To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.
Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m. E.S.T.
I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives.
You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.
First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.
The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan .. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening.
Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!
I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with crap in your pants.
I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].
After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done.
Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card.
The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!
I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]
I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ..... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.
Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.
The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).
In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime.
I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life..
Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!
When we get 100,000,000, that's one hundred million willing Christians to BOND together, voice their concerns and VOTE, we can take back America with God's help. Become one of the One hundred million, then let’s get 200 million. It can be done by sending this e-mail to your friends. Do the math. It only takes a willing heart and a fed up soul. God Bless America and Shine your light on Her and the Troops who defend us..
In 1952 President Truman established one day a year as a "National Day of Prayer." In 1988 President Reagan designated the First Thursday in May of each year as the National Day of Prayer. In June 2007 (then) Presidential Candidate Barack Obama declared that the USA "Was no longer a Christian nation." This year President Obama canceled the 21st annual National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House under the ruse Of "not wanting to offend anyone"
BUT... on September 25, 2009 from 4 AM until 7 PM, a National Day of Prayer FOR THE MUSLIM RELIGION was Held on Capitol Hill, Beside the White House. There were over 50,000 Muslims in D.C. that day.
HE PRAYS WITH THE MUSLIMS!
I guess it Doesn't matter if "Christians" Are offended by this event - We obviously Don 't count as "anyone" Anymore.
The direction this country is headed should strike fear in the heart of every Christian, especially knowing that the Muslim religion believes that if Christians cannot be converted, they should be annihilated.
The following article was forwarded by a reader. It contains important information. Cell phones can be lifesavers or a dangerous hazard.
Please send this information to your family & friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen, they may not be able to get the children out in time. This is important information, even if you don’t own a car.
Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations. In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump. Never use your mobile phone when pumping gas. The vapors that come out of the gas can cause a fire when connected with static charges.
In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car! In the third incident, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.
Cell phones can ignite fuel or fumes. Cell phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition. Cell phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, ATVs or boats. Cell phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (I.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.)
Remember the rules for safe refueling. Turn off the engine. Don’t smoke. Don’t use your cell phone. Turn it off before fueling. Never re-enter your vehicle during fueling.
Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of 'static electricity' at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires. The results were very surprising: Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women. Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static. Most had on rubber-soled shoes. Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires. Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began. were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer. Never use your cell phone while pumping gas.
Thoughts from a friend I want to share with all my readers.
A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.
This probably sounds crazy, but just yesterday I was in Wal Mart looking for a wastebasket. I found some made in China for $6.99. I didn't want to pay that much so I asked the lady if they had any others.. She took me to another department and they had some at $2.50 made in USA. They are just as good. Same as a kitchen rug I needed. I had to look, but I found some made in the USA and they were $3.00 cheaper. We are being brain washed that everything that comes from China and Mexico is cheaper. Not so. That is also why I don't buy cards at Hallmark anymore. They are made in China and are expensive. I buy them at Dollar Tree....50 cents each and made in USA .
My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico . Now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything. Good idea. One light bulb at a time. Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowe's the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China .The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA . Start looking ... In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!
My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more..
This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, "Everyday Value." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in Mexico and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland, Ohio. So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you us every day that are made right here....
So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets... Yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!
My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA -The job you save may be your own or your neighbors! If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time!
Do you often put off until tomorrow tasks that you should do today? I know I am guilty of deferring actions until a later date when it would be in my best interests to just “do it” now. However, I procrastinate, avoiding action, hoping a task or problem will just “go away”. It seldom does. Avoidance often makes the situation worse.
We all put off mundane tasks when something more important demands our attention and energy. A busy life requires that we prioritize, applying the old adage of “first things first". Prioritizing is not procrastination.
Procrastination has been described as “behavior which is characterized by needless deferment of action or involvement until a later time or delaying making a decision when such a delay is counterproductive to our best interests".
