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BMW Blog: 2008 Bmw Automobile X5

2010-03-22T18:08:00.000+02:00

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Other new technology and design detailing of the Munich firm’s ever-popular 3 Series, did you? Or maybe the 2008 bmw car x5 and 152g/km while the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox offers the bmw car vintage to amendment its character through Comfort, Ordinary, Sport and Sport+ modes. What is transparent is that fundamentally the bmw car safety

are more than solely simply dynamic ability combined with more subdued

styling, while others were on the lookout for the bmw car manual a really great

roadster that everybody is aware of it encompasses a 408bhp twin-turbo 4.4-litre

V8 engine.

[Via http://scherage.wordpress.com]

AMERICAblog News: The GOP

Baru Diluncurkan Kamis, BMW 760Li Sudah Banyak Dipesan

2010-03-22T10:33:00.000+02:00

JAKARTA, 22 Maret 2010 – PT BMW Indonesia akan meluncurkan generasi baru seri tujuh di jajaran trah BMW yaitu BMW 760Li pada 25 Maret mendatang. Namun demikian, BMW Indonesia belum bersedia membocorkan banderol harga sedan itu bermesin 6.000 cc DOHC Turbocharged direct injection 12 silinder .

“Kalau soal harga belum bisa kami sampaikan, nanti saja pas peluncuran 25 Maret saja. Yang pasti, kehadiran seri ini sudah ditunggu banyak penggemar setia BMW. ” tutur Helena Abidin, Director of Corporate Communication PT BMW Indonesia saat dihubungi, di Jakarta, Senin (22/3).

Namun, Helena tak bersedia menyebut berapa jumlah calon pembeli yang sudah melakukan indent tersebut. Ia hanya menyebut cukup banyak untuk ukuran sebuah mobil mewah.

Sedan yang di Eropa diluncurkan September 2009 lalu itu diklaim mampu menyemburkan tenaga hingga 535 daya kuda. Sementara akselerasi dari posisi diam (0 kilometer per jam) ke kecepatan 100 kilometer per jam mampu dicapai dalam tempo 5,4 detik.

Tak hanya itu. Seri 760Li itu juga disebut mampu melesat hingga kecepatan 250 kilometer per jam. BMW juga mengaku menambahkan fitur baru di sedan itu selain fitur standar yang telah ada seperti airbag, Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electoronic Stability Programme (ESP),serta Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

Sumber foto

[Via http://rajufebrian.wordpress.com]

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 3/21 - Arrowhead Pride

Just got an X6

2010-03-22T02:21:00.000+02:00

no. not e mobile phone X6, but the BMW X6.

No, i didn’t get the real car though. sadly. It’s an RC car, a really detailed model too. The pictures don’t really do the car justice, but hey, if you are interested in cars and have a childish, ahem, childhood-fulfilling desire to manipulate them with a remote control, get them soon yea. It is branded as RASTAR, and is currently sold at Toys ‘r’ us and Action City (from what I know, that is). They have brands ranging from Toyotas to Infinitis. Check them out…

and oh yea, the scale of the models are 1:14, quite big and clunky. Zhng the motor (aftermarket) inside to give you twice the speed.

another advert: Toys’r'us are selling Ferraris and Lambos @ half price too. I am so going to get them the next time I step into Vivo…

[Via http://bigmouse.wordpress.com]

GayPatriot » ABC News Inflames Race and Gay Baiting In America

Sepang Banner Achilles Lippo Village Street Circuit 1 Official Tire BMW Cup Latest News * Mercedes Benz Driving Experience supported by Achilles * Achilles mendukung Festival Cap Go Meh * Achilles Drift Team Kembali Hadir Meramaikan Sir

2010-03-19T17:59:00.000+02:00

Setelah sukses menelorkan prestasi dan dukungan di berbagai even otomotif, kali ini Multistrada melalui salah satu brand produknya yaitu ban motor Corsa menunjukan komitmennya dalam memajukan dunia olah raga di tanah air. Bentuk dukungan ini tercermin terutama di olah raga badminton dimana Achilles mensponsori kontingen Indonesia untuk mempertahankan gelarnya, dan juga dukungan untuk olah raga paling populer di tanah air yaitu sepak bola.

Komitmen ini diwujudkan secara nyata melalui dukungan Corsa kepada salah satu klub sepak bola terkemuka di tanah air yaitu Persib Bandung, melalui konferensi pers yang diadakan di Cafe Persib, 27 Januari 2010, Bandung. Dalam konferensi pers yang dihadiri oleh berbagai media baik cetak, elektronik dan online di Jawa Barat ini, secara simbolis perwakilan dari PT. Multistrada melalui Public Relation Manager, M. Zein Saleh & Presdir, Pieter Tanuri memberikan ban motor Corsa kepada Dirut PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat, Umuh Muchtar & segenap jajaran pemain, official dan pendukung Persib Bandung.[EG]

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[Via http://agusyantono.wordpress.com]

Obama On Fox News: Accuses Bret Baier Of Interrupting, Two 'Going ...

BMW: Conrad Piepenburg's Story of Joy

2010-03-19T10:32:00.000+02:00

For BMW’s project “Story of Joy”, Conrad Piepenburg and his team shot at various locations in Barcelona. Have a look at some of the fotos:

LocLum is very proud to have supplied the shooting with their outstanding material.

[Via http://loclum.wordpress.com]

Small Business News: Crazy for Social Media | Small Business Trends

bimmer night

2010-03-17T18:22:00.000+02:00

Impromptu Tuesday night shoot with Green4door’s E30 and random found some other locals.

Mr. Scribbles anonymous.

[Via http://timscribbles.com]

Hot Air » Blog Archive » The good news that went unreported on air ...

Tablecloth trick

2010-03-15T10:34:00.000+02:00

A great video from the folks at BMW.

The takeover of once boring but always reliable BMW Motorad by horsepower crazy lunatics continues. These days BMW bikes (depending on the model) have almost too much power but still retain the core BMW values of sturdiness, practicality and safety.

All of the BMW’s that I have ridden have a certain laid back attitude – one that does not demand that you ride them like a crazy loon, but still that offers that ability if you wish to wield it.

If you’d like me to try this on your table using my portly BMW R1200GS Adventure then let me know. Results may differ.

[Via http://lancewiggs.com]

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BMW K1300s to step in India

2010-03-12T10:03:00.000+02:00

BMW a prestigious bike maker company in the world wants to launch a sports version of K1300s Bike in India for the year 2010. The upcoming sports bike will come with a 1293cc engine along with a top speed of 200 kph and moderate weight of 254 kg having various colours. The colours are Lava Orange, Light Grey and Black. The capacity of fuel tank is 19ltrs. Apart from above the product has silent features like alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. The brake twin disc for the front wheel and single disc for the rear. It is designed to overcome the latest trend.

BMW K1300S

The shape of the bike will win the minds of the people and well suited to the Indian roads. It is designed to grab the hearts of youth. Behind these specialties, the cost of the bike is seen less as it might be available at around 10 lakh.

[Via http://bikereview.wordpress.com]

Small Business News March 11, 2010 | Small Business Trends

BMW Vision (My Dream Car)

2010-03-12T02:15:00.000+02:00

[Via http://mauritsalbert.wordpress.com]

War of Words Continues Between White House, Supreme Court ...

MINI of Ontario grand opening!

2010-03-08T17:14:00.000+02:00

Below is the official press release from BMW on the grand opening of MINI of Ontario dealership. If you live in California, you should check them out. When I make a trip out to California, I will be stopping by. Motor On!

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 5, 2010… On Saturday, March 6, MINI USA and the Inland Empire community will celebrate the MINI of Ontario Grand Opening, the 15th MINI dealership in California, and the largest facility in Southern California. The newest location fills a geographic gap in the brand’s dealer network, making MINI more readily available to new customers and offering additional convenience to several thousand MINI owners who already live in the area. “California is a key market for the MINI brand, and we are expanding the dealer network by positioning new facilities in markets that have solid growth potential, like the Inland Empire,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “In doing so, we are committed to maintaining the profitability of our existing dealers, and will add new facilities where it makes sense for the network as a whole, as well as the community.” The MINI of Ontario dealership is located at the intersection of four major highways (I-15, I-10, Highway 60 and I-215) which connect Los Angeles, Orange County and Palm Springs. The new MINI facility is ideally located for Inland Empire customers who currently drive two hours roundtrip to Monrovia or Irvine for sales and service. A total of 37 new jobs were added to the local economy when the dealership began operating, and the owner made use of an existing building, staying true to the brand’s values associated with MINIMALISM. Re-using an existing facility allowed the dealer to minimize the negative impact associated with building a brand new facility, save cost and re-energize a storefront. The fully renovated facility where MINI of Ontario now operates was previously a BMW Certified Pre-Owned dealership. Positioned on 2.13 acres, the new MINI dealership covers 22,017 sq. ft., including a 3,200 sq. ft. showroom that displays seven MINI vehicles. To ensure the best possible customer experience, the facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and big screen TVs throughout the showroom, service reception area and service drive. The service drive also has a built-in gas grill and air hockey table, offering customers real MINI hospitality during visits. To manage the work flow, Inland Empire MINI utilizes IMAC Apple computers and has 10 work stalls (with room for future expansion). “The world is becoming more MINI every day, and consumer tastes are shifting decidedly to cars that offer tremendous value. The MINI brand is considered ageless, and its core traits are well-aligned with the demands of today’s customers,” said McDowell. “Our cars are not only fuel efficient, and offer great value, but they also provide a fun and dynamic motoring experience and are packed with personality.” MINI of Ontario is owned by Pete Savage, who also owns Savage BMW in Ontario, California. He has been BMW dealer for 25 years, and is a seven-time winner of BMW’s Center of Excellence Award. MINI is proud to welcome him to the MINI family of dealers. The MINI of Ontario dealership is located at 1251 Auto Center Drive, Ontario, CA 91761. The Grand Opening celebration begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 6. Guests will enjoy great food, entertainment, prizes and raffles. Ontario Mayor, Paul Leon, will perform the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Other special guests will include Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA; Robert Frisch, Vice President, BMW Group Western Region; as well as local celebrities. Media interviews are available. Please contact MINI Communications for scheduling. In the spirit of MINI’s giving back philosophy, MINI of Ontario has selected the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House to receive a donation from the event. The mission of the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House is to provide a “home away from home” for families of critically ill or injured children receiving medical treatment at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and nearby facilities. In addition to this charitable effort, the team at MINI of Ontario works on a regular basis with other non-profit organizations, including: Automotive Youth Education System (AYES), Law Enforcement Organization of Ontario (LEO), Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Automobile Dealer Association, Rancho Cucamonga High School Band and the Inland Empire Chapter of Red Cross Blood Bank.

[Via http://mynextmini.info]

Ubisoft DRM was "attacked" at weekend News | PC | Eurogamer

BMW X1

2010-03-08T10:12:00.000+02:00

Wonderful and smart fourwheeler for really smart people has really got its way New BMW X1. A very stylish and luxurious car to add more style and comfort in your life New BMW X1is a cost efficient Sports Utility Vehicle in an economic price and having a range between 25 lacs to 30 lacs, now luxury is in your hands. New BMW X1 has got its five offsprings and has got the power of both manual and automatic transmission.These off springs have got the power of diesel engine. New BMW X1 is going to launch as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit.

BMW X1

Stylish and luxurious New BMW X1 has five stylish variants and every one is equipped with diesel engine that gives different level of power and torque. Two offsprings of New BMW X1 have got 1995cc, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve, diesel engine gives maximum power at 4000rpm along with 320Nm of maximum torque at 1750~2500rpm. New BMW X1 has another two offsprings have 177bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm with 350Nm of maximum torque at 1750~3000rpm and got same engine. Top end offspring has got much higher level of power and torque as compared to other ones as it has same engine 204bhp of maximum power at 4400rpm alongwith 400Nm of maximum torque at 2000~2250rpm.

BMW X1

Stunning and eye catchy New BMW X1 has really got very advanced features to make you ahead of all. ITS interiors and exteriors are really mesmerising and specially made to facilitate you. Sparkling New BMW X1 has wonderful exteriors body colored door handles, satin aluminium roof rails, V-shaped alloy wheels, illuminated glove compartment, satin aluminium roof rails and heated and automatic adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors). And Interiors are really comfortable and luxurious with satin silver interior trim gifted with front armrest with sliding adjustment. For afety and handling it has with smart safety features like ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), child lock, central lock and wonderful front and rear seat belts with pretensioner and belt force limiter.

BMW X1

So if you want to have a passionate drive then get a hold of new and stunning BMW X1.

[Via http://carlaunchinindia.wordpress.com]

Steam News

Friday round-up

2010-03-05T10:47:00.000+02:00

And finally…

- BMW is going to lease its electric 1-Series coupe, previewed by the ActivE concept, in Berlin, London, Paris and several US cities. A test fleet of up to 700 cars will be available. The 170bhp ActivE can do 160kph and has a range of 170km. As with the Mini E trials, this programme will feed into the development of the Megacity electric vehicle.

- Rental firm Europcar has pre-ordered 500 electric vehicles from Renault for delivery in the third quarter of 2011. The cars will be deployed in Europe’s largest cities; first on the fleets will be the Fluence ZE saloon, the Twizy ZE city car and the Kangoo ZE van, with the Zoe ZE supermini and further variants to follow. Renault also confirmed a deal with Avis earlier this month.

- Mercedes-Benz is to spend E1billion a year over the next two years to develop batteries and more efficient powertrains, reports AutoBeat Europe. Most of this spending will be on electric vehicles, nearly doubling the current investment. Daimler plans to produce its own long-life lithium-ion batteries in Germany from 2012.

[Via http://drivingtothefuture.wordpress.com]

Blizzard of bad jobs news to hit Friday - TheHill.com

Hidden talents.

2010-03-03T10:35:00.000+02:00

You may recall mention of my experience of a Focus ST on a track in the hands of a professional racing driver recently, an experience that left me stirred, but not shaken.

So when a bright red second-hand (used Fords are always second-hand, it’s only Bentley’s that are “previously cherished”) example rocked up at the dealership for a customer to try I had to borrow the keys and take it for a sprint up the road.

Now the Focus generally is a perfectly reasonable car. It does what it does, is comfortable, handles neatly, is reasonably equipped and looks nice enough. It may lack the obsessional surprise and delight tactility of some of its German rivals, but it inevitably sells for a bit less used or new (ignore the list price, there are deals) so everyone is happy. It’s not the second-best selling car in Britain (behind the Ford Fiesta) for nothing. I’ve been running one for a few days whilst I wait for my new company car to be delivered (ordered but not yet arrived) and it’s a pleasant and comfortable if unremarkable way of getting around. But it’s not the sort of thing you can obsess over, it doesn’t impart a warm glow (unlike the Polite Hatchback, especially with those heated seats), it simply does the job neatly and efficiently.

The ST, however, is something else. Driving the ST is like watching an old lady break dance well, there’s a delicious unfeasibility to it, a sense that it just shouldn’t be possible.

On the outside the car is a fairly standard if slightly Barry’d Focus. There’s some wings and big wheels and whatnot, but nothing Baz and Daz wouldn’t buy from Halfords and bolt to their 1.6 base model. Inside the only giveaways are a pair of deeply bolstered and supremely comfortable Recaro seats and a set of auxiliary guages atop the dash (just like Ford used to fit on hot Cortina MK2’s back in the seventies, albeit there were no turbo boost guages on those old Fords). It’s under the bonnet that the big news lies, in the shape of a five cylinder two and a half litre turbo charged petrol engine imported from Volvo. This is the Red Bull that gives the Focus ST its wings, this is the hub, the powerhouse, the news.

Slip into the Recaro and you’re in a world of ordinariness. Sure, the seats are fab (and orange in the car I drove) but you’re sat on them so you can’t see ‘em. The extra dials give a nod to the performance cred, but that’s about all. Fire it up and it’s smoother than a normal Focus, but it doesn’t shout, you can barely hear the engine. Slot into gear and toddle off down the road and if you’ve driven a lot of Foci (I have) you’ll notice a slightly firmer ride bit it’s not hard, and never crashy. All in all it feels like a nice normal Focus with better seats, a bit smoother engine, and a fractionally firmer ride.

Right up until the point where you hit a fast road and nail it!

Big engines give you torque. Turbochargers give you torque. And torque is twist action, pull, grunt. It’s what gives you that unrelenting neck straining never ending catapult of acceleration that you feel in a fast jet aircraft on takeoff. The ST has 236lb/ft of the stuff available from just 1,600rpm, giving great big velvety unburstable effortless wallop, in any gear, at any speed. Drop the hammer and the car just lunges forward, no lag, no waiting for the revs to build, floor it and the car charges like Ocean Finance, all to the accompaniment of a sonorous warble that segues smoothly into a hard edged howl as the tacho sweeps round the dial as smoothly as the second hand of a Rolex watch. It’s just epic! We’re talking proper junior supercar performance here, sixty miles an hour from a standing start takes just over six seconds (think about that, each 10mph increment takes about one second), and it’s a full fat 150mph flat out.

And the good news doesn’t end there. The Focus has always been best in class for ride and handling and the ST is no exception. The ride quality at speed is excellent, smooth and planted, steering precise and accurate, and cornering without wallow or roll.

It’s a car that urges you on, each snick snick gearchange bringing a fresh double cream slug of noise and power. It’s addictive.

But above all the joy is the sheer unlikeliness of what lies beneath the surface. It’s like buying an Amstrad hi fi and discovering the innards are Bang and Olufsen, like buying a ticket with Ryan Air and finding yourself in First Class, like ordering a Maccie D and finding a Goucho Grill steak between the buns.

For sure, there will always be a whiff of Essex about any fast Ford, a touch of Burberry, a dab of Addidas. But you can buy these things at three years old with sensible mileage for about ten grand. That has to make it the performance bargain of the century.

I’d de-Barry mine and stick a 1.6 Zetec badge on the back. And go BMW hunting…

[Via http://charliecroker.wordpress.com]

Games blasted for "satanic" themes News | Eurogamer

2009/2010 Winter Season – Jan – Build Update

2010-03-01T18:20:00.000+02:00

The BMW chassis has been prone to cracking front and rear subframes (search BMW subframe class action). Knowing the chassis was going to be exposed to higher forces than a stock car on the street I made these a priority.

Without reinforcement plates you could end up with cracks in your subframe

or worse it could tear out completely like this poor souls did

Here are the subframe re-enforcement kit components from Turner Motorsports

Front

Rear

and here they are welded into place. RRT Racing did the work, beautiful!

[Via http://topbestautonews.wordpress.com]

Pelosi and the Tea Party 'Share Views' - The Note

2009/2010 Winter Season - Feb - Build Update II

2010-02-26T18:46:00.000+02:00

A couple updates for a Feb end of the month. Got a set of the 275×35x18 Toyo R888 scrubs mounted up on the new ARC8 wheels.

Couldn’t fit my finger between the tire and the front spring and was afraid of the tire rubbing the spring when cornering forces were in affect so I ordered a set of 5mm spacers from Bimmerworld for the fronts.

5mm spacers

To make wheel/tire changes easier and quicker I also got a set of 75mm Bulletnose wheel studs and nuts (in black).

75mm Bulletnose Wheel Studs & Nuts

A few pics of the car in the shop with wheels mounted, no negative camber added yet, will start with at least 3 degrees in the front and 1.5 – 1.8 degrees in the rear. In these pictures the rears have a 12mm spacer just to push the wheel out for cosmetic purposes in the pics. If I want to run the 12mm spacers for a wider track we will need to do some fender rolling.

Pop’d the black & white center caps into the wheels as well (which match the black & white roundels I added to the car in 2009).

Wheels, Studs & CenterCaps

Front Wheel

Rear Wheel

Also had time Wednesday night to test fit the driver seat & harness and prepare for installing the harness mounting hardware.

[Via http://nocabracing.wordpress.com]

Unemployment Extension News

Land Rover beats BMW in the SUV segment

2010-02-26T10:29:00.000+02:00

BMW leads the race of luxury car sales in India and that’s why it sounds surprising that Tata Motors owned brand Land Rover has taken the lead over the German brand in the SUV segment. Tata Motors sold 35 units of Land Rovers sold in January as compared to 16 units of SUV’s sold by BMW in the same month. While Audi was happy with a total sale of 114 units of SUV’s in January, Mercedes was in a sorry state with only 6 units sold.

With a starting price of Rs 35 lakh, Land Rover offers an entire array of SUV models in India including the Freelander 2, Discovery 4 Sports Tourer, the Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover. Land Rover is thrilled with the response of the Indian customers and now plans to expand its Range Rover product portfolio in India.

In comparison, BMW has been reserved about its offerings in India and has launched only a select few models from its SUV segment, including X3, X5 and X6 that start at Rs 55 lakh.

In a sensitive market like India, where people look for value for their money, the cheaper pricing strategy has pushed Land Rover to lead the SUV segment in India.

BMW intends to fight fair and square and will soon start assembling its X1 model at its Chennai plant, bringing down the cost to Rs 26 lakh. “The 3 series, 5 series and X1 will be the volume puller for the company,” said a senior BMW executive.

The luxury car market in India is expected to grow at a 15% rate with most of the demand coming from the rural and semi-urban community. And with the market scenario changing towards more fuel-efficient SUV models, car manufacturers have to be ready with their smaller SUV models that can score high on luxury features in their models.

Currently Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 are imported in India as completely built units which make them pricier for the Indian customers. So, in a bid to price the cars more competitively, Audi will start manufacturing its model Q5 in India from April 2010.

[Via http://carazoocars.wordpress.com]

Team17 doing new Worms for Steam News | PC | Eurogamer

Learning the YouTube Way

2010-02-24T10:12:00.000+02:00

This may sound like the start of a ridiculous rant, but kids these days have far better ways to learn how to change the oil filter in their Toyota or even the water pump in their Kia. Once upon a time, you either learned from a trained mechanic or you read a manual. Now, you just take your laptop out to the garage, load up YouTube, and watch the video you need. Seriously, this site has everything but the auto parts for a Toyota or Kia, and we have you covered there.

Not a Small Selection

From learning how to check the transmission fluid to figuring out how to replace a serpentine belt, it’s all right there. Restoring a Porsche 914? There’s a video to help. Replacing the timing belt on your Audi A4? No problem. There’s a video that can help you do that too. What’s more, though, is that YouTube isn’t just a repository of great videos to help you with your automotive questions, it’s a community too, and that connection is essential for individuals who are just learning the art of auto repair and restoration. In a world where we’re both more and less connected with others than ever, building roads to each other, even if they’re virtual, is the only way hobbies like this one have a chance of continuing to the next generation, and for all of the problems the Internet has created in our society, it’s also developed some pretty amazing spots.

Need Parts? No Worries – We’re Here to Help

Clearly you can’t just watch the video, run to the auto parts store, and grab everything you need. As cool as that would be, you probably aren’t going to find what you need at your local brick and mortar shop, and even if you do, you can expect the costs to be astronomical. That’s where we come in. Hirsch Industries has been helping folks just like you get exactly what they need in twenty-four hours for more than two decades now, and we’re proud to be here for the new generation of YouTube learners too. An easy-to-use interface combined with a toll free number staffed by knowledgeable representatives gives you instant access to the part you need. Once it arrives, grab it and your laptop, head to the garage, and replace that head gasket.

[Via http://hirschindustries.wordpress.com]

LG introduces 3 new 1.3kg Notebook in Korea with the X-Note Mini ...

1969 BMW 750 R-75 - The spirit of Mad Ludwig lives on...

2010-02-22T18:05:00.000+02:00

Cover: BMW 750 R-75

Contents: Road Tests: BMW 750 R-75, Greeves 380 Griffon, Jawa 175 Sport; Competition: Indianapolis – a photo essay; Cherry Creek – guts up racing; Feature: Checker Racing, Distaff View – a pit-side look at the racer’s wife; Technical: Honda 90 Hop-Up part 2; more

1969 November Cycle Motorcycle Magazine Back-Issue – BMW available at www.DadsVintageAds.com in the “ Motorcycle Magazines” category

Search our Magazine Back Issue Index for more old Motorcycle Magazine Back Issues for sale.

To search our full inventory of Vintage Motorcycle Advertisements, Articles, and Road Tests CLICK HERE.

[Via http://dadsvintageads.wordpress.com]

Our New 'News Tab' Module | News

BMW Tawarkan Paket Upgrade X6

2010-02-22T10:28:00.000+02:00

JENEWA, 22 Februari 2010 - Pabrikan asal Jerman, BMW, akan memperkenalkan paket aksesoris untuk BMW X6 di Jenewa Motor Show 2010 yang dibuka pekan depan. Mulai dari eksterior, interior, sampai dapur mesin mendapat up-grade.

Dalam rilis BMW yang dikutip worldcarfans disebutkan modifikasi antara lain ditawarkan untuk aerodinamis, mesin, suspensi, dan kabin. Anda tinggal pilih.

Aksesoris aerodinamis antara lain bumper depan dan belakang serta sidesills untuk semua warna. Juga ada front grid, rear fins, dan rear spoiler. BMW juga menawarkan velg 21 inci Y-spoke light alloy wheels.

Mulai Juni, pemilik X6 juga bisa meningkatkan kemampuan mesinnya; baik yang bermesin enam silinder atau V8. Mesin V8 dinaikkan tenaganya 41 PS (30 kW / 40 hp) menjadi 449 PS (330 kW / 443 hp), sementara torsi meningkat 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) menjadi 650 Nm (479 lb-ft).

Sedangkan untuk mesin enam silinder mendapat kenaikan 20 PS (15 kW / 20 hp) dan 50 Nm menjadi 326 PS (240 kW / 322 hp) dan 450 Nm (332 lb-ft).

Opsi lainnya adalah sport exhaust dengan lapisan krom, flat-bottomed steering wheel, serta aluminum pedals.

Bagaimana dengan Indonesia? Helena Abidin, Corporate Communications Director PT BMW Indonesia, mengatakan pihaknya belum memiliki rencana menawarkan paket ini di Indonesia.

“Saat ini kami masih fokus menawarkan X6 dan X6 M yang kami luncurkan 19 Januari lalu,” kata Helena lewat pesan pendeknya dari Singapura, Senin (22/2).

Saat ini BMW Indonesia menawarkan dua model X6 yaitu X6 xDrive35i, bermesin 2.979 cc enam silinder (Rp 1,659 miliar) dan X6 xDrive50i bermesin 4395 cc V8 (Rp 2,059 miliar). Keduanya harga ofd the road.

Sedangkan model X6 M ditawarkan dengan special order di rentang harag Rp 2,3 miliar sampai Rp 2,8 miliar. “Tergantung fitur yang diinginkan konsumen,” papar Helena.

Sumber foto

[Via http://rajufebrian.wordpress.com]

iPod, iPhone feature poll ends, App Store content poll begins ...

BMW's Next Blast From the Past?

2010-02-17T18:25:00.000+02:00

Is the classic BMW Isetta to return as a city car for the 21st Century?

Returning to a road near you. Maybe. Check out Jim Cherry’s article, at examiner.com. And, check out the rest of his stuff.

Two Isettas at Micro North 1998

Isetta at Micro North 1998

[Via http://yellowbantam.wordpress.com]

Nintendo renews Eternal Darkness mark News | Wii | Eurogamer

Differences Between BMW Z4 Versus Porsche Cayman

2010-02-17T02:09:00.000+02:00

Among the compact sports vehicles, the BMW Z4, Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster stand out. But which is you? And why did BMW and Porsche wait so long before making the coupes? There is no Boxster coupe, but the Cayman is virtually the same – but uprated.

It might appear wierd the 2 German corporations, well known for high-performance and sporty vehicles, waited to publicize their coupes at the same time. The answer lies in why they introduced the roadsters in the 1st place.

Porsche wanted a new, smaller model to extend its market coverage. Not everyone loves the 911, and not everyone wants a coupe. So it made sense to opt for the mid-engine layout – the 911 is rear-engined – and the better balance that gives in coming up with the Boxster. At the same time, the addition of an open-top roadster would also increase sales. And both tricks worked.

But what about BMW? Well, BMW wished to build autos in the United States, and did not wish to build the same autos it built in Germany as that would increase costs. So it decided to build a racer for the US market, although it might be marketed somewhere else.

At that time there had been more potential volume for a boulevard cruiser kind of two-seater than an out-and-out sports car in the United States, so the BMW Z3 was born. It was a rather tall car for a sports car, and although a hardtop was offered, it looked peculiar, making the car look even taller than it was.

Z4 more sporty than Z3

The BMW Z3 did not actually catch on in Europe, so the Z4 was designed as a more sporty car than the Z3, and with its 3-liter engine which develops 265 bhp, is a good match in performance for the Porsche Boxster. Meanwhile, Porsche decided to fill out its range with an additional model, to be priced between the Boxster and the 911. In reality, the Cayman is based on the Boxster, but has more sporty suspension, and has a larger engine. Now, though you can get a Cayman with a 2.7 litre engine as well as the 3.4 liter job. The Boxster gets 2.7 and 3.2 liters.

Because Porsche makes flat-six engines, it can easily produce engines of different capacities from 2.7 to 3.8 liters, and many parts are common to all of them.

If you’re looking for a sporty vehicle, then you may need to look at the Z4 3-liter, which produces 265 bhp, and reaches sixty miles per hour in 5.5 seconds, a time matched by the Boxster 3.2. The Cayman is a fragment faster, getting to sixty miles per hour in 5.3 seconds. Mind, if you need maximum performance from these vehicles, you can get the BMW Z4 M, with over 300 bhp on tap.

Choosing between Z4 and Cayman

But when it comes to the choice between the Z4 and Cayman coupes,you will be influenced by which one looks better. Though the Z4 looks miles better than the Z3 it does have some quirky lines, which don’t appeal to everybody, and the coupe is no better.

The Cayman has the customarily slick Porsche lines, with a long tail and built-in spoiler which looks good. On the road performance is not much different, and both have super engines and gearboxes, but they do not do things in quite the same way. The Cayman is a superbly balanced car that may be driven fast confidently, but if you want to hang the tail out, the Z4 could be more to your liking.

Both are great sports automobiles, and will give you a lot of fun. What else should you consider? Nissan’s 350Z is also quite a car, with a lusty V-6, the Mercedes-Benz 350 SLK 350 and new Audi TT are also worth taking a look at.

Do you know which cars are super fast and are among the fastest cars in the world? Visit thesupercars.org to view all the fast and exotic cars. Also take a look at BMW 7 Series for sale.

[Via http://bmwsport471.wordpress.com]

Panasonic's new 3D Monitor will cost you a pair of legs and 1 arm ...

The Car Components - maybe almost over 10,000 parts to make a complete car -So making the car from start to end,QUALITY is everybody's responsibility!

2010-02-15T02:06:00.000+02:00

Ramli who once trained Malaysia’s Proton Poeple on subjects of Quality realized that to make a car actually it involves so many people (the Main Car Manufacturer and all her hundreds or thousands of parts or components suppliers)

So making a Good Quality and Safe Car needs everyone’s cooperation and clear understanding about Quality!

In Ramli’s teaching or training to companies and government agencies,Ramli will always emphasize the subjects involving Q,C,D,S,M,E and also I&C.To know more about this alphabets,please contact Ramli soon at +6019-2537165 or email: ramlipromoter@yahoo.com

Have a look about this car business especially the car components as Ramli retrieved from Google Images:

[Via http://pramleeelvis.wordpress.com]

Another Celebrity Added to Star Studded Event for Charity

1974 BMW R90/6 - Power Play!

2010-02-12T18:26:00.000+02:00

Introducing the all-new BMW motorcycles. Bigger engines. Disc Brakes. 5-Speed transmissions. Dual instrumentation. Only BMW could build them!

shown in inset: R90 S, R90/6, R75/6, R60/6

1974 BMW R90/6 – Power Play! 2-Page Motorcycle Ad available at www.DadsVintageAds.com

Search our Magazine Back Issue Index for old Motorcycle Magazine Back Issues for sale.

To search our full inventory of Vintage Motorcycle Advertisements, Articles, and Road Tests CLICK HERE.

