musky_man

Hi, Like many of you, I am always looking for an honest car mechanic. I was going to Owens Automotive, but they had to close up due to illness. Looks like I need a head gasket replaced on my 1996 Toyota Camry and I am loathed to get raked over the coals at the dealerships. So -- anyone got a mechanic they are real happy with in the east end of Toronto? Thanks, Mark

My sympathies to you and your family. Losing a close family member is very tough.

FishnNAutographs, I am no doctor, but you mentioned that your daughter had the "stomach flu". Typically, but not always, particularly this time of year, that is due to norovirus (or sometimes rotaviruis). Both can cause severe dehydration in kids (and adults) and that can trigger seizures. I am not saying that is what this is, but I would not rule it out. If she had a lot of vomiting and loose, watery diarrhea, that might be a clue that dehydration might have played a role. Otherwise, hope that things work out.

HI, I will certainly keep you all posted. I believe that most companies want to do the right thing -- just have to be able to get to the right people. Wayne -- the Salmo people posted the same message on the Muskey Hunter Board too -- I am not sure which board triggered the response, but in the end it does not matter. I will post the outcome there as well. I have written them with the details -- so, just have to wait to see what happens. Cheers and best in 2009 to all. Mark

Salmo -- I'll be in touch and thanks for getting back to us. I'll pass you the details in an email. - Mark

JWL, No lies with a skin mount? Oh yea, there is .... not in length, but in girth.

Thanks again for all your thoughts - much appreciated.

Thanks for the advice -- will consider doing just that. -Mark

This is something that really bothers me and it seems very unfair. I have several Salmo baits but twice the lips have fallen off on 2 of the musky models (clearly defective). In the US, you just ship them back and you get them replaced. I wrote the Salmo people here and not even the courtesy of a reply. How can a company have 2 different policies re replacing their busted baits, in 2 countries that are so close. Anyone have any thoughts? I wonder if we collectively wrote them if they would change the policy. This is discrimination as far as I am concerned. I won't buy anymore of their baits until their policy changes. I don't often rant but unfairness really ticks me off ... and yea, I know, the world is not a fair place ... but maybe that's because we allow it to be that way.

Great information and thanks to all ... OFC proves its people are the best once again! Everyone have a great, safe and joyous holiday. - Mark

What makes you think some ladies would not be happy with this gift too

HI, A friend of mine is thinking of getting a gas snow blower .... any recommendations? Thanks

Canadave, Will that be Prozac, valium or lithium?

Rob, My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Hello Rick, While I have never met you , your regard here on the board by others I do know, speaks volumes. Keep postive and think good thoughts ... it does help. Whatever you decide, I be willling to bet you'll be out on the water next year like you never missed a beat. Mark

Hey Lew, Another year under the belt .. congrats... hope that it is a great day! Mark

Misfish, You seem to miss the point. The fact is Toyota and Honda are **better engineered vehicles** that are, in many instances, assembled in North Amermica. I have an acquaintance who is an engineer for the Mercedez Plant in Alabama. He used to work for Toyota. If you ask him today, he'd admit that Mercedez is BEHIND Toyota in this regard ... they are getting closer, but they are not there yet. If union workers assembled Toyota cars, I suspect that they would still be the quality vehicles that many of us have come to appreciate. Toyota engineers have to work in the assembly plant for 2 years before they get to be engineers ... there is a reason for that. The difference is the engineering. Cheers, - M

Misfish, I have a very simple question to ask you .... if all the unions suddenly disappeared tomorrow from the Big 3, do you think people would start to line up and buy their cars? I stopped buying N/A cars for a simple reason - the Japanese buld them much better. I have a 1996 Toyota Camry, getting ready to turn over 200K and other than routine maintainance and a few very minor issues, she runs like the day I bought it (used). Unions are not the problem ... lousy N/A cars are the problem. Cars are different than many items people buy ... once burned you lose the confidence of the consumer for many, many years ... often generations. On the other hand, if you have a good experience (Toyota and Honda seem to know this best) then you will be back ... even if it costs you a little more. Cheers, - M

A study published in62% greater if you are on a cellphone the New England Journal of Medicine a while back found that your chances of being in an accident are 62% greater if you are on a cellphone. I am glad they are banning them while driving ... I have asmost been creamed several times by inattentive people. Want to talk on your cell, pull off at the nearest safe point and talk. The world got along without them for thousands of years and will continue to.

Thanks for all your feedback. I do have concerns about scams and I would need to arrange with the seller on how/when the funds are transferred. Even if I had to spend 2Gs to have to sent, I'd still be ahead considerably. Anyway, the seller is supposed to be back home today and I'll be able to get more details. Thanks for the feedback.

I am looking at a boat that is in California (18 feet plus the trailer) and if I can find a way to get it to Toronto safely and in one piece, then I might buy it. Anyone here have any experience in this regard or have any connections that could help out? Feedback ... comments .... all appreciated. Mark

The Pices Pals Fishing Trophy

That was awesome! Well done.

Manager, Infectious Diseases, Toronto Public Health, West Region

While I have not caught as many musky as Lew ... yet ... I have to wonder about the wisdom of landing any large musky in a kayak. A 48" + thick fish is a handful under the best of conditions. I'm with Lew in terms of where to hold the fish and I also agree that any of the "grip" devices are likely to hurt the fish regardless of their design. Seems to me the gent above has the right idea -- get to shore and do it there, if at all possible. Also -- have a pair of Knipex with you ... eventually you will need them.