The Briefing Room

General Category => Military/Defense News => Topic started by: happyg on March 17, 2014, 09:19:20 pm

Title: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: happyg on March 17, 2014, 09:19:20 pm
By Steve Straub

Two Veterans call out fake soldier wearing Ranger, E.O.D., and 101st airborne tab. While wearing an E-8 rank.



WARNING: This video contains extreme profanity, if that offends you DO NOT watch this video. If you watch it and are offended you have no right to complain because you were warned! Again DO NOT watch this video if profanity offends you, or if you’re at work!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HC0DGMfrnw&feature=player_embedded

http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/us/things-get-heated-when-two-vets-confront-man-wearing-military-clothing (http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/us/things-get-heated-when-two-vets-confront-man-wearing-military-clothing)
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: aligncare on March 17, 2014, 09:31:16 pm
Save for later viewing
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Gazoo on March 17, 2014, 09:44:51 pm
Wearing a military uniform under false pretenses to: pick up women? Look like Billy badass? Complete with the haircut, is sick and I believe punishable and a federal offense.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: happyg on March 17, 2014, 09:45:35 pm
Wearing a military uniform under false pretenses to: pick up women? Look like Billy badass? Complete with the haircut, is sick and I believe punishable and a federal offense.

They also get free drinks and/or meals from patriots!
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 17, 2014, 10:56:57 pm
Wearing a military uniform under false pretenses to: pick up women? Look like Billy badass? Complete with the haircut, is sick and I believe punishable and a federal offense.
Actually, it is called Stolen Valor and at the very least rates a solid ass kicking.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Bigun on March 17, 2014, 11:20:45 pm
Actually, it is called Stolen Valor and at the very least rates a solid ass kicking.

Someday I'll  tell you about what happened when I walked in to an establishment one night right after I had returned from Vietnam and found two dope smoking hippie types wearing fatigue shirts sitting there  enjoying their brews.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 17, 2014, 11:28:22 pm
Someday I'll  tell you about what happened when I walked in to an establishment one night right after I had returned from Vietnam and found two dope smoking hippie types wearing fatigue shirts sitting there  enjoying their brews.

I'll bet that it's about as interesting as the time I was going home on leave, passing through O'Hare, when some dumb-ass Hippie decided to spit on my Dress Blues.

 :beer:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Bigun on March 17, 2014, 11:29:46 pm
I'll bet that it's about as interesting as the time I was going home on leave, passing through O'Hare, when some dumb-ass Hippie decided to spit on my Dress Blues.

 :beer:

Yeah! Probably just about the same!  :beer:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 17, 2014, 11:38:02 pm
Yeah! Probably just about the same!  :beer:

Did the responding police officers end up buying you a couple of beers?
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Bigun on March 17, 2014, 11:39:42 pm
Did the responding police officers end up buying you a couple of beers?

No. Fortunately the owners of the place were friends of mine and told me to get the hell out BEFORE they called the ambulance and the cops.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 17, 2014, 11:44:46 pm
No. The owners of the place were friends of mine and told me to get the hell out BEFORE they called the ambulance and the cops.
Sounds like a good plan!

Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 09:41:49 am
No. Fortunately the owners of the place were friends of mine and told me to get the hell out BEFORE they called the ambulance and the cops.

You were feeling generous that night, I take it? After all, they were still breathing when you left.

 :beer:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Bigun on March 18, 2014, 12:28:31 pm
You were feeling generous that night, I take it? After all, they were still breathing when you left.

 :beer:

Yeah but I'm told that they made detour by the hospital  on their way home and I know for sure that they weren't wearing men's clothes when they left the place!

 :beer:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: aligncare on March 18, 2014, 12:35:00 pm
Anyone who's ever served knows intuitively you don't BS about your service. Military service is serious as a heart attack.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 12:50:09 pm
Anyone who's ever served knows intuitively you don't BS about your service. Military service is serious as a heart attack.

Hell - I get annoyed at hunters wearing surplus from time to time. Stupid, but it cranks me the wrong way.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 01:29:28 pm
Hell - I get annoyed at hunters wearing surplus from time to time. Stupid, but it cranks me the wrong way.

Agreed.

Wearing the uniform did not come easy, by any stretch of the imagination. Someone who didn't earn it has no business putting one on.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 01:36:04 pm
Agreed.

Wearing the uniform did not come easy, by any stretch of the imagination. Someone who didn't earn it has no business putting one on.

Exactly so!  :beer:

When was the last time you wore your dress uniform? Betting that, apart from memorial day or veterans day, it is never. BDUs? Probably not since you got home for the final time. It gets respected, and part of that respect is passing it on. We are retired (mostly). Got as little right to walk down the street in uniform as any snot nosed hipster.

