Beyondtheroundabout

2008-06-11T20:29:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, June 7th, before the sun has even thought about making an appearance, Chad and I set out on yet another adventure; stopping by the local Mickey D’s for a quick take-out breakfast consisting of a cranberry muffin and a Hashbrown, eating along the way, we were at US Customs on I-91 in Derby-Line, Vt. in no time.

Chad handed the officer in the booth our identification documents, and he asked where we were headed; when Chad answered ‘Rock Tavern, NY’ he asked his partner in the booth if he could go home and change his clothes and jump in the car with us. We’d not even said where we were headed, but he said ‘I know what’s in Rock Tavern’ and wanted to join us instead of working. But he decided he’d better stay and work, after the OK from the officer we headed down the open highway.

We were King of the Road, as early morning traffic is almost non-existant on Interstate 91 southbound, making a few pitstops along the way. In Connecticut we veered off I-91 onto I-84 towards NY State. About 100 miles later, we arrived in NY and had to watch for exit 6, then Rt. 17 to arrive at our Rock Tavern destination.

You see, we attended V-Force Customs open house. For those who are not Orange County Chopper (OCC) fans or bike enthusiasts, V-Force Customs is the brainchild of former OCC television show stars Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly. Vinnie left OCC back in August of last year, and Cody followed suit one month later.

Cody had begun working for OCC at the age of 14, and had been employed there for six years. He has the love of bikes in his blood, having been introduced to motorbikes at an early age. Connelly has said that he found it difficult leaving OCC as it was his first job, he enjoyed what he did, and working there for six years helped him improve his welding skills, as well as his metal working and fabrication skills.

As for Vinnie, he was a star on Discovery Channel’s OCC. Vinnie lives by two rules that his father told him about early on in his life:
Number 1…Never buy or pay for something you can do or fix yourself.
Number 2…The only way to get something done right is to do it yourself.

John, Vinnie’s father, owned a snowmobile/motorcycle shop in the 1070’s – at age 3, Vinnie was already riding smaller scaled snowmobiles (Artic Cat Kitty Cat) and Indian motorcycles.
The shop had experienced a fire, and John then undertook the duties of an automobile repair shop and gas station owner. Vinnie was then 9 years old. Being an observant student at the garage, he had gained enough experience to rebuild his dirt bike engine. From there, at 14, he worked at a small engine repair shop; and his father had adventured out and purchased a golf course. Vinnie worked at the golf course for 10 years, until realizing that he wanted to follow his dreams and his passion for motors and making bikes and automobiles run faster.

Vinnie had tried his hand at different jobs, such as auto mechanic, truck driver, and then a bike builder for a small shop. Then he went on to OCC and only after a month of being there, Discovery Channel hooked up with the guys at OCC and put them on television; and the rest of the story is history in the making – the former OCC boys are now following their dreams…

A short drive down the road is the new headquarters of Orange County Choppers, and of course, being so close we adventured out and discovered that television does not do justice to their bike building creations. Once you arrive at OCC headquarters, you are welcomed by the huge logo embedded into bricks in the front of the building and the huge OCC logo appears etched in glass at the top of the window. Up there, on display in that window is a masterpiece bike.

The entire gift shop doubles as a museum, band stand area, and bike shop where you can purchase either a souvenir or an OCC bike of you own. This is a great place and you can spend hours there just admiring all the custom bikes that have been produced by the OCC team. But once again, I must emphasize that television does not do these bikes justice. They are a real piece of art, and I got goosebumps just by looking some of these bikes over, thinking back to the time I saw the bikes being built on television. It’s just amazing and a must see if travelling in that part of NY State. You won’t be disappointed. They even have a glassed-in viewing area of the shop that is accessible to visitors, however when the cameras are rolling, it’s a bit more difficult to get a good look at the shop as the windows are darkened out.

Don’t miss the chance to check out Rock Tavern NY’s two bike shops, OCC and V-Force – I promise, you won’t be disappointed, even if you’re not a bike enthusiast, the art work and construction of these pieces of rolling art is breath taking and well worth a detour.

For more photos click here and find the OCC or V-Force galleries.

Karen Eryou
June 11, 2008

Hemmings Motor News

2008-05-23T05:18:00.004-04:00

Hemmings Motor News

– as a child growing up, the Hemmings magazine was like a bible, and was never to be thrown away. It’s as much a part of Americana as anything.
Founded by Ernest Hemmings in Illinois back in 1954, the very first issue was only four pages in size, and approximately 500 copies were sold at .50 cents per copy. Today is a different story, Hemmings has over 180,000 subscribers who dish out 31.95$ for an entire year’s subscription. Copies can even be picked up at certain newsstands and bookstores across the US.
Back in the ‘60s, then publisher Terry Ehrich and his partners purchased the business and moved it to his native Vermont. As the interest grew in vintage car collecting and restoration, so did the magazine.

In 1998, Hemmings Motor News launched their internet site which features over 30,000 searchable cars that are listed for sale; there are car club listings; and so much more.Hemmings also publishes specialty magazines throughout the year, aimed at all types of automobiles; muscle cars, exotic, sporty or vintage.
Publisher Ehrich passed away in 2002, and the Hemmings Motor News was then sold to American City Business Journals of Charlotte, NC.

Hemmings supports hobby car collectors, and attends more than 100 car shows and different events each year. If in the Bennington Vermont area this summer, keep in mind that every other Thursday evening you can attend the Hemmings Cruise-Ins, at their headquarters, where they award trophies and prizes amongst the competitors. Bennington, is located just 35 miles east of Albany, NY. The Cruise-Ins dates for this summer are: Thursday, June 12, Thursday, June 26
Thursday, July 10, Thursday, July 24, Thursday, August 7, and Thursday, August 21. The winners will be featured in Hemmings Motor News. The event takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. – with well over 200 cars expected.
Trophies are awarded to the following categories: Coolest Street Rod, Favorite Truck, Publisher's Choice, Favorite Mopar, Best Paint, Editor's Choice,
Favorite GM, Best Engine Bay, Favorite Muscle Car, Favorite Ford and the Driveable Dream.

Fore more information about the Cruise-Ins, you can contact the following: Dot Coolidge at 1-800-227-4373 or email Trisha Grande at tgrande@hemmings.com
Back at their website you can find everything from buying tips, classified advertising, a parts locator, restoration tips, and yes even a price guide.

This is a great website for any car enthusiasts. If you enjoy the printed version, check out their website at: http://www.hemmings.com - and I’m sure this site will find its way into your favourites.

