I don't know if any of you participated in the so-called "Cash For Clunkers" program, but if you or a loved one did so, you may want to make a note: now that the program is over the IRS has informed us that the $4500 credit received toward a new car is considered taxable income.
In other words, if you are in the lowest tax bracket, you would owe the IRS and extra $675 next April 15th. And if you are in the middle tax bracket (28%), you would owe Uncle Sam an extra $1,260 in taxes come tax time. Most folks were not aware of this, and will be dismayed to find this out.
And now Congress wants a "Cash for Clunker Refridgerators" program. Not sure what's next - maybe "Cash For Computers", but more likely a "Cash For Guns" program. In any case, watch out for the extra taxes that will be owed.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
Response to Andy & Anonymous
In response to Andy's comment, questioning why out PT was in 2000-Present at Litchfield, that was at the discretion of the organizers. Our car can legitimately be in either 2000-Present or Special Interest, equally. We usually register in SI because it is usually the tougher class, but at Litchfield the person at the gate recommended 2000-Present, because in that case it was the tougher class (13 vehicles). So, that is where we went. We obviously did not choose a class that would be "easier to win" because we could have placed in SI (only 5 vehicles). But we did not place in 2000's, so I don't see your point. As I have said in MANY posts over the years, some vehicles can legitimately register in more than one class, equally. Anyone who does not think a 2002 PT can legitimately be in the 2000-Present class is just not of clear mind.
Just for the record, you think we should always go in SI. But others who have posted comments don't think we should ever go in SI. And each is wrong, because we are legitimate SI and we are legitimate 2000's. As further evidence you do not know what you are talking about, you say we should ALWAYS be in SI - but how about when a show like the Moose Festival has a PT Cruiser class? So, you should see that some vehicles can fit in more than one class, equally.
We usually register in the class we think will be toughest at that show, or most appropriate for that particular show because when we win, we like to feel the win was hard-earned. There is no glory in winning in a field of 3, but there is a lot of glory if you win in a field of 15.
If the gate person had suggested a class that was not appropriate, we would have straightened them out. But since our car is a 2002, and all but one of the "modifications" are not modifications at all (the frame, body and motor are still stock, only with stick-ons - only the doors are a true modification, and they are only bolt-ons), then 2000-Present (or 90's - Present) is just as appropriate for our car as SI.
And while you may think it is somehow "comical" that a person does not want to use their show car as a daily driver, not many people do. There are too many hazards out there, with shopping carts, people who can't park, baby carriages, skate-boarders, kids that like to "key" nice cars just for fun, side-swipers etc. If you wish to risk your wheels that way, that is your choice. But do not degrade or demean others who are too smart for that.
As for "Mr Anonymous" again, who is apparently so ashamed of his comments that he won't own up to them, A Cadillac is NOT a chevy, and would go into whatever class they have for the year, or other appropriate class, so please do not be ridiculous and foolish. No wonder you do not sign your posts.
Your comment about a "GMC in the Chevy Trucks class" is bogus - I have yet to see a show in Maine that has a "Chevy Truck" class, so for you to make the comment that I should somehow have "noticed" that, and complained, is as bogus as the rest of your pointless diatribe. If you are going to make stuff up, don't waste your time posting anything.
And as for your comment about "making a fuss because it was Team 207" - here is a newsflash for you: I was not at the show. I did not make the complaint. I have no idea who owns the Audi, nor do I care. I only posted it because it was a complaint made by 2 or more people who WERE there, and because an Audi is NOT a VW. And your paranoia about Team 207 shows an inferiority complex - don't be ashamed of owning a Tuner. Everyone is not "out to get Team 207".
And, finally, you are an idiot for even making that comment - HotKarz has nothing against Team 207, and we even tried to help Team 207 with the disparities at Bonny Eagle, and suggested to Bonny Eagle that they allow the Tuners to join the rest of the show. So don't even go there.
Look, folks, I don't mind comments that add something worthwhile to the conversation. But folks who make such absurd comments really should not waste their time. People who think it's "comical" if the owner of a show car doesn't want to use it as a daily driver? And people who think a Caddy should show with Chevys, and that Maine shows have a "Chevy Truck" class, which I have yet to see?
Where do these people come from? I realize most of them are simply trying to justify their own bad behavior, like registering an Audi in the VW class. But come on, have some self-respect - let's not make bad behavior worse by trying to justify it with ridiculous comments.
