Aftermarket action
An eye on the small fry
Safely securing your infant the rear seat of your car, facing the rearward, is the correct thing to do. However, it's virtually impossible to see how they're doing in the mirror with their backs to you. A simple solution is to purchase a Munchkin Adjustable Back Seat Mirror. The product will allow you to keep tabs on your kid just by glancing in your rearview mirror. The 32- by 24-centimetre mirror can be adjusted to the correct position for you and your baby to see each other and will fit just about any backrest. Munchkin sells the product through most department and major toy stores (including Toys R Us) plus www.amazon.ca and other online outlets in the $50 range.
Are you receiving me?
For wilderness adventurers or anyone who would rather be safe than sorry, a two-way radio could be a critical lifeline in an emergency. The Midland XT511 Emergency Crank Base Camp will keep you connected to the outside world with its built-in AM/FM radio. It also allows you to summon help with its built-in 22-channel two-way radio (license
Route 66 postcards
Without question, one of the most famous North American highways is Route 66. Before interstate freeways were built, this 4,000-kilometre two-lane road was the primary link between Chicago, Ill., and Los Angeles, Calif., beginning in the late 1920s (it was officially decommissioned in 1985). As a record of the highway's glory days through the decades, author Joe Sonderman required) with scan feature. The XT511 uses a battery pack that can be recharged using a plug-in socket or with the attached hand crank. It can even be used to recharge your cell phone. The $90 price includes a hand MIC, AC wall adapter and shoulder strap. Check out and order the XT511 as well as other Midland products at www.midlandusa.com.
Download a brochure
If you have ever visited a newcar showroom, you've likely browsed through those slick brochures left in the waiting area. There's a way you can download current and past copies of these glossy sales pieces by visiting www.autobrochures.com. The site has a huge assortment of brochures, from Acura to Volvo, all in PDF format, with most dating back 10-12 years, but some much older. In addition there are numerous exotic and obscure models represented ( for example, a 1924 Chevrolet Superior and a 1912 Studebaker), along with an assortment of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other highend brands. Download as many as you want, they're free. has assembled some 400 postcards depicting points of interest, landmarks, attractions, motels, restaurants and other sights. His book, "Postcards from Route 66, The Ultimate Collection from America's Main Street", is a must-have for anyone interested in this iconic stretch of asphalt and the history of longdistance automobile travel. Order a copy for US $24 from www.quartoknows.com.