What does a 50's custom Ford, an 80's stock AMC, an 80's Olds Cutlass, a '37 street rod, a 50's pickup and a Hot Rod have in common?
I don't know, either, except that they all ended up in the same class - Special Interest. And none of them belonged there. It was not fair to them, and it certainly was not fair to those who really were Special Interest.
It seems that many organizers suffer from two problems - they do not think Special Interest is a class in its own right, and they do not monitor what class a car enters.
But Special Interest is a class, and deserves the same respect as any other class. It is not "Miscellaneous", nor is it "Catch-All". But that is the insulting way it - and the folks who truly belong there - are treated.
A Mustang owner would be rightfully upset if a custom 50's Chevy were to enter in the Mustang class. But organizers don't think twice about letting either of those enter Special Interest. And in some cases, they promote the abuse by putting cars in Special Interest because they never took the time to choose adequate classes for the cars that come. At Shawnee Peak, for example, there were no classes for 80's, 90's, 2000's etc., so organizers put all those cars in Special Interest. And how do folks who truly have a Special Interest vehicle feel about being crowded out of their own class - the only class they fit into? And how should they feel when all the Special Interest trophies go to those that are not Special Interest?
In reality, I would prefer to enter our '02 PT Woody into "90's or newer", because that is the most appropriate class. But when there is no such class, we are relegated to Special Interest, because it is the only other class we fit into. And I can tell you it is incredibly frustrating to be muscled out of that class by vehicles that have no business being there. A custom '50's Ford should be in with Customs, or with 50's Fords. Not Special Interest.
This abuse of classes is usually created because organizers do not plan classes well, but sometimes the participants abuse the class structure in order to position themselves better for a trophy. While that is understandable, it is also unfair and disrespectful. The owner of that 50's Custom Ford would be the first to complain if we entered our PT Cruiser in his Custom 50's Ford class. And he would have every right to, because we would not belong there.
Some organizers say that they have no choice, because they only have a few classes. To that I say they should either add classes and build their show, or choose classes more wisely. If chosen properly, 8 classes COULD include everyone. But when organizers leave 30 years of vehicles of every type without any class, they certainly have not chosen classes wisely.
The first thing organizers need to do is realize that, while they do have to consider their own needs, that those needs cannot be met if they are not just as interested in considering the needs of the participants. After all, if they cannot make us happy, we don't return and their show suffers. They need to put a little thought and effort into making sure all the participants want to return next year, and bring their friends.
The second thing organizers need to do is take control of their show - and take responsibility for it. If an entrant drives up in a 50's Ford and says "Special Interest", the organizers should say, "Sorry, Bub - you gotta go in with the 50's Fords."
And organizers need to take responsibility by having people on hand who know the difference between a '40 Ford Coupe and a PT Cruiser, so they can assign appropriate classes.
Organizers take note: Special Interest is NOT a "miscellaneous" class, nor a catch-all bin for left-overs. We do not appreciate being treated as the "also rans", or second-class citizens. If you keep treating us this way, you will lose a lot of entrants. We will go to shows that treat us properly, and those shows will grow, while yours shrivels.
And Special Interest is not the only class that gets abused - but it is the class that gets abused the most, and almost without exception.
Just because an organizer does not offer a class for a certain vehicle does NOT mean it should be put in Special Interest. The only vehicles in Special Interest should be those with a SPECIAL INTEREST. Special Interest is a class. Please start treating it like one. And while you are at it, how about remembering there are also cars that were made AFTER 1990? Sure, if you want to stick to old cars, that's fine. But if you do that, stick to it, and do not admit the newer cars just to take their money.
And have an appropriate class for each type of vehicle you invite, or don't invite them. It is wrong to invite someone, take their money, and not have a class for them in which they can fairly compete! We, and other cars later than 1980 were personally invited to Shawnee, by the organizers. But they did not have any classes for cars after 1980. That is patently wrong.
As one woman relegated to Special Interest put it, "It was like they were saying 'we don't care about you or your car enough to have a class for you, but we'll take your money anyway, and stick you in Special Interest where you can't win because you are not Special Interest. But we don't care, as long as we get your money. Wanna buy some 50/50's?'"
HotKarz will not promote any show that treats people like that.
