What's on your mind?

[Derwin]

Welcome to Derwin's Cigar Lounge.

In this forum you are allowed to bring up ANY subject that is on your mind. Other cool looking cars, what you do for a living, even what you did last summer! Consider this the "Floyd's Barber Shop" of this website.

I only ask that you refrain from using bad language, and ALWAYS treat other people with the same respect that you would appreciate. One other thing, you MUST light up and smoke a cigar while in this lounge (My favorite is a Macanudo of any size!). Other than that, you have complete freedom!;)

Derwin
__________________

“Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads.”
-Doc Emmet Brown--Back to the future

[cpaddock]

I'm responding the Digg comments re Aptera/SUV impact scenario. IT'S ALL RELATIVE!
Sure a motorcycle is no match for a car. And a car is no match for a SUV. But a SUV is
no match for a Monster truck. And a Monster truck is no match for a Semi. And a Semi
is no match for a Tank! Where does it end? Defensive driving. How to arrive alive?
Don't drink and drive! Don't talk on the phone while driving! Don't tailgate! Want respect?
Show some! Be considerate. Slow down! Lighten up! Most traffic fatalities are self-induced.
How often do we hear "He lost control and veered off the road"? Was it mechanical failure? More likely it was a failure to exercise good judgement. I'm not sure what the
statistics are but I'll bet it is far more likely that you'll be struck by lightening than by
another car. Especially if you are driving defensively. Remember Ralph Nader's "Unsafe
at any speed"? Bottom line for me is to enjoy life, trust in Allah, but tie up your camel!
Alooooha!:cool:

[Bladerunner]

I agree with you there CP ... The "you will only be safer with the biggest thing in the vehicle world" theory of purchase was something forced down everyone's face by the Auto industry.... and everyone buys into it.
And a lot of people over drive their or their vehicles capability.... thus they get themselves and others into accidents.

[luckylindy]

Has there been any discussions about dealerships. I am interested in any info about how they will license V 1 dealerships.

[cpaddock]

As a former "Back-to-the-lander" in search of the simple life back in the early 70's, I came across this quote at www.autobloggreen.com by one James Kunstler which I found very thought-provoking and I wanted to share it with you all.
"The problem in America is not that we are driving the wrong kind of cars, per se. The
trouble in the United States is we're driving incessantly. We're driving every kind of car
there is, incessantly. And we've got to find a way out of the incessant motoring and a way to live without it-not a punishment way to live without it, but a way to be happy and do it. And it means, really, a completely different paradigm for everyday life."
IMHO it is not ethical to ignore the effects our actions today will have on future generations, and we need to re-think our approach to mobility, energy consumption and
culture in general. We need to change our light bulbs, but we also need to change the laws and those who write them.
Alooooha!

[BeepBeep]

I just wanted to add something as news from VV has been ......................... nada.

Also, nothing has been posted for about a day here.

Does anyone know about how many people have requested reservations on the VV official site?

[Derwin]

Does anyone know about how many people have requested reservations on the VV official site?

Back several months ago I remember Ian posting something about this. He stated that over 10,000 people have pre-ordered the V1, but none of that is official, and ANYONE can click on the webpage to "register" for a vehicle. But I am sure that maybe 50% or so of those 10,000 will never follow-through on it. At any rate, I think only around 4 or 5 thousand are going to be in the initial release, and then we don't know yet if it will be a "CALIFORNIA ONLY" release or not.

Derwin

[Baja_Traveler]

I think until they do what Aptera did - take a real money deposit for a production slot, it all will just be a guess. I've got my $500 ready - lets get to it!! =y:

[RAN]

It's more than likely going to be around 2 years before any model V-1 is available to actually buy, especially outside of CA. Ian has said that he doesn't want to hold customers' money until he sees himself closer to production, and I agree with him there. As jumpy as we all are now waiting for updates and information, how mad would it get if we all had $500 or $1000 sitting in "parking orbit" with no updates?

[MVRacing]

If I can get one of the first ones ... he can hold my cash =y:

[AKP23]

Derwin, is there a generic spot we can log into and post. I am on here every other day (working the firefighter job; day on, day off) and I really don't have much input in the subject matters you guys get into. It's great info for me. But I don't have much to add to what you guys get into. Buuuut.... I would like get online and say 'Hi' , but I don't know where to get in at.

[MVRacing]

Hi AKP23,
I think you found the right place =y: As the title says "Derwin's Cigar Lounge Talk about ANYTHING on your mind!"

