Kawasaki Concours Forum
Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: Boomer on October 01, 2020, 11:58:27 AM
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For those who don't know, the COG exec has decided to limit forum subscriptions to maximum 6 months.
For that reason I and others have chosen to give up on COG completely.
I already quit the COG Facebook group due to how it was administered.
This pains me as I have been on the COG Listserver and eventually the Forum since 1994, and was a COG member for many years but in the last 2 years it seems to have really gone down the pan. I will remain active on here (the Original Forum) and on various Facebook groups.
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Too bad. I was surprised to read that on the forum header. No warning emails or nothing. I wonder what they were thinking. But they are private so they can do these things.
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no pre-nup....ugly divorce
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Apparently this is what the members wanted, at least enough of them that this was implemented. I really cannot fault them on this, after all it is a private organization funded with dues paid for by the members so..... ? ??
Not a member myself and though I do stop by and scan, I almost never post anyway so this is not really a change for me. And of course if at any time I do want to post, it is only $37 away. In the end, they are not really restricting anyone but only insisting that dues be paid to be a member (they will apparently let anyone join- I was a member :-) ). Depending on one's point of view, the paying members are basically sponsoring the non- paying forum only members and I can certainly see how this would rub them the wrong way.
Interestingly enough, this was one of my complaints when I was a member; I was paying dues so that non- members had a forum in which to abuse members. They mostly fixed that already and this last change sort of puts the icing on that problem.
Again, just my own opinion that is no doubt worth what you paid for it.
For those who don't know, the COG exec has decided to limit forum subscriptions to maximum 6 months.
For that reason I and others have chosen to give up on COG completely.
I already quit the COG Facebook group due to how it was administered.
This pains me as I have been on the COG Listserver and eventually the Forum since 1994, and was a COG member for many years but in the last 2 years it seems to have really gone down the pan. I will remain active on here (the Original Forum) and on various Facebook groups.
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Quick update: just took a quick look at the COG site and found it surprising but there is already some negative backlash. Moderators have had to do some moderating in the thread about this (the one on the COG site) already.
Hmmmmmm. Not sure what to think about this really. Especially surprising to me are the dues- paying members who do not like the policy of shutting out the non- members. ?? I know there are dues paying members who are (were?) pretty cranky about supporting the 'freeloaders'. So it appears that there is discrepancy among the members themselves.
How does it go.... 'Give me one human and I will show you and angle, give me two people and I will show you society, give me three people and I will show you an outcast'?
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I'm one of the ones that wanted special treatment for dues paying members, but not banishment until dues are paid for forum only peeps. I wanted non members to have to see ads and some money generating banners that the dues payers did not have to see. Once again my thoughts are overridden. I worry that in addition to the "likes" nonsense this will close the ranks around the fan boys groups because there will not be any outside visionaries to call attention to the real "fabric" of the emporer's clothes. Oh well, life moves on, Covid permitting.
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We all live and die by our choices......COG has made theirs.
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We're open to everyone here. But truthfully it's bean a bit boring lately. No heads to chop at all.
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I'm apparently in the dark and in the minority regarding the notion that to belong and contribute to the OFFICIAL COG forum you should at least be a member of COG. We own machines that cost thousands and spend thousands more on options and travelling. $37USD seems to be a small amount to belong to a group and be able to further the group by spending this small amount to have an official forum with no ads. Thinking back to all the things I've learned, the people I've met and the places I've gone that are directly because of THIS and THAT forum and THIS group over the last 18 years and $37USD/yr is a small amount indeed.
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A whole lot of the contributions and knowledge you've gained came from forum-only members. There will be a wealth of info not appearing on the pay site anymore.
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I stand by my above comments. I've provided knowledge too, and, never batted an eye to paying $37/yr to be able to provide that knowledge and belong to COG and that forum.
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I stand by my above comments. I've provided knowledge too, and, never batted an eye to paying $37/yr to be able to provide that knowledge and belong to COG and that forum.
