2 sides of a coin

Allow me to engage in some mindless trashy blogging. Some of the remarks below may shock you so if you wish to retain your impression of me (particularly for friends who have known me for so many years), please do not read further.

I am sure many of you have read about the deaths of a 33 year old married man and a 19 year old unmarried girl.

Have been reading bits and pieces of it in TNP. Yes, one of the perks of my job is we get trashy TNP in office.

In today's TNP, both families were, to call a spade a spade, slinging mud at each other. The male camp claimed that he was a family man, who would never cast a second look at girls even when its a boys night out. The female camp claimed that she was a lovely girl. Each camp insists or rather insinuated that this tragedy was the fault of the other.

The circumstances in which the bodies have been discovered will definitely lead to many office water cooler speculations that there was more to it than meets the eye. I am sure this has not escape the grieving family members. Hence it may explain why today they tried, perhaps in a desperate attempt, to preserve the image and character of their loved ones. Perhaps it may not have occurred to them that by doing so, they would cause the other victim to be seen in a negative light. And more importantly, cause readers to make judgements and take sides. This is to say, prior to any additional information, you would judge both to be either guilty or innocent. Now, you will judge ONE to be more guilty.

Presented with two sides of the story, who am I more likely to believe? My answer is the one put forward by the family and friends of Jerome Peck for the reasons listed below. This is my humble armchair superficial analysis, based on the articles in TNP, to give my brain some work to do. Allow me to state that it is not my intention to add to the grief of those related to Mr Peck and Ms Gian, nor to show any disrespect to the dead.

1. Contradictions

Between the 2, Mrs Peck maintained a more consistent story as compared to Linda's family. Linda had always been Jerome's friend. At the worst, she was someone who her late husband suspects to be having a crush on him. Her words were consistent with her actions - ie asking if the person murdered with her husband was the same Linda Gian.

Linda's family morphed Jerome from a casual office colleague whom they hardly saw or heard of from Linda to someone who was a 'love struck persistent suitor whom she had to turn down again and again'. Sister of Linda why then did you tell TNP the day before that your mother did not think the 2 were linked romantically only to have your mother say the very next day that she had 'expressed her concerns to the rest of the family'? Why then did you say that you were close to your sister and she only mentioned that he was a close colleague only to drastically change your story the next? Your sisters, father and yourself have also vehemently denied any suggestions that the two were linked only the day before! One day you claim that you had no idea who she was going to meet the night she died, only to suddenly remember it was Jerome Peck the next? I have heard of wonder cures for memory loss, but whichever pill your family takes is certainly worth every penny. If not, then either Linda or yourselves are accomplished liars, in which I would find it hard to believe your stories from henceforth.

2. Mother's reaction

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Monday's TNP distinctively gave the impression that the mother of the late Linda Gian had no idea that the late Jerome Peck was married until the day the wife came to id the body, contrary to what Mrs Gian claims. If not, will you wait till the wife walks past you to cry out 'He's married. He has a wife.'? Will these be the words and reaction of someone who knew that the man was a married man? I do not think so. Because that reaction was more spontaneous and immediate, I would think that is the one which is closer to the truth.

I find it strange that Mrs Gian, on one hand says that Linda has told her about the breakdown in Jerome Peck's marriage, yet on the other claims that Linda did not want to get involved in an office relationship as it would making working together uncomfortable. Shouldnt the main focus here be to NOT get involved with the man because he was MARRIED? At least that is what most sane people would think. It makes me feel that the mother did not know he was married, which effectively discredits her statements about troubled marriage etc. Also, consider the words of her brother in law, saying how they have told Linda to be careful of Jerome Peck since he did not want to meet the family. Do they sound like the words of a man who knows his sister in law is seeing a married man? A man who is dodgy perhaps, but married definitely no.

3. Authenticity of character witness

Did you notice that for Jerome Peck, TNP actually spoke to a colleague cum drinking buddy who declined to be named. It may be only one, but it was at least still a first hand information. It may be a good testimony because it came from a friend, but no one else has come forward with a contrary story. Remember the case of Liu Hong Mei where colleagueS came forth to say that they were suspected to be an item?

