Although none of Diogenes’ writings have survived, there were many stories and some writings about him that have that have. There is too much to be said about Diogenes, but below are a few of the highlights of his life.

Described as “Socrates gone mad!,” Diogense is credited as being one of the founders of “Cynicism” as a school of philosophical thought and was greatly admired by the “Stoics,” members of another philosophy and way of living. Diogenes has also long been associated with dogs even before the Dogs Love Trucks ad campaign and the words for cynic and dog have similar origins in the ancient Greek language.

Diogenes is also is also credited as being the first person to use the world “cosmopolitan.” Quick to use his middle finger, he lived a life of poverty, and carried out a lifelong campaign to debunk many of the social values and conventions of the time (not unlike out our own Robert Farago).

Diogenes reportedly spent the last years of his life on the island of Corinth where he was brought after having been captured while on a journey and made a slave. He became a teacher to his owners’ children and he undoubtedly knew what rich Corinthian Leather looked like, although it would be nearly 2,000 years before automobiles were invented and 2,200 years before rich (fake?) Corinthian Leather would find its way into the interior of an automobile.

Besides sounding ever so pretentious, awards with a Diogenetic theme could be:

• The Diogenes
• The Diogenian
• The Diogenian Lamp
• The Diogenian Staff
• The Diogenian Dog
• The Featherless Biped

The title of this website is “The Truth About Cars” and what strikes me about the title is the word, “Truth.”

There are all sorts of depressing inspiring and insipid interesting quotations from famous people throughout history about truth including:

• “There are few nudities so objectionable as the naked truth.”
Agnes Repplier (1855 – 1950)

• “Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.”
Andre Gide (1869 – 1951)

• “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”
Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 – 1860)

• “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Bible, John 8:32

Arguably, the most famous American truth teller is George Washington, the father of our country, who in myth as a youth chopped down his father’s cherry tree and when questioned about it by his father, admitted the deed.

While not acronyms, possible names for an award from TTAC with a distinctively George Washington and American inspiration could include:

• The Georgie
• The Hatchet (A little too close to doing a hatchet job?)
• The Axe
• The Cherry Tree
• The Cherry (Would lend itself to all sorts of nasty puns)

John

Best Eleven Autos Sold Today (BEAST)

Best Eleven Autos Right now (BEAR)

RF- I think going to Eleven is in keeping with TTACs distinct style.

Bunter

Almost. “True Ten” or (if you must) “TTAC’s True Ten” would capture it. “Top” is overplayed and really doesn’t clarify anything. Neither does “Best”, when you think about it. But “True”, in the Elvis Costello “Alison” lyrics sense, captures something that would resonate more for TTAC than for any other car site (or buff book).

Hey, better late than never.

Not a fan of ‘top 10′ awards personally…..should be at least 11.

The Outstanding Rides we Cherish

‘The TORC Awards’

I with cbk and any others who suggested there should NOT be a TTAC ten best list. The Ten Worst is much more fitting. It makes a mockery of 10 best lists, which we (at least I) hate.

Don’t do it. Save yourselves!

… :(

I apologize to those who consider the name too lame to represent this kick-ass website. But, as a former owner of the former M5, I can testify that sometimes stealth is the better part of not losing your license. I mean, valor.

RF

PS As soon as I experience a [sustained] attack of megalomania, I’ll consider naming something after myself. But I reckon I’ll start with a foot bridge and work my way up to a TTAC Award.

For those not familliar with the Hitchikers guide, the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal is “a mindboggingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can’t see it, it can’t see you – daft as a bush, but very ravenous”.

Seem to descibe them fairly well…

TTAC: Top Ten True Cars. The Truth is your brand so you should promote it. Come up with a list of what a True Best Car is and reward those that adhere to those standards.

That’s my favorite so far.

TOTH (Top Of The Heap[ with apologies to Frank Sinatra)

Sorry, I got nothin’.

BAL best automobiles list

BIC best in class (lawyers might threaten arson with a… Zippo)

I don’t think any specific number should be a target; in a hypothetical world where only 10 cars exist, and Chevy Aveo existed, it would make the list if a top 10 best.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it. And cringe.

I think it’s more about the attitude than a catchy name.

Cars you should consider and probably buy or you’re really not smart at all. Disagree until you’re blue in the face, that’s fine, you’re an idiot.

Cars you’d be stupid not to drive/own.

The Truth About Cars’ Top Ten Awards for Cars?

And for the bad cars, “TTAC’s CRUD”

The Truth About Cars’ Cars Really Underwhelming Drivers?