I just heard from Cynthia, of Pureadrenalinemotorsports.com . She is offering a 10% discount on any item(s) in their online store through October 31. This offer is made only to the readers of HotKarz. All you gotta do to get the discount is to tell 'em you heard about them right here on HotKarz.com. If you don't tell 'em that, you don't get the discount. This is a special discount just for you folks. It is not available to the general public.
So, now you can get some great Christmas shopping done early, and save a few bucks at the same time.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Today
What a beautiful day! In fact, the last ten days or so have been great. Too bad it has to come at the end of the summer. We only got to the beach once this year.
Finally getting caught up on the outside work - just in time to undo it all and button down the hatches for winter.
Here's hoping this week goes a bit better than last. Last week, our other PT Cruiser blew its power steering pump, which cost nearly a grand to replace. The same day, the tranny line in the GMS gave out, which cost another $250. All that happened just after the garden tractor blew a hole through the engine block, the battery went flat in the motorhome and I bought the wrong resin for the surfboard. Ah, the trials and tribulations of life in the slow lane!
Actually, I'm not really slow, but I'm not fast, either. I'm half-fast.
I s'pose I'll take the GMC to Windham today and bring home the first ton of pellets for the stove this winter. Next week I'll get the other 2 tons. I have a feeling this winter is going to come early, stay late, freeze the noses and bury us in snow.
Probably go to Rock n' Roll Diner tonight - haven't been there in awhile. If I remember to bring my teeth this time, I could even get something to eat while I'm there.
Never thought I would see the day when "remembering" would become a time-consuming venture. It's not that I can't remember - it's just that it takes longer to bring the memories up to the front. I always remember my teeth - about 5 miles down the road. And I will remember your name after we have ended our conversation and gone our separate ways. And I never fail to remember making that important call - after their office has closed. In the morning I will try to remember what it was I forgot to do the previous day. And I will remember - when the day is done and it's too late.
It's strange, really. I can easily remember the names of the kids I attended kindergarten with. And I can recall without difficulty how we found one of my sister's Christmas presents behind the couch in May of 1959. But when I try to recall what I did yesterday, it's a brain strain.
Well, gotta go. Got lots to do, as soon as I remember what.
Finally getting caught up on the outside work - just in time to undo it all and button down the hatches for winter.
Here's hoping this week goes a bit better than last. Last week, our other PT Cruiser blew its power steering pump, which cost nearly a grand to replace. The same day, the tranny line in the GMS gave out, which cost another $250. All that happened just after the garden tractor blew a hole through the engine block, the battery went flat in the motorhome and I bought the wrong resin for the surfboard. Ah, the trials and tribulations of life in the slow lane!
Actually, I'm not really slow, but I'm not fast, either. I'm half-fast.
I s'pose I'll take the GMC to Windham today and bring home the first ton of pellets for the stove this winter. Next week I'll get the other 2 tons. I have a feeling this winter is going to come early, stay late, freeze the noses and bury us in snow.
Probably go to Rock n' Roll Diner tonight - haven't been there in awhile. If I remember to bring my teeth this time, I could even get something to eat while I'm there.
Never thought I would see the day when "remembering" would become a time-consuming venture. It's not that I can't remember - it's just that it takes longer to bring the memories up to the front. I always remember my teeth - about 5 miles down the road. And I will remember your name after we have ended our conversation and gone our separate ways. And I never fail to remember making that important call - after their office has closed. In the morning I will try to remember what it was I forgot to do the previous day. And I will remember - when the day is done and it's too late.
It's strange, really. I can easily remember the names of the kids I attended kindergarten with. And I can recall without difficulty how we found one of my sister's Christmas presents behind the couch in May of 1959. But when I try to recall what I did yesterday, it's a brain strain.
Well, gotta go. Got lots to do, as soon as I remember what.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Food For Thought
Did anyone else notice the major difference between McCain's actions and Obama's concerning hurricane Gustav?
Obama got on the podium and gave a nice speech about "solidarity", and "standing together" in the midst of this disaster. McCain gave no such speech.
Instead, McCain began using the convention to raise funds for the hapless victims, and to help arrange for actual on-the-ground help.
I think that says a lot about how each would run this country, if given the chance.