That said, it seems the "youngun" at the Sacopee Valley show that I spoke to about the drink on the hood of my car took exception to my post. He emailed that I never made mention of any tazer (he is correct), and that my honesty is in somehow in question. Apparently the young man has difficulty recognizing humor and the need for poetic license in order to entertain. I think he needs to get a grip, and not take everything so seriously. After all, if I took things that seriously, I probably would have shot him. And if that young man is reading this, once again that is called "humor". So, to the young people in question, I apologize if I have hurt your feelings. But I think you need to lighten up :o)
It also appears that some show organizers whose shows do not get a great review get angry with me. I am sorry, but I am not the one you should be angry with - I am not responsible for the shortcomings of your show. I just call 'em like I see them, and report what other participants tell me. But if you want to blame me for the shortcomings of your show, then I must insist you also give me credit for all the things that were good about your show.
Sorry, but I am not responsible for things that go wrong, but all the readers can trust me to post an unbiased accounting. If you want to be reviewed as a great show, then you need to put on a great show. It's that simple.
And if you do not know what a really good show is like, attend the shows at Durham, Dover, OOB, or the Concord (NH) Kiwanis etc. and see for yourself. All it requires is considering the needs of the participants as much as you consider your need to raise funds. It needs to be a symbiotic relationship - each needs the other.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Show at Shawnee Peak
I have mixed emotions about this show, but I will keep this post short, as a longer post is coming on a serious matter of a general nature that needs to be addressed. However, the pix of the Shawnee Peak show are now posted at the Gallery. Enjoy!
The show at Shawnee was fairly good, but for the same reasons some other shows come up short, so did this one. As usual, the cars and the folks were absolutely the tops! No doubt about it. The atmosphere (though VERY hot) was fun, and the organizers (MOAL of Pleasant Mountain) were fine hosts.
But, as is true of so many shows that come short of being really good or great, this one also has a) a problem with classes, and b) an identity crisis.
IDENTITY: Many organizers, in their hearts, want to stick to older cars, such as pre-78, or pre-85. That's fine. But a problem arises when they invite newer cars, to fill spaces and collect fees, but do not have any classes for them to enter in. This is both unfair and unethical. Organizers need to discover who they are, and who they want to serve, and if they choose to invite certain classes, then they have an obligation to have classes for them.
MOAL personally invited the owners of newer cars - they solicited us at the Naples show. But when we all arrived, they had no classes for us, so they stuck all of us in "Special Interest", even though most are not in any way suited to that class. The "newest" class they had was "Best of the 70's" - so where were the classes for all those 80's, 90's and newer that they invited?
I must say that we felt abused - we traveled to get there, we paid our fees, we supported their cause. But we were given no respect. No classes for us.
Organizers need to get off the fence. They need to come to terms with their identity. And if they invite certain classes, they had darn well better have classes to put them in, or those folks will not return.
CLASSES: As stated above, organizers need to have a class for every vehicle they invite. And if a vehicle arrives that does not have an APPROPRIATE class available, that vehicle should not be charged a fee, and, though invited to stay, should not be placed in an INAPPROPRIATE class, just so the organizers can take their money.
And this brings us to the lead in for the next post, coming soon - abuse of classes. For now, I leave you with one question, which I hope you will think on for a bit:
How do you think cars in the 55-57 Chevy class would feel if cars from the 40's, Fords, Jeeps and everything else under the sun were allowed to enter their class? Or how would Street Rods feel if Camaros and Firebirds were allowed to muscle in on their class?
Please think about that, because that is exactly what many organizers are doing to one particular class. And that will be the substance of my next post.
But I will say this about the Shawnee Show - if you were privileged enough to have a class, and if you were put into the RIGHT class, it was a really fine show. But for those of us who were left out in the cold, on such a hot day, well, I have listened to most of them, and most of us will not be returning next year.
Just a word to the wise, if you are a show organizer.
Bill
The show at Shawnee was fairly good, but for the same reasons some other shows come up short, so did this one. As usual, the cars and the folks were absolutely the tops! No doubt about it. The atmosphere (though VERY hot) was fun, and the organizers (MOAL of Pleasant Mountain) were fine hosts.
But, as is true of so many shows that come short of being really good or great, this one also has a) a problem with classes, and b) an identity crisis.
IDENTITY: Many organizers, in their hearts, want to stick to older cars, such as pre-78, or pre-85. That's fine. But a problem arises when they invite newer cars, to fill spaces and collect fees, but do not have any classes for them to enter in. This is both unfair and unethical. Organizers need to discover who they are, and who they want to serve, and if they choose to invite certain classes, then they have an obligation to have classes for them.
