Tag Archives: Motors

The Best of 2022

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Happy New Year! And here we go, full throttle into 2023!

2022 was not an easy year for your old pal, Platinum Al. But the Virtual Hot Tub soldiered on regardless, never giving up despite the odds. NEVER SAY DIE. And in the end, the year 2022 was a successful one for this blog, with site views up approx. 2% on the year before.

Not a massive improvement, I’ll grant you – but I’ll take all the good news I can get. I certainly didn’t expect to finish the year with those stats, just the opposite.

So what were the most successful blog posts on the Virtual Hot tub in 2022? What articles brought in the hordes of avid readers? What did YOU want to read?

Here’s the traditional review of the Top 10 blog posts by number of views. In reverse order, countdown style, of course…

10. Hawarden Classic Car Show

Events started to return in 2022, and this local classic car show was a great example of the fun to be had as restrictions were lifted. Some nice pics.

9. New Skateboard 2022 – Death Benson

I like to chronicle my skateboards (or at least just the deck) for posterity, and just for myself. Despite my doubts, this rad set up made the Top 10.

8. Pentre Fest 2022

My beloved Pentre Fest was BACK in 22, with two more days of metal bands at high volume. Not long till the 2023 event!

7. Liverpool Comic Con 2022

A family trip out to Liverpool for a great con and a load of cosplay photos.

6. Scars of Halloween Horror Fest

My annual horror movie fest provided this blog, which was by far the most popular this year as it featured a Hammer classic.

5. Star Wars Figures- Empire Strikes Back Part 2

I’m happy to see the second part of my blog focussing on my Star Wars figures from The Empire Strikes Back feature in the Top 10!

4. Subskate Summer Fun!

An in depth investigation into the merits (and failings) of a pool toy that never quite made it.

3. Star Wars Figures – The Empire Strikes Back

The first part of my feature concerning my original Star Wars figures from Empire. Good to see this was popular!

2. Return of Wales Comic Con

More Comic Con and cosplay fun, with a visit to Wrexham and Wales Comic Con back on home ground.

So what was the number one blog post of 2022? It was…

  1. Chester Comic Con 2022

In the number one spot, a visit to Chester’s Comic Con! A summer afternoon, loads of merch and dozens of cool cosplayers made this article the most successful of the year!

Events back on the menu has, unsurprisingly, dominated the results this year. They were all great fun, and well worth the visit. In contrast to the results from last year, where events were (understandably) under represented.

It’s also gratifying to see some skateboards and toys being appreciated, too.

This year, we look to return to a “new normal” in our post pandemic world. But with a Cost of Living Crisis, Brexit still unleashing it’s mayhem, and the same gang of inept cowards and liars in charge, we still have plenty of obstacles ahead.

Never the less, we at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub remain vigilant – bringing you the best entertainment. Thanks for being with us in 2022. Stay tuned for ever more greatness in 2023!

Hawarden Classic Car Show

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Hawarden Classic Car Show

Gladstone Playing Fields, Hawarden

Saturday 18th June 2022

Now this was pretty impressive. A classic car and motors show, right on my doorstep, in Hawarden, North Wales. Plus it was free entry! Organised by charitable organisation Deeside Round Table, with plenty to do and see.

There were vehicles on display from various places and of differing ages, all of them classic. Food and drink; music; stalls to browse; games for the kids – a nice, community, family event on a summer afternoon.

We got there late (I did warn my crew of the potential issues) and some of the cars were already leaving – including a beautiful gold Trans Am that I missed getting a phot of. A word to the wise: when it says the event is on till 4pm, don’t turn up for the last hour.

Any readers of previous Motors blogs at the Virtual Hot Tub will know that I’m a big fan of American classic cars, in particular, muscle cars from the late 60’s and 70’s. There were a few of those types of vehicles on display, plus a healthy showing of British classics from over the years (plus many other countries).