[Via http://dadsvintageads.wordpress.com]

NPD: US hardware sales decline 21% in January | News

BMW LUXURY FOR AUDIOPHILES

2010-02-08T18:27:00.000+02:00

BMW DesignworksUSA has collaborated with Sennheiser on a special project and come up with three variations in earphones. The CX 980, MX 980 and OMX 980 combine visual aesthetics with functionality and come with powerful Neodymium magnets that guarantee a lifelike sound image with a highly detailed resolution. The CX 980 is fashioned to fit in comfortably in the ear canal; specs include frequency response from 16 to 24,000 Hz & soft silicone earbuds. Seven adapters to fit every ear size, the sound image customization via bass-focused, bass-intensive or fully balanced sound.

The MX 980 earphones are also finished in metal feature frequency response of 16 to 23,000 Hz. The OMX 980 sport an elegant Y-structure with detailed surfacing and come with adjustable lightweight ear hooks. Secure fit and additional wearing comfort are its prime focus.

Common to all three models: volume can be adjusted via a volume control integrated into the cable; Innovative variable jack plug that can be fitted either straight or twisted to a 90-degree angle to ensure optimum connection.

[Via http://synamatiq.wordpress.com]

Unity inks three-year LEGO deal | News

1962 BMW Dealer Hank Slegers gives last minute instructions to Lucky Dan Reilley

2010-02-03T18:33:00.000+02:00

About People: Lucky Dan Reilley receives last-minute instructions from BMW Dealer Hank Slegers (left) of Whippany, N.J. before leaving on European trip. Yes – we have a complete program for delivery of BMW machines at the factory. BMW world travelers are protected everywhere by the 6000 miles or 6 months BMW warranty. If you want to own a BMW here or abroad, ask your authorized BMW Dealer and…by all means Ask Any Owner

Your authorized BMW Dealer will be glad to show you the new 1962 BMW models

1962 BMW Dealer Hank Slegers European Motorcycle Touring Ad available at www.DadsVintageAds.com

Search our Magazine Back Issue Index for old Motorcycle Magazine Back Issues for sale.

To search our full inventory of Vintage Motorcycle Advertisements, Articles, and Road Tests CLICK HERE.

[Via http://dadsvintageads.wordpress.com]

Facebook Could Become World's Leading News Reader (Sorry Google)

The Car Finance Mine Field. Step, Step, Step. Kaboom!

2010-02-03T02:25:00.000+02:00

I run a great contra deal with my twin brother. He has worked in Audio Visual for years and I always manage to get TVs and sound equipment at great prices. What a benefit?

A couple of days back, he phoned me saying he was buying another BMW. This time, a 335i Convertible. Nice car.

I have spent an entire life working in finance, but I don’t do it anymore. What I can do is work out when the Finance guy in the car yard is lying. All it takes is my finance calculator and a few minutes work to see if they are telling the truth.

Well, they are car finance guys, so it’s a safe bet, they are not telling the truth. My bro got a quote of 9.25% from a guy he dealt with before. I ran the numbers to find he was being charged 9.77% per annum, not 9.25% per annum.

The guy from BMW quoted 10.66% per annum, but told his buyer that he could not tell him what rate it was, it was just a repayment. Bullshit! He knew and was just hoping he could fob a guy off!

It’s funny. BMW are not just happy selling cars for over $100,000… they have their own finance company and car yard scoundrels cheating and lying to decent folks willing to pay them all that money for a car.

A little negotiating later and after a few doses of truth and BMW reduced their repayments by $64.00 per month, saving my bro over $3,000 in interest in the next 4 years. Finance people in car yards… and we tried a few… have a habit of lying. They will juggle terms, balloon payments and rates to confuse the living daylights out of the uninformed. I’m a little tired of their antics, how about you? been screwed by your car finance guy/girl?

How do I feel about saving my bro over $3,000?

Well, I feel like I can ask for that new surround sound system at a good discount… and not feel like a freeloader!

fat bastard car loan cop- out

[Via http://fatbastardthoughts.wordpress.com]

News Ticker: Broken Social Scene, “We Are the World,” Trent Reznor ...

Supercar - The future of hybrid cars at BMW

2010-02-01T18:11:00.000+02:00

A surprising look at the future of hybrid supercars at BMW:

The amazing thing is that the concept car is headed for production:

Report: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Headed for Production in 2013

A senior BMW official has confirmed that the wild Vision EfficientDynamics turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid is headed for production. BMW showed the concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year where it received an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

The car has all-wheel drive thanks to two electric motors (one at each axle). A turbo-diesel engine provides the power to keep batteries charged, giving a range of 400 miles. The article above suggests: “356-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque, delivering a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds.”

2013 BMW: Vision EfficientDynamics Is a Go

As proof that car companies no longer make showcars just for giggles, a senior BMW authority out of Munich has assured Inside Line that the Vision EfficientDynamics plug-in pure hybrid 2+2 concept car rolled out in September at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show is earmarked for production. No ifs, ands or buts.

See also:

- How to build your own supercar – For $20,000 + an old C5 Corvette

- The Lexus LFA

[Via http://blogs.howstuffworks.com]

World News Blog - Haiti earthquake: a cameraman's story

Parx Super Car Show attracts 53 super cars

2010-02-01T10:45:00.000+02:00

Mumbaikars certainly drooled to their heart’s content after they witnessed the second edition of 2010, presented by XXX Energy Drink , in association with IIFL and Autocar India, was held on Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at Vidhan Sabha Parking Lot in Mumbai starting 9am until lunch time.

The first-of-its-kind event in India, the Parx Super Car Show was first launched in April 2009 to parade on the city roads the finest luxury and sports cars, which include top brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Rolls Royce, BMW, Mercedes, amongst others. This event is aimed to bring together like-minded individuals who own and have a passion for luxury and sports cars.

This episode of the show attracted more than 50 mean machines from across the length and breadth of India hitting the roads of Mumbai. Some of the crowd favourite were the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porche, BMW, Maserati, the newly launched Nissan 370Z and of course the Rolls Royce.

Gautam Singhania, whose passion for sports cars has given the Mumbaikars an opportunity to see the racing machines, said, “The aim of our Parx super car show is to bring together car lovers and owners for a short drive across the city that will also help our fellow citizens to see the cars that they have always wanted to see. It also serves as a platform for luxury car lovers to interact with each other.”

He also had brought to the show his collection of super cars like Ferrari 599, Ferrari 348, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lotus Elise and Ariel Atom 3 for a spin.

The rally began that began early in the morning saw around 53 cars heading for a spin to Bandra via the Sea Link and back. The cars that made the crowd to go crazy were Ferrari 430, 599, 348; Porche 911 Turbo, Targa 4, 911, Boxster and Carrera 997 and Panamera, Cayman; Rolls Royce Phantom; Lamborghini Gallardo, LP 560, LP 640; Aston Martin; BMW M5, M3, Z4 Roadster and 650i; Jaguar XFR; Lotus Elise; Ariel Atom 3; Maserati GTS, Bentley GT Speed, Flying Spur and Continental GT Speed Mercedes CLK 500, SL 63, CLS AMG, C 63 AMG, SLK 350, CLS 350, CLS 500; Nissan 370Z and GTR.

[Via http://carazoocars.wordpress.com]

Did Steve Jobs Scare Google, Microsoft, Nintendo & Adobe With The ...

Bimma's E30 / E36

2010-01-27T18:51:00.000+02:00

While most of the E30 and E36 these days have fallen victim to the Ricers, there are some very nice ones still out there. Ofcourse the nices are the M3’s, and they do look good smoking it up It’s a real shame a lot of people choose to put their money in tupperware, instead of restoring there beauties.

Anyway, here are some examples of how they should look (IMO)

[Via http://loveitlow.wordpress.com]

Google launches Google Voice web app for iPhone OS | iLounge News

BMW: Its so fucking good!

2010-01-27T10:35:00.000+02:00

BMW often come up with let’s say… ‘Entertainment pieces’ for their advertising strategies as opposed to using traditional forms of media. I’ve always been a fan of shock tactics to attract attention and provoke the audience to rely on recognition or recall to think of the brand or product again. This advert i found doesn’t cease to disappoint and i expect even sells a lot of their BMW in Scotland

[Via http://myloudvoice.wordpress.com]

ITC begins probing Apple on patents | iLounge News

Whitmarsh backs De la Rosa

2010-01-22T10:12:00.000+02:00

McLaren principal Martin Whitmarsh has wished Pedro de la Rosa well following his move to Sauber.

The former Woking test driver has not raced a Formula One car for three years, but the former BMW operation nevertheless opted to recruit him to partner Kamui Kobayashi for 2010.

Spaniard De la Rosa pipped former Sauber stars Nick Heidfeld and Giancarlo Fisichella, as well as the Hinwil-based outfit’s test driver Christian Klien and highly-rated GP2 Series race-winner Vitaly Petrov, to the seat.

“Pedro has never made any secret of his continued ambition to race in Formula One,” the Whitmarsh said.

“So we were never going to stand in his way should an attractive opportunity come his way. On the contrary, we wish him well.

“He’s been a fantastic team player for the past seven years, has contributed a huge amount to our successes in that time and will remembered by all at McLaren-Mercedes as not only an esteemed colleague but also as a good friend.”

De la Rosa has not competed full-time at the highest level since 2002, acting as something of a ’super-sub’ in recent years.

He deputised for Juan Pablo Montoya at McLaren in the 2005 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir – setting his one and only fastest lap in the top flight into the bargain – then stepped into the breach again in the second half of 2006 after the Colombian prematurely parted company with his employers.

Second place to Jenson Button in the 2006 Hungarian GP is the highlight of his career.

[Via http://1sportnews.wordpress.com]

Obama: Massachusetts' Anger - George's Bottom Line

Jaguar not scared of BMW

2010-01-20T10:26:00.000+02:00

I saw this genius piece of advertising one of BMW’s ads in Spain. Putting a play on the phrase “scardey cat”, it shows the trademark Jaguar hood ornament running away in fear from a BMW in a face-off, which is funny because when you look at Jaguar and their success, they’re fighting strong. They are a strong brand that has made exquisite examples of precision engineering and have a heritage oozing class and honour.

In 2009 the company unveiled a totally redesigned model, with design cues taken from the latest C-XF Concept and from the XF sedan. It was an attempt to make all jaguar models the modern car on the road. It is a must that you hurry down to get your next new or used Jaguar in Dorset, they have some amazing offers going on in January and in comparison to a BMW you know a jaguars reputation speaks volumes.

[Via http://chattycat.wordpress.com]

Haiti Earthquake News: Helping Haiti Travel & Tourism | Peter ...

Tips for parents of a teenage driver

2010-01-20T02:00:00.000+02:00

Don’t rely solely on driver education.

High school driver education may be the most convenient way to learn driving skills, but it doesn’t always produce safer drivers. Parents also should set good examples when they drive while reinforcing the lessons their teens learned in drivers ed.

Restrict night driving.

Most nighttime fatal crashes among young drivers occur between 9 p.m. and midnight, so you can reduce their risk of a crash by restricting nighttime driving after 9 p.m. The problem isn’t just that late-night driving requires more skill. Outings late at night tend to be recreational. In these circumstances, even teens who usually follow all the rules can easily be distracted or encouraged to take risks.

Restrict passengers.

Teen passengers in a vehicle can distract a beginning driver and/or lead to greater risk-taking. Because young drivers often transport their friends, there’s a teen passenger problem as well as a teen driver problem. In 2003, 59 percent of teenage passenger deaths occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager. While night driving with passengers is particularly lethal, many fatal crashes with teen passengers occur during the day. The best policy is to restrict teen passengers, especially multiple teens, all the time.

Supervise practice driving.

Take an active role in helping your teenager learn how to drive. Plan a series of practice sessions in a wide variety of situations, including night driving. Give beginners time to work up to challenges like driving in heavy traffic or on the freeway. Supervised practice should be spread over at least six months and continue even after a teenager graduates from a learner’s permit to a restricted or full license.

Remember you are a role model.

New drivers learn a lot by example, so practice safe driving. Teens who have crashes and violations often have parents with poor driving records.

Require safety belt use.

Don’t assume that seat belt use when you’re in the car with your 16-year-old means belts will be used all the time, especially when your child is out with peers. Remember that belt use is lower among teenagers than older people. Insist on belts all the time.

Prohibit driving after drinking.

Make it clear that it’s illegal and highly dangerous for a teenager to drive after drinking alcohol or using any other drug. While alcohol isn’t a factor in most crashes of 16-year-old drivers, even small amounts of alcohol will impair teens.

Choose vehicles for safety, not image.

Teenagers should drive vehicles that reduce their chances of a crash and offer protection in case they do crash. For example, small cars don’t offer the best protection in a crash. Avoid cars with performance images that might encourage speeding. Also, be mindful that certain vehicles with a higher center of gravity may be more prone to roll over.

(Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Launching New Window , 2003; other sources credited within article).

http://www.progressive.com//vehicle-resources/teen-driving-parent-tips.aspx

Longmont Kia

Toll Free (888) 894-8644

[Via http://longmontkia.wordpress.com]

Michelle Malkin » In other news: Judicial Watch sues over smelly ...

Don't buy it. Lease it!

2010-01-13T10:47:00.000+02:00

Business or Personal vehicle leasing

Now days any organization or individual prefers car leasing instead of buying a car. Car leasing is helpful to avoid any large cash outlay. Organization used to have contract car hire instead purchasing car for transportation. Contract car hire helps organization to maintain their budget. And when organization needs temporary transportation facility like for particular duration, this contract car leasing helps a lot.

Personal car leasing is good of individual who don’t want to spend lot cash on car and they worries which come with car. And Car is not the thing which normal can buy frequently so, individuals who wants to drive bmw, Ferrari, limousine then personal car leasing is the best options for them. Also this personal car leasing comes with different flexible packages and with fixed rental which can help to manage budget.

Having a good car or having a efficient transport is very much required in business. Business car leasing gives an opportunity to have style in business without spending much from budget. Business car leasing gives a tax benefits, help in Depreciation Car leasing payments are tax deductible, based on percentage use of car for business. Business car leasing payment. Any major maintenance issues will be taken care of by the leasing company when you choose this option in your agreement. Once you deal with good leasing company, then no need to worry, some of the standard leasing company manages everything for customers. You car leasing you can have new car depends upon your need.

IF you are in uk and looking for any kind of car hire services like contract car hire, van hire, personal car hire, business car leasing, i would like to suggest economyleasinguk. Economyleasinguk provides effective car leasing services for each need and have furnished packages according to each requirement like personal car hire they have maintenance of vehicles can be included in monthly rentals, and so spread the cost, fixed rentals. Economyleasinguk also have packages for short term duration, long term duration, budget cars, special offers on car leasing and van leasing. When you are thinking about car leasing then it is very important to check company records and its reputation to avoid later confusion.

Economy Leasing has some fantastic contract hire and car leasing deals on various car models abarth, Alfa Romeo, Aston martin, Audi , Bentley , bmw, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen , Daihatsu, dodge, Ferrari. Economy Leasing UK Ltd, has various packages available in price range of 150£ to 400£ above.

[Via http://monicageller1.wordpress.com]

Sarah Palin makes Fox News debut (video) --The Live Feed | THR

Pet safety Traveling Tips

2010-01-13T02:00:00.000+02:00

Look for services that cater to pet owners.

Pet-friendly hotels make it easier than ever to bring pets with you on the road. Many offer amenities such as pet sitting, dog walking and even pet-pampering spa treatments. Do research ahead of time to find the perfect hotel that fits your needs. Be sure to ask about their policies — for instance, many hotels require your pet to be on a leash at all times and never be left unattended in the room.

Also, check with your car insurance company to see if your pets are covered. With Progressive’s Pet Injury coverage, your dog and cats are covered — at no extra charge — if they’re hurt in a car accident and your Progressive policy has Collision coverage.

Get your pets used to the car and make them feel comfortable.

Often, the only time pets ride in the car is when they’re visiting the vet or groomer — so they may not always associate a car ride with positive feelings and may even be afraid to ride in the car. Teach them instead that car rides can be fun by taking them for short road trips to a dog park, a friend’s house for a play date, or just to a new place to take a long walk.

If your pet’s anxiety persists, consider over-the-counter products that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

If you plan to keep your pet in a travel crate while riding in the car, it’s important that you familiarize your pet with its crate by having it rest inside the crate around the house — the more familiar pets are with their surroundings, the more comfortable and secure they’ll be once inside the car.

Some pets tend to get car sick. Try not to feed them for a few of hours before the trip.

Make sure your pet has proper identification.

Just in case he or she gets lost while traveling, you want to be sure your pet is wearing up-to-date ID tags. The most important thing that needs to be listed on the tag is an emergency contact phone number, but it’s also a good idea to mention if you’ll offer a reward if someone returns your pet to you or if your pet needs any medication.

Prepare a doggie bag.

A pet travel pack is a great way to make sure you’re prepared for anything — and is something that can remain stocked, so it’s ready to go with you at a moment’s notice. Make sure it contains cleanup supplies, a towel or bed to serve as a comfortable resting place, portable feeding/watering bowls, food and water, a pet first aid kit, and lots and lots of toys to keep pets busy and well behaved!

To Keep Tails Wagging in the Passenger Seat

Restrain your pets for safe car travel.

Free to paw their way around the car, unrestrained pets can be a distraction to drivers and can get injured if the car makes a sudden stop or is involved in an accident, even if it’s just a fender bender. Secure your pet in a crate or with a harness to keep it safe.

Don’t let your pets ride with their heads out of the window.

While most dogs love to hang their heads out of the car window and feel the wind in their fur, it’s best not to indulge them. They can easily be injured by debris flying into their eyes.

Never leave your pets unsupervised in the car.

Just like people, dogs and cats are susceptible to heat stroke — even if it isn’t that hot outside or the car windows are left open — and can even be stolen. Make sure you know where your pet is at all times.

http://www.progressive.com/vehicle-resources/pet-safety.aspx

Longmont Kia

Toll Free (888) 894-8644

[Via http://longmontkia.wordpress.com]

Celebrity Cool News! | coolwebgossip.com

Racing a new car in 2010

2010-01-06T18:08:00.000+02:00

2010 is going to be a very different season than the previous years. This year will be the first year I will not be racing in the Speed World Challenge Touring Car series. The team I race for, BimmerWorld Racing, has decided that we need to change our direction and go to a different series. This year we will be racing in the ST class of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, the old Koni Challenge series. In this new series I will have a co-driver as the races are 2.5 hours long or more. My co-driver all season long will be Bill Heumann who is the defending I-Prepared champion in the BMWCCA Club Racing series. Bill and I will be racing in the #81 2009 BMW E90 328i. We will be traveling to Daytona on Friday to start the first official test days in the new car.

This switch to a new series and a new car is going to add some excitement to my racing year. The CTSCC championship is going to be a tough one to come out on top of. This year there are going to be several teams with some of the best drivers in the world racing against Bill and I. With just the test day entry list posted this week there are drivers like Andy Lally, Nic Jonsson, Ryan Eversley, Lawon Aschenbach, my teammate James Clay and that is just to name a few. I like the idea of racing against these guys as it will help to bring out the best drivers in the BimmerWorld team. There is nothing like going against the best and finishing on top. The cars I am racing against will be similar to the ones I raced against before but add to it Honda Civic SIs, Volkswagon GTIs, BMW 328s, MazdaSpeed 3s, Kia Fortes, Volkswagon Jettas. Having a teammate that I get to share the car with is going to make this year a lot different. Luckily Bill and I have worked together in the past so we know how each other drives. The biggest challenge is us finding a setup that will work for each of out driving styles. With these races being 2.5 hours long the setup we find will need to be something both of us can be fast driving. We both will know more after this weekends test days. What I am the most excited about is learning more about the strategies of endurance racing and some of the new racecraft that I will need to use as a driver. With World Challenge being a sprint series with a driver driving as hard as he can for 50 minutes, CTSCC will be a lot different. There won’t be as much trading paint. And the race at the end will really be who saves their tires the best. There is a lot of strategy for the team too. When does the crew tell the driver to come in for a pitstop, how much fuel do we add, do we do a 4 tire change or 2 tire change, etc. And then the results can rely on how well the crew executes the pitstop. Do they get all of this along with a driver change completed in 70 seconds, 60 seconds, 30 seconds?

2010 will be a new racing year for me and the team. We are all going to be learning a lot this year along with being more involved in the racing than each of us have been in the past. Bill and I are both excited about this new step in our racing careers. Stay tuned as I update you all on how the test days and the start of the season go this weekend.

[Via http://seththomasmotorsports.wordpress.com]

Complete iLounge Pavilion CES exhibitor list, map published ...

Planning and Combining Trips

2010-01-06T02:00:00.000+02:00

Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.

Commuting

CommutingStagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours.

Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle.

Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.

Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.

Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.

Traveling

Vehicle with loaded roof rackA roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.

Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/planning.shtml

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[Via http://longmontkia.wordpress.com]

More mature Wii games from SEGA unlikely // News

Farm Town: Everything You Need to Know About Sending & Receiving Gifts

2010-01-04T10:29:00.000+02:00

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Tim Duncan had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat a winning team for the first time in a month with a 108-78 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night.

Click here to read this story on www.woai.com

A claim from the justice secretary, Jack Straw, today that some police officers preferred staying in the warmth of the police station than getting out on the beat last night sparked a furious reaction from police leaders.

Sir Hugh Orde, the president of the association of chief police officers, described his remarks as “not constructive” while rank and file constables claimed they were “irresponsible and inflammatory”.

The comments were made by the justice secretary in a radio interview when he was explaining that he was “sceptical” about police claims that they were overworked or had to spend hours at the station filling in forms or dealing with bureaucracy.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that differences in performance between police forces was less to do with money and resources and more to do with leadership and culture.

“I'm afraid I am rather sceptical about the excuse that a public service, in this case the police, is overworked and therefore can't change. With a given level of resources, some police forces, or some parts of police forces do very much better than others. And it is the ones who are less efficient and who have the wrong approach to the public who fall back on this 'Oh, I am overworked' .”

Straw went on to say that while some officers would claim it would take four hours to complete a particular form, “good police officers will take an hour to fill in the same forms because they want to get out and catch criminals.

“Some police officers, whatever they say, actually quite enjoy being in the police station in the warm. We are dealing with human beings, but we are also dealing with the kind of discipline and culture in the police service.”

Straw, who was home secretary from 1997 to 2001, also confirmed that voluntary mergers were likely to take place between some of the 43 forces in England and Wales but insisted that they would not be forced. They would come from a process of “organic” change.

However, he added, that the “paradox about the current police service is that it is the only major public service which has not been subject to any fundamental reform for well over 40 years.”

Straw's remarks provoked a furious reaction from police representatives. Simon Reed, vice-chairman of the Police Federation, said his remarks were irresponsible and inflammatory: “It wasn't police officers who brought in 3,000 new laws. It wasn't police officers who brought in a 30-page prosecution file. And it wasn't police officers who brought in multiple forms and authorities to use a pair of binoculars.”

The government's own police “red tape tsar”, Jan Berry, said last month she believed officers were spending no more time on the beat now than they were two years ago.

Straw was also criticised by the Acpo president. “These comments are not constructive and do not reflect the hard work and danger that many officers face day-to-day,” said Sir Hugh Orde.

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Everyone loves getting gifts, and farmers who play Farm Town love sending – and receiving – gifts, too! Here are the important things that you need to know about sending and getting gifts when you're a Farm Town farmer!

Be sure to read the Beginners Guide to Farm Town, too. Simply click HERE.

Farm Town Gifts: Farm Town Gifts are absolutely FREE to send – and receive!

Unlike seeds, plants, buildings or any of the other things that you can buy, it's totally free to send and receive gifts! Since they're free, they're fun, they help your farmer friends, why not send gifts everyday? I do!

Farm Town Gifts: Give Gifts that will Make Money

Did you know that the only way to get a coconut tree is by getting it as a gift? It's a great Farm Town gift, too! Hire another farmer to harvest the coconuts, and your farmer friend will make $101 Farm Town coins every time that one coconut tree is harvested.

Farm Town Gifts: Give Gifts that You Can't Buy in Farm Town

Even though you get to higher levels in Farm Town, there are still some things that you can't buy-even at level 24! The only way to get these items is when someone gives you them as a Farm Town gift! Farm Town is likely to have holiday specific decorations that you can give but can't buy. These make great gifts for your Farm Town farmer friends.

Farm Town Gifts: Items that Farmers Cannot Buy

Currently, here are the items that you must receive as gifts. Remember that this list can change but it's current as of now.

Trees: Banana, Cherry, Coconut, Mango, Palm, Peach, Pear, and Plum

Animals: Bunny, Cat, Cow, Donkey, Goat, Horse, Pig, Rooster, Spotted Dog, and Turkey

Decorations: Brown Scarecrow, Dolphin Hedge, Green Bin, Pink Crate, Pink Hammock, Spiral Hedge, and Tan Crate

Farm Town Gifts: Give Farm Town Gifts That Are Worth Money to Sell

When in doubt, give the gift of money! Choose the gifts with the highest sales value and send those! For trees, you can't buy a Palm tree, it must be received as a gift, and it can be sold for $44.

Both the horse and goat can't be bought and must be received as gifts. While they're free to send, the farmer who gets them can turn around and sell them. The horse and goat both sell for $60 coins, so you're giving your farmer friend a free 60 coins by sending them a horse or goat as a gift.

Farm Town Gifts:Sell the Gifts You Get!

OK, so a Farm Town farmer sent you a dozen cows. What are you going to do with all of them? Sell them! You don't have to keep them. You can sell any of the Farm Town gifts that you've received! So, take all the gifts your farmer friends have sent you, and sell them if you don't want to keep them.

For example, someone sent me a Farm Town cow as a gift. It didn't cost them any money, and it's free for me to accept it. I don't want that cow, but I accepted the gift and put it on my farm. Then I turned around and sold it for $45 Farm Town coins. Every penny helps! To sell a gift, first you need to add that gift to your farm. Then put your mouse over it to highlight it and finally, click your left mouse button.

Farm Town Gifts: You Can Only Give Gifts to 12 Friends a Day

You can send each of your friends, whether they play Farm Town or not, a Farm Town gift every day. This is a great way to entice your non-farmer friends to join the fun. But you can only send gifts to 12 of your friends any one day. So choose 12 friends, send them their Farm Town gift for the day. It can be the same item, or you can send each person a different gift.

Sending and getting Farm Town gifts is just one of the things that make this a fun and family friendly game! Remember, to be a better farmer, be sure to read the Beginners Guide to Farm Town by clicking HERE.

See you in Farm Town!

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[Via http://bequemlichkeitsdepot.wordpress.com]

AMERICAblog News: US shuts embassy in Yemen after concerns about ...

Child Passenger Safety

2009-12-30T18:39:00.000+02:00

Seat Belt Tips for Child Passenger Safety

All children age 12 and under should be buckled up in the rear seat of the vehicle.

Children should ride in an appropriate child safety seat until 8 years of age, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 80 pounds.
Holding a child in your lap provides no additional safety. An unrestrained 10-pound infant would instantly be ripped from an adult’s arms in a 30-mph collision.
Don’t place a single seat belt over yourself and a child. In a front-end collision, the child could be crushed by your body.
A seat belt must be adjusted to the size of a child. As with adults, the lap belt should cross the child’s upper thighs and the diagonal belt should cross the upper chest and a point between the neck and the center of the shoulder.
Children should continue to use a belt-positioning booster until the lap and shoulder belts fit properly and the child’s legs are long enough to bend at the edge of the seat.

Child Safety Seat Tips

Safety requirements change as children grow. Learn the basic facts for proper use of child safety seats.

Infants — From birth to 1 year and less than 20 pounds, infants should be placed in rear-facing child safety seats in the back seat of the car. The harness straps should be at or below shoulder level.
Toddlers — From 1 year and at least 20 to 40 pounds, toddlers should be placed in forward-facing child safety seats in the back seat of the car. The harness straps should be at or above the shoulders. Children who are less than 1 year but weigh more than 20 pounds should ride in restraint seats approved for higher rear-facing weights.
Young children — Children more than 40 pounds but less than 4 feet 9 inches tall should be placed in forward-facing booster seats in the back seat of the car. Lap belts should fit low and tight across the thighs, and shoulder belts should fit snugly across the chest and shoulder to prevent abdominal injuries.

It is important to know that your child passenger safety devices are working properly at all times. For up-to-date notifications of the latest recalls on child safety devices, you can subscribe to RSS feeds and email notifications offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Child Passenger Safety Facts

Motor vehicle crashes cause about one of every three injury deaths among children, according to a 2002 report from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

(Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , 2003)
According to a 2003 report, 59 percent of children ages 0 to 4 were unrestrained when the driver of a passenger vehicle was unrestrained. When a driver was restrained, 80 percent of children ages 0 to 4 also were restrained.

(Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis , 2003)
Car accident fatalities for children under 5 dropped from 706 in 2000 to 668 in 2001. The number of fatalities for children ages 5 to 15 dropped from 2,105 to 1,990 in 2001.

(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , 2003)

[Via http://mazdaoflakewood.wordpress.com]

China Continues War on Games with News Show | GamePolitics

2010 BMW F800 R Chris Pfeiffer

2009-12-28T18:44:00.000+02:00

Here is an overview of the main features of the new BMW F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer as compared to the standard model:

• Akrapovic® rear silencer for a dynamic appearance and a sporty sound.

• Spring of rear spring strut finished in red.

• Painted pillion passenger seat cover.

• Highly sporty visual appearance with paint finish in the BMW Motorsport colours of Alpine White non-metallic, Lupine Blue metallic and Magma Red non-metallic, contrasting with elements in black silk matt.

• Front wheel finished in white.

• Clear overpainted Chris Pfeiffer signature on the central cover.

• Set of sponsor stickers supplied.

• No cockpit fairing.

• LED direction indicators.

2010 BMW F800R Chris Pfeiffer Edition

[Via http://alprofficer.wordpress.com]

AMERICAblog News: In Iran, as government shoots protesters ...

kawanku=poser.

2009-12-28T10:13:00.000+02:00

Post kali ni berkisar apa yang terbuku didalam hati aku. Dan ianya memang datang dari dalam hati aku. Memang lama dah nak tulis pasal mamat ni, tapi cam relex dulu. Pastu, last weekend issue ni telah menjadi buah mulut kitaorang di meja bulat hadapan Maju Junction KL. Itu yang membuat aku membuak² nak tulis kat sini. Kepada pembaca semua, jadikanlah cerita betul ini sebagai peringatan. ok. Be u are as what u are!

Aku ada kawan dan selepas ini dipanggil Mr. A (bukan nama sebenar) . Asal dari negeri sebelah kampung aku. Sekarang ni duduk KL, house mate dia kawan aku Mr. Stereng BMW (bakal jadi business partner aku). Kira dari rumah dia (kat KL ni) leh nampak KLCC la.. Dia ni dulu belajar kat salah satu Kolej Swasta yang LAN tak recognize (sekarang dipanggil MQA). Aku kenal dia ni aku rasa ada la kot lebih dari 10 tahun. Pada mulanya, aku nampak dia ni cam budak² technician gitu pasal masa tu dia keja technician. Dari company telco sampailah company buat IT. Dia ni dah kawin dan dah ada anak sorang dah pun. Orang umah dia orang kampung aku. Sekarang bekerja kat selatan tanah air. Anak dia, mak mertua Mr. A yang jaga yang juga berada di kampung aku. Dia ni sekarang bekerja dengan satu company yang membayar bill² perubatan hospital yang berpusat di Petaling Jaya.

Ok, itu serba sedikit latar belakang Mr. A. Kawan² aku ni adalah terdiri daripada budak² underground la yang mana muziknya anda sedia maklum, memang enak didengar semasa nak bertumbuk atau bergaduh. Mereka² ini terdiri daripada peminat muzik, budak band, editor / photographer zine, pemikir² underground ataupun tuan punya kedai underground kat Cambell Complex. So kita orang ni ada la lepak kat gigs ataupun mamak depan Maju Junction atau kat jamming studio kat Desa Pandan untuk membincangkan isu² semasa selain daripada bertukar² pandangan atau menuntut barang yang telah diorder dan membuat bayaran.

