Craigslist Overpayment Scam -- My Fake Check!

To my surprise, today I received a UPS letter envelope containing a check for $2,450. From the ATP Oil & Gas Co. in Texas. Which I have never done business with. The return address on the UPS envelope was from a different location, in Minnesota, also a place I had never done business with. Then I remembered--some guy had emailed me about a camera lens I was trying to sell on eBay, and offered to send me a check for it if I would ship it to him. I said "ok" in case he was legit, but I suspected he wasn't.So here it is, my trophy. A ridiculously bad fake check. Note the strange mix of fongs -- Arial, Times, and Comic Sans. The smudge...

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Bob King's Posturing

The UAW's president, aptly named Bob King, is out in the press landing punches before the first bell. "I like Alan Mulally. But I just think it's morally wrong," said King, who assumed the leadership of the union last year. "It creates problems for Ford in both the salaried work force and the hourly work force. It seems like one individual is getting all of the gain." This is typical left wing progressive posturing, setting up class envy as a wedge between the UAW's hourly workers and the managers of the auto companies. "It seems like one individual is getting all of the gain". What?!? What about the shareholders? From a low of around $1.60, Ford's stock price has recovered to near $15. That is billions of dollars of value returned to stockholders, many of whom happen to be in the...

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Modern Car of 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coup�

 Modern Car of 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coup�At Mercedes-Benz models such as the debut of the new C-Class Coupe, usually only a matter of time, come to the AMG version. Times up, "say hello to 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe. Modern Car of 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coup� Scheduled for next month's New York Auto Show is presented is, C63 AMG Coup� basically a 2012 C63 AMG sedan loaded from a few doors. Either way, you're looking at a V8 engine driving Affalterbach 6.2L 451 hp (481 with optional AMG package development) is to the rear wheels via a seven-speed MCT transmission speed shift pay. Expect upper 4.4-second sprint to...

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Spoiler Alert: 2011 12 Hours of Sebring in Book

Spoiler Alert: 2011 12 Hours of Sebring in bookRunning 2011 from the historic 12 Hours of Sebring officially ended and the results showed several hats veteran and newcomer surprises on the podium. There are many measures that are obtained in the class, also several impressive comebacks and debuts. audiSpoiler Alert: 2011 12 Hours of Sebring in bookLoic Duval took the checkered flag in the team as a whole and Peugeot 908 HDi FAP ORECA Matmut, ORECA their first win since sweeping GT Sebring in 2000 in a factory-supported Dodge Viper. Simon Duval keep Highcroft Racing ARX Pagenaud in his HPD-01e and the factory Peugeot 908 driven by Frank Montagny,...

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Modern Car OF Renault R-space concept in Geneva 2011: Future Vehicles MPV

 Modern Car OF Renault R-space concept in Geneva 2011: Future Vehicles MPVRenault released the new MPV future vehicles, namely Renault R-space concept. The concept of the R-space exhibition at the Geneva Motor Show 2011th Renault R-Space based record but smaller. Interior like Cash Cab is designed to make the transport of children with a simple task. In perhaps the most interesting features and show car-like, no control less than 27 small motors hexahedron-shaped platform adjusts in the back of the R-space. Modern Car OF Renault R-space concept in Geneva 2011: Future Vehicles MPV Engine R-Space can be modulated to produce a flat...

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The PS Fluid Flush Scam, AGAIN

I got my oil changed the other day. I do it at my dealership because they give me points I can use to get free service, so it works out to be a reasonable deal. This time, they did the "we recommend you flush your power steering fluid' pitch on me, going so far as offering to show me that it was "dirty". Upon inspection my fluid (which is about 50,000mi old) was a medium cherry color, like cherry coke. Not very dirty. Here's the truth. Power steering fluid is good for well over 100,000 miles in normal usage. It changes color because it leaches carbon black and other chemicals from the rubber power steering hoses and fittings. Just because it is dark does not mean it is damaged. When should you flush your power steering fluid? If it gets overheated (not sure how, perhaps failing...