[Derwin]

AKP23,

You have found the right place, MVR is correct! Whenever you just want to make a "shout out" or talk about anything at all, just post it here in the Cigar Lounge. Heck, even if you feel you have nothing at all to contribute to any given thread, you can always just post your agreement (or disagreement!) to what another person has posted. Your input, even if it is just that, is valuable to the club.

Derwin

[meckman1]

Does anyone have any info. on hho conversion kits? Will thy work in cold climates? Do any mechanics install them for a fee yet? How effective are they? Just learned a bit about this on Wed.

[MHARVEYM]

Hey Guys,

Still pretty chillie up here in Oshkosh Wis. Just wanted to drop a thought on how much fun it is going to be to get CHAPTERS set up and FLY down the road together. Can you just imagine the EYEs on that formation! Yawsa!!!!!! Even without Favre....GO PACK GO!!!!! Finally.....just saw the perfect color- A deep metalic blue with hunter green "flecks" in it!

[Baja_Traveler]

Kinda wish I was in Oshkosh with you - gonna be in the mid to high 90's here today, and break 100 tomorrow. I could use a bit of cool weather... Hope my archery club shoot doen't get too hot on Sunday.

[Charles]

As far as I can see the Flytheroad forum is dying and close to death. When are we going to get some real first hand news rather than just crumbs from a newspaper? What is the problem with development? If Ian has to wait for some new advancement in technology for this thing to work we could be waiting a very long time.

[MVRacing]

As far as I can see the Flytheroad forum is dying and close to death. When are we going to get some real first hand news rather than just crumbs from a newspaper? What is the problem with development? If Ian has to wait for some new advancement in technology for this thing to work we could be waiting a very long time.

Hi Charles,
I'm with you that the official site is dying off for lack of new info ... looks really bad to anyone just coming in.
I doubt there are any development problems other than batteries technology for the full EV version.
Like you, we are all waiting for any bit of news ... it's been a long dry spell.:mad:

[johnhead]

Baja Traveler..
Do you also bowhunt? I am a NBEP Bowhunter Education Instructor here in NY. I bowhunt/bowhfish whenever I can. I've got bear, moose, deer with my bow. I'll soon be bowfishing carp and stingrays. Can't seem to get a turey...YET!
Regards.
John Head

[Baja_Traveler]

Do I bowhunt - well I pretty much live archery...

Got in on the Turkey season here a bit late and got skunked - all the Toms were too spooked to come in. There's always next year. Got two sets of wings though - gonna be splitting and grinding primaries for a custom set of barred feathers for my new custom Recurve (which won't arrive until next year).

You must have seen me on one of the archery boards? Thats where I am most of the time.

Oh - and weekend after next I'll be up at Big Bear lake at a bowfishing tournament - can't wait!!

[MVRacing]

Hey Derwin,
I see we still have the "members list" still in the header and since it's inactive can it be removed?
Also, the "Map" is gone ... did we lose that with the upgrade? I liked that.

[Derwin]

The members list is not "inactive". You should be able to view it. As for the google map, we lost that in the upgrade, but another admin should have that up and running soon. It's just a matter of him getting the time to do it!

Derwin

[Baja_Traveler]

I get a "You Do Not Have Permission to View This" pop-up when I click on the Members List :(

This is the message I get:

Baja_Traveler, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.

[rogwild]

I get the same 'Message'.

[Derwin]

I just checked the members list, and it should be working now. Please let me know.

Also, for those interested, you can start your own little "social group" or club within this club. You can invite others to join your group, and share photos, messages, etc. Please check into this if you want to. I think it is just another unique feature with this new software.

Derwin

[Baja_Traveler]

OK - works for me now...

[Hardtime11]

Works good and it shows the Club is up to 351 members.

[Hardtime11]

Derwin, I just noticed that the mini-stats show 361 members over the members list showing 351. Could it be working off of a different or old sheet? Just wondering.

[Derwin]

Hmmmm. I never noticed that before. I have no idea why it would show only 351. Maybe they are counting only "UNIQUE" members in the list, but I have no idea. Maybe some people have created second memberships (against club policy) and the software is detecting them and counting them as only 1 membership....but this is only a guess.

If anybody knows anything about this, please post it here. Thanks.

Derwin

BTW, Hardtime11, I need you to post your agreement to the forum if you want to be a part of the r/c team. Thanks.

