tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144928212024-03-06T23:29:56.431-05:00DMC & MEOriginally intended to document my experience of DeLorean ownership, focus is often radical and strange, boring and obtuse.Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.comBlogger575125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-4833613118210459022014-07-31T21:23:00.000-04:002014-08-01T17:27:58.103-04:00DCS 2014 - Dayton Ohio<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC05103ablog_zpse0360138.jpg" border="0" alt=" Doc Brown, Jennifer Parker, Mayor Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry awaiting our special presentation BTTF musical."/><br><br>
So DeLorean Car Show 2014 happened, and I've been too much of a giant slacking ziphead to post about it. And now there's no point because my buddy Manson has already done a super bang-up job of that <a href="http://www.awildermode.com/" target="_blank">over here.</a> <br><br>
Oh, what the hell. Here's my condensed (IE more pathetic) version.<br><br>
Dayton Ohio's DCS 2014 featured a record 159 DeLoreans. This was Ken Koncelik's final show, and he went out with a bang: Bob Gale, Claudia Wells, Don Fullilove, Jeffrey Weissman, Harry Waters Jr, and Christopher Lloyd all attended.<br><br>
Jordan Livingston continued shooting footage for his movie, Nick Sutton signed copies of his book and <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC05041asm_zps66b2c59a.jpg" target="_blank">that guy</a> who designed the Hot Wheels DeLorean (in his spare time) gave a presentation. A huge hit was Fairfield High School performing an astonishing Back to the Future musical for us, after which Harry Waters Jr. (Marvin Berry) performed Earth Angel. I cried. I mean clapped. I clapped. I applauded.<br><br>
<img align=left hspace=11 vspace=5 src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC05050smblog_zps09a0e70a.jpg" border="0" alt=" Mrs. Sharkey's pink accented DeLorean makes Barbie jealous."/>Under colossal tents our cars were corralled, to be judged by a thorough team of five. Prior to Saturday's judging, Chris Lloyd strolled through the tented area signing autographs, <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC05057asm_zps69ecc908.jpg" target="_blank">meeting old friends</a>, and drawing on his own neck with a Sharpie. For a 3rd time he posed for a photo with me, and for a 3rd time he just stood there like a cardboard cutout.<br><br>
I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm a loser.<br><br>
Prototype 1 was there, for sale. It was offered to my friend Tom for $180,000, but he declined. Nobody offered it to me; I don't know why. (Incidentally, packing up my DeLorean Saturday night I overheard Jason Sharkey say it had sold, but I did not hear the name of the potential buyer. Leave me alone, I was tired.)<br><br>
Out front Rich W. parked his 6-door DeLorean Limo alongside D-Rex and a kick-ass, screen-accurate Ecto-1. Some of the wonderment under the tents included an automated Tellus carrier from the DMC factory floor, Cliff Schmucker's gorgeous <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC04877asm_zps7a90743b.jpg" target="_blank">stainless chassis</a>, and a mega-rare motorized <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC05088blog_zps35a29e7e.jpg" border="0" alt="makes me wish I was a 3 year old again." target="_blank">DeLorean pedal car.</a><br><br>
Despite all this awesome junk (including <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC04880asm_zps96c9fcb8.jpg" border="0" alt=" hover conversion time machine kicked everyone's ass" target="_blank">hover conversions!</a>), there was a whole pile of stuff I missed. I spent far too much time cleaning and worrying about my DeLorean. It paid off for me, but I do regret not spending more time just hanging out with <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/DSC04982blog_zpsd2881c14.jpg" target="_blank">friends.</a><br><br> Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-62645347264427732132014-04-26T18:24:00.001-04:002014-04-26T18:27:29.238-04:00The Godmobile<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC04349asm_zps712a3df0.jpg" border="0" alt="When we were kids, my sister and I played a game called Booger-in-the-Middle in this car."/><br><br>
Resisting the expensive (and unnecessary) urge to replace my Eagle Talon with a new car, I started reminiscing about the vehicular conveyances I grew up with. Enter the Godmobile.<br><br>
The Godmobile was a 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais with glass T-roof which my dad purcahsed in 1982. So loved by my friends, it was affectionately given the name 'Godmobile' - because it was "<i>the best car ever</i>."<br><br>
In high school, in the 1990s, I alternated driving the Cutlass and my grandma's sickeningly powerful 1978 Olds Holiday 88. The Cutlass and I were generous. We gave friends rides home and just cruised around for the fun of it.<br><br>
The 4.4L V8 was quiet and fuel efficient, achieving 19 mpg city and 31 mpg highway according to the owner's manual. I loved the round gauge package, the leather wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel, and the make-your-ears-bleed stereo. Power everything didn't hurt either. It was a great car, at a great time in my life.<br><br>
But the Cutlass wasn't perfect. I can't tell you how many times I burned the living daylights out of my skin on the seatbelt buckles. The glass roof turned that Cutlass into a certified, face-melting sauna - and touching anything metal was as dumb as sticking your finger in the lighter. Yes, we've all done that, haven't we.<br><br>
The only silver lining to 3rd degree seatbelt burns? The trauma of the memory fades, but the scars remain. And girls love scars.<br><br> Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-46130575931584565752014-04-15T18:42:00.001-04:002014-04-15T18:42:31.926-04:001991 Renault Alpine GTA<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/1991RenaultAlpine_zps79badcdb.jpg" border="0" alt="1991 Renault Alpine GTA"/><br><br>
I don't like to drive ordinary cars. It's hella cliche, but life IS too short to drive boring cars. So you won't see me in a Civic any time soon.<br><br>
After my Talon got kablooied at a <a href="http://dmcme.blogspot.ca/2014/03/kicking-me-when-im-down.html" target="_blank">red light</a>, I searched for a replacement. Diamond-encrusted-24K-gold-bar-shitting-unicorns are easier to find than unmolested AWD Talons - so I searched for alternatives.<br><br>
One of the more exciting cars I found was this 1991 Renault Alpine GTA.<br><br>
What's so great about this Alpine? Being rear-engined ups the cool factor immediately, but there's something better. It is powered by a PRV V-6. Yes, another car I could call cousin to my DeLorean. But wait there's more! <br><br>
This is no ordinary PRV V-6. This sucker's <a href="http://s22.photobucket.com/user/dmcme/media/renaultalpineengine_zps6ebc1b6d.jpg.html" target="_blank">TURBO-CHARGED!</a> It's the Talon and the DeLorean all smooshed into one! Imagine the raspy rattle of the unusual 90 degree odd-fire V-6 combined with that sweet, high-pitched turbo surge! AMAZE to the aural delight!<br><br>
What I don't like is the bar-fight interior. Ok, it's not that bad, but it's not great. Even in showroom condition it just doesn't have the 90s style of the Talon. And while I like that it's rear wheel drive, in my heart of hearts I know I can't live without my all-wheel-drive. Summer would be love, but every winter I'd feel like the summer fling has ended. Like a part of me was missing.<br><br>
As with the Citroen XM, I couldn't afford the asking price. $17,900 is high, at least for me. But someone is going to get one heck of a cool 200-hp car.<br><br>
Auto Trader <a href="http://s22.photobucket.com/user/dmcme/media/renaultalpinescreenshot_zpsb8146b9f.jpg.html" target="_blank">screenshot.</a><br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-68957244254700933332014-03-06T19:57:00.000-05:002014-03-06T20:17:59.944-05:001994 Citroen XM<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/citroenxm1_zps78f9e0cb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo citroenxm1_zps78f9e0cb.jpg"/><br><br>