The story from Linda's family all appear to be second or third hand information - eg. ex colleague who told the sister Jerome Peck has a roving eye (so where are the testimonies from these female colleagues?), Brother in law saying that a close neighbour had to ask Peck to leave the house. (wah, so many of you present and you depend on a close neighbour to tell him to get out of YOUR house?!). Until the testimonies from this ex colleague and close neighbour becomes first hand, I'll have my reservations on their authenticity.

4. Inconsistencies

There have been too many inconsistencies in the story told by Linda's family. So please tell me explain to me, dear brother in law of Linda, why then did she find out the location of all your karaoke sessions so that she could inform Jerome? They do not strike me as being the actions of a girl actively resisting the advances of a man. Neither does that of a girl who would go out to meet him at night despite the discouragements of her family. And you let her go? Despite knowing that he is married? If a girl does not go out late at night, trust me, she will never have friends who will appear at the doorstep at 11 pm. You will also notice that her sister claims that Linda always brought her boyfriends home to meet the family. What caught my eye was the use of the plural term. Many thanks to Mrs Gian for reminding everyone that her daughter is only 19, a simple girl unable to handle such complicated matters. 19 years old who has had more than one boyfriend? It does not sound simple to me. It makes me wonder at what age did she start dating, and how long does a relationship last for her. If she has handled more than one relationship, such issues, logically speaking, would not be complicated for her.

Your side of the coin seems to be riddled with holes. Or could this be because while you all agreed on the story to present to the media, you did not remember to tally the small details?

It is small details like this that will trip you.

I believe it takes two to tango. There are many places to discuss matters and the carpark is not one that would immediately come to mind. Jerome Peck is definitely not an angel too. The point I am trying to make is that sometimes it is better not to say anything at all. Least said soonest mended. Why do you think Mrs Peck is stoically silent? How can you hurl mud at the man without dragging the poor girl's reputation through the mud as well?

I hope the two will find peace whereever they may be. And for the grieving families to move on, especially the two small children. When the next sensational news come, we will all forget about this.

Nikon S4

On leave this thursday....

Am most likely to be getting the Nikon S4 ....its the one with the swivel lens. It's been termed the spy camera on the photography forums, where I have been spending much of my online time during the last few days. Colin has kindly offered to give me lessons on how to get nice picture effects from my S4 when I buy it. Yipeeeeeeee....... I am truly grateful for his offer, considering he is busy with his own freelance photography work, on top of silly irrelevant MINDEF work. He laughed it off saying it gives him a chance to play with the S4. Like as though my S4 will have anything for him to play with, considering his camera lens alone probably cost 3x more.

Am also most likely to be buying my West Side Story tickets too.... Still debating which category tickets to get.

SP thinking of going Batam this weekend. Good time to try out the S4.

After taking leave this thur, and 4 days in December to go Bangkok, I still have 5 more days to burn. Arghhhhhhhh

Today, we had a bday celebration for SP. Ordered a choc praline cake from Sheraton Towers. Asked them pipe the words Happy Birthday Shortie. Almost had my neck strangled *grin*

Meeting Smelly KK tomoro for dinner.......

Passed!!!!

I passed!!!!!!!

Can you believe it? I actually cleared both modules. For one of the rare times in my life, I was worried that I may fail. Did better than I expected for both, though not fantastic. Dad wondered if there was some marking error, seeing that his daughter didnt even know if she was sitting for an open or close book exam the day BEFORE the paper. But who cares.... I passed. No more icky yucky management theories to read in Chinese or Chinese sentences to analyse. Yes, that's how much I hated the 2 modules.

Since we're on a happy topic, last night, at 11 plus at night, Dad and I went to Mustafa. After that, we went Geylang to eat supper. I managed to do parallel parking at the FIRST try, on a MAJOR road with traffic whizzing by. Wonders will never cease!

Pretty fun....got back at 1 plus and saw a road block at Sembawang Road.

