Thursday, August 21, 2008

New Item (Cruise-in)

Just received the following message from Jim & Connie (Ol' Blue):

"Just wanted to let you know that there will be a Fundraising Cruise In on Aug. 26 th From 5-8pm at The Merrymeeting House Rte. 27 Dresden. All Proceeds Go To A young man named Jack who has Spinal Menengitis."

Sounds like a worthwhile cruise, if you can get up that way.

Good Places For Car Folk

Just thought I would take a moment to mention a couple of websites that you may find interesting. They serve car buffs, and they are local folks, so please take a moment to give 'em a look see.

Many of you already are aware of Big Mike's Custom Display sheets for show vehicles. He puts together righteous display sheets of your favorite ride(s). You may have seen him at some of the shows. But if you have missed him, check out his website and take a look around. He is currently creating a sheet for my daughter's car, so I obviously stand by the quality of his work.

For those of you who are either preparing to restore a vehicle, or often find yourself scratching your head trying to find those impossible parts, check out Tom's Auto Parts & Locating Service. He can find just about any part for any vehicle - if someone has the part you need, Tom will find it for you. Saves time and money.

Of course, we cannot forget our rubber. After a long season of shows and cruises, many of us find ourselves having to put new skins on our wheels, so they will be in top condition for the shows. Fritz's Tire and Wheel in Arundel is the only place I go for treads, for all my vehicles. He has never let me down, always has what I need, gets the job done quickly and professionally, and Dick stands by his work. When it's time to get skins, give Fritz a call. Especially if you are looking for custome treads or wheels, like wide whites, or smoothie wheels.

As you know, I do not normally promote any commercial ventures (other than shows). If I mention a business here, I am not being paid to do so. Paid advertising can be found elsewhere in our site. When I do mention a business, it is because I do business with the folks I mention, and I trust them. You can, too.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Anniversary

Last weekend, among other things, we visited the famed House of the Seven Gables. And my home-made surfboard is almost beginning to look like one. But I'm still not holding out much hope - the hardest part is yet to come.

And Cheryl says I don't have enough pix up - so I have added three miscellaneous galleries with a total of 182 new pix - but because of the server limitations, those galleries are only temporary, so check 'em out while they are up!

Well, it slipped by without fanfare, but HotKarz.com passed the First Anniversary mark earlier this month. And the first anniversary of this blog will arrive on September 9th.

And I like to think we have made a real impact in that year. We have brought issues and problems out into the open, so they could be addressed and fixed. We have tried to provide as complete and up-to-date a listing as possible, of shows, cruise-ins and events. We have added free classifieds, funnies, pix of shows, pix of winners and more.

We have tackled some serious issues, such as class jumping, and enforcement of classes and have begun to get folks to refuse to vote for those who register in inappropriate classes. This for the purpose of fairness and integrity for all.

We have assisted show organizers in creating more successful venues, and have begun receiving letters from them, thanking us for the input that was missing in previous years - as an example, read the letter from the Gorham Lions Club. (Of course, there were a couple who were not so thankful :o)

And our Letters pages allow everyone to speak their piece, and have a say.

But there is a long way to go. The problems have always been there, but until now, we did not have any way to bring them to light. Now we do. And in the light of day, the good will thrive and the bad will shrivel. So, yes, we may end up losing a couple of shows - the ones that simply do not care to make inroads to greater success. No big loss! But the shows that remain, they will get bigger, better, more fun and - for the organizers - more profitable. In the end, we will all benefit.

I am not so naive as to think there will be little or no opposition. There will always be those who do not want change. Trophy poachers will not like losing votes when they register in the wrong class. Organizers who do not care what participants want will oppose changes. And some organizers will refuse to provide spectator cards, which are for the express purpose of helping provide greater protection for participants' vehicles. Why they would oppose something that is helpful - and free - is difficult to comprehend. But if recent activity is any indication, it looks like most of the better shows will be using them in the future. I know one thing for certain - I feel safer and more secure bringing my car to a show that informs spectators about the rules associated with being a spectator. After all, many spectators just do not know! If they did, we would not have to put "Do Not Touch" signs on our vehicles. Currently these cards are being used in Bath, Augusta, Farmington, Auburn, and Merrimack (NH).