Figure those that did can take pride. Those that do can show their pride in public.
Those that didn't buy the beers.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Chieftain on March 18, 2014, 01:51:21 pm
Exactly so!  :beer:

When was the last time you wore your dress uniform? Betting that, apart from memorial day or veterans day, it is never. BDUs? Probably not since you got home for the final time. It gets respected, and part of that respect is passing it on. We are retired (mostly). Got as little right to walk down the street in uniform as any snot nosed hipster.

Figure those that did can take pride. Those that do can show their pride in public.
Those that didn't buy the beers.

I'm a Plankowner on two different carriers....USS George Washington and USS Theodore Roosevelt.  I have my original unit ID ballcaps I wear everywhere, and it has gotten to the point were I no longer need to ask for the vet's discount at Home Depot, Lowes, and a couple of other places.  I've been asked about my service and I like talking about it, at length if anyone will listen....but many of my sea stories are definitely not fit for mixed company......

Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 02:06:23 pm
Exactly so!  :beer:

When was the last time you wore your dress uniform? Betting that, apart from memorial day or veterans day, it is never. BDUs? Probably not since you got home for the final time. It gets respected, and part of that respect is passing it on. We are retired (mostly). Got as little right to walk down the street in uniform as any snot nosed hipster.

Figure those that did can take pride. Those that do can show their pride in public.
Those that didn't buy the beers.

Waist is a tad snug, but I wouldn't get dressed down during inspection. However, I haven't worn them in public since the day that I left Lejuene for the last time, years ago. 
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 02:15:04 pm
I'm a Plankowner on two different carriers....USS George Washington and USS Theodore Roosevelt.  I have my original unit ID ballcaps I wear everywhere, and it has gotten to the point were I no longer need to ask for the vet's discount at Home Depot, Lowes, and a couple of other places.  I've been asked about my service and I like talking about it, at length if anyone will listen....but many of my sea stories are definitely not fit for mixed company......

Old Salt, eh?

 :beer:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 02:25:07 pm
I'm a Plankowner on two different carriers....USS George Washington and USS Theodore Roosevelt.  I have my original unit ID ballcaps I wear everywhere, and it has gotten to the point were I no longer need to ask for the vet's discount at Home Depot, Lowes, and a couple of other places.  I've been asked about my service and I like talking about it, at length if anyone will listen....but many of my sea stories are definitely not fit for mixed company......

Twice as plankowner? We call them keel owners here, same thing.

You, my friend, are honored.  :patriot:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 03:10:02 pm
Twice as plankowner? We call them keel owners here, same thing.

You, my friend, are honored.  :patriot:

British?
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 04:39:02 pm
British?

Yep!  :beer: :patriot:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 05:14:31 pm
Yep!  :beer: :patriot:

 :beer: :patriot: Right backatcha, Brother!

Looking forward to visiting your Island next year!
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 05:16:41 pm
:beer: :patriot: Right backatcha, Brother!

Looking forward to visiting your Island next year!

Hit me up nearer the time. I know all sorts of odd corners no one has ever heard of! Love this place, despite the weather and the temperament of my fellow English.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 05:38:46 pm
Hit me up nearer the time. I know all sorts of odd corners no one has ever heard of! Love this place, despite the weather and the temperament of my fellow English.

Will do! I am a junkie for history and what better place to explore our roots? My only concern will be driving on the wrong side of the road while being stone cold sober.  :whistle:

Let me extend a similar invite if you ever think to visit TEXAS.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: aligncare on March 18, 2014, 08:22:38 pm
Now that you mentioned it, Howie66, there's only one destination I have ever desired visiting outside the US -- and it's not my birthplace, Sicilly.

It's England!

This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house
Against the envy of less happier lands,
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 08:39:42 pm
Now that you mentioned it, Howie66, there's only one destination I have ever desired visiting outside the US -- and it's not my birthplace, Sicilly.

It's England!

This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house
Against the envy of less happier lands,
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England

Quote
"Americans and British are one people separated only by a common language."
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Bigun on March 18, 2014, 08:51:02 pm
Will do! I am a junkie for history and what better place to explore our roots? My only concern will be driving on the wrong side of the road while being stone cold sober.  :whistle:

Let me extend a similar invite if you ever think to visit TEXAS.

LOL! I had to fly into London once and had my secretary reserve a rental car for me. I picked up the car without difficulty and all went well until I left the rental car lot and actually entered the traffic stream! Spent the next hour trying to get back to that rental car lot with myself and the vehicle still in one piece which thankfully I managed to do! I'll be taking taxis from now on thank you!
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 09:07:05 pm
LOL! I had to fly into London once and had my secretary reserve a rental car for me. I picked up the car without difficulty and all went well until I left the rental car lot and actually entered the traffic stream! Spent the next hour trying to get back to that rental car lot with myself and the vehicle still in one piece which thankfully I managed to do! I'll be taking taxis from now on thank you!

