The Endangered Massachusetts Grease Monkey, that's what!

 

Okay, maybe we're overstating things a bit. But, the fact is, the classic, tuchus-exposing, hairy-backed, wrench-spinning grease monkey of yore is slowly giving way to the diagnostic-code-reading, module-swapping technician of tomorrow. And we think that's a loss -- for suspender manufacturers, anyway.

 

Before the last real mechanic slams his Snap-on tool box shut and heads for his 32-foot Bay Cruiser, we wanted to pay homage to this increasingly rare character.

 

So, we've created our new Endangered Massachusetts Grease Monkey shirt, mug and travel mug. Featuring the art of our popular Car Talk cartoonist, Bill Morrison, you can help us save a species in great style. If we save just one, greasy, grunting, knuckle-dragging mechanic, and his brother, and their lousy radio show, it will have been worth it.

 

In other news, highly-placed sources within Car Talk Plaza have secured the definitive technique for removing mashed Cheerios, sour, spilled milk, and other child-based detritus from your car. How? To find out, you'll just have to check out our chat with Kristin Varela, the founder of the cool, new web site, Motherproof.com. You can check out her tips, the interview, and share your own suggestions right now.

 

 

Finally, would you date a guy who's living in a van?

 

What if he's reasonably good-looking, really nice, and a student at Stanford Medical School? That was Tara's dilemma this past weekend on Car Talk, and she's continuing the discussion in our Car Talk Community, right now. Hear her call with Tom and Ray online, via our podcast and tell her what you think!

 

That's all for now. Time for us to go feed the endangered mechanics. Glazed donut, anyone?