Saturday, September 6, 2008

The Board

Well, surprisingly, the new surfboard seems to be coming along. I tried my hand at fiberglassing, and the bottom of the board looks pretty darn good, considering it is just the glassing coat. So far, I am pleased. That could change at any time - still a long way to go.

Hurricane Hanna kept us from the Concord (NH) Kiwanis show. That's a shame, because they put on a superior show. But tomorrow looks good for show-goers. We will be doing the Windham show because Settler's Green is not going to respect or enforce all the classes. Neither is Windham, but at least we do not have to travel as far to get treated that way :o) We are going more for the experience, since we have never done the Windham show.

Really looking forward to OOB next week - that is always a great time, especially Cruise Nite on the Boulevard. Don't see much for next Sunday, though.

Well, gotta hit the sack - it's late, and 6am comes fast.

A Taxing Situation

I have had several people ask me to once again explain how taxing the rich, or businesses, results in taxing the poor. Others have flatly disagreed - they cannot see the larger picture. So, if you will bear with me for just a few minutes, perhaps I can clarify.

First, I can state emphatically that the rich do not pay any taxes - not ever. And the poor pay all the taxes - always. And that is precisely how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Now for proof of the pudding.

Let us say Joe is poor, and Mark is rich. Joe eats a lot of Ramen soup because it's cheap. Mark's company makes the Ramen soup. Joe works for Mark.

The government increases Mark's taxes. They also increase the taxes on capital gains. This pleases Joe.

Since Mark's taxes have increased, and he is not in business to lose money, he must now raise the cost of the Ramen that Joe buys. Suddenly, Joe is not so pleased.

Mark also reduces company benefits, and lays Joe off because the increase on capital gains has forced investors to stop investing in his company. Needless to say, Joe is REALLY unhappy now - and poorer than ever.

But it is much worse than that - increased taxes on EVERY business and rich person has resulted in the prices of all products and services to increase. Joe is now paying more for gas, his lawn mower, milk, pizza, movies, tires, car - everything he buys is now more expensive, because businesses always pass off any increase in costs - including taxes - onto the customers and employees. They have to.

The only people who cannot pass these added costs onto others are the poor - there is no one below them to pass them to.

This is how capitalism works. Every time.

Increasing taxes - regardless of who you tax - always harms the economy, increases unemployment, decreases investments that make the economy grow, and makes the poor even poorer.

Even you, the working stiff, pass on your taxes to people below you. Yes, you do. In order to pay taxes, you must earn more money than if you did not have any taxes to pay. Your paycheck reflects that. As businesses increase prices because of higher taxes, those higher prices mean YOU pay higher sales taxes (when the price goes up on an item, so does the amount of tax - you pay 5 cents on a one dollar item, and 6 cents on that item when the price increases to $1.20). So, when you get hit with higher property taxes, higher sales taxes etc., you have to ask for a raise, or you fall into poverty. And where do you think your boss is going to get that money - he has no money tree. He will get it from his customers by way of higher prices (again), which results in even higher cost of goods, plus higher sales taxes on those higher prices. But you have effectively passed on your taxes to those below you. Your "cost of living raise" pays those extra taxes. And the money your boss needs for giving you that raise comes from the customers.

Every penny of tax is passed down to those below. And it stops with the poor, because they cannot pass it down - they are already at the bottom. Who would they pass those costs onto?
When businesses are taxed more, or capital gains taxes are increased, the business must do one of three things if they are to stay in business. They must either increase the costs of their products/services, OR they must reduce company benefits and/or lay people off, OR a combination of the two. Regardless which they choose, it will result in a sagging economy, higher unemployment, fewer people insured (lost benefits), and the poor getting poorer.

There can be no other result.

Of course, you could say that the rich guy could just pay the taxes out of his own pocket and not raise prices, but that is unrealistic - no one, not even the poor, would pay out of their own pocket if they can pay from someone else's pocket. And that rich guy does not want to become one of the poor.

The next time any politician says he will raise taxes on the rich and lower them on the poor and middle class, you should now understand that he is lying, and intends to do great harm - either out of his own ignorance, or with intent (to create a socialist state). In either case, we really should not be voting for him - if he is that ignorant, he cannot represent us, and if it is intentional, then he won't represent us. And given the opportunity, he will do untold harm to us all.

Let's not give those guys the opportunity. If they are for taxing anyone more - regardless of who they want to tax - give them the ol' heave-ho!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Fosters Daily Democrat Show (Dover NH)

Many of you attended the Foster's show in Dover NH last year, as did we. A really good show. Unfortunately, the folks that sponsored the show last year bought a new business and there will be no show this year.

In speaking with the folks at Fosters Daily Democrat, I have been assured they will resume the show next year.

Meanwhile, if the weather holds, Saturday we have the Vineyard Church show in Lewiston ME and the Kiwanis show in Concord NH, and on Sunday there is Settler's Green in North Conway NH and the Windham Boosters show in Windham ME. Enough to keep us hoppin'.

We were able to bring quite a few new readers from New Hampshire to HotKarz, from our visit to the Moose Festival in Pittsburg/Colebrook/Canaan. To those wonderful folks I would ask that you, too, participate in HotKarz. We do not receive as much info on NH events, shows and cruises because of the distance. But with your help, HotKarz can be every bit as helpful and fun for you as it has been for those of us in Maine and southern NH.