Mr. A ni pun adalah salah seorang daripada ahli yang hadir setiap kali ada acara lepak² kutuk² gelak² di gigs² atau kedai mamak. To be frank, aku tak kisah langsung Mr. A ni nak lepak sekali. Ala.. satu kampung lagi pun. (sila ingat ayat ini aa..) walaupun Mr. A ni setahu aku tak pernah minat ngan band underground, tak dengar lagu² berat yang boleh menyebabkan sakit gigi, tak de band, tak leh main instrument, tak leh menyanyi, bukan editor mahupun photographer zine, bukan dari golongan pemikir underground, owner butik baju kat cambell pun tidak. Jadi, siapa Mr. A ni dalam scene underground? Dia hanyalah kawan kepada budak² scene underground. Menggunakan platform underground ni la dia ni banyak dapat kawan terutama dari utara tanah air seperti.. er.. tak pe la kot.. dan juga awek² underground yang sweet² walaupun bilanganganya agak sedikit.

Problemnya Mr. A ni, hyper outspoken. ye la.. ko tu bukan sapa² pun.. tak yah la nak over. Ngutuk orang no 1. Dah la yang dia kutuk tu antara otai² underground kat Malaysia ni. Brother tu dah main kat luar Malaysia tau tak.. Ko tu.. hish… pastu lebih². Asal duduk ngan otai² jer nak amik gambar, asal lepak kat gigs je amik gambar. Pastu terus upload gambar kat Facebook. Ko nak buat apa ni Mr. A? Apa yang ko nak sebenarnya? Aku ni main band dari aku form 3 tau, tak de pun nak kecoh² macam ko.

Pastu Mr. A suka sangat bercerita pasal agama. Macam la dia ni terer sangat. Aku tengok tungging terbalik gak. Kebodohan kamu itu telah terserlah. Yang si Mr. Stereng BMW ni memang tekanan persaan la.. Setiap kali ada update kat facebook jer Mr. A lah yang paling sebok nak bagi tau orang. Lebih² lagi bila yang di update tu ada lah awek (atau chiki) Yang menjadi mangsa adalah Mr Stereng BMW. Pasal satu umah.. Perbuatan Mr. A itu sungguh merimas dan melemas kan aku dan budak² lain. Tapi.. itu la kan.. dah satu kampung.

So, bagi aku Mr. A ni poser la.. lepak untuk gain glamor daripada orang lain. Lepak untuk rapat ngan chiki² underground. Ko tu bukan sapa² pun dalam scene.

FYI, aku tulis ni bukan la pasal aku dengki ke apa ke. Just nak suarakan ketidak pusan hati aku jer. Tapi apa² pun Mr A ni tetap kawan aku. Kepada Mr. Stereng BMW, banyak² bersabar ok. Nanti ko pindah la.. Kepada Mr. A, lu lebih la beb.. lu lebih.. lu kena belajar hormat orang, lu kena belajar baca air muka orang. lu kena cool down skit. tak yah try too hard. nampak sangat lu ni POSER!!

Aku mengalu²kan respon dari korang. Kalau ada la.. nak kutuk ke apa ke.. belasah jer.. ok. Thanks!

~aku.rasa~

[Via http://akurasakan.wordpress.com]

Suburbanite shoots 2 home invasion suspects - Chicago Breaking News

The new BMW 5 Series

2009-12-18T10:21:00.000+02:00

Earlier this month BMW released a video and a picture of what the New BMW 5 series would look like. Today BMW have officially released pictures, specifications and prices of the new sixth generation BMW 5 series.

The new BMW 5 series will be launched in the first quarter of 2010 – after the Geneva Motor Show.

The new 5 series will be the biggest type of its mark in the whole six generations since 1972. With a total wheelbase figure at 2970mm – at just under 3 metres long this gives more room in the rear, with an elongated bonnet and lowered roofline, this ensures that the car looks and feels a lot bigger on the inside.

The option of 7 different engines at launch will ensure that it is competitive at launch with the Mercedes E Class – its main competitor.

Looking to be the biggest seller in the UK will be the 520d – powered by a 2.0cc diesel engine, delivering 181bhp and 280lb/ft of torque – this will propel the ‘5’ to 62mph in 8.1 seconds and on to its 141mph top speed where law permits – but with this, it returns a mpg figure of 56.5mpg and only produces 132g/km of CO2.

Other diesel engines include, the straight six 525d and the 530d. The 525 producing 201bhp and the latter producing 242bhp, both of these cars will reach 62mph in less than 6.5 seconds and deliver astonishing mpg figures of over 40mpg.

There will be four different petrol engines, two of them being naturally aspirated, the 201 horsepower 523i and the 528i which produces 254bhp. The 535i will be powered by a single turbo charged engine producing 302bhp and the top of the range 550i producing 401bhp powered by a twin turbo V8 engine.

The four petrol engines comprise two naturally aspirated straight sixes (201bhp 523i and 254bhp 528i), a single-turbocharged straight six (302bhp 535i) and the 401bhp, twin-turbo V8 550i.

All the new 5 series will be available as a 6-speed manual, an optional 8-speed automatic gearbox will be made optional for the whole range, and this gearbox is designed to lower emissions for the new car. Stop/Start technology is standard throughout the range.

All new ‘5’ series will gain ‘Servotronic’ speed dependant assistance – which is BMW’s in house design of using hydraulic pumps for their power steering rather than using electric pumps.

Higher specification 5 series cars will include latest traction control systems and electronic stability programmes. Including in this will be the Driver Dynamic Control (DDC) which will allow the driver to select different settings of the car, either for ‘normal’, ‘sport’ and ‘sport+’.

BMW have revealed the prices of the new 5 series 4 months in advance to compete against the new Mercedes E-Class. They have ensured that standard equipment and prices will be lower than the equivalent E-class.

The BMW 520d SE will have a price tag of £28,165, the 523i SE is £30,560 and the 550i SE costs £49,440.

Is this new BMW 5 Series going to be more popular the Mercedes E-Class?

http://www.HelpFindMeA.co.uk/

[Via http://helpfindmea.wordpress.com]

GC Asia announces expanded 2010 dates // News

Tuning: G-POWER Modifed the New BMW X5M and X6M (photos)

2009-12-18T02:13:00.000+02:00

G-Power tuning group has offered BMW buyers their sport package with aerodynamic and performance enhancements for the X5 M and X6 M that made M-models more powerfull and exclusive.

The German tuner has upgraded the 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged engine found in both M models with reprogrammed ECU resulting in a modest boost in output to 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 700Nm or 516 squash feet of torque from 2,000 rpm. G-Power engineers also deleted the speed limiter, and now this two SUVs are propelled to a top speed more than 300km/h (187mph), with 0 to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration arrival in 4.5 seconds and to 200km/h (124mph) in just 16.2 seconds.

Read more (details and photos)!!

There’s also a new suspension kit that decrease’s, the badger height of both models by around 30mm.

G-Power was never about delicate aero mods, and the group makes no immunity with the X5 M and X6 M. Both models introduce a different front mammoth with above large air inlets on each corner along with a new bonnet made of Kevlar hybrid or full carbon and side skirts.

The rear is obvious by a new apron, a diffuser that houses the stainless steel exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, and in the argument of the X6 M, a boot wing also. G-Power has intended two detach sets of 23-crawl alloy wheels that are shod in 315/25 ZR23 high-performance Michelin tires for the X5 M and X6 M.

The group also enhances the interior of the two M models with frequent parts such as a new sports steering circle, a speedometer in G-POWER devise and carbon-string covers for the part linings, chief console and the dash.

G-Power said that €6,990 (positive meeting) will buy you the aero kit, €8,865.55 the new alloy wheels and tires, €3,021 the bursting stainless steel end muffler and €4,701.68 V8 engine force upgrade.

[Via http://autoworld.wordpress.com]

Stocks in the News: Honeywell, Adobe, Playboy, Microsoft, Intel ...

Baby Beat Fetal Monitor, the Best Option to Hear Your Baby's Heartbeat

2009-12-11T17:52:00.000+02:00

It's actually a double feature: “I Am Legend ” starring Kobe Bryant. & “The Professional” starring Derek Fisher

OMFG – Silver Screen and Roll

Kobe Bryant beats Heat at buzzer — latimes.com

Lakers beat Heat at buzzer – The Orange County Register

Bryant’s Buzzer-Beating, Banked 3 Cooks Heat at Lakers.com BasketBlog

Watch the whole game again on ESPN360

MUCH MORE Links after the Jump…

Recaps, Postgames & Chats:

OMFG – Silver Screen and Roll
Kobe Bryant beats Heat at buzzer — latimes.com
Lakers beat Heat at buzzer – The Orange County Register
Kobe, Lakers take it to the bank – LA Daily News
Kobe's desperation shot wins it | PE.com
Bryant’s Buzzer-Beating, Banked 3 Cooks Heat at Lakers.com BasketBlog
TLN’s Postgame Report: Lakers vs. Heat | The Lakers Nation
Game Rewind: Better Lucky Than Good – Lakers 108, Heat 107 | Lakers of Fire
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Recap – December 04, 2009 – ESPN
Kobe’s Improbable Shot Cools the Heat | lakers-EDGE
Forum Blue And Gold ” Preview & Chat: The Miami Heat

The Los Angeles Times:

Lakers 108, Miami 107: Game winning shot strengthens Kobe Bryant's All Star bid
Lakers' Phil Jackson would rather not discuss All-Star game

The Orange County Register:

‘It was my luckiest shot I’ve hit by far’
Gasol’s return has improved Fisher’s game
Artest endears, not angers, his teammates
Can Brown be one of the best dunkers?

The LA Daily News:

Lakers guard Farmar: Bench needs to step up

Others:

Kobe Bryant, making the best of bad situations – TrueHoop Blog – ESPN
Gasol stands tall among NBA's elite – NBA – Yahoo! Sports
The Incredibles | Dime Magazine
Kobe Beats Heat at the Buzzer — NBA FanHouse
Poke in eye scares Gasol | PE.com

Miami Heat Links:

Miami Heat fall to Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant's last-second three-point shot – Basketball – MiamiHerald.com
Kobe Bryant rescues Heat from undeserved road win – Peninsula is Mightier
They call him Black Mamba for a reason…Kobe Bryant rips heart out of Miami Heat, stares at it, 108-107 | Hot Hot Hoops
Miami Heat: Loses to Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center — South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Miami Heat | Sun-Sentinel Blogs: Lakers 108, Heat 107
Dwyane Wade: Miami Heat guard deadling with a series of double teams — South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Audio/Video:

Heat -at- Lakers – 12/04 – SD Highlights | Flash | JD2K Lakers Video Highlights
Heat -at- Lakers – 12/04 – Kobe Buzzer Beater | Flash | JD2K Lakers Video Highlights
LAKERS: Game Hightlights
Ball Game – Kobe beats the buzzer
LAKERS: Heat vs. Lakers Postgame Interviews
Lakers 108, Miami 107: Game winning shot strengthens Kobe Bryant's All Star bid | Lakers Blog | Los Angeles Times
Game Replay in ESPN360.com
NBA Podcast: Yahoo.com’s Kelly Dwyer at Lakers.com BasketBlog
They Nike puppets are back

MVPuppets: “We're back”

(Hat tip to intuitive)

Renewable technology that uses energy stored in the ground to heat buildings and provide hot water could be installed in hundreds of thousands of homes and offices by the end of the next decade, a report said today.

About 8,000 ground-source heat pump systems were operating in the UK – far fewer than in other European countries, such as Sweden, although the market was expanding rapidly and doubled last year, the Environment Agency report said.

The document concluded that the technology could be installed in 320,000 homes and businesses by 2020 with support from the government.

If enough support was given through the renewable heat incentive, which will be introduced in 2012 and pay homeowners and businesses a guaranteed price for generating renewable heat, more than 1m ground-source heat pumps systems could be put in place.

At the top end of its potential, ground-source heat technology could be installed in more than one in 10 homes and in 40% of commercial buildings, the report said.

Even if growth was limited to 320,000 homes and business – 1% of households and 11% of commercial buildings – it could provide 30% of the renewable heat the UK needed to produce to meet its 2020 target.

“Ground-source heating is a rapidly growing technology that has the potential to produce at least 30% of the country's renewable heat needs – but it needs financial support in order to grow,” Tony Grayling, the head of climate change and sustainable development at the Environment Agency, said.

“We would like to see this technology given adequate financial support through the new renewable heat incentive to meet its full potential in the UK.”

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First, congratulations, if you are reading this it means you probably have a baby on your way. Like most soon-to-be parents, or grandparents, you are sure to be excited and can't wait to hear, feel or see the first signs of your new little one. The Belly Beat fetal monitor is the best way to hear your little one's heartbeat. Usually you can hear the heart beat in as little as ten weeks.

What is a Baby Beat Fetal Monitors and what kind of options are there?

A Fetal Monitor goes beyond just passive listening and uses ultrasound and Doppler shift to allow you to hear a much clearer heartbeat than you could ever hear with even a stethoscope. In fact it is the same equipment your doctor is likely to use.

Each model has a base unit that contains the electronics, batteries, and a speaker. Some models also have a digital readout the displays your baby's beats per minute. Some also include a headset jack so you can attach it to a recording device and others are even able to record themselves..

Your unit will also include a 3MHz probe. This is the part that you actually place against your belly. You can also order a 2 MHz probe but the 3MHz probe is much more common. According to the Belly Beat website 90% of doctors, hospitals, and midwives use the 3MHz probe. The only case that the 2MHz probe seems to work better is for very overweight mothers where the fetus is very deep.

How and where to get a Baby Beat fetal monitor

You have two options as to how you obtain a fetal monitor. You can either purchase one outright or you can even rent one. The decision to rent or buy depends on how long you think you will want to use your fetal monitor.

If you plan on using your Baby Beat fetal monitor for several months and even for multiple pregnancies then you may want to consider a purchase. The basic model starts around $450 with the top models going for almost $600. You can obtain them from several locations including specialized websites like www.babybeat.com or www.bellybeats.com and normal shopping sites like Amazon or Ebay.

Another option that works well for many people is renting a Belly Beats fetal monitor. Rentals run as low as $20 a month for a base unit and up to $45 a month for the top end units. An added benefit of rental is that you can apply your rental payments towards the purchase price if you decide to purchase the unit. Of course keep in mind that if you choose this options it is likely that your unit will be used instead of new.

Using your Baby Beat fetal monitor

The number one rule when using your fetal monitor is be patient. It may take you very long to find your baby's heartbeat and sometimes you may not be able to find it at all. Don't panic, just because you can't find it doesn't mean that it isn't there. Just slow down and take your time, with persistence you will almost always be able to find the heartbeat.

Of course keep in mind that personal use of the fetal monitor is limited by the F.D.A. and is not intended to be used for any diagnostic or treatment activities. If you have any reason to think that you may be having difficulties or problems with your pregnancy contact your healthcare provider.

Listening to your baby's heartbeat can be a great bonding experience for you and your family. In fact it will probably be easier and more comfortable for Dad to be the one using the probe. Your other children will love listening to the heartbeat as it will give them something tangible to connect with.

Safety Concerns

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has expressed some concern over the excessive use of over the counter fetal monitors. You can read more detail on their website here but they do acknowledge that there are no known risks when using ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors. The concern is centered around the affects to other parts of the body from excessive and unsupervised use.

Sources

Food and Drug Administration, http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095508.htm

Belly Beat Website

http://www.bellybeats.com/

Baby Beat Website

http://www.babybeat.com/

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Microsoft: Xbox Live central to Modern Warfare 2 success // News

A Burst of News - Hyper Lamborghinis, AWD Ferraris, Electric Rolls-Royces, two new luxury sedans and one less Italian cop car...

2009-12-09T02:10:00.000+02:00

We at CCO would like to welcome you to a special Holiday Burst of News. It’s pretty much the same as any other Burst, except our hearts are filled with the unique form of adrenaline brought on by massive amounts of Thanksgiving food, Black Friday debt, and ChristmuHanuKwanzaa excitement/stress. So you’ll excuse us if we occasionally pause to scream our heads off.

Our first gift this holiday season, however, comes from the good folks at Lamborghini. According to company sources speaking to CarsUK.net, Lambo is summoning up their very own hypercar capable of competing with the Ferrari Enzo and the rest of the highest echelon of automotive performance. Rumor has it the car, which will be based off the Murcielago-replacing Jota, will be named Urus, after the enormous primordial ancestor of modern cattle. (That’s not a joke.)

They really could just cut and paste the Reventon body on the Jota chassis, and I don't think any of us would mind.

While the Jota’s suspected 700+ horsepower 6.0 liter V12 and carbon fiber/aluminum chassis mean it probably won’t be much of a slouch, the Urus should blow it away, thanks to intensive weight-reducing strategies and the introduction of an 800+ horsepower V12. Price hasn’t been announced, but if you’re hoping for less than half a million bucks, you’d be better off praying for JFK’s resurrection.

But while Lamborghini is trying to out-muscle Ferrari’s old hypercars, the folks in Maranello are working on something quite different. The company confirmed last month they are developing an electric-powered all-wheel-drive system for their future vehicles.

That’s right, folks. Not only will the Ferrari of Tomorrow have four-wheel-drive…it’ll be a hybrid.

The 458 probably won't get the hybrid system. We just wanted to look at it again.

Company insiders told AutoCar the system’s first use will be driving the front wheels of the company’s front-engined GTs, effectively giving each axle a separate powertrain – the electric motor up front, and a gasoline-powered V12 powering the rear. But the system is designed to improve handling and acceleration, not fuel economy – so we don’t have to worry about Ferrari drivers getting all smug or anything.

The system will probably first be used in the successor to the 612, which will probably be breaking cover sometime in the next year or two. Don’t expect to see any hybrid Ferraris on the streets until 2014 or so, which still sounds ridiculously futuristic whenever we think about it. When they do come, the hybrid system will probably add a hefty tithe to the Monroney – but if you can afford a four-seat Ferrari, you probably ain’t too worried about it.

Speaking of mansion-priced cars, Rolls-Royce is hoping to take the wraps off an electric version of its Phantom uber-sedan sometime in the next year or so, also according to AutoCar. The Powers That Be at Rolls want to have the car on the road by 2012, in time for the London Olympics – which, entirely coincidentally, happen to be sponsored by Rolls-Royce’s parent company, BMW!

While it appears stoic, the Phantom is silently judging you for being too poor to afford it.

Rolls employees claim they aren’t particularly concerned about the added mass of the lithium-ion batteries needed to hold the car’s juice, as the conventional Phantom already pushes three tons. And while you could certainly argue a 6,000 pound sedan decorated with twenty-seven cows’ worth of leather and more wood than a freshman class trip to the Playboy Mansion is hardly eco-friendly, don’t bother telling the electric Rolls’ owners – because while they can certainly hear you, they just don’t care.

If you’re in the market for a more modest luxury sedan, however, there’s no need to fret. BMW and Audi both have unveiled the newest members of their families in the last couple weeks – BMW brought out its new 5-series, while Audi rolled out the new A8.

First up: the 5, which continues BMW’s recent trend back towards more conventional styling. The “flame surfacing” of the Bangle years admittedly remains, but at least the front end no longer appears surprised and the rear no longer frustrated.

Here in the States, only two models will be available at launch – the 550i, powered by a 407-horsepower version of Bimmer’s blissful turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, and the 535i, which comes with the latest turbocharged, 306-horsepower version of the company’s equally sweet 3.0-liter inline six. The best-selling-yet-least-arousing 528i will arrive a couple months later; however, BMW makes up for it by boosting power to 258 horses and 228 lb-ft of torque – gains of 28 for both figures over the current models. ZF’s new eight-speed automatic comes standard on the 550i, and optional on the six-cylinder models.

After debating it over several rounds of drinks at the local bar, we here at CCO ultimately came down in favor of the new 5er’s looks. (Also, we unanimously agreed that “Livin’ On A Prayer” is, like, the greatest song in human history.) While it seems almost a tad forgettable from certain angles (at least in pictures), it certainly bears a strong resemblance to the 3- and 7-series – and given that that was presumably the idea, it’s safe to call this one a success.

However, we aren’t particularly fond of the look of Audi’s new A8. From the front, the car seems oddly reminiscent of the current Hyundai Sonata, and the LED running lights – which lend the A4/A5 family a futuristic strength, like the glowing eyes of Iron Man – angle down in just the wrong place, giving the A8 a strange resemblance to Droopy Dog. Audi is trumpeting the new A8 as the front line of its new designed theme, dubbed “Vorsprung durch Technik;” while our German is a little rusty, we can only assume said phrase translates to, “Let’s just make the A4 bigger and go pound a beer.”

"I always come to mope in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, because I'm artsy."

Thankfully, though, the interior looks like all you’d expect and more from Audi’s most luxurious model. The design is beautiful, and while we’ve heard some mixed opinions on the Interwebs about the A8’s handlebar shifter, we rather like it. And considering that shifter connects to the same eight-speed automatic as in the 5-series – and that the transmission connects all four wheels to a 372-horsepower 4.2 liter V8 – the A8 ought to be a pretty sweet drive for such a large car.

Of course, if you’re not thrilled with the A8’s styling and are willing to sacrifice a bit of space for it, Audi will be more than willing to take a deposit on their upcoming A7 four-door-coupe. According to AutoCar, the long-rumored A6-based pseudo-coupe will be unveiled at the Moscow Auto Show in August 2010.

When the A7 hits the U.S. streets sometime in late 2010 or early 2011 to engage the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW X6 in a Teutonic battle of “Bizarro-world coupes,” expect it to come equipped with similar engines to the A6 – naturally aspirated and supercharged V-6s, and if Audi’s feeling generous and gas is still cheap, the 372-hp V8 from the A8. According to Audi design director Stefan Sielaff, there will even be an S7 – likely featuring a turbo/supercharged V8 – for those of you who like testing the patience of law enforcement.

This is Audi's Sportback Concept. Expect the A7 to look like this, except with more Orange Country trophy wives behind the wheel.

Rumor has it U.S. prices should start somewhere around $46,000, but since the A6 starts at $45,200, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the A7 on the painful side of $50K when it hits our shores. Mercedes and BMW both charge significantly more for their faux coupes than the sedans/SUVs they’re based on, so Audi will probably follow the same logic – even if AutoCar claims there will only be a “small price premium.”

But while Audi is chopping up the higher end of the luxury car market into ever-smaller slices, BMW wants to slot yet another model into its rapidly burgeoning M line. According to AutoCar (who seem to have more anonymous sources than Seymour Hersh), someone in BMW’s high-performance division claims creating a more affordable model to slot in under the M3 is a top priority.

Details are few and far between at this point, but since the car would be based on the next-gen 1-series, there’s plenty of time for info to leak out. However, we do know two things: the car will (hopefully) be priced in the mid-$40K range, and BMW may dust off the old M1 badge for it. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a 365+ horsepower version of the company’s turbo I6 under the hood…

Of course, if Audi and BMW are hard at work crafting fun new toys for us to play with, the good folks at Mercedes-Benz can’t be far behind. In this case, rumor has it the company is working on whipping up a smaller sports car based on the new SLS.

At least from this angle, we don't have to look at its ass.

According to PistonHeads, the new model would be designed to compete against the Porsche 911. The ‘Heads claim the follow-up to the SLS – can we call it the SaLT? – will use a V8 of somewhere between 5.8 and 6.2 liters, complete with cylinder cut-off. Given that AMG spent a shit-ton of cash developing its current 6.2 liter engine and said engine has proven suitable in everything from C-class compacts to R-class megawagons, it’s probably safe to assume the Salt will just use a revised version of that engine. Expect to see the finished product in about five years.

Finally, we have another piece of tragic supercar news to round out this update. After a year of service, the Italian State Police’s Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was totaled a couple weeks ago near the northern city of Cremona. Thankfully, neither of the officers inside were injured when the Lambo swerved to avoid a car and slammed into a group of parked vehicles.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

(Photo courtesy autoblog.it)

Before the accident, the Gallardo was primarily used to provide rapid response to accidents and for high-speed organ transport – because while a helicopter might be faster, the doctors wouldn’t be able to say, “They’re driving your new heart here in a Lamborghini.” No word yet on whether Lamborghini will replace the vehicle, but here’s hoping they will. In fact, here’s hoping automakers here in the States decide to follow suit and donate some choice vehicles to our local police forces. How ’bout a couple Corvette ZR1s for the Michigan State Troopers?

[Via http://collegecars.wordpress.com]

Sony confirms PSP Minis for PS3 // News

Accident

2009-12-04T02:12:00.000+02:00

today first time i see accident in UK!! The incident happen before i reach there. But very geng loh, 2 fire fighter, 1 police car, and 1 ambulance!!

I just see the BMW knock onto the devider, not sure why need to many support… maybe here in uk they take accident seriously as compare to malaysia!?

photo take by my phone.. not bad~~ not really get to take picture that time.. my cold is stiff and shriving cold!

[Via http://vhoe.wordpress.com]

Dallas Cowboys Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas ...

pemandu.kereta.mewah = perewah

2009-12-02T09:29:00.000+02:00

Tadi aku keluar gi Tabung Haji. Gila la punya jem kan pasal kat area Batu Caves gitu. So, bila dah jem ni aku pun mencari la hobi baru. Melihat gelagat pemandu kereta mewah atau lebih senang disebut perewah.

Aku perhatikan, ramailah perewah² seperti Harrier, Merc, BMW dan lain² kereta mewah lain time² camni kan.. Keta² camni memangla mahal. Dari kerja² service, membasuh (termasuk polish) road tax dan insurance. Market price tak yah cita la kot.. gadai semua bulu yang ada kat badan pun belum tentu boleh dapat duduk kat bonet belakang. Yang aku heran, perewah² ini mempunyai satu persamaan. Lampu signal tak menyala. Tak kiralah time nak memotong ke, time nak belok ke atau pun berenti sekejap kat bahu jalan (selalunya singgah kat ATM machine atau beli goreng pisang Cik Siah). Macam mana korang boleh beli kereta yang mahal camtu, tapi korang tak add kan lampu signal? Lampu signal tu optional ke? Ataupun lampu signal tu dalam package accessory? Ataupun korang ni memang jenis X-Man? Ada gifted power camtu? Cam Prof. Xavier gitu? (The only kenderaan kat Malaysia ni yang tak de lampu signal adalah Vespa masa zaman Tunku Abdul Rahman). Tapi aku.rasa perewah² ni kan memang MALAS nak guna lampu signal dorang & dorang ni agak kurang ajar. Baik yang mata sepet, baik yang jenis lebai atas pala, baik yang jenis pakai maskara mahupun jenis yang mandi minyak bijan. Perangai suma sama.. Tak menyahut seruan kerajaan langsung. Kenapa perewah Malas? Sebab perewah ni banyak duit. Kerajinan itu boleh dibeli dengan wang ringgit. Kenapa perewah kurang ajar? Sebab perewah ni ada kereta mewah. Kena la kurang ajar. Kan?

Kalau eskeden (teraccident) camne? Tak ke terkencing orang yang langgar tu? Ye la.. walaupun salah perewah, tapi bila dah tengok yang dia langgar tu kereta tiga huruf, basah gak la tapak tangan.. kan?

Yang si perewah ni pulak time tu la nak tunjuk dia punya power besar. Mula la ayat² “Ko salah la..”, “Lu salah ma..”, “mu saloh..” pung ade. Tak puas dengan memaki mulut & kata², keluar la pulak memaki tangan dan jari… Hm.. perewah.. perewah.. Korang ni.. duit je banyak, akai haluih.. yang terlanggar tu dah la seekor kancil putih 850. Ditunggang mak cik bertudung labuh.. berbadan agak gempal dan memakai spek rabun jauh berkapisiti tak kurang dari 200. Sian dia..

So, kepada perewah² yang diluar sana.. aku.rasa korang ni kan, nak kena gi kelas pendidikan moral la.. yang ‘potong’ ke.. yang tak ‘potong’ ke.. sama ja..

aku.rasa kerajaan kena ada kempen baru:

‘GUNAKANLAH LAMPU SIGNAL KERETA MEWAH ANDA,

RUGI SAJA PASANG’

~aku.rasa~

[Via http://akurasakan.wordpress.com]

Chelsea Clinton Engaged - Political Punch

New Audi A8 Unveiled

2009-12-02T01:53:00.000+02:00

The new Audi A8 was unveiled yesterday in Miami.

Changes include an updated Multimedia Interface system, new driver assistance systems, full LED headlights and night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians and Audi pre sense safety system.The new style is very similar to the old A8, but you can see plenty of differences in the details, the biggest being the new headlamps and taillamps.

Despite plenty of feature, the car is very light compared to its main rivals. It weighs around 50lbs (About 22kg) less than the RWD Mercedes S-Class and over 200lbs (Roughly 90kg) less than the RWD BMW 7 Series. The Audi A8 has AWD though, and the weight gap becomes significantly larger when comparing it to the AWD versions of its competition.

“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG. He may have a point, the previous ones were known to be sporty alternatives to the competition.

The car should be arriving in North American dealerships in late 2010. The first engine offered will be the well established 4.2L FSI V8 with 372hp. It will be linked to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. 0-60mph should be dealt with in 5.7seconds.

A long-wheel base version will be unveiled in 2010, and a hybrid has been confirmed.

Here’s the press release for full details:

The new Audi A8 – the sportiest sedan in the luxury class

Adapted for the USA

Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.

With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.

“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”

The new luxury sedan, to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The interior is captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.

The Audi A8 combines a new level of intelligence with exemplary and easy operation. Its multimedia interface (MMI) includes a pioneering innovation: Combined with the standard (in the U.S.) navigation system it has a touchpad. MMI touch enables the driver to control many functions intuitively; for example, the navigation destination can be entered by writing the letters on the pad with the touch of a finger.

MMI navigation plus is networked in a novel fashion with the advanced driver assistance and safety systems. It follows the route in advance during driving and provides the data to the control units for the automatic transmission, the headlights and for the ACC stop & go function. Their enhanced intelligence enables these systems to recognize complex scenarios and to make anticipatory decisions to assist the driver. The new technologies include a night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians, the Audi pre sense safety system as well as – in the course of 2010 – a speed limit display.

Another high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light functions. They give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. The revolutionary optics used in these headlights mean a departure from the tubular light modules commonly used today. The full LED headlights herald a new chapter in lighting technology.

The new A8 starts off with a 4.2 FSI with 273 kW (372 hp). The engine affords increased power and torque – but the fuel consumption has dropped by around 15 percent, thanks to intelligent and efficient technologies like the recuperation system and innovative thermal management.

The new tiptronic: eight speeds for more comfort and efficiency

The standard new transmission also plays a large role in increasing efficiency – the extremely convenient 8-speed tiptronic finely graduates its eight gears while achieving a large overall spread. Its control system is purely electronic, operated with an elegant selector level and rocker switches at the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a distinct sporty and rear-end character. On request, the sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels.

The new A8 also documents its standing as the sportiest luxury sedan on the market in the chassis sector. The distribution of the axle loads is balanced, and all wheel control arms are aluminum. The adaptive air suspension together with adaptive damping is always on board, forming part of the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, also standard. The optional dynamic steering is a supplementary component.

In the field of multimedia Audi also offers many attractive modules. They include an optional sound system from Bang & Olufsen, with an output of over 1,400 watts and 19 speakers, and include state-of-the-art online services. The new Audi A8 has gained in dynamics, convenience, prestige and intelligence, setting new standards in all sectors.

At a glance

The new Audi A8

Body

- Lightweight and yet ultra-strong aluminum body with ASF design

- Flowing design, full LED headlights on request

Interior and controls

- Luxurious interior with newly developed, spacious styling

- Craftsman-level workmanship, emotionally charged interior lighting

- Advanced MMI operating system, MMI touch navigation system with pioneering operating concept

- Seats with optional ventilation and massage functions, luxurious individual rear seats optional

Safety

- New Audi pre sense safety system for avoiding accidents and for minimizing their consequences

Infotainment and driver assistance systems

- Navigation system of the next generation closely networked with the assistance systems; high-end audio systems and online services

- Night vision assistant with pedestrian marking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go feature and advanced driver assistance systems

Drivetrain

- One gasoline engine, with direct fuel injection and 273 kW (372 hp)

- Consumption improved by 15 percent with enhanced performance

- New 8-speed tiptronic as standard, shift-by-wire control

- Standard quattro all-wheel drive, optional sport differential

Chassis

- Lightweight wheel suspension, balanced axle load distribution

- Audi drive select driving dynamic system including standard adaptive air suspension and adaptive damping, optional dynamic steering

The new flagship from Audi

The Audi A8

Audi has launched the next generation of the A8 – the sportiest sedan of the luxury class sets new standards. Its elegantly styled body with the Audi Space Frame (ASF) is aluminum, the engines are powerful and highly efficient, and the power transmission and running gear combine dynamics with convenience. The new flagship’s generously designed interior captivates with its luxurious equipment, newly developed control system MMI and the excellent quality of its workmanship. Innovative assistance systems lend even more confidence to driving.