I am selling my 1986 Mercedes Benz 190 2.3 16V automobile. I am the original owner. The car is located in northwestern Montana - it is in excellent condition for its vintage. The car is a dream to drive, handles incrediblly well on all road conditions. I often driven it over a 100mph and only realized my speed when I glanced at the dash - 100mph feels like 60mph. It hugs the road and accelerates through the gears evenly. This car was proudly driven and maintained to high standards.
Known as the most over engineered car ever, this car was designed for performance and now has its own cult of avid followers. I love this car, it has continurally received compliments on its unique style, power, handling and reliability.
Looks and runs great. Within the racing world, these cars have a remarkable history. This is a great example in good condition. Black exterior with black leather interior. AMG 17" rims. (rims need to be rechromed). Interior leather in very good condition - one split on dash. No rust or signs of accidents. Tires are 70%. Requires minor work to return to prime condition; please contact me for complete details.
This is a rare and unique automobile with the Dalmer Racing body. Only 2000 were brought to the United States.
Marlene A. Affeld
marlene@nandugreen.com
509-389-2606
Model: 1986 Mercedes Benz 190 2.3 16V
Color: Black - Photos by e-mail upon request.
Mileage
Price: $11.750 or best offer - motivated seller
Buyer responsible for vehicle pick-up or shipping.
A very special automobile with the kind of motor sports pedigree very few share.
By Robert Daschil November 1, 2002 7:32 PM Filed Under: Mercedes-Benz GCF Original Feature
Related content: Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 Revisted
There was a time when cars were designed out of a passion for motor sports. The legendary Ferrari GTO was one of these cars and so was the Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3 16V.
To understand the uniqueness of this automobile we must go back to the late seventies when product planners were conceiving the 190 class and its top model, the 190E 2.3 16V. Mercedes-Benz thought rallying was the best arena to showcase their new model line, named W201, but this plan quickly changed to road racing.
This was the first time Mercedes sold a relatively inexpensive car. As a result, Mercedes strongly desired to promote the new model's attributes and showcase its' abilities in motor sports. Contributing to the fantastic driving dynamic was the now famous multilink rear suspension. It was first released on the 190 series and was instrumental in providing sporty and competitive handling. Mercedes also collaborated with engine building masters, Cosworth Technology Ltd. to help develop the 16 valve cylinder head with mechanical valve lifters.
They came up with 185 hp from only 2.3 liters displacement which may not sound like a lot (compared to today's engines) but don't forget this was 1983 (almost 20 years ago) and the car was lightweight compared to today's heavy weights. In the summer of 1983, the 190E 2.3 16V set out to break as many long distance high speed FIA records as possible at Nardo, Italy.
After 202 hours of continuous running, multiple records were broken including the 50,000 km level at an average speed of 248 kph (154mph). Very impressive when you consider they had to stop to refuel, change drivers and service the car while the clock was ticking. During these endurance trials there were some minor aerodynamic modifications including removal of the mirrors and wipers. In addition, a lower rear axle ratio permitted a higher top speed but overall this car was almost stock and reflected well on the entire 190 series. May of 1984 was a monumental time for the 16V. The brand new Nurburgring racetrack in Germany was hosting its first F1 race and a 190E 2.3 16V won the supporting race which was great public relations. Well actually, all the cars were identical 16V's driven by many former world champions, so a 16V was destined to win, but who's counting. Moss, Lauda, Prost and Hill were all beaten by a young upstart driver named Ayrton Senna as some of us F1 fans know went on to be a 3 time world champion.
The DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) race series became popular around this time so Mercedes entered multiple cars after satisfying the rules stipulation that required 5,000 road going versions to be built. BMW entered DTM with its enthralling M3, which was a direct rival to the 190. Competition forced Mercedes Benz to enlarge engine capacity to 2.5 liters and eventually release a more advanced Evolution 1 and 2 versions with more aerodynamic aids and horsepower. At this point, the famous engine tuner, AMG, was called upon to create a team of their own. Mercedes and AMG went on to win over 50 DTM races and numerous titles, which solidified their dedication to motor sports, which lives on to this day.
