If you drive as much as I do for work or pleasure, you might consider applying more sunscreen on the left side of your face unless of course you live in England or Australia. That’s because a new study shows a link between driving and the incidence of skin cancer on the left side of people’s upper bodies that drive a lot.

I have more wrinkles on my left side than my right and knew it was due to my exposure to the car window’s rays and of course living in Arizona.  I had no idea there were studies out there that connected the dots. Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle have found that Americans have a tendency to develop the worst forms of skin cancer – especially melanomas and merkel cell carcinomas on the left side of their face and bodies.  This was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

There is even more evidence that driving can increase a motorist’s exposure to ultra-violet light, which is linked to skin cancer.  In countries like the U.S. the left side of men and women have increased skin cancer while in countries where the steering wheel in on the right side show more skin cancer obviously on the right side. I found it interesting, according to some research that having the convertible top down on your car did not have the same skin cancer effect.

Here are my thoughts on the subject:  Auto glass filters out most of the UV rays that can cause skin cancer, so driving with windows up and the air conditioner on is a better choice, even though your fuel economy will suffer.  Keep in mind the side windows do not have the same UV protection.

Skin cancer runs in my family… I am fair skinned, freckled, green eyes and burn at the beach. Every day I apply sunscreen under my makeup and on my arms and neck … don’t forget your ears if they are exposed. Wear good sunglasses, ones that will protect your eyes not just look trendy.   If you don’t wear lipstick I suggest lip balm for both ladies and men.  If you wear a hat in a convertible (which you should) a brimmed one is suggested or a visor to protect your face. Men, who are bald genetically or by choice, wear sunscreen on your head.  Please don’t use a convertible automobile as a tanning bed.

I feel a new saying coming on ; don’t burn and drive… The average person drives for almost 53 years, so cover up while driving or we’ll surely look lopsided.

By Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford

May 7, 2012

As grandparents we sometimes need to come up with a ‘Plan B’ activity. The Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum at Falcon Field was my ‘back-up plan’ when our schedule changed.  Not wanting to disappoint, the kiddos and I simply drove to Mesa to check out this little gem in the East Valley.  Little did we know what a thrill we were in for!

As soon as we got out of the car I knew something was going on at the museum that day, as we raced to the chain-link fence to discover which plane was warming up.  It was a ‘warbird’, very close to the fence warming up for takeoff.  The kids were thrilled, and so was I, as I was expecting to see the same static display that I had seen at the museum years before.  A historic aircraft taking off was quite another matter!  Wasting no time, we entered the museum and were able to closely inspect all the planes in the hangar.  The focus is the WWII era, but you will also find specialty aircraft on display.  A huge plus for me is the large number of volunteers, ready and waiting to answer any questions that you or your grandkids may have.  Just a few of the aircraft are; F2N Phantom II, P-47 Thunderbolt, B25J ‘Maid in the Shade’, Sikorsky H-19, Grumman AF 25 Guardian, PT -17 Stearman, and even a Soviet MIG.

The major difference here at the CAF is that many of the planes here actually FLY!  Which leads me to the best part of our visit; watching their famous B-17 Flying Fortress, ‘Sentimental Journey’ fire up, taxi, and take off!  The CAF is unique in that it offers rides in some of their aircraft, and regularly ferries them to events throughout the US.  Check out their website for the travel schedule.  ‘Sentimental Journey’ was donated to the CAF in 1978, and her restoration began.  This gleaming flying machine is a sight to behold; massive in size, it transports you back to the war years in classic style.  Watching her come to life is an unforgettable experience!

If you want to truly experience a trip back to the 40’s, make plans to attend their annual fundraiser ‘A Night in the 40’s Big Band Dance’.  This is scheduled each March, and be sure to dress in 40’s style! The hangar is also available for event rentals, but you don’t need to have a party there to have a blast at this museum.

If you go:

Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

2017 N Greenfield Rd.

Mesa, AZ 85215

www.azcaf.org      p. 480.924.1940

Oct – May 10-4 daily

Jun-Sept 9-3 Wed to Sunday

Adults $10; Seniors $9; Ages 5-12 $3; Under 5 Free

The Jaguar Alive experience sounds more like a circus coming to town than the new marketing initiative launched by Jaguar Cars of North America. Yes, the “live” Jaguars used in this promotion actually represented the lineup of infamous Jaguar cars known throughout the world.  The white lines painted on the pavement at the Phoenix Cardinal Stadium parking lot looked more like those employed at the Bondurant’s racing facility, helping facilitate our test drives of these new “cats.”