Gee....thanks for the encouraging words...  :banging:

When we get there, we're not planning on staying in London the entire time. We're going be be heading off into the countryside...away from all the "touristy" stuff. So...I'm going to have to adapt to the British mode of driving.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 09:18:39 pm
Gee....thanks for the encouraging words...  :banging:

When we get there, we're not planning on staying in London the entire time. We're going be be heading off into the countryside...away from all the "touristy" stuff. So...I'm going to have to adapt to the British mode of driving.

It's really simple, driving here. Stop at red lights. Go like hell on amber, and remember to downshift to take the corner fast. On roundabouts, you give way to the right and drive into anyone on the left. Keep 2 car lengths between you and the person in front to allow the clueless idiot on the inside lane to merge in. When in doubt, floor it. Much like Italy, lanes are more suggestions than anything else.

Have your insurance/rental company on speed dial.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Bigun on March 18, 2014, 09:23:56 pm
It's really simple, driving here. Stop at red lights. Go like hell on amber, and remember to downshift to take the corner fast. On roundabouts, you give way to the right and drive into anyone on the left. Keep 2 car lengths between you and the person in front to allow the clueless idiot on the inside lane to merge in. When in doubt, floor it. Much like Italy, lanes are more suggestions than anything else.

Have your insurance/rental company on speed dial.

That SOUNDS really easy but believe me it isn't! Everything, and I do mean everything, is ass backwards to what we are used to!  I'd rather be in a fox hole during a mortar attack!
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 18, 2014, 09:29:24 pm
I did forget two important things.

Slow right down if there is a horse in front of you.

Cyclists are in season from September to May. You get bonus points for dinging one in January.

It doesn't take long to get used to it though, on a serious note. Just remember driver is on the divider and you are good to go.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 09:33:49 pm
It's really simple, driving here. Stop at red lights. Go like hell on amber, and remember to downshift to take the corner fast. On roundabouts, you give way to the right and drive into anyone on the left. Keep 2 car lengths between you and the person in front to allow the clueless idiot on the inside lane to merge in. When in doubt, floor it. Much like Italy, lanes are more suggestions than anything else.

Have your insurance/rental company on speed dial.

I have driven around Europe (In-laws live in Netherlands) enough to be pretty adept with roundabouts, so I feel like I almost have a clue. Also, pretty familiar with the bicycles and their "quirkiness" as well as narrow paths that are listed as "highways".

I have to agree with Bigun about that "ass-backwards" factor, though. That may take some getting used to.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 09:36:47 pm
I did forget two important things.

Slow right down if there is a horse in front of you.

Cyclists are in season from September to May. You get bonus points for dinging one in January.

It doesn't take long to get used to it though, on a serious note. Just remember driver is on the divider and you are good to go.

Thanks, my friend! Appreciate the sage advice.

Right now in Houston, we have Rodeo. A couple of weeks ago the trail riders came into town on horse-back and in wagon trains from all over the state. That is always impressive but plays havoc with traffic patterns.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 09:37:35 pm
That SOUNDS really easy but believe me it isn't! Everything, and I do mean everything, is ass backwards to what we are used to!  I'd rather be in a fox hole during a mortar attack!

INCOMING!!
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 09:43:31 pm
Need to figure out posting video besides link.... Enjoy!

Top Gear:
http://youtu.be/Q5ZuvmyQ_p4 (http://youtu.be/Q5ZuvmyQ_p4)
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: happyg on March 18, 2014, 10:06:09 pm
Need to figure out posting video besides link.... Enjoy!

Top Gear:
http://youtu.be/Q5ZuvmyQ_p4 (http://youtu.be/Q5ZuvmyQ_p4)

Just R click video and click url and put it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Q5ZuvmyQ_p4
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: 240B on March 18, 2014, 10:57:20 pm
Gee....thanks for the encouraging words...  :banging:

When we get there, we're not planning on staying in London the entire time. We're going be be heading off into the countryside...away from all the "touristy" stuff. So...I'm going to have to adapt to the British mode of driving.

Just remember to sit on the stripe. As long as you as the driver are next to the stripe, you are on the right side of the road.
 
Lived there for two years in Yorkshire. Was very happy to leave. It is fun to visit but hard to live there.
 
Don't forget to take the ferry over the Ireland and the drive through Wales if you have time. There really isn't much in Scotland, Endinburgh castle has a nice show. Have fun.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 10:58:02 pm
Just R click video and click url and put it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Q5ZuvmyQ_p4
Hmmm...tried that....no luck. I must be missing something.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 18, 2014, 11:00:20 pm

Just remember to sit on the stripe. As long as you as the driver are next to the stripe, you are on the right side of the road.
 
Lived there for two years in Yorkshire. Was very happy to leave. It is fun to visit but hard to live there.
 