When it comes to compact German performance machines, one name -- M3 -- stands above them all in terms of street cred. Even my Toyota-driving grandmother knows of the Bimmer's legend and might even forfeit her death grip on the left lane to let one by. Four generations strong, each more astonishing than the last, the BMW M3 was the original wolf-in-sheep's-clothing Autobahn assaulter. Wasn't it? Benz faithful with balk at that claim, and anyone familiar with the past few decades of Germany's ever-evolving horsepower war will know why and agree.
Another homologation special actually beat everyone's favorite BMW to the U.S. in 1986 - the Cosworth-engined Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16. The fact that this rare '80s racer (less than 2000 were officially imported) is so commonly overlooked is evidenced by our initial attempts to find one in the Chicago area, when a mass e-mail to the Mercedes-Benz club returned one reply that began, "Hello, I own a 1991 190E 2.3 that I bought at about 75,000 miles . . ." Even some inside the Merc fold don't understand the importance of the 16-valve version of the 190E, a car that graced the States for only two years: 1986 and 1987. Though nothing in the name implies it, the 190E range of sedans, launched in 1983, spawned today's C-class. Investment in the first "baby Benz" totaled over two billion German Marks, a huge sum of money intended to ensure that a smaller Mercedes wouldn't equate to a cheaper one.
As part of that spending, Benz turned to the British engineering firm Cosworth to stuff some bragging rights into the engine bay of a special racing version of the 190E. Mercedes invested heavily in rallying in the late '70s with a factory-backed team of SLC coupes, but left competition in 1980. Perhaps due in part to the dominance of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive racer, Mercedes opted to send the 2.3-16 not to the rally piste but to the smooth asphalt of Germany's DTM series, where rules stipulated that 5000 roadgoing examples must be sold for a car to be eligible to compete.
In 1983, Mercedes dropped Cosworth's custom-built twin-cam cylinder head onto a 190E's modest 2.3-liter four-cylinder, bolted in a limited-slip differential, fitted larger brakes inside wider wheels and 205/55VR15 tires, gave it a wing and body kit whose aerodynamic changes helped achieve a drag coefficient of .32 and a top speed of 141 mph, and released the car for public consumption in Europe. A slightly modified, higher-geared version of the car broke twelve speed records by covering 31,000 miles at the Nardo oval in Italy in just eight days, moving at an average of 154 mph. Yes, that includes all driver changes and refueling stops. Late in the following year, Mercedes-Benz would host a special all-star race at the modern Nurburgring as part of the festivities celebrating the track's first Formula 1 race.
A cast of F1 veterans that included Phil Hill, Niki Lauda, and Stirling Moss went out to battle each other in identical 2.3-16s. A young upstart, Ayrton Senna, took the black-and-white checkers.
My own experience with the 190E 2.3-16 doesn't begin as auspiciously as Senna's. I'm merely confused. Is this really a racing car for the street? Then why does it have a power-operated headrest and pillowy leather seats that go every way but sideways? And is that wood trim? It's easy to see why people might pass this off their granddaddy's Benz. The cabin feels more cave-like than that of an E30 BMW, with a rear window that's small and partially blocked by the rear-seat headrests.
I'm also confused as to why I can't get the damned shift lever into first. I tap the gear selector to the left, but then it'll only let me go down. I go straight up but, no, that can't be right at all. What the hell? All the luxurious camouflage around me seems to disappear as I remember the car's racing roots and the concept of a dogleg transmission. Reverse is where first should be, while first is where second usually sits. Such a set-up arranges second through fifth in a simple H pattern, since first is typically used for the first two seconds in a race, then abandoned until the pits come a-calling. Shifting the 2.3-16's transmission is like playing a game of Operation with my right fist. The gears are close and the action is notchy, so the most minute error could result in a loud "BURRRT!"