Those who can, do. Those who can't, make speeches.
Just my humble opinion...
Obama got on the podium and gave a nice speech about "solidarity", and "standing together" in the midst of this disaster. McCain gave no such speech.
Instead, McCain began using the convention to raise funds for the hapless victims, and to help arrange for actual on-the-ground help.
I think that says a lot about how each would run this country, if given the chance.
Those who can, do. Those who can't, make speeches.
Just my humble opinion...
Something To Work On
Have you seen the latest funnies (added 8/31)?
Over the slow winter months I plan to be working with several professional show organizers (including the fellow who organizes the famous Turkey Run in Daytona) to put together a manual on everything needed to put on a successful car show, from the initial planning stages, right through to wrapping up. It will even cover aspects like spectator parking, DEFINITIONS of classes, and every detail for a successful and profitable show. Hopefully, this manual will help organizers in our area to make more money while offering us a better bang for our buck. How can that be bad? (Well, I'm sure a few folks will argue that).
In addition - and this is where it gets even better - the manual will include tips from professional car buffs, restorers, and builders on how to make your ride a winner at the shows. These tips can help you take the extra measures that might just mean the difference between Best of Show and "also ran".
Obviously, this will be a big project. Once completed, the manual will be offered by HotKarz at a very, very reasonable cost, to cover the cost to publish, market and ship. Not a bad deal. And if there are any $$$ left from sales, those funds will be used to sponsor classes at shows, provide Vehicle Safety cards for free, and so on.
Over the rest of this season, I will approach some owners for permission to feature parts, or all of their vehicles for demonstration purposes in the manual. Your ride could become famous, since we will also be offering this manual nationwide.
So, if you want the best info on show organization and how to improve your own chances at those shows, or if you simply want to support HotKarz efforts, plan to stop by in the spring and pick up your own copy. It will be well worthwhile.
Now, someone should be asking, "OK, Bubba, what are your qualifications for writing a book?"
Good question. But let's be more specific, 'cuz anyone who can put words to paper can write a book. No other qualifications are needed. But to write something that can SELL is something much different.
To answer the skeptic's question, I can humbly admit to having published several books, some of which have been best sellers. And I have written many manuals, several of which are best sellers. In fact, one of my manuals has been downloaded over 4 million times, though that is only a fraction of the number of folks who have downloaded pictures of Heidi Klum. I have been quoted extensively on the Internet, in PREVENTION magazine and even in READER'S DIGEST. So, those are my qualifications. Not that everything I write is on the level of Stephen King or Danielle Steele, but I do write some good stuff, and what I write tends to be accurate and useful.
Don't judge me by this blog - these entries are generally off the top of my head, and I don't even use SpellCheck. My books are much better.
HotKarz.com - trying to make a difference through positive change.
Over the slow winter months I plan to be working with several professional show organizers (including the fellow who organizes the famous Turkey Run in Daytona) to put together a manual on everything needed to put on a successful car show, from the initial planning stages, right through to wrapping up. It will even cover aspects like spectator parking, DEFINITIONS of classes, and every detail for a successful and profitable show. Hopefully, this manual will help organizers in our area to make more money while offering us a better bang for our buck. How can that be bad? (Well, I'm sure a few folks will argue that).
In addition - and this is where it gets even better - the manual will include tips from professional car buffs, restorers, and builders on how to make your ride a winner at the shows. These tips can help you take the extra measures that might just mean the difference between Best of Show and "also ran".
Obviously, this will be a big project. Once completed, the manual will be offered by HotKarz at a very, very reasonable cost, to cover the cost to publish, market and ship. Not a bad deal. And if there are any $$$ left from sales, those funds will be used to sponsor classes at shows, provide Vehicle Safety cards for free, and so on.
Over the rest of this season, I will approach some owners for permission to feature parts, or all of their vehicles for demonstration purposes in the manual. Your ride could become famous, since we will also be offering this manual nationwide.
So, if you want the best info on show organization and how to improve your own chances at those shows, or if you simply want to support HotKarz efforts, plan to stop by in the spring and pick up your own copy. It will be well worthwhile.
Now, someone should be asking, "OK, Bubba, what are your qualifications for writing a book?"
