Automotive images,detaill specs,accident lawyers

Specification Ford Explorer 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:28:00 +0000

New look, Ford Explorer 2011

Click to enlarge, Ford explorer 2011 detail size

THE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2011 Ford Explorer is redesigned, with freshened styling, a new engine, and new features. This venerable nameplate moves to crossover-style unibody construction, sharing elements of its basic design with the Ford Taurus. All previous Explorers used traditional truck-type construction. The 2011 model is about 1 inch shorter in wheelbase but about 4 inches longer overall than the 2010 version. Trim levels include Base, volume XLT, and top-line Limited. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system includes a console dial that alters throttle and other settings to accommodate mud, sand, and snow. Standard on all models is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. An optional 237-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is slated to arrive for the 2012 model year. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the V6 and will be 2,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Explorer employs MyFord Touch, which replaces traditional audio and climate controls with touchscreens and voice activation. It also incorporates the company's Sync cell phone and digital-music player control. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on the XLT and Limited. Power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, remote engine start, and keyless entry/engine start are standard on the Limited. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of pre-production vehicles.

COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Complate Ford Explorer 2011 specification

Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase [in]	112.6
Length [in]	197.1
Height [in]	70.4
Width - Excluding Mirrors [in]	78.9
Width - Including Mirrors [in]	90.2
Width - Mirrors Folded [in]	82.5
Front Track [in]	67
Rear Track [in]	67
Front Overhang [in]	38
Rear Overhang [in]	46.5
Approach Angle [deg]	21.7
Departure Angle [deg]	21.4
Ramp Breakover Angle [deg]	16.5
Minimum Running Ground Clearance [in]	7.6
Interior Dimensions
Head Room - First Row [in]	41.4
Head Room - Second Row [in]	40.5
Head Room - Third Row [in]	37.8
Leg Room - First Row [in]	40.6
Leg Room - Second Row [in]	39.8
Leg Room - Third Row [in]	33.2
Hip Room - First Row [in]	57.3
Hip Room - Second Row [in]	56.7
Hip Room - Third Row [in]	40.7
Shoulder Room - First Row [in]	61.3
Shoulder Room - Second Row [in]	61
Shoulder Room - Third Row [in]	50.8
Capacities: Passengers, Luggage, Fuel
Passenger Volume [cu. ft.]	151.7
Cargo Volume Behind First Row [cu. ft.]	80.7
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row [cu. ft.]	43.8
Cargo Volume Behind Third Row [cu. ft.]	21
Fuel capacity (gal.)	18.6
Engine Specifications
	3.5L V6
Drive type	Front-Wheel Drive (std.) / Intelligent 4WD (opt.)
Engine type	3.5L Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) V6
Transmission	6-speed automatic (std.) / 6-speed SelectShift Automatic (opt.)
Final drive ratio	3.16 (FWD) / 3.39 (4WD)
Horsepower (net @ rpm) (Ford projected)	283 @ 6500
Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm) (Ford projected)	252 @ 4100
Compression ratio	10.8: 1
Valve lifters	Direct acting mechanical bucket
Induction System	Naturally aspirated
Fuel delivery	Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Exhaust	Quasi dual exhaust with chrome tips
Engine block type	Cast aluminum
Cylinder head material	Cast aluminum
FWD V6 MPG	17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined
Four Wheel Drive V6 MPG	17 city / 23 hwy / 19 combined
Chassis Specifications
Front suspension	MacPherson strut front suspension with 32mm front stabilizer bar
Front shocks	Gas-pressurized twin tube
Rear suspension	Multi-link independent rear suspension with 22mm rear stabilizer bar
Rear shocks	Gas-pressurized twin tube
Brakes	Power 4-wheel disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Steering	Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)

Towing Specifications
Optional Class III Trailer Tow Package
Configuration	Axle Ratio	GCWR	Max Loaded Trailer Weight
3.5L TiVCT V6 FWD	3.16	9920	5000
3.5L TiVCT V6 4WD	3.39	10096	5000

More close with 2010 Ford Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:14:00 +0000

Overview

Ford Focus has received a somewhat mixed reception from Review Centre reviewers. There have been concerns from some about handling in all weather as well as some major mechanical and electrical malfunctions reported.

However this contrasts with the majority of reviews appearing to find near complete satisfaction with the road holding excellent and performance impressive - especially towards higher speeds. This praise is supported by the wider industry view that the Ford Focus is among the better buys on the market in the family category.

2010 Ford Focus Specifications

Chassis
Brakes (Front)	10.83-inch vented disc
Brakes (Rear)	8.0-inch drum
Suspension	Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Engine
Type:	2.0-liter I-4
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Bore X Stroke	3.44 x 3.27 / 87.5 x 83.1 mm
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc):	121 cu in / 1,999 cc
Exterior
Wheelbase	102.9
Length	175.0
Width	67.9
Height	58.6

Ford Motor Insurance -Benefit Car Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:44:00 +0000

Insurance need for your safety

We know that an auto insurance policy is an agreement between individuals and the insurer for automobiles. The insured person pays a certain premium as insurance and the insurance company, in turn, promises to support financial losses involving vehicles as long as the policy lasts. Auto insurance is compulsory in most states, and the insurance has different types of benefits or coverage.

Some of the components of auto insurance are bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. A typical policy features the aforementioned six benefits. Bodily injury liability covers legal costs and personal injury claims filed against you if someone is killed or injured in your automobile and you are found to be at fault. Property damage liability deals with legal costs and other damage claims, in case there is damage to another person's property by means of your vehicle.

Medical payments coverage assists in paying medical expenses, even if the insured person is injured in somebody else's vehicle. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protects against expenses incurred as a result of an accident that is caused by another individual who is either uninsured or who has inadequate insurance coverage. In comprehensive coverage, insurance is for vehicles that are damaged because of theft or natural calamities. Here, the insurance amount is paid for repair or replacement of vehicles. Collision coverage is mainly for vehicles in which damage occurred due to collision with other vehicles, objects, or even persons.

Auto insurance policies allow premium discounts for theft devices or for owning more than one policy with the same insurer. An added advantage is the provision for extending coverage to others driving your car with your permission

"FordInsure" Motor Insurance

Created exclusively for Ford owners, Ford Insure comprehensive motor insurance is simple to arrange and provides a combination of great value and a range of additional services, benefits and cover. Get a quote online now or retrieve your quote if you are an existing customer.

Features and benefits
You will benefit from the following great range of features:

Our car insurance has been awarded a Five Star Rating from Defaqto, which means that it is among the best policies in the market. Defaqto’s rating reflects the exceptional levels of cover on offer.
All repairs carried out at Ford approved repairers using genuine Ford parts.
Personal Customer Manager Service: a great benefit of our insurance is that you can arrange to have your very own Personal Customer Manager who will be your first point of contact with any enquiry.
Courtesy car as standard when using our Ford approved repairers.
Car accessory cover as standard, including child seats, roof racks and cycle carriers.
Unlimited cover for standard fit in-car equipment such as CD players, phone or other communication equipment.
Portable Satellite Navigation cover of up to £750 if stolen from your locked boot.
Free Legal Advice
24 hour claims team based in the UK.
3 Year Guarantee – on all work if you use our Ford approved repairers.

To receive an instant, no obligation quote, simply click here . Plus, when you buy Ford Insure online, you'll automatically receive a 10% discount.

If you have already requested an online quote you can retrieve it using the unique number that was provided to you.

Alternatively, call free today on 0800 048 0950 for a no obligation quote.

All quotes guaranteed for 30 days. The offer of insurance is subject to eligibility criteria. Terms and conditions are available on request. Cover described is for Comprehensive policies using our Ford approved repairers.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 8am - 4pm and Bank Holidays 9am - 5pm.

Ford Insure is underwritten and administered by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. FCE Bank plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and acts as an insurance intermediary in relation to Ford Insure. In relation to this same product, Ford Motor Company Limited is an appointed representative of FCE Bank plc. Ford Motor Company Limited acts as an insurance intermediary. Calls may be recorded and monitored.

Auto Insurance information

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 01:26:00 +0000

I hope this information is useful for all that need information in auto insurance. We know in life there is no certainty like this presence gives hope to guarantee insurance for all the assets we have.

Auto Insurance 101: What You Need to Know
Nobody ever thinks it's going to happen to them. But the simple fact is that a car accident happens every 18 seconds in the United States. Even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in one.

You cannot predict the future, but you can be prepared with auto insurance for the vehicles in your household.