With how often I need to shuffle gears to stay in the short powerband, this is a challenging game. I spend a while getting used to the car and, being cautious, short shift around 3500 rpm. "Yeah," I think, "it's an old Mercedes with no power. What's the big deal?" Then I honk on it, and the engine lets out its maniacal German guffaw that grows louder as the tach needle sprints past 5000. mb1904_left.jpg The 2.3-16's engine can best be described as a less breathy version of the Honda Civic Si's. With a 7000-rpm redline, it doesn't scream as high as the most famous Honda, but the power comes on in the same manner, only a bit sooner. In normal driving, the car is as docile as I'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz sedan, just as, in traffic, the Civic acts like any other Japanese econocar.
Catch the meat of the powerband, though, and this German businessman ditches the suit, tie, and trendy glasses for a Mohawk, a see-through mesh T-shirt, and a soundtrack of angry, mechanical techno music. The cushy bucket seats - all four of them - are more supportive than I'd expect, perhaps because the leather bolsters wrap around me. I lift off the throttle and the thumping beat gives way to a remix of exhaust snorts, yaps, and burbles. Looking down, I'm shocked to find that I'm only doing sixty.
The U.S. version of this car, detuned to deal with our emissions regulations and lower-octane fuel, is rated at 167 hp at 5800 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 5800, and 0-60 acceleration is in the mid-seven second range. Those numbers would be disappointing in a minivan today. But the engine is a thrill to push hard, making stats and seconds seem insignificant. I'm instead thinking about minutes, as in "How many extra minutes can I extend this drive?"
Despite the insanely large horsepower deficit, this car is more enjoyable, more involving than most machines coming out of the AMG garage today. The 1987 model weighs a full 120 pounds more than a normal 190E 2.3, but its 2900 pounds is dandelion-seed light on today's road. As one might expect, the car is balanced and tossable through corners, even if it feels a bit bigger than the BMWs with which it competed. The Benz feels heavier than an BMW M3, too, though the weight differential is only about 150 pounds. That heft is a characteristic that connects it with every other Mercedes, including the current, new-for-2008 C-class. These cars feel substantial.
With this in my mind, I'm surprised by how well the 2.3-16 stops. The brake pedal is firm and the travel is short, and in this aspect the Merc is the M3's equal. Otherwise, this car isn't quite an M3-beater. The steering is heavier and not as sharp, the chassis not as lively. Yes, it begs to be abused in much the same way as an E30 M3, but it just isn't as easy to get in and sprout an instant smile -- it takes more time for the love affair to develop.
Back in 1986, the 190E 2.3-16's price was a faithful reflection of the engineering work that went into it. At a base of $34,800, the 2.3-16 cost nearly $11,000 more than a 190E and about $3000 more than a C300 today, ignoring inflation. The 2.3-16 would fetch more than $66,000 in present-day money, which is just a bit more than the C63 AMG. Today, decent examples can be found for under ten grand, making them one of the cheapest ways to own a truly notable tick on the Mercedes-Benz timeline. So what if no one knows what it is - that only adds to this homologation special's considerable allure. Special thanks to Nick Knauz at Axel's Automotive in Lake Bluff, Illinois for letting us spend a day in fine example of Mercedes-Benz' 190E 2.3-16.
When it comes to compact German performance machines, one name -- M3 -- stands above them all in terms of street cred. Even my Toyota-driving grandmother knows of the Bimmer's legend and might even forfeit her death grip on the left lane to let one by.
Four generations strong, each more astonishing than the last, the BMW M3 was the original wolf-in-sheep's-clothing Autobahn assaulter. Wasn't it? Benz faithful with balk at that claim, and anyone familiar with the past few decades of Germany's ever-evolving horsepower war will know why and agree. Another homologation special actually beat everyone's favorite BMW to the U.S. in 1986 - the Cosworth-engined Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16.