And don’t forget to circle your calendar for the 27th edition of the Granby International slated from July 25th to the 27th. For more information on this event, call Claudette at 450-378-3730.

Understanding Car Categories

2008-03-17T19:27:00.004-04:00

What is the difference between a vintage and an antique automobile? I was curious and decided to take on my own question and seek answers to ease my mind and others who are as intrigued as I am.

My first Google search was for the words ‘vintage automobile’ – and my results took me to Wikipedia with the following explications: A vintage car is commonly defined as a Automobile built between the start of 1919 and the end of 1930

My second Google search was for the words ‘antique automobile’ – and again I was directed to Wikipedia with the following explications: An antique car is generally defined as an Automobile over 25 years of age.

With these explanations, it will be much easier to distinguish the difference between the two, and I hope that this fast and easy search with the above results will also help you, the reader in clarrifying the myths between the two.

I also found that the term ‘classic car’ is often used as a synomym for antique car, however, also according to a Wikipedia find, the formal use of the term classic car usually applies only to certain specific high-quality amount of vehicles from the pre World-War II era.

So much to learn, and fully understand when discussing older vehicles that marked history in some way. Now just when I thought I was beginning to understand, I found yet another term, ‘collector car.’ So back to the internet to find out what that means…

According to some, I found that a ‘collector car’ is the term that refers to any of the antique cars, vintage, classic, special interest, muscle or pony cars… ok, here I go again, more terms….

Some information that I found explains that the collector car market is always expanding, so the definition does as well. According to another web search, I found that cars from the 1970’s that would have been abandoned are now being rescued and restored – so if you have the budget you can become the owner of a collector car. Depends on your prerequisits of the fascinating world of the automobile, the nostalgia related to the car, and the amount of money you want to spend, and time you want to dedicate to the restoration project.

Now onto the ‘special interest’ category… these cars were designed anywhere from 1920 to 1970 which generally include all eras of collector cars. Um, confused again, lets continue to search for information. Special interest automobiles are identified as automobiles either for their engineering or style appeal. So factory show cars fall into this category, as do celebrity automobiles.

And now comes the muscle and pony class. This class generally directs it’s members to 1964 or later. According to one group, the car has a high performance listing such as the AMC AMX, Buick GS, Chevrolet Camaro SS and Z-28 models and the list goes on. These are apparently a hot commodity in the collector car marketplace.

Pony class – sounds like something I would hear being called out at the county fair, however, the pony class in the automobile industry simply means, automobiles produced later than 1964 as in the muscle category, but fall into the Ford Mustang class. Some quick examples would be the Mercury Cougar, the Firebird, the Javelin, the Challenger. Pony cars are basically muscle cars with a top of the line performance package.

Who knew that automobile collectors had so many different categories available to them, and that each category is also very defined either by era, performance packages, celibrity status, restoration and value.

So when looking at an older car, remember the year is an important starting place in order to understand what kind of automobile it really is, either classic, antique, vintage, special interest, muscle or pony division. But all in all, the car’s value is always in the eye of the beholder.

Karen Eryou

Employer found

2008-03-06T17:15:00.002-05:00

Good afternoon to all the blog readers, I wanted to update you with the flood of emails I sent out and the hits we had on our website by people interested in my credentials and our projects that I landed a job.

Yup, in just a short time; 2 weeks to the day to be exact, I find myself beginning a new career, once again in transport, but more behind the scenes instead of into the line of fire.

This is only a temporary position for now, as I will be replacing someone who is out on maternity leave. But one never knows, if she will return to work, or falls in love with the life of motherhood and want to become a stay at home mommy.

Which ever it turns out to be, I will either be staying on board this new venture, or I will once again be looking after my three months are up; but I will have yet again, added a new experience to my resume.

I would like to say thanks to each and every one of you, who took the time to read my resume, click on our website link to learn more, and follow up with an email back. I appreciate each one of you, and the time you spent here amongst the pages of our website.

Have a great day, and I will embark upon my new journey next Monday morning.

Karen Eryou

P.S. Happy birthday wishes to Cinnamoroll – HK fans will understand!!!

Barack Obama, presidential material

2008-03-03T20:03:00.005-05:00

With only a few hours left out on the Democratic campaign trail for the electoral states of Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island, I decided to speak my mind about Barack Obama.

I don’t claim to know a lot about him, however, I have done some research, and I must admit that from a Canadian point of view, if that matters at all, seeing the economy on both sides of the border, I strongly believe that Obama has a plan to make change happen. It won’t be instant, nothing is except dehydrated potato mix and other fast food, it will take time, and citizens will have to make a point of being patient with this man, in order to get America moving again.

He has a great track record for anyone his age; he chose to dedicate his life to public service, he served as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and he was the leader in the Illinois State Senate. He continues to fight for working families in Washington.

Senator Obama serves on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which oversees health care, employment, schools, as well as retirement programs. Hence, he is still working hard for the working class.

He is also a member of the Foreign Relations Committee which works closely with the Iraq policy, and he also serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, again, focussing on care and services these brave men and women deserve after fighting for, and serving their country.

He is a family man himself, married wife Michelle in 1992, and is the father of two young daughters. Obama is also a religious man, attending Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago’s South Side.

Barack was born on August 4th 1961 in Hawaii. He went on to graduate from Columbia University in 1983 and moved to Chicago in 1985 where he was employed for a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighbourhoods that were plagued with crime and unemployment. By 1991, he graduated Harvard Law School, where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review.

He has accomplished so much in so little time, and I strongly believe that he can accomplish more, changes that would be good for Canadians as well as Americans.

On June 14th 2006, Barack gave a speech in Washington addressing his beliefs, the ways the world has changed, and why he wants to make a difference; the name of this speech: “Take Back America.”

He spoke of his family, the history behind his name, his ancestors and their roots, he also spoke about why he decided to become a politician, and how he would travel to bake sales and barber shops to meet the people of America. In this speech he spoke of September 11, he spoke of the war and the flag-draped coffins that arrive at Dover Air Force base, he spoke of the present government and those who run it, he spoke of health care, and FEMA, he also addressed the issue of jobs being lost and the big corporations heading to Mexico or China for cheaper labor.

He’s aware of the situation we are in today, and he also knows that Americans are well aware of the current situations. He believes that as individuals we each have responsibility and as a group we have collective responsibilities to each other.

Obama believes in his political party – and suggests accessible health care for all Americans, not one that will force Americans to choose between a health care plan that will bankrupt the government and one that bankrupts families. The same idea with tax breaks for families who can’t afford insurance, he believes that a modernized health care system would give every family a chance to purchase insurance at a price they can afford.

