Weekend rides…
Most Sundays, I spend working on some new fangled project. Contemplating concept to completion. But sometimes, I get out in the MACH3 and sprint the hills, looking for cool cars and cool places.
This past weekend, I went to the Coffee Bean to hang with my buddy Bob. Not the normal buddy, but the “This is my wife’s ‘X,’ buddy.” How that happened, is another story, but Bob’s cool. And he likes cool bikes. So much, that he has spent the better part of 30 years building the Harley that you see here. And never rode it until just this weekend. Ah, what a feeling of accomplishment. Can you guess what the tongue was for?
Don’t wait until it’s too late to do what you love. Before you know it, the rust will set in, the knobs will fall off and the fat lady will sing. Get to it,… NOW.
Then, at about 10pm, a shuddering thunderous sound hit outside my door. A Bird? A Plane? Nope,… Paris Hilton’s Birthday Party. …And SHE wanted fireworks. And what Paris wants, Paris gets.
They WERE pretty cool though…
STREET TUNER CHALLENGE WEEK 10… HUH?
Whew….! What a week…
So much stuff goin’ on that I feel my noggen temperature rising. (At least hotter that it is normally,… with all the flames and stuff…) BUT, let’s get into it!
ABOVE!
BREAK IN!!!! That’s right. Came in around 6am to find that some hooligan threw a concrete chunk through our window! Bleah. Thought it might be our competition on STC, but after further investigation, found out that they were too busy working on THEIR cars to try and mess with US! So, as it stands, Mr. Hooligan got NADA! And us? We got a cool item for Mr. Flame to stand on…
And what’s up with the car? How about a MASSIVE INTERCOOLER being held by “The Big Hurt!” Yea, I know what you’re thinking. It’s kinda small for a MINI, but hey, we got a budget.
The boys from DEP came in to build the STC Pursuit Roll Cage. And that,… they did. Stronger than strong as we roll on over the Focus and EVO. Yea, you listen’ boys? I know you’re readin’ this and YOU know you want a MINI. No worries. When this is all over, I’ll hook you up at the Dealer of all Dealers…
Gina, (AKA, Girl Friday) sits shocked at the STC schedule. SOMEONE CALL A MEDIC!!!
From the super cool POLLACK PR MARKETING GROUP, Lisa Townsend came in to represent AL & EDS for the install of the super cool SONY stuff. Expect some excellent PR coming out of them for STC real soon. Yea, she’s cute, so watch your language, boys…
And speaking of cute, the STREET TUNER CHALLENGE GIRLS payed us a visit next to the shop for some seriously “hot” filming. This is for the Opener in episode one, but you’ll see them in EVERY episode. Someone get me a cold bucket of water!
BUT, not only did we get a visit from the girls, but the enemy showed up as well. Okay, so they aren’t really ALL bad. These are the guys from FOCUS SPORT and SKUNK2. Extremely excellent builders and will rock the socks off of the competi…. HEY WAIT A TICK!! THAT’S US!!!!!! Uh,… okay, back up a sec. They’re,… like pretty good and kinda cool dudes,…. that’s about all I have to say about that.
Oh, … and the winners of STC 1 & 2 were there as well. Hot stuff from ABDRACING. Yea, it’s a sweet ride, yo.
Classic Buddy, Ed, came in with the featured vehicle for interviews. A 1933 Buick. It was,… well, …. classy. Unlike me, but hey,… I’m spicy. THANKS, ED!!
And last, but certainly my favorite, GOSIA and ANDY flew all the way in from Chicago with their unbelievable…. well, actually, I can’t say what they brought. But these guys seriously got it goin’ on at MILLUSIONS. And now, they’re my friends. A true reward. Expect to see them in more of the show as we get closer to race day. And they’ll be at SEMA, so get your eyeballs ready for the best dang _______ on the planet!! And wy is Andy so in shock? Find out during the epsiode!!! More MYRIDE coming in a few days. EPISODE 3!! But come to my profile and say “HI!”
California CLUBMAN sighting…
So, there they were, minding their own business, when…
THWACK! IT’S A CLUBMAN!!! Yes, Fireballers Andy Limon and Jennifer Tang were in Camarill, heading to pick up… well, actually I have no idea what they were getting,… ANYWHO, they walk SMACK DAB into a new MINI CLUBMAN. Hey, that car’s not supposed to be here, yo!
So, back in CVS they go to buy a camera and SNAP! …SNAP! SNAP!! TA DA! Here you go, folks. ‘Course, I’m not really convinced it’s a MINI, seein’ as how the logo’s been covered… But then again, I’m easy to fool. Thanks Andy and Jen!
