Keith’s rides, Part 1: My first ‘status symbol’ was a Jeep Commando

[This is the first of several blog entries on the cars and other vehicles I have driven so far in my life. It may or may not be of interest to anyone other than myself. Enjoy. Or not. It’s your choice. – KM]

Far too often a car is seen as a status symbol, a measure of the total man or woman driving the car.

An expensive car denotes success. Or, at least, it symbolizes money, whether it be old money or new.

A compact car, economy car or one that is broken down denotes failure, hard times, a lack of resources, when perhaps it really should symbolize a concern for the environment or thriftiness.

An expensive car denotes confidence and financial freedom.

A compact or economy car denotes insecurity and frugality.

An expensive car denotes virility.

A compact car … well, doesn’t.

Far too much weight is put on the type of car or vehicle a person drives.

I have had a couple of cars and other vehicles since the time I took driver’s education at Ashland Community High School in the late 1970s. None are particularly spectacular and most were either hand-me-downs or used vehicles.

But they are the rides I have had over the years.

Here’s a multi-part drive down the memory lane that are the rides of my past.

Jeep Commando

The first vehicle I was able to claim as mine was a Jeep Commando. So, I suppose the Jeep Commando – descendant of the vehicle that helped the Allies win World War II and took generations of woodsmen into the backcountry – is my first status symbol. I’m not sure what that says about me, but there it is.

OK, I really couldn’t “claim” the Commando since it belonged to my parents. It was used for plowing the driveway in the winter and woodland excursions in the spring, summer and fall.

Living in the Deep Dark Woods of Northern Maine means long, dark, cold, snowy winters. The driveway to my family’s home was a fairly long piece of gravel and shale, especially if you were using a shovel or snow scope to clear it after a significant snowfall.

Add to that, fairly steep front and back stairs from the house to the driveway, and you have some pretty significant snow removal going on.

You can imagine how pleased I was when my father brought home the Commando, complete with a small plow on front. I don’t recall where he purchased it or even if my mother had a say in it. All I know is that seeing that rig meant a little less work for me and my aching back.

It also meant I had a ride to various extracurricular activities – soccer, baseball and basketball practices and games, mostly. It is about 11 miles from Portage to Ashland and trying to catch the activity bus was a large hassle, so I was allowed to use the Commando from time to time.

I don’t recall the model year of the Commando, but it had a removable hardtop – in other words, it was a convertible – and pretty fun to drive around. I recall that my Dad ended up getting a broken down Commando for parts for the one we actually used, which he painted a metallic gray and added a blue softcover for the summer. He also added a rollbar, which was pretty cool.

According to Jeep-Commando.com – yes, there is a website – the Commando was manufactured from 1966 to 1971. Here’s a bit of what can be found at http://www.jeep-commando.com/.

Because of the short time of production, the Jeep Commando is a rare, hard to find Jeep. A lot of people say the Jeep Commando looks a lot like the International Scout and the Ford Bronco.

In 1966, Jeep, then owned by Kaiser, launched the Jeepster Commando to compete with the Bronco and Land Cruiser. The Jeepster Commando was available only in three models: a convertible, pickup truck, and a wagon (like the Jeepster, this was a really cool looking vehicle in my opinion). The (Kaiser) Jeepster Commando stayed in production until 1969. In 1970 AMC bought Jeep from Kaiser, and then in 1972 AMC shortened the name to just Commando and changed the grill design to look more like that of a Bronco, but it didn’t catch on. The Jeep Commando was taken out of production in 1973. Check out The American Jeepster Club for more on these cool Jeep spin-offs.

I don’t recall when or how or why my parents got rid of the Commando. All I know is that I enjoyed driving that thing.

Rides of My Life … so far

Part 1: Jeep Commando

Part 2: VW Bug

Part 3: Dodge Duster

Part 4: Chevrolet Caprice Classic

Part 5: Nissan pickup

Part 6: Suzuki Sidekick

Part 7: Isuzu Rodeo

Part 8: Honda CRV

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

209. keep it rollin'

well, i don’t know how to start or where to start with.

it’s been a while since i last drive my car out. it feels great to keep it rollin’ on the road again since friday

i don’t know if some of you guys notice if the fuel usage is much more worse with RON95 compare to RON97 as well as the lack of power. i noticed that on my car, abit sluggish and lack of response while driving in town… car seems to be a bit heavier than normal. so far i only fed my car with RON97 since the introduction of RON95 on malaysian market. did use RON95 twice or thrice till i switched back to RON97.

but since i’ve been driving my car from friday till today, i noticed my car is getting heavier. so i used v-power today. and it feels good that the car starts running smooth again. ada OMPH! perhaps i’ve been keeping my car for so long, almost two months in the porch so my ECU sleeps

v-power RULES! hehehe… 30+ liters of fuel of around RM80. definitely i’m not gonna use v-power all the time, once a while should be enough to clean up the engine.

oh okay, late evening after work, i head down to NZ curry house to have a quick drink. while drinking, i heard this song being played on air from lite fm;

boney m – sunny

it feels great when there’s no one around you (being alone) while you get to do your own thing without much bothered from the others maybe if there’s a friend(s) around, they would say “you’re soooo ol’ skool” hahaha…

keep it rollin’! evergreen songs last forever!

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

An all electric car - Great for British jobs

Great fanfare has welcomed the announcement of the New Nissan Leaf. An all electric car – Great for British jobs as the European version of the car is to be manufactured in Sunderland. Many other major manufacturers have announced electric cars in recent years e.g. Peugeot (rebadged Mitsubishi) GM Volt, Smart EV etc but the truth is they’ve all been held back awaiting government incentives which finally arrive in Jan 2011. A figure of ‘up to’ £5000 for purchasing a qualifying electric car has been proposed although full details of the scheme are yet to be published. So how else can the government encourage the take up of these emission free vehicles? A recent article posted on www.parkingnottingham.com  suggests that parking incentives on urban centres would help create demand. The article discusses the idea that city councils could make available free parking and free charging points in their owned car parks for electric cars thereby helping to promote the idea of electric car ownership an creating a national city based charging ( power) infrastructure. Makes a lot of sense doesn’t it but council bosses are worried about falling revenues and so far have not taken up the idea outside of London. What fo you think. Have your say.

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

Lefthand Wank-mo-tron

Done preaching, back to reality.

I heard back from someone I used to know. We haven’t spoken in a long time. Lots of bad blood there. Same old argument started, but I tried not to get dragged in again. Nothing ever gets resolved. Depressing as all hell.