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SPD WTF

This morning, I was driving in to work and noticed the local "Irish" bar had people huddled in the doorway, waiting for the place to open for service. It was 8:30 am. If I was Irish I think I would be annoyed that my cultural heritage was being used an excuse to drink all day....

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2011 Hamann Hawk

Hamann Motorsport has prepared its own version of the gull-winged supercar called the �Hawk�. It�s for marking debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. An engine bursting with power wrapped into an exciting car body design coloured in Everose Gold.Exterior, the Everose Gold painted Hawk sports a heavily modified bodywork including a new front bumper and a carbon fiber hood. The profile is dominated by the black 21-inch rims and the side skirts. At the back, there�s a large wing made from carbon fiber, while the same lightweight material has been used on the new boot. The restyled rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser and houses the quad tail pipes,...

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class Brabus 800 Widestar

Following in the footsteps of the 700HP Brabus G V12 S, Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus has unleashed the 800 Widestar, an extreme version of the G-Class off-roader.The 800 Widestar is equipped with an V12 engine sourced from the Mercedes-Benz S600, but with extensive upgrades such as the increase in displacement from 5.4 to 6.3-liters, the addition of a new intake system, new engine mapping and the complex Brabus bi-turbo system featuring four water-to-air intercoolers. Additionally, the V12 is fitted with a custom stainless-steel exhaust-system.All these put together lead to a maximum output of 800 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a truck-like...

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2012 Ford Territory

Following an extensive development programme the covers have finally come off the highly anticipated new-model Ford Territory. The Australian-designed-and-developed SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) has undergone an extensive visual update inside and out. The new Territory wears a stylish suit cut from Ford's kinetic design language and its bold new look makes it instantly recognisable as a member of Ford's comprehensive model family.Redesigning the multi-award-winning Ford Territory meant building on its already clean and attractive looks, the result of the first-generation Territory's original design goal: to create a vehicle that embodied the strength...

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Geneva Motor Show 2011-Reviews

Geneva 2011: Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4The bright orange and extremely low supercar that Lamborghini has unveiled in Geneva is the replacement for the Murcielago. 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds - the fastest production Lamborghini ever- Top speed pegged at 217mphGeneva 2011: BMW Vision ConnectedDriveIt's a two-seater convertible and the dramatic looks mark an all-new design direction for the German firm. It follows on from the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car that was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and features similarly radical design and up-to-the-minute technology. Geneva 2011: Audi A3 ConceptGeneva 2011: Mercedes-Benz...

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2011 Brabus 700 Biturbo

Brabus 700 Biturbo i powered by the new Brabus twin-turbo engine with 700 hp (690 bhp) / 514 kW and a peak torque of 850 Nm (626 lb-ft) and clad in the thrilling Widestar wide-body version the Mercedes SLS AMG from Brabus ascends to a new level in the league of super sports cars. The gullwing, further refined by an exclusive interior, reaches a top speed of 340 km/h (213 mph) and celebrates its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.A high-tech turbocharger system for the high-tech engine of the SLS: The Brabus engine engineers have designed a state-of-the-art twin turbo system for the fast-revving eight-cylinder four-valve engine of the SLS.The...

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2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Series 51

Series 51 represents Bentley design at its most vibrant. It allows customers of both Continental Flying Spur and Flying Spur Speed to order 'off the peg' from an innovative and exclusive range of recommended combinations created by Bentley's colour and trim designers at the company's headquarters in Crewe, England, as Dirk van Braeckel, Bentley's director of design comments:"The Series 51 design concept is inspired by the spirit of the inaugural Bentley styling department in Crewe established by the gifted John Blatchley, who shaped the original and iconic 1950s Bentley Continentals. Today, it provides for a virtually bespoke ordering service...

