Updated November 21/98 While a sampling from this issue is available below, this Edition also contains: "A +4 On The Isle Of Man" article, Reports on the "British Car Days", Morgan event articles, and News From The West, The East, & more! To subscribe to THE BLURB and get six complete issues each year - see the CLUB INFO PAGE. Click on an article below (or scroll down) to sample articles from "THE BLURB" THE CO-PREZ SEZ November & December/98 Edition. By F. Kuzyk SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog EDITOR'S NOTES By Vern Dale-Johnson Morgan On Tundra - Newfoundland & Back By Mary Shier CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLES FROM THE PREVIOUS EDITION THE CO-PREZ SEZ THE CO-PREZ SEZ: Fred & Lynn Kuzyk (msccc@sympatico.ca) An early "Merry Christmas" to everyone! We'd like to welcome new members Chris Walker & Gertha Griffiths (ON, Spitfire owners), and Jonathan & Dale Russell (BC, Mog 4/4). EXECUTIVE DECISION: As of the end of October, several Executive positions still remain vacant for 1999. These being: Vice-President, Regalia, Fall Weekend Co-ordinator, & Events. Now we didn't expect a stampede, a long queue of candidates - but Vern & Jenny could use more personnel to "run the store". Other than serving as Webmasters, the "Past Prez" will be low key. Sylvia Balfour has expressed interest in trying her hand as BLURB Editor. That's the spirit! A "5TH BRITISH CAR TOY RUN" IN 1999? Discussions have been on-going with people representing other clubs, regarding the future of this event. Some are still talking amongst their own people. A challenge was offered to the club representing this year's "Featured Marque" (the Toronto Area Rovers Club), but our contacts declined to host the 1999 sequel, as their resources may even be less plentiful than ours. One group felt that the MSCCC is what made this event & thus the event should remain co-ordinated by our own people. They are willing to poll their membership for helpers, however. Realistically though, no one from within our fold has come forward in that capacity as yet, nor is that likely in all probability! Given this reality, I am pleased that Bill & Angela Davies of the British Saloon Club Of Canada, have expressed committed interest in staging the event next year under the "Saloon Club" banner. An information meeting is scheduled for early November. Their team appears to be growing & includes Phil Miller & Ken Baker ("Empire Day" organizers), among others. Lynn & I will help them in an advisory role & we trust that their enthusiasm will guarantee a successful day for the hobby. "Yes Virginia, there still is a Santa Claus!" A Report appears on this year's Toy Run. The article is also posted on the MSCCC website. MSCCC members fared very well in the awards! I'd like to thank Vern Dale-Johnson for the framed collector posters presented to Hendrik Rens & ourselves. We also are grateful to members John & Sharon Fitchie for the long day they put in with their van, Tim Shier for parking duties, and thanks once again to Doug Turner & family! It's one of life's great mysteries (right up there with the "Cadbury secret"), that more Morgans will always show up for British Car Day, than for anything that the MSCCC does! Likewise, it seems easier for local cars to travel a great distance (such as the 3 trikes at the Pittsburgh Grand Prix) than for anything done locally. Why we'd be fortunate to have one 3-wheeler at any given local event! Well after 4 years, we feel grateful to have Dave Smith's trike in attendance at this final Toy Run of ours, and we thank him for the rides provided for charity! IN PRINT: Glen Cavers & Dave Smith recently appeared in a photo & article in a Burlington newspaper, with regards to the Toy Run! Dave was about to give Glen a ride in his trike. As well, Russ & Sylvia Balfour's car appeared in a photo in the Milton newspaper, at the same event. These clippings are posted on the website. We received a card from Heather Wilson of the Toronto Triumph Club (& winner of this year's "Santa's Favourite Triumph" Award), with regards to the Toy Run. Heather participated each year & appeared in a cable TV interview at the 1997 Run. She says: "Just a quick note to say thanks for Favourite Triumph. I feel very honoured that I received this vote. I'm very pleased about this award. I also wanted to thank you both for the hard work that you both have done for the Santa Claus Toy Run. It started small.... but it is now a very big event each year. Thanks for your hard work!" An article on Peter Morgan & the Company appears in the October-November issue of "British Car" magazine. Peter celebrated 50 years of service with the Morgan Motor Company in 1997. As the author states: "No matter what the economic climate outside, and no matter what the latest rumour of other firms' takeovers and bankruptcies, Morgan's pace never varies." The article is worth a read. Speaking of economic difficulties in the British car biz these days, an article from the London Sunday Times suggests that BMW will slash thousands of jobs at Rover. The strong pound & losses at Rover have forced this action. Rover is cutting 1500 jobs this year, with many more to follow. Received a letter from a fellow who is intent on Morgan 3-wheeler ownership. Availability, pitfalls, etc, are of interest. If anyone more learned in this info would like to advise him, on this experience, please write to: Andy Knight, PO Box 483, 3015 E. Verbena Ave., Coolidge, GA 31738, USA. Fred Kuzyk will have an article published in a forth- coming book dealing with automotive short stories from across North America. Entitled "Taking the Long Way Home" (Second Edition), Fred's article deals with his reflections on aircraft, sports cars, & golden ages in Canada. Finally, he's published in something other than "the BLURB" & "Smoke" magazine! Details about the book can be found at the publisher's website: www.pww.on.ca/carinfo.htm SPINNING THE WEB: Did you know that the first Allard WAS a Morgan? John Allard of the Allard World Wide Web Pages advises me of this fact! "Allard's first special was a three wheeler that he raced for quite a while. Becoming dissatisfied with the handling (which HAS to be an OXYMORON, Allards and handling) he converted it to a 4 wheel configuration!. Later on he went back, proof that if Morgans were meant to have 4 wheels they would have been built that way!" If you are interested in Allards, this & other info can be found at his website: http://www.ptinet.net/~jallard/allard.html John (no relation to Sidney Allard) also has the following message for Al Sands: "I too was at Watkins Glen. Tell Alan I was the guy on crutches with the Allard toys and models with him. That might ring a bell. Don't know Alan, but someday I am sure we shall meet. I may own the fastest Allard in the world. It is a Palm Beach Mk I with a 400 plus hp small block Chevrolet. 0-60 has been clocked (with fifth wheel) at 3.5 sec. and quarter mile in 11.5 at 115 plus. Picture is at the web site. I will add a link to your MSCCC website soon. In fact I am forecasting a separate page listing -American sports bastards, and as such Morgan with the ex Buick aluminum block V-8s qualify! Love Moggies have been offered one in direct trade for my car. But of course, I thought that it was not a fair trade!" Our website has a plethora of links, but if your looking for even more, try www.autoguide.net. As of mid-October, this site boasts in excess of 4500 Automotive related links! The MSCCC website will also be moving to a new address in the near future, as the Webmaster joins the "Wave" & goes to a cable modem. Keep posted for details. Photos of 3-wheelers can be found on the Morgan Three Wheeler Page. You will see shots of Bob Wright's & Martin Beer's cars: http://www.users.bigpond.com/johncoom/mtw/. -New Morgan website from England: http://websites.ntl.com/~wnoble/index.html -Need a "No fuss top" for your Mog? Check: www.starterpack.co.uk/sjsimmonds/products.html -Another 3-Wheeler site: www.IAEhv.nl/users/hgt/morgan/index.htm -Official Morgan 3/4 Club site: www.morgan-spares.com/three_fourgroup.html RECENT EVENTS: A busy time surrounding the Toy Run. The week after the Fall Getaway Weekend, was the annual British Car Day. Many Morganeers in attendance & about 20 cars. These included the debut of Glen Nigh's car, as well as Dave Smith's trike. Sept 29-Oct 1, saw the CAARGB North American Tour roll through this area. Although I could not meet up with the group, a few enthusiasts did at Niagara. One was Barney Gaylord, a MG enthusiast from Illinois, who when supplied the details by yours truly, he decided to drive the 600 miles or so to meet the Europeans for the day! Not only that, he took photos of the cars present & published them on a website! You can access this site at: http://www.ntsource.com/~barneymg/guest/caar-gb/caar.htm Oct 3, was the Niagara Food Festival event at Glen & Evelyn Nigh's. Lynn & I joined Chris & Gayle Taylor there for great food, wine & fun. Unfortunately, Ev was in the hospital but Glen was the consummate host! Not only did he drive us to & from the event, but he also made repairs to the Taylor's Spitfire. The car developed a water pump failure. Glen provided a spare & had it installed by the time we returned from the festival! Chris is grateful, as am I. For I got the chance of taking Glen's Mog for a test drive - the first time in a right-hand drive car! We all would like to thank Glen & would recommend the hospitality at his "Inn & Repair Garage"! The Oct 4 Pub Brunch had 9 people in attendance. Besides gazing at photos from recent events, we also got to admire Peter Toma's new BMW acquisition! The British Car Autojumble