2009 Acura TSX Comfort
In back, although the seat is well-shaped and comfy enough, taller folks may find legroom lacking — at 34.3 inches, it's around 3 inches less than an Accord, though it specs out nearly 4 inches more than a Lexus IS 250. Hip- and shoulder room are noticeably better than before, thanks to the 2009 model's 3-inch increase in width.(Info Ryan Binkley)

Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Combi: Performance

Surprisingly, stability control will rarely kick in during such hurried driving, doing a Ferrari-like job of aiding your progress rather than prematurely saving your bacon. In fact, track-testing Senior Road Test Editor Josh Jacquot reported that the Turbo X managed to go through our slalom faster (67.3 mph) with stability control activated — a true rarity. The brakes are also impressive, producing a 60-0 stopping distance of a scant 109 feet.




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Dodge Challenger SRT8

Unlike last year's version, the newest Challenger SRT8 offers a manual transmission. Fire it up, give the throttle a few jabs and the rectangular exhaust tips roar with the 425-horsepower Hemi V8's chest-reverberating timbre. As you grab the pistol-grip shifter to select 1st gear, you're instantly transported back to the age of eight-tracks and bell bottoms. And thankfully, Dodge's retro muscle car doesn't keep the "endearing" characteristics of the original that some so readily forget.

Profile Ryan Binkley : Pontiac Vibe GT
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT doesn't win the statuette for enthusiasts' favorite in its category. That honor still belongs to the Mazda Mazda3, which has long delivered world-class driving dynamics that are unmatched in this price segment. Still, the Vibe GT's performance is incredibly engaging relative to most others in its class, and it trumps the 3 when it comes to cargo room and passenger space. The hardworking Pontiac Vibe GT deserves a starring role, but whether it's an ideal pick for you will depend on which attributes you value most in a wagon. Blog Ryan Binkley

Toyota Prius Function

Our 2009 Toyota Prius was equipped with the optional navigation system, which works well and includes a handy back-up camera. Toyota's integration of most functions into a touchscreen interface can be rather annoying, however — a task as mundane as adjusting the climate control system's fan speed requires that you first call up the relevant screen by pressing the "climate" button, as opposed to simply rotating a knob. The button-happy steering wheel simplifies matters somewhat by providing redundant audio, Bluetooth, navigation and climate controls (excluding fan speed and directional flow).

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Goods ~ Transaction type: An acquisition classification. Identifying the acquisition of tangible items as goods as opposed to services or information technology goods. Also known as commodities.

Transaction ~ Transaction type: An acquisition's classification. Examples include classifying an acquisition as goods, services, or information technology.

Installment Purchase ~ The purchase of hardware or equipment on an installment plan where a portion of the cost is paid at each of some scheduled period of time. Interest is usually included in the amount paid.

Tx Generational Equity:Vendor ~ An individual, sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation, or any other business venture that responds to an IT Request for Quotations or Request for Proposals.
Consideration ~ The exchange of something of value between the parties to a contract. The consideration may include some right, interest, profit, or benefit obtained by one party, or some forbearance, detriment, loss, or responsibility assumed by the other party. It is one of the key elements required to have a binding contract.(Generational Equity Dallas - Saturday 24 December 2005)

Dallas Generational Equity : Public Works Contract ~ A contract for the erection, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State structure, building, road, or for other State improvement of any kind.

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Indemnification ~ Contractual provision in which one party will compensate the other party for settlements or judgments on claims arising from the contract.(Monday 17 September 2007 : Generational Equity Texas)


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Saturn Astra XR Coupe

Although the 2009 Astra is relatively new to the U.S. market, the compact hatchback first launched in Europe in 1991 and the current generation has been around since 2004. The Astra has done well in Europe, and GM (which plans to share more models between the Opel and Saturn brands) is hoping the Astra will find the same success in the States. But the endeavor hasn't been without challenges. Executives at GM admit the Belgian-made hatchback has become more expensive to produce thanks to the declining U.S. dollar. At a base price of ,545 before the destination charge, the 2009 Saturn Astra XR coupe starts at nearly ,000 more than its closest rival, the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit coupe, which boasts a 2.5-liter inline-5 which makes 32 horsepower more than the Aura's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.

News Ryan Binkley: 2009 Kia Borrego V8 4WD: Function

The array of technology and gadgets inside the 2009 Kia Borrego is impressive, especially considering the spartan models of Kias past. The optional touchscreen navigation is logical and easy to use, although the voice recognition system sometimes had trouble understanding us. The 10-speaker Infinity audio system produces enjoyable sound, and the inclusion of a USB port (which also allows for manual updates of the nav system), auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and in-dash, six-CD changer gives driver and passengers many entertainment options and keeps the Borrego competitive in the segment.
Toyota Venza V6 2WD Design/Fit and Finish

The 2009 Toyota Venza's front-end styling is "inspired by the stances of athletes in competition," according to Toyota. If you ask us, the headlights and toothy grille are uncomfortably reminiscent of a melted Ford Edge. From most other angles, though, the Venza's styling is taut and upscale — kind of like a stretched Lexus RX. Interior styling is another high point, as we think the Venza's swoopy dashboard is also distinctly Lexus-like. Materials quality is notably higher than in either the Highlander or the Camry, and we were pleased to discover that the Prius' distinctively grained soft-touch dash and wheel covering has found its way into the Venza. Our tester was a preproduction vehicle, but fit and finish was nonetheless impressive, with consistent panel gaps and no audible squeaks or rattles. (Ryan Binkley Profile - Saturday 03 June 2006)

Ryan Binkley Web : BMW X6 xDrive 35i

Sadly, we also have to wonder about the raison d'être for the 2008 BMW X6. Of course, it's wonderful to drive — it's a BMW after all, so it's fast and handles like a sport sedan. But with its relatively meager cargo capacity, inability to transport more than four and a bulky body that weighs nearly a thousand pounds more than a Caddy DTS, what's the point?

