973, we got the Vega and the Pinto. The car business is cyclical this way. Remember how many Honda Fits were sold in 2009 - and how many monster SUVs have been sold since then?By the way, if you want to see a collection of three-wheeled cars and microcars, check out the Lane Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (yet another good reason to go there!). Sadly, the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum here in Georgia closed a few years ago and the collection was auctioned off. You can still "virtually" visit that museum online, though. As you can see, the idea of a simple basic mico-car or a three-wheeled car is one that has been popular many, many times in the past, usually in response to harsh economic conditions. And in nearly all instances, such poverty-mobiles had a brief heyday in the sun, or were utter failures in the marketplace. They never really took off for the long haul.So why, other than in the heavily regulated UK, did three-wheeled cars not succeed in the marketplace? There are a number of reasons, used cars being one of them. No matter how cheaply you think a three-wheeled car can be made (and they are more expensive than you think), they are not competing with conventional brand-new four-wheeled cars, but inexpensive used four-wheeled cars. Why would you buy an Elio for $8000 when for the same money you could buy a pretty lightly used Toyota Corolla? And let's face it, the Elio is never going to be made, and if it was, it would cost more than $8000 to make, particularly as presently envisioned.The vaunted advantage of the three-wheeler is that it avoids nasty environmental and safety regulations (which actually protect you and the environment). As a motorcycle, you'd have to wear a helmet and obtain a motorcycle driver's license - a barrier to customers who might not want to have to take a motorcycle driver's test (and might not be able to pass it) in some States. But if you could avoid airbags and pollution controls? That would be sweet! You could make one of these cars for cheap, right?The problem is, you are one government regulator away from going out of business. If you made a car with three-wheels, the government might argue it is a car and thus has to meet all the appropriate safety standards. There goes your cost-savings right there.More puzzling still, the vaunted Elio car is said to be equipped (in theory, anyway, none have been built, other than rough prototypes) with airbags, pollution controls, etc., negating the cost advantages of the three-wheeler. If you equip such a car with all of that stuff, you might as well cut to the chase and add the fourth wheel and just make a regular car. Airbags aren't cheap, and neither are emissions controls.Will we see three-wheeled cars in our future? Probably not. The Elio seems to be slowly fading from view, as each date for production or other goals comes and goes with no activity in their used Hummer plant happening (other than, apparently, selling off the machinery!). And economic conditions worldwide are getting better, overall, not worse, even if it seems that a recession is on the horizon. Even in India (especially in India), Tata motors is trying to wean the public of the "tuk-tuk" type three wheelers in favor of their new four-wheel nano car. When people have a choice and they can afford to do so, they favor a more traditional four-wheeled car. Three-wheeled cars are usually not a choice but something people are forced into buying.Sadly, like with the Tucker, or the Bricklin, or whatever, there are always a few rabid "true believers" who are willing to suspend disbelief to put a religious-like fervor into a vehicle or other product, for no apparent valid reason. And often these sort of folks lose their shirts as a result. Never make a consumer good into a religion or believe it will change the world. Don't invest - or put down payments on - wild-eyed dreams. Sadly, the people who are losing money on these sorts of deals are people who can least afford to lose what little money they have. But then again, they have no one but themselves to blame for being so blind to the obvious.I realized, even back in 1980, that the three-wheeled car was little more than a marijuana-fueled fantasy. It made a lot of sense after a number of bong-hits, but then you sober up and realize that it really makes no sense, economically or environmentally or from a safety standard. And maybe right there is a good reason to give up on pot and pot-fueled fantasies. The Bricklin car was going to revolutionize the car business and provide much-needed jobs for New Brunswick. Sadly, not only was the car a piece of crap (the few that were made, anyway) but a lot of people lost a lot of money in the deal and the politicians who backed it lost their jobs. A lot of elected officials in Shreveport, Louisiana are no doubt sweating right now.

http://suv-tires.blogspot.com/2017/06/three-wheeled-cars-again.html

#suv tires #electric mobility scooter #mini scooter

0 notes

sobbani · 8 years ago

Link

Why has the three-wheeled car been so popular in history and yet never succeeded?

The year is 1980, and we are sitting in the elaborate three-story "tree house" behind the Sigma Chi fraternity at General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, smoking an awful lot of pot. The topic is cars, of course, and given than the economy is in the toilet, gas is available only on even and odd days, and the 1980 Corvette 305 "California" is maybe cranking out a pitiful 180 HP on a good day, it seems that the days of high-performance cars are behind us. The Chevette is one of GM's best-selling cars at the time.

