Every so often my family chooses a day to be "Rustic Day" - a full 24 hour period where everything electric (including batteries) are shut off and put away. No TV, no Internet, no cellphones, no land phones, no electric lights, no automobiles or chainsaws. Just peace, quiet, and a simpler lifestyle. If we must cut wood, it is with a bucksaw. If we must go to the store, we walk.
We do keep use of the fridge, because even in the "old days" they had ice boxes.
Lighting is by kerosene lamp and candle. Cooking is done on the woodstove, which also provides heat. Without TV or the Internet, we can settle in with hot buttered popcorn and play family games and board games. And talk. And laugh. And come a little bit closer.
Normally, we choose a "snow day" - a stormy weekend day where we would not plan much of anything else, anyway.
Certainly, the convenience is gone for that day, but it's a lot of fun, and the serenity you feel from it is priceless. Here is what we get from it: in addition to the relaxing atmosphere of getting out of the rat race for a few hours, and bringing our family closer together, we also learn to appreciate the conveniences of our world. You don't know what you have until you lose it. It's a bit like fasting - when the fast is over, the food tastes so much better!
If you decide to try this (we do it at least twice per year), please feel free to share your experiences with others. Who knows - maybe it will catch on.
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Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Cumberland Fair Cruise-In
This, from our friend Bill Gribizis:
"Hi wild Bill, the cruise-in last nite was a good time , a lot of cars turned out on a cool nite but those high horse powered sausage and fried onion sandwiches kept us quite warm. One of the 50/50's was won by guess who - S.V. This guy needs it - he is on S/S. "
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"Hi wild Bill, the cruise-in last nite was a good time , a lot of cars turned out on a cool nite but those high horse powered sausage and fried onion sandwiches kept us quite warm. One of the 50/50's was won by guess who - S.V. This guy needs it - he is on S/S. "
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OOB Poll
As you can see by the results of the OOB poll, 87% of responders say that $15.00 is too much for the OOB show, with another 3% undecided. And only 14% of the responders say they will return next year.
This is really bad news for OOB, unless they decide to organize their show better (to be worth $15), OR reduce the fee, or both. With more than 3/4 of all respondents saying they will not return, it appears evident that OOB needs to do something about their lackadaisical method of organizing and running their show.
In an attempt to be of some help, HotKarz has contacted OOB twice, and offered to assist in any way we could, to make the OOB show a rewarding experience for all parties. We even showed them the poll. But to date, we have not heard a word out of OOB. No comment whatever.
Though I hate to think so, it would appear OOB really does not care what you, the folks, care about, or what you think. I will keep trying to reach them, and offer whatever assistance possible, but I am not hopeful that OOB is even interested in putting on a better organized show that is fair to all.
If any of you would like to let them know, personally, that you feel changes are necessary, you may email them at info@oldorchardbeachmaine.com. But please, be respectful and courteous. If enough of you express your concerns, they may listen, and everyone will benefit.
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This is really bad news for OOB, unless they decide to organize their show better (to be worth $15), OR reduce the fee, or both. With more than 3/4 of all respondents saying they will not return, it appears evident that OOB needs to do something about their lackadaisical method of organizing and running their show.
In an attempt to be of some help, HotKarz has contacted OOB twice, and offered to assist in any way we could, to make the OOB show a rewarding experience for all parties. We even showed them the poll. But to date, we have not heard a word out of OOB. No comment whatever.
Though I hate to think so, it would appear OOB really does not care what you, the folks, care about, or what you think. I will keep trying to reach them, and offer whatever assistance possible, but I am not hopeful that OOB is even interested in putting on a better organized show that is fair to all.
If any of you would like to let them know, personally, that you feel changes are necessary, you may email them at info@oldorchardbeachmaine.com. But please, be respectful and courteous. If enough of you express your concerns, they may listen, and everyone will benefit.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Pix
The pix of the 1st Place winners of Durham are now up, as are the Best of the Best winners. Check the Winner's Circle.
Also, a new Featured Vehicle of the Week is available - this car is really SWEET! Only a couple hundred ever made.
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Also, a new Featured Vehicle of the Week is available - this car is really SWEET! Only a couple hundred ever made.
