I was cleaning out a corner in the Garage, for an upcoming equipment area. In that corner I found my old Dash plaque display and a whole bunch of ribbons. I sat down with those ribbons and plaques and remembered each and every one of those shows. The Sad thing is most of those Shows are no longer what they were or are no longer.
Bonney Eagle in 1992, was a show to remember. With close to 2,000 cars and trucks, all on Grass including the infield of the Track. Food vendors everywhere and a pot to piss in at every gap and space available. The Vendors area was a marvel to behold because it actually had some real vendors. Where did that one go wrong. It killed itself by doing its job.
Biddeford Athletic Boosters did a Show for a couple of years that was on par with the Bonney Eagle Show but on a smaller scale. This Show only lasted about 3 years and died off because everybody bitched about not enough classes. The last year I remember going, they had 5 different Corvette Classes and no Corvettes. You could say they outclassed themselves.
Then there was this Show at Winterport Dragway put on by the Maine State Camaro Club with classes for the classes and trophies as big as your car. That lasted about, once. The Show and the Club both disappeared.
A club show to remember was the "Break Out" series put on by the North East Cruisers. They hailed from the Waterville/Skow Vegas Area and used the Skowhegan Fair Grounds for their show. A great Show by a big club that slowly faded into the inevitable abyss of doom. I know of only one former member of that crew that still haunts the Car Show circuit, but he has seen fit to pass his knowledge onto his son and they are now in Charge of the Belgrade Show.
Now does anybody remember the thing they called a show at Maranacook High School. You want a comparison to make the Shaw's Ridge Show look good, use this one. It was the worst set up ever and they killed themselves after the awards. It was that bad.
Another would be the ELHS Band Stand Committee Show of 93 & 94. Lousy Classes, bad judging and way to many grandiose ideas about how it should be. Glad its gone.
The Penquis Cruisers do a nice day long Cruise-In in Milo that is really a non-Show but awards like Loudest Exhaust and Longest Distance are given. I found a Dash Plaque from 1992 which celebrated the 3rd Annual Cruise and put it next to this years that Celebrated the 20th. They've been at it that long and still going.
Jackman used to have a nice little weekend set up with a cruise on the Saturday and a Show on Sunday and now its gone. To bad because the Quebecois participation was phenomenal.
Many shows have left the Scene only to be replaced by 1 or more. Many have improved with time, many have gotten worse. There is a new batch coming, and they all have in common the one thing that binds all the shows together, new and old. US!
The biggest factor for the demise of most of these show was a lack of participation from the volunteers that put them on. Some from a couple of bad years in a row due to weather or possibly Money from Sponsors or a mandatory change of venue. Maybe one or two from us bitching or there unwillingness to listen, but these were rare.
Shows will always come and go. Like the tide or Phases of the Moon. I've attended, worked, planned, or Ran a Show since 1992.
I think I got a few new ideas left. Maybe we will cook up something a little different and spice up the circuit or maybe just keep being a thorn in the side of conformity and do it our way.
As Always.
10/31/09
10/28/09
Rolling Along
Well it seems that a Night Time Open Format Show has some merits and some people who want to help. Only thing is, we need people to attend. No sense putting on a show with out the proper amount of participants.
You all know how I feel about polls and those freaking surveys and with the local referendums saying, yes, no and maybe, now is not the time to start that crap. So I need you the readers to get an opinion or 2 from a fellow show participant that you know and love and see how they feel about this Nightime Open Format Show that I am proposing. Then you can E-mail the Blog or have them E-mail the Blog or have them read the dam Blog and leave a comment.
While your doing that, I'll be scouting out some potential sites to have the show and we'll go from there.
Now so as not to let anyone think otherwise, the mention of the National Car Show Association in a phone conversation with a fan of this blog brought out the comment that it does not exist. It does in fact exist and you can find it here, http://www.nationalcarshowassociation.org/ , for some reason none of the newer search engines will find it. Make sure you visit it and check it out.
You all know how I feel about polls and those freaking surveys and with the local referendums saying, yes, no and maybe, now is not the time to start that crap. So I need you the readers to get an opinion or 2 from a fellow show participant that you know and love and see how they feel about this Nightime Open Format Show that I am proposing. Then you can E-mail the Blog or have them E-mail the Blog or have them read the dam Blog and leave a comment.
While your doing that, I'll be scouting out some potential sites to have the show and we'll go from there.
Now so as not to let anyone think otherwise, the mention of the National Car Show Association in a phone conversation with a fan of this blog brought out the comment that it does not exist. It does in fact exist and you can find it here, http://www.nationalcarshowassociation.org/ , for some reason none of the newer search engines will find it. Make sure you visit it and check it out.
