I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

But watching the American Chopper show, I have a few things I would like to
mention:

Pauly - What's up with this kid? At first, I thought he was fighting back
against his domineering father, but have come to believe he is somewhat of a
Grinch. Evidence: the Santa bike. Couldn't suck it up and just say, "Lets
do this for the fun of it and the kids." Had to say, "This is below the
standards of OCC." Or something equally stupid. The guy welds and grinds
without PPE, how much can he know? Too prissified for me.

Vinny - Simply put, the guy that makes Pauly look so good. If Vinny died,
Pauly would be dead in the water. Like Mikey got to do, I would like to see
Vinny get a project, and a couple of helpers and see what they came up with.
But then, it might show who REALLLY has the brains and talent between Pauly
and Vinny. Or maybe they are just equals.

Mikey - Mikey has come a long way. He has a heart as big as his ass, and a
sense of humor that runs very deep. He jumped right in there with the Santa
bike project, and the Christmas tree and the angel on top were classic.
Pauly would never have acted so "childish". I love shows that have Mikey in
them.

The two elves who helped with the Santa bike - A couple of classy dudes.
AND, unlike Pauly and Vinnie, wore their PPE while grinding. The reindeer
head fender came out great, although I was having misgivings when first I
saw it going together. They are not to be passed over lightly.

The Old Man - Really showed he had a soft heart with the Santa bike. But
then, pulled over a double yellow line to pass the camera truck. WTF was HE
thinking? And him clowning with Mikey showed he is just a big teddy bear
with a big mustache.

Looking forward to another season of AC.

Happy Holidays to all.

Steve

If you look carefully you can see that this is just a family of
Ironworkers. I have had the occasion to work with Iron workers inside shops
and they tend to be rough around the edges, have trouble dealing with others
in a reasonable manner etc.
Ironworker to Ironworker there is no problem because you see what you
get. They will call you every name in the book then sit down and have
coffee with you talking about last nights game. If you carry a grudge about
what was said a few hours or days ago you will drive yourself crazy with
baggage.
I work with a rather mellow ironworker who is between jobs and goes all
over the world. He has seen a guy throw a spud wrench into a crane
operator's window. I did my apprenticeship training adjacent to the
Ironworkers classes. There is lots of verbal abuse between instructor and
students. It would make an office worker wilt or go running to the human
resources department complaining of harassment. When I discuss the goings
on in a steel shop to a salaried suit and tie type they think I am
embellishing and exaggerating.
I get the feeling that Papa has given the boys a free ride rather than
put them out in the field where they would be "moulded" pretty damn quick or
run off the jobsite.
I also get the feeling that Vinny is in from his ironworking job for
extra change. He knows who pays his wages and isn't about to screw up a
good thing working inside for a change.
They got a good thing portraying a slightly rougher side of life that TV
audiences lap up. Wish I had thought of it.
Still I would like to see the goings on of Orange County Ironworks.
Randy

"SteveB" wrote in message
news:VIpGb.39018$BQ5.35833@fed1read03...
I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build
a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

But watching the American Chopper show, I have a few things I would like
to
mention:

Pauly - What's up with this kid? At first, I thought he was fighting back
against his domineering father, but have come to believe he is somewhat of
a
Grinch. Evidence: the Santa bike. Couldn't suck it up and just say,
"Lets
do this for the fun of it and the kids." Had to say, "This is below the
standards of OCC." Or something equally stupid. The guy welds and grinds
without PPE, how much can he know? Too prissified for me.

Vinny - Simply put, the guy that makes Pauly look so good. If Vinny died,
Pauly would be dead in the water. Like Mikey got to do, I would like to
see
Vinny get a project, and a couple of helpers and see what they came up
with.
But then, it might show who REALLLY has the brains and talent between
Pauly
and Vinny. Or maybe they are just equals.

Mikey - Mikey has come a long way. He has a heart as big as his ass, and
a
sense of humor that runs very deep. He jumped right in there with the
Santa
bike project, and the Christmas tree and the angel on top were classic.
Pauly would never have acted so "childish". I love shows that have Mikey
in
them.

The two elves who helped with the Santa bike - A couple of classy dudes.
AND, unlike Pauly and Vinnie, wore their PPE while grinding. The reindeer
head fender came out great, although I was having misgivings when first I
saw it going together. They are not to be passed over lightly.