Don't forget to take the ferry over the Ireland and the drive through Wales if you have time. There really isn't much in Scotland, Endinburgh castle has a nice show. Have fun.

Thanks for the heads up. Will do all that I can to not be seen as an Obana supporter! LOL  :patriot:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Oceander on March 19, 2014, 02:17:46 am
It's really simple, driving here. Stop at red lights. Go like hell on amber, and remember to downshift to take the corner fast. On roundabouts, you give way to the right and drive into anyone on the left. Keep 2 car lengths between you and the person in front to allow the clueless idiot on the inside lane to merge in. When in doubt, floor it. Much like Italy, lanes are more suggestions than anything else.

Have your insurance/rental company on speed dial.

Downshifting?  You're seriously dating yourself my friend.  Even 20 years ago downshifting was going out of style in the US.  Back in college I taught myself to drive manual the hard way - I bought a 1975 super beetle and then tried to figure out how to drive it home (great little car btw).  I quickly learned the virtues - and thrills - of downshifting:  I used to play a game when I drove to work (about 3 miles and probably 10 traffic lights), trying to see if I could make the entire trip without once touching the brake pedal until I parked in the lot at work.  Later on, when I was test-driving a new '96 VW Jetta I downshifted as a matter of course as we approached a traffic light, and the salesman said "I haven't seen anyone downshift since I was a kid."
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 19, 2014, 02:49:27 am
Downshifting?  You're seriously dating yourself my friend.  Even 20 years ago downshifting was going out of style in the US.  Back in college I taught myself to drive manual the hard way - I bought a 1975 super beetle and then tried to figure out how to drive it home (great little car btw).  I quickly learned the virtues - and thrills - of downshifting:  I used to play a game when I drove to work (about 3 miles and probably 10 traffic lights), trying to see if I could make the entire trip without once touching the brake pedal until I parked in the lot at work.  Later on, when I was test-driving a new '96 VW Jetta I downshifted as a matter of course as we approached a traffic light, and the salesman said "I haven't seen anyone downshift since I was a kid."

 :silly: :silly: :silly:

I didn't drive a car or truck that had an automatic transmission until I was in my mid twenties! When we travel in Europe, I never rent a car that isn't a manual transmission. It wouldn't be any fun at all, otherwise!
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Oceander on March 19, 2014, 02:51:50 am
:silly: :silly: :silly:

I didn't drive a car or truck that had an automatic transmission until I was in my mid twenties! When we travel in Europe, I never rent a car that isn't a manual transmission. It wouldn't be any fun at all, otherwise!

i have an automatic right now because my wife refuses to even consider learning how to drive one (and, quite frankly, i wouldn't want her to either).  i can't wait until i can afford a second car, it'll be manual all the way, even if i have to buy another 70s vw beetle.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 19, 2014, 02:55:04 am
i have an automatic right now because my wife refuses to even consider learning how to drive one (and, quite frankly, i wouldn't want her to either).  i can't wait until i can afford a second car, it'll be manual all the way, even if i have to buy another 70s vw beetle.

Sounds like a great plan! I was able to teach my wife how to drive a 4 speed in about 20 minutes. It's not that hard.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Oceander on March 19, 2014, 03:06:47 am
Sounds like a great plan! I was able to teach my wife how to drive a 4 speed in about 20 minutes. It's not that hard.

you don't know my wife!  (if she sees this, i'm in big trouble!!)
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: happyg on March 19, 2014, 09:24:10 am
I learned how to drive in a Malibu 4 speed. I used it to get my license.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: EC on March 19, 2014, 09:32:51 am
Heck - I didn't have an automatic until 4 years ago when we bought a BMW, then a Renault cabriolet. Traded that for a manual again as soon as I could justify it to the missus (it is hard to get a baby seat in a sports car and she got tired of having to lower the top in the rain to put the kid in the car!). Fuel economy is better, acceleration is better and it is just much more fun to drive!

Downshifting is a wonderful technique, very under used. Saves fuel, you have more control, and it saves wear on the brakes.
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 19, 2014, 01:04:42 pm
you don't know my wife!  (if she sees this, i'm in big trouble!!)
:silly:
Title: Re: Things Get VERY Heated When Two Vets Confront Man Wearing Military Clothing
Post by: Howie66 on March 19, 2014, 01:13:27 pm
Heck - I didn't have an automatic until 4 years ago when we bought a BMW, then a Renault cabriolet. Traded that for a manual again as soon as I could justify it to the missus (it is hard to get a baby seat in a sports car and she got tired of having to lower the top in the rain to put the kid in the car!). Fuel economy is better, acceleration is better and it is just much more fun to drive!

Downshifting is a wonderful technique, very under used. Saves fuel, you have more control, and it saves wear on the brakes.

Correct on all points!