Just received the following message from Jim & Connie (Ol' Blue):
"Just wanted to let you know that there will be a Fundraising Cruise In on Aug. 26 th From 5-8pm at The Merrymeeting House Rte. 27 Dresden. All Proceeds Go To A young man named Jack who has Spinal Menengitis."
Sounds like a worthwhile cruise, if you can get up that way.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Good Places For Car Folk
Just thought I would take a moment to mention a couple of websites that you may find interesting. They serve car buffs, and they are local folks, so please take a moment to give 'em a look see.
Many of you already are aware of Big Mike's Custom Display sheets for show vehicles. He puts together righteous display sheets of your favorite ride(s). You may have seen him at some of the shows. But if you have missed him, check out his website and take a look around. He is currently creating a sheet for my daughter's car, so I obviously stand by the quality of his work.
For those of you who are either preparing to restore a vehicle, or often find yourself scratching your head trying to find those impossible parts, check out Tom's Auto Parts & Locating Service. He can find just about any part for any vehicle - if someone has the part you need, Tom will find it for you. Saves time and money.
Of course, we cannot forget our rubber. After a long season of shows and cruises, many of us find ourselves having to put new skins on our wheels, so they will be in top condition for the shows. Fritz's Tire and Wheel in Arundel is the only place I go for treads, for all my vehicles. He has never let me down, always has what I need, gets the job done quickly and professionally, and Dick stands by his work. When it's time to get skins, give Fritz a call. Especially if you are looking for custome treads or wheels, like wide whites, or smoothie wheels.
As you know, I do not normally promote any commercial ventures (other than shows). If I mention a business here, I am not being paid to do so. Paid advertising can be found elsewhere in our site. When I do mention a business, it is because I do business with the folks I mention, and I trust them. You can, too.
Many of you already are aware of Big Mike's Custom Display sheets for show vehicles. He puts together righteous display sheets of your favorite ride(s). You may have seen him at some of the shows. But if you have missed him, check out his website and take a look around. He is currently creating a sheet for my daughter's car, so I obviously stand by the quality of his work.
For those of you who are either preparing to restore a vehicle, or often find yourself scratching your head trying to find those impossible parts, check out Tom's Auto Parts & Locating Service. He can find just about any part for any vehicle - if someone has the part you need, Tom will find it for you. Saves time and money.
Of course, we cannot forget our rubber. After a long season of shows and cruises, many of us find ourselves having to put new skins on our wheels, so they will be in top condition for the shows. Fritz's Tire and Wheel in Arundel is the only place I go for treads, for all my vehicles. He has never let me down, always has what I need, gets the job done quickly and professionally, and Dick stands by his work. When it's time to get skins, give Fritz a call. Especially if you are looking for custome treads or wheels, like wide whites, or smoothie wheels.
As you know, I do not normally promote any commercial ventures (other than shows). If I mention a business here, I am not being paid to do so. Paid advertising can be found elsewhere in our site. When I do mention a business, it is because I do business with the folks I mention, and I trust them. You can, too.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Anniversary
Last weekend, among other things, we visited the famed House of the Seven Gables. And my home-made surfboard is almost beginning to look like one. But I'm still not holding out much hope - the hardest part is yet to come.
And Cheryl says I don't have enough pix up - so I have added three miscellaneous galleries with a total of 182 new pix - but because of the server limitations, those galleries are only temporary, so check 'em out while they are up!
Well, it slipped by without fanfare, but HotKarz.com passed the First Anniversary mark earlier this month. And the first anniversary of this blog will arrive on September 9th.
And I like to think we have made a real impact in that year. We have brought issues and problems out into the open, so they could be addressed and fixed. We have tried to provide as complete and up-to-date a listing as possible, of shows, cruise-ins and events. We have added free classifieds, funnies, pix of shows, pix of winners and more.
We have tackled some serious issues, such as class jumping, and enforcement of classes and have begun to get folks to refuse to vote for those who register in inappropriate classes. This for the purpose of fairness and integrity for all.
We have assisted show organizers in creating more successful venues, and have begun receiving letters from them, thanking us for the input that was missing in previous years - as an example, read the letter from the Gorham Lions Club. (Of course, there were a couple who were not so thankful :o)
And our Letters pages allow everyone to speak their piece, and have a say.
But there is a long way to go. The problems have always been there, but until now, we did not have any way to bring them to light. Now we do. And in the light of day, the good will thrive and the bad will shrivel. So, yes, we may end up losing a couple of shows - the ones that simply do not care to make inroads to greater success. No big loss! But the shows that remain, they will get bigger, better, more fun and - for the organizers - more profitable. In the end, we will all benefit.
