We face AIDS every day in the United States and our urban communities were among the first places in the world to experience the devastation of HIV.  San Francisco was one of the first communities to do something about it.

Monday, December 1, is World AIDS Day. The folks at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation will be out in the streets on World AIDS Day to show the community that HIV/AIDS is still a devastating disease and remind everyone that thousands of people are living with HIV and AIDS.

I searched flickr for a collection of rainbow-inspired images so that AskPatty could also show our support for, and encourage awareness of, World AIDS day. If you want to see larger versions of any of the thumbnail images in this gallery, just click on the image to be taken to the enlargement on that photographer's flickr page.

In the last few years, my commute has changed significantly, and once I drop my children off at school, I only spend a few more minutes in the car. This week, however, rather than jumping out of my car when I arrived at my destination, I stayed in my car to listen to the rain. It is during these few moments that I am able to observe the rain meditation that I used to enjoy on my longer commute. Why not take a pause and enjoy this reflection along with me?

Turn off the radio and listen to the sound of the rain... large heavy drops drumming loudly against the body and windows of the car, as well as the other white noise sound in the background as those same drops fall onto the pavement around the vehicle. When driving, another sound is present: the sticky sound of the wheels rolling on the wet ground and the spray that is kicked off. And don't forget the occasional swish and splash of the wiper blades.

Outside, everything is gray. The clouds and the moisture in the air diffuse the sunlight, removing the shadows and contrast from the world, and making everything feel quiet and stark.

The water on the ground and on the windshield reflects the headlights of oncoming cars to create a constantly changing light show. The taillights of the car in front add orange and red to contribute color to display.   

There is a smell that comes with the first rains. The wet asphalt releases a slightly acrid aroma redolent of dirt and oil. Soon this is replaced by the smell of the water in the air, refreshed by negative ions that are released as water droplets become a fine spray.

I slow down when driving in the rain so I can enjoy this contemplative experience (and also worry less about the poor driving of Los Angelenos who don't feel the same about the rain as I do). It doesn't matter if the rain makes me late, EVERYBODY will be late, so there's no need to rush or worry. Mentally, I become more relaxed and my mind clears as the white noise surrounding me fills my brain and pushes away the usual concerns occupying my thoughts.

After the rain clears, I feel as if I have experienced a rebirth. My world has been washed clean: my car, the roads, the city, the air, the sky, even me. Everything becomes fresh again, vivid colors return to the surroundings, brightened by the removal of the environmental dust and pollution that has settled on the trees and scenery. The air is fresh and clean and invigorating thanks to the gloriously tranquilizing overdose of negative ions that ease tension and pressure, and leave me full of energy.

It's really a spiritual thing. I am baptized by the rain; it's my own opportunity to be clean again, purified by the water, outside and inside.

Next time you step into your car during wet weather, I hope you will consider this meditation, and let the rain become a positive experience for you too.

By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing editor and rain lover

It’s a sure bet that if you’re reading an article from a tiremaker about winter driving safety, the snow and ice season is on top of us. Goodyear and Bridgestone are the first tiremakers this year to e-mail their articles to Tire Review, and their advice is well taken.

Bob Toth, marketing manager of auto tires for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., offers the following consumer driving tips:

    * Match driving speeds to current conditions. A slower driving speed allows more time for a necessary response.
    * Think about the road ahead and try to anticipate potentially dangerous situations. When approaching a curve or potentially slick area, use the brakes effectively. Brakes should be applied only before a curve or on a straight section of the road.
    * Sometimes, taking your foot off the accelerator and allowing the vehicle to slow down naturally without using the brakes is best.
   

It was Thanksgiving Day 1992, I was feeling nervous about taking the long drive with my two boys young boys out to the desert from Los Angeles to visit my in-laws for the annual Thanksgiving family get together. My daughter, the youngest was spending the weekend with her best friends up in Solvang for the holidays, which later would turn into a blessing.

I called my Mom in the morning to wish her and my Dad a Happy Thanksgiving and shared my unusual anxiety, actually pending doom feelings about taking the drive. I had always been a confident driver and never really worried about long drives or having an accident. She reassured me, wished me a Happy Thanksgiving and off I went to the desert to enjoy the family celebration. Were these feelings a premonition or women's intuition?

It was a cold but perfect day out in the Mojave, the drive out was spectacular. I love the desert and the stark beauty of the Joshua Trees that stand out tall in the flat and rolling landscape. My new Toyota Cressida drove like a dream, quiet and powerful she cruised along to our destination safely.

A dark a sad cloud hung over the DeVere family as we joined together to celebrate Thanksgiving. The recent death of my children’s Father in a car accident earlier that year was painfully on all our minds. We were all still grieving. He lost control of his Corvette on a mountain road after a few beers, while on vacation at the family cabin up in the Sequoia’s and died instantly of a head injury, he was just thirty eight. Perhaps this was why I was feeling so anxious about driving?