MOAL personally invited the owners of newer cars - they solicited us at the Naples show. But when we all arrived, they had no classes for us, so they stuck all of us in "Special Interest", even though most are not in any way suited to that class. The "newest" class they had was "Best of the 70's" - so where were the classes for all those 80's, 90's and newer that they invited?
I must say that we felt abused - we traveled to get there, we paid our fees, we supported their cause. But we were given no respect. No classes for us.
Organizers need to get off the fence. They need to come to terms with their identity. And if they invite certain classes, they had darn well better have classes to put them in, or those folks will not return.
CLASSES: As stated above, organizers need to have a class for every vehicle they invite. And if a vehicle arrives that does not have an APPROPRIATE class available, that vehicle should not be charged a fee, and, though invited to stay, should not be placed in an INAPPROPRIATE class, just so the organizers can take their money.
And this brings us to the lead in for the next post, coming soon - abuse of classes. For now, I leave you with one question, which I hope you will think on for a bit:
How do you think cars in the 55-57 Chevy class would feel if cars from the 40's, Fords, Jeeps and everything else under the sun were allowed to enter their class? Or how would Street Rods feel if Camaros and Firebirds were allowed to muscle in on their class?
Please think about that, because that is exactly what many organizers are doing to one particular class. And that will be the substance of my next post.
But I will say this about the Shawnee Show - if you were privileged enough to have a class, and if you were put into the RIGHT class, it was a really fine show. But for those of us who were left out in the cold, on such a hot day, well, I have listened to most of them, and most of us will not be returning next year.
Just a word to the wise, if you are a show organizer.
Bill
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Buffler Wings
Threatening skies kept some home, but about a dozen daring souls made it to Buffalo Wings n' Things in Westbrook this evening.
Threat of downpours couldn't keep Jim Peacock & spouse from dragging Ol Blue down from Dresden. Man, that little fella sure wants a Super Cruise trophy (^.-), Right up there with GT Charlie. Relax, Charlie, you got some votes - yours, and one from the drunk that stumbled by.
Always glad to see Seldon (the Foster Brooks look-alike) and Peggy, as well as that Ol Goat, Mike. Seldon shoulda been a doctor - had me in stitches half the night.
There was a mighty fine old Corvette there, but it lost a nut or something. Mike & Raymond spent much of the evening fixing it for the owner. My Lord - a Chevy acting like a Ford!
And it didn't rain!
Missed Ralph & Ulla this evening - they had a graduation to go to. Yep, Ralph is finally leaving the 4th grade behind.
Speaking of behinds, I got off mine and posted the complete schedule of the dates and locations where Super Cruise balloting will take place. Check it out here. So now you can plan ahead, Jimbo.
Looks like the little woman has made up my mind where we will be on Sunday - looks like Shawnee Peak. Mostly cuz it's closer to home, and we have never been there B4.
See ya 'round!
Threat of downpours couldn't keep Jim Peacock & spouse from dragging Ol Blue down from Dresden. Man, that little fella sure wants a Super Cruise trophy (^.-), Right up there with GT Charlie. Relax, Charlie, you got some votes - yours, and one from the drunk that stumbled by.
Always glad to see Seldon (the Foster Brooks look-alike) and Peggy, as well as that Ol Goat, Mike. Seldon shoulda been a doctor - had me in stitches half the night.
There was a mighty fine old Corvette there, but it lost a nut or something. Mike & Raymond spent much of the evening fixing it for the owner. My Lord - a Chevy acting like a Ford!
And it didn't rain!
Missed Ralph & Ulla this evening - they had a graduation to go to. Yep, Ralph is finally leaving the 4th grade behind.
Speaking of behinds, I got off mine and posted the complete schedule of the dates and locations where Super Cruise balloting will take place. Check it out here. So now you can plan ahead, Jimbo.
Looks like the little woman has made up my mind where we will be on Sunday - looks like Shawnee Peak. Mostly cuz it's closer to home, and we have never been there B4.
See ya 'round!
Critique
Bumped into an acquaintance today while I was at Jongerden's store trying to avoid having my wife see me buying donuts. He said he was a fan of HotKarz, but was wondering why I am sometimes blunt in my criticism of some of the car shows.
As I mulled that in my mind (you know, the one I am losing), at first I thought that I do that because I want to be fair and honest. After all, some folks come here because they actually want to hear what I have to say.
