Thoughts

One of my favorite nights of the year for the past three years has been going to the Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show. Nick's parents get him two tickets in hopes that he will take a date. Rather than doing that...he takes me. No complaints here. The night is an excuse to rent a tuxedo, head to downtown Detroit, see some cars and grab a steak someplace for dinner after the show.

This year, for the first time, I took my camera with me. Last year I wanted to, but assumed we were not allowed. When I got there I saw that many people were carrying digital cameras. I corrected my mistake. I wish I had taken more pictures, since I had room, but I still managed to take 70 decent pictures. The pictures are available here. As an amateur photographer I am still learning as I go. If I get to go next year, I would not expect to return home with room for 90 more pictures like I did this time.

As stated above, this was my third time going in as many years. Each Auto Show has been unique. I cannot say which of the three has been my favorite, but I do know it was not this year's. I hate to say that for fear of showing disrespect to those who provided me with the opportunity to go, however. The night out as a whole was fantastic; I had an incredible time. The event itself was just not the best.

From the moment we walked in the door the show was lacking. I believe the two previous years held more excitement and wonder. I was like a kid in a candy shop before. I have considered whether going to the Auto Show has simply become monotonous and perhaps the excitement has left for that reason. I do not believe this to be true. The cars are always so different and at no other time do I have the opportunity to sit in so many cars I could never afford and all in one night. It was the same this year as I walked from one exhibit to the next in anxious anticipation of the cars we would find there. I apologize for not being able to describe the feeling that made this year's show not the best more concretely.

I am admittedly not a big "car guy". That may seem strange, but it is a fact. (I still look forward to this night above almost all of the rest.) I normally do not even get excited about cars. The only car I have ever wanted is a Dodge Viper. I know it is a cheesy pick and of all the cars in the world I could have made a better choice, but that is it. That is the one I have liked from the day I saw my first. This year I even got a chance to sit in it. The Viper is not a roomy car by any stretch of the imagination. I have always said that if somehow I ended up getting one you would have to pour me in the window and I would never be able to get back out. As you can see I was not far off in my estimation of how hard it would be for me to get in and out.

The highlights of the show were the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford F-250 Super Chief. That is not to say that there were not many other cars worth seeing, because there were, but those were my particular favorites.

I have never been to the "open to the public" portion of the Auto Show which is the week or so following the Charity Preview. I do not think I would enjoy that as much as the Auto Show has become such a night out; I have been spoiled. Seeing an exhibit hall full of plainclothes patrons may be more than I can handle. There were some cars you should definitely see if you get the opportunity though.

Location:
Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center
One Washington Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48226
www.Cobo-info.com</u>