George Best

George Best has passed away.
So many talk about how they could have done much more but did not.
Does it matter now?.......

Time, I need more of it

Dear Readers,

Have been way too busy to blog of late. My apologies.

I feel trapped in some time warp. Time has flown past me so quickly that I hardly had time to note its passing. It's the end of November yet you feel as though you're living only in the beginning. Need some time to reorientate self back.

The long and short of my life these few weeks have been as follows.

1. Work

Been busy catching up on work which piled up when I was away due to sprained back, exam leave and on course. Past 2 weeks, did not leave office till sun had set. Was too tired to log on when I got back. Had to do a icky yucky presentation on Wednesdays. Presentations in my opinion create work without accomplishing anything constructive.

2. Read

Have been catching up furiously on my readings. I read in fits. There are days when I dont touch a book at all, and days when I read reams and reams. Have raced through a few Erl Stanley Gardner's Parry Mason, Dad's recommendation. He sounds like a cross between the writer of Sin City (cant remember name) and Ian Flemming. Am now trying to finish Tom Clancy's The Cardinal of Kremlin and Louis Cha's Duke of Mount Deer, plus the stack of Time and Newsweek magazines on my work desk.

3. Friends

Met up with a few friends - PY, Dee and ZS to catch Harry Potter. They should have split the book into 2 movies. It was good, despite them not showing many bits. Victor was much cuter than the book portrayed. Who can forget those deep set eyes..... *drool* Met up with Junior for dinner. Met up with an ex-colleague after he came back from doing relief work in Pakistan

4. Parents

Celebrated my mum's birthday, and then dad's hatchday slightly more than a week later.

5. TV

Have only had time to watch TAR. Today, I just watched 6 hours of Qian Long Wang Chao, which Dad recorded for moi.

6. Clearing leave and holidays

Am faced with a nice problem of having too many days of leave to burn. Will be jetting to Bangkok in December and Chiang Mai in March. =) May be going Malacca for Christmas if there are still accomodations. =) Oh yes, I pushed my trip to Indonesia to next May due to the bird flu. =)

7. Retail

Went to Little India...and bought two punjabi tops and a pair of pants which looks very Aladdin. =)

Am currently shopping for a digital camera. The 64,000 dollar question - Nikon or Canon?

8. Pool and MJ

Played pool with Dad at Pool Fusion. My dad remarked that I dont seem to have improved at all. My pool is highly misunderstood. Played many a mj session with Dad. Dad is on winning streak. Damn!

I write this entry in haste, seeking only to pen down the days and thoughts before they disappear into the dust with the passing minutes.

Bottoms up

Suspect may be developing an allergy to alcohol. Arm broke out in rashes after last night's drinking session at a place whose name I didnt note. The place is at Upper Thomson Road, near Thomson Plaza. There's a Mac nearby and it's above a coffeeshop (read 2nd floor). The view from the wine bar is spectacular. That was the only thing I noted. A perfect place to just sit and watch the world go by. It would have been perfect if they had tuned the music lower, but life is seldom perfect. Met up with Kauri for pool prior. Kauri checked out my cue. His face blanched when he learnt how much it cost. (Btw, before any of you intend to rib me for it, JF's cues cost a whole lot more than mine. Cheech's and YJ's cues too, when you factor in their airfare. Let us not forget Uncle Lyris's custom made cue). He threw me one of his classic lines, that made me want to wring his neck, except that he was way too tall.

In short, I had it bad from him the whole night. The only other friend who does this to me is Junior. And sometimes Dan, on the days when I tease him too much on his meetings across god knows how many time zones.

The above entry was first written on 23 OCT 05. I kept it in the drafts folder, meaning to finish it but never quite had the time. It's incomplete but I'm publishing it all the same. Because it's prob one of the last times I would meet up with Kauri for drinks before he leaves the country on a new posting. There arent many people with whom I can talk about the bizarreness of the organisation and its system.

