SUPER CRUISE BALLOTING, WEEK OF 5/25-5/31: This week HotKarz will be passing out Super Cruise Ballots at TJ's (Biddeford) on Thursday, 5/29. If you want to have your vehicle in the running, or if you want to vote for someone else, please be there. The more cruises you attend when balloting takes place, the more often you can vote, and the better your chances of winning.
Please remember: our PT Woody is not eligible for the Super Cruise Awards. Any other vehicle capable of making it to cruises under its own power is eligible. (But by all means, please feel free to vote for us at car shows :o)
By the way, that was a nice original '57 Ford you picked up and brought to the cruise at Buffalo Wings 'n Things (Westbrook), Seldon. There's just something about simple, clean lines.
Bill
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Ice Age
So much for Global Warming. This weather has been absolutely crazy. Here it is just three weeks from summer and it feels more like three weeks from winter.
The cruise at Sonny's on Monday was a dud because of cold weather - really cold! Same weather on Tuesday. Went to Two Trails Fabulous 50's cruise on Wednesday, and it was both cold and wet. Thursday we went to Buffalo Wings in Westbrook, and the weather was cold. Same thing on Friday, at Blast From The Past.
Needless to say, this has dramatically reduced cruise participation - at $4.00 a gallon for gas, many folks just don't want to take the chance that a cruise will be rained out for a wasted trip.
And the wind! It has been howling almost constantly for the last 5 days.
I have never been a believer in the global warming farce, though I do not doubt the Earth may experience periods of warming. But the Chicken Little Al Gore scenario, which blames me for my carbon footprint, is a bit far-fetched. And just the other day, over 21,000 meteorologists and scientists signed a petition that debunks global warming, claiming it is based on junk science.
But undoubtedly, something unusual is going on. All the earthquakes, in places where they are not normal, and with high magnitudes. The preponderance of tornadoes. The huge cyclone that hit Myanmar.
I can't help but wonder if Mother Earth (also known as Gaia) has grown a bit tired with the infestation of the parasite known as Mankind. Perhaps she is fighting back, much as we would when we get fleas, or mites.
I suspect that if we had been intelligent enough to find ways to live quality lives while still respecting the planet, things might be far different. Ask yourself: of the tens of thousands of pounds of resources you use in your life, how much have you actually put back? I never used to think about it. But I am beginning to.
Perhaps all of us should. Of course, we live in Maine, so we can't expect it to have any positive effect on the weather. But it seems to be the right thing to do - putting a little something back. Plant a few trees. Grow some of our own food. Recycle more. Combine trips to conserve gas.
Many years ago, a dear friend used to say, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem."
I've been part of the problem far too long. So, as soon as I fire up the grass trimmer, then mow the yard with the tractor, cut the brush with the chain saw, drive the ATV out to check the back lots, then sweep the driveway with the leaf blower, I think I'll sit down and try to figure a way to conserve energy.
Are ya happy now, Charles? (^.^)
Bill
The cruise at Sonny's on Monday was a dud because of cold weather - really cold! Same weather on Tuesday. Went to Two Trails Fabulous 50's cruise on Wednesday, and it was both cold and wet. Thursday we went to Buffalo Wings in Westbrook, and the weather was cold. Same thing on Friday, at Blast From The Past.
Needless to say, this has dramatically reduced cruise participation - at $4.00 a gallon for gas, many folks just don't want to take the chance that a cruise will be rained out for a wasted trip.
And the wind! It has been howling almost constantly for the last 5 days.
I have never been a believer in the global warming farce, though I do not doubt the Earth may experience periods of warming. But the Chicken Little Al Gore scenario, which blames me for my carbon footprint, is a bit far-fetched. And just the other day, over 21,000 meteorologists and scientists signed a petition that debunks global warming, claiming it is based on junk science.
But undoubtedly, something unusual is going on. All the earthquakes, in places where they are not normal, and with high magnitudes. The preponderance of tornadoes. The huge cyclone that hit Myanmar.