But as I thought more on it, I realized it was more than that. I love cars. I enjoy going to shows and cruises. And I really like the folks we meet there. So it is only natural to want all the shows to be the best they can be. But that will never happen if the organizers don't understand what car folks really want.
I realize that any car show that is not organized well will probably not draw many of us back next year. And a car show dies! That is not good for them, nor us. While we seek the perfect show, organizers seek funds for their pet projects. If their show fails, neither party wins. It is in everyone's best interest to strive for improvement wherever improvement can be made.
And that is why I criticize. I do try to be fair, but it is more important that I give an honest accounting. I ask a lot of folks what their opinions are. I listen. I learn. And then I publish my two cents worth, in the hopes that our hobby will only grow stronger and more enjoyable for us, and more profitable for the organizers.
Let's face it - car shows are a business from a fundraising standpoint, and a business cannot survive if it does not provide what the consumers want. Many organizers simply do not understand what we want. Others do not care - like the proverbial slum lord, they just want to pull in the money without providing much in return.
A few - Durham, Dover, Casco, OOB etc. know what we like. And they put thought and effort into their shows. Each of us needs to help the other organizers to learn and understand what makes the good shows "good", so they, too, can make more profit, and provide a better event.
After all, you can't fix something if you don't know it's broken. I see a part of my function as pointing out when something is in need of repair, or needs a little TLC. And I hope organizers will take the criticism in the way in which it is intended - to help them become better, so they can make more money for their causes, while providing a more enjoyable event for participants and spectators.
After all, isn't that what it's all about? To organizers who think it is only about the money, I say they need to address our needs if they expect the money to come in year after year. And to participants who think it's all about trophies, I say that's fine, as long as you don't take it too seriously, and don't forget to enjoy the moment.
And to spectators who think it's only about all the "eye candy" we provide for their enjoyment, I say, "Absolutely! But keep your Coolatta off my car!"
Seriously though, I am considering the possibility of putting together a comprehensive outline about what makes a great show - one we will always strive to attend in large numbers, providing huge profits for the organizers, so everyone wins. And once the outline is finished, submit it to all the organizers, so they can have an easier time of making desirable improvements.
If y'all think that's a good idea, I look forward to your input. What improvements would you like to see? What do you want to see more of? Less of? Which changes in classifications would you endorse? What type of judging do you prefer? When should a show start? End? Think about your favorite shows, then ask yourself why they are your favorites.
I embrace any and all suggestions and input. And as the outline begins to take shape, I will post it on HotKarz, so you can see it develop, and offer new suggestions that may come to mind.
Hope to hear from you! Please email your suggestions and ideas to ptwoodycrew@aol.com, or feel free to approach me at car shows and cruises with large gifts of cash (^.^)
BTW: A reminder that Super Cruise balloting will take place Thursday at Buffalo Wings, in Westbrook.
Bill
As I mulled that in my mind (you know, the one I am losing), at first I thought that I do that because I want to be fair and honest. After all, some folks come here because they actually want to hear what I have to say.
But as I thought more on it, I realized it was more than that. I love cars. I enjoy going to shows and cruises. And I really like the folks we meet there. So it is only natural to want all the shows to be the best they can be. But that will never happen if the organizers don't understand what car folks really want.
I realize that any car show that is not organized well will probably not draw many of us back next year. And a car show dies! That is not good for them, nor us. While we seek the perfect show, organizers seek funds for their pet projects. If their show fails, neither party wins. It is in everyone's best interest to strive for improvement wherever improvement can be made.
And that is why I criticize. I do try to be fair, but it is more important that I give an honest accounting. I ask a lot of folks what their opinions are. I listen. I learn. And then I publish my two cents worth, in the hopes that our hobby will only grow stronger and more enjoyable for us, and more profitable for the organizers.
Let's face it - car shows are a business from a fundraising standpoint, and a business cannot survive if it does not provide what the consumers want. Many organizers simply do not understand what we want. Others do not care - like the proverbial slum lord, they just want to pull in the money without providing much in return.
A few - Durham, Dover, Casco, OOB etc. know what we like. And they put thought and effort into their shows. Each of us needs to help the other organizers to learn and understand what makes the good shows "good", so they, too, can make more profit, and provide a better event.
After all, you can't fix something if you don't know it's broken. I see a part of my function as pointing out when something is in need of repair, or needs a little TLC. And I hope organizers will take the criticism in the way in which it is intended - to help them become better, so they can make more money for their causes, while providing a more enjoyable event for participants and spectators.