Design

Audi design is always fascinating in its complex intelligence. The outer skin of the new A8 conveys homogeneity, as if modeled from a full volume. A coupé-like roof line lets the silhouette flow; sculptured surfaces conveying calmness and prestige contrast with sharp lines. The new A8 underscores the leading position maintained by Audi in the field of automotive design. Representing the cutting edge in many innovative technologies, the A8 indicates this role through new and progressive design elements.

5137 mm (16.85 ft) in length, with a 2992 mm (9.82 ft) wheelbase, 1949 mm (6.39 ft) in width and 1460 mm (4.79 ft) in height – the new luxury sedan is generously proportioned. The Audi A8 significantly exceeds in length and width both its predecessor and its competitors. Its height, however, remains below that of its immediate rivals in Germany – the proportions follow the dynamic line.

The A8 displays its single-frame radiator grille like a proud coat of arms. Framed by a chrome edge, the grille presents a new design – sculptured, three- dimensional and rich in details. With angular upper corners, it is neatly integrated in the front section, while the prominent, horizontal chrome braces emphasize the vehicle width.

The Audi A8 looks out on the world through newly designed headlights – with xenon plus units and the innovative full LED headlights, a technology Audi was the first to introduce worldwide in the R8 high-performance sports car. The adaptive light system augments the xenon plus units – it controls the swiveling modules so that they always provide the perfect lighting for intersections, the city, country roads and highways. The new all-weather light integrated into the headlights replaces the fog lights. Their traditional location in the air intakes is now occupied by the radar sensors of the optional adaptive cruise control with stop & go function.

A technological breakthrough from Audi is the networking of the headlight control unit with the optional MMI navigation plus. The navigation system analyzes the route ahead and relays the data to the light computer to activate highway lighting with its extended range while still on the ramp to the highway, for example. Before entering an intersection, the system activates the cornering light, which provides wider-angle illumination and thus enhances safety.

High-end technology: the full LED headlights

The high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights. They give the big sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. Their revolutionary optics mean a departure from the large, tubular light modules commonly used today.

The low beams comprise ten individual modules forming an arc situated below the wing-shaped chrome contour known as the “wing.” Just below this is another arc of 22 white and 22 yellow LEDs for the daytime running lights and the turn signals. Their thick wall technology makes them appear from the outside as homogenous, continuous strips of light.

Located above the wing are the high beams, whose light is generated by two powerful four-chip LEDs and a free surface reflector system. An assistant switches between the high and low beams, and additional high-power LEDs generate the highway light and cornering light. A separate fan and heat sink moderate the system’s temperature.

The full LED headlights offer a number of functional advantages in everyday situations. With a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, their light resembles daylight and thus is much less tiring to the eyes. They also offer efficiency advantages. The low beams, for example, consume only 40 watts per unit, a bit less than the already highly efficient xenon plus headlights.

The side view of the new Audi A8 also gives the image of concentrated and forward-thrusting power. Typically for the Audi line, the vehicle line makes up two-thirds of the height, with the remaining third falling to the greenhouse. From the single-frame grill Audi’s characteristic Tornado line runs as a light edge just beneath the window sill. The line continues close above the wheel arches, giving the A8 a powerful appearance on the road.

The surfaces below the Tornado line interpret the interplay of light and shadow, of convexity and concavity, and are statement of seriousness and timeless elegance. Proceeding downwards, the surfaces are framed by the rising dynamic line running above the side sills. Large wheels – from 17 to 21 inches in diameter – fill the wheel arches pulled out wide.

At the rear the separation edge gives an impression of sleekness, which further reinforces the impressively sculptured surfaces. A chrome strip underlines the width of the sedan, terminating in a diffuser.

The tail lights also produce an appearance both three-dimensional and striking – and typically Audi. They, too, use LED technology with 72 light-emitting diodes per unit. Chip-on-board LEDs, which can be packed tightly together with high precision, are used in many areas due to the limited amount of space available.

The tail lights, which consume only 9 watts per unit, form a trapezoidal contour that appears as an even, homogenous strip. Its upper segment is a light guide – a plastic tube; the lower section is a reflective, textured free-form surface. It is thicker than the upper segment to optically lower the center of gravity of the A8’s back end. The turn signal is a horizontal line. The five-segment brake light is located inside the trapezoid.

Body

Big, strong, safe and yet amazingly lightweight – the aluminum body once again sets new standards. Its low weight is a key factor for the outstanding driving dynamics, exemplary efficiency and very good comfort of the new A8. Audi, the lightweight design pioneer of the automotive industry, again demonstrates its leadership role.

Fifteen years ago the four rings brand introduced the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) into production – with the first A8 generation. ASF has proven its merit outstandingly; and now Audi is again using it in a much more advanced form. In its basic design the ASF body brings a latticed framework to mind. Its skeleton comprises extruded sections and pressure diecast parts of aluminum. The aluminum panels – such as the roof panels and the side panels – are joined by friction connections.

Depending on their tasks, the components of the ASF body fully differ in shape and cross-sectional area. For example, the A-pillar nodes of the new A8 – one of 25 castings in the body – interconnect the longitudinal member, the sill, the omega cross-member, the windshield crossmember, the roof frame and the suspension strut mount. The lateral roof frame, on the other hand, is formed by a single extruded section; its cross-section changes flexibly from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

Audi has substantially increased the strength of the higher-strength body components in the new A8, thereby significantly reducing both material thickness and weight.

One of the keys for this is a novel composite material for the aluminum panels. The use of this new, high-strength aluminum alloy alone enabled a weight saving of 6.5 kilograms (14.33 lb).

High stiffness, low vibrations

Besides the low weight, the ASF body of the A8 has many other strengths. The static torsional stiffness has increased by 25 percent compared with the predecessor, already a leader in the field; it forms the basis for the precise, dynamic handling. In terms of lightweight quality – the relationship between weight, torsional stiffness and size – the body achieved an improvement of 20 percent. The ASF principle ensures comfortably low levels of vibrations and impressive quietness on board for that typical Audi feeling.

The new A8 glides calmly, sleekly and quietly through the wind. The 4.2 FSI version has a drag coefficient of only 0.26, with the frontal area measuring 2.41 m2 (25.94 square ft). Low lift coefficients at the front and rear axles ensure confident stability at highway speeds. The luxury sedan also once again leads its class in wind noise comfort.

Audi regards the development of a new vehicle as a holistic mission. The overall energy balance sheet covering the entire vehicle life reveals the new A8 achieves better results than its predecessor with respect to all important environmental criteria, including CO2 emissions. The crucial factor is the phase of use, where in particular the new, highly efficient engines play a positive role. Aluminum is also superior to steel as a body material with respect to CO2 thanks to its excellent recycling properties.

Interior

The interior of the new Audi A8 is a wellness lounge for the senses. With its elegant styling and quality of workmanship on the craftsman level, the interior is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the four rings brand. In the cut it is much wider, more airy and spacious than its predecessor. Its salient element is the “wrap- around” – a circumferential curve forming an elegant beltline as on a yacht. The large curve integrates the sleek and low instrument panel. Its neat & tidy front is shaped like a gentle wave.

The Audi brand’s clear and intuitive operating philosophy reaches new heights in the A8. The large, round instruments are clearly delineated. The driver information system (DIS), which serves as a fully fledged information and control center, has a new layout. Its center display has increased to a 7-inch diagonal, showing all functions according to an easily understandable concept. It is operated at the equally improved multifunction steering wheel.

The center tunnel: perfect control console

The center tunnel in the new A8 is wide and evenly inclined. As an ergonomically ideal control console, it contains the control panel for the automatic air conditioning and the terminal of the MMI control and multimedia system, now in a new version. It forms a clearly organized touch & feel arrangement of three zones, one of which is reserved for audio. Operation is totally stress-free: The driver’s wrist on the selector lever of the 8-speed tiptronic, asymmetrically located on the center tunnel, leaving the hand at ease to touch and turn switches.

In standby mode, the monitor of the MMI system is recessed in the instrument panel. Switched on, it moves upwards in an elegant curve, nicely setting the scene for the system start. The large monitor with its 8-inch diagonal is extremely flat. Its display area is divided into three information zones, while the menu control system follows a further improved and intuitive logic. All topics are presented in elegant, three-dimensional graphics.

The A8 also sets the bar at a new height in the quality of workmanship, another big domain of Audi. The combination of highest-quality materials and their precise implementation make the interior a sensuous experience. The large controls and buttons are optionally available with aluminum surfaces and click easily and precisely like clockwork. Many switches gleam in high-gloss black, and all frequently used parts are covered by a new kind of top coat making them extremely scratch-resistant.

The large decorative inlays each consist of two parts – a highly elegant solution. The bottom elements come in standard highly polished black, the top ones in walnut brown, while the whole is accentuated by fine chrome strips. Brushed aluminum and fine woods are optionally available from Audi. All components feature uncompromisingly precise workmanship and minimal gaps.

Audi offers five basic colors for the interior, and three shades for the roof lining. The selection of coverings ranges to natural leather, which is especially soft and breathable. Passionate individualists can choose from two Audi design selections in special colors that integrate many luxurious equipment features. Audi also offers several leather packages, an Alcantara package and the extended aluminum look in the interior.

Highly emotional: the orchestration of light

At dark another high-end feature comes into play – the new ambient light. White LEDs add a few subtle highlights to the interior. The ambient light package is an emotional overall orchestration, providing effective illumination and making the center console seem to float. Many LEDs here are two-colored or three-colored – the color schemes of ivory, polar and ruby can be selected at the MMI. In other words, the same LEDs can change between two and three colors.

The many sophisticated solutions in the new A8 include the start-stop button, which allows the driver to start the engine while leaving the key in his or her pocket.

The automatic air conditioning system regulates the interior climate in two zones, and optionally in four. Three climate styles are available – gentle, medium and strong – which also change the type of air flow. For winter a fourth variant is available that heats the footwell more intensively.

The standard front seats feature 12-way electric adjustment. The comfort seats offer even more luxury with their 22-way adjustability, also incorporating the sides of the seats. Audi also offers optional seats with a sporty look and top-stitched diamond patterns. Three-staged ventilation is offered in addition to the heating. Another luxury extra is the pneumatic massage, in which twin air chambers pulsate in the backrest – the driver and front passenger can regulate them in five programs, with the intensity graduated in three stages.

As a large, luxurious touring sedan the A8 also treats its rear passengers on a first-class level. On request, Audi even provides the rear bench with versatile electric adjustment of the outside seats; a memory feature is on board as is adjustability of the front passenger seat from the rear. Seat heating, electric blinds and the four-zone automatic air conditioning together with a separate rear control panel round off the package. Ventilation and a massage function are also available.

The new A8 provides 510 liters of large luggage space, cut very wide. Four golf bags can be fitted crosswise; smaller objects are accommodated in the side compartments. After unlocking, the gate automatically swings up. The standard (in the U.S.) luggage compartment includes a net, two hooks for bags, an umbrella holder and a 12 V outlet. Load-through capability with ski bag and an electric tailgate are also available.

Engines

Superior power and high efficiency – the new A8 makes its debut on the market with a strong V8 engine. With 372 hp, they never fail to impress with their superior power and mighty but discreet propulsion. All engines feature direct fuel injection, and consume 15 percent less fuel than their respective predecessors.

The engine in the A8 has intelligent elements from Audi’s modular efficiency system on board. During deceleration the recuperation system converts the kinetic energy to electric power, which is buffered in the battery. In the innovative thermal management a computer monitors numerous actuators for the ideal distribution of the heat flows between the engine, transmission and interior in any situation. After the cold start the engine is temporarily fully uncoupled from the cooling circuit, considerably shortening the warm-up phase with its high loss of friction.

The 4.2 FSI draws 273 kW (372 hp) of power from 4,163 cm3 displacement, generating its maximum of 445 Nm (328.22 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates the A8 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with the propulsion ending (as in all engine variants) at the electronically controlled speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The most important reason for this enhanced power is the reduction of internal friction, especially in the chain drive for the camshafts and auxiliaries. The controlled oil pump with changeover between two pressure stages operates with high efficiency. Like all gasoline engines from Audi, the V8 has FSI direct injection. It allows a high compression of 12.5:1, for increased power and efficiency.

Drivetrain

The new Audi A8 offers the utmost superiority also in power transmission. A new, electronically controlled 8-speed tiptronic system and quattro permanent all- wheel drive from the production line. On request, Audi also installs the dynamic sport differential.

The 8-speed tiptronic is a totally newly developed automatic transmission. Its great strength lies in the high overall gear ratio of 7.0:1 between the shortest and longest gear ratio, reducing the fuel consumption by about six percent. Starting off, the A8 accelerates dynamically, rolling along highways with low, consumption-reducing revs. All gear changes are nearly unnoticeably soft and smooth, very fast and highly flexible.

The 8-speed tiptronic achieves a high level of efficiency. One of the factors behind this is the highly efficient pump for supplying oil, another the heating of the oil by the coolant following a cold start, for lowering frictional loss.

The dynamic shift program (DSP) that controls the transmission features the automatic operating modes D and S. A pioneering innovation from Audi is its networking with the detailed route data supplied by the optional MMI navigation plus system. By means of this data the DSP incorporates upcoming curves in its gearshift strategy – it avoids unnecessary gear changes on narrow roads, for example.

The new selector lever on the center tunnel is for selecting driving modes – shaped like the thrust lever on a yacht, it forms a highlight in the elegant interior of the sedan. The ergonomically perfected lever communicates with the transmission electronically. Gear changes are triggered by a brief tap of the lever, after which it automatically returns to its center position. You can also change gears using the rocker switches on the steering wheel.

The installation position of the new tiptronic follows a special layout – as in many models from Audi: The differential lies in front of the torque converter. The front axle is then moved forwards – the advantages are a long wheelbase, a short front overhang and a finely balanced weight distribution.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system equally contributes to the new A8’s leading position. Its mechanical center differential manages normal automotive operation: 60 percent to the differential of the rear axle and 40 percent to the front – a sporty characteristic. Should slip occur at a wheel, the differential sends the large part of the torque to the axle with the better traction.

Customers with a particularly sporty driving style may decide on the optional sport differential with its continuously variable distribution of the drive forces between the rear wheels. With the sport differential the A8 drives as if on the proverbial rails.

The sport differential’s controller is connected to the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system. The driver can switch between the system’s three characteristics – auto, comfort and dynamic – at any time.

Chassis

The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in the luxury class. Its chassis combines uncompromising precision with great dynamism, superior stability and excellent comfort. Audi drive select is standard, with optional dynamic steering. The large sedan impresses with its sprightly agility. The A8 steers into the corners spontaneously and willingly, driving through them almost neutrally and finding a strong grip on the road at their exit thanks to quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The subframe for the engine and the front axle forms the backbone of the front suspension. The front axle is constructed from five control arms per wheel; its aluminum forged parts provide low unsprung mass and ultra-precise wheel guidance.

All A8 variants roll with the standard speed-dependent servotronic. The steering gear is positioned low and well up front at the subframe; the steering impulse is introduced directly into the wheels through the track rods, with a very spontaneous response. With a sporty and direct gear ratio of 16.1 : 1, the steering conveys a precise and finely differentiated feedback from the road in any situation. Its controlled vane-type pump operates with high efficiency.

The layout of the rear axle follows the track-controlled trapezoidal link principle, which combines compact design with superior driving and comfort qualities. Four steel tubes form the highly rigid axle subframe. The two hollow-cast trapezoidal links, the wheel carriers, the overhead transverse links and the track rods are made of aluminum. Audi’s engineers have thoroughly overhauled the suspension. The struts are supported directly by the wheel carrier, so that the dampers respond with even greater sensitivity.

Audi drive select lends fascinating variety to the experience of driving in the new A8 – from highly comfortable, gentle rolling to sporty and exciting cornering. It integrates the adaptive air suspension, the engine, the 8-speed tiptronic and the servotronic. With the MMI the driver can change the characteristics of these systems between the comfort, auto and dynamic modes. Moreover, the driver can compose a fourth operating mode corresponding to his or her personal ideal – the “individual” mode.

Always the right tuning: adaptive air suspension

The adaptive air suspension combines air suspension with controlled damping. The struts are newly developed; an enlarged air capacity now allows a soft characteristic even without an auxiliary accumulator. The bellows and auxiliary air springs sensitively respond even to a slight unevenness in the road surface. The shock absorbers operate with high flexibility – their control unit constantly analyzes the conditions and varies its mode of operation within thousandths of a second.

The adaptive air suspension is a versatile technology. Depending on the speed and the mode specified by Audi drive select, it lowers the body by up to 25 mm, to increase stability and reduce drag and thereby improve fuel consumption. One other operating mode is also available – the “lift” mode slightly raises the body.

Audi drive select also has other components in store – the sport differential and dynamic steering, which varies the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent. At low vehicle speeds – during maneuvering, for example – the steering system operates very directly; the power assistance is also high. As the speed increases, directness and power assistance continuously recede – on highways the A8 glides over the asphalt with stoic calmness.

The dynamic steering cooperates closely with the ESP stabilization system. If necessary, it slightly countersteers in the handling limits when cornering – practically unnoticed by the driver, it reduces understeer and oversteer in most situations.

The new A8 has a powerful brake system on board that is consistently designed for maximum heat dissipation and low weight. All four discs are internally ventilated; up front, stainless steel pins connect the friction rings to the aluminum brake caps. This concept from the sports car sector, new in the luxury class, saves up to 3.75 kg (8.27 lb) of weight per wheel. The ESP stabilization system can be switched off and offers a sport mode.

The range of wheels underscores the strong character of the new Audi A8. The sizes range from 17 to 21 inches. The tires have been optimized with respect to comfort, aerodynamics and rolling resistance.

Safety

The new A8 is one of the safest cars on the market. It protects its passengers with a high-stability body, adaptive restraint systems and with the new Audi pre sense system. It’s available in a standard version and in three expanded levels.

In the standard variant – Audi pre sense basic – the system analyzes the information from the ESP sensors. When they signal maximum brake application or skidding, the control unit intervenes. Depending on the situation, it activates the hazard warning lights and closes the side windows and the sunroof; it also tensions the front seat belts. Electric motors trigger this process, which is reversible – if the situation ends well, the belts are released again.

The expanded levels of the system are called Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense plus and Audi pre sense rear. They are integrated in the optional assistance systems adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and Audi side assist.

In interplay with ACC stop & go, Audi pre sense front monitors the traffic in front of the new Audi A8 and supports the driver in multiple stages. The first is a warning signal, and the second a warning jerk in the form of a brief deceleration. If the driver now depresses the pedal, the brake assist system initiates precise braking relative to the preceding vehicle.

Even an avoidance maneuver – often the better solution – would still be possible. Should the driver remain passive, the third stage follows – autonomous partial braking that slows the A8 at a rate of 3 m/s2. Windows and the sunroof are closed, the hazard warning lights are activated and the seat belts are tensioned.

If the full version of Audi pre sense plus is on board, a fourth stage comes into play: braking with an initial deceleration of 5 m/s2 followed by maximum braking. This phase is initiated roughly one half second before the collision. While a collision can no longer be avoided in this case, its consequences are greatly ameliorated, for up to impact the A8 has reduced the speed by about 40 km/h (24.85 mph).

The Audi pre sense rear system mitigates the consequences of a rear end collision. Here, too, it closes the windows and sunroof and tensions the seat belts. If the A8 has the optional front memory seats on board, they move into a position that protects the passengers well.

The high-stability ASF body affords excellent protection in any type of crash. In the interior the adaptive restraint system stands guard. Particularly with smaller and lighter people it significantly reduces the severity of injuries by intelligently managing the interplay between the front airbags and the belt tension limiters. For side collisions the A8 has side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the outside rear seats. The two head airbags extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

Assistance systems

The new A8 also demonstrates Audi’s concentrated innovative power in its assistance systems, offering a wide, newly echeloned range of high-tech systems. Compared with the competition, they are considerably more efficient and intelligent, thanks to their pioneering new networking.

The radar-aided automatic proximity control system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, has undergone intensive development. Its two radar sensors are now located in the front end of the A8 in the air inlets.

The system regulates the speed and the proximity to the preceding vehicle in the range of 0 to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). In stop-and-go traffic it decelerates the new A8 to a standstill. In short stops the sedan automatically resumes moving when the preceding vehicle drives off; after a longer stop the driver must tap the accelerator or the cruise control lever.

Informed by the new navigation system, the ACC stop & go function always knows where the A8 is located. It retrieves data from up to 27 control units and operates closely together with the other driver assistance systems, such as the rear radar of the Audi side assist. Thanks to this high level of information the system can detect complex scenarios and make anticipatory decisions in support of the driver.

On the highway, if the car ahead puts on its right turn signal and slows down because its driver wants to exit, the ACC stop & go function recognizes this fact thanks to the camera image and because it can read the exit from the route data supplied by the navigation system. A conventional system would now brake analogously to the car ahead; in many cases the A8 continues on almost without change.

Audi side assist: safety when changing lanes

At speeds of 30 km/h (18.64 mph) and above, Audi side assist operates with two radar sensors in the rear that observe events occurring behind the car. Should another vehicle be moving in the critical area, the yellow LED indicator in the housing of the outside mirror first lights up. If the driver nevertheless activates the turn signal to change lanes, the indicator becomes brighter and begins to blink quickly – a signal that can hardly be overlooked.

At speeds above roughly 65 km/h (40.39 mph), Audi lane assist intervenes when the driver is about to leave the lane inadvertently. A camera above the interior mirror observes the road. Software processes the images, analyzing the lane markings and the course of the sedan. Should it drive onto a line without signaling, Audi lane assist induces a vibration in the steering wheel. The image data is also used by the ACC stop & go function and the continuous headlight range control.

A totally new assistance system also profits from the camera – the speed limit indicator, to follow in mid-2010. It detects speed limit signs along the side of the road and presents them as graphics in the instrument cluster display.

Also debuting in the Audi A8 is the night vision assistant. The heart of this system is a thermal imaging camera sitting behind the four rings at the front of the car. A computer transforms the information from the camera into images and displays them on the display located between the instruments.

The so-called remote infrared technology used by Audi looks ahead by up to 300 meters (984 ft), depending on the driven speed. Because the system reacts to the heat emitted by objects, people and animals are generally displayed conspicuously bright, while the cool road remains dark. The image processing software specifically seeks human contours – yellow markings in the display highlight detected people. If the person’s movements lead the control unit to assume a hazard, the person is marked red and a warning gong sounds.

Infotainment systems

Audi has also set the bar significantly higher with regard to multimedia technology with the new A8. The optional MMI navigation plus system provides its data to other technology modules. Its new operating concept with the touchpad – known as MMI touch – is another pioneering idea. The phone, audio and infotainment features are equally state of the art.

The core of the new technologies is the new MMI navigation plus, integrating a large-sized hard disk for navigation, phone and audio data. A graphics processor generates the high-quality, three-dimensional images, which appear in the form of a 3D terrain model. Besides the classic arrows, a new and animated display serves the route guidance.

The database of the new MMI navigation plus describes the road network with countless details. The system analyzes these data predictively, reading the current course of the sedan but always thinking a bit ahead. The data are relayed to the control units managing the ACC Stop & Go, adaptive light and the 8-speed tiptronic so that these systems can precisely adapt their function to conditions well in advance.

MMI touch: a revolution in operation

Audi has entered a revolutionary new path in the operation of MMI navigation plus: it uses a touchpad. To enter the destination or phone number you simply draw the letters or numbers on the control panel with the index finger of your right hand. The system even recognizes Cyrillic, Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and Korean characters. MMI touch can also be used to navigate on the map. An intelligent auxiliary feature is the Black Panel technology: Here the pad becomes a control panel containing six programmed radio stations.

The new input technology functions intuitively and spontaneously. The driver’s right hand is ideally guided by the selector lever of the 8-speed tiptronic. His or her finger draws the lines as if automatically – and the driver’s attention remains focused on the road. The system acknowledges the input after each character with an acoustic feedback signal. In contrast to voice control, touchpad input is possible even while conversing or listening to an audio source.

Along with MMI touch, the new A8 also offers conventional operation with the MMI rotary pushbutton. Further improved voice control is also available on request: Places and roads can now be spoken as commands.

A long line of hi-fi elements ensures perfect musical listening pleasure. The Audi music interface is equipped with a USB and an Aux-in connection to form a convenient interface for the customer’s iPod or an external video source. Standard in the U.S. is the Bose surround sound system, with a digital amplifier operating 14 speakers through 12 channels with an output of over 600 watts.

The pinnacle of hi-fi listening pleasure: the Advanced Sound System

At the top of the line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. It is impressive for its sparkling brilliance, detailed resolution and broad, finely differentiated frequency range. With their digital output stages, two amplifiers with an output of over 1,400 watts operate 19 aluminum-encased speakers through 19 channels. The two acoustic lenses in the cockpit are recessed and extend when the system is started.

The new Audi A8 also offers rear seat entertainment. The backrests of the driver and front passenger seats contain two flat displays with 10.2-inch diagonals. Their inclination is adjustable, and they can separately display different content. The sound passes through headphones. The rear seat entertainment system has its own DVD drive, a 20 GB hard disk, two memory card slots and an AMI interface; it has also has full access to all other infotainment systems on board. A control panel in the rear center armrest serves the operation of the system – another instance of first-class convenience.

Equipment and trim

The A8 is Audi’s new technological spearhead – and its equipment underscores this standing. A broad range of high-end features are already standard on this luxury sedan.

In the case of the engines, there is the recuperation system. As for power transmissions, the new flagship shines with its electronically controlled 8-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the sport differential.

In the running gear sector the A8 secures an exceptional standing with Audi drive select; the system integrates the adaptive air suspension together with active shock absorber control. The xenon plus headlights, the Audi pre sense basic system and the anti-theft alarm system serve security. The adaptive restraint system and a tire pressure monitoring system reinforce the sense of safety on board.

When it comes to convenience, the new A8 impresses with its electrical fold-in exterior mirrors, the versatile and electrically adjustable front seats, the two-zone automatic air conditioning system, the electrical adjustment of the steering

column with easy exit function, the ambient lighting, the electro-mechanical parking brake and the start-stop button.

The MMI operating system and the driver information system with the multifunction steering wheel underscore the Audi brand’s leadership role in ergonomics.

The new A8 also moves to the head of its class when it comes to optional extras. In the case of the running gear the dynamic steering deserves special mention. The wheels are up to 21 inches in size, with a sporty tuning of the adaptive air suspension available from Audi on request. The xenon plus headlights are perfectly supplemented by the continuous headlight range control and the adaptive light system, and the innovative full LED headlights give the luxury sedan an especially impressive look.

In matters of safety, advanced levels of the new Audi pre sense technology are optionally available: Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense rear and Audi pre sense plus, integrated in the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and in Audi side assist. The night vision assist with its marking of detected pedestrians, Audi lane assist, the parking assistance systems and the speed limit display, which is to follow a bit later, also serve the driver’s safety and convenience.

Practical everyday features include the luggage compartment package and the load-through hatch with ski bag, supplemented by the electric tailgate. For the doors there is electric power-assisted closing, for the side windows noise- insulating glass.

High end: the A8’s optional extras

The line of luxurious optional extras is especially attractive. Deserving special mention are the deluxe front center armrest, the convenience key for accessing the vehicle, the electric sun blinds for the rear, the 230 V outlet on the tunnel, the four-zone automatic air conditioning, the auxiliary heating and the ambient light package. The comfort seats for the driver and front passenger can be adjusted 22 ways; heating, ventilation and a massage feature with five programs are available on request.

The new A8 also occupies a leading position in navigation and infotainment systems. The top version, MMI navigation plus, reads the course of the route in advance. The MMI touch also serves operation – another solution from Audi that sets new standards. Three sound systems, including the top-notch system from Bang & Olufsen, are truly music to the ears, while a fully integrated rear seat entertainment system is available for the rear. The new A8 also has intelligent technologies on board for utilizing internet services.

For the distinct individualists among its customers Audi has developed a wide range of interior colors, upholstery and inlays. The Audi design selection impresses with especially exclusive combinations, and with various optional packages containing leather, Alcantara and decorative applications.

All-new 2011 A8 Normal Wheel Base (NWB) – Key Summary Points:

• The new generation of the Audi brand’s flagship, introducing a new era in progressive excellence. Combining dynamic exterior and luxurious interior design with sporty driving characteristics, while providing the highest level of comfort and convenience equipment in the segment.

• The D4 (fourth generation flagship sedan) stands for a unique combination of aluminum space frame, MMI user interface, interior craftsmanship, quattro all-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension.

• The Audi brand icon with the perfect execution of sporty, progressive, and sophisticated character.

• Differentiators from competition are sportiness, superior quality and progressiveness. Progressiveness is expressed by the A8 through technological innovation expertise and forward looking design.

• Showcases Audi design, innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence.

US-Market specific information:

• Key competitors are the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series. Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ are secondary competitors.

• NWB shown in Miami. LWB is the core model in the D Segment in the U.S., and will be revealed in 2010.

Differentiation: The NWB A8 is positioned more of the ‘driver’s car’, with sportiness and driving dynamics in focus, while the future LWB will balance prestige, sportiness and comfort.

• Segment sales and pricing will be announced in Fall 2010 shortly prior to the vehicle’s U.S. dealer launch.

Compelling Differentiators for the new Audi A8 in the D Segment fall into 3 main categories:

1. Exceptional Technology: Audi engineers developed cutting edge, innovative, and progressive technologies for the

D4:

• Audi Space Frame (latest generation all-aluminum chassis innovation). The 1997-2003 D2 A8 was the first series production car with an aluminum space frame, and the 2011 D4 continues Audi’s leadership in aluminum design and manufacturing:

o 25% increased static torsional rigidity and new welding technologies which lead to better fuel consumption and better handling coupled with benchmark-levels of passive safety (all in comparison to the 2004-2010 D3 A8).

• Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system (optional, BOSE Surround Sound is standard)

o 19 speakers, 19 channels and more than 1400 watts of B&O-patented ICE-Power output for a theater – like sound experience (previous 2004-2010 D3 A8 had 1000 watts in the B&O system).

o The system was designed and developed as part of the design process of the D4 to ensure organic integration. Audi and B&O: two great design brands working together for an exceptional experience.

• Industry-first full-LED front headlamps with high and low beam, daytime running lights, cornering lights and turn signals.

o Audi’s leadership in lighting technology has turned the headlights into a true design element.

• quattro with Sports differential (optional) with continuously variable torque distribution on the rear axle

o Noticeably reduces understeer and increases driving agility and traction.

o The A8 is the only car in segment with all-wheel-drive standard, and the only car with the torque-vectoring differential available.

• Driver Assistance Systems:

o Latest-generation driver assistance systems; Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, Night vision assistant with pedestrian detection highlighting, Audi lane assist, Audi side assist.

o New generation of ESP stability control with electronic all-wheel-drive torque vectoring. Integrated with Dynamic steering and quattro Sport differential when equipped. Cleans the brake discs and pre-fills the brake system pressure when accelerator released abruptly, improving brake reaction times.

o Audi braking guard (in combination with ACC)warns the driver of critical situations with warning sound and then braking jolt

o Automatic emergency braking (in combination with ACC and side assist) is autonomously carried out in the case of an unavoidable collision to minimize the impact.

• Audi pre sense (standard) in preparation of an accident:

o Reversible belt tensioners; if instability is detected, holds passengers in the optimal seating position.

o Adjustment of seats to optimal seating position.

o Closing sunroof and side windows to help shield the passenger compartment.

o Air suspension shock absorbers adjusted to improve braking and performance.

o Two-stage activation of partial braking

o Hazard warning lights activated

2. The Search for Perfection – in developing the D4, Audi spared no expense or effort to make the perfect luxury-performance sedan:

• Fit and finish, interior and exterior. Audi engineers are always challenged to find the optimized solution to design challenges.

o One example of this design focus and effort on the D4 is the so-called “Koenigsfuge”, where the door and the dashboard meet.

4 different materials and design lines meet at this joint (wood inlay, aluminum inlay, leather dash, and plastics) and must line up on the door and the dashboard for the interior design to flow around the passengers. A compromised solution could have been to change the design to simplify manufacturing, but Audi showcases its quality in the A8 in many such ways.

