I have two unopened gallons of standard layup fiberglass resin and catalyst. Perfect for anyone looking to build or repair fiberglass body parts. These usually cost $28.00/gallon, but I am willing to dicker. I also have over 5 yards of heavy duty 18 oz fiberglass cloth (retails at $9.95/yd), and 5 yards of fiberglass mat (retails $4.15/yard). Again, I am willing to dicker if you are looking to save some $$$$. Email me at ptwoodycrew@aol.com if interested.
While you are at it, why not check out the HotKarz classifieds - there is a new ad for inline headers, plus other stuff (and cars, of course).
So, now the story as to why I have all this stupid resin kicking around...you know by now that there must be a story.
It all started with my desire to build a surfboard. So, I ordered cloth, resin etc. for the glassing phase. Being new at this fiberglassing thing, I was unaware there was a difference between ordinary glassing materials (for cars, boats etc.), and a special cloth and resin specifically for surfboards.
Well, you can guess what happened - which is why I have this great opportunity for some lucky glasser. Meanwhile, I am anxiously awaiting the next delivery of materials - I am ready for the glassing, and thankfully I caught this before I actually started the glassing phase - it would have ruined about 40 hours of work.
There's a lesson here. But damned if I know what it is (^.-)
Come to think of it, I would be willing to make a deal with a glasser who knows what the hell he is doing - if you will help me glass this thing (translated as "do it for me while I supervise, suckin' on a cuppa joe"), I'll GIVE you all that other glassing material. How's that?
In any case, if interested, get in touch before someone else grabs it up. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more great specials, because I am always doing something dumb.
FYI: The Mount Washington Old Car Club will be using the Vehicle Safety Cards at the Settlers Green Show, North Conway NH on September 7th. They care about your cars. With nearly 700 spectators, it's a good move for them - and you. Don't forget to let them know you appreciate that they go the extra mile.
See ya at Shaw's Ridge!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Knowing What To Expect
Tomorrow is the long anticipated show at Shaw's Ridge. Last year was their first show, and some things did not go smoothly, but many of those kinks have been worked out. However, there may be some new ones in the works. I am writing this for just one reason - so you will know what to expect, and not be taken by surprise. Hopefully, that will take the edge off any of the new "kinks".
The Shaw's Ridge show is not going to have any of the normal classes. All classes are by decade, only, regardless of the type of vehicle. For example, if your vehicle was built in the 50's, it will be in the 50's, regardless of whether it is stock, modified, customized, or a truck. This is the way it is expected to be in all classes - or, rather, decades.
If your vehicle is 1990 or newer, you will be in with ALL vehicles from 90-present, including the tuners (and their sound systems), and, if he shows up, the fake '50 Mercury with the Buick engine and frame, since it was built in the 2000's and is built from a 90's Buick.
I do not know where they will place the kit cars and fiberglass replicas. They should be in with the decade in which it was built, but more likely will be in the decade they represent. So, your stock vehicle may be up against the flawless fakes.
Bear in mind, there is a purpose to this set-up. The folks putting it on are putting on The Art of Transportation Car Show. That is the key. This show is not set up so much to be a competion show, but an ART show. By setting the classes as decades, spectators can go from decade to decade and see how designs changed over time - the evolution of autos, so to speak.
So, before you get into a tiff, first realize this is an ART show first, and a CAR show second. Therefore, you may not be able to be competitive in your class, and you should be aware of that. But it should not keep you from having a good time, since you now know what to expect, because you read HotKarz :o)
Knowing what to expect, and understanding why it was designed that way will help everyone to enjoy the day more.
The Shaw's Ridge show is not going to have any of the normal classes. All classes are by decade, only, regardless of the type of vehicle. For example, if your vehicle was built in the 50's, it will be in the 50's, regardless of whether it is stock, modified, customized, or a truck. This is the way it is expected to be in all classes - or, rather, decades.
If your vehicle is 1990 or newer, you will be in with ALL vehicles from 90-present, including the tuners (and their sound systems), and, if he shows up, the fake '50 Mercury with the Buick engine and frame, since it was built in the 2000's and is built from a 90's Buick.
I do not know where they will place the kit cars and fiberglass replicas. They should be in with the decade in which it was built, but more likely will be in the decade they represent. So, your stock vehicle may be up against the flawless fakes.
