Cruise time people, no awards just rewards. The reward of knowing you gave, not received.
Toys for Tots All Clubs Cruise in at the Portland Motor Club on Presumpscot St. on MONDAY. Possibly one of the better things we do for those that need. The only recognition you'll get is a thank you from the U.S.M.C.
Be there or be Square.
Nuff Said
8/30/12
8/27/12
Hunting
Cabela's could have been a joke but somehow they pulled it off.
After a year off due to a Hurricane in 2011, Team 207 dusted off the Awards from that show and printed just 50 updated fliers to entice close to 300 vehicles to a parking spot in Scarborough.
Was it a perfect show? Not even close, but it was a good day. There was the usual amount of trophy poaching and miss classing but it was only the second show these guys put on so their errors were mild compared to the more experienced shows that have allowed that type of mayhem for what seems like decades.The parking seemed a bit out of sorts so they need to work on that "Team" effort and some other minor stuff. As always the music was a bit loud but on the good side they could be heard from all over the lot.
The "Pit" girls need to go away. Scantily clad bimbos that could be the advertisement for Skanks Monthly with a median IQ of a bean fart are more for the "Tuner" shows from out of state. The older crowd that was present really enjoyed the view but then again a few enjoyed watching the grass grow.
Now for deflating of some egos. The primping and preening that went on was hilarious. The gap in parking in some of the classes was a show of ego that will be talked about for the rest of the season especially in the Vettes. To the owner of the Green Vette, get over yourself, that was the most unpopular color for that year. Park it like your supposed to, take your lumps like a man and move on. The bad posturing in some classes could have supported an out of work Chiroquactor for a year.
Then the "Bagadonuts Clan " shouting back and forth was funny and the remake of the "Witches of Eastwick" as a comedy was entertaining as well. These were just a few of the many little ego-maniacal bullshit eating things that make up the "Scene". But the quote of the day came from an old friend who I haven't seen all year. He said, "I'm so tired of these "Me Too" assholes who just break a sweat when they cut the check to buy their ride". That was stated loud and clear in front of the winner for " BEST OF SHOW". Really good trade, 5 figures for a $25.00 Cheap Ass Trophy.
After a year off due to a Hurricane in 2011, Team 207 dusted off the Awards from that show and printed just 50 updated fliers to entice close to 300 vehicles to a parking spot in Scarborough.
Was it a perfect show? Not even close, but it was a good day. There was the usual amount of trophy poaching and miss classing but it was only the second show these guys put on so their errors were mild compared to the more experienced shows that have allowed that type of mayhem for what seems like decades.The parking seemed a bit out of sorts so they need to work on that "Team" effort and some other minor stuff. As always the music was a bit loud but on the good side they could be heard from all over the lot.
The "Pit" girls need to go away. Scantily clad bimbos that could be the advertisement for Skanks Monthly with a median IQ of a bean fart are more for the "Tuner" shows from out of state. The older crowd that was present really enjoyed the view but then again a few enjoyed watching the grass grow.
Now for deflating of some egos. The primping and preening that went on was hilarious. The gap in parking in some of the classes was a show of ego that will be talked about for the rest of the season especially in the Vettes. To the owner of the Green Vette, get over yourself, that was the most unpopular color for that year. Park it like your supposed to, take your lumps like a man and move on. The bad posturing in some classes could have supported an out of work Chiroquactor for a year.
Then the "Bagadonuts Clan " shouting back and forth was funny and the remake of the "Witches of Eastwick" as a comedy was entertaining as well. These were just a few of the many little ego-maniacal bullshit eating things that make up the "Scene". But the quote of the day came from an old friend who I haven't seen all year. He said, "I'm so tired of these "Me Too" assholes who just break a sweat when they cut the check to buy their ride". That was stated loud and clear in front of the winner for " BEST OF SHOW". Really good trade, 5 figures for a $25.00 Cheap Ass Trophy.
8/20/12
Here's Too It
Thursday was drippy in the sky. Friday was drippy in the pits. Saturday was started as drippy in the sky and pits but soon the light at the end of the tunnel shown through.
Started in 1972 and continuing at various locations for the next 40 years Downeast Street Rods was firing on all cylinders with the 40th Annual Rod Run at Hebron Pines Camp Grounds.
Just over 250 cars were in attendance with mostly pre-49 street rods and a smattering of others filling the field. Campers, entertainment, cars, food and prizes are all part of it, but unlike other shows the awards are not the draw. All handmade by members or other clubs the awards are and were secondary.
Primarily the draw is the fun. With or without friends there are things to do. Friday night they had a band and comedy. Saturday they had 2 bands, one on the show field, during the show. A bounce was provided for the kids. Vendors were available for the adults. Adult beverages were not frowned on and the participants were not yelled at for the burnouts when leaving.
Only complaint I have is the food vendor needs to cook his burgers longer.
So here is to another 40 years of Good Times and Hot Rods.
On another note the weather was perfect for the Litchfield Show but as in years past I didn't attend. I can't imagine that show being as good as the weather.
