Yet another new model? Are there not enough already? Hasn’t every possible market segment been covered? And what distinguishes this one from the others, aside from the number? So went my initial thoughts.
Upon further investigation I quickly learned it’s a replacement, which seems to make more sense. Three now becomes four, as BMW’s incoming 4 Series takes the place of the outgoing 3 Series Coupe. “Attractive though not unusual” is my take on this newest Bavarian, and as for the answer to my last question above:
“Park a 2014 4 Series next to a 2013 3 Series two-door and you’ll probably notice how much wider it appears. The 4 Series is 1.7 inches wider, with the rear track stretched 3.1 inches. The car’s wheelbase is two inches longer than before, but its height is 0.6 inches lower.”
So it is, from 3 to 4. We’ll just have to wait and see how quickly our heads turn out on the road!
The fashionably fabulous reigning queen of one-liners turns 80 years old today, propelled no doubt by the effective combination of her razor-sharp tongue and the proven talents of her cosmetic surgeon(s). The wonderfully one-and-only Joan Rivers hereby joins the octogenarian club, armed with her successfully manufactured appearance and a never-failing mouth that should carry her to at least 100. She sees this day in equally (if not more, dare I say) attractive company, as another famous and relatively flawless Joan marked the same milestone only 16 days ago! Apparently there’s plenty of 80-year-old glamour to go around, and naturally this Joan will have much to say about it for months to come! Next up: Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Actress Jean Stapleton reached her 90th birthday this past January, a fact of which I was aware well before her death last Friday. Check out this helpful source to see if any of your classic favorites are still with us!
A good 99 out of 100 television ads pass me by unnoticed, at least on any day without a Super Bowl. From time to time however comes one that bucks the trend. In this case a head-turning new car model teams up with a tuxedo-clad gentleman and one of my favorite singing voices of all time, altogether grabbing my attention just as intended. After all, anything “classic” wins with me– the nostalgist at heart– even as I remain unlikely to purchase the product at hand. Bottom line: I’m sold– but not– while delighted that the classic is back.
Congratulations to my personal favorite Peter Sagan on a fantastic final stage win, alongside of course American Tejay van Garderen on his overall victory. With this the 2013 Amgen Tour of California rides into cycling history. Meanwhile, in Italy…
While more than two hundred make their way through Italy, a smaller number of the big boys are back in the Golden State for our own annual week of pro cycling competition– of course the Amgen Tour of California. From Santa Clarita through Ojai into Santa Barbara yesterday, it’s onward north today in this year’s first-time reverse of course direction. For as much as I love watching these guys hammer through Europe, it’s all the more exciting to see them in my own backyard, on the very roads my own bike knows all too well!
Through his humble and straightforward narrative style, I can hear her breathy voice calling his name, be it in amusement, annoyance, or a unique combination of the two. The deeply personal recounting of so many private yet fascinating moments yields a refreshing portrait of a woman subjected to so many portraits– in this case one without drama, sensation or agenda. Clint Hill takes us, his readers, on a one-on-one historical journey that only he can tell. And though “that day” came more than a decade before my birth, his frank and detailed words drew me in close enough to feel as if I were right there alongside him on November 22, 1963.
For all that’s been written about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy over the past half century, only the U.S. Secret Service Agent assigned to her detail holds the otherwise unrecorded memories to write as he does. And Mr. Hill writes well in “Mrs. Kennedy and Me,” despite a few cases of grammatical usage that his proofreader apparently missed. She returns to life throughout these pages as calculating yet reasonable, demanding yet understanding, mischievous yet respectful– and the descriptors can easily go on. As her voice speaks through the pages, above all else I imagine her picking up a copy from beyond, glancing at it with a stunned yet captivated expression, and in disbelief that yet another entire book has been written about her, immediately calling out, “Oh, Mr. Hill…”
On the same day as the Kentucky Derby triggers the finest in large and colorful headwear while filling drinking establishments throughout the country, a second race in another country gets out the gate– one that lasts a little longer than two minutes. It’s May once again, meaning the Giro d’Italia is off and running! And with a Cavendish win to kick off stage one, it looks like the gears are well in place for a good show over the next three weeks. So begins the latest round of exciting competition in professional cycling!