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Just for the record, you think we should always go in SI. But others who have posted comments don't think we should ever go in SI. And each is wrong, because we are legitimate SI and we are legitimate 2000's. As further evidence you do not know what you are talking about, you say we should ALWAYS be in SI - but how about when a show like the Moose Festival has a PT Cruiser class? So, you should see that some vehicles can fit in more than one class, equally.
We usually register in the class we think will be toughest at that show, or most appropriate for that particular show because when we win, we like to feel the win was hard-earned. There is no glory in winning in a field of 3, but there is a lot of glory if you win in a field of 15.
If the gate person had suggested a class that was not appropriate, we would have straightened them out. But since our car is a 2002, and all but one of the "modifications" are not modifications at all (the frame, body and motor are still stock, only with stick-ons - only the doors are a true modification, and they are only bolt-ons), then 2000-Present (or 90's - Present) is just as appropriate for our car as SI.
And while you may think it is somehow "comical" that a person does not want to use their show car as a daily driver, not many people do. There are too many hazards out there, with shopping carts, people who can't park, baby carriages, skate-boarders, kids that like to "key" nice cars just for fun, side-swipers etc. If you wish to risk your wheels that way, that is your choice. But do not degrade or demean others who are too smart for that.
As for "Mr Anonymous" again, who is apparently so ashamed of his comments that he won't own up to them, A Cadillac is NOT a chevy, and would go into whatever class they have for the year, or other appropriate class, so please do not be ridiculous and foolish. No wonder you do not sign your posts.
Your comment about a "GMC in the Chevy Trucks class" is bogus - I have yet to see a show in Maine that has a "Chevy Truck" class, so for you to make the comment that I should somehow have "noticed" that, and complained, is as bogus as the rest of your pointless diatribe. If you are going to make stuff up, don't waste your time posting anything.
And as for your comment about "making a fuss because it was Team 207" - here is a newsflash for you: I was not at the show. I did not make the complaint. I have no idea who owns the Audi, nor do I care. I only posted it because it was a complaint made by 2 or more people who WERE there, and because an Audi is NOT a VW. And your paranoia about Team 207 shows an inferiority complex - don't be ashamed of owning a Tuner. Everyone is not "out to get Team 207".
And, finally, you are an idiot for even making that comment - HotKarz has nothing against Team 207, and we even tried to help Team 207 with the disparities at Bonny Eagle, and suggested to Bonny Eagle that they allow the Tuners to join the rest of the show. So don't even go there.
Look, folks, I don't mind comments that add something worthwhile to the conversation. But folks who make such absurd comments really should not waste their time. People who think it's "comical" if the owner of a show car doesn't want to use it as a daily driver? And people who think a Caddy should show with Chevys, and that Maine shows have a "Chevy Truck" class, which I have yet to see?
Where do these people come from? I realize most of them are simply trying to justify their own bad behavior, like registering an Audi in the VW class. But come on, have some self-respect - let's not make bad behavior worse by trying to justify it with ridiculous comments.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Audi
To the gentleman who posted the comment about his Audi in the VW class:
It makes no difference where it is made, or anything else. Could even be made by the VW company. But an Audi is STILL not a VW. There are many car companies that make more than one line, and each line is a separate vehicle brand.
Volkswagen also owns Bentley Motors Ltd., Automobiles Bugatti SA, Automobili Lamborghini. But a Bentley, Bugatti or Lamborghini is not a VW and cannot register in the VW class.
Now that Fiat is taking over Chrysler, do you really think that a Chrysler Sebring could go into the same class as Fiat? Or that a Fiat could register in Mopar?
Sorry - the name says it all - and an Audi is an Audi.
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It makes no difference where it is made, or anything else. Could even be made by the VW company. But an Audi is STILL not a VW. There are many car companies that make more than one line, and each line is a separate vehicle brand.
Volkswagen also owns Bentley Motors Ltd., Automobiles Bugatti SA, Automobili Lamborghini. But a Bentley, Bugatti or Lamborghini is not a VW and cannot register in the VW class.
Now that Fiat is taking over Chrysler, do you really think that a Chrysler Sebring could go into the same class as Fiat? Or that a Fiat could register in Mopar?
