September 19, 2006
The Mic Is Open! Start Your Engines! It’s Cars!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Tonight we’re talking everything cars!
We might also talk about
- cool cars, fast cars
- first cars, junkers
- things we did for cars, things we did in cars
- places cars took us
AND THE EVER POPULAR,
Basil the code-writing donkey.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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The Mic Is On! We’re Having Parallel Lives!
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Breanne Boyle said
Hi there! I am new to Open Mic night… but I wanted to tell you about this new project I am working on… http://www.askpatty.com.
It’s an Automotive advice site for women. You can ask questions and post about all things car related. And it’s truly a safe place for women to get auto advice.
ME Strauss said
Hi Breanne,
I was just emailing you the link! I’m delighted to meet you and glad that you brought the ask patty link with you. I love what’s going on there!
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Hey there,
I love cars.
Get me a BMW M5 or an Aston Martin V-8 Vantage any day.
Breanne Boyle said
For example, here is a fun story about a women and her first car purchase:
http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2006/08/buying_a_vw_bee.html
Our blog is http://askpatty.typepad.com
Susan Reynolds said
I’m sad that I haven’t been able to get here the last couple of weeks – I can be here for a bit now to say I missed ya!
ME Strauss said
Hi Doug! Hi Susan,
Meet Breanne! She’s new talking about her project over at askpatty.com
Breanne Boyle said
Yeah! I am really excited about it! We are up to 20 expert women now and we are getting a lot more dealerships certified in many areas.
You can use our dealer search to find some in your area.
Susan Reynolds said
I’m a little light on car stories so I’ll be relying on Breanne & Doug to educate me.
Jody DeVere said
Women purchase more than 50% of all new cars , 40% of all trucks and 40% of all used cars, yet women are NOT having a ‘good time’ buying cars and trucks at dealerships or getting service or repairs done at automotive retailers.
Women influence 85% of all cars purchased in the US.
With all that tremendous buying power ….
What will it take to change the automotive industry to provide a better experience for women?
What was your last car buying or service/repair experience like?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Jody DeVere – President
Women’s Automotive Association Int’l
Ask Patty – Automotive Advice for Women
http://www.askpatty.com
http://askpatty.typepad.com
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Phew… I finally made it to an open mic! I am glad to be here.
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Liz, Breanne, Douglas, Susan!
Unfortunately the closest I get to liking cars is listening to Click and Clack on NPR on Saturday mornings.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
I have always had very good car buying experiences. I somehow have managed to make fabulous deals and get the car I want at the price I want.
ME Strauss said
Hi Kirsten!
Anyone want a cold one? No one’s driving tonight — right?
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Sure how ’bout something nice and cold in a frosty mug?
Rick Cockrum said
Hey Kirsten, Jody! As long as garages are dominated by men, my wife and I have agreed that I should deal with them. We’ve seen too many women have problems.
cat said
I’m a car person. Sports car that is. I’ve had an Austin Healy 3000, Austin Healy (bog standard), a Bug Eyed Sprite, Jags, MG’s, Nissan 300, etc. Love ‘em.
But now I take taxis. And if I can get out today, I’ll share some photos of tanks.
Gotta love this country. Woke up to no tv, no phone. But I get tanks.
ME Strauss said
Hi Rick,
I agree with your thinking, but while you’re there could you start educating them?
Here’s your cold one, nice and frosty, Kirsten.
Susan Reynolds said
HI Rick! Now that’s something I can identify with. Those guys are a hoot.
ME Strauss said
Hey Cat!
Little cars are my fancy too!
You had a Bug-Eye Sprite–woo! I’m liking that.
Breanne Boyle said
If you have knowledge you can always share with others.
And that’s why Ask Patty is so great. Women can ask questions of WOMEN experts and get answers without feeling the fear of being patronized.
It’s just a good forum for women (or men) who want to know more.
Jody DeVere said
Rick….I hope that will change once more delaerships take our training and get ‘female friendly’ certified!
Jody DeVere
President — AskPatty.com, Inc.
Rick Cockrum said
I’ll just get some juice, Liz.
Hi Susan! Don’t drive like my brother!
Breanne Boyle said
I am a small car fan as well! I wanted to buy a Mini Cooper S but ended up with an RSX-S (which I LOVE).
I wish I had a Ford Ka. So cute!
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Thanks for the cold one Liz – hit the spot! Cat where are you that you’ve got tanks?
katiebird said
Hi, Liz and cat and Rick and Kirsten and Jody and Susan and Breanne!! It’s so good to see you all. I think this is my first time meeting Jody & Susan & Breanne — I’m pretty new here and missed last week.
Car Talk! Can we post images in comments?
HART (1-800-HART) said
Howdy. I have three Car stories that I could think of for tonight, I’ll say my peace then go free-for-all chat
1) It was 1979 and I was listening to Supertramp’s Crime of the Century in my 1976 Nova, Blaupunkt stereo, at the red light before we were able to turn right on red. I turned and started to accellerate, and my left passenger tire FELL off the car, and started bouncing and bouncing .. hit my roof of my car and continued forward, and decided to miss a bunch of pedestrians, but smash into a pool hall window where lots of bikers hangout – downtown. I just called the Motor League.. I was too scared to put the tire back up in the middle of the street there!
2) Speaking of Nova’s .. when an unmarked police car (with those flashing lights in its grill) stops you on the Perimeter Highway and asks to see your Drivers’ license – DON’T ask to see his ID – at least, until you shown him yours. My car was searched every square inch and took me about hour to get the stuff back in my trunk.
3) I was the first guy in my province who had that 2000 Impala vehicle when it was introduced, and had my ten minutes of fame Sept/1999.
Okay. that’s my 3 car stories. // ~waves to everybody
Scorpia said
Hi all. I’m only here for a little while, til about nine.
Shouldn’t matter, cause “I don’t know nuthin’ about cars, Miz Scarlett”.
I don’t even drive
ME Strauss said
Hi Katie,
I’ve posted an image in the comments once. You can upload a link that’s usually easier.
Everyone knows beverages and snacks are of every kind are in the sidebar.
Rick Cockrum said
I hope so too, Jody. Generally when it’s time for a replacement car, she has it picked out before I get involved. She’s definitely in that 85%.
Except minivans. We’ve had two Dodge Caravans. One committed suicide by catching fire after it had been sitting for 20 minutes. We never really found out why. I would really rather not have another one.
ME Strauss said
Hi HART!!
Thanks for the stories. I’m still laughing, picturing you in all of them.
Bye HART!!
ME Strauss said
Hi Scorpia,
You live in a city then . . . that’s the only place people can live without driving. The city is definitely not LA
Breanne Boyle said
Catching fire? Wow! I grew up with a Dodge Caravan…. 1995 (makes me young doesn’t it?)
It was a great little van… It was right before they did the double sided sliding doors. Like the year before. My brother and I used to fight all the time over the one door!
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Hart – funny stories! I just saw a car the other day that had a wheel come off. The whole thing just popped off and started bouncing down the road and into someone’s yard. Not quite as dramatic as your story, but it was something to see.
Joe said
Hey all,
I was just sitting back watching until there were some guys in the room.
Last time I was in a room full of women alone, they ate me alive.
cat said
Kirsten,
“Cat where are you that you’ve got tanks?”
I’m in Bangkok. I woke up to a coup as well as a full inbox with worried friends trying to contact me. At that point they knew more than I did.
