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Fragile: Beautiful Gifts at Great Prices

If you appreciate exceptional personal service and beautiful gifts of quality and taste, Fragile is the place for you. From Michael Aram to Zodax, and everything in between, the vast selection of china, crystal and unique gifts make shopping fun, easy and hassle-free.   Fragile is located in Sandy Springs and is known for discounted prices on high-end items.

Thank you, Helen, for going above and beyond to help me yesterday!

Fragile has convenient hours including Sunday shopping by appointment.

Fragile has convenient hours including Sunday shopping by appointment.

The cheery and spacious interior makes shopping a pleasure.

The cheery and spacious interior makes shopping a pleasure.

Fragile is located at 6235-B Roswell Rd., Atlanta, GA 30328, or visit them on the web at www.fragilegifts.com.

 

The 2016 Ferrari California T is the Art of Speed

Last week at the 2016 Geneva Auto Show, Ferrari announced a new performance handling upgrade for the California T called the Handling Speciale package. It combines several key updates that gives the California T better track handling and a throatier sound.

I had the pleasure of a joyride in the 2016 Ferrari California T on March 3. I was excited to see what lurked under this bad boy’s hood: a turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 featuring a host of power-adding, fuel-sipping technologies like direct injection and Ferrari’s Variable Boost Management. Producing a potent 560 horsepower and 557 pound-feet of torque, the California T hits 62 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds.

While all Ferrari California Ts boast the same slick seven-speed dual clutch gearbox; however, the Handling Speciale package offers quicker up- and downshifts, both in automatic and manual modes. Because the “HS” treatment also includes a new quad-exhaust system, it is tuned to produce a fuller, more pronounced note at high revs.

At a base price of $205,000, the 2016 California T is quite a deal.

2016 Ferrari California T.

2016 Ferrari California T.

The new multi-function steering wheel looks like it was ripped out of a Formula1 car. The center infotainment system is angled vertically, as are the bank of HVAC controls. Below that is a reworked center console with buttons for reverse, automatic mode, and launch control. The huge paddle shifters shine brightly behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The new multi-function steering wheel looks like it was ripped out of a Formula1 car. The center infotainment system is angled vertically, as are the bank of HVAC controls. Below that is a reworked center console with buttons for reverse, automatic mode, and launch control. The huge paddle shifters shine brightly behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The sleekly-styled dash.

The sleekly-styled dash.

Of course I drove the Ferrari California T in Sport mode ...

Of course I drove the Ferrari California T in Sport mode …

Passenger room is good up front, but the plus-two rear seats are best reserved for extra gear.

Passenger room is good up front, but the plus-two rear seats are best reserved for extra gear.

The new quad-exhaust system is tuned to produce a fuller, more pronounced note at high revs.

The new quad-exhaust system is tuned to produce a fuller, more pronounced note at high revs.

I must say, I loved the way the Ferrari California T handled.

I must say, I loved the way the Ferrari California T handled.

The 2016 Ferrari California T looks great from all angles.

The 2016 Ferrari California T looks great from all angles.

The end of my joyride.

The end of my joyride.

Thank you Davio’s for hosting the Ferrari Art of Speed event!

The 2016 Washington Auto Show

The Washington Auto Show is the largest public show in Washington, DC. It provides an opportunity to explore the latest cars, technologies and innovations in safety and sustainability, from clean diesel to biofuels and electric vehicles.

The show, which is preceded by two media days, was schedule Jan. 22-31, in the Washington Convention Center.  Unfortunately, Jonas happened.  The Blizzard of 2016 forced the show to delay opening for four days.  In spite of the delay, we prevailed.  Below is an inside look at some of the people who worked endlessly on the show and their comradery while making things happen – and, of course – a few of my favorite highlights of the show.

Members of the Foreign Press and International Motor Press Association shuttled to Washington, DC from New York City via Amtrak.

Members of the Foreign Press and International Motor Press Association shuttled to Washington, DC from New York City via Amtrak.

“MobilityTalks,” a Capitol Hill Panel, discussed how technology is making our nation’s roads and vehicles safer, infrastructure smarter and transforming the way we live, work and travel. Following the panel was an on-road demonstration traveled from Capitol Hill to the show site, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It was led by the vintage 1915 Ford model T named to the National Historic Vehicle Register by the show’s partner, the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA). This car has just completed the same road trip completed a century ago by Edsel Ford and his friends from Detroit to San Francisco.

An on-road demonstration traveled from Capitol Hill to the show site, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  It was led by the vintage 1915 Ford model T named to the National Historic Vehicle Register by the show’s partner, the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA). This car had just completed the same road trip completed a century ago by Edsel Ford and his friends from Detroit to San Francisco.

Auto show chairman Geoff Pohanka, wearing the traditional "snow hat" and show producer John O'Donnell wished for the best ... and then Winter Storm Jonas happened.

Auto show chairman Geoff Pohanka, wearing the traditional “snow hat” and show producer John O’Donnell wished for the best … Winter Storm Jonas did not appease them.

So we put on our snow boots ...

So we put on our snow boots …

And, sported our new hats ...

