Tuesday is election day. You need to get up and vote. It's your right.
Politics is not a subject often heard here unless it concerns our Hobby as Auto Enthusiasts. Tuesday does concern us as Auto Enthusiasts.
Lately there has been an Anti-Enthusiast climate not only in Bugusta but also in Pelosiville. Sure they put out a decree calling a certain day an "Appreciation Day" for us, while in some office they cooked up the E-15 idea.
On a state level we now have an Exhaust rule that is being enforced by Untrained Judgemental Law Enforcement Personnel, who are in some cases running for Re-election, (York County Sheriff) Grandstanding the entire time.
Many States have implemented legislation that supports our hobby, but many more are on the verge of passing laws that virtually outlaw our hobby by either titling restriction or a fee system that nobody but the Elite can afford and even passing environmental rules that will eventually cause us to remove our vehicles from the road IE E-15.
Wake up out there and ask yourselves if you know what your voting for and who stands for what. If your not sure call the local office of your favorite candidate and ask them there stance on E-15 or how they feel about the recent "Cash for Clunkers" program. With all the shit slingers we have for choices, have we forgotten about the issues?
In the future we may be Heroes or possibly Outlaws.
Vote Early Vote Often
10/31/10
10/27/10
Prognosis
Word has come to me via a Family member that Glen Thurlow has been given a very short time to remain on the planet. The 4 to 6 weeks he has been given is an Estimate and we all have seen it go either way.
At this point in time I can say this. THIS FUCKING SUCKS.
At this point in time I can say this. THIS FUCKING SUCKS.
10/24/10
And Now For....Something....You've Been Waiting For
This year was a Fun Year, a year that saw real people having a good time for the first time in a few years. The reason is up for debate but when I asked a person of stature in the Hobby at the New Gloucester Show last week, he stated his opinion loud and clear. HotKarz wasn't around much this year. This was a surprise from a source that is, let's just say, closer to the situation than I.
Many of the Shows saw great improvement with the help of experienced people at the gate and in other areas of their shows. A few veteran Shows showed a bit of decay but will be back with renewed vigor next year for sure.
New Shows were few, with Team 207 Show showing us what the upcoming generation is capable of with a little advice from a couple of "geezers". Car Show 2010 was another breath of fresh air with a few surprises that came at a good time in the season. Any Show organizer could take a cue from them.
A few Shows took a hint from some controversy from the previous year and all but got rid of the "Special Interest" class. Although many others just renamed it or made sure other classes were added to provide a place for the Not Especially Interesting vehicles. Poachers were more subdued about the whole thing and either left with their shorts in a knot or went to a correct class.
We also found that some shows don't use $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophies, they use Cheaper Ass Trophies or we could say Faux Trophies. Other Shows used better than a Cheap Ass Trophy Award and hopefully will continue to upset the Apple Cart with more of the same next year.
Another trend was the use of the Split Ballot system. Hooray, finally a system that takes most of the buddy system out of the equation and allowed some perennial winners to keep their sorry asses in their seats come awards time.
Judged shows still need help and are getting better, but the fact that a "cleaned a couple of weeks ago 48 Pontiac" can get a 1st Place Cheaper Than A Cheap Ass Trophy only proves that the judge was using a White Cane to see my Car.
Pissing contests caused a few tears and some bad feelings among some of us and apologies were made, most were accepted and life moves on. After all this is just an opinion and its our right to state our opinions under the U.S. Constitution. As some found out this rag has more Integrity than you can haul in a truck and posts all comments.
That's about it for now.
Till Next
Many of the Shows saw great improvement with the help of experienced people at the gate and in other areas of their shows. A few veteran Shows showed a bit of decay but will be back with renewed vigor next year for sure.
New Shows were few, with Team 207 Show showing us what the upcoming generation is capable of with a little advice from a couple of "geezers". Car Show 2010 was another breath of fresh air with a few surprises that came at a good time in the season. Any Show organizer could take a cue from them.