10/24/09
Just a Thought
Years ago I mentioned to my close friend, Mr. Burgess, that doing a Car Show at night under the Lights in a Parking Lot would totally change the outcome of many of the winners as the lighting changes the look of the vehicle. Chrome actually looks brighter with the lighting hitting at different angles. But like anything it got put in the back of my head to be lost along with all the disconnected thoughts that have come and gone over the years
With all the talk of a couple of new shows coming out next year, this thought has reappeared. Now another close friend has mentioned a different version and after my conversation with Mr. Reed it can be the same but different. Now the Night Time aspect has come together with a show Format that not many have grown accustomed to, but those that have participated are beginning to enjoy them. An Open Format /No Classes at Night. The Same but Different.
Many of the Trophy Addicts don't like the Open Format because they can't campaign their peers to garner the much needed votes to obtain their specimen of penis envy. The Open Format calls for judges and a point system. Heaven Forbid.
The Swing toward a way of running the Car Shows here in Maine more Professionally is undeniable and if you can see it from the point of view of the few that have experience at the Open Format Shows it is the only way to fly. It puts everybody together on the same playing field without structure, rhyme, reason or controversy
When Organizations that are for profit, do these type of shows 12 to 25 times a year and make a few million dollars each year, year after year, use this format, whats that telling you. When the NSRA, GoodGuys Rod and Customs, Adirondack Nationals, Right Coast Association, The Greater Moncton Street Rod Association and even the 7 Member, Prince Edward Island Street Rod Association use the Open Format Show it works. It works very well.
Now picture this. Gates opening at 6PM, Judging starts at dusk or when the lights come on. Those that want to be judged have the doors trunks and hoods open. Everybody having a good time. Sitting together with Trucks, Cars, Street Rods, Antiques all mingling together like a giant orgy of Metal, Paint and Chrome under the lights of a warm August evening. Trophies at 11PM. Breakfast anyone? Served all night.
And 3 - 2 - 1 Fade to Black
With all the talk of a couple of new shows coming out next year, this thought has reappeared. Now another close friend has mentioned a different version and after my conversation with Mr. Reed it can be the same but different. Now the Night Time aspect has come together with a show Format that not many have grown accustomed to, but those that have participated are beginning to enjoy them. An Open Format /No Classes at Night. The Same but Different.
Many of the Trophy Addicts don't like the Open Format because they can't campaign their peers to garner the much needed votes to obtain their specimen of penis envy. The Open Format calls for judges and a point system. Heaven Forbid.
The Swing toward a way of running the Car Shows here in Maine more Professionally is undeniable and if you can see it from the point of view of the few that have experience at the Open Format Shows it is the only way to fly. It puts everybody together on the same playing field without structure, rhyme, reason or controversy
When Organizations that are for profit, do these type of shows 12 to 25 times a year and make a few million dollars each year, year after year, use this format, whats that telling you. When the NSRA, GoodGuys Rod and Customs, Adirondack Nationals, Right Coast Association, The Greater Moncton Street Rod Association and even the 7 Member, Prince Edward Island Street Rod Association use the Open Format Show it works. It works very well.
Now picture this. Gates opening at 6PM, Judging starts at dusk or when the lights come on. Those that want to be judged have the doors trunks and hoods open. Everybody having a good time. Sitting together with Trucks, Cars, Street Rods, Antiques all mingling together like a giant orgy of Metal, Paint and Chrome under the lights of a warm August evening. Trophies at 11PM. Breakfast anyone? Served all night.
And 3 - 2 - 1 Fade to Black
10/22/09
Different
Ok how about we try to get together at least a couple of times for breakfast/brunch during our winter doldrums. Lets face it, after seeing our relatives in November and December we could use some face time with our summer time com padre's. Get back to me and I will post some times and dates so that all that read this can see what we are doing and when. Everybody is welcome to join us and revel in our company.
Another thing that we need to do is keep informed on any new shows or projects. I know Ken Matthews is hammering out a deal in Windham to replace the old Wal-Mart Show and I hope he will keep us apprised of the goings on and progress or at least ask for help if he needs it. Team 207 is in the works of putting together a Show at some point next year with most of the details being worked on within the coming months. Should be a great show.
Keep an eye on the calendars of all the web sites as some dates are up already with a couple of changes you may want to pass on, such World of Wheels in Boston has been moved to a March Date. The Road Scholars site has that up on the National Events Page. We can all use something to look forward to. It doesn't have to stay local, we can DRIVE to other States to enjoy ourselves at their Shows.
And of course we have the things that are virtually etched in stone. Christmas parties from every direction you can think of from all the Clubs in ME., The Rusty Nuts All Clubs Meeting after the holidays, The Cabin Fever BBQ at the Hole in the Wall Garage in March, The Togus Run BBQ, Toys for Tots and who knows what else.
Til Next
Another thing that we need to do is keep informed on any new shows or projects. I know Ken Matthews is hammering out a deal in Windham to replace the old Wal-Mart Show and I hope he will keep us apprised of the goings on and progress or at least ask for help if he needs it. Team 207 is in the works of putting together a Show at some point next year with most of the details being worked on within the coming months. Should be a great show.
