Well, this evening we trooped on up to Roy's, in Auburn for their first cruise-in of the season. Great! Fine! Except I forgot to bring the camera, so there won't be any pix this time. Sorry - just gettin' a bit long in the tooth, I guess, and the memory is the second thing to go...
Had a good time, all the same. Dan the Music Man kept the party lively with great tunes, and there were plenty of prizes to go around - to which the OTHER Dan can attest, since he won so many.
By the way, Dan's righteous Golden Chevy has improved this year - which was a tough thing to accomplish, since it achieved near perfection already! And, of course, the "Preacher" was there with his fabulous Ford, Betty Lou. Talk about "sweet ride", it doesn't get much better.
Well, I gotta update the calendar a bit more - discovered a couple cruises (courtesy MotorMenders) that I did not have listed yet.
Weather permitting, we may get to Mainely Custard (Classic Convertible) in Freeport tomorrow evening (Wednesday). But first I gotta call to see if they are starting yet :o)
Later!
BJ
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
ADVISORY - V & M Rentals, Gorham ME
It is most unusual for me to post any warning about anything, but in this case it seems to be warranted and necessary. All of our Maine and New Hampshire visitors are important to us. For this reason, I find it necessary to post this advisory, since most of you own and operate various pieces of equipment in York & Cumberland Counties.
A few weeks ago I took my Husqvarna lawn tractor in to V & M rentals, of Gorham, Maine. I told them the tractor needed a tune up, and a new mower deck. Sounds simple enough. I was given an estimate of $119 for the tune-up, and $309 for the mower deck. I was told it should be ready in about a week. Again, sounds simple enough.
Two weeks later I called, asking what was going on. I was told that the parts had been ordered, but the distributor was having a delivery problem. I told them if the tractor was not fixed in a few days, I would come for it and take it elsewhere.
The next day, they called. The man asked me if I wanted to rebuild the old deck or get a new one. I told him I had specifically requested a new one. I then asked why he was asking, since the previous day they claimed it was already on order. He told me nothing had yet been ordered, and he was calling to find out what he should order! Obviously, someone had lied to me the previous day.
I then asked what it was going to cost to get my tractor back, and when it would be ready. He said it would take two more days, and it would cost $792.
That was a whopping $300 more than the estimate! I was angry, to say the least.
Well, it was not ready in two days - it was another 5 days before they called and said it was ready. Again I asked what it was going to cost me, because I wanted to see if they were going to jack the cost up again. To my surprise, again he said "$792.00". I was not happy, but what could I do? At least they had not padded the bill further.
I immediately went to pick up the tractor. By the time I got there, the bill had suddenly and unexpectedly been jacked up another $400 - the original estimate of about $490, which had been raised to $792 was now $1,182!!!!
Angry is not the word I would use. If I were a violent person, V & M Rentals would be gone - rubble! But, they can be thankful that I paid their exhorbitant bill, picked up my tractor and left without anyone requiring medical attention.
When I got home, I pushed the tractor down the ramp, off the truck, and turned the key. NOTHING! It did not start. It did not kick over. NOTHING! I checked the battery - it was fine.
Correct me if I am wrong, my dear friends, but when a person pays almost $1200 for repairs, they have some rightful expectation that, upon getting it back, that it RUNS!
Look, I am not telling you not to do business with V & M Rentals. But I am saying that I will never return, and I strongly urge everyone to consider taking their business to a company that makes at least some small attempt to satisfy their customers, stick to their estimates, and not tell you tall tales - and, hopefully, gives back your machine in WORKING ORDER!
Bill.
A few weeks ago I took my Husqvarna lawn tractor in to V & M rentals, of Gorham, Maine. I told them the tractor needed a tune up, and a new mower deck. Sounds simple enough. I was given an estimate of $119 for the tune-up, and $309 for the mower deck. I was told it should be ready in about a week. Again, sounds simple enough.
Two weeks later I called, asking what was going on. I was told that the parts had been ordered, but the distributor was having a delivery problem. I told them if the tractor was not fixed in a few days, I would come for it and take it elsewhere.
