Jason's comment on media invites got my attention because I've attended dozens of them and even, during a brief period in the industry, helped arrange a few. Free transport to an interesting locale, a couple of nights in a boutique hotel where the rooms are larger than my entire condo, fabulous food and booze, plus a chance to drive a new car through lovely countryside... what's not to like?

You could start with jet-lag, followed by an early morning call to breakfast, followed by marketing and technical presentations and wondering why they don't provide us with revival juice (coffee) when we really need it. Then the inevitable Q&A session, dominated by know-it-alls who seem determined to show how wise they are in the ways of the auto industry. If they're so smart, why do they have to ask, I wonder?

Ah, but the worst is yet to come. Imagine being paired with a journalist stranger determined to prove he's the next world's driving champion, and as a bonus, may have the personality of a gnat. Too often this means a terror ride in which the only revenge is to show that jerk who was the last world's champion.

As one who enjoys discovering new places, I often add a couple of days at my own expense. Thus I've seen more of Boston, San Diego, Virginia, Maine, Quebec City and the Cabot Trail than would normally be the case. But because I'm a Canadian writing for US Web sites I get invited to very few media launches, leading to a momentary feeling of Envy followed by blessed relief. PS: That's me during a Corolla test in Seattle.