I can't help but wonder if Mother Earth (also known as Gaia) has grown a bit tired with the infestation of the parasite known as Mankind. Perhaps she is fighting back, much as we would when we get fleas, or mites.
I suspect that if we had been intelligent enough to find ways to live quality lives while still respecting the planet, things might be far different. Ask yourself: of the tens of thousands of pounds of resources you use in your life, how much have you actually put back? I never used to think about it. But I am beginning to.
Perhaps all of us should. Of course, we live in Maine, so we can't expect it to have any positive effect on the weather. But it seems to be the right thing to do - putting a little something back. Plant a few trees. Grow some of our own food. Recycle more. Combine trips to conserve gas.
Many years ago, a dear friend used to say, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem."
I've been part of the problem far too long. So, as soon as I fire up the grass trimmer, then mow the yard with the tractor, cut the brush with the chain saw, drive the ATV out to check the back lots, then sweep the driveway with the leaf blower, I think I'll sit down and try to figure a way to conserve energy.
Are ya happy now, Charles? (^.^)
Bill
Monday, May 19, 2008
This-n-That
Did anyone else notice the wind today? The weatherman said 10 mph. It seemed like he was off by at least another 25.
You know it's windy when you step out your front door into your back yard.
You know it's windy when you cannot breathe because the wind sucks the air out of your house.
You know it's windy when your speedometer says 50 and you are not moving.
And this one is true: you know it's windy when your 120 pound Vermont BBQ grill flies more than 20 feet without touching the ground. Yep, it happened. And our screenhouse ended up in the woods down back - about 250 feet.
Let me see if I understand this - we are 4 weeks from the first day of summer (after experiencing the 2nd coldest winter in 20 years) , and the weather is like November. And this is what is referred to as "global warming."
Outside the house today, a car hit his brakes, left a streak of rubber for 80 feet! He went headlong through a stonewall, and stopped about 5 feet from my neighbors living room. He then backed up, his engine smoking, and took off without so much as a "howdy-do". That entails property damage and leaving the scene of an accident. The sheriff's department took notes, but did not seem particularly interested.
Although Maine has the highest taxes per capita of any state, Portland city council has decided to lay off about 100 city workers. Our schools are overcrowded, roads do not get plowed well, and many of the roads are almost impassable with all the potholes. Makes you wonder where all that tax revenue is going. But never fear - Maine politicians are a resourceful bunch - just tax soda.
Ralph was telling me he took a Viagra and it got stuck in his throat. He had a stiff neck for days.
I was reading in the paper that every seven seconds, somewhere in this country a woman has a baby. I think they ought to find that woman and give her a new hobby.
Walking through the park, I came upon an elderly man crying. I asked what was wrong. He said he was 97 years old, and four years ago he lost his wife of 60 years. I said, "I see now why you are crying."
"No", he said. "Two years ago I met a 24 year old Swedish Bombshell, and it has been nothing but sex all day long."
"Wow", I said. "Is that anything to cry about?"
"You don't understand", he said. "I'm 97 years old, and I FORGOT WHERE I LIVE!"
My daughter, Christi, wants to thank all of you who voted for her PT Woody at Bonny Eagle on Sunday. She was tickled that she took Third Place, and recognizes that it was you who helped make it possible.
Until the next gathering...
Bill
You know it's windy when you step out your front door into your back yard.
You know it's windy when you cannot breathe because the wind sucks the air out of your house.
You know it's windy when your speedometer says 50 and you are not moving.
And this one is true: you know it's windy when your 120 pound Vermont BBQ grill flies more than 20 feet without touching the ground. Yep, it happened. And our screenhouse ended up in the woods down back - about 250 feet.
Let me see if I understand this - we are 4 weeks from the first day of summer (after experiencing the 2nd coldest winter in 20 years) , and the weather is like November. And this is what is referred to as "global warming."