The next day, they called. The man asked me if I wanted to rebuild the old deck or get a new one. I told him I had specifically requested a new one. I then asked why he was asking, since the previous day they claimed it was already on order. He told me nothing had yet been ordered, and he was calling to find out what he should order! Obviously, someone had lied to me the previous day.
I then asked what it was going to cost to get my tractor back, and when it would be ready. He said it would take two more days, and it would cost $792.
That was a whopping $300 more than the estimate! I was angry, to say the least.
Well, it was not ready in two days - it was another 5 days before they called and said it was ready. Again I asked what it was going to cost me, because I wanted to see if they were going to jack the cost up again. To my surprise, again he said "$792.00". I was not happy, but what could I do? At least they had not padded the bill further.
I immediately went to pick up the tractor. By the time I got there, the bill had suddenly and unexpectedly been jacked up another $400 - the original estimate of about $490, which had been raised to $792 was now $1,182!!!!
Angry is not the word I would use. If I were a violent person, V & M Rentals would be gone - rubble! But, they can be thankful that I paid their exhorbitant bill, picked up my tractor and left without anyone requiring medical attention.
When I got home, I pushed the tractor down the ramp, off the truck, and turned the key. NOTHING! It did not start. It did not kick over. NOTHING! I checked the battery - it was fine.
Correct me if I am wrong, my dear friends, but when a person pays almost $1200 for repairs, they have some rightful expectation that, upon getting it back, that it RUNS!
Look, I am not telling you not to do business with V & M Rentals. But I am saying that I will never return, and I strongly urge everyone to consider taking their business to a company that makes at least some small attempt to satisfy their customers, stick to their estimates, and not tell you tall tales - and, hopefully, gives back your machine in WORKING ORDER!
Bill.
Friday, May 2, 2008
HotKarz Super Cruise Trophies
Just to let you all know, HotKarz will be giving out the "Super Cruise" trophies at the 2nd Annual Kiwanis Car Show at the Kiwanis Beach in Standish, Maine on August 10th. More info coming soon. We chose this show because Standish seems to be centrally located between all the cruise locations we will be attending this summer, from Ossipee, NH to Lisbon Falls, ME.
Winners must be present to win. If not, trophies will be awarded to the vehicle with the next highest number of votes.
Later!
BJ
Winners must be present to win. If not, trophies will be awarded to the vehicle with the next highest number of votes.
Later!
BJ
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Updated Calendar
The 2008 season promises to be a busy one. To date, HotKarz has 60 shows on the calendar, beginning May 4th, and 25 cruise locations, just in Maine, alone. We have shows posted as far as Houlton to the NE and Millinocket to the north.
It has been difficult trying to get information on New Hampshire shows and cruises, but we'll keep trying - if you have any info on that, please send it along to ptwoodycrew@aol.com.
I had thought I would attend the show in Waldoboro on May 4th, but time considerations for other obligations prevents that - I will be attending the show at Starkey Ford in York, instead. So I am officially putting out a plea - if you go to Waldoboro, would you be so kind as to take pix and send them to me, so they can be posted for all to see? I would appreciate it.
For those who are interested, the Tuesday cruises scheduled at Gifford's Ice Cream in Auburn have been canceled, and from what I understand (I could be wrong), Maine Coastal Cruisers will be meeting at TJ's Pizza in Biddeford instead of Shopper's Village. (If you know this to be incorrect, please let me know - I am trying to get hold of Fritz to learn more about this).
Well, I gotta go work on the Woodie. Seems I blew something - neither the sound system nor the electric door locks are functioning. Already checked the fuses. Any suggestions? If I can't figure it out, I suppose I'll have to take it in for service.
See y'all soon!
It has been difficult trying to get information on New Hampshire shows and cruises, but we'll keep trying - if you have any info on that, please send it along to ptwoodycrew@aol.com.
I had thought I would attend the show in Waldoboro on May 4th, but time considerations for other obligations prevents that - I will be attending the show at Starkey Ford in York, instead. So I am officially putting out a plea - if you go to Waldoboro, would you be so kind as to take pix and send them to me, so they can be posted for all to see? I would appreciate it.