… and sported our new hats.

The now may have closed the show ...

The snow may have delayed the show …

... but lots of love was still around.

… but lots of love was still around.

We made the most of it.

We made the most of it.

We said our prayers ...

We said our prayers …

... and took in the views along the way.

… and  stopped to admire public art

We left our mark ...

We even left our mark …

... and made a new friend, along the way.

… and made a new friend along the way.

We enjoyed the local fare.

We took a bit of time to enjoy the local fare.

When sun appeared ...

When sun appeared …

... we saluted the warmth of her glow and got ready, once again, to begin the auto show.

… we saluted the warmth of her glow and got ready, once again, to begin the auto show.

We put a picture-perfect shine on the cars ...

We put a picture-perfect shine on the cars.

Unlike Homer & Bart, not once did we work on each others' nerves.

Unlike Homer & Bart, not once did we work on each others’ nerves.

We enjoyed art cars ...

We enjoyed art cars …

... live painting ...

Live painting …

Bikes ...

Bikes …

Handsome models ...

Handsome models …

And, another handsome model was seen at the ART-of-Motion exhibit by Automotive Rhythms.

And, a serious look at the ART-of-Motion exhibit by Automotive Rhythms.

Ryan Zimmerman, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Chris Duffley of American Red Cross, Alek Skarlatos, the American Hero who stopped a terrorist on a Paris bound train and show producer John O'Donnell took a moment to pose for the camera on Military Day.

Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Chris Duffley of American Red Cross, Alek Skarlatos, the American Hero who stopped a terrorist on a Paris bound train and show producer John O’Donnell took a moment to pose for my camera.

We even celebrated the 20 year anniversaries of Bob Yoffe, show manager and Barbara Pomerance, communications director.

We even celebrated the 20 year anniversaries of Bob Yoffe, show manager and Barbara Pomerance, communications director working together on The Washington Auto Show.

Since all good thing must come to an end, we gave each other a hug and said, "See you next year!"

Then we hugged goodbye and wished each other well until next year.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Press & Trade Days Kickoff Party

Connected Car Expo and Los Angeles Auto Show invited industry professionals and media from around the world to celebrate at the second annual Press & Trade Days Kickoff Party on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, outside the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Below are highlights from the event:

Scrumptious food made to order.

Scrumptious food made to order.

Specialty cocktails were served.

Specialty cocktails were served.

A view from inside of the tent.

A view from inside of the tent.

The servers were most charming.

Delightful dancers entertained the crowd.

Delightful dancers entertained the crowd.

A bit of dancing from new heights.

These guys took dancing to a whole new level.

Stay tuned … more to come from the Los Angeles Auto Show!

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 at Babette’s Cafe

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 on display at Babette’s Cafe.

 

Babette’s Café set the scene for the October 28th Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association luncheon sponsored by Mazda.  Tamara Mlynarczyk and Dan Calhoun introduced us to the 2016 Mazda CX-3.  What a sweet ride … the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is the fifth vehicle introduced to the U.S. with KODO—Soul of Motion design, encasing Mazda’s signature SKYACTIV Technology. The new CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV was developed to “Create the standard for the next era.” It’s a vehicle designed to meet the needs of a new generation of car buyers, supporting creative, adventurous lifestyles wherever – from the urban sprawl to the weekend getaway.

 

Key Features:

All trim levels will come with a standard

SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine, paired exclusively

with a six-speed automatic transmission

– Standard push-button starter

– Standard keyless entry

– Manual-shift Sport mode

– Available i-ACTIV AWD on all trim levels

– Available power glass moonroof heated seats

and cargo cover

– One-, two- or three-tone premium cloth,

leatherette or leather interior seating surfaces

– Optional 18-inch aluminum wheels

– 60/40 fold down rear seats

– Active Driving Display

– New Ceramic Metallic body color

 

Technology Highlights:

– Standard MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment

System with seven-inch full-color touchscreen

display and voice command

– Aha™, Pandora® and Sticher™ internet radio

– Available BOSE audio system, SiriusXM

satellite radio and HD radio

– Multi-function commander control

 

Safety and Security Highlights:

– Rear Camera (standard)

– i-ACTIVSENSE

– Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)

– Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)

– Smart Brake Support (SBS)

– Lane Departure Warning

– Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

– Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert

– High Beam Control

– Adaptive Front Lighting System

 

Barbara Pomerance with Mazda CX-3.

Barbara Pomerance of Pomerance & Associates with Mazda CX-3.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

A view of the stylish interior and perfectly-placed display.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Sleek alloy wheels.

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Tamara Mlynarczyk happily greets GAAMA members.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Jim Tucker introduces Dan Calhoun.

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Babette’s Cafe prepared a feast.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Tamara Mlynarczyk thanks GAAMA members for attending.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Dan Caloun explains the Mazda CX-3’s technology to a captivated full house.

Bonnie M. Morét Photography

Since all good things must come to an end, we bid adieu to the Mazda CX-3 and Babette’s Cafe.

 

Special thanks to Tamara Mlynarczyk, Dan Calhoun and Mazda for a a delious meal and stellar presentation.