I am not so naive as to think there will be little or no opposition. There will always be those who do not want change. Trophy poachers will not like losing votes when they register in the wrong class. Organizers who do not care what participants want will oppose changes. And some organizers will refuse to provide spectator cards, which are for the express purpose of helping provide greater protection for participants' vehicles. Why they would oppose something that is helpful - and free - is difficult to comprehend. But if recent activity is any indication, it looks like most of the better shows will be using them in the future. I know one thing for certain - I feel safer and more secure bringing my car to a show that informs spectators about the rules associated with being a spectator. After all, many spectators just do not know! If they did, we would not have to put "Do Not Touch" signs on our vehicles. Currently these cards are being used in Bath, Augusta, Farmington, Auburn, and Merrimack (NH).
Unfortunately, the committee for the Two Trails Cruisers show at Windham WalMart has voted against using these cards. We do not know why - as I said, some folks are simply opposed to change. Others may have personal issues. I understand the club President and the committee chairman wanted the cards, but they were apparently out-voted. Too bad. Perhaps next year a new committee will see the benefit. Meanwhile, it still looks like the TT show will be a winner this year - a lot of effort has been put into making it better than ever. I would not miss it - and you shouldn't, either. The only problem: how do we keep our wives out of WalMart? They'll have several hours - they can spend a lot!
I can honestly say, however, that several shows have already taken into consideration the recommendations and criticism from HotKarz and its readers, and have already scheduled some great improvements, so it looks like next year will be a corker! More great shows; fewer dogs.
Now, if only we could do something about the weather...
And Cheryl says I don't have enough pix up - so I have added three miscellaneous galleries with a total of 182 new pix - but because of the server limitations, those galleries are only temporary, so check 'em out while they are up!
Well, it slipped by without fanfare, but HotKarz.com passed the First Anniversary mark earlier this month. And the first anniversary of this blog will arrive on September 9th.
And I like to think we have made a real impact in that year. We have brought issues and problems out into the open, so they could be addressed and fixed. We have tried to provide as complete and up-to-date a listing as possible, of shows, cruise-ins and events. We have added free classifieds, funnies, pix of shows, pix of winners and more.
We have tackled some serious issues, such as class jumping, and enforcement of classes and have begun to get folks to refuse to vote for those who register in inappropriate classes. This for the purpose of fairness and integrity for all.
We have assisted show organizers in creating more successful venues, and have begun receiving letters from them, thanking us for the input that was missing in previous years - as an example, read the letter from the Gorham Lions Club. (Of course, there were a couple who were not so thankful :o)
And our Letters pages allow everyone to speak their piece, and have a say.
But there is a long way to go. The problems have always been there, but until now, we did not have any way to bring them to light. Now we do. And in the light of day, the good will thrive and the bad will shrivel. So, yes, we may end up losing a couple of shows - the ones that simply do not care to make inroads to greater success. No big loss! But the shows that remain, they will get bigger, better, more fun and - for the organizers - more profitable. In the end, we will all benefit.
I am not so naive as to think there will be little or no opposition. There will always be those who do not want change. Trophy poachers will not like losing votes when they register in the wrong class. Organizers who do not care what participants want will oppose changes. And some organizers will refuse to provide spectator cards, which are for the express purpose of helping provide greater protection for participants' vehicles. Why they would oppose something that is helpful - and free - is difficult to comprehend. But if recent activity is any indication, it looks like most of the better shows will be using them in the future. I know one thing for certain - I feel safer and more secure bringing my car to a show that informs spectators about the rules associated with being a spectator. After all, many spectators just do not know! If they did, we would not have to put "Do Not Touch" signs on our vehicles. Currently these cards are being used in Bath, Augusta, Farmington, Auburn, and Merrimack (NH).
Unfortunately, the committee for the Two Trails Cruisers show at Windham WalMart has voted against using these cards. We do not know why - as I said, some folks are simply opposed to change. Others may have personal issues. I understand the club President and the committee chairman wanted the cards, but they were apparently out-voted. Too bad. Perhaps next year a new committee will see the benefit. Meanwhile, it still looks like the TT show will be a winner this year - a lot of effort has been put into making it better than ever. I would not miss it - and you shouldn't, either. The only problem: how do we keep our wives out of WalMart? They'll have several hours - they can spend a lot!
I can honestly say, however, that several shows have already taken into consideration the recommendations and criticism from HotKarz and its readers, and have already scheduled some great improvements, so it looks like next year will be a corker! More great shows; fewer dogs.
Now, if only we could do something about the weather...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Togus and Other Stuff
I have received a number of emails from folks who attended the Togus Run. Judging from those letters, everything went perfect, and all had a good time.