For those who are interested, the Tuesday cruises scheduled at Gifford's Ice Cream in Auburn have been canceled, and from what I understand (I could be wrong), Maine Coastal Cruisers will be meeting at TJ's Pizza in Biddeford instead of Shopper's Village. (If you know this to be incorrect, please let me know - I am trying to get hold of Fritz to learn more about this).
Well, I gotta go work on the Woodie. Seems I blew something - neither the sound system nor the electric door locks are functioning. Already checked the fuses. Any suggestions? If I can't figure it out, I suppose I'll have to take it in for service.
See y'all soon!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Insanity
Earlier today I was in New Hampshire and paid $3.19 a gallon for gas. This afternoon, back in Maine, I got stuck for $3.59 a gallon.
The actual cost of a gallon of gas is less than $2.00 - the rest is federal, state, highway and assorted taxes. Maine, as we all know, has the highest taxes per capita of any other state in the nation - even more than New York or Massachusetts.
And it is costing us much more than we know! A Portland radio station recently reported that Maine businesses are emmigrating to New Hampshire - often to North Conway. Why? Taxes are much too high in Maine. And they report that Mainers buy their cigarettes and booze in New Hampshire. Why? You got it - taxes. And they report that over the last few years, a lot of Mainers have been leaving Maine, moving to New Hampshire. Can you guess why?
Maine is a beautiful state, with a tremendous amount of natural resources, not the least of which is its wonderful people. But Maine is losing people, jobs, businesses and more, while NH is growing - all because of the Maine legislature's complete ineptitude when it comes to taking and misusing our money. We all know this. But here is where it gets worse.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well, guess what? Mainers are insane. They keep voting the same inept clowns into office. And they keep electing the same party into office. Doing the same thing, over and over, and expecting things to get better!
I will likely take a lot of flak for this, but I don't mind telling you I am not insane - insanity is fine when you are young, but I haven't been young since Moby Dick was a pollywog. Next time around, I'm voting for all new legislators, and for Republicans. The folks we now have in office have been unable to make anything better, and in most instances, have made things much worse. If you have kids in school, you know what I am saying. If you have been hurt by the debacle known as Dirigo, you know where I am coming from. And if you have noticed that the state is taking more of your paycheck - in one way or another - than the federal government, then perhaps it is time to stop doing insane things! In fact, the federal government and every state in the Union - except Maine - has made health care accounts (for self-employed or uninsured) tax free. Maine, however, taxes the income that a person puts into such an account.
And now the legislature - acting contrary to what the citizenry wants - has passed two bills that will increase gambling - and all the ills that follow it. Surprisingly, and to his credit, Balducci has refused to sign them. But don't think those clowns in the legislature are ready to let those bills die. They will return. And eventually they will pass. I have lived in several places where gambling is legal - including Vegas and Atlantic City. I have seen first-hand what follows. If you do not believe that an otherwise good young man who loses his rent & grocery money won't put on a ski mask and rob a liquor store in order to feed his kids, then you may not be living in the real world.
Thomas Jefferson said, "Every person gets the government they deserve." We have what we have because WE don't change it!
Maybe I notice it more because I spent most of my life in New Hampshire. Property tax is high, but it is close to being the only real tax. I pay almost $13,000 per year more in taxes now that I live in Maine. In other words, I could buy another $250,000 home in NH for the EXTRA taxes I am paying to Maine!
Think back - remember when Maine started the income tax so property taxes could be reduced? Well, have you seen your property tax bill lately? Then they voted in a sales tax, so the state income tax would not have to increase in order to keep property taxes down. Are your property taxes "down"? Not mine. So, instead of having one "big" tax, we now have three. And the legislators are crying that they do not have enough money yet! Brace yourselves...I think the air we breathe is about to get expensive.
It is noteworthy that in every one of the highest taxed states, the services provided are the worst. You would think it would be the other way around, but it's not. Think about it a moment - a state that uses its citizen's money wisely and well would naturally require less in taxes. States where the politicians are incompetent and irresponsible can never get enough tax money to pay for their stupidity. So, if you are subject to high taxes, then you have incompetent people at the State House and in the legislature.
