The babies of Brooklyn continue to push the boundaries of precocity: Check this short video from Vice (via Hypervocal), which offers a peek at the borough's baby DJ school, which is very real. Hold your hipster jokes, though! "It's totally not hip," insists Natalie Elizabeth Weiss, the DJ and composer who runs the classes.
    
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Kitchen space is always at a premium, and that space under your cabinets is probably being wasted. The Family Handyman has a great guide to building custom toe-kick drawers for some extra storage along the floor.
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Android: We've previously looked at AllCast, the device that lets you stream your local media to any DLNA, Airplay, Roku and other devices. One key receiver was missing, though, but now the Chromecast has finally been added back.
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You have to face facts. Carpets are kind of nasty. They accumulate dust and debris, hold smells, and just get generally dingy with use. You can have them cleaned (or rent a cleaner), but that's not something most of us do often. In between cleanings, try refreshing your carpets with this DIY mix.
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Head over to Tiger Direct where you can get a Lenovo Portable DVD Burner and Total Defense Premium Internet Security software completely FREE after rebates! You’ll need to pay $59.99 out of pocket, then complete the following rebates:
You only have a few more days to take advantage of this offer, though, since you MUST buy the DVD burner by 2/6/14 to qualify for the rebate!
RockNLive.org recently conducted an interview with Los Angeles glam metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER. You can now watch the chat below.
STEEL PANTHER‘s third full-length album, “All You Can Eat”, will be released in the United States on April 1 on Open E Records via Kobalt Label Services (KLS). The 12-song CD, which was produced by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, ADRENALINE MOB), is available for pre-order at SteelPantherRocks.com.
From the opening acoustic riff of album opener “Pussywhipped” to final chord hit in the album closer “She’s On The Rag”, it is clear STEEL PANTHER is back and better than ever. Songs like “Gloryhole”, “Gangbang At The Old Folks Home” and “BVS” all showcase STEEL PANTHER‘s incredible musicianship and ability to write memorable and sometimes educational songs.
The debut single, “Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World”, was released in November with a star-studded video directed by Rob Riggle that has been viewed over 680,000 times.
“All You Can Eat” track listing:
01. Pussywhipped
02. Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World
03. Gloryhole
04. Bukkake Tears
05. Gangbang At The Old Folks Home
06. Ten Strikes You’re Out
07. The Burden Of Being Wonderful
08. F@#king My Heart In The Ass
09. BVS
10. You’re Beautiful When You Don’t Talk
11. If I Was The King
12. She’s On The Rag
Regarding the new CD title, singer Michael Starr said: “We feel like STEEL PANTHER is like a buffet. You know what I mean?! There’s a little bit of everything for everybody. And you can have as much of us as you want.”
The not-safe-for-work version of the official “Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World” video includes celebrity cameos by “Jackass” star Steve-O, porn icon Ron Jeremy, “Breaking Bad” actor RJ Mitte and MMA fighter Chuck Liddell.
Speaking to the South Bend Tribune, STEEL PANTHER drummer Stix Zadinia (real name: Darren Leader) stated about the band’s new CD: “If you liked [2009's] ‘Feel The Steel’ and [2011's] ‘Balls Out’, you will love this record. It is more heavy metal songs that are hooky and great and fun and make you want to rock and make you want to have a good time and party. Also, there is a lot of riffage on this album that I think anybody who has ever questioned this band — ‘Oh, those guys wear spandex and it is 2000-whatever’ — these songs are going to put all of that to rest.”
Alex Hellid of Entombed is offering a contest which puts a challenge to his listeners: make something of Entombed, and possibly win free stuff.
Here’s his statement:
Here are three instrumental demos. Take them and do something…add your own flavor…lay down the vocals…be the voice…remix…cut it up…add samples…do an animation…shoot a video clip…anything…and let us see it! Then post it on our facebook page.
Go to the contest page to download the three tracks and begin re-mixing. Then, upload them to the Entombed Faceborg page and see what happens.
I won’t share my own plans for this but if you can imagine ABBA covering GBH doing Entombed, you’re on the right track.
This jizz-worthy tour hits 14 stops across the U.S.
The post MASTODON, GOJIRA, KVELERTAK Confirm Spring 2014 Tour appeared first on Metal Injection.