He discusses his points of view on terrorism and fundamentalism – military diplomacy, and the strength of the US alliances.

Obama sees an open, honest government that doesn’t peddle the agenda of which lobbyist can write the largest cheque.

Together, with Obama, the Democratic Agenda would be the American Agenda. Because he wants citizens of the US to be proud Americans once again. Put an end to being divided, and running into ideological walls and roadblocks. Obama strongly believes that Americans everywhere are desperate for leadership, they are longing for direction, and they want to believe in government once again.

I’m as intrigued by the Obama craze as any, but I believe that if change is to come, he would be the best candidate for what he believes in. I believe that Americans are not only looking for change, but believe that change is needed in Washington. A new chapter needs to be written in the US history books, and Obama just may be the right person to bring on the changes that we, as Canadians and Americans, need.

Obama did not just surface from nowhere and decide to run for the Presidency of the United States, he’s worked hard, he’s dedicated, and he honestly believes in change.

If you believe in change, make a difference, be heard, and let your vote count.

Barak Obama might just be your next Superman.

Karen Eryou

Employer wanted

2008-03-01T07:23:00.004-05:00

It sure is nice to sit at home and look outside to an empty parking lot, only to realise you are the only one sitting at home, searching once again for a well-deserved job. It’s not so nice after all.

Being a dedicated worker and enjoying new challenges have always been my best descriptions; however, last week, February 19^th to be exact, I was confronted with a letter by the new accountant at a small privately owned transport company where I had been employed for over a year, and had accomplished many things that would have cost the owner much more money than my salary actually was to do these out of office.

Having been a member of the workforce for many years now, I always pride myself on my accomplishments and what I can offer the new employer.

I’ve had some rough times lately with employers as they have been in financial binds or decided to restructure in order to save a couple salaries along the way.

In my most recent stint in the transport business I worked on obtaining the ACE accreditation for crossing the border (electronic manifests); C-TPAT approval and its Canadian counterpart PIP. I also had the owner of the company contact a transportation lawyer (whom I knew from other transport jobs I had in the past), this in order to fight traffic fines and save our valuable transport points – this in maintaining a satisfactory listing from the Quebec government.

I also worked more than 40 hrs per week – eating lunch at my desk while answering the phones, all to make sure that the drivers were well attended to, and if a problem happened, I was there to handle it and find a quick solution - I also worked from home during snowstorms – and during holidays in order to make sure everything was running smoothly.

I also helped design and write the content of a website that this last employer did not have. In working with the website aspect, I would send out massive personalized emails to potential customers, and draw them to the website. If we only received one prospect from a massive email campaign, it was one potential customer that we did not have prior to my email, and this tactic generated traffic to the website for future potential customers. People got to know who we were and the services we offered. I would call our customers to let them know where their shipment was each day, and would also give them a call once we were delivered. I strongly believe that customer service needs to be this way. The customer is the one paying the bills.

Business development takes time – and it does not always see a quick turnaround, but one prospect’s interest is one more than what we had before the email campaign.

Job restructuring sucks – as it presently means that I must find a better job, or one that will see my talents and offer me a decent wage for services rendered, and in today’s market with a strong Canadian dollar, trade with the US is happening at a much slower pace.

Some job restructurings are acceptable in the eyes of an employee – but for one to ask that a talented employee, who takes their job at heart, is asked to take a considerable pay cut for at least a year, and continue to work as hard as before, it hurts… it almost seems as the employer was not appreciative of everything that I obtained for him; nor was he fully understanding of the impact that he was asking me to take.

My rent does not go down in price, and the cost of living does not go down either, I still have a car payment, and I still have food to purchase and put on the table each day. So how can one accept such an undertaking? I’m asking myself that each and every day. Did I make a wrong move, should I have stayed and got behind on my bills for this employer? Then I always come back to the same answer in my mind, I don’t think so, I truly believe that things happen for a reason, and something better will come along. I will be faced with a new bunch of challenges, and maybe be respected for my knowledge and my work ethics.

The internet job searches have not produced anything concrete yet, a few leads, but no firm job offers. I’m still sending out my resume on a daily basis, even to companies in my area that are not posting job openings; and even to companies who do have job openings, that I’m not totally qualified for, all this in hopes that maybe someone out there will be interested in the person that I am, and the talent and knowledge that I have to offer, and give me a chance.

I enjoy scrapbooking and greeting card design in my spare time, cooking, writing, business development, etc… and would love a good paying opportunity; even a legitimate work from home offer would be great right now. Anything would be great – the bills are not taking a detour from my mailbox just because I’m not presently employed. They don’t know that – but I sure do, and the stress level of not knowing when the bills will be paid is high.

Here’s to a better day, a better economy, a better job market, and a potential employer with a heart who’s not shy about paying a decent salary for work rendered.

Karen Eryou

Chad's Artistic Valentine's

2008-02-29T04:56:00.005-05:00

Cupid, the child-like winged deity often associated with our modern Valentine's Day, is according to some, the son of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. According to Greek mythology, Cupid is known as Aphrodite's son, Eros.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion Valentine cards are sent each year, making February 14^th the second largest card-sending holiday of the year only to Christmas where 2.6 billion cards are sent.

Historic facts remind us that written Valentine's began to appear after 1400, and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum; however the first commercial Valentine card produced in the US was created by Esther A. Howland in 1840. Her creation back then resembles today's scrapbooking art flare as she produced her card with lace, ribbons and colourful pictures known back then as scrap. (This is what I created for Chad this year)

Today, traditions change, and many like to make this special day between their loved ones very special and a day to remember for a very long time. As was Valentine's Day in our house.

Chad leaves the house very early in the morning as he has a long day of meeting and greeting customers, and picking up packages, clearing customs, unloading his cube truck, and picking up his northbounds, to finally head back home as the sun slowly sets. On this day, Chad awoke very very early, and began planning a scavenger hunt around the house for me when I was to finally wake up.

When I did awake, Chad was sitting in front of the computer working on a transportation website that he created and maintains. As I stumbled into the bathroom, I did not turn the ceiling light on, and guided myself with just the 'Greenlite' nightlight. Then something extremely pink caught my eye, and I turned around and snapped on the light. The three-door mirror over the sink was filled with heart-shaped post-it notes, and one huge heart was created with all the small sticky notes in the center of the middle door. Along the bottom, were three other sticky note hearts of a different color – filled with sweet words and messages, along with clues to a scavenger hunt in our house that took place at 3 a.m.