As if the cars weren’t good looking enough I was able to interview the Brand Vice President of Jaguar, David Pryor, who was welcoming visitors and/or media that day.  Pryor appeared to be twenty-five years old and fresh out of prep school.  Living dangerously, he agreed to let me interview him in one of the beautiful Jaguar’s front seats while I battled the obstacle course set up by the racing team. I had to perform some heavy duty multi-tasking because I wanted both the interview and to deliver the best time on the course.

David answered questions as best he could as I swerved from side to side.   He sat there “white-knuckled”, but was as cool and crisp answering my questions as was his Polo shirt and boyish smile.  I asked how Jaguar got a young man like himself, and what was his role?  He insisted he wasn’t as young as he looked (I know I have bras older than him) and informed me his role is to raise the profile of this iconic brand.

Jaguar already has a terrific product line-up with the new XJ and the updated 2012 XK and XF. The cars offer state-of-the-art technology, seductive design and are fantastic to drive. We have the building blocks he said; now it’s time to take the next step.  Prior to Jaguar David Pryor was at Porsche; with his story sounding much like Allen Mullaly going from Boeing to Ford… I’m sure we’ll see the same good results.

Invited guests and the public were able to have an up close and personal look at the brand, letting them sample the entire lineup much like a wine tasting in Napa.  An individual was able to select from “simulated” city drives, different types of racing, or if one felt nostalgic, simply view some vintage Jaguars under the beautiful white tents.  By the way, I owned a 1983 Jaguar XJ-6 before Ford took over and the leaper was still considered an icon of the brand.   Wow, has it changed, not a leaper in sight.

For those wanting to test their racing prowess on a closed circuit test course, experienced instructors such as Adam Andretti, Robert Guerrero and Davy Jones were available to provide expert tutoring on safe performance driving techniques. I came to the event wanting to drive with Adam Andretti. Several years ago I interviewed his grandfather Mario on the radio and again in person… he talked about Adam and his interest in the industry.  Meeting him and having him as my coach for one of the timed runs was such a thrill.  What a nice young man and so much fun.

My Two for the Road partner, Cathy Burford, was there and spent a lot of time talking about fly fishing with Adam which seems to be another one of his favorite pastimes.

The brand is changing, appealing more to a younger demographic and it is obvious to me that the more exposure Jaguar has to the public the sooner the word gets out there.

Cathy Burford and I experienced them all… the XJ Flagship sedan, the XF luxury sport sedan, the XK coupe and convertible and we got a big shot of adrenaline test driving the XKR-S, which is the fastest production sports car Jaguar had manufactured; man can it move.

I think the Jaguar Alive Driving experience was a great name for the event… I know I felt more alive after racing with Andretti, sampling quiche at lunch, coming in with a great race time and especially interviewing David Pryor in the passenger seat while going 80 miles an hour. Talk about a captive audience!

For more about Jaguar, go test drive one at your local dealer or go on line and enjoy the cat walk.

www.jaguarusa.com

I love cars and I like test driving them… in fact the car I’m about to review is number 572 in my ten-year career of  reviewing and writing.  In the last ten years lots of things have changed in the auto industry as well as the real estate business.  When I saw the 2012 BMW 650i coupe in my driveway I was delighted and then I saw the price tag. I thought to myself, you can get a nice little home in Phoenix for $103,000…you can’t drive your home… but you can live in your car.

I guess if I were to live in my car, this BMW wouldn’t be such a bad choice.  The 2012 has gotten a remodel like many of the homes for sale in my area.  The BMW 650i has larger wheels and turbocharged engine. The options for this German beauty is  a driver assistance package with side-and top-view cameras, blind spot detection, a lane departure warning and automatic high beams.  Now the luxury seating package has a power rear sunshade and ventilated front seat with adjustable bolsters and a massage feature (see, you can live in this car).  There is a Cold Weather package with heated front seats and steering wheel. (In Arizona we call it third-degree burns).  The audio system, as in premium sound package, has a l6-speaker Bang and Olufsen as well as an iPod/USB audio interface.  There are other options, but the so-called standard of the 650i was above and beyond.