Full size vans are great for hauling things, but they’re hardly the go-to vehicle of choice for inclement weather or for any kind of off-roading. Over the years a few firms have looked to address this by converting vans to four-wheel drive, and this lifted 1975 GMC Vandura for sale on Hemmings.com is a prime example of the breed. With its glossy paint and high center of gravity, the van may be a sub-optimal choice for narrow trails or rock crawling, but it will likely take the worst that Mother Nature can dish out on paved or unpaved roads and it will certainly haul a lot more stuff into the wilderness. From the seller’s description:
This 4×4 Van has undergone an extensive 9 month restoration. The Original motor has had a new harmonic balancer installed, timing chain and timing adjusted, valve cover gasket seats, valves, a new speedometer cable from speedo and transfer case. It has brand new drive lines, brand new brakes (front & rear), brand new rebuilt transfer case, new rear built posi-traction rear end. It has all new wheel bearing in front as well as rear. There are KYB gas shocks on the van that are in great condition. The van runs excellent and can be used as a daily driver! The exterior has all original trim and body parts that are in great condition. It has just been completely re-painted about a month ago and has new custom Rhino lining on bottom edge of exterior wheel wells and on rocker panel, which wraps around front and undercarriage of van (beneath bumpers). This Rhino liner has also been ran on the floor, interior steps, and cab area on the inside of the van. Interior was just completed and has custom wood wrap paneling and Saddlewood and Linau black accents. There are custom GMC logos embroidered on the seats as well as engine cover. The interior was all done handmade by an reputable upholstery shop. There is well over $20,000 invested in the vehicle in the interior, exterior, rims and tires. This does not include the mechanical cost that was spent.
Note: The van was originally going to be showed for a Company display with the company logo on the interior back panels on doors. There were blank panels designed for the van which will be installed on the sell.
Find more GMCs for sale on Hemmings.com.
Corky Coker and Greg Cunningham on the lookout for Backroad Gold. Still image from video below.
Possessed with seemingly limitless amount of energy, Corky Coker is a regular sight at significant classic car events, always ready to greet customers with a smile and a handshake. Next week, Coker will don a new hat with the launch of a new television series on The Travel Channel, entitled Backroad Gold.
Those familiar with the television show American Pickers will instantly recognize the format of Backroad Gold: Traveling the side streets, alley ways and dirt roads of America with his son-in-law Greg Cunningham, Coker will try to unearth “rusty gold,” cars and motorcycles that can be acquired reasonably, then restored and flipped for a profit by his Honest Charley Garage. It promises to deliver a blend of treasure hunting and “Let’s Make a Deal” negotiation with a bit of family dynamic (similar to the show Pawn Stars).
In addition to Corky and Greg, the show will feature Corky’s daughter, Casey Cunningham, who serves as office manager at Honest Charley; Hal Everett, the shop’s lead mechanic; and Harold Coker, Corky’s father (and, apparently, his biggest critic). Backroad Gold debuts on the Travel Channel on Wednesday, February 5, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern.
Heather A. McDonoughDerp face
Last year we ranked all 47 Super Bowls on "watchability," a stat we devised based on performance against the spread, total scoring, closeness, and quality of finish. We ran the numbers for last night's massacre, and Super Bowl XLVIII ranks as the sixth-least watchable matchup of all time, and the worst since 2001. All of the games towards the bottom of the list are terrible, but Seahawks-Broncos gets a slight bump from being an upset (crazy, right?), and from its relatively high score.
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While we'd all like to believe that every financial company we deal with has our best interests at heart, we've learned from experience that's not the case. Yet it can still be surprising when we encounter practices that make it harder for people to take control of their finances.
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4K has been touted as the latest and greatest in video imaging. With over two times the resolution of HD, it boasts an ultra-high-definition image that matches traditional 35mm film. Manufacturers have rushed to make 4K a feature in many flagship products, and both TVs and cameras (and soon, smartphones) have already started to carry sleek "4K" branding.
See also: Sony's 4K Camcorder: A YouTuber's Dream
The wave of new products has led consumers to question whether or not they should upgrade. Many of the new TVs have big price tags, and those that don't are not natively 4K — meaning they take a 4K image and "downsample" it into one that the TV can show. The image is impressive, but not without its problems. Read more...