STREET TUNER CHALLENGE WEEK 9 Things get serious…
Now begins the serious stuff. POWER. And with the 2007 R56 MINI beggin’ for it, it was up to our team to bring in the best. Yes, what we want is seriously PISSED OFF MINI, so…
-Producer, Chris Hall sets up a shot with Sean from JE PISTONS and Fireballed Head of Operations, Brian White. AKA, “The Big Hurt.”
-Meanwhile, Nick (Also from JE PISTONS) and John from DARTON SLEEVES, prepare to make BIG POWER moves, forcing that MINI into Supersonic speeds. All these guys are masters and what they do and believe strongly in the Underdog.
-Production Crew, Bjorn, Ed and Dan fight over who gets the last NOS in the shop. The only thing that helps us maintain the 15 hour days!
-Fireballed Team Racer, Dr. Cory Thies, brought in his RED HOT S for our background car this week. Very first car to display TINTVINYL from XSell Media. You likey, let us know. It’s the next cool thing to match the color of your car.
-GM of South Bay MINI, Peter Boesen, freaks after I told him that we just Pimped his 7 Series with 30″ donk wheels. (I thought it might be cool,…) Actually, he was expecting 32″s…
-Sean, from JE, gets the STC Interview treatment. Guy was sweating so bad that we had to wipe the cameras down every two minutes. Small price to pay for BIG POWER. Good job, Seany Boy!!
-Brian from APG stopped by to give us the completed FIREBALLED MIRRORSKINS. Yea, we could show you what they look like, …but what’s the fun in that? Rest assured, APG rocks the socks for cool MINI Products.
-Master Fuh gets the royal interview treatment. You know, just when I think that I’ve figured Hubie out, I realize I’m so far from that, it’s not even funny. Genius at work… always.
So, to be expected, no photos of the car. But, just you wait. Just plain ridiculous…
For more cool info on STREET TUNER CHALLENGE, get our Newsletters!
WEEK 10 brings MILLUSIONS TO THE SET!!! BRING IT!!!!!
Reality Check…
My dog is sick. Very sick. The dog food that killed thousands is now trying to do the same thing to mine. His name is Bandit and he’s a CockerPoo. A mini dog for a MINI car. He’s been having his tummy drained once a week, from 16lbs down to 11. 5lbs of fluid. But, in a case like this, our thoughts are what will save him…
Went to the vet, they said he’d only live 2 weeks or so. “Put him to sleep now.” …He’s been alive for over 10 now. Cost: $100 a session times 10.
Went to the Holistic Doc and they said he’s dying, gave him a shot of B12 and recommended Acupuncture. Cost: $250 Consultation plus the B12. 1 Visit. Ouch.
Then,… it hit me. Dr. Schultz. In the beginning, we changed his diet radically and started him on a Liver Detox and major herbal formulas. The same things we take and I haven’t been sick in 5 years. Expelling his toxins and getting it into our heads that we were “Making him Healthy.”
At Dr. Schultz: 3 people surrounded me with the best advice that money could never buy. Didn’t charge me a thing. Actually cared about my lil’ pup and showed me pix of theirs.
He’s the greatest dog that ever lived,… to me. Just like YOUR dog. Would you give up? Never. So great that Kathie and I are developing a whole Series of Books around him. So, as we build our MINI for the TV Show, my thoughts are with him. Not of concern, but of strong visualizations that his health is perfect. Creating a strong and healthy little dog to watch my show with and take to the beach for good sniffins. …And to eat healthy treats with…
Appreciate the good vibes from people who love cars,… and dogs.
Ah, what cars to do next…
Contemplation. Ah, yes. What to do next?
My Coloring Book, MINIROCKETS seems to be a hit, but now I have to follow it up. Curious what you guys think? Muscle Cars? Movie Cars? Tuners? Classics? They’re really fun to do and even more fun to color in,… even for adults. Since ADULTS seem to be the ones snaggin’ it. Yea, for their kids, they say. Right…I’m not buyin’ it… Coloring Books are for EVERYONE! On a plane? Color a MINI. On the pot? Color a Muscle Car… But what is it about Coloring that get’s into people? Remember? Sittin’ with your friends as you color in Disney characters… Sittin’ by the TV with your brother, coloring in Underdog or Speed Racer. It was something to do, something fun. And it took you away…Maybe THAT was it. It took you away, even if just for a few minutes. Personally, I love to watch kids color. Hang out with them… and act stupid. You remember what THAT was like, right? Do YOU get to act stupid?
So, what to do? What cars should I do next? Tell me, ’cause I’m stuck.
STREET TUNER CHALLENGE WEEK 8! New Car emerges…
Yes, the theme for this week was “The New Car.” As in, several new cars showed up at the shop and the FIREBALLED MINI USA PURSUIT was becoming one. Many key players this week came in to bring life and spirit to the STC Mini, and along with them came talent of extraordinary levels.