Been there done that. Paid my dues.....think my number was 4464. Like I said on the other form, I don't really ride anymore. Other hobbies have taken over so...not going to miss a lot by not being there.
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I just moved the ZGGTR forum onto my quick access bar as I'll be kicked off of the new forum as of 12/3 when my 18 year membership(#5603) will lapse. Expiring members do not get the 6 month free ride, they lose access when they're membership expires.
I prefer inclusive, not elitist forums.
So, howdy folks.
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Damn Steve. No love even for you! Welcome.
VirginiaJim, get ready to add resources to the forum. Will need more CPU time and RAM.
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Damn Steve. No love even for you! Welcome.
VirginiaJim, get ready to add resources to the forum. Will need more CPU time and RAM.
It is what it is...
Thanks.
I even had to update my sig line, it has been a while since hanging here.
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Never been a fee here; past, present, future.
Just sayin...
Rick
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I guess the old saying needs an update: 'If you want a friend in Washington, on on an Internet forum, get a dog'.
Honestly, I really am surprised by the strength of some of the reactions to this policy, especially from some who are already dues paying members. Not criticizing anyone and this is not meant in a negative way, merely observing the reactions.
:popcorn:
Brian
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As I've gotten older and my earning years shorter I've systematically eliminated financial vampires that consume small bits of money here and there. Magazine subscriptions went first then cable /satellite, land line phone, club/association dues, etc. This is an ongoing process that weighs value against cost. So yes, for me, the $37 dollars for COG is money that is better spent elsewhere. When something loses value or becomes to burdensome to maintain it's out. COG simply lost it's value to me. It's good to have choices.
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Damn Steve. No love even for you! Welcome.
VirginiaJim, get ready to add resources to the forum. Will need more CPU time and RAM.
Pretty sure we can cope with the additional loads.... ;)
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Never been a fee here; past, present, future. Just sayin..
In my case, somehow I found zggtr.org first, when researching if I wanted to buy a C14. This forum was open and without fees and restrictions (like seeing or posting photos) and I was welcomed with open arms. So I started participating before I even owned a C14, almost 10 years ago. When I decided to pull the trigger on a C14, I was already established here and stayed. I had no reason to look elsewhere; I suspect many others had the same path.
The only obligation I have is my own feeling that I want to contribute effort and content. And that means to share what I have learned and try to help others, so hopefully they can benefit more, just like I have benefited.
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I am still a dues paying member of COG. Not sure how long that will last. I spend more time on this forum. I am also a member of MSTA and run the MSTA forum at www.ridemsta.com (http://www.ridemsta.com). RideMSTA has always had two member groups, members and forum subscribers, with members able to access significant added value in member only sections. I think this would be a better option for COG.
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Never been a fee here; past, present, future.
Just sayin...
Rick
Thank you.
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I was a paid up member of COG for about 15 years.
I stopped paying when the Concourier dropped to one (or zero) editions per year.
Living over here none of the other benefits are of any use to me.
If they want paid up members only, good luck to them.
The forum is not worth $37 to me.
I think it's short sighted and will see their membership plummet.
Rick, we all love and appreciate you ;D
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Thank Y'all, and you're welcome. Every single one of you.
It's a recurring topic, why don't I charge a fee. If I were to charge a fee, that implies I should provide an arbitrary level of service lest some users get pissed off and leave. Since I don't charge anything, Y'all got nothing to bitch about when this server goes down for various and sundry reasons, and it has. Many times.
Jim and Tony have instructions on how to continue the legacy should I expire in my sleep tonight. If they understand those instructions is another story, but they have them. Direct costs are covered for a few years after I expire, then Jim/Tony may ask for a contribution... against my wishes. But by then, FakeBook and/or InstaPound may reign supreme, or the Concours is end of life. Until that time, enjoy the Admin's generosity and pay YOUR 'dues' by posting useful information to new and existing Concours owners, that's all we ask. And if the money runs out, and this forum goes TU, I'll refund every dime you paid to keep her running.