The Old Man - Really showed he had a soft heart with the Santa bike. But
then, pulled over a double yellow line to pass the camera truck. WTF was
HE
thinking? And him clowning with Mikey showed he is just a big teddy bear
with a big mustache.

Looking forward to another season of AC.

Happy Holidays to all.

Steve

It's a great show, my wife even likes it. The Christmas tree looked great
and Mike did a fine job putting his daddy on the top!
"SteveB" wrote in message
news:VIpGb.39018$BQ5.35833@fed1read03...
I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build
a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

But watching the American Chopper show, I have a few things I would like
to
mention:

Pauly - What's up with this kid? At first, I thought he was fighting back
against his domineering father, but have come to believe he is somewhat of
a
Grinch. Evidence: the Santa bike. Couldn't suck it up and just say,
"Lets
do this for the fun of it and the kids." Had to say, "This is below the
standards of OCC." Or something equally stupid. The guy welds and grinds
without PPE, how much can he know? Too prissified for me.

Vinny - Simply put, the guy that makes Pauly look so good. If Vinny died,
Pauly would be dead in the water. Like Mikey got to do, I would like to
see
Vinny get a project, and a couple of helpers and see what they came up
with.
But then, it might show who REALLLY has the brains and talent between
Pauly
and Vinny. Or maybe they are just equals.

Mikey - Mikey has come a long way. He has a heart as big as his ass, and
a
sense of humor that runs very deep. He jumped right in there with the
Santa
bike project, and the Christmas tree and the angel on top were classic.
Pauly would never have acted so "childish". I love shows that have Mikey
in
them.

The two elves who helped with the Santa bike - A couple of classy dudes.
AND, unlike Pauly and Vinnie, wore their PPE while grinding. The reindeer
head fender came out great, although I was having misgivings when first I
saw it going together. They are not to be passed over lightly.

The Old Man - Really showed he had a soft heart with the Santa bike. But
then, pulled over a double yellow line to pass the camera truck. WTF was
HE
thinking? And him clowning with Mikey showed he is just a big teddy bear
with a big mustache.

Looking forward to another season of AC.

Happy Holidays to all.

Steve

I think these guys are a joke. They have been building bikes for like
3 years and somehow got this reality show. There is something wrong
with every bike they build. And what is with all the deadlines? That
plot has gotten really thin. I can't believe anyone is really buying
those bikes they build. There are too many real bike builders out
there to deal with those guys.


"SteveB" wrote in message news:VIpGb.39018$BQ5.35833@fed1read03...
I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

But watching the American Chopper show, I have a few things I would like to
mention:

Pauly - What's up with this kid? At first, I thought he was fighting back
against his domineering father, but have come to believe he is somewhat of a
Grinch. Evidence: the Santa bike. Couldn't suck it up and just say, "Lets
do this for the fun of it and the kids." Had to say, "This is below the
standards of OCC." Or something equally stupid. The guy welds and grinds
without PPE, how much can he know? Too prissified for me.

Vinny - Simply put, the guy that makes Pauly look so good. If Vinny died,
Pauly would be dead in the water. Like Mikey got to do, I would like to see
Vinny get a project, and a couple of helpers and see what they came up with.
But then, it might show who REALLLY has the brains and talent between Pauly
and Vinny. Or maybe they are just equals.

Mikey - Mikey has come a long way. He has a heart as big as his ass, and a
sense of humor that runs very deep. He jumped right in there with the Santa
bike project, and the Christmas tree and the angel on top were classic.
Pauly would never have acted so "childish". I love shows that have Mikey in
them.

The two elves who helped with the Santa bike - A couple of classy dudes.
AND, unlike Pauly and Vinnie, wore their PPE while grinding. The reindeer
head fender came out great, although I was having misgivings when first I
saw it going together. They are not to be passed over lightly.

The Old Man - Really showed he had a soft heart with the Santa bike. But
then, pulled over a double yellow line to pass the camera truck. WTF was HE
thinking? And him clowning with Mikey showed he is just a big teddy bear
with a big mustache.

Looking forward to another season of AC.

Happy Holidays to all.

Steve

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:56:42 -0800, "SteveB"
wrote:

I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

I have a different view. I believe they are low end system
integrators. The really high skill work is done by others. They take
a bunch of prefabbed parts and put them together.