Here’s the tanks –>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5361516.stm
Jody DeVere said
We don’t bite or scratch!
katiebird said
Dang! I sort of missed HART. I hate that!
Liz — to post a link do I just use standard HTML. ‘Cause it looks sort of weird…
Breanne Boyle said
We aren’t all that bad!
But goes to show you how much women love cars!
I grew up around roadsters. My grandpa built the first Instant T (full fiberglass body) and it’s in the Petersen Museum now. We used to watch him do all kinds of chassis fabrication.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Holy moly Cat! I can’t even imagine how scary that must be! I hope you are safe.
ME Strauss said
Hey Jody,
Joe will be reciting poetry to you in no time.
katiebird said
Oh, Cat — we were just talking about that. Have you had a chance to learn more? I can’t imagine it.
Scorpia said
Liz, everyone knows I live in a cave
But seriously, yes, I live in a city and never learned to drive. Just as well, for various reasons.
HART (1-800-HART) said
haha Joe .. it’s okay now .. all the other guy lurkers can come out now.
Hi Liz! I’m not going anywhere, but I will be right back as I surf some of these new sites already! askpatty ipopin scorpia rick and Page 1 which I dare not check else I’ll lose this post for the second time ..
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Katiebird.
Cat: This is the first I’ve heard about the coup. We’ll say a prayer for you.
ME Strauss said
Breanne,
That sounds so cool, watching your grandpa work on an Instant T. I’d just love to visit the Petersen museum
katiebird said
iPopIn is great, HART — you’ll like it..
Scorpia, for some reason I first thought you said you lived in a cave. So what I was going to say is totally inappropriate. Oh, wait — you DID say you live in a cave. I wonder if I need a nap?
Joe said
Hey there Jody,
I ain’t no phoney.
If I let out a peep,
’tis cause I’m in my Jeep.
Plowing snow,
On the Go,
Making money
for my Honey.
How’s that for off the cuff?
Scorpia said
Wow cat, I hope you stay well out there. Erp, that’s a terrible thing.
katiebird said
Here’s my car from 3 weeks ago….
My car
(I hope this works…)
ME Strauss said
Joe, that’s about as off the cuff as you get.
katiebird said
(sigh)
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi katiebird .. nice to see you again! I’m at ipopin now – in one window – and askpatty in the other
How’s it going, eh?
Breanne Boyle said
Pretty good! LOL. I like the rhyming. Now tell us what you like about cars.
ME Strauss – The museum is awesome. Are you in LA? You mentioned before that you were… I think. It’s on Wilshire and it’s worth the trip! The Instant T built by Ted McMullen and U.S. Speed Sport is in storage underneath right now while they do other exhibits. Hopefully they bring it back out!
Scorpia said
Katie, nah, you just need to read slower. Not easy on open mic night
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Thanks for the kind words Katiebird. I tried the link and couldn’t get in because I don’t have a membership.
candice said
Just a drop-in…No time to stay a while…
I tend to be in the car-obsessed crowd. As for Ferraris… My second co-op was at DEC, in the last days. There were many shiny fast things in our engineering parking lots of unix systems group. One day I went out to my car in the afternoon to get my cds and a red Ferrari 348GTS was parked next to my poor little accord. That’s the ferrari obsession. The perfect Ferrari is that one in blue. (And new, if we’re talking the “you get one and only one mythical dream car” game.)
I can blame the car thing in general on the 67 mustang my dad restored when I was in elementary school. I’m the kind of person who doubles back around the block to try and guess the model on the Ferrari, or get a better look at the Lotus or the Lamb.
Jody DeVere said
Erica Sietsma who is on our panel of expert women for AskPatty was a docent for the Petersen Museum…great gig!
Jody DeVere
President – AskPatty
Breanne Boyle said
Hart – Glad to see you are cruising Ask Patty! It’s a great site and lots of fun stories.
We do our blog carnival every Tuesday. Here’s today’s:
http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2006/09/ask_patty_autom_2.html
-Breanne
eMarketing Manager
http://www.AskPatty.com
katiebird said
Liz — read slower! I’ve tried that. You know that just getting up for water can cost you a whole page on Open Mike Night!
Joe — Your cuffs are GOOD!
HART!! I’m so glad I didn’t miss you.
seanrox said
Hi all. I just drove in for a little bit to say hello and let you know that my first car was a 1977 VW Rabbit. It was stick shift which I didn’t know how to drive, so guess what? I drove it home 10 miles in first gear! Yep, burned the transmission up.
I purchased the car used. It was an ok car.
For fun I like to race my 1966 Ford Mustang. It does the quarter mile in 10 seconds flat. Very fast but poor on gas milage.
Ok, off to the races…
Scorpia said
Katie, *I* said read slower, not Liz
Obviously, you’re not following the advice. Heh.
Breanne Boyle said
What’s everyone’s funniest/worst automotive repair story?
katiebird said
Kirsten, did you click on the first link, or the sigh — because you should be able to see it if you click on the sigh. I’ll load it to my site if you can’t.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Katiebird… yikes! crunch!
Hart – hope you like ipopin
Joe – loved your poem!
It is hard to keep up with everyone, especially since my computer just crashed a second ago.
Joe said
I had a Dodge Coronet 440 that blew the doors off a ’63 Mustang.
The guy didn’t know what the 440 stood for…
HART (1-800-HART) said
katiebird. How come you prefer photobucket? I don’t really upload much to my FlickR account – but they have this neat thing to make any picture be blogged quite easily. It helps me post stuff to my dog blog when I’m too lazy to take another cute Papillon dog picture.
Rick Cockrum said
Are you okay, Katiebird? Or were you in the truck?
HART – Your #2 story – no, not the brightest thing in the world. One year when we were driving to Illinois from Pennsylvania to Illinois my speedometer said I was doing 65 mph. I was clocked at a little over 70 as I passed a state trooper. My wife wasn’t terribly happy, “Why did you pass a state police car?”, especially after part of our fine was to drive to Ohio for safe driver classes.
Breanne Boyle said
My first car was a 1979 VW Bug ‘vert. Oh man, I didn’t know how to drive stick either! I remember finding a way to pop it into second gear without the clutch… needless to say I sold that car before I went to college. It was beautiful though… and I helped restore it starting when I was 13.
seanrox said
Hi Breanne Boyle. My worst repair story was trying to come up with the cash to replace my transmission after I burned it up on my first car as seen above.
I’ve since years… many years later learned how to drive a stick shift. My daily driver is automatic and my Mustang racer is manual transmission, which I service on my own now to save money. Yay being a geek and a grease monkey!
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Katiebird – I got the pic the second time! What happened?
katiebird said
Scorpia — now I KNOW I need a nap.
ME Strauss said
Hey Katie,
I’m sorry I never got to your link question. Just drop it in with html as you would anywhere.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Breanne,
Here’s my worst story:
I had an American car. Unfortunately, Americans don’t make very good cars and the customer service they provide at their dealers is even worse.
End of story.
ME Strauss said
Hey Breanne,
Call me Liz, I’m in Chicago . . . that’s why I’ve not been to the Petersen yet.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Kirsten.. sorry – I seem to have lost interest in your site, and ended up surfing all your cool blogs in your sidebar! That’ll teach ya! lol j/k
seanrox said
I was just comment 69… hehe… ok, moving along…
Jody DeVere said
Joe,
sigh…I love car poetry …its makes my lug nuts spin and drives me jalop-happy!