When you say nothing at all

Realised that when I have insufficient sleep or am cranky and grouchy due to enforced stay at home, or when other incidences happen that causes one's, ok MY patience to wear thin, that is when people will feel the sharp edge of my tongue. And despite my mild exterior, trust me, I can sting like a bee.

Case in point...well way too many to list.

Patience has never been one of my virtues. (This apparently tallies with my Myers-Briggs results.) But I feel I can learn to hold my tongue better. Sometimes if one has nothing good to say, or if what one says is not constructive, it is perhaps better not to say anything at all.

People will forget the words you say to them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. It is one thing to tell a friend how you feel regardless of how blunt and unwelcome the words may be, but it is another to use them as punching bags.

And I have realised that when my patience has been truly stretched, my barbs draw blood.

Sometimes, silence is truly golden.
(this is one of the entries in my draft folder. I wrote this before the 'Poem of Hope' post)

A poem of hope

Composed by a young girl in Belarus, Russia, near the site of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Area.

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,

One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room,

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey,

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference.

You see, it's up to YOU!

When you say nothing at all

Realised that when I have insufficient sleep or am cranky and grouchy due to enforced stay at home, or when other incidences happen that causes one's, ok MY patience to wear thin, that is when people will feel the sharp edge of my tongue. And despite my mild exterior, trust me, I can sting like a bee.

Case in point...well way too many to list.

Patience has never been one of my virtues. (This apparently tallies with my Myers-Briggs results.) But I feel I can learn to hold my tongue better. Sometimes if one has nothing good to say, or if what one says is not constructive, it is perhaps better not to say anything at all.

People will forget the words you say to them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. It is one thing to tell a friend how you feel regardless of how blunt and unwelcome the words may be, but it is another to use them as punching bags.

And I have realised that when my patience has been truly stretched, my barbs draw blood.

Sometimes, silence is truly golden.

(this is one of the entries in my draft folder. I wrote this before the poem post)

Generations - Mazda Miata

By: John Pearley Huffman
Date Posted 03-05-2003

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=96932

In hindsight, the hole in the market Mazda filled with the MX-5 Miata in 1990 was obvious. MG had sold its last decrepit MGB in 1980. No tears were shed when Triumph gave up and pulled out in '81. The last Fiat 124 Spider was sold to some fearless (or ignorant or deluded) soul in '85 as a "Pininfarina Azzurra." Really, the only four-cylinder, front-engine classic two-seat roadster for sale in the U.S. at that time was the Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce, which was essentially just the 1966 Duetto with ugly bumpers. Any manufacturer with perception and bravery could have fed the world's appetite for an affordable true sports car. But it was Mazda that did it.

The apocryphal story is that in 1979, a journalist named Bob Hall, then working for the trade journal Automotive News, was asked by Mazda's managing director what type of cars Mazda should be building and Hall answered, "A small open two-seater." While that conversation may not have led directly to the Miata, what is undeniable is that Bob Hall went to work for Mazda two years later in California and was the product planner on the Miata development team. It's also true that the basic look of the Miata came out of Mazda's California studio, though the engineering was done in Japan and the car has always been built in Japan.

But it's probably too much to call Bob Hall the father of the Miata. Cars aren't designed by a single man working alone, they aren't approved for production by a single product planner, and a lot of things have to align just so for a car to come out just right. There's so much passion in the Miata that it couldn't have all come from one individual. And there's enough glory in the Miata's success that it can be shared among many designers, engineers, executives and product planners.

Though the Miata was developed in America and Japan, it has been a huge success throughout the world. With its tidy size, clean lines, simple drivetrain, outstanding handling and unpretentious character, the Miata maintains far-reaching appeal. There are Miata clubs in New Zealand, where there are more sheep than people; in England, where this sort of car was invented; in Sweden, where it's way too cold to drive with the top down most of the year; and in New York City, where no one drives. The Miata was, and continues to be, a phenomenon.

The Miata deserves credit not only for reviving a dormant passion for roadsters, but for emboldening other manufacturers to pursue what at first seem to be whimsical ideas — and turn out to be good business. If it weren't for the Miata, there probably wouldn't be a Dodge Viper, Volkswagen New Beetle, new Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler PT Cruiser or Chevrolet SSR.

