Recent content by Zelman

In some countries, like Germany or New Zealand, you actually get paid when you undertake an apprenticeship to train as a plumber, coach builder, or carpenter. I wonder if Sweden also has a system like that. Does anyone know?

My car makes clicking noises when I turn the steering wheel for parking. This is new, it never did that before. The steering feels no different than it did before though. It's a 2004 Ford Falcon BA (=RWD) with power steering, and 70.000km on the clock. Any guesses?

I have a Ford Falcon BA (an Australian-built car about the size of a Ford Taurus) and a Toyota Estima Van. I recently had the annual service done on them, and was very surprised to see the Ford cost $430, and the Toyota $170 in their respective garages (I usually have service done at the brand...

I believe to have found the ultimate compromise for the dilemma "how do I cart eco tourists around New Zealand in a limo?" I'll get a Prius hybrid car, and have it customized into a stretch limousine. How much might that cost, does anyone know? It wouldn't need any fancy stuff, just a stretched...

Our one cat keeps scratching herself behind her ear, and we have a feeling she's really got itchy ears inside, because she really goes for it when I offer her a Kleenex to lean into with her ear. Is that something a vet would need to see first, or can we just buy some off the shelf earmite stuff...

"Graciousness" in all its guises seems to be my dominant personality trait - to the point where I get in trouble for it. I've lived in many countries, but with few exceptions did I ever find any favour anywhere with my overly pleasant manners. English-speaking countries seem to prefer a more...