In Indiana, we use lottery proceeds to subsidize license plate fees. It essentially works out to taking money from people who pay the idiot tax, and the people who benefit the most own the most expensive cars.

In a more perfect world, lottery money would pay for education, and we'd all pay the true cost of our yearly car registrations.

Not surprised by the move in NY to raise fees, as we're seeing fees rise just about everywhere. Unfortunately, when the economy improves, these fees tend to stay at those raised levels.

Hmmm....3 series diesel wagon w/ all wheel drive would be nice.

In other news, several more companies, along with BMW/Mini decide to delay their diesel offering in the US by a few more years.

"If he does, Ferrari will only be required to pay the 2007 world champion 5 million euros."

10 million...

We considered porous asphalt when redoing the lot at my business, but the cost was much much more than just scraping off a layer and slapping some asphalt on.

In Indianapolis, porous concrete and asphalt should be mandatory for all driveways and parking lots, as we have an old combined sewer system. When it rains even an inch or two, the sewers overflow into the local river. This is bad, as it's combined with the good stuff coming from your toilets.

In addition, as water drains more quickly, less salt would be needed in the winter around here.

I think they did a good job of toning down the styling enough to make this ride appealing to mass audiences, while still making it appealing to the fringes among us who like the oddball looking cars. As long as it looks just a little bit edgy and performs well, especially with AWD, it should sell really well.

Me, I'm waiting for an AWD wagon version, unless Subaru decides to grace the US with a porky Legacy GT wagon for 2010 or 2011.

A diesel Wrangler unlimited with stop/start tech and possibly a 6 speed manual? Where do I sign up?

Subaru loses if Fiat can bring it by the end of next year.

It looks like the ones closer to retirement get benefits, where the 1 year people get 6 months of health insurance, then nothing. See below for the difference between the others. One is early retirement with full benefits and no buyout, the other is a buyout and earned benefits to date. I still don't get the 85 year bit though.

"$50,000 and the $25,000 vehicle voucher, as well as their earned pension benefits."

"For workers between 55 and 62, and at least 10 years with Chrysler, there is a special early retirement program that provides full pension benefits, based on years of service, but no lump-sum payment or vehicle voucher."
- from the freep article.

Had issues with my phone in Indy last night too. Very intermittant, but down most of the night.

Bring the Legacy GT wagon with 6 speed manual, and I'll buy it.