What are your top five cars? I mean, if you had to make a list of realistic, affordable everyday drivers, what would be on your list? When Insurance notified me that my 23-year old Talon would be written off, I had to start looking.<br><br>
Immediately I began looking for unmolested, turbo-charged, all-wheel-drive Talons. I am specifically attracted to the 1st gen cars with pop-up headlights. Manual trans, leather, ABS brakes and a/c were mandatory. As you can imagine, results were incredibly dismal.<br><br>
I expanded my searches, primarily looking at 1990s cars, and started finding some very cool stuff. Stuff like this 1994 Citroen XM wagon. What I like about the XM is the entire unusual package. The extreme styling, that kick in the beltline, and the fully adjustable (and functioning) hydropneumatic suspension.<br><br>
Even if it were an automatic, it would still be a standout daily driver. But hang on to your hats! <a href="http://s22.photobucket.com/user/dmcme/media/citroenxm2_zps5bf38289.jpg.html" target="_blank">This is a 5-speed manual</a> hooked up to a turbo diesel! The owner doesn't state whether it's the 2.1 or the 2.5, but since both are equally slow, it wouldn't <i>really</i> matter.<br><br>
Doing some research led me to an even more intriguing discovery. The XM was available with a 200 hp, 3.0 litre PRV V-6! While parts would not be interchangeable with the 2.8L PRV in back of my DeLorean, it would still be exciting having twins. And Josh at DeLorean Performance Industries could hook me up with any engine part I'd ever need.<Br><br>
The seller says it's a very rare example in North America. Indeed! That's got to be part of the reason for his $15,000 asking price. Too steep for me, however, if these XMs had been AWD I would've certainly checked it out in person. And if I fell in love? Well, I'd cross that bridge if I came to it.<br><br>
Auto Trader <a href="http://s22.photobucket.com/user/dmcme/media/citroenscreenshot_zps13b207e5.jpg.html" target="_blank">Screenshot.</a><br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-23427496641692086752014-03-01T00:50:00.001-05:002015-02-17T15:17:12.682-05:00Kicking Me When I'm Down<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/Talonsmashsm_zps8d3bf130.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Talonsmashsm_zps8d3bf130.jpg"/><br><br>
Thanks to social media, blogs the world over have suffered, and while I'm guilty of that it's not the primary reason I'd stopped writing. 2013 was a very bad year for me. Here, in the past, I seem to have written some controversial posts and, as a result, gained a lot of haters. I have since tried to eliminate anything negative, even when factual. So, rejoice everyone who despised me! Your collective negativity toward me has, perhaps, rewarded you.<br><br>
I began suffering health problems in the late part of 2012 and my condition declined into 2013. My blog became difficult to write as I grew more and more confused. At first it was just the odd word, but around May it became impossible for me to hold a conversation. At the same time I began to lose my hearing. People 12 inches from my face were sometimes impossible to hear, while people 40 feet away sounded as if they were shouting in my ear. It worsened to the point that every noise above a whisper became painful.<br><br>
During this time I was also unable to sleep. In fact, I thought this was the root of my problems. I was exhausted all the time. Countless friends told me, "<i>You don't have kids! You have no idea what tired is</i>!" And I believed them, when instead I should've been telling my doctor.<br><br>
In the summer my exhaustion became so terrible that I decided to take a Friday off work. I spent 3 straight days in bed, tossing and turning. The entire weekend's reward was about 3 hours of sleep. I couldn't lift my feet anymore, regardless of how hard I pushed myself. That's when I began falling down. But the worst part was how my body felt. My heart hurt, and my whole body felt... wrong. I knew something terrible was happening but I didn't know what.<br><br>
One day, at the hospital, a specialist gave me my answer. What he found was simple, but severe. What I had was a serious vitamin B12 deficiency. Normal B12 levels (supposedly) range between 250 and 900 pg/ml. Some respected doctors even feel that damage to your body begins when your levels drop below 350. And what was mine? Mine was 130.<br><br>
My specialist phoned my doctor immediately and told him I urgently needed B12 shots. My heart was in danger. The next day I started a 6-week regimen of weekly shots followed by a 6 week regimen of bi-weekly shots. I am now up to monthly shots.<br><br>
Around Christmas I had considerable improvement, sleeping about 4 hours a night. I started to feel better, and that's when I really got hit hard.<br><br>
By a car that is.<br><br>
In the first week of January I was rear-ended at a red light. A young girl, distracted by her phone, drove her SUV straight into me at 65 kph. My glasses flew off my face and cracked against the windshield. The impact sent me 15 feet into the car in front of me - a mother, her 8-year old and her 1-year old. With tears streaming down my face, I nervously wiggled my toes and reached under my coat to feel my searing spine. I was ok, sort of. Paramedics put me on a backboard and rushed me to hospital.<br><br>
My seatbelt had torn all the muscles in my left shoulder, a tendon in my left shoulder, and caused nerve damage to the ulnar and radial nerves in my left arm. I lost all the strength in my left arm; it flopped around like a towel hanging from my neck. I was terrified, frustrated and angry.<br><br>
For three weeks I couldn't move my head due to the pain. But after a month of Naproxyn, Tylenol 3s and muscle relaxants, I started physiotherapy. Today I'm back at work, but the fingers in my left hand are still numb. I'm crossing my fingers that my seven remaining weeks of physio will get me back to who I used to be.<br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-48232423183416787822013-10-14T16:04:00.001-04:002013-10-14T16:11:32.373-04:00Halloween Candy Oscars 2013 - Part 1<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/hco2013ausome_zpsab176eeb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hco2013ausome_zpsab176eeb.jpg"/><br><br>
It's that time of year again! I'm rolling out the blood-soaked red carpet for a whole new batch of candy for this year's installment of the Halloween Candy Oscars. Halloween's popularity cycles and 2013 has been shaping up to be a dull year. Halloween candy choices haven't been good this year as dim-wittted candy companies continue to change their packaging instead of actual product.<br><br>
One company, however, has finally introduced some actual Halloween-themed goodies to Canada for 2013! I have never seen these products in Canada before now. Thanks to Target, the Au'some products are widely available.<br><br>
<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/hco2013klik_zps7f2056cb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hco2013klik_zps7f2056cb.jpg"/>The first is something called Klik. There are three different characters: a jack-o-lantern, a skull and a mummy. Sliding the spring-loaded chamber open allows you to fill the body with a roll of hard candies, very similar to a PEZ dispenser. Unsimilar to PEZ however, the Au'some candies taste like 3 tons of crap. The biggest difference between the two is that the Klik dispensers don't open to offer you candy. Instead, you pull back on a lever and FIRE one out! While the dispenser wisely states "Warning! Do not aim at eyes or face" I found this to be the best part of Klik. In the name of science I shot myself in the face multiple times, point blank. I did not go blind, cry or die; the candies were merely annoying.<br><br>
<img align="left" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/hco20133dees_zps8d7eb300.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hco20133dees_zps8d7eb300.jpg"/>The second is a gummy candy called 3-Dees. The 3-Dees live in a ghastly gravestone shaped box, with a blood-spattered mummy on one side, and blood-spattered Frankenstein on the other. The evil gummies inside (Dracula, a bat, and a jack-o-lantern) are highly detailed all the way around and come in 3 flavours. I am not fond of strawberry flavoured candy, but these were not bad. The orange ones were my favourite. Sadly, the watermelon flavour (typically my fav) did not taste anything even remotely close to watermelon. In fact, I can't even begin to guess at what flavour they taste like. I'm sure you could tell people it's "mouldy-pizza-crust-with-buttered-popcorn-and-Snooki's-tanning-lotion flavour" and they'd believe you.<br><br>