“Just as the public tends to view presidents more kindly once they’ve left office, ex-presidents, too, tend to soften their judgments – or at least their public comments – with time.” (Huffington Post, 25 April 2013)
Softened or not, I always appreciate the rare occasion on which to view all living former U.S. presidents, among the current, in the same eyeshot. Today’s gathering reminds me of another classic below from 1994, except in the present case no death was involved. Naturally, some change with time more than others.
When one of these stunning-yet-sadly forgotten machines crosses the path of any classic car aficionado– seldom as it will be– heads will turn. So indeed turned my head upon my own rare sighting of one underrated masterpiece that deserved such a longer life. At least one left-hand-drive Jaguar XJ6C still lives!
“Really? So THAT’S how it happened?! What a letdown.” At least this was my first line of thought. Moments later my second mental train departed, leaving me reassuring myself: “Oh, ok. Maybe this really was the right way to do it after all. I suppose this season finale does make sense when you think about it.”
And now– dare I say– it makes even more sense to call it quits. While certainly the last person to want to say this, I must be realistic, as too should any true series follower. Larry Hagman is dead, and so now is J.R. Ewing. The villains have been rounded up if not eliminated. Points of peace have been reached, at least among the principal players. And speaking of Principal, Victoria will not be stopping by. J.R. executed his masterpiece while voluntarily extinguishing himself. Ultimately slipping past any killer’s hands, he dictated the manner of his death– and with justifiable reason. While a disappointment this long-in-coming revelation initially seemed, the most fitting sendoff it settled in to be.
After 35 years, it’s time now for “Dallas” to be done, for good. J.R. and all that comes with him have been laid to rest, so it seems. How could it– and why should it– go on? There’s only so much nostalgia to be milked, which could soon wear painfully thin. Unfortunate as it is to have to say, I believe we best lay all the Ewings to rest on this momentary high note.
“The death on Monday of an attractive, memorable woman with a beaming smile was particularly stirring and evocative, particularly for males of a certain age. She seemed to embody the era and excite our emotions. I am not referring to Margaret Thatcher, of course. I mean Annette Funicello, the most famous of Walt Disney’s original Mouseketeers of the “Mickey Mouse Club,” whose death in California at the age of 70 was announced a few hours after Thatcher’s.” (Burman, Toronto Star, 4/13/13)
Controversial in life yet honored in death, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher posthumously stirs varied memories while reigniting a healthy range of social debate. But then, is this not typically the case upon the passing of a popular yet polarizing political figure?
She was hated– detrimentally so it appears– yet in opposing circles she is mourned, difficult as this might seem to those who will do anything but. Again, typical is this not?
“In the days leading up to Thatcher’s funeral, there will be considerable contortions on the part of commentators to be reverent and polite when speaking of the dead,” Mr. Burman explains. Reverence and politeness notwithstanding, while popular among many as she will forever stand in history, others might rather think first of Annette. Once more, that T word pops up.
What a telling difference the past two decades– rapid in hindsight as they seem– have made on the fundamental social landscape of New York City. While distinctly recalling my stroll around Midtown Manhattan on the day of President Clinton’s first inauguration, I must now remind myself that 20 years have since passed. Really, 20? There was not a Starbucks to be found, yet somehow we survived. Has the year 1993 really become synonymous with a bygone era, when we stopped to use a pay phone? I’ve often pointed out that those born in 1974 are about the last to have entered adulthood without today’s taken-for-granted “conveniences.” From 1993 onward the changes quickly yet somehow seamlessly rerouted our lives, which the current exhibition aptly illustrates. Said for ages I say once more: It seems like only yesterday.
A unique, unexpected and tasty surprise it is. Quietly tucked away along Marin County’s Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, just a few miles northwest of Point Reyes in the little town of Inverness, lies a family-run dining establishment that’s been around for quite some time. Suffice to say, it immediately called to me. Once the menu was before my eyes on the front door, I knew this would be the site of my evening’s meal. In the end, disappointment was nowhere to be found. The garlic rabbit proved as delicious as it sounded. As such, I highly recommend the Vladimir’s experience, whenever you might wander into the area. Just be sure you have cash or a checkbook, as credit cards are an unknown concept. Fortunately, friendly service is not!
Along the many paths between San Francisco and Los Angeles come stops, the best of which involve food of course. From the signature calf’s liver at Westlake’s Grill on the Alley, to Monterey’s fine presentation of jumbo sea scallops at Passionfish, let’s just say the routes are deliciously covered. Luckily for my waistline, my birthday week comes but once a year. Where– and what– will you be eating during yours?