If you know of shows, cruises or events in NH that are not yet posted, please let us know. If you have news you would like to share, email me your story and I will post it. Selling a car, or parts? Post them free in our classifieds. Would you like your opinion heard on a show you have attended? Send it in and it will be posted. Just email me at ptwoodycrew@aol.com

Perhaps next year we can expand our coverage throughout MA and VT, if we can get those good folks to participate. We'll see. But for now, we are hungry for NH news, so please get in touch.

Join us, and reap the benefits.

Later!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Thank You!

In yesterday's post, I humbly asked our readers to send their prayers to other good friends of ours, David & Rachel. I am very happy and proud to say that you fine folks are coming through in the clinch. David reports he has received several emails from you folks, and coming from "strangers", it has given Rachel a real lift. As you may know, a person's attitude and "spirits" have a lot to do with healing, and your emails are helping big time. For that, dear friends, we thank you.

If you have not sent your prayers, but would like to do so, you may simply send an email with "You are in our prayers", or something similar, and send it to davidamcclane@yahoo.com. It's like receiving "Get Well" cards - every one helps the spirit, and if you have ever known anyone facing cancer, you know the importance of helping to lift the spirits.

Again, we thank you. We just knew you folks were special! And you are proving it, where it counts.

Bill

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Of Humor, Wolves & Caring

It seems some good folks take me too seriously, which is almost always a mistake :o) In an earlier post I mentioned, in jest, that HotKarz is in the hole. At the cruise this evening, two wonderful people tried donating funds. Of course, I had to graciously refuse.

While it is true that HotKarz loses money like a washing machine loses socks, there is no cause for concern. The Good Lord blesses us in many ways, and more than we have any right to expect. The only wolves at my door are the ones chasing my 17 year old daughter, and she handles them very well.

So, though I do thank those folks from the bottom of my spleen (my heart is taken), please worry not. And may the Good Lord bless you at least as well as He blesses us.

And speaking of blessings, I have a great favor to ask of you all. As you may know, we stayed with wonderful friends in Pittsburg for the Moose Festival - David & Rachel McClane. They are among the best people we have ever known - kind, generous, thoughtful and always ready to smile or laugh. But they are not laughing tonight. When we got home, we had a message from David that really shook our world. It seems that Rachel's doctor has found what appears to be a malignant tumor.

We are asking for your prayers for both David & Rachel. And we hope that you will help provide strength by letting them know they are in your prayers by sending them a brief email with your wishes. Knowing David & Rachel as I do, seeing such support will give them the strength they will need over the coming months.

If you would like to send your wishes, simply email them at davidamcclane@yahoo.com and tell them you are friends of "BJ" (that's me). And may God bless you for caring.

Thanx!

Bill

Do You Like Discounts?

I just heard from Cynthia, of Pureadrenalinemotorsports.com . She is offering a 10% discount on any item(s) in their online store through October 31. This offer is made only to the readers of HotKarz. All you gotta do to get the discount is to tell 'em you heard about them right here on HotKarz.com. If you don't tell 'em that, you don't get the discount. This is a special discount just for you folks. It is not available to the general public.

So, now you can get some great Christmas shopping done early, and save a few bucks at the same time.

Enjoy!

Today

What a beautiful day! In fact, the last ten days or so have been great. Too bad it has to come at the end of the summer. We only got to the beach once this year.

Finally getting caught up on the outside work - just in time to undo it all and button down the hatches for winter.

Here's hoping this week goes a bit better than last. Last week, our other PT Cruiser blew its power steering pump, which cost nearly a grand to replace. The same day, the tranny line in the GMS gave out, which cost another $250. All that happened just after the garden tractor blew a hole through the engine block, the battery went flat in the motorhome and I bought the wrong resin for the surfboard. Ah, the trials and tribulations of life in the slow lane!

Actually, I'm not really slow, but I'm not fast, either. I'm half-fast.

I s'pose I'll take the GMC to Windham today and bring home the first ton of pellets for the stove this winter. Next week I'll get the other 2 tons. I have a feeling this winter is going to come early, stay late, freeze the noses and bury us in snow.

Probably go to Rock n' Roll Diner tonight - haven't been there in awhile. If I remember to bring my teeth this time, I could even get something to eat while I'm there.

Never thought I would see the day when "remembering" would become a time-consuming venture. It's not that I can't remember - it's just that it takes longer to bring the memories up to the front. I always remember my teeth - about 5 miles down the road. And I will remember your name after we have ended our conversation and gone our separate ways. And I never fail to remember making that important call - after their office has closed. In the morning I will try to remember what it was I forgot to do the previous day. And I will remember - when the day is done and it's too late.

It's strange, really. I can easily remember the names of the kids I attended kindergarten with. And I can recall without difficulty how we found one of my sister's Christmas presents behind the couch in May of 1959. But when I try to recall what I did yesterday, it's a brain strain.

Well, gotta go. Got lots to do, as soon as I remember what.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Food For Thought

Did anyone else notice the major difference between McCain's actions and Obama's concerning hurricane Gustav?

Obama got on the podium and gave a nice speech about "solidarity", and "standing together" in the midst of this disaster. McCain gave no such speech.

Instead, McCain began using the convention to raise funds for the hapless victims, and to help arrange for actual on-the-ground help.

I think that says a lot about how each would run this country, if given the chance.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, make speeches.

Just my humble opinion...

Something To Work On

Have you seen the latest funnies (added 8/31)?

