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Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft can be a great way for drivers to earn extra cash, and for passengers to get a ride whenever they want. However, the increasing popularity of ridesharing means that both drivers and passengers may sometimes forget that they should still take some basic safety precautions. Here’s what you need to know to help you have a pleasant ridesharing experience.

Tips for Ridesharing Drivers

Park your vehicle carefully. To help avoid getting hit or being hit by another car when you stop to pick up a passenger, always take time to park in a safe spot, suggests SherpaShare. Your passenger may have to walk a few extra steps, but it might be worth it. Also, be careful that you don’t park over a crosswalk or in any spot that could endanger pedestrians, says SherpaShare.

Assess passengers before they get in your car. Drivers have the option of declining rides to passengers if they feel their safety might be compromised. This may sometimes be a smart choice, even if doing so results in a slight ding to your “star” (customer satisfaction) ratings, says U.S. News & World Report. It’s always important to weigh your own personal safety against your money-making aspirations, says the news organization.

Carefully choose your hours and neighborhoods. One of the prime benefits of ridesharing work is that drivers typically get to choose their work hours and locations. If you prefer, you can opt to avoid driving during the late-night hours when crime may be more likely, suggests Ride Share Academy. Drivers can also use crime-mapping apps and websites that track safety statistics for various neighborhoods. If you’re not comfortable with the app’s reports on certain neighborhoods, you can wait for ride requests in other areas.

Install a dash cam. Just seeing that you have a dashboard camera may discourage some passengers from acting unruly. And in case you do end up with a ridesharing experience that turns into a safety incident or lawsuit, your dash cam will have footage of the incident, according to The Ride Share Guy.

Tips for Ridesharing Passengers

Be sure you’re getting in the correct car. That may sound obvious, but if you’re in a large group of people leaving a concert, for instance, you may see multiple ridesharing cars lined up one after another, notes Angie’s List. It’s easier than you think to get into the wrong car — or even into a car fraudulently posing as a rideshare vehicle — and not realize your mistake until you’re out in traffic. Be sure to confirm the car model, color, license plate number and driver’s picture on your ridesharing app before entering the vehicle.    

Leave the ride early. If you feel uncomfortable about the driver or the ride, tell the driver to let you out early, before you reach your destination, suggests NerdWallet. Pick a safe spot, then call a friend, cab, or another rideshare driver. It may also a good idea to have a fully-charged cell phone and a small amount of cash or your credit card with you during a ride, too, suggests NerdWallet.

Don’t give drivers cash. Uber and Lyft both charge your credit card for your ride. Part of the appeal of these services is the convenience, which typically means there’s no reason for a driver to ask you for cash, says Moneycrashers.com. If they do, say no and strongly consider declining the ride or getting out of the car early, suggests Angie’s List. Also, be sure to report the driver to the ridesharing company.

Ride in the back. Usually, drivers for ridesharing companies undergo a criminal background check. The two largest companies (Lyft and Uber) explain on their websites that all drivers must pass a background check. However, there’s always a chance that you could ride with a driver who displays inappropriate behavior. Angie’s List suggests that passengers always ride in the back of the car as a precaution — unless, of course, you have too many passengers to fit in the back. Another good practice: Exit on the curb side, not the traffic side, of the car.

If you use some common sense, and keep these safety tips in mind, the ridesharing arrangement can be a good option for both drivers and passengers.

https://blog.allstate.com/ridesharing-services-simple-tips-for-drivers-and-passengers/

One of the best feelings you can have as a rideshare driver is opening up your driver summary and seeing those big tips. A lot of people have their own methods to scoring the big tips but I wanted to share what I do.

1. Don’t Ask for It

Every passenger that gets into your car knows how tipping works. For drivers, no matter what you do or how nice you are, there are always going to be people that won’t tip. Forget about those guys, you want to focus on the people who do tip. The one thing that turns me off most as a passenger is when drivers ask for five star ratings or remind me to give them a tip if they liked the service. Dude I know I’m supposed to tip, you don’t have to tell me!

2. Make it Easy to Accept Tips

One of the big problems with the Lyft app is the tipping feature, nobody can figure it out! I’ve had people ask me how to tip and I’ve even had one guy show me that he tipped me but then I never got the tip. I think he forgot to confirm the tip or something like that. As drivers, we can’t do much about the functionality of the app but we can do everything in our power to help riders figure out how to tip.