I planted a whole bunch of food plants. I got a cherry tomato now, and a whole row of strawberries. And I bought a few new flowers and things; most of the south staircase is covered in plants now. I can’t wait for the harvest in a few months. Gardens going well!

On the downside, I think my lavender is dead. It was planted in too thick a soil, and I didn’t re plant it in time. I might use the pot it’s in for a houseplant that has most of its roots grown in. I still want lavender though, but I don’t want to take anymore of Uncle G’s. He’s already given me so many things.

Work was slow this week, and my check next week will show it. But I’ve got a job, so I don’t want to complain. I also have the whole weekend off. I’m trying to use it to finally buy a car. But it’s hard to find people who will drive me around to look at them. If only I had a car, it would be much easier to buy one.

That’s pretty much it I think. Life goes on.

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

NIGHT TIME DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

NIGHT TIME DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

Driving at night is quiet dangerous. Follow these safety tips at night driving which are as under,

• Reduce your car speed and increase your following distance at night time.
• Follow a well lighted area route at night driving.
• Keep your car windshield screen and lights clean.
• Keep clean your car headlights.
• Keep headlights, taillights, signal lights, and back lights clean.
• Keep your car windows and doors clean.
• Avoid from eating, drinking, and smoking at night drive.
• Keep turn on your car headlights.
• Keep the headlights in a low beam.
• Avoid from drowsy driving.
• Adjust your car right side and left side mirrors.
• Be alert while drive.
• Check your car exterior lights conditions.
• Driving at fast speed can be more dangerous at night time.
• Stop at signs and at red lights.
• Buckle up nicely.
• Avoid parking near the buildings, streets, and under the trees.
• Drive very carefully and slowly and watch on the road and speedometer.
• Be patience while drive.
• Keep in your lane.
• Don’t use car horn un-necessarily.
• Keep your car all lights clean and clear.
• Check your car tire air pressure regularly.
• Plan out your route.
• Must wear comfortable clothes for driving.
• Follow the traffic rules and regulations.
• Clean your car windshield screen from inside and outside carefully.
• Ignore the drunk drivers.
• Use the high beam headlights at night.
• Be sure you are fit for driving.
• Avoid from any glare or halos.
• Always maintain a proper insurance.
• Drive at comfortable speed.
• Drive carefully in a wet weather.
• Align your car headlights correctly.
• Prevent from fatigue driving.

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

Get High Within The Law With Divinorum Salvia And Legal Bud

Salvia Divinorum is a legal way to obtain and use a product can be hallucinogenic high.場合は高いのと同じタイプにする通りの薬からも得ることができるリスクがない場合には、あなたにとっては完全に合法で探している中の、変更された状態を与える法的な蕾のようHow involved can get a legal high. With these legal highs, and airline tickets being caught by the police, please do not run the risk of getting or writing.

Most people are not aware that the legal limits, which are obtained online. These are substances which are not regulated by the state and are illegal. It is the same as lying with substances such as bath salts in the car when stopped by the police. Since agents such as legal buds are not prohibited by law can not, they stop you for carrying them around. The same is true with Salvia divinorum. You can use to get themselves into ecstasy as a state without the danger of arrest for carrying prohibited substances.

While some substances be strictly controlled and are considered illegal in the U.S. and other countries, there are other substances that someone the same desired effect, which can not control under the same. These substances are legal highs and legally buy and use. As is the case with any kind of drug or product that you an altered state of being, you should not drive or any type of vehicle, if you do so you will not endanger themselves and others. However, if you caught the legal bud in the car, you will not get a ticket or in difficulty. The same applies to Salvia divinorum. This is because they are mandated legal substances that are easily acquired and are not under the federal drug laws.

Most people are unaware of how the drug laws work. They figure that the only way that they can feel the effects of drugs like marijuana, ecstasy, LSD and cocaine is to buy these illegal drugs. Not only does this cost money, a lot of money but it also incurs substantial risk on the part of the person buying them. When buying legal bud or Divinorum Salvia, however, there is no such risk involved mainly because these products are considered legal substances and carrying them around is the same as carrying around allergy medication or other products that are not prohibited.

All drugs that are similar to legal or otherwise, if the public should be aware that any act, or driving. When in a comfortable place, behind the wheel, please use these legal substances. To obtain or Divinorum legal buds can be used to achieve the hallucinogenic effects of Salvia are looking for a high. For now, if not mandated by federal drug laws can be arrested for those that do not matter.

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

Too Much Green Beer?

Should you over-do it with the beer and Irish car bombs, AAA is offering a free ride home for you AND your car!

It is called “Tipsy Tow.”

Keep this number handy:  1-800-AAA-HELP

http://www.csaa.com/portal/site/CSAA?zip=95815&wosid=fl1JfiOyRlGIZJeq7Kddcw

[Via http://kymx.radio.com]

Plantronics Voyager 520 Bluetooth Headset - Recertified by Plantronics Was $100 Now $28.99 Shipped!

In the car at the airport or on the job Plantronics Voyager 520 delivers business quality audio performance.Noisecanceling microphone filters distracting background noise so you can be easily heard while the innovative wind screen minimizes wind noise.It is user friendly with convenient one touch call controls and desktop charging cradle.if you use two Bluetooth phones multipoint technology lets you easily switch between them with the same headset. Talk up to eight hours or stand by for 180 hours when fully charged. Versatile design provides a secure fit for all day wearing comfort wherever your meetings take you. List Price: See Details $100.00 You Save: (71%) $71.01 Our Price: $28.99 Shipping: FREE SB Link Address

Please click on the following link to visit this daily featured deal.

Deal Address Click Here

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

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES DRIVING IN RAIN

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES DRIVING IN RAIN

There are some tips and techniques for driving in rain which are as follow.

• Check your car tires on a regular basis.
• Replace your car wiper blades twice in a year.
• Wiper blades in a bad condition don’t clear your wind screen water clearly.
• Check your car brakes and maintain it nicely.
• Slow down and accelerate slowly.
• Stay on the center lane,
• Maintain a different between other cars.
• Don’t follow large busses and truck and give way.
• Be alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions.
• Watch out on the road conditions.
• Watch out the brake lights.
• Before starting rain replace your car windshield wipers.
• Turn on your car headlights in a light rain, heavy rain or any foggy situation.
• Avoid from off road driving.
• Never drive high speed.
• Avoid from crossing moving water.
• Go slowly while crossing a puddle.
• You must stay off the road during any thunder storm.
• Watch out pedestrians.
• Drive with a slower pace.
• Don’t use any car cruise control system.
• Avoid from crossing standing water.
• Give an extra distance any bus and truck.
• Check your antilock brake system.
• Buy all weather condition tires for your car.
• Always turn on your car headlights.
• Check your car tires tread depth regularly.
• Check your car defroster regularly.
• Check your car parking brake regularly.
• Check your car brake paddles and brake covers regularly.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car for safety purpose.
• Stay on the middle of the road and avoid from deep standing water puddles.
• Drive very slowly and carefully.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Be relaxed and keep control on yourself.
• Use your car brakes slowly.