More about Video, Tech, 4k, Tv, and GadgetsOn March 29, 1971, The Godfather, considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made, began principal photography in New York City.
Because the film is a period piece, The Godfather actually presents a fascinating record of what 1940s-era New York City locations still existed in the early-1970s. Sadly, many of them are now gone. What still remains? Let’s take a closer look.
The Godfather opens at the wedding of Don Corleone’s only daughter Connie.
This is the Corleone residence today, located at 110 Longfellow Avenue in Staten Island.
The house today is pretty much the same as it appears in the film, except for one detail…
What happened to all the stone walls and the entrance gate?
These were all fake, set up at the end of Longfellow Avenue to give the Corleone residence the feeling of a walled compound. This is what the same angle looks like today:
Another shot from later in the film offers a better look at the layout:
Still later, when Kay arrives at the house, we see a different angle including the guard booth.
In reality, there are actually several houses at the end of the block that were cut off by the fake wall:
As the wedding progresses, detectives show up to take license plate numbers. Our point of view here is toward toward the house…
The wedding sequence was staged on the house’s palatial lawn, which I imagine was a major factor for why it was chosen:
After a quick jaunt to California involving a movie producer and a horse (to be covered someday by sister site Scouting LA), we return to New York and get our first look at Corleone’s business front, Genco Olive Oil, just as Sollozzo arrives for a sit-down.
This was filmed in what was once the heart of Little Italy at 128 Mott Street, known as The Mietz Building.
Built in 1892, the sprawling Mietz & Weiss Oil Engine Building has a wonderful ever-so-slight curve that follows the path of Mott Street:
While the Renaissance Revival building is overall in good shape, some changes have been made over the years, including the removal of fire escapes…
…and most egregiously, the complete gutting of the ground floor facade. I have no idea how this was allowed to happen, but it’s pretty awful.
The interior of Genco Oil was reportedly built on the fourth floor of a warehouse nearby to 128 Mott Street (but not actually in the Mietz building).
We then join Michael Corleone and his girlfriend Kay Adams as they Christmas shop at the Best & Co. Department Store on Fifth Avenue at 51st Street.
After the Best & Co. chain went out of business in the mid-1970s, the building was torn down to make way for the 51-story Olympic Tower currently at the site. Note St. Patrick’s and Saks a block further in both pictures.
Uneasy with the possible introduction of drugs into his business world, Don Corleone sends Luca Brasi to meet with Sollozzo and pledge his loyalty in order to spy on him. Brasi heads down a hotel hallway…
…shot in the rear entrance to the Hotel Edison on West 46th Street btw. 7th & 8th.
Brasi is then murdered by Sollozzo in an upscale restaurant…but where was this shot? There has been a lot of debate over this. Many argue that it was simply done in the Edison’s bar, and logistically it would make sense – except that nothing at the Edison ever looked like this.
In fact, this pivotal scene was actually filmed in the Hotel St. George in Brooklyn.
The tip comes from a 72-year-old Brooklyn Heights barber named Rocco Scali, who recalls cutting actor Lenny Montana’s hair just before the scene was filmed in the hotel’s lobby bar, according to this NY Times article.
What is unbelievable is that I cannot find a single damn picture of the establishment. In fact, about the only pictures you can find of the Hotel St. George, once the largest hotel in New York City, are postcard images taken in the 1930s and 40s. The St. George used to be teeming with theme venues (The Stardust Room, The Bermuda Terrace), but who knows what was still around in 1971 when The Godfather was shot? If anyone has any leads, or has any memories of the space, please let me know!
Carrying on, Tom Hagen is then abducted by Sollozzo as he exits Polk’s Hobby Shop at 314 Fifth Avenue.
Fondly remembered as one of New York’s best hobby shops, Polk’s went out of business over 20 years ago, and is today Empire Pizza.
Back in Little Italy, Don Corleone steps out of the Genco offices and crosses the street toward 135-137 Mott Street.