Keep an eye on the calendars of all the web sites as some dates are up already with a couple of changes you may want to pass on, such World of Wheels in Boston has been moved to a March Date. The Road Scholars site has that up on the National Events Page. We can all use something to look forward to. It doesn't have to stay local, we can DRIVE to other States to enjoy ourselves at their Shows.
And of course we have the things that are virtually etched in stone. Christmas parties from every direction you can think of from all the Clubs in ME., The Rusty Nuts All Clubs Meeting after the holidays, The Cabin Fever BBQ at the Hole in the Wall Garage in March, The Togus Run BBQ, Toys for Tots and who knows what else.
Til Next
10/21/09
Black Listed
The link from the Hotkarz site to the Road Scholars site has been severed by the owner operator of Hotkarz. As is his prerogative. This was expected as his natural predisposition would call for some type of retaliation. Many people will loose their ability to see both sides of the same picture as they use his site to jump to the Road Scholars Site and in turn to here. Oh Well.
It does surprise me however that he would be capable of such a childish move, as this could be perceived as a hissy fit or then again the "I'm taking my ball and going home" attitude which you can find on any playground, which is fine. It just Sucks to be penalized for telling the Truth.
I however plan no such retaliation as the season is over and we can all relax and have the $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy withdrawals together. You may want to get proffesional help if you find yourself salivating when near the PVC Pipe at Home Depot or if certain bodily functions begin to fail when seeing Chromed Plastic.
Things will be slower on this drivel filled egotistical blog very soon, but will continue at least once a week during the winter.
Hope your still reading this crap. Some will continue to keep the faith, others have been told they can't have it anymore.
But not by Me
It does surprise me however that he would be capable of such a childish move, as this could be perceived as a hissy fit or then again the "I'm taking my ball and going home" attitude which you can find on any playground, which is fine. It just Sucks to be penalized for telling the Truth.
I however plan no such retaliation as the season is over and we can all relax and have the $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy withdrawals together. You may want to get proffesional help if you find yourself salivating when near the PVC Pipe at Home Depot or if certain bodily functions begin to fail when seeing Chromed Plastic.
Things will be slower on this drivel filled egotistical blog very soon, but will continue at least once a week during the winter.
Hope your still reading this crap. Some will continue to keep the faith, others have been told they can't have it anymore.
But not by Me
10/19/09
Clearing The Air
Evidently the air needs clearing.
So here we go.
2 of the 5 members of the Road Scholars in Attendance entered in Special Interest. They did not participate in any competition in any class including Special Interest. No Numbers could be found on the vehicles to vote for even if you wanted to. As a Majority of the Road Scholars in Attendance did not participate in this demonstration of Free Thinking it can not be constituted as a Club Thing. Of the 2 vehicles that parked out of their respective classes neither interfered with the outcome of the awards. The fact that Mr. Vaughn did not take a trophy was not our fault or problem.
That's One, now again.
I am not now, nor have I ever been a part of some Supposed "Old Boy Network". I have over the past 4 years received 6 trophies with the highest and most recent being a second place in a 2 car class, which I was told to enter by people at the front gate. If I was a part of this "Network" there should be many more than that and a few 1st place ones included.
And Again.
If Bill Vaughn wishes to interpret a definition as it is written or as he wishes to see it then so be it. Common decency would dictate that he should allow others to interpret them the way they see it. This is not what happened on Saturday as my interpretation of the definition of Special Interest was denied and disrespectfully he walked away from me, as though my opinion meant nothing. As told to me by a friend of Mr. Vaughn who also is a friend of mine. " You can't argue with Bill as he always has to be right." This is the closest thing to God's Truth that I have heard in years.
And Some More.
For a web site that professes that no derogatory name calling will be allowed, having the first comment on a posting, calling Myself and a Friend IDIOTS is a phony Statement and a rule he frequently forgets to enforce.
The Road Scholars philosophy of Absolutely No Fucking Bullshit pertains to the politics within the club itself and not the outside world, lets face it if it did pertain to anything in the outside world we would never talk to anybody.
NEXT!
So here we go.
2 of the 5 members of the Road Scholars in Attendance entered in Special Interest. They did not participate in any competition in any class including Special Interest. No Numbers could be found on the vehicles to vote for even if you wanted to. As a Majority of the Road Scholars in Attendance did not participate in this demonstration of Free Thinking it can not be constituted as a Club Thing. Of the 2 vehicles that parked out of their respective classes neither interfered with the outcome of the awards. The fact that Mr. Vaughn did not take a trophy was not our fault or problem.
That's One, now again.
I am not now, nor have I ever been a part of some Supposed "Old Boy Network". I have over the past 4 years received 6 trophies with the highest and most recent being a second place in a 2 car class, which I was told to enter by people at the front gate. If I was a part of this "Network" there should be many more than that and a few 1st place ones included.
And Again.