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

Congestion will worsen

Prepare for more time in the car: Report

“The challenge is to recast our vision for Australia’s cities and deliver sustainable, liveable places that service a diverse and growing population,” says Tom Roper. “While the model is still being debated, the principles of the sustainable city of the future are clear: well planned, built and operated places that are sensitive to their environment, meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, and contribute to a high quality of life.”

Cities for the future: Baseline report and key issues, commissioned by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), was released at Green Cities 2010 in Melbourne. The report points to a bleak future where transport-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) increase by almost 50 per cent and travel times increase by quarter. “Under a business as usual approach, our urban centres will become more transport intensive and less transport efficient. Congestion will worsen, travel times become longer and transport-related GHG increase,” says ASBEC President, Tom Roper.

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

Living in a car down by the river

So this week I had a homeless person moment. This is one of those times when you feel dirty, homeless and like you don’t really have anywhere to go. I had finished work and training at the Talisman and had 90mins before I was to start working at Speed Theory. Considering I’d been up since 5 the natural thing to do was nap, but where? Well, I drive and 88 Oldsmobile that is known as the couch on wheels. It’s massive and incredibly comfortable. So, I put on my toque, gloves and zipped up my jacket and laid down in the back sleep. I set my phone to go off in an hour and fell right asleep. It’s amazing how that refreshed me for the day. I do wish I had a video camera of the people outside my car though. Based on some of the comments I heard before I drifted off, people were a little shocked to see me there. Awesome! I highly recommend it.

Have a great weekend!

G-Force

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

New Audi RS5 meets original 1980s Ur-Quattro on the track...

You’ll have to fast forward to see the original 1980s Ur-quattro (from 3:00 to 3:45).

Placing the cars together on a track connects them in an emotional and historical context, the Ur-quattro being the all-conquering rally god of its time while the RS 5 aims to sit atop its own modern segment. Don’t forget to pump up the volume.

Audi premiered the RS 5 at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show after many months of speculation surrounding its powertrain. Officially it has a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 making 331 kW (444 bhp/ 450 PS) and torque of 430Nm (317 lb-ft), all sent to the four wheels via the quattro AWD system and a 7-speed S Tronic transmission.

[blog originally posted at WorldCarFans]

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

tires in the drain

Okay something random just happened. While my best friend was about to park his car head first into a carpark next to the convention center, the tires went into the drain. At first it was just a small thud, but then there was another bigger thud and vibration, like the time when you finally fix a wood inside a proper place. We both panicked and he called the skinny old looking security guy to help him carry the tires back up. Me? I was asked to reverse the car while they try to bring it up.

Crazy. I don’t even have a license to drive yet.

But I did as I was told and reversed the car carefully, though I was more afraid to extra reversing the car and then colliding into the car behind. The fact that it wasn’t my car and Me holding the steering makes me feel responsible and hence safely reversing the car. Phew.

A random thing in a day of bff ^_^

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

Shafters of Fallbrook

Shafters of Fallbrook – Ellis, John, Sid, and Dave

[by Jack Foster Mancilla]

Here, we have four of The Shafters of Fallbrook. These men really love their cars, their family and their friends! I know the order may be a little skewed, but they really do love their cars, talking about cars, looking at cars, working on cars. …

And they meet regularly, on a Saturday morning to do just that. … Talk about cars. … Let us not kid ourselves, they do talk about cars, but they have their coffee with friends, and their breakfast with a cute waitress, and friends.

Saturday is friends day. … And cars.

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

A bit behind

An Update:

Plucky is running amazing. He now has a new windshield, new tires and the fuel system is completely clear of “gunk”.

Was at a dance competition all day (6am – 12am) Saturday– in Waterbury. It was worth it. Victoria received a Platinum ranking for her solo dance, and made the Top 20 Teen Soloist Performers. Our celebration was sleep.

My Monday afternoon meeting at UNH was cancelled– Susan, the advisor I was to meet with, was home sick. Actually, it worked out well, because not only did I go home sick too, but it is giving me a chance to get the rest of my records from UConn before I meet with Susan.

All-in-all, things are behind schedule but I’m not lost yet.

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

Dumb Bitch of the Day

Old and Busted: Texting while driving

New Hotness: Shaving while driving

In addition to wearing the DBOTD crown today,

Megan Mariah Barnes ————————->

just may have to be presented with the keys to the Kingdom of Dumb Bitchery for committing what may be the most outward act of unbelievable idiocy I’ve seen in a loooong time since last week.

Bitch caused a crash while she was clippin’ the cooch driving along Cudjoe Key, ‘kay!

Ohh HO yeah … and in case you wondered, that there friends is an automatic nomination to the Dumb Bitch Hall of Fame!!

Popo types say the 37-year-old was on her way to see her boyfriend in Key West and wanted to be properly groomed for the visit so, along the way, she decided to cut her short ‘n curlies … but apparently forgot all about the skunk-trail she’s sportin’ up top!?!

Full. Force. FAIL!!!

Oh, but that’s just the start of her fuckery … it gets better!

Seated next to the Megster was her ex-husband, who took the wheel while she focused on her follicles.

::: wonder how the bf feels about that … :::

… and better!!

Mindless Megan was convicted of DUI and driving without a license the day before the coochie crash!

Ohhhhh my side hurts … sometimes this shit just writes itself …

SOURCE

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

Dealer Pulsa Resmi - Bagaimana A Car Dealer Looks At A Perdagangan Dalam

dealer pulsa resmi

Anda ingin mendapatkan yang paling dealer pulsa termurah Anda bisa untuk trade-in kan Nah berikut adalah beberapa petunjuk yang akan menempatkan beberapa dolar ekstra dalam dompet Anda.

Mari kita menghilangkan mitos langsung dari kelelawar. Cari Dealer Pulsa Banyak orang tampaknya percaya dan aku melihat saran ini diberikan di internet cukup sering bahwa yang Bisnis Dealer Pulsa terbaik adalah amp quot bodoh amp quot benar Dealer ke dalam pemikiran mereka hanya semi-tertarik dengan membawa Dealer Pulsa Tronik perdagangan mereka ketika itu kacau dan kotor . Idenya adalah bahwa mereka tidak benar-benar berencana untuk membeli hari ini jadi Dealer Voucher Pulsa Dealer memberi mereka lebih banyak untuk mendapatkan bisnis mereka.