took place on Oct 25. Vern D-J and a few other members attended. The event had new attractions this year & was part of the collector car auction, so lots to do besides hunt for those elusive parts. UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS: Just a reminder of the Nov 8 & Dec 6 Pub Brunch Meetings. These are the last that Lynn & I will be hosting. Hope to see you there. Don't forget the Balfour's Christmas in Cambridge III on Dec 12, & please RSVP to Sylvia! A side dish & BYOB would be great. We will have some "aged" beer there, remaining from the Fall Weekend, though. A decision on the recipient of the Doug Price Award for 1998 has been made. We hope to make a presentation at the Christmas Party. FINAL WORDS: As this is our last "Prez Sez", we would like to thank everyone for the great times over the last number of years. We thank Vern for relieving us at this time & know that he will do an outstanding job as the President. We look forward to assuming the mantle of Past Presidents, and feel that we are on a high point. We're proud at how this small club has improved since the early 1990's. The coffers are in good shape. Membership is way up compared to earlier in this decade. Attendance at club events has improved, especially this year! (We remember Pub Meetings a few years ago that had only 3 folks there, including Lynn & I.). We have an excellent newsletter (really! Many people say that, even outside of our own group). It's good to leave things in better shape than you found them. The present state of affairs will continue, if people feel it is worthwhile & choose to preserve & improve upon it! "See you down the road" Fred Kuzyk SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER. By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog & Hellen Hogmog We bid a pleasant adieu to 1998 & a hopeful welcome to 1999! I understand that Russ Balfour has recently retired. Our informants reveal that a retirement party rivaling the adulation bestowed upon heads of state was staged for Russ. Quite touching to witness, indeed. Although "the boss" may have departed, it is apparent that this unpretentious man is sincerely liked by all! Pictures of his Morgans were displayed at the fete. Undoubtedly, Russ will now be able to devote more time to such pursuits as hockey (we should be so energetic to still be playing after 38 years in the "working world"), flying model airplanes, and of course - "Morganeering"! But then we also trust that he will also be able to help Sylvia around the house, too. Congratulations, sir! Meanwhile, it's rumoured that Briar Morgan, the daughter of Brenda & Brian Morgan, was engaged during the weekend of the "Pig-Out". A wedding date in May 1999 is being planned. Ah, they grow so fast, don't they! We wish Briar all the best. Her parents aren't losing a daughter - they're gaining some room in the four-seater! Speaking of matrimony, we hear that Ian Smith was married this year! We also hear that Paula Smith has also returned to Guelph University. Thus, parents Dave & Pauline Smith are now "empty nesters". All is not emptiness, as happily plans are for a hot tub is looking good - especially in Paula's room! A rare coincidence or Morgan karma? It seems that both Paula Smith (Guelph U.) & Cathy Shier (U of T) returned to school sans socks! A mad dash home ensued for Paula to claim some, while Cathy had dad Ray Shier deliver hers! Is this a psychic connection of some sort? Cathy will need to pull her socks up, as the recipient of the "Duke of Edinburgh Award*". Congratulations! * Awards stated by Prince Philip in 1963 to honour the achievements of young people. Morganeers are known for longevity & eccentricity. But they are not known for carrying a grudge, or are they? We learned at British Car Day that a grudge has only been going on since 1968! We would think that surely it is time to bury the hatchet. Then again, the hatchet might be buried in someone's anatomy. Strange! Then again, where people are involved, one must expect bizarre behavior. For instance, it matters not what good one does, there will always be those that grumble. It seems that certain parties took exception to the "tobacco plug" ("Visit the Holy Smokes Tobacconist Website") at the end of Fred Kuzyk's emails to the Morgan Internet Newsgroup. It matters not that the messages themselves were of relevance to the Morgan hobby. The timing was strange. All was well & good for some time, until a message contained a referral to the Canadian Morgan dealer. Fred says that narrows the suspects, however he won't hold a grudge. Instead, he has "unlisted" himself from that newsgroup, and said something to the effect of: "Let the grumblers provide a service (answer questions, list cars for sale, etc.) to the group". Seems only fair. On a happier note, a photo of Lynn Kuzyk recently appeared in a fashion spread in the Hamilton Spectator newspaper. Representing Holy Smokes/Fortinos at a fundraiser for the Royal Botanical Gardens, the photographer liked Lynn's outfit. We're pleased to report that there were no grumblings at the blatant "tobacconist plug" perpetrated by the newspaper, in this instance! The grumblers possibly indulging in too much wine, of which there was plenty there, or being busily involved in self-serving pursuits (such as searching for cheap parts) elsewhere! Some food for thought. A recent magazine article ponders how different America & the world would be if JFK had lived. Individuals do make a difference to history. Consider that in December 1931, a British politician crossing a New York street was struck by a car & nearly killed. In February 1933, an American politician while in a car in Miami was fired upon by an assassin. The mayor of Chicago, sitting beside him, was killed. Would the history of the twentieth century have been the same if that car in New York had killed Winston Churchill And that assassin had killed Franklin Roosevelt? I'm not certain but perhaps cars can be hazardous to your health! I drive too fast to worry about the dangers of cholesterol! Another view on cars: "We're told that cars are dangerous. It's safer to drive through South Central Los Angeles than to walk there. We're told cars are wasteful. Wasteful of what? Oil did a lot of good sitting in the ground for millions of years. We're told that cars should be replaced by mass transportation. But it's hard to reach the drive-through window at McDonald's from a speeding train. And we're told that cars cause pollution. A hundred years ago city streets were ankles deep in horse excrement. What kind of pollution do you want? Would you rather die of cancer at eighty or typhoid fever at nine?" - P.J. O'Rourke from Age and Guile We try to see all aspects in this column & present a balance. To offset these libertarian sentiments, we must also add that while it took a couple of million years to create that oil, we as a species are likely to consume all of it in about 200 years! So, get your fair share & burn it up. Mr. O'Rourke also has said that: "It's better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money". I feel like taking the Mog for a spin at speed, Hellen! And let's have a fine cigar while we're at it! +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ SIGNS YOU MAY BE A CANADIAN: 1. You stand in "line-ups" at the movie, not lines. 2. You're not offended by the term, "Homo Milk" 3. You understand the phrase, "Could you please pass me a serviette, I just spilled my poutine" 4. You eat chocolate bars instead of candy bars. 5. You drink pop, not soda. 6. You know what it means to be on pogey. 7. You know that a mickey and 2-4's mean "Party at the cottage, eh!!" 8. You don't hold your hand on your breast when you sing the National anthem. 9. You can drink legally while still a 'teen. 10. You know that francophones, anglophones and allophones are not electronic devices. 11. You talk about the weather with strangers and friends alike. 12. You don't know or care about the fuss with Cuba, it's just a cheap place to travel to and has good cigars. (AMEN!) 13. When there is a social problem, you turn to your government to fix it instead of telling them to stay out of it. 14. You're not sure if the leader of our nation has EVER had sex and don't want to know if he has! 15. You get milk in bags as well as cartons and plastic jugs. 16. Pike is a type of fish, not some part of a highway. 17. You drive on a highway, not a freeway. 18. You sit on a chesterfield not a couch - that is some small town in Quebec! 19. You know what a Robertson screwdriver is. 20. You have Canadian Tire money in your kitchen drawers. 21. You know that Thrills are something to chew and "taste like soap". 22. You know that Mounties "don't always look like that" - And if you "don't get it" for any of these, you must be American! Call me & I'll translate! +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ THOUGHTFUL THOUGHTS..... "What do people mean when they say the computer went down on me?" --Marilyn Pittman "When you look at Prince Charles, don't you think that someone in the Royal family knew someone in the Royal family?" --Robin Williams "A woman broke up with me and sent me pictures of her and her new boyfriend in bed together. Solution? I sent them to her dad." --Christopher Case "I ask people why they have deer heads on their walls. They always say because it's such a beautiful animal. There you go. I think my mother is attractive, but I have photographs of her." --Ellen DeGeneres "A lady came up to me on the street and pointed at my suede jacket. 