Posts filed under 'Prose and Poetry'
… when every good song seems to remind me of a time when things weren’t right in the auto industry — but they were right enough.
My braver side is determined to abandon the 1990s in the hopes of a better future. The courageous one looks forward to fundamental changes that are necessary to preserve the environment, stabilize the global economy, and secure the fortunes of several nations.
The strong side writes optimistic prose about how good it will be someday.
And then, unfailingly, a purple two-door RAV4 softtop will nonchalantly cruise by, reminding me of weightless coastal cruises that i either saw, or took, or wished for… but caselessly remember. The scenes are temptation enough to indulge in wistful cravings. I can’t help wanting to return to that era, if only for a drive…
Those feelings are becoming easier to control. The brave, strong, rational side understands that the era of automotive innocence has passed. The Nissan NX2000, Honda CRX, Volkswagen Corrado, and vaguely attainable Ferrari 348 are extinct — and so are the values that begat those cars.
I write in pursuit of acceptance. Indeed — it’s getting easier. There are new bastions of promise for auto enthusiasts. Discovery demands focus, impartiality — and more than an ounce of faith.
Many happy miles,
Adam
July 25th, 2008
It’s been widely reported that the Dodge Viper will cease production in 2011. I’ve always called it “our hero-car.” What kind of posters will kids put on their walls now?
Well, the Chevy Corvette ZR1 seems ready to step in. We interviewed Ed Peper, brand manager at Chevrolet, and shared honest words about what may be America’s only supercar in the years to come. Of course, it’s fast. But the most romantic thing about this car is its livability. I’ve always been captivated by a fast car that “lies in wait” — and the ZR1 looks to have a genuinely docile side.
One of the things that sets a GM car apart from its competition is OnStar. The convenience and reassurance of that system is often underreported. The ZR1 will be satellite-linked to information, directions, and real-live helpful voices. That’s something a Ferrari can’t do. I happen to think it’s beautiful.
In fact, I wrote a poem about two ZR1 passengers that wind up lost in a ghost town. (Wow, I really live this stuff!) Here goes.
remembered for at least a moment
maybe
forgotten by the byway, this
strong fortress of has-been rock, she
can’t have been a half-a quieter, oh
remembered for at least a moment
shelter to the weary hearted
restplace to the guys that sighed, said
shoulda staked the homestead here
linked up to the satellite,
called over wet, the dirt and sky and asked
friend, you’re the third soul out here,
wish you’d tell us where we are.
Many happy miles,
Adam
June 22nd, 2008
Hey Expo! I’m Adam of highmileage.org — you might know me as highmileage here on the site. I’m excited to share my analysis of the automotive industry, so I hope you’ll keep reading and offer counter-commentary.
It’s always important to consider the credentials of any media outlet. Know your reporter! In the interest of full disclosure, here’s a short biography.
My youth was spent buried in stacks of AutoWeek and Automotive News. At the age of 16, I began to chronicle automotive prose in a personal blog. I studied at the Jack Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston, and covered automotive and engineering-related subjects for the 45,000-circulation Daily Cougar.
I surfed across ExpoTV in July 2006, and immediately recognized the power of the medium. Three months later, I filmed my first vehicle review using crayons, posterboard, and a pocket-sized digital camera. The final product was so compelling that, over the years, I was driven to upgrade my equipment and refine my techniques. The hard work paid off when ExpoTV asked me to anchor the New York Auto Show in April 2008.
In May 2008, I graduated with a double-major in linguistics and print journalism. Scripting for video requires exceptional linguistic versatility, and production logistics require that information is accurate. ExpoTV allows me to combine my journalistic strengths with my passion for cars. Here, I can reach an audience of “gearheads-in-training:” incredibly car-conscious shoppers who crave education — and dialogue.
ExpoTV is the perfect place for honest words. If I can ever offer help or advice, be in touch!
Many happy miles,
Adam
May 23rd, 2008
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