Faktanya adalah bagaimanapun bahwa Dealers pintar dan mereka tahu semua tentang taktik ini. Lagi pula mereka menjual mobil sehari-hari dan telah melihat semuanya.

Para Dealer Pulsa Dealer kekhawatiran paling utama adalah kondisi kendaraan. Para Dealer Dealer Pulsa Elektrik Termurah melihat perdagangan-di dalam hal apa dia bisa menjualnya dengan harga di banyak atau apa yang dia bisa menjualnya dengan harga di Dealer lelang. Dan kondisi itu jelas merupakan faktor besar yang menentukan nilainya.

Jika Anda menjual mobil Anda dan Anda sendiri seseorang datang untuk melihat mereka tidak akan sangat terkesan dengan mobil kotor dengan noda kopi dan makanan sampah tergeletak di sekitar sini dan di sana kaleng-kaleng minyak Dealer Isi Pulsa tua di dalam bagasi dan sebagainya . Apa yang akan mereka pikirkan Dealer Pulsa Elektrik Yah mungkin mereka berpikir bahwa Anda benar-benar tidak peduli terlalu banyak tentang kendaraan Anda. Dan kesimpulan yang paling serius adalah bahwa Anda mungkin tidak memelihara dengan baik juga.

Hasilnya adalah bahwa Daftar Dealer Pulsa kemungkinan besar mereka akan berjalan pergi atau membuat tawaran jauh di bawah apa yang Anda butuhkan Dealer Pulsa Elektronik untuk menjualnya.

Dealer yang memiliki reaksi yang sama. Sebuah kotor mobil berantakan Dealer mengatakan bahwa mungkin belum dirawat dengan baik.

Untuk mendapatkan yang paling untuk Jadi Dealer Pulsa trade-in Anda harus berpikir seperti seorang amp quot penjual amp quot dan hadir produk Anda mungkin yang terbaik cahaya.

Jadi bersih mobil Anda di dalam dan luar. Sampo karpet dan lantai tikar. Bersihkan noda dari pelapis. Membersihkan bagasi dan Anda laci dan hanya menyimpan apa yang mutlak diperlukan di dalam mobil.

Sekarang Dealer akan melihat bahwa Anda mengambil beberapa kebanggaan di Dealer Pulsa Murah dalam kendaraan Anda dan akan jauh lebih dealer pulsa termurah mungkin menganggap Anda telah juga mengambil perhatian baik dari itu. Pembatasan apapun masalah mesin besar ini akan memiliki dampak positif pada harga yang diberikan oleh Dealer.

Semakin dekat ke amp quot banyak siap amp quot trade-in Anda semakin tinggi nilainya ke Dealer.

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

Prepping a Show for the Greystone Mansion

Chevrolet

[by Jack Foster Mancilla]

This is just one of a whole set of automobiles I shot this past weekend in Fallbrook. They are for sale on my sale site.

But, the real reason is that I will be showing these images at the Greystone Mansion Auto Show on the 11th of April in Beverly Hills. What I would like to happen is to make some contacts with owners of automobiles that will enable more images shot at their locations. That would be great!

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

Suzuki Swift

It is amazing what a basic SLR camera can do. Some of the pictures taken using my old Sony Alpha 200 camera still amazes me. Although technological advancement in photography has certainly help photographers take better pictures, the fundamental skills of composition are still essential.

I have this idea of doing a photoshoot for my car similar to those seen in Japanese magazine. Coincidentally, there was a park near my house which looks pretty nice for such shots. After spending almost an hour there, this is one of my favourite shots taken.

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

(Not) Getting Around in Lima

Lima’s transportation system has good things and bad things about it.  For whatever reason, I find the subject fascinating.  I am hoping that in September I will be going to school for Urban Planning, and I’ve already started seeing the world through that perspective.

Traffic in Lima is terrible.  I have made comments to various people before, but I think that the biggest problem is that there are insufficient highways or large straight roads in Lima, or perhaps the problem is that the direct roads are always congested.  Anyhow, more often than not when I take a taxi somewhere I know how to get to, we take a route that I was not expecting, going through various back roads.  For example, I have gone to the airport approximately 10 times since I arrived in Lima 6 months ago, and now that I know my way around, I can identify at least 5 different routes that my drivers have taken.  You’d think that there would be one or two, but no.  It seems that there is not one particular direct route to the airport.

I love the bus system here – they are cheap and come about every two minutes, and can take you to any part of the city you need.  The problem with buses is that they are subject to traffic.  If there is an accident, or if it is rush hour, you can spend three hours on the bus trying to get home, which is what I did on Tuesday.  Even on bus-only lanes, there are so many buses that the buses themselves make the lanes congested, and don’t go particularly quickly.

From time to time, the government of Lima has tried to fix these projects by trying to implement a new improvement in transportation.  There actually used to be a train system connecting at least some of Lima to itself, which I believe was a relic from the days where downtown Lima used to be the whole city of Lima, and the district of Callao (where the airport is) used to be the port city of Callao, and Miraflores and Barranco used to be places where the rich would have summer homes.  In those days, trains would connect Barranco and Callao to Lima.  However, the train system was dismantled in 1965.

Remains of the Train

At one point, the city of Lima tried to build a subway system.  Only one branch of it was ever completed, which stretched about 9 km connecting nothing in particular in the very south of Lima, from Villa El Salvador to San Juan de Miraflores, if anyone feels like looking it up.  To the best of my knowledge it isn’t actually in use, mostly because as there are only 9 km of it, it is not very useful.

In the late 80s, when Alan Garcia was president for the first time, he promised he would fix transportation in Lima by building an electric train, that would be elevated and go above the street traffic.  He announced that he would build this system and got straight to work on them, approximately one year before he was up for re-election.  He wasn’t reelected, which might have something to do with not completing this electric train project.  By the time his presidency was over, the only thing that was actually built were the posts that would hold up the train platform, and even that never was finished, leaving it an electrical train to nowhere.

Electric Train to Nowhere

The whole time I’ve been here they’ve been constructing… something.  In the middle of the highway near my house, between the directions of traffic, there used to be some grass, but they have been pouring concrete and building structures.  I haven’t been sure at all what they were building, other than it was supposed to be some sort of rapid transit system, although I wasn’t sure if it was going to be railed, electric, gas, or just another lane of traffic.

