One of my various duties here at Flatline Thinking include the management of the Institute motor pool. The fleet has shrunk over the years and is now down to a manageable 2 vehicles: a 12 year old BMW driven by Mrs. Kfred and a 6 year old 136,000 mile SUV afforded to me for my exclusive use as executive director. Reminding the reader by the chronicle in an earlier post, the expense and maintenance of these assets can sometimes be daunting.
As an in-your-face affront to the environment, high gas prices, and the green crowd, the SUV (with our Central Research, Analysis, and Policy (CRAP) logo emblazoned on both sides) draws considerable attention from other drivers. Regardless, I had scheduled the CRAP vehicle for a routine oil change and replacement of the rear brake pads at the local shop. These were both items that I was monitoring, had budgeted $175 for completion, and expected to be finished in 2 hours. Imagine my surprise when the shop called and noted that in addition, the front brakes and rotors were down to 10% wear life and would need to be replaced immediately. 4 hours and $469.10 later, the CRAP vehicle was on the road and earned a reprieve as a sales statistic from the soon to end Cash for Clunkers program when it flawlessly avoided a near collision with a streaking, cell phone yakking, red light running, driver of a GMC Yukon. After exchanging the obligatory dirty looks, assumed right of ways, and mouthed insults, I was on my way.
As an in-your-face affront to the environment, high gas prices, and the green crowd, the SUV (with our Central Research, Analysis, and Policy (CRAP) logo emblazoned on both sides) draws considerable attention from other drivers. Regardless, I had scheduled the CRAP vehicle for a routine oil change and replacement of the rear brake pads at the local shop. These were both items that I was monitoring, had budgeted $175 for completion, and expected to be finished in 2 hours. Imagine my surprise when the shop called and noted that in addition, the front brakes and rotors were down to 10% wear life and would need to be replaced immediately. 4 hours and $469.10 later, the CRAP vehicle was on the road and earned a reprieve as a sales statistic from the soon to end Cash for Clunkers program when it flawlessly avoided a near collision with a streaking, cell phone yakking, red light running, driver of a GMC Yukon. After exchanging the obligatory dirty looks, assumed right of ways, and mouthed insults, I was on my way.
In summary, I know one thing: the CRAP vehicle is a high visibility tool that the FTI cannot afford to lose. Literally.
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