'You know a cow was murdered for that jacket?' she sneered. I replied in a psychotic tone, 'I didn't know there were any witnesses. Now I'll have to kill you too.'" --Jake Johansen "If your parents never had children, chances are you won't either." --Dick Cavett "I have such poor vision I can date anybody." --Garry Shandling "Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Kuwait." --A. Whitney Brown "I'm a psychic amnesiac. I know in advance what I'll forget." --Michael McShane "Thou shall not kill. Thou shall not commit adultery. Don't eat pork. I'm sorry, what was that last one?? Don't eat pork. God has spoken. Is that the word of God or is that pigs trying to outsmart everybody?" --Jon Stewart +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Something for our American cousins: Honorable Secretary of Agriculture Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: My friend, Ed Peterson, up in Ankeny, Iowa, received a check for $1,000.00 from the Government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year. What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise 'not to raise hogs' on? And what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would prefer not to raise Razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs. As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised. My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422.00 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1000.00 for not raising hogs. If I get $1,000.00 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000.00 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000.00 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane. Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn or wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise? Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that too. In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps. Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election Patriotically yours, P.S. Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese? +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ One day, a Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Chemical Engineer and Computer Engineer were driving down the street in the same car. The car broke down. The Mechanical Engineer said "I think a rod broke." The Chemical Engineer said "The way it sputtered at the end, I think it's not getting gas." The Electrical Engineer said "I think there was a spark and something is wrong with the electrical system." All three turned to the computer engineer and said, "What do you think?" The Computer Engineer said, "I think we should all get out and get back in." +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Subject: Auto Acronyms: Thought the following might amuse the list, apologies for its lack of Morgan content. AUDI Accelerates Under Demonic Influence, Always Unsafe Designs Implemented BMW Beautiful Mechanical Wonder, Big Money Works, Bought My Wife, Brutal Money Waster BUICK Big Ugly Indestructible Car Killer CHEVROLET -Can Hear Every Valve Rap On Long Extended Trips, Cheap, Hardly Efficient, Virtually Runs On Luck Every Time DODGE Damn Old Dirty Gas Eater, Drips Oil, Drops Grease Everywhere FIAT Failure in Italian Automotive Technology, Fix It All the Time, Fix it again, Tony! FORD backwards -- Driver Returns On Foot, First On Recall Day, First On Rust and Deterioration, Fix Or Repair Daily, Found On Road Dead, Fault Of R&D, Fast Only Rolling Downhill, Features O.J. and Ron's DNA GM General Maintenance GMC Garage Man's Companion, Got A Mechanic Coming? HONDA Had One Never Did Again HYUNDAI Hope You Understand Nothing's Driveable And Inexpensive... MAZDA Most Always Zipping Dangerously Along OLDSMOBILE -Old Ladies Driving Slowly Make Others Behind Infuriatingly Late Every day, Overpriced Leisurely Driven Sedan Made Of Buick's Irregular Leftover Equipment SAAB Send Another Automobile Back, Swedish Automobiles Always Breakdown. TOYOTA Too Often Yankees Overprice This Auto VOLVO Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object VW Virtually Worthless and for your biking enthusiasts...... BSA - "B*st*rd's Stopped Again!" --Richard Cooperman '67 Morgan 4/4 RHD ------------------------- "See you down the road" Hairy & Hellen. EDITOR'S NOTES Editors Notes: Vern Dale-Johnson (vern_dj@msn.com) Dilemma, dilemma.... what to do when Mary Shier sends in a cover shot "Morgan on Tundra" and we've already selected an appropriate graphic??? Why, of course, have two covers! Hope you enjoy, if you don't like the one I've selected (at random), just turn it over! The "Morgan-on-Tundra" cover was a must after Mary requested: "I'd like this photo on the cover of "the Blurb" to counter complaints regarding the "subject matter" in the Sept/Oct issue". I think Mary's referring to the cheeky Tanase cover -- Jacques Gallien told me there would be days like this! Well, ladies, you now get your chance as Sylvia Balfour will be taking over the editor's position at the Blurb. Not to be outdone, I have saved a rather naughty group of Tanase's that will be the subject of a special edition available only on request (well, maybe not). Watch your mailbox! Mary & Ray put 7500 miles on their 66 Morgan 4/4 this summer, most on a trip from Toronto through to L'Anse Aux Meadows on the northern arm of Newfoundland. That is a trip to make even a Mousquitaire proud! Mary wrote-up her thoughts on the trip using one of those Apple units donated to the Ontario school system -- with Claris Works as the program. Try as we might, without some herculean effort this was not going to be read by any IBM compatible! Had to finally give it back to Mary and ask for "hard copy" -- sorry if this issue seems a bit late -- blame the above tale. Executive Nominations: All Executive Positions are still open for nominations -- we are, in fact, totally underwhelmed by the interest and response the membership is showing. Anyone out there read this stuff?? Has chattering along in your MOG all summer left you brain numbed?? Nominations are for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Regalia, Events Coordinator, Blurb Editor & Publisher, and Interclub Events Coordinator. Current incumbents may stand for re-election. Although nice-to-have not all executive members have to be from the Greater Toronto area. Again, we should all realize if we don't get members to "serve" we may have no option but to essentially fold the club or moth-ball it until others pick up the standard. So..... if you can, please get involved! Note your new Prez has scheduled the first two Pub Brunch's for the MSCCC Toronto area at our "old watering hole", the Queens Head Pub in Burlington. Input is sought regarding appropriateness of this site or others....... You can see that the early 99 event schedule needs to be filled in. Your new Prez will not be the events coordinator! Please discuss your event suggestions and dates with the Prez, Past Prezes, Treasurer, or Blurb Editor. We will continue to list open-marque events organized by other clubs. Despite suggestions from other British Car Groups that the Toy Run remain a "Morgan event", no Toronto area Morgan SCC organizers have ventured forth and no other Canadian Morgan Groups have picked up the standard....... I agree the Toy Run is a fitting event for Morganeers to host but without a club effort this is not going to happen. Fortunately we have another Brit Car group, the Saloon Club, who have offered to organize the 1999 5th Annual British Car "Toy Run. They can use help and let's hope there are some Morganeers who will pitch in for the cause come next summer. "Pay Your Dues! Please". Enclosed you will find a membership renewal form. The message is quite clear, if your mailing label says "98" this is the last Blurb you're entitled to. If it says "99", or "99, 00" you're already paid up for at least the next year so, no worries, Mate! Despite what the outgoing Prez has suggested, we don't plan on folding the club so..... get your dues in and keep receiving this incredible bargain of a newsletter! Say..... what do you think Jaguar (or rather Ford) is doing with the new "S-type"? Is that retro grille trying to emulate our Morgan's classic style? Who said Morgan's were behind the times! +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Subject: How to survive a European Beer Tour Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 10:30:13 -0500 From: lisajohn@interlog.com (Oliver Dawson) To: msccc@sympatico.ca Lynn and Fred, Thanks for the mention in the last Blurb. Always a treat to find the rag in the mail. Your prose is pretty darn good and a pleasure to read. It would be a shame if that were to disappear along with your stepping down from the office you have so capably filled. Re the Beer Lovers Tour, it was a great success. Over 40 people from across Canada who shared the love of great beer but also the cultural context from which these wonderful traditions emerged. While many different beers were sampled over the course of the two week, 10 city extravaganza, it never became what some people secretly feared, i.e., an extended sophomoric drunk. Perhaps this was because over 40% of the group were women, but I would rather think that those who share a deeper appreciation of the benefits of genuine craft beer are, well, a cut above...and beyond such simple urges. Mind you, there were a couple of occasions when some of us.... was it Prague... or was it Munich?? Anyway, it was a great experience and already Trafalgar Tours of London have agreed to let me do it again next year as well as develop a new Beer Lovers Tour of the British Isles. More on that later. On the subject of cars, I would like to report that despite the several thousand kilometers traveled it was mostly brand new Audis, BMWs, Mercs, Passats and Opels that seemed to grace