Bear in mind, there is a purpose to this set-up. The folks putting it on are putting on The Art of Transportation Car Show. That is the key. This show is not set up so much to be a competion show, but an ART show. By setting the classes as decades, spectators can go from decade to decade and see how designs changed over time - the evolution of autos, so to speak.
So, before you get into a tiff, first realize this is an ART show first, and a CAR show second. Therefore, you may not be able to be competitive in your class, and you should be aware of that. But it should not keep you from having a good time, since you now know what to expect, because you read HotKarz :o)
Knowing what to expect, and understanding why it was designed that way will help everyone to enjoy the day more.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Voting For Change???
GT Charlie sent this in. It's worth noting...
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
It is broke. Let's change congress!
I LOVE THIS! THIS PUTS THE FACTS ON THE TABLE! I AM TIRED OF OUR PRESIDENT, GEORGE BUSH, TAKING THE FALL FOR OUR ECONOMY.
George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years. The first six of those years, the economy was fine. A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5% - about the lowest on record
4) the DOW JONES hit a record high - $14,164 (on 9/9/07)
5) American's were buying new cars, taking cruises, vacationing overseas, living large...
But American's wanted 'CHANGE!' So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress and yep...we got 'CHANGE' all right. Since that fateful day:
1) Consumer confidence has plummeted
2) Gasoline is now around $4 a gallon
3) Unemployment is up to over 5% (a 10% increase)
4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS and prices are still dropping
5) over 2 million American homes are in, or near, foreclosure
6) as I write, THE DOW is probing an other low - $11,215 (7/2/08) - $2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS!
YEP , IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE!...AND WE SURE AS HELL GOT IT!!! NOW 'B.O.', the DEM'S CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT--CLAIMS HE'S GONNA REALLY GIVE US 'CHANGE!'JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STAND?
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
It is broke. Let's change congress!
I LOVE THIS! THIS PUTS THE FACTS ON THE TABLE! I AM TIRED OF OUR PRESIDENT, GEORGE BUSH, TAKING THE FALL FOR OUR ECONOMY.
George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years. The first six of those years, the economy was fine. A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5% - about the lowest on record
4) the DOW JONES hit a record high - $14,164 (on 9/9/07)
5) American's were buying new cars, taking cruises, vacationing overseas, living large...
But American's wanted 'CHANGE!' So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress and yep...we got 'CHANGE' all right. Since that fateful day:
1) Consumer confidence has plummeted
2) Gasoline is now around $4 a gallon
3) Unemployment is up to over 5% (a 10% increase)
4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS and prices are still dropping
5) over 2 million American homes are in, or near, foreclosure
6) as I write, THE DOW is probing an other low - $11,215 (7/2/08) - $2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS!
YEP , IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE!...AND WE SURE AS HELL GOT IT!!! NOW 'B.O.', the DEM'S CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT--CLAIMS HE'S GONNA REALLY GIVE US 'CHANGE!'JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STAND?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Spectacle
UPDATE: Some of you have been asking how my home-made surfboard is coming. Well, that's still up in the air at this point, but it's beginning to look like a surfboard. Pix here, if you are interested. Bending the wood for the rails, and then figuring how to clamp them were real brain teasers.
I was flippin' through the channels, and came upon what appeared to be a Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. A lot of glitz, confetti, pyrotechnics, and an overture playing, while people stood upon a high-rise stage that resembled the Colosseum, or a great religious temple. Wow! I thought. What a spectacle.
And that is what it was. As the camera panned closer, I saw that it was Barack Obama and ensemble. And I thought, "How absurd! Running for Commander-in-Chief of the greatest nation the world has ever known is not a Hollywood production. It's serious business - or should be."
Talk about elitism, and being out of touch with ordinary folks.
Some people have likened Obama to a "rock star", or celebrity, and he finds that offensive. And then he proceeds to prove them correct.
Lord, I hope McCain has more sense and self-restraint than that. Perhaps he should show up at the Republican Convention with a plain ol' soapbox in hand.
My remote has thankfully settled upon Turner Classic Movies, featuring Charleton Heston in Major Dundee. A real Holywood production worth watching.
Zz-z-z-z
I was flippin' through the channels, and came upon what appeared to be a Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. A lot of glitz, confetti, pyrotechnics, and an overture playing, while people stood upon a high-rise stage that resembled the Colosseum, or a great religious temple. Wow! I thought. What a spectacle.
