Friend; someone who's not an enemy, somebody who defends or supports a cause, group or principle [ie, those who lowride].
Distinction; the recognition of a difference between two or more peoples or things, something done or given as a mark of respect or honor.
Every month, we put fancy print or captions on our covers to lure you into what's contained within the pages of our magazine. These are called "blurbs." Along with a cool photograph image, these words should draw you in and create a compulsion to buy. Some magazines, in their attempt to grab you, fill their covers with words all around the main image. In my opinion, a lot of commercial content clutters the main focus of what us car guys consider the cool factor about being in a "car" magazine.
The "car's the star," as they say, but in the case of Lowrider, the girl up front adds appeal. I like my covers clean. Lowriders have always been attention grabbers, so we let the cars that we showcase speak for themselves and draw in those who are interested. Well, you still need to call something out to draw in newcomers and casual readers, so we add just a taste of what's inside. An anticipated compulsion to know who or what's next to appear within the magazine has always been the draw of Lowrider Magazine.
Through countless focus group meetings, we throw cover images out to various people for their feedback. For years, LRM's cover blurbs have not been about what content appears in the magazine, but more about the theme of the issue. We have always been about themed things! A sort of christening for luck! We do it with our vehicles. So if you're ever hanging out in the check-out line staring at one of our covers and just don't get what the cover has to say, drop me a line and I'll be glad to explain.
This month's issue has a lot to cover. We have expanded the Las Vegas Super Show coverage to a whopping 16 pages. The 2006 Super Show was off the hook. Vendors and exhibitors filled Cashman Field to capacity. We don't have near the number of pages needed to cover this exciting event, so I think that it's time for a special stand-alone issue? Like a "Best Of Super Show" issue? Email me your thoughts.
Also in this issue, Saul Vargas trades in his toy blocks to give you an in-depth look at building engine blocks the way the big boys do! This tech build is an eye opener and shows just how far you can go and what you can get when tinkering with the facts. Nathan Trujillo brings a new perspective into the use of air in a three-wheel application. Why another three-wheel tech? It's not an easy task on air, especially when compression and expansion changes affect the stability of getting up on three.
Enough nonsense, flip the page and check out what's up for February.Peace,Ralph Fuentes