A few Shows took a hint from some controversy from the previous year and all but got rid of the "Special Interest" class. Although many others just renamed it or made sure other classes were added to provide a place for the Not Especially Interesting vehicles. Poachers were more subdued about the whole thing and either left with their shorts in a knot or went to a correct class.
We also found that some shows don't use $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophies, they use Cheaper Ass Trophies or we could say Faux Trophies. Other Shows used better than a Cheap Ass Trophy Award and hopefully will continue to upset the Apple Cart with more of the same next year.
Another trend was the use of the Split Ballot system. Hooray, finally a system that takes most of the buddy system out of the equation and allowed some perennial winners to keep their sorry asses in their seats come awards time.
Judged shows still need help and are getting better, but the fact that a "cleaned a couple of weeks ago 48 Pontiac" can get a 1st Place Cheaper Than A Cheap Ass Trophy only proves that the judge was using a White Cane to see my Car.
Pissing contests caused a few tears and some bad feelings among some of us and apologies were made, most were accepted and life moves on. After all this is just an opinion and its our right to state our opinions under the U.S. Constitution. As some found out this rag has more Integrity than you can haul in a truck and posts all comments.
That's about it for now.
Till Next
10/20/10
Nokomis
Got one more for you tried and true fanatics of the $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy.
On October 31st at the Nokomis Regional High School (Newport) the Junior ROTC is putting on a Show. Gates open at 8am with a $5.00 entry fee and a $1.00 spectator fee. I'm not sure if that includes a passenger.
The part that throws me off is how many Classes and how many awards per class as the flyer states that a "Judge's will choose from all class and choose a winner from each class". For More Information, armyirotc.cars@gmail.com
Anyway it could be Fun and for sure a little cooler than some of us would choose.
On October 31st at the Nokomis Regional High School (Newport) the Junior ROTC is putting on a Show. Gates open at 8am with a $5.00 entry fee and a $1.00 spectator fee. I'm not sure if that includes a passenger.
The part that throws me off is how many Classes and how many awards per class as the flyer states that a "Judge's will choose from all class and choose a winner from each class". For More Information, armyirotc.cars@gmail.com
Anyway it could be Fun and for sure a little cooler than some of us would choose.
10/19/10
You Don't Say
Here tell of 2 more shows, I don't have any details. Both are on the same day in the same area of Maine. York and Ogunquit supposedly. Also another Show in Berwick on the 7th of November, again no details.
I think most of us are relegated to putting our rides away for the season, as some already have. I myself keep the Pontiac on alert status all year as you never know when it might be warm enough for another ride.
In the next few days I'll be posting my yearly rant on the season past and setting the record straight on a few things that came up during the year. With that posting we here at this rag will be winding down a bit, but hopefully can keep it going at least once a week.
I think most of us are relegated to putting our rides away for the season, as some already have. I myself keep the Pontiac on alert status all year as you never know when it might be warm enough for another ride.
In the next few days I'll be posting my yearly rant on the season past and setting the record straight on a few things that came up during the year. With that posting we here at this rag will be winding down a bit, but hopefully can keep it going at least once a week.
10/16/10
Skippity Do Dat Skippity Did
Stuffing is for Turkeys, guys name Uncle Ben and Mattresses not Ballot Boxes, more on that in a moment or possibly film at eleven.
Cold is a relative term that many people can now relate to. Grape Nuts is a term many more want to know the meaning of. Windy should stay in Chicago and the New Gloucester Lions did a great job.
More space, better classing, split ballots, great food, nobody pissed on anybodies shoes and we all had a great time. One problem, Peoples Choice ballots going out to participants in handfuls, then returning to the ballot box with said participants number on it. Shame on them. Cheating and on the last show of the year. Getting caught by several other participants was fucking priceless.
Needless to say they didn't get Peoples Choice or anything else.