And that is what it was. As the camera panned closer, I saw that it was Barack Obama and ensemble. And I thought, "How absurd! Running for Commander-in-Chief of the greatest nation the world has ever known is not a Hollywood production. It's serious business - or should be."
Talk about elitism, and being out of touch with ordinary folks.
Some people have likened Obama to a "rock star", or celebrity, and he finds that offensive. And then he proceeds to prove them correct.
Lord, I hope McCain has more sense and self-restraint than that. Perhaps he should show up at the Republican Convention with a plain ol' soapbox in hand.
My remote has thankfully settled upon Turner Classic Movies, featuring Charleton Heston in Major Dundee. A real Holywood production worth watching.
Zz-z-z-z
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A Guest Editorial
The following was written and submitted by Frank Barron (NSRA Safety Inspector, who will be at the Shaw's Ridge show on Sunday). I hope you enjoy it, and find the value in it.
"To all concerned
"I have been reading Bill’s Blog forever and find it quite entertaining. I don’t always agree with Bill or every opinion on the blog but this is the United States of America and freedom is a good thing. Hopefully Bill will see fit to allow this generalized letter to appear in it’s entirety so that you all can enjoy th e ramblings of a quite crazy person.
"Having been in this hobby longer than some of you I have seen many changes come and go. The one constant in all this has been the participants themselves. Some of us are grayer or chubbier but we still show up no matter the weather or price of fuel, we are always the constant. We have also changed. We are now older and somewhat wiser. But in some cases we need to change a little more.
"The advent of the Spectator Code of Conduct has been a good thing and it’s implementation at some of the shows is a very good thing. Whether or not it will ever be fully accepted has yet to be seen. So now you ask yourself, “where in the world is this fruitcake going”. Not far.
"After sitting back and watching the freeform thought processes and the behavioral patterns of some of our fellow hobbyists, it has become quite clear in most cases, or as in some cases, more like being hit in the face with a brick, that we need a Participant Code of Conduct or if you will allow me,
The 10 Commandments of Participant Conduct
I. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors class.
II. Thou shalt watch your language.
III. Thou shalt not vote in groups.
IV. Thou shalt not make disparaging remarks about other Clubs.
V. Thou shalt not make disparaging remarks about other vehicles.
VI. Thou shalt not openly argue over a personal matter.
VII. Thou shalt use a polite tone of voice when addressing a show organizer.
VIII. Thou wilt not campaign for votes at a participant vote show.
IX. Thou shall treat all spectators with respect and decorum.
X. Thou wilt behave like human beings during the awards presentation.
"Now you see how nuts I really am. Let me explain these in a way that we all can understand this insanity we call a hobby .
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors class, is pretty easy to understand , stay in the class your assigned and go in the class you belong in. Stop poaching or jumping and things will be good.
"Thou shall watch your language, how much needs to be said here. Duck, duck, goose is about the only fowl language we want to hear. The F Bomb needs disarming.
"Thou shalt not vote in groups. People, we all know the buddy system is rampant but don’t slap us in the puss with it. Voting in pairs is ok but when the party is 4 or more it looks as obvious as a wart on your nose.
"The next 2 I’ll do together and maybe it could be combined as 1. Nasty comments, said aloud, about a vehicle or a club or for that matter a person are hurtful and not why we came to the show. These comments should kept to the confines of a private conversation or not be said at all.
"Thou shalt not openly argue over a personal matter, keep your dirty laundry in the basket, club politics and personal issues are not wanted. Find your happy place and go there.
"Thou shall use a polite tone… if you have ever been berated by a total stranger you know where this comes from. If there is an issue that you wish to address, be nice. If the organizer treats you respectfully return the favor, if they treat you like dog doo on there shoe , be nice. Not nasty.
"People we all know who they are and we can stop them . So I won’t even go to #8
"Thou shall treat all spectators with respect and decorum. The spectators are the shows gravy. They come, they spend, they sometimes vote, they leave. For the most part spectators are respectful of the vehicles, when they are not, ask them to step away, ASK THEM. If it’s a child, address the parent, there is no such thing as a bad child just bad upbringing. If this still doesn’t work then ask to see an insurance card for the info you need to file a future claim …work’s every time.