LOL
Jody
Ben Yoskovitz said
Evening everyone. How we all doing tonight?
Looks like a few newer folks onboard…still scanning old comments here!
seanrox said
Oh and if anyone is hungry, I’ve got a few dozen pizzas with me. I have meat lovers and veggie pizzas… dig in everyone…. yum… pizza…
Breanne Boyle said
HART – You love dogs?! So do I! Have you heard of Dogster? http://www.dogster.com.
Okay, tangent… You should read about dog car travel safety here:
“My two dogs are my children. I know Cesar Milan would cringe to hear me say that, but I don’t much care. Because my dogs are so important to me, I try to take them to as many places as I possibly can, whether it’s hiking, camping, to the dog park, or just to the 7-11 down the street to get chocolate chip ice cream. I do this last one often.
If you have pets and like to travel with them, you are probably always in the market for convenient—and cute—pet accessories for your car. I have done tons on online searching in order to find good products. I have ordered and bought no fewer than three rear seat covers for my Acura RSX. My conclusion there is that nothing fits my particular car, but for most vehicles there are many options out there…”
Full story here
seanrox said
I’m a dog owner and lover. I didn’t know about dogster.com so thanks for the link.
My dog Roxy was named after the club in Hollywood California where my band use to play in the late 1980′s and early 1990′s…
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
My worst car repair story – I took my car in because the battery was dead. They fixed it and when i went to pick it up it wouldn’t start. I went back in and the guy told me it was fine. Long story short… we argues and he ended up taking the battery out of my car and telling me that was it, I’d have to figure out what to do from there!
Rick Cockrum said
Liz, maybe you could induce Joe to do tomorrow’s open mic summation. (hint, hint, nudge, nudge
)
Mmm…pizza…
seanrox said
Hey Rick. Enjoy the pizza. I also brought some drinks too… a few flavors of soda and a couple gallons of water too… gotta keep fluids running through our bodies… just like cars need oil and gas….
Breanne Boyle said
My dog’s named ROXY too!!! I have two and the other is Rigby. Our Roxy was named after the character in the musical Chicago, Roxy Hart.
Her pics/profile:
http://www.dogster.com/?299568
HART (1-800-HART) said
Rick .. I think I’ve seen that picture before in the Rear View Mirror .. passing a cop thinking I’m okay because I’m doing the speed limit (unlike you) = I just forgot that I wasn’t wearing my seatbelt. Not a good idea, when your spouse informs you shortly before that she REALLY has to ‘go’ but, don’t speed. Yup. That was a sad face in that mirror.
LIZ // Where’s that beer?!
Susan Reynolds said
Ladies and gents I’m having some kind of connectivity issues so I keep falling out the door!
But Liz knows the best people so of course I’ll do my best to catch you next week and hope to get a chance to drop by your blogs this week.
Thanks for having me over, Liz. With the downer comments thing going on with my resident blog troll I needed a bit of uplifting.
katiebird said
Kirsten — I can’t tell it as well as I did that day. So here’s a link to Eat4Today where I first told the story. My husband and kids were out of town for the week. In a place with no cell (or any) phone.
Rick — I’m fine! I was in the Honda and terrified. But totally unhurt physically.
Breanne Boyle said
So since I asked, I figured I would respond…
Worst car story:
I remember my first experience with doing car maintenance on my own. I took that Oldsmobile to a large chain to have the oil changed and when I drove it home my car was smoking like a chimney and smelled burned. I had no idea what to do. The response I got from the mechanics was patronizing at best. Luckily I found a small shop who was willing to explain the mistakes they made and helped me go back to them and get it straightened out. Where was Ask Patty when I needed her?
Full Story
seanrox said
Hi Breanna! Cool that your dog’s name is Roxy too! Mine is a lab/shepard mix. She is 10 years old and still acts like a puppy. I have photos of her on my site http://www.havelaptopwilltravel.com under the category ‘my dog’
Scorpia said
And to think that Roxy was a guy’s nickname…
Rick Cockrum said
Coincidences all over. My daughter is watching Chicago as we speak. We showed it at the theatre. Great show!
Joe said
No Rick, that would be someone else’s responsibility :-/
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Katiebird… glad you are ok! What a freaky accident.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Breanne .. you can say I’m quite familiar with Dogster .. Feel free to Gimme a Paw to our Maxxie and Sophie .. // the url’s are over HERE on my http://PetLvr.com/blog (shameless plug)
Scorpia said
eep! i hear thunder. Bye all!
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Hart – sorry to hear that you lost interest… but I am happy to introduce you to some new cool blogs.
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Susan. Take care.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
OK guys. I have work to do and got to head off for the night. Nice seeing everyone and I’ll see everyone again next week.
ME Strauss said
Good Night Susan!
Bye Scorpia!
katiebird said
Goodnight Service Untiltled – Douglas (whew — did I say it right?)
Sweet dreams!
Liz, I’ve been sort of link crazy!
Breanne Boyle said
So what do you guys think of http://www.AskPatty.com? I know you all clicked over.
Feel free to post comments on our stories!
Rick Cockrum said
Good night Scorpia, Douglas. Have good evenings.
seanrox said
Breanne, are you still in OC? I grew up in OC but finally moved away years ago. I noticed it on your dogster link.
katiebird said
Breanne, I like the looks of AskPatty — it looks
enchanting. But, I don’t want to get drawn away from here unless it’s for my couch. (is that bad?)
seanrox said
Indeed Breanna, I clicked your link. The site is nice and I noticed you are the e-marketing specialist on the site
I have a good article (shamless plug) on my site about e-metrics for blogging which might interest you and others reading now… I know Liz liked it
ME Strauss said
Thanks Katie.
ME Strauss said
Bye, Doug!
Have a great night. Don’t work too hard.
katiebird said
Liz, what?
Breanne Boyle said
Yeah still in OC… stalker! JK
Glad you like it katie! I know, the second you click away you get so behind! Well bookmark it and check it out later tonigt.
I will give you all a SNEAK PEAK into tomorrow’s post:
Tips for saving gas! We can all use that!
ME Strauss said
Hey Joe,
You can come out now, I’m not going to ask you to write up a summary.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Um, guys? Hello? *sniff sniff* I feel left out…
I’m looking at Ask Patty now…
Breanne Boyle said
Ben – What do you think?
seanrox said
Stalker? hehe… nope. It’s listed on your doggy profile
Joe said
I wasn’t hiding, just lurking.
seanrox said
Breanna, I clicked your link. The site is nice and I noticed you are the e-marketing specialist on the site
I have a good article (shamless plug) on my site about e-metrics for blogging which might interest you and others reading now…
I know Liz liked it
ME Strauss said
So what was the coolest trip you ever took in a car?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Breanne — I like the initial look.
In Firefox there’s a smidge of an error though. At the top I see “No resolution found.”
I’m guessing you have some JavaScript code that checks the resolution, maybe changes the site interface a bit based on resolution, but the error message shouldn’t show up of course.