1. Painting gets farmed out
2. Most real welding, the frame, seems to get sent out
3. Any CNC work gets done elsewhere
4. Major components like engines are .. from somewhere else

Most of the show is the kid and father screaming at each other while
the kid tries to put the erector set together in time for a show. I
can't get excited about that.

I find I'm really not impressed that Pauly can tack parts together
with a MIG welder while not utilizing proper safety attire.

Monster Garage is about building something stupid rather than
personality driven. I think the older Junkyard Wars were very
inventive and creative.. I hate the new episodes of Junkyard Mega
Wars..

I'd like to see "Plumbing at your Local Nucler Power Plant" Today
we'll be doing a TIG root pass, 7018 cover, and then NDT the whole
thing on a critical cooling pipe.. If this weld fails, its not just
curtains for the team!" I'm amazed Discovery Networks hasn't hired
me as a consultant!

__________________
Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with 'mail'.
N38.6 W121.4

"Barry S." wrote in message
...
Monster Garage is about building something stupid rather than
personality driven.

Hell, I love Monster Garage... by stupid you of course mean silly.
There's a hint of that drama/pressure/reality TV crap but you get
that just about anywhere on TV these days.

Tim

--
"That's for the courts to decide." - Homer Simpson
Website @ http://webpages.charter.net/dawill/tmoranwms

"Barry S." wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:56:42 -0800, "SteveB"
wrote:


I'd like to see "Plumbing at your Local Nucler Power Plant" Today
we'll be doing a TIG root pass, 7018 cover, and then NDT the whole
thing on a critical cooling pipe.. If this weld fails, its not just
curtains for the team!" I'm amazed Discovery Networks hasn't hired
me as a consultant!


I wanted to do this for PBS back in the 80's, maybe its time has come.

C

"Barry S." wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:56:42 -0800, "SteveB"
wrote:

I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build
a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was
going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to
prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not
interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

I have a different view. I believe they are low end system
integrators. The really high skill work is done by others. They take
a bunch of prefabbed parts and put them together.

1. Painting gets farmed out
2. Most real welding, the frame, seems to get sent out
3. Any CNC work gets done elsewhere
4. Major components like engines are .. from somewhere else

Most of the show is the kid and father screaming at each other while
the kid tries to put the erector set together in time for a show. I
can't get excited about that.

I find I'm really not impressed that Pauly can tack parts together
with a MIG welder while not utilizing proper safety attire.

Monster Garage is about building something stupid rather than
personality driven. I think the older Junkyard Wars were very
inventive and creative.. I hate the new episodes of Junkyard Mega
Wars..

I'd like to see "Plumbing at your Local Nucler Power Plant" Today
we'll be doing a TIG root pass, 7018 cover, and then NDT the whole
thing on a critical cooling pipe.


Please, lets make that "steamfitting" at the local nuke. To call a proper
steamfitter a plumber is an insult of high order. Thanks g

JTMcC.




.. If this weld fails, its not just
curtains for the team!" I'm amazed Discovery Networks hasn't hired
me as a consultant!

__________________
Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with
'mail'.
N38.6 W121.4

I'd like to see "Plumbing at your Local Nucler Power Plant" Today
we'll be doing a TIG root pass, 7018 cover, and then NDT the whole
thing on a critical cooling pipe.


Please, lets make that "steamfitting" at the local nuke. To call a proper
steamfitter a plumber is an insult of high order. Thanks g

JTMcC.

A serious understatement, in my opinion. My stepfather and stepbrother
were journeyman pipefitters and both considered plumbers to be a lower
lifeform. I asked them about this attitude once and my stepbrother
said,"Because they put their hands and face where we ****."

Garrett Fulton


-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----

On Thu, 25 Dec 2003 15:58:41 GMT, "JTMcC"
wrote:


"Barry S." wrote in message
I'd like to see "Plumbing at your Local Nucler Power Plant" Today
we'll be doing a TIG root pass, 7018 cover, and then NDT the whole
thing on a critical cooling pipe.

Please, lets make that "steamfitting" at the local nuke. To call a proper
steamfitter a plumber is an insult of high order. Thanks g

John: No doubt, the skill level is very different for someone doing
inspection quality welds at a nuclear plant as opposed to adding a
sewer pipe to the house. However, I don't think most of America has
any idea what a steamfitter is or that it isn't simply tacking two
pieces of metal together. I'd love to sell this one to the
programming folks at various cable networks. :-)

"Steamfitting at Your Local Nuclear Plant" -- It might grow on me.

