11/27/10

Who'd a Thought

Because Abraham Lincoln had the foresight to start a holiday based on food for thought and thankfulness that we would all gain pounds of fat because of a tall skinny guy.

That "Black Friday" has nothing to do with Al Sharpeton, Jesse Jackson or the NAACP.

That a 32" LCD/HDTV would actually make you wait in line at 3:00AM, only to see 300 people there before you.

That because its a shoppers weekend we can all drive like morons in order to prove that we are morons.

That a Mexican American can do to Obama in 90 minutes something we have wanted to do for 2 years.

That some of you are actually laughing right now.

11/25/10

Happy Thanksgiving

May we all be Thankful for what we have in Family and Friends, for the Freedom we have to enjoy our Hobby and the Freedom we have to speak our minds.

Thanks

11/21/10

Tis the Season

I saw it the eyes of many of the participants. It was the beginning of the winter season and many found themselves unprepared for the onslaught of what was to come.

A customer started getting edgy upon entrance to the shop this past week. They began salivating upon the sight of it and nearly went into convulsions as they neared it. I literally had to cover it up so they would pay attention to their surroundings, as it became apparent that they were close to stepping into a large pile of nastiness that I had just swept up.

I saw it at Lowe's and Home Depot just yesterday as I bought supplies for the next week. They were drawn in that general direction like moths to the flame. In one aisle I found a friend wandering aimlessly as he fondled a bottle of wax.

Tis the season for Trophy Withdrawal and all it sub categories of addiction in Wax or Polishing Cloths. The Plumbing Suppliers are wondering why they find spittle and teeth marks on the PVC Pipe. In Landscaping one person was found rubbing Marble chips on his cheek mumbling "Thanks for the votes".

At PEP Boys and VIP they can't seem to keep the faux Chrome or Gold paint on the shelves and have put a "One Per Customer" sign in the wax and polish aisle.

Reports of deviant behavior at certain Christmas Ornament shops have been increasing steadily since the Halloween Festivities are over and the thefts of certain hood ornaments has also increased exponentially since the New Gloucester Lions Show ended.

The one trophy that I obtained this year now has a pressure sensitive alarm and a barbed wire fence around it so that the Cheap Ass Trophy Addicts will stay away from it.

It's Going To Be A Long Winter.

11/13/10

Fade to Black

If life were a TV Production, at the end of the show, you would hear the words "Fade to Black" and the screen goes dark. Sometimes they cut to commercial. Most times they run the end credits.

Last night I saw the end credits for Glen Thurlow and it was surely a who's who of the Car Show Scene. Melody held court in a chair big enough for three her size. An endless stream of people seemed to ebb and flow as the evening wore on.

The Slide show of Glen with cars and family was great and gave us a look into his accomplishments, both with cars and his family that few have seen. The cars the man built were amazing and some have not been seen in years.

Outside was chilly and again a mini car show broke out as some came with their pride and joy to pay their respects. The Cuda was on display right in front of the door so all could see the "Last Car".

Most people smiled, a few were laughing and some wiped a drop of emotion from their cheek but all came and hugged Mel, said goodbye in their own way and told a story or two.

As the last of the evening came to a close and the last of the credits faded away the words were spoken.

Cut, That's a wrap.

Glen Thurlow 1959-2010
Good-Bye my friend

11/10/10

Obit. and Info.


Glen Thurlow


Nov 10, 2010 12:00 am


NORWAY – Glenn Thurlow, AKA “Wild Thing”, whose life’s work was making other people’s dreams come true, passed away at his home on November 9, 2010 from the ravages of lung cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Melody Echo; his parents, Henry and Barbara Thurlow; brothers, Clayton, Linwood and Steven; daughter, Laurrel and Philip Chute; son Jon and Tory Dresser, daughter Kelly and Matt Kiley; and daughter Crystal and Jason Koskela.
He treasured his grandchildren, Nathan and Daniel Dresser, Matthew Chute, Valentine and baby-sister-to-be Dresser, Chloe Kiley, Bryce and Adaline Koskela and his “adopted” granddaughter Linnea Bradbury.

He will be missed by many nephews and nieces, for whom he was mentor. He will be greatly missed at area car shows, the Tractor Supply Cruze Night and by all who were touched by his mischievous smirk.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation Friday, November 12 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, Route 26, 1037 Main Str., Oxford. Condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com/.
This little note came attached from Deb Vines,
As far as I know there are is no funeral service, just this visitation. Melody did say that maybe next season one of the Tractor Supply cruise nights could be dedicated to Glenn and the proceeds donated to Stephens Memorial Hospital as they have been so very nice to them during Glenn’s illness right down to the nurses taking up a collection so that a prescription could be filled.
Our Thoughts, Prayers, & Condolences to Melody and the Entire Thurlow Clan

11/9/10

Notice

This is not the way I wanted to start the 301st posting on this rag.

Glen Thurlow has left the planet. Sometime this morning. I have no details on the arrangements. Or words to say that would make us all smile.

Word has it that the funeral will not be weepfest and bring your Old Car.

Details as they become available.

300 And Counting

This is post number 300.


An accomplishment that surprises even me. This little Rag was started as way to state an opinion that usually you all thought about, but never stated. We have opposed certain other opinions on car shows and the hobby in general. We have also poked the big mean dog with a stick.

What has been accomplished? A way for you to voice your ideas and opinions without being berated by the Editor. A place that you can come to get the latest news and reviews on the hobby or a spot you come to for an opinion of the political climate that surrounds our hobby.

We have had a good run and hopefully through the winter enough will be happening to write once a week or so. I will not resort to selling snake oil and penny ante gizmo's just to fill the space.

The political climate that we endure as Automobile Hobbyists is changing. As it does I'm quite sure that the Minions of Bugusta will feed us a never ending source of fodder for this rag. The politics spoken here will however be about the hobby and only the hobby. Rush Limpnoodle and all the rest can breathe easier.

We started in 08, we are still here in 10, where are we going in 11, only you can tell me where to go.

Keep it clean.

11/5/10

Political Update

The wind has changed direction, yet it is still questionable as to how much it has changed and who has the most favorable wind.

Several people that proved a help to our hobby, have been elected and some re-elected to the House and Senate, with a couple asking for key positions on Committees we need to deal with. One of these was instrumental in helping us get the Custom Car plate as a House Rep. and is now in the Senate. Another had termed out but was elected again to the House and is a Hot Rod guy himself. However our new Governor is an unknown commodity as it pertains to our hobby.

I on the other hand have been named to the Motor Vehicle Advisory Board. This group of Automotive Professionals along with Law Enforcement, Secretary of States office and Legislators, are tasked in an advisory capacity with changes in rules, regulations and laws pertaining to Motor Vehicles including the upcoming changes to the Inspection Manual. Could prove to be fun.

Exhaust Sound Testing is a subject that some have already dealt with either in a proactive or reactive position. Reports have it that the testing procedure varies from place to place as does the fee. The fee is not regulated by the state, but the test is however a SAE Standard and must be adhered to in order to be accurate. The dba equipment must be at a 45 degree angle from the pipe and 20" away from the pipe and at least 8" from the ground. If the test was done differently it was done incorrectly.

If you need a place to get it tested I have a list of Inspection Stations that have certified technicians capable of performing the test.