Once in a while you’ll get a rider who wants to tip in cash and personally, I have no problem with that. Until Lyft figures out a better way to give tips, I’ll take cash and say thanks.  I’ll pretty much accept anything, I’ve even had a passenger buy me a beer once we got to our destination.

3. Be Yourself

If you’re out driving for tips, you’re probably going to be sorely disappointed at the end of the night. Don’t try to be someone you’re not in order to impress a passenger or make them like you more. Just be yourself and when you make a connection, you’re a lot more likely to be rewarded.

4. Go Out of Your Way

The big reason why I started taking Lyft and Uber was because the drivers were a lot nicer than most taxi drivers. I rarely took a taxi before because the drivers were rude, didn’t accept credit cards and just went out of their way to make things miserable for you. That’s not a good business model for an industry that is all about customer service. It’s also probably why they are floundering at the way side while Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are taking off.

So with that in mind, treat your passengers like they are one of your own children. If they need a few minutes to get ready, tell them to take their time. If you hear them talking about making a pit stop to pick up a six pack, offer to drive them to the store and wait for them. Little things like that may cost you a few bucks in the short term but over the long term that passenger will remember an experience like that. If in doubt, just give them the pickle!

5. Don’t Be in a Hurry

Passengers aren’t stupid. They can tell when drivers are irritated, flustered or hurried. Unless the passenger tells you they’re in a hurry, drive the speed limit, obey all traffic laws and focus on your passenger. Don’t worry about your next passenger, worry about your current one.

6. Provide Extras

If you want to get better tips than the average driver, you need to go above and beyond what the average driver does. I carry water, gum and mints in my car at all times but sometimes I’ll throw in little unique extras like mini bottles of Purell or holiday themed candy. Not only does this make for a more enjoyable ride but it also makes you stand out compared to your peers.

7. Be Unique

Along the lines of tip #6, I think being unique is one of the best ways to get bigger tips. A lot of drivers out there are nice and courteous but they don’t stand out. Some of the most fun rides I’ve had as a passenger were with unique drivers. I still remember a ride I took a year or two ago with a guy named Mohammed who called himself the party cab. He had lots of lights and music and it was one of the most fun rides I’ve ever taken. And I’m pretty sure I gave him a massive tip!  I was kind of wasted though, so I don’t quite remember ?

You don’t have to go to that extreme but think about what other drivers are doing and do something different.

8. Show Interest in Your Passenger

I love having conversations with my passenger but it’s important to remember that the ride isn’t all about you. Instead of clamoring on about why you love driving for Lyft or Uber, ask the passenger what they do and get to know them a little bit.

9. Get Married

Ok this is something I’m still testing out but another Lyft driver told me that he always mentions to his passengers that he’s getting married so he needs the extra money haha! I think that’s pretty funny and since I’m getting married this summer I might have to try it out. You non-married folk might be thinking this sounds a little cheesy but weddings are damn expensive!

10. Just Show Them How to Tip

If you are really looking for bigger tips, then why beat around the bush? Ask them if they need any help with payment or tipping once the ride is over. I don’t use this strategy myself but I know there are many out there who do it. A less intrusive method could be a small index card taped to the back of the seat that has detailed instructions on how to add a tip.

So readers, what do you think about my top ten ways to get a bigger tip?  Is there anything I missed on or that you would or wouldn’t do?

http://therideshareguy.com/top-10-ways-for-rideshare-drivers-to-get-bigger-tips/

Could a good lawyer sue the government using this direction from the highest level for his next police brutality trial?

And the reaction to this by the police officers brings into question law enforcement throughout the USA.

European police officers would shudder to think about what their soldier counterparts are doing over here on this side of the Atlantic.

The Rockefeller family is an American industrial, political, and banking family that made one of the world's largest fortunes in the oil business during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with John D. Rockefeller and his brother William Rockefeller primarily through Standard Oil. The family is also known for its long association with and control of Chase Manhattan Bank. They are considered to be one of the most powerful families, if not the most powerful family, in the history of the United States.