Remember: while the cost of education is high, the cost of stupidity is much higher. It's time we stopped the insanity, fired the incompetent, and elect people who will do something different. Because doing the same things, over and over, and expecting things to get better is just plain nuts.
So, you're probably asking, "What's all this got to do with HotKarz?"
Your cars are sucking up $4.00/gallon gas, just like mine. Your discretionary income for your hobby is much smaller than it should be. Some of you will go to fewer cruises and shows because of the high taxes.
And as that happens, we will miss you dearly. Meanwhile, we're looking for a new home - in Wolfeboro, NH. We expect to be moving next year.
And the $13,000/year we'll be saving in taxes will insure we can continue going to the cruises and shows with the folks whose company, friendship and cameraderie we enjoy - YOU!
The actual cost of a gallon of gas is less than $2.00 - the rest is federal, state, highway and assorted taxes. Maine, as we all know, has the highest taxes per capita of any other state in the nation - even more than New York or Massachusetts.
And it is costing us much more than we know! A Portland radio station recently reported that Maine businesses are emmigrating to New Hampshire - often to North Conway. Why? Taxes are much too high in Maine. And they report that Mainers buy their cigarettes and booze in New Hampshire. Why? You got it - taxes. And they report that over the last few years, a lot of Mainers have been leaving Maine, moving to New Hampshire. Can you guess why?
Maine is a beautiful state, with a tremendous amount of natural resources, not the least of which is its wonderful people. But Maine is losing people, jobs, businesses and more, while NH is growing - all because of the Maine legislature's complete ineptitude when it comes to taking and misusing our money. We all know this. But here is where it gets worse.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well, guess what? Mainers are insane. They keep voting the same inept clowns into office. And they keep electing the same party into office. Doing the same thing, over and over, and expecting things to get better!
I will likely take a lot of flak for this, but I don't mind telling you I am not insane - insanity is fine when you are young, but I haven't been young since Moby Dick was a pollywog. Next time around, I'm voting for all new legislators, and for Republicans. The folks we now have in office have been unable to make anything better, and in most instances, have made things much worse. If you have kids in school, you know what I am saying. If you have been hurt by the debacle known as Dirigo, you know where I am coming from. And if you have noticed that the state is taking more of your paycheck - in one way or another - than the federal government, then perhaps it is time to stop doing insane things! In fact, the federal government and every state in the Union - except Maine - has made health care accounts (for self-employed or uninsured) tax free. Maine, however, taxes the income that a person puts into such an account.
And now the legislature - acting contrary to what the citizenry wants - has passed two bills that will increase gambling - and all the ills that follow it. Surprisingly, and to his credit, Balducci has refused to sign them. But don't think those clowns in the legislature are ready to let those bills die. They will return. And eventually they will pass. I have lived in several places where gambling is legal - including Vegas and Atlantic City. I have seen first-hand what follows. If you do not believe that an otherwise good young man who loses his rent & grocery money won't put on a ski mask and rob a liquor store in order to feed his kids, then you may not be living in the real world.
Thomas Jefferson said, "Every person gets the government they deserve." We have what we have because WE don't change it!
Maybe I notice it more because I spent most of my life in New Hampshire. Property tax is high, but it is close to being the only real tax. I pay almost $13,000 per year more in taxes now that I live in Maine. In other words, I could buy another $250,000 home in NH for the EXTRA taxes I am paying to Maine!
Think back - remember when Maine started the income tax so property taxes could be reduced? Well, have you seen your property tax bill lately? Then they voted in a sales tax, so the state income tax would not have to increase in order to keep property taxes down. Are your property taxes "down"? Not mine. So, instead of having one "big" tax, we now have three. And the legislators are crying that they do not have enough money yet! Brace yourselves...I think the air we breathe is about to get expensive.
It is noteworthy that in every one of the highest taxed states, the services provided are the worst. You would think it would be the other way around, but it's not. Think about it a moment - a state that uses its citizen's money wisely and well would naturally require less in taxes. States where the politicians are incompetent and irresponsible can never get enough tax money to pay for their stupidity. So, if you are subject to high taxes, then you have incompetent people at the State House and in the legislature.
