I was driving to work a while back and came across three of what I think are the best looking “normal” cars (read: normal cars as not sports cars) in one 15 minute drive… Ford Fusion (Americas Gen2: 2013-2015…): Aston Martin grille Mazda 6 (Gen1: 2004-2008, Gen3: 2011-2015…): Dodge Dart (2012-2015…): I’ve actually driven a Dodge Dart, not bad at all for a normal economy car. Would have been more fun in manual, the auto had a bit of a mind of its own…

To continue today’s theme of bitching about perfectly good things, I turn my attention to Spotify… why can’t I organize playlists? why can’t I at least view them in alphabetical order? I shouldn’t have to save an album to download it (cache it) to my mobile phone where did the queue and play history go? Those were useful, bring them back it would be especially cool if I could change the content of the right “social” panel to display the queue and play history… why can’t I collapse sections of the left panel (mainly local media…)?

Firstly let me explain this, as a car person we often describe certain cars as having character, a personality, or some sort of x-factor which really sets it apart from others, as well as creates an emotional bond with its owner. This tie often isn’t entirely logical. For example, it is widely known that Alfa Romeo makes great, but generally unreliable sports cars. Somehow this trait, which would normally be seen as a negative, helps to define the character of the car, and in doing so creates a bond and a fanaticism amongst Alfa owners.

Seriously BMW? You make some of the coolest cars on the market today (and tomorrow), including the soon to exist, and totally awesome 2015 M235i, but just can’t figure out how to make the back look like something you wouldn’t mind following (because let’s face it, you’re going to be following the M235i, it’s going to be mighty quick). Nice wide mouth, the signature kidney grilles aren’t connected to the headlights (good, they’ve been learning something!

Hot hatchbacks should not be stealthy. I coworker of mine recently purchased a new Ford Focus ST, in silver. Silver?!? It’s the hottest hatchback Ford has ever sold in the US of A, and it unfortunately looks like a rental in silver. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Focus ST; it’s on my very short list of cars from 2013 that I would actually buy with my own money, and it’s definitely the best of the latest round of hot hatchbacks (although I must say I prefer the European version with 5 doors rather than the tri-door example they sell over here).

Why ruin a perfectly good road with manhole covers every 20 feet? I understand the need for manhole covers, there’s got to be a way for maintenance crews to get down to the sewers and make sure all is well down there. However, it is pretty excessive to one literally every 20ft, tarnishing a freshly paved road. After months of work, and shattering my suspension on rocky, half-paved and dirt roads to get to my humble abode, the city gov.

Oh Windows. I have grown up with you, loved you since a young age when I didn’t know there were any alternatives, any other ways to use a computer. While things have changed over the years, I still really enjoy using Windows. However, I have one major gripe with it (and don’t think Windows is the only guilty operating system here, there are many more I can assure you). Here’s my gripe: pop-up windows, or other applications, stealing focus of the keyboard when I’m in the middle of typing, or for any other reason.

Today’s topic: why do people have to park right next to me when I’m parked miles away from everyone else, and how is that act related to human nature. Seriously though, if I’m parked way out in the boonies, there’s a reason for it, and my reason is I don’t want my car to get dinged by Mom’s carrying a kid and tons of groceries, kids on their cell phones, or any other careless idiot who doesn’t respect cars and other peoples’ property like they should.

Based on that title, I bet you were hoping for a post about ladies bottoms. Well sorry, go spend some time on Reddit if that’s what you’re looking for. Today I’m discussing the backsides of cars these days. Seriously, what’s with all of the new cars these days that look interesting, angry, unique or otherwise cool from the front but are ruined by the hideous, bulbous, and generally chunky backs? BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, Volkswagen, all the big names are just as guilty as one another.

Over the years I’ve read quite a few books, listened to many lectures, and just generally “learned” more than I care to learn about others views on leadership. So here’s mine: First things first, you can’t learn how to be the leader you want to be just by reading a few books. A majority of leadership books I’ve read are just studies performed in controlled environments about the stories and abilities of a handful of folks who went from being average-joe-workers to CEOs.

There’s just nothing like it. Exhilaration like I’ve never experienced before, cutting and swerving to dodge trees and children (who are seemingly invincible little dare-devils; roped to their parents who are quite obviously scared shit-less). Tips flapping and shaking at the speed, jumping over lumpy patches and inconveniently placed rocks. Wishing you hadn’t spent the off-season drinking and eating so much, your fat ass is so out of shape; calves and thighs burning, howling in pain.