After all, isn't that what it's all about? To organizers who think it is only about the money, I say they need to address our needs if they expect the money to come in year after year. And to participants who think it's all about trophies, I say that's fine, as long as you don't take it too seriously, and don't forget to enjoy the moment.
And to spectators who think it's only about all the "eye candy" we provide for their enjoyment, I say, "Absolutely! But keep your Coolatta off my car!"
Seriously though, I am considering the possibility of putting together a comprehensive outline about what makes a great show - one we will always strive to attend in large numbers, providing huge profits for the organizers, so everyone wins. And once the outline is finished, submit it to all the organizers, so they can have an easier time of making desirable improvements.
If y'all think that's a good idea, I look forward to your input. What improvements would you like to see? What do you want to see more of? Less of? Which changes in classifications would you endorse? What type of judging do you prefer? When should a show start? End? Think about your favorite shows, then ask yourself why they are your favorites.
I embrace any and all suggestions and input. And as the outline begins to take shape, I will post it on HotKarz, so you can see it develop, and offer new suggestions that may come to mind.
Hope to hear from you! Please email your suggestions and ideas to ptwoodycrew@aol.com, or feel free to approach me at car shows and cruises with large gifts of cash (^.^)
BTW: A reminder that Super Cruise balloting will take place Thursday at Buffalo Wings, in Westbrook.
Bill
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
This n' That
As I write this, it is raining. And we do need the rain. Yesterday, the grass in my lawn crunched underfoot because it was so dry. It seems that much of the land within 40 miles of the coast is so sandy that it does not retain water, and dries out too quickly.
My tractor, which hasn't run right since it was "fixed" at V & M Rentals in Gorham, just doesn't seem to want to do anything worthwhile. It ran fine before it was "fixed". I had taken it in for a tuneup, and now it's nothing more than an orange lawn ornament.
Well, for 16 months I have been wondering where I've seen this guy Obama before. Every time he came to the podium to speak his fine rhetoric, it seemed like Deja-Vu. But I couldn't place it - until I watched a repeat of Omen III. I kid you not - they are nearly identical. This guy comes out of nowhere, with no experience or accomplishments. His ability to spin a tale and win over hearts and mind with words, devoid of substance, raises Damien Thorn to a level that is almost cult-ish as he runs for President. People worship him - but cannot really say WHY! The parallel is truly amazing. If not for the fact that it has already made for a good movie, it would make a good movie.
We have only held balloting for the Super Cruise at two locations so far, and already a total of 60 ballots have been cast. So far, there are 16 "contenders". I suspect there will be more as we reach out in other locations. At this early stage, we consider a "contender" to be anyone with two or more votes, though one vehicle currently has 8 votes. A few have 4.
I was going to burn my brush pile, but as I approached it, a rabbit ran out from under it. Considering the time of year, I suspect there may be baby bunnies about 4 weeks old, so I have decided to wait another 2 weeks or so, to insure they have a chance to leave before I torch the pile.
Been listening to a lot of these folks who are really hopped up about "green this" and "green that". But have you ever noticed that most of them have no clue as to what is really green? Take the electric car, for example. It takes more fossil fuels and energy to create the electricity than would have been used if you had just gassed up the tank. And it requires 1.7 gallons of fossil fuels to produce one gallon of ethanol (plowing, planting, fertilizing, irrigating, tracking, processing, then delivering).
I think that those well-meaning folks need to do their homework before promoting something as "green". They will discover that at least half of all "green" solutions are making things worse, not better.
Speaking of green, have y'all seen those "Whizzers" that have been making an appearance at cruises and shows? Motorized bikes, like the ones that debuted back in the '50's. I'll bet they get close to 10,000 miles to a gallon, if you count the time spent running on the fumes. Doesn't take much to get the thing going. And if you run out of petrol, you can just peddle your ass to the next gas station. If you do a lot of back and forth traveling to the store to get a loaf of bread, this could save you some serious bread. But it's not much use for picking up the kids - or staying dry on a day like today.
And it looks like the age of the Hummer is coming to a close the maker wants to stop making them. That's OK - we really do not need tanks on public roads, anyway.
And did you hear on the news that now these "greenies" want us to give up meat, and eat insects, instead. They say it's better for the environment. Well, dying is better for the environment, too, but I'm in no hurry to contribute my bod as fertilizer. Besides, when they bury me, they will have to declare the plot a hazardous waste site.
