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Rune wrote:
> Where did you speak to her?
>
> Was it on the net, as the title implies?
Yes.
She also gave me some pictures of herself. One is an ugly fat girl, and
the other is a tall beautiful women. I'm confused...
--
http://blog.orphi.me.uk/
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"Orchid XP v3" <voi### [at] dev null> wrote in message
news:46e821ce$1@news.povray.org...
> Rune wrote:
>
> > Where did you speak to her?
> >
> > Was it on the net, as the title implies?
>
> Yes.
>
> She also gave me some pictures of herself. One is an ugly fat girl, and
> the other is a tall beautiful women. I'm confused...
LOL. it's probably neither. Probably some scarey old man.
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Ross wrote:
> LOL. it's probably neither. Probably some scarey old man.
Oh hey, you got my emails? Great!
XD
--
Tim Cook
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-empyrean
-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
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GFA dpu- s: a?-- C++(++++) U P? L E--- W++(+++)>$
N++ o? K- w(+) O? M-(--) V? PS+(+++) PE(--) Y(--)
PGP-(--) t* 5++>+++++ X+ R* tv+ b++(+++) DI
D++(---) G(++) e*>++ h+ !r--- !y--
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------
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Jim Henderson wrote:
>
> Hey, that reminds me - how long you been teaching the class you teach?
A little over a year ago I began teaching at the Taxi Institute. I
began teaching a defensive driving course there. Really the standard
thing but it is an ongoing requirement for cab drivers to take it in
order to keep their hack license current, so most of the attendees are
in fact cab drivers. I also began teaching a referesher course that
drivers are required to take on the first year anniversary of their
license. In May of this year I began teaching the Initial Training for
the hack license. I wasn't qualified to teach that one until I had
sufficient time in driving. And that is the course that I was writing
about.
> We've taken to watching "Cash Cab" on Discovery and have often wondered
> if Ben (the host of the show) is actually a licensed cab driver.
Pretty safe assumption.
His bio
> says he used to be a limo driver (in NYC, IIRC), but we don't know if
> that would be relevant experience.
A hack license allows you to drive limo, technically FHV (for hire
vehicle) but a FHV license is not enough to drive 'yellows'
>
> The show credits the NYC Taxi Commission (they do use the correct name,
> of course - I just can't remember it).
>
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/home/home.shtml
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On Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:58:22 -0400, Jim Charter wrote:
> Jim Henderson wrote:
>
>> Hey, that reminds me - how long you been teaching the class you teach?
>
> A little over a year ago I began teaching at the Taxi Institute. I
> began teaching a defensive driving course there. Really the standard
> thing but it is an ongoing requirement for cab drivers to take it in
> order to keep their hack license current, so most of the attendees are
> in fact cab drivers. I also began teaching a referesher course that
> drivers are required to take on the first year anniversary of their
> license. In May of this year I began teaching the Initial Training for
> the hack license. I wasn't qualified to teach that one until I had
> sufficient time in driving. And that is the course that I was writing
> about.
Cool, it's amazing the skills and things people who I meet online have or
do. :-) What sort of defensive driving techniques are employed by hacks
in NYC? I've always found that sort of thing interesting (my dad taught
me to drive in MN, and he was always teaching me defensive techniques).
I understand there's a fairly common courtesy amongst cabbies in NYC
(well, everywhere, really, but NYC cabbies are IMHO the best around; the
ones in San Francisco that I've had didn't even know how to get to where
they were driving me; the one I had in Atlanta took advantage of my rush
to the airport and gave himself a 100% tip for the ride - I hated having
to pay with a credit card).
In fact, the only other place I've ridden in a cab that I would compare
to NYC is in the UK (down near Hastings - haven't done a London cab ride
yet), and I know the cabs there have a steering system that turns both
the front and the back wheels (I forget what it's called now - my wife
says it's called a "independent double wishbone suspension", capable of
doing a U-turn in 25 feet, mandated by the public carriage office) so the
cabs are REALLY maneuverable. Anything like that employed on the cabs
there? (I've not noticed it, but it's kinda hard while in the cab to see
what the wheels are doing, obviously)
>> We've taken to watching "Cash Cab" on Discovery and have often wondered
>> if Ben (the host of the show) is actually a licensed cab driver.
