Lyman Boats

I was raised around these thing in the Lake Erie Islands. I just dug up and scanned a few pics. My family's (and my wife's family's) first boat was a 15' Lyman. This picture was taken a year before I was born and shows our dog Boots on the stern.



After a couple of other so-so boats (a Thompson and a Dumphy I think) we had two more Lymans (below). Number 1 shows my Dad and me bringing home our 19 footer. He cleaned it up and painted it a beautiful blue w/ red boot stripe. BTW thats "my" boat in the lower right corner of the shot, a 16' alumium boat that flew.



Next he moved up to a 22 footer, it offered a lot more room inside plus a cuddy cabin and teak decks. It was Dads pride and joy. Pics 2-4 show the 22 footer during one of our two week boat trips. Yep, thats me in #4.

These trips took us across Lake Erie, up the Detroit River, across Lake St. Claire, up the St. Claire River, up Lake Huron and then across the Georgian Bay (out of sight of land). Great trips replete with lots of nautical sight seeing, snorkeling, and excellent bass and pike fishing. Here's the route.



As a charter captain in the early 80's I had the chance to run a couple of 26 footers that were still in service despite the rise in fiberglasses popularity. they were essentially enlarged versions of the 22' model, sometimes with a small wetbar and fridge.

So these boats are a "family affair" for me and owning one would be a labor of love. I'd rather sand, paint, varnish and polish that kill my free time watching stick and ball sports all winter anyway.

More Trout

As spring approaches thoughts turn to the trout of "the Gun". Here's one I caught last spring. On the large side for the gun at around 14". Notice the slight hook developing in his jaw.

Starbucks - The Wal*Mart of coffee shops

I used to enjoy a cup 'o joe at a variety of hip local coffee shops. Generally featuring ratty but comfortable furniture, lots of magazines, quirky patrons, hotty worker bees and a slightly bohemian atmosphere. Oh, good java and reasonable prices too.

Not so many of those around now that Charbucks has spawned it evil seed across our land. Damn you and your McCoffee to hell Starbucks!

There are more horses asses than horses

I don't know who first told me this, but it is a truth that has stuck with me. The latest example is one Ken Bender of Aliso Viejo, CA. After having listed my Oris XXL Chronograph on Time Zone's Sales Corner website Mr. Bender began sending me somewhat abrupt messages.

Mr. Bender's emails are bold
My replies are in standard type
(My asides are in parenthesis)

----- Original Message -----
From: "ken bender"
To: Steve
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 9:15 AM
Subject: watch


> still have the watch?


(A sentence fragment rec'd from a stranger is the first sign of an asshole, but who knows, good manner cost me nothing. )

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 7:21 AM
To: ken bender
Subject: Re: watch


Yes, lots of interest but no sale yet.

Thanks,
Steve


is that your best price?

Ken Bender
ACme VENTURES
Managing Partner
Aliso Viejo, CA

(At this point I politely replied that my price was firm. In fact I may have offered to throw in a second strap. )

(Hey Ken, capital letters and punctuation are all free in this digital age!)

 From: "Ken Bender
> To: Steve
> Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 1:17 AM
> Subject: oris
>
>
> > I will take the watch.....so as soon as you reduce again....e-mail me
> >
>


(Frankly I don't appreciate being "worked" like a rube by the Managing Partner of ACme VENTURES. Will he take the watch or not? If I reduce it by 50 cents will that cement the deal? Does he think reading the words "I will take the watch" will give me such a woody that I will do something irrational? I know this guy is a "no sale" but decide to play the part of the rube and act confused. )


 -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve
> Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 6:53 AM
> To: Ken Bender
> Subject: Re: oris
>
>
> Ken,
>
> I'm a little confused, do you want the watch at $775 or not?
>
> Thanks,
> Steve


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Bender
To: "Steven
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 10:21 AM
Subject: RE: oris


> or not
>
> Ken Bender
> ACme VENTURES
> Managing Partner
> Aliso Viejo, CA

(What a arrogant fucking prick. Would it kill him to type out a couple sentences and politely bring this "negotiation" to a close? Of course not. But thats probably too much to ask from a high-energy heavy-hitter like the Managing Partner of ACme VENTURES. Still, I would get no satisfaction from reprimanding this crass, abrasive, self-centered lout, so why not just send off one more email and allow him to confirm what an ass-hat he is. )

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 12:09 PM
To: Ken Bender
Subject: Re: oris


I understand, its a lot of money for a watch.

Have a great weekend,

Steve

(Gee Ken, I know its a lot of money. Maybe when your ship comes in you too can own an Oris XXL)


$775 is nothing for a watch....but for an oris...

I just bought a panerai and zenith last month....
have several oris watches...but love this one and the arteiler

Ken Bender
Acme VENTURES
Managing Partner
Aliso Viejo, CA


(Dance for the puppetmaster you fucking nut-munch!
There are two kinds of people I cannot tolerate; liars and braggarts. And Mr. Ken Bender has shown himself to be a shallow, rude, arrogant braggart. Utterly 100% predictable. Of course his response begs this question. If, Mr. Bigtime, you have the coin for Panerai's and Zeniths and bucket loads of Oris's then why are you busting my balls over a watch that is being sold at what you should know is a very reasonable price?