We left for home in the twilight, filled with Grandma Cleo’s cooking, lots of hugs and our heads filled with family stories shared in laughter and tears from the entire family about “what a guy” Bert DeVere and his adventure filled life.

The drive on Palmdale Highway 138, a two land undivided road, was lined with cars coming and going like bumper cars. I always hated this part of the drive and kept checking my speed to stay at 55 MPH, which was not my normal routine driving practice.

After about ten minutes, still feeling overly cautious, I looked over at my son in the front passenger seat and noticed his seatbelt was not fastened and sharply told him to “Put on your seatbelt, NOW!”, and glanced over my shoulder to make sure my other son was buckled up!

Thirty seconds later a small car driven by a drunken women with five children, only one two-year-old in a restraint system, swerved from the oncoming traffic 50 feet in front of me. There was no way to avoid the accident. I slammed on my brakes to attempt to stop in time. Her oncoming speed and my oncoming speed were equal to at least 110 miles an hour. Not enough time to stop.

That moment of impact will be imbedded in my soul forever. Three of her five children were killed instantly. The woman driver killed her only daughter and all three of her sister’s children. She survived along with the two-year-old in the car seat and one other young boy cousin.

The cars gratefully swerved off onto the desert floor out of oncoming traffic, no other cars got caught up into the wreck. Once stopped I sprang into Mother Bear protection mode to get us all out of the car before a fire started, I kicked open the passenger door, climbed over my son and pulled he and my son in the back seat out and away from the car. I ran to the other car, she was alive. I asked her if she was okay and peered into the car. The scene was gruesome; I smelled blood and all the children were deathly quiet. A stranger pulled me aside and told me he would take care of things here.

Shock started to set in as I walked back and collapsed beside my two boys on the desert floor. It was freezing cold.  We were 45 minutes away from the nearest hospital. More strangers pulled over to assist. Because we all survived some of these strangers made angry accusations as they walked passed, they assumed I was the at-fault driver. I protectively gathered my sons to me and tried to keep them warm. A kind couple in a motor home brought blankets, covered us, and stayed with us and spoke comforting words until help arrived. I will be ever grateful.

We were all transported to the local hospital by ambulance. In the emergency room I watched the Highway Patrol officers go to her bed speak quietly to her for a few minutes and then began a bone chilling chorus of her wailing; “I killed my sister’s babies. I killed my sister’s babies”. 

The decision to check my son’s seatbelt 30 seconds before the accident saved his life. By the grace of God, we all walked away from the accident with severe seatbelt injuries, sore for several weeks ,and left with dreams, nightmares, and feelings of inappropriate survivor guilt that would haunt me for years. I asked myself a thousand times, “What could I have done differently to avoid hitting them?” I replayed the accident in slow motion over and over again and again in my mind to find an answer that was not to be found.

I read about her in the paper, she was cited for three counts of vehicular manslaughter. How would she live with the consequences of her drunk driving? My heart ached for this woman, her sister and her family, those innocent children.

Remember me and my story this Thanksgiving. Fasten your seatbelts, make sure to use and install a proper car seat for your children, drive defensively and don’t drink and drive. The lives of your family and other’s are at stake!

I am so grateful the lives of my two sons were spared and that we will be celebrating another joyous holiday together along with my precious grandchildren.

Wishing you all Happy and Safe Thanksgiving travels!

Jody DeVere
President & CEO
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com 

The often shared advice about the oil in your car is that you should change it every 3,000-miles or three months in order to keep your engine running smoothly. To help save drivers' time and money, while being environmentally efficient, auto experts are busting industry myths on car maintenance.  The one thing that many people do not know is that this is not a fact, it is just a myth. In fact, most manufacturers recommend more than 5,000 miles between oil changes instead of the traditional 3,000.

The traditional 3000-mile oil change recommendation was based on engine and oil technologies of the past. Today's more modern engines are built to strict tolerances using advanced technology, reducing or eliminating contaminants that might enter the engine. In-vehicle technologies such as General Motors' Oil Life System can also reduce the frequency between oil changes by actively determining each engine's oil "life."

Making this adjustment can save eight to ten gallons of oil a year and put as much as $76 back in your pocket. Following new recommendations can also help improve the environment: In some cases, just one gallon of improperly disposed motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of drinking water.

At this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade,  Tom the Turkey is going GREEN as he floats down Broadway in a GMC Yukon hybrid, demonstrating that SUVs can provide exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing power or towing capability. This is the first year that hybrid vehicles are participating in the parade, and GM is proud to reward Tom the Turkey's frugal decision to ride in a fuel-efficient hybrid by providing a generous collection of vehicles to the event.