"Last but not least is number 10, Thou shall behave like human beings during the awards presentations. Applause is good , shaking the winners hand on their way by is good, cheering for a first time winner is good. Yelling out, whistling, cheering like it’s time for the strippers is a little old and way to childish. Behave yourself. Most didn’t get a trophy and in some cases could care less about getting one but out respect for the winners we have stuck it out. Speaking of which why do some of us l eave during the presentation. That could be considered rude or disrespectful.
"Through the past couple of seasons I have seen all of this and more. Screaming club members, cursing profanities that would stop a sailor in his tracks. The list could go on forever.
"And voices in my head have stopped cheering so I guess that’s all."
"To all concerned
"I have been reading Bill’s Blog forever and find it quite entertaining. I don’t always agree with Bill or every opinion on the blog but this is the United States of America and freedom is a good thing. Hopefully Bill will see fit to allow this generalized letter to appear in it’s entirety so that you all can enjoy th e ramblings of a quite crazy person.
"Having been in this hobby longer than some of you I have seen many changes come and go. The one constant in all this has been the participants themselves. Some of us are grayer or chubbier but we still show up no matter the weather or price of fuel, we are always the constant. We have also changed. We are now older and somewhat wiser. But in some cases we need to change a little more.
"The advent of the Spectator Code of Conduct has been a good thing and it’s implementation at some of the shows is a very good thing. Whether or not it will ever be fully accepted has yet to be seen. So now you ask yourself, “where in the world is this fruitcake going”. Not far.
"After sitting back and watching the freeform thought processes and the behavioral patterns of some of our fellow hobbyists, it has become quite clear in most cases, or as in some cases, more like being hit in the face with a brick, that we need a Participant Code of Conduct or if you will allow me,
The 10 Commandments of Participant Conduct
I. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors class.
II. Thou shalt watch your language.
III. Thou shalt not vote in groups.
IV. Thou shalt not make disparaging remarks about other Clubs.
V. Thou shalt not make disparaging remarks about other vehicles.
VI. Thou shalt not openly argue over a personal matter.
VII. Thou shalt use a polite tone of voice when addressing a show organizer.
VIII. Thou wilt not campaign for votes at a participant vote show.
IX. Thou shall treat all spectators with respect and decorum.
X. Thou wilt behave like human beings during the awards presentation.
"Now you see how nuts I really am. Let me explain these in a way that we all can understand this insanity we call a hobby .
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors class, is pretty easy to understand , stay in the class your assigned and go in the class you belong in. Stop poaching or jumping and things will be good.
"Thou shall watch your language, how much needs to be said here. Duck, duck, goose is about the only fowl language we want to hear. The F Bomb needs disarming.
"Thou shalt not vote in groups. People, we all know the buddy system is rampant but don’t slap us in the puss with it. Voting in pairs is ok but when the party is 4 or more it looks as obvious as a wart on your nose.
"The next 2 I’ll do together and maybe it could be combined as 1. Nasty comments, said aloud, about a vehicle or a club or for that matter a person are hurtful and not why we came to the show. These comments should kept to the confines of a private conversation or not be said at all.
Try and be aware of who is within listening distance before you open the pie hole.
"Thou shalt not openly argue over a personal matter, keep your dirty laundry in the basket, club politics and personal issues are not wanted. Find your happy place and go there.
"Thou shall use a polite tone… if you have ever been berated by a total stranger you know where this comes from. If there is an issue that you wish to address, be nice. If the organizer treats you respectfully return the favor, if they treat you like dog doo on there shoe , be nice. Not nasty.
"People we all know who they are and we can stop them . So I won’t even go to #8
"Thou shall treat all spectators with respect and decorum. The spectators are the shows gravy. They come, they spend, they sometimes vote, they leave. For the most part spectators are respectful of the vehicles, when they are not, ask them to step away, ASK THEM. If it’s a child, address the parent, there is no such thing as a bad child just bad upbringing. If this still doesn’t work then ask to see an insurance card for the info you need to file a future claim …work’s every time.
"Last but not least is number 10, Thou shall behave like human beings during the awards presentations. Applause is good , shaking the winners hand on their way by is good, cheering for a first time winner is good. Yelling out, whistling, cheering like it’s time for the strippers is a little old and way to childish. Behave yourself. Most didn’t get a trophy and in some cases could care less about getting one but out respect for the winners we have stuck it out. Speaking of which why do some of us l eave during the presentation. That could be considered rude or disrespectful.