I prefer to leave this question unasked though. It is gratifying to know that the Managing Partner of ACme VENTURES danced for the puppetmaster and didn't even know it. )

My Latest On-Line Dickweed Customer

I believe the attached messages are in correct chronological order. I go out of my way to be accomodating and give these people the benefit of the doubt but I get sick of these piss ants that just have no shame. This guys wearing (supposedly) a $3K watch and he's busting my balls for $25 so that he "feels better".

Read On...

From: ADRIAN To: STEVE
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 10:47 AM
Subject: panny bracelet
Do you think it will fit a PAM 111? do you just have 1 or multiple bracelets?
Thanks!
Adrian
XXXXX Marketing USA


----- Original Message -----
From: STEVE To: ADRIAN
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 9:52 AM
Subject: Re: panny bracelet
Yes, it should fit, it is designed to fit all 44mm lugs. If not you can return it less $5 shipping. I just have the one bracelet.
Thanks,
Steve


---- Original Message -----
From: ADRIAN To: STEVE
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 11:10 AM Subject: Re: panny bracelet
Thanks, Steve - how do you know that links are actually Ti/SS vs. the brushed/polished SS? I was geting ready to buy one on e-bay for $169 that looks like yours, but is described as all SS...
Regards,
Adrian
XXXX Marketing USA

----- Original Message -----
From: STEVE To: ADRIAN
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: panny bracelet
It was sold to me as ti/ss. The bracelet is relatively light weight as are the brushed portions of the links when disassembled. The brushed portions also appear somewhat darker than the polished portions. That's really all I have to go on.
Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: ADRIAN To: STEVE
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 11:35 AM
Subject: Re: panny bracelet
Thanks, Steve, I know, it's hard to tell...since TI content is not that important to me, I'm willing to help out a TZ fellow and offer you the going $175 (which is actually the cash I have available in my PayPal), instead of going the e-bay route. Let me know if interested.
Best Regards,
Adrian
XXXX Marketing USA



Steven XXXXXX wrote:
Payment rec'd. I should be able to ship today. Thanks!


From: Adrian
To: Steven
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 4:12 PM
Subject: Re: bracelet


Got it, thanks Steve - are links removable via pins? How many did you take off dor you 7 1/2 wrist? Wanted to double check before I touch it :0)

Thanks – Adrian

Steven wrote:
My wrist is only slightly less than 7.5". With all links in it fit a little loose, with one pin out it fit a little tight.

Hope you enjoy it,

Steve

Hi Steve - well, had the watchmaker put it in, a bit of a tight squeeze @ lugs end, but I can live w/that...what I'm disappointed about is that it's NOT Titanium, just brushed steel, and you can tell it when looking at titanium watch. All Steel aftermarkets go from $125-150 on e-bay, so if you can see it in your heart to kick me back $25, I would feel much better about the deal...:0)

Appreciate the consideration – Adrian

(Rather than immediately tear this guy a new asshole I chose to ignore this message)

You know, Steve, I at least expected some kind of reply to my previous e-mail...its purpose was not to be "sour grapes" about possibly over-paying for an item, that would be my own fault, but when item is represented as "titanium and steel" and it's "steel only", then it's an issue of mis-representation, and an ajustment would be in order.
It surprized me that you njust ignored my "plea", as you did offer a return on the "fit" issue...anyways, I'm still hoping you'll do the right thing...
Regards - Adrian

(BOO FRIGGITY HOO)

Adrian,
I chose to ignore your request for a further $25 discount (in addition to the original $50 I gave you) because I found it inappropriate and as a result somewhat embarassing and upsetting.
Please review your statements made before the sale (in red below). You were prepared to buy a similar all SS bracelet for $169 (plus postage I would guess) elsewhere, and you further stated that the Ti content was not that important to you anyway. For my part, I fully informed you as to the reasons I thought it was titanium. You claim the fit was "tight" but that is somewhat subjective, apparantly your jeweler was able to fit it to your watch.
Frankly, your email(s) impress me as an attempt to find fault with the bracelet in an expressed attempt to "guilt" me into sending you money. I feel that we both entered this transaction with our eyes wide open and got exactly what we expected. Despite your statements prior to the transaction and despite the fact that the bracelet fit your watch, if you would like to return the bracelet I will refund your purchase price of $175 less shipping. That is assuming the bracelet has not incurred any wear in the interim and that your jeweler did not alter it when fitting it to your watch. Please let me know if this is the case.
Steve

Steve - thank you for reply, I'm sorry I made such a big deal about it. I guess, after wearing watch for a while, the way the steel-only blends in (or does not) w/titanium case got to me, overcoming initial excitement of wearing the Panny on a bracelet...oh, well, that's what happens when you act on impulse, won't bother you again :0)
Adrian
XXXXX Marketing USA