This show has improved over the years and this year was the best so far. This all falls into the Constructive Criticism department rather than the Do Nothing But Point Out The Flaws department of years past.
Saying goodbye to people for the next few months was hard and possibly sad for some. We all have been enjoying the hobby more this year than last and the year before. That's what this hobby needs to be, FUN.
To all that froze themselves today, Thank You for a Great Year.
Cold is a relative term that many people can now relate to. Grape Nuts is a term many more want to know the meaning of. Windy should stay in Chicago and the New Gloucester Lions did a great job.
More space, better classing, split ballots, great food, nobody pissed on anybodies shoes and we all had a great time. One problem, Peoples Choice ballots going out to participants in handfuls, then returning to the ballot box with said participants number on it. Shame on them. Cheating and on the last show of the year. Getting caught by several other participants was fucking priceless.
Needless to say they didn't get Peoples Choice or anything else.
This show has improved over the years and this year was the best so far. This all falls into the Constructive Criticism department rather than the Do Nothing But Point Out The Flaws department of years past.
Saying goodbye to people for the next few months was hard and possibly sad for some. We all have been enjoying the hobby more this year than last and the year before. That's what this hobby needs to be, FUN.
To all that froze themselves today, Thank You for a Great Year.
10/15/10
Last Dance
Tomorrow is the New Gloucester Lion's Car Show. It looks to be a bit damp underfoot with a 50% to 40% chance of showers in the AM. I'll take that chance.
Although much maligned by certain parties for not doing it a certain way in years past, it has always been two things, fun & cold. I remember the 1st year, with overcast skies and temps bordering on freezing that the Gray/New Gloucester High School made a killing selling gloves and mittens. That was fun.
Whether its raining or possibly snowing some will brave the elements to be there. Some will grumble that its too cold or so and so is in the wrong class, but remember to say it was fun and we had a good time. It is in fact the last dance for many, at least until next May.
Although much maligned by certain parties for not doing it a certain way in years past, it has always been two things, fun & cold. I remember the 1st year, with overcast skies and temps bordering on freezing that the Gray/New Gloucester High School made a killing selling gloves and mittens. That was fun.
Whether its raining or possibly snowing some will brave the elements to be there. Some will grumble that its too cold or so and so is in the wrong class, but remember to say it was fun and we had a good time. It is in fact the last dance for many, at least until next May.
10/14/10
E-15 the Continuing Drama
As you know there are several enthusiasts that keep an eye on shit going on in the Halls of the U.S. Government. I am one of those and have been watching the E-15 Fuel drama unfold and this is what we know.
SEMA/SAN has tried to stop it and seems to have slowed it down. Even so it will sooner or later happen but the EPA has backed off just a bit since yesterday. SEMA/SAN has sent the following.
URGENT REGULATORY ALERT (UPDATE)
EPA Denies E15 Waiver for Pre-2001 Cars, Permits Use in Newer Cars
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that there is insufficient test data to permit E15 to be used in MY 2000 and older light-duty motor vehicles. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) has consistently voiced concern that ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. While the SAN is pleased with the decision that older cars should not be fueled with E15, the association is disappointed that the EPA issued an E15 waiver for 2007 and newer vehicles. The agency is still gathering data for the 2001-2006 vehicles. The EPA’s ruling responds to a request from the ethanol industry to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).
Consumers will not see E15 at the pump any time soon. The EPA must first approve regulations on how gas stations will label their pumps to avoid consumer misfueling. This will take months. Furthermore, there is no obligation that gasoline retailers market the fuel. In fact, some retailers oppose the fuel over concern that they could be held liable if E15 damages a vehicle. The gas stations and distributors may also need to invest in new storage tanks, hoses and other equipment.
The SAN will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and, through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles. Questions/comments may be directed to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
So the drama continues and it looks to be an interesting battle. Stay Tuned for more information on the Road Scholars Site at http://roadscholars.webs.com/
SEMA/SAN has tried to stop it and seems to have slowed it down. Even so it will sooner or later happen but the EPA has backed off just a bit since yesterday. SEMA/SAN has sent the following.
