I drive a Japanese car. It is my seventh Japanese car … in a row. My Japanese car is made in the US. I choose Japanese because it is reliable, holds its value and has staying power in styling as well as in the quality of the material used. The mileage is good and it drives well. It is both comfortable and gutsy – I like to feel the road when I drive.
The last time I was changing cars I thought I’d try American again, particularly the Ford Thunderbird. At one time it was a good car, stylish, sexy and sporty. Heads turned when a Thunderbird roared down the highways and the byways of the country. That was in the fifties. Years took its toll on this classic. It grew large and cumbersome and just plain old ugly. But hey, it was just keeping up with the trends, the direction of Detroit.
The new one that I was interested in was reintroduced a few years back- it had that retro style of the original machine and it came in colors of not just black and white, but a scorching red and a vibrant yellow. I drove into the Ford lot, parked my Prelude and walked into the showroom to take this babe for a spin around the block, down the freeway and some rough country back roads ... I did mention that I am driving my seventh Japanese car in a row.Right?
Why do I bring this up? Well yes all the controversy about the bailout of the US Auto industry may have something to do with it, or, it could be the letter that Jim Jackson of Elkinds Fordland of Michigan wrote to the editor of his local newspaper. That letter has now been published in many newspapers and has made more laps around the internet than all the cars at the Indy 500 throughout its history. Combined.
Mr. Jackson has some compelling arguments in favor of the American Auto Makers – most of his supporting data is based on the Ford Motor Company itself. Now it appears that Ford manufactures some pretty good cars --- they can be seen on the streets of Moscow where the price of one is on par with some its European competitors. But here is the thing, the Fords that the Russian billionaires, oh, ok, the millionaires - the billionaires drive Bentleys and exotics - yes, the Ford models that the Russians are driving are not seen here. They happen to be stylish and evidently worth the coin. Are these manufactured in North America? Is the Ford Motor Company saving its best for the export market? Or are these marquee cars manufactured in one of Ford’s European plants? Pity they are not here.
Mr. Jackson also mentions a few of the American cars that outperform their Japanese counterparts and he decries the perception held by the American public that being that the Big Three build inferior cars. Maybe so but two or three cars outpacing the Honda and the Camry does not an industry make.
I remember a time when Japanese cars were scorned for their poor quality, their inferior styling, but the “rust buckets” were cheap and good for a second set of wheels for the family, for mom to run the kids around when needed and to pack home the groceries. For serious driving however, such as the commute to work or the family vacation, it was the American car that held pride of place. And then a funny thing began to happen – the rust buckets began to outlast the favorite model.
It did not happen overnight. What the Japanese did well was to try and improve the quality of their car with each and every new model, in small increments. They could not go up against the “Big Three” from the get go, but by one small improvement at a time, they became a dominant player in the quality automobile market.
With the exception of the Corvette, if GM and Chrysler make quality cars then we certainly don’t know about it. Even the Cadillac has been struggling and the Lincoln, good as it might be, fades in an out of the stream of consciousness. Some of that might just be perception and you know that saying about perception being reality. But I think the truth is that in the low to mid price range of the GM and Chrysler cars, the parts used are inferior, the headlights burn out more often, the standard tires wear out quicker, the breaks need to be replaced sooner and the accessories just look plain cheap. They don’t age well and they don't hold their value well either.
Oh, why did I not get the Thunderbird? It just did not drive well. it rattled, cornered poorly, and if there was a power house of horses underneath that hood, compared to my then lowly Prelude, they seemed slow to respond. What is more telling is that I remember the salesman asking which cars I was test driving --- when I told him (they were all foreign models except for the Thunderbird), his response was simple, he said that the “bird drives differently.” I did not know what he meant exactly but could not help sensing a reluctance of sort on his part as I turned the keys in the ignition and took the babe for a drive. Yup! She shore drove differently!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Harper Rolls Out the Welcome Mat to Obama
I don’t know whether I am sad or just plain miffed. No. I am not angry.