As I am not that familiar with what’s under the hood but I do know the 650i has a 4.4-liter twin –turbo engine with 400 horsepower and 450 pound feet of torque with V8 engine.  It has the automatic start/stop system that shuts down the engine in order to save fuel.  WARNING – This could be a pain in the neck if you are a guy with no patience or not worried about gas mileage.  It took me quite a bit to adjust knowing that every time I stopped at a light the car would basically shut off, but I could quickly accelerate and  hit 60 mph again with no problem. P.S. – there is a kill switch for that in case you don’t want to save gas or you are uneasy.

The backseat is small, but it is a coupe and not exactly a family vehicle.  My granddaughter fit fine but she is seven and thin.  The trunk is 12.3 cubic feet with a pass through, not enough room for me to really move in with any luggage.  This is a beautiful performance car like the Jaguar XFR or the Cadillac CTS V Coupe.  The BMW 650i made me feel safe, luxurious and environmentally friendly.  I don’t know exactly how much gas you saved with the auto stop and start system but the estimated mileage chart shows l5 city/23 highway.

I might want to mention the bolsters on both sides of the driver’s seat.  The first time I turned the corner when testing I was surprised to feel the side bolster engulf me or give me a nudge. I guess you start to get used to it… I actually started to enjoy it for I felt hugged by BMW every time I made a slight turn.  Now there is no way I would feel that way with a house.

The price of this BMW 650i coupe starts at $84,000 but the one I drove was $103,000.  I’ll take this BMW over a home any day.. less maintenance, no pool and more fun.

For more on BMW go to www.bmwusa.com

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

There is nothing like a luxurious vehicle, especially when you are having a ladies’ night out – no husbands, no babies, just the girls. Of course, I offered to drive since I was test driving the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 and had no intention of drinking. We all exchanged our baby rags with spit up, for some hot pre-baby rags tucked away in the back of our closets and hopped into the 300 looking mighty fine. That’s easy to do when you are sitting behind a bright silver metallic car with black sport leather bucket seats and premium leather interior trim. Let the good times begin.

Our first stop was dinner at Blue Martini. With kids still on the brain, the girls were asking me about the safety features in the 300. I assured them the number of airbags was impressive and the rain brake support would definitely come in handy on the rare occasion it rains in Phoenix. What I thought was the most impressive was the forward collision warning, blind spot and cross path detection, exterior mirror with signals and the rear back up camera. With all of these safety features, there is no reason to ever be worried in the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8. But, it was time to throw caution to the wind and get into girls’ night out mode.

We all know women are concerned with performance, so once we realized we did not have to worry about our kids being in the vehicle, we enjoyed the power behind the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8. With a 6.4-liter V8 hemi engine with fuel saver technology, this car is quick. With the windows rolled down and the dual pane panoramic sunroof open, we enjoyed the speed and steadiness of the 300 with the cool wind blowing in our hair. It had been some time since we have all felt such freedom and command. Kids can do that to you.

We arrived at Blue Martini and felt obligated to valet park. In our personal, family vans and SUVs, we may have parked our own cars; however, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is just too glamorous to park and walk. I was even anxious about someone else (the valet guy) driving the car. I was hoping he would not scuff up the luxury floor mats, leather wrapped steering wheel or leather wrapped shift knob. After all, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 model that I was driving was worth $56,930. I think it is safe to say that is more than he will make in a year parking cars. Maybe he could afford the base price of $47,170. He did peel out a bit on his way to park, but I could totally understand his need for speed in this vehicle.

After filling our bellies, it was most definitely time for karaoke at Bridgett’s! In order to prepare ourselves for singing, we amped up the SIRIUS satellite radio through the 18 speakers, subwoofer and 900-watt amplifier in the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8. It was all about the eighties – nothing like Cindy Lauper’s “True Colors” for a karaoke warm up. We also had the opportunity to plug in one of the girl’s MP3 player to listen to some classic Michael Jackson. We were ready!