Laura Richardson, a congresswoman (D-CA) had her home foreclosed. She blames it on the lenders and the economy. But when pressed, it turns out she chose to use her mortgage and property tax money to fund her political campaign. Now she says she should be able to keep the house.
So, if I bet my mortgage money on the ponies, and then the bank forecloses, does she believe I should be entitled to keep my house? Would it be the fault of the lenders and the economy?
Is it me, or am I missing something - two years ago the Democrats promised many substantial changes in the first 90 days if elected. And they were elected, holding a majority in BOTH houses of Congress. To date, however, I do not see any of those changes they promised, and in most cases, they never even got proposed in any bill. In 1994, Republican Newt Gingrich proposed the Contract with America, promising substantial changes in the first 100 days. Many were implented, though others were vetoed by Bill Clinton. So I must ask: is the current Democratic leadership in Congress so ineffective as to be completely useless? Are we not paying them VERY good salaries to actually accomplish something? Being one who likes to get his money's worth, I believe that perhaps they should be fired, and replaced with folks who will actually do something besides bicker and play at politics. I don't much care which party - but I do care that they earn their pay! There is important work to be done in the People's House, and those worthless clowns just are not doing it. Can them. Throw the bums out! Make them get real jobs.
At the Naples show, the young lady announcing the winners had a difficult time pronouncing some names. I think if a person has a name that cannot be pronounced by the MC, then that person should not be allowed to win. Right Dick? :o)
My tractor, which hasn't run right since it was "fixed" at V & M Rentals in Gorham, just doesn't seem to want to do anything worthwhile. It ran fine before it was "fixed". I had taken it in for a tuneup, and now it's nothing more than an orange lawn ornament.
Well, for 16 months I have been wondering where I've seen this guy Obama before. Every time he came to the podium to speak his fine rhetoric, it seemed like Deja-Vu. But I couldn't place it - until I watched a repeat of Omen III. I kid you not - they are nearly identical. This guy comes out of nowhere, with no experience or accomplishments. His ability to spin a tale and win over hearts and mind with words, devoid of substance, raises Damien Thorn to a level that is almost cult-ish as he runs for President. People worship him - but cannot really say WHY! The parallel is truly amazing. If not for the fact that it has already made for a good movie, it would make a good movie.
We have only held balloting for the Super Cruise at two locations so far, and already a total of 60 ballots have been cast. So far, there are 16 "contenders". I suspect there will be more as we reach out in other locations. At this early stage, we consider a "contender" to be anyone with two or more votes, though one vehicle currently has 8 votes. A few have 4.
I was going to burn my brush pile, but as I approached it, a rabbit ran out from under it. Considering the time of year, I suspect there may be baby bunnies about 4 weeks old, so I have decided to wait another 2 weeks or so, to insure they have a chance to leave before I torch the pile.
Been listening to a lot of these folks who are really hopped up about "green this" and "green that". But have you ever noticed that most of them have no clue as to what is really green? Take the electric car, for example. It takes more fossil fuels and energy to create the electricity than would have been used if you had just gassed up the tank. And it requires 1.7 gallons of fossil fuels to produce one gallon of ethanol (plowing, planting, fertilizing, irrigating, tracking, processing, then delivering).
I think that those well-meaning folks need to do their homework before promoting something as "green". They will discover that at least half of all "green" solutions are making things worse, not better.
Speaking of green, have y'all seen those "Whizzers" that have been making an appearance at cruises and shows? Motorized bikes, like the ones that debuted back in the '50's. I'll bet they get close to 10,000 miles to a gallon, if you count the time spent running on the fumes. Doesn't take much to get the thing going. And if you run out of petrol, you can just peddle your ass to the next gas station. If you do a lot of back and forth traveling to the store to get a loaf of bread, this could save you some serious bread. But it's not much use for picking up the kids - or staying dry on a day like today.
And it looks like the age of the Hummer is coming to a close the maker wants to stop making them. That's OK - we really do not need tanks on public roads, anyway.
And did you hear on the news that now these "greenies" want us to give up meat, and eat insects, instead. They say it's better for the environment. Well, dying is better for the environment, too, but I'm in no hurry to contribute my bod as fertilizer. Besides, when they bury me, they will have to declare the plot a hazardous waste site.