Good question. But let's be more specific, 'cuz anyone who can put words to paper can write a book. No other qualifications are needed. But to write something that can SELL is something much different.
To answer the skeptic's question, I can humbly admit to having published several books, some of which have been best sellers. And I have written many manuals, several of which are best sellers. In fact, one of my manuals has been downloaded over 4 million times, though that is only a fraction of the number of folks who have downloaded pictures of Heidi Klum. I have been quoted extensively on the Internet, in PREVENTION magazine and even in READER'S DIGEST. So, those are my qualifications. Not that everything I write is on the level of Stephen King or Danielle Steele, but I do write some good stuff, and what I write tends to be accurate and useful.
Don't judge me by this blog - these entries are generally off the top of my head, and I don't even use SpellCheck. My books are much better.
HotKarz.com - trying to make a difference through positive change.
The Latest
Shaw's Ridge pix are up, and so is the Winner's Circle for that show. Enjoy!
A person who posted a comment earlier has again posted. This time they are claiming that I have somehow suggested we incorporate a whole new "set of rules" for car shows.
Anyone with any sense knows I did no such thing. I am only suggesting that we LIVE by the rules that already govern society - things like "no cheating", and "watch your language" (children attend shows, too).
It still amazes me that some people just don't get it. The "rules" are not for the purpose of taking fun out. Instead, they help to insure we have more fun. It is more fun to go to a show where cheating does not take place. It is more fun when we don't have to be there so long that it causes us other problems.
This person also suggests that shows have been full of cheating and unfairness since he first started showing in the '80's. And that seems to be his rationale for letting it STAY crappy! Frankly - and this is just my opinion - I think we all have an obligation to stand up and work to make it better, rather than to just sit and take the abuse. But that's just my opinion - I have always been a fighter for what I believe is right. I have never just quietly sat back and let anyone take advantage of me, or of those I care about.
And I care about everyone who goes to car shows. OK, so shows have problems. Not news. But it is how we deal with the problems that determine what we deserve. Thomas Jefferson said, "Everyone gets the government they deserve." The same goes for car shows. If you are not willing to stand up and make them better, they will stay the way they are, and regress into something worse (remember the weeds left in the garden?).
I feel sorry for that person who seems to hate the unfairness, but fights anyone who tries to change it. He's fighting on the wrong side. Perhaps he is just frustrated, and does not believe it can get better. But if that is what he thinks, he is wrong.
No, I am not suggesting making any "new rules". I am only suggesting that we adhere to the ones that we are already given by society, instead of ignoring them. Societal rules serve a purpose - they level the playing field, so that we all get a fair shake. It is only when we ignore the rules that things start to go sour.
And like the fellow says, they have been sour for a long time. It's time to sweeten things up. But that won't happen by magic. It will happen only if we want it to happen, and act to MAKE it happen.
Of course, we could do what this fellow is doing - just take the abuse, keep our mouths shut, and grumble about things that are not right.
Sorry - that does not describe Bill Vaughn! Not by a long shot. I believe in what my Dad used to say - if you don't stir things up once in awhile, too much settles to the bottom. Ever try painting from a can of paint that has settled?
A person who posted a comment earlier has again posted. This time they are claiming that I have somehow suggested we incorporate a whole new "set of rules" for car shows.
Anyone with any sense knows I did no such thing. I am only suggesting that we LIVE by the rules that already govern society - things like "no cheating", and "watch your language" (children attend shows, too).
It still amazes me that some people just don't get it. The "rules" are not for the purpose of taking fun out. Instead, they help to insure we have more fun. It is more fun to go to a show where cheating does not take place. It is more fun when we don't have to be there so long that it causes us other problems.
This person also suggests that shows have been full of cheating and unfairness since he first started showing in the '80's. And that seems to be his rationale for letting it STAY crappy! Frankly - and this is just my opinion - I think we all have an obligation to stand up and work to make it better, rather than to just sit and take the abuse. But that's just my opinion - I have always been a fighter for what I believe is right. I have never just quietly sat back and let anyone take advantage of me, or of those I care about.
