There seems to be some confusion about what Bling actually is. Since I am the holder of some confidential information relative to Bus Bling, I cannot confirm or deny any bus-related data at this point.

However, in the interest of any misguided efforts in order to achieve Bling, here are some some examples of Bling and non-bling to assist the bus owner in preparing for POG II.

1. Perhaps the most obvious definition is that Bling by itself may not necessarily serve any functional purpose. Now, Elvis had a belt, but the jumpsuit belt that he had custom made with encrusted jewels, that's Bling. And so too was his oversized ring.

2. On the street, the highly modified cars of today with ignition-fired neon tracer wires under the plexi hood inserts, that's Bling.

3. A nifty person on the beach with inlaid pinky polish and embedded jewels on the toes, that's Bling. (Why is it that we have toe nails anyway?)

4. Now if JDUB, for example, had a diamond chip in his belly-button piercing, that would be Bling.

5. If Lew had a woody thing going on a non-essential matching toad/bus thing, that might qualify for Blinginess.

Given the above, we are talking about the always-difficult problem of verbalizing great art. Who would have thought the Mona Lisa would have been such a big deal, a picture of a homely lady? That's not Bling for sure, but art is in the eyes of the beholder. That's why the, "Wow, nice bus!" standard should be maintained.

Those attempting to achieve Bling for the much coveted Stainless Cooker are not without specific guidance and resources. Steve Mitchell, President of Parliament coach, who got talked into the providing the vaunted cooker and its accompanying rewards, both tangible and intangible, has offered to assist any and all who wish to consider any alternatives. Steve's email is stevem@parliamentcoach.com. Further, Parliament is offering a 10-percent reduction on parts and service, so this is a valuable resource not to be wasted in The Quest. Steve can be trusted not to reveal any specific plans of any competitor and has access to deep industrial-level suppliers of a wide variety of materials not available to the common man.

Hopefully these guidelines of defining Bling will be of some use.