I followed the clues, and at each location was yet another heart-shaped sticky note with a heart-shaped chocolate and more clues to move onto another room of the house… our cat Pacha, was wondering what was happening at such an early time of day. As the clues came to an end, I found the gift that was hidden and awaiting for me… an Avril Lavigne CD. Chad knows just how much I enjoy her rocker sounds and purchased the CD for me as my Valentine's Day surprise.

The mirror decorations itself were great – and I did not take them down until just this week – however I've saved the pink hearts. Call it imagination, call it cute, call it what you want, I call it love.

Check out Chad's work of art!!!

Thanks Chad for the lovely day, I will never forget!!!

Vega, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year…

2008-01-20T10:50:00.000-05:00

A few weekends ago, I found myself watching a Let’s Make a Deal marathon on GSN a cable television channel – and I was amazed that I actually remembered some ofthe hilarious deals that contestants made by trading for what was behind a curtain or in a box.

Canadian Monty Hall would offer California contestants dressed in funny attire strange gifts, sometimes valuable, sometimes not, but the funniest of the prizes to see today are the cars of yesteryear. These television programs are not all that old, and yet the cars look so odd and outdated compared to today’s elegant, sleek, and expensive versions. These television awarded gifts were pricey back then… Wow, I wish we could purchase a new car today for a mere 3000$.

The television show aired in the 60’s and 70’s, and people really did dress in strange getups, and hoped to be chosen to trade in a postage stamp for a car or a chance at what was hiding behind the curtain…. maybe a cool prize, or maybe a worthless one, such as a farm animal or popcorn.

Those days are long gone – but some of those automobiles are still around. The television marathon jogged my brain and the car that was a usual giveaway was a Vega or an Astre – those were the days.

Today, we don’t see very many of these automobiles around the countryside – but it sure is fun to sit back and watch television and remember all the cars from the past.

The Vega was a subcompact car, available from 1971 to 1977 – the Vega was available in a variety of versions, notchback, hatchback, kammback and panel express. From 75’ to 80’ the Monza coupe was based on the Vega, as was the Monza wagon. The Pontiac Astre was a Canadian version, available from 73’ to 77’. Hard to believe, but Motor Trend actually chose the Vega as the car of the year in 1971.

I believe that there were a total of 2,154,434 Vegas and Astres built in those years – and despite their problems, they were a huge hit. A few of these beauties were built right here in Ste Therese, Quebec.

These cars were also prizes on many other US game shows such as Hollywood Squares, Wheel of Fortune, The Joker’s Wild, Gambit, Truth or Consequences, and the debut broadcast of the Price is Right hosted by Bob Barker gave away a blue 1972 Vega Kammback wagon. The price of the prize was 2,746$. That seems like such a small price to pay for a new automobile today. In today’s marketplace, I’ve seen them on the internet selling for around 7000$ US – but the decked out versions, that have been used for drag racing are selling for about 13,000$.

Doctor’s appointment update…

2007-12-27T17:31:00.000-05:00

As promised, an update would be posted once I returned from my doctor’s appointment – and here I am sitting in front of the PC writing to all of you with the news I was given today.

After my rant with the Quebec Government about health care and lack of physicians, I was asked to call a pager number last week; which I did, and this morning I went to a Sherbrooke clinic for my prescription renewals. After meeting briefly with the doctor, and hearing my story she decided to take me on as a regular patient.

She renewed all of my prescriptions, and gave me a new prescription for another asthma inhaler that she felt I should be taking along with my Flovent.

She asked that I open a dossier with the receptionist on my way out, and gave me an appointment for a full evaluation in January – and she asked that I go to another clinic and carry out other tests as well. She wants to get all the information required in order to fully understand and teat my medical needs. So in the next few months, I’ll be busy with doctors, nurses, and a series of tests.

This is not the way I wanted to get medical attention – however if it took several phone calls, and letters, then so be it. That’s the way I got into the Quebec medical system, and let this be an example for others who are out there with no answers – write letters and make phone calls, and most importantly of all; don’t give up!

Karen Eryou
December 27, 2007

Healthcare update – ask and you shall receive

2007-12-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

SHERBROOKE - Back in November of this year, I wrote letters to the Quebec Government, in regards to lack of doctors and prescriptions that needed renewing before the end of the year.

After having been refused to be seen by a doctor at the local CLSC’s, I decided to take matters into my own hands and went on a letter-writing campaign.

On November 15th, I wrote a letter to Mr. Jean Charest, our elected Minister and Sherbrooke Deputy, I received acknowledgement of my letter, and was asked to call the CLSC – however, I had already taken that route and was declined attendance at that location. The other suggestion was to present myself to an emergency service at the CHUS or Hotel Dieu (the solution that I did not want to take) – I’m not an emergency patient; all I need is to see a doctor to renew my prescriptions. I don’t want to sit for hours, and take the place of someone who really needs to be in the emergency room.

Also on that same day, I wrote to Mr. Philippe Couillard’s offices – I received a letter dated December 5th also acknowledging reception of my letter and stating someone would get back to me. On December 17th, another letter was sent to me by an administrative agent for the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Estrie – a short one paragraph letter, but to the point and one that has brought a solution to my problem.

I was instructed to call a certain pager number and leave my phone number, and a doctor would call me back. I did this the day after receiving the letter, and the doctor called me back – renewed one of my prescriptions by phone at the drugstore for me for the next four months, and I have an appointment with this doctor as of December 27. It’s an open appointment – which means I will have to sit and wait my turn at a clinic; however, this is all a step in the right direction – I’ll fill you in how it goes upon my return.

Yes, there are problems with our health system – but I guess the old saying stands true, if you don’t ask you don’t get.

Karen Eryou

December 26, 2007

Hello Kitty Armoured Personnel Carrier

2007-11-28T05:02:00.001-05:00

Hello Kitty Armoured Personnel Carrier, originally uploaded by Dud21e@.

Used with Written Permission. Thanks Dud21e@. HK Armoured Personnel Carrier

How safe is Fido’s rubber ball?

2007-11-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

As the Christmas season soon approaches we are still reminded almost each week about product recalls. This year has been marked with many recalls – mostly by products originating from foreign lands. These products are much cheaper to mass produce in another country other than North America; salaries are the biggest complaint from manufacturers today.