And I care about everyone who goes to car shows. OK, so shows have problems. Not news. But it is how we deal with the problems that determine what we deserve. Thomas Jefferson said, "Everyone gets the government they deserve." The same goes for car shows. If you are not willing to stand up and make them better, they will stay the way they are, and regress into something worse (remember the weeds left in the garden?).
I feel sorry for that person who seems to hate the unfairness, but fights anyone who tries to change it. He's fighting on the wrong side. Perhaps he is just frustrated, and does not believe it can get better. But if that is what he thinks, he is wrong.
No, I am not suggesting making any "new rules". I am only suggesting that we adhere to the ones that we are already given by society, instead of ignoring them. Societal rules serve a purpose - they level the playing field, so that we all get a fair shake. It is only when we ignore the rules that things start to go sour.
And like the fellow says, they have been sour for a long time. It's time to sweeten things up. But that won't happen by magic. It will happen only if we want it to happen, and act to MAKE it happen.
Of course, we could do what this fellow is doing - just take the abuse, keep our mouths shut, and grumble about things that are not right.
Sorry - that does not describe Bill Vaughn! Not by a long shot. I believe in what my Dad used to say - if you don't stir things up once in awhile, too much settles to the bottom. Ever try painting from a can of paint that has settled?
Desoto
A fellow car enthusiast is seriously looking for a 1957 Desoto hardtop 2 dr or 4 dr (preferably 4), in almost any condition. He's been looking a long time, and could use your help. If you know anyone, or have any leads, please give Ralph a jingle at 207-839-4587, after 6pm please.
To the fellow who asked me at Shaw's Ridge concerning customizing his PT, I tried calling you, but got no answer :o) The info you were seeking is:
To the fellow who asked me at Shaw's Ridge concerning customizing his PT, I tried calling you, but got no answer :o) The info you were seeking is:
Adams Auto Customs
559 1/2 Portland Street
Rochester NH 03867
(603) 332-1255
/
In case you have not read the home page recently (tsk, tsk), then you missed that I would like to thank all my faithful readers by giving each and every one of them a FREE $100 gas card. Yes, I would like to, but unfortunately, I can't. But it's the thought that counts, right? :o)
/
The GOOD NEWS: 100% of any ad revenue that HotKarz might accidentally earn will be used to sponsor trophies for the folks, or for prizes during the year.
/
The BAD NEWS: So far, ad revenues this year came to $25. HotKarz spent over $160 on the HotKarz Super Cruise Trophies. So, we're in the hole. But it's comfy down here in the dark. (Is that water seeping in???)
/
Did I mention that Settler's Green will be using our Vehicle Safety cards this year? It shows they care, so don't be modest about giving them a "thank you". Unfortunately, the organizer has told me that the only class our car fits into - Special Interest - will be populated by every orphan that shows up. They do not give that class the respect they give all other classes. So, we'll be going to the Windham show. And if the Windham show is the same? Well, at least it's closer. If we are going to take an unfair beating, there's no point in wasting any more gas than necessary :o)
Not sure where we will go Saturday. Vineyard Church in Lewiston is closer, and we would likely see more old friends. The Kiwanis Show in Concord NH is a super show that is hard to beat (and they have a class for us besides Special Interest), but it's far away, and it is unlikely we'll see anyone we know. So, right now we are undecided. Last year, Kiwanis gave away over 100 door prizes (about $25 value each), and issued large, full goodie bags. The judging was reasonably fair, the field was very well laid out, and the folks were just great. But it can be a long day without lots of old friends around.
/
We'll see...
Epiphany
An epiphany is a sudden enlightenment. And I think it is time to try and create one in the minds of certain naysayers.
I will start with a simple premise: personal opinions are debatable; facts are indisputable, and therefore not debatable.
When I offer my opinion, I will usually state unequivically that "this is my personal opinion". Otherwise, chances are pretty darned good that I am simply presenting facts. And any person who attempts to debate facts will only serve to make him or herself look pretty foolish to everyone else, so please refrain from doing so, for your own sake.
Certain issues of right and wrong are seldom debatable. For example, it is not an opinion that the murder of innocent people is wrong - it is fact. And it is not opinion that rape or robbery are wrong. Those are facts. And cheating is wrong.