<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/hco2013cauldron_zps88d3bf38.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hco2013cauldron_zps88d3bf38.jpg"/>Third up is something a bit different. The Candy Cauldron! Each package contains a black cauldron filled with fizzy powdered candy as well as a broom made of hard candy, like a sucker. Pretty neat right? Lick the broom (mine was apple), dip it in the powder, and suck it. Cool.<br><br>
Unfortunately, the powder inside the cauldron just didn't do much for me. The fizzyness was minimal. So was the flavour. Despite that, it was still lots of fun, and instantly ups the cool-factor of any desk it sits on by at least 5 warts.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
<img align="left" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/hco2013mummy_zps57fcd3c9.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hco2013mummy_zps57fcd3c9.jpg"/>Finally I offer you the Gummy Mummy! The Gummy Mummy is a single, large gummy (40 grams). Mine was orange, but they're available in strawberry and mouldy-pizza-crust-with-buttered-popcorn-and-Snooki's-tanning-lotion flavour as well. The eyes are a little reminiscent of Darth Vader and the bandage/wrap detail is excellent, but does not extend around the back like the 3-Dees. It's kind of like a work of art. Obviously a beef jerky mummy would be more realistic but it's still pretty great. Want to sit alone on the subway? While you are chewing it scream, "I AM EATING TUTANKHAMUN!" and watch your elbow room increase dramatically.<br><br>
Unless you're a rich (fair warning, swear word approaching quickly) asshole, these are probably not meant to hand out on October 31st. At around $1.29 each, they were awkwardly priced for trick-or-treaters. Each one seems to have both pros and cons but they're still tons of fun, especially if you're caught up in the spirit of things, no pun intended.<br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-12351796169645193202013-08-14T00:40:00.001-04:002013-08-14T00:41:26.951-04:00Original Goodyear NCT Tires<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/ncthr60sm_zpsa5e63ad3.jpg" border="0" alt="Original Goodyear NCT tire!"/>
The high road. The low road. The road not taken. Where we're going, we don't need roads. Ah so many road quotes... but how about the risky road?<br><br>
Today was Christmas. Well, for a totally spazzed out nerd like me anyway. You see, today I scored myself a set of Goodyear NCT HR60 tires. They're old, they haven't been available in 30 years, and they're probably dangerous. YA!<br><br>
I just happened to be in the right place at the right time as my buddy Ken packs up his house for a move. And, since it's easier to give things away than to move them, I ended up with a nice looking set of NCTs.<br><br>
When I got them home I inspected them and cleaned them. What I found was kind of surprising. <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/ncttread_zpsfb08f385.jpg" target="_blank">Decent tread</a>, and virtually <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/nctcloselrg_zpse57fb9b5.jpg" target="_blank">no crack</a> to be found anywhere! Nope, these tires were no Mayor Rob Ford.<br><br>
<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/nctclosesm_zpsbaa12d1e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo nctclosesm_zpsbaa12d1e.jpg"/>I've read many opinions regarding the NCTs. And they are generally not good. Strapping a bunch of hot dogs to your rims get better reviews than NCTs. After all, even Goodyear discontinued them after a short time due to poor design. No, people don't particularly like the NCTs and most think driving on a 30 year old tire is dangerous.<br><br>
I don't see the big deal. I currently drive on 26 year old tires. And, no, I'm not a Sunday driver - I push them pretty hard. However, I check them carefully every time I drive. And with the NCTs, I plan to be extremely careful. In fact, with a second set of wheels, I plan to mount the NCTs only for DCS 2014 in Ohio. <br><br>
That's plan A anyway. But if I decide I don't like them, I will resort to plan B. Plan B is to drive to Ohio on 26 year old tires. Ya, I guess I'm taking the risky road either way.<br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-69475212244978972082013-08-06T20:50:00.001-04:002013-08-06T20:56:49.960-04:00Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon<img align="left" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/evanwilliamsgreen_zps7233597c.jpg" border="0" alt="Evan Williams green label makes other bourbons green with envy!"/>Eight dollars. That is about the price of a Big Mac combo at McDonalds. That is also the price of a bottle of Evan Williams Bourbon. Not a mini bottle. A completely regular 750 mL size bottle.<br><br>
In Florida, I visited the mind-boggling Lueken's Liquors. Their selection is huge. Their prices are tiny. I headed straight to the bourbon, no pun intended. I picked out a nice green, no age statement bottle for $7.99<br><br>
What does the price say about Evan Williams?<br><br>
I opened the bottle with a clear mind, trying to be as objective as possible. Alcohol, sweet, medicinal. It was really hard to judge from the nose.<br><br>
The taste was an eight-dollar surprise. Sweet and slightly spicy, a touch of honey, maybe a hint of that goo. You know, the stuff in the middle of butter tarts, but not quite as sweet. Yes alcohol was present but it was, um, well, smooth. The mouthfeel was thin, but not bad. Actually, it was really nice. Eight dollars nice? No. Nicer.<br><br>
The finish was another eight-dollar shocker. Spicy (rye maybe?) and sweet. Quite short though. I was impressed. Eight-dollars impressed. No, that doesn't sound right.<br><br>
Evan Williams isn't complex, that's obvious. But it's definitely eight-dollars complex. This is a bargain. Eight bucks? Seriously? For eight dollars most people would exepect their whisky to be mixer quality. And even then some wouldn't tolerate it in a mixed drink. But not only is this drinkable neat, it's GOOD.<br><br>
Evan Williams is a barn-find DeLorean. Everything is covered in 3 decades worth of stinky barn dust. The leather is dried up. The tires are cracked. But surprise! Everything works. A steal for the price.<br><br>
Lueken's Liquors: $8<br>
750 mL<br>
40% (80 proof)<br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-52537613860796578742013-07-29T17:54:00.001-04:002013-07-29T18:09:46.331-04:00Maple Leaf Charcoal<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/mapleleafcharcoal_zps51d3f366.jpg" border="0" alt="Maple Leaf charcoal from Quebec. "/>Thankfully my last meal wasn't as far back in the past as my last charcoal review. I know there are thousands of you out there dying for my reviews each week and I want to personally thank you for your patience. Rest assured that I have been trying many different charcoals.<br><br>
At the start of the grilling season I spotted another kind of charcoal I'd never seen before. I picked it up immediately as it was only $8 for this 8.8 lb. (4 kg) bag. One-dollar-per-pound is a rough benchmark for me. Once it rises above that I start to question buying it, although that hasn't always stopped me.<br><br>
I was happy to see that this was a Canadian product, originating in the tres petite town of Ste. Christine, Quebec. Town? Wait, sorry. Village. Shit. A village has over 1,000 people. A hamlet. Yes, that's what I meant, the tres petite hamlet of Ste. Christine, Quebec.<br><br>
It is now the end of July and my bag of Maple Leaf Charcoal is long gone.<br><br>
I used the entire bag making regular hot dogs (read: lots of hoofs and beaks), Kosher hot dogs (54% of your daily intake of fat, anyone?), super juicy Johnsonville sausages, veggie dogs, and of course hamburgers (because I can't survive on tube-shaped meat alone!)<br><br>
There was no scrap in the bag. It consisted of mostly good size pieces of wood