the highways and bi-ways of Europe. Goodness they have money over there; even the taxis are Mercs!! However, with all their love of cars n'ere a classic to be seen with the lone exception of one solitary Morgan parked on a main street in Munich....or was it Prague?? I almost gave myself a whiplash, but to see a Morgan is better than not to see a Morgan (such is the fate of a chronic "wanna have"). On the subject of those that "have-not", I would be interested to know what percentage of MSCCC members actually own at least one (or more) Morgan. My suspicion is that the percentage is relatively low. Assuming I am correct, let me speak for a moment on behalf of those that "have-not". It would be of considerable interest to us to hear from owners why they love their Morgans, what it is like to drive one, how do they experience the "magic", what is it like to race down a country road at seventy mph with the wind in your hair...I could go on. While it is always fun to read about events and the various characters that make their mark (as it were), the more personal reflections and anecdotes is what brings the special experience of driving a Morgan to life. By the way, it was interesting to note in the most recent Classic Cars that of all the doctors featured in the newly conceived owner profile section, it was only the Morgan owner who did not dream about owning another classic; "my Morgan is the only thing I dream about" he stated. Interesting, don't you think? Anyway, hope you are all doing well. I will try to make it out to one of the pub brunches but I can never really be sure until the day. It has been a crazy year for me so far. Cheers! Oliver +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Tech tip from the web..... Some time ago in a private discussion with Dave Vodden of ThamesMog I he suggested the use of modern motorcycle chain lube to lubricate between the leaves on the Mog's rear springs. I admit that this seems to me a brilliant solution to the problem as the chain lube comes out of the spray-can in a thin, penetrating liquid and, in a short time, sets up as a sticky and waterproof grease with high pressure properties. The chain lube is formulated to stick to the chain and sprockets so as not to be flung all over the motorcycle at high RPM. I also remember being told that this treating the springs in this way dramatically improves the "ride". William G. Lamb, III, Land Rover Specialist +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Martin Fisher tries to keep his talents relatively hidden from his fellow MSCCC members. However, on October 2 he and his Morgan were featured in a Bravo channel special, "Bluesman". Watch for a repeat airing of the biography or, ask Martin for a viewing! +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ While at the MGCCT Autojumble in late October, Paul Whittaker (of Bugatti replicar fame) mentioned his sister, Shirley Zinman (who attended the PigOut) was the person who commissioned Michael Pistol to build her a one-of-a-kind car around a leather tool bag that she had. The result is Work No 4, built on a modified Fiat 124 Spider chassis. A story on this car appeared in the Toronto Star just the week before so.... it has been salvaged and presented elsewhere in the Blurb along with some notes on Michael's Work No 1. and Work No 3. Shirley is interested in also becoming a HogMogger so we'll get the opportunity to see this car "in the wood" at next year's events. +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Sometime ago I subscribed to the Morgan chat-line. As many members are new to "on-line" stuff, you might consider joining. It is simple. Send email to: majordomo@autox.team.net the body of the message should be: subscribe morgans end You will receive an authentication letter. Simply do what it says and you'll receive the greeting email. Vern MORGAN ON TUNDRA "Excuse Me.......But Is That a '36 Jag?" To Newfoundland and Back By Mary and Ray Shier in their '66 4/4 Weather --- exceptional. Marital -- Mechanical Breakdowns --- None. Top down most days. Length of trip - 4 weeks - Aug. 4 - Sept. 1, 1998. Our trip to the Maritimes 3 years ago served to whet our appetite for a journey to Newfoundland. It was quickly brought to our attention at that time driving a Morgan adds another dimension to one's holiday that cannot be matched while travelling in a more traditional automobile. The Morgan acts as a facilitator for enhancing relationships along the way ---- relationships that will always remain with us. It started at the ferrydocks in North Sydney, Cape Breton Island when the ship's crew and officials came over to chat with us about our funny little car prior to boarding the "Joseph and Clara Smallwood". The sailing was a smooth one despite the 14 hours on water. The hard part was trying to get some sleep on board with other individuals who had closed down the bar and refused to go to sleep. After disembarking at dawn in the fog and rain we followed the coast south and stopped at a convenience store. Within minutes the local gentry had arrived from nowhere to examine the car "all the way from Ontario". This stop was our first lesson in learning to listen more carefully to what was being said to us. Ray was immediately impressed with the rules of the road on "The Rock". On the TCH {Trans Canada Highway} you are encouraged to drive on the right. When the divided highway merges into one, the left lane disappears with a yield sign printed on the pavement ------ something to consider in this part of the woods. The caribou did not appear to be a threat to us or the car but we were warned by everyone to beware of the moose on the road at dusk and dawn. People everywhere were very concerned about our welfare while driving in that little car all the way from Ontario. Upon our arrival in St. John's, we became a bit confused when searching for our B&B however a chap in a pick-up truck (THE vehicle for the transportation of fish, logs, moose and always 3 guys) stopped to help us find our way. "That's the 1st Morgan I've seen in St. John's -- just follow me!". And so we were escorted to our destination. An aside -- ask Ray about the wine & women of St. John's. George St. closes nightly to traffic for party time. The roads in Newfoundland were much better than what we had acticipated. Every province has its good roads and other roads. The TCH is long and straight (9 hours from St. John's to Cornerbrook). We arrived in Deer Lake, the gateway to the northern arm and received a complimentary carwash from an admirer's boyfriend. The western coast is very different with its own unique and rugged beauty. The drive north along the coast could have been a drive along the Pacific coast -- clear, cool, sunny, and breezy -- the ocean like a pond! Our visit to L'Anse Aux Meadows (Viking Settlement of 1,000 years ago) was done in similar weather conditions. We were very lucky! The lads at the gas station in St. Anthony had to take a break from work when we arrived and peppered us with questions and comments. Ray refused to stop for a photo-op of 3 moose by the side of the road. They tend to be rather stupid and unpredictable. They also weigh a lot. Grose Morne National Park also keeps a running tally of moose/caribou motor vehicle accident stats posted on a large sign for motorists to think about and consider: Moose - 26; Caribou - 7. Cape Ray, near Port Aux Basques, triggered our curiosity so we decided to go there. It was another beautiful day -- a lazy ocean -- a summer breeze -- bright sunshine -- a lighthouse and a recent archeolog ical discovery of an early habitation of a nomadic people dating back 3,000 years. The road was barely a road but it was the only road. On our way back to the TCH, we were beckoned by a group of friendly people to "stop your car and come on in!" whereupon we were offered a cold beer and friendly conversation. They had been celebrating all weekend and were pretty well partied out. We were invited for the evening meal but declined as we had to finalize our plans for departure the next morning to "the other side" a.k.a. Cape Breton. Our last image was an incredible fishing village east of the ferrydocks by the name of Rose Blanche. All houses, garages, and utility sheds were perched on massive rocks just like the puffins and gannets overlooking the cove. The road on either side was paved and barely one car in width. The news spread quickly about the arrival of a strange little car. Two young chaps escorted us on their motorbikes down a road that we would not have found on our own to the partially restored stone lighthouse (a unique and unusual design but very quaint). This village is a must when you go to Newfoundland. Once again the Morgan created an opportunity for us to meet and engage in conversation with the local people. The weather also allowed us to drive with the top down on most occasions throughout the month we were away. The people of Newfoundland were very friendly and helpful but most of all they are not pretentious ----- they are sincere and real. -Mary Shier. Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 5 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 4 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 3 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 2 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 1 HOME CLUB INFO EVENTS PHOTOS NEWSLETTER MORGAN CARS REGALIA LINKS TOY RUN TECHNICAL FALL WEEKEND MESSAGE BOARD
Updated November 21/98
While a sampling from this issue is available below, this Edition also contains: "A +4 On The Isle Of Man" article, Reports on the "British Car Days", Morgan event articles, and News From The West, The East, & more!