"Through the past couple of seasons I have seen all of this and more. Screaming club members, cursing profanities that would stop a sailor in his tracks. The list could go on forever.
"And voices in my head have stopped cheering so I guess that’s all."
Fast Eddie's
Finally made it up to Fast Eddie's Drive-in (Winthrop, ME) for their last cruise of the season. It was a nice experience. About 40 cars and 30 bikes showed up, and tons of spectators. A bunch came up from the C.H.O.P. crew (Cumberland House of Pizza).
Please note: Seldon did NOT win the 50/50 tonight :o)
The food was quite good, also. Real milkshakes, instead of that ultra-thick pasty stuff that so many places are trying to call milkshakes.
Many of us were not impressed with the band, however., A bit too loud (had to yell to be heard when talking to friends), and the tunes were a bit to new for many of us. The music, itself, was pretty good - just not the style we are accustomed to at cruise-ins. Would have been OK if the volume was lower.
It was a long drive up, but well worth it. A gracious thank you to the hosts at Fast Eddie's.
Please note: Seldon did NOT win the 50/50 tonight :o)
The food was quite good, also. Real milkshakes, instead of that ultra-thick pasty stuff that so many places are trying to call milkshakes.
Many of us were not impressed with the band, however., A bit too loud (had to yell to be heard when talking to friends), and the tunes were a bit to new for many of us. The music, itself, was pretty good - just not the style we are accustomed to at cruise-ins. Would have been OK if the volume was lower.
It was a long drive up, but well worth it. A gracious thank you to the hosts at Fast Eddie's.
Upcoming Windham Show
I was looking over the classes for this year's Windham show at the High School. It seems that, with certain specific exceptions, there are no classes for anything newer than an '89.
Now, I am just guessing, but I would bet that if a vehicle newer than '89 that does not fit in another class should show up at the gate, the organizers will take their money anyway, and stick them all in Special Interest. Of course, that would be the absolutely wrong thing to do. We'll wait and see...
I have said this often: if a show does not have a class that is a "good fit" for a vehicle, then the vehicle should not be allowed to enter. Period. Many times, our car has not been allowed to enter a show because the show was limited to antiques and classics. That's fine. No problem. But when a show limits classes - regardless of which ones they limit - any vehicle that cannot legitimately be in a class should be refused entry.
For example, if there is no class for stock trucks, then stock trucks should not be allowed to enter. They have not been "invited". Classes tell you who is, and who is not, invited. If not invited, don't go.
We'll be checking out the Windham show, if only to find out if they will be playing the "stick 'em in Special Interest" game. If they do not want to have a class for "90's - present", then they should not allow any, unless they happen to fit in another class - legitimately. The organizers choose the classes they invite. If they leave out one or more classes, they should honor and enforce their decision nonetheless.
Settler's Green is for antiques & classics. Our car is not allowed. The Cumberland CHOP show is for antiques and classics. We cannot buy tickets. The All Mustang show at Funspot does not allow anything but Mustangs. That's fine - it is what the organizers have chosen. But what's good for one class is good for all. If a show does not include a class for certain vehicles, those vehicles should be denied entry, just as we are. Anything less is tantamount to cheating.
Windham does not include a class for 90's or newer. Unless a 90's or newer vehicle can legitimately fit into another class (Corvette '68-present, for example), it should not be allowed to enter.
Special Interest is for vehicles that have a SPECIAL interest. It is not a class for "miscellaneous". If shows want a miscellaneous class, there is such a thing - it is called the "orphan class". That simply means it is a class for any vehicle that does not fit into any of the other classes in the show.
Now, I am just guessing, but I would bet that if a vehicle newer than '89 that does not fit in another class should show up at the gate, the organizers will take their money anyway, and stick them all in Special Interest. Of course, that would be the absolutely wrong thing to do. We'll wait and see...
I have said this often: if a show does not have a class that is a "good fit" for a vehicle, then the vehicle should not be allowed to enter. Period. Many times, our car has not been allowed to enter a show because the show was limited to antiques and classics. That's fine. No problem. But when a show limits classes - regardless of which ones they limit - any vehicle that cannot legitimately be in a class should be refused entry.
For example, if there is no class for stock trucks, then stock trucks should not be allowed to enter. They have not been "invited". Classes tell you who is, and who is not, invited. If not invited, don't go.