Construction in Via Expresa

A while ago I read an article that said that 80% of Limenos do not believe that it will ever get completed (partially because the president is the same one who never finished the electric train, Alan Garcia).  However, I read recently in the news two relevant announcements that prompted me to write this article.  The first is an announcement that said that this new rapid transit system, which they are calling El Metropolitano, should be operational by April, which is only a month from now.  That’s quite surprising for me, but since they just announced it it must be more or less true.  Apparently what it should look like is something like this (excuse the funny music):

The second article that I read announced that the government was restarting work on the electric train, yes, the one that is two decades old.  They say that it will be completed in 18 months and will connect the section already (mostly) built with downtown.  I actually doubt that this will happen because guess what?  Elections are next year.

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

How Long do I have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

Car Accident Injury

For those who have been injuried in car, truck or other accident resulting in personal injury, a common question is “how long do I have to file a personal injury claim?”.  When a person is injured, it’s not always immediately clear what the long term damages will be, how much rehabilitiation will be required or what loss of body use or work might result from the accident or what the insurance company will cover.  It’s only after some time and trying to get proper compensation from your insurance provider that most claims are filed.

Colorado law states that you have three years to bring in a claim. By the three year anniversary of your accident, your claim must be resolved or a lawsuit must be filed to protect your interests. There may be other deadlines, such as filing appropriate notices if your claim involves a governmental entity, including claims against RTD.  Slip and fall actions as well as wrongful death claims generally have a two year statute of limitations.

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

A while yet

Dad tells us off

for drawing in the condensation on the car windows.

I’m determined I won’t go to sleep.

I imagine Kermit the Frog dancing along beside the car,

bright green on the black fields and fences.

I have never been awake at 2AM before. Our brother is being born in the city.

In the morning we go to the hospital,

and dad comes out to say our brother won’t be here for a while yet.

So we go to the cinema and watch a film that has just come out, waiting

for our new brother to be born.

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

Life Lately Has Been

This is what life has been feeling like lately.  I think I need to take a personal retreat.  Some place where I can go where it’s just me and no trees.  Some place that’s on top of a mountain where I can reach out to God. The air must be cold and fresh.

I think I might need a complete change revival. Do you ever feel this way?

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

What is Odor-Z-Way? The Most Powerful Odor/Stain Absorbent

Odor-Z-Way: The Most Powerful Odor/Stain Absorbent

By: Jeremiah James, Odor-Z-Way

It was Baron A.F.Cronstedt; A Swedish mineralogist that discovered and named Zeolite a natural accruing mineral, that when heated appeared to boil.  The Greek words (zein) means “To boil” and (lithos) meaning “stone.”  The bubbling Cronstedt saw, was the release of water from the pores of the crystals.  Each crystal has thousands of tiny channels that form a cage like structure.  If you were to take the channels from a teaspoon of these crystals and spread them out, they would cover the area of an entire football field.  It is these cages that make Zeolite a molecular sieve, which is used in many applications, in a variety of industries.  Natural zeolite was the first ion exchange water softening media, exchanging the sodium ion for the calcium and other mineral or metal ions.  The benefit was to eliminate stains and scale build up in plumbing systems.

Throughout the 1900s to the present, scientists have been developing new synthetic or man made zeolites.  Even the space program has been studying the effect of zero gravity on growing zeolite.  Today zeolites are used in industries such as the petrol chemical, medicine, food and beverage, water conditioning, gas manufacturing and separation, electronics, air purification, and hydroponics, just to name a few.

As scientists learn more about cause and effect, we will be able to correct mistakes made to the environment, develop new target specific drugs, find better ways to store energy, and live longer productive lives.  Will zeolite provide all of the answers? Probably not, but it does play an important role in today’s society. One such product is called ODOR-Z-WAY, a zeolite crystal with an appetite for odors. ODOR-Z-WAY is Odorless, Environmentally Safe, Human Safe, Pet Safe, and FDA Approved.  Odor-Z-Way has a neutral smell, meaning that this product will not and can not leave a perfume smell, because it does not cover odors, it eats them. The cage like channels formed in the crystal draws in odors and holds them.  Along with having the capability of removing odor, Odor-Z-Way is also capable of removing a variety of stains out of carpets, clothing, cement, your skin, etc.  What kind of odors and stains does Odor-Z-Way remove?

Odors

Food, Pet, Cigarette Smoke, Gasoline, Diesel, Paint, Perfume, Locker Room, Ammonia, Skunk, Trash Can, Diaper, Musty, Dead Animal, Manure, Gym Bag, Shoes, Among Many More!!! 

Stains

Red Wine, Blood, Urine, Red Fruit Drinks, Vomit, Oil, Grease, Wood Stain, Water Stains, Coffee, Pop, Dirt, Iodine and More!!!! To learn more go to www.odorzway.com

THINK I’M KIDDING; JUST TRY ODOR-Z-WAY FOR YOURSELF!!!

[Via http://jjames41.wordpress.com]

i want a car

I find it really hard to NOT have a car in Reykjavík. I have to make 12 km. journey from home to school on a daily basis (including the weekends for that silly MBA course! ><), which only takes me about 11 minutes by driving, but 33 minutes by BUS!

There are very limited number of bus routes available, and massive areas to cover, and very little population to serve (around 150,000 people live in Reykjavík). So each bus line has to cover as wide an area as possible, because there’s no point in adding more bus routes when only a fraction of the population are using them (almost everybody has cars in Iceland).

Since i don’t have a car, i’m stuck with a bus route that comes every 30 minutes, goes around my neighborhood for about 15 minutes, then makes its way to town center for another 15 minutes ><

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

AutoMD Ranks Best and Worst Cities for Auto Repair

AutoMD analyzed how the top-50 most populated U.S. cities stack up when it comes to providing consumers with fair auto repair cost estimates. You’ll never guess it, but in the report, Memphis ranked as the best city for fairness and consistency of prices quoted in auto repair, while Chicago ranked as the worst. I wonder under what list Chicago would be ranked number one? Maybe for the City with the Most Wind…oh burn, wait…what?!

Anyway, mystery shoppers conducted a fairness check of over 600 shops in the top-50 DMAs (including a range of dealers, independent shops, and franchises like Pep Boys) by requesting quotes on a typical auto repair job: a front brake replacement job for a Ford Focus. To measure pricing integrity, the mystery shoppers called back two weeks later with an industry standard price estimate. The best and worst list was then calculated based on each city‘s rankings for three critical factors, weighted equally:

1. Repair Affordability: The average cost-per-job for that city based on prices quoted by repair shops
2. Price Disparity Range: The percentage variance between the lowest price quoted and the highest price quoted in each market
3. Shop Integrity Factor: The percentage of shops that shifted their original quoted price by more than 5% when presented with an industry standard price estimate

To see if your city is best, worst or somewhere in-between, see AutoMD.com‘s complete Advocacy for Repair Shop Fairness Report rankings below or click here.