Over the slow winter months I plan to be working with several professional show organizers (including the fellow who organizes the famous Turkey Run in Daytona) to put together a manual on everything needed to put on a successful car show, from the initial planning stages, right through to wrapping up. It will even cover aspects like spectator parking, DEFINITIONS of classes, and every detail for a successful and profitable show. Hopefully, this manual will help organizers in our area to make more money while offering us a better bang for our buck. How can that be bad? (Well, I'm sure a few folks will argue that).

In addition - and this is where it gets even better - the manual will include tips from professional car buffs, restorers, and builders on how to make your ride a winner at the shows. These tips can help you take the extra measures that might just mean the difference between Best of Show and "also ran".

Obviously, this will be a big project. Once completed, the manual will be offered by HotKarz at a very, very reasonable cost, to cover the cost to publish, market and ship. Not a bad deal. And if there are any $$$ left from sales, those funds will be used to sponsor classes at shows, provide Vehicle Safety cards for free, and so on.

Over the rest of this season, I will approach some owners for permission to feature parts, or all of their vehicles for demonstration purposes in the manual. Your ride could become famous, since we will also be offering this manual nationwide.

So, if you want the best info on show organization and how to improve your own chances at those shows, or if you simply want to support HotKarz efforts, plan to stop by in the spring and pick up your own copy. It will be well worthwhile.

Now, someone should be asking, "OK, Bubba, what are your qualifications for writing a book?"

Good question. But let's be more specific, 'cuz anyone who can put words to paper can write a book. No other qualifications are needed. But to write something that can SELL is something much different.

To answer the skeptic's question, I can humbly admit to having published several books, some of which have been best sellers. And I have written many manuals, several of which are best sellers. In fact, one of my manuals has been downloaded over 4 million times, though that is only a fraction of the number of folks who have downloaded pictures of Heidi Klum. I have been quoted extensively on the Internet, in PREVENTION magazine and even in READER'S DIGEST. So, those are my qualifications. Not that everything I write is on the level of Stephen King or Danielle Steele, but I do write some good stuff, and what I write tends to be accurate and useful.

Don't judge me by this blog - these entries are generally off the top of my head, and I don't even use SpellCheck. My books are much better.

HotKarz.com - trying to make a difference through positive change.

The Latest

Shaw's Ridge pix are up, and so is the Winner's Circle for that show. Enjoy!

A person who posted a comment earlier has again posted. This time they are claiming that I have somehow suggested we incorporate a whole new "set of rules" for car shows.

Anyone with any sense knows I did no such thing. I am only suggesting that we LIVE by the rules that already govern society - things like "no cheating", and "watch your language" (children attend shows, too).

It still amazes me that some people just don't get it. The "rules" are not for the purpose of taking fun out. Instead, they help to insure we have more fun. It is more fun to go to a show where cheating does not take place. It is more fun when we don't have to be there so long that it causes us other problems.

This person also suggests that shows have been full of cheating and unfairness since he first started showing in the '80's. And that seems to be his rationale for letting it STAY crappy! Frankly - and this is just my opinion - I think we all have an obligation to stand up and work to make it better, rather than to just sit and take the abuse. But that's just my opinion - I have always been a fighter for what I believe is right. I have never just quietly sat back and let anyone take advantage of me, or of those I care about.

And I care about everyone who goes to car shows. OK, so shows have problems. Not news. But it is how we deal with the problems that determine what we deserve. Thomas Jefferson said, "Everyone gets the government they deserve." The same goes for car shows. If you are not willing to stand up and make them better, they will stay the way they are, and regress into something worse (remember the weeds left in the garden?).

I feel sorry for that person who seems to hate the unfairness, but fights anyone who tries to change it. He's fighting on the wrong side. Perhaps he is just frustrated, and does not believe it can get better. But if that is what he thinks, he is wrong.

No, I am not suggesting making any "new rules". I am only suggesting that we adhere to the ones that we are already given by society, instead of ignoring them. Societal rules serve a purpose - they level the playing field, so that we all get a fair shake. It is only when we ignore the rules that things start to go sour.

And like the fellow says, they have been sour for a long time. It's time to sweeten things up. But that won't happen by magic. It will happen only if we want it to happen, and act to MAKE it happen.

Of course, we could do what this fellow is doing - just take the abuse, keep our mouths shut, and grumble about things that are not right.

Sorry - that does not describe Bill Vaughn! Not by a long shot. I believe in what my Dad used to say - if you don't stir things up once in awhile, too much settles to the bottom. Ever try painting from a can of paint that has settled?

Desoto

A fellow car enthusiast is seriously looking for a 1957 Desoto hardtop 2 dr or 4 dr (preferably 4), in almost any condition. He's been looking a long time, and could use your help. If you know anyone, or have any leads, please give Ralph a jingle at 207-839-4587, after 6pm please.