. If this weld fails, its not just
curtains for the team!" I'm amazed Discovery Networks hasn't hired
me as a consultant!

"Monster Nuclear Power Plant Repairs, hosted by Martha Stewart": Today
We'll be pressure testing one of the containment structure of our
local nuclear powerplant with air infused with fragrances .. Come
join us as we explore the inside of these magnificent structures while
we keep track of how much radiation we're absorbing..

I tell ya, with (mostly bad) ideas like this, they oughta be seeking
my opinion out for new shows.


__________________
Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with 'mail'.
N38.6 W121.4

"Barry S." wrote in message
...
On Thu, 25 Dec 2003 15:58:41 GMT, "JTMcC"
wrote:


"Barry S." wrote in message
I'd like to see "Plumbing at your Local Nucler Power Plant" Today
we'll be doing a TIG root pass, 7018 cover, and then NDT the whole
thing on a critical cooling pipe.

Please, lets make that "steamfitting" at the local nuke. To call a proper
steamfitter a plumber is an insult of high order. Thanks g

John: No doubt, the skill level is very different for someone doing
inspection quality welds at a nuclear plant as opposed to adding a
sewer pipe to the house.

I'm not making a dig at the skill level of plumbers, I've been in equipment
rooms with miles of beautifull and skillfully done copper pipe, from real
small up to 6" and I can just stand there and admire the craftmanship. I
don't have any interest in soldering and brasing and sweating but I get a
kick out of watching real skilled hands at work.
I was only pointing out that the steamfitters and pipefitters of the world
don't care to be lumped in with the plumbers, it's a hangup they have g.

Ho! Ho! Ho!
JTMcC.



However, I don't think most of America has
any idea what a steamfitter is or that it isn't simply tacking two
pieces of metal together. I'd love to sell this one to the
programming folks at various cable networks. :-)

"Steamfitting at Your Local Nuclear Plant" -- It might grow on me.

. If this weld fails, its not just
curtains for the team!" I'm amazed Discovery Networks hasn't hired
me as a consultant!

"Monster Nuclear Power Plant Repairs, hosted by Martha Stewart": Today
We'll be pressure testing one of the containment structure of our
local nuclear powerplant with air infused with fragrances .. Come
join us as we explore the inside of these magnificent structures while
we keep track of how much radiation we're absorbing..

I tell ya, with (mostly bad) ideas like this, they oughta be seeking
my opinion out for new shows.


__________________
Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with
'mail'.
N38.6 W121.4

Barry S. wrote:



John: No doubt, the skill level is very different for someone doing
inspection quality welds at a nuclear plant as opposed to adding a
sewer pipe to the house.


But for some reason the homeowner gets more ****ed at their **** pipe
oozing than the Nuke a few counties over damned near going China Syndrome.



"Monster Nuclear Power Plant Repairs, hosted by Martha Stewart": Today
We'll be pressure testing one of the containment structure of our
local nuclear powerplant with air infused with fragrances ..


A better subject would be 'how to detect fraudulent x-rays'.


Being in north east Ohio and down wind of Davis-Bessie in the winter I
think of these things.



--

Mark

N.E. Ohio


Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)

When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)

JTMcC wrote:



sniped


Please, lets make that "steamfitting" at the local nuke. To call a proper
steamfitter a plumber is an insult of high order. Thanks g

JTMcC.

.

snipped

My uncle Webfoot once remarked that you had to learn only two things to become a
plumber:

1. Your hourly rate doubles on evenings and weekends.

2. **** won't flow uphill.

I'm sure there are lots of plumbers who take a professional attitude towards
their work and won't leave their copper plumbing jobs looking like an explosion
in a solder factory, but in my experience they are in the minority.

If you have a strong stomach, and for some strange reason desire to deja vu back
to what the talk sounded like in your Junior High School lunchroom, visit this
newsgroup:

pdaxs.services.plumbing

I lurk there to pick up useful general information and occasionally post if I
think I can help someone, or just need to feel like a teenager again. But, the
way some of the guys there rake the poor non-plumbers over the coals is
unconcionable.

Happy Holidays,

Jeff

--
Jeff Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"If you can keep smiling when things go wrong, you've thought of someone to
place the blame on."