Just check the list of organization in which the Rockefellers (and Rothschilds are in many of them) take part in:

• The Council on Foreign Relations - David, David Jr., Nelson, John D. III, John D. IV (Jay), Peggy Dulany, Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
• The Trilateral Commission -David, Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
• The Bilderberg Group - David, John D. IV.
• The Asia Society - John D. III, John D. IV, Charles, David.
• The Population Council - John D. III.
• The Council of the Americas - David.
• The Group of Thirty - The Rockefeller Foundation.
• The World Economic Forum - David.
• The Brookings Institution - Junior.
• The Peterson Institute (Formerly the Institute for International Economics) - David, Monica.
• The International Executive Service Corps - David.
• The Institute for Pacific Relations - Junior.
• The League of Nations - Junior.
• The United Nations - Junior, John D. III, Nelson, David, Peggy Dulany, Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
• The United Nations Association - David. Monica.

So as most of you can see I added a new "Conversation". (real-time chat) with typing indicators and FINALLY some threaded replies.

You should also be able to post photos and I'm not sure yet about videos or emojis

anyways.... the discussion will show up in the "recirculation" on the right hand side... look for a small blue box with a + sign in it.

Now we have our own little social media atop a forum.

Enjoy!

And the real kicker is.... look how cheap it is to ride in this luxury car....

used car prices are very low...

The big news is that a new version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine generates 300 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque, partly through the use of direct fuel injection. The original 258-hp, 3.6-liter engine is the base powerplant.The standard manual transmission is a six speed, as is the optional automatic, which also provides a manual-shift mode. Steering-wheel shift paddles aren't offered. Also new is optional all-wheel drive, which mates with either V-6, but only with the automatic transmission. This helps the CTS join the ranks of the Infiniti G35 and BMW 3 Series models with an "x" in their model name, and is sure to increase sales in snowy regions.The CTS offers two suspensions: standard and performance. The latter provides a firmer ride, (claimed) improved roadholding, larger brake discs, two-piston rear calipers where the regular suspension has one, and 18-inch wheels with lower-profile summer or all-season performance tires.

Some of the CTS' notable standard and optional features include adaptive headlights that swivel in the direction of a turn, remote start, Easy Key keyless access and ignition and a 5.1-channel digital surround-sound stereo.In addition to an analog auxiliary input jack for an MP3 player, the CTS lets you attach a player that uses a USB cord and control it through the stereo and steering-wheel controls.

I do not have the following two options on my car: 

The playlist appears on the optional navigation screen.

This 8-inch touch-screen telescopes out of the top of the dashboard. For parking assistance, the CTS offers a sonar system that beeps with increasing frequency as the rear bumper approaches an object.

Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel-disc antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control. In addition to the required frontal pair, there are side-impact airbags for the front occupants and side curtains that protect all occupants. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes.

So... after paying through the nose for even small repairs... I am happy to report that my old clunker.... my 08 Cadillac now has 120k miles on it... 

I just replaced the brake pads, a rattle in the back is gone .... etc....

The rear shocks are leaking so they will need to be replaced...

but overall it is still driving like a champ... an enjoyable pretty car... .with very little gadgets compared to the newer stuff out there.

I just noticed that the front does capture air flow right onto the calipers of the disc brakes.... smart design.

Seems like yesterday when it was "State of the Art".... now I feel like it is just a nice older car that rides nice.

So... a quick update.... the High Intensity Bulb (and burnt out connector) went out on the OTHER SIDE of the car.

Costing me another pretty penny.

Riding in comfort and style will cost you dearly folks.

The reason for this is actually rooted in psychology. 

Smiling in primates - and often in humans - is a sign of appeasement. It's saying "I'm very happy with what you're doing."

Because of that, smiling when there is little reason to smile can be seen as a sign of compliance. It is thus a sign of low status.

In other words, fashion models don't smile because it makes them seem lower in status.

That's exactly how they don't want to appear. They want to project an image of being high status.

They want you to think "I want to be that girl. I want to have the status she has. Maybe if I buy the clothes or makeup she has on I'll have her status too."

[1] http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes....