Started in 1972 and continuing at various locations for the next 40 years Downeast Street Rods was firing on all cylinders with the 40th Annual Rod Run at Hebron Pines Camp Grounds.
Just over 250 cars were in attendance with mostly pre-49 street rods and a smattering of others filling the field. Campers, entertainment, cars, food and prizes are all part of it, but unlike other shows the awards are not the draw. All handmade by members or other clubs the awards are and were secondary.
Primarily the draw is the fun. With or without friends there are things to do. Friday night they had a band and comedy. Saturday they had 2 bands, one on the show field, during the show. A bounce was provided for the kids. Vendors were available for the adults. Adult beverages were not frowned on and the participants were not yelled at for the burnouts when leaving.
Only complaint I have is the food vendor needs to cook his burgers longer.
So here is to another 40 years of Good Times and Hot Rods.
On another note the weather was perfect for the Litchfield Show but as in years past I didn't attend. I can't imagine that show being as good as the weather.
8/16/12
Get Real Pt2
While on the subject of how the "Old Boys Network" has a position in our Car Show scene, we can also state that the movement of a few years ago to rid our scene of this "Axis of Evil" was not stopped by the "Old Boys". It was in fact stopped by us. As the supposed "Authority" tried to cram a doctrine of fairness down our collective throats, we realized it was just another version of the same system.
As long as the participant vote system is used, there will be the "Buddy" system. The you vote for me, I'll vote for you, politicking will be a staple of any car show that uses that system. On the other hand trying to find qualified judges to put a mark of excellence on a car show is the true curse of the scene in this state. Finding people willing to put their respective reputations on the line and not compete at the show they are judging is like "Snipe" hunting without a flashlight or looking for a left handed screwdriver.
I myself think that the amount of qualified people to be called judges could be counted on both hands with a couple of digits being kept in reserve. These would be persons that would not look at just the "shine" but also the engineering of the vehicle. Lets face it, most shows are a contest of who did the best job of applying wax and polish.
Is there a cure that would actually allow each show to be unique or are we going to be mandated to Car Shows being a cookie cutter of itself repeated infinitum from some manual? Is there a system that could be absolutely fair to all the participants? Are we that low in self esteem that we need a plastic award to get us through the week? Who said that a static display of full scale models needed to be riddled with more politics than the present Presidential Campaign.
These are some of the questions that I have no idea on how to answer. I never claimed to be the "Answer Guy". Maybe you have the answer.
As long as the participant vote system is used, there will be the "Buddy" system. The you vote for me, I'll vote for you, politicking will be a staple of any car show that uses that system. On the other hand trying to find qualified judges to put a mark of excellence on a car show is the true curse of the scene in this state. Finding people willing to put their respective reputations on the line and not compete at the show they are judging is like "Snipe" hunting without a flashlight or looking for a left handed screwdriver.
I myself think that the amount of qualified people to be called judges could be counted on both hands with a couple of digits being kept in reserve. These would be persons that would not look at just the "shine" but also the engineering of the vehicle. Lets face it, most shows are a contest of who did the best job of applying wax and polish.
Is there a cure that would actually allow each show to be unique or are we going to be mandated to Car Shows being a cookie cutter of itself repeated infinitum from some manual? Is there a system that could be absolutely fair to all the participants? Are we that low in self esteem that we need a plastic award to get us through the week? Who said that a static display of full scale models needed to be riddled with more politics than the present Presidential Campaign.
These are some of the questions that I have no idea on how to answer. I never claimed to be the "Answer Guy". Maybe you have the answer.
8/12/12
Get Real
Just to let you read something not blatantly unbiased a recent posting over at the other guy's blog ( the one who posts about every 5 weeks at Hotkarz) might prove a little entertaining and as biased as a 1960's tire. I agree that the "newbie" has probably been turned off by being bitched at or feels that his or her car is better than all the rest (don't we all?). Possibly if they wouldn't compete and made the best of an antiquated system and actually enjoyed themselves while watching all the trophy whores scramble for that all powerful $25.00 Cheap Ass Trophy they may have a better perspective.
As told to me by others, car shows haven't gotten any better and I agree. I've been here in the state going to shows as a participant since 1992 and I am not part of this supposed "Old Boys Network". How can I be, as I don't vote and refuse to be voted for? Many in my circle are doing the same and are realizing we have more fun.
Changes to the system are needed, we all know that. Some of us refuse to admit it but they know it needs a change. The changes proposed in the past were almost dictatorial in nature and the approach used was from an outsider who entered into this hobby stating he had all the answers but never showed the credentials to back it up. This is in all likelihood the reason we stopped listening to him.
There is more to this hobby than car shows, cruise nights and anything that is organized as a display. There is the road trip with others that usually garners you more comments than you normally get because the people are actually admiring your vehicle. There is the "hang out" night at your local establishment that was started with a phone call an hour before that brings back better memories than some station wagon. There are fundraisers that help others and raise money for the needy and charities that really are charities.