>
> Pretty safe assumption.
I thought that was probably the case; they show what looks like his
license at the beginning of the show, but I keep forgetting to pause and
have a closer look to see how real it looks. Usually there are things
that make it clear it's not real, since he's actually driving around
Broadway. The cab itself is indistinguishable to my eye from any of the
other yellow minivan cabs there.
> His bio
>> says he used to be a limo driver (in NYC, IIRC), but we don't know if
>> that would be relevant experience.
>
> A hack license allows you to drive limo, technically FHV (for hire
> vehicle) but a FHV license is not enough to drive 'yellows'
Interesting, didn't know that. I have seen FHVs at JFK, drivers asking
people waiting for the yellows charging a flat rate to get into town
(seems to me it was usually about $60-$75 the most recent time I was
there). I always wondered if those were legal or if there was some way
to tell whether they were or not. They seemed to take people out of the
cab load/unload area there at the airport up into a nearby parking lot.
I did that once, then instead would arrange a ride at the FHV counter
inside the terminal.
>> The show credits the NYC Taxi Commission (they do use the correct name,
>> of course - I just can't remember it).
>>
>>
> http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/home/home.shtml
That'd be the one, of course. :-) Thanks for the info - always enjoyed
reading your stories about some of the fares you've had.
Jim
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Jim Henderson wrote:
>
> Cool, it's amazing the skills and things people who I meet online have or
> do. :-) What sort of defensive driving techniques are employed by hacks
> in NYC?
Again, I teach here:
http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/taxi/
Andrew Vollo is my 'boss'
We teach the Defensive Driving, techically PIRP (Point and Insurance
Reduction Program) under the sponsorship of:
http://www.ntsi.com/
It is the same course that anyone might take to reduce points on their
license. It is just that it is a TLC requirement that drivers (meaning
taxi drivers) take this or similar course every three years as a
compliance requirement for their hack license. (hack licenses are
renewed eery two years) In addition the course is prerequisite to
applying for a hack license in the first place. So my students tend to
be people fulfilling TLC requirements.
I've always found that sort of thing interesting (my dad taught
> me to drive in MN, and he was always teaching me defensive techniques).
The course focuses primarily on mental attitude and less on hard
techniques. I give a lot of emphasis to road rage and less emphasis on
alcohol. Many of the drivers are muslim.
> I understand there's a fairly common courtesy amongst cabbies in NYC
Not sure what you mean here but the usual take is that NY cabs have a
fairly bad reputation. This is not entirely deserved. Drivers will
show each other small courtesies on occasion. For instance a car
running 'heavy' meaning he has a fare, might block traffic to help an
empty car get across to a hail. But two cars competing for a fare can
get ugly.
> (well, everywhere, really, but NYC cabbies are IMHO the best around; the
> ones in San Francisco that I've had didn't even know how to get to where
> they were driving me;
I needed to hear that, we really do take a lot of abuse.
the one I had in Atlanta took advantage of my rush
> to the airport and gave himself a 100% tip for the ride - I hated having
> to pay with a credit card).
>
> In fact, the only other place I've ridden in a cab that I would compare
> to NYC is in the UK (down near Hastings - haven't done a London cab ride
> yet),
London and Tokyo cabs are the ones that people cite as superior
and I know the cabs there have a steering system that turns both
> the front and the back wheels (I forget what it's called now - my wife
> says it's called a "independent double wishbone suspension", capable of
> doing a U-turn in 25 feet, mandated by the public carriage office) so the
> cabs are REALLY maneuverable. Anything like that employed on the cabs
> there? (I've not noticed it, but it's kinda hard while in the cab to see
> what the wheels are doing, obviously)
Nope. Innovations here are in the direction of hybrid 'green' models
and wheelchair access.
.
>
>
> I thought that was probably the case; they show what looks like his
> license at the beginning of the show, but I keep forgetting to pause and
> have a closer look to see how real it looks. Usually there are things
> that make it clear it's not real, since he's actually driving around
> Broadway. The cab itself is indistinguishable to my eye from any of the
> other yellow minivan cabs there.
It looks pretty straight up to me. People seem genuinely surprised. I
guess the camera work must be craftily hidden. The routes are all the
sort of thing I do routinely 'night in and night out' The shots of the
passing stuff is exactly what I am immersed in all night.