"What about a three-wheeled car?" someone says, exhaling marijuana smoke. And no, his name wasn't Elio, but maybe he had the same conversation in the same tree-house, a decade later, when he also went to GMI. The speaker passes the bong, and a marijuana-fueled discussion ensues. The appeal of the three-wheeled car is very simple. Emissions controls and safety standards meant that cars of that era got shitty gas mileage, had poor performance, and cost a lot of money to build and buy. A three-wheeled car would sell like hotcakes in the recession era of 1980!

A three-wheeled car, which could be registered as a motorcycle, would avoid emissions and safety standards, and thus be very cheap to make, have good performance, and get fantastic gas mileage. For simple commuting and going to the grocery store, it would make a good second car. A few more bong hits, and it starts to sound like a viable idea. The bong hits being the key.

The Reliant Robin was made in the UK until 2001, as severe taxes on cars made three-wheelers far less expensive to own. However changing economic conditions and regulations put an end to the three-wheelers for the most part. As the UK slides into depression following Brexit, perhaps the new Nissan plant there can crank out these poverty-mobiles once again.

And it is an idea whose time has come and gone, time and time again. Whenever a recession hits - or a depression - or government regulations make building an ordinary car too expensive, people start thinking about three-wheeled cars. And a lot of them have been made over the years. Probably the largest market was in England, where three-wheeled cars were taxed far less than ordinary cars, and thus a lot were made and sold for many years. They also had three-wheeled "motorized wheelchairs" which were leased to handicapped people for a minimal cost, so they could get around. For an island that is so small you can walk drive across it in a day, such vehicles might make sense on low-speed secondary roads.

The Queen next to an "invalid car" which were leased to handicapped people in the UK to help them get around. Few exist today, and likely many handicapped people ended up dead or further handicapped if they got into an accident in one of these deathtraps.

In other markets, not so much. After World War II, shattered economies in Germany, Japan, and Italy turned to three-wheeled cars (or tiny four-wheeled microcars) as their solution to the problem of no work, no money, and no gas. In Italy, the Vespa scooter was born. These cars are poverty-mobiles that become popular when an economy crashes. They were even briefly popular (in concept if not in execution) in postwar America, when new cars were in high demand and factories couldn't make them fast enough. The Davis Divan, (shown at the top of the page) sat four across and was developed during the post-war car shortage - but quickly faded from the scene. The Tucker was also born during this era. As you can see, transitional economic conditions often result the development of oddball cars. The problem is, of course, that recessions end. People make more money and they no longer want poverty-cars. In the 1970's, maybe such a "car" would have sold, in limited numbers. And yes, people tried back then to build three-wheeled cars - it turned out to be a scam. But by the mid 1980's, when the economy started to recover, sales would taper off to nothing. In a way, it is like the recession of 1958, which spawned the Chevy II, the Falcon, and the Valiant (and put VW on the map in the USA). Small, cheap cars started to sell well in America, then, but by the mid-1960's, everyone wanted a big-block "Muscle Car". When the oil crises hit in 1973, we got the Vega and the Pinto. The car business is cyclical this way. Remember how many Honda Fits were sold in 2009 - and how many monster SUVs have been sold since then? By the way, if you want to see a collection of three-wheeled cars and microcars, check out the Lane Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (yet another good reason to go there!). Sadly, the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum here in Georgia closed a few years ago and the collection was auctioned off. You can still "virtually" visit that museum online, though. As you can see, the idea of a simple basic mico-car or a three-wheeled car is one that has been popular many, many times in the past, usually in response to harsh economic conditions. And in nearly all instances, such poverty-mobiles had a brief heyday in the sun, or were utter failures in the marketplace. They never really took off for the long haul.

So why, other than in the heavily regulated UK, did three-wheeled cars not succeed in the marketplace? There are a number of reasons, used cars being one of them. No matter how cheaply you think a three-wheeled car can be made (and they are more expensive than you think), they are not competing with conventional brand-new four-wheeled cars, but inexpensive used four-wheeled cars. Why would you buy an Elio for $8000 when for the same money you could buy a pretty lightly used Toyota Corolla? And let's face it, the Elio is never going to be made, and if it was, it would cost more than $8000 to make, particularly as presently envisioned.

The vaunted advantage of the three-wheeler is that it avoids nasty environmental and safety regulations (which actually protect you and the environment). As a motorcycle, you'd have to wear a helmet and obtain a motorcycle driver's license - a barrier to customers who might not want to have to take a motorcycle driver's test (and might not be able to pass it) in some States. But if you could avoid airbags and pollution controls? That would be sweet! You could make one of these cars for cheap, right?