I did manage to take a few photos of the cars on display – hope you enjoy. It’s been a while since a Motors update on at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, I’ll try harder to update more often.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #20

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Here we go with the first Singles Night of 2021! The Virtual Hot Tub is ecstatic with anticipation for the return of these playlists.

What’s it all about? Well, I’m glad you asked. The singles in question are 45rpm vinyl singles, which I have accumulated over time from various sources. The plan: listen to the records, side A then side B, one after the other without skipping any in the pile. Whilst drinking booze.

Let’s see how I got on this time…

  1. The Temptations – “Psychedelic Shack” / “That’s the Way Love Is”
  2. Queen – “Killer Queen” / “Flick of the Wrist”
  3. Buzzcocks – “I Don’t Mind” / “Autonomy”
  4. The Clash – “Bankrobber” / “Rockers Galore… UK Tour”
  5. The Clash – “Complete Control” / “City of the Dead”
  6. The Damned – “History of the World Part 1” / “I Believe the Impossible” / “Sugar & Spite”
  7. Skids – “Sweet Suburbia” / “Open Sound”
  8. The Beach Boys – “Mona” / “Rock and Roll Music” / “Sail on Sailor” / “Marcella”
  9. ABBA – “Head Over Heels” / “The Visitors”
  10. Bananarama – “Cheers Then” / “Girl About Town”
  11. The Belle Stars – “Sign of the Times” / “Madness”
  12. Chicory Tip – “Son of My Father” / “Pride Comes Before a Fall”
  13. John Farnham – “You’re the Voice” / “Going, Going, Gone”
  14. Stevie Wonder – “My Cherie Amour” / “Don’t Know Why I Love You”
  15. Bardo – “One Step Further” / “Lady of the Night”
  16. The Motors – “Love and Loneliness” / “Time for Make-Up”
  17. Hot Chocolate – “So You Win Again” / “A Part of Being with You”
  18. Elton John – “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” / “Screw You”
  19. Blondie – “The Tide is High” / “Susie and Jeffrey”
  20. Slade – “We’ll Bring the House Down” / “Hold on to Your Hats”

Twenty – count ’em – twenty great tracks. Well, mostly. A solid offering from the world of punk rock in that collection, with the Buzzcocks, Clash, Damned and Skids singles all being salvaged from a local charity shop. Lucky day.

I had a great night spinning these discs, there are some really awesome records to add to the collection there. Time for more soon. Stay tuned!

More from the American Classic Car Show

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

Part 2

Last summer I paid a visit to the American Classic Car Show at Tatton Park.  This was back in early July 2016.  I promised some more photos of the amazing automobiles seen on that visit, but didn’t get round to sharing – until now.

We’re in the grip of miserable January right now, but it was a fine summer’s day when we went to the car show.  My apologies if these shots remind you of warmer, brighter days.  But just look at those cars!

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On display were all types of classics, from 50s chrome and fins to 70s muscle cars and beyond.  I always enjoy spotting vehicles similar to those that appeared in some of my favourite films and television shows.

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The car show is loads of fun with plenty for all the family to enjoy, with food and drink, music and entertainment, not to mention shopping – in addition to the cars on show.

A trip to the Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show is highly recommended!

Check for events info at Tatton Park here.

Hope I haven’t repeated any of these photos in the earlier post.  You can see the previous post here.

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The sensational General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard.  Loved that show, and I love Dodge Chargers!  Apologies for the flag.

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Below (in white) you’ll see a Ford Galaxy 500 – as immortalised in song by the awesome Reverend Horton Heat!

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American Classic Car Show 2016

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

Over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd July 2016, there was the annual Stars and Stripes Classic American Car Show at Tatton Park.  Featuring all kinds of classic vehicles from the USA, and from different eras, it was – as always – a fantastic day out.

Luckily the weather was pretty good this year, so my family and I made our way to the park for a day out.

There were plenty of cars for me to drool over, dozens of stalls selling all sorts of paraphernalia, even a mini fun fair for the kids.  Not to mention food and music.  Of particular interest to our party this year was an Elvis impersonator, who was doing a mighty fine job.  Thank you very much.