The pet food recall was a huge deal this year – tainted food being produced for our cherished four-legged companions. Being a pet owner myself, I would not have wanted any of these foods being presented to our Persian cat, Pacha, who is as much a part of the family as another human would be. He greets us at the door when we arrive from our long day at work – he wakes us in the morning, and amuses us all evening long, just by being cute and doing cutesy things that would probably annoy the heck out of a non-pet owner.

Our Pacha, king of his castle, was introduced to IAMS as a kitten and then was switched over to Persian 30, a product manufactured by Royal Canin. Pricey, yes, but he is worth every dollar spent on his food. He’s healthy, has a shinny coat, and the shape of the nugget is made especially for his odd-shaped face; a specialty food, for a special cat.

Now with all this fuss about lead-based paint on children’s toys is beginning to annoy me – how much paint would a child have to suck back or how many paint chips would they have to ingest before becoming an alarming level for health reasons?

With this said, why is nobody not checking the lead-based paint levels in pet toys? These precious creatures are as much a family figure as a child to many. If it’s that dangerous for children – it must have the same effect on pets. A pet is more apt to lie on the floor and nibble at a toy than a child is going to suck on Barbie’s hand all day long.

Come on people, let’s start investigating the toys that our pets are loyal to – they must be made with the same lead-based paints – after all, how many pet toys are not massed produced in a foreign country these days?

It’s time to take back these manufacturing jobs – and get North America back working again. If I’m willing to pay more for a brand-name food product for my pampered feline – maybe it’s time that today’s parent pay more for a brand-name toy that would be manufactured by their friends, neighbours, or even relatives right here in North America, and be safer for their child at the same time.

Let’s take back jobs, and be more safety-conscious about it as well.

A little help from Santa's elves...

2007-11-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

While the trees have all shed their leaves, the cool crisp nights, and the snowflakes in the air, the winter season is now upon us. Santa has arrived at several shopping malls, and has also made his grand arrival at the traditional Montreal Santa Parade – this could only mean one thing – Christmas shopping is once again upon us. What to purchase for the car collector? There is always the lame department store T-Shirts, and boxers. However this year, make his or her gift a bit more enjoyable with a unique gift that is not available at the local mall or department store. Make it something original, or something that they do not already have and will only further their personal collection, knowledge, or passion of the antique car for season’s to come.

Here are a few items that I’ve located online that may interest your loved-one this holiday season:

One could offer a coveted real 1949 Woody wagon in pristine condition that could cost close to $50,000. However, T. Shipley offers a die-cast metal model that costs a bit less, hauls a long-board for surfing, and comes with a matching ballpoint pen that can replace the surfboard on top. The pen is handcrafted with a maple and rosewood inlaid barrel that mirrors the wood paneling on the classic car. Other pen features include a rich black lacquer cap, chrome trim, and distinctive surfboard clip. This is a unique gift for any car collector.

Car Collector magazine is a great gift – and one that will continue to give all year long. Inside every issue, there are collector profiles, restoration tips, auction updates, new product information, and more. I’m sure that this will be a magazine that will find it’s place in the heart of many automobile enthusiasts and will be used as a referral book in the future for restoration projects. You can subscribe by calling 800-490-5680 (if the 800 number is out of your calling area, you can reach them at 321-267-8011) – the rate for a Canadian subscription is 39.95$

At One Share you can purchase a single stock in Ford. The certificate features an ornate steel etching of Henry Ford, and his famous black car. It is perfect for any Ford collector. This gift will run you about 100$ but it’s a great item to proudly display. They have many other stocks available, such as Harley Davidson, GM, Chrysler, and many more. This is a real stock ownership opportunity. To date, OneShare has served more than 360,000 customers. For more information about this unique gift item call 888-777-6919.

And if you are looking for that hard-to-come-by vase for your vintage automobile – then look no further, Classic Dreamcars in Mount Dora, Florida offer authentic original vases pulled from a museum collection and are available while supplies last. These are made from etched glass, cut crystal, cobalt Vaseline glass, and others. The reason these vases were installed into the automobile way back then, was to mask the smell of fuel, leather and the hot mohair fabric. For availability information and pricing call 352-385-1945.

If nothing here seems to appeal to your loved one – maybe a few days in sunny Florida is what would be most appreciated, along with a trip to the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum, located at 1527 Packard Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

Karen Eryou - Le Tacot 2007

Our Quebec health system is like a roundabout – with never a clear exit in sight.

2007-11-15T18:59:00.000-05:00

Last year I found myself at the emergency room at the Magog hospital at least 10 times before a duty doctor decided to give me an asthma test – and decided that the persistent colds, coughs and sinus infections would be cleared up with an asthma inhaler – Flovent.

The kind doctor prescribed me this medication for a year – and the year is coming to an end very soon – and the warning in the product guide enclosed in each box clearly states: Do Not Stop Taking Flovent HFA Suddenly.

Today, I called the local CLSC for an appointment or information on the hours of a walk-in-clinic so I could have this and another prescription I have for migraines renewed, and was told that they no longer take new patients, and I must present myself to the Emergency room at the hospital for this, if I have no family doctor.

The hospitals all say to consult the CLSC unless of a real emergency – where does one turn to? This is when you miss Dr. Gilles Bouchard and Dr. Bonin of Stanstead.

This evening, I’ve written our own Jean Charest, as well as the minister of health Philippe Couillard – we will see if I even get an answer from either of them in a timely delay with a reasonable solution.

I then placed a call to Magog’s La Providence Hospital and asked what their solution was… the kind male receptionist said: ‘Come to the emergency waiting room and wait to see a doctor.’ Unbelievable I thought, one day they say do not to go to the hospital unless it’s a true emergency, and then I’m told to present myself at the emergency room…

What has happened to our health care system – does anyone care anymore – all we hear about are the C-Difficile cases and how our hospitals are unclean. Marketplace had an entire show dedicated to the dirtiness of our health care institutions. Maybe it’s time Couillard and Charest take a good hard look at the system and instead of spending millions on studies – they should inject some cash in the system and bring back the Dr. Bouchard’s and Bonin’s of Stanstead and provide health care to each and every one of us instead of treating us like numbers.

I was told seven years ago that my name was added to a waiting list here in Sherbrooke for a family doctor, guess what…. I’m still waiting.