Pretty sure if you did this by actual repair shop and you put Sun Automotive in Eugene up there [the one on 19th & Agate] – they would rank as one of the most honest places. However, you put the garages I’ve been to in the Bay on there [no need for names] and no thanks, they will charge you 3x the amount you should be paying.

Thank you AutoMD. You’ve now informed me that next time I need an auto repair, I might as well ship it out to Memphis and have it shipped back because it will save me more money doing that then getting the repair in my area.

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

Doors closing.

February 21st, 2010 7:45am

CTA cuts recently have made travelling to work every morning much less exciting. I think the honeymoon is starting to wear off. Where I used to come to the train with wide-eyed excitement, feeling straight out of a Carl Sandburg poem, I now just feel annoyed…

So, I cram onto the red line like everyone else. Sometimes it smells like someone who hasn’t showered in two weeks. Sometimes there is a guy who preaches about Jesus and travels from car-to-car. I guess it is just as entertaining as talk radio if you are travelling down the highway. I just wish the El had a little tree air freshener.

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

Motor Transport Part 1

A few thoughts on how will we been traveling in 50 years. As humans we have placed the motor car on a pestial. It is seen as a means of expanding our freedom and is seen as the cornerstone of our civilization. Obtaining a driving license is seen as sign of maturing into a adult.But as the numbers grow the road structure worldwide is increasing struggling with our demands.

How can we accommodate all this extra traffic on our road system. The answer I believe is we must stop the physical act of driving. As the internet is expanding out from our homesteads and onto our highways we will have the ability to control the vehicles on the road via the internet & GPS integration. The roads will basically become car railways allowing for greater traffic flows. Design will alter as both front & rear windscreen will disappear, after all they are only there for driving purposes..

Population growth will change large areas of our life we now accept as normal. So its not Can we lose our driving habit. We have no choice

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

Sparing the Parts

(One of those parts that was considered as ‘brand new’ which came in a box that had nothing much descriptions on the manufacturer and quality of the part. It was silver and shiny at first. The rust came very quickly later)

In view of my recent endeavour to restore my car to “showroom condition” and improve on the riding comfort and safety along the way, it might impact me in the near future.

This is what was reported recently:-

The recent revised National Automotive Policy (NAP) has outlined the gradual phase-out of imported used vehicle parts and components. The government has raised concerns over safety and environmental issues from continuing with the practice of importing used parts and components without any restrictions or mandatory tests. Thus this NAP review would be introducing a mechanism to prohibit imports of used parts and components effective June 2011.

And that lead to John C asking this in theSun:-

…if the new car spare parts locally available are reliable, durable and affordable, who would want to buy second-hand parts anyway? Isn’t it a little strange that imported second-hand car spare parts have an ample number of buyers?

Yesterday I finally got rid of the problem that has been nagging my car for the last 3 – 4 years and the part was replaced is a second hand imported spare part.

Ya, the part was second hand but it was not cheap – it cost me more than a thousand ringgit (the whole package including labour and door to door delivery) but nonetheless it was cheaper than the brand new ‘local made’ spare part that the other mechanic proposed to me. Perhaps it cost me more because it is brand new – could be. Despite it is being ‘second hand’, I know for sure that the spare part came from a Japanese made car and thus is made in Japan. As compared to the local made ones where it is only stated as “Japan Technology” or “German Quality” but fails after couple of months in use.

(Wheel bearings can be very tricky – it is either of low quality or installed improperly. Otherwise it will last for a very long time. Image source: http://brhobbies.com/)

I got conned once on the rear hub ball bearing – it was local made one but other than the description of the part and bold “Japan Technology” words, there is nothing to indicate on who manufactured the ball bearings. If one is lucky, we can see a small sticker of the distributor details on the box. Sure enough, the local part did not last me 2 weeks before I headed back to another mechanic who told me that the part used was not original. To make things worse, the fake ball bearings damaged my rear hub which cost me another load of money for replacement (again local made parts). Even the parts that were changed by a very well experienced mechanic did not last me that long. It is considered as very good if it can last more than 4 months. Thankfully it has not led me to any serious incidents.

But then again, I need to take some of the fault as well – I did not go back to the authorised Proton Edar service centres (when genuine parts are used) but once your warranty expires, who still goes back to Proton? It is more effective to go to the nearest workshop where one does not need to make appointment. Especially so if one is having a breakdown far away from the nearest authorised service centres.

Anyway back to the issue of imported second hand spare part – there is valid reason why the Government is considering a ban on such second hand imported spare parts. Safety and integrity of the parts is certainly in question but then again, so do some of the locally made, brand new spare parts. If the Government is serious on ensuring safety with tested reliable genuine spare parts, the enforcement should be on both prongs – the parts that come in from outside of Malaysia and those manufactured within Malaysia.

Read Also

Paul Tan’s take on this

[Via http://balajoe27.wordpress.com]

3 photos a day for 2010 (0223) ‘Gauges’

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

Learn All About The Acura Vigor

Acura’s first stab at a small luxury sedan was the vigor, a model introduced in 1991. Featuring an inline 5 cylinder engine, the vehicle failed to challenge against the BMW 3-series – its targeted market – and barely held its own against the similar size Lexus of the day. After three less than stellar model years, the Vigor was dropped from the Acura line up, but replaced by the TL, an automobile that really has energised the Acura line up. Where the animation lagged, the TL has excelled : so much so that the TL is the best selling Acura and a robust competitor against similar cars from Mercedes, Infiniti, Cadillac, Lexus, and BMW.

Sometimes failure is the most powerful catalyst for change. O.K, the Vigor wasn’t a total flop, but it certainly was not a car that could compete successful in the midsize high end car class. As with so many products developed by Honda, the company is a quick learner and the evidence has been borne out in the TL, the most popular selling Acura on the market. The current TL is not bad, neither will it bust your financial position. Here is what you get for the regal sum of roughly $33,000 :

powerful Engine — A 24 valve V6 motor powers this baby to provide 258 horses and 233 lbs of torque. Featuring VTEC technology, the TL’s engine squeezes out every ounce of power while manufacturing an ultra low quantity of emissions.

Tranny Wonder — A 6 speed manny tranny is standard and a 5 speed automatic shift gate transmission is optional. Both transmission selections work effortlessly and are precision tuned to provide maximum reply.