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Durham & Best of the Best
I realize some folks are anxious for the pix of the Durham winners (right, Sid?) and the Best of the Best, and I will have them up this evening for you. Meanwhile, the Best Of winners are posted, along with the vote counts - check it out at www.hotkarz.com/bestof.html
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Monday, September 28, 2009
Health Care Jail
I don't like to put politics in HotKarz, but this is too important to all of us to just let it pass unnoticed.
Did you know that the Health Care plan proposed by Sen. Baucus has a section that states if you do not buy health insurance you will be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished with either a $25,000 fine OR A YEAR IN JAIL?
Can you believe these people? Not only do they want to violate your Constitutional Rights by FORCING you to spend your money on something you may not want or need, but they want to put you in prison if you do not comply with their Gestapo tactics. Is THAT the change we thought we were getting?
Think about this - if for some reason you lose your insurance, you would be forced to spend $3800 to enter the "government" option, or go to jail. Hell, for most folks, if they do not have insurance it is because they cannot afford it. So the liberals want to put you behind bars for being broke.
Don't think so? Think again. Baucus has already admitted that it exists in the bill. Now think about this - let's say the government says if you earn more than $48,000 a year, you can "afford" the $3800/year for their insurance. Yet, for all they know, your bills and expenses come to $48,000 a year. So how will you pay $3800 for insurance without going bankrupt and losing everything? In other words, it will not matter how much debt you already have - if you EARN a certain amount, the government says you can afford it - even if you cannot. So, you go to JAIL!
In America! With each passing day, the Administration and Congress is changing America from the land of the free to the land of the enslaved.
Of course, most media refuse to tell folks about this part of the Baucus bill, because they know the folks would revolt, big time. As far as I can tell, the only news source to show this is Fox News. Think whatever you want about Fox News - the fact remains that even though Baucus, himself, has admitted this is in his bill, Fox is the only news station to report on it. You need to ask why. Any news media that hides news from you is a media that is virtually lying to you.
Folks, it does not matter what "party" you belong to - if you have an ounce of common sense and a modicum of interest in what kind of future our children will have, get on the horn and call your senators and congressmen TODAY. Tell them if they vote for the health care bill, you will vote for their opponent in the next election. This is far too important for anyone to sit on their hands and hope someone else will fight the fight for them.
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Did you know that the Health Care plan proposed by Sen. Baucus has a section that states if you do not buy health insurance you will be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished with either a $25,000 fine OR A YEAR IN JAIL?
Can you believe these people? Not only do they want to violate your Constitutional Rights by FORCING you to spend your money on something you may not want or need, but they want to put you in prison if you do not comply with their Gestapo tactics. Is THAT the change we thought we were getting?
Think about this - if for some reason you lose your insurance, you would be forced to spend $3800 to enter the "government" option, or go to jail. Hell, for most folks, if they do not have insurance it is because they cannot afford it. So the liberals want to put you behind bars for being broke.
Don't think so? Think again. Baucus has already admitted that it exists in the bill. Now think about this - let's say the government says if you earn more than $48,000 a year, you can "afford" the $3800/year for their insurance. Yet, for all they know, your bills and expenses come to $48,000 a year. So how will you pay $3800 for insurance without going bankrupt and losing everything? In other words, it will not matter how much debt you already have - if you EARN a certain amount, the government says you can afford it - even if you cannot. So, you go to JAIL!
In America! With each passing day, the Administration and Congress is changing America from the land of the free to the land of the enslaved.
Of course, most media refuse to tell folks about this part of the Baucus bill, because they know the folks would revolt, big time. As far as I can tell, the only news source to show this is Fox News. Think whatever you want about Fox News - the fact remains that even though Baucus, himself, has admitted this is in his bill, Fox is the only news station to report on it. You need to ask why. Any news media that hides news from you is a media that is virtually lying to you.
Folks, it does not matter what "party" you belong to - if you have an ounce of common sense and a modicum of interest in what kind of future our children will have, get on the horn and call your senators and congressmen TODAY. Tell them if they vote for the health care bill, you will vote for their opponent in the next election. This is far too important for anyone to sit on their hands and hope someone else will fight the fight for them.