URGENT REGULATORY ALERT (UPDATE)
EPA Denies E15 Waiver for Pre-2001 Cars, Permits Use in Newer Cars
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that there is insufficient test data to permit E15 to be used in MY 2000 and older light-duty motor vehicles. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) has consistently voiced concern that ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. While the SAN is pleased with the decision that older cars should not be fueled with E15, the association is disappointed that the EPA issued an E15 waiver for 2007 and newer vehicles. The agency is still gathering data for the 2001-2006 vehicles. The EPA’s ruling responds to a request from the ethanol industry to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).
Consumers will not see E15 at the pump any time soon. The EPA must first approve regulations on how gas stations will label their pumps to avoid consumer misfueling. This will take months. Furthermore, there is no obligation that gasoline retailers market the fuel. In fact, some retailers oppose the fuel over concern that they could be held liable if E15 damages a vehicle. The gas stations and distributors may also need to invest in new storage tanks, hoses and other equipment.
The SAN will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and, through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles. Questions/comments may be directed to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
So the drama continues and it looks to be an interesting battle. Stay Tuned for more information on the Road Scholars Site at http://roadscholars.webs.com/
10/10/10
Foliage
Scarf around your neck, gloves on your hands, hat , collar up, arm perched on the door as always, windows down and 60mph. Cold has no grip on your mindset and yet it is present all around you. The beauty that is fall foliage in Maine keeps your eyes warm and the coffee in your cup holder more than ample to keep your body warmer.
The Blues flows from the stereo in time to the rhythm of the engine and hum of the pavement, the car breaths and lives beneath you as it loves the cold air more than you and yet it breeds a warmth in your mind that says freedom.
Colors abound in the curves of the highway, with every turn bringing a pallet of colors that makes you think. Yet as you turn and head for home you realize that this is the last glory for the year and it saddens you to think it will soon be white and freezing. One last road, one last turn and you see more colors before you than you thought humanly possible. Your brain tells you to miss the turn toward home and you enjoy a few more miles.
Fall in Maine. You've got to live it in order to love it.
The Blues flows from the stereo in time to the rhythm of the engine and hum of the pavement, the car breaths and lives beneath you as it loves the cold air more than you and yet it breeds a warmth in your mind that says freedom.
Colors abound in the curves of the highway, with every turn bringing a pallet of colors that makes you think. Yet as you turn and head for home you realize that this is the last glory for the year and it saddens you to think it will soon be white and freezing. One last road, one last turn and you see more colors before you than you thought humanly possible. Your brain tells you to miss the turn toward home and you enjoy a few more miles.
Fall in Maine. You've got to live it in order to love it.
10/6/10
Hard to Believe
Its hard to believe that there are only a couple of Shows left. Its hard to believe that the season is ending. What really is hard to believe is that we all had fun this year.
Actually what is the hardest thing to believe is that Dates for the 2011 season are already being posted. Medomak has been up for months, Gorham Lions and Par Sem, even Founders Day are up. Many repeat out of state shows are also up on calendars.
Don't etch anything in stone, because they may change between now and then. But it is a light at the end of the long winter tunnel.
This week is the Maine School of Metalwork (Maine Oxy) Car Show with some really good prizes no classes to speak of and cramped quarters. With that being a Saturday event that should leave Sunday open for a few gatherings of enthusiasts to take a little foliage cruise.
On that Note this is also the Western Maine Street Rods Fall Foliage Weekend in Dixfield that starts on Saturday and goes to Sunday with a large pot-luck supper and Dance on Saturday Night. Camping out is a bit chilly but the times are great. Sunday culminates with the Fall Foliage Cruise portion of the weekend.
Actually what is the hardest thing to believe is that Dates for the 2011 season are already being posted. Medomak has been up for months, Gorham Lions and Par Sem, even Founders Day are up. Many repeat out of state shows are also up on calendars.