In most states, it is mandatory that drivers have auto insurance, which is why it's important to find out your state's minimum requirements. But many drivers choose more than the minimum coverage requirements in order to protect themselves to a greater degree.

What is Auto Insurance?
Simply put, auto insurance is a safety net. It is a contract that you have with an insurance company in which you agree to pay a premium, and in the event of an accident, the company agrees to pay for your covered damages, as outlined in your specific insurance auto policy.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the terms 'premium' and 'deductible' when shopping for auto insurance.

An insurance premium is the amount of money your insurance company charges you for a certain policy.

Your deductible is the amount of money that you are responsible for paying when damages occur as the result of an accident. For example, if you have $500 in damages as the result of an accident and a $100 deductible on your auto policy, you are responsible for paying $100 of the total damages.

If you are responsible for causing an accident or damage to other vehicles, your insurance generally covers the costs of repairs, legal fees and medical coverage for those who suffered injuries in the accident. Insurance policies also cover costs incurred when your car is stolen or vandalized.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage
Generally, auto policies include several different types of coverage, all of which may be priced differently. For instance, insurance may cover:

Bodily Injury Liability. This type of coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and even funeral expenses for those injured in an accident where you were legally responsible for their injuries. This coverage also pays for the legal and court costs to defend you in a covered lawsuit. This type of coverage is required in most states.

Property Damage Liability. If you are responsible for causing an accident, you are legally held responsible for repairs to another person’s vehicle or property. Property damage coverage not only covers the cost to repair the other person’s car, but it also covers repair costs of anything you hit with your vehicle, such as a street lamp, fence or building. This type of coverage is required in most states.

Collision. This type of auto insurance coverage pays for damage to your car as the result of a collision with another vehicle. Even if you are at fault for causing an accident, this type of coverage will reimburse you for the cost of fixing your car once you have paid the out-of-pocket deductible amount. If you are not at fault, your insurance company can seek reimbursement from another driver to cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. Collision coverage is optional in all states. However, if your automobile is financed, your bank or lending institution will require you to have this coverage.

Comprehensive. This coverage protects you for losses due to hazards not caused by a collision with another vehicle. This includes damages that are the result of theft, vandalism, fires, falling objects, earthquakes and storms, or contact with animals, such as deer. Comprehensive coverage is optional in all states. Though, like Collision coverage, if your vehicle is financed, your bank or lending institution will require you to have this coverage.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage. This policy protects you and other passengers in your automobile if you are injured in an accident by a motorist who is uninsured and held legally responsible for your injuries. It pays the medical expenses and related expenses you have incurred up to the coverage limits you select.

Auto insurance exists to protect you and your property. So be prepared by making sure that your vehicle is properly insured. Because the simple fact is - accidents do happen.

Finnaly:

Getting an Auto Insurance Quote is easy

It's easy to get a free auto insurance quote and even buy a policy if you like what you see - all online at 21st.com.

By Phone

Customer Service	1-800-443-3100
Get a Quote	1-877-310-5687
Claims	1-888-244-6163

By Mail and Office Locations

Corporate Contacts

Executive Office
21st Century Insurance Company
3 Beaver Valley Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
Executive.Office@21st.com

Ford, 21st century is time to go Green!

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:40:00 +0000

After reading anoncment form official site Ford, the 2012 Focus Electric is gas-free, with zero CO2 emissions.

Go Just About Anywhere – Guilt-Free

The new Focus Electric runs exclusively on electricity stored in powerful, state-of-the-art batteries, which means it never needs a drop of gas. It comes with a unique instrument panel that helps you closely monitor your energy consumption when you drive, to make sure you get the most miles, and fun, out of every charge.

All-Electric

The Focus Electric gets all of its power from an advanced high-voltage lithium-ion battery system, which means you'll never need a drop of gas. Its electric motor is designed to help reduce energy loss and heat generation, while reducing your carbon footprint.

Single-Speed Transmission

The single-speed transmission is built specifically to handle the high rpm range that comes with an all-electric motor. It not only helps give you a quiet, energy-efficient ride, but also delivers quick responsiveness, smooth acceleration and no-compromise driving fun.

Competitive MPG

The Focus Electric will offer an mpg equivalent competitive with other electric vehicles on the market.* It comes with a suite of advanced driver information technology to help you better manage your energy consumption and get the most miles out of every charge.

*Based on Ford preliminary testing. Class is Small Electric Cars.

Advanced Battery System

The Focus Electric is powered by a 23 kwh high-voltage, lightweight lithium-ion battery system. It uses an advanced active liquid cooling and heating process to regulate battery temperature and help maximize battery life, so you can get the most miles out of each charge.

Mapquest Custom Routes

Ford collaborated with Mapquest to provide custom routes. With features such as "Can I Get There?" and EcoRoute, you'll have the confidence of always knowing how far you're capable of going at existing charge levels and the most economical way to get there. You can also locate the nearest charging stations and get destination info sent right to your car through MapQuest.

Electric Vehicle App for Your Smartphone

This unique mobile app from Ford lets you monitor and schedule the charging of your Focus Electric from anywhere, to help you maximize your range. It gives you remote charging status updates, so you can check existing charge levels and available range, while keeping track of your charge schedule. It also provides you with the location of your vehicle, where you can find the nearest charging stations and the most efficient route to get there. The app also estimates the amount of CO2 emissions and money you save based on your driving style - to help you manage costs and improve your efficiency.

Customizable Screens
SYNC® with MyFord Touch™ technology in the Focus Electric gives you the same great connectivity - to your music, navigation and favorite devices - that you get in other Ford vehicles, while offering a unique level of customization. Using the five-way buttons on the steering wheel, you can customize your view in the two 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster screens to show your battery charge status, distance to the next charging station and more. This information helps you keep track of how you drive, so you can make adjustments to maximize your range and efficiency.

240-Volt Charging Station

To charge the high-voltage, lithium-ion batteries of the Focus Electric more quickly, you can have an optional 240-volt charging station installed. It gives you a full charge in approximately 3 to 4 hours. Focus Electric also comes with a standard 120-volt convenience cord, which allows you to charge the batteries in your own garage, using a standard 120-volt household outlet.

Brake Coach

This feature, found in the instrument cluster screen, helps you optimize the use of the car's regenerative brakes. It displays a graphic that shows the amount of energy captured each time you stop, so you can make adjustments to help maximize your range.

Regenerative Braking

This remarkable technology helps you achieve maximum energy-efficiency. It captures more than 90 percent of the energy normally lost as heat during braking, and recycles it to recharge the battery.

MyKey™ Technology

MyKey™ lets you assign separate keys for additional drivers. It's designed to help parents encourage teenagers to drive responsibly, by programming certain limits such as restricting top vehicle speed to 80 mph or stereo volume to 44 percent of max volume. You can also set the key to give a warning chime when the car's battery life is starting to get low. And because each key is programmed differently, MyKey™ allows you and any other drivers in your family to customize your own MyFord Touch screens and vehicle settings, without having to worry about the next driver making changes to them.

Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start
You don't even have to have the keyfob in your hand to unlock or start your car. It can be in your pocket, your handbag, anywhere on you. And once you're in, you don't need to dig it out. Simply press the button to start the vehicle and you're on your way.

Sony® Audio System with HD Radio™

The Focus Electric offers a quiet ride, unless, of course, you don't want it to be quiet. With a standard Sony® Audio System, nine speakers and HD Radio™, you can enjoy listening to crystal-clear digital audio and high-quality sound as loud as you want. You also get the convenience of iTunes® tagging.* If you hear a song playing on HD Radio that you like, simply press the Tag button. The song info will be transferred to your iPod® the next time you plug it in your car, so you can purchase it later from the iTunes® store.

Sirius® Satellite Radio

Focus Electric owners can enjoy a six-month trial subscription to more than 130 channels, including 100 percent commercial-free music, plus the best in sports, news, talk and entertainment, 24/7.*

*Service available in the 48 contiguous states and DC. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. Subscriptions governed by Sirius Terms and Conditions available at sirius.com, and sold separately after complimentary trial period.

Eco-Friendly Seats

The standard innovative Earth-friendly cloth seat fabric in Focus Electric is made from 100 percent post-industrial materials - polyester fibers that would have ended up in landfills otherwise. The cushions also use a bio-based polyurethane foam derived from the oils of various plant seeds such as soybeans.

Efficient Navigation

The MyFord Touch™ map-based navigation system inside Focus Electric can help you calculate the routes that give you the most mileage out of each charge. Using the eight-inch touch screen or simple voice commands, you can add your driving destination along with the next planned charging station and let the system coach you on how best to achieve the desired range. The system also provides an EcoRoute option, which gives you the most energy-efficient route to your destination.