GMC, the "Official Truck of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," will provide a broad assortment of GMC vehicles to pull the floats on Thanksgiving morning, November 27.  The 2008 parade will mark more than 25 years that GMC has supported Macy's.

By promising as much as 21 miles per gallon in the city, the GMC Yukon hybrid  rivals the fuel economy of a four-cylinder Toyota Camry and is able to tow up to 6,200 pounds.

The floats that GMC Yukon hybrids will pull include: Tom the Turkey, Harajuku Lovers, Oneida Nation, the Statue of Liberty, and the Care Bears.  All other floats will be pulled by an assortment of GMC vehicles, including GMC Acadias, GMC Yukon Denalis and GMC Sierras. 

The parade begins at 9 a.m (Eastern Time) at 77th street and Central Park West, then proceeds to Columbus Circle and turns onto Broadway. After marching down Broadway, the parade turns west on 34th Street, passes by Macy's Herald Square, and finishes at 7th Avenue. You can also watch the parade on NBC from 9 to noon (Eastern Time).

Further information on the Parade can be obtained by calling the Macy's Parade Hotline at (212) 494-4495 or at www.macysparade.com.

It's Not Too Late to Take a Last-Minute Turkey Day Vacation!

CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds Americans it's not too late to plan a last-minute Thanksgiving weekend trip with the family or for a quick getaway. Because the price of gas has dropped so drastically in the recent weeks, these trips could be perfect family road trips for the Thanksgiving weekend.

For those who planned to forego the Turkey Day family or leisure vacation, but have an 11th-hour itch to head out of town, CSA suggests this list of cities worth visiting to take part in popular local Thanksgiving Day traditions:

As we move closer to the holidays, AskPatty thought it might be nice to offer you some fun gift choices for those car-loving folks in your life. Whether you're looking for fun and frivolous, inexpensive and practical, or simply fantasizing about those luxurious and aspirational items you WISH you could give, we'll share it with you here in our holiday gift guide.

Busted Knuckle invites you to consider more than 250 exciting Busted Knuckle Garage  products starting at just $2.49. Busted Knuckle will let you put a wrench in your holiday plans with 20% off your entire purchase -- simply enter the code "GREATDEAL" at checkout -- and also offers FREE ground shipping on all orders over $50.00. They've got a great line of herbal skin care products, salves, and moisturizers  that are excellent for both men and women; cool baseball caps, tee-shirts, and jackets; collectible figurines, mugs, pub glasses, and novelties; and garage and home decor items such as chairs and pub tables, fun metal wall signs, neon clocks, and art. Their slogan is "unique gifts for wrench twisting car guys, bikers, and wannabe's," and their site really has a fun retro theme - plus they're just plain nice people. Be sure to tell them Patty sent you!

 If you're feeling really generous, you could give your loved one a new Volvo -- or if you're not feeling so generous, you can give Volvo-themed items from their collection. Start your little ones on the car path early with comfy baby moccasins  ($25) to a Volvo C70 Pedal car ($240 in retina-searing-red)  or teach them about safety with their very own crash test dummy doll ($18). The Volvo collection also offers grown-up selections, including a selection of more than two dozen watches for him and her,  women's polos, v-necks, and sweaters; a line of outerwear that includes fleece and microfiber jackets, down vests, caps, and beanies; golf accessories, luggage, and much more.

Maybe you want to put a truck in the driveway, or if that seems a little overboard, how about some Red Truck wines on the holiday table? Just in time for holiday celebrations, Red Truck is offering free shipping on 12 bottles (just order 12 bottles from the wine shop, then type FREESHIPPING in the promo code box) and an online-exclusive new Organic Zinfandel ($11.99) that promises to taste perfect with turkey or roasted meats. (I happen to be a fan of the Pink Truck California Pink ($8.99) which features a pink 1939 Chevy truck on the label.)  If you like the lovely truck-inspired labels as much as you like the wines, you can also buy them as full-size 24x32-inch posters ($15) in their gift shop along with Red Truck-branded tee-shirts and caps.

Just in time for the holidays, Infiniti is selling the Premier Edition of its all-new 2009 G37 Convertible exclusively through the 2008 Bloomingdale's Holiday Catalog. Bloomingdale's much anticipated annual holiday catalog features an eight-page reveal of the Infiniti G Convertible and reservation program for the exclusive Premier Edition which boasts a unique Monaco Red leather-trimmed interior with hand-crafted, red-stained Maple Wood Trim, and a special grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. This special offer isn't available online, so if you didn't get your Bloomies catalog, then you can still get a sneak preview of this fabulous car which won't arrive in dealerships until spring. From December 10 through January 10, four Bloomingdale's stores will feature the all-new Infiniti G Convertible, allowing the public to catch a glimpse of the vehicle before it goes on sale. These locations include Tysons Corner in McLean, VA; Lenox Square in Atlanta, GA; Mall of Millennia in Orlando, FL; and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. Product specialists will be on hand to answer consumer questions.