• Next-generation MMI 3G+ Multi Media Interface with innovative ‘MMI Touch’.

o The industry-first MMI Touch recognizes handwriting for entering Navigation destinations, and is backlit to allow it to change to a pointer for map functions, a number pad for radio functions and can be used to scroll lists in the MMI. This system recognizes Cyrillic (Russia), Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean characters

These language capabilities will only be offered for each respective country, but nevertheless the system is a sign of the Audi international approach toward luxury vehicle development.

o Audi’s ‘joy of use’ concept for the MMI Touch provides the optimal solution for driver-car interaction.

• Night vision assistant (optional) with thermal-imaging camera (infrared).

o Shown in the driver information display, the pedestrian detection software highlights people and animals and determines if a critical situation is imminent.

o While Audi was not the first to market with this feature, the A8 brings the optimal solution with intelligent pedestrian detection and dynamic range adjustment based on vehicle speed.

3. A New Dimension in Look and Feel – the style, design and driving experience of the D4 takes the driver and passengers to a level never before experienced in a luxury car:

• Exterior design is clear and logical Audi design with focus on dynamics, generous proportions and elegance.

• Interior design focus was to give the sense of spaciousness, intuitive control, comfort and luxury. Elements

within the interior were designed to take up as little room as possible, e.g. the MMI screen which folds away. The wrap-around ‘skyliner’ design gives a sense of roominess while connecting the driver and passengers, and the ambient lighting gives a feeling of ‘lightness’ to the interior and a ‘floating’ center console.

• New shift-by-wire gearshift lever in the style of a yacht throttle lever serves as an ergonomic hand rest for operating the MMI and gives the feeling of the ‘center of power and control’ at the driver’s fingertips.

• Audi drive select (standard) allows the driver to change the character of the car to their desires, and means that there is no compromise between a sporty and comfortable car.

o Adjustments include suspension, steering, accelerator, transmission, sport differential, cornering light and seat belt tensioner. Modes: Dynamic / Comfort / Auto / Individual.

Drivetrain Highlights:

• Optimized 4.2 FSI V8 specifications:

o FSI direct injection

o Audi Valvelift System (AVS) variable intake valve lift

o 8-speed transmission for improved fuel economy, responsiveness and driving comfort

o 372 hp (D3 A8 had 350 hp)

o 328 lb-ft (D3 A8 had 325 lb-ft torque)

o 0-100km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds

o 15% improvement in fuel consumption estimated vs. current A8 (EPA figures TBD)

o quattro ® AWD – latest generation with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40/60)

(inches) LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT WHEELBASE 2011 all-new Audi A8 (NWB) 202.0 76.7 57.5 117.8 2004-2010 Audi A8/S8 (NWB) 199.3 74.6 56.9 115.9 2004-2010 Audi A8 (LWB) 204.4 74.6 57.3 121.0 BMW 7 Series (NWB) 199.7 74.9 58.2 120.9 BMW 7 Series (LWB) 205.2 74.9 58.3 126.4 Lexus LS (NWB) 199.2 73.8 58.1 116.9 Lexus LS (LWB) 203.9 73.8 58.1 121.7 Mercedes-Benz S Class (LWB only in USA) 205.1 73.7 58.0 124.6

Frequently Asked Questions for the U.S. market:

Where will the A8 be manufactured? It will be built in Neckarsulm, Baden Wuertemberg, Germany. This is the same location where the R8, A6, and A5 / S5 Cabriolet are manufactured.

When will the A8 go on sale in the U.S.? The all-new 2011 model year A8 will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2010. (simultaneous with the LWB version, which will be announced to the public by mid 2010)

How much does the A8 cost? While we are not prepared to discuss the price of the new A8 at this early stage, it can be expected that it will maintain its relative position in the market, with even more product substance and technology.

How many A8’s does Audi plan to sell in the U.S. per year? The D3 A8 reached almost 6,000 units (5,943 in 2004) and just under 7% segment share. However, the premium luxury segment is under tremendous pressure now (-46% YTD 2009). Even so, Audi plans to increase market share relative to the D3 with this exciting new flagship.

Besides the A8 NWB shown here in Miami, what other A8 models are planned for the United States? Today we are introducing the new A8,and its first model will be the V8 NWB model. Other models will follow to create a full A8 model line including performance, prestige and alternate-fuel variants.

How much does the A8 weigh? Official figures/specifications for the A8 are not yet available, however, the new A8 will weigh about the same as the current A8, even though the car is bigger (3 in. longer, 2 in. wider) and has more standard equipment (8-speed auto transmission, pre sense basic, keyless go, power trunk, etc.) Versus competitors: ~50lbs less than S Class RWD, and >200lbs less than S Class AWD; >200lbs less than 7 Series RWD and >400lbs less than 7 Series AWD.

Who are the A8 customers? A8 customers are highly affluent consumers with a median income close to $500,000, and are most likely worth over $1,000,000. Median age is around 58, which is similar to the BMW 7 Series, and younger than the S Class and Lexus LS. They are highly educated, with almost half having a post-graduate level degree, and are mostly married with few children still in the household. They enjoy traveling, both domestic (e.g. skiing/spa) and international (e.g. Italy/France). Typical publications that they enjoy include the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, The Economist and Barron’s.

That last bit seems quite odd, almost as if the source added that on. Though maybe Audi has just gone a bit bonkers.

Source: WorldCarFans

[Via http://theblogofcars.wordpress.com]

Chelsea Clinton Engaged - Political Punch

Wild Places

2009-11-30T18:10:00.000+02:00

Another competition entry.

This one is also a memoir, concerning M- and someone referred to by the designation J-. Not to be confused with J- who writes stories with me, J- the ex I still see, J- the ex who I don’t, or J- my friend from university, this J- was – in the loosest possible sense of the word – my boss.

I’m not sure if this story is too sentimental. It’s mostly true – the events are in any case – but I was never actually that angsty*, and certainly not that philosophical, as a teenager. I even had one or two thoroughly awesome friends at Ellon following M-’s move, but for the sake of the plot, they have been omitted.

Let me know your thoughts anyways – I’d really appreciate some pointers on this.

*Mum would disagree I’m sure…

_____________

15 was an awkward age, made more so by the loss of a friend.

“I don’t know what you’re moping for – it’s not like she’s dead,” my mother had muttered as I skulked into the kitchen for yet another consolatory cup of tea.

“No,” I would think, quietly to myself, “But I am.”

I had always been a bookish child – more comfortable in the worlds of Ivanhoe and Robin Hood than at secondary school – and seemed to be unable to connect with people unless there was paper and pen between us.

When M- had joined my class, I had found a kindred spirit and we would spend hours trawling the woods by my house or writing stories, hidden away from the cold Scottish winters in her computer room. When her family moved to Warwickshire, I had thought it was the end of the world.

After she left, school became something of an ordeal and I would sulk away my lunch hour, hidden at the top of the third floor biology staircase. I lived for my music – the crackled sounds of radio recordings on an old cassette offering some comfort in my isolation. I maintain that people who call their teenage years ‘the best of their life’, can’t remember being teenagers. The way I recall it, it was a miserable time for all concerned.

Weekends were different though. They gave me a chance to be myself, and not – as my peers considered me – the school odd-ball. I worked at the local boarding kennels at the time and when I was there I was an adult, a member of the work force. It became something of a second home, and I would feel the cares of the week falling away as I walked the dogs through the rugged Aberdeenshire countryside.

It was at about that time the kennel owner’s son, a twenty-something man we knew as J-, purchased his first motorbike. It was a stunning machine – a BMW R850R – and, he claimed, the only blue version in Scotland.

I had always been frightened by motorbikes. Hearing crash stories and having seen some vague statistics involving death and the vehicles had made me somewhat wary of them. I routinely sang the virtues of four wheels over two and cited countless figures which proved – to my 15 year old brain in any case – that cars were faster anyway.

Nevertheless, when J- asked me if I’d like to ride pillion, I jumped at the chance – if only to be able to say once and for all that cars were indeed a superior mode of transport.

I donned J-’s mother’s set of biking leathers, creaked myself somehow onto the back to the bike and peered out through the slit of the helmet, over J-’s shoulder. The familiar kennel close looked small and incomplete, viewed through the visor. I compared the sensation to blinkers on a horse, narrowing my world to what lay before me.

The bike lurched and we moved forward, swinging between the potholes on the track which led to the main road. Having been instructed not to tense my muscles, I took a deep breath and went as limp as my leather shell would allow.

We arrived at the junction and after two taps on J-’s shoulder to let him know that I was ready, we screamed onto the asphalt.

The road was not a large one, connecting only the scattering of villages and farms that lay between Inverurie and Aberdeen to one another. The first stretch we rode was low and winding, our progress hindered by the pendulum of the bike as it swung between the corners. Familiar sites went gliding past – we could not have been travelling above 30mph, but the rushing air and roaring engine conflicted with the truth of my eyes, creating the effect of slowing time.

It was the fragility of the situation which stung my heart – we flew by woodland, gorse and heather, all bathed in dappling sunlight. I wanted to touch the world around me, to bask in the beautiful, concentrated images being forced through the small, clear shard of my helmet, but I knew that were I to shift my weight unexpectedly, both J- and I would come crashing to the road, shrouded in fragments of blue-stained metal and chrome.

I stayed still within my black-hide armour, drinking in the wilds around me. It was intoxicating – a primitive desire to go faster fighting with my surroundings as they begged me to slow and look.

And suddenly we began to rise, out of the valley and towards the freckling of clouds in the clear blue sky. I no longer wanted to slow down and cling to the places I had been, I wanted to see what came over the bough of the hill.

And it was glorious – a patchwork of greens and golds, spotted with hay-bale buttons and fringed with the deep bruise-blue of the Grampians in the distance. Open and eternal, the sight of what lay before me made me gasp for air. It was as if the helmet dissipated then, leaving behind only this endless, stunning world that opened wide into the sky. And me.

From our brief vantage point at the top of the hill I saw everything clearly – all the roads we could travel, all the hills we could climb, each presenting their own myriad of possibilities as this one had. We took off along the straight path ahead, hurtling into the next valley, and being bombarded with other places, other sights and sounds.

And all of this, all of this beautiful world, was mine.

It suddenly didn’t matter that M- was gone, that school was miserable. I would see her again and school would end in three short years, through which I would cling to the memory of that moment of clarity. To begin with, I thought that my epiphany had been due to the bike and the speed at which we’d travelled, but as time passed I came to realise that I could recreate the almost incomprehensible joy simply by looking around me at the stunning place in which I lived. The helmet had forced me to narrow my view, to look ahead rather than behind, but all the hope and passion and unchanging wonder that I had needed at that point in my life came from the wilds around me. Even now, hundreds of miles away in the viciously flat Fenlands, I find myself taking comfort in the fact that just a few hours drive away – on the road over that next hill – is home.

[Via http://frankiesoup.wordpress.com]

Watch: Blur documentary 'No Distance Left to Run' trailer / Music ...

Your Perfect BMW

2009-11-30T10:26:00.000+02:00

If you asked everyone what their ideal car would be, a lot of people would reply with BMW. BMW are renowned worldwide for making good quality cars, albeit with price tags to match. However, gone are the days when only the very rich could afford a BMW, the 1-Series starts from around £15,000 and there are many bargains to be had on used BMW cars. BMW are also rumoured to be working on a new version of the Isetta city car, which is bound to be less expensive than its executive models. Watch this space for more news on that!

So if you were wondering which BMW car will suit you, here’s a rundonw of some of the main models:

BMW 1 Series – The ‘entry level’ BMW is perfect for younger drivers looking to buy their first executive car. Prices are reasonable compared to other models.

BMW 3 Series – If you’re looking for a luxurious, executive car, the 3-Series could be ideal. It’s BMW’s standard sedan model and provides an enjoyable drive, whilst looking incredibly sexy.

BMW 5 Series – The 5-Series provides one of the finest ways to drive to work. If you’re after a professional saloon, the 5-Series is the perfect car for you. It does everything you want it to, and in a classy way too.

BMW 6-Series – Definitely one for high-flyers, the BMW 6-Series is a rare sight on Britain’s roads, so will suit you if you like to stand out from the crowd. Also, it’s likely to retain its value fairly well.

BMW 7 Series –For those who want the best of the best, new BMW 7-Series is seriously high-end class. If the only thing troubling you if whether to buy a sports car or a limousine, this is the car for you.

BMW X3 – If you want a 4×4 but don’t want a full sized car, a BMW X3 could be the car for you. It’s an exciting car to drive,

BMW X5 – For those who want a 4×4 without doing any real off-road driving. Although it looks like a 4×4, it’s not really suitable for any off-road driving. Buying a BMW X5 is more about making a fashion statement.

BMW Z4 – Like to turn people’s heads when you’re driving? Then get a Z4. This car is seriously sexy, and the wind will feel great in your hair whe you’re driving with the top down.

With any BMW, ok so you pay a premium for the badge, but you know that you’re getting a car of a certain standard – so go on, treat yourself!

[Via http://carsforgirls.wordpress.com]

Dallas Stars Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas ...

Millyard V10 Viper motorcycle

2009-11-27T18:32:00.000+02:00

( COPYRIGHT FREE – PLEASE CREDIT ALASTAIR WALKER )

Allen Millyard's amazing Dodge Viper engined motorcycle

Allen Millyard is one the best custom motorcycle builders in the UK, with a variety of one-off motorbikes, most featuring multi-cylinder engines like V8/V12 Kawasakis, to his credit.

His latest amazing creation made its debut at the UK International Motorcycle Show, which opened today, Friday 27th November 2009.

The Millyard Viper V10 features an engine from the Dodge Viper car, which Allen sourced from e-bay for £5000. The 500bhp motor transmits its torquey power via a two-speed auto gearbox to the rear wheel. Allen made the entire chassis in his garage, with the front forks featuring Vauxhall Carlton damper units and Hagon springs. Six pot calipers, plus AP Lockheed front disc brakes help slow this 630kgs heavy machine.

But the weight of the bike, and the lack of fairing hasn’t blunted the performance. A recent test at Bruntingthorpe saw the Millyard V10 Viper special hit 207mph, making this arguably the fastest road legal, unfaired motorcycle in the UK. Allen’s special has passed the government SVA vehicle inspection, so it is taxed and insured for road use.

The bike has been ridden at high speed by a professional test rider, who was impressed with the bike’s sheer torque and its stability. The plan is to take the bike to Bonneville to set an ultimate top speed of perhaps 250mph. Lateral thinking engineer Millyard is also seriously considering a limited production run of the Viper V10 machine.

“Everything’s been designed in my head on this bike,” said Allen, ” but I want to build a pre-production prototype and do some proper design drawings, so there’s a kind of template to work from. We could make maybe ten bikes to individual owner specifications.”

Reaction at the UK’s annual motorcycle show, held at the NEC near Birmingham, was very positive, with many bikers commenting that Millyard’s V10, the Norton Commando launch and the new BMW six cylinder concept bike, were the main highlights of the event.

ends.

[Via http://motorfeatures.wordpress.com]

PSP Comic Store aims for 500 at launch News | PSP | Eurogamer

Workhouse Photography Studio hosts Live Ribble Valley fashion shoot....as the whole of Bristol emigrates!

2009-11-27T09:45:00.000+02:00

I was driving along listening to the news, and you know when you hear statistics and they wash over you, well I was listening to a piece on immigration and the presenter said that last year the number of people that emigrated from the UK was 427,000.

It was only later that I realised 427,000 people is more than the population of Bristol! We actually have the equivalent of entire cities of people leaving us, for good, every year! Be good if we could make it into a reality TV show and we all get to vote on which city we would like to evict from the country every year….” We’re a city get us out of here…!” If we could choose the 427,000 people we could get rid of Hartlepool, Slough, Dundee and the whole of the Vale of Glamorgan! ”Dundee….you’re fired!”

One person who hasn’t emigrated is our new Account Manager Rachel Lilley. Rachel,26, has joined us from the Bowker Group where she was managing the marketing of BMWs, Minis and Harleys. Rachel lives in Bradshaw, Bolton with husband Brett, and has about a 20 mile trip into work. A graduate of Bolton University, she also passed her Professional Diploma in Marketing in the summer. Her degree was in fashion marketing, and I know she’s keen to get involved in any fashion shoots at Workhouse Studios. We welcome Rachel and I’m sure she’ll do a great job as part of our team.

Rachel Lilley, Account Manager at Workhouse Marketing

She missed out on the fashion shoot which Live Ribble Valley magazine did at our studios recently for their November/December issue. Here’s a taster, shot by Lottie Designs and styled by the brilliant Debbie Fish, get hold of a copy to see the rest of the pics. We’re big fans of Live Ribble Valley, and Tedd and the team at the magazine do a terrific job.

[Via http://workhousemarketing.wordpress.com]

Stocks in the news: AIG, Deere & Co., Tiffany, J. Crew, Microsoft ...

And the survery Says: Big brands lagging on climate action.

2009-11-25T17:28:00.000+02:00

Study of 600 brands finds two-thirds are either increasing emissions, have weak targets on cuts or do not publish data

Having just posted about McDonalds supposed new ‘green’ image I thought this was a good followup.

Consumer expectations that favourite brands are actively tackling climate change will be challenged tomorrow by a report showing that some of Britain’s top corporate names, including Barclays, Amazon and Sky, are lagging behind their competitors and failing to respond to the lead set by the government.

A survey of the carbon performance of 600 of the UK’s biggest brands reveals that two-thirds are either increasing their greenhouse gas emissions, have targets that are weaker than the government’s Copenhagen goal for carbon cuts, or are failing to put information about their carbon emissions in the public domain.

To tackle global warming the government has set a national target for 2020 of a cut of 34% on the 1990 emission levels.

The companies offered their own information for the survey, entitled Brand Emissions, and the data revealed that only one in five brands was demonstrating a reduction in emissions and had ambitious targets in line with the UK’s aims.

The “leaders” emerging from the research included the supermarket giant Tesco, the phone company T-Mobile, the computer company Dell and the car manufacturer BMW.

At the other end of the scale, and for 250 brands, researchers found no carbon emissions information at all reported; this group included Google, McKinsey and Amazon. There were no public emission reduction targets for 320 brands, including Porsche, Harvey Nichols and McDonald’s. Around 122 of the brands that did report their carbon output were seen to have increased their emissions in 2008. This group included Barclays, Sky and eBay.

The project, launched tomorrow,was developed by Marketing magazine and Brand Republic, with ENDS Carbon, a specialist carbon ratings agency, and the University of Edinburgh business school. The aim is to give an annual rating of leading UK brands.

Craig Mackenzie, research director of the Brand Emissions project, said: “The 100 or so leading brands show just how much can be done if you set your mind to it. But to keep global temperatures within the 2°C safe zone we need all brands to demonstrate the same level of ambition and achievement.”

Rachael Stilwell, publishing director of Marketing magazine, said: “These results will become an important reputational milestone for brands.”

Some of the companies that had a poor rating said revealing information could have been beneficial to their competitors. A spokesperson for Google, which claims to have been carbon neutral since 2007, said: “We have taken concrete steps to improve the efficiency of our computing infrastructure and reduce the energy used by our facilities.

Friends of the Earth’s Mike Childs said: “The government must ensure that businesses cut their carbon emissions through well-targeted regulation, taxation and financial support.”

Best brands

Tesco, T-Mobile, Dell, BMW, Eurotunnel, Accenture, Standard Chartered, Ericsson, KPMG, AMD

Worst brands

Barclays, Sky, correcteBay, Toyota, RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland), Travis Perkins, Bosch, Axa, British Gas

No information or targets

Google, McKinsey, Amazon, Porsche, Harvey Nichols, McDonald’s, Amazon, Burger King, Chanel, Facebook

Brands that increased their emissions last year and have not published a target to reduce them

[/source]

Slashdot It!

[Via http://enviralment.wordpress.com]

Fox News to Go 'Error-Free' In 2010 - Fox News - Gawker

BMW plays its part in the Young Driver Days at Jerez.

2009-11-25T10:49:00.000+02:00

Alexander Rossi and Esteban Gutiérrez drive a BMW Sauber F1.09.

Munich/Hinwil, November 24th 2009. Despite pulling out of Formula One, BMW is staying true to its promise of giving two talented young Formula BMW drivers their first taste of an F1 car. Alexander Rossi and Esteban Gutiérrez will take part in the official Formula One test for young drivers at Jerez from 1st – 3rd December 2009.

“Depriving these junior drivers of the test we had promised them was not an option for us, even after the withdrawal of BMW from Formula One,” said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “BMW remains committed to motor sport and is keen to continue making a contribution to well-structured talent development.”

Rossi, from Nevada City in California, earned his opportunity to test an F1 car by taking victory in the 2008 Formula BMW World Final in Mexico City. The 18-year-old qualified for the international showdown by winning the Formula BMW Americas series earlier that year.

The 2009 season saw Rossi finish fourth overall in the International Formula Master series and wrap up the rookies’ title in the process. Shortly before his 18th birthday – which he celebrated on 25th September 2009 – the American was able to familiarise himself with the Jerez circuit during a test in a GP2 car. He went on to make his GP2 Asia debut in Abu Dhabi during the final weekend of the Formula One season on 31stOctober/1st November, finishing fourth in race 1 and fifth in the sprint race.

As Rossi is keen to emphasise: “I take the opportunity to present myself as a driver at Formula One level very seriously and I’m very aware of the far-reaching potential it has. I feel very fortunate and my goals for the test are to put in a fantastic performance while fully absorbing the whole experience. There is a growing list of people that have helped me get where I am today. This is a team effort and I am very grateful for this support. A special thanks to BMW Motorsport Director Dr. Mario Theissen for making this test possible and having the confidence in me.”

Gutiérrez – another 18-year-old – also secured his place at the Formula One test on the back of strong performances in Formula BMW. Having swept to the 2008 Formula BMW Europe title in convincing fashion, the Mexican went into the World Final on home territory as favourite, eventually finishing third.

Gutiérrez was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon on 5th August 1991 and now lives in Paris. This year he finished ninth in the drivers’ standings in the Formula 3 Euro Series. A GP2 test at Jerez in October enabled him, like Rossi, to gain prior knowledge of the track in southern Spain. In early November he completed a two-day test in a GP2 car in Le Castellet, southern France.

The Mexican explains: “We have put all our efforts into the preparations for this great opportunity that will provide me with an insight into what the future may bring. The opportunity to drive a Formula One car is the fulfilment of part of my dreams. I feel very pleased and will use this experience to learn about and experience the professionalism of a Formula One team. This will help me to find the aspects where I need to work on myself more. This test is the achievement of many people who have given me support. It is also an honour for me to represent my home country Mexico. I will deliver my best.”

The three days of testing (for young drivers who have taken part in no more than two Formula One events) were written into the FIA rule-book for 2009. A large number of F1 teams are expected to travel to Jerez, not least because no other testing has been permitted since the start of the season and the ban remains in force until 31st December.

[Via http://f1photos.wordpress.com]

Ed Driscoll » All The News That's Fit To Bury

Sauber-Qadbak segue sem vaga confirmada na F-1

2009-11-23T18:33:00.000+02:00

Time surgido sobre o espólio da BMW não recebeu nenhuma posição da FIA

Mario Theissen, ex-chefe da extinta BMW e responsável por definir os rumos da nova equipe Sauber-Qadbak, confirmou nesta segunda-feira que a escuderia permanece sem um lugar no grid para a próxima temporada.

Mesmo com o surpreendente anúncio da saída da Toyota após o fim da temporada de 2009, a FIA ainda não tomou nenhuma decisão a respeito da inscrição da nova equipe, adquirida por um grupo financeiro suíço.

“A situação não mudou”, disse o dirigente. “A equipe ainda não tem um lugar no grid. Esperamos ter, mas nada aconteceu, ainda.”

Theissen explicou que a indefinição a respeito do futuro da equipe compromete as negociações com patrocinadores e pilotos _Christian Klien e Nick Heidfeld estão entre os cotados para correr pela nova escuderia.

“Obviamente, o atraso nesta decisão dificulta as negociações com os pilotos e os patrocinadores.”

Por fim, o alemão afirmou que só anunciará sua posição dentro do time quando o impasse com a FIA estiver solucionado.

“Só vou decidir isso quando a nova equipe estiver segura e tudo estiver acertado”, concluiu.

[Fonte: tazio.uol.com.br]

[Via http://f1sms.wordpress.com]

Ed Driscoll » All The News That's Fit To Bury

Rolls Royce Goes HD!

2009-11-23T10:22:00.000+02:00

Saturday, it was announced that Rolls Royce would be joining Volvo in making HD radio a standard component across all its lines for 2010! This comes quick on the heels of an announcement from Mercedes-Benz that HD will be in all its 2010 models that have “premium feature packages.” Looks like HD has locked on with the luxury car aficionados!

That is one heck of a brand association. Rolls Royce has been known for refinement and luxury since before World War II. It is a name that has stood the test of time and retained its noble bearing throughout. The Phantom, for example, is to cars as a tuxedo-clad James Bond is to espionage (the Sean Connery Bond). To have HD radio become a standard firmly affixes the growing medium in the luxury market and the luxury mindset.

Here is the statement from iBiquity via Radio Ink:

“We are proud to confirm the availability of HD Radio technology for yet another prestigious brand — Rolls-Royce,” iBiquity COO Jeff Jury said. “The Rolls-Royce brand is revered. This commitment to HD Radio technology as standard illustrates how digital radio’s dynamic function enhances the in-car ambiance. The addition of Rolls-Royce to the HD Radio roster truly solidifies the technology’s stature in the luxury automotive class.”

Rolls Royce joins an array of other car makers in offering HD either as a standard or an option: BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes, Mini, Scion, Land Rover and Volvo. In addition, Audi, Ford, Kia, Lincoln and Mercury are soon to join their ranks and have committed to offering HD as well. Now that approximately 85% of the US is covered by HD signals, it looks like it could be a great time for a road trip!

It’s really fun watching a medium grow up. There are always growing pains, but the process always seems to yield fascinating results. As each quarter slips by, we see more maturity in the HD radio platform. Not only are the high-end auto makers adding it in as a standard, but there is now a HD listening option for the iPhone. (See my earlier post.) The times are certainly changing, and as far as HD is concerned, changing for the better!

Image: ynguyen666 / CC BY 2.0

[Via http://radio2020.wordpress.com]

Stabroek News - BBC Caribbean News in Brief

The perfect location for the next sci-fi video game? Seaside Heights, NJ

2009-11-23T01:47:00.000+02:00

With the late November weather cooperating, I woke up feeling somewhat obligated going for a BMW ride today.

Still jetlagged from just having returned from Berlin, it was easy to talk myself out of doing something more strenuous, like for example Mountain Biking or Kayaking. I am quite good at talking myself out of things, or at least waffling about it until it is too late to have a go, and while I can easily hesitate about a BMW ride in questionable weather condition, today the sun was shining, the leaves did not particularly seem slippery, and with Robyn still away in India and Nepal, the few hundred miles I need to put on the bike before the next service period tipped the scale. Besides I also wanted to test out my new Vstream replacement windshield on the highway.

The South Shore BMW rider group was doing a Polar Bear ride to Hopewell NJ today, but the meeting point takes me an hour to reach, and the ride would have taken all day… Besides I like riding by myself, I can stop to take pictures when I like, and ponder the smaller mysteries of the universe, such as the spontaneous materialization of extremely slow driving minivans, only during the sweepy best curvy segments of a route. I’m sure this only applies to Motorcycles, although I think cars are also affected, if the driver is running late.

So after planning a route to ride the sweepy route 527 west, before turning back east to Seaside Heights and a visit to Island Beach State Park, I set out around 10:30. I assumed entry to Island Beach would be free after labor day, the plan was to eat lunch there or in Asbury Park.

Baldrich the Beemer

I often marvel at the technology that allows me to take calls on my Zumo GPS (connected via bluetooth to my iPhone), but having somehow imagined suave on bike conversations, the actual subject matter of such on bike calls are pedestrian in nature and typically revolve around picking up milk, or doctor’s visits. Stopping to take a call from my Mother, I by chance discovered the Ocean County RC Modelers model airplane field. After a short and concise conversation I continued an hour later.

Seaside Heights is a summer town, by which I mean that in November, it is difficult to distinguish it from a post apocalyptic movie set. Stores, Delis, Gas Stations, entire Shopping Malls seem abandoned to such a degree that looting would appear pointless.

So imagine my surprise to discover that entry to Island Beach State Park still costs money! Apparently the reason is that, while Sandy Hook is operated by grumpy college students having to work during hot summer hours while their friends are having fun, Island Beach State Park is operated by the only current life forms in Seaside Heights, a cadre of endlessly cheerful and available retirees.

Thus, declining to pay the entry fee, and facing the questionable prospect of food discovered in the desolation of Seaside Heights or Lavalette, I decided to make a bee-line for home for a nice bowl of home-made mushroom bisque.

In short, a good time was had by all, and as usual I am posting the GPS data and ride pictures on EveryTrail

On a more practical note, I recently ordered a Ztechnik windscreen to replace the stock screen on the BMW R1200RT, and the design to reduce wind noise works marvelously. With the stock screen I was having problems with the wind activating the mike of my Autocom bike communication system, and so it was easy to tell that the new screen is a lot quieter, meaning I can listen to music, navigation and phone calls with reduced volume… Tested this in traffic at about 137kph during a few stretches of heading back home on the GSP. I can post comparison pictures of the V-Stream vs the stock BMW screen if anyone is interested.

[Via http://polymash.com]

Size Does Matter for Fox News and Conservatives | Crooks and Liars

Bolidul

2009-11-16T18:02:00.000+02:00

Stiu prea bine că mass-media este cel mai mare motor de producere și întreținere a stereotipurilor, dar tot mă minunez de fiecare dată cînd aud cum, în vreun accident în care a fost implicat un BMW, acesta este imediat transformat într-un „bolid”. Sînt multe mărci care produc mașini mari și puternice, dar parcă niciun nume nu produce atîta satisfacție în a fi asociat cu acest cuvînt producător de fiori pe șira spinării, ca BMW. Invers, nu e nevoie ca o mașină să fie foarte mare și foarte puternică, de exemplu un BMW seria 3, pentru a fi transformat într-un bolid. E suficient că e BMW .

Zilele trecute s-a petrecut o dramă. Pentru unii. Pentru televiziuni a fost un motor puternic, un bolid, aș putea spune, de produs rating. Pentru unii a fost doar un moment de amuzament (să vezi un BMW cum intră într-o curbă și derapează într-un stîlp după care se rupe în două, poate fi amuzant pentru o minte puerilă). În timp ce pentru alții a fost un moment de eliberare a unor frustrări cauzate de invidie: „uite un bogătan care a pățit-o.. așa-i trebuie!”

Șoferul era prietenul unui prieten, prieten cu unul dintre prietenii mei. Acesta, prietenul meu, se va bucura că îl pomenesc pe blog. Știu că își dorea asta de multă vreme! Cred că merită asta, mai ales astăzi, cînd m-a ajutat să-mi rezerv un bilet pentru Stockholm, pentru 1 ianuarie, cînd sper sa plec la Uppsala. Din păcate, aproape sigur nu mă va ajuta să-l și plătesc, pentru că o să fie în jur de 220 de euro, doar dus. Dar n-am ce face, se pare că doar KLM zboară la Stockholm, iar eu trebuie să plec neapărat pe întîi, pentru că așa spune birocrația. Deocamdată, tot birocrația spune că e posibil să nu plec. Sper că partea aceea care spune că trebuie plec neapărat pe 1.01.10, să cîștige în cele din urmă. Să spun și cum îl cheamă? Mai are nevoie de vreo prezentare? Sigur că are, nu-l știe nimeni: e Puiu! Puiu știe mai bine decît mine ce înseamnă un accident de mașină, pentru că a avut cel puțin două, dintre care unul s-a soldat cu dauna totală a mașinii. Așa au spus cel de la CASCO, pe care noroc că l-a avut. Eu n-am CASCO, așa că dacă bolidul meu intră în vreo daună totală, o să ajung la fel ca Puiu acum, adică fără mașină.