[johnhead]

Let me know how to contact you throught an "archery" link, and I can take this discussion (Bow bending, Carp culling etc.) off line... I don't want to intentionally tick off the VV crowd by talking death and blood trailing....HERE...=D
John

[Derwin]

I don't want to intentionally tick off the VV crowd by talking death and blood trailing....HERE...=D
John

John,

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that this new club software enables members (YOU!) to start their own little private "social clubs" within this forum. You can make them "invite only" clubs where only those that you personally invite are allowed in. You can discuss most anything you desire......as long as it is within the law! ;)

Just thought you would like to know.

Derwin

[Derwin]

Hello everybody. I'm back from the Beushausen Annual Fishing Trip. Actually, we came back a bit early due to some unexpected circumstances.

This year we fished on the Turtle Flambough Flowage in Mercer, Wisconsin. We were told that this has the highest percentage of Walleye of ANY lake in the entire state. We love Walleye fishing, so this seemed a perfect choice, but it sure didn't turn out that way!

To make a long story short....When we arrived at our lodge we found it to be a complete dive, but that wasn't the worst of it. In town we went to pay for our fishing license, and we were told that fishing season for Bass had been moved back to June 20th, and even at that time it was illegal to fish for them with live bait (which is what we always fish with!). People were required to use lures..with BARBLESS hooks! :eek:

Needless to say....we were pretty shocked by this, but got our license anyway with the thought that at least we could fish for Walleye and have a great time. This was a mistake! The Walleye fishing was completely DEAD. Not even one bite from a walleye. But guess what WAS biting like crazy.......BASS! I caught several Small-Mouth Bass using a night crawler, and it just killed me to have to release them! :cry:

To top everything off......when we got back to Chicago, my 11 year old nephew found a tick on his wee-wee! Not something that you want to have on you....especially in THAT sensitive area!. Nuts...I hope he doesn't read this...he may get mad at me for sharing that!

Anyway, this trip was a COMPLETE disaster. It was the first time EVER in the past 40 years that the annual trip was cut short. I know Wisconsin is making these laws for some good reason, but you can bet we will no longer be holding our annual trip in that state. It may be back to the upper-peninsula of Michigan, or Minnesota, or even back to N-W Ontario (although we really don't like the long drive anymore!).

If any of you know of a location that is fantastic for fishing, please feel free to let me know. Thanks.

Derwin

[MVRacing]

Welcome back. Sorry the trip wasn't what you wanted.

[MVRacing]

Can we delete the "tentative pre order" out of the calendar? Makes me want to cry:o

[Derwin]

MVR....Good idea! I received an email from Rick (VV marketing dept) last year. He stated that this year (2008) would be when they would start taking pre-orders. I think the information is now obsolete, so we should delete it from the calender.

Any Assist. Admin......Can you do this for me? I think it's also a good idea to take down the "Ian Updates" from the calender as well since he really is no loger giving updates on a regular or even semi-regular basis.

Derwin

[RAN]

Derwin, sorry to hear your trip was a bummer, but Welcome Back! :)

[Baja_Traveler]

You haven't seen fun until you catch bass on an 8 weight fly rod using small streamers or poppers. Change your gear up for the conditions (laws in this case) and continue to enjoy your spot!

When I started reading your post, I thought you were going to say the cabin was underwater or something - we keep hearing about all those tornado's and flooding back there...

The only floods we have here are all the people going to the US Open at Torrey Pines...=D

[RAN]

MVR....Good idea! I received an email from Rick (VV marketing dept) last year. He stated that this year (2008) would be when they would start taking pre-orders. I think the information is now obsolete, so we should delete it from the calender.

Any Assist. Admin......Can you do this for me? I think it's also a good idea to take down the "Ian Updates" from the calender as well since he really is no loger giving updates on a regular or even semi-regular basis.

Derwin

Done ;)

[Jake]

Other than a pre-order list I would not commit anything more anyway. I would like to see proof that someone at VV is serious about producing a vehicle and not just drawings and hype articles. Maybe someone here has that proof?? You would think that if a shop exists there would be some pictures of the V1 in stages of being built. Sorry, my frustration got a away from me a little.

[JoeU]

Jake, If you check out the topic "Ian's June 17th update MORE PICS!" you might see some of the current shop photos and where the development is at right now.=y:

[Derwin]

You haven't seen fun until you catch bass on an 8 weight fly rod using small streamers or poppers. Change your gear up for the conditions (laws in this case) and continue to enjoy your spot!