<a href="http://s22.photobucket.com/user/dmcme/media/2013/mapleleafcharcoalhandful_zpse6fda36d.jpg.html" target="_blank">which looked like this</a>, and it smelled fantastic. However, the smell did not transfer fully to the food like some of the other charcoals I've tried. Although this was quality wood with no sparking, the smokey taste was almost too mild. Some of you might say it's perfect, but I think I would prefer it a bit stronger.<br><br>
Still, when you consider price per pound, Maple Leaf is less expensive than the Royal Oak Star Grill charcoal and in my opinion, far superior. Would I buy it again? I think the answer is an obvious yes. However, if you're still not sure - the answer is Oui.<br><br> Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-89793974468461863312013-07-23T18:40:00.000-04:002013-07-23T22:07:38.712-04:00A DeLorean-Powered Fridge<img align="left" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcinverter1_zps8be3ba98.jpg" border="0" alt="Using one bit of stainless to power another!"/>This past weekend a tremendous storm caused a colossal power failure in my city. We were without power for almost 3 full days as two transformers exploded and electrical lines caught fire just a street away.<Br><br>
But I was prepared for the zombie apocalypse with my 2000 watt inverter.<br><br>
Our hydro company, a bunch of douchebags, refused to even acknowledge that our neighbourhood was powerless. A day passed and still no trucks and no information available. Not knowing when power would return, furious neighbours stormed the grocery stores with pitchforks and bought up all the ice supplies.<br><br>
As they returned home some of the curious ones asked me why my garage was open, and why my DeLorean was running. The answer?<br><br>
I splurged on a garage door opener with a battery backup - and my 32 year old DeLorean was powering my fridge. Pretty ironic if you know the original BTTF Time Machine was supposed to be a fridge.<br><br>
<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace"5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcinverter2_zpsfa7a1b54.jpg" border="0" alt="Le extension cord. It's tres long."/>Most people use inverters for... well... I really don't know. Comfort camping? Doing karaoke on the way to work? Building birdhouses with power tools inside minivans in remote areas? Anyway, the inverter allowed me to plug in my fridge for quite some time. I simply ran the extension cord through the garage door, into the house and around the corner <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcinverter3_zps4be5e4aa.jpg" target="_blank">to the fridge.</a><br><br>
It was a hot day, and the DeLorean idling in the garage quickly raised the temperature to 32C - but my Toby fans ran strong. Everything was looking good, and envious neighbours said "Wow" a lot.<br><br>
In the end however, the inverter gave out. Apparently a 520 watt fridge is too much for a self-proclaimed "Heavy Duty" 2000 watt inverter to handle. Thanks, Motomaster!<br><br>
But soon hydro was restored. I suppose in an alternate 1985 we would've had to throw out the entire contents of the fridge. But as it turns out we only lost some frozen bread, shrimp, corn and bananas. And I don't mind. Because I certainly wasn't about to make a shrimp/corn/banana sandwich.<br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-91946501343131897962013-07-15T17:42:00.002-04:002013-07-15T17:44:22.828-04:00Mario's Not Interested in my Lawn Mushrooms<img align="right" vspace="5" hspace=11" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/mushroomwhite_zps18ddb15b.jpg" border="0" alt="Stupid, ultra-boring white mushroom in my backyard, does not make me grow big."/>When a bright red one caught my attention about 2 weeks ago, I suddenly and inexplicably became interested in mushrooms. Mushrooms are generally kind of terrible. I have never liked them. I've also never understood people's fascination with them, despite growing up (no pun intended) on Super Mario Bros.<br><br>
Within a few days of spotting the red 'shroom I discovered a fairly medium-sized cluster of glossy brown mushrooms growing beneath my crabapple tree. Unfortunately, they were trampled by my nephews before I thought to take a photo.<br><br>
However, that led to mushroom research which, upon discovering how delicate some of them are, led to obsessive early morning mushroom hunts in my backyard. How delicate are mushrooms? By noon the shrivelled 'shroom corpses are collapsing all over themselves. By the end of the day there's often no evidence left at all.<br><br>
I know nothing about mushrooms. I don't know why they grow straight out of grass, how long they take to grow or which ones are edible. But I do know that they are part of a good ecosystem. When you have mushrooms, you have a good party. I mean a healthy lawn.<br><br>
<img align="left" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/mushroomtiny_zps241cd8ad.jpg" border="0" alt="Tiny shrooms, sun was just coming up."/>In the past I'd noticed a couple here and there, but never this many. Every morning I find a new crop of them. Most are the ubiquitous white things that if you said to a child, "draw me a mushroom" they would replicate perfectly and boringly. Others are mega-tiny, with flat brown tops.<br><br>
Never before had I been curious about mushrooms, and I admit this interest is probably going to be fleeting. Especially if all I can find are these boring white coneheads! I want my poisonous spotty mushrooms!<br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-74061227634240849122013-06-25T00:28:00.000-04:002013-06-25T00:31:03.864-04:00DPI Does Canada<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC01707outfrontsm_zps8d361ba4.jpg" border="0" alt="A messy line of stainless cars. Neat-o."/><br><br>
Under threat of thunderstorms I drove the DeLorean to a shop in Oakville where Josh Bengston, owner of DeLorean Performance Industries, was paying our club a visit. It was a long time in the making, but we were finally able to reap the benefits of Josh's expertise.<br><br>
Approximately 17 DeLoreans showed up for Tech Day 2013 in the Great White North. Josh, a champion of high performance parts for our 30 year old cars, <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC01591joshsm_zpsc0721ebd.jpg" target="_blank">inspected</a> each one and made a list of necessary repairs. The worst was not unexpected; a pair of rotted out frames; <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC01631rustsm_zps98d99200.jpg" target="_blank">Holes</a>, bendy metal, the whole 9 yards.<br><br>
After a couple of hours of enjoying everyone's company and <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC01600kensm_zps2a001473.jpg" target="_blank">unusual drinking habits</a>, it was my turn for one of the hoists. I turned the key. My reward? A loud POP! After 20 minutes of complete frustration we pushed my car into the bay. Disheartened by the chance that I'd be towed home, the investigation began.<br><br>
Under Josh's direction I removed the air cleaner and immediately discovered the problem. And it was pretty shocking. Care to wager a guess? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?<br><br>
Injector #2 had blown right out of the engine! Josh had a quick look, bent the clip back and reinserted the irksome injector. The car started instantly. Problem solved!<br><br>
Up in the air, Josh quickly replaced my torn ball joint boot, leaving me loads of time to clean my frame. It seems stupid, but I'm proud of that part of my car which no one can see. With 115,000 miles, it should be a mess. Instead, well, have a look for yourself. <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC01642framesm_zps5a2c670d.jpg" target="_blank">Here.</a> And <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC01698framefrontsm_zpsf1811d1f.jpg" target="_blank">here.</a> And also <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/DSC01704framesm_zpsd2e534a9.jpg" target="_blank">here.</a><br><br>
At the end of the day, the only thing we wanted more than a shower was dinner. The tradition continued as we treated Josh to some good ol' fashioned poutine. Aside from the usual crowds around our cars (and, strangely, around our table) it was nothing but good times.<br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-30812419000436217912013-06-11T17:29:00.000-04:002015-02-17T15:29:23.591-05:00Whisky - the Movie<img align="left" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/whiskymovie_zps1ed0d494.jpg" border="0" alt="Whisky could have been titled 'Little Red Riding Hood' for all it had to do with whisky."/><blockquote>"One of the best films of the year... Brilliant!"<br><br> - City Pages (Minneapolis)<br><br></blockquote>
