51

The number 51.

51 has been worn on the uniforms of great athletes such as Randy Johnson, Ichiro Suzuki, and Dick Butkus.

In '51, Robin Williams, Bob Geldof, and the UNIVAC I computer were born. It was also the year Ferdinand Porsche, Bill Barilko, and Shoeless Joe Jackson died.

However, for me, the number 51 will have a special memory. For it is that very number which was on the odometer of the new vehicle I took ownership of on Friday last. I'm used to seeing 5 and 6 digits in use on my previous vehicle's odometers, 2 digits is almost confusing. When I turned the ignition on my spotless 2008 Honda Odyssey, the first place I glanced was the odometer. I knew I had to soak it in, commit it to memory, experience the moment.

But new cars do not stay new forever. I'm sad to report that last night, while driving along Anderson Deerfoot interchange, the odometer displayed a frightening sight …. "0000099". An instantaneous feeling of terror came over me. It occurred to me that those moments of a two-digit odometer reading were soon to be over. I stared at the odometer as I drove, weaving in and out of my lane, causing a barrage of horns and middle fingers to be directed at me. Finally, it clicked over. I let out a deep sigh. At least I get more time to enjoy a 3-digit odometer.

I also realize there will be more heartbreak: the first paint chip, the first windshield crack, the first "need to clean". But I'm bound and determined to enjoy the moment.

So long as I keep the vehicle away from the Riverbend area, I should be okay.

By the way, the word "Odyssey" comes from the ancient Greek word "Odysseus" meaning "chick magnet".

New Addition to the Family

Our New Baby: 2008 Honda Odyssey

The purchase of our new toy was the result of countless hours of online research, many visits to various car lots, bitter and vigorous inter-spouse debate, and one subscription to Consumer Reports. At the finish line, it was between the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey, with the Honda getting the nod.

Although we did the deal on Saturday, we actually will not receive it until Friday. What this means is a week of anticipation, we just can't wait to get the damn thing! We managed to get a couple bonuses squeezed into the deal, one bonus was a DVD player, so that oughta shut up those kids!

Two things I'm going to take a picture of: (1) the odometer reading, which will read "7", and (2) the engine, with not a spec of dirt on it.

I should mention, that since purchasing the minivan, there already has been some noticeable testicular atrophy. When they completely whither away, I suppose I could always compensate with purchasing a motorcycle like the other testicular-challenged folks.

So, until Friday arrives, all I have is the brochure.

The Least Manliest Blog I've Ever Written

I think it was last hockey season that planted the seed in our brains. We would stuff our boy's hockey gear in the trunk, but we've been starting to also take his buddies to practices and games. One hockey bag in our 4-door Malibu, no problem. Two bags, problem.

So, when this would happen, a sense of terror overcame me. What were we going to do next year when our other boy begins hockey? Two bags would be a regular occurrence, maybe even three! After pondering this, I hung my head and came to the sad conclusion that we need a minivan ("sigh").

After a brief period of mourning, we began our research. We would start with Internet research. Our list produced the first round candidates. We decided to purchase new. This would be a cash purchase, so the automakers' different financing options will not enter into our evaluation criteria.

• The Dodge Grand Caravan
• The Pontiac Montana
• The Chevrolet Upplander
• The Honda Odyssey
• The Toyota Sienna

First to go was the Upplander. Poor crash test results, and some poor reviews sealed its fate. Plus, this was the minivan that I drove around Montreal when I was briefly working over there. Pretty small.

Our first sit-in experience was the Grand Caravan, which we had high hopes for. But it just seemed barren inside, almost flimsy. Plus, the 2008 is a complete re-working of this model, so you're rolling the dice on depreciation rate and reliability with a brand new design. Cross off the Grand Caravan.

The Montana we thought was the nicest looking of the bunch, and it did make our "test drive cut". But after paying $26 for a Consumer Reports subscription, and diving deeper into other car research, it was found that its reliability was poor, very poor. No like-ee. The Montana was dropped.

So, this is where we are at this very point in time. Deciding between the Odyssey and the Sienna. Both reviewed extremely well with ALL reputable auto review organizations. Consumer Reports gives the Odyssey a very high 90, the Sienna a 91. Like comparing two X-Men, each has its super-powers:

Sienna: Has more of a "car feel". You can get any option in any model. Its available in AWD (All Wheel Drive). She has more Headroom, and a slightly better Consumer Reports reliability score.

Odyssey: It has a massive amount of cargo room. She's a little purdier than the Sienna, we thought. The seats are very solid, more substantial. The reviews also indicated that this was the more responsive of the current class of minivans.

So, this is where we are. We have not test driven either yet, just sat in them.

I know you are absolutely riveted by this tale, so we will unveil our select soon. Donations to our minivan fund are graciously accepted through PayPal.