Bass fishing using only an 8lb test line? Wow.....That is brave! Actually, I use 12 lb test, and this seems to work very well. Sometimes I may go down to a 10 lb, but I really don't like loosing fish! And when we go Norhern Pike Fishing, I usually throw on a steel leader just to be on the safe side. Those Pikes really have sharp teeth, and can tear your gear to pieces!

Ah....Fishing. It is by far one of my favorite things to do. Well, that, and Golfing!

Derwin

[Miracleman89]

ok! ok! I was just sitting around checking out the new posts and got to thinking I spend more time on this forum then I do the MR2 forum and I currently own an MR2!!! lol I wonder what we are going to be like when we actually own a V1? I think for the first month or so Posts will drop off because we all will be out driving! After that is when we will see what happens!

[Derwin]

Actually, MM89, After we get our V1's and begin driving them, I think this forum will simple EXPLODE with activity. Everybody will want to start "meeting up" and planning flights together, and sharing what new and crazy mod they just added to their vehicle.

Boy, I really can't wait. By then we should have around 3,000 members or more. It's going to be exciting. =y:

Derwin

[waboom]

I agree Derwin - first there will be a flood of posts from the "have-nots", begging for pictures, videos, reviews, and technical, aesthetic, comfort, and cupholder details. Then there will be a flood of answers from the "haves", which will prompt even more requests from the "have-nots", leading to answers from the "haves", leading to....

Well you get the idea.

[nvrblu]

Actually, MM89, After we get our V1's and begin driving them, I think this forum will simple EXPLODE with activity. Everybody will want to start "meeting up" and planning flights together, and sharing what new and crazy mod they just added to their vehicle.

Boy, I really can't wait. By then we should have around 3,000 members or more. It's going to be exciting. =y:

Derwin

... and, perhaps, profitable. I've been on a Lotus forum for a couple of years that was started when the Elise came out. That forum just passed 1,000,000 posts. The guy who founded the forum sold out a few months earlier to a company that runs multiple forums. Immediately, the forum pages were plastered with google ads.

There seems to be about 1:20 ratio of good information to fluff.

[Miracleman89]

My thinking Derwin was when we first get our V1's we aren't even going to be home long enough to type hi! If we are awake we will be flying the roads! lol After we finally get some sleep we will all be typing until our fingers hurt! lol

[CelticFlyer]

As excited as I am to get into this thing and get some "flight hours," I still can't help but think of who will be the first to crash and burn. All I can say is if I wreck, I hope I get killed. I wouldn't want to see my V1 get trashed! :(

[Miracleman89]

As excited as I am to get into this thing and get some "flight hours," I still can't help but think of who will be the first to crash and burn. All I can say is if I wreck, I hope I get killed. I wouldn't want to see my V1 get trashed! :(

We have the technology! We can make it stronger, faster! lol

My only fear is getting it scratches or gouges in any of the body panels!!!! My wife can stop banging the car door into crap! she just loves to hit those concrete posts at the gas pumps!:mad: I don't know how she manages to hit everything with the door :confused: it is almost like she is aiming for that stuff!

[cpaddock]

Howzit Celtic! You know, I imagine most of us have had that thought about the first crash and burn, if not fatality. Then we quickly dismiss it so we can face oncoming traffic
at 70 miles an hour. Anyway, I just discovered I don't have a clue as to how to start a new thread so I'm putting this up here. It was briefly mentioned at FTR forum. There is a cool printable paper cutout model of the Mitsubishi Imiev and a bunch of other vehicles
that some computer whiz has come up with. Surely between MVR and myself and your
Vector graphics skills we could come up with our own V1 version. Club members could order it in a variety of colors. I first spotted it on autobloggreen. Here's the Imiev website address:
www.mitsubishi-motors.com/special/papercraft/index.html

[cpaddock]

P.S. Didn't mean to exclude anybody else who might want to contribute to this.....just
thinking MVR can provide digital top, sides, front and rear views. And Celtic has the skills
to tidy up and color the "prototype". I've just been itching to build a model of the V1 since day one.
Alooooooooha!

[rogwild]

My only fear is getting it scratches or gouges in any of the body panels!!!! My wife can stop banging the car door into crap! she just loves to hit those concrete posts at the gas pumps!:mad: I don't know how she manages to hit everything with the door :confused: it is almost like she is aiming for that stuff!

Sounds like another vote for the SCISSOR DOOR to me.

[Miracleman89]

hey I said I was all for them!!!