2004 wasn't a particularly fantastic year for film, but it wasn't bad. LOTR: The Return of the King won Best Picture and Lost in Translation, chock full of exciting whisky visuals, was nominated for a handful of Academy Awards. Good stuff.<br><br>
On the other hand, from Uruguay, came the film "Whisky." Admittedly, Sue and I chose it for its cover. Besides the alluring title, it was thoroughly showered with prizes. And yet, it was a poor choice.<br><br>
The first half of the movie was interesting, despite the minimal and painful dialogue. The director makes mundane seem captivating as regular people encounter everyday problems not typically explored in film. At times the repetitiveness of these problems provided mild amusement while other times I found myself yelling, "We get it! Move on!"<br><br>
"Profound, deadpan comedy" - The New York Times. Deadpan? Maybe. The actors conversations were so flat I believed they were amateurs pulled directly off the street. But that's okay, because I knew I'd be excited when they got into the whisky.<br><br>
"Exhilarating!" - Miami Herald. Aside from the fact I found the intricacies of the machinery (a sock factory) exciting, I would say the correct word to describe this movie is <i>boring</i>. But that's okay, because I was excited, readying my mind to see how many whiskies I could recognize.<br><br>
"Masterfully understated comic performances." - BBC (UK). There were a few somewhat funny moments where I smiled, but nothing sly, witty or masterful. The performances were so utterly devoid of emotion it could have been acted by cardboard boxes. But that's okay, because I couldn't wait to see what kinds of whisky they were going to drink!<br><br>
<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/whiskymovieawards_zps58a85593.jpg" border="0" alt="Who was the competition? Mrs. Shoemaker's grade 1 class?"/>Approximately three quarters of the way through the film, I came to the realization I'd been duped. There was no climax to the (in)activities of the protagonists and there was no whisky. None whatsoever.<br><br>
The misleading title wasn't the only source of my frustration. The key element of the plot (when his brother comes to visit, Jacobo asks one of his employees to pretend to be his wife) was never explained and stories that started to develop from it were never explored. It was almost an interesting film, but every aspect of it was far, far too restrained.<br><br>
How it won the grand prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival, or first prize at the Havana Film Festival are so beyond my comprehension that I've come up with one logical answer: no other films competed against it.<br><br>
If Whisky has taught me anything it's proof that your grade school teachers were right - never judge anything by its cover, even if the cover is full of accolades.<br><br> Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-3233659011858749832013-06-01T15:43:00.000-04:002013-06-01T15:43:00.162-04:00Honda Acty, The Best Truck Ever<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/hondaactysm_zps76063c2a.jpg" border="0" alt="Honda Acty microtruck is even smaller than my Honda Insight!"/><br><br>
The Honda Acty is the best truck ever built. Why? Because it's dangerous. And danger means excitement!<br><br>
A friend of our family imported a fleet of Honda Actys for his business, which requires drivers to sit on the right-hand side of the vehicle. My dad brought the fleet back for him, this one with the cutest baby crane you ever saw! Unfortunately, none of the fleet were Acty Dumps (quite possibly the best name for a truck ever).<br><br>
In North America the Acty is out of place. It's a Kei class truck, built to meet the requirements of the Japanese government as they combat their crowded roadways and polluted air. In Tokyo (and probably other cities) you must have a registered parking space before you're allowed to own a vehicle. However, the Kei class vehicles let you around that rule because of their tininess.<br><br>
<img align="right" vspace="5" hspace="11" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/hondaactymesm_zpseb0eff85.jpg" border="0" alt="Right hand drive is boring for postal workers, but exciting for regular shmoes like me."/>Kei class vehicles are built to specific, itsy-bitsy dimensions with a maximum engine size of 660 cc. This 3-cylinder engine has a top speed of 110 kph, which means it's legal on Ontario's 400 series highways. However, after bouncing around on city streets at breakneck speeds of 60 kph, that idea utterly frightens me.<br><br>
With a mere 1 inch of metal separating me from the world, the Acty was like driving a skateboard. Manoeuvrability is astonishing, but concentration is important. Almost everything is reversed from what we are used to. At first I used the wipers to signal my turns and grabbed the door when I wanted to shift. Strange how the brain works.<br><br>
If you want some excitement in your life but skydiving, blind dates and volunteering for medical experiments scare you a bit too much, find a Japanese micro truck and take it around the block. If you're not smiling as you fumble around with the shifter and signals, go back inside. You are destined for a boring life.<br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-73761927161408293022013-05-17T18:17:00.001-04:002013-05-17T18:20:58.890-04:00Run For Your Life! It's Victoria Day!<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/fireworks2013_zps2c080732.jpg" border="0" alt="Canadian fireworks with impossibly absurd warning labels."/><br><br>
The first time I was nearly killed, a Buzz Bee tore through the air straight at my face and forced me to dive into the soft Florida sand. The Buzz Bee followed suit, exploding right beside me. It was unexpected. <br><br>
Buzz Bees had a plastic pair of "wings" clipped to them which enabled them to fly around. But I never foresaw it flying out over the Gulf of Mexico, turning 180 degrees and zooming straight back at my face.<br><br>
You'd think I would have learned from that experience, but you'd be wrong. Every Victoria Day I haphazardly light off fireworks with friends, clad in minimal protection (read: t-shirt and jeans).<br><br>
For the first time possibly ever, I read the warnings on the fireworks I purchased for Victoria Day 2013. And boy was I shocked. The warnings are absurd. In fact they're literally impossible to adhere to. So what are these warnings? I'll start with the 50-Shot Strobing Missile cake.<br><br>
The strobing missiles state "Light fuse and stand clear 60 meters." That's right, 60 meters. That's just shy of 200 feet. The fuse is 5 seconds, give or take. Usain Bolt, are you reading my blog? Well, Mr. Bolt, how long does it take you to cover 200 feet? Please leave me a comment!<br><br>
<img align="right" vspace="5" hspace="11" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/fireworks22013_zpscdf989b0.jpg" border="0" alt="Hot Tamale fireworks are spiffy AND neato."/>Next up is one of my fav's. It's small, but cool: The Hot Tamale. The Hot Tamale instructions tell spectators to stand clear 70 meters! That's 230 feet! In five seconds I can barely run the length of my driveway, let alone the ENTIRE width of my block!<br><br>
And now for the best. The Cherry Bomb. A single shot, one big bang. Are you ready for this?<br><br>
You must stand clear a whopping ONE HUNDRED METERS from the Cherry Bomb. Can you even begin to fathom that? Here, let me help you. Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, lights the fuse and starts sprinting. After five seconds the Cherry Bomb launches into the air. Usain has covered 50 meters - just. Twenty-six seconds later, nearly the entire length of a bad Pizza Pops commercial, Usain Bolt hits the safe point. The Cherry Bomb exploded 5 years ago, a new President was sworn in, and everyone's 11 year old daughter now has her driver's license.<br><br>