>
>
> Interesting, didn't know that. I have seen FHVs at JFK, drivers asking
> people waiting for the yellows charging a flat rate to get into town
> (seems to me it was usually about $60-$75 the most recent time I was
> there). I always wondered if those were legal or if there was some way
> to tell whether they were or not.
They are NOT legal, they may only pickup prearranged fares, never
solicite fares or pick up street hails. NOw it is common for FHV's and
gypsies to pick up street hails in the outer boroughs where yellows
don'w want to go anyway. But not at the airports. In fact it is also
against regs for yellows to pick up hails at the airports. It must be
the taxi line or nothing.
They seemed to take people out of the
> cab load/unload area there at the airport up into a nearby parking lot.
Absolutely illegal
http://newyorkhack.blogspot.com/2007/07/perfectly-legal.html
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On Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:58:53 -0400, Jim Charter wrote:
> Jim Henderson wrote:
>
>
>> Cool, it's amazing the skills and things people who I meet online have
>> or do. :-) What sort of defensive driving techniques are employed by
>> hacks in NYC?
>
> Again, I teach here:
> http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/taxi/
> Andrew Vollo is my 'boss'
>
> We teach the Defensive Driving, techically PIRP (Point and Insurance
> Reduction Program) under the sponsorship of: http://www.ntsi.com/
>
> It is the same course that anyone might take to reduce points on their
> license. It is just that it is a TLC requirement that drivers (meaning
> taxi drivers) take this or similar course every three years as a
> compliance requirement for their hack license. (hack licenses are
> renewed eery two years) In addition the course is prerequisite to
> applying for a hack license in the first place. So my students tend to
> be people fulfilling TLC requirements.
Makes sense. I'll have a look over these sites later (got a meeting to
run to in 10 minutes).
> I've always found that sort of thing interesting (my dad taught
>> me to drive in MN, and he was always teaching me defensive techniques).
>
> The course focuses primarily on mental attitude and less on hard
> techniques. I give a lot of emphasis to road rage and less emphasis on
> alcohol. Many of the drivers are muslim.
That adaptation makes a lot of sense; I had wondered, because the
portrayal of cab drivers on shows like Law and Order seems to tend
heavily towards Middle-Eastern descent. Not always, of course, but my
wife and I watch several programs and note the diversity (or lack
thereof) based on where the program is *supposed* to be based. Not
really a conscious thing for either of us, but her friends have commented
on it in the past and raised her awareness as a result.
>> I understand there's a fairly common courtesy amongst cabbies in NYC
>
> Not sure what you mean here but the usual take is that NY cabs have a
> fairly bad reputation. This is not entirely deserved. Drivers will
> show each other small courtesies on occasion. For instance a car
> running 'heavy' meaning he has a fare, might block traffic to help an
> empty car get across to a hail. But two cars competing for a fare can
> get ugly.
I could see competition getting ugly - and I *think* I might've seen that
once, in fact; but what I was thinking of was the heavy car helping one
get a fare or stuff like that - making way for another driver who's
stuck, creating openings in the traffic, that sort of thing.
>> (well, everywhere, really, but NYC cabbies are IMHO the best around;
>> the ones in San Francisco that I've had didn't even know how to get to
>> where they were driving me;
>
> I needed to hear that, we really do take a lot of abuse.
Lots of stressed-out people in NYC, I've observed. But I've always
appreciated the cabs I've ridden in there. It's easy to walk a few
blocks, but there just are times (obviously) where walking isn't
practical. And it's not like finding a cab downtown is difficult, either
- there are an awful lot of them. :-)
> the one I had in Atlanta took advantage of my rush
>> to the airport and gave himself a 100% tip for the ride - I hated
>> having to pay with a credit card).
>>
>> In fact, the only other place I've ridden in a cab that I would compare
>> to NYC is in the UK (down near Hastings - haven't done a London cab
>> ride yet),
>
> London and Tokyo cabs are the ones that people cite as superior
The interesting thing is that some London cab drivers underwent some sort
of intelligence testing, and it was discovered that the requirements
there to actually *know* how to get places (the test there includes a
mapping test - shortest route between points A and B - without a map IIRC
- that sort of thing) really help with other mental capabilities. I
don't know if NYC has anything like that on their exam, but I know San
Francisco doesn't (as per my example of the driver asking *me* how to get
to my hotel - "which turn do I take again?")
