The deal is sealed.
The ink on the slew of carbon-backed forms is dry.
The hands are shook.
The rig is parked out on the street.

Dale, Jess and I went down to Albany early this morning to grab the van. Jess was there to film the transaction for that documentary fiasco we are cobbling together. Dale was there for muscle, just in case. Thankfully, everything went well in our dealings with the good people of Nissen Ford.

Salesman John took great care of me and offered up the rig at a hell of a deal. Sales Manager Ernie drove a hard bargain and wrapped up all the paperwork and the transfer of the title. Dealership Owner Thomas watched over the whole mess, and even gave me a Ford hat. You bet.

I’d like to thank everyone there for good service, a fair price and an overall pleasant car-buying experience.

Salesman are easy targets, and sure, there are some dicey ones out there, but man, that just ain’t the case down at Nissen Ford. You’ve got my word on that one.

At one point, I had Dale look directly into Jim’s eyes, into to the depths of his soul. Everything checked out, and we continued on with the transaction. That’s how we do it.

And if they’ve got me snowballed, and the van is a lemon, I’ll set the sonofabitch on fire and ghost ride it right through the salesroom windows!

Just kidding, fellas. Thanks for putting up with us. Much appreciated.

So here’s to 500,000 miles of bad-ass American-Built Econoline action! Detroit, we’ve got yer back.

- - - -

DON’T DRINK THE WATER: You gotta check out all the crazy matchboxes Matt Lee collected during his time in Bangalore, India. Wild, wild world. Then hear him talk all about them.

- - - -

OLD COMIC BOOKS, AND THE INCREDIBLE ILLUSTRATIONS IN THEM: Oh man, there goes the day. Here’s a blog called “Golden Age Comic Book Stories” and if you know what’s good for ya, you’ll dig around in there. Hell, today’s Frank Frazetta stuff alone is worth a visit. (From Ben Pieratt out there in New York City. Take care, man, and thanks.)

- - - -

SMART INFOGRAPHICS THAT MAKE YOU THINK: Plus or Minus. (This one comes in from the Windy City, from one Cameron Prather. Interesting last name.)

- - - -

CHICAGO, AGAIN: Steve Juras of the Swiderski Institute send us in some snapshots from his visit to Lake Geneva. But we’re recommending you check out the set. Do it. Some great stuff in there. Like this one and this one.

- - - -

ON THE PLAYER TODAY:

01. Jay Farrar - Terroir Blues
02. Karp - Mustaches Wild
03. Rig Rock Deluxe - Various Artists
04. Chuck Prophet - Soap and Water