Very, Very Appropriate.

The Planning, Zoning and Historical Preservation Commission were somewhat confused Monday evening about why they were being asked to issue a second certificate of appropriateness for the former Allen Building. The certificate is required of modifications to buildings in the historic zone.

City Engineering Department Director Joe Butler explained that the first certificate was actually issued to the City to allow demolition of the building. At that time the Commission requested that the City find a buyer who would restore the building, located at the corner of Lyon and Third Street just off the Square.

The City did sell the property, to Mariposa Ranch, owned by Robert and Ann Carter, for $1. Since that time construction workers have hauled 19 dumpsters of debris from the building and have begun a complete restoration of the structure.

Butler explained that since the property is now being renovated, a new certificate of appropriateness is required.

After seeing design drawings presented by the Carter’s engineer, the Commission unanimously approved the project.

NASCAR to the Max

Sunday’s running of the Homestead 400 from Homestead-Miami (FL) Speedway brought to a close the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Though all 43 starters were vying for the winner’s trophy, there were many races within the race.

The most closely watched race of the day was between Tony Stewart and Mark Martin for the season point’s championship. Stewart entered the race with an 89-point advantage over Martin and needed only a 22nd or better finish to secure the championship regardless of Martin’s finish.

With Martin hovering near the front of the pack all day, Stewart’s lead appeared in jeopardy when he was lapped about midway through the race. Stewart was able to get back on the lead lap following a caution period but was never a contender for the win. Stewart was able to muster only an 18th place finish but when coupled with Martin’s 4th place finish, Stewart took home the Championship by 38 points over Martin.

The margin makes Martin’s 25-point penalty that he suffered after the Rockingham race for an illegal spring irrelevant in the final standings. This marks the first NASCAR Championship for Stewart but the fourth time Martin has finished as the bridesmaid.

With Stewart falling out of the season opening Daytona 500 after only three laps with a blown engine, it was hard to picture him having a legitimate shot at winning the title. Most credit Stewart’s "racer" mentality for his charge to the championship. Stewart will claim his rewards in New York City on Dec. 6.

With all the drama surrounding the season point’s championship, almost lost in the hubbub was the fact that there were actually other drivers involved in running for the race win. Joe Nemechek and Kurt Busch had extended runs at the point with Busch prevailing for the win. Busch was able to avoid a sophomore slump and earned four victories this season with three coming in the final five races. Busch, along with teammate Matt Kenseth who won five races, threaten to challenge all comers in addition to fellow teammate Martin for next year’s title.

I see where some of the premium brands of ice cream are goin’ to one and three-quarter quart containers instead of the traditional half gallon "brick". Makin’ ‘em an eighth of a brick short of a load I suppose.

‘Course ya haven’t been able to buy a "pound" a coffee for some time. That industry discovered the short round a long while back. They compensated by devisin’ the large "3 pound" short load that at best is only 39 ounces rather than the 48. And, the pound a bacon is another long gone thing of the past.

Butter is still holdin’ on to the full pound, and milk and gas still come in gallons.

But then, from what I’ve been told, size really doesn’t matter anyway.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Metcalf Auto Supply

Click & Clack
TALK CARS

By Tom & Ray Magliozzi

Dear Tom and Ray:

I recently purchased a 1999 Toyota Avalon XLS. It’s a great car,but the manual requires "H" rated tires. From what I understand, "H" rated tires are for speeds up to 130 mph. I never drive over 75 (OK, maybe 80 sometimes on the highway, when no one is looking). "H" rated tires cost more and are harder to find, especially with a high-mileage warranty.

My dealer and tire salesman says I should use only "H" rated tires. Mechanics tell me "H" rated tires are unnecessary, unless I’m going to Europe, where I might drive at those higher speeds. Bottom line — what problem would I have if I put "S" (112 mph) or "T" (118 mph) rated tires on my Avalon? — Wayne

RAY: I don’t think you’d have any problem, Wayne. But our lawyer, J. Cheever Loophole, tells us we can’t recommend taht you do that. Here’s why.

TOM: Even though you don’t ever plan to drive 120 mph because you’re a sane, rational human being, the car is apparently CAPABLE of going that fast. And because it’s possible to drive the car that fast, Toyota has to equip it — and recommend that you equip it — with tires that will stay intact at that speed.

RAY: So you could, for instance, buy lower-rated tires, and you’d probably be fine as long as you never approached their limits. But if you’re crazy, lead-footed mother-in-law borrowed your car one day and decided to "see what she could do" on the salt flats, she might never come back.

TOM: And what would be the down-side? Ah! The car wouldn’t come back, either.