It's really quite simple when you think about it, almost Communistic. "From those that have, to those than have not". But this type of comment (or reply) is reserved for "The Arena" ;)
Rick
Rick, we all love and appreciate you ;D
Thank you.
The only obligation I have is my own feeling that I want to contribute effort and content. And that means to share what I have learned and try to help others, so hopefully they can benefit more, just like I have benefited.
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Pretty sure we can cope with the additional loads.... ;)
Well I guess you should know, but I'd check the sharpness of the back up sword just in case. It might have a hint of rust on it and let you down when you need it.
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This is the first that I've heard of this. I scan COG just about everyday but somehow missed the notice.
I was a dues payer at that site for a couple years early on but let my membership expire, for numerous reasons. I've been a member of both sites since early 2009 or so, or whenever the split took place.
Oh well.
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So say a person signs on as a forum subscriber and in six months gets the boot cause he/she didn't buy into what they're selling, is said person then proscribed from ever being a forum subscriber again? I'd ask over there but I can't unless I sign on to be a forum subscriber which would start the six month doomsday countdown.
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No, of course not. Join the forum (pay the dues) and get full access at any time.
And just to be clear, when the six months is up, a forum subscriber does not 'get the boot', not at all. Anyone / everyone can still read the COG forum but you cannot search, and you cannot post. But anyone can read most though not all of the forum without logging in, which is how it will be after the six months trial period.
At least that is how I understand it. I have no information other than what is already published on the COG website and so may well be wrong.
As I understand it, this change was done in response to some members feeling they were footing the bill and forum subscribers were sort of hanging on for free. Back when I was a member, there was a lot of abuse delivered by forum members (read: not dues paying members), and I viewed it as basically I was paying for others to be obnoxious and abusive. The current changes have absolutely nothing to do with me as I have not been a member of COG since '14 IIRC but the principle still applies, again at least in my opinion. And this is just one of many changes COG management has made to the forum to improve things and reduce or eliminate obnoxious behavior, and I believe it has been successful overall.
One other thought- dues are only $37 / year and that is really not a big deal for most, maybe all, who own and ride a motorcycle anyway. What is that, basically one oil change per year and even then not with the high- dollar oil? Decent headlight bulbs are close to that in cost and no one would lay-up a motorcycle because it blew out a headlight lamp.
So say a person signs on as a forum subscriber and in six months gets the boot cause he/she didn't buy into what they're selling, is said person then proscribed from ever being a forum subscriber again? I'd ask over there but I can't unless I sign on to be a forum subscriber which would start the six month doomsday countdown.
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I'm out there as well. I'm full paid till next year, (just renewed last month) and its not the money. its the way it was done, and then the reactions of the mods to the comments. Its going to push out more paid members than they think.
I've lurked here a long time, but the cog forum is, to me, not where i want to be anymore. They can have it.
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Never been a fee here; past, present, future.
Just sayin... Rick
If my memory is correct: {??}
When I joined COG / 2000, we had a List Server(??).
It was outdated and kinda difficult to use.
So, you developed a Forum to replace it.
During those days, there was not a charge for access, but a person "had" to be a COG Member to read/post to either?
Later, your Forum was replaced by the COG Forum and the ZGGTR Forum was introduced.
{NOTE: I'll leave it at that as I know there are some tender feelings involved}.
Some time later, COG added Forum Subscribers to the new Forum?
The reason COG gave for adding Forum Subscribers was to introduce other Riders to COG.
{After getting to know us, (Hopefully) they would join COG}
Ride safe, Ted
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Later, your Forum was replaced by the COG Forum and the ZGGTR Forum was introduced.
I think that is what Rick is referring to as having always been open and free, is zggtr.org.
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Ahh sooo.
{err} I mean "OOps".... :loco: :nuts:
My mistake.
I stand,,, "Corrected"
Ride safe, Ted
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membership lapsed back in March. got the heck out of there due to poor executive leadership. don't miss it a bit. here in the SE, we have ROSE, which I understand is a thorn in the ass of some in COG. Those in power f*ed up a good thing and alienated a lot of good people. now they can lay in it. ;D ;D ;D
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serious question: whats 'ROSE'? Acronym, or 'rose' in board members?
