Car Culture: dirty cars inspire poetry

Dirty cars drive me crazy (no pun intended). So crazy, I was inspired to write more ‘horsepower haiku’

Dirty car no more
I will wash away the grime
My car looks so good

New bucket and sponge
Waiting for the sun to shine
Let’s go wash the car

Nasty salt on road
Wash the car so it will shine
Looking good today

The sun is shining
No snow or ice on the ground
I can wash the car

Rocket and Turbo love to sunbathe while I’m washing the car

Dog helpers are here
Wait for me to wash the car
Stay out of the soap

Haiku poems have 3 lines: 5 – 7 -5 syllables. Lines don’t need to rhyme. Add your ‘horsepower haiku’ about cars!

‘horsepower haiku’ copyright Car Stuff Accessories LLC 2000

Why I love Squirrel Appreciation Day from Turbo

Ah squirrels.
They drive me crazy.
I love to chase moving critters, it’s in my genes I can’t help it.
Squirrels leave acorns on the ground for me to eat, even though they’re not good for me.
I can protect the yard by chasing squirrels out of it.
I can bark at squirrels in trees.
I love to bark at everything but it’s more fun when there’s something to bark at.
My brother Rocket has no interest in chasing critters, so I don’t have to play by his rules. It’s my game.

Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day

Squirrel Appreciation Day is January 21st, 2010

Reasons to celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day:

1. A reason to take a new friend to lunch or dinner.
2. A reason to bake nut cookies. Has anyone found a squirrel-shaped cookie cutter?
3. Learn from a squirrel’s determination to save now (store acorns) for later. Save for that new car!
4. Although they can damage a garden, appreciate squirrels communicating with each other.
5. Rocket J. Squirrel.

Car Culture: book review of “Crash Course” by Paul Ingrassia

            Looking for an interesting, easy-reading book about car culture?  Try Crash Course, the American Automobile Industry’s Road from Glory to Disaster by Paul Ingrassia (Random House Publishing, 2010).   There’s enough intrigue to keep you reading-even though you know the ending-no matter what you’re interest in the auto industry is.

This may sound counter-intuitive, but Crash Course reads like an historical novel.  There’s a lively, colorful cast of characters and fascinating challenges. Sometimes I forgot I was reading about actual events since reality was like a soap opera.  This is not a criticism; it’s why the book is fun to read.  The author’s casual style also gives the ‘story’ a fiction-y feel.

Starting the book with a time line, Mr. Ingrassia writes a history beginning in 1908 with the Ford revolution (although the actual text starts with Henry Ford’s birth in 1863) and ends with the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies (plus a chapter on what’s next).  The various technological and marketing innovations, new products, unions, politics, changing tastes and lifestyles, and management are discussed.  Two families, one on the sales/dealer side, the other on the production/union side, are followed throughout the book.  Think about the author’s foreshadowing and evaluation of events; he’s writing with more knowledge than when the decisions were originally made. It’s tempting to imagine what you would have done.  The expression “history repeats itself” is apt, it seems like similar ups-and-downs happened over and over without a ‘better’ solution.  Another expression is useful: “hindsight is 20/20″.

I hate sad endings (I read the end of the final Harry Potter book first.  I wanted to make sure there was a happy ending before I invested the time.)   About half-way through Crash Course, I read the last chapter trying to forget this was a true story while wishing for a happy ending.  Well, we obviously know how the story ends, but one can still hope (I feel the same way about the Alamo).  For those of us who love cars, there is hope.

Overall, I enjoyed the book.  The statistics, notes and index are great for use in a research paper or if you’re interested in additional information.

disclosure:  I don’t have any financial incentive if you order the book.  I borrowed a copy from the local library.

Car Culture: go to a car show!

What is it about car shows that are so much fun?  All sorts of reasons:

• A chance to look at cars you dream about driving?
•  Memories of an old family station wagon?  Or your first car?
• Ideas for fixing up your beloved ride?
• Need parts for a project?
•  Spending time outdoors with other people who share your feelings about cars? 
• Serious competition? 
• A chance to show off?