The problem is, you are one government regulator away from going out of business. If you made a car with three-wheels, the government might argue it is a car and thus has to meet all the appropriate safety standards. There goes your cost-savings right there. More puzzling still, the vaunted Elio car is said to be equipped (in theory, anyway, none have been built, other than rough prototypes) with airbags, pollution controls, etc., negating the cost advantages of the three-wheeler. If you equip such a car with all of that stuff, you might as well cut to the chase and add the fourth wheel and just make a regular car. Airbags aren't cheap, and neither are emissions controls. Will we see three-wheeled cars in our future? Probably not. The Elio seems to be slowly fading from view, as each date for production or other goals comes and goes with no activity in their used Hummer plant happening (other than, apparently, selling off the machinery!). And economic conditions worldwide are getting better, overall, not worse, even if it seems that a recession is on the horizon. Even in India (especially in India), Tata motors is trying to wean the public of the "tuk-tuk" type three wheelers in favor of their new four-wheel nano car. When people have a choice and they can afford to do so, they favor a more traditional four-wheeled car. Three-wheeled cars are usually not a choice but something people are forced into buying. Sadly, like with the Tucker, or the Bricklin, or whatever, there are always a few rabid "true believers" who are willing to suspend disbelief to put a religious-like fervor into a vehicle or other product, for no apparent valid reason. And often these sort of folks lose their shirts as a result. Never make a consumer good into a religion or believe it will change the world. Don't invest - or put down payments on - wild-eyed dreams. Sadly, the people who are losing money on these sorts of deals are people who can least afford to lose what little money they have. But then again, they have no one but themselves to blame for being so blind to the obvious. I realized, even back in 1980, that the three-wheeled car was little more than a marijuana-fueled fantasy. It made a lot of sense after a number of bong-hits, but then you sober up and realize that it really makes no sense, economically or environmentally or from a safety standard. And maybe right there is a good reason to give up on pot and pot-fueled fantasies.

The Bricklin car was going to revolutionize the car business and provide much-needed jobs for New Brunswick. Sadly, not only was the car a piece of crap (the few that were made, anyway) but a lot of people lost a lot of money in the deal and the politicians who backed it lost their jobs. A lot of elected officials in Shreveport, Louisiana are no doubt sweating right now.

#cars #motos #suv tires #mobility #mini scooters #scooters

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fitness-19 · 8 years ago

Text

Three-Wheeled Cars (Again)

Why has the three-wheeled car been so popular in history and yet never succeeded?

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via Blogger http://suv-tires.blogspot.com/2017/06/three-wheeled-cars-again.html