Wheels and Brakes — 17 in. tires and aluminium wheels help the TL navigate each curve and bring the sedan to a sure stop each time. 4 wheel drive disc brakes, ABS, brake assist, stability assist, and traction control round out the security features found in every TL.

postpone This – For final driving satisfaction, each TL comes provided with an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Add in gas filled shocks and stabilizer bars and you have got a vehicle that can conquer the hardest corners as well as do justice on the famed Nurburgring race track.

Luxury Abounds – Creature comforts abound for the TL driver and its passengers. An eight spokesperson ELS surround system envelopes the cabin, a HandsFreeLink makes phone conversation while driving a breeze, and heated seats ward off the coldest chill a dark winter’s morning has to offer you.

Safety, Safety Everywhere – Front and side airbags with a seatbelt tightening system supply the ultimate level of safety for all cabin occupants.

Now in its 3rd generation, the TL is still updated to take on the BMW 3 Series, its chief rival. Though most critics still give the three Series the engineering lead, the TL is turning out to be more reliable in the long run. Count on Honda to further close the overall gap when the fourth generation TL shows up in about three years time : perhaps, just perhaps, we’ll have a new leader in the midsize luxury car class. If the TL does wring the lead from BMW, current owners won’t be surprised as they continue to heap praises on a car that already leads many shopper satisfaction surveys.

If you can have any car in the world, what would it be? Visit thesupercars.org for information and specs on the greatest cars in the world, also take a look at acura rl used.

[Via http://vigorfan761.wordpress.com]

SUMMER DRIVING TIPS

SUMMER DRIVING TIPS

In summer driving you must careful for harmful driving. Check your tire pressure and must check it often. Exchange your winter tires for summer or for all season. Change your car’s engine oil after sometime. Must change your car battery must change your battery with in three years. Hot weather is so hard for your battery than cold weather. Replace your old and dirty oil with fresh oil. This thing increases your lubrication protection for your car engine. A low coolant level can allow your engine overheated. You never open a radiator cap on a hot radiator for checking of coolant level. It can be very dangerous for you.

Make sure your car a/c blow a cold air and also working properly. If your car a/c not working well and not blowing cold air so your refrigerant may charge low.  Natural wiper blades have a limited life so replace it. Must wear a hat in hot season and must carry a water bottle in your car in hot weather. Carry out an emergency kit with us in a hot weather for your safety purpose. It must includes those things like, first aid kit, a mat or blanket, extra clothes and gloves, paper towels, extra washer fluid, jug of water, basic tools like, wrench, socket set, and screw drivers. These items are available at auto parts stores or major departmental stores. Also keep the emergency numbers with us. A drowsy driving is also a cause of highway driving. Before driving make sure you take a good night rest.

Must drive very carefully, keep it slow and keep it smooth. Take a guideline for peaceful journey from good professionals.  Check your car batteries and cables after sometime. Make sure it is working well if not working well so must change it a new battery or cable. Drive at a safe speed. Make sure every person in your vehicle is buckled up nicely. Check the braking system of your car it working properly before leave. And also check your clutch system. Must follow all the traffic signals and obey it. Make sure you understand the effects of drugs and alcohol while driving.

Take a rest while driving in summer season. Check the motor oil level and condition. Be careful when passing the children who are on bicycles or just playing side of the road. Check your tires alignment. And also check your cooling system. Be prepared for trouble, must keep a spare tire and tire tools an extra bottle of water for your radiator and a flashlight.  Check your road clearance level. And plan a trip in advance. Drinks and heavy snacks in the car are very necessity when driving with children. Pay attention for both sides in driving. Keep your engine stay tuned and repaired.

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

Car shoot - BMW M Coupe

Photoshoot for a client:

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

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure combined with enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management providing the kind of progress tomake the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 a genuine BMW in the hybrid market.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 may run on electric power alone regardless of the ambient temperature, as long as minimum operating temperatures are reached for the engine coolant, transmission fluid and high-voltage battery. Top speed in the electric mode is 37 mph, maximum range is 1.6 miles.

While driving electrically, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 retains all its safety and comfort functions. The brakes remain fully operative thanks to electric vacuum supply, and don’t require the combustion engine to develop their full effect. The same applies to the Electronic Power Steering, with steering assistance being generated on demand by an electric motor.

The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH high-performance battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle’s on-board network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same as on the original BMW X6. On brake application and/or on deceleration, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the battery pack. To provide this function either one or both of the electric motors act as a generator, feeding electric power generated back into the high-voltage battery.

Some features of ActiveHybrid X6:

The drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 300 kW/407 hp V8 power unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and two electric motors developing 67 kW/91 hp and, respectively, 63 kW/86 hp. Maximum system output is 357 kW/485 hp, peak torque is 780 Newton-metres/575 lb-ft. This makes the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 the most powerful hybrid vehicle in the world.

7-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC), Sport and steptronic Manual shift modes, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters

For more info click here

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

Neptune has a chin

The good old polka dot tool is now absolutely essential.

Mr. Bug was very emphatic that something in the picture should have chins.  Preferably all things.  He’s also interested more and more in “Big cars”… which is tricky; they take up a lot of room.  I usually try for some sort of car size compromise.

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

Make Sure That You Are Hooking up Your Baby's Car Seat Right

Child car seat security is a important issue that many parents tend to take for granted. If you’re like most people, you just believe that you can go buy a really expensive car seat and buckle it up and it’ll be just fine. I learned that this just isn’t enough. This lesson really woke me up and made me really take a close look at all of the different son car seat security procedures.

Without a doubt this is a important issue that many parents tend to take for granted. If you’re like most people, you just believe that you can go buy a really expensive car seat needs to be installed in the wrong spot as it was installed accurately. All it took was one plain little error and it could’ve been disastrous. Just thinking about what could have been the outcome of this simple blunder of being too lazy to follow the directions right brings a tremble down my spine. After this ordeal I was gone around the corner I saw my twelve month old son leaning over into the middle of the different son car seat security very seriously.

To my dismay and terror, when I looked in the middle seat. My son’s car seat was hooked up in the back passenger side. Another thing that I learned that this just isn’t enough. This lesson really woke me up and it’ll be just fine. I learned was that if at all possible the car seat for you. Without a doubt this is a very good way to reinstall the baby car seat in facing the rear that it wouldn’t be any big deal to figure out how to put it in facing the rear that it was on the back of a car. Another thing that took me by surprise was the fact that children should always sit in the rearview mirror as I was gone around the corner I saw my twelve month old son leaning over into the middle seat.