Pop-Up Headlights (1990-1997)

Introduced in the summer of 1989 as an early 1990 model, the Miata looked somewhat like an early-'60s Lotus Elan and had a base price of $13,800. But though it was a sensation, it wasn't (and never has been) particularly quick or fast.

The 1990 Miata was truly tiny. With an 89.2-inch wheelbase and stretching out just 155.2 inches overall, the Miata was 16 inches shorter than Mazda's smallest sedan that year, the Protegé, and rode on a wheelbase 9.2 inches less expansive. Mazda made the Miata's small size a virtue. Everything about the car had a delightfully light touch. Instead of smothering the pavement under huge rubber, it relied on careful tuning of the double wishbone (front and rear) suspension to get the most out of modest P185/60HR14 tires. Power steering was an option, but the standard manual rack-and-pinion setup reacted instinctively to steering inputs and reported back even subtle details about what was going on with the tires. The four-wheel disc brakes weren't very big, but they didn't need to be on this car. A six-footer fit in the Miata, but even a five-footer felt as if the cockpit had been tailored around him, and he could operate the convertible top while seated. The shifter atop the five-speed manual transmission swapped ratios with just a nudge. The first Miata's options list was a short one and included a limited-slip differential and air conditioning. After all, loading a Miata down with luxuries beyond a radio could have upset the car's spot-on balance.

The biggest advantage of the Miata's small size was its feathery weight — just 2,116 pounds in base trim. Because light cars don't need big engines to achieve an entertaining power-to-weight ratio, the first Miata was powered by a 1.6-liter, dual-overhead cam, 16-valve inline four making a modest 116 horsepower. Magazine tests had the car waltzing from zero to 60 mph in just under nine seconds, and completing the quarter-mile in 16.8 seconds at around 80 mph. That isn't hideously slow, but hardly the sort of performance that would put the scare into a Porsche. It was enough, however, to be entertaining.

Mazda sold 35,944 Miatas during the 1990 model year in the United States. Not a lot compared to, say, the Honda Accord. But if Mazda could have made 100,000 of them, every one of them would have sold for sticker price or more that first year. About the only "Top 10" list the Miata didn't make that year was the FBI's Most Wanted.

Unwilling to mess with success, Mazda sent the Miata over for 1991 with only minor changes. Antilock brakes and a four-speed automatic transmission were added to the option list, but otherwise the changes were imperceptibly slight. Mazda also inaugurated what has become a Miata tradition: the Special Edition.

The first Miata Special Edition wore a coat of British Racing Green, as in the color once adorned by British racing cars. Mazda built only 4,000 of these Miatas, each of which had tan leather upholstery, a tan tonneau cover, a wood shift knob, air conditioning, stainless steel sill plates, a compact disc player and limited-slip differential.

A new color, Sunburst Yellow, blazed onto the Miata's paint chart for 1992. This year also saw the Brilliant Black Special Edition Miata, which had leather seating and BBS wheels. Other changes included a rear suspension cross brace and the additions of a roof liner and defroster for the optional hardtop.

A few minor tweaks came for 1993, including a new "sensory" sound system and a new corporate logo on the nose. Leather upholstery was now a regular option, Sunburst Yellow faded out and the black Special Edition model was now called the Limited Edition and sported a red leather interior.

Adding a passenger-side airbag to go with the one already in the steering wheel for 1994, Mazda made up for the additional weight by up-sizing the Miata's engine to 1.8 liters and 128 horsepower. The optional alloy wheels got wider, the fuel tank increased from 11.6 to 13.0 gallons, the brake disc diameter increased slightly, and the "Miata" script in the nameplate switched from black to red letters. Also, a Torsen limited-slip differential was offered for the first time.