If Bill Vaughn wishes to interpret a definition as it is written or as he wishes to see it then so be it. Common decency would dictate that he should allow others to interpret them the way they see it. This is not what happened on Saturday as my interpretation of the definition of Special Interest was denied and disrespectfully he walked away from me, as though my opinion meant nothing. As told to me by a friend of Mr. Vaughn who also is a friend of mine. " You can't argue with Bill as he always has to be right." This is the closest thing to God's Truth that I have heard in years.
And Some More.
For a web site that professes that no derogatory name calling will be allowed, having the first comment on a posting, calling Myself and a Friend IDIOTS is a phony Statement and a rule he frequently forgets to enforce.
The Road Scholars philosophy of Absolutely No Fucking Bullshit pertains to the politics within the club itself and not the outside world, lets face it if it did pertain to anything in the outside world we would never talk to anybody.
NEXT!
Taxing Our Patience
You may want to let everybody that has anything to do with organizing a Car Show that this will apply to them.
The new Sales Tax Laws that are going into effect have a provision that applies to entry fees by both spectator and entrant to all types of shows including our Weekend delights. All entry fees will now be taxed as a sale.
In itself its a pain in the ass, but also keep in mind that many Car Shows are run by clubs that keep everything off the books and have no need for a Tax ID or sellers certificate.
This means that the Clubs that do run off the books and put on a Car Show,will now have to get permits from the state and find accountants etc etc etc.
Economic Stimulus My Ass
The new Sales Tax Laws that are going into effect have a provision that applies to entry fees by both spectator and entrant to all types of shows including our Weekend delights. All entry fees will now be taxed as a sale.
In itself its a pain in the ass, but also keep in mind that many Car Shows are run by clubs that keep everything off the books and have no need for a Tax ID or sellers certificate.
This means that the Clubs that do run off the books and put on a Car Show,will now have to get permits from the state and find accountants etc etc etc.
Economic Stimulus My Ass
10/18/09
Funny
To funny is a way to look at the comings and goings here at Exhaust Fumes and Funny is good. The people that know what is going on are laughing with me, the ones that don't are laughing at me and I laugh because I can.
The sad things that happen here are a moot point as we are laughing in our endeavor to understand the joke. We are correct in our assumption in the joke being laughable and many will assume that we are immature by our laughter.
We possibly are, but at least we know what the joke is and our laughter is a genuine belly laugh and not that of the uninformed that laugh just to fit in.
Nuts, maybe. Crazy, possibly. Laughing, only until I piss my pants.
The sad things that happen here are a moot point as we are laughing in our endeavor to understand the joke. We are correct in our assumption in the joke being laughable and many will assume that we are immature by our laughter.
We possibly are, but at least we know what the joke is and our laughter is a genuine belly laugh and not that of the uninformed that laugh just to fit in.
Nuts, maybe. Crazy, possibly. Laughing, only until I piss my pants.
10/17/09
"Its the End of The World as We Know It"
Today basically was the last show for me and most of those in attendance. It has proven to be an interesting season with an even more interesting ending.
The point that was being made was made, Special Interest is a hole to put cars and trucks in. This was seen today, with a few people not knowing what was going on and a few others not willing or wanting to listen. Oh well, maybe next time they will realize that the three vehicles that are not usually in S.I. were not competing and made no attempt too. Thus they played no part in the voting for any vehicle in S.I. and can not be accused of cheating.
The New Gloucester Lions try really hard to put on a quality Show and will eventually get it as long they get good input and not criticism. They need more knowledge at the gate as letting my car in S.I. could have been stopped, but they asked me where I wanted to go. Other than that a fun filled day with some great people and great times.
Now on a note of credit. Team 207 is possibly the most maligned and scrutinized Club in the State. Today they proved to me and many of those in attendance that this thought process is way off base. They handled a problem in the area with certain individuals that have no respect for us or them.
They as a Club represented themselves in the utmost manner by seeking the proper authority to quell the minor disruption of sound and decorum. In other words they bitch slapped some punk ass motherfuckers into turning down the Michael Jackson Revue. They should get a pat on the back. They have showed us, the "Old Guys", a lot of respect this year and we definetly need to show them the same.
Kudos To Team 207 and Thanx.
All in all a good day with many trophy winners that surprised a few people and weather that surprised us all. Congrats to all the Winners
The point that was being made was made, Special Interest is a hole to put cars and trucks in. This was seen today, with a few people not knowing what was going on and a few others not willing or wanting to listen. Oh well, maybe next time they will realize that the three vehicles that are not usually in S.I. were not competing and made no attempt too. Thus they played no part in the voting for any vehicle in S.I. and can not be accused of cheating.
The New Gloucester Lions try really hard to put on a quality Show and will eventually get it as long they get good input and not criticism. They need more knowledge at the gate as letting my car in S.I. could have been stopped, but they asked me where I wanted to go. Other than that a fun filled day with some great people and great times.