He stops to buy fruit from the vendor at 137 Mott Street (note the Jake “Raging Bull” La Motta poster in the window):
Today, a Chinese pharmacy:
Just then, two assassins spring out and begin shooting, gunning down Corleone in front of the entrance to Genco at 128 Mott:
Later that night, we find Michael and Kay coming out of a show at Radio City Music Hall:
They exit the side entrance on West 50th Street…
Then, Kay notices a headline on the newsstand announcing the Corleone shooting:
The two run across the street…
…to a telephone booth, where Michael calls home.
Meanwhile, Tom has been taken to an abandoned diner.
I really wish I knew where this was, but it seems that any record of it is long gone. Anyone have any ideas? Not sure if the interior was actually abandoned, or if this was built on a stage:
In retaliation, Sonny orders Clemenza to kill Paulie Gatto, who helped set up the attempt on his father’s life. We see Clemenza leaving his house…
…and here it is today, located at 1999 East 5th Street on the edge of the Gravesend section in Brooklyn.
Other than a few hints about the neighborhood, I couldn’t find any information anywhere on the address, and I almost gave up looking. Finally, I just knocked on a neighbor’s door – and she pointed me right up the block!
We later get another shot of the house as Clemenza leaves to assist in the round of assassinations at the end of the film.
There’s more! Click below to go to the next page!
This recipe is a cross between bruschetta and an open-faced sandwich. The meat is seasoned with peppercorns and thyme, then topped with a creamy and piquant shallot-Dijon mustard sauce. Serve with a lettuce and tomato salad.
Steak Sandwiches with Shallot-Thyme Aioli
2 tsp. whole peppercorns
4 tsp. plus 1 Tbs. minced fresh thyme
Coarse kosher salt
1 1/4 lb. (625 g.) top round or flank steak, 1 inch (2.5 cm.) thick
1/3 cup (3 fl. oz./80 ml.) mayonnaise
1 large shallot, minced
1 1/2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. sherry vinegar or fresh lemon juice
3/4 tsp. Dijon mustard
Freshly ground pepper
Olive oil for brushing
8-12 slices coarse country white bread
1 bunch watercress
In a spice mill or mortar with pestle, coarsely grind the peppercorns. Mix with the 4 teaspoons thyme and 2 teaspoons salt. Pat the steak dry. Press the spice mixture onto both sides of the meat, and let marinate while preparing the aioli.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shallot, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, remaining 1 tablespoon thyme, and freshly ground pepper; mix to combine. Set the aioli aside.
In a heavy large frying pan over medium-high heat, brush with olive oil. Add the steak and cook as desired, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Brush one side of each bread slice with a little of the aioli. Arrange, aioli side up, on a baking sheet and broil until brown, watching carefully, about 2 minutes. Place 2-3 bread slices on each of 4 warmed plates. Spread each with aioli, and then top with watercress.
Thinly slice the steak on an angle against the grain. Arrange the meat on top of the watercress and serve right away. Serves 4.
Find more simple, seasonal weeknight recipes in our cookbook Weeknight Fresh + Fast, by Kristine Kidd.
Where do you write?
Do you know where you write can have an impact on how well and how often you write?
Imagine writing in a space that’s clean, organized and clutter-free. Everything has a place, and is easily accessible. And everything that surrounds you reflects who you are and who you want to be.
You flow through your workday with ease, supported by the knowledge that everything is in order. Your mind is clear and your energy freed to be in the present moment. You write, inspired by the beautiful surroundings you’ve created.
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Now think about where you currently write. If your workspace is less than inspiring, don’t fret! Just follow these twelve simple steps.
De-cluttering is probably the most important thing you can do to create a more inspiring workspace, and increase your productivity.
Clutter weighs on our minds, takes up space, decreases our motivation, and blocks new ideas and opportunities from coming into our lives. If the thought of de-cluttering feels overwhelming, start small.
Get a timer, set it, and focus on de-cluttering just one drawer or one section of your desk, for just ten minutes each day. Once that area is complete, move on to the next.
Things that are broken can frustrate us, get in our way, and make us feel bad. If something in your office is broken, ask yourself if you’re willing to get it fixed this week.
If not, it’s probably not very important or useful, so it’s clutter. If not knowing how to dispose of something is holding you up, visit Earth 911 for tips on how to dispose of everything from electronics to paint!