Don't etch anything in stone, because they may change between now and then. But it is a light at the end of the long winter tunnel.
This week is the Maine School of Metalwork (Maine Oxy) Car Show with some really good prizes no classes to speak of and cramped quarters. With that being a Saturday event that should leave Sunday open for a few gatherings of enthusiasts to take a little foliage cruise.
On that Note this is also the Western Maine Street Rods Fall Foliage Weekend in Dixfield that starts on Saturday and goes to Sunday with a large pot-luck supper and Dance on Saturday Night. Camping out is a bit chilly but the times are great. Sunday culminates with the Fall Foliage Cruise portion of the weekend.
10/4/10
Boston City Hall Plaza
This in from Cheryl Page on the "Super Wheels Showdown" at Boston City Hall Plaza, Sponsored by Cruisin' New England Magazine.
I want to congratulate Sgt. Rock for his Cruise Vehicle of the Year at Boston City Hall . We at Durham picked an outstanding vehicle to bring to Boston . Also Norman Gray had a great time too. What a trooper he is at his age. Both vehicles as I am told have been asked to be at Mohegan Sun over the 4th for the Elite Dream Machine Show. I certainly hope these two cars can represent all of us from Maine and also put these trailer queens to rest . It was a good day and a nice show.
Thank you Cheryl and Congrats to all who were invited to this event.
I want to congratulate Sgt. Rock for his Cruise Vehicle of the Year at Boston City Hall . We at Durham picked an outstanding vehicle to bring to Boston . Also Norman Gray had a great time too. What a trooper he is at his age. Both vehicles as I am told have been asked to be at Mohegan Sun over the 4th for the Elite Dream Machine Show. I certainly hope these two cars can represent all of us from Maine and also put these trailer queens to rest . It was a good day and a nice show.
Thank you Cheryl and Congrats to all who were invited to this event.
10/3/10
(POOF) You're An Asshole
Up before the crack of dark, on the road by 5:45, in Windham at 6:35 and moving toward Stratham, NH. before realizing that no heater in your car will turn your testicles into Grapenuts. That was a fucking revelation.
Stratham Hill Car Show was a little different at first but settled into a good little old fashioned Car Show with all the Melodrama found right here at home. Misclassified vehicles and trophy poachers were found and had the audacity to call Ken an "Asshole" so the Street Rod could stay in the 40's Antique class. Here is another fucking revelation, don't involve the NSRA Official who really doesn't like poachers. Into the correct Class they went (yes there was more than one)
Today was a great time even with the numb skulls. Some great cars with a totally different atmosphere were seen by all who attended and it seemed that a lot of Maine cars took home trophies.
The ride there and back was great and we actually got there and back without paying a toll. With a stop on the way for bladder management and ending our trip at the Blast From The Past Diner made it a great time. Seeing old friends and making new ones was just as much fun as the show.
Thanks Ken, Dick, Roxy, Steve, Nancy, Brad and Chrissy(with ankle biters) for making this little trip just that much better.
Stratham Hill Car Show was a little different at first but settled into a good little old fashioned Car Show with all the Melodrama found right here at home. Misclassified vehicles and trophy poachers were found and had the audacity to call Ken an "Asshole" so the Street Rod could stay in the 40's Antique class. Here is another fucking revelation, don't involve the NSRA Official who really doesn't like poachers. Into the correct Class they went (yes there was more than one)
Today was a great time even with the numb skulls. Some great cars with a totally different atmosphere were seen by all who attended and it seemed that a lot of Maine cars took home trophies.
The ride there and back was great and we actually got there and back without paying a toll. With a stop on the way for bladder management and ending our trip at the Blast From The Past Diner made it a great time. Seeing old friends and making new ones was just as much fun as the show.
Thanks Ken, Dick, Roxy, Steve, Nancy, Brad and Chrissy(with ankle biters) for making this little trip just that much better.
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