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Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Nice Letter
I am pleased to reproduce the following letter:
"Bill, Robin, Christi,
As recipient of the second place award (super sized trophy) in your www.Hotkarz.com "2009 Best of the Best" contest we want to say "THANK YOU" to you guys and all of the faithful Hotkarz readers that thought our 1948 Chevrolet Business Coupe was worthy of their votes. Congratulations to all of this year's competitors, they all deserve to win. You stated that votes came from Europe and Canada as well as the Untied States, that alone speaks volumes for your fine work in producing an excellent web-site for us the car owners to share our pride in our rides with folks that truly appreciate fine automobiles.
Keep up the good work with Hotkarz.com, you guys are the real "Best of the Best".
You may use this on your post if you wish.
Regards,
Ken & Janet Matthews
GR8-48
Raymond, Maine "
[Editor: Thank you, Ken & Janet, and everyone else who has helped to make HotKarz.com the success it has become. HotKarz does these crazy things because we really do appreciate you, the folks, and all that you do for the hobby.]
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"Bill, Robin, Christi,
As recipient of the second place award (super sized trophy) in your www.Hotkarz.com "2009 Best of the Best" contest we want to say "THANK YOU" to you guys and all of the faithful Hotkarz readers that thought our 1948 Chevrolet Business Coupe was worthy of their votes. Congratulations to all of this year's competitors, they all deserve to win. You stated that votes came from Europe and Canada as well as the Untied States, that alone speaks volumes for your fine work in producing an excellent web-site for us the car owners to share our pride in our rides with folks that truly appreciate fine automobiles.
Keep up the good work with Hotkarz.com, you guys are the real "Best of the Best".
You may use this on your post if you wish.
Regards,
Ken & Janet Matthews
GR8-48
Raymond, Maine "
[Editor: Thank you, Ken & Janet, and everyone else who has helped to make HotKarz.com the success it has become. HotKarz does these crazy things because we really do appreciate you, the folks, and all that you do for the hobby.]
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Diehards
In spite of a constant, steady rain and raw temperatures, a number of diehards arrived at the Durham show today and toughed it out to the end. Every one of those intrepid car buffs is worthy of praise for their dedication - and need to have their heads examined.
It is days like this that separate the normal car buffs from the dedicated and addicted car nuts. And now we know which are which.
But the real story is this: everyone had a great time in spite of the inclement weather. No shortage of laughs and camaraderie.
Norm Gray won most of the trophies - Best Engine, Best of Show, 1st in his class. Not unexpected for such a beautiful piece of iron. And lest I forget, Norm also took home a huge, special trophy for being the Best Ice Cream Eater. No lie!
Jim Peacock and his '66 Satellite won the trophy and an invitation to represent the Durham Show at the World of Wheels in Boston this year. Gotta admit, that '66 something-or-other is a really fine ride.
All in all, a good day, regardless of the miserable weather. Cheryl & Stan Page, along with Archie and all who helped put this show together for us did an excellent job once again.
But I gotta tell ya, Archie - if it had not rained, I do not see where you would have put all the vehicles that normally show up. I don't think that will be enough room next year...
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It is days like this that separate the normal car buffs from the dedicated and addicted car nuts. And now we know which are which.
But the real story is this: everyone had a great time in spite of the inclement weather. No shortage of laughs and camaraderie.
Norm Gray won most of the trophies - Best Engine, Best of Show, 1st in his class. Not unexpected for such a beautiful piece of iron. And lest I forget, Norm also took home a huge, special trophy for being the Best Ice Cream Eater. No lie!
Jim Peacock and his '66 Satellite won the trophy and an invitation to represent the Durham Show at the World of Wheels in Boston this year. Gotta admit, that '66 something-or-other is a really fine ride.
All in all, a good day, regardless of the miserable weather. Cheryl & Stan Page, along with Archie and all who helped put this show together for us did an excellent job once again.
But I gotta tell ya, Archie - if it had not rained, I do not see where you would have put all the vehicles that normally show up. I don't think that will be enough room next year...
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Best of the Best Results
HotKarz is proud to announce this years BEST OF THE BEST. Awards were presented today at the Durham Elementary School Show.
To see the winners and the number of votes each received, visit here.
To see the total vote counts for all contenders, go here.
We wish to thank and congratulate all the winners, and would like to express our belief that you are ALL winners at HotKarz.com
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To see the winners and the number of votes each received, visit here.
To see the total vote counts for all contenders, go here.
We wish to thank and congratulate all the winners, and would like to express our belief that you are ALL winners at HotKarz.com
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