If you go on Vortex you'll read him whining that I slept with his wife and that he was a complete and total victim of my Machiavellian machinations. The truth, from my perspective anyway, is that he did a few really horrible things to both of us individually beforehand and therefore he has no reason to complain.
If his online friends knew the real story they'd treat him the way you treat a rattlesnake, but it's not my place to tell it. The lady involved now has a family with a wonderful man who doesn't abuse or harm her or drug her or do any terrible stuff. Wes is out in Seattle or some place trying to be a startup innovator; I heard he remarried at least twice.
A while ago he wrote something claiming that he came to my house and threatened me with a pistol. I assure you that if he'd actually done anything like that, they would have had to surgically remove said pistol from his upper colon afterwards.
For as long as I've been reading ttac (from the beginning until when Mark stopped writing for them), I'm ashamed, nay, bereft for having not read any of Crabspirits's articles. I'm remedying that now. What a treasure.
I wonder if Brian Makse will come on here and say why he tried to kick us out. I'm still annoyed by it. Talk about being the weak son of a strong father.
Thank you! I learned that Murilee Martin isn’t his real name - guess I should’ve known that. When I started reading his stuff, I realized I had found someone who spends more time in junkyards than I do.
Love Sam Smith’s stuff although I’ll admit he sometimes loses me (I’m a simple soul). As an engineer, Don Sherman is a hero as is Bedard. I like Sajeev’s stuff for Hagerty too.
Farah always struck me as somehow believing he was infinitely superior to his fans yet desperately wished to be revered by them. To be somebody in a sea of nobodies, so to speak
Alex is one hell of a guy. After reading him for years, we crossed paths one time while he was in Detroit. 48 hours later, he convinced me to drive back to NYC with him. He gave me some of the best life/career/relationship advice that I’ve ever received at a time when I really needed it. I owe a lot to that guy.
I always enjoyed Grace’s writings and turn of a phrase. Can’t remember which mundane car she was reviewing, but her line “no spines were tingled” made me laugh. Her recap of her visit with Toly Aurutunoff also captured what appeared to be an unconventional day, but she nailed it.
Too bad all these people can’t write and photograph together for a site with total freedom.
No story. I never met him. He's currently playing my Taylor 714ce on loan but I have never so much as sent an email to the man. The loan was at the request of a mutual friend.
Whether directly or indirectly, I know or I have interacted with a few of the people listed above because of Jack and his writing.
Derek Kreindler - I was reading TTAC nearly a decade ago when I checked out Derek’s LinkedIn on a whim; he was about my age - early 20s - and a superb writer. Naturally, I was curious about his background. It turns out he was curious about mine, as well. We have been good friends for almost 10 years and interact digitally virtually every day. Derek and I once shared a table at a wedding with BZR. It was … interesting.
Brian Makse - Derek introduced me to Brian in 2013; Brian is another friend with whom I message nearly daily.
Motoman - Brian introduced me to the Motoman; I have smoked a cigar with him several times.
Matt Farah - Met him a few times; had breakfast with Jack, John, and Farah a few years ago in Malibu. I listen to Matt’s podcast, and he and his sidekick Zack Klapman frequently reference articles that Jack has written (always favorably).
I remember learning how young Kreindler was, and after a tinge of jealousy thinking, "Well, I guess he's just one of those guys like Jim Gavin who already knows what he is doing."
Oh yeah, Wes.
If you go on Vortex you'll read him whining that I slept with his wife and that he was a complete and total victim of my Machiavellian machinations. The truth, from my perspective anyway, is that he did a few really horrible things to both of us individually beforehand and therefore he has no reason to complain.
If his online friends knew the real story they'd treat him the way you treat a rattlesnake, but it's not my place to tell it. The lady involved now has a family with a wonderful man who doesn't abuse or harm her or drug her or do any terrible stuff. Wes is out in Seattle or some place trying to be a startup innovator; I heard he remarried at least twice.
A while ago he wrote something claiming that he came to my house and threatened me with a pistol. I assure you that if he'd actually done anything like that, they would have had to surgically remove said pistol from his upper colon afterwards.
No worries. It all ended happily for "crazyreesie" which is all that matters. She remains one of my favorite people.
Fantastic synopsis. umm...how does one find out what is a “crabspirit”?
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/member/70417/crabspirits
Like you said, Jack, if you know, you know! 👍
Man I wish I could still find his work.