Weird — now it’s gone. Was on the ABOUT page…
HART (1-800-HART) said
Kirsten.. I just meant tonight here and now .. I always add the RSS of everybody who I talk to in here into my Bloglines out and follow up on my visits
Breanne .. I hope you get a trackback.. I never have any luck linking you outcasts at Typepad :p
seanrox said
Hi Liz… coolest trip would be driving from California to Dallas Texas. Going through Arizona at night was amazing… tons of lightening. The sky was very pretty…
Rick Cockrum said
Sorry Joe.
cat said
Hi all. I’m safe. Thailand knows how to throw a coup
The only discomfort I may face is if the maid doesn’t show up … and if they don’t turn the tv back on soon … oh, and if the phones aren’t reconnected … and if the banker doesn’t pick up one or two kittens (the army has closed gov offices and banks as well) …
Car stories – where to start …
When I was in college I bought an MGA with insurance money from wrecking my Austin Healy.
I didn’t wreck it. Some chap with no insurance or drivers license ran a stop sign and took away a chunk of my car. I was ok but my insurance company totalled it. A pity, as it ran like a dream. Healys are made to purr, that’s for sure.
So I’m driving in my MGA, late for a docs appointment. A doc I’m dating and looking forward to seeing. A new date so everything is all nerves and, well, you know.
My gas line springs a leak but … rushing … rushing … I strip off a bit of plastic garbage bag and tie it around the leak … and go. Fast.
Fast until … I’m sitting at a traffic light. And smoke starts to pour out of the bonnet … the bonnet is stuck … can’t get it open to use a fire extinguisher … MGA just … burns …
Peoed, I throw my purse and everything scatters across three lanes of traffic. Lipstick, wallet loose change …
I was SO much younger then … and now I have taxis and … tanks. A good exchange.
Breanne Boyle said
Hmm… When I grew up we only did road trips. We didn’t have the money to do anything where you had to fly… so I have great memories of that.
We went to Oregon one year and it was beautiful! I want to move there. We also did a trip to Utah and Arizona and Nevada. Probably the best road trip was driving out to Ohio for the first time to move there for college. It was the last time I saw my Grandma before she passed away and it was just a great family trip… In that 1995 Caravan too. LOL.
Oh! And we did trips BEFORE there weer DVD players in cars!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hey Ben .. .. just noticed that you were here. How’s it going?
Trisha said
Hello everyone! Sorry I haven’t been able to hang out lately. The House season started, plus I’ve been having problems with my neck from sitting at my desk too much. Tomorrow I have an appointment with a physical therapist, so hopefully I will get the problem sorted out soon. Then I can start spending more time here again!
Good night everyone – have fun and take care of your neck and back!
seanrox said
Utah is very pretty. I love brice canyon.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
In college I took a road trip with friends from Univ of KY to Bucknell U (PA) for the weekend. On our way back we decided to stop in DC (not quite on the way)- we spent about and hours just running through the city. We drove all night to get back for classes on Monday and I wrote a paper in the car that was due the moment I got back to campus.
Ben Yoskovitz said
It’s going well HART…busy with all manner of craziness as usual. You?
Breanne – I think the site is nicely done. I see a few minor tweaks I’d make but nothing major.
I’m exploring some of the features now.
Oh and I don’t like my car. Mazda 3 (2 years old). Eh. It’s so-so but I think it’s a partial lemon and I miss my Honda CRV.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Trisha – I know about neck pain – I am currently in pt for neck and back probs myself. Just had facet injections that helped my neck a lot.
Breanne Boyle said
Ben – must have been a fluke but I will look out for it. I use firefox too and don’t see it…
HART – You are adding me to your blog? http://www.AskPatty.com will get a trackback from you then? Yes!!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Coolest trip taken in a car? Drove down from Winnipeg in January 2001 to L.A. and up west coast thru Seattle – with a dog. I thought it was quite easy to get around in L.A. .. although, I don’t see how any car without 440 horsepower engines and Hemis and all that can survive … with all you Yankie Hotrodders on the road.
*g*
Breanne Boyle said
Seanrox – yes we went to Bryce. It developed a love for horses that I have. I still ride. Love it!
(more than cars even) Haha!
Ben – Explore away! I will thank you when our metrics go up!
Joe said
The best was when I was little (5-6 yrs old)
Pop took us on a ride up route 1 to see where he worked when he worked on the rail road.
There was this Hump in the road by a little creek and he would speed up…
Into the air we went for what felt like an eternity (maybe 1-2 seconds) and it was the coolest thing, we were weightless.
ME Strauss said
Breanne,
I know you’re excited about askpatty . . .
seanrox said
I meant to say Bryce Canyon… need an edit feature like on digg… I know… time to write a word press plugin…
Breanne Boyle said
OMG, I remembered something when I read your story Joe!
When I was little my uncle had this like 1980s stripped Bronco. He would off-road it and we would hit our heads on the ceiling! It was awesome!
katiebird said
How about the hottest? My mom fused our transmission in Denver one summer and we drove all the way across Kansas at 35 miles an hour (I’ve got no idea how long it took, but it felt like forever).
It was about 100 degrees out and we never dreamt of a car with air conditioning.
What I didn’t know is that back home all my cousins thought it was me that did it. I didn’t learn that part of the story until just last year!
seanrox said
Hey Liz, I’m going for a spin in my Mustang… wanna go for a ride? 0 to 100 mph in less then 10 seconds… c’mon… varoom… varoom…
Breanne Boyle said
Liz – lol… I should stop bugging everyone about it.
Sorry gang! I just love to hear people’s opinions.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Hey gang… I think I need to checkout. It has been fun, but it has been a long day and I need to call it quits for the night! Nice to hang out with everyone. Thanks Liz for having us all! I will be back again!
Breanne Boyle said
0-100 in 10 seconds? I thought you were saying 0-60 before Sean…
katiebird said
Kirsten — goodnight, It’s been great seeing you. I’ll stop by you’re place soon (I think I’m swamped tomorrow, but if not then it’ll be Thurs. for sure)
ME Strauss said
Yeah Sean,
My MR-2 is faster than that. Maybe you should come to Chicago and go for a ride with me instead.
Rick Cockrum said
Good night Kirsten. Sleep well.
seanrox said
0-60 and also 0-100… it’s fast… very fast. You’re welcome to come along for a ride too Breanne… I even have 3 point seat belts for safety.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Kirsten,
Thanks for coming! It was fun to have you.
seanrox said
Hehe… ok Liz. We shall both go for a ride or better yet… wanna street race? Looser gets the next round of drinks… well no loosers… we all win with drinks
Joe said
I think seanrox uses the metric system!?!
HART (1-800-HART) said
cat .. good to hear your safe. What’s an MGA? Is that one of those 2-seaters? and was it red? Before the flames got it that is..
Ben .. My brother wants to blog. Naturally he claims to know everything about how the world, internet, blogging and computers work. And naturally, he’s never had a computer, knows nothing about blogging or computers or anything. Except WilliamHillOnline that is, gambling and Yahoo email. Now, he’s trying to start a new political party. Go figure. And, he’s not my Schizophrenic brother!
But I must be – last week wasted time trying to train him, on the condition that he helps post some stuff on my Battling Series of blogs. Could be interesting. Could be a disaster
ME Strauss said
Okay, SeanRox,
Then we’ll pick up Breanne, unless she’s on your way here!
Come get me!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Liz.. You’ve got an MR-2? You’re cool.
Renée said
Good morning everyone…
Geez….I’m so very late for the party! So we are talking about cars, huh?
seanrox said
*straps in for the fast ride from the West Coast to the East Coast… vaaaaaaaaaaarooooooooooom!
