Recent content by seismic

UPS will receive the Bass or any other damaged item that they pay a claim on. FedEx should do the same. Since their contract is with the shipper and not the recipient, the seller is reimbursed and the seller deals with the purchasing recipient. My condolences on the damaged Bass. That is a...

It has an appeal, but I prefer understated.

Cars, maybe. Truck, van, or SUV, no. Pilgrim is dead on. Use a torque wrench to properly set the final tightening. I once took my new company vehicle in for a tire rotation at their shop. The fool who did the work used an air powered 3/4 inch drive impact wrench on a Ford Taurus. I drove the...

I won't waste a salesperson's time if I have no intent to buy.

The J neck works better for me.

There is wear and then there is abuse. I don't object to wear.

I am not talking about services, just property that has a common inherent valuation. If you are a hobbyist, a student of music, or not getting paid as a musician; then my example stands. If you are being paid as a professional [full or part time], derive a significant amount of income...

If you are getting paid for gigs, yes. There is a minimum threshold amount and that will kick in January 2011.

The IRS doesn't care as long as you use reasonable market values for common items. Example: a used Fender American Deluxe P Bass, in excellent condition, has a range of value on the U.S. retail market. If one trades that bass for an amp of approximate equal value, there is no tax liability...

If you trade a bass, valued at "X" for an amp, valued at about "X", there is no monetary gain and thus, no capital gain. The values should be roughly approximate, so that the IRS cannot make a determination that one party obtained a financial gain though the transaction. If the trade is not...

The Canadian model of University is significantly different than in the States. Academic standing is stressed more in the Dominion and it is more egalitarian here. Aside from the "elite" schools, college is more accessible to those not of means, those considered sociologically disadvantaged...

You are good to go at Arizona State. No essay needed.

Anyone considering any school should ask what accreditations and certifications they hold. In the U.S., private organizations such as the Southern Association and Colleges and Schools; the Northwest Accreditation Commission; the North Central Association Commission; and others. Many private...

What university are you applying to? What is your intended major? Harvard, Columbia, and BYU have different demographics than Texas Tech, University of Florida, or USC. You have to align your application to their preferences and to the majors that they offer. Look at your intended major...

The design has been toned down and the front end reminds me of a Corolla, but I would buy one just for the TDi engine. If VW or Subaru would build a high performance TDi powered AWD auto [think WRX with a TDi], I'd floor it to the nearest dealer to buy one right now.