Gas Prices

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by LordHelmchen

Interesting, so there is no really defined speed limit? And who gets to decide what is reasonable and prudent? I mean, resonable and prudent should always be your speed limit, but .. having that as an official definition seems to be a bit weird for me. But then again, the USA are famous here for having some really strange laws. Though, of course, I can't really tell how much of that is true or just some predjudice and fun making or just urban legends.

I've taken several law classes (for fun...I know it's disgusting) and I'm in products liability right now. And yes we have some strange laws. But then Europe did also, they have just corrected them in time and we will also (we are a lot younger then the European countries).

I agree, the use of reasonable and prudent is difficult and can be losely applied...its the same terms used in product liability actually.

From my limited experience and limited knowledge of European law, Europe is much more strict when it comes to stare decisis (ruling based on previous decisions) and have pretty much almost every thing mapped out (ie if such and such happens this the result). Here in the states we have given our judges more flexibility in the system. Here in the US no court decision can have universal application, the courts can decide that a previous decision does not apply to a current case even though the facts and issues appear to be closely similiar.

Each system has their advantages and disadvantages.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by LordHelmchen

Interesting, so there is no really defined speed limit? And who gets to decide what is reasonable and prudent? I mean, resonable and prudent should always be your speed limit, but .. having that as an official definition seems to be a bit weird for me. But then again, the USA are famous here for having some really strange laws. Though, of course, I can't really tell how much of that is true or just some predjudice and fun making or just urban legends.

When I lived there, I thought the cops would bust you for reckless endangerment if you were going over 89 mph. But it's really the cops decision. If they feel you're going too fast for the circumstances, they'll pull you over.

[LordHelmchen]

Originally Posted by rascal

I've taken several law classes (for fun...I know it's disgusting) and I'm in products liability right now. And yes we have some strange laws. But then Europe did also, they have just corrected them in time and we will also (we are a lot younger then the European countries).

I agree, the use of reasonable and prudent is difficult and can be losely applied...its the same terms used in product liability actually.

From my limited experience and limited knowledge of European law, Europe is much more strict when it comes to stare decisis (ruling based on previous decisions) and have pretty much almost every thing mapped out (ie if such and such happens this the result). Here in the states we have given our judges more flexibility in the system. Here in the US no court decision can have universal application, the courts can decide that a previous decision does not apply to a current case even though the facts and issues appear to be closely similiar.

Each system has their advantages and disadvantages.

I'm really no expert on law, but isn't your law system based , in principle, on the English law? IIRC in Germany there is a fundamental different law system. Thinking about that, it must be a mess to trade with Europe for you guys, so many different laws to take into account...

[LordHelmchen]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

When I lived there, I thought the cops would bust you for reckless endangerment if you were going over 89 mph. But it's really the cops decision. If they feel you're going too fast for the circumstances, they'll pull you over.

That leaves the door open for abuse...
I guess it's not really good idea to piss of the cops there (well, of course that never is a good idea...)

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Originally Posted by Bosko

Obviously, you don't understand the Consumer Price Index, so you "won't buy it." The CPI is used to calculate inflation rates. When adjusted for inflation, it is clear that gasoline prices are far below the 1981 inflation-adjusted peak of $2.94.

1981
milk: 2.22
eggs: 0.90
gas: 1.38

1991
milk: 2.80
eggs: 1.01
gas: 1.14

1999
milk: 3.32
eggs: 1.08
gas: 1.17

Yep, I understand the CPI. I also understand how much food and gas cost then and now. So the index I use is how much prices (fuel and food) effect my bottom line. As I pointed out, gas has doubled since 1980 (the first time ever gasoline reached $1 a gallon) and food prices have risen about 80%.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Is reasonable and prudent too slow for you?

That only lasted for about 3 years I think ('96-99).

[Mtbrncofn]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Is reasonable and prudent too slow for you?

If that is in reference to the no speed limit law here in Montana, then you are outdated. That little thing didn't last too long here. We have a set speed limit now. It's been close to five years since that has been gone now.

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by LordHelmchen

I'm really no expert on law, but isn't your law system based , in principle, on the English law? IIRC in Germany there is a fundamental different law system. Thinking about that, it must be a mess to trade with Europe for you guys, so many different laws to take into account...

Yes we are based in principle on the English law system, although through the years a diffenent difference has evolved.

My sister in law is getting her law degree for that very purpose. She already had her CPA and know she is getting her law degree to do foreign business.

The same applies to you guys trading with us and England. Every country is different (some more so then others) and one of the major obstacles to overcome in any trade relations is the difference in laws, regulations, etc.

Isn't there an international set of laws governing trade anyway? I have no experience what so ever in that area.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by mtbrncofn®

If that is in reference to the no speed limit law here in Montana, then you are outdated. That little thing didn't last too long here. We have a set speed limit now. It's been close to five years since that has been gone now.

I've been gone from Montana for almost 9 years, and it's not really a state that makes national news unless they find the Unabomber or the Montana Militia is involved.

[Arkie]

Originally Posted by LordHelmchen

Did that long ago, as I'm living only 2 min away from the next station and the office is only 5 min from the station too.
Anyway, gas has always been way more expensive here than in the States, so we're kind of used to it. What I couldn't get used to would be your strict speed limits

Your cigarettes are more expensive too. I remember a couple of years ago a pack costing around $7.

[Mtbrncofn]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

I've been gone from Montana for almost 9 years, and it's not really a state that makes national news unless they find the Unabomber or the Montana Militia is involved.

Ain't that the truth...sadly.

[Hotrod]

Speaking of gas prices Im thinking about asking the wife for one of these.

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/arti..._ccc=5&cid=842

[Jens1893]

Originally Posted by Bosko

Your cigarettes are more expensive too. I remember a couple of years ago a pack costing around $7.

Different from country to country. The UK´s had very high cigarette prices for quite a while, but we are well on the way to doubling cigarette prices here in Germany. We´re now at 4 € for 19 cigarettes. It was around 2.50 € for a pack just a 3-4 years ago. Your price probably was during the Dollar´s "prime time", but the exchange rate is pretty good for us right now.