Jeff, I always heard that there were 6 rules on plumbing.......

1 Hot on the left

2 Cold on the right

3**** runs downhill

4 You gotta get the poots on the roof

5 Payday is on Friday

6 Bossman's a SOB

RJ

"Jeff Wisnia" wrote in message
...
JTMcC wrote:



sniped


Please, lets make that "steamfitting" at the local nuke. To call a
proper
steamfitter a plumber is an insult of high order. Thanks g

JTMcC.

.

snipped

My uncle Webfoot once remarked that you had to learn only two things to
become a
plumber:

1. Your hourly rate doubles on evenings and weekends.

2. **** won't flow uphill.

I'm sure there are lots of plumbers who take a professional attitude
towards
their work and won't leave their copper plumbing jobs looking like an
explosion
in a solder factory, but in my experience they are in the minority.

If you have a strong stomach, and for some strange reason desire to deja
vu back
to what the talk sounded like in your Junior High School lunchroom, visit
this
newsgroup:

pdaxs.services.plumbing

I lurk there to pick up useful general information and occasionally post
if I
think I can help someone, or just need to feel like a teenager again.
But, the
way some of the guys there rake the poor non-plumbers over the coals is
unconcionable.

Happy Holidays,

Jeff

--
Jeff Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"If you can keep smiling when things go wrong, you've thought of someone
to
place the blame on."

hot on the left, cold on the right

**** don't run uphill

don't chew your fingernails


"Backlash" wrote in message
...
Jeff, I always heard that there were 6 rules on plumbing.......

1 Hot on the left

2 Cold on the right

3**** runs downhill

4 You gotta get the poots on the roof

5 Payday is on Friday

6 Bossman's a SOB

RJ

"Jeff Wisnia" wrote in message
...
JTMcC wrote:



sniped


Please, lets make that "steamfitting" at the local nuke. To call a
proper
steamfitter a plumber is an insult of high order. Thanks g

JTMcC.

.

snipped

My uncle Webfoot once remarked that you had to learn only two things to
become a
plumber:

1. Your hourly rate doubles on evenings and weekends.

2. **** won't flow uphill.

I'm sure there are lots of plumbers who take a professional attitude
towards
their work and won't leave their copper plumbing jobs looking like an
explosion
in a solder factory, but in my experience they are in the minority.

If you have a strong stomach, and for some strange reason desire to deja
vu back
to what the talk sounded like in your Junior High School lunchroom,
visit
this
newsgroup:

pdaxs.services.plumbing

I lurk there to pick up useful general information and occasionally post
if I
think I can help someone, or just need to feel like a teenager again.
But, the
way some of the guys there rake the poor non-plumbers over the coals is
unconcionable.

Happy Holidays,

Jeff

--
Jeff Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"If you can keep smiling when things go wrong, you've thought of someone
to
place the blame on."

On Sat, 27 Dec 2003 08:41:59 -0500, "Backlash"
wrote:

If you have a strong stomach, and for some strange reason desire to deja
vu back
to what the talk sounded like in your Junior High School lunchroom, visit
this
newsgroup:

pdaxs.services.plumbing

I particularly enjoyed the thread: "I Want To Kill My Plumber!"

Junior High level conversation... Those were the days... Didn't worry
about insurance, 401ks, or whether the economy was improving or not.
Ah, if only I could turn back the clock. Oh, nevermind. :-)

__________________
Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with 'mail'.
N38.6 W121.4

"SteveB"
wrote:
I love this show.


Barry S. wrote:

I have a different view. I believe they are low end system
integrators. The really high skill work is done by others. They take
a bunch of prefabbed parts and put them together.



That's my second biggest problem with the show, they buy components and
screw them together. Or as you so nicely wrote their little more than
system integrators. They really don't build anything.

I feel this is what 'custom' has come to mean with about everything, the
assembly of mass produced parts.


Biggest problem I have with the show? The old mans mouth.




--

Mark

N.E. Ohio


Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)

When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)

Mark wrote:



"SteveB"
wrote:

I love this show.



Barry S. wrote:


I have a different view. I believe they are low end system
integrators. The really high skill work is done by others. They take
a bunch of prefabbed parts and put them together.




That's my second biggest problem with the show, they buy components and
screw them together. Or as you so nicely wrote their little more than
system integrators. They really don't build anything.