We'll be checking out the Windham show, if only to find out if they will be playing the "stick 'em in Special Interest" game. If they do not want to have a class for "90's - present", then they should not allow any, unless they happen to fit in another class - legitimately. The organizers choose the classes they invite. If they leave out one or more classes, they should honor and enforce their decision nonetheless.
Settler's Green is for antiques & classics. Our car is not allowed. The Cumberland CHOP show is for antiques and classics. We cannot buy tickets. The All Mustang show at Funspot does not allow anything but Mustangs. That's fine - it is what the organizers have chosen. But what's good for one class is good for all. If a show does not include a class for certain vehicles, those vehicles should be denied entry, just as we are. Anything less is tantamount to cheating.
Windham does not include a class for 90's or newer. Unless a 90's or newer vehicle can legitimately fit into another class (Corvette '68-present, for example), it should not be allowed to enter.
Special Interest is for vehicles that have a SPECIAL interest. It is not a class for "miscellaneous". If shows want a miscellaneous class, there is such a thing - it is called the "orphan class". That simply means it is a class for any vehicle that does not fit into any of the other classes in the show.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Now This Is Kool!
I stumbled onto a really fun site. These folks are in Center Harbor, NH. The site is http://www.pureadrenalinemotorsportsnh.com/ and they carry a wonderful assortment of nostagia items for us car enthusiasts, from clothing, to signs, to garage decor. You may want to bookmark their page - it's a long URL to try and remember.
Now I just know that many of you have a "dream garage" (yeah, you, Joe), or want one, and this is a great place to pick up some neat items. You can also buy, sell or consign classic or muscle cars with them.
These guys also host car shows, so they are worthy of our support. If nothing else, at least check 'em out. After all, Christmas is coming, and this stuff would make the perfect gifts for any car buff. I'm going to try and get Robin and Criss to shop there for my Xmas :o)
I also met with a fellow whose son creates the best "flames" I have ever seen - check out his Dad's car. Robin may get these done on her other Cruiser. The guy's company is called "Twisted Fire", and the owner, John George, is the "arson specialist". He does Old School, True Fire (shown) and Ghost Flames. If you like what you see, take down his number: 603-783-4830. He's located at 38 Foster Road, in Loudon NH.
Meanwhile, I'll keep on the lookout for more KOOL sites. Please note that the places I bring to your attention do not pay HotKarz to mention them. If they offer something of interest to our readers, I will mention them. If not, I won't.
Bill
Now I just know that many of you have a "dream garage" (yeah, you, Joe), or want one, and this is a great place to pick up some neat items. You can also buy, sell or consign classic or muscle cars with them.
These guys also host car shows, so they are worthy of our support. If nothing else, at least check 'em out. After all, Christmas is coming, and this stuff would make the perfect gifts for any car buff. I'm going to try and get Robin and Criss to shop there for my Xmas :o)
I also met with a fellow whose son creates the best "flames" I have ever seen - check out his Dad's car. Robin may get these done on her other Cruiser. The guy's company is called "Twisted Fire", and the owner, John George, is the "arson specialist". He does Old School, True Fire (shown) and Ghost Flames. If you like what you see, take down his number: 603-783-4830. He's located at 38 Foster Road, in Loudon NH.
Meanwhile, I'll keep on the lookout for more KOOL sites. Please note that the places I bring to your attention do not pay HotKarz to mention them. If they offer something of interest to our readers, I will mention them. If not, I won't.
Bill
As If A Reason Were Needed
Some folks have questioned the need for handing out Vehicle Safety Cards at shows, to help spectators understand what is expected of them. For those of you who ask why such cards are needed, you may want to read three of the letters from folks who attended the Midcoast Auto Show in Bath, ME on Sunday (we, too, had to stop a woman from writing her ballot on our hood at the Moose Festival).
This is just one recent example. I have had no less than 40 different people mention to me about damage done to their vehicles by spectators, dogs, bikes, skateboards, kids etc. And I am relatively certain that every one of you has knowledge of such incidents.
We need to do our part to protect our investments. We need to make it a point to tell organizers at every show that we want them using such cards, or something similar. Tell them how important it is - if you are to place your vehicle at risk, the least they can do is make spectators aware of the conduct expected of them.