 There is a whole range of car shows out there, from local community shows, to regional meets, to national events.  Some shows are just for show-off fun.  Others are serious competition, such as the National Corvette Restoration Society events.  There’s something out there for you.  Introduce your kids, nieces, and nephews to the car world,  http://www.takeakidtoacarshow.com/. 

 I’ve attended serious events but have only participated in local community shows, with my Chevette.  Sad to say it’s never received an award.  But I get lots of comments; seems like everyone has a Chevette memory.  This year it was fixed-up 1970 Corvette’s turn in the Montgomery Ohio fall car show.  And it won a “best in show” prize (thank you Restoration Station in Springboro Ohio).  Hooray! 

This is car culture:  meeting strangers and finding common ground with cars.

Who let the dogs in?

Time out!  Take a lesson from Rocket and Turbo:  let’s have some fun! 

 Labor Day was the fourth annual Doggie Doo-Athalon at the Blue Ash, Ohio Recreation Center.  It’s a 1-1/2 mile run/walk then swim 25 yards across the pool, all with your dog.  Then it’s time to visit the various dog rescue and doggie doo-dad vendor booths.  And finally the best part—open swim time!

 Although Rocket and Turbo were slow to appreciate swimming, they both are now avid swimmers and duck decoy retrievers. There’s something undeniably special about a dog ‘working’ with such single-minded intensity and joy.

 Back at home, the tired but very happy dogs took a sunbath (what is it about Black Labs lying on hot concrete in the driveway?) followed by an afternoon nap to recharge.  Even Turbo was quiet for a couple of hours!

 There’s nothing like watching your dogs appreciate the moment, work, fun, or both at the same time.  A lesson we all shouldn’t forget.

Swimming with the ducks

More swimming with the ducks

Car culture: driving with dogs

More on the Chevette: driving with the dogs

As much as I love my Chevette, Rocket and Turbo the 93-pound and 75-pound Black Labs hate it.

Their opinion in haiku:

Ride in the Chevette

    We are squished inside the car

We wish we could walk

 Problem I.  Getting both of them in the (small) back seat of a 2-door car.  On a good day, it takes 15 minutes to settle them into the back seat.  The first dog has to stretch across the entire seat. There’s no room for the second dog, who either refuses to get in or jumps in and sits on top of his ‘brother’.  Neither wants to give up his claimed territory.  It takes treats and uncomfortable positioning (there is only room for my head, shoulders, and arms) to move them around to get securely settled while trying to remain calm.  It would probably be a hilarious video, if it were someone else wrestling with 2 large dogs in the back of a small 2-door car.

 Sometimes Rocket will jump into the back hatch area so I can get Turbo hooked to the seat belt. Then I have to get Rocket out of the hatch space to settle him in.  This is actually the easiest way to go.

 I can’t even think of a dog riding shot gun in the Chevette.

 The back seat is the only option.  I have 2 sets of seat covers to prevent damage:  seat covers for my seat covers.  Rocket likes to paw at the fabric; Turbo chews everything.  Seat belts are particularly delicious.

 Problem II: They aren’t happy about the lack of air conditioning in summer.  The open sun roof  and tiny back vent windows don’t let in enough air.  I’m obsessed with dog safety and won’t  roll down (the old-fashioned way) front  windows until we get to our street.  It’s a big treat to stick a dog head out the window  as we cruise home at 15 mph. 

 How do we cope?  Max 15-minute drives with both dogs in the car.  My beloved dogs better not damage my beloved Chevette.

 On a serious note:  Turbo and I were driving home from day care when someone cut in front of us.  Fortunately, I slammed on the brakes and was able to stop in time.  Lesson:  dog seat belts are a wonderful necessity.

Here are sites about safe driving with your dog: I’m not reviewing or endorsing any particular product; this is just for your reading.

Basic information from cars.com  http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=pets&subject=howTravel&story=howTravel 

All sorts of things from Car Talk http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/fido/

Generally useful information from BarkBuckleup.com http://www.barkbuckleup.com 

Pictures of my Chevette http://www.subcompactculture.com/2010/07/subcompact-showcase-happy-birthday-to.html 

 Lots of dogs enjoy traveling with their human companions.

  Have a safe trip!

  We’re always interested in your dog/car experience.

