Saturday, December 19, 2009

Ford versus Chevy


Every car guy, or girl, has been involved in this debate in one form or another. Excepting of course the people who live on the mopar planet. I was always a Chevy guy. This loyalty began the day I got my first car. A Chevy. Immediately I began to feel superior to others less fortunate. I'm not really sure why as I look back at the reality that was. My car smoked badly and required an overhaul. The electric fuel pump worked poorly if it was working at all.
When everything was at last working properly, as the fine people at General Motors had intended, things started to break. Apparently my car was under engineered for the heavy foot of a sixteen year old. Fix or repair daily could have easily been applied to that little Chevy. No matter. I was a Chevy guy. Broken parts were nailed to the garage wall. Badges of honor. I was a Chevy guy.
Things are different now. I have two Chevys, two Fords. and an Eldorado I would like to unload. (I don't have a wall big enough to hang all the things that are about to break on that Eldorado.) They are what they are. Sure, you can make big power cheaper with a small block Chevy engine, and they will fit in about anything. (see most older Ford hot rods) I no longer consider myself a 'Chevy guy'. I'm a car guy. There are things to enjoy about all of them. And enjoy them I do.
Drive safe,
John

Saturday, December 12, 2009

URGENT! RENEW NOW!



I read a lot of magazines. If I like a particular magazine I will subscribe for a year or two. When my subscription expires, I will renew it a couple of months ahead of time so as not to miss issues. Unless they piss me off. Lately, a lot of magazine peddlers have been pissing me off.

When the second or third issue of a two year subscription comes with a 'urgent renewal' notice, I first thought there was an error in their system. It isn't an error! It is a dishonest and deceptive marketing tactic designed to cheat their own customers.

One publication (CLASSIC TRUCKS) was so 'in my face' with urgent renewal notices I didn't renew. After writing twice, and calling once, they agreed to remove me from that particular marketing tactic. Too late though. They had already pissed me off.

Another thing that irritates me is the little cards inside all of the magazines. One? Fine. Four? What is the point? It must be effective for some or they wouldn't do it. It only irritates me.

I know I'm just an old dog sittin' on the porch barkin'. I don't bite, but if ya irritate me long enough, I'll cock my leg and piss on your magazine.

Drive safe... John