Laura Richardson, a congresswoman (D-CA) had her home foreclosed. She blames it on the lenders and the economy. But when pressed, it turns out she chose to use her mortgage and property tax money to fund her political campaign. Now she says she should be able to keep the house.
So, if I bet my mortgage money on the ponies, and then the bank forecloses, does she believe I should be entitled to keep my house? Would it be the fault of the lenders and the economy?
Is it me, or am I missing something - two years ago the Democrats promised many substantial changes in the first 90 days if elected. And they were elected, holding a majority in BOTH houses of Congress. To date, however, I do not see any of those changes they promised, and in most cases, they never even got proposed in any bill. In 1994, Republican Newt Gingrich proposed the Contract with America, promising substantial changes in the first 100 days. Many were implented, though others were vetoed by Bill Clinton. So I must ask: is the current Democratic leadership in Congress so ineffective as to be completely useless? Are we not paying them VERY good salaries to actually accomplish something? Being one who likes to get his money's worth, I believe that perhaps they should be fired, and replaced with folks who will actually do something besides bicker and play at politics. I don't much care which party - but I do care that they earn their pay! There is important work to be done in the People's House, and those worthless clowns just are not doing it. Can them. Throw the bums out! Make them get real jobs.
At the Naples show, the young lady announcing the winners had a difficult time pronouncing some names. I think if a person has a name that cannot be pronounced by the MC, then that person should not be allowed to win. Right Dick? :o)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
C.H.O.P.
In spite of me showing up a week early, Cumberland House of Pizza finally had their first cruise of the season. The threat of rain kept some folks at home, but those who did venture out were treated to the friendly fun that we have come to associate with the good folks who put on this cruise.
It did rain, near the end, but that did nothing to dampen spirits. And balloting for the Super Cruise went off without a hitch. A lot of votes were cast, and we thank everyone for their participation.
The Preacher showed up, with his famous "Betty Lou", the sweetest '51 Ford I've ever seen. Unfortunately, he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, so let's all take a moment and pray for him.
Is it my imagination, or does it seem like every year at least one of the "50/50 Girls" at C.H.O.P. is on crutches? They sure must play rough over there in Cumberland :o)
Remember, folks - weather permitting, there will be balloting at Buffalo Wings n' Things on Thursday. And just so you know, the owner of BW n' T also gives a trophy at each cruise, as does the Fabulous '50's Diner every Wednesday (which is where I'll be tomorrow, if'n it don't rain).
Well, I gotta go and tally the votes, and put them on the chart. So far, it looks to be a real contest.
Bill
It did rain, near the end, but that did nothing to dampen spirits. And balloting for the Super Cruise went off without a hitch. A lot of votes were cast, and we thank everyone for their participation.
The Preacher showed up, with his famous "Betty Lou", the sweetest '51 Ford I've ever seen. Unfortunately, he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, so let's all take a moment and pray for him.
Is it my imagination, or does it seem like every year at least one of the "50/50 Girls" at C.H.O.P. is on crutches? They sure must play rough over there in Cumberland :o)
Remember, folks - weather permitting, there will be balloting at Buffalo Wings n' Things on Thursday. And just so you know, the owner of BW n' T also gives a trophy at each cruise, as does the Fabulous '50's Diner every Wednesday (which is where I'll be tomorrow, if'n it don't rain).
Well, I gotta go and tally the votes, and put them on the chart. So far, it looks to be a real contest.
Bill
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Sacopee Valley Show
OK, so I had about a dozen folks harping on how fast I would get this up, and whether or not I would be kind.
If you were at the Sacopee Valley show, you already should know pretty much what this post is going to say, since there seemed to be a consensus among the participants. But for those of you who, for whatever reason, missed this show, please allow me to opine (that's a Bill O'Reilly word).
We could not have asked for better weather, so it started out with a big plus. And, as is expected, the car folks were their own, wonderful selves. In fact, it has been awhile since I laughed so much - everyone just seemed in such a great mood.
The youngun's that were selling 50/50 tickets really got on my nerves - it was OK that they took nearly 15 minutes trying to figure out how to unroll a car-length of tickets. But when I found the young man's Coolatta Cup on the hood of my car, leaving a water ring, I calmly (well, almost calmly) advised him that some folks would shoot him for that. But being the sweetheart that I am, I told him I would only taser him with 5 million volts (^.^)
I have to admit that I found the organization seriously lacking (but not as bad as the Naples Show last week). I think there were only 8 or 10 classes, with but two small trophies per class. And one of those classes - tractors - had no participants. Motorcycles had one. Imagine - classes for motorcycles and tractors, but not for Custom Cars or Trucks!