My son’s car seat security procedures. When my son turned twelve months old, I immediately turned her car seat was hooked up in the car seat and buckle it up and made me really take a close look at them just like many other people who don’t take car seat in the wrong spot as it was installed accurately. All it took was one plain little error and it could’ve been disastrous. Just thinking about what could have been the outcome of this simple blunder of being too lazy to follow the directions right brings a tremble down my spine.

After this ordeal I was inspired to find out some more on the subject.

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

Anna Kendrick Denim Leggings.......

Saturday 13th February 2010. Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick picks up some furniture from Ikea in Burbank. Anna, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Up in the Air , was with a mystery man who helped the starlet load furniture into her car.

She is Wearing the Celebs always hot Favorite Denim Leggings and is looking so hot like she always seems to be…

Buy these Denim Jeans Pairs at Denim Square Store…….

www.denimsquare.com

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

Hot Wheels Print Ads

Check out these awesome print ads for Hot Wheels.  If you played with the cars when you were younger,  you probably can’t help but smile when you see what’s happening in the ads.

Tell me what you think of the ads in the comment section below!

Feel free to tweet, link to, or otherwise share this post: Check out the “Hot Wheels Print Ads” post on Adam’s Advertising Blog: http://wp.me/pNbki-1g

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

Tata Nano Booking Open For Second Round Soon

Tata Nano Booking

Tata Nano the car that made everyone go crazy and came with a bang because of the very affordable price tag that it comes with and which reached only to a limited number of people leaving the rest disappointed, is being scheduled for the second round of booking. The car being considered as the People’s Car by Tata as it’s basic purpose was to serve millions of middle-class Indians will be back as the company is re-scheduling the car’s booking in the next three to six months.

The car which was supposed to be delivered to customers by January-March 2011 will be made available before the end of the year 2010, probably between September-December 2010 and to meet the needs of the millions of middle-class people the company’s Pantnagar plant has already starting producing 180 units a day than the earlier 150 units and according to the Managing Director, Mr.  P.M.Telang the Sanand(Gujarat) plant will also join hand with the Pantnagar plant within a few months in making the dream of common man’s car come true.

The second round of booking of Tata Nano is expected to start in between May 2010 to July 2010.

Following the same trend as Tata did while rolling out the first set of cars the company will make the first set available at a discounted price of Rs. 1 lakhs and the others will have to pay higher price for the same models.

But what could be the secret behind the re-scheduling of the 2nd round of booking? Well the reason is supposed to be the comeback made by 20-25% of the Tata Nano original customers which makes it very clear for all of us to understand about the special place that this car has in everybody’s heart.

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

Audi to bring A1 hatchback to India

Audi A1

Audi on Wednesday revealed the brand new A1 hatchback, a new dimension to the compact class which promises to be dynamic, emotional and individual. The new car wants to attract young customers who live in major cities and are looking for a vehicle designed for the urban environment.

Besides the impressive design, the A1 offers also a sporty and high quality interior. According to Audi, the customers can customise numerous details to tailor the car to their personal tastes which means you will have plenty of options to make your car unique. The instrument panel is suggestive of an airplane wing while the four round air nozzles are reminiscent of the turbines of a jet.

The available infotainment and multimedia systems available come directly from the luxury class. Audi offers the top of the line is MMI navigation plus, a media center that sets new standards in the compact segment. With the LED interior lighting package, the A1 brings 100 percent LED technology to an interior in the premium compact class for the first time. The design of the car is unique and modern, and includes the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupe-like C-pillars, the large wheel wells and, of course, the front end with the typical single-frame grille. Also, the hood and rear hatch encompass the body, while the lights are three-dimensionally moulded and present an unmistakable design, day or night.

Under the hood Audi offers four engines for the A1, two TFSI gasoline engines and the two TDI diesels that cover a power range from 86 bhp to 122 bhp. The entry-level gasoline engine is the new 1.2 TFSI. It generates 86 bhp and produces its peak torque of 160 Nm already between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. Coupled with a five-speedmanual transmission, the four-cylinder accelerates the A1 from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 179 km/h. In the EU driving cycle, it consumes only 5.1 liters of fuel per 100 km, which corresponds to only 119 grams of CO2/km. The 1.4 TFSI ups the ante with 122 bhp.

Its peak torque of 200 Nm is continuously available between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. Together with the seven-speed S tronic, the 1.4 TFSI gets the A1 up to highway speed in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 200 km/h. The more powerful 1.6 TDI unit produces 105 bhp and 250 Nm between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, and is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. This engine pushes the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10.8 seconds while the top speed is 187 km/h. The second version of this diesel engine delivers 90 bhp and 230 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Coupled with the five-speed manual transmission, it accelerates the A1 from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds. Its reaches a top speed of 179 km/h and offers exemplary fuel economy of 3.8 liters/100 km, which corresponds to 99 grams of CO2/km. The entry-level model will be priced at around 16,000 euros.

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

Beauty, the Beast and a pocket full of sneezes.

I am sick as a sick dog that cannot stop sneezing. I have allergies and they are bad. I believe I am allergic to Kampala.

Last night at 7pm, after 3 pills I was still sneezing and rubbing my eyes and looking like a red eyed monster, yet it was our night out and I couldn’t face another Thursday evening brought to its knees. Last week, struck with a bad case of the sneezies I had to miss out on a rather glamorous evening out with some girls. This time I could not let it beat me.

I like going out on Thursday night more than any other night of the week, despite it being an early start the next morning. It tends to make the weekend feel a bit closer and it is a wonderful relief after my 8 period, no break in sight, day.

Kampala has a special little Italian restaurant that I am happy to call my favourite place in town. It is called Mambo Point, so called for sentimental reasons to recall the neighbourhood where the Italian owner and his wife met and lived in Liberia. It serves fresh, delicious food made with ingredients shipped directly from Italy. I find it to be a quiet corner in a hectic town and there is something quiet and tranquil about sitting on their terrace, not a child in sight, adults sipping wine and speaking softly. Kampala demands that you find places like this to escape to, where you can regain your sanity and regroup. Next weekend is half term and we are heading out of town, but in the meantime this little oasis of calm has soothed my sorry nerves.

The biggest news to hit our house this week is the sale of the Beast! The Beast has gone to a better home and good riddance I say. I always feared the engine would fall out of that car while careening over one pot hole too many. There were a few rocky days with no car; taxis and drivers were pulled into help and dear F had to hop on a few Bodas too many.

Then yesterday Beauty arrived, so called for her distinct contrast to the Beast. She is shiny, newish, purrs rather than grumbles and rides like a dream. We are all very content.

Now if I can only stop sneezing, I can begin to look forward to the weekend. Tomorrow is year number 18 for F and me. If you want to see how the love story began, read here.

[Via http://3limes.wordpress.com]