Karen Eryou – November 15, 2007

NHIS going once, going twice, SOLD

2007-11-06T22:08:00.001-05:00

Loudon, NH - Bruton Smith has done it again. He's purchased yet another NASCAR sanctioned track. The North Carolina billionaire announced last week, that he had indeed purchased NHIS for a whopping $340 million from Bob Bahre, 80, who built and operated NHIS for over 20 years.
NHIS presently has two Cup races each season, and this newly acquired piece of property by Smith could change this in the near future; as Smith had purchased North Wilkesboro Speedway, NC closed it down just to get another date at one of his other tracks. However, he did state that nothing would be changed to the 2008 schedule. But do recall, Smith has mentioned in the past, that he would like to have a second race date at his Las Vegas track.
Also, Smith recently spoke about building a new track near Charlotte NC and walk away from the present Lowe's Motor Speedway he owns because the city of Concord, NC will not let him build a dragstip at Lowe's. Face it, Smith is a businessman, and has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I believe that Smith, will do what is best for him and if moving a date in the future is best for him, and NASCAR approves, it will be done.
According to reports, NASCAR did tell Smith, that he could move a race from one of his tracks, and purchasing NHIS would give him that option - but any race he does decide to move, NASCAR would still have the final say or nay.
Along with the ownership change, the name will also change and no longer be called New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) but instead will be renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Smith now owns seven racing facilities with the acquisition of NHIS; others are Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Las Vegas.
Only two hours after the news was made public, New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch issued his own statement on the subject, stating that he intended to reach out to the new owner of NHIS, welcome him to the state and encourage him to maintain both races at Loudon.

Karen Eryou

Road rage gone wrong

2007-11-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

ST-JOHNSBURY, VT – I can’t believe it, there are conflicting reports on this one, but this is surely an accident.

Working in the transport industry, I try to keep up with industry news and pass this onto my drivers and the owner of the company I work for; new rules, what the DOT is presently looking out for, etc… however this one is something I hope my company, my drivers or myself will never be faced with – road rage.

According to media reports, last Wednesday, October 31, the driver of a tractor trailer unit ran over and fatally injured a woman who was trying to stop him from leaving a parking lot in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Vermont State Police reports say that Laurie Bragdon, 45, died at hospital after she was allegedly run over by a truck driven by Delbert Degree, 41. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Sarah Bragdon, 22, of Guildhall, Vt., who is reported to be the victim’s daughter, said that her mother confronted Degree in St. Johnsbury; after he almost sideswiped their car about 20 miles back up the road. Sarah was at the wheel of the car at the time. She said that Degree used profanity with her mother, and that while she went to get help from a police officer her mother stood in the parking lot, in front of Degree’s truck, in order to hold him there until police arrived on the scene. An apparent witness to this horrible event told police that Degree ran over Bragdon, dragging her under the truck and crushing her.

According to Karl R. Johnson of Karl R. Johnson Trucking of Lyndonville, VT., Degree joined the company in February of 2004 and has over 10 years experience operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Strange how Karl R. Johnson Trucking’s philosophy is: "Treat others as you would want to be treated".

What is clear is that the two had exchanged words in the parking lot, according to the daughter; so obviously, the mother did not run out in front of a moving truck, she was trying to hold him there until police arrived. And playing devil’s advocate on this one, being in the industry, investigators will have to measure height of the engine compartment on the truck and see if in any way there was a blind spot, and that the driver’s vision was obstructed. It is quite possible that Degree never saw her in front of the truck – that’s why school busses are now equipped with the arm to keep them away from the front of the bus and in the driver’s line of vision.

Also, why did she not just call the company Degree drives for, and file a complaint like most motorist do instead of chasing the guy down the road for 20 miles.

This terrible incident took place in the parking lot of Fairbanks Scales.

Karen Eryou

Discovering the magic of Halloween in Salem, Mass.

2007-11-04T15:57:00.001-05:00

SHERBROOKE, QC ‑ Last year we took a weekend road trip to Cape Ann, and went on an outstanding whale watching tour thereafter, we headed up one road and down another and ended up unknowingly in the bewitching seaport of Salem. After touring the town and visiting the witch museum we agreed that the following Halloween would be spent in the town of the famous witch trials of 1692.

Early on Halloween morning we packed up the car and headed down to Vermont and made our way towards Massachusetts to take part in the haunted happenings that Salem had to offer us.

We found a parking garage operated by the city of Salem located just across from the visitor's center which made it quite easy to walk around the town and participate in the many ghoulish activities.

Activities vary from walking tours, museums, cemeteries, trolley tours, family activities, adult activities, street merchants, face painting, psychic fairs and mystical events, and even a which trial trail; there is even a store operated by the worlds most famous witch, Laurie Cabot.

Every quaint boutique seems to offer their own spell bottles, spell kits, herbs, candles, potions, and voodoo dolls, just to mention a few items.

After spending the entire day (and night) out and about amongst the 100,000 plus crowd our feet decided it was time to take a break and sit down and enjoy the evening's fireworks. Soon after it was time to call it a day.

Upon our awakening to a very cold and crisp morning, we made our way to a local gas station and fuelled up the car and decided to spend the day in the Boston area since we were so close by. Let me just say that Boston drivers are not forgiving, the instant the traffic light has changed to green you better be on the gas, if not be prepared to hear horns aplenty.

Not having any set plan of our day we took a sight seeing tour of our own up and down the streets of Boston, and finally found the New England Aquarium. After checking the admission fees and the parking rates, we decided to pass up the aquarium and moved along our unknown journey in Beantown.

I definitely wanted to see Fenway Park, being a sports enthusiast there is nothing better than being handed the opportunity to visit baseballs oldest field. Up and down the streets, being able to see the famous Citgo sign yet not being able to crisscross detours and road construction to get to the park. Frustration set in, and then a roadblock because a truck was trying to back into a construction site; however there was a police officer directing traffic. Bingo, this was a lucky break, well so it seemed. The officer gave us directions, which took us up and down the same streets we were just on but, wait, we were lucky again, another police officer, one of Boston's finest, and all we had to say was Fenway, and he said, "Why do you want to go there, what's there," with a smirk on his face. He then gave us better directions, and then alas, Yawkee Way. We had made it, and guess what, there was an open parking space on Brookline Avenue, and it was free for 2 hours, what a deal! We purchased tickets for the tour and headed back to the famous Red Sox team store and waited for our knowledgeable tour guide. The tour was awesome, and cold chills came across me once we were inside the ballpark we were on home turf of the 2007 World Series Champs, what a feeling to be in that ballpark and to sit in the Green Monster and also in the original seats of Fenway. Souvenirs were a bit costly, so pictures and memories it was.

From there we went on a slight tour of the other part of the city of Boston, and stopped by a park that was once a battle ground and the cannons are still visible atop the fort. Looking across the bay, there is Logan International Airport. We took some pictures of some of the airplanes taking off, and since the wind was a bit cool, we headed back to the warmth of the car. The city was now awakening, and so was traffic it was time to head out of the city and back up toward the coast.

