DON'T BURN AND DRIVE... Cathy's Car Corner

Skin Cancer and Driving – By Cathy Droz
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.

JAGUAR ALIVE EXPERIENCE

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By: Cathy Droz
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.”

Cardinal Stadium - Phoenix, Arizona

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

Gift Idea for Grandmothers - Happy Mother's Day

This was a great surprise on Mother's Day... a funky, hip necklace with all the grandchildren's names in different shapes and sizes.  My daughter Julia found a woman who custom designs them off the internet.  As you can see fashion for wearing kids around your neck has changed ... one on left in gold from l976.

$103,000 BMW 650i Coupe

http://twofortheroadusa.com/2012/05/14/a-103000-automobile-for-you/