Now on a note of credit. Team 207 is possibly the most maligned and scrutinized Club in the State. Today they proved to me and many of those in attendance that this thought process is way off base. They handled a problem in the area with certain individuals that have no respect for us or them.
They as a Club represented themselves in the utmost manner by seeking the proper authority to quell the minor disruption of sound and decorum. In other words they bitch slapped some punk ass motherfuckers into turning down the Michael Jackson Revue. They should get a pat on the back. They have showed us, the "Old Guys", a lot of respect this year and we definetly need to show them the same.
Kudos To Team 207 and Thanx.
All in all a good day with many trophy winners that surprised a few people and weather that surprised us all. Congrats to all the Winners
10/16/09
Loaded for All Comers
I'm loaded for all comers tomorrow as I will be Entering in Special Interest. As the meaning of Special Interest has been shoved down our throats and any other available orifice all season long, I will prove that I qualify for this said "class". If the Lions Allow me that is.
The meaning given by the National Car Show Association is as follows:
Special Interest - a vehicle uniquely distinguishable from the usual because it is designed for a particular purpose, such as a race car, military vehicle or bus, or built to a specific and unusual recurring theme, either of which would generate interest because of its uniqueness or specialty function.
Simple enough, The Vehicle I drive is uniquely distinguishable from the usual, if you can't see that you need a "white cane". It is designed for a particular purpose. Its a Street Rod which in itself has origins in the Race Car Genre. The original Hot Rods of the late 30's and early 40 were stripped down for speed and raced on the streets. Decades later after legitimacy was gained through organizations and legislation, they became known as Street Rods.
It also qualifies because of its specific and unusual recurring theme. If you don't think skulls are unusual or pretty specific, then Necrophiliacs Anonymous has a meeting next Tuesday at Midnight. If you ever sat back and observed the crowd of people that comes and goes through out the day you will have seen that my vehicle generates a lot of interest from all walks of life including children.
The point I'm trying to prove is that anybody with enough time and effort can technically qualify for the Special Interest Class. I do not do this in hopes of gaining a Cheap Ass Trophy and I will register to support the Lions and remain on there mailing list.
I'm sure that comments will be made and some will feel they are being targeted. This is however so completely far from the truth and has nothing to do with the main reason I'm doing this.
Special Interest needs to disappear from the list of classes given at every car show, other than a few that enforce class structure at the gate. This Class has been the cause of much Hatred and almost came to blows with the "Sand Box Boys" at Shaws Ridge. This is the cause of arguments and down right contempt toward good people and their efforts to make things happen.
We as a group should look at this problem long and hard during our winter break and recall the efforts of all, in their endeavor to make their respective points and how the Special Interest Class and the abuse of it, has taken away from a usually fun filled hobby. We need to make it go away.
Anybody who wishes to join me please do if they Allow you to.
The meaning given by the National Car Show Association is as follows:
Special Interest - a vehicle uniquely distinguishable from the usual because it is designed for a particular purpose, such as a race car, military vehicle or bus, or built to a specific and unusual recurring theme, either of which would generate interest because of its uniqueness or specialty function.
Simple enough, The Vehicle I drive is uniquely distinguishable from the usual, if you can't see that you need a "white cane". It is designed for a particular purpose. Its a Street Rod which in itself has origins in the Race Car Genre. The original Hot Rods of the late 30's and early 40 were stripped down for speed and raced on the streets. Decades later after legitimacy was gained through organizations and legislation, they became known as Street Rods.
It also qualifies because of its specific and unusual recurring theme. If you don't think skulls are unusual or pretty specific, then Necrophiliacs Anonymous has a meeting next Tuesday at Midnight. If you ever sat back and observed the crowd of people that comes and goes through out the day you will have seen that my vehicle generates a lot of interest from all walks of life including children.
The point I'm trying to prove is that anybody with enough time and effort can technically qualify for the Special Interest Class. I do not do this in hopes of gaining a Cheap Ass Trophy and I will register to support the Lions and remain on there mailing list.
I'm sure that comments will be made and some will feel they are being targeted. This is however so completely far from the truth and has nothing to do with the main reason I'm doing this.
Special Interest needs to disappear from the list of classes given at every car show, other than a few that enforce class structure at the gate. This Class has been the cause of much Hatred and almost came to blows with the "Sand Box Boys" at Shaws Ridge. This is the cause of arguments and down right contempt toward good people and their efforts to make things happen.
We as a group should look at this problem long and hard during our winter break and recall the efforts of all, in their endeavor to make their respective points and how the Special Interest Class and the abuse of it, has taken away from a usually fun filled hobby. We need to make it go away.
Anybody who wishes to join me please do if they Allow you to.
10/11/09
Wasn't
I wasn't at Da Vinci's long enough to really say it was a good day. But I did have a good time for the couple of hours I was there.
With about 20 cars there, wait my mistake, with about 5 trucks and the rest being cars and 1 Mini Cooper (it not being big enough to be a car) turned out for great food and a slightly breezy, warm in the sun afternoon.