For some unknown reason, and unplanned itinerary for the return trip, we took an exit that leads us to Portsmouth, NH. From there we followed the roadway signs to Maine and up the coast. Old Orchard is a great place to visit during the off-season, no crowds and no mosquitoes, but the good ole seagulls are still around and in force. Having found sand dollars on the shoreline it was time to walk back to the car and head up the coast a bit more and stop by the famous LL Bean stores in Freeport.

We also made a quick stop at DeLorme, the map people, in Yarmouth, and the home of Eartha. For those who have never heard of Eartha, DeLorme has fabricated the world's largest rotating and revolving globe. Completed in 1998 by the DeLorme staff, Eartha is the largest printed image of the earth ever created. Eartha weights approximately 5600 lbs, and has a surface area of 5300 square feet.

A few minutes up the road, we made it to Freeport and LL Bean. Walking up and down the main street, visiting the outlets and boutiques, Starbucks was calling out to us. Snacks and drinks in hand, we hit the road again, with stops in Brunswick, to watch the US Navy turbo props practice their touch and go's, then up the coast a bit more to Bailey's Island, an old family stomping ground with my parents and our camping friends from Derby Line, VT.

After some fabulous photographic opportunities we were back on the road and headed to Bath and the Iron Works yard where there was many a large ship being attended to. In Bath, we also spotted the funniest Chinese restaurant sign and had to snap a shot, then came Augusta and the long ride back home to unpack, upload, and rest for what the week ahead will bring us. We are already planning next year's magical bewitching event in America's premiere Halloween Festival in wonderful seaport Salem, Massachusetts.

Photos of this journey and others are available on the site under Chad's albums.

Granby-based automobile

2007-11-04T08:10:00.001-05:00

Granby-based automobile

Who would have known that Granby was the second home of the Manic GT?
This vehicle was a two-seater sports car built in Quebec from 1969 to 1971, first in Terrebonne, and then later in Granby. However the car was not the success the designer had dreamt it would be and eventually, after a very short-lived success, the plant closed it’s doors in Granby in May 1971.
The Manic had a rear engine and was built largely using components from the Renault line; it’s body was molded from fiberglass.
The Manic GT was to be sold and serviced by Renault dealers across Canada. Named the Manic GT after Quebec's Manicuagan River, it was built in Granby, in 1970 and 1971. It was the brainchild of Montrealer Jacques About.

About was an employee of Renault Canada's public relations department in the late 1960’s, and was asked to study the feasibility of importing the sporty Renault Alpine into Canada. The Alpine was a specialized sports/competition car made by an independent company using Renault components. Alpines were sold through Renault dealers in Europe. Although About's survey results were positive, Renault chose not to import the Alpine.
About was not only encouraged by the results of the survey he made a decision to leave his position with Renault and produce his own sports car.
Jacques About proved his ability at fund-raising, and with the backing of Bombardier (snowmobiles), Steinberg (groceries), and the Governments of Canada and Quebec, he soon had capitalization of $1.5 million.
A plant was acquired in Granby, and design and production planning for the new car began. The Manic GT was to be a small, stylish and affordable two passenger touring car offering good performance and low fuel consumption.

Jacques About was very familiar with the Renault components and the company in general, and made a deal to use the platform and running gear of the rear-engined Renault 10 sedan as the skeleton for the Manic.
The suspension was independent all around via coil springs, the steering was rack-and-pinion, and it was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. The Renault engine consisted of 1,289-cc, overhead valve four-cylinder with five main bearings. It was available in three stages of tune: 65, 80 and 105 horsepower. The Manic GT was equipped with standard four-speed, or optional five-speed manual transmission.
According to reports the Manic GT was fuel-friendly as well, getting approximately 40 mpg. The car, however was listed as pricy for that era – $3400 and more depending of the chosen options. A company brochure claim was the the top speeds obtained by the Manic GT of 105, 120 and 135 mph.
Some reports claim that the total production had been sluggish, with only 160 produced – far below the 1300 planned for the first year. Unfortunately, the Manic’s time had come to an end.
Some of the Manic GT’s have been preserved in time – and one of them can be seen at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa.

Karen Eryou

Three cheers for the volunteers!

2007-11-04T08:06:00.001-05:00

Hip hip hip hooray!

Before I begin with my regular article I would like to mention that it takes quite a group of dedicated people to organize The Granby International – and year after year we see familiar faces as well as new blood involved in the year-long planning of the three-day event.

Hats off to each and everyone one of you; and hope Mother Nature cooperates as well – as I’m writing this article, the weatherman is calling for rain all weekend long… Let’s hope ‘she’ can prove the meteorologist wrong and bring some sunshine through the clouds.

A little stroll down memory lane…

I’m not old enough to recall any of these events; honestly; however historians with automobile interest are quick to mention that in the early days of the development of the automobile, there were three sources of automobile power – steam engines, electric motors, and gasoline engines.

The first self-propelled vehicles were made during the late 1700’s in Europe using steam-powered engines.

Then in 1891, Mr. William Morrison built the first successful electric-powered automobile in the USA. Electric-powered automobiles were said to be an improvement over steam-powered automobiles because they were quieter, the costs were less, and they did not produce any fumes.

In 1860, it is reported that Mr. Jean Lenoir of France patented an internal-combustion engine that is similar to the type of engines used in today’s automobiles. Shortly after, more modern automobiles were produced in both Germany and France in the 1890’s.

By 1901, gasoline was not expensive in the USA; Texans had struck oil and the Model T sold for $825; over 17,000 were sold in the first year. In 1913, Ford introduced the moving assembly line, which allowed his company to build automobiles faster and at a lower cost.

The first known automobiles built for sale to the public in the United States were the works of art of Charles and J. Frank Duryea in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1893. Then in 1895, the brothers formed Duryea Motor Wagon Company, and it was the first company in the United States to produce gasoline-powered automobiles.

Today, we take the automobile for granted, without really thinking of the history behind it – it’s great to be able to walk thru the pages of history in a day at the Granby International and challenge the one beside you as to the make, year and originality of the car. This weekend brings back memories; we spy out cars our parents and grandparents once owned and wonder why did they get rid of such a piece of history…

And in wrapping up the flea market is a great place to run into someone and strike up a conversation, and ask if he or she has seen a certain part that they are looking for. It’s more than a great weekend of activities it’s 26 years of history in the making – and some day, someone else will be taking over the reigns and they will look back at everything this great organization has accomplished in gathering such a great group of proud automobile owners and vendors who cater to the hobbyist working on his project in order to display it the following year - all of this takes place in one location – The Granby International.