The fact that this rare '80s racer (less than 2000 were officially imported) is so commonly overlooked is evidenced by our initial attempts to find one in the Chicago area, when a mass e-mail to the Mercedes-Benz club returned one reply that began, "Hello, I own a 1991 190E 2.3 that I bought at about 75,000 miles . . ." Even some inside the Merc fold don't understand the importance of the 16-valve version of the 190E, a car that graced the States for only two years: 1986 and 1987. mb1901_center.jpg Though nothing in the name implies it, the 190E range of sedans, launched in 1983, spawned today's C-class. Investment in the first "baby Benz" totaled over two billion German Marks, a huge sum of money intended to ensure that a smaller Mercedes wouldn't equate to a cheaper one.
As part of that spending, Benz turned to the British engineering firm Cosworth to stuff some bragging rights into the engine bay of a special racing version of the 190E. Mercedes invested heavily in rallying in the late '70s with a factory-backed team of SLC coupes, but left competition in 1980. Perhaps due in part to the dominance of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive racer, Mercedes opted to send the 2.3-16 not to the rally piste but to the smooth asphalt of Germany's DTM series, where rules stipulated that 5000 roadgoing examples must be sold for a car to be eligible to compete. In 1983, Mercedes dropped Cosworth's custom-built twin-cam cylinder head onto a 190E's modest 2.3-liter four-cylinder, bolted in a limited-slip differential, fitted larger brakes inside wider wheels and 205/55VR15 tires, gave it a wing and body kit whose aerodynamic changes helped achieve a drag coefficient of .32 and a top speed of 141 mph, and released the car for public consumption in Europe.
A slightly modified, higher-geared version of the car broke twelve speed records by covering 31,000 miles at the Nardo oval in Italy in just eight days, moving at an average of 154 mph. Yes, that includes all driver changes and refueling stops. Late in the following year, Mercedes-Benz would host a special all-star race at the modern Nurburgring as part of the festivities celebrating the track's first Formula 1 race. A cast of F1 veterans that included Phil Hill, Niki Lauda, and Stirling Moss went out to battle each other in identical 2.3-16s.
A young upstart, Ayrton Senna, took the black-and-white checker My own experience with the 190E 2.3-16 doesn't begin as auspiciously as Senna's. I'm merely confused. Is this really a racing car for the street? Then why does it have a power-operated headrest and pillowy leather seats that go every way but sideways? And is that wood trim? It's easy to see why people might pass this off their granddaddy's Benz. The cabin feels more cave-like than that of an E30 BMW, with a rear window that's small and partially blocked by the rear-seat headrests. I'm also confused as to why I can't get the damned shift lever into first. I tap the gear selector to the left, but then it'll only let me go down. I go straight up but, no, that can't be right at all. What the hell. All the luxurious camouflage around me seems to disappear as I remember the car's racing roots and the concept of a dogleg transmission. Reverse is where first should be, while first is where second usually sits. Such a set-up arranges second through fifth in a simple H pattern, since first is typically used for the first two seconds in a race, then abandoned until the pits come a-calling. Shifting the 2.3-16's transmission is like playing a game of Operation with my right fist. The gears are close and the action is notchy, so the most minute error could result in a loud "BURRRT!" With how often I need to shuffle gears to stay in the short powerband, this is a challenging game.
I spend a while getting used to the car and, being cautious, short shift around 3500 rpm. "Yeah," I think, "it's an old Mercedes with no power. What's the big deal?" Then I honk on it, and the engine lets out its maniacal German guffaw that grows louder as the tach needle sprints past 5000. mb1904_left.jpg The 2.3-16's engine can best be described as a less breathy version of the Honda Civic Si's. With a 7000-rpm redline, it doesn't scream as high as the most famous Honda, but the power comes on in the same manner, only a bit sooner. In normal driving, the car is as docile as I'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz sedan, just as, in traffic, the Civic acts like any other Japanese econocar. Catch the meat of the powerband, though, and this German businessman ditches the suit, tie, and trendy glasses for a Mohawk, a see-through mesh T-shirt, and a soundtrack of angry, mechanical techno music. The cushy bucket seats - all four of them - are more supportive than I'd expect, perhaps because the leather bolsters wrap around me. I lift off the throttle and the thumping beat gives way to a remix of exhaust snorts, yaps, and burbles.
