My name is Tracy Myers, owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston Salem and I have a confession to make: I LOVE MOVIES! Nothing goes together quite as good as Summertime and movies. Nothing except peanut butter and jelly but, I digress. In the Summertime, people flock to the movies to escape the heat and enjoy the best (and worst) Hollywood has to offer.

And I’m no exception. I’m always excited about finding another really good movie to add to my list of all-time favorites which include The Wizard Of Oz, Casablanca, The Godfather Trilogy, Gone With The Wind, Singing In The Rain and An American In Paris to name a few. Pretty sure “Iron Man 3″ will beat records this summer, considering it will play for a couple more months and has already earned ridiculous amounts of money at the box office. Personally, I thought it was the worst movie of the series. What did YOU think?

Here’s a few of the movies coming out this summer. Look over the list and decide which you want to see on the big screen, which movies fall into the “watch at home” category and which ones you refuse to watch at any cost (We’re talking to you Smurfs 2)

Friday, June 7

THE INTERNSHIP – Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson play two middle-aged, unemployed salesmen who land an internship at Google and try adapting to the digital age. Times Movie Review. Authors Note: Is it just me or does this seem like the 90th film these 2 have made together? That’s 89 films too many if you ask me.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – The Avengers’ director Joss Whedon shot this non-star update of Shakespeare’s rom-com in his backyard. Times Movie Review

Purge, Dirty Wars, Evocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie, Finding Joy, Hello Herman, Hey Bartender, Passion, Rapture-Palooza, Syrup, The Wall, Tiger Eyes, Violet and Daisy, Wish You Were Here.

Wednesday, June 12

THIS IS THE END – Think of Night of the Living Dead with the paranoia but not the zombies, or a one-room Pinter play with way more shouting. Times Movie Review. Author’s Note: Now THIS looks like a great popcorn flick. Not a lot of substance here but isn’t that what we all need sometimes?

More Than Money, Pandora’s Promise

Friday, June 14

MAN OF STEEL – The Superman saga gets its latest reboot from director Zack Snyder and producer Christopher (Dark Knight) Nolan. With Henry Cavill as the Kryptonian muscleman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane and Russell Crowe as Jor-El (Brando played him in 1978). Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane grace the slick supporting cast. Times Movie Review. Author’s Note: I’m a HUGE fan of Superman but the last film reboot was boring. The early previews looked equally dull to me but the newer ones look action packed. While I still can’t get accustomed to that odd looking new suit, I’ll still check out this movie simply for nostalgic reasons.

THE BLING RING – Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, obsessed with her clothes, had nothing on the gang of klepto-cuties who in 2010 stole frocks and jewels from the homes of L.A.’s glitterati. Coppola’s highly-caffeinated film version, based on a Vanity Fair article, stars Emma Watson, a long way from Hogwarts. Times Movie Review

A Hijacking, Apostles of Comedy: Onwards and Upwards, Berberian Sound Studio, Call Me Kuchu, Far Out Isn’t Far Enough: The Tomi Ungerer Story, Hatchet 3, Stuck in Love, The Guillotines, The Stroller Strategy, Twenty Feet from Stardom, Vehicle 19

Sunday, June 16

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Author’s Note: Since my 8 year old daughter LOVES My Little Pony, guess who will be watching this movie on opening day? Yep…THIS guy.

Friday, June 21

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY – Pixar’s first prequel feature sends Monsters, Inc. creatures Mike (voiced by Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) back to their college years, under the severe tutelage of M.U. Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren). Times Movie Review. Author’s Note: Monsters Inc. was one of my favorite Pixar films so I’m excited about this one.

WORLD WAR Z – As in Zombies! Brad Pitt stars as a UN troubleshooter trying to save humanity from a terrorist conspiracy of the walking dead. Pitt also produced this expensive, problem-strewn adaptation of the novel by Max Brooks (Mel’s son), directed by the genre-trotting Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland, The Kite Runner, Quantum of Solace). Times Movie Review. Author’s Note: This one will be really good or a BIG stinker. Only time will tell but it’s got to do BIG biz to recoup its giant budget.

As Cool as I Am, Between Us, Somm, Storm Surfers 3D, The Attack, Unfinished Song

Friday, June 28

THE HEAT –  It’s a cop comedy, with girls: FBI agent Sandra Bullock and Boston policewoman Melissa McCarthy find that opposites distract as they chase a drug lord. Times Movie Review. Author’s Note: I predict this film will do massive business because of its extremely likable and bankable stars. The funny trailer doesn’t hurt, either.

WHITE HOUSE DOWN – The President is in peril again in this fantasy drama from Doomsday-dependent director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012). Times Movie Review. Author’s Note: Why do they keep making this movie every year with a different title?