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It seems to me that if you freely give useful information on a forum, you should be able to freely take useful information. They'll likely lose some very good info by not allowing non dues paying members to post.
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serious question: whats 'ROSE'? Acronym, or 'rose' in board members?
I think it's Riders Of South East.
I've heard of it but I'm not sure if it's a a separate group like Two Wheeled Texans is or if it's a sub group of COG. If it's a sub group
that has become disgruntled with COG then it could be a mini mass exodus similar to the group of Michigan riders that left the MSTA
a few years ago in a huff. However I'm just speculating since I don't live on that forum nor visit the COG facebook page very often. I rarely
know what is going on in COG until it's all over. ???
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that makes sense actually. thanks. (ROSE)
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If my memory is correct: {??}
At your (my) age? Be real ;)
When I joined COG / 2000, we had a List Server(??).
It was outdated and kinda difficult to use.
So, you developed a Forum to replace it.
During those days, there was not a charge for access, but a person "had" to be a COG Member to read/post to either?
Mostly correct. Except for the fee, there was never one, and the mailing list WAS state of the art AT THAT TIME! It's just that some/many didn't like the format of a mailing list. Related, mailing lists still remain cool for 10-50 people. Unruly in excess of 100 users... 100 ACTIVE users. We (the official cog) passed 100 email users around 1996
Later, your Forum was replaced by the COG Forum and the ZGGTR Forum was introduced.
{NOTE: I'll leave it at that as I know there are some tender feelings involved}.
Not gonna go there, at least in an public post.
Rick
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I think it's Riders Of South East.
I've heard of it but I'm not sure if it's a a separate group like Two Wheeled Texans is or if it's a sub group of COG. If it's a sub group
that has become disgruntled with COG then it could be a mini mass exodus similar to the group of Michigan riders that left the MSTA
a few years ago in a huff. However I'm just speculating since I don't live on that forum nor visit the COG facebook page very often. I rarely
know what is going on in COG until it's all over. ???
Separate group. not affiliated with COG although some members of ROSE are in COG. it started as an alternative to COG for southeastern riders, but has grown to include many from other motorcycle walks of life. it's facebook only. A social group for all riders who travel, camp and generally get together. it just started this summer, so initial activities have been quite hampered by COVID problems. if you'd like to see a bit of it, here's the FB page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/657057978187342 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/657057978187342)
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it's facebook only.
Eeeeew.... gross!
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What's it called when people screw up the place they live and bring their screwed up ideas with them when they move?
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What's it called when people screw up the place they live and bring their screwed up ideas with them when they move?
"life"
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At your (my) age? Be real ;)Mostly correct. Except for the fee, there was never one, and the mailing list WAS state of the art AT THAT TIME! It's just that some/many didn't like the format of a mailing list. Related, mailing lists still remain cool for 10-50 people. Unruly in excess of 100 users... 100 ACTIVE users. We (the official cog) passed 100 email users around 1996Not gonna go there, at least in an public post.
Rick
Thanks Rick.
I thought you had to be a COG Member to be on the List Server or the first Forum.
My intention was to try to determine when Forum Subscribers were added to the forum.
Ride safe, Ted
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Forum Subscribers were added to the COG forum about 3 years ago. I wondered then why the segregation but it seems that they want to monetise the forum. If it'd been me I would have added adverts for Forum Subscribers but it seems we're not wanted, so I left. Their loss. 😁
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What's it called when people screw up the place they live and bring their screwed up ideas with them when they move?
That's a good question. I sort of searched but I can't find a word for that. The closest I've come up with is missionarism.
However that wouldn't exactly explain phenomena like snowbirds moving to Arizona and trying to grow perfect bluegrass lawns in 110+
degree heat....so is there a word for that: "when people screw up the place they live and bring their screwed up ideas with them when they move"?
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carpetbaggers, of sorts.