Let’s start with miffed … yes, you could say I am. President Obama and his entourage flew into my nation’s capital to meet with our Prime Minister, Steven Harper. This was Obama’s first trip outside the United States and I hope that our hospitality was worthy of our esteemed guest. It was a quick visit as visits go, a scant six hours, but that’s enough time for a sit down, perhaps a bite or two, a bon mot here and there, and some serious stuff to put on the table. Our media was all over the event … air waves crackling across the country reporting on this visit. Soooo…. I checked, what was the coverage like in the President’s home country? Hmmmm… I wonder, do the Americans even know that their President is out of the country? Does anyone care?
Here are some items that were considered to be more newsworthy by the media in the United States:
- Tiger Woods is going to play again … well of course that will make a difference to the state of affairs in the US
- George Clooney had something to say on Darfur … who better to quote on a poignant political issue than a movie star?
- Mortgage plan won’t help all … lets all get on the pity train for the victims of this economic fallout
- Pill could help you forget bad memories …. Whaaaaaa???? Oh yes, there was a book or something written about this being A Prozac Nation.
MSNBC made mention of “Obama, Harper Talk Economy”.
Canada is the United States’ largest trade partner. We are the next door neighbor. We share the world’s longest border. But a visit by the US President is not worth more than a cursory nod by their media.
And that makes me sad, not for Canada but for the US. How can a country so big and so powerful be so insular. I love Americans and often feel like a lone voice crying out in the wilderness defending them. I think that the US gets a bums rap. But you know, I have to say, when I travel in the US I don’t see much coverage of things outside of the US. Yes, there is CNN but its always the same old, same old. Unless the United States is somehow involved in something, rarely is there any coverage of matters of importance happening in other parts of the world.
I remember being in the US during one of the summer Olympics. Even though this was a holiday we took time to watch the events on TV. It soon became clear that the only events that were being covered were those in which the American athletes had a better than middling chance of standing on the podium. There was no mention of how other countries were doing --- and I don’t mean the small countries which may have copped only a medal or two, although that would have been a good thing to cover in the spirit of the games --- I mean the bigger ones that took home enough hardware to sink a yacht or two.
I think the American public deserves better. I think that their media should show a bit more of the world to their people … I mean I do love their national pride, but I think there would be innumerable good done if their interest of the world spilled over to other borders, and, oh hey! I think George Clooney is a hunk but he ain’t no Prime Minister and he ain’t no President and he does not represent his country in any official capacity.
Hmmm….maybe there might be some coverage on the evening news? Da ya think? Maybe?
8.58 PM... Postscript ... Finally!!!! Cooper Anderson on 360. YES!
Harper, Obama video
Let’s start with miffed … yes, you could say I am. President Obama and his entourage flew into my nation’s capital to meet with our Prime Minister, Steven Harper. This was Obama’s first trip outside the United States and I hope that our hospitality was worthy of our esteemed guest. It was a quick visit as visits go, a scant six hours, but that’s enough time for a sit down, perhaps a bite or two, a bon mot here and there, and some serious stuff to put on the table. Our media was all over the event … air waves crackling across the country reporting on this visit. Soooo…. I checked, what was the coverage like in the President’s home country? Hmmmm… I wonder, do the Americans even know that their President is out of the country? Does anyone care?
Here are some items that were considered to be more newsworthy by the media in the United States:
- Tiger Woods is going to play again … well of course that will make a difference to the state of affairs in the US
- George Clooney had something to say on Darfur … who better to quote on a poignant political issue than a movie star?
- Mortgage plan won’t help all … lets all get on the pity train for the victims of this economic fallout
- Pill could help you forget bad memories …. Whaaaaaa???? Oh yes, there was a book or something written about this being A Prozac Nation.
MSNBC made mention of “Obama, Harper Talk Economy”.
Canada is the United States’ largest trade partner. We are the next door neighbor. We share the world’s longest border. But a visit by the US President is not worth more than a cursory nod by their media.
