The song Vince is alluding to is called “Wear Sunscreen”. Is an essay written as a hypothetical commencement speech by columnist Mary Schmich, originally published in June 1997 in the Chicago Tribune. It became the basis for a successful spoken word song released in 1997 by Baz Luhrmann, “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)”, also known as “The Sunscreen Song“.

Presidential Address

– Vince Tidwell

There is a current pop song in which the narrator (he doesn’t really sing) gives words of advice with a measure of humility. I understand they originated from an elder’s university commencement address, but it doesn’t really matter. I’ve spent the last 30 of my 42 years learning about all things automotive and, like the narrator, I have to say the following advice is just the interpretation of one person from my generation:

• Use sunscreen when your top is down, and use ear-plugs at speeds that make you raise your voice. You’ll need your hearing as you grow old to enjoy classical music and good conversation over a bottle of wine.
• Ignore all the magazines, pundits and self-appointed experts. You don’t need anyone’s approval.
• Keep most of your opinions to yourself; only share them with people close to you who have accepted you for who you are, not what you can do for them.
• Take a romantic trip with your beloved often. Tell him or her what you enjoy and find difficult about your relationship. They deserve to hear both.
• Eat at the counter when you can. The service will be faster, the food hotter, the conversation livelier.
• Drive many different types of cars. Trade your Miata for your neighbor’s Z3 or Mustang for a day. You’ll appreciate your neighbor’s a bit more, and your neighbor will buy a Miata.
• Remember fondly the days when you drooled over brochures. Anticipation is almost always more fun than the real thing. How else could companies market sports cars that never sport, off-roaders that never off-road, and touring cars that seldom tour?
• DRIVE!
• Do not store or save your Miata for any reason. It will be someone else’s some day, then it will be recycled. History is full of futile temples of worship; the only true value you receive from an object is in its use, not its ownership.
• Life should be filled with experiences, not excuses.
• Borrow someone else’s Ferrari, never buy one. If you must buy one, make the money before you spend it.
• Nothing very good or very bad lasts very long.
• Take children and older people for a spin with the top down. It’s the closest thing to remembering your first convertible ride.
• Maintain your Miata, but don’t worry about it. It’s as reliable as any car.
• If you have a concern, check it out. Worry is a poor substitute for action.
• If you modify your Miata. it will not be as it was. In some measure, it will always be less than it was.
• Take as many drives with your friends. A fulfilled life isn’t possible without them.
• Modifying your Miata will make it more personal. You decide the balance between personal and perfect.
• Make new friends often, but treasure those special few from your past—theirs is unconditional love.
• Change your Miata’s oil sometime between 3000 miles and 5000 miles, depending on how hard you usually drive.
• You usually don’t drive as hard as you think.
• If you race every other weekend, you drive hard.
• Change all fluids every two years and apply dielectric grease to all the low-voltage connectors whenever reconnecting them.
• Strive to keep your car in great shape, but use it up. Then sell it and buy a new one. Life is short, and new experiences are as fleeting as that new-car smell.
• Be wary of committee-designed automobiles: They do nothing for the soul.
• Always own a convertible sports car with earplugs and sunscreen in the center console.

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