Here in New England, autumn holds a special place in our hearts. Be it the changing leaves and cooler temperatures, the knowledge that bitter cold and long nights are just around the corner, or the New England Patriots’ triumphant march toward the playoffs, the fall season brings with it a sense of comfort. Timed perfectly with the season’s capstone in America’s northeast corner, Thanksgiving manages to wrap up this autumnal attitude and outlook, bringing together families for a yearly reflection (and plenty of slumber-inducing turkey).
New Cars
Defining the Driver’s Car: Our Experience at IMPA’s Test Days
While many auto journalists will tell you they’re just trying to scratch a living out of whatever they can, it’s an undisputed fact that the job has some definite perks. Although we can’t live the life of the rich and famous every day, we do occasionally get invited to drive the cars we cover. For a couple of beautiful days in October, Monticello Motor Club—one of the most exclusive and impressive automotive country clubs in America—opens its doors for the International Motor Press Association‘s (IMPA) Test Days, where schlubs like us get asked to drive some of the best new cars in the world on both a technical race track and the back roads of the Catskill Mountains.
Who Will Drive the Alfa Romeo 4C?
All I wanted to do was take my family out to dinner and dance lessons.
Last night, though, the universe tried to tempt me with other plans. Every Tuesday night, my wife and two of my daughters head downtown for salsa lessons. We thought we’d make last night special and go to dinner first. It just so happens that the restaurant we chose is next door to a FIAT dealership.
I had no problem walking by the rows of 500s in all their different forms, but then something new caught my eye. Through the dealer’s window I saw my first-ever in-person Alfa Romeo 4C.
First impression? Take my money.
Second impression? Not so much.
Leather Seats: The Beginning of the End?
I don’t eat animals, but I’ll sit on them.
I’m a vegetarian, because I happen to believe that a life shouldn’t be taken so that I can eat. This isn’t nearly as controversial today as it’s been in years past, and it’s far easier now to go meat-free than ever.
This comes up in conversation quite often, and I have a canned response to inquiries regarding my beliefs. There’s one recent question, though, that tripped me up.
“Don’t you have leather seats in your Audi?”
Well… *pause* Yes. Yes, I do.
And in my Subaru.
Apparently I won’t eat animals, but I’ll gladly sit on their flesh.