MyFord Touch™ with Unique EV Content

This emotive display in the instrument cluster provides real-time information to help you get the most efficiency from your Focus Electric. It provides a unique visual of blue butterflies on the right cluster screen, which represent the surplus range beyond the point of the next charging station. The more butterflies on the screen, the greater the surplus. In selecting this visual, Ford designers were inspired by the concept of the "butterfly effect," in which a small change can have an enormous impact. To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip the display shows information such as energy consumed vs. the amount of gasoline saved by driving electric.

Kinetic Design

The Focus Electric makes no compromises when it comes to design. It exudes energy with its athletic Z shape, so whether it's taking on highway curves or parked and charging, it always looks like it's in motion. A rear spoiler and standard 15-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels add a touch of style to its athletic appearance.

Illuminated Charge Port

You'll always know when your car is fully charged and ready to go. When you plug the connector cord into the Focus Electric charge port - located between the driver's door and front wheel well - it activates light rings around the port to indicate that it's connected. When the rings are flashing, that means a charge is in progress. When all rings are solidly lit, the charge is completed.

Courtesy from Ford

Choice to get Car Insurance,

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 04:18:00 +0000

"Choice, Buying your car insurance policy online or buying from an internet-only company?"

Become happy with best deal in car insurance

It's a sad fact of life but machines work for less than human beings. In the good old days, every machine needed a human to watch over it and make sure it did not mess up. Now all you do is plug in these new generations of clever computerised things and they can work for days and weeks without ever having to step outside to enjoy a cigarette. It's enough to make Karl Marx turn over in his grave as the workers of the world have slowly been losing the power to sell their labour. But inside every silver lining is a pig's ear, or something. If a business can operate with fewer human beings, it's making big savings that can be passed on to us, the customers. If you're still able to find work and can afford to insure your car, this is a good thing. If you're one of the replaced humans and now find yourself on the scrap heap of life, this is bitter medicine.

Automation brings reduced premium rates at two different levels depending on where the savings in labour are made. If the insurer has to employ a call centre full of people (hopefully not offshore to maintain what employment opportunities remain for local people), this is a moderately expensive operation. But if all the selling of policies is effectively automated, all the savings in labour costs can be passed on to you as discounts. For example, the Co-operative offers an 11% discount for buying online. When you add this to other features like a no-claims bonus rising to 70%, it makes them one of the cheapest companies in the insurance business.

But, the most interesting company is Swiftcover. Although set up as an independent, this is now a subsidiary of the Axa Group, selling out in 2007. It's advertised as the first company relying 100% on the internet to sell its policies and deal with claims. To a greater or lesser extent, all the other major companies have a mixed strategy depending on face-to-face sales through High Street offices, the telephone, the internet and indirect sales through agents and brokers. Through Swiftcover's website, you can buy a policy online and print out your cover note. If there are any changes to be made to the policy, this is done online. In the unhappy event of having to make a claim, you have a choice of an online process or a telephone call. This is a prize-winning company for its innovation and the cost-savings it offers. Although it now employs some 250 people in England for dealing with more than half-a-million policyholders, this is a fraction of the workforce in other major insurers.

So, when you look at the UK car insurance market, Swiftcover is leading the way in offering real competition to the established brands. Although some report its performance has dropped since it sold out to the Axa Group, this is the spur keeping the majority of companies offering cheap car insurance cover. When you're coming up for renewal, check out all the car insurance quotes coming through the search engines. If Swiftcover is not among them, get a quote direct and compare. Similarly, look for the promotional offers being made for buying direct through the internet. There are some real bargains to be made.

Thanks to insuremyauto.co.uk

Insurance, Car Crash or other accident

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 04:06:00 +0000

By information from msn.com, Your heart is beating hard, you're breathing fast and you can't believe you just got into an accident. Look around. You're alive? Good. Everyone else? Even better. Now here's what you need to do once the dust settles.

You should:

Keep your auto insurance information in the glove compartment, including a pre-printed form allowing you to provide the particulars of any accident, including a sketch of the scene. (Even better, use that disposable camera you keep in the car. You don't? You should.)
Stay at the scene of the accident until police have come and gone, making sure you have the name of the officer(s) and that they have your version of what happened. Do not assume a police report will "take you off the hook" or even that one will be generated in the event of a minor accident ("minor" may mean no one is injured even though your car suffers a direct hit).
Exchange names, addresses, driver's license and insurance information with the driver of the other car.
Review your policy to make sure of your coverage. Make a list of questions and related information you want to know.
Report the accident promptly to your insurance company. This may not seem wise or necessary to you. The accident may be minor, you may not want to risk seeing your rates rise or you may live in a no-fault state and think that the other driver's insurance company will pay for everything. But state laws generally protect you from higher rates unless an accident was your fault. And even though you may think no-fault lets you off the hook for the other driver's medical expenses, it does not. It simply says his insurance will pay for his expenses (up to the limits of his coverage), regardless of who is at fault. But rest assured his insurance company will come knocking on your insurer's door seeking repayment if it believes you were at fault in the accident. The point is, your insurer should be informed.

Think that's the end of it? Read on.

The policy
Admit it. You've never read your auto insurance policy, you don't want to read it and even if you're in an accident, you're still not sure if it would force you into those endless lines of fine print and insurance-speak. Assuming you can even find the policy.

If you can, look in the back for what are called the conditions of your policy -- what you are supposed to do in the event of an accident. These requirements are pretty straightforward, although compliance may seem like a hassle when you're already upset by the accident itself. But you may forfeit some of your rights if you don't follow these instructions.

If you don't understand, keep calling

Next, look at the cover sheet of the policy, which is called the declarations page and which lists the types and dollar limits of your coverage, including short-hand references to any discounts or special provisions you have elected to purchase.

Last, there's the actual insuring agreement itself, which explains what your insurer is protecting you against, including definitions of terms used in the agreement and explanations of what's not covered (called the exclusions).

If you don't understand your policy, keep calling your agent and/or state insurance department until you get clear answers to your questions. Most people have heard that ignorance is no defense under the law, but they don't think they'll ever have to find out. Auto accidents are one of the most common ways to discover the sobering cost of ignorance.
The payments
Hopefully, your accident involves only damages to things and not to people. And, hopefully, it wasn't your fault.

Even if it's just your car that's banged up, repairs can be a major headache. This is where the reality sets in that replacement cost is not the same thing as market value. Your car can easily be declared a total loss even though the money you'd receive is nowhere near what it would cost you to replace the vehicle.

The best advice about getting your car fixed is to remember that the money may be coming from the insurance company but you should control the repair process. This means refusing to settle for a repair job you don't like. And it may also mean refusing to accept the use of generic replacement parts instead of the original manufacturer's parts (your policy may give your insurer the right to use generic parts, so it's important to check the fine print to know your rights). Even if your favorite shop doesn't do the repairs, you can still have your mechanic look at the car (although this may be at your personal expense) and provide an assessment of what should be fixed. Ultimately, it's your car and your call about what's done to it.

Talk to your agent and/or insurer about your rights (better still, you should really ask these questions before you buy a policy). And if you don't like the answers, call your state insurance department.

The best way to get car insurance, just clik here

"Ford Vertrek" the Best Concept Car in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:17:00 +0000

The AutoWeek editorial team has named Ford Vertrek the Best Concept of the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Vertrek concept rose above such contenders as the Mini Paceman, GMC Sierra All Terrain HD and Toyota Prius C to win the coveted award.

"Ford has been so focused on serious stuff such as small cars and fine-tuning production models that it hasn't had a lot of time to craft concepts capable of turning heads at auto shows," said the editors of AutoWeek. "Enter the Vertrek. It blends European styling with the practical needs of Americans. The best part is that Ford design boss J Mays says this concept is very close to the look of the next Escape."

Based on the global C-segment platform, Vertrek represents the vision of Ford's top design and engineering talent on how best to attract and satisfy future SUV customers around the world. "Vertrek unites stylish design, world-class craftsmanship and outstanding capability to present a fresh vision that we believe will resonate globally," said Mays.

The Vertrek concept further evolves Ford's global kinetic design philosophy. The vehicle's rising beltline creates an athletic stance, while its dynamic lines and taut surfacing convey muscularity.