The first M Edition debuted, which was basically a loaded Miata with a wood shift knob, wood parking brake handle, chrome wheels and a dunking in Montego Blue paint (3,000 were made). Later in the year, the R package debuted. Geared toward hard-core driving enthusiasts, the R featured a Torsen limited-slip differential, alloy wheels, Bilstein shocks, recalibrated springs and sway bars and available dealer-installable hood stripes. A second M Edition appeared midway through the 1995 model year, this time featuring Merlot Mica paint and BBS 15-inch wheels. Otherwise, except for a revised ABS system, the '95 Miata was almost indistinguishable from the '94.

Compliance with the U.S. government's emissions regulations for 1996 meant a new engine control computer for the Miata. Amid the recalibration, Mazda found another five horsepower in the 1.8-liter engine for a total of 133. Other than that, the chrome rings around the gauges vanished, the rearview mirror now attached to the windshield glass and map pockets were added to the doors of Miatas equipped with power windows. For '96, the M Edition wore Starlight Mica paint, 15-inch Enkei wheels and a wood Nardi shift knob. Again, 3,000 were produced.

With a full redesign in the works, Mazda let the existing Miata glide through 1997 almost unchanged. There was a new "Touring Package" that included power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, power mirrors and aluminum alloy wheels. An STO (Special Touring Option) Edition roadster was offered in a batch of 1,500 and included all the Touring Package equipment plus stainless steel scuff plates, Twilight Blue paint, 15-inch Enkei wheels and a Nardi shift knob. Only 47 brave souls opted for the competition-oriented R package, and this year's M Edition came painted Marina Green.

Technically speaking, there weren't any 1998 model Miatas (any registered as such were likely late-delivery '97s). And with the conclusion of 1997 model production, the Miata lost its pop-up headlights that gave the car the bug-eyed look of an old Austin-Healey Sprite. Some enthusiasts still miss those lights and the purity of the Miata that wore them. Others think Mazda took a noble step further along the path towards sophistication with the new '99 Miata.

Exposed Headlights (1999-Present)

The 1999 Miata actually went on sale in February 1998, and while its body was more curvaceous and it used flush headlamps, it was still unmistakably a Miata. The new Miata, unlike virtually every other "new" car ever introduced, wasn't bigger or smaller than the car it replaced. It still rode on an 89.2-inch wheelbase, was still 155.4 inches long and still 66.0 inches wide. In fact the chassis was hardly changed at all. However, the trunk was now larger (it was finally possible to shove in enough baggage to cover two people for a weekend), and there was now a real glass rear window in the convertible top (instead of hazy plastic). Additionally, a new cylinder head design, higher compression ratio and variable intake boosted output of the 1.8-liter four to a full 140 horsepower.

The most intriguing Miata of 1999 was the 10th Anniversary Edition which featured a series of visual plucks (Sapphire Blue Mica paint, glossy five-spoke wheels, two-tone leather interior trim, chrome rings around the speedometer and tach, a Nardi leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a carbon-fiber-look trimmed center console), a killer Bose stereo, a firmer suspension and, for the first time, a six-speed manual transmission. Beyond that, buyers (3,150 of them in the United States and Canada) also got a miniature version of the car, a special key ring and a set of his-and-hers Seiko watches. At $27,325, the 10th Anniversary Miata wasn't cheap, but it was the most elaborately equipped.

It would be a stretch to call the six-speed a big improvement over the five-speed, but the performance difference was there. With smaller steps between the gear ratios, the engine could stay in the meat of its power band more efficiently and, since the six-speed also came with a 3.91 instead of the regular 4.30 final drive ratio, it cruised down the freeway at slightly lower engine speeds and was therefore a tad quieter. In a Car and Driver test, the six-speed 10th Anniversary Miata made it to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds — or about 0.3 second quicker than a five-speed Miata.

The 2000 model year saw the introduction of a new Miata LS model and another limited-run Special Edition model, as well as the inclusion of alloy wheels on even the base car. The LS included tan leather upholstery, 15-inch alloy wheels and the blasting Bose audio system. Special Edition roadsters came with Mahogany Mica paint, a Parchment convertible top, Parchment leather upholstery, a wood Nardi steering wheel, white-faced gauges and polished 15-inch alloy wheels.

