A world in flames

There, now. Thirteen pictures of a world in flames. Vehicles, yes. Vehicles, of course. That's what those flames are all about -- hot cars. A celebration of speed. Of studliness.

Of course, the flames could enhance one's poker tournament.

Or a mini-bike. Or an over-developed hog (below).

A flame or two might help sell red hots (or poor boys -- this lovely outfit was in a collection I saw in Memphis).

But in the past year, I've seen a lot of fire on clothing. F'rinstance, this Coors Tshirt or the fine sports shirt I recently spotted at Snap Snap (below).

People wear the stuff, too. Though I bet any boy child would choose the Batman sox over the hot sox at WalMart (below).

However, of all the flaming cars and sleeves and beer commercials I've seen, here's a sentimental reminder of the Detroit that was -- a thoroughtly patriotic Mustang. I do hope that the chilly economy doesn't douse the fire & spirit of the country; we need those flames even more today and tomorrow.

What's With the Flames?

So they symbolize Hot. Fast. Flashy. All those attributes a red-blooded American wants in his ride. That's where they first began appearing: on up-to-date, new models after a trip to the detailing shop. But more recently it seems that everything is on fire.

I really, really doubt that these lovingly restored antiques are all that Hot. Fast. Flashy. But they got the flames, alright. Perhaps it is a touch of irony -- or wist!

Shucks, even this model truck I spotted over at the County Fair sports its own set of flames. But then its big brothers are also wearing fire these days, disquieting as that might be to one who believes big rigs should be safe and solid, not straining at the bit to race up SR 89 to Ashfork or down I-17 to Phoenix. Guess I'm behind the times.

On the other hand, hot sauces and flames are made for each other.

But... yard goods? Yes. A table drape, part of the sound system set-up out at the recent Paulden arts and crafts fair. Commentary on the type of music they were playing. Imagine this percale made into bedding, if you will.

The new style bandana, replacing those old-fashioned, out-of-date red and blue classics.

And the one fiery item I wouldn't mind owning myself -- a boy's Tshirt with dragons entwined with the flames. Besides, it is R.E.D. Just right for GrannyJ. Below, I close this discourse with a car whose owner thumbs his nose ever so quietly at all this flame business.