Stop clutter at its source. When you bring something into your workspace, decide right away what you’re going to do with it. Don’t just pile it on your desk and put off the decision for later!
When deciding what’s clutter and what’s not, ask yourself three questions:
If the answer to all three questions is ‘no’, it’s clutter.
If your answer to any of the questions is ‘yes’, find a designated place to keep the article. The key is to make a choice, and then toss it, or find a place for it.
Also, schedule weekly clutter maintenance. Once clutter clearing becomes a part of your routine, it will be less time-consuming and daunting.
You’ll feel more motivated and have a more positive outlook if your purpose for writing is reflected in your surroundings.
Create a mission statement, or have objects, quotes, and visuals that remind you of why you choose to write. For example, a picture of your kids or spouse reminding you that your writing helps support your family. Or an image of people your writing has helped or inspired.
In Feng Shui (the ancient Chinese art of placement), the Command Position, also known as the Power Position, describes the place in a room where a person feels the most protected and empowered.
This is where you have a view of the door – without facing it directly – and ideally, a solid wall behind your back. It’s human nature to feel more comfortable when we can see who or what is approaching us.
Placing your chair in the Command Position allows you to concentrate better, without being distracted by what’s happening behind you. In Feng Shui, this position also symbolizes being open to opportunity.
Opt for an office chair that supports your back and encourages good posture. Also make sure your desk and keyboard are at comfortable heights, reducing physical stress and strain from working long hours.
Full-spectrum bulbs emulate natural sunlight and create a more relaxing atmosphere than other types of lighting.
If you can’t change overhead fluorescent bulbs in your workspace, consider turning them off, and using lamps and task lighting instead. Proper lighting reduces eyestrain.
Letting in sunlight and fresh air can lift your spirits and give your energy a boost.
Did you know that a study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that pollution inside a home could be two to five times higher than outside the home, even in large, industrialized cities?
Opening windows creates a way for unhealthy fumes (released from office equipment, cleaning products, carpets etc.) to exit, and fresh air to enter.
Conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals including ammonia and phenol, which can irritate your skin and lungs, and cause headaches. These products are also one of the leading causes of indoor air pollution.
So instead of cleaning your workspace, you’re actually polluting the air you breathe!
To avoid exposing yourself to these hazardous pollutants, look for non-toxic, environmentally safe cleaning products.
Often our workspaces, particularly if we work from home, are not dedicated offices. Many writers work in their kitchen, living room, bedroom, a guestroom shared with exercise equipment, and so on.
No wonder we have a hard time focusing when we’re surrounded by numerous distractions like TV, gym equipment, a sink full of dirty dishes, or an empty bed inviting us for a nap!
If possible, create a room or alcove dedicated to writing. If that’s not an option, position your chair to avoid looking at anything that could divert your attention from your task.
If you don’t have a good view from where you sit, create one with plants, artwork or photos. Select inspirational artwork that sparks your creativity, or peaceful imagery that helps you focus.
Use your desk to hold uplifting pictures such as photos from your last vacation, or arrange appealing magazine clips on a corkboard.
Nature helps us relax and feel more centered. Consider adding plants, fresh flowers, or a fountain to beautify your workspace.
A fountain has an added benefit: the soothing sound of water can serve as white noise, masking unwanted sounds such as traffic.
You can choose to decorate with natural materials such as hemp, sisal or wood, or use visuals of nature to create a soothing environment.
Implementing these simple tips will help you have a workspace that supports your health and well-being. Your writing will be inspired by the beautiful surroundings you’ve created.
After all, as a writer you probably spend a lot of time at your desk, so why not create a space where you enjoy spending time?
What would your inspirational workspace look or feel like? Leave a comment below!
About the authors:
Sisters Laura and Alison are authors, speakers and bloggers. Visit the sisters at Inspired Everyday Living for simple steps to create a happier home and life, and get a copy of their free eBook “Ten Tips to Transform Your Home and Life Today.”
Thanks to Bigstockphoto.com for image: Workspace.
The post How To Create An Inspirational Workspace For Writing appeared first on Write to Done.
The Romanesque red brick structure of the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal on the Hudson River conceals one of the most accessible urban ruins in the New York City area.