Chiar dacă nu am fost în niciun accident de mașină, mă întreb dacă pot să-mi imaginez sentimentele asociate cu unul. Asta înseamnă că ispitesc destinul să-mi arate „pe bune” ce înseamnă să ai un accident de mașină? Sper că nu! În primul rînd, mă întreb cum aș reuși să trăiesc, dacă din cauza modului meu stupid de a conduce o mașină, ar muri o persoană sau mai multe. Vorbeam aseară cu un prieten, pe messenger, și el credea că am reuși să trăim cu orice fel de crimă pe conștiință. Pentru că și uciderea din culpă e tot crimă. Poate are dreptate. Sîntem, înainte de orice, niște mașini de supraviețuit, și nu vreau să subestimez puterea acestui angrenaj.

Oare am dreptul să-mi imaginez ultimele clipe ale celor două fete de 23 de ani care și-au pierdut viața joi seara pentru că un puștan teribilist, care nu consumase băutură, cum ziceau cei de la știri, a apăsat prea mult pe pedala bolidului?

Ai 23 de ani și parcă niciodată viața n-a fost mai frumoasă. Mai demult erai prea mic, mai tîrziu o să fii prea mare, o să începi să te temi de boala aia teribilă numită bătrînețe și pentru care nu există leac. Se pare că genetica ne promite leac și pentru ea, ne promite nemurirea, dar deocamdată nemurirea rămîne monopolul lui Dumnezeu. E 2 noaptea. Parcă niciun loc nu e destul de vesel pentru a-ți potoli setea de viață. Poate ai auzit de teoria relativității și ai înțeles-o într-un mod băbesc. Poate crezi că mergînd cu 200 la oră păcălești moartea, mai cîștigi niște secunde de viață. Alergi și rîsetele vesle de pe bancheta din spate, ca niște promisiuni, te fac să vrei să alergi și mai repede. Te uiți pe geam fără să știi că e ultima dată cînd mai vezi luminile astea colorate. Fără să știi că nu o să apuci să vezi cum s-a gîndit Primăria să împodobească bulevardul Magheru anul ăsta. Fără să știi că muzica veselă de la radio, care se aude cu fidelitate în difuzoarele bolidului, e marșul tău funebru. În cei 23 de ani pe care i-ai trăit, ai avut ocazia să înveți cîteva dintre legile după care merge viața, dar ce păcat că nu te-a învățat nimeni acea lege infinit mai sadică decît toate legile lui Murphy la un loc, care spune că vinovatul trebuie să supraviețuiască pentru a purta vinovăția. Dar oare legea aia nu știe că vinovăția e o haină de care unii se pot dezbrăca foarte ușor? Nu e vorba de nicio lege, șoferul pur și simplu reușește întotdeauna să-și salveze pielea, în virtutea aceluiași instinct de supraviețuire care mai tîrziu îi va permite să se dezbrace de vină.

Dar…mai sînt cîteva secunde. Becurile colorate trec repede, repede, formeaza linii continue, dacă te uiți pe geam. Linia lor e din ce în ce mai neîntreruptă iar tu ești din ce în ce mai mult împinsă în scaun. Și bolidul se apropie de ultima lui curbă. Se aude muzică, dar există oare pe lume vreo melodie suficient de tristă și suficient de absurdă, vreo simfonie suficient de complexă pentru a da socoteală de toate straturile de ființă ce s-au rostogolit joi noaptea în rondul de la Romană și de toate bucățelele de mașină și de carne împrăștiate care au făcut să vibreze și să se împrăștie în bucățele sufletele celor care urmau să afle, probabil la telefon, că ochii tăi, a căror culoare nu o știu, vedeau pentru ultima dată luminile Bucureștiului?

Ultimele secunde. Fizicienii încearcă, prin formule matematice, să rezolve enigma primei secunde a existenței Universului. Să presupunem că vor reuși și că un premiu Nobel va fi decernat pentru asta. Dar cine va reuși vreodată să rezolve enigma ultimei secunde de viață? Poate că secunda asta se împarte în două, apoi în patru, apoi în opt, și așa la nesfîrșit. Poate că fiecare suflet trăiește o eterniate înainte de a muri, nu după.

Simt că aș putea să mai gravitez în jurul acestei secunde, înaintea ei, înainte să ajungă acolo camerele de filmat la fel de setoase de sînge ca și mulțimea care s-a adunat din senin acolo. De fapt, înainte de ultima curbă, pentru a zăbovi cu ultimele lumini, cu ultimele gînduri, cu ultimele frînturi de melodie, cu planurile de Revelion și cu vreo dragoste ce tocmai înflorea, cine știe..?

Dar deja unii mă vor considera patetic, alții nesimțit și profitor, la fel ca mass-media, în timp ce eu însumi voi fi nemulțumit de mine însumi că am scris iar prea mult și mi-am speriat toți cititorii. Poate e mai bine așa, de data asta. Poate nu mulți vor fi putut sau vrut să înțeleagă acest imn post-mortem închinat vieții pe care am încercat să îl încropesc din ultimele secunde ale unor vieți încheiate brusc, cu scîrțit de cauciucuri.

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14/11/2009 Parnassos valley

2009-11-13T10:21:00.000+02:00

The week rolled boringly, waiting patiently for the next escape from everyday city madness!

So Friday has arrived and our minds are already tripping far away, to distant routes and warm villages surrounded by cold and magical mountains! What better than a trip towards Parnassos mountain, and the exploration of its lovely valley.

We start 08:30am Saturday morning, head towards Kastro from where we exit and head towards Livadia and from there to Arrachova, we bypass the luxourious and crowded Arrachova and head towards the mystical and ancient Delphi we stop for a coffee over a lovely nice cafe overlooking the Delphic olive tree valley. After our short stop we head towards the ancient site of the Delphi oracle.

Our next waypoint is the valley of Parnassos valley, we head towards Arrachova and we take the turn towards Parnassos valley, once on the valley we will be riding a few Km’s admiring the fantastic view of this place!

Around 500 Km’s again, so be prepared for a late return!

View Larger Map

Pitchfork: New Hot Chip: "Take It In"

67° Salone internazionale del motociclo - Eicma 2009 alla Fiera di Milano

2009-11-11T10:10:00.000+02:00

Image by ...lord Alessandro Zarcone via Flickr

Da domani e fino a domenica 15 novembre presso la fiera di Milano aprirà Eicma, il 67° Salone della moto.

Dove: Fiera di Milano – SS. 33 del Sempione 28, 20017 Rho (MI).

Quando: 10-15 novembre 2009

Il settore penalizzato dalla crisi scommette su modelli ecologici.

In complesso il salone si compone di 6 padiglioni coperti, 55.000 metri quadrati di superficie e 80.000 mq dell’area MotoLive dove saranno presentate le 36 esibizioni di alcuni dei apprezzati stuntmen del mondo.

Progetto + Eco, un grande passo verso una mobilità sostenibile

Ducati Energia lancia un innovativo progetto che introdurrà quadricicli leggeri a impatto zero in numerose realtà italiane. Il comune di Ischia il primo ad aderire

Peugeot Hybrid3 Evolution, il nuovo concept di scooter

La presenza di Peugeot al Salone di Milano rappresenta l’occasione per promuovere nuovi progetti legati al mondo della mobilità urbana a due ruote

Da Eicma la notizia qui…

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Novo BMW Série 5 já tem data para estreiar

2009-11-09T18:35:00.000+02:00

A BWM divulgou hoje um vídeo mostra parte das linhas da próxima geração do Série 5. O sedã de luxo da marca terá o objetivo de bater de frente com o renovado Mercedes-Benz Classe E, que estreiou recentemente.

De acordo com a BMW o carro será mostrado em definitivo já no próximo dia 23. Antes, do que era especulado pela imprensa especializada. Vale lembrar que a atual geração do Série 5 está no mercado desde 2003.

Epic Win: News Corp Likely To Remove Content From Google

Le BMW X1 : suv compact version luxe

2009-11-09T10:45:00.000+02:00

Après le X3, X5 et X6, le… X1. Ce SUV compact de chez BMW ressemble à un Break surrélevé. Il joue résolument la carte de la modularité avec trois sièges arrière rabattables séparément, de nombreuses possibilités de rangement et un coffre généreux dont le volume peut varier de 420 à 1.350 litres. Au niveau des équipements, il sera possible de choisir un toit panoramique, une caméra de recul, des feux de jour ou encore un système GPS. Côté moteur, prime est donnée au diésel. Avec au choix les sDrive18d de 143 ch, sDrive20d de 177 ch, quatre cylindres disponibles également en transmission intégrale, ou le xDrive23d bi-turbo de 204 ch. A partir de 29.500 Euros jusqu’à 47.350 Euros pour le X1 xDrive28i 6 cylindres de 285 chevaux. Le X1 se positionne sur le segment des Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Mercedes GLK ou autres Rav-4. Et à partir de 2010 du Q3 de chez AUDI.

Page-Turning News

BMW e as corridas

2009-11-06T18:09:00.000+02:00

Este post não vai falar sobre a saída da BMW da Fórmula Um. Vamos falar de outros carros, de outras categorias. Vamos falar de lançamentos, carros antigos e de como a BMW usou o esporte como meio de consolidar sua marca pelo mundo.

A idéia deste post surgiu justamente porque nessa semana a montadora alemã apresentou conceito BMW M3 GTS, modelo que será feito especialmente para o seu feliz dono levá-lo ao limite em algum circuito nos chamados track-days, idéia muito difundida nos EUA e na Europa. A previsão é de que o modelo estará disponível para à venda a partir do segundo trimestre de 2010.

GTS: versão nervosa do M3 de rua

Assim que você coloca os olhos no olha para as fotos do carro, logo você percebe que o carro tem vocação para as pistas. O carro recebeu um novo defletor dianteiro e um aerofólio traseiro – ambos ajustáveis – e iguais aos utilizados pelas BMW em seus carros que competem no WTCC. Recebeu rodas de 19 pol forjadas em alumínio e eliminou os detalhes cromados da carroceria.

Olhando para o seu interior, você poderá conferir os bancos esportivos tipo concha em fibra de carbono, cinto de seis pontos e extintor de incêndio. Além disso, ao invés de você encontrar o banco traseiro para passageiros, você encontrará a estrutura de reforço da carroceria, necessária para a participação de competições.

Interior simples, mas no padrão BMW

Como a intenção era produzir um carro de corrida, a BMW fez o que podia para aliviar o peso do carro. Se quiser conforto que compre outro BMW série 3, deve ter pensado os engenheiros da Motorsports, braço que prepara os carros mais ariscos da marca e que emprestam a letra M para o nome deles.

Além dos bancos e do teto (padrão da séria M) de fibra de carbono, o isolamento acústico e o forro das portas são de material mais simples, mas forrados por couro Alcântara, assim como o volante. Não satisfeita pelo depeno, arrancou o sistema de audio e eliminou o ar condicionado automático. E o escapamento foi modificado, sendo fabricado em titânio. Dessa forma, o peso do carro abaixou para 1500kg.

Como não poderia deixar de acontecer, o carro também sofreu modificações mecânicas. O motor V8 que antes era de 4.0, passou para 4.4 litros, fornecendo 450cv, trinta cavalos à mais que a versão de rua. O câmbio é automatizado de dupla embreagem de sete marchas é padrão no GTS, assim como os amortecedores ajustáveis.

Para parar o foguete, a Motorsport equipou o bicho com um sistema de freios de alto desempenho com pinças de seis pistões na frente e quatro atrás. E para o seu dono desfrutar disso e mostrar que é bom de braço, o sistema de controle de tração do carro é bem menos tolerante, deixando o carro mais arisco.

Mais detalhes do carro neste video aqui.

Para não ficar muito grande o post, falarei em outra ocasião sobre o BMW M5 CSL antigo e o de 2009, criado para celebrar os 25 anos do M5 CSL.

Abraços

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Thursday Thirteen

2009-11-06T01:45:00.000+02:00

Thirteen things I hate… Today…

13. BMW drivers – Think they own the world because they drive a BMW. I was always told that Mercedes drivers represent old money and BMW driver’s new money. So I am coming to the conclusion that new money means having to show people you have money and that equates to buying / leasing a beemer and driving like you don’t give a shit about anyone else on the road. I must honk 2 of them a day for not signaling or cutting people off. Assholes.

12. My office keyboard. Stupid thing got wet (something to do with me spilling water on it) and now when I type capital letters the Ucking thing drops the first letter and capitalizes the next one…

11. Swine flu / H1N1 / influenza panic… Good g-d, people are going to make themselves sick worrying about the damn vaccination.

10. The NY Yankees. They won the world series last night and, well, see my post on them on my sports blog; www.daddyknowssports.wordpress.com.

9. Our former nanny. Left us a couple weeks ago and has been texting me asking for more money – extra money that she thinks she is entitled to, but confusing with vacation pay which she received way more than she was entitled to. She thinks she was given extra pay our of the kindness of our hearts, I told her it was but there aint no more. Now she’s bitching about calling the labour department. I called first and we’re good. She’s a noob.

8. My Achilles. I finally stretched a lot and went for a run to test it out. Ran for 10 minutes and there was no pain, but it felt really weak, like any sudden movement would cause it to hurt. I hate that. I need to run to stay healthy.

7. My weight. I blame it on Halloween that I am forced to eat those fucking little chocolate bars like they are going out of style. Because they are small does not allow me to eat 10 of them at once, right? OR does it…

6. Fair-weather friends. Either you’re my friend and you want to hang out, or we’re not and that’s fine, but don’t string me along by being phony and they never come out. I can’t waste time on this whole being social thing… After planning a few outings, if it’s not reciprocated, I’m done with you.

5. Jedi vs. Sith on Facebook. I’m fucking addicted! Grrrr. As of last night I was 78th in the world. 14 million players have this application. I have 4100 points (3 points for a win, lose 1 for a loss) and the leader has 40,000.

4. Hulk Hogan signing with TNA wrestling. It’s a shitty promotion that might have potential if they cut the gimmicks and produced a decent show. Crappy writing and even crappier plots make me wonder why this show exists. Besides the fact that I hate the name “TNA” since it is too close to “Tits ‘n’ Ass” but Total Non-stop Action is not the name for a successful wrestling organization. And Hogan… 56 years old. Seriously.

3. My choice of area for trick-or-treating this year. Sucks ass. I expected the $2 million dollar home owners to kick out some kick-ass treats for the kids. But one candy-bar per houses?!? Cheapskates! How disappointing. Not making that mistake again!

2. Guns and Roses. I’m still pissed at them for their simply horrible release this year. I kind of wish they had released a bunch of stuff throughout the past decade so the shit they put on this album might have come out in other releases. There is no good hard rock nowadays and as I listen to a few of their songs on my iPod It makes me even more pissed off. They used to be great. Same for Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver. Where is the new Saliva, Disturbed and Rob Zombie?

1. Iran. Saw this news story and it pisses me off, considering Iran claims to be doing nothing wrong. Ever.

The seizure of a massive shipment of Iranian arms bound for terrorist organization Hizbollah, proves the arms flow to Syria and south Lebanon from Iran. The attempt to smuggle arms to Syria and Hizbullah was an Iranian violation of a UN Security Council resolution. Typically, Iran continues to smuggle arms to terrorists under the guise of legitimate international commerce, turning the Mediterranean Sea into a platform for illegal action.

The weapons seizure “unequivocally and without a doubt” proves the Iran-Syria-south Lebanon weapons-trafficking route.

The ship was released overnight Wednesday after 36 weapons-filled containers were unloaded, and the 12 crew members boarded the vessel and made their way back on their planned route.

Hundreds of tons of weaponry, the largest arms seizure in Israel’s history, were intercepted in the daring raid by Israeli naval commandos aboard the cargo ship sailing 100 nautical miles west of Israel.

The arms shipment was 10 times the size of the cache found on the Palestinian arms ship Karine A in 2002, defense officials said.

The different types of arms offloaded from the ship were familiar to Israel as those Hizbullah already possesses in its arsenal, Israel Radio quoted defense officials as saying.

Military sources assessed Teheran would be forced to change its smuggling routes following the Israel Navy’s successful operation.

The cache was hidden inside shipping containers belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) which departed from the Bandar Abbas Port in Iran some 10 days ago, were unloaded in the Egyptian port of Damietta and then loaded onto the Francop, a German vessel flying an Antiguan flag.

On Wednesday, Israeli PM, Netanyahu addressed the international community concerning Iran’s material support for terrorist organizations by saying, “Iran is sending these weapons to terror organizations to harm Israeli cities and kill its citizens. The time has come for the international community to exert real pressure on Iran to stop this criminal activity and to support Israel when it defends itself against these terrorists and their patrons.”

This is going to be a tough task considering the axis of evil lined up to denounce Israel left, right and centre every time something happens in the middle east.

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Nova geração do BMW Série 3 é flagrada

2009-11-04T18:40:00.000+02:00

Ela só chega em 2012, mas já está em desenvolvimento. Trata-se da próxima geração do sedã Série 3, que começa a ser vendida na Europa em três anos. O modelo foi flagrado em fase de testes, para não atrasar o cronograma da marca bávara. O modelo terá ainda derivações perua, cupê e conversível.

Pouco se pode notar das linhas do novo modelo com as imagens, mas é possível perceber que seu porte não muda muito em relação ao sedã atual. Afinal, se o Série 3 crescer demais, acabará “batendo” no Série 5. A nova geração, no entanto, deverá se destacar pela maior eficiência energética, graças a motores modernos e carroceria mais leve. Poderemos ver, inclusive, propulsores de três cilindros, 1,35 litro e turbocompressor gerando entre 160 e 240 cv.

Eis a tecnologia alemã.

GALERIA

Wall Street Journal Takes on Local News - Wall Street Journal - Gawker

Toyota steigt aus der Formel 1 aus

2009-11-04T10:02:00.000+02:00

Ich schaue die Formel L(angeweile) schon lange nicht mehr an. Seitdem die Autos auf der Strecke offenbar Überholverbot haben und Spannung generell verboten zu sein scheint, blieb mir diesbezüglich eigentlich keine andere Wahl. Ich kann mir einfach keinen ausgiebigen Nachmittagsschlaf am Sonntag gönnen und was anderes bleibt mir nicht übrig als einzuschlafen.

Auf diesem Wege bleiben mir auch die angeblichen “Höhepunkte” vor, nach und ich glaube sogar während des Rennens erspart. Außerdem setzt dieses Fremdschämen nicht mehr ein, wenn ich Kommentatoren lauschen muss, die verzweifelt versuchen das Einschlafprogramm als spannendes Sports-Entertainment zu verkaufen.

Nun habe ich heute gelesen, dass Toyota aus der Formel 1 aussteigt. BMW und Honda sind in der Vergangenheit ausgestiegen, bzw. haben es bereits bekannt gegeben.

Was bleibt eigentlich noch der schillernden Formel 1? Wenn es so weitergeht, dann werden wir häufiger solche Rennen sehen, wie damals in Indianapolis, wo der F1-Dino “Ferrari” gegen 4 chancenlose Autos seine Runden zog und ansonsten eher gähnende Leere auf der Rennstrecke herrschte.

Ob Ferrari bald 10 weitere Autos baut und die Weltmeisterschaft alleine ausfährt? Und was wird dann mit den Konstrukteurs-Titel? Fragen über Fragen…

Bleibt die Hoffnung, dass RTL auch die letzte Kurve bekommt und stattdessen das Geld lieber in Sachen Fussball investiert. Vielleicht gibt es ja die Möglichkeit, dass wir noch das ein oder andere Spiel live im Free-TV zu sehen bekommen.

Cousens: Industry must pursue new IP // News

Deutschland: BMW hebt Kurzarbeit auf...

2009-11-02T18:35:00.000+02:00

Mal was Positives zwischendruch…

Gefunden bei fr-online.de:

BMW

Das Ende der Kurzarbeit

München. Der Autobauer BMW wird in den kommenden Wochen die Kurzarbeit an allen deutschen Standorten beenden.

Im Berliner Motorrad-Werk und in der Komponenten-Fabrik Landshut gilt derzeit noch für einige hundert Beschäftigte Kurzarbeit, sie würden bis Jahresende wieder vollbeschäftigt, sagte Produktionsvorstand Frank-Peter Arndt der Branchen- und Wirtschaftszeitung “Automobilwoche”.

Zugleich seien an zwei Standorten des Unternehmens bereits wieder Zeitarbeiter eingestellt worden: In Leipzig beschäftige BMW rund 300 Leiharbeiter, in Regensburg etwa 50.

Das Unternehmen hatte wegen der Absatzflaute im ersten Halbjahr insgesamt bis zu 25 000 Mitarbeiter in Kurzarbeit geschickt, im Juli war diese Zahl zunächst auf 12 200 Beschäftigte reduziert worden. Im September war die Kurzarbeit dann in den Auto-Werken beendet worden. BMW will an diesem Dienstag die Zahlen für das dritte Quartal vorlegen.

Arbeitgeber wollen Verlängerung der Kurzarbeit

Wegen der anhaltenden Wirtschaftskrise fordern Arbeitgeber und Gewerkschaften eine Verlängerung der Kurzarbeit-Sonderregelung über das Jahresende hinaus.

IG-Metall-Chef Berthold Huber sagte dem “Tagesspiegel” (Montag), die Regelung solle über 2010 hinaus gelten, weil in Branchen wie dem Maschinenbau und der Automobilindustrie “frühestens 2011, wahrscheinlich erst 2012″ das Produktionsniveau von 2007 wieder erreicht werde.

Auch die Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Arbeitgeberverbände (BDA) setzte sich dafür ein, das erfolgreiche Instrument im nächsten Jahr weiter anwenden zu können. “Ich bin zuversichtlich, dass dies im Konsens zwischen allen Beteiligten möglich sein wird”, sagte BDA- Hauptgeschäftsführer Reinhard Göhner der Zeitung “Die Welt” (Samstag).

Ein Sprecher des Bundesarbeitsministeriums sagte der dpa am Samstag, es sei noch keine Entscheidung über eine Verlängerung der Regelung gefallen. Die Rechtsverordnung könne sehr kurzfristig für einen beliebigen Zeitraum ausgedehnt werden, da dafür kein langwieriges Gesetzgebungsverfahren notwendig sei. Nach jüngsten Zahlen der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) haben im August und September rund 1,1 Millionen Beschäftigte Kurzarbeitergeld bezogen.

Die Kurzarbeit war nach dem Ausbruch der Wirtschaftskrise im Herbst 2008 in mehreren Schritten verlängert und attraktiver gemacht worden. Die BA zahlt den Kurzarbeitern bis zu 67 Prozent des Lohnes, der wegen der Arbeitszeitverkürzung wegfällt. Unternehmen bekommen in den ersten sechs Monaten die Hälfte der für sie fälligen Sozialversicherungsbeiträge von der BA erstattet, danach sogar ganz. Bis zum 31. Dezember kann die Kurzarbeit noch für 24 Monate zu den günstigeren Bedingungen genehmigt werden.

Der Präsident des Deutschen Industrie- und Handelskammertages (DIHK), Hans Heinrich Driftmann, sagte im Deutschlandradio Kultur, die Unternehmen gingen “bis an die Grenze des Möglichen”, um ihre Mitarbeiter zu halten. Die Wirtschaft komme aber nur aus der Krise heraus, wenn es gelinge, mehr Menschen “in Lohn und Brot zu bringen, um die Sozialsysteme nicht unnötig zu strapazieren”.

Linken-Fraktionsvize Klaus Ernst forderte “ein großes Rettungspaket für die Krisen-Arbeitslosen”. Dazu gehörten eine befristete Verlängerung des Arbeitslosengelds I auf einheitlich 24 Monate und ein besserer Kündigungsschutz, der Massenentlassungen in profitablen Unternehmen verhindere. “Außerdem müssen Kurzarbeiter, die mit ihren Familien in Hartz IV fallen, besser behandelt werden.”

(dpa)

Organizing for America | Cloe Axelson's Blog: Morning News

La Tecnología como medio para innovar

2009-10-28T18:22:00.000+02:00

Os dejo un ejemplo de aplicación de la apuesta de BMW como medio para la innovación. Y si me lo permitís, la innovación no está en el propio desarrollo de la solución técnica, sino en divisar el horizonte donde esta filosofía es posible. Sin miedo al cambio y con fe ciega en una visión que engloba un riesgo que otras empresas no se atreven a afrontar.

Cuánto nos queda por ver, y cuánto vamos a disfrutar (al menos yo!)

Este vídeo lo he encontrado en http://lonifasiko.blogspot.com/. Os recomiendo un vistazo a este blog.

saludos,

alberto conde mellado

Kids covet Guitar Hero 5 in US survey // News

Biggest dog on the road: Porsche Panamera or BMW 5-series GT

2009-10-28T10:10:00.000+02:00

If you love cars then what should matter most to you is how a car drives, whether, faced with the prospect of a cross-continental trip, you’d want to grab its keys or not.

But, like it or not, how a car looks is integral to the whole experience as well. Sure, it shouldn’t matter, but it does, especially nowadays when so many cars are so accomplished. Engeneering in isolation is no longer enough.

Which is why we have to ask: what are the designers at Porsche and BMW smoking?

We pondered it long and hard and we can’t figure out which is the biggest dog on the road right now? The vulgar, out-of-proportion Porsche Panamera with its disconcerting bonnet, heavy flanks and huge, ungainly posterior? Or perhaps the BMW 5-series GT which simply defies description in its ugliness.

Fox News Sunday in the News « FOX News Sunday

Renault = Clean cars ?

2009-10-19T17:09:00.000+02:00

Apparently Renault is betting the company on electric cars. This could be the ballsiest and smartest strategic move I have heard of in a long time.

The auto industry is in a big crisis, these companies are huge, they employ a lot of people directly and much more indirectly… but they generate very small profits. Just consider that if somebody wanted to buy the Ford Motor Company (the 3rd largest in the world) they would need about 25 billion $. If someone wanted to buy Google they would need about 150 billion $.

The companies that are doing well are extremely well positionned, which means they stand for something very specific: Toyota means ‘affordable reliability’, BMW means ‘driving pleasure’, Mercedes means ‘prestige’, Porsche means ’sports car’.

This is the basics of marketing, that the brands stands for and owns something unique and relevant.

The problem is that there are not many meaningful and distinctive benefits left, and this is why Ford, Renault, Peugeot, Fiat and GM more than any others are all struggling to be relevant. But there’s a new word that is becoming increasingly important these days… and no one owns it yet…

Because of high oil prices and the fact that cars are highly highly polluting machines, most car manufacturers are investing a lot in alternative energy cars. The most successful by far are hybrid cars.

The problem is that ‘hybrid’ is not such a clean word to own, it’s not very choiceful, it’s a bit of oil and a bit of electric…

So if electric or clean is the word of the future, one has to make choices, no half-baked solutions. Renault is apparently taking this road. It is very risky because it depends on oil prices remaining high, on the continuity of Government subsidies and particularly on consumers changing the way they use their car… but if that happens Renault could become the new Toyota.

You have to be able to sum up your brand in one meaningful and relevant word to do good marketing.

Some jobs at Renault.

An article in the Economist about Renault’s big bet on electric cars.

More on the Kangoo ZE – zero emission and no noise – on sale in 2011.

'Balloon Boy': Sheriff holds news conference calling incident a ...

A car which can't be described as beautiful..

2009-10-19T01:39:00.000+02:00

..although, to be frank, few Bangle-era BMs can be described that way. But I will say this: 1) like the latest gen WRX STi, the body style has grown on me, and 2) like the GTI, the three-door looks better than the five-door (in my opinion). Obviously, neither version is available in the states, as it is believed that there is just no market here for this type of vehicle.

CD road test

- Gyro

New 'Toy Story 3' Character Poster Gives Away Slinky Dog

Dirndls and Lederhosen

2009-10-16T17:24:00.000+02:00

Last week was our first full week of travel- that means no classes, no homework, no seminars or workshops for 9 whole days!

Oktoberfest

On Friday afternoon Jess, Mike, and I took the bus at 4:00 pm to Bassano, where the closest train station is, to get our rail passes validated and catch the train to Padova, only to find that the next train to Padova was actually a 2 hour bus ride. Our reason for going to Padova was that the overnight train to Munich was leaving from that station at 11:28 pm, but we figured we would go early to look around a little bit. I had not considered that most things would be closed at 6pm and that it would be too dark to really do any sightseeing. Plus, the area around the train station was not the nicest part of town. Actually, it reminded me a lot of Chinatown in New York.

About an hour later the rest of the group taking the overnight train showed up and we walked around together, a group of about 15 American students each lugging a week’s worth of luggage ambling around the streets of Padova at night. We must have been a sight. We got some really good Chinese food for dinner (everyone was sick of pasta at this point, and like I said, it was like Chinatown), and stopped at a cafe to wait out the remaining two hours before we went up to the platform to wait for the train.

waiting for the train

Because I booked my reservation only a week before I left for Italy, the only cabins left were the six-person couchettes or the first class, single person sleepers. Well because I also did not know anyone at this point, rather than take my chances with 5 strangers I went for the single room (Thanks Dad ). It was custom. I had a whole cabin to myself, with a bathroom and a shower and there was a German lady who showed me to my cabin, and then woke me up in the morning (at 5:45!) and brought me one of those little airline breakfasts and a coffee. There was a couple in the cabin next door from New Hampshire who were very nice, they were also headed for Oktoberfest and they offered to share some of their wine with me.

We arrived in Munich bright and early at 6:30 in the morning, and after a quick shower and coffee i hopped off the train much more awake than my friends in the 6 person couchettes, who were still groggy. I shared some of my breakfast with them , to be nice

We checked into our hostel, then went back to the train station to meet up with the students that had taken a chartered bus all the way from Paderno to Munich overnight. I don’t think they got much sleep either.

The first thing we did was walk around the city a bit, and we found a beautiful church in the middle of one of the squares. Every other shop on the street was selling Lederhosen and Dirndls, which, to my surprise, ALL of the germans were wearing. Some even came in groups wearing matching costumes. Hordes and hordes of Germans in lederhosen.

That afternoon we took a tour of Dachau, a concentration camp on the outskirts of Munich. Apparently Dachau was the “model”concentration camp that they used as a guide for all of the other camps. It’s were they trained the officers, tried out different kinds of toxic gas, and they even had a “school of torture”. Our guide was really good, he was from Ireland and really gave us a good idea of how terrible things were there. On the ride back we asked him about good places to go in Munich, and he suggested Olympia park where they held the Olympics some time in the seventies, I believe.

Following his advice, that’s where we headed for the afternoon. The first place we stopped in the park (or it might have been right outside of the park) was the BMW Welt and BMW Museum. Oh Em Gee. I don’t even like cars, but I still thought this place was really cool. The Welt was like a showroom/interactive museum where you can look at the cars and sit in them, and it had kiosks and exhibits where you could drive a virtual car and see what innovations they were coming up with for the future. Cool stuff. We only went into the lobby of the actual museum (you had to pay to go in) but just in the lobby there were these really nice, antique looking cars, and then in the next room was a futuristic concept car. This thing was so cool.

After the BMW Welt/Museum we walked over to the park itself and went up into this big space needle looking thing in the middle of the park.The view from up there was incredible– you could see all of Munich and the surrounding countryside, all the way to the huge Alps way in the distance. We were there right at sunset as well, which made it that much more beautiful.

From the top of the space needle

The next day was the big day: Oktoberfest. We had a reservation from 12-5 in the Hofbrau-Festzelt tent, which is the biggest tent in the whole place. We’re talking massive. And this tent is mostly full of Americans and Italians, and some Germans too just because they’re everywhere.

The inside of the Hofbrau tent

Oktoberfest itself is like a gigantic carnival with rides and games, and with these huge beer tents all around. Our reservations came with vouchers for two liters of beer and half a chicken each, and we got to sit in the tent for five hours and listen to the band (all dressed in lederhosen as well) play the same three songs over and over again. Two of the songs were in German, during one of which you were supposed to raise your mug and toast. They played this one after almost every song. The third song that they played the whole time was the one that goes “Heeeee-eeeeey Baby! I wanna kno-oo-ow, if you’ll be my girl”. Of course, all of the Americans loved that one (and danced to it every time, too). My friend Jess actually bought a dirndl and wore it to the tent. She looked so cute in it!

The band in the Hofbrou tent

Next up, Prague!

Hot Air » Blog Archive » Fox News: WH told us last week Obama won ...

2009-10-09T09:07:00.000+02:00

And we thought we were cynics. Honestly, we're like babes in the wood compared to this lot.