Now, murderers, thieves, rapists and cheats may disagree that their acts are wrong. But it changes nothing - they are still wrong, because those issues are not debatable - they are facts. And, as a rule, only the people doing the wrongs (and other fools) will try and debate the rightness of their acts, or otherwise try to defend those who commit them.
HotKarz will (almost) always stick to publishing the facts. And while some folks may object to the facts, it changes nothing. When HotKarz states that cheating is wrong, we make that statement because it is a fact. And if HotKarz says there is (at least) one club that intentionally uses their strength of numbers to alter voting results, we say that because it is fact. We may not divulge how we know it to be a fact, but you can take it to the bank - we would not make the statement if it were not undeniably true. If we were not 100% certain, we would say, "This is a personal opinion."
Still, a few folks get set on trying to debate such issues, saying HotKarz has no "right" to make such determinations. To that I say, we have every right to state facts. Everyone has that right.
And if a person insists on debating the facts, he really needs to be armed with facts to substantiate his position. Don't try the old liberal bluff of, "I disagree with you, so you are wrong." That does not cut the mustard. Disagreeing with an issue does not mean it is debatable. Murderers may disagree with murder being wrong. But their disagreement does not make murder right. It is still wrong.
Now, the folks who strongly object to the facts, or wish to ignore them, also object to me making their position public, and then responding to them in public.
Let me be clear - if you post a comment, you do so knowing it will probably be posted for all to see - that is the function of COMMENTS. And when a person posts a comment that includes spin, untruths, or otherwise makes unwarranted assertions or accusations, you can be 100% certain that I will rebut the comment. And you can be almost that certain that, in doing so, I will prove the correctness of the HotKarz position.
Everyone has the right to express themselves. They also have the right to be wrong. So anyone can post their comments. But understand that if a person chooses to disagree with simple facts (like the fact that cheating is wrong, regardless of where it occurs), then he should also understand that it is my job to rebut him.
For the record, HotKarz takes the position that certain things are wrong, including (but not limited to):
1) Jumping the fence, or registering in an inappropriate class for the sake of a trophy
2) Cheating of any kind
3) Forming or joining a "voting bloc" for the purpose of taking an undeserved trophy
4) Using a voting bloc to harm another participant
5) Having a judged show where the judges are not qualified
6) As a "peer judge", selling your vote to friends, rather than taking the judging obligation seriously
7) Not having distinct and well-marked classes in a show that has trophies and voting by class
8) Abusing ANY class by allowing vehicles into the class that do not belong there - even Special Interest
9) Messing with any participant's vehicle
10) Littering, foul language, personal attacks & childish behavior from adults
You can disagree with any of the above. But please do not try to defend an opposing view. There is no viable defense for something that is just plain wrong.
One might say they enter into an inappropriate class (particularly Special Interest) simply because there is no other class for them. But that is no excuse for doing the wrong thing. If there is no appropriate class for a vehicle, the vehicle should leave, rather than harm others, and ask the organizers to consider adding a class for them next year.
One might say that the qualifications of judges is objective. But judges, by definition, are to be fair, unbiased, competent and just, and leave their personal feelings at the door. Those qualifications are cast in stone. Anything less is not a qualified judge. By using a valid point system, judging can be more fair to all.
One might say that the "park anywhere" format in a show with classes is simply a logistics issue, determined by available manpower or whatever the excuse. But there is no excuse for running a shoddy show, while charging participants to enter. If unwilling or unable to put in the necessary effort to run a show, don't run it. Either that, or don't charge us to get in.
There are other things that are indisputably wrong, such as allowing folks to vote their own class, or allowing folks to "vote early, vote often" by not restricting the number of ballots a person can take.
I am in no way saying that I am always right - I'm not. But I am saying that, while my OPINIONS may not be always be right, my FACTS always will be right.
So, as a final note, please understand that we may not always agree. But we should always agree on the basic tenets of what is right and wrong. If not, please do not waste everyone's time trying to defend the indefensible.
I will start with a simple premise: personal opinions are debatable; facts are indisputable, and therefore not debatable.
When I offer my opinion, I will usually state unequivically that "this is my personal opinion". Otherwise, chances are pretty darned good that I am simply presenting facts. And any person who attempts to debate facts will only serve to make him or herself look pretty foolish to everyone else, so please refrain from doing so, for your own sake.