To the fellow who asked me at Shaw's Ridge concerning customizing his PT, I tried calling you, but got no answer :o) The info you were seeking is:

Adams Auto Customs
559 1/2 Portland Street
Rochester NH 03867
(603) 332-1255
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In case you have not read the home page recently (tsk, tsk), then you missed that I would like to thank all my faithful readers by giving each and every one of them a FREE $100 gas card. Yes, I would like to, but unfortunately, I can't. But it's the thought that counts, right? :o)
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The GOOD NEWS: 100% of any ad revenue that HotKarz might accidentally earn will be used to sponsor trophies for the folks, or for prizes during the year.
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The BAD NEWS: So far, ad revenues this year came to $25. HotKarz spent over $160 on the HotKarz Super Cruise Trophies. So, we're in the hole. But it's comfy down here in the dark. (Is that water seeping in???)
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Did I mention that Settler's Green will be using our Vehicle Safety cards this year? It shows they care, so don't be modest about giving them a "thank you". Unfortunately, the organizer has told me that the only class our car fits into - Special Interest - will be populated by every orphan that shows up. They do not give that class the respect they give all other classes. So, we'll be going to the Windham show. And if the Windham show is the same? Well, at least it's closer. If we are going to take an unfair beating, there's no point in wasting any more gas than necessary :o)

Not sure where we will go Saturday. Vineyard Church in Lewiston is closer, and we would likely see more old friends. The Kiwanis Show in Concord NH is a super show that is hard to beat (and they have a class for us besides Special Interest), but it's far away, and it is unlikely we'll see anyone we know. So, right now we are undecided. Last year, Kiwanis gave away over 100 door prizes (about $25 value each), and issued large, full goodie bags. The judging was reasonably fair, the field was very well laid out, and the folks were just great. But it can be a long day without lots of old friends around.
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We'll see...

Epiphany

An epiphany is a sudden enlightenment. And I think it is time to try and create one in the minds of certain naysayers.

I will start with a simple premise: personal opinions are debatable; facts are indisputable, and therefore not debatable.

When I offer my opinion, I will usually state unequivically that "this is my personal opinion". Otherwise, chances are pretty darned good that I am simply presenting facts. And any person who attempts to debate facts will only serve to make him or herself look pretty foolish to everyone else, so please refrain from doing so, for your own sake.

Certain issues of right and wrong are seldom debatable. For example, it is not an opinion that the murder of innocent people is wrong - it is fact. And it is not opinion that rape or robbery are wrong. Those are facts. And cheating is wrong.

Now, murderers, thieves, rapists and cheats may disagree that their acts are wrong. But it changes nothing - they are still wrong, because those issues are not debatable - they are facts. And, as a rule, only the people doing the wrongs (and other fools) will try and debate the rightness of their acts, or otherwise try to defend those who commit them.

HotKarz will (almost) always stick to publishing the facts. And while some folks may object to the facts, it changes nothing. When HotKarz states that cheating is wrong, we make that statement because it is a fact. And if HotKarz says there is (at least) one club that intentionally uses their strength of numbers to alter voting results, we say that because it is fact. We may not divulge how we know it to be a fact, but you can take it to the bank - we would not make the statement if it were not undeniably true. If we were not 100% certain, we would say, "This is a personal opinion."

Still, a few folks get set on trying to debate such issues, saying HotKarz has no "right" to make such determinations. To that I say, we have every right to state facts. Everyone has that right.

And if a person insists on debating the facts, he really needs to be armed with facts to substantiate his position. Don't try the old liberal bluff of, "I disagree with you, so you are wrong." That does not cut the mustard. Disagreeing with an issue does not mean it is debatable. Murderers may disagree with murder being wrong. But their disagreement does not make murder right. It is still wrong.

Now, the folks who strongly object to the facts, or wish to ignore them, also object to me making their position public, and then responding to them in public.

Let me be clear - if you post a comment, you do so knowing it will probably be posted for all to see - that is the function of COMMENTS. And when a person posts a comment that includes spin, untruths, or otherwise makes unwarranted assertions or accusations, you can be 100% certain that I will rebut the comment. And you can be almost that certain that, in doing so, I will prove the correctness of the HotKarz position.

Everyone has the right to express themselves. They also have the right to be wrong. So anyone can post their comments. But understand that if a person chooses to disagree with simple facts (like the fact that cheating is wrong, regardless of where it occurs), then he should also understand that it is my job to rebut him.

For the record, HotKarz takes the position that certain things are wrong, including (but not limited to):

1) Jumping the fence, or registering in an inappropriate class for the sake of a trophy

2) Cheating of any kind

3) Forming or joining a "voting bloc" for the purpose of taking an undeserved trophy

4) Using a voting bloc to harm another participant

5) Having a judged show where the judges are not qualified

6) As a "peer judge", selling your vote to friends, rather than taking the judging obligation seriously

7) Not having distinct and well-marked classes in a show that has trophies and voting by class

8) Abusing ANY class by allowing vehicles into the class that do not belong there - even Special Interest

9) Messing with any participant's vehicle

10) Littering, foul language, personal attacks & childish behavior from adults

You can disagree with any of the above. But please do not try to defend an opposing view. There is no viable defense for something that is just plain wrong.

One might say they enter into an inappropriate class (particularly Special Interest) simply because there is no other class for them. But that is no excuse for doing the wrong thing. If there is no appropriate class for a vehicle, the vehicle should leave, rather than harm others, and ask the organizers to consider adding a class for them next year.

One might say that the qualifications of judges is objective. But judges, by definition, are to be fair, unbiased, competent and just, and leave their personal feelings at the door. Those qualifications are cast in stone. Anything less is not a qualified judge. By using a valid point system, judging can be more fair to all.

One might say that the "park anywhere" format in a show with classes is simply a logistics issue, determined by available manpower or whatever the excuse. But there is no excuse for running a shoddy show, while charging participants to enter. If unwilling or unable to put in the necessary effort to run a show, don't run it. Either that, or don't charge us to get in.

There are other things that are indisputably wrong, such as allowing folks to vote their own class, or allowing folks to "vote early, vote often" by not restricting the number of ballots a person can take.