Ben Yoskovitz said
HART — good luck with your brother. I wish you well. Wait till he says, “What’s this podcasting thing?” Or, “I wanna vblog!” Oh oh.
My car sucks. *sigh*
katiebird said
(confused) What’s an MR-2?
ME Strauss said
HART, even cooler . . . it’s royal blue.
ME Strauss said
Hi Renee!
Yep, it’s anything and everything about cars.
katiebird said
Oh. A car. That’s right. It’s car night.
ME Strauss said
HI Katie,
Here are some pictures
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rls=DGUS,DGUS:2006-13,DGUS:en&q=toyota+mr2+spyder
Breanne Boyle said
MR-2… (sigh) It’s a great little Toyota. Come on, you don’t read Import Tuner?
And feel free to pick me up on your cross country trip Sean! Maybe I will race you with my RSX-S six speed 4 cylinder. It’s FAST.
seanrox said
Hi Joe. I just commented on your OE issue on your blog…
ME Strauss said
Whoa, SeanRox,
You’re clever — driving, listening here, and commenting at Joe’s blog. Whew!
seanrox said
Hi Breanne… ok, I’ll pick you up… how about I pick you up in Fullerton at the train station or maybe off the 91 freeway? I have room in the back for your puppy too if she likes car rides. My dog Roxy loves going for rides in the car.
Rick Cockrum said
Good morning Renee.
I’m with you, Ben. Not that I really care as long as it runs, but I’m in a Buick. Whenever she sees a hybrid go by, my wife gets this lustful look in her eye.
seanrox said
Yes Liz… as you know, I can multitask… good thing we’re not firing up the BBQ tonight as that might be too much. Reason why I brought pizza for everyone!
katiebird said
Liz — it’s beautiful. It looks like it would be a lot of fun. Have you had it long?
Don’t let a crane stop next to you at a light.
Meikah Delid said
Hi, Liz and everyone! Wow, the topic is cars…my kids and husband are loco over F1 racing and we’re kinda sad that Schumacher is retiring and racing only this season. BTW, heard of Tracy Chapman’s song, Fast Cars? The song goes…
You got a fast car
I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere
Anyplace is better
Starting from zero got nothing to lose
Maybe we’ll make something
But me myself I got nothing to prove
You got a fast car
And I got a plan to get us out of here
I been working at the convenience store
Managed to save just a little bit of money
We won’t have to drive too far
Just ‘cross the border and into the city
You and I can both get jobs
And finally see what it means to be living
You see my old man’s got a problem
He live with the bottle that’s the way it is
He says his body’s too old for working
I say his body’s too young to look like his
My mama went off and left him
She wanted more from life than he could give
I said somebody’s got to take care of him
So I quit school and that’s what I did
You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so we can fly away
We gotta make a decision
We leave tonight or live and die this way
I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped ’round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
And we go cruising to entertain ourselves
You still ain’t got a job
And I work in a market as a checkout girl
I know things will get better
You’ll find work and I’ll get promoted
We’ll move out of the shelter
Buy a big house and live in the suburbs
You got a fast car
And I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinking late at the bar
See more of your friends than you do of your kids
I’d always hoped for better
Thought maybe together you and me would find it
I got no plans I ain’t going nowhere
So take your fast car and keep on driving
You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so you can fly away
You gotta make a decision
You leave tonight or live and die this way
Breanne Boyle said
Sean – She does like car rides. So does my other pup Rigby. Rigby is a car dog through and through.. however he DID puke in my car – twice. I have perforated leather seats.
Roxy knows we are probably going to the dog park if she gets to go in the car.
Anyone know of a good car seat cover company? Hate the dog nails on my leather.
HART (1-800-HART) said
OMG What Have I Been Doing?? Seanrox .. I’m playing that online version of Deal or No Deal you posted in your blog. Oh .. the insanity .. the insanity
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hi Meikah,
That’s a great song…
Renée said
I got a question for everyone…how do you share a common car with your significant other when he is 6’2 1/2” and I’m only 5’2.
He’s driving the BMW 760i, while I was driving my subaru. I sold mine just last week and want to replace it with another jap mini car. He wasn’t very please my choice because he will never fit into my car.
seanrox said
Breanne, do you go to the dog park in Costa Mesa (Bark Park)? That’s where I use to go with my Roxy when I lived in OC. We use to joke and call it Parvo Park… hehe…
Breanne Boyle said
Try a German make… like Audi. They have more compact wagons and cars (NOT like a 700 series) and my friend has an A4 Quattro and her husband is 6’2″. He loves it!
Joe said
My coolet car was my Karmen Ghia
ME Strauss said
Renee,
What a great question. I think you have to go for binding arbitration.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
I can picture you in a Karmen Ghia. It suits you.
Joe said
Sorry I got lost in mid thought…
K. was having problems with her printer, had to go fix it.
Now I have to play catch up.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Dear Renee .. Dump him .. signed .. Dear Abby // j/k
just kidding! My wife has a Tercel and I can’t fit into her car properly. I’m just driving a beater Lumina car now. The best thing to do is get dogs. they need backseats, so replace the car with something big enough for him, and the dogs in the back seat. Everyone will be happy. Except, now you’ll have to take the dogs everywhere.
cat said
I just remembered I actually have some photos of a couple of the sports cars I mentioned.
See, what I’d do is buy a car. Usually from some poor chap who’s wife is threatening divorce because it’s all in parts and taking up the garage. Then I’d pay someone to strip them down to nuts and bolts and rebuild with original parts.
Here’s the Nissan 300 (one of the first to arrive in Houston) and the Austin Healy 3000. The Healy was so souped up it had to have a special blend of petrol. No, I didn’t do the souping, it was two owners previous.
http://www.katzidesign.com/cat/nissan-healy.jpg
And next is the Nissan and my MGA.
http://www.katzidesign.com/cat/nissan-mga.jpg
It’s not the original MGA from college, just the same model and colour.
The Nissan was the car I drove daily. The two others were for an investment, so only driven around the block (weekly). Both were in prime condition after restoration so I didn’t want any nicks in the paint.
The Austin Healy was amazing. It came all in boxes as it got taken apart but never reassembled. Poor guy, but what to do? It was the car … or the wife. The mechanics had a great time restoring that one. The burled dash and leather seats were all shipped out from the UK. They did a beautiful job restoring both, but the Austin Healy was king. What a machine.
katiebird said
(yawn) Is it really not 9pm yet? I honestly thought it was after 11!
Goodnight everyone!
Liz, a big hug — this was wonderful. Great treats, stuff to learn and fabulous company! I’m so glad you do this! Thank you very much!
Joe said
Yeah Liz,
I liked that better than the Dodge Coronet 440, it was just a cool car.
seanrox said
Hey Hart… glad you checked my site… indeed Deal or No Deal is a blast. I have a lot of fun stuff on my site, so feel free to pop in anytime… a friend of Liz’s is a friend of mine.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Katie,
Sleep well.
ME Strauss said
Cat,
Those are some very cool cars. I’m glad HART didn’t talk you into getting dogs.
seanrox said
In high school I always wanted a Karmen Ghia.
“I asked for a Car, I got a Computer. How’s that for being born under a bad sign?†– Ferris Bueller
Rick Cockrum said
Farewell, Katiebird.
Do you have any lyrics to upbeat car songs, Meikah, Pink Cadillac maybe?