Now, I know it's not really about trophies, so that is not the issue. The issue rests in the fact that if an organization is going to charge the same entrance fee as other shows, then they should make it just as worthwhile as the other shows - an adequate number of classes, three trophies per class, and trophies big enough so they don't get confused with a '64 Lincoln hood ornament.
There was no class for CUSTOMS, and the only truck class was for 2 wheel drive stock. What happened? Well, because there were so many classes missing, the biggest class turned out to be Special Interest - and most of the vehicles in Special Interest were not suited for it. There was an old, stock Ford Falcon, a Ford Bronco, a Camaro, a custom '51 Ford etc. Each of those should have had a suitable class to be in, but such classes did not exist, so they ended up in SI.
If I were to give the organizers any advice, it would be to read this post. There should be a minimum of 18 classes. Vehicles should be assigned to the appropriate class. Don't buy the "penny apiece" trophies that come from Cracker Jacks. And three trophies per class is the norm. If they do not want to follow the norm, they have no business charging a $5.00 entry fee. And forget the car-length 50/50. It does not matter if everyone gets 50, 0r 5. The ratio and the odds are the same. But it is a pain in the butt to have to get out 100 tickets every time they call a number.
So much for the good points...
I think, all in all, everyone had a good time. I know our little group did. And it was unfortunate that the pizza truck got started so late - by the time the pizza was ready, the show was almost over. But we survived that, too, with laughter and happy hearts.
The best part of any show, of course, is something that we, the car folk, control - sharing ourselves with each other in camaraderie. And we do that oh, so well! And for that, I thank you all.
Bill
If you were at the Sacopee Valley show, you already should know pretty much what this post is going to say, since there seemed to be a consensus among the participants. But for those of you who, for whatever reason, missed this show, please allow me to opine (that's a Bill O'Reilly word).
We could not have asked for better weather, so it started out with a big plus. And, as is expected, the car folks were their own, wonderful selves. In fact, it has been awhile since I laughed so much - everyone just seemed in such a great mood.
The youngun's that were selling 50/50 tickets really got on my nerves - it was OK that they took nearly 15 minutes trying to figure out how to unroll a car-length of tickets. But when I found the young man's Coolatta Cup on the hood of my car, leaving a water ring, I calmly (well, almost calmly) advised him that some folks would shoot him for that. But being the sweetheart that I am, I told him I would only taser him with 5 million volts (^.^)
I have to admit that I found the organization seriously lacking (but not as bad as the Naples Show last week). I think there were only 8 or 10 classes, with but two small trophies per class. And one of those classes - tractors - had no participants. Motorcycles had one. Imagine - classes for motorcycles and tractors, but not for Custom Cars or Trucks!
Now, I know it's not really about trophies, so that is not the issue. The issue rests in the fact that if an organization is going to charge the same entrance fee as other shows, then they should make it just as worthwhile as the other shows - an adequate number of classes, three trophies per class, and trophies big enough so they don't get confused with a '64 Lincoln hood ornament.
There was no class for CUSTOMS, and the only truck class was for 2 wheel drive stock. What happened? Well, because there were so many classes missing, the biggest class turned out to be Special Interest - and most of the vehicles in Special Interest were not suited for it. There was an old, stock Ford Falcon, a Ford Bronco, a Camaro, a custom '51 Ford etc. Each of those should have had a suitable class to be in, but such classes did not exist, so they ended up in SI.
If I were to give the organizers any advice, it would be to read this post. There should be a minimum of 18 classes. Vehicles should be assigned to the appropriate class. Don't buy the "penny apiece" trophies that come from Cracker Jacks. And three trophies per class is the norm. If they do not want to follow the norm, they have no business charging a $5.00 entry fee. And forget the car-length 50/50. It does not matter if everyone gets 50, 0r 5. The ratio and the odds are the same. But it is a pain in the butt to have to get out 100 tickets every time they call a number.
So much for the good points...
I think, all in all, everyone had a good time. I know our little group did. And it was unfortunate that the pizza truck got started so late - by the time the pizza was ready, the show was almost over. But we survived that, too, with laughter and happy hearts.
The best part of any show, of course, is something that we, the car folk, control - sharing ourselves with each other in camaraderie. And we do that oh, so well! And for that, I thank you all.
Bill
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