And that makes me sad, not for Canada but for the US. How can a country so big and so powerful be so insular. I love Americans and often feel like a lone voice crying out in the wilderness defending them. I think that the US gets a bums rap. But you know, I have to say, when I travel in the US I don’t see much coverage of things outside of the US. Yes, there is CNN but its always the same old, same old. Unless the United States is somehow involved in something, rarely is there any coverage of matters of importance happening in other parts of the world.
I remember being in the US during one of the summer Olympics. Even though this was a holiday we took time to watch the events on TV. It soon became clear that the only events that were being covered were those in which the American athletes had a better than middling chance of standing on the podium. There was no mention of how other countries were doing --- and I don’t mean the small countries which may have copped only a medal or two, although that would have been a good thing to cover in the spirit of the games --- I mean the bigger ones that took home enough hardware to sink a yacht or two.
I think the American public deserves better. I think that their media should show a bit more of the world to their people … I mean I do love their national pride, but I think there would be innumerable good done if their interest of the world spilled over to other borders, and, oh hey! I think George Clooney is a hunk but he ain’t no Prime Minister and he ain’t no President and he does not represent his country in any official capacity.
Hmmm….maybe there might be some coverage on the evening news? Da ya think? Maybe?
8.58 PM... Postscript ... Finally!!!! Cooper Anderson on 360. YES!
Harper, Obama video
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Screw It, Let's Do It
I am a toastmaster. Recently I gave a speech and the opening line was “Screw It, Let’s Do It”. If you know anything about Toastmasters this would ordinarily be one of those out of bounds moments and I would have been cited for this sort of unacceptable language. But the club I belong to is not your ordinary run of the mill club, noooooo… we are an irreverent bunch, we call our club Politically Speaking and pride ourselves on banishing political correctness into the doldrums where it belongs – well you get the idea, so they merely thought I was swearing!
Actually “Screw It, Let’s Do It” is a book. The author is Richard Branson my favorite billionaire. Sir Richard lives life writ large and in this autobiographical book he does not disappoint as he treats us to an insider’s view to his many obstacles, his adventures, and to his ultimate success. His life is a magic brew worthy of Harry Potter and his cohorts. What keeps this brew from turning rancid is Branson's innate desire to make something worthwhile happen, that is to look for a way to make the seemingly impossible, possible.
Fourteen chapters in all. Each chapter a life lesson. I loved each one but if I had to pick a favorite then it would be the one to be chapter 2: Have Fun for Life is too short to be unhappy. That got me thinking. How is it or why is it that so many are content to live a life below the greatness of this gift that we were given? People complain. They complain about the lousy job they have, the rotten boss they work for, the crooked politicians they never vote for; the weather is too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet. They had an unhappy childhood and their adult life isn’t any better, wouldn’t you know it but then what else can one expect when the universe conspires against everything they do!
STOP IT! Life is too short and no one said it was going to befair.
No matter what your disposition is make a point of having some fun – every day, little bits of fun type of fun. Indulge in a little bit of decadence. Go have an ice cream cone, double scoop it – oh hey! make that a triple scoop and in a waffle cone, please. Visit your city. Huh! Yes. Play tourist, I mean really play tourist. Go to all the tourist attractions and find out what it is about them that makes them an attraction – why is the park famous, why was that statue erected, watch the martial arts students practice on the green and if there is a horse drawn carriage where you live, take a spin around the block or two and tip the horse driver handsomely. You’ll feel good.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do and just never got off your keester? Fencing? Rowing? Dancing? Get a bunch of your friends together … not the moaners and groaners, but the ones who always seem to have a smile on their face, speak with energy in their voice, have a sense of curiosity, yeah, get together with them and go do something that will make you laugh, something silly. Isn’t that what you did when you were kids? And if you don’t have these types of friends go out and make some.