Celebrate Collector Car Day on July 9th 2010

Finally, an official reason to drive your special car: the first Collector Car Day” is July 9th.  Established by Senate Resolution 513, this non-partisan statement supports car enthusiasts  for their contribution to history, to the economy, and to making the road fun.  Besides, what would a parade be without historical vehicles? 

 Why are collector cars important?

1. Gives us a sense of history: how we got here!

2. Sense of perspective: how design and technology have changed.  How did we ever live without built-in cupholders?

3. Sense of fun. 

4. Contribution to the economy. 

5.  Keep the “car culture” alive.

Why it’s fun to have a collector car:

1.  Face it, you get lots of attention. 

2.  It’s a great way to spend an afternoon or vacation at a car show.

3.  You’re part of a club, either formally or informally. Talking about cars is a great way to start a conversation.

4. Many collector car owners say it reminds them of their younger days or it’s the car they always wanted to have as a teenager but couldn’t afford.

5.  Just because it is too cool for words (my excuse).

 Click on the following links for more information:

1.  About the Senate Bill: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-sr513/show

2. From SEMA about the Resolution: http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2010/19/sema-secures-us-senate-resolution-designating-july-9-as-collector-car-appreciatio and a list of events http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2010/21/collector-car-appreciation-day-grows .

3.  From Autoblog.com:  http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/20/senate-designates-july-9-2010-collector-car-appreciation-day/  

4. Misc. background info on Senate Resolutions:  http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/concurrent_resolution.htm

5. A link from AskPatty.com to Bluehornet.com about Collector Car Festivities:  http://echo.bluehornet.com/hostedemail/email.htm?h=b3711a60d8d7a1e9207a36f8ff76c8cf&CID=1794511484&ch=D5F2F9B3E1D23F9AA2ED7B1B2168189E 

Don’t forget to drive your collector car on Friday July 9^th.

I’ll be waving from the official Car Stuff Chevette, http://www.cstuffacc.com/didrap.html

Recent Articles on Car Culture

Two recent articles, “Is digital revolution driving decline in U.S. car culture” by Jack Ness in autonews.com 6/2/2010 (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100601/RETAIL03/100609990/1186) and “Youth steer clear of car culture” by David Olive in thestar.com 6/8/2010 (http://www.thestar.com/business/article/820160) point out “kids these days” don’t share the same emotion about cars as previous generations.  This got my “inner statistician” thinking.  It also made me feel like an old coot.  Or geezer (assuming both males and females can be old coots and geezers.  Am I a geezerette?) 

Back to the topic:  look for future posts about driving and car culture statistics from a ‘car geezer’s’ perspective , defined as remembering at least 1 of:

1.  33 cent per gallon gas

2.  vent windows

3. the Sohio fuel-line freezeup jingle.  (To this day I keep my cars at 1/2 tank in winter since I’m still terrified of fuel- line freezeup. And yes I realize it’s not the right time to be sentimental about BP.)

4. driver ed classes as part of the high school currculum

5. waiting in line for gas (on alternate days) during the first oil crisis

6. gas station attendants

Car geezer suggestions are welcome!

How about planning an adventure for Mother’s Day?

The question: what to get Mom this year? It can be difficult to find the perfect gift that truly expresses your feelings (and meets your budget), so why not combine a “traditional” gift with an activity gift? Do something special with Mom.

1. A basic outing: movie, lunch, museum, car show, local festival, farmer’s market.

2. Clean Mom’s car, inside and out. She can keep you company, resting in a lounge chair while you detail the car.  Time spent together!

3. Record the family singing mom’s favorite song. Ringtone for her cell phone? Make a video of everyone dancing.  Write a poem, short story, or make up a dance just for her.  If you’re shy, remember you don’t have to post it for public viewing.

4. Cook something different together: bake dog treats, bake and decorate a cake, grill out a picnic lunch.

5. Take a class together. Check home improvement, sporting goods, or craft  stores, local parks, or bookstores for free or low-cost seminars.

6. Volunteer together at either a one-time event like a car show, road race, or fundraiser or set regularly scheduled visits at a school or an animal shelter.

Find an event and set a date to do something extra special that says “you’re my mom, and I’m happy to be with you”.  This is a gift mom will appreciate for years.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lori, Rocket, and Turbo at Car Stuff Accessories

www.cstuffacc.com