To subscribe to THE BLURB and get six complete issues each year - see the CLUB INFO PAGE.
Click on an article below (or scroll down) to sample articles from "THE BLURB"
THE CO-PREZ SEZ November & December/98 Edition. By F. Kuzyk
SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog
EDITOR'S NOTES By Vern Dale-Johnson
Morgan On Tundra - Newfoundland & Back By Mary Shier
CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLES FROM THE PREVIOUS EDITION
THE CO-PREZ SEZ
THE CO-PREZ SEZ: Fred & Lynn Kuzyk (msccc@sympatico.ca)
An early "Merry Christmas" to everyone! We'd like to welcome new members Chris Walker & Gertha Griffiths (ON, Spitfire owners), and Jonathan & Dale Russell (BC, Mog 4/4).
EXECUTIVE DECISION: As of the end of October, several Executive positions still remain vacant for 1999. These being: Vice-President, Regalia, Fall Weekend Co-ordinator, & Events. Now we didn't expect a stampede, a long queue of candidates - but Vern & Jenny could use more personnel to "run the store". Other than serving as Webmasters, the "Past Prez" will be low key. Sylvia Balfour has expressed interest in trying her hand as BLURB Editor. That's the spirit!
A "5TH BRITISH CAR TOY RUN" IN 1999? Discussions have been on-going with people representing other clubs, regarding the future of this event. Some are still talking amongst their own people. A challenge was offered to the club representing this year's "Featured Marque" (the Toronto Area Rovers Club), but our contacts declined to host the 1999 sequel, as their resources may even be less plentiful than ours. One group felt that the MSCCC is what made this event & thus the event should remain co-ordinated by our own people. They are willing to poll their membership for helpers, however. Realistically though, no one from within our fold has come forward in that capacity as yet, nor is that likely in all probability! Given this reality, I am pleased that Bill & Angela Davies of the British Saloon Club Of Canada, have expressed committed interest in staging the event next year under the "Saloon Club" banner. An information meeting is scheduled for early November. Their team appears to be growing & includes Phil Miller & Ken Baker ("Empire Day" organizers), among others. Lynn & I will help them in an advisory role & we trust that their enthusiasm will guarantee a successful day for the hobby. "Yes Virginia, there still is a Santa Claus!"
A Report appears on this year's Toy Run. The article is also posted on the MSCCC website. MSCCC members fared very well in the awards! I'd like to thank Vern Dale-Johnson for the framed collector posters presented to Hendrik Rens & ourselves. We also are grateful to members John & Sharon Fitchie for the long day they put in with their van, Tim Shier for parking duties, and thanks once again to Doug Turner & family!
It's one of life's great mysteries (right up there with the "Cadbury secret"), that more Morgans will always show up for British Car Day, than for anything that the MSCCC does! Likewise, it seems easier for local cars to travel a great distance (such as the 3 trikes at the Pittsburgh Grand Prix) than for anything done locally. Why we'd be fortunate to have one 3-wheeler at any given local event! Well after 4 years, we feel grateful to have Dave Smith's trike in attendance at this final Toy Run of ours, and we thank him for the rides provided for charity!
IN PRINT: Glen Cavers & Dave Smith recently appeared in a photo & article in a Burlington newspaper, with regards to the Toy Run! Dave was about to give Glen a ride in his trike. As well, Russ & Sylvia Balfour's car appeared in a photo in the Milton newspaper, at the same event. These clippings are posted on the website. We received a card from Heather Wilson of the Toronto Triumph Club (& winner of this year's "Santa's Favourite Triumph" Award), with regards to the Toy Run. Heather participated each year & appeared in a cable TV interview at the 1997 Run. She says: "Just a quick note to say thanks for Favourite Triumph. I feel very honoured that I received this vote. I'm very pleased about this award. I also wanted to thank you both for the hard work that you both have done for the Santa Claus Toy Run. It started small.... but it is now a very big event each year. Thanks for your hard work!"
An article on Peter Morgan & the Company appears in the October-November issue of "British Car" magazine. Peter celebrated 50 years of service with the Morgan Motor Company in 1997. As the author states: "No matter what the economic climate outside, and no matter what the latest rumour of other firms' takeovers and bankruptcies, Morgan's pace never varies." The article is worth a read.
Speaking of economic difficulties in the British car biz these days, an article from the London Sunday Times suggests that BMW will slash thousands of jobs at Rover. The strong pound & losses at Rover have forced this action. Rover is cutting 1500 jobs this year, with many more to follow.
Received a letter from a fellow who is intent on Morgan 3-wheeler ownership. Availability, pitfalls, etc, are of interest. If anyone more learned in this info would like to advise him, on this experience, please write to: Andy Knight, PO Box 483, 3015 E. Verbena Ave., Coolidge, GA 31738, USA.
Fred Kuzyk will have an article published in a forth- coming book dealing with automotive short stories from across North America. Entitled "Taking the Long Way Home" (Second Edition), Fred's article deals with his reflections on aircraft, sports cars, & golden ages in Canada. Finally, he's published in something other than "the BLURB" & "Smoke" magazine! Details about the book can be found at the publisher's website: www.pww.on.ca/carinfo.htm
SPINNING THE WEB: Did you know that the first Allard WAS a Morgan? John Allard of the Allard World Wide Web Pages advises me of this fact! "Allard's first special was a three wheeler that he raced for quite a while. Becoming dissatisfied with the handling (which HAS to be an OXYMORON, Allards and handling) he converted it to a 4 wheel configuration!. Later on he went back, proof that if Morgans were meant to have 4 wheels they would have been built that way!" If you are interested in Allards, this & other info can be found at his website: http://www.ptinet.net/~jallard/allard.html
John (no relation to Sidney Allard) also has the following message for Al Sands: "I too was at Watkins Glen. Tell Alan I was the guy on crutches with the Allard toys and models with him. That might ring a bell. Don't know Alan, but someday I am sure we shall meet. I may own the fastest Allard in the world. It is a Palm Beach Mk I with a 400 plus hp small block Chevrolet. 0-60 has been clocked (with fifth wheel) at 3.5 sec. and quarter mile in 11.5 at 115 plus. Picture is at the web site. I will add a link to your MSCCC website soon. In fact I am forecasting a separate page listing -American sports bastards, and as such Morgan with the ex Buick aluminum block V-8s qualify! Love Moggies have been offered one in direct trade for my car. But of course, I thought that it was not a fair trade!"
Our website has a plethora of links, but if your looking for even more, try www.autoguide.net. As of mid-October, this site boasts in excess of 4500 Automotive related links!
The MSCCC website will also be moving to a new address in the near future, as the Webmaster joins the "Wave" & goes to a cable modem. Keep posted for details.
Photos of 3-wheelers can be found on the Morgan Three Wheeler Page. You will see shots of Bob Wright's & Martin Beer's cars: http://www.users.bigpond.com/johncoom/mtw/.
-New Morgan website from England: http://websites.ntl.com/~wnoble/index.html
-Need a "No fuss top" for your Mog? Check: www.starterpack.co.uk/sjsimmonds/products.html
-Another 3-Wheeler site: www.IAEhv.nl/users/hgt/morgan/index.htm
-Official Morgan 3/4 Club site: www.morgan-spares.com/three_fourgroup.html
RECENT EVENTS: A busy time surrounding the Toy Run. The week after the Fall Getaway Weekend, was the annual British Car Day. Many Morganeers in attendance & about 20 cars. These included the debut of Glen Nigh's car, as well as Dave Smith's trike. Sept 29-Oct 1, saw the CAARGB North American Tour roll through this area. Although I could not meet up with the group, a few enthusiasts did at Niagara. One was Barney Gaylord, a MG enthusiast from Illinois, who when supplied the details by yours truly, he decided to drive the 600 miles or so to meet the Europeans for the day! Not only that, he took photos of the cars present & published them on a website! You can access this site at: http://www.ntsource.com/~barneymg/guest/caar-gb/caar.htm
Oct 3, was the Niagara Food Festival event at Glen & Evelyn Nigh's. Lynn & I joined Chris & Gayle Taylor there for great food, wine & fun. Unfortunately, Ev was in the hospital but Glen was the consummate host! Not only did he drive us to & from the event, but he also made repairs to the Taylor's Spitfire. The car developed a water pump failure. Glen provided a spare & had it installed by the time we returned from the festival! Chris is grateful, as am I. For I got the chance of taking Glen's Mog for a test drive - the first time in a right-hand drive car! We all would like to thank Glen & would recommend the hospitality at his "Inn & Repair Garage"!