I feel this is what 'custom' has come to mean with about everything, the
assembly of mass produced parts.


Biggest problem I have with the show? The old mans mouth.

Me too. I think that Vinnie does have a lot of
talent, but the constant "get to work, you don't
know what I have to put up with" is getting old
fast. We all know that it's not easy to work for
your old man, but it still shouldn't be that hard.

It's been pointed out that they are just systems
integrators, but I tend to give them quite a bit
more credit than that. I think that Vinnie does
have some serious artistic talent going for him.
He manages to pull together the outside vendors,
who are for the most part, serious craftsmen/
artists themselves, to produce a beautiful product.
The market certainly acknowledges the worth of
their work.

The *real* genuis might be the person at the
Discovery Channel that went out on a limb to do
a series on them.

In news:VIpGb.39018$BQ5.35833@fed1read03,
SteveB typed:
I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you
build a bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

I hate the show. I'd like to see skilled people demonstrate their
techniques, and I have no use *at* *all* for watching them yell at each
other. On TLC they have shows that explain the techniques of heart
surgery though, but I don't know why.


--
-Reply in group, but if emailing add 2 more zeros-
-and remove the obvious-

"Tom Del Rosso" wrote in message
...
In news:VIpGb.39018$BQ5.35833@fed1read03,
SteveB typed:
I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you
build a bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

I hate the show. I'd like to see skilled people demonstrate their
techniques, and I have no use *at* *all* for watching them yell at each
other. On TLC they have shows that explain the techniques of heart
surgery though, but I don't know why.


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It's entertainment, not a how-to show.

Get it?

No?

sigh .................


Steve

In news:dtxGb.39049$BQ5.467@fed1read03,
SteveB typed:

It's entertainment, not a how-to show.

Get it?

No?

sigh .................

That some people find it entertaining? Yeah, I get that. To me it's a
soap opera filled with acrimony.


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"Tom Del Rosso" wrote in message
...
In news:dtxGb.39049$BQ5.467@fed1read03,
SteveB typed:

It's entertainment, not a how-to show.

Get it?

No?

sigh .................

That some people find it entertaining? Yeah, I get that. To me it's a
soap opera filled with acrimony.


--

Well, there's always Jerry Springer, Oprah, and rasslin'.

Steve

No matter what you all may think about American Chopper, Monster Garage,
etc. I think these programs have ignited a spark of metalworking creativity
in the American public not seen since the Industrial Revolution. I now have
a couple of friend's teenage sons hanging around my shop trying to
experience and learn ANYTHING they can about bikes and any other machinery.
This is especially gratifying to me, as I was taken under the wing of an
older mentor at the age of 16, and have always wanted to be able to pay it
forward. He died 2 years ago, so now it's my turn. Along with my 2 sons,
these other 2 young men will be part of my legacy, such as it is. Four
present and future members of the metalworking fellowship we all here hold
so dear.

RJ

"SteveB" wrote in message
news:AwGGb.39700$BQ5.5905@fed1read03...

"Tom Del Rosso" wrote in message
...
In news:dtxGb.39049$BQ5.467@fed1read03,
SteveB typed:

It's entertainment, not a how-to show.

Get it?

No?

sigh .................

That some people find it entertaining? Yeah, I get that. To me it's a
soap opera filled with acrimony.


--

Well, there's always Jerry Springer, Oprah, and rasslin'.

Steve

In news:AwGGb.39700$BQ5.5905@fed1read03,
SteveB typed:

Well, there's always Jerry Springer, Oprah, and rasslin'.

For people who want to learn something, there's Nova, Frontline,
Uncommon Knowledge, Think Tank, The Open Mind, etc. For woodworking
there's New Yankee Workshop. There's also The Joy of Painting for
anybody who wants that. I wouldn't mind if there was something useful
about metalworking, instead of the "Thick-Headed Guys Yelling at Each
Other" show.

I have tried to watch it, and when I see some parts go together I'm at
the edge of my seat waiting to see how he's going to line that up so
it's perfectly centered and perpendicular before he welds it. Then I
sink back into the chair when the camera cuts to some more acrimony.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

--
-Reply in group, but if emailing add 2 more zeros-
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|
| It's entertainment, not a how-to show.
|
| Get it?
|
| No?
|
| sigh .................
|
| That some people find it entertaining? Yeah, I get that. To me it's a
| soap opera filled with acrimony.