I am in no way saying that I am always right - I'm not. But I am saying that, while my OPINIONS may not be always be right, my FACTS always will be right.

So, as a final note, please understand that we may not always agree. But we should always agree on the basic tenets of what is right and wrong. If not, please do not waste everyone's time trying to defend the indefensible.

Yet Another Reply From The Same Person

The person who believes it's wrong to stand by your car because it constitutes "buying" votes sent this in:

[THE COMMENT WRITER]"There are those who not only stand by their car asking for votes. IE: and I quote. (What's your number) or maybe (You vote for me and I vote for you) I guess you being the judge and jury of car shows turn your head to that kind of voting. You say you want fair voting then how come you don't go attack these people?

[HOTKARZ RESPONSE] Excuse me, but I DO attack the ethics of those people! That was the entire point of the blog entry about the "buddy system" style of voting. Or did you miss that? And I say again, you are wrong about the majority of folks who stand by their cars. You made a blanket statement, accusing them all, not just one or two. And I have a problem with your blanket statement. Perhaps one or two people do ask for votes - I already addressed that problem with the "buddy system" blog. But it was you who insinuated that people standing around their cars were "trying to buy votes". And I said, simply, that most voters are not that dumb, nor that dishonest, so your assertion is really groundless. HOTKARZ is more concerned with the wholesale cheating - clubs creating "voting blocs" for the express purpose of poaching trophies.

[THE COMMENT WRITER, quoting HotKarz] "As for your other assertion: So, you are saying it is OK to allow dishonesty and cheating, as long as it does not affect you "honest folks", and as long as you can laugh about it because it happened to someone else. And you say you must either "belong to the club, or stand by your car all day." I say there is another, better option: require honesty, and disallow the cheating. Then you do not have to belong to a rat pack OR stand by your car all day. If you do not tolerate the cheating, and put an end to it, think of how much more enjoyable the show would be for all (and not just you). Of course, you would no longer be able to laugh at other people's misfortunes.

[THE COMMENT WRITER]"I know this (blog) is your show but please don't put words in my mouth.

[HOTKARZ RESPONSE] Excuse me again, but I did not put words in your mouth - I QUOTED you. You put them in your own mouth. I can only tell folks what you say. I cannot tell them what you meant. If you do not mean what you say, perhaps you should refrain from saying it until you CAN say what you mean. (I am quickly coming to the conclusion that you are objecting to the HotKarz position because you have reason to keep things as they are)

[THE COMMENT WRITER]"I never said anything about being dishonest and cheating. You really need to open your eyes and see what everyone else is looking at. You know I could go on and bring myself down to your level but frankly your just not worth it. You really need to open your eyes and see what is really going on instead of condeming people for their efforts."

[HOTKARZ RESPONSE] Oh, but I do see what is going on. I only said that your attitude about the cheating is what allows it to fester and grow. It was YOU who said it was not worthy of worry, that we should ignore it and laugh about it. I simply disagreed with you. ANY cheating is wrong. And ignoring it will not make it go away. If you would rather just accept the cheating, and laugh at the results (your words), then that is certainly your choice. I do not happen to share that view, and I seriously doubt if many people do. I think that most folks - particularly car folks - are honest, and value integrity. And I think most of them do not like the cheating, and have only put up with it because, until now, they had to. There was no other choice. But now there IS a choice. With a central format like HotKarz, we can mull over the issues that have been hidden under the bushel for too long. We can discuss options, and ways to effect the necessary changes. And then, when we have a method figured out, we can all pull together to get it enforced. If most of the car buffs demanded a change, the organizers really would not have much choice - they either make the change, or lose this venue for raising money. It is a like like having a "car buff's union". Together, we can make a difference. It seems obvious that, for reasons of your own, you would rather keep things as they are. I would rather make things better for car buffs and more profitable for organizers.

And that is my point. We can either accept the problems, as you seem ready to do, or we can try to fix them, as HotKarz wants to do.

But one thing we should never do is sit back, watch it happen, then laugh about it, as you said you do. Yes, you are entitled to do that, if you wish. But don't expect me to support your view.

1st Place

Someone posted the following comment:

"Standing by my car talking about it is the one thing that means the most to me. I have never gotten 1st and I probably never will, but I do have a smile, after going down "memory lane" with someone when they see my car. I have my own memories and I love it when someone says, "I had one of those or my aunt, etc. had one of those." "Now that is a classic." I thank them for taking the time."

To this person, whoever he or she may be, I would like to state unequivically that you win 1st place with HotKarz. You are what car shows are all about.

Stand By...

Most folks agree - it's OK to stand by your man. And it's OK to stand by your principles. It's even OK to stand by your mailbox, waiting for your Social Insecurity check. But for some strange reason, some folks do not think it is OK to stand by your car at a car show.

That is wrong on two very basic levels. On level one, the assertion that anyone who stands by their car is somehow "buying votes" would wrongly assume that voters are either too dumb to see through a ploy, or so dishonest that their votes are for sale. Besides, how can anyone buy a vote in this fashion if two or more folks in the same class are standing around their cars? They can only vote for one!

On a second level, it assumes that a person who stands by their car is trying to buy votes, when in fact, that is rarely the case. Most of us are proud of our rides, and most of us are not such snobs that we will not answer questions that others may have about our cars. That is how new friends are made. It is not how votes are bought and sold.

