post...yup this one

I think I need to park this blog....for now or forever...not sure....

I'm actually feeling a little sad about that last sentence, since this has been a big chunk of the way I've expressed myself for so long. But I'll still be out there--just on different parts of the web. The paint website will continue. The new yoga website and secrets as well-I'm prouder of it than of anything I've ever done on the old web.

But just like thousands of others that are ending lately, this page as it exists no longer suits my needs or wants as a writer or a person. And since I've always believed that a blog is there to serve the purpose of the writer, not the audience (not that I have much of an audience), there's no reason to continue.

It's been fun riding out the blog fad with you, from near the beginning to here near the end. Surf around the past as much as you'd like--I'll keep this on-line, at least for the foreseeable future. But we've reached the end.

daily cliche's, word fluff

...at the end of the day...
...moving forward...
Every day in the news this stuff, breathers, keeps getting in the way of stuff which may or may not have some substance.
These are just a couple of many I've noticed lately.

warning...again

Why is this culturally significant blog content and or age restricted?

...frankly, a  good question and I do not have an  answer at this time. As well, I am not interested in feedback, criticism, judgement, angry readers, happy readers and followers, in short, nada. If you get something out of it, fine and if not, just leave it alone it is that simple. Thank you. I'm sure glad I got this off my chest.

A gentle warning here:
Yoga can and will enrich your life. The practice of some of the many forms of yoga do not compete or interfere with any  religion or beliefs as far as I can tell. 
However, some of the techniques, advanced postures, meditation and breathing exercises should be thought by a qualified guide, teacher, guru, instructor  or they can under certain circumstances proof to be  dangerous.

continuing story, mufflers hop rip off and Drive Clean Service Ministry response (ODC).

From: driveclean

Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 2:55 PM

To: 'Fred Leis'

Subject: RE: Drive Clean Contact Form: Question from Fred Leis c/o Imex Inc. - Case ID: 5462796

(final response letter, 2 of 2 by email)

Hello Fred,
The Drive Clean facilities shop and labor rates are not regulated by the Drive Clean program, as they are business that choose to be a part of the Drive Clean Program, and offer this service. This allows customers to seek out what they feel is the best value for their money. The intent of the Repair Cost Limit is to help customers maintain their vehicles emissions components and to help vehicle owners with the cost of the repairs, implementing a limit to which you wont have to spend more than a maximum of $450, including the cost of diagnostic, parts and labor. In your case, the repairs fixed all emissions issues and you were issued a full pass.
Regards,
Daniella
Customer Service Representative
Ontario Drive Clean Program
1-888-758-2999
Out-of-Province, please dial 905-943-4897 (Charges will be assumed by the caller)

From: Fred Leis [mailto:leisfred@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 02:46 PM
To: driveclean
Subject: Re: Drive Clean Contact Form: Question from Fred Leis c/o Imex Inc. - Case ID: 5462796

(my second request, e mail)

Reference Case ID:5462796  and thank you for your prompt response, however:

Thank you, I was looking for some assistance in determining if this  facility licensed by you has grossly overcharged me as it appears they did. In communication with this business, the manager offered a free oil change. Please understand that I feel since this or other drive clean facilities are licensed by the government , you have at least some responsibility to be sure they act fairly and do not engage in outrageous excessive billing.

The information I am looking for is simply this:  why did this outfit grossly overcharge me to the tune of $434.97 with the promise of more charges upon return. E-test $34.00 Diagnostic $100.oo  Reset $32.oo  The Part $152.93, Labour $65.oo ( CT sell the part for $90.oo as a point of interest).

I have given above  specific details as to  billing  cost details...

Your comment I am hoping you could clarify what information you are looking for
I simply feel that I have been overcharged, ripped off by one of your licensed agents and I’m looking for some assistance. It appears to me that this shop is using the conditional pass possibility at over $500 repair cost to promote this as a new  business model of sorts.

From: driveclean

Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 2:14 PM

To: '**Drive Clean Contact Form from Fred Leis c/o Imex Inc.'

Subject: RE: Drive Clean Contact Form: Question from Fred Leis c/o Imex Inc. - Case ID: 5462796

Hello Fred,
Thank you for contacting Ontario’s Drive Clean. However I am hoping you could clarify what information you are looking for. It would appear from reviewing your test history, after your vehicle failed, repairs were made, the associated monitors were set to a ready state by completing a drive cycle and your vehicle passed the emissions test, which would be the procedure we are looking for.

If I don’t hear back from you, I will assume that this answers your question and I will close your case accordingly. Please be assured that you can reopen this case any time if you need additional assistance by replying to this message.
Regards,
Daniella
Customer Service Representative
Ontario Drive Clean Program
1-888-758-2999

From: **Drive Clean Contact Form from Fred Leis c/o Imex Inc. [mailto:leisfred@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 01:38 PM
To: info@driveclean.com
Subject: Drive Clean Contact Form: Question from Fred Leis c/o Imex Inc.

Drive Clean Contact Form:

Name: Fred Leis c/o Imex Inc.
E-Mail: leisfred@hotmail.com
Question: The vehicle needed a drive clean pass. A defective oxygen sensor was replaced, the agent asked me to do 2 weeks hwy driving and then return for a final test, repair plus e test was billed as $434.97 for 20 minutes of work which appears quite excessive.$50 tax inc,Minute Muffler Cobourg,905.372.9601 car milage only 28,000km, I drove the car on the highway, went to another facility and it passed ok. Minute muffler were talking about a conditional pass, repairs over $500 and blamed the government,for the high cost of their 20 minute work out.
Telephone: 9053730888
Street: 25 Darcy Street
City: Cobourg
Province: Ont
Postal Code: K9A3Z5
Country:
Vehicle Information:
Vehicle Type: Light Duty Vehicle
Licence Plate: AYZY911
Vehicle Identification Number: 2G1WU581869381547
Vehicle Make: chvrolet
Vehicle Model: impala ltz
Vehicle Year: 2006

drive clean mufflershop rip off, Cobourg Ontario

2. Fred leis anotherlookathathayoga says:
   Your comment is awaiting moderation.
   01/12/2014 at 19:22
   The Drive Clean test costs  $35, but car owners can be required to spend up to $500 on repairs if the vehicle flunks.They can at this point apply for a conditional pass, which is issued with some restrictions.
   I have  been taken for a ride by a local muffler outfit who charged me for installing and testing of an oxygen sensor over 400 dollars, this greedy operator is using the $500 repair rule as a business model. Complaining to the Drive Clean Service ministry proved to be  useless, they have a generic response  indicating that they have no control over repair cost. Buyer beware.
   And so I ended up paying over 400 dollars for testing and installing of a part that retails at CTC stores for $90. I know the  Harris PC  Government started this greed driven business in 1999 but the present Liberals  appears to be going along with this rip off scene by some of their greedy test facility agents who just happen to do repairs as well.
   Fred , Cobourg