At some point in time I spoke with just about everybody and by one I was asked a very good question to which I did not have a good answer. Imagine that, me without a good answer, it must be an end of the season thing.
The discussion was on the subject of trophy hunting and I was asked, that if I professed that trophies were not important, Why do I register. Is it to help support the car count or is to take a chance on getting a trophy? I don't have an answer. I know at the Mid Coast show they really get pissed if you don't and at most shows the registration does have the count. But perhaps I am a closet Trophy Whore who really needs a fix of plastic tubes and glittery shit with doses of marble blocks. I am at a loss to really give a legitimate answer.
But I will ask this question to the one that asked me. If you are not in it just for the trophies why spend half the morning cleaning and why accept the trophy at all? By my count its your 200 trophies to my 1 or 2 over the past years. So I think I'll keep registering and hold off on the trophy detox center for now.
With about 20 cars there, wait my mistake, with about 5 trucks and the rest being cars and 1 Mini Cooper (it not being big enough to be a car) turned out for great food and a slightly breezy, warm in the sun afternoon.
At some point in time I spoke with just about everybody and by one I was asked a very good question to which I did not have a good answer. Imagine that, me without a good answer, it must be an end of the season thing.
The discussion was on the subject of trophy hunting and I was asked, that if I professed that trophies were not important, Why do I register. Is it to help support the car count or is to take a chance on getting a trophy? I don't have an answer. I know at the Mid Coast show they really get pissed if you don't and at most shows the registration does have the count. But perhaps I am a closet Trophy Whore who really needs a fix of plastic tubes and glittery shit with doses of marble blocks. I am at a loss to really give a legitimate answer.
But I will ask this question to the one that asked me. If you are not in it just for the trophies why spend half the morning cleaning and why accept the trophy at all? By my count its your 200 trophies to my 1 or 2 over the past years. So I think I'll keep registering and hold off on the trophy detox center for now.
10/10/09
Kinda Like
A tall thin short fat guy with light brown blondish black hair and brown blueish green hazel eyes.
That was what the weather today was kinda like and I loved every minute of it. Why ? Because I was doing what I love to do the most while fully clothed, Drive my car and spend several quality hours with fellow car enthusiasts and good friends.
That is all that mattered today in Dixfield at Western Maine Street Rods, Rod Run and Foliage Cruise. They put on a free lunch of burgers and dogs chips dessert and beverage of a non-adult nature and all they ask is for a donation. Did I mention a Large Dash Plaque is also included.
These guys and girls put on the best time, with no pressure, politics or classes. Camping , Cruises on Saturday and Sunday, Free Lunch on Saturday, Dinner, Dance and Fun on Saturday Evening.
With the count of just under one hundred cars and more pulling in as I was leaving this was going to be a record year for the Western Maine Street Rods and most of you were still hunting the ever elusive $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy
Lighten Up, This was more than worth the time.
That was what the weather today was kinda like and I loved every minute of it. Why ? Because I was doing what I love to do the most while fully clothed, Drive my car and spend several quality hours with fellow car enthusiasts and good friends.
That is all that mattered today in Dixfield at Western Maine Street Rods, Rod Run and Foliage Cruise. They put on a free lunch of burgers and dogs chips dessert and beverage of a non-adult nature and all they ask is for a donation. Did I mention a Large Dash Plaque is also included.
These guys and girls put on the best time, with no pressure, politics or classes. Camping , Cruises on Saturday and Sunday, Free Lunch on Saturday, Dinner, Dance and Fun on Saturday Evening.
With the count of just under one hundred cars and more pulling in as I was leaving this was going to be a record year for the Western Maine Street Rods and most of you were still hunting the ever elusive $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy
Lighten Up, This was more than worth the time.
10/8/09
OOPS!!!
For those of you that have e-mailed and left comments, Da Vinci's is located in Lewiston at the Old Bates Mill. The easiest way to get there is, From the Auburn Side of the river, take the Longley Bridge to Lewiston, at the light take a right, at the next light, left, entrance on the left.
If your already coming from the Lewiston side of the river head to the Longley Bridge take a left at the light, left at the next light and the entrance is on the left.
Great Italian Food, Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza and so much Garlic you could call it heaven.
Basically a Cruise In and I'm not sure of much else.
If your already coming from the Lewiston side of the river head to the Longley Bridge take a left at the light, left at the next light and the entrance is on the left.
Great Italian Food, Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza and so much Garlic you could call it heaven.
Basically a Cruise In and I'm not sure of much else.
10/7/09
PIZZA PASTA/ DA VINCI'S
Good reports are great to have and this was called in by "Big Mike".
Da Vinci's Cruise In/Show is this Sunday 12 Noon to 3PM . Great Food, Great Location and a Opportune Place for photo ops for that Industrial background that Big Mike can put on your Show Placard/Board.
And remember always follow the big guy to find out where the good food is.