> and I know the cabs there have a steering system that turns both
>> the front and the back wheels (I forget what it's called now - my wife
>> says it's called a "independent double wishbone suspension", capable of
>> doing a U-turn in 25 feet, mandated by the public carriage office) so
>> the cabs are REALLY maneuverable. Anything like that employed on the
>> cabs there? (I've not noticed it, but it's kinda hard while in the cab
>> to see what the wheels are doing, obviously)
>
> Nope. Innovations here are in the direction of hybrid 'green' models
> and wheelchair access.
That's cool, I thought I'd heard something about hybrid technology being
introduced in the yellows there. I guess U-turns aren't particularly
important in NYC since most of the streets (at least near Times Square,
where our office is there) are one way, at least for part of the day
(which makes sense to me but seems like it could be very confusing as
well)
>> I thought that was probably the case; they show what looks like his
>> license at the beginning of the show, but I keep forgetting to pause
>> and have a closer look to see how real it looks. Usually there are
>> things that make it clear it's not real, since he's actually driving
>> around Broadway. The cab itself is indistinguishable to my eye from
>> any of the other yellow minivan cabs there.
>
> It looks pretty straight up to me. People seem genuinely surprised. I
> guess the camera work must be craftily hidden. The routes are all the
> sort of thing I do routinely 'night in and night out' The shots of the
> passing stuff is exactly what I am immersed in all night.
I've noticed that the few times he's been caught out, it's because either
they noticed the number on the outside (1G12, IIRC) or it was someone
getting into the back seat who spotted the camera in the back.
Apparently the luggage space is full of recording equipment and one
camera sticks up over the back of the seat. They seem to have done a
good job of hiding the cameras overall, not to mention the extra
cameramen who shoot from the street (which I still haven't figured out
where they ride or how they follow)
>> Interesting, didn't know that. I have seen FHVs at JFK, drivers asking
>> people waiting for the yellows charging a flat rate to get into town
>> (seems to me it was usually about $60-$75 the most recent time I was
>> there). I always wondered if those were legal or if there was some way
>> to tell whether they were or not.
>
> They are NOT legal, they may only pickup prearranged fares, never
> solicite fares or pick up street hails. NOw it is common for FHV's and
> gypsies to pick up street hails in the outer boroughs where yellows
> don'w want to go anyway. But not at the airports. In fact it is also
> against regs for yellows to pick up hails at the airports. It must be
> the taxi line or nothing.
Good to know, definitely will keep that in mind next time I'm there.
> They seemed to take people out of the
>> cab load/unload area there at the airport up into a nearby parking lot.
>
> Absolutely illegal
>
> http://newyorkhack.blogspot.com/2007/07/perfectly-legal.html
Thanks again,
Jim
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Jim Henderson wrote:
> The interesting thing is that some London cab drivers underwent some sort
> of intelligence testing, and it was discovered that the requirements
> there to actually *know* how to get places (the test there includes a
> mapping test - shortest route between points A and B - without a map IIRC
> - that sort of thing) really help with other mental capabilities. I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Knowledge#The_Knowledge
And, probably not a conclusive piece of trivia given the diversity of
contestants, but nevertheless relevant:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Housego
:)
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Ross wrote:
>> She also gave me some pictures of herself. One is an ugly fat girl, and
>> the other is a tall beautiful women. I'm confused...
>
> LOL. it's probably neither. Probably some scarey old man.
Yeah, that thought had criss-crossed my mind... :-S
--
http://blog.orphi.me.uk/
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"Orchid XP v3" <voi### [at] devnull> wrote in message
news:46e96f1e@news.povray.org...
> Ross wrote:
>
>>> She also gave me some pictures of herself. One is an ugly fat girl, and
>>> the other is a tall beautiful women. I'm confused...
>>
>> LOL. it's probably neither. Probably some scarey old man.
>
> Yeah, that thought had criss-crossed my mind... :-S
Well, that's a shame, I really thought you'd cracked it this time.
~Steve~
>
> --
> http://blog.orphi.me.uk/
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