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fitness-19 · 8 years ago

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Why has the three-wheeled car been so popular in history and yet never succeeded?The year is 1980, and we are sitting in the elaborate three-story "tree house" behind the Sigma Chi fraternity at General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, smoking an awful lot of pot. The topic is cars, of course, and given than the economy is in the toilet, gas is available only on even and odd days, and the 1980 Corvette 305 "California" is maybe cranking out a pitiful 180 HP on a good day, it seems that the days of high-performance cars are behind us. The Chevette is one of GM's best-selling cars at the time."What about a three-wheeled car?" someone says, exhaling marijuana smoke. And no, his name wasn't Elio, but maybe he had the same conversation in the same tree-house, a decade later, when he also went to GMI. The speaker passes the bong, and a marijuana-fueled discussion ensues.The appeal of the three-wheeled car is very simple. Emissions controls and safety standards meant that cars of that era got shitty gas mileage, had poor performance, and cost a lot of money to build and buy. A three-wheeled car would sell like hotcakes in the recession era of 1980!A three-wheeled car, which could be registered as a motorcycle, would avoid emissions and safety standards, and thus be very cheap to make, have good performance, and get fantastic gas mileage. For simple commuting and going to the grocery store, it would make a good second car. A few more bong hits, and it starts to sound like a viable idea. The bong hits being the key.The Reliant Robin was made in the UK until 2001, as severe taxes on cars made three-wheelers far less expensive to own. However changing economic conditions and regulations put an end to the three-wheelers for the most part. As the UK slides into depression following Brexit, perhaps the new Nissan plant there can crank out these poverty-mobiles once again.And it is an idea whose time has come and gone, time and time again. Whenever a recession hits - or a depression - or government regulations make building an ordinary car too expensive, people start thinking about three-wheeled cars. And a lot of them have been made over the years. Probably the largest market was in England, where three-wheeled cars were taxed far less than ordinary cars, and thus a lot were made and sold for many years. They also had three-wheeled "motorized wheelchairs" which were leased to handicapped people for a minimal cost, so they could get around. For an island that is so small you can walk drive across it in a day, such vehicles might make sense on low-speed secondary roads.The Queen next to an "invalid car" which were leased to handicapped people in the UK to help them get around. Few exist today, and likely many handicapped people ended up dead or further handicapped if they got into an accident in one of these deathtraps.In other markets, not so much. After World War II, shattered economies in Germany, Japan, and Italy turned to three-wheeled cars (or tiny four-wheeled microcars) as their solution to the problem of no work, no money, and no gas. In Italy, the Vespa scooter was born. These cars are poverty-mobiles that become popular when an economy crashes. They were even briefly popular (in concept if not in execution) in postwar America, when new cars were in high demand and factories couldn't make them fast enough. The Davis Divan, (shown at the top of the page) sat four across and was developed during the post-war car shortage - but quickly faded from the scene. The Tucker was also born during this era.As you can see, transitional economic conditions often result the development of oddball cars. The problem is, of course, that recessions end. People make more money and they no longer want poverty-cars. In the 1970's, maybe such a "car" would have sold, in limited numbers. And yes, people tried back then to build three-wheeled cars - it turned out to be a scam. But by the mid 1980's, when the economy started to recover, sales would taper off to nothing. In a way, it is like the recession of 1958, which spawned the Chevy II, the Falcon, and the Valiant (and put VW on the map in the USA). Small, cheap cars started to sell well in America, then, but by the mid-1960's, everyone wanted a big-block "Muscle Car". When the oil crises hit in 1973, we got the Vega and the Pinto. The car business is cyclical this way. Remember how many Honda Fits were sold in 2009 - and how many monster SUVs have been sold since then?By the way, if you want to see a collection of three-wheeled cars and microcars, check out the Lane Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (yet another good reason to go there!). Sadly, the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum here in Georgia closed a few years ago and the collection was auctioned off. You can still "virtually" visit that museum online, though. As you can see, the idea of a simple basic mico-car or a three-wheeled car is one that has been popular many, many times in the past, usually in response to harsh economic conditions. And in nearly all instances, such poverty-mobiles had a brief heyday in the sun, or were utter failures in the marketplace. They never really took off for the long haul.So why, other than in the heavily regulated UK, did three-wheeled cars not succeed in the marketplace? There are a number of reasons, used cars being one of them. No matter how cheaply you think a three-wheeled car can be made (and they are more expensive than you think), they are not competing with conventional brand-new four-wheeled cars, but inexpensive used four-wheeled cars. Why would you buy an Elio for $8000 when for the same money you could buy a pretty lightly used Toyota Corolla? And let's face it, the Elio is never going to be made, and if it was, it would cost more than $8000 to make, particularly as presently envisioned.The vaunted advantage of the three-wheeler is that it avoids nasty environmental and safety regulations (which actually protect you and the environment). As a motorcycle, you'd have to wear a helmet and obtain a motorcycle driver's license - a barrier to customers who might not want to have to take a motorcycle driver's test (and might not be able to pass it) in some States. But if you could avoid airbags and pollution controls? That would be sweet! You could make one of these cars for cheap, right?The problem is, you are one government regulator away from going out of business. If you made a car with three-wheels, the government might argue it is a car and thus has to meet all the appropriate safety standards. There goes your cost-savings right there.More puzzling still, the vaunted Elio car is said to be equipped (in theory, anyway, none have been built, other than rough prototypes) with airbags, pollution controls, etc., negating the cost advantages of the three-wheeler. If you equip such a car with all of that stuff, you might as well cut to the chase and add the fourth wheel and just make a regular car. Airbags aren't cheap, and neither are emissions controls.Will we see three-wheeled cars in our future? Probably not. The Elio seems to be slowly fading from view, as each date for production or other goals comes and goes with no activity in their used Hummer plant happening (other than, apparently, selling off the machinery!). And economic conditions worldwide are getting better, overall, not worse, even if it seems that a recession is on the horizon. Even in India (especially in India), Tata motors is trying to wean the public of the "tuk-tuk" type three wheelers in favor of their new four-wheel nano car. When people have a choice and they can afford to do so, they favor a more traditional four-wheeled car. Three-wheeled cars are usually not a choice but something people are forced into buying.Sadly, like with the Tucker, or the Bricklin, or whatever, there are always a few rabid "true believers" who are willing to suspend disbelief to put a religious-like fervor into a vehicle or other product, for no apparent valid reason. And often these sort of folks lose their shirts as a result. Never make a consumer good into a religion or believe it will change the world. Don't invest - or put down payments on - wild-eyed dreams. Sadly, the people who are losing money on these sorts of deals are people who can least afford to lose what little money they have. But then again, they have no one but themselves to blame for being so blind to the obvious.I realized, even back in 1980, that the three-wheeled car was little more than a marijuana-fueled fantasy. It made a lot of sense after a number of bong-hits, but then you sober up and realize that it really makes no sense, economically or environmentally or from a safety standard. And maybe right there is a good reason to give up on pot and pot-fueled fantasies. The Bricklin car was going to revolutionize the car business and provide much-needed jobs for New Brunswick.�� Sadly, not only was the car a piece of crap (the few that were made, anyway) but a lot of people lost a lot of money in the deal and the politicians who backed it lost their jobs. A lot of elected officials in Shreveport, Louisiana are no doubt sweating right now.

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