At a round table on social media marketing in Paris today, Bundeep Rangar, chairman and CEO of IndusView, explained just how great it is to be able to ignore local laws.

“Social media allows you to circumvent grey areas of the law,” he explained. “Cutting edge in our industry is the vice industry. In a lot of countries, you can't advertise gambling sites, so what do you do? You create a social media site where you can click through to ads. It's not as advertising, it's as a link in the text, and that's perfectly legal.”

Michael Terpin, chairman and CEO of SocialRadius, cited viral ads such as the 'baby-father' one which turned out to have been created by the Danish Tourist Board, and the Lonely Girl blog.

“She was a paid actress, and when it came out – what a scandal! But they got so much advertising out of it,” he said. “Stunts work. You just have to be careful that any backlash you get supports your work.”

He's also a big fan of video bloggers. “If you can get them interested, they will get it into the search engines really quickly,” he said. “We did the 'I'm a Celebrity' campaign in the US. We got 20 bloggers with big followings to compete with each other to go to Costa Rica – and got two million visitors to the site.”

Less entertaining, but giving food for thought, were some of the figures. Apparently, social media marketing is already a $1 billion industry, and is growing at a massive 50 per cent per year – the only sector apart from search engine advertising that isn't either stagnant or in decline.

I've been hit!

2009-10-07T17:40:00.000+02:00

Two hours, yes TWO, after picking up my car from the dealership’s service department, I was horribly hit by yet another careless LA driver.. sent me spinning into the intersection, the entire rear bumper tore off and scattered debris around the crossing, and my gas tank leaked last week’s refill all over the scene. Gower and Franklin, officially the most dangerous intersection in Hollywood in my book… to think I had debated NOT going to the gym that late at night but motivated last minute… I could have been lazily snacking in front of the TV in self-deprecation instead of tearing up over my once again defaced little car. Now I await the adjuster’s call: earlier, words like ‘potential total’ and ‘unsalvageable’ peppered the conversation.

The only positive from this whole experience is that I have now tested BMW’s emergency response squad and the roadside assistance they trigger, which appeared five minutes after the crash unsolicited.

I hate LA driving.

What is Avicenna? For morons and there's Zoo

2009-10-05T17:40:00.000+02:00

“ It became the first city in history assaulted by nuclear armament when the United States of America dropped an atomic bomb on it on August 6, 1945, near the culmination of World War II…

On September 17, 1945, Hiroshima ( Heroseema) was struck by the Makurazaki Typhoon(Typhoon Ida), one of the largest typhoons of the Shōwa period”- Who knows what is it?

New Prime Minister of Japan

Yukio Hatoyama- translated as -you a falsificat and illusionist for that you have pit. He was born 11.02. as my own son. His wife have interesting name too, more- she is actress. There’s child has education in Moscow as engineer – it means fig tree for oil and gas as for Taro Aso.

“Hatoyama comes from a prominent Japanese political family which has been called the “Kennedy family of Japan.”

Kennedy was only information picture of my own father- they killed him with the help of there Belarus agent because they think by there pure mind – my own father must seat down at throne of the USA by himself -John Kennedy was killed 22.11.1963 and John XXIII was killed five month before- 03.06.1963 after the meeting with Chrushev’s -Khrushchev’s daughter Rada Adzubej -Rada Adzhubei and her husband – 06.03.1963. After that meeting that happy family decided that John XXIII – my own father. They repeated the killing with John Kennedy.

Foto Khrushev and Kennedy in June 1961 in Vienna

Who was my adopting mother and with wich name she lived before?

And why in 1963 that Kruchev decided to plus for Ukraine and Lastochkino Gnezdo- Swallow Nest in Krym to his private property after the killing John XXIII and John Kennedy?

That Mr. Pit can not be from the” Kennedy” family not as information picture , not as with own relations with us. Surname Kennedy have translation as – to NN I am going.

Yukio Hatoyama’s wife have native connections with Josif Stalin’s family. Who now seating in Japan?

( Look the beginning ” Taro Aso from Ginko family, Chikako Aso as the daughter of Diliara Zabarova, basin of fig tree of oil and gas, CNN, Volkswagen, BMW and Zoo from Japan” wordpress.com

In Wroclaw translated as – Slava is robber in Poland- was Zoo. Another Zoo – in Sverdlovsk- were has his appartment Sergey Lopatinskiy and Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya. That appartment they selled to Aleksandr Yakovlev – now Aleksandr Turkin.

In Moscow near Moscow Zoo live Oleg Lobov at the Zoologicheskaya Str. Why that nice terrorist with strong connections with terror in metro Tokyo decided to live in such interesting place?

Robbering all my own inheritance financies and profits which they could to took, they all so like to live in my own Castles , that till now as

Clowns wriggle near me and my own sons.

With that my own inheritance after my own grandmother Castle Wolfsburg – Wolfsburg Schlosse– they appropriated one more little present – that firm

Volkswagen was my own inheritance from my own grandfather. For that Marina Berlusconi – Mechrenceva happenly helped to robbed my own inheritance such freaks as Andrey Kozuchov – Mechrencev, Andrey Titov- Romas Marcinkievicius, Igor Titov- happy husband of Dariga Nazarbayeva, Modest Prokopiev, Aleksandr Turkin – Aleksandr Grigorievich Dekanidze or Dzerzinskiy- Sverdlov and etc.

His grandfather shooted the Royal Romanov’s family in Ekaterinburg and that’s town after that has the name Sverdlovsk.

What relatives they have and how old are them’s?

In April 2008 Marina Berlusconi decided to marriage with some Japaneese. And has a wedding. That information in a shot period of time disappeared from internet and appeared another information with another husband.

And Silvio Berlusconi at that momemt quickly decided to seat down at the place of Prime Minister of Italy. Look the beginning ” Taro Aso from Ginko family, Chikako Aso as the daughter of Diliara Zabarova, basin of fig tree of oil and gas, CNN, Volkswagen, BMW and Zoo from Japan” wordpress.com)

In Japan parlament – interesting deputy Naoto Kan – translated as – have and take or go to An and another go to An. That Naoto Kan look like ordinary tatarian . How he appeared in Japan?

As in Russia Naina Elcina presented the ruling to her native daughter Tatiana with the new name Ludmila Putina, in Japan all last years rulling in my own inheritance Mechrencev-Kozuchov- Lopatinskiy- Lobov- Nazarbayev family give to each other the place of Prime Minister of Japan- there’s mr. Mikasa- translated as – we are bank cash and mr. Akihito- translated as – Ak hi hit that- all that years rule in the country with the financies from my own inheritance, forgott to inform me about that and th pay the profits.

With connections with appropriating my own inheritance in Middle East ( as Saudi Arabia and etc.- Al Waleed bin Talal – with the face of russian militarist Andrey Kozuchov , new made king Abdullah- translated as – swindlered ah- with the face of the native brother of my adopting mother – without make up – he was Benedict XXVI , with make up – king Abdullah. Who knows what is it?)

The same situation in Italy. In new made Berlusconi – Mechrencev family.

As Bush family, as Clinton’ family , as Barrack Obama- translated as – barrack have both and boss from Russian special and prostitute service mixed with Negro, Mongolian, Kazachian’s and etc. which appropriated under the names Primakov, Ginko–Surkov, Lobov, Breznev, Lopatinskiy,Chrushev- Khrushev , Dzerzinskiy my own inheritance in Russia and USA.

In Japan rulling from my adopting family new baked mr. Mikasa-translated as – we are bank cash and mr. Akihito- translated as – AK hi hit that- all of them lost not only oil and gas industrial places but steel and weapons too.

Miyuki Hatoyama – translated as – ma-a-y as cat for that and pit.

Now in Greece the same situation. Armenian- Georgian- Russian’s freaks from Stalin-Lopatinskiy, Cruchev -Ezov- Vorochilov’s family present the role of the head of the country to each other.

Who are that Polish – American freaks which appropriated Lithuanian Mazeikiu Nafta- my own inheritance, Polish Plock , Gdansk, opened new bank under stolen from me profits and inheritance business , who started appropriating my own inheritance near me in Lithuania and jummped later and pressed me till now ?

Baked the financies in China they jummped to Japan.

They are so business , that they lost all financies in China. In any words defecated that financies. That new baked wife from China as new baked wife of Rupert Murdoch- double – Rupert Murdoch by himself was killed in Lithuania in the beginning of 1990 under the name Vytautas Landsbergis- Zemkialnis ( father). After that killing they appropriated my own inheritance in Australia too.

Appropriating 500 thousands billions from the year during minimum 20 years they pay now for us there’s pension from mad house for licking there’s bottom’s near 1000 euro for month- and not paying -underpay from that sum every month 200 euro, plus take payment to prostitute Silvia with her gigolo Alex Gliklad – 370 euro every month for appartment after the killing here old peoples- property of that victims, which that gigolo appropriated and which they all chew and which the soulruin for Jews.

New prime minister of Japan Yukio Hatoyama at first decided to meet with Barack Obama.

Foto – who payed for all of that? And where are my own inheritance financies from Federal Reserve ? It is the private bank, by the way, and my own inheritance after my own grandfather .Foto- who payed for there’s elections and from which financies?

Who has allowed to that freaks to take my own inheritance financies, business, profits, villas?

Who has allowed to that freaks to opened the testament of my own grandfather and own grandmother without me and without information me at all? Who have in his seif box now that testament? Who decided that it is possible?

Who has allowed me to installed and to pull for perineum and vocal chords?

In ears amplifiers of a sound and at the head of my and my own sons magnet’s-who are that fascists rubbish maids and there’s gay’s?

In old Egypt buryed with all property of the deads – nobody did not take not there’s

The son of new prime minister of Japan has education at Moscow state University as Evgeniy Primakov. That Primakov with native relations with Kazakhstan and Georgia was from Ukrainian special service with connections with Nikita Krushev.

In any words great kazakhian- georgian’s mixe. Who was my adopting mother before she decided to appropriate the own name of my own mother, her own daughter and her inheritance , business, financies and profits?

Native son of Evgeniy Primakov- Aleksandr now in Greece play the role of great bankier, robb and kill the old peoples and stole the childs. In any words he has strong connections with raven’s and with mass cemetery in Greece under the name Irakliy- translated as -and cancer to pour. Some years ago that Primakov has the big debts for Arab countries and started the war between Kuwait and Iraq.

In Kuwait he took a financies and happenly deficated ( defecated) them’s. Native daughter of that Primakov Nina was a director of the school where my own sons has education- school 60 in Vilnius.

Native granddaughter of that Primakov for there’s legende died in twin -towers, when they ruined the property of my own grandfather and my own inheritance twin-towers 11.09.2001. – and three weeks later they started first savaging attacks against me.

Don’t forgett ,that they killed David Rockefeller in 1975 in the Primakov house and to USA happenly going the double – illusionist and the conjurer and became to rule in my own inheritance. Another native daughter of thart Primakov- Natalia Stroganova happenly helped to Sergey Lopatinskiy to spend my own inheritance financies.

When they need more – they ordinary took that financies in oil and gas concern Opec- under the trusteeship my own inheritance – as for my own needs. Paying for me with my own youngest son 60 dollars for both for month.

When my oldest son became to help me and to sent financies -they ordinary opened against him mass criminal cases, beating, him at regular basis, makes a mass of gangster’s attack’s against him and his office and blocked at there’s villages.

They undressed him in regular basis, when they see that he have financies. And sticks round with there prostitute’s and villages familes. Natalia Stroganova was the wife of the son of Yuriy Vladimirovich Andropov- Yuriy Stroganov.

One controll me in the newspaper, she control me not only by installation but with the help of her sister pressed my own sons in school too. Her native brother Aleksandr help to Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya from the bank Snoras – system of Conversbank to take my own profits from my own inheritance. Who decided to sell my own profits for that bank and for what reason?

That Aleksandr at that moment has the name Alex Gliklad. He – the partner of Josif Kobson- great and interesting singer with the name -policeman in zone and son of Josif Stalin.

That Kobson now have in his family some Michelle – native daughter of Michelle Obama. That Michelle- native daughter of Lubov Mazurina- Eberzenok with new name Irina Abramovich. As Roman Abramovich and under that name sometimes gone to the scene Konstantin Smirnov. And why was mass killing in Kuwait after that Primakov’s credit?That Primakov was the native brother of Raisa Gorbacheva- which now with Arkadiy Volskiy and his Conversbank at my own financies and profits happenly lived in Spain. (His wife Laura Charadze

played the role of Laura Bush in USA. Her double look like mother of Renata Kochneva – Kochneviene)

Raisa Gorbacheva legalisated her death 20.09.1999.

With strong connections with Larisa Bakova- native daughter from my adopting parents- now Asma Al Assad in Syria and with her mass doubles as Letizia in Spain.

That Larisa from native relations with gipsy’s and tatarian maids as Raisa Gorbacheva.

Such gipsy’s liked very much some Smirnov – Gromov- Elcin’s family with connections with Ezov- ex soviet fascist. There’s native daughter has a picture as Barbra Streizand and Ludmila Putina. Her name was- Tatiana Elcina. Foto -

when died Boris Elcin ( he was from Boris Gromov – Aleksey- Ivan- Smirnov’s family – with George Soros face – translated as -slop pail from Russia.) That Smirnov’s and campany ruled in my own inheritance fund, which they named George Soros fund. At cementry -Why were surprised Bill Clinton and George Bush?

The great financial ruler of all that gangster’s clan in concern Opec – Sergey Lopatinskiy with the face of the actor Sergey Stepanchenko and Sergey Zagrebnev- Zarembo. Both of them with native relations with Nikita Krushev, Ezov , Voroshilov.

Both of them helped to new prime minister of Japan some Yukio Hatoyama to seat down at that place. With the installation in nose. Who knows what is it ?

One of the childs of some Ludmila Putina- which was in real live Tatiana Elcina- Mechrenceva- Kozuhova , educated Japaneese language -Katerina. May be she decided to play the role in performance – the granddaughter of The King The Son. In 1986- 1990 they played the role of granddaughter of Anastasiya Romanova in Germany. In 1993 Ludmila Putina was under plastic operation after car crash. What is it? She was killed in 1993 and her biography was needed to Tatiana Elcina ? Who and what appropriated in Germany from my own inheritance from my own grandmother?

The system of Conversbank – Konversbank in which ruled Arkadiy Volskiy has strong connections with George Soros fund- my own inheritance from my own grandfather.

More- in Gorbachev’s fund, where happenly ruled Irina Noskova- Smirnova ( she was registrated as the daughter of Ivan- Aleksey Smirnov with native relations with Boris Gromov and with George Soros face and Ija Smirnova with the face of Elizabeth II ) under the name Irina Gorbacheva. They took the financies from that new named George Soros fund and spent it to the fund of Michail Gorbachev.

That fund name’s under the memory of Raisa Gorbacheva, which legalisated her death and organised the throne for herself in Spain at my own inheritance, getting into her head the crown from the paper. Don’t forgett that she -native sister of Evgeniy Primakov. He was Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Leonid Breznev’s ruling- now in his new biography he forgott to tell about it.

In fund seating down Irina Noskova- Smirnova under the new name Irina Gorbacheva.

And happenly deficated that financies for there’s needing’s. What do and done that maid in my own financie’s and my own inheritance? Now she that Irina Noskova- Smirnova- Gorbacheva in Greece with her great helper in the bed Aleksey Smirnov- which 21.09.2009 decided to beat me. Understand?

That Aleksey Smirnov work as the man on a call at Taxydromiki.gr- Main Address: Kifisou 14 – P.O. 18233 – Call Center: 210 4851100 – Fax: 210 4812902. One of the address near Teleperformance, where all that slop pail family grasses me and my own son.

They live in Athens at Isminis 80 and Isminis 76, where live the stolen childs and childs of killing parents for sex trading. Near that Isminis 76- transportation cargo firm SABINO- where ruled some Armenian freak. He is coordinator of all that’s prostitute and killing business ( for killing). There’s friends rule in Greece.

Nikitas M. Kaklamanis was” born April 1, 1946 the Mayor of Athens. Kaklamanis studiedmedicine at the Medical School of the University of Athens. His medical training was spent inIoannina” and he was ” Assistant Professor of Radiotherapy–Oncology”. He was Ministry of the Health in Greece. Understand?

He was born in the day of russians jokes. And was an active member as Dora Bakoyannis- Irina Mamonova in the cleaning and killing the citizents of Athens.

109-111 Mesoghion Ave., 11526 Ampelokopi, Athens, Greece. Geniki bank covering of the Geniki Taxydromiki. gr.

“Since 2004, GENIKI Bank is a member or the Société Générale Group, one of the largest and most powerful financial groups in Europe, present in 82 countries.” When they started to kill the peoples in Greece since 2002 – 20.10.2002 -when they went me and my own son to the death in Lithuania- Dora Bakoyannis -some years ago she has a name Irina Mamonova and educated with me in Sverdlovsk at the same school and class and has a native relations with my adopting mother- her native mother was a sister of that slop pail adopting – became a mayor of Athens. From 2003 they started the appropriation of business and financies after the killing peoples in Greece. Irina Mamonova has medical higher education in Sverdlovsk.

To that shop “Dora” where they rule with the name of my own mother( that name appropriated adopting mother as etc.) at Isminis 82 makes supply’s firm with tel. number – 210 28 35746-747. That shop -place for distribution of poisoning substance’s. At the other side of that shop – house for childs- as childs garden – the place of the transit the stolen child’s and place of there’s transitory appearance. It is a place of store(keep)of the key’s of the killing victims houses and there’s dresses. And such situation in all Greece.

In Moscow that Conversbank- Konversbank was at the address Str. Goncharnaya 12.

That bank was in the hands of adopting mother- Dora ( Zoya ) Ignatievna Lopatinskaya and new made David Rockefeller in USA.

In any words Primakov- Breznev- Gromov- Stalin- Krushev’s families with the mass names but with there’s old faces.

At Goncharnaya Str. number 1 was ” Obschaya Gazeta” – in that newspaper- with Gorbachev as the owner- worked I, Vitaliy Yaroshevskiy from my class and school as vice editor and Anna Politkovskaya. At that address was registrated the Laboratory of AID’s and cancer. Who was the owner?

In 1979 that Gromov- Smirnov’s and Breznev’s families started the war in Afghanistan, blocking me in Volsk with two little childs. In 1981 in Egypt was killed Anwar Saddat and seating down some Hosni Mubarak – translated as – Mu-u-u and moo barrack. From Afghanistan they transported the zink coffins with Afghan’s soldiers (under the names of Soviet Union soldiers) which now have mass grave’s in ex Soviet Union.

And from that time in Afghanistan happenly live’s as now in Greece new baked citizen’s from Russia, Tatarstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and etc. All that Armenian- Georgians stinkers and skunks, dependents and beggars to my own banks accounts and profits from my own inheritance with there’s Mkrtchian, Noskova, Gromov, Gorbachev, Lopatinskiy, Krushev’s family’s with variants with the names -as invalid’s in the carriage’s jumping following me and pressing me debting billions and thousands of billions.

Now in Greece they cleaning the territory and killed the biggest part of the citizen’s of Greece with the help of that Hosni Mubarack and his gas from Egypt named Zarin-Sarin.

That Hosni Mubarak look like little Konstantin Likhosherst- Korotchenko- which native father was Andrey Korotchenko and mother Elena Likhosherst. Native daughter of Zinaida Likhosherst with the face of Barbara Bush in USA. And sister of Maria Likhosherst – now with new name Sheikha Moza in Qatar. As that Maria Likhosherst, as Lubov Mazurina- Eberzenok -studied with me at the University in Sverdlovsk. The great third gas countries as they named themselfes- Russia, Qatar and Iran.

In Russia rule’s happy husband of Tatiana Elcina – Vladimir Putin and strange mummer under the name Dmitriy Medvedev- double from the bear and honey know Jew.

In Qatar some Sheikha Moza- which some years ago was Maria Likhosherst from Kiev and has education with me at the Ural University in Sverdlovsk.

Her happy husband look like overeating Ivan Kostromskoy from my school and class, which lived in Sverdlovsk at the Str. Tatisheva-translated as – looking the Father Jew and she. In Iran “The first militant anti-Shah demonstrations were in October 1977″ – 8 month later when I borned my own first son . In september 1980 Iraq and Iran were during the war. In that time started the war in Afghanistan – during 9 month.

From 02.10.1981 some Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hoseyni Khāmene’i became new president of Iran. Iran have a border with Afghanistan.

Leader was Sayyid Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini. He started the revolution to appropriated the financies of my own grandfather. Later some Mahmoud Ahmadinejad started the privatization in Iran. As in Russia Anatoliy Chubais and in Israel Tzipi Livni.

What financies put in Iran my own grandfather and who decided to appropriate that financies as in Vietnam and Afghanistan?

In the beginning of 2000 the great relations between Belarus and Iran took place. From that time some Michail Fridman with connections with Stroganov- Andropov- Primakov families ( and with Ludmila Kozlova – Sherbenok from my school and class with the face of Sara Palin in Alaska) draged by tankers the oil ( and gas) from Iran.

What gas took Belarus and Russians freaks, robbers of my own inheritance , in Iran? Gas from Hosni Mubarak they took in balloon. Later when they poisoned me in Poland under the rulling of Angela Merkel with the face of Oksana Ginko, some times later to Poland jummped Hosni Mubarak 11.03.2008. And 14.03.2008 they proposed us to leave the Poland. They decided that financies, business and property they can to divide without me at all. And now the question- what gas they transported to Poland and what faces now live in Poland instead Polish?

Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei , rule in the country of my own trusteeship and inheritance,

04.06.1989 as Supreme Leader. Before that- he was a president of Iran. Iran is Opec country and somebody from that country must be the trustee in my own inheritance oil and gas business monopoly. I wrote to that leader so many times that the time for answer was ended in last century.

As for his boy Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. That Ahmadinejad was in Italy near Silvio Berlusconi with Hosni Mubarak – from that country I wrote for them so many times- and Bashar Al Assad was in UAE, when was air crash in UAE and was killed young man – he was registrated as the brother of Armenian freak Khalifa, but in real life was not his brother at all. May be he was an inheritor of the higher trustee percents?

At the site of that leader some times ago was Kirghizian language- now Russian, Ispanian, Azerbaijan etc. With whom from Russia or Belarus, Spain and Azerbaijan has connections supreme leader of the country of my own inheritance business trusteeship? And why that trustee till now does not returned for me any percents from the profits from my own inheritance? His friend Hosni Mubarak originally from Kirghizia. New made son of that friend Gamal Mubarak- proletariat, looking the oil and gas places – originally from Azerbaijan. What they are doing in Egypt?

Not so far before our unblocking in Lithuania and the Litvinenko killing,which organized Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya with the campany, 06.11.2001 that leader has a meeting with Aleksandr Lukashenko – private boy of the Lopatinskiy’s -Kruschev’s- Breznev’s and Dzerzinskiy’s- Deranidze’s family. They have a meeting without translater. In what language they were speaking?

In 25.08.2001 in Scandinavia was a marriage of one new made prince with bar worker and prostitute. Two weeks later 11.09.2001 was ruined twin- towers my own inheritance of my own grandfather. And tree weeks later they crushed my only one health leg to hide my own hobble from the childhood.

For whom they float that ruddy prostitute Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya with Dalia Gribauskaite- Grybauskaite face that decided to kill me and my own son one year later? When we returned from the death day in day 23. 10.2002 in Moscow started Nord- Ost. What is it?

For whom was selled that ruddy floors cloth, that after such trading Sergey Lopatinskiy, Aleksandr Primakov-Gliklad, Pavel Lobov, Aleksandr Turkin and Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya decided to kill me and my own son?

As in 2008 in Italy now in Greece they make an elections and dancing and singing and playing at the cemetery ,where they have a mass killing of the Greeks.

When they buryed Badri Patarkatsishvili in Tbilisi they were so happy that applaud at the cemetery. When Lithuanian freaks as Zuokas and K has information that died the owner of the Mac Donald’s system they dancing and applaud from happiness- they appropriated his business.

That’s slop pail gipsy’s rip out and pull out every cents from our mouth, they found lifelong overliving pension for there’s invalid’s robbers and rats mind’s.

Not growing up cattle’s and pigs they where that take meat. More in Greece meat shops and eating shops there are biggest composition of sausages from meat’s, meat’s and marble meat- who knows where are they take that meat’s?

The trader’s of human’s meat- alive and died human’s meat.

In there’s shops in Athens there are biggest composition from the dresses from the died peoples – that dresses they give out for new.

They open mass shops for the renovation the appartments and houses after killing the owners in that appartment’s and appropriation them’s.

They go to the Greece and take as a presents the keys from the houses of the killing peoples and there’s cars. And have a financing from my own inheritance stolen from me. And write off that stolen financing till now as a debts and my own needs, when nobody give them that financies no as a present, no as a debts.

And that freaks make an elections here in Greece .

The key’s from the houses of victims they store in the shop ” Dora”, where happenly work Aleksey Smirnov, which 21.08.2009 clobbered me and till now alive. In that shop they store the dresses of the killing victims. More the Armenian wife of that Aleksey Smirnov have a hair after special grilling renovation, as white barby - she play the role of great Hapoleon here – such barby’s so likes Boris Dekanidze or Aleksandr Turkin.

Such hair after special grilling renovation have the Azerbaijanian woman- the Hani’s friend ( he told that he was from Egypt).

Who grilling me all that times my own hair till roots, my own black eyelashes, who damaged my own legs and makes for me atrophy of the muscle’s the legs, back, hands, face? Who making to dust all my new things including new computer for which I must pay a credit! New travel TV. New travel bed with electronic pompa. All my own new flashlight’s. The electronic ” Phillip” shaver of my own son. The bed linen. Grilling and making to dust my own new dresses, bag ” Disiel”, new suitcase and grilled even pants.

All that freaks from Alfa Group system and connections with Primakov, Lobov, Bush- Likhosherst now Sheikha Moza in Qatar, Gorbachev’s families.

They till now grub in my own bags, stoling the old papers, post cards, foto’s and till now look’s how to stick to not there’s financies. They till now beat me to the head, crying, squeling and beating to the head by there’s freaks as Aleksey pedophile Smirnov. With native relations with Boris Gromov – great Napoleon in Afghanistan.

That gas Zarin- Sarin they used in Japan in Tokyo metro in 1995. With the help of the great terrorist Oleg Lobov ( his native son Pavel Surkov- Lobov was the happy husband of Larisa Ginko- Surkova now with new name and doubles Hillary Clinton in USA).

That Oleg with native relations with Michail and Nikolay Lopatinskiy’s. That Nikolay was my adopting father. All of them with native relations with Leonid Iliich Breznev- translated as- illness lier need bank of Jews. They were his native sons. Now in Greece as in Japan they started the process of changing the names and masks. As they started that process some years ago when I was appropriated by them’s. Nikita Chrushev- Kruschev became a Soviet lieder and his daughter-with relations with Josif Stalin my adopting mother. Sergey Lopatinskiy was the son of Sergey Chrushev. Which now registrated as great citizent of USA.

Now that Sergey Chruchev- Kruschev write that decided to live in USA from 1990, but really more earlier- he go out from the Soviet Union at the beginning of 1970. In 1975 to his help was sent new made David Rockefeller- real David Rockefeller was killed in Tbilisi in 1975 in the home of Evgeniy Primakov and Laura Charadze- now Laura Bush in USA.

His helper Aleksandr Primakov under the name Aleksandr Gliklad ( legalisated his death in 1986 and from that time lived under the name Aleksandr Gliklad -translated as see or look hidden treasure), which robbed me with the help of there’s bank Snoras – now deficated and make to dust all my new things in his renting for me apartment and make a face that it is not he. My own financies and profits stolen from me they transfered to Cyprus. And happenly deficated.

There’s prostitute Silvia in real live – daughter of the sister of some Ija Smirnova- that sister was from Mazdok. All that nice and big robber’r family stole the testament of my own grandfather and own grandmother.

Japaneese mummer Akihito with the wife visited Hawaii 14.07.2009. They were in Mauna Beach Hotel in Hawaii.

“When Laurence Rockefeller designed the hotel in 1965, he put no televisions in the rooms. The Mauna Kea” – Mauna Beach Hotel in Hawaii. And was in Kahala Hotel & Resort. Who decide to ask them to visit Hawaii in any words who asked his mummers to took a meeting with thepuppeteer? New made David Rockefeller and Kruschev, Primakov – Bush family.

Schlitz Castle- place of meeting of Laura Bush and Laureen Harper 07.06.2007.- they meets in my own inheritance after my own grandmother. There was some summit of some G-8.

Akie Abe wife of Japaneese prime minister- connections with Laura Bush and Laureen Harper from Canada , Joachim Sauer – husband of some cow Angela Merkel ( she visited Poland and Kachinskiy with private visit 16.03.2007 and I was savagenly poisoned in Poland- that Merkel has the face of Oksana Ginko) , and of that Abe- connections with Qatar and Ludmila Putina.

In any words with Laura Charadze – Primakova – now Laura Bush, Maria Likhosherst- now Sheikha Moza and her native mother Zinaida Likhosherst- now Barbara Bush. More- with Tatiana Elcina from the Elcin- Gromov’s family.

Marek Bienkowskiy- head of security of the Orlen company- that Pavel Lobov which was born as Pavel Lopatinskiy appropriated my own inheritance in Poland.

There’s appropriation they started from Belarus. And after my coronation ( crowing) and canonization in Warszawa they took an agreement with Hosni Mubarak 11.03.2008 to delivering the gas to Poland- and from that time in Poland disappeared Polish’s. Orlen company with connections with New – York bank and new made Rothschild’s family. 20.03.1995 they started attact’s by Zarin (Sarin) in the Tokyo subway.

Mitsubishi company was in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan – now in UK.

“Mitsubishi Bank (now a part of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) was founded in 1919. After its mergers with the Bank of Tokyo in 1996, and UFJ Holdings in 2004, this became Japan’s largest bank.”

Mitsubisi Motors- 33-8, Shiba 5-chome, Minato, Tokyo 108-8410 Japan

“Throughout its history it has courted alliances with foreign partners, a strategy pioneered by their first president Tomio Kubo to encourage expansion, and continued by his successors. A significant stake was sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1971 which it held for 22 years, whileDaimlerChrysler was a controlling shareholder between 2000 and 2005. Long term joint manufacturing and technology licencing deals with the Hyundai Motor Company in South Koreaand Proton in Malaysia were also forged, while in Europe the company co-owned the largest automobile manufacturing plant in the Netherlands with Volvo for ten years in the 1990s, before taking sole ownership in 2001″.

It means that now my own inheritance of my own grandfather in the hands of Lopatinskiy, Lobov, Likhosherst, Bush, Primakov’s family with connections with Volvo and Nordea. With great gipsy’s swindler Armenian freak Kerk Kerkorian- translated as – Kerk reproach An and expel – go out once again. And they need’s Gaagha’s tribunal.

“Mitsubishi have been allied with PSA Peugeot Citroën since 1999″ And with appropriation my own inheritance after my own grandfather in France by Lopatinskiy, Andropov, Stroganov, Primakov, Bush families.

telephone:+44 (0) 1895 276600facsimile:+44 (0) 1895 276699postal:

Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.

Harman House, 1 George Street,

Uxbridge, Middlesex,

UB8 1QQ, England

telephone:+44 (0) 208 686 9551facsimile:+44 (0) 208 688 2035postal:Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.

15th Floor, Leon House, 233 High Street,

Croydon, Surrey,

CR0 9XT, England

In Switzerland there are Schlöss Tarasp- Castle

That Castle appropriated some Michail – Stanislav Kovalenko- Lopatinskiy with the face of Hans Chloss or Stanislav Mikulskiy- now that Castle in the hands of Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya- wife of native son from my adopting family Sergey Lopatinskiy and Valeriy Tarasov from my school and class. As Taro Aso in Japan.

The native uncle of that Valeriy Tarasov was the double of Rupert Murdoch and native brother of that slop pail Valeriy Tarasov’s mother. Rupert Murdoch was killed in Lithuania in the end of 1989 -the beginning of 1990-th under the name Vytautas Landsbergis- Zemkialnis father and registrated in the death in 1993 .

