The number 88 has several occurrences not only in history but also in my personal life. I will expound on these examples for your edification in the hopes that you are in a mood to be edified by me. Let’s start with the real bad boy, which is the German 88mm gun that was so … Read more
The hobby of cars (referring to old, classic cars) is full of labels, most of which do not have a rigorous definition. I previously discussed different understandings of the term “classic,” which involves the meaning being based on the experience and point of view of the beholder. Earlier definitions get modified to suit the experience … Read more
Another Christmas has passed, and another tumultuous year is closing. My very concerned neighbors must have thought that since I now live alone I might be starving to death, so they furnished me with more goodies and delicious food than I eat in a month. I have such thoughtful neighbors! I am past the point … Read more
It is a beautiful fall day with a clear sky and no wind. In less than an hour, the Group B cars will be called to the grid for the final race of the season. With only 20 points separating him from Heinz and his Porsche Carrera, it was surely going to be a close … Read more
The internet age has introduced a new plague to the world. Fortunately I have not (yet) been tackled by the beer virus. (It is the “Corona” virus, not the “China” virus. If it were the China virus, they would have called it the “Chop Stick” virus.) This new plague is technical, not biological, in nature … Read more
Here is the latest update on the 1962 Pontiac restomod. When making a car that has never been made before by taking an old design and adding new components, there are a significant number of unique design and fabrication tasks that have to be accomplished. If these tasks are conducted with attention to detail and … Read more
It has been a busy month, so I thought I would give the gearheads among you a quick update on my progress with the restomod of the 1962 Pontiac Catalina. As a refresher, a “restomod” is where you take an old car and install new mechanicals. For my Pontiac, the donor was stripped totally bare … Read more
Those of you who keep your treasured printed copies of my past articles in your leather bound portfolio or in a special folder on your computer might want to revisit and review my modest proposals for handling some of society’s critical problems. I am not aware that any of these proposals, despite their soundness, have … Read more
Do you get as tired as I do listening to politicians and to public figures go on news broadcasts and use carefully chosen vague words to explain something rather than just using plain language to factually state the obvious? Those are what are known as “weasel words.” In a previous blog, I pointed out my … Read more
In most battles, there is collateral damage. I am collateral damage of the virus pandemic. I do not have the virus (well not yet). In following the social distancing guidelines, I stay at home unless I need a part for my car or milk for my cereal so my ancient bones and lungs try to … Read more