Take Ralph Cartonio, for example. A very fine man, and someone whose integrity I do not question. Because he stood by his car, I was able to learn the entire history of his gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Peerless. And I was able to make a friend in the process. But was Ralph trying to buy my vote? Anyone who knows Ralph knows that would be out of the question. Ralph cares little for trophies. As proof, Ralph won Best of Show at Shaw's Ridge yesterday. He knew he was in the running for it. But he forfeited the trophy and let it go to someone else. No, Ralph is not a trophy hound. Ralph is a fine, kind, generous man who loves to show - and talk about - his car. And because of that, I learned a great story about his Peerless, and I made a friend that I now treasure.

To those folks who think that anyone who talks about his ride is trying to somehow "buy" votes, I would suggest you open your closed minds long enough to stop being so snobbish, and spend
SOME of the time hanging around your own vehicles to answer questions that others may have. Trust me - it will not make me think that you are fishing for votes, and sharing your knowledge and stories will open a new world of new friends. It will be a rewarding experience for all.

I only wish I could spend more time by my car, but as the editor of this website and blog, I have other obligations that keep me away from my car most of the time. But I take every opportunity to step up to folks who gather around the PT, to answer their questions, and engage them in conversation. They learn about Lambo doors, and where to get accessories for their own PT, and I get to make new friends.

Wish I could do more of that...

Another Misguided Comment

Though with good intentions (I hope), here is another comment that fails to see that wrong is wrong:

"I agree with John. Its too bad the fun of going to a show has been taken away by all of this nonsense. While I agree with some of what you say I do believe the BS is taking the fun of going to a car show. No matter its give us honest folks something to laugh about. It is funny to watch some stand by their car and attempt to buy the vote as we walk by. You know how it works either belong to that club mentioned earlier, or stand by your car most of the day. Perhaps if all else fails do both and beat the odds if it means that much to you. "

[REPLY] First, many of the folks who stay by their cars do so because they are proud of their ride, and they enjoy talking about it, showing it, and answering questions about it. This in no way suggests they are trying to "buy votes", and your insinuation to the contrary is unwarranted. I often wish I could talk to the owner when I find a vehicle I want to know more about. If he is there, and answers my questions, and we become friends, is he buying my vote? Absolutely not.

As for your other assertion: So, you are saying it is OK to allow dishonesty and cheating, as long as it does not affect you "honest folks", and as long as you can laugh about it because it happened to someone else. And you say you must either "belong to the club, or stand by your car all day." I say there is another, better option: require honesty, and disallow the cheating. Then you do not have to belong to a rat pack OR stand by your car all day. If you do not tolerate the cheating, and put an end to it, think of how much more enjoyable the show would be for all (and not just you). Of course, you would no longer be able to laugh at other people's misfortunes.

It never ceases to amaze me that some folks just don't get it. They believe that bad behavior is fine as long as they, themselves, are not the victims of it. They are all too willing to look the other way, as long as it does not affect their little world.

I would guess that some (not all) of the people who write these comments are probably some of the same people who break the rules, and want to be able to keep right on doing it. Otherwise, why would it matter to them so much? Why would they oppose trying to make things honest? Why do they strongly object to wanting the cheating to stop?

How can any honest person with good moral values and integrity be against bringing honesty and integrity into our shows?

One more time: no matter what the venue - a car show, a classroom, a business - cheating is WRONG! It is a PROBLEM! And if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. Because part of the problem lies in ALLOWING cheats to cheat, and standing by without objecting. Allowing something encourages it. By looking the other way and not standing against cheating, we encourage cheating. We are "giving permission".

And that gives birth to the problem.

And the only way to deal with a problem is to solve it. Ignoring it simply allows it to grow, until it infects everything. Good things require care and maintenance. Bad things do not.

Yes, you may ignore the weeds in your garden. But if you do, the garden will cease to be, as the weeds will soon overtake it, and consume it.

Comment

"John" sent the following comment:

"Can we just go to a show and relax and have some fun without feeling like we'er back in school or the military with all these rules and regulations you feel we need to abide by?? I go to a show to be with friends and forget about the weekly stress and bull of having to go to work and earn aliving and deal with all their rules car shows should be fun!! and no one is perfect and I'm sure there will always be complaining no matter how a show is run. Just my opinion. "

While I do understand what John is saying, dishonesty is dishonesty, and cheating mars everything. We all want to relax and have fun. But it is not relaxing nor fun if you are the one being cheated. We should take a moment to realize that no matter how much fun we are having, if there is a skunk in the woodpile, we need to get rid of it, so everyone, and not just ourselves, can have fun.

We have a good life in this country. But should we just ignore that other people around the world are not as fortunate? Should we turn a blind eye to injustice, just because it is not affecting us, personally? I do not think that is the answer to anything.

I had a great time at Shaw's Ridge. But I saw a few people who did not, because they were victims of a rat pack. Neither I nor HotKarz will turn a blind eye, simply because it did not affect me.

Perhaps if you, John, were to be the victim, you would not be so quick to ignore the problem. If it was your day that was ruined by some selfish, small people, you would be more willing to stand for what is right.

Yes, we want to be able to relax and enjoy. But not just some of us. ALL of us.