I’M SO EXCITED – Pedro Almodovar, perhaps the world’s top director-showman, returns to his campy, dyed roots in ’80s comedy with this delirious comedy about the passengers and crew on a plane that may be headed for disaster. Think Flight, relaunched as farce. Times Movie Review

100 Bloody Acres. A Band Called Death, Byzantium, Copperhead, Detention of the Dead, Redemption, Some Girls, The Secret Disco Revolution, The Stroller Strategy

Wednesday, July 3

Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain , Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me

Friday, July 5

DESPICABLE ME 2 – In this sequel to the 2010 animated smash, the naughty-nice Gru (Steve Carrell’s voice) faces a new world-dominator wannabe, voiced by Andy Garcia. Tell the kids the adorable Minions are back! Times Movie Review. Author’s Note: As long as the Minions are back, I’m there!

The Lone Ranger, The Way, Way Back, Hammer of the Gods

Wednesday, July 10

Israel: A Home Movie

Friday, July 12

PACIFIC RIM – It’s robots vs. aliens in this worlds-collide action epic—the Earth robot steered by two pilots, one for each side of the machine’s brain. Pacific Rim could be Transformers with a high I.Q. and a cinematic high. Times Movie Review

Blackhats, Crystal Fairy, Dealing With Idiots, Fruitvale Station, Grown Ups 2, Hot Flashes, The Hunt, V/H/S/2

Wednesday, July 17

Turbo 3D/2D

Friday, July 19

R.I.P.D. – Or: Zombie Cops! Ryan Reynolds, a recently deceased policeman, joins the Rest In Peace Department of undead vigilantes to find his murderer. This weird comedy presence, directed by Red’s Robert Schwentke, sports a cast of veteran overachievers: Jeff Bridges, Kevin Bacon and Mary-Louise Parker. Times Movie Review

Girl Most Likely, Red 2, The Conjuring, Evidence, The Act of Killing

Friday, July 26

THE WOLVERINE – Or: Hugh Jackman Goes to Japan. After the X-Men trilogy, his own 2009 spinoff and the briefest cameo in X-Men: First Class, the Clawed One faces the Silver Samurai (Will Yun Lee, one of People’s Sexiest Men Alive in 2007) in a Marvel smackdown directed by James Mangold (Walk the Line). Times Movie Review. Author’s Notes: I’m a fan of The Wolverine comic books but I think all of The Wolverine movies have been stinkers. Perhaps this one will change my mind.

BLUE JASMINE – Woody Allen is back home for just the second time in his last nine films. The plot synopsis — “the story of the final stages of an acute crisis and a life of a fashionable New York housewife” — hints at a quarter-century-later return to Allen’s murky psychodramas starring Mia Farrow. Cate Blanchett heads the writer-director’s usual sterling cast: Alec Baldwin, Bobby Cannavale, Sally Hawkins and Louis C.K. Times Movie Review

Blackfish, Frankenstein’s Army, Stranded

Wednesday, July 31

The Smurfs 2 3D; 2D, Smash and Grab: The Story of the Pink Panthers. Author’s Note: Dear Lord, PLEASE spare me from having to watch either of these films. 

Friday, August 2

2 GUNS – In the current climate, that might seem two guns too many. But two is never enough in a Hollywood action picture, especially with Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg holding the firearms, as a pair of federal officers double-crossed by the mob ring they have been stealing from. Times Movie Review

Cockneys vs Zombies, Europa Report, The Artist and the Model, The Spectacular Now, Top Cat

Wednesday, August 7

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Author’s Note: The first Percy Jackson movie disappointed at the box office so I’m surprised that they made a sequel. That’s great news because the first film was great! I hope this one is as entertaining as the first.

Friday, August 9

ELYSIUM – In the future world of 2154, rich humans luxuriate on an Edenic space station called Elysium, while the 99 percent are stuck on Earth. Starring Matt Damon, Bourne again as a proletarian rebel, and Jodie Foster as the CEO of Elysium. Times Movie Review

We’re the Millers, Disney’s Planes 2D/3D, Blood, I Give it a Year, In a World . . . , Lovelace

Wednesday, August 14

The Patience Stone

Friday, August 16

Paranoia, The Butler, The To-Do List, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, Austenland, Cutie and the Boxer, Prince Avalanche

Friday, August 23

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES – An urban-contemporary Twilight Saga crossed with the Underworld movies, Cassandra Clare’s novels about a New York girl discovering her inner power, and a host of demons trying to destroy her, aim for teen franchise gold. Lily Collins (Snow White in Mirror Mirror) is Clary, the half-angel, all-warrior heroine. Times Movie Review

THE WORLD’S END – Director-writer Edgar Wright and writer-star Simon Pegg, along with designated lovable-oaf character actor Nick Frost, are back with a movie about a five-friend pub crawl that explodes into a defense of imperiled Planet Earth. Times Movie Review

Grandmasters, You’re Next

Winston Salem, High Point and Kernersville, NC Movie Theaters

Maybe I’ll see you at one of the local Triad, NC movie theaters below this summer. I’ll be the one hiding behind a big tub of popcorn.

