Celtic Classic 2016

The MacMillan-Birtles Memorial Pipe Band placed first overall in the 2016 Celtic Classic contest for Grade 4 Pipe Bands held September 25th, 2016 in Bethlehem, PA. We also received the Best Drum Corps award that day. I've included links to videos of the contest posted by Dawn Meade on her Youtube Channel.

MacMillan-Birtles Pipe Band - MSR - Celtic Classic 2016

MacMillan-Birtles Pipe Band - Medley - Celtic Classic 2016

Go Smash On It!

There was a time when a V-type engine with DOHC aluminum heads and multi-port fuel injection was the stuff of dreams. Now these engines routinely appear in the modern day Griswold Family Cruiser (a.k.a. The Wagon Queen Family Truckster ). The technology of a modern automobile has progressed so fast that the average Do-It-Yourselfer is struggling to keep up. Fortunately, decent tools have gotten a lot cheaper; and specialty tools - that no weekend warrior could justify back in the day - are now available at affordable prices. An engine scanner that used to cost ten thousand, than one thousand, then three hundred bucks, can now be purchased as a Bluetooth device that works with a smart phone or laptop and costs less than a hundred.

I think the biggest advance of all is Youtube. Home mechanics and professionals are posting diagnostics and repair videos showing tips and tricks of the trade - successes and failures for all of us to learn from. I spent some time watching videos while I sorted out drivability issues in a car with a 3.0L Duratech V-6. I don't think I would have succeeded without help from the Youtube world.

When you need help with a DIY car project, I suggest you take a look at videos posted by:

Eric The Car Guy
Ratchets and Wrenches
Real Fixes Real Fast
Scanner Danner
Scotty Kilmer

Sure there are plenty of others worth watching, but these guys are a great place to start. And when you think you'll never be able to finish a project - when you get that feeling you've bitten off more than you can chew? Go watch a couple of videos from Oldskool Funk ... "Be strong, never give up - and in Jesus' name - Go Smash On It!"

Wisdom Maryland Style

I received the following notice from Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration:

"Effective October 1, 2016, a Maryland registered historic vehicle may no longer be used for transportation to and from employment, school, or for commercial purposes."

So let's see ... it's OK to drive my car as long as I don't work, don't learn, and don't run a business.

Car breaks down so I drive my hotrod to work while my regular car is in the shop?
Scofflaw!
Drive my grandson to school in my Model A?
Violator!
Put the name of my business on the side of my '50 Ford Pick-up and drive it anywhere?
Criminal!

Does anyone remember when Maryland was called The Free State?

The Internet

... and though they guarded their secrets and clung to their degrees, in the end all was laid bare by the servant who became their master.