I think that's "antimony"
Rex in Fort Worth

I think there is more to it then that. Even though you are building a
theme bike, first and foremost, should be the performance and safety
whth which the bike can be ridden. Almost all the bikes they build,
look like it is all they can do to just get the bike on the road long
enough to show it. They are all junk in my opinion and although it is
not a how to show, there are right and wrongs, especially when it
comes to shop safety. They epitomize some of the worst I have ever
seen in craftsman. They build little more then facsimiles of
motorcycles. If they were real bike builders, it would not be possible
for them to ignore the performance of the bike, it would not be in
their nature. They are an embarrassment. There should be s disclaimer
at the beginning, saying "This in not meant to be the way you work in
a shop, nor meant to be how you build a properly built motorcycle.
These bikes are just for show and not meant to be ridden".


It's entertainment, not a how-to show.

Get it?

No?

sigh .................


Steve

You of course are welcome to your opinions, but lets
face it, they aren't building racing bikes. Niether MPG
nor 0-60 times are of particular concern. Both figures
will be far better than your typical minivan. As long
as the bikes do 80 MPH smoothly, the parts don't fall
off, and it doesn't breakdown ... few really care about
the rest.

Yes the bikes they build for the show are Themed
Show bikes for displaying thier design abilities...
These are not the retail bikes.

"Cuezilla" wrote in message
om...
I think there is more to it then that. Even though you are building a
theme bike, first and foremost, should be the performance and safety
whth which the bike can be ridden. Almost all the bikes they build,
look like it is all they can do to just get the bike on the road long
enough to show it. They are all junk in my opinion and although it is
not a how to show, there are right and wrongs, especially when it
comes to shop safety. They epitomize some of the worst I have ever
seen in craftsman. They build little more then facsimiles of
motorcycles. If they were real bike builders, it would not be possible
for them to ignore the performance of the bike, it would not be in
their nature. They are an embarrassment. There should be s disclaimer
at the beginning, saying "This in not meant to be the way you work in
a shop, nor meant to be how you build a properly built motorcycle.
These bikes are just for show and not meant to be ridden".


It's entertainment, not a how-to show.

Get it?

No?

sigh .................


Steve

Cuezilla wrote:

They build little more then facsimiles of motorcycles. If they
were real bike builders, it would not be possible for them to
ignore the performance of the bike, it would not be in
their nature. They are an embarrassment.

I watched part of the show where they built the Snap-On bike. The
segment where Paul is pitching his ideas to the Snap-On honcho pretty
much says it all. Built for show and ego, not go.
If they really do build these bikes in a matter of days, that's an
accomplishment for sure. But I'd rather have some quality that took time
to make.
Buck can probably make a knife in a matter of hours, however I'm rather
fond of my hand made Randall that took 18 months to get...

But even if OCC is more or less building lightly and gaudily decorated
catalog bikes, they are showing the general public that there are
alternatives to the ocean of bland generic products that surround us,
that individuality, if not good taste, can be obtained, and metalworking
can be something other than a dull dreary dead-end job. I sure wouldn't
mind the sort of income they are pulling in...G

Jon

Jon Anderson wrote:

Cuezilla wrote:


They build little more then facsimiles of motorcycles. If they
were real bike builders, it would not be possible for them to
ignore the performance of the bike, it would not be in
their nature. They are an embarrassment.


I watched part of the show where they built the Snap-On bike. The
segment where Paul is pitching his ideas to the Snap-On honcho pretty
much says it all. Built for show and ego, not go.


I think that's my big problem, I actually expect something to work.
Grandma always said 'Pretty is as Pretty does'. And I'm hard core form
following function.

All the pretty in the world doesn't mean much if it can't be used.




--

Mark

N.E. Ohio


Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens,
A.K.A. Mark Twain)

When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the
suspense. (Gaz, r.moto)

"SteveB" wrote in message news:VIpGb.39018$BQ5.35833@fed1read03...
I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

But watching the American Chopper show, I have a few things I would like to
mention:

Pauly - What's up with this kid? At first, I thought he was fighting back
against his domineering father, but have come to believe he is somewhat of a
Grinch. Evidence: the Santa bike. Couldn't suck it up and just say, "Lets
do this for the fun of it and the kids." Had to say, "This is below the
standards of OCC." Or something equally stupid. The guy welds and grinds
without PPE, how much can he know? Too prissified for me.

