I have always been a fan of the Ford, mostly because my Dad believes that whether or not someone owns a Ford is a moral issue of primary importance.  Brainwashing aside, I really do like them, though I am sometimes ashamed to say it.  These new trucks, however, look very interesting for lots of reasons, namely several technologies and gadgets to help business drivers, including an in-dash computer, a tool inventory system and a fleet telematics and diagnostic system.  Seriously?  That is just plain greatness.  I wonder if there is a way I could justify having that.  I wonder if the computer runs windows (side note - if its Vista, forget about it.  Imagine this, "Are you SURE you want to turn your vehicle off?")  And I wonder how long it would take me to wreck as I grind my level 70 Deathknight in World of Warcraft.  See here for a detailed review of the new truck's performance.  

Check out the 2010 list of vehicles built by the UAW (United Auto Workers) here.  Jimmy says, "Buy Union!"

I have to tell you we were elated when we bought a Suburban.  It has plenty of seating room for our 4 kids.  In fact, we could fit 2 more in there if space was all there was to take into consideration.  But since we've had our youngest, we have come to discover that there is one glaring weakness with our purchase.  The bench seat.  Yes thats right.  Some people deal with starvation, war torn countries, or soul-crushing diseases.  We have to deal with a bench seat.  There are a few things that happen each family outing that is making the bench seat a life force draining affair.  Allow me to paint a picture for you:

1. As I said, we have 4 kids now, the two least'uns being in car seats.  The other two aren't.  We have the two car seats in the middle row.  If you know anything about car seats, they are a nightmare from hell to buckle in, especially when they are right next to each other, and especially when the seat belt buckles always get stuck in the cracks of the seat, becoming next to impossible to get out with my fat hands.  SERENITY NOW!
2. This means there is an open spot between the two car seats...one that has become highly coveted among the two eldest.  The politicking and jockeying for this spot has become a force of nature in our family.
3. Its 110 degrees in Texas during the summer. 
   
4. Inevitably, each time we get in the car, there is a fight over who gets to sit by the baby, forcing me to put both of them in the back, which leads to more fighting and statements like, "you never let us do anything," or "I'm not going to play with you anymore."  These are directed at me, the evil despot who rules his Chevy Suburban with an iron fist. 
   
5. Then, there is the dramatic climb over the bench seat, which is always such an over the top dramatic affair accompanied by weeping and gnashing of teeth.  
6. Getting out is much more fun.  The near kicks to the baby's head are always a good time.  God forbid in all His mercy that our two kids wait the extra 15 seconds it takes for us to extract their defenseless brother.  
7. Its 110 degrees in Texas durig the summer.
8. These shenanagins happen at least 2 more times each outing, as we are forced to lump our torture sessions together to minimize mental trauma. 

Upon returning home, my wife and I look at each other, and after an understanding embrace and a vow not to kill our children, we go about our business.  This repeated bludgeoning has led us to lament the bench seat and dream of a paradise where Captain's seats are a reality, providing a nice and easy pass through where the children have no choice but to get in the back.  We all have our crosses to bear.  I would spare you from this one if you have the choice.