Mazda undertook a surprisingly ambitious improvement program for the 2001 Miata. A new front fascia featured a reshaped air intake, and headlights and taillights were slightly changed. Additional cross members in the body stiffened the entire structure; 16-inch wheels were offered on some models and inside those bigger wheels were larger diameter disc brakes controlled by an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system. More importantly, Mazda claimed that the addition of variable valve timing would allow the Miata to make 155 horsepower. This rating came from a vehicle with 49-state emissions certification. However, when Mazda decided to make the Miata a 50-state certified car, it was not given another validation. The more restrictive emissions equipment kept the car to 142 horsepower, or two more than the 2000 model's 140. To make up for the mistake, Mazda offered 2001 Miata owners free factory-scheduled maintenance for the length of the car's basic warranty as well as a $500 debit card to spend as they chose. Furthermore, if a customer wasn't happy with his Miata, Mazda offered to buy it back and refund the entire purchase price of the car including taxes. In other news, a British Racing Green edition returned, sporting polished 16-inch alloys, a six-speed gearbox, a wood Nardi steering wheel and shift knob and white-faced gauges.

The Miata was an entrenched hit as it entered 2002 and was now offered in two new colors — Vivid Yellow and Laser Blue Mica — but only if ordered through Mazda's Web site. Other changes included the option of an in-dash six-disc CD changer and two new special editions offering a choice of either Blazing Yellow or Titanium Gray paint along with the expected upgrades such as leather seating, white-faced gauges and special badges.

For 2003, Mazda's little go-kart received 16-inch wheels, a strut-tower brace, bigger brakes and a child-seat anchoring system. Other updates, such as a cloth top and aluminum interior accents on the LS, and options such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror and bezels for the headlights and taillights, keep the Miata current.

Nothing about the remarkable Miata is more noteworthy than its unceasing popularity. It remains what it has been since its introduction: the best-selling two-seat sports car on Earth.

Just for laughs

Click on the link.... Something to drive the blues away...... =)

http://gprime.net/video.php/tornmime

The Gaghans - a tribute

The Gaghans were eliminated from the Amazing Race today. This is one of those races where you realise The Amazing Race is basically about luck. The Gaghans are the only team left in the race who would fit the theme of 'Family Edition'. Their two kids are one of the most well behaved and well adjusted children one can find.

Of all the Amazing Races I've watched, they are one of a few teams who have gone out with their heads held high for having raced with character and integrity. Another team is this pairing of 2 sisters or best friends ( I cannot remember) in another edition. The poor girl rolled more than 200 haystacks and still could not find the clue. But she kept at it till the sun set, because they refused to give up. *respectful bow*

I was rooting for them (The Gaghans) and will miss them sorely. The other team I'm rooting for is the Bransen family (Dad and 3 daughters). The Linz (Siblings) are a jolly good bunch. Watching them compete gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. It's rare to see siblings not going at each other's throats. And the 3 guys really take care of their sister. Despite all their squabbles, I'm beginning to be grow very fond of The Pablos, especially the Dad. They make good television, as most people would say.

This edition of TAR is much better than the previous few. Though it's less exciting, and one does not see as many heart stopping race to pit stops as the past few TAR have. Critics of the show have argued that it's a staged show, as opposed to being really reality. Well, it depends on how you view it. Some parts of the show could have been staged or fixed. But the end result is really quite hard to pre-determine.

I'll leave the brainwork and analysis of the various possible shot angles to those who have too much time on their hands. Every Wednesday, at 2030 hrs, you'll know where to find me, if you wish to contact me - in front of the telly, me and my Dad, with Baileys in hand.

Signing off......

Back to basics 2

Am on MC again today. Doc sent me for x-ray. This enforced stay at home is driving me crazy. Hence, when I log on, I drive half my friends crazy with all my emoticons and nonsense. Dee and I had a mini conversation today based solely on emoticons. *hee hee*

Thank god today is Amazing Race Day.