Conspicuous Thrift Is Cool

Chris Ayres, Los Angeles correspondent for the London Times provokes chuckles with a BoBos in Paradise sort of approach to the Vespa alternative. Driving a gas-guzzler had driven him to inwardly brooding over keeping up with the Joneses and their hybrid cars. Sensing what would make him happy, his wife gave him a Vespa for Christmas.

“Don’t worry,” she cooed. “You’ll look cute on it.” Now, as any man knows, there is a whole universe of difference between cool and cute.

Don't worry, I say too, Chris. Once you've logged more than 50 miles and have gotten past the wobbles, you'll be cool. [Thanks to Pete Selkowe, Vespaway reader and PX200 rider from Racine, Wisconsin for this story]