Certain issues of right and wrong are seldom debatable. For example, it is not an opinion that the murder of innocent people is wrong - it is fact. And it is not opinion that rape or robbery are wrong. Those are facts. And cheating is wrong.
Now, murderers, thieves, rapists and cheats may disagree that their acts are wrong. But it changes nothing - they are still wrong, because those issues are not debatable - they are facts. And, as a rule, only the people doing the wrongs (and other fools) will try and debate the rightness of their acts, or otherwise try to defend those who commit them.
HotKarz will (almost) always stick to publishing the facts. And while some folks may object to the facts, it changes nothing. When HotKarz states that cheating is wrong, we make that statement because it is a fact. And if HotKarz says there is (at least) one club that intentionally uses their strength of numbers to alter voting results, we say that because it is fact. We may not divulge how we know it to be a fact, but you can take it to the bank - we would not make the statement if it were not undeniably true. If we were not 100% certain, we would say, "This is a personal opinion."
Still, a few folks get set on trying to debate such issues, saying HotKarz has no "right" to make such determinations. To that I say, we have every right to state facts. Everyone has that right.
And if a person insists on debating the facts, he really needs to be armed with facts to substantiate his position. Don't try the old liberal bluff of, "I disagree with you, so you are wrong." That does not cut the mustard. Disagreeing with an issue does not mean it is debatable. Murderers may disagree with murder being wrong. But their disagreement does not make murder right. It is still wrong.
Now, the folks who strongly object to the facts, or wish to ignore them, also object to me making their position public, and then responding to them in public.
Let me be clear - if you post a comment, you do so knowing it will probably be posted for all to see - that is the function of COMMENTS. And when a person posts a comment that includes spin, untruths, or otherwise makes unwarranted assertions or accusations, you can be 100% certain that I will rebut the comment. And you can be almost that certain that, in doing so, I will prove the correctness of the HotKarz position.
Everyone has the right to express themselves. They also have the right to be wrong. So anyone can post their comments. But understand that if a person chooses to disagree with simple facts (like the fact that cheating is wrong, regardless of where it occurs), then he should also understand that it is my job to rebut him.
For the record, HotKarz takes the position that certain things are wrong, including (but not limited to):
1) Jumping the fence, or registering in an inappropriate class for the sake of a trophy
2) Cheating of any kind
3) Forming or joining a "voting bloc" for the purpose of taking an undeserved trophy
4) Using a voting bloc to harm another participant
5) Having a judged show where the judges are not qualified
6) As a "peer judge", selling your vote to friends, rather than taking the judging obligation seriously
7) Not having distinct and well-marked classes in a show that has trophies and voting by class
8) Abusing ANY class by allowing vehicles into the class that do not belong there - even Special Interest
9) Messing with any participant's vehicle
10) Littering, foul language, personal attacks & childish behavior from adults
You can disagree with any of the above. But please do not try to defend an opposing view. There is no viable defense for something that is just plain wrong.
One might say they enter into an inappropriate class (particularly Special Interest) simply because there is no other class for them. But that is no excuse for doing the wrong thing. If there is no appropriate class for a vehicle, the vehicle should leave, rather than harm others, and ask the organizers to consider adding a class for them next year.
One might say that the qualifications of judges is objective. But judges, by definition, are to be fair, unbiased, competent and just, and leave their personal feelings at the door. Those qualifications are cast in stone. Anything less is not a qualified judge. By using a valid point system, judging can be more fair to all.
One might say that the "park anywhere" format in a show with classes is simply a logistics issue, determined by available manpower or whatever the excuse. But there is no excuse for running a shoddy show, while charging participants to enter. If unwilling or unable to put in the necessary effort to run a show, don't run it. Either that, or don't charge us to get in.
There are other things that are indisputably wrong, such as allowing folks to vote their own class, or allowing folks to "vote early, vote often" by not restricting the number of ballots a person can take.
I am in no way saying that I am always right - I'm not. But I am saying that, while my OPINIONS may not be always be right, my FACTS always will be right.
So, as a final note, please understand that we may not always agree. But we should always agree on the basic tenets of what is right and wrong. If not, please do not waste everyone's time trying to defend the indefensible.
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