From The Staff
We Wish You a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
By David Marin & The CruZin' Staff
So here we are again, putting the finishing touches on another issue of CruZin’ and it isn’t even midnight. What’s goin’ on? Things have gone smoothly, the computer has behaved, no notable “glitches”, our wonderful correspondents have given us an abundance with which to work, we’re, as this is being typed, meeting our deadline. Not only that, but, we’ve made the this single largest-ever Christmas issue. Our thanks to our advertisers who made that happen.We hope you’ll remember them when seeking goods and services.

This issue also brings you the most glossy pages we’ve ever had in any issue. Hundreds of cool vehicles from all around the northwest. Montana, Utah, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington; what more could a gearhead desire? Rods in Progress you say. Hey, we’ve got that too, along with an Al Drake book review and a neat little feature Drake dubbed “Beaters at Beaterville” (Page 10).

Bob Roseberry came through with a fun and interesting feature on Lee Jessee (Page 14)and Dave and Audrey Gibson finagled a visit with master craftsman Jim Hume and got the“lowdown” on Viking 31, a Bonneville-bound 500 mph Blown Fuel Streamliner owned by Portland’s Marlo Treit (Page 66).

But wait, there’s more. Joe Egan is back on his soapbox hollerin’ about insurance companies and government bureaucracy (Page 67).

What’s not to like about this issue. Well, in case you haven’t already noticed, gas prices, paper and ink prices and especially mailing costs have zapped us pretty good. Thus, we’ve no alternative but to raise our prices as well. The cover price of a single issue of CruZin’ is now $6.95 (U.S. or Canadian) and a subscription will now cost $30 for six issues (one year), $50 for 12issues (two years). Renewal rates will continue CruZin’to be proportionately discounted. We hope you’ll understand and Keep CruZin’.

One final note regarding Cruzin’ Times, the former “soon-to-be-published” magazine that was being pre-sold around eastern Washington.

The Spokane area Better Business Bureau called CruZin’ and advised that the whole thing was a total scam and that the authorities are interested in talking with anyone involved. Go to ourwebsite at www.cruzinmag.com and you can read an excerpt from the BBB then click through to thefull story.

That’s all for now. We’re wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas & great 2008.

Stay low in the curves and Keep CruZin’,
David Marin & the CruZin’ Staff