Carmike Wynnsong 12

4510 Kester Mill Road

Winston Salem, NC

336-765-1555

a/perture Cinema

311 W. 4th St

Winston Salem, NC

336-722-8148

Grand 18 Winston-Salem

5601 University parkway

Winston Salem, NC

336-767-1310

Marketplace Cinemas $2.50

2095 Peters Creek Pkwy

Winston Salem, NC

336-725-4646

Countryside Cinema Kernersville

755 Cinema Dr

Kernersville, NC

336-993-8200

Regal Palladium Stadium 14

5830 Samet Dr, High Point, NC

336-882-1438

Breathe in. Breathe out. Ahhhhh!!! You smell that? YES, you’re right. It’s springtime!

A season of renewal, sunshine, fun and, dare I say it—CLEANLINESS! As much fun as it’s not, this is the time of the year to get your clean on and take care of some much needed spring cleaning! So set aside an afternoon to transform your stuff from messy to tidy—and please don’t forget to include your car.

Dirty cars, trucks, vans and SUV’s need love too!

Ask yourself these questions:

1) Are you a little embarrassed when a friend jumps into the passenger seat of your car? 

2) Moms, do you hang your head low in car line?

3) What about on Friday night? Does your date step back in horror as he or she sits down in the passengers side?

4) Do you know what that strange odor is coming from underneath the seats? You know the one that’s an odd mixture of month old chicken nuggets and sweaty gym socks.

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, now is the perfect time to do something about the state of your car.

So I’m here to help! Follow my guidelines to get your car back in shape for spring . . . for the sake of your friendships . . . for your sanity in car line . . . and especially for that “hot” date you’d like to go on next weekend (even if its with your spouse). 

Think about how much better you’ll feel behind the wheel of your clean ride. Say goodbye to dirt and hello to a fun springtime in your clean and shiny car!

SPRING CAR CLEANING GUIDE:

1. Wash—Wash your vehicle using a mild soap and water. Then dry with a soft, clean chamois (or lint free towel). Don’t allow bird poop, bugs, and tree sap to damage your paint. Remove them as soon as you can because the eating away of your paint happens fast, especially with the stronger sun of spring baking down on your paint. Use a soft brush to clean wheels and NEVER use chemicals with an acid base. If your wheels are dirty, clean those first.

2. Polish & Wax—Your vehicle deserves and needs a fresh coat of wax on your car for spring. The wax serves as a protective barrier against the insects, bird droppings and tree sap that’s plentiful this time of year. And that you just spent hours cleaning off. In addition to that, wax keeps your car looking nice and shiny.

3. Replace Filters—Have your auto service center of choice (like Frank Myers Auto Maxx…HINT! HINT!) inspect your cabin air filters and engine air filters. Replace all filters if necessary. During spring these filters can become heavy with pollen, which negatively effects how your car runs.

4. Clean Screen—Clear the screen where the hood and windshield meet, directly under the wipers. Also clear out crevices in this area. You have to make sure and keep these areas free of leaves and miscellaneous debris so that they won’t absorb water, which causes rust, and which can cause sediment that will clog the evaporator drain. If you don’t, you could be facing very expensive auto repairs and no one wants those.

5. Pressure Check—Make sure your tires are set to the proper pressure because as temperatures get higher, air expands, so you may have to let air out of your tires. If you need assistance with this, Frank Myers Auto Maxx can check your tire pressure for free.

6. Interior Detail—Pull out your car mats. Vacuum carpet. Wipe down interior. Throw away garbage. Organize your trunk. If your carpet is stained, they can be cleaned at most professional auto detail centers.

7. Window Clean—Clean all the windows and mirrors (inside and out). Use a solution of ¼ cup household ammonia to 1-quart water. Apply solution with a sponge and dry with newspaper, paper towels or a soft cloth…but newspaper works best.

8. Clean Your Blades—Gently lift the blades, and wipe both sides with a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in a solution of ¼ cup household ammonia to 1-quart cold water. Dry the blades with a cloth and lower them back into place.

9. Shine Your Lights—Apply window cleaner to your headlights. Rub vigorously. If your headlights have become milky, they may need some additional TLC by a professional.

If you’ve followed steps 1 to 9 to get your car clean then you deserve a break! So take that shiny ride out to dinner. Bring a friend along. You wouldn’t want all that work to go unnoticed!!!

Happy clean trails to you! Until we meet again.