Even in the "little" things, like not breaking up until 4:30. That may be a little thing, unworthy of stress, for some of us. But for the person who needs to be back at a certain time, it is a cause for stress, and is not a "little" thing. For example, getting out at 4:30 may be fine with you. But what if a show were to not get around to the awards and the 50/50 until midnight. Would that still be fine with you? Somehow, I doubt that would make for a relaxing time for you, even though it would not bother me - I don't have to go to work, and I don't need a babysitter to watch my kids. The point is simple: certain things do need to be regulated, for the benefit of all. And certain rules of conduct must be in place. After all, one such rule, for spectators, is to not touch the cars. Would you like to do away with that rule, also? You say you want to "get away from rules and regulations."

Just because a problem does not affect you, it does not mean there is no problem, and does not mean we should ignore it. There is an old saying, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem."

HotKarz has no intention of becoming part of the problem. We want shows to be an enjoyable experience for all, and not just for ourselves. It is neither relaxing nor enjoyable to go to a show where a rat pack is speading its vile infection. It may be fun for those who are not affected, but what about those who are? Are we to be unconcerned for our fellow car buffs?

Yes, we should relax. We should enjoy. But we should also address wrongs when they rear their ugly heads, so that others may also enjoy what we enjoy without being victims of our own willingness to allow cheating, or our neglect of certain rules of conduct.

If you want to go somewhere that does not have any rules of civilized conduct, become a mercenary and ship out to Darfur. But wherever there is peace, wherever there are civilized people, there will always be rules to live by. When you decide to do away with rules, you do away with civilization.

After all, if there were no rules, as John suggests, we could simply punch out the folks we disagree with. Would that be relaxing, John? We could piss out behind our cars instead of going to the facilities. Wouldn't that be fun, John? And we could drop our litter everywhere. We could say "To hell with paying to get in". We could just steal the food from the vendors. No rules, right John? Hell, we wouldn't even have to win trophies - just walk up to the table and take 'em. Of course, we may have to punch out the other folks who also want to take them, but that's OK because we don't need any rules, right?

Civilization REQUIRES rules. Rules provide the opportunity for relaxation, fun and enjoyment. Without rules, we could have none of that - we would always be looking over our shoulders to see who is sneaking up on us to siphon our gas, pick our pockets, or do us harm.

And that is no way to have a good time!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

A Serious Concern

It's time to stir the pot a bit! And even though we took a 1st place award at Shaw's today, that will not placate me into silence when something is wrong.

There are only a few serious issues when it comes to fair, honest and worthy car shows. But those issues should not be ignored. They need to be addressed. And if we want better shows that benefit all parties, they need to be faced head-on.

In entries past, the issue of class jumping has been pored over. And while we still need to work on that some more, good changes are happening and our efforts are beginning to show.

We have also uncovered other issues, with the same result. More work needs to be done, but progress is being made.

So now it is time to address a serious problem that is not the fault of organizers. The fault lies among us, the participants.

There are two major forms of cheating, often referred to as "trophy poaching". But trophies or not, cheating is cheating, and it is always disgusting. One method of cheating is class jumping, as mentioned earlier. It involves either registering in an inappropriate class, or changing class, simply for the purpose of increasing the chance to win a trophy - at someone else's expense.

But the purpose of this entry is to bring the other form of cheating out into the light of day - the "Buddy System" of voting.

It is understandable that a person would want to benefit their friends. But in the case of voting, that is dead wrong, and dishonest. In a peer judged show, it should not be forgotten that it is still a JUDGED event - you, the "peers" are the judges. And a "judge" is a person who remains unbiased, fair and unaffected by personal interests. In a peer judged show, each participant who votes IS a judge, and should conduct themselves accordingly. To do anything less is a disservice to everyone, and whether you accept it or not, it is cheating.

Every car on the field should be allowed to compete FAIRLY with others in its class. But the competition is not fair if the buddy system is used to alter the outcome in favor of certain people. This buddy system is no different from the guy who steals the answers to a final exam, then passes those answers on to all his or her friends.

The "buddy system" abuse of voting power was overly prevalent at Shaw's Ridge earlier today. We observed two severe cases - two different types of "buddy system" abuse. In one case, it was actually rather innocent - though that does not make it OK. It was a case where several people copied the ballot of someone else, because they were tired and wanted an "easy" way out. There was no evil intent, but it is still wrong, and unfair.

The other case did involve evil intent. A certain club that had several members present all gathered and made two decisions. One was to vote for their own members wherever a member had a vehicle in a class. It did not matter if the vehicle was the best in the class or not. By "ganging up", with an intent to win by swaying the vote by sheer numbers, several of those members won trophies they could not have won otherwise, which effectively cheated others out of their rightful honors. The other decision was to make it a point to NOT vote for certain vehicles that were owned by people they viewed as "enemies", effectively preventing them from taking their just places.

In the first case, some cars that should not have won did win, and some cars that should have won did not. This club used their "voting bloc" power to affect the outcomes. This is not simply unfair - it is unethical, despicable and absolutely wrong. It is intentional cheating.

I do not have to identify you - you know who you are. And so do the rest of us! You do not fool anyone. You have sold your integrity and self-respect for a small piece of plastic that you did not even earn. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that your club has one purpose - to create a voting bloc that allows you to poach trophies for your own members.

The only thing more despicable than voting in a bloc for a member or friend is to vote in a bloc AGAINST a person, to intentionally deprive him of his rightful prize. That is not just despicable - it is downright evil.

Now, this is my personal opinion - such a club has no right to exist, and deserves whatever fate befalls it. Such a club does not deserve anyone's respect or consideration. Such a club should be shunned by all.