Remember: while the cost of education is high, the cost of stupidity is much higher. It's time we stopped the insanity, fired the incompetent, and elect people who will do something different. Because doing the same things, over and over, and expecting things to get better is just plain nuts.
So, you're probably asking, "What's all this got to do with HotKarz?"
Your cars are sucking up $4.00/gallon gas, just like mine. Your discretionary income for your hobby is much smaller than it should be. Some of you will go to fewer cruises and shows because of the high taxes.
And as that happens, we will miss you dearly. Meanwhile, we're looking for a new home - in Wolfeboro, NH. We expect to be moving next year.
And the $13,000/year we'll be saving in taxes will insure we can continue going to the cruises and shows with the folks whose company, friendship and cameraderie we enjoy - YOU!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
HotKarz.com Super Cruise
Hey, folks! Well, the 2008 Super Cruise trophies are in. Check 'em out here. First place is 26" tall! Details on how this will work can be found here.
Y'all will want to win one of these cool awards, so make sure you check HotKarz.com every Sunday beginning about mid-May, to find out where ballots will be available for that week.
Later!
Y'all will want to win one of these cool awards, so make sure you check HotKarz.com every Sunday beginning about mid-May, to find out where ballots will be available for that week.
Later!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
HotKarz Super Cruise Trophies
HotKarz.com wants to show their appreciation to all those who sponsor cruises, and all of those wonderful people who attend those cruises and allow others to enjoy their cars.
So we have decided to offer our own "HotKarz Super Cruise" trophies this summer, and everyone who has 4 wheels powered by something other than a mammal is eligible to win (except me, of course).
Here's how it works (I hope):
Throughout the season we will try to visit as many different "cruise-ins" as we can, at least once. And for ONE time at each cruise location, we will pass out ballots, then collect the votes. Car owners and spectators may vote, but we ask that no one votes for their own vehicle.
Later in the season, at a car show or cruise to be specified later, we will count up all the votes that were cast throughout the season and we will award three trophies for the Hottest of the Hot Cars.
This is strictly People's Choice - no special categories. And the trophies will be both big and beautiful (we will post the pictures when the trophies arrive).
Now, it is important that you find out on which nights we will be passing out ballots at which location, so you can plan to attend. We will post the dates and places each week, on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, letting you all know where we will be passing out ballots that coming week. We will post it on our home page at www.hotkarz.com, and on this blog, so watch for it.
So, I guess you will just have to come visit HotKarz.com every week. But that's OK - you will find a lot to entertain you. We post pictures of the shows and cruises, pics of the winners, a few comedy pix, a Featured Car of the Month, classifieds, this blog and more. So please make HotKarz.com a regular spot to visit.
Now, break out the polish and window cleaner....the season is upon us :o)
Bill, Robin & Criss
So we have decided to offer our own "HotKarz Super Cruise" trophies this summer, and everyone who has 4 wheels powered by something other than a mammal is eligible to win (except me, of course).
Here's how it works (I hope):
Throughout the season we will try to visit as many different "cruise-ins" as we can, at least once. And for ONE time at each cruise location, we will pass out ballots, then collect the votes. Car owners and spectators may vote, but we ask that no one votes for their own vehicle.
Later in the season, at a car show or cruise to be specified later, we will count up all the votes that were cast throughout the season and we will award three trophies for the Hottest of the Hot Cars.
This is strictly People's Choice - no special categories. And the trophies will be both big and beautiful (we will post the pictures when the trophies arrive).
Now, it is important that you find out on which nights we will be passing out ballots at which location, so you can plan to attend. We will post the dates and places each week, on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, letting you all know where we will be passing out ballots that coming week. We will post it on our home page at www.hotkarz.com, and on this blog, so watch for it.
So, I guess you will just have to come visit HotKarz.com every week. But that's OK - you will find a lot to entertain you. We post pictures of the shows and cruises, pics of the winners, a few comedy pix, a Featured Car of the Month, classifieds, this blog and more. So please make HotKarz.com a regular spot to visit.
Now, break out the polish and window cleaner....the season is upon us :o)
Bill, Robin & Criss
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