Looking down, I'm shocked to find that I'm only doing sixty. The U.S. version of this car, detuned to deal with our emissions regulations and lower-octane fuel, is rated at 167 hp at 5800 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 5800, and 0-60 acceleration is in the mid-seven second range. Those numbers would be disappointing in a minivan today. But the engine is a thrill to push hard, making stats and seconds seem insignificant. I'm instead thinking about minutes, as in "How many extra minutes can I extend this drive?" Despite the insanely large horsepower deficit, this car is more enjoyable, more involving than most machines coming out of the AMG garage today.
The compact and extremely high-performance Cosworth-developed Mercedes-Benz 190E saloon or touring cars were very highly regarded during their heyday in the 1980s. This particular example now offered here was campaigned by the Leyton House racing team in Japan during the 1985 and 1986 seasons. The Cosworth-modified engine developed some 280bhp and the Leyton House-sponsored Mercedes-Benz became a familiar competitor within the immensely popular Japanese class of Group A touring car racing. Its rivals included cars campaigned by the cream of the Japanese motor industry, featuring teams from Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, Isuzu, Subaru and Mitsubishi.
Interwoven into the rich tapestry of Montana's historical heritage are the words and wisdom of Kenneth Browning. I was delighted to discover his poetry and will be featuring several of his memorable poems.
Meet Kenneth Browning - Introduction
I composed the writings in this book,
And hope they are worth the time it took
For me to put on paper all this bunk,
I pray you won’t consider them all junk.
"KB"
I trust your sarcastic comments will be withheld,
When you find some word misspelled.
And that your tongue doesn’t start its clacking,
At punctuation, misplaced or lacking.
When (or if)? you have read them to the end,
If some word, your ears did offend.
Be not too harsh with your censure,
For this is my first literary adventure.
My joy will be most infinite,
If you find one moment of pleasure in it.
I wish you as much joy from the reading or reciting,
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature
isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
Here are some facts about the 1500s:
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June. However, since they were starting to smell, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The “man of the house” had the
privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the
women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so
dirty you could actually lose someone in it.
Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water!"
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath.
It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small
animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery
and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.
Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real
problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your
nice clean bed.
Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some
protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt.
Hence the saying, "Dirt poor."
The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so
they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter
wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would
all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way.
Hence, a thresh hold
(Getting quite an education, aren't you?)
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always
hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot.
They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the
stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then
start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been
there for quite a while.
Hence the rhyme: "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in
the pot nine days old."
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special.
When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off.
It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon."
They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and
"chew the fat."
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "the upper crust."
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up.
Hence the custom of holding a wake.
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a
pot & then once a day it was taken & sold to the tannery.......if
you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor"
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a
pot...........they "didn't have a pot to piss in" & were the lowest of the low.
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury
people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house,
and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive.
So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse,
lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell.
Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.)
to listen for the bell; thus,someone could be, saved by the bell or was
considered a dead ringer...
And that's the truth...Now, whoever said History was boring ! !
A stand of brightly colored wild daisies with the vivid blue sky Montana sky as the backdrop is a beautiful sight.
I'd Pick More Daisies By:
Nadine Stair, age 85
If I had my life to live over,
I'd try to make more mistakes next time.
I would relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have on this trip.
I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.
I would take more chances, I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,
and watch more sunsets.
I would burn more gasoline. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I am one of those people who lives
prophylactically and sensibly and sanely,
hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I have had my moments
And if I had it to do over again, I'd have more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments,one after another.
Instead of living so many years ahead each day.
I have been one of those people who never go anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a
raincoat, and a parachute.
If I had to do it over again, I would go places and do things.
I'd travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.
I would play hooky more. I wouldn't make such good grades
except by accident.
I would ride on merry-go-rounds.
I'd pick more daisies!