Well, turns out we were too much to handle at Bridgett’s, so we headed home. I think we were all just eager to get home to the kids. I used the adaptive cruise control to get everyone home safely, and the 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway made it all happen without putting a huge dent in the gas tank. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 made for a very successful girls’ night out. Did I mention I was home in bed by 10:00?

For more on the Chrysler 300 SRT8 go to www.chrysler.com

Offered as either a 2+2 coupe or a roadster, the TTS returns largely unchanged from last year. It uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the standard TT, but the use of an intercooler and a larger turbo helps kick output up to 265 horsepower verses the TT’s 211 hp. The TTS also rides slightly lower and benefits from a sportier suspension and standard all-wheel drive. As a result, the TTS brings much more of a fun quotient to the dance than the TT.

The all-wheel drive quattro system has been customized specifically to the TTS for faster response time. Unique body treatments, 19-inch wheels and black brake calipers provide the visual differentiation from the TT. Safety features include front, side and knee airbags, run-flat tires with pressure monitoring and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and stability control.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, an automatic retractable rear spoiler, adjustable drive settings that alter suspension firmness, steering assist and the exhaust note, automatic xenon headlamps, LED running lights, automatic wipers, cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way power sport front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The TTS roadster adds an electrically powered convertible top, a power-operated wind deflector and a trunk pass-through with ski bag. The optional navigation system brings with it real-time traffic and a choice of either a six-CD changer or an iPod/MP3 player interface. Heated seats are a stand-alone option. My test car came with the NavSystem, Phantom Black Pearl paint and heated front seats bringing the base price of 50,000 to $53,870 with destination charges.

The 2012 TTS features a tastefully designed interior that makes use of top-notch materials. The navigation system’s dash-mounted controller placement isn’t as intuitive as some, but most other controls are straightforward and within easy reach. The seats are both comfortable and supportive, and although the roadster can accommodate only 8.8 cubic feet, it does feature the aforementioned pass-through with removable ski bag for longer objects.

The roadster’s folding cloth top might seem a bit outdated compared to the retractable hardtops found on some of its rivals but I for one appreciate the cloth top and it maintains the TT’s clean lines and folds flat into the rear bodywork. The multilayer headliner and glass window also manage to keep the cabin quiet and well-insulated.

The 2012 Audi TTS boasts considerable performance improvements over the standard TT. The 2.0-liter isn’t the most exciting engine out there, and while its power delivery is quite broad, I was a bit disappointed with the turbo lag. The automatic dual-clutch gearbox worked well and my test car did come with Audi Launch Control, although I didn’t really have an opportunity to play with it.

The TTS zips through twisties easily and with a level of agility the TT doesn’t exhibit. That said there’s a pretty fair amount of competition in this segment so I’d suggest trying several to see which one fits your lifestyle.

Malibu Eco has a wide stance, broad shoulders and exterior design cues that include Chevrolet’s dual-port grille, large swept-back projector HID headlamps with three-dimensional execution, larger Chevrolet bowtie badges front and rear, tail lamps inspired by the Camaro and a single hidden exhaust outlet. The look is complemented by standard 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance Goodyear tires. The Malibu has also taken advantage of aerodynamics with enhanced design features and utilizes fuel saving technologies making it Chevy’s most fuel efficient midsize.

Malibu Eco is among the first vehicles in the midsize segment with a standard fuel-saving, active shutter system. Located in the lower grille, the Malibu Eco’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The shutter is open or closed based on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required.

Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package and OnStar are standard on the Malibu Eco. They build on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrate online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. MyLink integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of selected smart phone apps while the device remains safely stowed.

Malibu Eco’s eAssist system is mated to an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine is efficient and lightweight, featuring dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control, as well as a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. It is rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (134 kW) and is a variant of the same engine recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010.

Along with the Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the air-cooled, lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy by using regenerative braking, using electricity instead of fuel when stopped and fuel cutoff during deceleration. With eAssist technology the Eco has a highway range of 580 miles from its 15.8 gallon fuel tank.