The train shed on the other side of the terminal has been abandoned since 1967, with trees and other foliage sprouting through its open roof where light shines down on the empty train tracks. The terminal building was recently restored and serves as a ferry departure point for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, but the tracks themselves were left to nature.
The terminal was constructed in 1889, and at the peak of service for the Central Railroad of New Jersey there were millions of passengers a year passing through. Many immigrants to the United States also came directly from Ellis Island, bypassing New York City to make their way through the United States by way of New Jersey. Unfortunately, the Great Depression hit hard, as did the rise of the automobile, and a decline in business caused the terminal to shut down in 1967.
The old departure boards remain at the tracks, where stately metal columns still loom. Alongside the terminal in Liberty State Park are even a few old train cars. Stepping out of the terminal to face the Hudson, you'll find wooden bricks still embedded in the ground (although they have to be regularly replaced), and if you look up at the terminal building's clock tower you can see science, commerce, industry and agriculture sculpted on its four corners, relics of when this really was a center of economic movement in the area.
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“Original paint, minor rust, small dent in rear…” Photo credit Mike K.
Most of us aren’t born pitchmen, and when the time comes to part with a four- (or two-, or three-) wheeled member of the family, writing an effective classified ad can be a daunting task. Beyond the process of penning a few descriptive paragraphs, there are other considerations, such as how many photos to include, and how to correctly determine a selling price for your vehicle. As with most things in life, there are no absolutes, but the following step-by-step guide should provide an effective starting point to writing a classified ad that draws the attention of serious buyers.
Step One: Research and price the car. Your car is likely special to you, but now it’s being pitched to someone who may lack intimate knowledge of the year, make and model. If the car contains rare options, such as factory air conditioning, a unique trim package or a special order engine, make a note of how many examples were built in the year your car was produced. How many owners have previously enjoyed the car? How many miles has it been driven? Have any major restorations been undertaken, and if so, how long ago? Has it ever been rebuilt following a major accident? How long have you owned the car? All these factors help in determining the value, and every classified ad should contain a price. Based on our own research, ads that contain prices are six times more likely to be looked at than those that omit pricing.
No one company can accurately tell you how much you should ask for your car; instead, check as many independent sources as possible to determine an appropriate starting point. Hemmings Motor News, and the Hemmings online classifieds, are both good place to start your research, as you can see what other owners are asking for similar vehicles, but the only realistic way to peg a car’s value is to get it professionally appraised.
Remember that there’s a fine line between asking too much and settling for too little. Every price will be seen as negotiable by shoppers, so never price a car at your bottom line number (and never specify “Firm” in the ad, as it shuts the door for many potentially serious buyers). While parting with an automobile that you’ve poured heart, soul and bank account into many be painful, remember that this is a business transaction, and few buyers are willing to pay a premium for an owner’s emotional attachment.
Step Two: Write the ad. When it comes to penning the description of your car, there is almost no such thing as too many words (assuming, of course, they’re to the point and about the car), as long and accurate descriptions help to build trust with buyers. While it’s important to accurately document a vehicle’s strengths (i.e., engine rebuilt by Vintage Autoworks, using Mahle pistons and forged connecting rods, 10,000 miles ago), it’s equally important to document a car’s weaknesses (i.e., left front fender replaced and repainted in 1987, headliner sagging, needs full repaint paint and carpeting). Be honest and be as descriptive as possible when writing both the selling points and the car’s negatives, as a serious buyer will find the flaws (and perhaps others you never knew about) during any inspection. If it’s not in driveable condition, be upfront about why (i.e., needs brake lines, wheel cylinders, brake shoes and wheel bearings replaced to be roadworthy) to avoid disappointed buyers during the inspection.
As for aftermarket parts, include them in the description (if they’re included in the sale), but don’t expect them to add value. While an aftermarket supercharger or turbocharger may boost output significantly, chances are good they’ll also decrease engine life, which may be more important to a potential buyer. Likewise, a $5,000 audio system may sound great to you, but the next owner may be more concerned with holes in door panels and the parcel shelf than with 5,000 watts of pumping bass. Unless you’re selling to a select market that appreciates your taste in upgrades, a stock car may net you more money than a modified car, and chances are good that aftermarket components can be sold on their own to recover more of the initial investment.