Since the cards are absolutely free, there is no reason why all the shows are not using them. Of course, they may not help with those who simply do not care, but for most spectators, it is simply a case of either not knowing, or not thinking. These cards can help "cure" those problems to a great extent.
Bill
This is just one recent example. I have had no less than 40 different people mention to me about damage done to their vehicles by spectators, dogs, bikes, skateboards, kids etc. And I am relatively certain that every one of you has knowledge of such incidents.
We need to do our part to protect our investments. We need to make it a point to tell organizers at every show that we want them using such cards, or something similar. Tell them how important it is - if you are to place your vehicle at risk, the least they can do is make spectators aware of the conduct expected of them.
Since the cards are absolutely free, there is no reason why all the shows are not using them. Of course, they may not help with those who simply do not care, but for most spectators, it is simply a case of either not knowing, or not thinking. These cards can help "cure" those problems to a great extent.
Bill
The Greatest "Secret"
(This is a true-life story)
Actually, it's not really a secret - it simply goes unnoticed. So, take notice!
The most valuable things in life, such as love, happiness, and respect, are what you might call "enigmas". They are not what they seem. Such things cannot be gathered, chased, or taken. They cannot be held. In order to have such things, you must give them away!
You heard that right. If you want to be loved, you must first give love. If you want happiness, you must first give it away. If you doubt this, consider the following:
I was really in the dumps. A recent divorce at the time, and other disasters had me ready to give up. It seemed that happiness was not in the cards. While feeling sorry for myself, I stopped into a coffee shop to drown my sorrow in 100 proof caffeine.
A young girl who could not have been more than 16 waited on me. She was visibly upset, and I could see she had been crying. I asked another waitress what the problem was, and was informed that the girl's boyfriend had broken her young heart. I paid for my coffee and left.
Within 30 minutes, I returned with a single rose, handed it to the girl with the broken heart, smiled, then turned and left. As I reached the door, I turned and saw that she was smiling, and bouncing over to another table where an old man sat, alone. There was a spark of renewed happiness in her, and strangely enough, in spite of all my own troubles, I, too, was feeling happier for having given happiness to another. But my happiness soon faded as I watched her give that rose to that old man. I felt "used".
A few days later I returned to that coffee shop. The girl bounced over to me, all smiles and bubbling over with apparent joy. I told her that I was happy to be able to make some small difference in her mood that day, but was disappointed that she so readily gave away my gift.
She smiled sweetly, grabbed my hand gently, and whispered, "Don't you know? You should, because I learned it from you. Happiness spreads when you give it away. You gave me the rose, and with it, happiness. I saw that lonely old man who had lost his wife last fall, and gave the rose to him, so that he, too, might share in the happiness. In giving him the rose, I found happiness a second time that day. And he returned next morning to say he gave the rose to a lady in the complex he lives in, and they are now spending time together. And that made me happy a third time. So, you see, the more happiness you give away, the more you have. I thought you knew!"
Thanks to the wisdom of that little 16 year-old girl, I have not had too many days without finding some happiness. All I have to do is give some away... It works! And it's easy. Try it.
Actually, it's not really a secret - it simply goes unnoticed. So, take notice!
The most valuable things in life, such as love, happiness, and respect, are what you might call "enigmas". They are not what they seem. Such things cannot be gathered, chased, or taken. They cannot be held. In order to have such things, you must give them away!
You heard that right. If you want to be loved, you must first give love. If you want happiness, you must first give it away. If you doubt this, consider the following:
I was really in the dumps. A recent divorce at the time, and other disasters had me ready to give up. It seemed that happiness was not in the cards. While feeling sorry for myself, I stopped into a coffee shop to drown my sorrow in 100 proof caffeine.
A young girl who could not have been more than 16 waited on me. She was visibly upset, and I could see she had been crying. I asked another waitress what the problem was, and was informed that the girl's boyfriend had broken her young heart. I paid for my coffee and left.
Within 30 minutes, I returned with a single rose, handed it to the girl with the broken heart, smiled, then turned and left. As I reached the door, I turned and saw that she was smiling, and bouncing over to another table where an old man sat, alone. There was a spark of renewed happiness in her, and strangely enough, in spite of all my own troubles, I, too, was feeling happier for having given happiness to another. But my happiness soon faded as I watched her give that rose to that old man. I felt "used".