[2] http://www.epjournal.net/wp-cont... / Smiles as signals of lower status in football players and fashion models: Evidence that smiles are associated with lower dominance and lower prestige | Evolutionary Psychology

[3] Why it's good if your boss doesn't readily smile at you

[4] OASIS

https://www.quora.com/?digest_story=1421172

Catholics in the Spanish city of Granada struck back at what they described as a 'provocative' decision to stage a Ramadan fast-breaking in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary, by arranging a mass public prayer at the same spot.Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of the Ramadhan Foundation and Stephen Morris from English Democrats party share their thought on the matter with RT.

Free speech for Evergreen State College?

Alex Knoll, the brains and passion behind the Ability App, has taken several giant steps toward realizing his dream this week.

Thursday, the 12-year-old entrepreneur appeared in-person on the Ellen DeGeneres show. He explained his concept of a free, mobile app that people will be able to download and use to find and rate places for 'disability friendliness' and dozens of accessibility features. 

A big barrier for Alex had been funding. But Ellen stood up on her show and wrote out a check to Alex for $25,000!!! Her team also connected him to a group that will help put the app together.

Last summer, Alex and his mom joined Deb Wolfer and I to perform an A4A review of SCRAPS. He really knows his stuff.

Here is a link to the story and video clip from KREM:

http://www.krem.com/entertainment/television/watch-ellen-degeneres-helps-sponsor-n-idaho-kids-app-for-people-with-disabilities/443026147

Amazon is giving a price break on its prime service to low-income consumers on food stamps and other government assistance.

Customers who receive benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, can pay $5.99 per month for membership, which would include free shipping and unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Video.

Customers will need to qualify for the discount by having a valid EBT card, which are typically used to disburse funds for food stamps and other government aid programs, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF.) 

More:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-prime-discount-offered-to-people-on-food-stamps/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazon-did-kill-retail-industry-alberto-brea

Amazon is customer-obsessed to the point that everyone has to be able to work in a call center. As part of a training session each year, Jeff Bezos asks thousands of Amazon managers, including himself, to attend a two-day call center training program. In the early days, Bezos had brought an empty chair to the meetings and informed his top executives that they should consider the empty seat as being occupied by a customer, who is "the most important person in the room." 

Found another source:

Portland police have urged residents in Northeast Portland to shelter in place and call 911 if they see or hear anything as authorities search for an armed suspect involved in an encounter with officers that resulted in shots fired Sunday morning. 

The area affected is in the Laurelhurst neighborhood, from East Burnside Street to Northeast Gilsan Street, Northeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevards, to 32nd Avenue, according to a Portland Police Bureau press release. 

The incident occurred at roughly 6:28 a.m. Sunday when officers from the city’s East Precinct responded to a report of an armed man walking through the area of East Burnside Street and Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard. Police encountered the suspect shortly after on East Burnside Street. Shots were fired by responding officers during this initial encounter, and the suspect fled deeper into the neighborhood, according to police.  Officers pursued and encountered the suspect a second time near Northeast Laurelhurst Place and Couch Street, where police fired additional shots at the suspect. The suspect fled again and officers established the current neighborhood perimeter to contain him. 

Police describe the suspect as a white male in his 40s. He is roughly 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-9, looks to weigh about 180 pounds, and is wearing a green shirt with black pants, a black backpack, and a blue hat. Officers advised that he is armed with a handgun and may be limping or injured. Police have advised all residents to stay indoors and call 911 if they see or hear anything suspicious. 

http://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-oregon-police-northeast-manhunt-shooting-investigation/

Ongoing situation...

5' 7" 180lbs

blue hat 

green shirt 

black pants

NE Laurelhurst place

Man has rifle running around trying to shoot people and the cops are shooting back....

I would not hesitate to be the judge, jury and executioner right then and there in that situation. I would even try to keep my teeth ;-)

And the law would be on my side.

Do Kingdom Halls prohibit you from carrying weapons?

I'm not even sure what Catholic churches say about carrying weapons inside them.

@Allen Smith it's not the @The Librarian that sets the guidelines or owns this site.

I have no horse in your race.... I did not create this site to protect your corporate propaganda or anyone else's for that matter.

@The Librarian has brought his over 400,000 social media followers to my site here and for that I am thankful for the traffic and the diverse opinions and commentary.

I see him adding value here whereas you, @Allen Smith seem to spend most of your time angrily denouncing other members of your religion. Why?