Michael: Like I wrote in my previous blog entry; I am a fan of Chip Foose, but dad was more a friend and fan of Boyd Coddington where FYI Chip Foose learned a lot during his employment. I personally never met Boyd, and the sad thing is that I never will because Boyd died unexpectedly (Februari 28th). My prayers are for Jo (his wife) and his family.

I can't stop wondering what Jo is going to do now, and if Duane will step in and do what he has to do, just like he did when Charlie left the body shop. I mean; Duane was flying, and this without being constantly disrespectful to the others (which most viewers of the program seem to think of Duane anyways). I however think that this is just a show element, like Paul Teutel (Sr) of Orange County Choppers always argues with Paul Junior, but in real life everything is just fine. I would like to add that “Die Ludolfs” (vier Brüder auf'm Schrottplatz) don't need all this. I do personally like a lot of vox.de which produces a number of good programs (with a twist of German humor) like “Goodbye Deutschland” and “Die Auswanderer”. Yeah, we Euro folks are so much more friendly on TV.

Anyway, hopefully Jo and Duane are capable enough to keep going, without people leaving the company now that there is this huge void. I mean; they lost good people in the past; like Mike (who now also works for Chip Foose) but they just need all hands to keep going. Good luck.

Michael: I am a real fan of the work of Chip Foose and would like to let him do some work... a lot of work really, and since there are no bounderies here; what the heck. This is new stuff to me, yes, but the pen of art is in the masters hand now. I'll keep my fingers crossed for now. Go Chip!

Michael: What is it with music? Do you know what I mean with the mysterious healing power of music? I remember having a conversation with my father and he said that the music of Holly Johnson pulled him through when he was hit by what he called "The man with the hammer". He was training on his bicycle but got tired after the first 100 kilometer already, but the music in his headphones gave him the power to pull through and finish the 200 kilometer bike tour. His explanation was that with his music, Holly Johnson that is, and good concentration, we humans can do extraordinary things; like lifting a car from someone that will otherwise die.

Other people use music for mental healing, when they are down and want to feel good, but without all shit you can buy on this planet. We do not need alcohol, sigaretes and you know what. No thanks, but I do enjoy a good bit of music, and I love to play my Fender. I am glad that music belongs to growing up and having a good education. It is funny to see that my father has so many different CD's, like Melissa Etheridge, which I quite like too. Not all of her songs, but he said to listen and to learn to appreciate the lyrics, to understand and to let it float. It will give you wings "when it gets you". Well, it took me a few years, but I finally "got it". Yeah, music is dope. Thanks dad.

Michael: Is Bernard Kouchner (French Foreign Minister) a pussy or a realist? Imagine this; you have been planning, working hard and lobbying for a full year for your first Dakar rally ever and then some external source prevents you from even starting it. That is one huge disappointment and a blow in the face of our freedom. I wonder what happens next; Al-Qaeda calling in to warn us for the French highways? Or to cancel the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games? Whatever... the Dakar rally is a victim, and in fact we all are, once again.