A highly efficient new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine from the global Ford EcoBoost™ family is underhood, giving Vertrek the power of a larger-displacement powerplant while delivering significantly better fuel economy and CO2 emissions. In Vertrek concept, this engine is mated to a new, fuel-saving Ford Auto Start-Stop technology. By 2013, 80 percent of Ford's global nameplates and 90 percent of Ford's North American nameplates will have an EcoBoost option.

The prestigious AutoWeek award comes hard on the heels of the all-new Ford Explorer being named 2011 North American Truck of the Year, the third year in a row Ford has taken this honor.

The Vertrek concept is on public display at NAIAS – along with Explorer and other award-winning Ford and Lincoln vehicles – in Detroit's Cobo Hall through Jan. 23.

For more information

For Vertrek concept photos and information on other Ford vehicles, click here for Ford's global media site.

Courtesy from http://naias.mediaroom.com

The Ford's Vehicle Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 02:43:00 +0000

The Ford Information Site to research, learn and shop for all new Ford Vehicles.

View photos, videos, specs, compare competitors, build and price, search inventory

and more on Ford.com.

Ford's Vehicle Technology | See Our Latest Green and Entertainment Technology |

Drive Connected

SYNC®
Hands-free entertainment, communications and more.

SYNC® with MyFord Touch™
Revolutionizing the way you interact with your vehicle.

Navigation System with Sirius™
More than music, it's info you can use.

Ford Work Solutions™
Make your vehicle an office on wheels.

Smart Performance

All-Electric Vehicle
Go green. Go gas-free.

The EcoBoost™ Engine
Power plus fuel economy.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Most efficient combination of gas and electric.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Plug-in capability gives this hybrid better efficiency.

Latest Gasoline Technology
Variable timing adds power and efficiency.

Diesel
Best-in-class torque and fuel economy.*

Safe and Secure

SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry
Get in and get started without fumbling for keys.

Terrain Management System™
Get the most out of your four-wheel drive.

Trailer Sway Control
What you're pulling won't pull you.

Inflatable Rear Safety Belts*
A breakthrough in safety and comfort.

MyKey®
It keeps an eye on teenage drivers when you're not there.

Drive Assured

BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert
It keeps an eye on your blind spots.

Active Park Assist
Hands-free and hassle-free parallel parking.

Adaptive Cruise Control
Plus the assurance of Collision Warning.

Style and Convenience

Capless Fuel Filler
Filling up just got easier.

Ambient Lighting
Set the brightness. Choose the color. Create the mood.

MyColor®
Choose from 125 cool colors.

Sony® Audio with HD Radio™
More clarity. More channels. More enjoyment.

And the point for green Ford technology is announces Hybrid Car Battery Partner

"Ford ... entered into a partnership with battery producer Johnson Controls-Saft to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system ... seven regional electric utility partners are joining Ford and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct real-world tests on an expanding fleet of Ford Escape PHEVs."

" ... partnerships will help Ford accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International by 2011 and a PHEV by 2012."

" ... battery system that Johnson Controls-Saft is designing and manufacturing ... the cells will be produced at the supplier's production facility in France, but the system will be assembled in the United States. The five-year supply agreement includes delivery for committed production in 2012 with a target of at least 5,000 units per year."

Source: Ford Official site and other

Get weight loss advice and exercise tips (Diet Tips)

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:56:00 +0000

"Research has shown that having a healthy, light snack before exercising can improve performance and help burn more fat calories!" "Drinking plenty of water can help give you more energy for exercising!" This is just one example how we can give you information on how to reduce weight!.

Get tips on natural weight loss & advice now!

Here are just some of the many Weight Loss Questions revealed on this site:

Get This Book to better understand the human metabolism!
Learn to raise your metabolism with little exercising
Learn how to lose weight without exercise
Drinking plenty of water can help give you more energy for exercising!
Can we reduce the number of fat cells when losing weight
How to Lose "abdominal fat" from those stubborn areas
How to increase metabolism naturally to help lose weight quickly
Anaerobic exercise burns carbohydrates but will increase metabolism to burn fat faster at rest
To burn fat effectively you should be able to hold a conversation during a workout
Learn which exercise I do first to trick the cells into burning more fat
Properly warming up before exercise will prolong your ability to work out & increase your Fat Burning potential
Why you should not always use weighing scales to monitor your progress
Why you must keep adjusting your training and dietary regime for slimming success
And much, much more.... the point if you more success in diet is consistent in your mind to diet!

This just an information to Getting Started With a Weight Loss Plan by James O. Hill, PhD.

So you’re gearing up to eat better and lose some weight. Good for you. But how do you get started? With the hundreds and hundreds of diets out there, how do you choose the best approach?

To find out, WebMD turned to James O. Hill, PhD, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado in Denver. Much of Hill’s research has focused on the habits of people who manage to achieve what we all want: stable and sustained weight loss. So how do these people lose weight and how do they keep it off? Hill has some answers.

I want to lose weight but have no idea where to start. What should I do?

Before you try to make any changes to your habits, first you need to see where you are right now. Find out what your body mass index (BMI) is. See how it compares to a healthy weight. Start keeping a record of what you eat each day and how much exercise you get.

Now people say, “Why bother? I already know what I’m eating right now!” But you really don’t. Eating is something that we do every day without really paying any attention. Once you start writing it down, you may learn things you never knew about your habits. You could be drinking five pops a day and have no idea. Taking stock of where you are now gives you a sense of what needs to change.

The next step is really important. You have to make a long-term commitment. If you’re going to change your eating and exercise habits, you won’t be done after six weeks or six months or six years. You have to decide that you’re motivated to make changes that will last for the rest of your life.

Which commercial diet books, programs, or plans really work?

Basically, almost any diet plan will work for weight loss. Go to a bookstore and buy any diet book. It will give you tips on eating less and you can lose weight. But the problem is that almost none of them work for weight loss maintenance.

If you want to lose weight, I don’t think it matters how you do it or what plan you use. But to keep it off, you will probably have to use different strategies.

I co-founded the National Weight Control Registry, which tracks about 6,000 people who have, on average, lost 70 pounds and kept it off for seven years. What we’re doing is trying to learn how these people manage to do it. What strategies really work? We’ve found some common factors. People in the Registry tend to do a lot of physical activity. They tend to eat a low-fat diet and pay attention to overall calories. They self-monitor: they weigh themselves and keep periodic food diaries. And they eat breakfast every day.

Do I really need to exercise to lose weight?

No. If you cut way back on your calories, you can lose a lot of weight without doing a lick of exercise. But you absolutely need to exercise to keep the weight off. I tell people that if they’re not prepared to substantially increase their physical activity, they shouldn’t even bother trying to lose weight. It won’t have any lasting benefit. Exercise is the key.
How much exercise should I be doing?

My recommendation is to shoot for about an hour a day. We’ve found that people who successfully keep off lost weight tend to exercise for 60 to 90 minutes daily.

Now, people will say, “60 to 90 minutes a day? That’s terrible!” But the people in the National Weight Control Registry have maintained an average weight loss of 70 pounds. I think a lot of people would say that giving up an hour a day to keep off 70 pounds is not a bad deal.

The good news is that you can spread out the exercise throughout the entire day. You don’t have to do it all at once. Most people still have some planned exercise at a specific time each day. For instance, they take a walk or a bike ride right after work every day.

You could also try using a step counter, which I think is a wonderful tool. They give you immediate feedback and make setting goals easy. We find that people in the National Weight Control Registry take an average of 11,000-12,000 steps a day, which works out to about five to six miles. But when you’re just starting out, take it slowly. Work up to an hour a day slowly in 15 minute increments.

Getting in your physical activity will never be easy. Even people who have been doing it for years will tell you that they still have to force themselves to get out there every day. But if you want to keep off weight, exercise has to be a priority.
How many calories should I be eating?

To lose weight, you can go on a 1,200- or 1,400-calorie diet. Eating that amount will work very well for weight loss. The problem is that although you can eat 1,200 calories for a few months, you can’t eat that way forever. You won’t be satisfied by so few calories and won’t be able to keep it up.

So I have a radical idea. I think you should eat as many calories as you can. But the only way you can eat more calories is if you balance them with increased exercise. The more exercise you do, the more you can eat.

How can I stay motivated to lose or maintain my weight?

People have no problem staying motivated in the short-term. A person will think, “Gosh, I’m going to a wedding in six weeks – I have to lose some weight.” And as you start to lose the weight, it can be pretty easy. You get a lot of positive feedback, because everyone’s telling you how good you look.