The Oct 4 Pub Brunch had 9 people in attendance. Besides gazing at photos from recent events, we also got to admire Peter Toma's new BMW acquisition!
The British Car Autojumble took place on Oct 25. Vern D-J and a few other members attended. The event had new attractions this year & was part of the collector car auction, so lots to do besides hunt for those elusive parts.
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS: Just a reminder of the Nov 8 & Dec 6 Pub Brunch Meetings. These are the last that Lynn & I will be hosting. Hope to see you there. Don't forget the Balfour's Christmas in Cambridge III on Dec 12, & please RSVP to Sylvia! A side dish & BYOB would be great. We will have some "aged" beer there, remaining from the Fall Weekend, though.
A decision on the recipient of the Doug Price Award for 1998 has been made. We hope to make a presentation at the Christmas Party.
FINAL WORDS: As this is our last "Prez Sez", we would like to thank everyone for the great times over the last number of years. We thank Vern for relieving us at this time & know that he will do an outstanding job as the President. We look forward to assuming the mantle of Past Presidents, and feel that we are on a high point. We're proud at how this small club has improved since the early 1990's. The coffers are in good shape. Membership is way up compared to earlier in this decade. Attendance at club events has improved, especially this year! (We remember Pub Meetings a few years ago that had only 3 folks there, including Lynn & I.). We have an excellent newsletter (really! Many people say that, even outside of our own group). It's good to leave things in better shape than you found them. The present state of affairs will continue, if people feel it is worthwhile & choose to preserve & improve upon it!
"See you down the road"
Fred Kuzyk
SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER. By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog & Hellen Hogmog
We bid a pleasant adieu to 1998 & a hopeful welcome to 1999!
I understand that Russ Balfour has recently retired. Our informants reveal that a retirement party rivaling the adulation bestowed upon heads of state was staged for Russ. Quite touching to witness, indeed. Although "the boss" may have departed, it is apparent that this unpretentious man is sincerely liked by all! Pictures of his Morgans were displayed at the fete. Undoubtedly, Russ will now be able to devote more time to such pursuits as hockey (we should be so energetic to still be playing after 38 years in the "working world"), flying model airplanes, and of course - "Morganeering"! But then we also trust that he will also be able to help Sylvia around the house, too. Congratulations, sir!
Meanwhile, it's rumoured that Briar Morgan, the daughter of Brenda & Brian Morgan, was engaged during the weekend of the "Pig-Out". A wedding date in May 1999 is being planned. Ah, they grow so fast, don't they! We wish Briar all the best. Her parents aren't losing a daughter - they're gaining some room in the four-seater!
Speaking of matrimony, we hear that Ian Smith was married this year! We also hear that Paula Smith has also returned to Guelph University. Thus, parents Dave & Pauline Smith are now "empty nesters". All is not emptiness, as happily plans are for a hot tub is looking good - especially in Paula's room!
A rare coincidence or Morgan karma? It seems that both Paula Smith (Guelph U.) & Cathy Shier (U of T) returned to school sans socks! A mad dash home ensued for Paula to claim some, while Cathy had dad Ray Shier deliver hers! Is this a psychic connection of some sort? Cathy will need
to pull her socks up, as the recipient of the "Duke of Edinburgh Award*". Congratulations!
* Awards stated by Prince Philip in 1963 to honour the achievements of young people.
Morganeers are known for longevity & eccentricity. But they are not known for carrying a grudge, or are they? We learned at British Car Day that a grudge has only been going on since 1968! We would think that surely it is time to bury the hatchet. Then again, the hatchet might be buried in someone's anatomy. Strange!
Then again, where people are involved, one must expect bizarre behavior. For instance, it matters not what good one does, there will always be those that grumble. It seems that certain parties took exception to the "tobacco plug" ("Visit the Holy Smokes Tobacconist Website") at the end of Fred Kuzyk's emails to the Morgan Internet Newsgroup. It matters not that the messages themselves were of relevance to the Morgan hobby. The timing was strange. All was well &
good for some time, until a message contained a referral to the Canadian Morgan dealer. Fred says that narrows the suspects, however he won't hold a grudge. Instead, he has "unlisted" himself from that newsgroup, and said something to the effect of: "Let the grumblers provide a service (answer questions, list cars for sale, etc.) to the group". Seems only fair.
On a happier note, a photo of Lynn Kuzyk recently appeared in a fashion spread in the Hamilton Spectator newspaper. Representing Holy Smokes/Fortinos at a fundraiser for the Royal Botanical Gardens, the photographer liked Lynn's outfit. We're pleased to report that there were no grumblings at the blatant "tobacconist plug" perpetrated by the newspaper, in this instance! The grumblers possibly indulging in too much wine, of which there was plenty there, or being busily involved in self-serving pursuits (such as searching for cheap parts) elsewhere!
Some food for thought. A recent magazine article ponders how different America & the world would be if JFK had lived. Individuals do make a difference to history. Consider that in December 1931, a British politician crossing a New York street was struck by a car & nearly killed. In February 1933, an American politician while in a car in Miami was fired upon by an assassin. The mayor of Chicago, sitting beside him, was killed. Would the history of the twentieth century have been the same if that car in New York had killed Winston Churchill And that assassin had killed Franklin Roosevelt? I'm not certain but perhaps cars can be hazardous to your health! I drive too fast to worry about the dangers of cholesterol!
Another view on cars: "We're told that cars are dangerous. It's safer to drive through South Central Los Angeles than to walk there. We're told cars are wasteful. Wasteful of what? Oil did a lot of good sitting in the ground for millions of years. We're told that cars should be replaced by mass transportation. But it's hard to reach the drive-through window at McDonald's from a speeding train. And we're told that cars cause pollution. A hundred years ago city streets were ankles deep in horse excrement. What kind of pollution do you want? Would you rather die of cancer at eighty or typhoid fever at nine?" - P.J. O'Rourke from Age and Guile
We try to see all aspects in this column & present a balance. To offset these libertarian sentiments, we must also add that while it took a couple of million years to create that oil, we as a species are likely to consume all of it in about 200 years! So, get your fair share & burn it up. Mr. O'Rourke also has said that: "It's better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money". I feel like taking the Mog for a spin at speed, Hellen! And let's have a fine cigar while we're at it!
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SIGNS YOU MAY BE A CANADIAN:
1. You stand in "line-ups" at the movie, not lines.
2. You're not offended by the term, "Homo Milk"
3. You understand the phrase, "Could you please pass me a serviette, I just spilled my poutine"
4. You eat chocolate bars instead of candy bars.
5. You drink pop, not soda.
6. You know what it means to be on pogey.
7. You know that a mickey and 2-4's mean "Party at the cottage, eh!!"
8. You don't hold your hand on your breast when you sing the National anthem.
9. You can drink legally while still a 'teen.
10. You know that francophones, anglophones and allophones are not electronic devices.
11. You talk about the weather with strangers and friends alike.
12. You don't know or care about the fuss with Cuba, it's just a cheap place to travel to and has good cigars. (AMEN!)
13. When there is a social problem, you turn to your government to fix it instead of telling them to stay out of it.
14. You're not sure if the leader of our nation has EVER had sex and don't want to know if he has!
15. You get milk in bags as well as cartons and plastic jugs.
16. Pike is a type of fish, not some part of a highway.
17. You drive on a highway, not a freeway.
18. You sit on a chesterfield not a couch - that is some small town in Quebec!
19. You know what a Robertson screwdriver is.
20. You have Canadian Tire money in your kitchen drawers.
21. You know that Thrills are something to chew and "taste like soap".
22. You know that Mounties "don't always look like that" - And if you "don't get it" for any of these, you must be American! Call me & I'll translate!