It's Victoria Day! Run for your lives!<br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-46184033112366637812013-05-10T21:38:00.000-04:002013-05-12T14:04:47.856-04:00Shave Your DeLorean Eyebrows!<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/eyebrownsm_zps33bb5ec1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo eyebrownsm_zps33bb5ec1.jpg"/><br><br>
Although the DeLorean's stainless facade allows it to withstand the elements for 115 to 117 years, there is one thing that can make the 80's icon look atrocious.<br><br>
Eyebrows.<br><br>
In the DeLorean world, "eyebrows" are what we call the warping of the front fascia above the headlights. When the fascia rises over the high beams, it replaces the strong, confident look of the car with a comically worried one.<br><br>
I don't know if there has ever been 100% consensus on the cause, but it is generally accepted that the sun is the culprit. My car is a good argument for that theory. The original owner had two homes - one in California, the other in Arizona. He spent years driving back and forth in the blazing desert sun between the two, rocking out to A-ha.<br><br>
Over the years my eyebrows worsened until, in 2010, I had had enough. The solution: steel bars. I bought two, each 1/8 inch thick, approximately 1 inch wide, and 15 inches long. To adhere the bar to the underside of the fascia, I bought a tube of SikaTack-Drive windshield glue from Speedy Autoglass for around $27. It is fully cured in only 2 hours. (The <i>Speedy</i> employee told me to work FAST, as I would only have about 5 seconds of fiddling time if I didn't set the bars right.)<br><br>
My stick-arms trembled as the front grille resisted my attempts to remove it. When it popped off, I then removed all four headlights followed by the headlight mounts. This gives access to the fascia.<br><br>
SikaTack-Drive windshield glue is horrible stuff. Scaaaary horrible. Its tar-like properties allow it to adhere to anything, including air molecules. It must be heated up an incredible amount before you can use it. I placed it on my engine and ran the car. During this time I <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/fasciaheatgunsm_zps5cffafac.jpg" target="_blank">used my heat gun</a> to warm up the top and underside of the fascia until it was pliable.<br><br>
<img align="right" vspace=5" hspace="11" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcfasciaclampssm_zpsa931d905.jpg" border="0" alt="The wood protects the paint from the clamps."/>After nearly an hour, I put the tube of warm SikaTack- Drive in my caulking gun. With great difficulty I managed to apply it to one side of the steel bar. I then slid the bar inside the fascia and clamped it down (or "up" rather) using a piece of wood to protect the paint.<br><br>
I repeated this on the other side and left it clamped for the afternoon.<Br><br>
Six hours later I removed the clamps. Instantly I watched the fascia strain against the steel bars as it tried to pull itself back into its warped state. The steel bars actually bent! At first I threw a temper-tantrum. However, considering how bad my eyebrows were, the result was actually good. My driver's side eyebrow was diminished by about 90% while my passenger side looks about 95%. And for now, it's better than forking out a grand for <a href="http://store.delorean.com/p-9689-front-fascia.aspx" target="_blank">one of these</a>. <br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-24101019854802033502013-04-30T20:38:00.000-04:002013-04-30T20:45:42.443-04:00MIA: Auchentoshan Three Wood<img align="right" vspace="6" hspace="11" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/auchentoshanthreewood2_zps333b16ee.jpg" border="0" alt="Three Wood is a delightfully fucking awesome scotch bitches!"/>Stay with me here. If you live in Ontario, frequent the LCBO, drink scotch and enjoy Auchentoshan, you just might have noticed that the LCBO is no longer stocking the Three Wood.<br><br>
Being one of my all-time favourite scotches, this was of concern to me. Big concern. Okay, here's the truth: I cried myself to sleep after punching my pillow into oblivion (an hours-long task). But really, very much really, I'm thankful <a href="http://dan-the-tax-man.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Dan</a> brought this to my attention.<br><br>
Want to know what's going on? I certainly did. So in my despair I emailed the folks at the LCBO to ask why they were being so cruel:<br><br>
<i>Customer By Web Form (Mr. Martini) 04/26/2013 07:11 PM</i><br>
<i>I have noticed you are no longer carrying Auchentoshan Three Wood. I'm quite upset, in an adult sort of way, and no I'm not even kidding. Can you tell me the reason(s) you've stopped, and if you'll stock it again in the future? Thank you v. much.</i><br><br>
I have since learned that "v. much" is a rather British thing to do. Unaware, that is how I sent my message to the non-British LCBO, my actual state of being much more bleak than my letter. When the response came my heart utterly sank when I read, "currently unavailable," but SPOILER ALERT! It gets better.<br><br>
<i>
Response Via Email (Dorothy) 04/30/2013 08:55 AM<br>
Hello Mr. Martini,<br><br>
Thank you for contacting helloLCBO about Auchentoshan Three Wood. This product was last released through our Vintages program in November 2011. The Three Wood is currently unavailable in our stores as it is being moved into our Whisky Shop program. We are planning to repurchase this product and to make it available in stores starting mid-October 2013. You may wish to contact us again in early fall for further updates.<br><br>
Best Regards,<br>
Dorothy<br>
helloLCBO <br><br></i>
The reply was a REAL letter! I was not addressed as "Dear Customer." And it did not insult me with typical form letter disdainfulness! This was all REAL! Dorothy, wherever you are, you're the best. Thank you for a satisfying reply. I am looking forward to October even more than usual now.<br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-4045159773875536692013-04-23T22:05:00.002-04:002013-12-31T18:24:56.228-05:00Auchentoshan 18 year Single Malt<img align="left" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/auchentoshan18_zpsdf2f85dd.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo auchentoshan18_zpsdf2f85dd.jpg"/>Ingrained in the human spirit is the desire to take home a souvenir from their travels. Or maybe it was successful marketing born 100 years ago, or perhaps the social acceptance of thievery. Who knows. But I knew that when I returned from Paris I wanted to bring home something special. Something I couldn't buy at home. One of those things was a bottle of Auchentoshan 18 year old scotch.<br><br>
I bought this European standard size 700 ml bottle at <a href="http://dmcme.blogspot.ca/2012/05/la-maison-du-whisky-paris.html" target="_blank">La Maison du Whisky</a> for the equivalent of $108 Cdn.<br><br>
When I finally got around to opening it, I tried not to get excited. This was my first 18 year old scotch. So what happened? I was a little disappointed.<br><br>
I sniffed for a VERY long time, unable to discern anything in particular. After a while my nose stopped working. I took a break, and when I went back to the glass I continued to have this problem. It was too tight. I couldn't detect anything. So I let it sit, open, for a day.<br><br>
Back again there was a noticeable difference (and with half the bottle gone, I noticed an even bigger difference). A hint of vanilla. Sweet. Fruity. But very faint. Nothing very strong, all coming together beautifully.<br><br>
The taste is immediately sweet and salty. I find the flavours extremely similar to the Auchentoshan 12 year old, only each flavour is a bit more vivid and waaaay more silky. Grass, nutty honey, ginger, the tiniest bit of smoke.<br><br>
The finish is warm barley, dry and fades rather quickly. Way too quickly. Just makes you want to have another sip. And hey, that sounds like a great idea.<br><br>
Rotten things have been said about Auchentoshan 18 y.o., things I thought were undeserving. While absolutely tantalizing, the 18 y.o. is extremely similar to the 12 year. There's just not enough of a distinctness to justify the price difference. Perhaps that is one of the reasons the LCBO does not carry it. But be forewarned, LCBO! Drop the Three Wood and I'll be throwing a king-sized, whisky-fuelled hissy fit.