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Ford Edge Limited: Who Should Buy This Vehicle

Edgy it is not, but the 2009 Ford Edge will adequately serve families looking for a jack-of-most-trades American crossover SUV. (Sunday 08 April 2007 : Bio Ryan Binkley)


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Option ~ A unilateral right of the State contained in a written contract by which, for a specified time, the State may elect to purchase additional goods and/or services called for by the contract, or may elect to extend the terms of the contract under the same or similar terms and conditions for an additional period, provided that the option was considered in the evaluation for award.

Generational Wealth Equity: Price ~ The cost of goods and/or services plus any fee or profit.
Progress Payments ~ Partial payment approach identified in a contract related to steps or phases toward the completion of the contract. Use of this payment approach can require withhold of a percentage of payment pending completion of the entire contract and a bond. (Generational Wealth And Equity - Wednesday 27 February 2008)

Gw Equity : Uniform Commercial Code ~ A compilation of commercial law regarding sales of goods over 0, installment sales, commercial paper, etc., which is the result of an attempt to make the laws of the 50 states consistent in these areas. The California Legislature has generally adopted the UCC, but has made modifications to some sections, which can be found in the California Commercial Code.

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Terms and Conditions ~ Provisions, qualifications or clauses in a contract which create, suspend, or terminate the obligations of the contracting parties. (Tuesday 23 January 2007 : Generational Wealth)


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Having been in Texas for almost 5 years now (and before you all get your knickers in a twist - no this is not a 'bash the great state of Texas' rant) and I've noticed a few things different than where I used to live.  For instance, we have 'bug of the month' and I kid you not. May was fleas, June was cicidea month.  July was grasshopers...the little ones which are just annoying and the big suckers which fly at you.  August...now we are looking at crickets...and damn it all if there isn't one in the bedroom and while I've been told repeatedly by those 'who know' that it is bad luck to kill a cricket in the house...if I find that little sucker whose been keeping me awake nights by singing to me his primordial need to find a mate -- he's gonna get fed to the turtles...(my reasoning being that technically the turtle will be the one to do the dirty deed.  BTW, the turtles have their own timeline...being destined to be turned into pouches for renn faire. 

 

We've been in a drought situation now for months. Hay is off the charts, the price of meat is dropping (people are being forced to sell their stock since they can't feed or water them), some arre breaking out of their pens searching for feed and water, which is not to say that the ranchers are getting a good price for any of their stock.  People are turning their pets loose, so I predict a rise in a year or so of wild dogs attacks, and a rise in feral cat populations.  Animals are coming down out of wild places, there is no food and they come for water -- snakes (the dog found a copperhead snake the other day in the back yard), ardvarks, raccons, deer, possoms, squirrels, mice, and the birds...all come to the water bowls I leave out. 

 

Plants are stressed, no matter how much I water -- I've lost 2 more roses I brought with me from my last garden - one very special to me which I've slipped and moved for 6 gardens is no more.  One of the 3 last maple trees went too....a rare one given to me.  As much as this upsets me, the Mother has planted Her own replacements in their place  - Texas elm and oak, red 'Mexican' salvia, bulbs of yellow, red and white pop up where I carefully transplant some of them into my flower beds and put a few in a pot for transport if necessary. 

 

As I walked up the road home from work today, I hear crows.  Crows are not common around me and only 2 people possess the ability to send them - Carrie and  Jackie.  Jackie can reach me anytime, Carrie is most likely - I know her son has been ailing with bronchial issues - tho this seems 'over the top' for even her.  I note that the vultures (black chickens as The Man calls them) have begun cleaning the latest 2 skulls put out.  Lady hawk cries and swoops around the freshly mown field, searching for small prey. 

 

The full moon is coming ... and the moon phases affect me strongly.  Tonight it rained and not just a little gentle rain either.  I could hear the last few cicideas' singing their frenzied mating song before they pass on.  Their bodies litter my porch and are fed to the turtles, a small aided circle of life.  The crickets are quiet suddenly as the wind kicks up.  The trees bend and cry out...stressed as parts break off and hit the tin roof of the garage.  Rain comes, whipped by the wind...sideways.  I stand out in it listening to the thunder of Thor (wondering what why my brother sends me his flashes of temper) and the answering flash of lightning --in an age-old mating dance of the Sky God and Mother Earth, rain being the blessing of their union poured out upon us.  I dance, let my body sway and become wet to the skin...calling upon the Goddess and the God to bring us more rain......not caring if the neighbors see this old woman talking to the sky and calling in the rain with her hair wet and mud on her ankles.  Yes I know it is dangerous to be out in the thunder and lightning...if the Goddess wants me...believe me...She has my address. 

 

I come in, wipe up the puddles of water, put on a pot of lima beans and sausage...gonna make it thick like a stew with veggies for Sunday.  Homemade biscuits.  A small spinach salad with tomatos, sweet red onions and yellow bellpeppers - blue cheese dressing is what I've planned for The Man and I to eat.  The 'stew' will cook for slowly for about 8 hours to incorporate all the herbs and veggies into it. 

 

I contemplate a shower and bed...not out of the realm of possibilities....before mid-night....double shift at work tomorrow.  I mentally check off my list of hings to do, what should be done, and what will have to wait....*Sigh....