Outside the house today, a car hit his brakes, left a streak of rubber for 80 feet! He went headlong through a stonewall, and stopped about 5 feet from my neighbors living room. He then backed up, his engine smoking, and took off without so much as a "howdy-do". That entails property damage and leaving the scene of an accident. The sheriff's department took notes, but did not seem particularly interested.
Although Maine has the highest taxes per capita of any state, Portland city council has decided to lay off about 100 city workers. Our schools are overcrowded, roads do not get plowed well, and many of the roads are almost impassable with all the potholes. Makes you wonder where all that tax revenue is going. But never fear - Maine politicians are a resourceful bunch - just tax soda.
Ralph was telling me he took a Viagra and it got stuck in his throat. He had a stiff neck for days.
I was reading in the paper that every seven seconds, somewhere in this country a woman has a baby. I think they ought to find that woman and give her a new hobby.
Walking through the park, I came upon an elderly man crying. I asked what was wrong. He said he was 97 years old, and four years ago he lost his wife of 60 years. I said, "I see now why you are crying."
"No", he said. "Two years ago I met a 24 year old Swedish Bombshell, and it has been nothing but sex all day long."
"Wow", I said. "Is that anything to cry about?"
"You don't understand", he said. "I'm 97 years old, and I FORGOT WHERE I LIVE!"
My daughter, Christi, wants to thank all of you who voted for her PT Woody at Bonny Eagle on Sunday. She was tickled that she took Third Place, and recognizes that it was you who helped make it possible.
Until the next gathering...
Bill
The Day After
Sonny's Convenience Store (Lyman, ME) held their first cruise of the '08 season tonight. It was a short cruise - the wind was wicked, the weather was November-cold, so not a whole lot of folks showed up, and many who did, left early.
But the hot dogs were good!
As for the title of this post, even now, at Sonny's, we heard a few grumblings about the class-confusion and disarray of the Bonny Eagle show. Everyone agreed the show was good, generally, but the shortcomings, though few, were serious. I hope the organizers of the show will listen, and work to overcome these problems for next year.
I'll be taking a break from cruises tomorrow, but plan to be at Two Trails Fabulous '50's Diner on Wednesday (and Low's in Buxton, next Wednesday), and Buffalo Wings-n-Things on Thursday. And I cannot find anyone who knows anything about Big Daddy's in Acton, so I may check that out on Friday.
Don't forget, folks - this coming Sunday HotKarz will reveal at which cruise(s) we will hold balloting next week for the Super Cruise trophies. These awards are really nice, so think about putting your car in the running by attending the cruises where and when ballots are passed out.
As a late note, it appears the West Paris Old Home Days (June6-8) will not be including a car show, and Telstar (Bethel) has not scheduled a show for this year. But this coming Sunday there is a new show at the American Legion in Naples - weather permitting, I think we'll scoot on up to check it out. Hope to see many of you there.
Bill
But the hot dogs were good!
As for the title of this post, even now, at Sonny's, we heard a few grumblings about the class-confusion and disarray of the Bonny Eagle show. Everyone agreed the show was good, generally, but the shortcomings, though few, were serious. I hope the organizers of the show will listen, and work to overcome these problems for next year.
I'll be taking a break from cruises tomorrow, but plan to be at Two Trails Fabulous '50's Diner on Wednesday (and Low's in Buxton, next Wednesday), and Buffalo Wings-n-Things on Thursday. And I cannot find anyone who knows anything about Big Daddy's in Acton, so I may check that out on Friday.
Don't forget, folks - this coming Sunday HotKarz will reveal at which cruise(s) we will hold balloting next week for the Super Cruise trophies. These awards are really nice, so think about putting your car in the running by attending the cruises where and when ballots are passed out.
As a late note, it appears the West Paris Old Home Days (June6-8) will not be including a car show, and Telstar (Bethel) has not scheduled a show for this year. But this coming Sunday there is a new show at the American Legion in Naples - weather permitting, I think we'll scoot on up to check it out. Hope to see many of you there.