Da Vinci's Cruise In/Show is this Sunday 12 Noon to 3PM . Great Food, Great Location and a Opportune Place for photo ops for that Industrial background that Big Mike can put on your Show Placard/Board.
And remember always follow the big guy to find out where the good food is.
10/6/09
Another Season
As the leaves drop from the trees and the season winds down to its final few shows, we all need to think of the season as it was for us. We can all agree it did get interesting at points and the controversies are never ending. We can all honestly say that we became angry at someone at some point through out the season. Then again we can also say that we laughed hard enough during the year that a trip to the bathroom was called for.
The trophy poachers and class jumpers are beginning to learn that their days of running rampant are numbered and are seeing clearer now that we all are calling them on it not just one person screaming loudly.
We all really have learned the definition of "Special Interest" to the point of having it tattooed into our brains. This lesson has in turn brought about its own little slice of heaven with a few promoters thinking of getting rid of special interest altogether as there are not enough true Special Interest participants to warrant a trophy let alone three and more could go into customs and imports. We also found the meanings of opinion, contradiction and hypocrisy to be an asset not a hinderance as some would have us believe and that the word Theme was better suited for music and parks and not Car Shows.
A lesson in economics has been presented to us all by a couple of Shows that prove that Price Gouging is alive and well and completly justified by the economic hardships that we all feel, or so they think. They in turn have learned that we did notice and prepaying is good at the gas pump but not for a $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy.
We have also learned that certain aspects of this hobby are not as fun as they once were and they probably never will be again. On a different note we have also learned that several diverse organizations can work together to pull off a Car Show in the rain and a Toy Run in the sun with strong leadership and great cooperation from all.
Some have learned that pushing your point usually warrants a push back and finding out the sand box wasn't big enough is probably the worst way to figure it out. We also learned that some people don't take kindly to being called certain names and becoming the focus of a point being made.
That the weather played a factor is a given and that people really didn't care goes along the same line. We also saw that some reviews of show were taken well and improvements were made but others still sucked. Learning the menu at cruise nights seemed more important than who was there, or driving what and that certain DJ's still suck.
We all saw that true friends will always be there even if they aren't old enough and rub that point in eveytime you see them. That we keep our friends close and have a good time no matter the politics and tension that was prevalant at many shows was the best part but also that most times it was Mind Over Matter. If You Didn't Mind it Didn't Matter.
The season ain't over and we will probably learn a few more things, laugh a few good laughs or piss someone off one more time, then again thats why we do this.
It's off to Dixfield on Saturday for Western Maine Street Rods Rod Run and Foliage Weekend
Then the N.G. Lions Show on the 17th
SeeYa
The trophy poachers and class jumpers are beginning to learn that their days of running rampant are numbered and are seeing clearer now that we all are calling them on it not just one person screaming loudly.
We all really have learned the definition of "Special Interest" to the point of having it tattooed into our brains. This lesson has in turn brought about its own little slice of heaven with a few promoters thinking of getting rid of special interest altogether as there are not enough true Special Interest participants to warrant a trophy let alone three and more could go into customs and imports. We also found the meanings of opinion, contradiction and hypocrisy to be an asset not a hinderance as some would have us believe and that the word Theme was better suited for music and parks and not Car Shows.
A lesson in economics has been presented to us all by a couple of Shows that prove that Price Gouging is alive and well and completly justified by the economic hardships that we all feel, or so they think. They in turn have learned that we did notice and prepaying is good at the gas pump but not for a $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy.
We have also learned that certain aspects of this hobby are not as fun as they once were and they probably never will be again. On a different note we have also learned that several diverse organizations can work together to pull off a Car Show in the rain and a Toy Run in the sun with strong leadership and great cooperation from all.
Some have learned that pushing your point usually warrants a push back and finding out the sand box wasn't big enough is probably the worst way to figure it out. We also learned that some people don't take kindly to being called certain names and becoming the focus of a point being made.
That the weather played a factor is a given and that people really didn't care goes along the same line. We also saw that some reviews of show were taken well and improvements were made but others still sucked. Learning the menu at cruise nights seemed more important than who was there, or driving what and that certain DJ's still suck.
We all saw that true friends will always be there even if they aren't old enough and rub that point in eveytime you see them. That we keep our friends close and have a good time no matter the politics and tension that was prevalant at many shows was the best part but also that most times it was Mind Over Matter. If You Didn't Mind it Didn't Matter.
The season ain't over and we will probably learn a few more things, laugh a few good laughs or piss someone off one more time, then again thats why we do this.
It's off to Dixfield on Saturday for Western Maine Street Rods Rod Run and Foliage Weekend
Then the N.G. Lions Show on the 17th
SeeYa
10/4/09
Alarm Your Car
I have worked in the Automobile Trade for over 30yrs. I do a lot of electrical work on cars and that has become my speciality, but the one thing I disdain in the electronics world are alarm systems/ remote starters.