To the person who posted over at Hotkarz about being disgusted by the politics involved maybe you need to step up your game and stop blaming the old boys. It is what it is and you can either make the best of it or feel slighted. If your not concerned about the trophy or the win, why all the bitching.
If your main reason for being in the hobby is that award, your in the hobby for the wrong reason. If your need for the Trophy outweighs your love of the Automobile and all the history that goes with it you can jump over to another hobby because you got it wrong.
What if they gave a Car Show and nobody voted?
As told to me by others, car shows haven't gotten any better and I agree. I've been here in the state going to shows as a participant since 1992 and I am not part of this supposed "Old Boys Network". How can I be, as I don't vote and refuse to be voted for? Many in my circle are doing the same and are realizing we have more fun.
Changes to the system are needed, we all know that. Some of us refuse to admit it but they know it needs a change. The changes proposed in the past were almost dictatorial in nature and the approach used was from an outsider who entered into this hobby stating he had all the answers but never showed the credentials to back it up. This is in all likelihood the reason we stopped listening to him.
There is more to this hobby than car shows, cruise nights and anything that is organized as a display. There is the road trip with others that usually garners you more comments than you normally get because the people are actually admiring your vehicle. There is the "hang out" night at your local establishment that was started with a phone call an hour before that brings back better memories than some station wagon. There are fundraisers that help others and raise money for the needy and charities that really are charities.
To the person who posted over at Hotkarz about being disgusted by the politics involved maybe you need to step up your game and stop blaming the old boys. It is what it is and you can either make the best of it or feel slighted. If your not concerned about the trophy or the win, why all the bitching.
If your main reason for being in the hobby is that award, your in the hobby for the wrong reason. If your need for the Trophy outweighs your love of the Automobile and all the history that goes with it you can jump over to another hobby because you got it wrong.
What if they gave a Car Show and nobody voted?
8/6/12
Jean Pool
As in Blue Jeans, Sweat, and Swamp Ass.
Andover is always a good time, with a BBQ, parade and of course Andover itself. The Western Maine Street Rods does a quality job of organization and the show never lacks for things to do. but something was amiss this year and it took me awhile to put my finger on it.
The Shit Truck never showed up. In years past the Shit Truck, or for those more sensitive to crude language the Honey Pot, always came to clean out the Porta Potties. It always amazed me that this occurrence of sanitation was timed to take place during the hieght of a car show.
So now, this to has passed.
My only complaint is that the member of WMSR who babbles all day into a mega-phone doesn't use it to announce the trophies.
Oxford was a horse of a different color. Another decent show was organized by the Uptown Cruizahs with the usual fair of good folks, good food, and a good venue, it was a good show and with a little more forethought could have been great show.
The addition of an Antique Tractor class was a good idea, after all this is a portion of the hobby we seldom see. Central registration seemed to be organized and quickly got you through the process. The DJ didn't beat us to death with Mindless Prattle and too many annoucements.
The elimination of a class or 2 could be in order and a speaker or 2 around the corner would have been nice as most times we heard mumbles and nothing else. The Class I think needs elimination was the one I was in. Rat Rods are few and far between in this state and the examples that were displayed were ratty but should have been put elsewhere, including mine. Drag Cars are not Rat Rods, Cobbled together truck cabs on homemade chassis's of scrap steel and who knows what, are not Rat Rods and most Rat Rod owners don't want to be called Rat Rods.
Next year it could be better. But then it could also be cooler.
Andover is always a good time, with a BBQ, parade and of course Andover itself. The Western Maine Street Rods does a quality job of organization and the show never lacks for things to do. but something was amiss this year and it took me awhile to put my finger on it.
The Shit Truck never showed up. In years past the Shit Truck, or for those more sensitive to crude language the Honey Pot, always came to clean out the Porta Potties. It always amazed me that this occurrence of sanitation was timed to take place during the hieght of a car show.
So now, this to has passed.
My only complaint is that the member of WMSR who babbles all day into a mega-phone doesn't use it to announce the trophies.
Oxford was a horse of a different color. Another decent show was organized by the Uptown Cruizahs with the usual fair of good folks, good food, and a good venue, it was a good show and with a little more forethought could have been great show.
The addition of an Antique Tractor class was a good idea, after all this is a portion of the hobby we seldom see. Central registration seemed to be organized and quickly got you through the process. The DJ didn't beat us to death with Mindless Prattle and too many annoucements.
The elimination of a class or 2 could be in order and a speaker or 2 around the corner would have been nice as most times we heard mumbles and nothing else. The Class I think needs elimination was the one I was in. Rat Rods are few and far between in this state and the examples that were displayed were ratty but should have been put elsewhere, including mine. Drag Cars are not Rat Rods, Cobbled together truck cabs on homemade chassis's of scrap steel and who knows what, are not Rat Rods and most Rat Rod owners don't want to be called Rat Rods.
Next year it could be better. But then it could also be cooler.
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