I must admit, when I first starting showing in Maine, I, too, fell victim to a type of buddy system. While there was no intent to cheat anyone, that was the result. Fortunately, I caught myself in short order. I realized that, while friends are friends, there is an obligation as a judge to judge FAIRLY, regardless of friendship. True friends would understand and respect the honesty and integrity. Any "friend" who does not is not a true friend, so I need not be concerned with what he thinks of my choices. Now, I vote strictly according to which vehicle I truly believe to be the best in the class. I won't even vote for my own unless I honestly believe it to be the best in the class. And that is how we should all be voting.

After all, what good is a trophy if every time you look at it you know in your heart you did not earn it? Of what value is it?

Whenever a person votes in a way that is less than honest and fair, he is breaking one of the Commandments, "bearing false witness". You are saying, "This vehicle is best" when you know it is not.

Minor "buddy system" infringements, where one person casts a ballot for one friend are not a true threat. To an extent, that may be chalked up to human nature. But organized, intentional cheating is a threat. It destroys the value of the competition, which robs the entire show of credibility and validity.

First, we should look to ourselves, to insure that we take the responsibility of being a judge seriously. We should respect ourselves enough to take our obligation as judges more seriously. Second, whenever we see blatant examples of "voting bloc abuse", we should shun those involved.

Show organizers can at least reduce the "buddy system" effect, and virtually eliminate the "voting bloc" power by creating sensible ballots. In any peer judged show, classes should be randomly selected and divided into at least three different balloting forms. Each participant only gets to vote for 1/3 of the classes, which would not include his own. In this way, buddies are less likely to be able to vote for one another, and it would be virtually impossible for whole groups to do so.

I have said this before, and I will say it again: while it is not "about the trophy", the trophies do carry some importance. They are recognition of your efforts and accomplishment. If you earn one, you should get it. If you do not earn it, you should not get it. This is why there is a Baseball Hall of Fame. It is why the Scouts have merit badges, why the military issues medals and why there is a Nobel Peace Prize. It is why schools and universities have a grading system. Like all those others forms of recognition for a job well done, trophies are the same thing for car buffs.

To earn one, and watch someone else get it by cheating is abhorrent because you have lost something you earned. But to get one by cheating is even worse, for you have lost far more than a trophy - you have sold your soul!

"For what good is it to gain all the gold in the world, only to forfeit your soul".

Interesting

That is the best word for the Art of Transportation show at Shaw's Ridge - interesting.

As stated in a previous post, this was more an art show than a car show, so the format and classing was different than most folks are used to. But if you read HotKarz regularly, you already knew what to expect in that regard.

The weather was simply great, and the location and facilities were excellent. Couldn't be much better. And the hosts went out of their way to be gracious and friendly.

But there were some difficulties, and some not-so-great "mistakes". Most of the difficulties arose from a lack of volunteer help. Many volunteered, but few showed up. This left the organizers "unorganized" early on, through no real fault of their own. Frank assures me that next year they will try to get everything set up in advance. Good idea!

Another difficulty was the very lengthy awards ceremony - 90 minutes! What made this a bigger issue was the fact that it did not begin until 3pm, so many folks are getting home late tonight. Hopefully, next year the organizers will realize that not all participants are "locals", and have a long way to travel to get home for dinner, or to pay the baby-sitter so she can get home for dinner. Then perhaps they will schedule the awards ceremoney for 2:00, and have the door prizes out of the way before that, so folks can start for home by 3:00.

So much for the difficulties. Now for the "mistakes" that they will hopefully avoid next year.

1) The lengthy award ceremony was a difficulty. But the late hour was a mistake, as many folks travel a long distance. This is an easy fix.

2) When you go with the "must be present to win" idea, then you really must start each class with the 1st place, and work down from that. In this way, if someone is not present and forfeits, the next person in line gets that award. But in the case of Best of Show, they did not do that. They awarded the lesser awards first, and when the 1st place winner was not present, they had to issue the 1st place trophy to the THIRD (or fourth) place winner, because the second place person had already been awarded second place. This was not fair to the second place winner - to end up in second place while the 3rd place winner got the top award. In the future, if they are going to use the "must be present to win" structure, then they need to award 1st place FIRST.

3) All ballots were identical, which meant that participants could vote their own class. The problem with this lies in the fact that too many people will vote their own vehicle, which may not be the best in the class, but more importantly, it allows people to abuse the "buddy system" of voting. Normally, in a peer judged show, no one should be allowed to vote their class. And to help break up the "buddy system", ballots should be split - if there are 21 classes, for example, then there should be three different ballot forms, each with 7 classes. Each participant gets to vote only in 7 classes, which would not include his own. In this way, it is unlikely that buddies will be able to vote for one another. This decreases the chance of abuse.

That last "mistake" touches upon another, huge problem at this show, but it is something that the show organizers have little control over, so I will address this serious issue - which afflicts many shows - in a later blog. It is not so much a problem of the show - it is a problem created by participants who abuse their power to vote.

Overall, although this show was designed to be different, I would give this show a high rating. Personally, I did not care much for the "artistic" classing structure, but that is simply a personal preference, and does not detract from the show. Each show's organizers are entitled to choose whatever method of classing they choose. As long as they stick to it, and keep the classes honest, I do not find a problem with it. And this show did, indeed, keep it honest.

HotKarz wishes to than Frank Svatek, Tom Bannen and the folks of Shaw's Ridge for such an enjoyable experience. We'll be back next year - and we'll bring more friends!