Breanne Boyle said
Alright I had a great time in my first Open Mic!
I am signing off now to get dinner and go to the dog park (still early here). Talk to you all later!
Make sure you check out our Ask Patty blog (one last shameless plug!)
-Breanne
eMarketing Manager
http://www.AskPatty.com
seanrox said
Well everyone, I gotta run… I can’t use the laptop and drive across the United States at the same time… I’m good but not that good.
Have a great night everyone…
HART (1-800-HART) said
seanrox .. I’ve been watching your site in my bloglines for a few weeks now I think .. I was a big fan of Paladin all the time and still to this day have my TV automatically switch over to the Lonestar channel at 4am every morning (just in case I’m up) to watch the show
PS. I’ve played 2xs now .. first $200,000 second walked away with $5,000 .. on 3rd game now.
Renée said
Hart, I wish I could dump him…but he’s buying me the car plus all those services. I thought of RV but he thinks it’s too rugged for his look.
ME Strauss said
Breanne,
You take shameless to an artform.
Have fun with the rest of the day and night!
Starbucker said
Hey everybody! I’m in Cheyenne, Wyoming tonight, and the “car” I’m thinking of right now is the railroad kind, since I can hear the conductor blowing the horn (lots of railroads in this town!)
Rick Cockrum said
Bye, Breanne.
Those are cool cars, Cat. When I was in the Air Force one of my buddies had an MG. The last I saw him he was making a new wooden dashplate for it by hand.
HART (1-800-HART) said
that Austin Healy is also coool
ME Strauss said
Good Night, SeanRox,
Safe driving!
Tony said
Good evening, folks!
Man, House was excellent tonight.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Before I forget — anyone interested in contributing on a small business podcast? It’s pretty easy to record and can be a lot of fun.
I’ve done a few weeks and am enjoying it and meeting some cool people.
Let me know. It’s The Great Big Small Business Show (http://www.gbsbs.com)
Nothing to do with cars, but since my car sucks, I feel left out. *laugh*
Tony said
Maybe I can pick people’s brains here — what do you people think about driving in our senior years?
From a safety point of view, in Toronto there are no mandatory driving tests, for example
Tony said
Ben what does it involve?
cat said
Hi HART
“What’s an MGA?”
It’s a sports car (see photos from previous post)
MG is short for ‘Morris Garages’
MG ‘A’ is for MG American
The British had MG ‘B’ … I almost bought one but didn’t feel comfortable with what was on offer.
Here’s a link to explain (scroll down)
http://www.answers.com/topic/mg-1
Ben Yoskovitz said
Tony — fairly straightforward. Each contributor (5-10 of them/week) does a 3-5 minute segment on a particular topic (weekly topic). Last episode was organization, before that delegation.
Most of the contributors are small business owners. Target is small business owners/entrepreneurs — but not necessarily the uber-tech savvy ones…more mainstream target.
You record the segment and send it to Becky McCray — she and I put it together into a show. You can listen at http://www.gbsbs.com.
Starbucker said
The other car I think about was the Pontiac Fiero I bought in 1983. It was supposed to be so cool, this rear engine, fire engine red machine, but it turned out to be a big lemon. I’ve never bought a new model of any vehicle since.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Tony .. I’m in Winnipeg.. About seniors driving .. This is my signature in my email:
When I die .. I want to die peacefully in my sleep – just like Grandpa ..
Not screaming in agony like the passengers of his car!
But .. all in jest of course. My father is diabetic, blind in one eye – had hip surgery, is weak and has trouble walking, hard of hearing and wears a hearing aid ..and 70 years old. Last January he was required to take an eye test to keep his license (not practical) .. and he passed. He just wanted to get one. But, he never drives and we won’t let him (and nobody wants to drive with him). I’m the “Good Son” living closest aka Alternate Transportation Son.
ME Strauss said
Starbucker!
When did you sneak in here? I was thinking of you when I was driving by the lake today. How was Wisconsin?
Rick Cockrum said
Goodnight, Seanrox.
Hey Starbucker, Tony. Good to see y’all.
Tony, I work with seniors in my day job. I don’t know about the rest of the US, but Pennsylvania doesn’t have anything, either. Only an MD can take someone’s driver’s license away, and they usually don’t want to be responsible. Usually it ends up being the family that takes away the keys. You can imagine the emotional family turmoil that causes. It’s a rotten system. I’ve been wishing for years that everyone had to take a test at least every four years. That way we all get refreshed, and people who shouldn’t be driving can lose their license with some modicum of dignity.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Ben .. sounds like an interesting project. Bookmarked, RSS added, and will be listening this week .. If I can plug you – I will.
ME Strauss said
Hey Tony,
I’m not big on seniors driving, but like anything. Who gets to pick who’s too old and no longer able, and who’s not?
Tony said
“diabetic, blind in one eye – had hip surgery, is weak and has trouble walking, hard of hearing and wears a hearing aid ..and 70 years old.”
That sounds like most of the patients I see!
Driving is a pretty contentious issue — or it can be.
Its associated with independence, so reporting people to the ministry can be quite challenging.
Ben Yoskovitz said
HART – I appreciate it! And if anyone wants to contribute shoot me an email (byosko@gmail.com).
Signing off for now…was great as always!
Starbucker said
Wisconsin was fabulous Liz – nice visit with my family, and a GREAT afternoon with our main man Phil Gerbyshak. He’s the real McCoy!
Rick Cockrum said
Good night Ben. Take care.
Joe said
Both my parents are in their 80′s and we just recently got them to stop driving.
Mom had a minor seizure while driving and almost killed herself and Pop.
It still took the state to take away her license before she would stop driving.
Pop on the other hand had to have a heart attack and be told by the doc before he would stop.
I love them both, but I’m glad they’re not driving anymore.
Starbucker said
Nite Ben!
cat said
Rick,
“one of my buddies had an MG. The last I saw him he was making a new wooden dashplate for it by hand.”
Wow. I’ll bet it was beautiful too.
On my second MGA I covered the seats by myself. All in blue jean material. The first one I left to gather dust as my brothers had ‘borrowed’ parts one weekend when I wasn’t looking.
(boy does this bring back memories!)
That was a great car for a young girl. I was only in my teens. I’d recently graduated early from High School and went away to college with my new toy.
I was a bit of a night owl so there were times when I’d pull over to the side of the road to sleep rather than go home. (I kept a sleeping bag in the back for the occasion).
Problem was, it originally came with two 6′s (batteries) which I converted to one 12. It was suspended over the road by metal brackets … and … that’s where my sleeping bag was. Right on battery acid (I didn’t realise it at the time).
I’d hit bumps and sparks would fly.
It eventually burned a hole right through my sleeping bag. But, no matter. I was just a kid and life was full of different priorities back then.
HART (1-800-HART) said
I’m going to have to ~say my goodbyes too .. Don’t know if I’ll be back, lurking or after everybody leaves.. // Take care everybody. G’nite.
ME Strauss said
Good night Ben!
Cat, I just love your stories.
Different priorities. That’s saying something when you say it!
Starbucker said
See ya HART!
Rick Cockrum said
Yeah, it was Cat. He had the engine rebuilt and was redoing the interior himself. The car looked nice, and was a fun ride.
Bye, HART. Have fun!