But as time goes on, you get diminishing returns. You stop getting compliments because people are used to your new appearance. Then you have to rely on internal motivation, which is a lot harder. So that’s why it’s so important to start weight loss with a real commitment to making changes forever. It’s not easy. But we’ve found that the longer you keep weight off, the better your odds. People report that after they keep the weight off for three years, their likelihood of ongoing success is pretty high.
What kind of foods should be on my weight loss diet?

We’ve found that although all sorts of diets help people lose weight, the people who keep it off tend to eat a high fiber, moderately low-fat diet.

But most importantly, you should eat foods that you’re going to be able to eat your whole life. You have to be realistic. If you love ice cream and go on a diet that makes you give it up, that diet is probably not going to work for you.
Are there any supplements that can help me lose weight?

My sense is that most of them are probably neutral: they won’t help and they won’t hurt. However, there’s very little evidence about these supplements and it’s possible that some could even be harmful. For now, my advice is to steer clear of them. I think you’d just lose your money and not get any benefit.

Obviously, if you see someone selling a supplement promising easy, rapid weight loss, run the other way. Believe me, if it were true, everybody would be thin.
Should I take prescription diet pills?

There are some prescription diet pills that can help some people. But they’re not for everybody and they’re not magic bullets. The weight won’t melt off once you start taking them. In fact, these medications don’t do much on their own – you still have to do the diet and exercise part.

If you’re interested, you obviously can’t take them on your own. Your physician can help you decide if they make sense for you.
Has your research changed any of your own dietary and exercise habits?

I’ve always tried to make physical activity a priority, so my research just reinforced this. If anything, it did make me realize how important it is to eat breakfast every day.

Source from: here

Honda-Next Genaration Civic

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:34:00 +0000

Based on news from the official site Honda Motor in here, Honda will be lounch new generation of Civic model. What the special of this new design, concept and improvement in this newly released sketch, the feeling of the new Civic is captured as energetic, sleek and aerodynamic. It's a preview for this upcoming concept vehicle, which will be shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in January. The production version of the ninth-generation Civic based on the revealed concept will go on sale in spring 2011.

Honda- "The Power of Dreams"-2011

This is a complate specification of Honda Civic 2011, check this out!

Engineering
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
Engine Type	In-Line 4-Cylinder	In-Line 4-Cylinder	In-Line 4-Cylinder
Engine Block/Cylinder Head	Aluminum-Alloy	Aluminum-Alloy	Aluminum-Alloy
Displacement (cc)	1799	1799	1799
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	140 @ 6300	140 @ 6300	140 @ 6300
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	128 @ 4300	128 @ 4300	128 @ 4300
Redline (rpm)	6800	6800	6800
Bore and Stroke (mm)	81 x 87.3	81 x 87.3	81 x 87.3
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	10.5:1	10.5:1
Valve Train	16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC^®	16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC^®	16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC^®
Multi-Point Fuel Injection	Standard	Standard	Standard
Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front-Wheel Drive	Standard	Standard	Standard
CARB Emissions Rating	ULEV-2[1]	ULEV-2[1]	ULEV-2[1]
Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer	Standard	Standard	Standard
100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups[2]	Standard	Standard	Standard
Transmissions
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
5-Speed Manual Transmission	Standard	Standard	EX without Navigation only
Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.143, 2nd: 1.870, 3rd: 1.235, 4th: 0.949, 5th: 0.727, Reverse: 3.308, Final Drive: 4.29
Compact 5-Speed Automatic Transmission	Available	Available	Available (EX w/o Navi) Standard (EX w/Navi/EX-L)
Gear Ratios: 1st: 2.666, 2nd: 1.534, 3rd: 1.022, 4th: 0.721, 5th: 0.525, Reverse: 1.957, Final Drive: 4.44
Body/Suspension/Chassis
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
Unit-Body Construction	Standard	Standard	Standard
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension	Standard	Standard	Standard
Multi-Link Rear Suspension	Standard	Standard	Standard
Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear)	24.2 / 10.0	24.2 / 10.0	24.2 / 10.0
Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering	Standard	Standard	Standard
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock	2.70	2.70	2.70
Steering Ratio	13.70	13.70	13.70
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft)	34.8	35.4	35.4
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes (in, front/rear)	10.3 / 7.9	10.3 / 7.9
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in, front/rear)			10.3 / 10.2
Wheels	15" with Full Covers	16" with Full Covers (LX) 16" Alloys (LX-S)	16" Alloys
All-Season Tires	P195 / 65 R15 89H	P205 / 55 R16 89H	P205 / 55 R16 89H
Compact Spare Tire	Standard	Standard	Standard
Exterior Measurements
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
Wheelbase (in)	106.3	106.3	106.3
Length (in)	177.3	177.3	177.3
Height (in)	56.5	56.5	56.5
Width (in)	69.0	69.0	69.0
Track (in, front/rear)	59.0 / 60.2	59.0 / 60.2	59.0 / 60.2
Curb Weight (lbs, MT/AT)	2630 / 2692 (DX) 2648 / 2709 (DX-VP)	2687 / 2754 (LX / LX-S)	2747 / 2820 (EX) 2760 / 2831 (EX-L)
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, MT)	60 / 40	60 / 40	60 / 40
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, AT)	61 / 39	61 / 39	61 / 39
Interior Measurements
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
Headroom (in, front/rear)	39.4 / 37.4	39.4 / 37.4	38.1 / 36.7
Legroom (in, front/rear)	42.2 / 34.6	42.2 / 34.6	42.2 / 34.6
Shoulder Room (in, front/rear)	53.7 / 52.4	53.7 / 52.4	53.6 / 52.3
Hiproom (in, front/rear)	51.9 / 51.0	51.9 / 51.0	51.9 / 51.0
Cargo Volume (cu ft)	12.0	12.0	12.0
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	90.9	90.9	88.4
Seating Capacity	5	5	5
EPA Mileage Estimates[3] /Capacities
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
5-Speed Manual (City/Highway/Combined)	26 / 34 / 29	26 / 34 / 29	26 / 34 / 29
5-Speed Automatic (City/Highway/Combined)	25 / 36 / 29	25 / 36 / 29	25 / 36 / 29
Crankcase (qt)	4.7	4.7	4.7
Coolant System (qt, MT/AT)	6.8 / 7.0	6.8 / 7.0	6.8 / 7.0
Fuel (gal)	13.2	13.2	13.2
Required Fuel	Regular Unleaded	Regular Unleaded	Regular Unleaded
Safety
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System	Standard	Standard	Standard
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder	Standard	Standard	Standard
Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Side Curtain Airbags	Standard	Standard	Standard
Driver's and Front Passenger's Active Head Restraints	Standard	Standard	Standard
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure	Standard	Standard	Standard
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA^®) with Traction Control[4]			EX-L
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist			EX-L
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)[5]	Standard	Standard	Standard
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Side-Impact Door Beams	Standard	Standard	Standard
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row Outboard), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks	Standard	Standard	Standard
Emergency Trunk Release	Standard	Standard	Standard
Exterior Features
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature			Standard
Integrated Rear-Window Antenna	Standard	Standard	Standard
Security System with Remote Entry		Standard	with Trunk Release
Manually Operated Side Mirrors	Standard
Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors		Standard	Standard
Heated Side Mirrors			EX-L
2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers	Standard	Standard
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers			Standard
Impact-Absorbing Body-Colored Bumpers	Standard	Standard	Standard
Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights	Standard	Standard	Standard
Rear Decklid Spoiler		LX-S
Chrome Exhaust Finisher		LX-S
Body-Colored Door Handles	Black	Standard	Standard
Chrome Rear License Plate Trim	Standard	Standard	Standard
Comfort & Convenience
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
Air Conditioning with Air-Filtration System	DX-VP	Standard	Standard
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition[6]			Available
Bluetooth^® HandsFreeLink^®[7]			with Navigation
Power Windows	Standard
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window		Standard	Standard
Power Door Locks with Auto-Lock Feature		Standard	Standard
Cruise Control		Standard	Standard
Perforated Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel		LX-S	EX-L
Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls		Cruise	Cruise/Audio/Navi(available)
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column	Standard	Standard	Standard
Beverage Holders	Front	Front	Front and Rear
Center Console with Sliding Armrest and Storage Compartment		Standard	Standard
Door-Pocket Storage Bins, Front	Standard	Standard	Standard
Passenger-Side Seatback Pocket			Standard
Coin Tray	Standard	Standard	Standard
Satin-Finish Door-Handle Pulls		Standard	Standard
Remote Fuel Filler Door Release	Standard	Standard	Standard
Remote Trunk Release with Lock	Standard	Standard	Standard
Headlights-On Reminder	Standard	Standard	Standard
Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors	Standard	Standard	Standard
Map Lights		Standard	Standard
Rear-Seat Armrest			Standard
Rear-Seat Heater Ducts	Standard	Standard	Standard
Floor Mats		Standard	Standard
Driver's Footrest	Standard	Standard	Standard
12-Volt Power Outlet	Front	Front	Front and Center Console
Rear Window Defroster with Timer	Standard	Standard	Standard
Cargo Area Light	Standard	Standard	Standard
Seating
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
Leather-Trimmed Interior			EX-L
Heated Front Seats			EX-L
Driver's Seat with Manual Height Adjustment	Standard	Standard	Standard
Adjustable Front Seat-Belt Anchors	Standard	Standard	Standard
Reclining Front Seatbacks	Standard	Standard	Standard
Adjustable Head Restraints	Standard	Standard	Standard
Fold-Down Rear Seatback	Standard	Standard	60/40 Split
Audio Systems
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
160-Watt AM/FM//CD Audio System with 4 Speakers	DX-VP	Standard
160-Watt AM/FM//CD Audio System with 6 Speakers			Standard
MP3/Windows Media^® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability[8]	DX-VP	Standard	Standard
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack	DX-VP	Standard	Standard
USB Audio Interface[9]			Standard
XM^® Radio[10]			with Navigation
CD Text Display Capability	DX-VP	Standard	Standard
Digital Audio-Card Reader			with Navigation
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)	DX-VP	Standard	Standard
Instrumentation
	DX/DX-VP	LX/LX-S	EX/EX-L
Two-Tier Instrument Panel	Standard	Standard	Standard
Blue Backlit Gauges	Standard	Standard	Standard
Tachometer	Standard	Standard	Standard
Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters (2)	Standard	Standard	Standard
Maintenance Minder™ System	Standard	Standard	Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Indicator[5]	Standard	Standard	Standard
Exterior Temperature Indicator			Standard
Fuel and Coolant Temperature Indicators	Standard	Standard	Standard
Door/Trunk-Open Indicators	Standard	Standard	Standard
Low-Fuel and Low-Oil Pressure Indicators	Standard	Standard	Standard
Passenger-Side Side Airbag-Off Indicator	Standard	Standard	Standard
Front Passenger Airbag-Off Indicator	Standard	Standard	Standard