<br><br>
A perfect, yet overpriced automatic DeLorean, for sale by an owner who's confused fantasy with reality. (Sound familiar Mr. Northern Ontario who wanted $45,000 back in 2003?) Look around and you'll find one just as nice for half the price. <br><br>
LMDW: $108 Cdn equivalent<br>
700 mL<br>
43% (86 proof)<br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-9376290567793275712013-04-16T20:55:00.001-04:002013-04-16T21:10:53.720-04:00Hypermiling in a DeLorean<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcgaugesclosesm_zps2df81ffd.jpg" border="0" alt="Sexy DeLorean gauges are always in style."/><br><br>
In 1981 the EPA rated the DeLorean's fuel economy at <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcepampg_zps9333d439.jpg" target="_blank">19 and 21 mpg</a>. Pretty fair for the time, remembering J.Z.D. chose taller gear ratios for good mileage. But can the DeLorean do better?<br><br>
I recently returned from DMC Midwest where I drove over 500 miles in my DeLorean. On the return trip I recorded my mileage twice to make a comparison. The car was loaded with both myself and my dad at a combined 280 lbs, as well as approximately 150 lbs of luggage, miscellaneous spare parts, and scotch.<br><br>
The first half of the drive was pissmeoff stop & go rush-hour traffic in the Chicago Loop. Not good. But perfect for a fair "mixed driving" test. The second half of that drive I was on the freeway doing a constant 70 mph.<br><br>
Roughly 3 hours later I pulled off to eat and fill up as well. I had covered 155 miles and paid for 6.875 gallons at a Marathon station.<br><br>
For the next test I decided to drive a constant 75 mph. If the car performed well at this high speed, I would be impressed. A few hours and 259 miles later I filled up at Hess. This time the tank held 9.338 gallons.<br><br>
So what were the results?<br><br>
The first drive generated a surprise. 22.54 U.S. mpg. What? 22 mpg in stop-and-go traffic? Wow. I just hypermiled my DeLorean. But could my numbers be even higher? The second drive was clearly better despite driving at a higher speed and rpm. I did the math and achieved 27.74 U.S. mpg. A far cry from my Insight, but a pretty incredible number nonetheless!<br><br>
Curiosity! What will I get at 62 mph (100 kph)?<br>
-----------------<br><br>
Here's the math:<br>
155 miles divided by 6.875 gallons = 22.54 mpg = 10.43 L/100 km<br>
259 miles divided by 9.338 gallons = 27.74 mpg = 8.48 L/100 km<br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-4159294942468848602013-03-31T13:17:00.001-04:002013-03-31T13:57:29.748-04:00Gullwing Grief - Hairdryer to the Rescue<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/2000wattinverter_zpsf7ebdec3.jpg" border="0" alt="1.21 gigawatts? I'll need one or two more inverters to handle that!"/><br><br>
People are undeniably seduced by gullwing doors, whether they're on a lowly DeLorean or the supreme Mercedes SLS.<br><br>
DeLorean doors, powered by a Grumman-aerospace torsion bar plus a strut, want to rise upward by nature. The only thing holding them down are the latches. And my latches are worn out. In the cold they don't catch and the doors launch upward.<br><br>
Since I can't drive the car in the cold specifically because of this problem, I decided to have DMC Midwest replace my latches. I made all the arrangements, ordered parts, booked hotels and even plane flights.<br><br>
But the ONE day I have to drive to Crystal Lake, Illinois is a terribly cold day sandwiched between all the nice the weather. And the main reason I'm going, ironically, is so the Swingles can replace my latches that don't work in the cold! This means that on my nine hour drive I would not be able stop. Not to eat, pee or even get gas.<br><br>
Now here's the absurd part. In addition to these woes, my driver's window is broken and stuck in the up position. This means I have to open my door every time I pay a toll or talk to the border guards. But once my door is open, my goose is cooked.<br><br>
Solution: A one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five watt hairdryer. To make this work I bought a super-badass 2000 watt inverter for $199. I attached appropriate cables, clamped it to my battery, and <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcwithinverter_zpsb1ba9629.jpg" target="_blank"> plugged in the purple hairdryer</a>.<br><br>
As ridiculous as this sounds, it works. Now I'm thinking of bringing my 1000 watt microwave too. After all, what's a road trip without burritos!? <br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-25169748480351830972013-03-16T12:35:00.001-04:002014-03-15T11:03:32.388-04:00Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade 2013<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcradleaksm_zpsb2647c06.jpg" border="0" alt="Luck o' the Irish... a coolant leak right before the St. Patrick's Day parade!"/><br><br>
Tomorrow Toronto will hold their 26th annual St. Patrick's Day parade - and they'll be short one DeLorean. I won't be able to attend thanks to the number 114,000 and, ironically, to the colour green.<br><br>
In the DeLorean world, surpassing 100,000 miles is uncommon. These are collector cars, and have been since the company went bankrupt. Sometime around 1983 people started squirrelling away their DMC-12s, some thinking it would skyrocket in value, others because parts were sometimes difficult to acquire. Mileage, generally, remained very low as the cars were rarely driven.<br><br>
My DeLorean has 114,000 miles on the clock, which is relatively high. With that much use, things wear out. The novelty of the car is, for me at least, its achilles heel: My gullwing doors aren't working. The problem lies in the worn-out door latches. In the cold they do not catch and the doors pop back open.<br><br>
As glorious as it would be, I can't drive down the highway in full gullwing mode, Huey Lewis blasting on the tape deck, my ascot blowing in the wind, giving all a rockin' thumbs up.<br><br>
The Swingles, at <a href="http://dmcmidwest.com/" target="_blank">DMC Midwest</a>, will be giving me some worn out latch action in April, and while there, I will ask them about the all-aluminum rad from the DeLorean Motor Company and the Toby Peterson Wings-B-Cool cooling fans.<br><br>
What does this mean? Short of a snow storm, I will be there again next year to help Toronto celebrate St. Patrick's Day!<br>
------------<br><br>
See <a href="http://dmcme.blogspot.ca/2012/03/toronto-st-patricks-day-parade-2012.html" target="_blank">Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade 2012</a>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-47065716944667593662013-03-10T20:51:00.000-04:002013-03-10T20:53:41.301-04:00Literal Shitty Taxes<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/barf_zps1d56fd69.jpg" border="0" alt="Time to rename the cat 'Vomit Canon'"/><br><br>
I'M A MILLIONAIRE! Oh wait, that's a complete lie. Nevermind. I guess I'll start blogging again just as soon as I get my taxes out of the way.<br><br>
Yeah, tax season. Fun stuff right? It is! When you know you're getting a refund, anyway. But what about when you have two very old cats? And what if those poor, wretched old jerks decided to barf and shit on everything you own? And what if that included all your tax documents?<br><br>
Excrementy and vomity paperwork is difficult enough to deal with, but it's especially embarrassing when you have to give it all to your accountant. You know, because it's TAX SEASON.<br><br>
<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/diarrhea_zpse6e0695e.jpg" border="0" alt=" shitty taxes, quite literally."/>How do you explain the brown smears to her? You can't just let her touch it... can you? And you certainly can't wash it off. Have you ever tried to wash paper? I'll let you in on a little secret. It doesn't work.<br><br>
Okay, so there are two options. Option one is to keep your mouth shut and let her touch the number 2. Did I forget to mention it's not ordinary cat crap? No, kitty was having a bad day when she smeared her extraordinarily raunchy ass on our paperwork. This is the pinnacle of abominable bowel movements - diarrhea.<br><br>