Joe said
I can’t believe that no one had a story of necking with the windows fogging up and a cop with a flashlight shining in the window and jumping up in supprise and embarrassment, opening the window and saying…
Renée said
Good nite Hart and Ben
Tony said
Ha ha — errrr.
Joe, very uncomfortable memories there.
ME Strauss said
Good Night, HART!
Rick Cockrum said
It’s time for me to roll it in, too. Everyone take care, and I’ll see you next week.
Thanks for another fine evening, Liz.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Rick.
Enjoy the rest of the night.
Renée said
Good nite, Rick! Thanks for sharing the MG story.
Starbucker said
Bye Rick- take good care.
ME Strauss said
Starbucker,
You must have a wild car story or two.
Joe said
When I had my Karmaan Giaha
I drove round yelling Ye-haa
Then I plowed with my Jeep
Barely making even a peep.
Now, I don’t drive at all
because I had a great fall.
Even so, I have memories
that now are no more that a tease.
I remember the days
while listening to Purple Haze
Having so much fun
Waiting for the Sun
But, that time is no more
when my car used to soar.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Strauss said
Hey Joe,
I think that was your best one ever.
Nite, Joe.
Sleepy swell.
Tony said
ok — who’s left then … ?
Starbucker said
Well Liz, aside from my Fiero fiasco, I remember that I “killed” my Dad’s 1966 Rambler (remember those, with the fully reclining seats?) when I forgot to get the oil changed and basically fried the engine. No, my dad was NOT happy. Kinda cramped my style for a few months.
Starbucker said
G’night Joe! Great poems (as usual).
cat said
Well, I guess I’d better sign off also.
Today I’ve been blogging at ‘Designers who Blog’ for a whole year.
With the surprise of the Coup and all, I forgot that I needed to finish my ‘Happy B-day’ post that I’d already timestamped to go off at 8.30.
I’ve edited it to apologize, but now I need to actually settle down and write it properly.
Yup, Happy B-Day ‘Designers who Blog!’
nite all
and thanks Liz, for another wonderful experience. You are a grand hostess.
ME Strauss said
I threw a rod threw the engine block of a friend’s MGB once. His oil gauge was broken.
Becky McCray said
Sorry I’m late…my car broke down!
Starbucker said
Nite Cat, and happy birthday to the blog!
ME Strauss said
Bye Cat,
Stay safe and well.
I hope everything comes back on.
ME Strauss said
Hey Becky!
You can’t be late to this party. It’s everylasting . . . at least it seems so.
Becky McCray said
Thanks, Liz! I brought drinks, as usual!
ME Strauss said
Hey, Becky, I didn’t realize you were part of the small business podcasts.
Becky McCray said
Hope I didn’t miss all the good car talk.
(That’s a likely story about the oil gauge!)
ME Strauss said
It’s true about the oil gauge. It was his third one!!!
Becky McCray said
Yeah, I’m the one who suckered Ben into the Great Big Small Business Show. It’s a fun project, and a podcast with some value, I think!
Becky McCray said
We are always looking for more good contributors!
Starbucker said
Liz, I guess I’m not the only one who ran a car dry of oil! I didn’t have the gauge excuse though
ME Strauss said
One engine block later . . .
Becky McCray said
I bought a car once that had been run dry of oil, but with a full oil pan. The oil pump drive shaft was twisted off in a perfect spiral! Since there was still oil in the pan, the mechanics told her to keep driving. She found out (the hard way) that with no pump, there was no oil in the motor, and that was it for the motor!
So, I got a good bargain out of the deal.
ME Strauss said
Gosh, sometimes people are really despicable.
Becky McCray said
What did I do??? I just bought the car after the whole deal was over!
ME Strauss said
Becky,
I was talking about the darn mechanics!
Don’t be silly.
Starbucker said
Yep, some mechanics are just after the bucks – ones you can really trust are hard to come by.
Becky McCray said
Whew!
ME Strauss said
The problem is that the good mechanics tend to look just like the evil ones.
Becky McCray said
That’s why I married one. Always handy!
Of course, he does make me do computer work for him, so I guess we are even.
ME Strauss said
What a great combination! Becky, want to move closer to Chicago by any chance?
Becky McCray said
Sorry, Liz! I’m a happy small town girl.
(I’m reading your blog, Starbucker!)
Starbucker said
You’re right Liz. Now I actually just go to the dealer for service, even though I pledged not to years ago.
I worked at a garage once, when I was a teenager. I remember my boss tried to teach me how to remove a tire from the wheel with this machine, and left me to try one when he took a phone call. It was a beautiful chrome wheel, and I absolutely bent it beyond recognition. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he came back!
Oh, and I also used to clean the garage on weekends, and one winter I backed a 1965 wrecking truck into the garage door and tore it to pieces. That time I had to call my boss and get him out of bed. Imagine what he said when he got to the garage! Lucky my dad is a carpenter and fixed the door.
This is why I’m not a mechanic!
Becky McCray said
Great story!
Becky McCray said
Liz, don’t you get tired after these marathon comment sessions?
Starbucker said
Reading yours too Becky! What a great niche to blog on – small business in small towns.
Becky McCray said
Thanks, Starbucker!
Your Crash Davis Beliefs are making me smile!
ME Strauss said
Hey, Becky,
Sure I get tired near the end, but I have fun too! And everyone seems to like it . . . so why not?
Becky McCray said
Liz, have you done this every single week from the beginning? Not skipped any weeks, or had a guest host?
I’m just marvelling at the committment!
Tony said
Actually, it is pretty amazing — well done liz.
ME Strauss said
Yep, It’s been me, every Tuesday . . .
Becky McCray said
Let’s give Liz an award!
Something car related, in honor of tonight!
Let’s see, what can we call it?
ME Strauss said
Uh-oh, Becky, I’m laughing already!
Becky McCray said
Liz – The Driving Force
Starbucker said
Thanks Becky- why don’t you jump in with your “Crash Davis” statement?
Liz is indeed the “Iron Woman” of Open Mic night!
ME Strauss said
It sounds like the first in a trilogy of novels.
Becky McCray said
Sporty?
Muscle car?
High Mileage? (oops, not that one!)
Dragster?
Funny Car!
ME Strauss said
You two are lug nuts.
Becky McCray said
Starbucker, I’m thinking about it! Certainly an interesting assignment, and I see you have had many people jump in. Congratulations on starting an excellent trend!
Christine Kane said
hello all! i’m using wi-fi in the air at my parent’s house (i just arrived here to be with my dad)…so i might not be here very long!
Becky McCray said
It’s an air car! Welcome, Christine!
ME Strauss said
Hey Christine,
We were driving together again today. Thanks for Out of Nowhere!
Christine Kane said
hiya liz! you’re welcome… hi starbucker and becky and whoever else is still awake out there in car land. i’m all for liz getting an award too.
ME Strauss said
Oh stop!
Becky McCray said
Better to be a lug nut than a dipstick.
Starbucker said
Well, this lug nut needs to do a bit of work before I retire for the evening, so I must reluctantly bid you all adieu. Becky, it was a pleasure, and Liz, thanks once again for keeping this light on. Oh BTW, Phil told me about our “assignment” for this April meeting in Chicago. I’m game! Bye!
Becky McCray said
Bye, Starbucker! Good to meet you!
Easton Ellsworth said
Hey y’all!