[waboom]

Howzit Celtic! You know, I imagine most of us have had that thought about the first crash and burn, if not fatality. Then we quickly dismiss it so we can face oncoming traffic
at 70 miles an hour. Anyway, I just discovered I don't have a clue as to how to start a new thread so I'm putting this up here. It was briefly mentioned at FTR forum. There is a cool printable paper cutout model of the Mitsubishi Imiev and a bunch of other vehicles
that some computer whiz has come up with. Surely between MVR and myself and your
Vector graphics skills we could come up with our own V1 version. Club members could order it in a variety of colors. I first spotted it on autobloggreen. Here's the Imiev website address:
www.mitsubishi-motors.com/special/papercraft/index.html

I had been thinking about trying to create one of these myself to post, but I couldn't find a satisfactory view of the top to use. One thing I was definitely going to do, though, would be make it 2 separate cutouts: 1 for the passenger module and one for the power module. Then, cut up a post-it note and glue 2 pieces of the "sticky" together back-to-back and use that to join the pieces together - that way you can easily change the "lean" to whatever angle you want!

[Derwin]

If anybody can create a nice design, and then form a good quality template, I would be happy to get a company to reproduce them in large quantity, and then offer them for free to club members.

All we need now is somebody to step up to the plate.

Derwin

[rogwild]

......... One thing I was definitely going to do, though, would be make it 2 separate cutouts: 1 for the passenger module and one for the power module. Then, cut up a post-it note and glue 2 pieces of the "sticky" together back-to-back and use that to join the pieces together - that way you can easily change the "lean" to whatever angle you want!

OR you could leave a 'cut-out' circle in the rear of the cockpit and the front of the Power Pod and insert a small straw or toothpick and use it as a 'pivot' to lean the model to whatever angle you wanted.

[Miracleman89]

I say just make it a PDF file and people can then print it to card stock! That is just my 2 cents.

[rogwild]

I agree with the ability to 'create our own' with card stock, but I'd also like to be able to 'customize' the color and/or graphics. I'm not sure what software would be required to transfer between graphics/paint programs and .pdf formats. My Hijak Pro program does NOT save to .pdf.

[waboom]

I'm sure if you ask nicely to whomever ends up creating the final PDF, they'll supply you with an appropriately formatted file for customization.

Programs like GIMP and GraphicConverter on the Mac side can open and modify PDFs.

[cpaddock]

As I said earlier, if someone (Vbuzz, MVR, Derwin?) can provide me with accurate top, side, front and rear
views, I am ready willing and able to do the origami. Once prototype bugs are worked
out, it can go to Celtic for colorization and nice clean black lines. It should be printed on
card stock or something similar. The Imiev web site provides an instruction sheet for
cutting and pasting (in real world/time/space) the model. Instructions specific to the V1 would be needed. I would make the lean pivot
with a small machine screw, nut and washers. If Derwin wants to have them pre-cut
with a die I don't imagine anyone will object. I can imagine a multicolored flock of paper V1's floating and drifting lazily in a mobile.
Curves Ahead!
as a mobile

[Derwin]

cpaddock,

Can you use the files that I received from Ian? I have 3-D files that where you can actually move the vehicle around and view it from all sides. I think you can download the files from the r/c forum. Are you a member of that forum?

Derwin

[cpaddock]

Thanks Derwin....I am in the RC forum but don't have CAD ability for viewing. If you could do a screen capture of the four views and e-mail them to cpaddock@studiofurnituremaui.com we would be off and running. The adobe file from the Imiev site produces a model that is only about 4 inches long. I would like to have the V1
be 6 to 8 inches long, as this would make assembly a little easier and you end up with
something a little more substantial. The only reason I need accurate plan and elevation
views is to eliminate errors and distortion which come from using photographs. Also want to have the latest evolution of V1 design.
Ciao!

[Derwin]

O.K. I'll try to put something together and get it out to you.

Derwin

[johnhead]

Fantastic "fishing" ahead..
Hi Derwin. Next Wednesday I'm off for five days of "Fishing" in the Chesapeake. My youngest son and I will be Bowfishing for Stingrays and Shark.. Yippee!

[WarpedOne]

Can you use the files that I received from Ian? I have 3-D files that where you can actually move the vehicle around and view it from all sides.

Do you mean that MOV file showing a 360degree rotate of the "latest" V1 or something more technical?

I'm trying to put together a 3D model usable in a computer game (racer, Rigs of rods, etc). For now all I have is that MOV file and I am trying to reproduce something looks as close to it as possible. Can you help with some more substantial material? :D

[Derwin]

I have the cad files that Ian provided for the r/c project. Will they help you?

