Bockaaarck

Exactly, not an immigrant to Belgium or Europe. But a Belgian born and bred national.

That's a proper bargain, great motor

lt happens rarely and when it does I generally drive steadily and at an appropriate speed and then let them get on with it. If there's a chance for them to overtake, I'll ease left or ease off the gas a touch, gives them the opportunity to get by me. Then I can go about my business without some muppet behind me. I have nothing to prove to them, I just want to enjoy my journey and driving without some small penised individual sat on my tail Occasionally if, despite there being many opportunities for them to overtake, they stay sat behind me. I will make maximum use of rev matching on the 'twisty's'. It amuses me no end to have some idiot right behind me. Not realising I've dropped a couple of gears without braking, to sail through a corner (while still making progress). I then quickly glance at the rear view mirror and they've invariably had to brake to avoid going in the hedge/ditch. Leaving them 6 to 7 car lengths behind me, rather than the 1/2 a chuffing car length they originally were. I can see the puzzled looks on their faces, they can't work out what's happened. It's even better when they then accelerate up behind me to sit on my tail. Only to find themselves the same extended distance behind me again when we go through the next series of bends, the buffoons. Edit* By the way, this can happen when I'm driving the Zed, Seat or the Merc

There's quite a few things to see and have a nose at. The model village at Godshill, Brading Roman Villa, Carisbrooke Castle etc. If you fancy going anywhere for some decent nosh you could try The Pointer Inn at Newchurch (near Sandown), The Spyglass Inn in Ventnor or the Crab and Lobster at Bembridge

I take quite a keen interest in finance, markets, economics etc, have done increasingly so for the last 9-10 years. I don't lay claim to any great insight or learning but I try to pick up, understand and learn as I go along. In relation the EU In/Out Brexit vote discussions going on across the Internet land. A poster on one of the forums I dip in to now and then pretty much summed things up for me in the following post: "I don't like the EU as it is today. It's undemocratic and corrupt, the best bits about it are being ruined and, like the Labour Party says, it needs reforming in favour of workers, but I can't see how that would happen. And, Boris Johnson said recently: "If the “Leave†side wins, it will indeed be necessary to negotiate a large number of trade deals at great speed. But why should that be impossible? We have become so used to Nanny in Brussels that we have become infantilised, incapable of imagining an independent future." Clueless. The kind of "jolly hockey sticks" attitude you see from managers who think because they don't know anything about it, it must be easy. Trade deals consist of thousands of pages of minute detail. This does not happen just with a "can-do" attitude and optimism! They can take years to negotiate, and still be a pile of crap. The "leave" group is probably strategically correct not to go into detail about what a Brexit would look like. Because if you think about the details, they're horrifying. I can see at least 8 practical problems that could lead to carnage: Problem 1: We have a limited number of trade negotiators. We will have many, many deals to negotiate. Unless you're negotiating the same deal, it's just not practical to try and negotiate them all in parallel. This means either delay, or cheating. Problem 2: Anything done at great speed will contain potentially devastating mistakes and short-cuts. The mostly likely short-cut taken will be to copy and paste entire sections from existing trade-deals, many of which themselves are dodgy. Problem 3: Since we're in a hurry and under pressure, other negotiating partners will assume we'd sign anything. And they might well be right. This puts us at a huge disadvantage in negotiations. Problem 4: more different rules for dealing with different countries is a huge burden on business, especially small businesses who trade with Europe but who cannot keep up with what's bound to be a huge number of drastic changes over a short period of time. Problem 5: the number of trade deals, their apparent urgency and MPs' inexperience with/reluctance to read trade deals means that most deals will be put through with minimal scrutiny, with again, potentially devastating consequences. It's a classic case of "We must do something. This is something. Therefore we must do it". And of course, anyone against any trade deal would be accused of being "unpatriotic" or "anti-trade". Problem 6: If trade deals are copy/pasted, what will the template be? Given the Government is so keen on TTIP, why not rip bits out of that? Who would bet against it? The danger to institutions like the NHS from malign or incompetent legislation is immense. Problem 7: even when the Government wasn't under pressure it's shown a great willingness to sell off the family silver. What would happen if it was under pressure with a greedy negotiating partner backed up by threats of legal action and persuasive lobbyists? We know from TTIP that consumer champions are let nowhere near trade deals while they're being written, but corporate lobbyists are given the red carpet treatment and the chance to "contribute". Problem 8: where there's chaos, there's opportunists. Can you imagine the highly skilled lobbyists from banks and corporations being able to resist being able to meddle in a pool of trade agreements that no one is scrutinising? It's a corporate wet dream. They wouldn't even need TTIP. And the Government might even be grateful that they were getting all this free "support" to speed things up. Now picture all of the above while dealing with a referendum in Scotland and with Boris Johnson in charge. As I said, I can't see this being anything but carnage. Boris said "we have become infantilised, incapable of imagining an independent future". Boris, we can imagine it, but we shouldn't let nationalistic pride blind us to the fact that incompetence, greed and malice will find a way to make life worse for the little guy, and that everything we know about how the system works indicates that it will not go well for the British people. But hey, politicians, civil servants, consultants, lobbyists, corporations and bankers will undoubtedly make out like bandits."

