The last, for now at least, of my major mods is complete. Today’s work was installing the Little Big Brake Kit from Flyin’ Miata – new Wilwood calipers, stainless brake lines and aluminum lug nuts went on all four corners. I’m running BP-20X pads up front and BP-10 pads in the rear for the street... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … Raceseng Prolix Shift Knob
I admit my opinion can be influenced when I receive a product that uses packaging almost as nice as my Rolex came in ... it's simply a sign of seriousness toward your own products. There’s no doubt that a shift knob may be one of the most personal of all accessory decisions ... fit, finish... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … Mods Part One
I’m close to 1,000 miles on my 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF GTS so it seems like a good time to review what’s been done, and what is yet to come. So, without further ado here’s what I’ve done so far. First Gear - We’re Just Getting Started CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna Craven Speed Door Bushings Second... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … Progress Springs, Lower Sure Ain’t Slower
Glued to the road, well that is one way to say it but I’m not sure it does this latest mod justice. Today was Progress spring day, along with new bump stops, and in addition to the previous handling mods this continues to be a whole new car. After installing the new springs, the measurement,... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … CG Lock – Buckle In Better, Drive Better
This quickie mod is one of those hidden gems, at least for me since I’d never heard of the CG Lock before, and one that I now highly recommend. I’ll not kid myself or you, this is not a substitute for a six-point harness by any stretch. But if you take a little time to... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … Sway Bars, Summer Tires and Alignment
My latest modifications are all about handling, and they are worth every nickel I spent. It literally feels like driving a different, and better, vehicle. Because I had three mods all done at the same time I cannot opine on which had the greatest effect. What I do know is the package of all three... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … DRL Harness by MX5 Things
Today’s mod adds some serious impact to the front end, in addition to the Carbon Miata Spyder Grille, but this one is a nighttime enhancement, the MX5 Things daytime running lights (DRL) harness. This little piece of genius from Sergey is a reasonably easy, though not quite as easy as some may say, modification that... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … Carbon Miata Spyder Grille
Last mod was on the rear, adding the Hush-O-Matic active exhaust, so it’s only fair to give the front end a nice upgrade in the form of the Carbon Miata Spyder Grille. While I know many have made this modification themselves, I opted to have my dealer’s body shop do the swap. It cost me... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … Flyin’ Miata Hush-O-Matic Exhaust
First significant mod was done today, and I couldn't be happier. Off came OEM exhaust, back of the midpipe, and on went a Hush-O-Matic active exhaust from Flyin' Miata. I wanted something with more growl than stock but wasn't looking to get too loud, and this package is just right. At idle and lower revs,... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … Factory Sound Tube Removal
If you know what is missing in the photo above, then you know what mod I completed today along with the CravenSpeed door bushings. The missing item is the factory sound tube that runs from an intake vacuum line to the firewall. I suppose the idea is to add to the zoom-zoom you hear inside... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … CravenSpeed Door Bushings
Today was the first decent weather we’ve had in this area in a couple weeks, so I took some time to give my MX-5 a quick cleaning – outside and inside – and knocked out a couple of modifications. The first one today was to replace the door bushings with the CravenSpeed replacements. The entire... Continue Reading →
My MX-5 … CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna
The first aftermarket tweak was a small one – financially and literally – but a satisfying one from an aesthetic perspective. The OEM antenna is a longer, whippy kind of thing that is honestly not the most attractive hanging off the back of your shiny new MX-5. But have no fear, for just $25 from... Continue Reading →
Big Boy Toy – My New 2019 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF GTS
It’s been a very long time since I’ve indulged myself with a larger purchase but, for no reason other than fun, that changed recently with my new 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF GTS. She’s not going to be my daily drive, rather an occasional weekend distraction from the grind of my all-consuming job. While the car... Continue Reading →
Hugh Jackman Announces One-Man World Tour
Bring it on … Hugh Jackman may be the best all-around entertainer of this era, certainly one of the most talented. My personal tastes run very much to his acclaimed roles in Les Miserables and The Greatest Showman, but his accolades for other roles on the screen and stage, in his home country of Australia,... Continue Reading →
A Few Wardrobe Additions and Childlike Anticipation
With autumn here – more or less – and winter not far behind, I’ve been adding a few things to fill in some holes in my wardrobe. Over the last several days, I have had a couple new suits fitted, ordered several new shirts and ties, and a sweet pair of Chelsea boots with a... Continue Reading →
Sometimes The Mountains Do Give Up Their Dead
I am a former ice and rock climber, and expedition mountaineer. It was an exhilarating pursuit and, though I came close to death a couple times, I enjoyed every moment I spent in the mountains, ascending a frozen vertical waterfall, and clawing my way up sheer rock faces. I also had several friends who didn’t... Continue Reading →
Dressing Well, Rule #1 – Get a Great Tailor
A dog is not always a man’s best friend. If you want to look your best – whether it’s formal, business, casual – the first thing you must do is get a great tailor. Over time a man’s relationship with his tailor takes on a transcendental quality. He comes to know intuitively the minute details... Continue Reading →
Paris Fashion Week …Street Style
I wrote before that my personal style trends toward the classic-for-gentlemen look, but when it comes to ladies’ fashion I appreciate and enjoy a wide range of designers’ works. However, when New York, Paris, Milan, et al roll around some of the best fashion can be seen on the streets of these fashion meccas. Here... Continue Reading →
Paris Fashion Week … Hair Artistry
My tastes for my personal fashion run to what I call “gentleman’s classic” or what some in the fashion industry may well refer to as boring. I take pride in how I dress, and I wear top brands almost exclusively but I’m 61 and living a real, professional life not 22 strutting on a runway... Continue Reading →
Sushi Heaven
I’m an immense sushi fan – from the very serviceable fresh stuff my local supermarket chef puts out daily to the blow-it-out experience of dining at Masa in New York Center – I need no prodding. If you too are a sushi lover and find yourself in The Big Apple with a few – okay,... Continue Reading →