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Forum Subscribers were added to the COG forum about 3 years ago. I wondered then why the segregation but it seems that they want to monetise the forum. If it'd been me I would have added adverts for Forum Subscribers but it seems we're not wanted, so I left. Their loss. 😁
And we're quite glad you are here as well as all the others!
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What's it called when people screw up the place they live and bring their screwed up ideas with them when they move?
“ghetto”
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(http://www.2strokeworld.net/wp-content/uploads/misc-temp/intheghetto.gif)
:rotflmao:
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It has a bunch of names:
Colonialism
Socialism / Communism (they really wanted to export that one)
Imperialism
Exploration (not to be confused with colonialism, which is what follows exploration about ten years later)
And universally it is known as foreign 'help' and / or 'aid'.
Lots o' Americans recognize it as Califoniarizoniamism, New York New Hampshire combinations and so forth. It is what happens when people find they live in a place that sucks, move over a bit and start spreading the thing that caused the 'suck' in the first place around the new place. On a color chart it can be seen as the coastal blue leaking into the internal red but that might be taken as a political view so I will not mention it.
;) ;D
What's it called when people screw up the place they live and bring their screwed up ideas with them when they move?
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Lots o' Americans recognize it as Califoniarizoniamism, New York New Hampshire combinations and so forth.
Back in the mid '90s, the Mrs and I are looking over the local Fort Worth real estate market seeking a larger house. She complains that "All the damn yankees are moving down here and driving up all the prices."
I looked at her and said " You do realize that you just said that to a guy from Chicago that moved down here just to marry you, right?"
She looked at me as though I was an idiot and replied "Oh you don't count, you don't have any money." ::)
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Yeah Marty. A Yankee is some one from the North. A Damn Yankee is some one from the North who refuses to leave. LOL
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You do realize that you just said that to a guy from Chicago that moved down here just to marry you, right?"
Ahh haaa.... I "knew" there was something i didn't like about you...
Ride safe, Ted
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“ghetto”
I call it insanity.
Doing the same thing repeatedly expecting different results.
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What's it called when people screw up the place they live and bring their screwed up ideas with them when they move?
Colorado?
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Colorado?
exhibit #1
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Off topic, but m in sc, I just love your forum photo. It makes me laugh every time I look at it. Something about that rabbit with an irritated expression... ;D
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Glad you like it.
Off topic, but m in sc, I just love your forum photo. It makes me laugh every time I look at it. Something about that rabbit with an irritated expression... ;D
my last name in German is direct translated to 'Hare' , so there's a tie in there. That movie is hilarious as well. ;D
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Movie?
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Movie?
"The Secret Life of Pets".
Snowball the Psycho Bunny.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3zcvtj (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3zcvtj)
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I'm out there as well. I'm full paid till next year, (just renewed last month) and its not the money. its the way it was done, and then the reactions of the mods to the comments. Its going to push out more paid members than they think.
I've lurked here a long time, but the cog forum is, to me, not where i want to be anymore. They can have it.
Well now that you are here M', perhaps you'd be so kind to put some photos or info about your smokers in the "other bike section (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=11.0)" ? Please?
Hoping you got an ol' running Bridgestone 350 GTR or Water Buffalo or something to wet my 2 stroke appetite.
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Not sure what the word for the movement is but I've heard the people being called "halfbacks" that end up in the Carolina's. :)
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Not sure what the word for the movement is but I've heard the people being called "halfbacks" that end up in the Carolina's. :)
Ha! I had to look that one up.
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Initially heard it from retired fellow Gov't workers who's pension is based on NYC's cost of living, moving to FLA where it is MUCH less to live like kings, then realizing it's a tad warm there and moving halfway back to NYC. :)
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With the constant influx of Yankees, the Carolinian's are experiencing what the native Americans had to put up with centuries ago. ;D
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Initially heard it from retired fellow Gov't workers who's pension is based on NYC's cost of living, moving to FLA where it is MUCH less to live like kings, then realizing it's a tad warm there and moving halfway back to NYC. :)
Eastern Tennessee is one of those places..