Foto- inside Tarasp Schloss -Castle in Switzerland after design from Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya

After that they appropriated my own inheritance in Australia with the help of Josif Kobson and Yuriy Rappoport.Aleksandr Gliklad - Aleksandr Primakov was the partner of Josif Kobson. New designer Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya happenly undefecated that Castle – as from Belarus village.And now I live in the half-cellar appartment in which all painting by brown floor paint as from ex Soviet Union collective farmer with such ceramics at the wall in kitchen.

Who with prostitute Silvia from Smirnov- Gromov’s family killed there old peoples, appropriated there’s appartment and now renting for me? If Aleksandr Gliklad with Natalia Bondarenko-Lopatinskaya tooks my own profits from Middle East oil and gas projects in the bank Snoras. Who decided that I must take that profits in that bank in Lithuania and that profits took Bondarenko- Lopatinskaya ?

All that years all that campany with there’s doubles lived at my own inheritance and financies from Middle East oil and gas projects of my own grandfather.

They arrounded me and my own son’s by there’s morons rabble. They arrounded me now in Greece by there’s morons rabble.

The name of that gas Zarin from the word, using in the Ural- zarit’cia- means- to envy.

Noosa Status Update - 27.09.2009 - Noosa Classic Car Show

2009-09-29T09:33:00.000+02:00

First off, we know we’ve been a bit slack this last week or so with the posting. Both of us have been pretty busy with our lives outside the realm of P4 (hard to believe).

Anyway, this past Sunday we rolled into the Noosa Classic Car Show and were thoroughly impressed. Somebody proclaimed it to be “Australia’s answer to Pebble Beach”. Whilst this is an unfair comparison for both parties involved, there were some great automotive masterpieces on display (and some not-so-great). Unfortunately the dust whipped up by strong winds meant that most of these classics were covered in a thin film of dust.

We realise that simple shots of cars can be pretty damn boring so we tried to give you a taste of the event from a more interesting perspective. Hit the jump to see what we came up with.

- P4

After traipsing around on what looked like green carpet for hours in the midday sun, we were in desperate need of refreshment. Massimo’s sorbet and a mango ice tea were just what the doctor ordered.

Lychee and raspberry…. soo good.

OM NOM NOM NOM

That’s all folks.

Comparing the uncomparable

2009-09-27T09:11:00.000+02:00

I used to love finding videos that compared F1 cars to touring cars, to rally cars, to road cars, to motorcycles… actually, any comparison video would do. Could have been a kid on a bicycle for all I cared! Luckily, I have saved these videos over time in my Youtube list and would like to share them with you all… here today… yes, another act of Brake Banzeen generosity!

PS: the videos are quite old so don’t hate!

First up, a McLaren F1 car vs Mercedes CLK DTM car vs Merc AMG SL 55 vs Merc C200 Coupe

Next, one of my favorites, a Williams BMW F1 car vs a BMW M5; (yes, I am biased cause I love Bimmers)

Honda F1 vs Honda Racing Fireblade vs Honda Powerboat

Ferrari F1 car vs Ferrari 550 Maranello vs Fiat road car

BMW Lovos concept

2009-09-26T16:49:00.000+02:00

Pforzheim University graduate Anne Forschner had a good time coming up with her BMW Lovos concept, which can alternatively look either like a frightened porcupine or svelte salmon, depending on its needs at the time.

The exterior of the Lovos – which somewhat ironically stands for Lifestyle of Voluntary Simplicity – is theoretically constructed from just one fully exchangeable part that recurs 260 times. Each exterior piece is covered in solar photovoltaic cells and can hinge on a substructure underneath to follow the sun or act as individual airbrakes. We can only assume the concept would be powered by electricity, as it makes our hairs stand up on end.

Sista skälvande dagarna på vilan

2009-09-26T09:34:00.000+02:00

En skön lördagförmiddag. En kopp nymalet colombianskt kaffe, cykel på tv och dessutom, med lite god vilja, sol på himlen. Veckan har varit lugn sedan jag kom åter till Sundsvall. Det första som slog mig när jag kom hem var att det har blivit kallt i Sundsvallsregionen. När jag cyklade hem från en föreläsning vid halv tio-tiden i tidigare i veckan plockade jag fram vantarna. Ute hos mina föräldrar på landet ryktades det om frost och det dröjer nog inte länge innan jag får skrapa bilen.

Apropå bil var jag upp till min bilsponsor Molin Bil igår och snackade lite med dem och tittade på bilar. BMW X6 är en av de mest brutala bilar jag sett. Nu finns den dessutom som hybridfordon. Intresserade kan läsa mer här.

På måndag är det slut på sötebrödsdagarna. Då börjar träningen igen, något som faktiskt är ganska efterlängtat. Vila i all ära men nu börjar det krypa i kroppen efter att lyfta tungt och springa fort. Nu den första träningsperioden är det dock allt annat än glamouröst. Min lätt sadistiske coach Håkan Andersson har ett roligt pass vi brukar köra som heter Aerobic-123. I all enkelhet går det ut på att man springer 800 m på tre minuter, vilar två minuter, 600 m på två minuter, vila en minut och sist en 300-ing på en minut, för att sedan vila fem minuter och göra om allting igen. Låter kanske inte särskilt svårt men jag kan lova att det framkallar trötthetskänsla. Andra 600-loppet brukar alltid vara värst. Vid ett tillfälle förra året hade jag hunnit dryga 400 m på den 600-ingen när illamåendet började infinna sig. Att då se att det är 200 m kvar när benen är stumma och lunchen sakta börjar krypa uppåt från magen är både fantastiskt och fruktansvärt. Dock hann jag inte mer än 100 m till innan lunchen hamnade på Baldershovs gräsmatta. Man måste älska utmaningen!

Om någon timme sticker jag och träningskamrat Erik Karlsson ut till coach Anderssons stuga för att rita upp höstens och vinterns träning. Det blir spännande att se vad som skall hända. EM i Barcelona är naturligtvis nästa års stora begivenhet och det motiverar att köra extra hårt nu i vinter!

I går var jag för övrigt på basket och såg när regerande svenska mästarna Sundsvall Dragons drar ut på en ny säsong. Jag fick äran att överlämna matchbollen till dem så här i säsongspremiären. “Från en mästare till en annan” som Dragons klubbdirektör sade. Det blir spännande att se vad Dragons kan hitta på i vinter. Gårdagens match började dåligt då gästande Gothia ledde med nästan tio poäng i början. Dock redde Dragons upp det och kunde till slut vinna tämligen komfortabelt. Många spelare från förra årets guldlag har försvunnit och de nya är rätt unga. Ett lag för framtiden, månne!

Regal Teams up with Akrapovic for BMW & Porsche

2009-09-25T16:29:00.000+02:00

Regal Autosport are proud to supply Akrapovic Exhaust systems for all BMW & Porsche.

“The only way to win is to be the fastest, to be unstoppable, and to be unbeatable in every way. This is the motto of the Akrapovic Company since the very beginning.”

Click here to find out 10 reasons why you should strive to have an Akrapovic Exhaust for your Sports BMW or Porsche….

call 02380558636 or email sales@regal-auto.co.uk for pricing and availability.

BMW Has Plans for Hybrid Supercar

2009-09-24T23:39:00.000+02:00

BMW, not one to give into competition, is going after Audi and thier R8 with thier own supercar – with a hybrid twist. Powering this german version of KITT will be a pair of electric motors coupled with a 3-cylinder turbocharged 1.5L engine that will allow the driver to reach 60mph in less than 5 seconds.

The engine isn’t the only part of this car that makes it green. The advanced design also produces a drag coefficient of .22 which means that this Bimmer slices through the air like Chuck Norris. The bad news? This concept will make it to production with a very non-texas ranger price tag of $100,000.

Formula 1: Mercato piloti 2010

2009-09-22T07:53:00.000+02:00

Il mercato piloti di Formula 1 è in subbuglio; ogni schema predefinito pare saltare in continuazione, non permettendo così una visione limpida di ciò che potremmo vedere nel campionato 2010.

Il punto fermo, anche se non ancora ufficiale, pare essere l’ingaggio di Fernando Alonso da parte della Ferrari, mentre tutto il resto ruoterebbe intorno alle condizioni di recupero di Felipe Massa e all’eventuale terza monoposto in pista nel prossimo campionato.

Ma andiamo per gradi descrivendo scuderia per scuderia i possibili scenari.

Ferrari - E’ la Scuderia per eccellenza, la monoposto più blasonata, che anche dopo un anno in chiaro/scuro come il 2009 non ha di certo perso il suo appeal.

Fernando Alonso è dato per certo a Maranello dal 2010 (contratto di 3-4 anni), mentre Felipe Massa gode di un contratto in essere fino alla fine della prossima stagione.

Anche Kimi Raikkonen ha un contratto con Ferrari per il 2010, ma il Brasiliano a differenza di Iceman gode di molta più fiducia a Maranello.

Gli ultimi grandi risultati di Kimi stanno però imbarazzando la dirigenza, in quanto, per la sua sostituzione, la scusa dello scarso rendimento ora non regge più; se Iceman continuerà su questi livelli (i suoi livelli) non sarà da escludere nemmeno uno slittamento al 2011 dell’arrivo di Alonso.

Se la terza monoposto potrà essere schierata (forse senza prendere punti mondiali) allora il tridente sarà Alonso-Massa-Raikkonen, a meno che Montezemolo e Domenicali non vogliano mettere in macchina un certo Michael Schumacher, legato ancora a doppio filo con la rossa oppure il neo-acquisto Giancarlo Fisichella.

Comunque sia se Kimi verrà licenziato, Maranello dovrà pagare al Finlandese una sostanziosa penale visto l’ingaggio principesco (circa 26-28 milioni di dollari l’anno), soldi che potranno arrivare dal nuovo sponsor Banco Santander (sponsor di Alonso, il che fa presumere molte cose) il quale ha firmato con la Ferrari durante il GP di Monza.

Tutto verrà rimesso in discussione solo se Felipe Massa, durante il periodo di riabilitazione, riscontrerà grossi problemi mettendo così in dubbio il suo effettivo rientro in Formula 1 come pilota (ipotesi remota questa). In questo caso la coppia titolare sarà Alonso-Raikkonen o Alonso-Fisichella.

Percentuali:

- Alonso-Massa – 80%

- Alonso-Raikkonen – 1%

- Alonso-Fisichella – 2%

- Raikkonen-Massa – 8%

- Alonso-Massa-Raikkonen – 3%

- Alonso-Massa-Schumacher – 3%

- Alonso-Massa-Fisichella – 3%

McLaren - Lewis Hamilton è un punto fermo; la monoposto pare abbia ritrovato competitività e questo la sta portando ad essere appetibile anche a piloti di prima fascia.

Kovalainen, attuale secondo pilota, ha deluso abbastanza; tutti se lo aspettavano più costante nelle prestazioni e capace di sottrarre punti alla concorrenza, sia quest’anno ma soprattutto l’anno scorso.

Le ultime sue prestazioni stanno facendo salire le sue quotazioni ma forse non sarà sufficiente.

Nico Rosberg è il candidato principale a sostituirlo; non teme la concorrenza interna di Hamilton ed ha un voglia matta di dimostrare il suo valore con un top team. In Williams bastona regolarmente il compagno Nakajima e la classifica dice Rosberg 30,5 punti Nakajima Zero.

Infine possibile un ritorno di fiamma con Kimi Raikkonen; Iceman, candidato a lasciare Maranello, è sempre molto stimato a Woking e una coppia con Hamilton sarebbe sicuramente qualcosa di strepitoso.

Percentuali:

- Hamilton-Rosberg – 50%

- Hamilton-Raikkonen – 30%

- Hamilton-Kovalainen – 20%

Renault - La scuderia di Enstone non naviga in buonissime acque; dopo la multa commiata dalla FIA per comportamento irregolare a Budapest, ora deve far fronte al “RenaultGate” per il presunto incidente pilotato di Piquet a Singapore lo scorso anno che fece conquistare la vittoria a Fernando Alonso e la conseguente radiazione di Briatore.

La monoposto inoltre non sembra all’altezza di quelle che fecero vincere per due volte il mondiale allo spagnolo e quindi sarà molto difficile ingaggiare dei top driver.

Romain Grosjean debuttante quest’anno sarà confermato, se non altro per verificare il suo valore, ma come primo pilota urge un nome; l’addio della Bmw fa salire le quotazioni di Robert Kubica, poco pretenzioso nell’ingaggio, mentre Kimi Raikkonen rientra si nella schiera dei papabili, ma il suo ingaggio stratosferico è un bel problema da risolvere.

Infine se non andassero in porto queste due trattative, potrebbe rientrare in squadra Heikki Kovalainen, pilota Renault già nel 2007.

Percentuali:

- Kubica-Grosjean – 80%

- Raikkonen-Grosjean – 15%

- Kovalainen-Grosjean – 5%

Brawn GP – Il team leader del mondiale sta raccogliendo i frutti delle sue prestazioni; la Mercedes ha fatto capire di essere interessata a diventare partner ufficiale della Brawn GP, relegando così la McLaren a team clienti.

Ross Brawn gongola, potendo giocare questa carta con sponsor e piloti.

Jenson Button (ingaggio superiore ai 10 milioni di dollari) sarà riconfermato vista l’ottima stagione (a parte le ultime gare, tolta Monza), mentre per il secondo pilota l’ex DT Ferrari sta confondendo le acque.

Barrichello potrebbe essere appiedato (a meno che non vinca il mondiale) per favorire l’ingresso di Kimi Raikkonen, ma voci ben informate parlano di problemi di natura economica tra le parti; la trattativa pare quindi essersi arenata.

In alternativa Brawn potrebbe tenersi Barrichello (che sta trattando con Williams), ma l’inconsistenza mostrata da Button negli ultimi GP potrebbe far scattare l’allarme e spingerlo ad ingaggiare un pilota capace di vincere i mondiali. Altri nomi? Rosberg Trulli o Kubica, con Nico in pole position visto il passaporto tedesco, cosa che in Mercedes apprezzano molto.

Percentuali:

- Button-Barrichello – 40%

- Button-Rosberg – 40%

- Button-Raikkonen – 10%

- Button-Trulli – 5%

- Button-Kubica – 5%

Williams - Scuderia in ripresa (grazie soprattutto a Rosberg) e quindi buon lido per l’approdo di piloti competitivi; Rosberg probabilmente andrà in McLaren mentre Nakajima verrà licenziato per carenza di risultati; Sir Frank farà annullare il contratto di fornitura motori con Toyota (si parla di un accordo con Renault) e il conseguente vincolo di “allevare” Nakajima, pilota cresciuto nel programma-Toyota.

Come secondo pilota verrà ingaggiato Nico Hulkenberg, fenomeno e neo-campione della GP2, mentre come pilota d’esperienza sono in trattativa Rubens Barrichello e Giancarlo Fisichella (che ha firmato come pilota di riserva Ferrari per il 2010).

Robert Kubica, sballottato un pò dappertutto, sta vagliando pure questa ipotesi in attesa di accasarsi in Ferrari nel 2011 come compagno di Alonso. Non dimenticherei infine Jarno Trulli, alle prese con una Toyota in smantellamento; il problema rimane però il suo ingaggio che si aggira intorno ai 14 milioni di dollari; forse troppo per Williams.

Percentuali:

- Barrichello-Hulkenberg – 30%

- Fisichella-Hulkenberg – 30%

- Heidfield-Hulkenberg – 25%

- Trulli-Hulkenberg – 15%

Toyota - In Giappone hanno appena comunicato che la scuderia continuerà in Formula 1 anche nel 2010 ma con un budget ridotto del 40%; questo significherà sicuramente che Toyota dovrà dare un taglio netto alle sue ambizioni.

A dire il vero sono anni che dispone di un budget tra i più alti dell’intero circus ma i risultati non sono mai arrivati; per questo si è deciso di dare ancora una chance, ma ridotta.

Jarno Trulli percepisce uno stipendio molto alto e la questione è centrale; o ridimensiona le sue richieste o può cercarsi un’altra monoposto.

Il talento di Jarno non si discute, ma il nodo è la mancanza di una monoposto competitiva che può garantirgli anche un ingaggio pari a quello odierno.

Timo Glock non ha di questi problemi e verrà riconfermato; nel caso Trulli lasciasse libero il suo posto potrebbe arrivare Kubica, oppure Barrichello o un giovane dalla GP2, ad un costo quindi nettamente inferiore.

Percentuali:

- Trulli-Glock – 60%

- Barrichello-Glock – 20%

- Glock-Rookie – 20%

Rimane in dubbio se presentarsi al via del campionato 2010 la Force India, ma le ottime prestazioni degli ultimi GP potranno far cambiare idea al patron VJ Mallija; in questo caso i piloti saranno Sutil e Liuzzi (fenomeno a Monza), anche se Bernie Ecclestone, per motivi politico-pubblicitari, spinge per far debuttare l’Indiano Chandlock, proveniente dalla GP2.

Ha già annunciato il suo ritiro invece la Bmw. che sarà rimpiazzata dalla Lotus; Peter Sauber, ex patron della BMW Sauber, sta cercando finanziatori per tenere in vita il team bavarese, mentre altri nuovi team (Manor, Campos, USF1) stanno iniziando a sondare il terreno per presentarsi al via del prossimo campionato in piena attività.

In caso contrario saranno costretti a rinunciare dando così il là alla realizzazione della terza monoposto da parte dei top team; ipotesi che considero abbastanza remota, almeno per il 2010.

Red Bull con Vettel e Webber e Toro Rosso con Buemi e Alguersuari sono invece le uniche con la lineup confermata per il mondiale 2010.

Immobilienabteilung der RWE-Zentrale in Essen beauftragte die Rhein-Sieg-Grund GmbH mit der Vermarktung Ihrer Liegenschaft in Bad Neuenahr

2009-09-21T17:03:00.000+02:00

Die Immobilienabteilung der RWE-Zentrale Essen beauftragte die Rhein-Sieg-Grund GmbH mit der Vermarktung Ihrer 16.000 m² großen Liegenschaft in Bad Neuenahr. Das ehemalige Werksgelände mit großem Bürokomplex, Hallen, Garagen und einem Wohnhaus liegt direkt an der zentralen Ortseinfahrt (Kreisel) von Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. Nach nur 6 Monaten vermittelte die RSG GmbH die Liegenschaft an einen ortsansässigen BMW Händler der dort seinen neue Niederlassung plant.

Comericais inesquecíveis-BMW M5 X Madonna

2009-09-20T17:38:00.000+02:00

Em 2001, a BMW inovou no mode de fazer propaganda de seus carros. Chamou os diretores de cinema da época e fez uma série de filmes. A campanha foi, talvez, a primeira feita inteiramente para a internet. Os vídeos estavm disponíveis somente em um site da marca.

O sucesso foi tanto que correu o mundo e ganhou diversos prêmios. O filme de hoje foi feito por Guy Ritchie (Snatch – Porcos e Diamantes) que na ocasião era casado com a pop star Madonna. E é justamente ela a personagem principal do filme. O modelo usado foi o esportivo BMW M5 .

A história é a seguinte. A catora faz papel dela mesma. No filme ela é estouranda e arrogante. Vive xingando os seus empregados e os tratando mal. É esnobe e para não ter contato com os fãns dispensa seus guarda- costas e sai para um evento com a mídia em um BMW M5 com motorista (interpretado por Clive Owen).

Durante o trajeto ela começa a reclamar da lentidão do motorista, que resolve tomar uma atitude. O resultado é simplesmente fantástico. Não faltaram cavalos de pau e manobras ousadas para mostrar as qualidades do M5

BMW 1 series

2009-09-20T09:06:00.000+02:00

If you are considering buying one of these…

…and can afford it, might I suggest that you go for either the Comfort or the Dynamic options package?

It appears that some people have opted for the Logsucker package which has a CUNT behind the wheel.

At least that’s what I was forced to conclude when I was overtaken by one on the inside at a roundabout yesterday.

Lambo Doors on a BMW?

2009-09-17T16:46:00.000+02:00

Fail.

May the fail be with you.

Seriously? That just looks stupid. I’ve seen lambo doors put on a lot of cars, but I do not approve of this. Don’t you think if the car designers of BMWs thought their car s would look good with vertical doors, that they would add them? This makes me a mad, I personally am a fan of BMWs. I think this ruins the integrity of the car. I should send Big Rhonda after you, BMW Lamborghini door owner.

Big Rhonda

She (at least I think, who knows?) will rip your doors right off. If you’re going to get aftermarket vertical door kits, than make sure you have a car that they will not look terrible on.

Perusahaan Swiss Akuisisi BMW-Sauber

2009-09-16T00:54:00.000+02:00

By Republika Newsroom

Selasa, 15 September 2009 pukul 20:39:00

BERLIN–Tim Formula Satu, BMW Sauber, telah diambil alih oleh perusahaan Swiss, Qadback Investment Ltd. dengan harga sekitar 80 juta euro (116,8 juta dolar AS). Persetujuan tersebut ditandatangani hari Selasa (15/9) dan markas tim pun akan diboyong di Hiwil, Swiss, dengan mesin-mesin disediakan oleh Ferrari.

Tidak ada berita apakah para pembalap BMW Sauder sekarang ini, yakni Nick Heidfeld dari Jerman atau Robert Kubica dari Polandia akan terus menjadi pembalap tim baru tersebut. Perusahaan Jerman tersebut mengungkapkan awal tahun ini bahwa pihaknya akan mundur dari Formula Satu pada akhir musim ini dan telah berunding dengan pihak-pihak yang berkepentingan.

Berita hari Selasa itu bertepatan dengan pengumuman tim saingan di Formula Satu, bahwa Lotus telah mengalahkan BMW Sauber dalam upaya untuk dinyatakan sebagai tim ke-13 yang akan berkompetisi di Kejuaraan Dunia tahun depan.

FIA mengatakan pihaknya telah menerima permohonan yang mengesankan dari Tim BMW Sauber, tetapi karena masa depan kepemilikan mendatang yang tidak menentu sehingga BMW mengumumkan akan menarik dukungannya di tahun 2010, maka Lotus diberi tempat ke-13. Tetapi, BMW Sauber akan diberi posisi ke-14 bila ada kekosongan tempat di musim mendatang.

Berita tentang ditemukannya sponsor baru akan memperkokoh posisi tim baru, semenara FIA menambahkan bahwa “suatu kasus yang baik dapat menjadikan penambahan tim menjadi 14 tim”.

BMW Nuance Ses Kontrol Sistemi

2009-09-15T17:37:00.000+02:00

Bmw’ nin gelişmiş yol bilgisayarı ve destek sistemi iDrive‘ ı biliyoruz. Navigasyon becerilerinin yanında, kullanıcıya tek tuşla bir çok özelliğe erişme ve bilgi edinme gibi kolaylıklar sağlıyor. BMW ve Nuance Communications işbirliği ile 2010 model BMWler biraz daha fazla özellikle kullanıcıyla buluşacak.

Nuance’ in geliştirdiği yeni ses kontrol sistemi, kullanıcıyla araç arasında normal konuşmaya daha yakın kontrol sağlamayı hedefliyor. Bu sistem BMW’ nin iDrive sistemi ile entegre olarak gelecek ve tek tuşla istikamet girişi gibi özellikleri basit ses komutları haline getirecek. Müzik kontrolü ve navigasyon gibi özelliklerin yanında sistemi asıl güzel kılan özelliği, farklı dilleri algılayabilme gücü. Bu özellik hem İngilizceyi hem Fransızcayı algılayabilmesi değil. Sistem, Fransız bir sürücünün aradığı Almanca bir şarkının adını ya da İngilizce albüm başlığını bile tanıyabiliyor.

Kaynak: [Engadget]

F1 2010: Lotus Return To The Sport

2009-09-15T09:18:00.000+02:00

Exciting news has broken this morning as it seems Lotus are set to return to Formula One after a 15 year absence.

The FIA confirmed this morning that the team (which now has Malaysian backing) will take up the 13th slot on the grid in the 2010 season. Mike Gascoyne (remember him) will also be joining the team as their technical chief.

It will be the first time the British team have competed since the 1994 season.

But what does all this mean for BMW Sauber, the previous owners of this grid slot. In a statement, the FIA also mentioned that they had received ‘an impressive application from the BMW Sauber Team. However, given that BMW has announced it will withdraw its support in 2010, there are still uncertainties regarding the future ownership of the team.

“Nevertheless, the FIA considers that BMW Sauber’s application is of high quality and would constitute a competitive participant in the Championship. As such, it has awarded BMW Sauber the ‘14th place’ in the Championship meaning that it will be entitled to fill any vacancy that arises on the 2010 grid.”

So could we be seeing one of the biggest grids ever next year with a full 28 cars starting in Melbourne next year. Or of course, there could be a possible space coming up if Renault are chucked out…..

It looks like another quite different year for F1.

Source : James Allen

Blurry fantasies

2009-09-14T16:15:00.000+02:00

Transmission Originally received by Blogger on the 26/08/09′

Transmission Starts…

True, the last few days had been a blur. I couldn’t work out what was real. I’d definitely been on the drink, I definitely had to make a quick exit from a pub when I’d been critical of the BNP, I’d definitely missed a meeting at work.

“Crap” I’d muttered on the phone.

“I guess I’ll see you soon” I stammered to the Wolf. Crap.

Crap, crap, crap, crap.

On the plus side I’d found the missing radio code for the WolfSled.

On the plus side I’d managed to meet my bills this month.

Silly fantasising had led me to Autotrader.co.uk.

How about an E36 320i for £500?

How about a Ford Puma for £1500?

How about a Saab 9-5 3-litre V6 for £2000?

Further dreaming found a 1973 Alfa-Romeo GTV Voloce coupe in barn condition for £500. Imagine what a car looks like after it’s been torched. Imagine that being done to the above.

Still, a minter can be worth 20,000 Sterling’s or more. Shame I don’t have a chassis jig spare,

or a garage going.

No matter,

oil checked in the Panzer Wagon and a distant sense that I really should spend some money on her had led me back to reality.

Money, it’s all about the money…

Transmission Ends…

July 12th - First AutoCross

2009-09-14T01:01:00.000+02:00

Mary & Kyle @ Summit Point AutoCross with National Capital Chapter BMW

Our first event was going to be an AutoCross, of course neither of us really knew that autocross is NOTHING compared to a road course at speed, so we were very excited about getting the chance to try out this new beast in an environment off the street.

I was nervous about tech inspection since I didn’t know how close the techs would be looking at the car, turns out they just verified that the wheels didn’t feel like they were going to fall off, that the car was empty (so “things” wouldn’t fly around and hit you while you were tossing the car around on the autocross track), and verified that the throttle cable was unobstructed so it didn’t get stuck at WOT! that would be a bit scary (have had it happen on the street before in my RX7).

I drove the first sessions, Mary drove the second sessions.

My sessions were uneventful, I tried to drive smooth but quick, think I ended up 7th for the day in our class.

When it was time for Mary to drive, we asked if I could ride along and instructor her since she had never done anything like this before and she was nervous about finding her way through the cones. Nervous for a good reason! We line up at the start and I tell her I’m going to let her drive through the course herself the first time and that I would stay quiet. That lasted about 3 seconds when I realized that she completely drove OFF THE COURSE! hahah, oops! Here I am shouting and pointing, “The course is over there, go right through those cones over there and get back on the course!” she was a bit embarrassed and I think we scared a few corner workers but no harm was done. Her next 3 runs she got quicker and quicker and ended the day placing 8th in her class, just 1 second behind me.

after a fun and wet day at summit point auto-x we drove home a bit tired from the adrenaline and excitement.

Kyle @ the AutoCross

Mary @ the AutoCross

Terima kasih makcik Marna

2009-09-11T17:39:00.000+02:00

Jet peribadi aku, Citation X selamat mendarat menjelang waktu malam di Jonkoping Airport; di Sweden. Selesai aje encik pilot parking Citation X aku di private hangar, aku pun turun di bantu oleh pramugari, Tak berapa jauh dari private hangar, sebijik BMW silver bercermin gelap yang dipandu encik Greger sedia menanti aku.

“You wanna drive ,sir?” tanya Greger kepada aku sambil mencampakkan backpack aku ke dalam bonet BMW silver

Aku tak bawak banyak pakaian untuk trip ke sweden kali ini, sebuah backpack serta pakaian musim luruh, serta spender untuk 4 hari punya trip.

“Nevermind greger, you drive. I’m tired.” aku kata kepada greger; lagi pun aku tak familiar dengan jalan-jalan di bandar selatan sweden ni.

Selesai urusan di airport, aku dan greger menaiki BMW silver untuk menuju ke tempat penginapan aku di Hotel Savoy yang terletak berhampiran tasik Vättern. Di lobi hotel savoy makcik Marna dan pakcik pakcik Yrjan serta anak dara mereka Nia dan Alva sedia menanti. Terus aku bersalaman dengan pakcik Yrjan, makcik marna terus mendakap aku begitu juga Nia dan Alva.

“How long will you be here?” tanya pakcik Yrjan. Orang tua yang mencecah umur hampir 60-an in masih sihat, walaupun pernah menjalaini pembedahan bypass jantung 2 tahun lepas.

“4 days. I’m here to close a deal on behalf of my dad” jawap aku ringkas

“Here’s grilled salmon steak. Your favorite.” Makcik Marna terus menghulurkan tupperware berisi steak ikan salman yang di grill, kegemaran aku.

“Thanks. you’re so kind” aku terus sambar tupperware tu sambil tersenyum puas; memang ikan salmon steak itulah yang aku nanti setiap kali ke Jonkoping.

“It’s good to see you again.” Kata Alva sambil menghulur sekuntum Vitsippa.

“Tack” Aku mengambil bunga putih yang lembut itu sambil mengucapkan terima kasih dalam bahasa swedish

Aku berbual hampir sejam di ruang lobi bersama keluarga Pakcik Yrjan. Macam-macam yang di borakkan. Sambil berbual aku makan grilled salmon steak yang di masak makcik Marna, mereka sekeluarga hanya memerhatikan aku makan.

“You want to go for sightseeing tomorow?” tanya Nia, anak sulung pakcik Yrjan dan makcik Marna, akak kepada Alva dan berusia lewat 20-an makala Alva berusia 23 tahun dan menuntut di jurusan undang-undang di sebuah Unversiti di Berlin, German.

“Maybe a day after tomorrow. I’m a bit busy tomorrow. What about you’ll be my tourist guide around sunlit square?” Jawap aku sambil menguap.. kurang sopan betul perangai aku ketika itu, menguap depan orang.

“alright then, It’s a deal. Just give me a call and we’ll pick you up and we go for sight seeing around Jonkoping” Kata Nia dengan girangnya.

Menjelang pukul 10 malam, aku meminta diri untuk berehat, setelah kekenyangan melantak grilled salmon steak Makcik Marna. Sekali lagi aku bersalaman dengan pakcik Yrjan; Makcik Marna mendakap aku kemas sambil memberikan aku kucupan di pipi kanan. Nia juga begitu.

Sepertimana makcik Marna dan Nia, Alva juga mendakap aku serta memberikan kucupan di pipi kanan. Mungkin sudah budaya pompuan omputih untuk mendakap dan memberi kucupan di pipi kanan pada orang yang rapat dengan mereka. Aku mengikuti mereka sekeluarga berjalan ke luar Hotel menuju ke SUV merah buatan german mereka. Nia yang memandu. Aku melambai mereka tatkala SUV merah itu meluncur meninggalkan aku dan Gerger.

Gerger membantu aku mengangkat backpack aku ke bilik hotel. Setelah memberitahu tahu jadual kerja aku untuk esok, aku izinkan Gerger pulang berehat. Setelah Gerger melangkah pergi, aku campak kan backpack aku ke sofa, dan terus aku tuju ke bilik air untuk memerut dan mandi. Setelah mandi, aku terus ke katil untuk membuta.

Tak beberapa lama kemudian, Henpon aku bergegar dan berbunyi nyaring, aku capai dan rupanya alarm menandakan sudah pukul 12 tengah hari, masa untuk aku bersiap untuk sembahyang jumaat. Aku kesat-kesat mata… aku masih di malaysia… di depan monitor LCD.. ish ish.. rupanya aku bermimpi saje daaa..

Sunlit Square

An afternoon in Linkoping

Aku mau bagitau 1 : Cerita di atas cuma sekadar fiksyen aje. Baca boleh jangan percaya

Aku mau bagitau 2 : Gambar aku rembat guna teknoloji google sekadar penyeri entri fiksyen ini

Das ist alles

[Via http://geneticthylon.wordpress.com]