Bill
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Bonny Eagle Update
Well, it was quite a day. The weather was super. The cars were even better than that! They said they had over 1000 cars, though I only counted about half that...
OK, so a whole lot of you folks had lots to say, and I will try to include your concerns here, mixed with my own blinding insights :o)
No one got sent to sit in the corner with the Tuners. They are a fine bunch, but tend to be noisy - and far from the crowds. Young'uns can walk that far, but us older folks need to be closer to things.
We were still disappointed that they did not have a more suitable class for us (2000-Present), but Special Interest is the old stand-by, though it gets rather crowded and a lot of folks who should be elsewhere tend to gravitate into SI in hopes of a better shot at an award. But all in all, that was not a huge concern for us or anyone else. But there were major concerns and gripes.
Number one among the gripes concerned the truck classes. Trucks were all over the place, and there were long lines of them, all mixed. There was a new truck beside a 1938 on one side, and a 4X4 on the other. Mixed classes and types made it almost impossible for some folks to sort things out enough to vote by class.
And as I mentioned yesterday, one class of trucks covered a whopping 40 years! That, in itself, is both absurd and unfair. I don't bring a truck to shows, but if I did, I would have been visibly - and audibly - upset.
Other classes were also in disarray at the Middle School. Not so much at the High School. At the Middle School, it seemed like "helter skelter". Again, this made any sane attempt at voting an exercise in futility. I gave up trying to vote in some classes.
Aside from classes being disorganized, and some classes either too big or non-existent, the overall consensus was: a great show!
Lots of vendors. Lots of beautiful vehicles. Loads of wonderful people. Great weather. All in all, I would give it pretty good marks. But I hope next year they iron out the inconsistencies, and pay greater attention to fair classes, adequate classes, and organization of the classes. It is hard to judge a show when you have '55 Chevys in almost every row, and every class.
Short notice: we have posted a new show for next Sunday, in Naples. They could not provide much info, so I am uncertain as to how organized this one will be - seems to have been a last-minute afterthought. But on the plus side, they claim to have a beer tent :o)
Later!
Bill
OK, so a whole lot of you folks had lots to say, and I will try to include your concerns here, mixed with my own blinding insights :o)
No one got sent to sit in the corner with the Tuners. They are a fine bunch, but tend to be noisy - and far from the crowds. Young'uns can walk that far, but us older folks need to be closer to things.
We were still disappointed that they did not have a more suitable class for us (2000-Present), but Special Interest is the old stand-by, though it gets rather crowded and a lot of folks who should be elsewhere tend to gravitate into SI in hopes of a better shot at an award. But all in all, that was not a huge concern for us or anyone else. But there were major concerns and gripes.
Number one among the gripes concerned the truck classes. Trucks were all over the place, and there were long lines of them, all mixed. There was a new truck beside a 1938 on one side, and a 4X4 on the other. Mixed classes and types made it almost impossible for some folks to sort things out enough to vote by class.
And as I mentioned yesterday, one class of trucks covered a whopping 40 years! That, in itself, is both absurd and unfair. I don't bring a truck to shows, but if I did, I would have been visibly - and audibly - upset.
Other classes were also in disarray at the Middle School. Not so much at the High School. At the Middle School, it seemed like "helter skelter". Again, this made any sane attempt at voting an exercise in futility. I gave up trying to vote in some classes.
Aside from classes being disorganized, and some classes either too big or non-existent, the overall consensus was: a great show!
Lots of vendors. Lots of beautiful vehicles. Loads of wonderful people. Great weather. All in all, I would give it pretty good marks. But I hope next year they iron out the inconsistencies, and pay greater attention to fair classes, adequate classes, and organization of the classes. It is hard to judge a show when you have '55 Chevys in almost every row, and every class.
Short notice: we have posted a new show for next Sunday, in Naples. They could not provide much info, so I am uncertain as to how organized this one will be - seems to have been a last-minute afterthought. But on the plus side, they claim to have a beer tent :o)
Later!
Bill
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