Karen Eryou

Published 2007 - LeTacot

A Great Find Along The Way...

2007-11-04T08:04:00.001-05:00

Errol, NH - As a young girl growing up in a border town - my parents would often take a Sunday road trip; most often these mystery rides would find us in the USA. As an adult my passion for road trips has not changed, recently I recalled a yearly road trip my parents would take me on; and relived the experience all over again.

Chad and I decided to leave Sherbrooke, QC at around 10 am on Labor Day Monday, and headed out towards Cookshire and then took the long straight numbered two-lane road to towards the Maine border.

After clearing customs, (which, by the way, the officer's booth is on the passenger's side) we were back on our mystery ride headed towards the Rangeley Lakes region in Maine. We took a couple of picture-taking stops along the way; and saw a small spiked-horn deer on the side of a logging road. As we turned around to snap a shot, he was long gone. I was in high hopes of seeing a moose or two, as when I made this trip as a young child. However we were left mooseless. but we did discover something that I would like to share with you; The Errol 'Cream Barrel & Chuck Wagon.

After spending a few hours walking up one side of the main street in Rangeley Maine, and then down the other, and again snapping off a few pictures we were off to find Route 16 back towards New Hampshire, then Vermont, and then back home. Not having packed a lunch; we wanted to find a nice place to eat. It was around 4 pm and we were getting a bit hungry; when entering Errol, New Hampshire we saw a general store with a deli on the left. This was tempting, but decided to drive a few more yards; we came across a Subway on the right, this was housed in a sporting goods store; but that's not what we were really looking for. across the street diagonally we found this fantastic rustic restaurant and ice cream bar called 'The Errol 'Cream Barrel & Chuck Wagon'.

What a find! On Route 26 just west of Route 16 - a great little family restaurant with down home hospitality and we later found out that it's a Yankee Magazine Travel Guide Editors Pick. The homemade food is served in a very unique casual rustic dining room. And they are very proud to promote the fact that all their items are homemade right down to the pizza sauce, fresh cut fries, hand cut onion rings, fresh-made burgers, soups, chowders & more! They even make their own rich tasting ice cream in a variety of flavors.

I asked the hosts, Joe and Bonnie if they were open year round and Joe acknowledged from under his cowboy hat 'Yup, we are on a major snowmobile trail.'

If you can not find something on this menu - then you have a problem; as they serve everything from BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches, a famous BBQ chicken dinner, burgers, dogs, fries, pasta, seafood, pizza, onion rings, brownie sundaes, and their own Barrel Beverages, unique flavours brewed and bottled just for them including: Old Fashioned Root Beer; Ginger Beer; Birch Beer; Sarsaparilla; Vanilla Cream Soda; Raspberry Lime Rickey; Orange Soda and Wild Black Cherry.

One visit will have you convinced that if you are travelling along this route, you must stop in and check this place out - the food is fantastic; the hospitality is warm and friendly; and the rustic décor is unique, warm and inviting. The check is even delivered to your table in a metal pie-type pan with a gold-painted stone-like nugget placed upon your bill - as if you were in a western town and had been panning for gold; however, don't forget to bring cash, as their saying goes 'We're so real we don't even accept plastic.'

This was a great find - and I wanted to share our Labor Day road trip and findings with all your readers. Have a safe road trip and do enjoy The Errol 'Cream Barrel & Chuck Wagon once you get there!

Published 2007 - Log Cabin Chronicles

Hello Kitty Car Things

2007-11-04T07:55:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you are going to ask what does this little drawing of a cat
have to do with an automobile – well, lots… as a collector of Hello
Kitty merchandise, I've found many items to decorate my house, office,
and yes, even my car. But if that's not enough, there is even a Hello
Kitty automobile as well as a scooter; and some fans have even gone
as far a pimpin' out their own automobiles to the likeness of Hello Kitty.

As a collector, I can say it's easy to become real addictive – there are
so many items available – in my car alone I have the steering wheel
cover – the air freshener – I have had made two vinyl window decals to
put on my rear side windows – as a gift I received an airbrushed Hello
Kitty license plate to be installed on my car; and I've also purchased
the Mugan Hello Kitty ornament for the rear deck lid of my 1995 Acura
Integra.

Here are just a few photos of what some collectors are doing around
the world – and yes, Hello Kitty is not only for children – on the
contrary, Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani and Brittany Murphy are
just a few famous people who also collect Hello Kitty items.

Personalising what is dear to you is something that people in Japan
enjoy doing. One of the most famous characters is "Hello Kitty", a
small, pink and very cute cat, both liked by kids and adults. Japan is
unlike any other country, and whilst out-growing their youth, the
Japanese do not leave behind their joys and childhood passions.

In Japan, the car company Mira also built a Hello Kitty car.
Manufactured by Daihatsu Motors Japan, the Mira Hello Kitty car
comes in both 2WD and 4WD models in pink and white colors with
Hello Kitty logo on the hubcaps and body. The interior is also Hello
Kitty themed - from the fabrics to meter panel. The Daihatsu logo
on the grille is replaced by the Hello Kitty logo and even the car key
is shaped like Hello Kitty head!

And then, there's even a gentlemen who loved his wife so much, that
he painted his Ferarri Hello Kitty pink.

And then the airlines decided to get into the action with their version
of the Hello Kitty jet. Taiwan airline Eva Air teamed up with Sanrio to
bring this Hello Kitty Jet Plane. The Airbus 330-200 is painted
nose-to-tail with super-sized characters from the charming world of
Hello Kitty.

Hello Kitty has been on the scene since November 1st, 1974 –
and Sanrio took the job of main distributor and owner back in 1976.
Sanrio made a few minor adjustments to Hello Kitty over the years
and in 1982 her outline disappeared and her eyes were re-aligned.
In 1983 Hello Kitty was named the child ambassador of UNICEF. In
1987 a black and white version was released by Sanrio, in order to
mainstream Hello Kitty to a more adult audience. Over the years, she
has made many people smile, and when asked why – there is no real
answer, Hello Kitty is an icon, cute and makes me smile.

The merchandise is varied and is available all over the world – and for
the automobile, the products range from seat covers to air fresheners,
seat belt shoulder pads and handbrake covers… the list goes
on forever…

Karen Eryou - LeTacot - 2007