Sure the problems will still be there, maybe even some new ones, its life get over it. But having fun lifts your spirits and builds your inner strength muscles and soon – and this is a guarantee – soon you’ll be able to meet those problems head on, you’ll find a way to tackle them, you’ll go through them, around them or over them. This you will do for sure – you will live through it, come out stronger, and the world will look like a much better place than you thought it was. When you were born you were given the greatest gift of all - LIFE. Live it, love it - screw it, just do it!
Quick Links
Politically Speaking Toastmasters
Toastmasters International
Actually “Screw It, Let’s Do It” is a book. The author is Richard Branson my favorite billionaire. Sir Richard lives life writ large and in this autobiographical book he does not disappoint as he treats us to an insider’s view to his many obstacles, his adventures, and to his ultimate success. His life is a magic brew worthy of Harry Potter and his cohorts. What keeps this brew from turning rancid is Branson's innate desire to make something worthwhile happen, that is to look for a way to make the seemingly impossible, possible.
Fourteen chapters in all. Each chapter a life lesson. I loved each one but if I had to pick a favorite then it would be the one to be chapter 2: Have Fun for Life is too short to be unhappy. That got me thinking. How is it or why is it that so many are content to live a life below the greatness of this gift that we were given? People complain. They complain about the lousy job they have, the rotten boss they work for, the crooked politicians they never vote for; the weather is too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet. They had an unhappy childhood and their adult life isn’t any better, wouldn’t you know it but then what else can one expect when the universe conspires against everything they do!
STOP IT! Life is too short and no one said it was going to befair.
No matter what your disposition is make a point of having some fun – every day, little bits of fun type of fun. Indulge in a little bit of decadence. Go have an ice cream cone, double scoop it – oh hey! make that a triple scoop and in a waffle cone, please. Visit your city. Huh! Yes. Play tourist, I mean really play tourist. Go to all the tourist attractions and find out what it is about them that makes them an attraction – why is the park famous, why was that statue erected, watch the martial arts students practice on the green and if there is a horse drawn carriage where you live, take a spin around the block or two and tip the horse driver handsomely. You’ll feel good.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do and just never got off your keester? Fencing? Rowing? Dancing? Get a bunch of your friends together … not the moaners and groaners, but the ones who always seem to have a smile on their face, speak with energy in their voice, have a sense of curiosity, yeah, get together with them and go do something that will make you laugh, something silly. Isn’t that what you did when you were kids? And if you don’t have these types of friends go out and make some.
Sure the problems will still be there, maybe even some new ones, its life get over it. But having fun lifts your spirits and builds your inner strength muscles and soon – and this is a guarantee – soon you’ll be able to meet those problems head on, you’ll find a way to tackle them, you’ll go through them, around them or over them. This you will do for sure – you will live through it, come out stronger, and the world will look like a much better place than you thought it was. When you were born you were given the greatest gift of all - LIFE. Live it, love it - screw it, just do it!
Quick Links
Politically Speaking Toastmasters
Toastmasters International
Friday, February 6, 2009
Road Warriors
Earlier this week I was driving down one of the many country roads in the area that I live. I smiled. Ahead of me was a runner. Now this is not an ordinary runner. I have driven down this road many, many times over the years and the first time I noticed this man running on the road was perhaps five, maybe six years ago. He has become a fixture on the road. I see him often.
The man is young, but his gait and something about him makes me think that he had a date with fate and the run was a mere therapeutic exercise. What is strange, to me at least, is that he still runs at the same pace, with the same small mincing type of steps, as he did when I first saw him all those years ago. His lean and muscular legs could surely cover more ground with each step, I am certain that he could even pick up the pace. In my mind’s eye view I see him running a marathon - he's a road warrior, after all! Seeing him this week got me wondering, is it his mind that has him trapped on this familiar treadmill or is it my mind that is trapped into thinking that he can do better?
Today at four o’clock I thought about this man, a road warrior of sorts - funny, I’ve never given him a name - and other images of road warriors I’ve come across flooded my mind. One of the most notable ones goes back to when I was still commuting to a day job. I would drive in on the freeway and enter the city over the Oak Street Bridge.