A few days later I returned to that coffee shop. The girl bounced over to me, all smiles and bubbling over with apparent joy. I told her that I was happy to be able to make some small difference in her mood that day, but was disappointed that she so readily gave away my gift.
She smiled sweetly, grabbed my hand gently, and whispered, "Don't you know? You should, because I learned it from you. Happiness spreads when you give it away. You gave me the rose, and with it, happiness. I saw that lonely old man who had lost his wife last fall, and gave the rose to him, so that he, too, might share in the happiness. In giving him the rose, I found happiness a second time that day. And he returned next morning to say he gave the rose to a lady in the complex he lives in, and they are now spending time together. And that made me happy a third time. So, you see, the more happiness you give away, the more you have. I thought you knew!"
Thanks to the wisdom of that little 16 year-old girl, I have not had too many days without finding some happiness. All I have to do is give some away... It works! And it's easy. Try it.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
What A Weekend
As many of you know, we trekked on up to the hinterlands (Pittsburg NH and Canaan VT) for the Moose Festival this weekend. But we were not alone - some fellow from Gray, Maine, also showed up (and took 2nd in his class). The festival provided opportunities for two more new items on the FUNNIES page.
The parade was on Friday, in Colebrook, along with street vendors and entertainment. I'll be getting some pix up shortly. Friday night, Ralph & Ulla had the courage to camp out in a tent. Around 2am his air mattress deflated, so they didn't get much sleep. And talk about chilly nights! If you've ever spent any time camping in the Great North Woods, you know what I mean.
On Saturday, it was a truly beautiful day for a show. We like this show because it is the only one around that actually has a class just for PT Cruisers, and it makes for an interesting contest as PT's come from NH, MA, NY, VT and Canada (and, of course, ours from Maine). While some truly gorgeous PT's were on display (pix here - I apologize to those I did not get pix of - I left my spare battery at the camp), I am happy to say that 1st place came home to Maine . The competition was tough, as each Cruiser was deserving of the honors. They were all great cars.
I liked the idea they used this year about having the winners drive by to pick up their trophies. They even gave the winners advance notice, so it would go smoothly. But it didn't. In spite of having advance warning, and again being asked to be ready to drive up, most of the winners were not ready. In many cases, everyone had to wait as much as 5 minutes for them to get around to coming up. This made the ceremony drag out until 4pm. Not good.
But all in all, the entire festival went very well, and we all had a great time. From the parade, to the show, to the fair, the chicken BBQ and more, it was nearly perfect - as usual.
But now we are home. And I have a ton of work to catch up on. I have 124 emails to answer, a surfboard to sand, and a car to clean out. but I already have all the pix posted - you will see a lot of great cars that you may not have seen before.
And if you like scenery, check out this great spot we found in Colebrook/Columbia NH
Later!
The parade was on Friday, in Colebrook, along with street vendors and entertainment. I'll be getting some pix up shortly. Friday night, Ralph & Ulla had the courage to camp out in a tent. Around 2am his air mattress deflated, so they didn't get much sleep. And talk about chilly nights! If you've ever spent any time camping in the Great North Woods, you know what I mean.
On Saturday, it was a truly beautiful day for a show. We like this show because it is the only one around that actually has a class just for PT Cruisers, and it makes for an interesting contest as PT's come from NH, MA, NY, VT and Canada (and, of course, ours from Maine). While some truly gorgeous PT's were on display (pix here - I apologize to those I did not get pix of - I left my spare battery at the camp), I am happy to say that 1st place came home to Maine . The competition was tough, as each Cruiser was deserving of the honors. They were all great cars.
I liked the idea they used this year about having the winners drive by to pick up their trophies. They even gave the winners advance notice, so it would go smoothly. But it didn't. In spite of having advance warning, and again being asked to be ready to drive up, most of the winners were not ready. In many cases, everyone had to wait as much as 5 minutes for them to get around to coming up. This made the ceremony drag out until 4pm. Not good.
But all in all, the entire festival went very well, and we all had a great time. From the parade, to the show, to the fair, the chicken BBQ and more, it was nearly perfect - as usual.
But now we are home. And I have a ton of work to catch up on. I have 124 emails to answer, a surfboard to sand, and a car to clean out. but I already have all the pix posted - you will see a lot of great cars that you may not have seen before.
And if you like scenery, check out this great spot we found in Colebrook/Columbia NH
Later!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)