I have been under the hood of a vehicle when the remote start portion has fired off causing the engine to turn over, usually caused by the the owner being a cheap prick and doing the install himself and doing it wrong. If the battery gets unhooked for work purposes, then the start portion will engage momentarily when you hook it back up as part of an Automatic reset procedure.
The alarms go off if you open a door or bump the car to hard or just because it can. More bothersome is the combination to shut it off , push the button twice, cycle the switch once, open and close the door and click your heels together 3 times. They get more sophisticated from there. If the alarm goes off when under the hood, it usually leaves a mark when you bang your head because it jumped you.
I have found a system that is security only, no remote start. No little fobs to push or keep in your pocket. All manual, either on or off, no delay. The system cost is under a hundred with or without the siren (you can use your horn for that constant Honk or a siren that really wakes the dead)plus tax and shipping. It takes about 3 hours to install correctly and is completely hidden from sight with no blinking lights.
It is a simple system that works by allowing the thief to get in the vehicle, then allowing him to start the vehicle. The system lets the vehicle run for 10 to 15 seconds. It then shuts the car down by killing the ignition and switches on the alarm. If need be, I believe you could add in the electric door locks (if you have them) so the meat head stealing your vehicle is still in it, making them a much easier target. I put mine in and set it up with a 6 mode siren and got my neighbors attention from in the garage.
The name is appropriate "Road Kill".
I have been under the hood of a vehicle when the remote start portion has fired off causing the engine to turn over, usually caused by the the owner being a cheap prick and doing the install himself and doing it wrong. If the battery gets unhooked for work purposes, then the start portion will engage momentarily when you hook it back up as part of an Automatic reset procedure.
The alarms go off if you open a door or bump the car to hard or just because it can. More bothersome is the combination to shut it off , push the button twice, cycle the switch once, open and close the door and click your heels together 3 times. They get more sophisticated from there. If the alarm goes off when under the hood, it usually leaves a mark when you bang your head because it jumped you.
I have found a system that is security only, no remote start. No little fobs to push or keep in your pocket. All manual, either on or off, no delay. The system cost is under a hundred with or without the siren (you can use your horn for that constant Honk or a siren that really wakes the dead)plus tax and shipping. It takes about 3 hours to install correctly and is completely hidden from sight with no blinking lights.
It is a simple system that works by allowing the thief to get in the vehicle, then allowing him to start the vehicle. The system lets the vehicle run for 10 to 15 seconds. It then shuts the car down by killing the ignition and switches on the alarm. If need be, I believe you could add in the electric door locks (if you have them) so the meat head stealing your vehicle is still in it, making them a much easier target. I put mine in and set it up with a 6 mode siren and got my neighbors attention from in the garage.
The name is appropriate "Road Kill".
10/2/09
Pole Pol Poll
North Pole, South Pole, Poll Tax, Pole Dancer, Pole Vault, Polecat, Polaroid, Polock, Polling Place, Pol Pot, Gallup Poll, Straw Poll, May Pole, Flag Pole, Telephone Pole, Telegraph Pole, Gin Pole, Totem Pole, Pole Barns & Reginald Pole
My sick sense of humor has gotten the better of me at this late hour.
As you can see you can take as many polls/poles as you want. They don't mean nothing.
My sick sense of humor has gotten the better of me at this late hour.
As you can see you can take as many polls/poles as you want. They don't mean nothing.
Weekend Report
Weather forecast is lousy, with rain for Saturday and most of the events scheduled for Saturday.
First we will touch gently on the Cruise Night that is put on by the Maine Coastal Cruisers at Five Points Shopping Center in Biddeford. The sad part is its their last cruise of the year and rain will play a factor.
Then we have the Autumn Gold Show in Ellsworth. I have heard good and so-so comments on this for now. I know its Downtown but where in the Downtown I'm not sure.
Last on my list is Winterport, at the Drag Strip, always a good show.
For those of you that actually want to go to New Hamster you could take in the Stratham Hill Show on Sunday. After reading Last Years review by HotKarz, I'll stay put in Auburn and let you tell me if they learned anything.
The end is within sight with Foliage Cruises running next weekend by Western Maine Street Rods and the Knucklebusters, both on Sunday contact them for leave locations and times. Or do your own.
First we will touch gently on the Cruise Night that is put on by the Maine Coastal Cruisers at Five Points Shopping Center in Biddeford. The sad part is its their last cruise of the year and rain will play a factor.
Then we have the Autumn Gold Show in Ellsworth. I have heard good and so-so comments on this for now. I know its Downtown but where in the Downtown I'm not sure.
Last on my list is Winterport, at the Drag Strip, always a good show.
For those of you that actually want to go to New Hamster you could take in the Stratham Hill Show on Sunday. After reading Last Years review by HotKarz, I'll stay put in Auburn and let you tell me if they learned anything.
The end is within sight with Foliage Cruises running next weekend by Western Maine Street Rods and the Knucklebusters, both on Sunday contact them for leave locations and times. Or do your own.
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