What car-loving woman doesn't also love a Harveys Seatbelt bag? Among the fabulous bags in their product line are a new collection of 100% recycled seatbelts called "Treecycle":  Fully lined with hemp fabric imprinted with eco-friendly inks, the Treecycle line includes small wallets ($78) and messenger bags ($134), full-size totes, and satchels ($148). The brand-new Disney Couture collection offers a colorful assortment of similar products, as well as a smaller baguette bag ($128) or cosmetic pouch ($64) and a large carriage satchel ($268), all featuring a comic-strip story about Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I adore my cranberry red messenger bag, and love the attention it gets from others who are attracted to its lovely but durable appearance! Plus, Harveys bags are handmade in the USA and come with a lifetime guarantee.

Those who spend a lot of time in the car - commuting or road tripping - will appreciate the in-car yoga experience offered by DriveTimeYoga! No pretzel poses here! Drivetime Yoga is designed for drivers and passengers to do easily and safely while on the road, regardless of whether they are already familiar with Yoga techniques. Also, the 'Rolling Namaste' is a simple way to enhance, not replace, on-the-mat classes or whatever exercise program you follow. Designed by Yoga teacher, Elaine Masters, with contributions from Physical Therapist/Ergonomic Consultant Julie Garner, the program features adapted poses, breathing techniques for clarity and stress release, plus driving ergonomics to keep you injury-free behind the wheel. The book and CDs feature body specific suggestions including low-back exercises, neck stretches, and shoulder moves to address common chronic driving pains, avoid bad driving habits that hurt, and discover relaxation techniques to ease freeway frustration. You can read the book ($9.95), listen to the audio book in the car ($18.95), or get them both! ($26)

Our friendz at Ridemakerz have a special offer for Black Friday Shopperz:  you can get a free radio control upgrade with any purchase made in a store or online on Friday, November 28. Just Pick out a body, add some custom paint, wheels, and accessories and you’ve got a made-to-order ride. Or receive a free 2009 calendar with any purchase made between December 1-31.  “Building custom RIDEZ is an interactive challenge to everyone’s imagination and the end result is a one-of-a-kind, personal expression," sez Chip Foose, legendary car customizer and host of TLC’s hit show Overhaulin’. "RIDEMAKERZ  has captured the authenticity necessary for the true adult collector and combined it with the simplicity necessary for kids as young as six years old.” We dig 'em, even if they can't zpell.

 And don't overlook your own favorite website! AskPatty now offers Certified Female Friendly apparel and merchandise through the CafePress custom product site! If you're a fan of AskPatty.com, CLICK HERE  to order AskPatty clothing and other fun items, including buttons, clocks, shirts, hats, tote bags, and coffee mugs.  Order today to receive them in time for your holiday gift-giving festivities!

Look for more automotive-related holiday gift ideas next week! We've got plenty more where these came from! Regardless of the holidays you honor this time of year, AskPatty wishes the warmest blessings of the season to you and your family

Jody DeVere

President and CEO
http://www.askpatty.com
http://www.carblabber.com

The car care experts at Jiffy Lube recommend the following tips for making sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road and arrive at your Thanksgiving gatherings safely:

Make sure the battery is strong
Make sure that your battery connections are tight and free of corrosion and have it tested to ensure it has ample power.

Pay attention to oil grade
Motor oil lubricates the engine, keeping it cool and reducing the friction between moving parts.  When motor oil gets too dirty, it loses some of its lubrication and absorption abilities.  Check with your owners’ manual for the proper weight of oil and maintenance schedule your vehicle specifies.

Clean the engine air filter
The air filter is a vehicle’s lung.  A clean air filter helps the engine combust an optimal air-to-fuel mixture, making it run more smoothly and efficiently. 

When your air filter is clogged, your engine has to work harder and therefore is not operating at peak performance.  Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find out when it needs to be replaced.

The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Automotive Communications Awards (ACA). The recipients were honored during the Women’s Board reception, which took place Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at the Sands Expo Center during AAPEX.

The Automotive Communications Awards are sponsored by the Women’s Board and supported by the Automotive Communication Council. The awards applaud companies/agencies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing and PR efforts.

Organized by the Car Care Council Women’s Board, the awards and reception are sponsored by a variety of aftermarket companies and organizations. The 2008 sponsors include: Penray Companies, Inc., SKF, Automotive Communication Council (ACC), Jiffy Lube International, Inc., Mitchell 1, Four Seasons, Inc., Maximum Marketing Services, Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS), Motor Information Systems, N.A. Williams Company and Tomorrow’s Technician Magazine.