John Matras reports that his www.Carbuzzard.com web site has been seriously hacked and will not be dispensing its autoworld gleanings for a time. In the meantime the site is being re-imagined. His automotive wit and wisdom can still be enjoyed at Examiner.com. . . . Tom Kelley, tom.Kelley@deadlinefactory.com wants it known that the
Truck Writers of North America (TWNA) responds to any negative, misleading, inaccurate or incorrect news stories related to trucks and trucking in non-trade media. He asks that those coming across such negative publicity alert TWNA directors David A. Kolman (caboverkolman@comcast.net) or Tim Brady (tbrady@writeuptheroad.com) TWNA also likes to recognize exceptional work by writers, editors, freelancers, public relations and communications specialists, sales, marketing and other personnel involved in the business of producing information related to the world of trucking. Contact the same two directors for more information or to submit nominees.
Automotive Who’s Who has set a new record for itself with 21,000 plus automotive industry key employees listed. . . . Courtney Caldwell, editor publisher of Road and Travel and executive producer of the International Car Of The Year Awards has announced that this year’s annual gala during the North American International Auto Show will include new Earth, Wind & Power Awards, honoring the most environmentally-friendly Car and Truck of the Year. They join the Earth Angel Award introduced last year to honor an automaker selected for for its progress on environmental programs worldwide.
If you are among the auto PR folk regularly surprised by how fast your press kits disappear at auto shows and other events, here’s one answer passed along by Steve Parker who came across this internet offer by McClellan Automotives.com: “50% off on all 1997 or newer Press Kits THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2008” Parker says he has been donating his used kits to schools or auto clubs but if there is money to be made….?
Tirekicking Today editor Jim Flammang, author of more than two dozen books (mainly on auto history) is working on three more. Steering Toward Oblivion is a critical but humorous observation of the car culture and auto business. Hotel Life ponders the satisfactions of simpler living and minimal consumption. Work Hurts questions the conventional wisdom on work and careers.
Bill Moore’s SpeedStyle Emagazine has published so far 15 anecdotes and recollections of auto racer Paul Newman volunteered by auto journalists and others from the auto world. . . . William Jeanes, who not altogether facetiously referred to himself as “the oldest Navy Lieutenant in uniform,” participated as Ceremonial Officer of the Deck when the U.S.S. Intrepid was moved up the Hudson Oct. 2 from refurbishment in New Jersey to its pier at the west end of 46th Street in Manhattan. Jeanes recalled many moments from his 1960s tour on the Intrepid, including a time when a young John McCain had under-instruction duty on Jeanes’ watches in the Mediterranean.