Ford

Ford should win an award for cynicism. Due to currency trouble, the second generation Focus never came to the US. I see them on the road all the time, because they do sell German made Foci in Mexico, where the currency has more trouble.

Why do they keep selling America the first generation car? Do they think we don't have the internet?

Toyota

Toyota's were bulletproof for many years. In the 90s, I remember someone asking me if I thought they might have, "Too much quality." I didn't think so, but Toyota did.

Over time, they started a process of decontenting, which continues through the present day. One can only wonder why a company making the best product at a reasonable price would want to change. They eventually became bigger than General Motors, but look what happened to them.

Now, car buyers have to read reports on each individual model. Toyota was the last reliable make. I'm glad I read up on things, because I could have easily bought a Yaris, which is known as the Vitz in other places.

Chevrolet

General Motors is one of the worst companies when it comes to selling their products based on sentimental patriotism. They loudly complain about imports. I have always wondered why.

Chevrolet used to mean something. They were solid American cars. Now, they can be anything. Chevy is just a logo. Parts, and indeed the whole car, can come from anywhere. In some ways, they have been consistent.

I quote from a review of the Aveo, "Having spent many years proving that they can't build a small car in America, GM now proves that they can't build one in Korea either."

Major League Baseball

Going to a game used to mean listening to cheesy organ music from time to time, along with the occasional, "Charge." Stadiums looked like stadiums. They weren't spectacular, but you could see the field fairly well. At some point, places like Camden Yards were built. Someone had decided that all baseball stadiums needed to be like Wrigley Field. There is nothing wrong with the "Friendly Confines," but the copies are just copies, and bad ones at that.

Now, all stadiums are wired for sound. They were never quiet, but now they're ridiculous. A game is now a programmed religious experience. Every player has his own theme song. Sound effects abound. The action on the field has its usual ebbs and flows, but the sounds are relentlessly, "Exciting." I would like to see a baseball stadium that isn't a theme park.

Izod LaCoste

I have never worn one of their shirts, but those who have recall when they were made in France. I have recently looked at their newer, global product. It's exactly the same as every other brand. I can't imagine why anyone would spend the extra money for something made at the same contract manufacturers that make the other ones. Also, the alligator carries too much emotional baggage.