 Uncle Frank The Frontiersman

This photo captures famed horse trader Uncle Frank Myers in 1887, somewhere on the trail in West Texas. As you can see, he’s showing off one of the prime vehicles from his lot – an early Ford Bronco, gently used, in excellent condition, and, as with all of Frank’s quality vehicles, complete with a lifetime warranty (“lifetime” meaning the life of the horse).

Uncle Frank became a fixture on the local horse trading scene, believing that every cowboy (and cowgirl) deserved a nicer, newer steed. He was known throughout the Wild West for his unforgettable catchphrase, “Everybody saddles up!”

About Uncle Frank

Uncle Frank has lived many lives and has many stories to share. He currently resides in Winston Salem, NC where he spends his days as the Frank Myers Auto Maxx Mascot.

Be sure to read History of Uncle Frank/Part 1 – Uncle Frank The Pioneer and check back for future editions later.

* Uncle Frank Sez: “All content in The History Of Uncle Frank is a mixture of parody, poor satire, and/or (very) lame humor. It is for entertainment purposes only.”

by Tracy E. Myers/Owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston Salem, NC

Last week I was sitting at my kitchen table eating a bowl of Lucky Charms. If you’ve never enjoyed a bowl, they ARE magically delicious and not so nutritious. Regardless, the sugar gets me charged up before a super busy day of helping people at Frank Myers Auto Maxx.

As I stared down at those little marshmallow shapes, I started thinking about St. Patty’s Day, the “Luck of the Irish” and the green fun that would be taking place in a few days.

It also got me thinking about how some of my friends live and die by their personal lucky charms. In fact, I know one grown man who won’t go bowling without his lucky socks, EVER, but he’ll remain nameless of course. You know who you are, friend.

What about you? Do you have a lucky charm? Perhaps a rabbit foot or a four leaf clover?

Whatever the answer, most of us want more good luck to come our way so I say, let’s tip the scales in our favor!

Here are two things you can do right now to attract good luck into your life, without a charm or a bowl of cereal at your side . . .

HOW TO ATTRACT GOOD LUCK:

Know What You Want

Being focused on a goal is the first step to achieving it. So if you want good things to happen to you, you have to clearly know what those things are. Our mind is a powerful tool. People underestimate the power of the mind to make things happen. You can attract what you believe you will get. So go ahead and take some time to determine what you want; before long, you will be surprised at how lucky you are!

Fill Your Mind & Body With Positive Input

Successful people (aka lucky people) continually seek out knowledge and ways to improve themselves. Be very purposeful with how you spend your time. Read. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Cut down on negative influences and watch how fast this positive input transforms your everyday life.

Lucky people are also healthy people. So take charge of your health and mental state now. Sleep more, eat less, smile, expect to have a good day, and believe that good things are on their way to you.

As a side note, I would probably have better luck with my health later in life if I ate an apple a day instead of Lucky Charms cereal.

Interesting Factoid:

“The percentage of Lucky Charms consumers who are adults has risen to 45%, said Greg Pearson, the brand’s marketing manager. As a result, the brand posted its best volume year ever in fiscal 2012, according to General Mills. Overall, Lucky Charms is now the seventh-largest cold cereal brand, with sales up 5.64% to $252.6 million in the 52 weeks ending Oct. 7, outpacing category-wide growth of 0.83%.”

httpsv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK47URPnNOo

Around 230,000 vehicles were damaged by Hurricane Sandy’s rain and flood waters in late October. Now the National Dealers Association has warned car dealerships that some of those vehicles have been re-conditioned in order to be sold in other states, including North Carolina.

Tracy Myers, owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston Salem, said he won’t be buying any water-damaged Sandy cars.

“If we get that car we’re not going to sell it. We advise any consumer to never buy a flood car,” Myers said.

If you’re in the market, Myers said there are some things you need to check out on a car to make sure it’s not water-damaged.

For the car’s interior, water lines are often hard to get rid of, and may still be visible even with repeated washing.

In the trunk, detailers often miss the spare tire well, which can become rusted if a heavy amount of water is in the trunk.

Under the hood, untreated bolts and screws will also show rust, despite a dealer’s best efforts. All of these examples should be red flags, Myers said.

Then there are the things you can’t see.

Robert Thomas, Director of Service at Frank Myers Auto Maxx, said water can damage the car’s on-board computer, which can cause the diagnostic system to malfunction.

“It’s impossible to completely dry a car’s electrical components if it’s been submerged,” Thomas said.

Myers advised all buyers to get a complete vehicle history report, which would disclose if a car had ever been flooded. “All reputable car dealerships will give consumers a complete vehicle history report, such as Auto Check from Experian, for free.”

Failing to disclose damage to a vehicle is a misdemeanor in North Carolina, and it can also leave someone convicted of the offense open to civil action.