Mike Lee.org - Weekly Random Rambles, Musings & Writings of Mike Lee

Car & Driving


The Caste of Your Car

March 29th, 2009
By Mike Lee

Did you know there's a caste system with cars? You've probably seen it before on the highway. Chances are, you've probably unconsciously supported it too. Yea, YOU, you car bigot.

The Car Caste System is fixed and based on the prestige of your car, as indicated by its cost, age, size, and speed. You yourself can move up and down the caste with each car you own. But your car remains in a fixed position in the Car Caste System, no matter your actual social standing. This is why people buy expensive cars — for the perceived social mobility afforded by the automobile.

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The Nighttime Phone Call

February 1st, 2009
By Mike Lee

Ever get a phone call from a ghost?

A friend of a friend did. True story. Here's what happened.

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The Pick-Up at the Drive-Thru

January 18th, 2009
By Mike Lee
Setting:
I'm on the phone with my girlfriend. She is in her car at a fast food drive-thru. There is a car ahead of her in the line.
Girlfriend:
…and then I have to complete ten more reports before getting into work tomorrow and… um… hmm, that was weird. The person in front of me is waving at me. I wonder if I know that guy.

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A Rapidly Depreciating Capital Asset

December 7th, 2008
By Mike Lee

You know what is a rapidly depreciating capital asset? A new car. You're not thinking of buying one, are you? Are you??

Good, I didn't think so. Especially not in this economy.
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The First Phone Call from Yahoo!

July 13th, 2008
By Mike Lee

I was moving down to Los Angeles when I got Ray's call. "Hey Mike, want to work for Yahoo?"

I rolled up my window. "What? Did you say Yahoo?" The flat plains of Central California blurred past me as I sped down the I-5.

"Yea. We're looking to hire some developers. Can you come in for an interview?"

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What a Car Says About a Woman

May 11th, 2008
By Mike Lee

A woman that drives a Mustang convertible is very different from a woman that drives a Civic hybrid. You know it's true. You've no doubt met both kinds of women before. And I'm sure you'll agree: there's a world of difference.

So what does a car say about a woman? How are they different? Let's find out.

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What a Car Says About a Man

April 20th, 2008
By Mike Lee

She was stubborn and slow, but reliable like a workhorse. Not too pretty, but nice and faithful. My old 1991 Honda Accord, I mean.

A boxy four-door with automatic seat belts and chipped paint, she was as fast as a tortoise. Except she wasn't about to win any races. She was so slow that if I didn't put my foot all the way down on the gas pedal, I'd wind up back in 1881.

In other words, she wasn't that impressive. And the girls I dated while I had her weren't impressed either.

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Buying a Convertible

December 9th, 2007
By Mike Lee

So you've decided you want a convertible. Good for you! It's the perfect car for bathing in the sun's warm vibrancy and rinsing with a cool, crisp draft. Each drive will leave you refreshed and reborn.

Owning a convertible automobile comes with a different set of responsibilities, concerns, and features though. For the uninitiated, it's not like a traditional car. To help with your buying decision, here are some tips.

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Sold My Baby

June 24th, 2007
By Mike Lee

I did it; I sold my baby. She's gone now, gone forever. Sniff.

It's a very emotional decision, you know, to sell one's baby. There are attachment issues, breaking that bond of love, saying goodbye. Not to mention accurate pricing and market demand.

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The Hong Kong Streets

May 13th, 2007
By Mike Lee

Every Hong Kong street has walking signals. Just like any big city. Unlike New York City though, the pedestrians wait until the signal is green to cross.

This I didn't expect. I thought Hong Kong would be more like New York City — and that pedestrians wouldn't wait for no stupid signal and just walk whenever they wanted to.

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