Derwin

[WarpedOne]

I hope so. Where can I sign NDA? :)

[Derwin]

WarpedOne....

I just sent you a personal message with access information.

Derwin

[Miracleman89]

hey Big D, diggin the new smiley's!!!! hy:per1) 2thumb:upno:wor:thy1che:ers:1j:a:w:drop(((1

[RAN]

Yes! Nice going Derwin!thu:mbs:up:22

I've got a bunch more if you want to see them.

[WarpedOne]

I looked over those IGES files and first results are already here (my new avatar dr:ive1))

Now I am at the second stage: porting the model into RoR (http://rigsofrods.blogspot.com/) format. In the proces I might need to develope my own editor. Editorizer isn't exacly a "peace of art" software that is a joy to use.

Creating a model for Racer turned out to be imposible because it only supports 4-wheeled vehicles. You know of any other game/driving simulator that simulates bikes and has published vehiclemodel format?

[rogwild]

WarpedOne; you might try asking on a forum like:
http://www.simracingworld.com/index/
They should be better informed. About a year ago I found a sim for a Carver One (primitive, but interesting).

[Miracleman89]

I think it would be great if someone could do something with the old Pole Position game from the Atari 2600 days! That would be RAD!!!

[waltbscott]

Something interesting that I read recently about charging on a public street...
(I posted this on the flytheroad.com site as well)

http://gm-volt.com/2008/07/22/live-in-an-apartment-and-want-a-volt-coulomb-technology-wants-to-help/

It's another reason that I believe goods things are coming...

[Jack Willard]

Believe it or not, where I work there is an outside covered parking area for motorcycles that is identical to another outside covered parking area for electric golf carts (used to get around on our many acre plant site).

Each motorcycle parking space has a 110 volt outlet supplied with free power. None of the current motorcycles use the power. They don't need it. Guess where I will be parking my V1 when I finally get it?

FREE POWER AT WORK! cool:thu:mb1

[Miracleman89]

Same Here Jack! The police station I work at has a covered car port with several 110 outlets scattered about, they are mainly used for powering trickle chargers, we put them on units that are not being used. I already talked to the Chief, he said when I get it he has no problem with me parking there and pluging in!

[waltbscott]

Maybe local utility companies will see the light. I know SDG&E here in San Diego could be more open to renewable energy. Electric cars should be a real boon to them. They could do well with metered plug-in stations in public parking areas (in the Venture One future). What they lose from rooftop PV panels they might be able to make for in the local mall parking structure. (kind) comments?

[Jack Willard]

MM89,

Working for the government does occasionally have a benefit or two. cl:ap)1 I work for Sacramento County.

Police station huh? I am a security systems consultant, on the side now after like 28 years full time. My specialty is jails, prisons, courts, police stations and the like. Let me know if your station has problems. :)

[Miracleman89]

MM89,

Working for the government does occasionally have a benefit or two. cl:ap)1 I work for Sacramento County.

Police station huh? I am a security systems consultant, on the side now after like 28 years full time. My specialty is jails, prisons, courts, police stations and the like. Let me know if your station has problems. :)

r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2 :1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2 :2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l :2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f :l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1r:o:f:l:2:2:1

I live in a very small community! Our version of bullet proof glass is a metal grate. It looks like something you would put over a hole at a construction site! LMAO We have no security cameras for the parking area or front of the building! Heck, we don't even where uniforms that has some sort of badge that says dispatcher. We wear regular clothes and when people come in and see us they don't have any respect for our position! Even though we are qualified and trained to handle confidential information. Up until just a month ago all of the above was considered ok practice. Since we got our new sargent back from Iraq he is slowly cleaning things up! bullet proof glass is on order. Security cams are in the works and they are currently talking with town management about getting unifoms or at least polo shirts for the dispatchers! Also They are finally repainting the building so it actually looks like a Police Station instead of a flea market. All in all I have been impressed with were we are headed since his return but it is going to take some time to get everything switched around. I will keep you updated on new developements if your interested! For the record we have great officers just poor management from the town council! But they have recently had a major overhaul in the town council so that is helping us as well!

[longspeer]

not to change the subject but with the Uro going down and the US dollar going up the Carver One is looking better at 22K uros. Any thoughts?

[MVRacing]

not to change the subject but with the Uro going down and the US dollar going up the Carver One is looking better at 22K uros. Any thoughts?