Beware of using certain terms in the description, as they’ve become red flags from overuse in recent years. Unless there’s documented video footage of a car being pulled from a dusty barn or carriage house, avoid using the term “barn find.” If a car has been painted, don’t describe it as “all original,” even if it does contain the original engine, transmission, interior and bodywork. Should a car be described as “numbers matching,” be prepared for a potential buyer to go over every numbered component to test the accuracy of your claim.
When in doubt, be honest and err on the side of caution. It’s better to provide too little information (or to simply say, “I don’t know the answer to that”) than it is to provide incorrect information.
Step Three: Photograph the car. Never place a classified ad without a photograph, and never place an ad with just one or two poorly lit, mis-framed or out-of-focus photos. For most shoppers, photographs provide a first impression of the vehicle offered, and as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If possible, enlist the help of a relative, friend or neighbor with a photographic background, and shoot the car’s exterior from as many angles as possible (our video guide below may be helpful here). Do the same with the interior and engine bay, then go back to shoot detail shots of things like the odometer and any flaws (i.e., rust spots, body damage) you want to document. Include as many images in the ad as you can, and consider embedding a brief video as well. Most modern camera phones can film in high-definition video, and a two-minute spot can allow a potential buyer to hear the engine, enjoy a walkaround view and even see the car run.
That’s really all there is to composing a classified ad that will attract interest and, hopefully, well-funded buyers. Always try to look at the ad from the opposite perspective: If you were shopping for this year, make and model, would your ad capture a buyer’s interest? Does it answer enough questions to warrant a call about the car? Is it worded in a positive and upbeat manner? Do the photographs (and video) help to complete the story of the car? Is the ad featured in Hemmings Motor News, and in our online classifieds? If the answer is yes to all these questions, then you’ve done all you can to attract buyers.
Author’s note: Steve Berry, general manager of Hemmings Digital, contributed valuable advice to this guide. Steve dug up some well-made advertisements currently running on the site which demonstrate solid photography, video, and excellent descriptions:
If a car has flaws, many owners are reluctant to discuss them in fear of lowering the selling price. Worse, unscrupulous sellers may focus on addressing a car’s cosmetics, hoping that shiny paint will distract a potential buyer enough to ignore signs that would tell more savvy shoppers to run, not walk, away. That’s what caught our eye about this 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for sale on Hemmings.com; not only is the owner up front about the car’s flaws, he even goes so far as to provide a laundry list of repairs needed to meet certain expectations. Think of it as a project car, complete with a list of instructions. From the seller’s description:
Second generation Firebirds like this are becoming quite popular in the collector car world, & numbers matching ones like this are even rarer, with an original 118,935 miles (yes, MILES) on the odometer.
It was purchased by the original owner (I have the receipt from the original owner purchase, plus other historical paperwork) as a very basic model. 6.6L V8, Turbo 350 automatic, power steering & brakes, Rally steel wheels, AM radio, rear defroster grid & that’s pretty well it. No T-tops, no power windows or locks, no air conditioning. Very basic.
I’ve driven it very little over the years (bought it with 107,060 miles on it, so that’s 11,875 miles in 25 years) & the furthest it has been driven by me is most likely when it was moved to & from Marathon, ON when I lived there for several years. Otherwise it’s been to Duluth, MN once or twice & around the city now & then & the bulk of its mileage is from previous owners (2). With its true dual exhaust, & the original HR78-15 tires I was able to get 30 mpg Imperial on the highway at 50mph, but with the current P235-75R15 tires on it my mileage dropped by about 1/4 or so. It’s geared for highway driving, so the tach’s only showing about 1,750 rpm when you’re cruising at 55 mph (90 Kmh).
What’s been done to it over the years?
Previous owner had camshaft replaced 23+ years ago, because GM had a run of bad camshafts in the late 70′s & it needed replacing. He also pulled the catalytic convertor & went to true dual exhaust, installed by Minute Muffler. He had a “side job” body work & repaint performed by a local body shop 23+ years ago, but they cut corners. I’ve replaced the water pump & radiator (now 4-core, but have original rad to be re-cored) & put an Arizona fuel tank in. It’s had its spark plugs replaced once with platinum ones (I haven’t driven much). Windshield, rear window & driver’s door glass have been replaced (vandalized).