[1] ULEV-2 rated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

[2] Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Will vary with driving conditions. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

[3] Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

[4] VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.

[5] For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

[6] The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on Civic EX and EX-L models in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

[7] The Bluetooth^® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

[8] Windows Media^® is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

[9] The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

[10] XM services require a subscription after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions governed by XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. If you decide to continue your XM service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically be renewed and you will be billed at then-current rates unless you call 1-800-967-2346 to cancel. Fees and programming subject to change. Available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States and D.C.

Resume of the year! Most and least reliable car 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:45:00 +0000

Which cars sold in Englend are least likely to let you down? We take a look at the reliability top ten car 's manufacture.

Crown to Honda! (big applouse)

What Car? magazine and insurance company Warranty Direct survey: The Japanese cars are still the most reliable, despite recent safety scares involving Toyota and Lexus models, according to the annual study (July 2010).

For the fifth year running, Honda topped the rankings as the most trustworthy car manufacturer. Of the 32 companies studied, Land Rover proved the least reliable company - 53% of its cars suffered a fault - followed by Alfa Romeo, Renault, Saab, MG, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Audi, Rover, BMW.

The most expensive make of car to repair was Porsche, at an average cost of £717.36 followed by Mazda at £481.26. Lowest average repair costs was Renault, at £226.54.

The study was using data from Warranty Direct's 50,000 live policies on cars aged three to 10 years.

What Car? 10 most reliable manufacturers:

1. Honda
2. Subaru
3. Mitsubishi
4. Lexus
5. Toyota
6. Mazda
7. Nissan
8. Skoda
9. Kia
10. Mini

Which car survey 2010 The UK's most reliable new car is the Kia Picanto, while the Land Rover Discovery 3 is most likely to break down, according to the 2010 Which? car survey (published in the summer of 2010).

Although unlikely to set pulses racing, the small Kia Picanto will also not get tempers flaring, as it scored a remarkable 98.1% in the report on hassle-free motoring.

The British-built Land Rover Discovery 3 bombed in a reliability test, the only car to score under 70%, with a score of just 67.8%.

The Which? survey rates new cars on users happiness, taking into account breakdowns, faults and even niggles, which are guaranteed to get the buyer of a new car cursing. Japanese cars dominate the field with seven of the top ten cars

The Mazda3, Daihatsu Sirion, Honda Insight and Honda Jazz completed the top five

The Which? survey was not good news for Land Rover, with the Land Rover Range Sport featuring in the bottom ten as well. The BMW 3 Series convertible, Hyundai Santa Fe and Renault Megane CC complete the bottom five.

The biggest problem with new cars identified by the survey was electrical systems, which are supposedly meant to make cars more efficient, reliable and comfortable.

Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive, Which?, said: 'You don't expect a new car to go wrong – but our rigorous research shows there's a big difference between the best and worst.

'Some small cars, particularly Korean and Japanese superminis, run like clockwork. Whereas some bigger cars, which you might expect to be more robust, aren't all they're cracked up to be.'

Which? most reliable new cars

1 Kia Picanto - 98.1%
2 Mazda3 - 97.6%
3 Daihatsu Sirion - 97.0%
3 Honda Insight - 97.0%
5 Honda Jazz - 96.2%
6 Toyota iQ - 96.1%
7 Toyota Prius - 95.4%
8 Volkswagen Golf Plus - 93.3%
8 Mercedes-Benz SLK - 93.3%
10 Mazda2 - 93.2%

Which? least reliable new cars

1 Land Rover Discovery 3 - 67.8%
2 BMW 3 Series convertible - 73.9%
3 Hyundai Santa Fe - 75.0%
4 Renault Mégane CC - 75.7%
5 Volkswagen Eos - 75.7%
6 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - 75.8%
7 Jaguar S-type - 76.0%
8 Ford Focus CC - 77.2%
9 Citroën C4 Grand Picasso - 77.4%
10 Volvo S80 - 77.6%
10 Ford S-Max - 77.6%

Source: www.whatcar.com

Impact Of Overweight On Health and Risks!

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 12:17:00 +0000

Doctors use the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a convenient method of assessing whether someone is underweight, normal weight or overweight. According to the body mass index, a person is deemed overweight if they have a BMI of 25 or higher. BMI is based on 2 variables, weight and height, but takes no account of body fat percentage. Thus it is less accurate when determining the weight/health status of muscular athletes (who may be classified as mildly or seriously overweight), or older unfit people (who may be classified as normal, even though they may have too high a proportion of body fat). In addition, BMI is a Western system and therefore not entirely appropriate for Eastern peoples, whose body frame may differ.

Care with your body weight

Being overweight or obese isn't a cosmetic problem. It greatly raises the risk in adults for many diseases and conditions.

Overweight and Obesity-Related Health Problems in Adults

Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition in which a substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

Plaque can narrow or block the coronary arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack. (Angina is chest pain or discomfort.)

As your body mass index (BMI) increases, so does your risk of having CHD and a heart attack. Obesity also can lead to heart failure. This is a serious condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. Your chances of having high blood pressure are greater if you're overweight or obese.
Stroke

Being overweight or obese can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form at the site. If the clot is close to your brain, it can block the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain and cause a stroke. The risk of having a stroke rises as BMI increases.
Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body's blood glucose, or blood sugar, level is too high. Normally, the body breaks down food into glucose and then carries it to cells throughout the body. The cells use a hormone called insulin to turn the glucose into energy.

In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells don't use insulin properly. At first, the body reacts by making more insulin. Over time, however, the body can't make enough insulin to control its blood sugar level.

Diabetes is a leading cause of early death, CHD, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. Most people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Abnormal Blood Fats
If you're overweight or obese, you're at increased risk of having abnormal levels of blood fats. These include high levels of triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Abnormal levels of these blood fats are a risk factor for CHD. For more information about triglycerides and LDL and HDL cholesterol, go to the Diseases and Conditions Index High Blood Cholesterol article.
Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors linked to overweight and obesity. These risk factors increase your risk of CHD and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.