The much-anticipated cameos came, and respects were properly paid. The scheduled demise of the character appropriately trailed the unscheduled death of the actor. Now comes yet another new chapter of the saga, as the plot of present-day “Dallas” charges full speed ahead in his memory. J.R. Ewing may be as dead and gone as Larry Hagman in body, but even from beyond it appears he’s steering the course for his family. Thankfully his “work” is living on, at least through the remainder of season two! I for one am looking forward to the grand revelation of J.R.’s so-called “masterpiece,” pieces of which any “Dallas” nostalgist might be able to predict.
Intrigued? Yes. Sold? Not quite yet. I’ll need to see more– much more– of this newest member of the family before knowing what I really think. While her lines are attractive no doubt, I fear ultimate disappointment for– among a number of possible reasons– just being too small for any human being six feet and above. Then, starting at the entry-level price point, are we not already wondering how many expected amenities are in place– or not– at the outset? In any event, my attention is present– along with my questions. Much more remains to be revealed at this point, and for better or worse I’m looking forward to getting better acquainted with the all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA. In the meantime, you might enjoy this photo gallery as much as I do!
The portions are large and the temperature hot! While unfortunately this cannot always be said for many popular dining establishments, thankfully one of my San Francisco favorites knows what’s important. My previous glowing review stands, even if liver is no longer a daily option. From the rich and hearty beef bourguignonne to one sizable and flavorful marsala pork chop, my menu exploration will most certainly continue. I highly recommend your own visit the next time you find yourself on the Marina-Presidio border. It’s refreshingly clear that now after 40 years of practice, Liverpool Lil’s leads the way in doing it right.
It’s all in the name, and I’m counting on this allegedly longer-lasting make. Let’s just say that in 600 miles of cycling so far in 2013, this has not been my year.
First came a broken shifter cable, annoying yet simple and inexpensive enough to fix. Then a week later came not one– but two!– sidewall punctures on a brand-new set of tires, from which these aptly named replacements came about. Apparently two “occasions” were insufficient vexation for a one-month riding period, because this past week produced a slip and a recovery, ending in– crack! The result: A broken carbon seat post.
Now I’m back in the saddle once again. This series of rare setbacks to “endure” had me momentarily down, but certainly far from out. With 45 miles today, it appears I’m off to a solid restart. We’ll just have to wait and see if these tires keep pace with my psyche. After all, in both name and practice, it’s about: Endurance.
At least now I know a new member of the family is on the way. Naturally the spot for the 2014 CLA grabbed and held my attention. Otherwise, with nods to a band of mischievous senior citizens, a supremely confident young Audi driver, and the indelible words of the late great Paul Harvey, the entire lot this year struck me as rather lackluster. While Tide did amusingly remind us that “no stain is sacred,” my overall impression remains.
So comes and goes another colorful installment of Super Bowl commercials. I’m left with just about as little to say as last year, with nowhere near as much to applaud as two years ago. This time around the game itself proved the more interesting show, close but not close enough as it turned out for San Francisco!
Who’d have thought two or three decades ago that we’d be watching a brand new episode in January 2013? Then, who’d have thought such an event would be happening after the death of the show’s iconic star and irreplaceable centerpiece?
Season two of “Dallas” is off and running. Of course Larry Hagman passed away last November, midway through production of this second round of new episodes. As such tonight’s premiere is bittersweet. We get to see a severely aging J.R. a few more final times, knowing there’s no negotiation on his departure.
As the latest storylines rapidly spin beyond the point of even remote belief, and as we dare not blink in keeping up with exactly who’s one-upping who among the entire corrupt lot, the biggest question will certainly keep all true “Dallas” fans tuned in over the course of the next few weeks: Just how exactly will J.R. exit?
Blink I did not, as in paying close attention to the series of quick frames during the closing credits, my eye caught precisely what was placed there to be found. Apparently we’ll be seeing some more “old” faces this season. J.R.’s swan song, which began tonight, looks like it will grow into a well-attended event. While I could have waited, now under the circumstsances I can’t wait.
Burning nearly a thousand calories before 8am is certainly a fine way to start the day. It’s even finer when pedaling across the Golden Gate and up Hawk Hill to the top of the Marin Headlands, all before sunrise.
The 49ers are heading to the Super Bowl, three months of course after the Giants took the World Series. This could be one big winning sports year yet for San Francisco. One more to go guys!
Ryan R. Sanderson 