What needs to be done?
IF you were restoring it to original condition you would have to: replace rear quarter panels (no holes, but rusting), replace fuel lines (they’ve been patched), replace headliner (shot) & carpeting (shot), repair hole in trunk where it meets with rear driver side fender, lube speedo cable (bounces at low speeds), replace oil pressure sender (bounces a bit occasionally), replace rear package tray (holes from bad ’70′s speaker installation & badly faded). Driver’s door glass needs mechanism aligned so that door can be closed with glass up (out of alignment since glass replacement). Metal panel on front dash, beneath windshield, should be replaced, because corners were badly rusted from condensation (common problem with second generation Firebirds & Camaros). I cleaned out rust & neutralized it but never got around to replacing that panel (it’s still very solid in there). Replace aged & torn air intake hose for air cleaner. Fix up inaccuracies like no vinyl stripping between wheel spoilers & fenders, & secure those spoilers with bolts instead of current rivets (body shop cut corners here).
Undercarriage is in very good condition for a vehicle of its age. There is rust but it’s solid (it WAS Rust Checked a few times, way back when, & has spent MOST of its like in a garage since I purchased it 23+ years ago). Black marks on roof are where surface rust was neutralized after paint pulled off (shoddy paint job) when I’d tape plastic over to protect car after glass was vandalized.
IF you were just fixing it up to drive, without doing a full restoration, then you would probably have to: repair small hole in trunk where it drops down to meet driver’s side rear fender, maybe patch fuel lines again (slight odor of fuel when it sits BUT this is most likely due to common problem with Quadrajets leaking fuel out their base, ’cause there’s no signs of fuel leakage below the car)
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Houston couple Brittany and Austin Havican found themselves with a choice to make earlier this year. Personally, the couple had wanted to buy a Volkswagon bus to restore for many years. Professionally, they knew it would be a smart decision to add a photo booth to Brittany’s wedding photography business. But instead of picking one or the other, they decided to integrate the bus restoration into their business venture.
Now, the couple owns PhotoMoto, a mobile photo booth for events that they operate right out of their newly restored VW bus.
The couple is aware of one similar photo booth in the Kansas City area, but to their knowledge they are the only VW bus photo booth in Houston.
The unique aspect of their photo booth may have been born out of compromise. But Brittany also said that it’s been a better business decision than a more traditional photo booth could have been. In a phone interview with Small Business Trends she said:
“I think it’s definitely helped our business because it’s just really unique. If someone wants a traditional photo booth there are a million places they can call, but if they want something a little adventurous or different they call us.”
Brittany has been taking photos for about ten years, and doing professional wedding photography for about two. Her photography business and PhotoMoto can run independently of one another. But the photo booth has helped gain clients for Brittany Havican Photography as well:
“People will see the bus on Facebook or at other events around Houston – it’s really great for getting people’s attention. Then when they call, I’ll tell them I also do wedding photography and I offer a discount for people who book the two together.”
The restoration itself wasn’t without challenges. The bus was rusted and needed upgraded paint and repairs before being event-ready. But Austin’s interest in being an amateur auto mechanic and the couple’s interest in old cars helped them get it done. The market in their downtown Houston neighborhood, which Brittany described as “artsy,” appreciates the distinct vintage experience that PhotoMoto delivers.
Overall, Brittany said they would do it all over again if given the opportunity, and not just because of the business growth. In fact, she left open the possibility of adding another vintage vehicle in the future, though the couple has no solid plans to do so just yet:
“We both have an interest in old cars and it has just been a really satisfying experience to see the transformation and put our hearts into it. Plus we love driving it and it’s just really fun to have.”
Images: PhotoMoto
The post Couple Turns VW Bus Restoration Into a Unique Business Venture appeared first on Small Business Trends.
Best Buy offers the Ninja Professional 72-oz. Blender in Black, model no. NJ600, for $99.99. Coupon code "WINTER20OFF" cuts the price to $79.99. With free shipping, that's tied with our mention from a week ago and the lowest total price we could find by $19. It features six blades, three speeds, pulse action, and 1,000-watt motor.
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