First off, Fireballed Sponsor VP RACING became a Series Sponsor. The absolute best high octane Race Fuel on the market today. We hoped they would send us a banner big enough to cover our freshly painted MINI components…. but, wups. There they are. Pink? Green? Mango Flavored? What color could it be? Welcome VP!
Retired FIREMAN, Ray Elliott, came by with his UNBELIEVABLE 1947 Fiat. 800hp and only 1600lbs!! This car is a low 9 second rocket! Ray is now a BIG Fireballed and MINI Fan and we appreciate him helpin’ out. THANKS, RAY!!
SoundDood, Ed, hangs out next to the 2007 Mini head. No, not modified just yet, but soon. Although, we think Ed is FULLY modified….
ELEANOR HAS LEFT THE BUILDING… Yes, our gorgeous girl has left us, humbled and wanting more. And MORE CAME! From FAST AND FURIOUS 3/ TOKYO DRIFT, this Nascar prepped Monte Carlo showed up at the shop, courtesy of CINEMA VEHICLE SERVICES. It’s a BAD BEAST! Come to the shop and see it for yourself!
Strollin’ on in for some SERIOUS PINSTRIPING came Jeff “STYLES.” You know Jeff? Pinstriper extraordinaire? Jeff has done our SEMINARBQ’s in the past and several Overhaulin’ episodes. Plus, been in just about every major Hot Rod Mag on the marble. What? Hot Rod Pinstriping on a MINI? Hmmm…. Can you say AQUA with a White Pearl Pinstripe? Actually,…………. that could be cool, eh?
Also, comin’ into the shop were the talents of Hot Rod Builder Mike Michalopoulos (My childhood friend) and Art Master Sean Clark (My Stepson). Mike and I have been causin’ car trouble since 1979. Designing, building, exploding. You know, normal kid stuff…. But to have Mike there to “finish” was a huge treat and I was humbled by his skills. UDAMAN, MIKEY! And Sean? Well, Sean was brought in to build some things that I can’t talk about. If I said a word, then I’d have to kill myself. …….. That really doesn’t make sense, but WHATEVER! Sean is an awesome 20 year old Artist, Designer and Builder. And, a pretty dang good musician, too. GREAT JOB, GUYS!
So, week 8 was an insane build week. And since HUBIE and BRIAN were no where in site, all I have to say is EUROTUNER GP EVENT. Come the 24th, The WIDOW will be racing in WILLOW SPRINGS. And it will have some new Fireballed components pushing it beyond the limits of reasonable power. Stay tooned and check out the SEMA updates on MYRIDE!
STREET TUNER CHALLENGE WEEK 7 Half Way!!!
Now that we’re half way, it’s getting more difficult to take some shots, as we can’t really show much. So, it becomes about the experience. And what an experience we had this week!
Andy and I headed out to Cinema Vehicle Services to pick up… uh, stuff. Major Cool Stuff for the car. The kind of stuff that will make this ride the most unique MINI that’s ever been done. We shot with the crew out there for half a day, hangin’ out with some of the neatest rides on the planet. A few of the things we saw was from films like Ghostbusters, Flintstones, Fast & Furious and Mystery Men. You’ll get to see all these cars when the show airs, beginning October 17th. www.cinemavehicles.com
As we did that, the boys at Fireballed installed Seats, Steering Wheels and lots of cool stuff from MOMO. www.momousa.com
Actually had VP Peter Boesen and (?) helped us install the Tires/Wheels on the car for fun. Peter is the GM for South Bay MINI and Mr ? is from MINIUSA corporate, so no photos were allowed. Who he is will have to be a secret for now…. But he actually came in, suit and all, to get down and dirty! That says somethin’ for MINI, eh… Thanks, Mr.?!!!!
As the day ended, we did our interviews at the Best MINI Dealership on the planet. Peter’s South Bay MINI in Torrance. Who knew that guys in suits could be so good on camera? And they were awesome! www.southbaymini.com
Oh, and did I mention that we had a visit from Superman? Well, at least Superman’s cool new car. My buddy, Dennis, rolled in to show off his Superman Hot Rod for the show’s background car. One of the nicest and most trick Hot Rods I’ve seen. Watch next week’s MYRIDE Sema Countdown for specs. It’s super cool. Thanks, Dennis!! www.myride.com (Look for Countdown to SEMA)
That’s it! What will Week 8 bring? Will Mr? be revealed? Will I ever not love Chocolate? Who knows… but stay Car Tooned!!!
YIKES! I’m a what?
http://news.aol.com/newsbloggers/2007/08/23/redheads-going-extinct/
Just a matter of time….