For as long as I've been reading ttac (from the beginning until when Mark stopped writing for them), I'm ashamed, nay, bereft for having not read any of Crabspirits's articles. I'm remedying that now. What a treasure.
What the fuck did Blake do that's too sketch to be related in the land of uncensored Baruth?
"She's driving away with the dim lights on
And she's making a play, she can't go wrong
She never waits too long
She's winding them down on her clock machine..."
🤮
I see
The guy who tried to kick you out of the One Lap of America moved in down the road from me a couple years ago! Wait til I give him what fer.
I wonder if Brian Makse will come on here and say why he tried to kick us out. I'm still annoyed by it. Talk about being the weak son of a strong father.
Thank you! I learned that Murilee Martin isn’t his real name - guess I should’ve known that. When I started reading his stuff, I realized I had found someone who spends more time in junkyards than I do.
Love Sam Smith’s stuff although I’ll admit he sometimes loses me (I’m a simple soul). As an engineer, Don Sherman is a hero as is Bedard. I like Sajeev’s stuff for Hagerty too.
Impala Hell Project is one of the best series I’ve read. I’m lucky enough to run into him at the occasional race track.
I’ve heard Matt Farrah refer to you in positive terms. Given his lefty biases I figured he felt respect for you.
MSRH! I don't know if I'm blessed or cursed to have it only 40 minutes from my house.
It's better than having no track at all....
right?
right?
I suppose. Regardless, the distressed property vibe suits me.
Farah always struck me as somehow believing he was infinitely superior to his fans yet desperately wished to be revered by them. To be somebody in a sea of nobodies, so to speak
I love you too
I should have let you fall to your death when you were 2 and I was 8
Who are you and where is Bark?
Bark M never actually existed. He was a semi sentient being created by the rental car companies
Anything to say about Dan? I've always enjoyed his deep dive on suspensions though I suspect he's probably part of the old boys crew.
Derek is another I have not heard of in awhile, I remember he departed for a brand and... radio silence ever since.
On a side note, who was the "the Mechanic" back in insideline days?
Which Dan are we discussing here?
Edmunds, of CarMax fame ;)
Oh. Never met him.
I thought you were referring to Dan Neil over at the WSJ.
Now HIM I've met.
Pulitzer Prize notwithstanding, Neil's popped-collar polo shirt in his stipple point hedcut at WSJ pails in comparison to your Keton jackets.
Alex is one hell of a guy. After reading him for years, we crossed paths one time while he was in Detroit. 48 hours later, he convinced me to drive back to NYC with him. He gave me some of the best life/career/relationship advice that I’ve ever received at a time when I really needed it. I owe a lot to that guy.
I always enjoyed Grace’s writings and turn of a phrase. Can’t remember which mundane car she was reviewing, but her line “no spines were tingled” made me laugh. Her recap of her visit with Toly Aurutunoff also captured what appeared to be an unconventional day, but she nailed it.
Too bad all these people can’t write and photograph together for a site with total freedom.
Conspicuous in his absence on the list thus far, but oft mentioned, is Peter Egan. Must be a story here…
No story. I never met him. He's currently playing my Taylor 714ce on loan but I have never so much as sent an email to the man. The loan was at the request of a mutual friend.
I'm happy to take loanership of any of your private stock PRS's if you're feeling froggy.
I've always liked Egan's stuff.
No worries, what do you want to try? Signature? DGT? MC58?
Dealer's choice....
Whether directly or indirectly, I know or I have interacted with a few of the people listed above because of Jack and his writing.
Derek Kreindler - I was reading TTAC nearly a decade ago when I checked out Derek’s LinkedIn on a whim; he was about my age - early 20s - and a superb writer. Naturally, I was curious about his background. It turns out he was curious about mine, as well. We have been good friends for almost 10 years and interact digitally virtually every day. Derek and I once shared a table at a wedding with BZR. It was … interesting.
Brian Makse - Derek introduced me to Brian in 2013; Brian is another friend with whom I message nearly daily.
Motoman - Brian introduced me to the Motoman; I have smoked a cigar with him several times.
Matt Farah - Met him a few times; had breakfast with Jack, John, and Farah a few years ago in Malibu. I listen to Matt’s podcast, and he and his sidekick Zack Klapman frequently reference articles that Jack has written (always favorably).
About half of these are new names to me - I'll check them out!
I remember learning how young Kreindler was, and after a tinge of jealousy thinking, "Well, I guess he's just one of those guys like Jim Gavin who already knows what he is doing."
Did I write "tinge"? I meant "rage" damn autocorrect.