Vinny - Simply put, the guy that makes Pauly look so good. If Vinny died,
Pauly would be dead in the water. Like Mikey got to do, I would like to see
Vinny get a project, and a couple of helpers and see what they came up with.
But then, it might show who REALLLY has the brains and talent between Pauly
and Vinny. Or maybe they are just equals.

Mikey - Mikey has come a long way. He has a heart as big as his ass, and a
sense of humor that runs very deep. He jumped right in there with the Santa
bike project, and the Christmas tree and the angel on top were classic.
Pauly would never have acted so "childish". I love shows that have Mikey in
them.

The two elves who helped with the Santa bike - A couple of classy dudes.
AND, unlike Pauly and Vinnie, wore their PPE while grinding. The reindeer
head fender came out great, although I was having misgivings when first I
saw it going together. They are not to be passed over lightly.

The Old Man - Really showed he had a soft heart with the Santa bike. But
then, pulled over a double yellow line to pass the camera truck. WTF was HE
thinking? And him clowning with Mikey showed he is just a big teddy bear
with a big mustache.

Looking forward to another season of AC.

Happy Holidays to all.

Steve

I liked a/c for the first 3 shows, but it is the same B.S. Pauly and
Vinne bolts the bikes together and the dad stands around bitching
about the trash in the shop or deadlines, but I don't see him doing
anything. I would like to see big old loud mouth dad bolt a bike
together in a week plus come up with an idea for the bike while his
son stands around yelling about some useless trash or deadline. I
worked in some bad shops but I wouldn't work for these people. Too
much B.S. going around. I put up with my dad while working on his
crane but he was my dad and I felt sorry for him because if I had quit
he would had to retire two years early.
American Chopper is just T.V. land B.S. I wouldn't ride one of their
bikes.
I also don't understand how a bike for show is worth $150.000.
michael

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:56:42 -0800, "SteveB"
wrote:

I love this show. At first, I thought, "Just how many ways can you build a
bike that has two wheels, an engine, and some handlebars?"

Well, a hell of a lot more than I ever thought of. I thought it was going
to be another Monster Garage where people build ridiculous things to prove
they can MIG weld and use a plasma cutter. I am personally not interested
in a minivan that doubles as a garbage truck.

But watching the American Chopper show, I have a few things I would like to
mention:

Pauly - What's up with this kid? At first, I thought he was fighting back
against his domineering father, but have come to believe he is somewhat of a
Grinch. Evidence: the Santa bike. Couldn't suck it up and just say, "Lets
do this for the fun of it and the kids." Had to say, "This is below the
standards of OCC." Or something equally stupid. The guy welds and grinds
without PPE, how much can he know? Too prissified for me.

Vinny - Simply put, the guy that makes Pauly look so good. If Vinny died,
Pauly would be dead in the water. Like Mikey got to do, I would like to see
Vinny get a project, and a couple of helpers and see what they came up with.
But then, it might show who REALLLY has the brains and talent between Pauly
and Vinny. Or maybe they are just equals.

Mikey - Mikey has come a long way. He has a heart as big as his ass, and a
sense of humor that runs very deep. He jumped right in there with the Santa
bike project, and the Christmas tree and the angel on top were classic.
Pauly would never have acted so "childish". I love shows that have Mikey in
them.

The two elves who helped with the Santa bike - A couple of classy dudes.
AND, unlike Pauly and Vinnie, wore their PPE while grinding. The reindeer
head fender came out great, although I was having misgivings when first I
saw it going together. They are not to be passed over lightly.

The Old Man - Really showed he had a soft heart with the Santa bike. But
then, pulled over a double yellow line to pass the camera truck. WTF was HE
thinking? And him clowning with Mikey showed he is just a big teddy bear
with a big mustache.

Looking forward to another season of AC.

Happy Holidays to all.

Steve


They need to do a better job of editing. Case in point is one of their
latest projects: the Snap-On tool bike. They make a big production of
the fabrication of a suicide shifter lever from a pneumatic ratchet
handle, then the finished bike has the usual hand clutch foot shift
arrangement. Additionally, they make a big deal out of mounting the
oil tank under the tranny. What I'd like to know, since the feed side
oil pump is gravity fed and it's inlet is above the bottom of the
transmission, how do they get the oil to run up hill?

Rick Renner