Despite the fact that my accountant is my cousin, and even though she herself has a number of cats and horses, that option just plain sucks. So I settled on option two. I took a pair of scissors and literally cut the brown spots out. Yup, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "<i>Cut that shit out</i>!"<br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-10292557436668626322013-02-16T20:35:00.000-05:002013-03-11T10:52:33.655-04:00DeLorean Speedo Cable - Oh Snap!<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcspeedocablesm_zps92cc2df2.jpg" border="0" alt="My snapped DeLorean speedo cable dangling."/><br><br>
When a police officer stops you and rhetorically asks how fast you were going, "<i>No</i>" isn't the best answer. Neither is "<i>less than 88 miles per hour, DUH</i>!"<br><br>
My speedometer cable broke in the fall, putting me in the stressful situation of constantly scanning bridges, bushes and side streets for sneaky speed traps. Wow, say that 5 times fast! Sneaky speed traps! Sneaky speed traps! Sneaky steed taps! Sneaky sneed maps! Bah! It's more difficult than it looks.<br><br>
I ordered a new cable from Dave & Julee at DeLorean Motor Company Midwest. It's the lower cable that runs from the bottom of the Lambda counter to the angle drive on the driver's front wheel.<br><br>
Replacing this cable is another of those very easy jobs that took me considerably longer. I estimate this to be a 10 minute job however, due to my nerve damage it took me about half an hour. I tried to make it easier for myself by jacking up the front of the car to give me more room to access the cable. <br><br>
<img align="right" vspace="6" hspace="11" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcspeedocablelambda_zps185025cc.jpg" border="0" alt="DeLorean Lambda"/>My next step was to undo the cable from the bottom of the Lambda and push it through the firewall. However, when I did this I noticed something unusual. There was <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcspeedoextracable_zps7d86266d.jpg" target="_blank">a small electrical wire piggybacking it</a> through the rubber gasket/plug. "<i>This is a problem</i>!" I thought, as it would mean I'd have to slice the gasket/plug to slide the wire through, and slice my new gasket/plug as well. I followed the wire past my pedals and behind the radio and discovered it was not attached to anything. Although I thought this was a stroke of luck at the time I have now found myself wondering, "<i>Crap. What doesn't work</i>?"<br><br>
One thing I noticed during this job is that my old cable housing was considerably stiffer than my new cable housing. The speedo cable is prone to snapping and requires periodic lubrication. But I now think age is a factor too. As the cable housing stiffens up with age, it puts more pressure on the inner cable, which binds.<br><br>
I slid the new cable through the hole in the firewall and screwed it into the Lambda. The most difficult part for me was forcing the new gasket/plug back into the firewall hole. Once it was done I simply screwed the other end of the cable into the angle drive on the front wheel. Easy! <a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/dmcspeedocabledone_zps942b2039.jpg" target="_blank">And here it is completed.</a><br><br>
The only downside to all of this work is that it's -16 Celsius out and I'll have to wait for spring to test it out.<br><br>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-10280999114134710912013-02-03T22:33:00.000-05:002013-02-14T22:20:44.352-05:00Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon<img align="right" hspace="11" vspace="5" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/dmcme/2013/woodfordreservesm_zps5bb7cf91.jpg" border="0" alt="Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, one of the nicest glass bottles out there.">I suffered through my first glass of Woodford Reserve as an acrid layer of hot spice blanketed my tongue and choked my tastebuds. I had tried it in a tavern setting, with savory food. It was a mistake and I was thankful I hadn't made the costly investment of an entire bottle at the LCBO prior.<br><br>
Yes, it was terrible and the balance was way off. But I was in denial, partaking of it plenty more times since that first night. Each time I had it it was dramatically better and for a long time I excitedly thought of adding one of those unforgettable bottles to my shelf.<br><br>
I didn't have to wait long. When my parents returned from a Florida vacation they surprised me with a bottle of Woodford Reserve. It was a gift set which included two <a href="http://s22.beta.photobucket.com/user/dmcme/media/2013/woodfordreserveglasssm_zpsa05ab9e8.jpg.html" target="_blank">tasteful etched glasses</a> as well.<br><br>
Woodford Reserve, with its beautiful wood and cork stopper, is a small batch whiskey and as such it varies from bottle to bottle. I wish I'd recorded the batch number from that first one, not that it matters because that particular supply is long gone. The one I have currently is bottle 545 from batch 654. And this is a fantastic batch.<br><br>
Nose: sweet spicy metal, and surprisingly little alcohol considering the 45.2% abv.<br><br>
This was my favourite Woodford to date with cherries and almonds followed by the strong tell-tale metallic flavour of copper pot distillation. What really surprised me was a delicious but faint smokiness too. Finally, the spicy rye hits.<br><br>
The finish is dry and nutty with a hint of pine. Nosing the glass afterward all I can smell is fresh cut wood. Very nice!<br><br>
WR is akin to a nicely kept, relatively stock DeLorean. The biggest difference being some 17" aftermarket wheels. The car definitely looks flashier and more luxurious, fast even. But it's probably not to everyone's taste.<br><br>
Gift from my parents<br>
750 ml<br>
45.2% (90.4 proof)<br><br>
<a href="http://www.woodfordreserve.com" target="_blank">www.woodfordreserve.com</a>Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14492821.post-83608461469759633112013-01-27T09:34:00.000-05:002015-06-16T17:51:35.048-04:00The DeLorean Crash Test<iframe width="410" height="308" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0mjd2NTJU9g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>
<blockquote>"<i>The DeLorean proved to be a very well designed vehicle in terms of allowing a relatively great amount of front end crush without adversely compromising the survival space in the compartment.</i>" -NHTSA</blockquote>
Here we go again! Yet another bonehead has found this old DeLorean crash-test video and I can't stop laughing. The authors' editorial on the impact and on the car itself is erroneous to the point of hilarity.<br><br>
The comments are SO asinine I'm not even going to put the link to the article because this idiot should not be receiving more traffic. But if you're curious, it was posted January 10 on Bangshift.com. If this posting is indicative of the level of intelligence Bangshift.com employs, I urge you to stay far, far away.<br><br>
Yes, yes, opinions! Everyone is entitled! Unfortunately many a DeLorean author has formed an opinion having never even set eyes on one. More often than not, they regurgitate incorrect specs and compare the DeLorean to modern cars rather than their 1981 counterparts. Always an amateur thing to do.<br><br>
The video is old. A total geezer. It has been discussed for years. If you haven't seen it don't watch it like Brian did, full of hate. Watch objectively.<br><br>
There is a lot of competition but the title, "<i>...fold up like a wet cardboard box</i>", is possibly the most foolish remark. I almost feel sorry for Brian, who doesn't understand crumple zones or, more likely, any sort of basic automotive engineering. I truly feel bad for this dunce who sees wet paper where most see the car crumpling as it was designed.<br><br>
Because this is the higher 40-mph test it's difficult to compare to other early 80s crash-tests. Most are the more common 30 and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkRq_hR4W0I" target="_blank">35 mph tests</a>. Regardless, <a href="http://www.delorean.net/crashtest.pdf" target="_blank">the NHTSA report</a> declares the 40-mph test a success.<br><br>
Here's the simple truth: the DeLorean was designed to crumple in a crash. By engineers. Engineers are generally considered to be pretty smart. Guys who write shit on the internet? Not so much (Look Mom! I'm on the internet. I'm writing in my blog! Look! MOM! LOOK AT ME!).<br><br>
Martinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06428760809058039675noreply@blogger.com4