My first car was a Geo Metro. Tires looked like Oreo cookies, they were so thin. Thing had like a 3-cylinder engine. They gave me the “special” parking spot (really a half-spot) my senior year because the car – which I lovingly called “Arny” (after Schwarzenegger, of course) was so little. Good times. (sheds tear)
Becky McCray said
Liz, thanks for hosting again. I’m going to proudly take my new title of lug nut, and sign off.
We may not have thought of a catchy title for your award, Liz, but you certainly deserve big kudos for all you do for us SOB’s.
Have a great evening, all!
ME Strauss said
Good night, Starbucker.
I’m wondering which assignment that is . . . we’ll have to talk. I think I have too many conversations going on in my life.
Sleep well.
ME Strauss said
Hey Easton,
That sounds lIke quite the car. I’m not sure that I would have fit inside it.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Becky
Thanks for coming! I think you’re the best!
Christine Kane said
hi easton! okay…i’m having free-wi-fi-in-the-air issues and i’m gonna have to go, lest i be forced off by curmudgeonly neighbors! just wanted you to know i was thinking of you on this tuesday night…
Becky McCray said
Thanks, Liz!
(the rare double smiley)
ME Strauss said
Good night Christine,
Sleep well. The best thoughts to your family.
ME Strauss said
Good night all.
Advice Librarian said
Argh, does that mean I got up too late today?
ME Strauss said
Yeah, I think it just might.
Ah Pek said
Woo… looks likely that I am going to be tha last one in..
Sorry.. my car broke down. heheheee….
my car is nearly as old as me.
Hey Liz,
Just to let you know.. I have shifted to my own domain. No more squatting days for me. Having a new domain is just like getting a new car. Can’t get enough if it!
Alvin said
My brother is crazy about cars! I lose all semblance of knowing what he’s talking about when he starts on them.
What I love to do though, is to go over to his room and check out his cars…he loves to collect die-cast toy cars too! And some of them are just plain gorgeous. In one glance you can look at all the Ferraris, BMWs and Lamboghinis that you could ever want
You can check out the loves of his life over at http://louiscars.com (unabashed plug
)
ME Strauss said
Hi Ahpek,
Congratulations on your new domain! I bet that feels good indeed. I’m sure it feels like a clean windshield and lots and lots of new road to cover.
ME Strauss said
Hi Alvin,
Great to see you back again!
I think there is wisdom in your ways, sir. He does all of the work, gets all of the cost, and you get lots of the fun! I will go check it out. Thanks for sharing the link!
Hendry Lee said
Hmm… I wonder if you ever sleep when talking about car?
I’m obviously late, but it’s amazing to see how many responses you got to an open mike session like this, Liz.
ME Strauss said
Hi Hendry Lee,
People like to talk to people. There’s just no getting around that.
Rick Cockrum said
Liz our hostess once again,
Open mic once more begins.
Tonight it’s cars and highway travel,
Women and garages, the pain unravels
Breanne is first, she made our day,
Working with women and the web she’s not shy
With dogs and cars she loves to play.
Douglas stopped in for a glance.
Of American cars he is derisive,
European luxury is his vision.
Susan came for a while,
Click and Clack make her smile.
Jody popped in with statistics galore
Of cars and women she can tell us more.
Kirsten has good luck car shopping,
But mechanics can really get her anger hopping.
Cat’s in the middle of a Thai coup,
No TV, no phone, with tanks all around,
Communication through the net is still sound.
Katiebird tells us of her great scare.
A truck has attacked her
With never a care.
HART has stories that are really quite grand.
We can’t help but say
HART, You’re the MAN!
Scorpia rides a taxi and walks a fair bit,
But storms are around her,
She returns to her cave to prevent getting hit.
Joe makes us jolly with his verse wit
The women console him,
They say they won’t nip.
And Candice is the sys-op, Ferraris her bag
Stuck in an Accord
Made her quite sad.
Seanrox loves his Mustang, he’s built for speed,
Laptop in one hand, pizza the other,
He rides through the land,
Ben drives up in an old Mazda.
He says his car sucks,
So The Great Big Small Business Show was noted.
Trisha watched House before she came.
She couldn’t stay long
Due to rather bad neck pain.
Renee sold her car and wanted advice
On what car she should get for the tall and the short,
Abby wrote in and called for divorce.
Meikah sang a song about strong inner pain,
Fast cars and freedom, our childhood dream.
That leads to life that our parent’s life sang.
Starbucker’s hearing the train’s lonesome wail,
Life has been good, he’s seen his family and then
Phil, his main man.
Tony picked our collective minds,
About a problem with driving as our ages do climb
We had little to say, the law doesn’t help,
We just cross our fingers, and in time cross that line.
Becky’s car broke down,But she still brought the drinks.
Happily married she’s in a small town.
Her spouse the mechanic, she cures computer hijinks.
Christine made it in at the end of the night,
But her wifi wouldn’t last,
She had to take flight.
And Easton had Arny, a little Geo
With tires like cookies,
The car finally had to go.
AdLib slept in for once I should say
But day or night,
He can’t stay away.
Ah Pek broke down on his way in,
But my domain’s my own
He says with a grin.
And Alvin, though clueless
With cars as it seems,
Has a brother who sees them fulfilling his dreams.
And finally we end , sixteen hours in,
Hendry Lee with a Wow! You talk like the wind!
TechZ said
One of these days…I ‘ll get to enjoy the fun of Open Mic Night! Looks like it was a good turnout, lots of new people
ME Strauss said
Techz,
I think you should convince your boss you need to participate in living social media. What do you do in your real job. I’ll figure out a reason you need to do this for work.
ME Strauss said
Rick,
You ARE my hero!
TechZ said
That would be great Liz
I work at a bank, as a Asst. Relationship Manager for the SME (Small & Med. Enterprise) department and we handle SME accounts. So lot’s of meeting with company owners and convincing them to bank with us.
ME Strauss said
So is there an international money question that they’re interested in getting the answer to?
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Rick Cockrum said
Sure thing, Liz. Sorry I’m so late replying. Lady Glynis to me to see the Poverty Neck Hillbillies tonight. Great fun was had by all!
ME Strauss said
Fun is a wonderful thing, Rick. You should have as much as you can!
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Danny Thomas said
Need to know how to polarize the voltage regulator for a 1966 Austin Healy Sprite
ME Strauss said
HI Danny,
I’m not at all sure that you’ll find the answer here, but I’ll email a person or two and see what we might figure out for you.
cat said
Danny,
I had an Austin Healy Sprite back in the 70′s. It’s not as fashionable as the 3000 (I got into the 3000′s in the late 80′s early 90′s), but it’s a beaut of a ride and purrs like a kitten.
Mine was cut in half by some wanker with NO insurance, NO drivers license, and the car he was driving wasn’t even his. It was a wreck which introduced me to the MGA.
The MGA/B is a nice car, but (in my opinion) in no way could it compare to anything coming off the Austin Healy lot. I drool over anyone driving a AH. Any AH.
I vaguely remember Healys used an alternator, not a voltage regulator, or they switched at some point.
… but like I said, it’s been a looooooong while so I’m most likely wrong. I could even be remembering some other fav.
Good luck.
ME Strauss said
Cat,
You’re wonderful. You always help out where you can.
cat said
Liz, I fear I’ve been no help at all in this case. Actually, it’s me who has the honour. I DROOL over anyone who has a Healy. They are blessed.
ME Strauss said
Hey, just talking about it is cool.