You can develop any one of these risk factors by itself, but they tend to occur together. A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if you have at least three of the following risk factors:

A large waistline. This also is called abdominal obesity or "having an apple shape." Having extra fat in the waist area is a greater risk factor for CHD than having extra fat in other parts of the body, such as on the hips.
A higher than normal triglyceride level (or you're on medicine to treat high triglycerides).
A lower than normal HDL cholesterol level (or you're on medicine to treat low HDL cholesterol).
Higher than normal blood pressure (or you're on medicine to treat high blood pressure).
Higher than normal fasting blood sugar (or you're on medicine to treat diabetes).

Cancer
Being overweight or obese raises the risk of colon, breast, endometrial, and gallbladder cancers.
Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint problem of the knees, hips, and lower back. The condition occurs if the tissue that protects the joints wears away. Extra weight can put more pressure and wear on joints, causing pain.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.

A person who has sleep apnea may have more fat stored around the neck. This can narrow the airway, making it hard to breathe.

Reproductive Problems
Obesity can cause menstrual irregularity and infertility in women.

Gallstones
Gallstones are hard pieces of stone-like material that form in the gallbladder. They're mostly made of cholesterol. Gallstones can cause abdominal or back pain.

People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of having gallstones. Also, being overweight may result in an enlarged gallbladder that doesn't work right.

Overweight and Obesity-Related Health Problems in Children and Teens

Overweight and obesity also increase the health risks for children and teens. Type 2 diabetes once was rare in American children, but an increasing number of children are developing the disease.

Also, overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese as adults, with the same disease risks.

Go Green with 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:43:00 +0000

The green initiative is in full swing for 2011. This means the automotive industry must step up their standards to give the green-conscious consumer an environmentally friendly vehicle that is also powerful, attractive, and just plain feels like a car.

Courtesy from Ford

The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid delivers such a package. The Fusion Hybrid means it is a cross between an electric car and a regular fuel car. The electric component of the car is capable of running fully on electricity for up to 47 mph. When running on fuel, the Fusion averages 41 mpg on the highways and 36 mpg when cruising around the city. The fusion has a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that delivers 156-horsepower while also providing AC power from a 106-horsepower electric motor.

2011 Ford Fusion Buying Advice.

The 2011 Ford Fusion is the best car for you if you’re looking for a roomy and comfortable midsize sedan that delivers solid overall performance and the latest technology.

The 2011 Ford Fusion carries over largely unchanged from the 2010 Fusion, which underwent revisions inside and out and added the 41-mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid. New features for the 2011 Fusion include Ford’s MyKey system that allows parents to set limits on their teenage drivers and a blind-spot side-view mirror included on models not otherwise fitted with the optional Blind Spot Information System. Newly optional are an HD Radio receiver and rain-sensing wipers, along with two new appearance packages. What hasn’t been added this year, however, is a turbocharged EcoBoost engine option.

Should you wait for the 2012 Ford Fusion or buy a 2011 Fusion? While the 2012 Fusion will largely remain unchanged from the present version, one anticipated addition may be worth waiting for. The 2012 Fusion is likely to be available with Ford’s EcoBoost four-cylinder engine as a substitute for one of its current V-6s. In the 2011 Ford Explorer crossover SUV, this turbocharged 2.0-liter nets a strong 237 horsepower, which is nearly on a par with the 2011 Fusion’s 3.0-liter V6, but with four-cylinder fuel economy. Buying a 2012 Fusion, however, places you just one model-year away from the anticipated all-new 2013 Fusion. The 2013 Ford Fusion will get a cosmetic makeover that may carry more-expressive styling and is expected to switch to Ford’s global platform for midsize cars, which means it will be smaller than the current-generation 2006-2012 Fusion.

2011 Ford Fusion Changes

Styling: There are no styling changes for the 2011 Ford Fusion. Part of Fusion’s recent sales surge might be attributed to the deft sheet metal revamp performed on the 2010 model. The current nose and tail, plus a more distinctive three-bar grille, enlivened styling that dated from this sedan’s model-year 2006 introduction. It’s a strong look, trading on square-cut lines to convey a sense of solidity. The dashboard was redone, as well, gaining softer-touch surfaces and “ice blue” instrument lighting. But the layout of the dashboard – of the entire interior, really -- remains unabashedly blocky in counterpoint to the trend to graceful, sweeping interior forms. The dashboard’s distinguishing feature is a sizeable central screen display for the available Sync and navigation systems. On 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid models, the instrument cluster is interactive, animated by Ford’s EcoGuide. This features real-time LCD graphics of hybrid power routing and battery strength. It can also depict a creeping vine that adds green leaves to reward fuel- and energy-efficient driving and subtracts them to punish inefficiency. Fusion comes in a single, four-door-sedan body style. The 2011 lineup carries over largely intact and ascends from base S, SE, and SEL, to Sport models, plus the Hybrid. The Mercury Milan, which will continue for a brief and final 2011 run as Ford winds down the now-discontinued brand name, is essentially a Fusion with slightly different appearance details. The costlier Lincoln MKZ premium sedan also shares this basic engineering, but has its own styling touches; while it’s not available with a four-cylinder engine, this year it adds a hybrid powertrain.

Mechanical: Even without an EcoBoost option, the 2011 Fusion offers what is arguably the widest variety of powertrain choices in the mid-priced, midsize class. This is another factor in Fusion’s popularity. The 2011 Fusion is available with a four-cylinder engine, two V-6s, the gas-electric hybrid, three transmissions, and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Standard on S, SE, and SEL models is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that retains its 175-horsepower rating and continues with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. For 2011, the automatic transmission on four-cylinder models now includes a manual gear-select function. The 2011 Fusion SE and SEL models are again available with an optional 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6.. Returning at the top of the line is the 2011 Fusion Sport, which came on line for 2010 and opened Fusion to a performance-enthusiast audience it had never before reached. The Sport has a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, plus tauter suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels. The V-6s come only with the six-speed automatic transmission, which likewise includes a manual-shift mode. All 2011 Fusions come standard with front-wheel drive, which places the weight of the engine over the front tires and benefits traction in slippery conditions. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on the 2011 Fusion SEL V-6 and Fusion Sport models. The system normally runs in front-wheel drive, but if sensors detect slip it automatically redistributes power front-to-rear as needed to restore traction. Fusion is one of only two cars available with AWD in the mid-priced, midsize class. AWD is standard on the Subaru Legacy and optional on the Suzuki Kizashi, though the Kizashi is more of a compact-class car and comes only with a four-cylinder engine. The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid again pairs the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate the equivalent of 191 horsepower. The Fusion Hybrid has front-wheel drive and can run on gas or electric power individually or in combination. It can drive on electricity alone up to 47 mph. The Hybrid system self-charges – no plug-in required – and works through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has a rheostat-like delivery of power rather than set gear ratios.

Features: Ford continues to position the 2011 Fusion as a high-tech leader in the class – a strategy that’s contributed to increased sales. Available on all but the base model is Ford’s Microsoft-developed Sync system of voice-activated navigation, communications, and entertainment connectivity. Displaying on the central dashboard screen and utilizing steering-wheel controls for many functions, the hard-drive-based Sync incorporates Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB iPod interface, 150 hours of music storage, and real-time traffic and weather mapping. Available options, depending on model, include rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers, a power moonroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rearview camera, and Ford’s Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert. This last uses radar to detect and warn of unseen objects in adjacent traffic lanes or to the rear and sides when backing from a parking space. A new HD Radio option not only allows motorists to tune in AM and FM digital stations with improved sound (where available), it includes iTunes song tagging. The latter allows you to save artist and title information on songs heard on the radio to many recent iPods and iPhones that can later be previewed and purchased via Apple’s online music store. offered is ambient interior lighting that can be adjusted to ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white, and green. Customization opportunities extend to the plastic appliqués on the central dashboard section: choices include dark-matte finishes, polished slate, brushed aluminum, and on Sport models, “Cherry Red” and “Blue Racer” that complement similarly two-toned leather-upholstery. Every 2011 Ford Fusion comes with four-wheel disc brakes with antilock control to improve control in panic stops, traction control to aid grip when starting on slick surfaces, and Ford’s AdvanceTrac antiskid system to mitigate sideways slides. Ford’s Easy Fuel innovation that eliminates the gas-filler cap also is standard, as is a manual tilt/telescope steering wheel. Newly standard for 2011 if Ford’s MyKey system that allows parents to program a special key, ostensibly for the family’s teenaged drivers, that can limit the vehicle’s top speed to 80 mph, give warnings for low-fuel and set speeds, set a maximum audio-system volume, and even mute the audio system if the seat belts aren’t duly buckled.