The Malibu Eco offers style comfort and an enjoyable drive in a neat package that won’t break the bank. My test car based at $26,845 and with the leather package, paint and trim adds and destination the total came to $29,380 which isn’t too bad for what you get. If you don’t want a hybrid the Malibu ECO may be just what you’re looking for. Try one out and see for yourself what it’s all about.

The Versa is easy to maneuver around town and in parking lots, with light steering, a tight turning radius and good visibility. The continuously variable transmission remains a polarizing proposition in the automotive world, and it takes some getting used to, but you grow to appreciate the smoothness. Nissan committed to the CVT several years ago and is now doing them better than any other automaker.

Nissan is quick to point out that the 2012 Nissan Versa has best-in-class rear legroom –even more than the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS 460. The Versa also boasts the subcompact category’s roomiest trunk. The front seats are acceptable – about as good as it gets in the category – and the interior is otherwise clean and simple.

Outside the Versa Sedan looks much better than the awkwardly proportioned outgoing model. Making its debut on the 2012 Nissan Versa is a new signature grille for Nissan sedans. The base-model Versa S can be identified by its black trim, and if you want alloy wheels instead of covered steel wheels, you have to go all the way to the top-line SL trim.

The 2012 Nissan Versa S starts at $11,750 with a five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, two-speaker AM/FM/CD/Aux stereo system and not much more. Missing in action are power windows, power door locks and a folding rear seat back. For about $3,500 more, the mid-grade Versa SV remedies the manual windows and locks situation, and adds cruise control, nicer seat cloth and a variety of visual upgrades inside and out.

A 2012 Nissan Versa SL with Tech Package has an MSRP of $17,020. For that you get Bluetooth phone and USB/iPod audio connectivity, and the Tech Package adds navigation with a five-inch screen plus traffic info and satellite radio.

The 2012 Nissan Versa mates new 1.6-liter engine with a new, second-generation version of Nissan’s small-car CVT. Fuel economy is up significantly compared to the outgoing Versa and now competitive with category leaders, but the 2012 Hyundai Accent manages similar fuel economy while delivering 26 percent more horsepower. The 2012 Nissan Versa is the first Nissan to wear a “PUREDRIVE” badge, which the automaker says will denote cars with unspecified fuel-saving technologies. EPA numbers,  27/36/30 mpg (manual), 30/38/33 mpg (auto)

With a sticker-price range of $11,570 to $17,020, the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan has the lowest starting prices in the category so if you’re looking for maximum room and comfort at a minimum price, the 2012 Nissan Versa definitely fills that bill.

Grandparents on the Go

If you would like to combine an era in history of slaying dragons with good ole fashioned fun for the grandchildren, we suggest a day visit to the Arizona Renaissance Festival.  There is something for the grandkid and the kids in all of us.

Arizona’s annual festival is one of the largest in the nation, held on weekends in February and March and its fanciful European style village is constructed like a Hollywood movie set just below the foothills of the Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix.  You will be amazed at the combination of theater, circus the arts and arts and crafts fair.  There is a jousting tournament, people-powered rides and a culinary feast so sweet you’ll want to make a day-long adventure.

Merchants sell their wares ranging from clothing to custom ceramics.  There are demonstrations displaying skills of blacksmithing, glassblowing and pottery throwing.  Artisans are housed in the market lanes filled with storybook shops and medieval tents.

Food and drink (drynk) is available to satisfy any appetite young or Grand.  There are bread bowls, stews, steak-on –a- stake and of course their famous roasted turkey leg.

The children will love all the activities, even if they haven’t studied the Renaissance time in history yet. A favorite of our grandchildren was Mother (and Father) Goose brought to life, with costumed ducks and geese, Maggie, Mimi and Matilda.  Our older grandchildren cheered for their favorite knight in the jousting event (go early and get front row seats).  The people powered rides like Da Vinci’s Flying Machine and the Swan Swing to name a few were a big hit and the kids thought it was so cool that human’s made the rides work and in period clothing.

I must say, for both our grandchildren and for us adults… you really felt as if you were back in the day; as so many of the patrons dressed in traditional wear.   I think that is what makes the festival as exciting as it is. Our grandchildren said that next year they want to dress the part and want us to do the same.  I think I will, I don’t know about the grandpas but Cathy and I are ready for some satin and lace and umbrella accessories.