THOUGHTFUL THOUGHTS.....
"What do people mean when they say the computer went down on me?" --Marilyn Pittman
"When you look at Prince Charles, don't you think that someone in the Royal family knew someone in the Royal family?" --Robin Williams
"A woman broke up with me and sent me pictures of her and her new boyfriend in bed together. Solution? I sent them to her dad." --Christopher Case
"I ask people why they have deer heads on their walls. They always say because it's such a beautiful animal. There you go. I think my mother is attractive, but I have photographs of her." --Ellen DeGeneres
"A lady came up to me on the street and pointed at my suede jacket. 'You know a cow was murdered for that jacket?' she sneered. I replied in a psychotic tone, 'I didn't know there were any witnesses. Now I'll have to kill you too.'" --Jake Johansen
"If your parents never had children, chances are you won't either." --Dick Cavett
"I have such poor vision I can date anybody." --Garry Shandling
"Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Kuwait." --A. Whitney Brown
"I'm a psychic amnesiac. I know in advance what I'll forget." --Michael McShane
"Thou shall not kill. Thou shall not commit adultery. Don't eat pork. I'm sorry, what was that last one?? Don't eat pork. God has spoken. Is that the word of God or is that pigs trying to outsmart everybody?" --Jon Stewart
Something for our American cousins:
Honorable Secretary of Agriculture Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
My friend, Ed Peterson, up in Ankeny, Iowa, received a check for $1,000.00 from the Government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year.
What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise 'not to raise hogs' on? And what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would prefer not to raise Razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs. As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised. My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422.00 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1000.00 for not raising hogs.
If I get $1,000.00 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000.00 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000.00 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane.
Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn or wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise? Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that too.
In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps. Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election
Patriotically yours,
P.S. Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese?
One day, a Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Chemical Engineer and Computer Engineer were driving down the street in the same car. The car broke down.
The Mechanical Engineer said "I think a rod broke."
The Chemical Engineer said "The way it sputtered at the end, I think it's not getting gas."
The Electrical Engineer said "I think there was a spark and something is wrong with the electrical system."
All three turned to the computer engineer and said, "What do you think?"
The Computer Engineer said, "I think we should all get out and get back in."
Subject: Auto Acronyms:
Thought the following might amuse the list, apologies for its lack of Morgan content.
AUDI Accelerates Under Demonic Influence, Always Unsafe Designs Implemented
BMW Beautiful Mechanical Wonder, Big Money Works, Bought My Wife, Brutal Money Waster
BUICK Big Ugly Indestructible Car Killer
CHEVROLET -Can Hear Every Valve Rap On Long Extended Trips, Cheap, Hardly Efficient, Virtually Runs On Luck Every Time
DODGE Damn Old Dirty Gas Eater, Drips Oil, Drops Grease Everywhere
FIAT Failure in Italian Automotive Technology, Fix It All the Time, Fix it again, Tony!
FORD backwards -- Driver Returns On Foot, First On Recall Day, First On Rust and Deterioration, Fix Or Repair Daily, Found On Road Dead, Fault Of R&D, Fast Only Rolling Downhill, Features O.J. and Ron's DNA
GM General Maintenance
GMC Garage Man's Companion, Got A Mechanic Coming?
HONDA Had One Never Did Again
HYUNDAI Hope You Understand Nothing's Driveable And Inexpensive...
MAZDA Most Always Zipping Dangerously Along
OLDSMOBILE -Old Ladies Driving Slowly Make Others Behind Infuriatingly Late Every day, Overpriced Leisurely Driven Sedan Made Of Buick's Irregular Leftover Equipment
SAAB Send Another Automobile Back, Swedish Automobiles Always Breakdown.
TOYOTA Too Often Yankees Overprice This Auto
VOLVO Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object
VW Virtually Worthless
and for your biking enthusiasts......
BSA - "B*st*rd's Stopped Again!"
--Richard Cooperman '67 Morgan 4/4 RHD
-------------------------
Hairy & Hellen.
EDITOR'S NOTES
Editors Notes: Vern Dale-Johnson (vern_dj@msn.com)
Dilemma, dilemma.... what to do when Mary Shier sends in a cover shot "Morgan on Tundra" and we've already selected an appropriate graphic??? Why, of course, have two covers! Hope you enjoy, if you don't like the one I've selected (at random), just turn it over! The "Morgan-on-Tundra" cover was a must after Mary requested: "I'd like this photo on the cover of "the Blurb" to counter complaints regarding the "subject matter" in the Sept/Oct issue". I think Mary's referring to the cheeky Tanase cover -- Jacques Gallien told me there would be days like this! Well, ladies, you now get your chance as Sylvia Balfour will be taking over the editor's position at the Blurb. Not to be outdone, I have saved a rather naughty group of Tanase's that will be the subject of a special edition available only on request (well, maybe not). Watch your mailbox!
Mary & Ray put 7500 miles on their 66 Morgan 4/4 this summer, most on a trip from Toronto through to L'Anse Aux Meadows on the northern arm of Newfoundland. That is a trip to make even a Mousquitaire proud! Mary wrote-up her thoughts on the trip using one of those Apple units donated to the Ontario school system -- with Claris Works as the program. Try as we might, without some herculean effort this was not going to be read by any IBM compatible! Had to finally give it back to Mary and ask for "hard copy" -- sorry if this issue seems a bit late -- blame the above tale.
Executive Nominations: All Executive Positions are still open for nominations -- we are, in fact, totally underwhelmed by the interest and response the membership is showing. Anyone out there read this stuff?? Has chattering along in your MOG all summer left you brain numbed?? Nominations are for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Regalia, Events Coordinator, Blurb Editor & Publisher, and Interclub Events Coordinator. Current incumbents may stand for re-election. Although nice-to-have not all executive members have to be from the Greater Toronto area. Again, we should all realize if we don't get members to "serve" we may have no option but to essentially fold the club or moth-ball it until others pick up the standard. So..... if you can, please get involved!
Note your new Prez has scheduled the first two Pub Brunch's for the MSCCC Toronto area at our "old watering hole", the Queens Head Pub in Burlington. Input is sought regarding appropriateness of this site or others....... You can see that the early 99 event schedule needs to be filled in. Your new Prez will not be the events coordinator! Please discuss your event suggestions and dates with the Prez, Past Prezes, Treasurer, or Blurb Editor. We will continue to list open-marque events organized by other clubs.
Despite suggestions from other British Car Groups that the Toy Run remain a "Morgan event", no Toronto area Morgan SCC organizers have ventured forth and no other Canadian Morgan Groups have picked up the standard....... I agree the Toy Run is a fitting event for Morganeers to host but without a club effort this is not going to happen. Fortunately we have another Brit Car group, the Saloon Club, who have offered to organize the 1999 5th Annual British Car "Toy Run. They can use help and let's hope there are some Morganeers who will pitch in for the cause come next summer.
"Pay Your Dues! Please". Enclosed you will find a membership renewal form. The message is quite clear, if your mailing label says "98" this is the last Blurb you're entitled to. If it says "99", or "99, 00" you're already paid up for at least the next year so, no worries, Mate! Despite what the outgoing Prez has suggested, we don't plan on folding the club so..... get your dues in and keep receiving this incredible bargain of a newsletter!
Say..... what do you think Jaguar (or rather Ford) is doing with the new "S-type"? Is that retro grille trying to emulate our Morgan's classic style? Who said Morgan's were behind the times!
Subject: How to survive a European Beer Tour Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 10:30:13 -0500 From: lisajohn@interlog.com (Oliver Dawson) To: msccc@sympatico.ca
Lynn and Fred,
Thanks for the mention in the last Blurb. Always a treat to find the rag in the mail. Your prose is pretty darn good and a pleasure to read. It would be a shame if that were to disappear along with your stepping down from the office you have so capably filled.