Sorry - the name says it all - and an Audi is an Audi.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Lookin' Ahead
Well, the weekend our family looks forward to each year is upon us - come Friday, we're off to the Moose Festival, which is celebrated in (4) towns - Colebrook NH on Friday (cruise/parade & street fair), Canaan VT on Saturday (car show plus crafts fair, moose burgers, activities etc.), Pittsburg NH on Saturday evening (Chicken BBQ, Dance, Moose Cruise on Moose Alley) and the Blessing of the Cars at the Shrine in Columbia on Sunday.
Some folks are going to Cape Cod this weekend. Other than that, there is a show in Littleton. But the Moose Festival is our favorite. I know it's a long ride, but we hope to see some of you there. You'll have a good time, and we can show you around. You'll see a lot of rides you have not yet seen. We'd love to have ya!
On Labor Day weekend, two shows compete on the 6th - Shaw's Ridge, and the Pease K-9 show in Portsmouth. Both are good. We went to Shaw's the last two years, so I think we owe it to Pease to check them out this year. Not sure, but we'll wait and see.
And if you see Bill Gribizis, don't forget to wish him a Happy Birthday on the 29th. Can't get a straight answer about his age, but it is rumored that he's been around since Moses was a boy.
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Some folks are going to Cape Cod this weekend. Other than that, there is a show in Littleton. But the Moose Festival is our favorite. I know it's a long ride, but we hope to see some of you there. You'll have a good time, and we can show you around. You'll see a lot of rides you have not yet seen. We'd love to have ya!
On Labor Day weekend, two shows compete on the 6th - Shaw's Ridge, and the Pease K-9 show in Portsmouth. Both are good. We went to Shaw's the last two years, so I think we owe it to Pease to check them out this year. Not sure, but we'll wait and see.
And if you see Bill Gribizis, don't forget to wish him a Happy Birthday on the 29th. Can't get a straight answer about his age, but it is rumored that he's been around since Moses was a boy.
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Monday, August 24, 2009
Your Answer, Ken
In response to Ken's comment about which of our PT's is fastest, I just thought I would share this:
The wife's silver Platinum Turbo PT does 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, and does the 1/4 mile in 15.7 seconds. It can do 120 MPH, and is electronically prohibited from going faster. It can burn rubber from a standing start.
Not as impressive as a Corvette, of course, but after all, it IS only a PT Cruiser. ;o)
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The wife's silver Platinum Turbo PT does 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, and does the 1/4 mile in 15.7 seconds. It can do 120 MPH, and is electronically prohibited from going faster. It can burn rubber from a standing start.
Not as impressive as a Corvette, of course, but after all, it IS only a PT Cruiser. ;o)
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Pease K-9 Show
A bit more info on the upcoming show at Pease in Portsmouth. This, courtesy of Bob Norwood:
"Working Dogs Foundation car show at Pease on Sunday, 9/6/2009. I am told it's the same as last year. 30 classes plus 5 motorcycles, 3 trophies per class, 50-50, flea market, Kids corner, K9 Demos, Huge raffle prizes, games, contest & more. $10.00 car and 1 passenger, Spectators $3.00."
Sounds like a good time once again - most folks raved about it last year.
I also hear through the grapevine that the Bath show was a lot of fun. But I also heard that an Audi took 2nd in the VW class. While I understand Audi may be related to VW, it is not a VW, and no way should that have been allowed.
Well, on the home front, our daughter got her license a bit ago. And although the PT Woody is her car, she apparently has too much sense to use it as a daily driver. So, we opted to buy her another car. Anyone want to guess what she chose?
Yep - another PT Cruiser. That makes three. Folks are going to think our driveway is a used PT Cruiser car lot.
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"Working Dogs Foundation car show at Pease on Sunday, 9/6/2009. I am told it's the same as last year. 30 classes plus 5 motorcycles, 3 trophies per class, 50-50, flea market, Kids corner, K9 Demos, Huge raffle prizes, games, contest & more. $10.00 car and 1 passenger, Spectators $3.00."
Sounds like a good time once again - most folks raved about it last year.
I also hear through the grapevine that the Bath show was a lot of fun. But I also heard that an Audi took 2nd in the VW class. While I understand Audi may be related to VW, it is not a VW, and no way should that have been allowed.
Well, on the home front, our daughter got her license a bit ago. And although the PT Woody is her car, she apparently has too much sense to use it as a daily driver. So, we opted to buy her another car. Anyone want to guess what she chose?
Yep - another PT Cruiser. That makes three. Folks are going to think our driveway is a used PT Cruiser car lot.
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