One of the good things about Grand Central is if you head right downstairs. You can grab a bite to eat at the Oyster bar. There's also a decent bar at the bottom of the Empire State where you can grab a craft beer or two. I would also think about, if you fancy it, going to a baseball game. Although to be honest, if you're going to do that, go to see the Metz out at City Field on the A Train. Much cheaper than seeing the Yankee's, a proper baseball atmosphere and good fun (just watch the pockets on the A train).

Depends what kind of think you're in to I guess. Museum of Modern Art is interesting. The 9/11 memorial I think is a must visit, you'll need to book for a guided tour, but it's worth it. If you want to try a great little bar/pub, head to the Dead Rabbit in the financial district, not far from Battery Park. Also agree that the Top of the Rock is a better view than the Empire State. Try visiting the Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island, both are really worth visiting. Food wise, try Yerba Buena Perry, pan Latin American restaurant, great atmosphere. You could try visiting the USS Intrepid, really interesting floating museum. Don't forget the Gugenheim museum, Grand Central Station, The Flat Iron Building, great place near there called Eataly. Which is like a great indoor Italian based food market / series of restaurants. You could also think about wandering along the Brooklyn Bridge for a bit, wander through Little Italy and China Town ( China town feels a bit rough to be honest).

Interesting stats Adrian, thanks for posting them

A very happy birthday to you Ian

Col, slightly off topic, so forgive me. Important as this EU in / out decision is. Which I hope people will get involved in, whatever their view.I'd be interested in your thoughts on the particular timing of this vote. And what is, I suspect, a hidden reason for the timing. Particularly in relation to the performance of the Baltic Dry Index (as well as other indicators) over the last few months. But in reality it's performance over the last five years? Do you think that there is possibly a conscious political decision behind the timing. As whatever the vote outcome. The potential impact of the current record low of the BDI indicates a massive economic contraction. Whether we stay within the EU or not? Meaning the in / out vote can be used to hide / be blamed for what is an almost certain indicator of economic collapse? I think there is very careful political manoeuvring, desire to ensure an out vote. The fallout from the eventual collapse of the BDI. Will be used as a 'oh know, look what's happened, it's all because we left the EU, nobody could have predicted this, how did it happen, we'll have to make cuts, increase taxes etc, etc....". When they know full well what the BDI indicates and it inevitability. Thoughts please?

Very nice indeed, great couple of cars

I'll just add yet another big thank you to Colin ( and June ) for all the contributions you've made. From first meeting you on the Wales meet over six years ago. It's been a real pleasure being in your company for a few days each year. And I appreciate (I think ) you keeping me honest on those blasts along those lovely Welsh roads. Not only that, your presence on the forum as an Admin. Who has been consistent, fair and who has shared much knowledge. Has been really appreciated. And on top of that, you're a thoroughly lovely chap and all round 'good egg'! Really glad your enjoying spending valuable time with the family. And that time could not be better spent. Nice to know you're sticking around. Thank you so much

Boris Johnson is a charlatan, a wretched and nasty little man, who is very dangerous, IMO. God help us if he gets in as PM. Think Berlusconi was bad, think again if the mop haired sociopath holds power

Fantastic looking GTR Bennet, the wait has paid off, stunning!

I will be voting to remain in the EU. In my view, despite some of the frustrations. The benefits of being within the EU are far more preferable. The positive effect that membership has in terms trading partnerships, financial influence and cross continent business are for me, key benefits.

Look good Hugh, the colour really works. I'm so tempted by a Carrera 4 at RPM Technik at the moment (.....must resist!)

Happy birthday Dave, all the very best to you!

Happy birthday Darren, all the best to you!

If you need replacements guys, it's worth getting in touch with Clark Motorsport, one of the forum traders. They should be able to supply you with the clips / screws. Probably worth giving them a ring and speaking to a Ewen or one of other guys there.

Would recommend Horsham Developments too.You may also want to tak them about looking at doing the master / slave cylinder at the same time. As from my experience,its worth doing both while the car is in for the clutch change

Very sad news

Love the 944, especially the Turbo. A really well engineered, furiously quick and a little bit under the radar for most folks. I've been watching the 924S and 944 for a while, great cars. Almost bought a lovely 924S Le Mans a while ago, cracking little car, great chassis

Sarnie, what a wonderful car, it looks fantastic. I think it's known on the forum regards your knowledge and skill in terms of your area of expertise. Plus you clearly put in the effort in terms of hours. So good for you, you've certainly earned it. Very wise purchase in my view, I don't think you'll lose money. Even if there's a blip in the market, I think this will always prove to be a decent investment.......and a hell of a lot of fun too!

Because I'm an idiot, I would buy either a 3.2 QV Ferrari Monidal or a 3.4T Ferrari Mondial......or maybe even a Ferrari 456 / 45GM

Such a great car Andy, one of the best kept Zed's on the forum. Shame you're selling up but I can understand that sometimes its just right to move on. Whoever buys this is going to get a terrific car for their money..