From The Staff
Cleaning Up That In Which We Stepped
By David Marin & The CruZin' Staff

Well fellow gearheads, we’ve really stepped in it this time. That is to say, I’ve really stepped in it. In the August issue we carried an Al Drake story, “Technology: Friend or Foe?” that in our estimation was intended as amusing and a little bit of poking fun.

The original story was edited because we saw no reason to include names or locations; just the circumstances as they occurred.

In any event, the story was edited, massaged if you will, and was set aside for me to discuss with Al Drake prior to publication.

Al has been a valued contributor for many years and we would not make wholesale changes to his writings without prior discussion.

Too, Baxter Auto Parts has been a valued friend to CruZin’ Magazine since “back in the day”, when John Baxter encouraged and supported the development of the Northwest’s Own CruZin’ Magazine. In fact, to our knowledge, no business in the Northwest has been more supportive of automotive events, regardless of genre, than Baxter Auto Parts. Major events, minor events, hot rods to sports cars, Baxter Auto Parts has been an unparalleled supporter.

I should also mention, from the retail standpoint, I’ve personally been a retail customer at a half dozen or more Baxter stores and have always received prompt, courteous and knowledgeable service.

Back to the edited Al Drake story sitting in the “future editorial” basket for discussion. That was well and good, only unfortunately, the original was not removed from the “current editorial” basket.

Then, as is often the case, we were down to the wire and, with the presses waiting, the Al Drake article was sent to fill an open space. I should have reviewed the page prior to sending it out. I did not. Our normal procedure is for me to check such things at least twice. I blew it and all I can do is apologize.

So, to John, Bonnie and all the kind folks at Baxter Auto Parts, on behalf of CruZin’ Magazine, I offer and hope you will accept our humble apology.

There is irony in all this as further review revealed that what Al Drake brought in, as noted in his article, was incorrect from the get go and the correct filter was sitting on the shelf the whole time.
Moving on to more positive topics, do you realize there are less than 90 days till Christmas? As you ponder what might tickle the fancy of your gearhead buddies or that special grease monkey in your life, remember, a gift subscription to CruZin’ lasts all year. And speaking of remembering, if you have anything to do with a club event, encourage the appropriate person to get the event dates in early to assure being in the annual 8-page CruZin’ Calendar.

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