Was reading on the Carver website that the engine they use is not US EPA certified. I check into importing a vehicle from Germany years ago (78?) and at that time you had to post a $10,000 bond refundable once the vehicle met US specs. Don't know if it's still the same. Wonder how Ian got some (2 running?) into the country?

[longspeer]

There site says they should be for sale twards the end of next year in the US. I have higher hopes for that then Venture One.

[randi]

There site says they should be for sale twards the end of next year in the US. I have higher hopes for that then Venture One.

Here's the email I received from Carver North America Inc./ MKD USA LLC in response to my inquiry about the Carver US sales.
Thanks for the inquiry about the Carver One.

On May 15th you wrote: "I'm interested in the Carver--even before current events. It came to my attention years ago, and want to know if one can be had in the US, and at what cost." Yes, you may order a Carver One now using the attached Reservation Deposit Order Form. Price List (options included) is attached.

"To your knowledge, is MKD the US group licensed to market the Carver in the US?" Yes, Carver North America Inc. / MKD USA LLC is the North America factory arm of Carver Europe.

"If there are others, how are they different?" There are no 'others'.

"Will the Carvers marketed by these others have the same DVC technology, and are they endorsed by the inventors in Amsterdam." Carver North America Inc. will be the only source of the Carver One (with its patented DVC technology) in the US, Canada and Mexico. We are in the process of appointing dealers throughout North America. Carver Europe is part of Carver North America Inc.

Any information is appreciated, and thanks so much for you attention.



First deliveries to customers expected November 2006.
The Carver One is street legal in the US and is classified as a motorcycle under the NHTSA/DOT rules.
We are in the process of setting up authorized service centers and dealers throughout the USA and Canada. Once these service centers and dealers are established, we will announce on our website.
If you would like to discuss the Carver One 'one-on-one' with Geoff Daly (President and Managing Director of Carver North America) please call 603-620-5678. He has all the facts as well as personal experience driving the Carver One.

Attached documents: (let us know if either document does not open)

Reservation Deposit Order form


Follow the instructions choosing 'A', 'B', 'C', or 'D'
Send the completed form and checks to MKD USA LLC (address on the form)
Required Reservation Fee is $1,750.00

Price List Carver One


Price list shows current expected prices. All prices will be confirmed with your reservation / order.

To keep abreast of Carver One news and events:


Go to www.carvernorthamerica.com (http://www.carvernorthamerica.com/)
Click on 'Dealers'
That will take you to 'Distributors and Dealers' page
Scroll down to 'USA---Carver North America'----click arrow
Scroll to 'Pricing' and click on---at the bottom of the page is an area 'related information'. Find color samples and specs there in PDF form.


Sincerely,

The Carver North America team


The email was sent in May 2006--indicating US delivery of the Carver in November 2006, and included a reservation deposit form for $1,750.

If you click on the company link, you'll find the site is no longer available. Actually, I think it's been unavailable since sometime last year.

So ... considering there still does not seem to be a North American dealer for Carver, US sales might take a tad longer.

[Miracleman89]

Thanks Randi for all of that ! it was interesting to read. I wish that the Nov 06 deliveries would have taken off but I guess we will still be in a holding pattern.

Anyone else have anything more recent?????

[longspeer]

That's a lot more info then there site gives. I am excited to see how all of this works out. In reality the VV and the Carver One both would be mainly big toys more then a commuter. I am happy to have one that gets 40 mpg but of course excited about 100 mpg. However 40-45 K is too much for a toy. I think I could talk my wife into 20-30 though. So either way Carver One is in production and I think probably will continue to be the only vehicle made with there tilt technology. I hope and pray the VV makes it onto the market but that hope is dwindling.

[Derwin]

I hope and pray the VV makes it onto the market but that hope is dwindling.

Hello, longspeer, and welcome to the club! wel:l)

I would suggest that you don't lose hope. Ian and the Venture Vehicle team are working on getting this vehicle together, and we will be getting some major news soon.

Derwin

[longspeer]

Thanks Derwin I sure hope so. I prefer buying American. I look forward to new info.

[Hardtime11]

I posted in the VV Forum last year the results of my contact with Carver reference the same thing in 2007. They had placed the project on hold until they saw how their refit went. They were trying to set up for an assembly plant that would speed up their assembly process tremendously via some robotics for mass production instead of the present by hand method. Through my communications with the Advertising manager for the America project she said that it was on hold till at least later 2008 or 2009.