Unfortunately, the committee for the Two Trails Cruisers show at Windham WalMart has voted against using these cards. We do not know why - as I said, some folks are simply opposed to change. Others may have personal issues. I understand the club President and the committee chairman wanted the cards, but they were apparently out-voted. Too bad. Perhaps next year a new committee will see the benefit. Meanwhile, it still looks like the TT show will be a winner this year - a lot of effort has been put into making it better than ever. I would not miss it - and you shouldn't, either. The only problem: how do we keep our wives out of WalMart? They'll have several hours - they can spend a lot!

I can honestly say, however, that several shows have already taken into consideration the recommendations and criticism from HotKarz and its readers, and have already scheduled some great improvements, so it looks like next year will be a corker! More great shows; fewer dogs.

Now, if only we could do something about the weather...

Monday, August 18, 2008

Togus and Other Stuff

I have received a number of emails from folks who attended the Togus Run. Judging from those letters, everything went perfect, and all had a good time.

Togus is an important event in Maine, and I am sure next year will be even better. Rusty Nuts car club does a truly wonderful job organizing this worthy event for our veterans.

Hard to believe we have had such good weather for a few days. But I am really glad to see it. Gives us all a chance to get caught up on the outdoor chores. Unfortunately, the sun comes too late to save much of the garden - in some areas the ground is still muck. Oh, well. There's always the grocery store.

With a bit of luck, the weather will hold for another weekend. This coming weekend is the big one for my family - we take the motorhome up to Pittsburg NH for the 3-day Moose Festival, which includes a car show. It is one of the few that has a PT Cruiser class, and they usually get a dozen or more from as far as Canada, New York and Massachusetts. It's a real festival, with a car cruise parade on Friday, with street vendors and performers (Colebrook), followed by a crafts-type fair on Saturday with the car show in Canaan VT. They always have moose burgers, too! On Saturday evening, after the chicken BBQ, they all head up Moose Alley to go moose peeping.

Friends of ours own a great little store & ice cream parlor on Lake Francis, and visiting them is always a great & relaxing time on Sunday.

I know it's a long haul - about 200 miles for most - but if you get the chance, you may want to check this festival out. My family wouldn't miss it.

Later!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Thanks, Folks

Well, the response to the "anonymous" comment was really nice to see, to say the least. To all the folks who have written in (many by email instead of by posting a comment), I truly thank you all for your support. It is worthwhile to note that not a single person found much value in the comments of "Anonymous".

To the person who made that unseemly anonymous comment, while you are certainly entitled to your opinion, please feel free to read all the responses to your opinion (attached at the end of the last entry), so you can see what value others place on your opinion. Just because you have an opinion, and are entitled to it, does not necessarily give it any worth. The same is true of my own opinions - I rarely insert them, but when I do, I understand they may not be shared by all.

And yes, as you can plainly see, I post all comments, as a rule (except those that use profanity or other offensive language). After all, I posted yours - and you did not think I would.

Coming shortly, an entry on Togus. While I was unable to attend due to previous committments, I have received several letters from folks who went and had a truly grand time. So stop in again soon. And don't forget to check out all the latest letters on the recent events, with letters on Togus to be added soon, as well as a glowing letter from the organizers of the Gorham Lions show, thanking HotKarz and all of you for their success - and their plans to improve even more (it's hard to improve on such a good show, but if they say they will, they will).

Friday, August 15, 2008

Unbelieveable

I received a comment (copied below in its entirety) from someone who dared not even identify himself/herself. And considering the comment, I am not at all surprised. According to this person, I "have no right to comment on shows". Pardon me, but in America, everyone has a right to speak their piece. I do understand that there are people on the far left who do not believe that anyone with an opposing view should ever speak, but that is not how things are in this country.

The person also claimed I "never contribute anything to any shows." Of course, this just shows the writer's ignorance, since I do contribute. I sponsor classes at shows. I sponsor, organize and run the HotKarz Super Cruise. I provide organizers with Vehicle Safety cards (spectator code of conduct) at no cost whatever. I provide organizers with a place to find many normal classifications, a copy of the Standard Point System, and an outline to help in putting together a more successful show.

He also claims I look for "special treatment" - I do not. I park my car, then enjoy the show like everyone else.

I provide a venue for the car folks, themselves, to speak up and be heard, so organizers will get a feel for what the folks are thinking, so they can improve their shows.