Re the Beer Lovers Tour, it was a great success. Over 40 people from across Canada who shared the love of great beer but also the cultural context from which these wonderful traditions emerged. While many different beers were sampled over the course of the two week, 10 city extravaganza, it never became what some people secretly feared, i.e., an extended sophomoric drunk. Perhaps this was because over 40% of the group were women, but I would rather think that those who share a deeper appreciation of the benefits of genuine craft beer are, well, a cut above...and beyond such simple urges. Mind you, there were a couple of occasions when some of us.... was it Prague... or was it Munich?? Anyway, it was a great experience and already Trafalgar Tours of London have agreed to let me do it again next year as well as develop a new Beer Lovers Tour of the British Isles. More on that later.
On the subject of cars, I would like to report that despite the several thousand kilometers traveled it was mostly brand new Audis, BMWs, Mercs, Passats and Opels that seemed to grace the highways and bi-ways of Europe. Goodness they have money over there; even the taxis are Mercs!! However,
with all their love of cars n'ere a classic to be seen with the lone exception of one solitary Morgan parked on a main street in Munich....or was it Prague?? I almost gave myself a whiplash, but to see a Morgan is better than not to see a Morgan (such is the fate of a chronic "wanna have").
On the subject of those that "have-not", I would be interested to know what percentage of MSCCC members actually own at least one (or more) Morgan. My suspicion is that the percentage is relatively low. Assuming I am correct, let me speak for a moment on behalf of those that "have-not". It would be of considerable interest to us to hear from owners why they love their Morgans, what it is like to drive one, how do they experience the "magic", what is it like to race down a country road at seventy mph with the wind in your hair...I could go on. While it is always fun to read about events
and the various characters that make their mark (as it were), the more personal reflections and anecdotes is what brings the special experience of driving a Morgan to life. By the way, it was interesting to note in the most recent Classic Cars that of all the doctors featured in the newly conceived owner profile section, it was only the Morgan owner who did not dream about owning another classic; "my Morgan is the only thing I dream about" he stated. Interesting, don't you think?
Anyway, hope you are all doing well. I will try to make it out to one of the pub brunches but I can never really be sure until the day. It has been a crazy year for me so far.
Cheers! Oliver
Tech tip from the web.....
Some time ago in a private discussion with Dave Vodden of ThamesMog I he suggested the use of modern motorcycle chain lube to lubricate between the leaves on the Mog's rear springs. I admit that this seems to me a brilliant solution to the problem as the chain lube comes out of the spray-can in a thin, penetrating liquid and, in a short time, sets up as a sticky and waterproof grease with high pressure properties. The chain lube is formulated to stick to the chain and sprockets so as not to be flung all over the motorcycle at high RPM. I also remember being told that this treating the springs in this way dramatically improves the "ride".
William G. Lamb, III, Land Rover Specialist
Martin Fisher tries to keep his talents relatively hidden from his fellow MSCCC members. However, on October 2 he and his Morgan were featured in a Bravo channel special, "Bluesman". Watch for a repeat airing of the biography or, ask Martin for a viewing!
While at the MGCCT Autojumble in late October, Paul Whittaker (of Bugatti replicar fame) mentioned his sister, Shirley Zinman (who attended the PigOut) was the person who commissioned Michael Pistol to build her a one-of-a-kind car around a leather tool bag that she had. The result is Work No 4, built on a modified Fiat 124 Spider chassis. A story on this car appeared in the Toronto Star just the week before so.... it has been salvaged and presented elsewhere in the Blurb along with some notes on Michael's Work No 1. and Work No 3. Shirley is interested in also becoming a HogMogger so we'll get the opportunity to see this car "in the wood" at next year's events.
Sometime ago I subscribed to the Morgan chat-line. As many members are new to "on-line" stuff, you might consider joining. It is simple.
Send email to: majordomo@autox.team.net
the body of the message should be:
subscribe morgans
end
You will receive an authentication letter. Simply do what it says and you'll receive the greeting email.
Vern
MORGAN ON TUNDRA
"Excuse Me.......But Is That a '36 Jag?" To Newfoundland and Back
By Mary and Ray Shier in their '66 4/4
Weather --- exceptional. Marital -- Mechanical Breakdowns --- None.
Top down most days. Length of trip - 4 weeks - Aug. 4 - Sept. 1, 1998.
Our trip to the Maritimes 3 years ago served to whet our appetite for a journey to Newfoundland. It was quickly brought to our attention at that time driving a Morgan adds another dimension to one's holiday that cannot be matched while travelling in a more traditional automobile. The Morgan acts as a facilitator for enhancing relationships along the way ---- relationships that will always remain with us.
It started at the ferrydocks in North Sydney, Cape Breton Island when the ship's crew and officials came over to chat with us about our funny little car prior to boarding the "Joseph and Clara Smallwood". The sailing was a smooth one despite the 14 hours on water. The hard part was trying to get some sleep on board with other individuals who had closed down the bar and refused to go to sleep. After disembarking at dawn in the fog and rain we followed the coast south and stopped at a convenience store. Within minutes the local gentry had arrived from nowhere to examine the car "all the way from Ontario". This stop was our first lesson in learning to listen more carefully to what was being said to us. Ray was immediately impressed with the rules of the road on "The Rock". On the TCH {Trans Canada Highway} you are encouraged to drive on the right. When the divided highway merges into one, the left lane disappears with a yield sign printed on the pavement ------ something to consider in this part of the woods.
The caribou did not appear to be a threat to us or the car but we were warned by everyone to beware of the moose on the road at dusk and dawn. People everywhere were very concerned about our welfare while driving in that little car all the way from Ontario.
Upon our arrival in St. John's, we became a bit confused when searching for our B&B however a chap in a pick-up truck (THE vehicle for the transportation of fish, logs, moose and always 3 guys) stopped to help us find our way. "That's the 1st Morgan I've seen in St. John's -- just follow me!". And so we were escorted to our destination. An aside -- ask Ray about the wine & women of St. John's. George St. closes nightly to traffic for party time.
The roads in Newfoundland were much better than what we had acticipated. Every province has its good roads and other roads. The TCH is long and straight (9 hours from St. John's to Cornerbrook). We arrived in Deer Lake, the gateway to the northern arm and received a complimentary carwash from an admirer's boyfriend. The western coast is very different with its own unique and rugged beauty. The drive north along the coast could have been a drive along the Pacific coast -- clear, cool, sunny, and breezy -- the ocean like a pond!
Our visit to L'Anse Aux Meadows (Viking Settlement of 1,000 years ago) was done in similar weather conditions. We were very lucky! The lads at the gas station in St. Anthony had to take a break from work when we arrived and peppered us with questions and comments. Ray refused to stop for a photo-op of 3 moose by the side of the road. They tend to be rather stupid and unpredictable. They also weigh a lot. Grose Morne National Park also keeps a running tally of moose/caribou motor vehicle accident stats posted on a large sign for motorists to think about and consider: Moose - 26; Caribou - 7.
Cape Ray, near Port Aux Basques, triggered our curiosity so we decided to go there. It was another beautiful day -- a lazy ocean -- a summer breeze -- bright sunshine -- a lighthouse and a recent archeolog ical discovery of an early habitation of a nomadic people dating back 3,000 years. The road was barely a road but it was the only road. On our way back to the TCH, we were beckoned by a group of friendly people to "stop your car and come on in!" whereupon we were offered a cold beer and friendly conversation. They had been celebrating all weekend and were pretty well partied out. We were invited for the evening meal but declined as we had to finalize our plans for departure the next morning to "the other side" a.k.a. Cape Breton.
Our last image was an incredible fishing village east of the ferrydocks by the name of Rose Blanche. All houses, garages, and utility sheds were perched on massive rocks just like the puffins and gannets overlooking the cove. The road on either side was paved and barely one car in width. The news spread quickly about the arrival of a strange little car. Two young chaps escorted us on their motorbikes down a road that we would not have found on our own to the partially restored stone lighthouse (a unique and unusual design but very quaint). This village is a must when you go to Newfoundland.
Once again the Morgan created an opportunity for us to meet and engage in conversation with the local people. The weather also allowed us to drive with the top down on most occasions throughout the month we were away. The people of Newfoundland were very friendly and helpful but most of all they are not pretentious ----- they are sincere and real.
-Mary Shier.
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