As always, I took a crazy amount of photos, which I can share with you here now.

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And now, one of my favourite cars ever.  A Plymouth Barracuda (in lime green with racing stripes): img_4763

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Finally, a pic of my daughter looking super cool! img_4737

Cool Car Pics

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It’s about time for some action in the Motors section.  So here are a couple of photos I took at the recent Wales Comic Con in Wrexham.

First up is a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, which I’m guessing was in attendance due it’s appearance in Smokey and the Bandit.  It’s an iconic car, and an old favourite of mine.  Probably had a Matchbox toy of this one, long ago.

Then we have got Optimus Prime and Bumblebee from Transformers.  Bumblebee is a very nice yellow Chevrolet Camaro.  I’m not a huge Transformers fan, but seeing these vehicles was pretty cool.

Hope you enjoy the pics!

Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac Firebird

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Camaro
Trans Am

Apologies for any inaccuracies in my descriptions!

Evel Knievel: Evel Genius

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Evel Knievel Touring Exhibition

Although I don’t remember that much from the 1970’s, I remember the important stuff.  Like the Six Million Dollar Man.  And Starsky and Hutch.  And Kojak, the Dukes of Hazzard, Raleigh Choppers, and Spangles.  Oh, and some obscure film called Star Wars.  I don’t remember Bowie, T.Rex, Zeppelin, Sabbath or the Pistols.  Or skateboards – that would all come later.

One thing I do remember from those days was Evel Knievel.  Mostly because my friend Justin had ALL of the Evel toys.  He had the wind up stunt cycle, a rocket bike, even the very cool and fully equipped Scramble Van.  The van had loads of tools inside to fix up Evel’s Harley Davidson stunt bike.  I loved those toys (though I couldn’t be envious, I had plenty of Action Man and Star Wars stuff of my own).

Evel Knievel was an icon of my childhood, right through into the 80’s.  I don’t even know if I saw any footage of him performing any of his stunts.  I didn’t need to.  The name Evel Knievel became another word for daring, for bravery, for facing fear.  And despite the numerous crashes that the real Evel suffered, his name became a synonym for mastery of the most dangerous stunts – or obstacle – that anyone could face.

Evel Knievel was the ultimate in motorcycle stunt riders.  More than that, he became a real life superhero – able to take on the most lethal challenge and survive.

A couple of years ago, whilst attending one of the Memorabilia events at Birmingham NEC, I was able to view some actual artifacts from Evel Knievel’s career.  The Evel Knievel Exhibition was in town, so I was able to view the items first hand.  Here are a few photos of the event.

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Selfie with Evel shirt

The Evel Knievel website is here.

1967 Mercury Cougar

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As promised at the start of the year, I wanted to add a few new sections to my blog.  As I don’t have enough hobbies and interests to cover on here already, you see.  The next new arrival is this – my Motors section.  I should call it Me and Motors actually (for all you people who’ve had Sky a long time…)

You won’t find anything too technical here, as to be honest, I have no idea what horsepower is.  Nor am I impressed with Audi or BMW – so don’t expect any posts relating to cars like that.

What I am interested in is Classic Cars.  In particular, American Classic Cars.  Even more specifically, classic American muscle cars from the late 60’s and early 70’s.  The type of cars that I saw on television shows like Starsky & Hutch and The Dukes of Hazzard when I was a kid.  The type of cars I had Matchbox and Corgi toy versions of.

Cars like this 1967 Mercury Cougar.

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I saw this car in the local area recently and tailed it (just like a 70’s cop show).  When it stopped I had a quick chat with the owner, and got this photo.

A fine looking car.  Bright yellow, with a black top.  Hidden headlights.  The sort of car that makes me glad I’ve got Vanishing Point on DVD.

I did actually have a Matchbox toy of a Mercury Cougar, though it was orange if I remember.  Still got it somewhere.

Stay tuned to Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub for more exciting pics like this!