I post and promote the shows, and the cruise-ins.

Now, since the writer of the comment decided to hide behind anonymity, I do not know what THEY contribute, but I seriously doubt they contribute much of any value.

This lowlife even went so far as to "dis" my daughters vehicle. The writer thinks nothing much was invested in it, and it does not belong in any shows - I guess he/she is not intelligent enough to realize there is over $40,000 invested in the PT Woody. Guess he also is unaware that it often wins in both judged and peer shows, so it would seem many do not see things his way. Wonder what he has invested in whatever it is he brings to shows!

That ignorant idiot is, by his own remarks, a bigot - unless a vehicle is a perfect specimen of an antique or classic, it is not deserving to be in shows. That only goes to show the worth of the writer's opinion, which is zero.

Look, I do not mind honest criticism (unlike the folks in Sanford and Belgrade). But I do mind bigotry, ignorance, stupidity and downright meanness.

If and when that clown should decide to identify himself and take "credit" for his letter, I would fairly bet that he or she is someone not worthy of anyone's concern. I would also bet he/she has some connection to Sanford :o)

So - and I know you are reading this - you should know that I have probably done more for shows in one season than you have done in your entire lifetime. And you should also know that I am not going to give a "pass" to any problems I find. And I have every right to publish this blog and website, as this is not communist China. My opinions may not be shared by all - nor do they need to be. However, it is rare that I insert opinion - normally, I simply state the facts. And some people simply cannot handle the facts. Well, that's too bad! Deal with it.

A full 96% of all mail, posts and comments I receive is positive and supportive. If and when that changes, then I will reconsider what I am doing. But for the time being, you and people like the Sanford Elks really need to understand a simple fact:

I will report on shows. I will say what I believe is good about them, and what I believe is not so good. I will report what others have to say, and give them a venue to speak for themselves. If a show is great, I will say so. If not, I will say so. And since I have been involved in over 400 shows in one capacity or another, over a span of 43 years and almost as many states, then I have reason to believe I know enough about shows to know what is good, and what is not so good.

I am not saying every show should be perfect. But I AM saying that if a show has obvious problems, the organizers should strive to work out those problems, for the benefit of all.

I have given some very good reviews here - there are many good shows. And there are some that did not warrant a good revue. And I have enough integrity to not give a good review that is not deserved. But in no case did I ever "dis" anyone. I simply state the facts. If a show allows class jumping, I WILL point that out. If it does not organize well, I WILL point that out. That is not being disrespectful, or mean. That is simply reporting the facts, so everyone - including the organizers - can spot things that they may want to address. After all, if you don't know it's broke, you can't fix it.

Some organizers have been running rough-shod over the participants for so long, they do not feel any need to satisfy anyone but themselves. They have no interest in improving. To those few, I would say that you have been put on notice - if you are not willing to address valid concerns of the participants whose money you covet, then those participants will stop coming to your show, and you will get NO money. They have every right to expect you to address their concerns. They are your customers. They are the people whose money you are after. If you want their money, you need to satisfy them. If you are not interested in providing the best show that you can, then maybe you need to find a new way to raise funds.

If you put on a cheap show, or use poorly trained judges, or permit class jumping, then you have no one to blame but yourselves when I call it like it is. That's my job. You don't have to like it, but you do have to accept it, because I am here to stay!

And judging from the letters I get, that's the way most car folks want it.

Here is the anonymous letter - please feel free to let me - and him - know what you think by emailing me at ptwoodycrew@aol.com, or posting a comment below this blog entry:

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post:
It's too bad you've turned this site into a personal mission to critcize people for their efforts. I would think a man as smart as you say you are you would understand people who put these shows on are doing the best they can. Personally I don't think you have any right to comment since you yourself have not or do not do anything for car shows in general. Your pathetic comments each week do nothing for so many people. Each week you pull your PT Woody into a show and expect special treatment when in fact your car is nothing short of a makeshift car out of the 50's want to be club. How much have you invested? My guess is not even close to what many of us have. You have no right to judge or critcize if you do not like the show stay the hell home just like you were told in Sanford. A lot of people certainly will never miss you. I'm willing to bet you will just delete this because it is your site but it is my two cents and I feel better. You really should use this site for good instead of judging.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Why Men Are Happier

Submitted by Ken Matthews:

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:

Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures?
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character. W
edding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.