Togus is an important event in Maine, and I am sure next year will be even better. Rusty Nuts car club does a truly wonderful job organizing this worthy event for our veterans.
Hard to believe we have had such good weather for a few days. But I am really glad to see it. Gives us all a chance to get caught up on the outdoor chores. Unfortunately, the sun comes too late to save much of the garden - in some areas the ground is still muck. Oh, well. There's always the grocery store.
With a bit of luck, the weather will hold for another weekend. This coming weekend is the big one for my family - we take the motorhome up to Pittsburg NH for the 3-day Moose Festival, which includes a car show. It is one of the few that has a PT Cruiser class, and they usually get a dozen or more from as far as Canada, New York and Massachusetts. It's a real festival, with a car cruise parade on Friday, with street vendors and performers (Colebrook), followed by a crafts-type fair on Saturday with the car show in Canaan VT. They always have moose burgers, too! On Saturday evening, after the chicken BBQ, they all head up Moose Alley to go moose peeping.
Friends of ours own a great little store & ice cream parlor on Lake Francis, and visiting them is always a great & relaxing time on Sunday.
I know it's a long haul - about 200 miles for most - but if you get the chance, you may want to check this festival out. My family wouldn't miss it.
Later!
Togus is an important event in Maine, and I am sure next year will be even better. Rusty Nuts car club does a truly wonderful job organizing this worthy event for our veterans.
Hard to believe we have had such good weather for a few days. But I am really glad to see it. Gives us all a chance to get caught up on the outdoor chores. Unfortunately, the sun comes too late to save much of the garden - in some areas the ground is still muck. Oh, well. There's always the grocery store.
With a bit of luck, the weather will hold for another weekend. This coming weekend is the big one for my family - we take the motorhome up to Pittsburg NH for the 3-day Moose Festival, which includes a car show. It is one of the few that has a PT Cruiser class, and they usually get a dozen or more from as far as Canada, New York and Massachusetts. It's a real festival, with a car cruise parade on Friday, with street vendors and performers (Colebrook), followed by a crafts-type fair on Saturday with the car show in Canaan VT. They always have moose burgers, too! On Saturday evening, after the chicken BBQ, they all head up Moose Alley to go moose peeping.
Friends of ours own a great little store & ice cream parlor on Lake Francis, and visiting them is always a great & relaxing time on Sunday.
I know it's a long haul - about 200 miles for most - but if you get the chance, you may want to check this festival out. My family wouldn't miss it.
Later!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Thanks, Folks
Well, the response to the "anonymous" comment was really nice to see, to say the least. To all the folks who have written in (many by email instead of by posting a comment), I truly thank you all for your support. It is worthwhile to note that not a single person found much value in the comments of "Anonymous".
To the person who made that unseemly anonymous comment, while you are certainly entitled to your opinion, please feel free to read all the responses to your opinion (attached at the end of the last entry), so you can see what value others place on your opinion. Just because you have an opinion, and are entitled to it, does not necessarily give it any worth. The same is true of my own opinions - I rarely insert them, but when I do, I understand they may not be shared by all.
And yes, as you can plainly see, I post all comments, as a rule (except those that use profanity or other offensive language). After all, I posted yours - and you did not think I would.
Coming shortly, an entry on Togus. While I was unable to attend due to previous committments, I have received several letters from folks who went and had a truly grand time. So stop in again soon. And don't forget to check out all the latest letters on the recent events, with letters on Togus to be added soon, as well as a glowing letter from the organizers of the Gorham Lions show, thanking HotKarz and all of you for their success - and their plans to improve even more (it's hard to improve on such a good show, but if they say they will, they will).
To the person who made that unseemly anonymous comment, while you are certainly entitled to your opinion, please feel free to read all the responses to your opinion (attached at the end of the last entry), so you can see what value others place on your opinion. Just because you have an opinion, and are entitled to it, does not necessarily give it any worth. The same is true of my own opinions - I rarely insert them, but when I do, I understand they may not be shared by all.
And yes, as you can plainly see, I post all comments, as a rule (except those that use profanity or other offensive language). After all, I posted yours - and you did not think I would.
Coming shortly, an entry on Togus. While I was unable to attend due to previous committments, I have received several letters from folks who went and had a truly grand time. So stop in again soon. And don't forget to check out all the latest letters on the recent events, with letters on Togus to be added soon, as well as a glowing letter from the organizers of the Gorham Lions show, thanking HotKarz and all of you for their success - and their plans to improve even more (it's hard to improve on such a good show, but if they say they will, they will).
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