Typically it would be about 8.00 a.m. Every day without fail, was this young man, suited for work, earplugs in his ears attached to I gather a Walkman (in those days the ipod was a mere twinkle in Job’s eye, if that). He was Asian and, I surmised, on his way to work. I imagined that he worked for one of the hotels that were clustered on either side of the freeway just as the bridge ended – certainly there were no other types of businesses that would require one to dress in a suit.
He was a joy to watch. Listening to the music from his Walkman, he would be singing along with whatever it was that was playing, but he did more, his walk was more like a dance of a sort. His arms flailed and he punched into the air. Everyone driving gawked at him, but he didn’t care, and soon no one else did either, they just smiled. He became a fixture and I looked forward to seeing him. Somehow the sight of someone so energized gave me a lift and I too looked forward to the day. I wonder where this road warrior is these days. Perhaps managing a 5 star hotel or speaking in front of thousands as a motivational speaker?
Then there is the iconic image of a young man, hopping along on one good leg and on one that is a prosthesis. The ultimate road warrior. I speak of course of young Terry Fox who embarked on a cross Canada run to raise awareness of cancer. He never made it. The disease he was fighting took him before he could complete the run. Today there are Terry Fox Runs for Cancer all over Canada and each year millions of dollars are raised for cancer research. Ironically, with the advancements that medical scientists have made in this disease, had Terry lived today, he would have completed that run.
I wonder how many other road warriors there are out there? Is there someone you see on the road? Often? Is there something that sets them apart from others on the road? Have you wondered what they might be running for? Is that road warrior you?
quick links
Terry Fox - Marathon of Hope
The man is young, but his gait and something about him makes me think that he had a date with fate and the run was a mere therapeutic exercise. What is strange, to me at least, is that he still runs at the same pace, with the same small mincing type of steps, as he did when I first saw him all those years ago. His lean and muscular legs could surely cover more ground with each step, I am certain that he could even pick up the pace. In my mind’s eye view I see him running a marathon - he's a road warrior, after all! Seeing him this week got me wondering, is it his mind that has him trapped on this familiar treadmill or is it my mind that is trapped into thinking that he can do better?
Today at four o’clock I thought about this man, a road warrior of sorts - funny, I’ve never given him a name - and other images of road warriors I’ve come across flooded my mind. One of the most notable ones goes back to when I was still commuting to a day job. I would drive in on the freeway and enter the city over the Oak Street Bridge.
Typically it would be about 8.00 a.m. Every day without fail, was this young man, suited for work, earplugs in his ears attached to I gather a Walkman (in those days the ipod was a mere twinkle in Job’s eye, if that). He was Asian and, I surmised, on his way to work. I imagined that he worked for one of the hotels that were clustered on either side of the freeway just as the bridge ended – certainly there were no other types of businesses that would require one to dress in a suit.
He was a joy to watch. Listening to the music from his Walkman, he would be singing along with whatever it was that was playing, but he did more, his walk was more like a dance of a sort. His arms flailed and he punched into the air. Everyone driving gawked at him, but he didn’t care, and soon no one else did either, they just smiled. He became a fixture and I looked forward to seeing him. Somehow the sight of someone so energized gave me a lift and I too looked forward to the day. I wonder where this road warrior is these days. Perhaps managing a 5 star hotel or speaking in front of thousands as a motivational speaker?
Then there is the iconic image of a young man, hopping along on one good leg and on one that is a prosthesis. The ultimate road warrior. I speak of course of young Terry Fox who embarked on a cross Canada run to raise awareness of cancer. He never made it. The disease he was fighting took him before he could complete the run. Today there are Terry Fox Runs for Cancer all over Canada and each year millions of dollars are raised for cancer research. Ironically, with the advancements that medical scientists have made in this disease, had Terry lived today, he would have completed that run.
I wonder how many other road warriors there are out there? Is there someone you see on the road? Often? Is there something that sets them apart from others on the road? Have you wondered what they might be running for? Is that road warrior you?
quick links
Terry Fox - Marathon of Hope
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