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2012 Citroen DS4

Citro�n has released first details for the new Citro�n DS4, a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility. DS4 is the second model in Citro�n's distinctively-styled DS line.Citro�n DS4 brings an alluring mixture of premium design codes and a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and advanced vehicle architecture. DS4 is a model with a multitude of talents, effortlessly responding to a broad range of owner needs, while enhancing the appeal and vitality of the motoring experience.Citro�n DS4 combines sophistication and refinement with a dynamic coup�-like body, creating exceptional...

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2011 Singer 911

It is hard to believe, but the Porsche 911 exists despite Porsche's own attempts to eliminate and replace their beloved icon. This rear engine, 2+2 coupe has defied attempts (type 951 and 928) to terminate its allegedly dated concept only to be re-invented in superior form and bask in a renewed wave of enthusiasm.The 911 brand is so compelling to consumers that even cars that are not 911's (Types 930, 964, 993, 996, 997) have been badged as such since 1990. Such is the influence of a model and a brand within Porsche that as the vehicle made vast technical leaps, even wholly re-invented it remains a 911. The original 911, with its air/oil cooled...

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BMW Confirms 5-Series for China and 2012 1-Series

For the past few months, we�ve been hearing various rumors about BMW�s future plans, but today, the German automaker came out with official details at a press conference in Munich starting with the debut of a plug-in hybrid version of the China market 5-Series at next month�s Shanghai Auto Show. �A highlight at the Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April will be the presentation of our New Energy Vehicle, said BMW Chief Executive Dr. Norbert Reithofer. �This model will be our e-car from China for China � a long version of the BMW 5 Series as a plug-in hybrid. This car will benefit from the strength and the excellent reputation of the...

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GM Design of Holden Commodore Due in 2013

Good news for Commodore fans; General Motors design boss Ed Welburn was in Melbourne recently to sign off on the styling of the next Holden Commodore, due in Q3 2013. The as-of-yet-unrevealed VF Commodore will be an evolution of the current generation VE, sharing the same rear-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines. "It's the absolute right Commodore for that market,� Mr. Welburn was quoted as saying, �I feel very good about it.�Holden is said to be looking into lightening the VF�s components to improve fuel economy with the new model, and is also putting a strong emphasis on improving drivetrain efficiency. Though Mr. Welburn refused...

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1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R Microcar Replica

We know what you�re thinking but stop right there. What you are looking at here isn�t the result of some crafty photoshop business - it�s the real deal; an actual factual microcar replica of a 1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R coupe that was created by Japanese tuning firm Liberty Walk Performance. The scaled down, single-seater clone of Nissan�s first-generation Skyline GT-R is based on a quad-bike and it�s perfectly drivable. This is not the first time we�ve shown you a microcar replica from Liberty Walk Performance as some of you may remember the�Lambormini Murcielago snapped by our own Phil Alex at last year�s Tokyo Auto Salon. The Japanese...

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Porsche New Cajun SUV

Today, Porsche put an end to the rumors concerning the production location of the Cajun by confirming that the assembly will take place in Leipzig, in the Saxony region of Germany, alongside the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan model. The facilitate production, Porsche plans to extend the Leipzig factory and turn it into a fully-fledged manufacturing site for the Cajun, including body assembly line and paint shop. Porsche said the decision to build the Cajun will create at least 1,000 new jobs in Leipzig and Stuttgart. The Leipzig plant has been producing the Cayenne SUV since 2002, with Porsche expanding the factory in 2009...

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Modern Car of the ScorpIon IED Abarth at Geneva 2011: The Future of Car Design Abarths

Modern Car of the ScorpIon IED Abarth at Geneva 2011: The Future of Car Design AbarthsAbarth has a new super sports car, the Abarth Scorp-Ion IED and presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2011th The IED Scorp-Ion future of car design is Abarth. The Scorp-Ion battery is sub-brand Abarth. The event itself is the state of the brand presents the bandwidth of the existing (plus a new Formula Junior racing program), but there is a new Abarth on view in the hallway on the stand IED.Modern Car of the ScorpIon IED Abarth at Geneva 2011: The Future of Car Design Abarths So far are students at the Istituto Europeo in design Maserati Chicane concept us...

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