They were coming to America with the ICE driven unit only and not a hybrid or all EV model. They were also working on incorporating Air Conditioning due to the America's desire for creature comforts.

If I can find the additional email reference same from my archives I will post it. It was a long time ago but I will spend a little bit of time looking for it.

I am still holding hope for Venture Vehicles to come out with this vehicle. I will still buy at least one at this point but I may have to settle for something else during the interim. Come on VV!!

[randi]

Happened to me today.

I'm stunned ...

[Jack Willard]

Happened to me today.

I'm stunned ...

OMG randi! wh;aa;aa;t1
after 28 1/2 years :mad:exploding:

Stunned? There are not appropriate adjectives! %$#@&! :mad: :shup: cens:or:ed1

I do sooo... FEEL FOR YOU! Been there, done that, really bad! :cry:

Our best wishes and prayers for your quick recovery from a bad situation. o:h"we"ll1

[Derwin]

Did I miss something? What happened?

Derwin

[JoeU]

Derwin,

I think Randi got the ax. I believe that is what she was talking about. Terminated after 28 1/2 years!

[Jack Willard]

Please give randi a really big hug! I'm sure she needs it.

[Derwin]

Derwin,

I think Randi got the ax. I believe that is what she was talking about. Terminated after 28 1/2 years!

Oh. Wow. I'm sorry to hear that, randi.

[AZEqualizer]

Yep sorry to hear that Randi :( but that is more the norm than the exception. IBM managed to lay me (and a bunch of others) off just 6 months prior to being qualified for full retirement benefits.And this was several years ago. It is corporations ways of saving money. No long term relationships with companies like the old days. And now with the economy in the state that it is in they are looking at every way they can to save money at anyones expense than their own.

[Miracleman89]

Randi, I am so sorry to hear what happened! It seems like everyday I hear about or know someone getting laid off! That truly sucks and I know how it feels I got laid off 7 times in three years and it destroyed my credit! I will keep you in my prayers!

[Derwin]

IBM managed to lay me (and a bunch of others) off just 6 months prior to being qualified for full retirement benefits.

Are you joking? Unreal. Companies that do that don't have the right to exist in my opinion. They take advantage of your talent for all the years you work for them, and then when it comes time to collect retirement benefits, they lay you off? There is definitely something wrong with a system that allows this to happen.

Derwin

[tugboatwilly]

The cure is single payer funds. All retirements go to a "T" bill holding company that is controlled by the S.S. admin but is not in the General Fund. A one way deposit by the employer that they cannot get back for ANY reason. Kinda like the Fed system for Senators and Representitives.

[AZEqualizer]

AZ has the combined Law Enforcement retirement fund.... which is a step in the right direction - no matter what department or what level it goes into a state fund that accumulates for you even if you go to a different department.

Derwin... sorry no joke a whole lot of people with a year or less toward full retirement benefits were layed off to prevent them from qualifying ... cheap way to keep thing profitable in a quick way ... and this was done when it wasn't even during a down turn in the economy. Sure did screw with my retirement fund.

[Miracleman89]

That is just disgusting!!! I agree with Derwin, any company that does that should be forced into shut down by the US Government! All profits from the sell off of company assets would go to those laid off! It isn't just disgusting it is disrespectful and should not be tolerated! I wish there was a website that listed companies that did this! That way people could know about it and stop purchasing their products and/or services! I think if we consumers had access to this information it would deter companies from using these business practices! Especially after the first couple of companies closed there doors due to lack of business!

[MVRacing]

You're surprised!!! I remeber that happening to my Dad back in 1975...laid off after 28 yrs 2 months. He got next to nothing from the retirement plan.

Part of the reason I went fed gov...Army. HA!! Thought I was safe ... what a @$^^#^ joke!!! Besides them not providing what they promised it errodes every year. Still, I'm better of than most in the private sector.

My advice.... invest all you can in your own retirement ...IRA's ect. Take the max that any employer will match in any type 401....then if you leave (for what ever reason) roll it all into your own retirement plan ASAP.

[Miracleman89]

I got laid off seven times in three years!!! Now I work for a police dept. as a dispatcher and I have worked my way up over a very short time to being the only full time dispatcher they have! I feel very lucky that I have a secure job in these tough times!

[JoeU]

I'm on my third longest job at just over 2 1/2 years. At 61, that is a bad record. My longest was 9yrs and I left that on my own to take a job in Australia. That was my secvond longest at 4yrs. The engineering field can be a pain sometimes.