Thinking by Peter Davidson:

Let's talk cars. There are so many cars at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show that I cannot possibly touch on them all. There are some big trends, a constant march of refinement and a lot of minutiae. I am just going to touch on some favorites. First up: Super Luxury Cars.

The Cadillac 16 Wow, this thing is huge and in a word Glamorous. This in my opinion is a 21st Century classic car. Hints of the past with a definite flavor of the future. A long sleek hood reminiscent of the cars of the thirties. A slick study in modern aerodynamics. A gull-wing hood a practical memory of long powerful hoods of days gone by. Ultra luxurious passenger compartment worthy of the title "cabin." A 1000hp engine!

While this isn't yet a production vehicle I think that the design conscious celebrity super rich would prefer this car over the much-hyped Maybach and certainly over the new tank like Rolls Royce. This is the car to be seen in arriving to the Oscars. This is the movie star car. While they did incorporate designer crystal, I am surprised that Cadillac didn't hire a fashion designer to brand the silk carpeted interior. Perhaps they will in the production model. If I was Cadillac I would get this car seen on the Oscar pre-show and then in the movies. The car would be the talk of the country just like the fashions of the stars.

The Maybach for all it's luxury features (which are cool) is low key in appearance. Easily mistaken for a Mercedes or an Infiniti the car is one for the invisible rich. Appealing more to the bussiness set rather than celebrities. The amazing irony is that in the media attention that the Maybach is receiving the reports never fail to focus on of all things the cup holders! Granted they are champagne flute holders, but they are basically cup holders. What happens if you aren't drinking champagne? Even the super rich drink the occasional latte.

Next up, something a little more realistic - Crossover Vehicles: What Boomers will be Driving?

Ouick Category

Stuff Your Hands Will Love

Bogen - 4 Section Light-Weight Monopod
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Poop-Freeze Aerosol Freeze Spray (10oz)
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OXO Good Grips 21181 Jar Opener
Ladies, you may want one of these handy around the makeup mirror for help opening those jars and bottles of cosmetics.
Gardena 36004-12 Quick Connect Starter Set
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Grip II StandUP Full-Strip Stapler, Black
A stand up easy grip stapler is a must for Disabled Hands office. Much easier to use then traditional desktop models.
Huggies Baby-Shaped Diapers with Gigglastic Waistband, Size 4 (22-37 Lbs), Disney, Pack of 126 Diapers
Hands tired of lugging those 10lb+ packs of diapers home from the store? Try ordering them from Amazon and have them delivered right to the house.
OXO Good Grips 28481 9-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs
If fine motor skills are a problem consider some handy tongs around the kitchen for handleing food items.
Westinghouse SweepEZE Vacuuming System - WST1810
Leave the bending and dust pan rattleing to the past. This automatic vacuuming dust pan automatically sucks up debris swept under it's front edge sensor.
Black & Decker SZ360T 3.6V Cordless Power Scissors
Trouble using scissors? This highly rated B&D product is great for fabric, craft projects and wrapping paper. Even has a table mount for hands free use. Nice.
BICXXLMP11BK XXL Professional Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point, Black Ink
My new favorite pen. Large barrel with foam padding. Easy to hold easy to write with.
CST/Stanley 77-910 TLM100 FatMax Tru-Laser Measurer
Forget those bulky tape measures. Here's a laser measuring tool that really uses a laser to take measurements not just to aim a sonic measuring pulse. Accurate and easier to handle than traditional tape measures.
Olympus VN-960PC 128 MB Digital Voice Recorder with PC Link
Having trouble writing down telephone messages or telephone numbers? Forget writing. Use a digital voice recorder with a PC link to capture those important thoughts and email voice messages.
The Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower w/ 4 34oz Bottles Included
Strongly recommended in conjunction with a tower fan to reduce the need to manually clean your tub and shower. No need to scrub til it hurts.
Holmes HT40RCL-U Tower Fan with Remote Control
I recommend a tower fan for use in your bathroom to keep your tub and shower dry and therefore clean. Reduce moisture=Reduce mildew=less cleaning=happier hands.
Dispenser IV by Better Living
Install one of these in your shower and never drop a shampoo bottle or a bar of soap on your foot ever again.
Sharper Image Soap Genie Automatic Soap & Lotion Dispenser - Black (SI335)
Rubbermaid Tough Tools 70316 6" Long Nose Pliers
I recommend pliers for every room in the house especially the kitchen. Great for opening food packages