2011 Ford Fusion Prices

Prices for the 2011 Ford Fusion are virtually the same as with the 2010 model, which ensures it continues as a highly competitive value. Fusion’s base prices are traditionally $1,000-$2,000 below those of most rivals, and Fusion has allowed you to get into a V-6 model for the lowest cost in the class.

This value proposition of course plays a role in Fusion’s growing popularity. The current styling and interior appointments, tech-rich options list, and powertrain variety are part of the equation, too. Fusion sales were up by nearly 18 percent through the first eight months of 2010 compared to the same period a year ago; while that’s impressive enough, those numbers are skewed a bit by a concurrent drop in August sales, which is a statistical anomaly accredited to the pronounced bump in sales the car enjoyed during last summer’s Cash for Clunkers program.

The base price range for front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder 2011 Fusions starts at $20,420 for the base S model, $21,950 for the SE, and $25,405 for the SEL. (Prices in this review include the manufacturer’s destination fee; Ford’s fee for the 2010 Fusion is $725).

Base prices for the 2011 Ford Fusion with the 3.0-liter V-6 and front-wheel drive range from $24,440 for the SE, and $26,990 for the SEL. Base price for the 2011 Ford Fusion SEL with AWD is $28,840. The 2011 Ford Fusion Sport base price is $27,230 with front-wheel drive, and $29,080 with AWD.

Meanwhile, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid carries a starting price of $28,850. Aside from the hybrid system and CVT, its standard and optional equipment mirror those of the four-cylinder Fusion SEL model.

Among key 2011 Fusion options, the navigation system is priced at $1,775, while the Sun & Sync package on the SE model adds the power moonroof and Sync system for a reasonable $895. Sync is standard on SEL models, and for $1,795 you can add the Driver’s Vision Package, which includes the blind-spot-warning systems and incorporates a moonroof and upgraded 12-speaker Sony audio.

2011 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy

The 2011 Ford Fusion’s fuel economy remains a strong selling point. The base Fusion S with the six-speed automatic transmission is EPA rated at 23/33 mpg city/highway. Fusion S mileage slips to 22/29 with the six-speed manual. And with this same 2.5-liter four-cylinder, Fusion SE and SEL models are rated at 22/30 with automatic transmission, 22/29 with manual.

Ratings for Fusion SE and SEL models with the 3.0-liter V-6 are 18/27 with front-wheel drive, 17/24 with AWD. Hats off to Ford engineers for creating the faster, more powerful 3.5-liter Fusion Sport without a mileage penalty: it rates the same 18/27 with front-drive and 17/24 with AWD as a 3.0-liter Fusion.

Note that the 3.0-liter V-6 also has Flex Fuel capability, meaning it can run on gasoline, on the E-85 blend of 15 percent gas and 85 percent ethanol, or on any combination of gas and E85. Running exclusively on E85, fuel-economy ratings drop to 14/21 mpg with front-wheel drive and to 13/19 with AWD.

Like most true gas/electric hybrids, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is most fuel-efficient in city driving, where it best exploits the ability to run on electricity alone and to automatically stop/start the gas engine when the car isn’t moving. The 2011 Fusion Hybird is rated at 41 mpg city/36 highway. These are among the best all-around figures of any car sold in the U.S. and are matched by the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Only the Toyota Prius offers better fuel economy, which for 2010 (2011 figures weren’t available at this writing) was rated at 51/48 mpg. Many smaller models, such as the compact-class Honda Civic Hybrid (40/45 mpg) and the Volkswagen Jetta diesel (30/41), are lower.
2011 Ford Fusion Release Date

The 2011 Ford Fusion went on sale in late summer 2010.
What's next for the Ford Fusion

Ford’s won well-deserved accolades for its new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that teams an efficiency-enhancing technology called direct fuel injection with the power-boosting capability of twin turborchargers. The result is an engine with the fuel-economy of a six and the muscle of a V-8. Ford dubs the approach EcoBoost and plans a family of four- and six-cylinder engines around it.

The EcoBoost V-6 is available in several Ford and Lincoln models, including the 365-horsepower Taurus SHO, but you won’t see that powerplant in the Fusion until its 2013 redesign, if ever. The 2012 Ford Fusion is likely to offer a version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that’s optional in the redesigned-for-2011 Ford Explorer. It delivers 237 horsepower there and will probably boast a similar output in the Fusion, with fuel economy similar to the 2.5-liter four.

The 2013 Ford Fusion, accompanied by the 2013 MKZ, is expected to abandon its current underskin architecture, which has roots in a previous platform engineered in conjunction with Mazda. Ford is expected to consolidate the design of its next-generation midsize cars on a global platform engineered in Europe for the Ford Mondeo, a car widely praised for its road manners and roomy cabin.

Otherwise, the model-year 2010 freshening will essentially carry this generation Fusion to its conclusion with little more than trim and color details for 2012.

2011 Ford Fusion Competitors

Chevrolet Malibu: Broke out of the box to high praise and strong sales as an all-new design for model-year 2008. Most of it was deserved, but Malibu never quite matched Fusion for all-around roadability and slipped further behind after Fusion’s 2010 reskin. Still, this handsome, roomy, quiet sedan shows what GM can do when it’s on its game. Malibu comes only with front-wheel drive and a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines. Base prices start around $22,000 for the four-cylinder, around $28,000 for the V-6. Next full redesign: model-year 2013.

2011 Honda Accord: A mild facelift for model-year 2011 probably won’t silence critics of this car’s styling, but Accord warrants few complaints otherwise. Nothing in this competitive set matches its all-around quality, engineering, or fun-to-drive character. Accord’s coupe body style is sleek; its sedan is exceptionally roomy. Both come only with front-wheel drive and a choice of gasoline four- and six-cylinder engines. The sedan starts around $22,000 with the four-cylinder, $28,000 with the V-6. Accord’s next full redesign is likely for model-year 2013.

2011 Toyota Camry: The Nissan Altima also figures into this mix, but we’ll cite the Camry because it’s America’s best-selling midsize car and its hybrid model is available nationwide, like Fusion’s and unlike Altima’s. Camry’s sometimes knocked for its numb road feel and dull nature. But isolating occupants from unpleasant sensations and being known for unsensational dependability are good things -- especially at prices that start around $20,000 for the four-cylinder model. V-6 Camrys start around $25,500. Their engine is also used by some models in Toyota’s premium Lexus line, and indeed, a loaded Camry V-6 does a fair imitation of a Lexus ES sedan at thousands less. The Camry Hybrid has about 190 horsepower, rates 31/35 mpg, and starts around $27,000. All Camrys have front-wheel drive. The next redesign is expected for model-year 2013.

Tickets and Packages: 2011 Presidents Cup "Melbourne-Australia"

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:13:00 +0000

New Year 2011 is in sight. And championship golf "The Presidents Cup 2011" season will also begin. Be you a part of the competition. This game launches at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Leaders from the political, sports, media and corporate communities gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday to officially launch The Presidents Cup 2011, which will be held at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 17-20, 2011.

The program included remarks from Premier of Victoria -- The Honorable John Brumby and Australian golf great Peter Thomson and taped messages from International Team Captain Greg Norman, United States Team Captain Fred Couples and PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. Following the program, guests were given the rare opportunity to walk out onto the grounds at the MCG and take golf shots for a closest to the pin competition.

"I have to admit, I am jealous of all of you for getting to test your golf swings on the hallowed grounds at the MCG," Norman told the audience during his remarks.

Premier John Brumby talked about the Victorian Government's support of and partnership with The Presidents Cup. With a stretch of golf courses on Melbourne's sandbelt that rival any similar stretch in all of the world, the entire country of Australia will be showcased to nearly 600 million homes in approximately 200 countries worldwide. The Victorian Government has a long-term commitment to develop Melbourne as a golfing destination that rivals the likes of Scotland and Ireland. The government's Golf Tourism Action Plan 2009-2012 outlines strategies for securing even more golf events and encouraging more travel to the sandbelt courses.

"The Presidents Cup is one of the world's great sporting events attracting the international golfing world, Heads of State and industry leaders and is watched by millions of people globally," Premier Brumby said. "This event is one of the jewels in golf's crown, and I am delighted that Melbourne will once again play host in 2011, the first time any city outside of America has been given the honour of hosting The Presidents Cup a second time."

Since the tournament's inception in 1994, The Presidents Cup has given close to $22 million to charity. All proceeds from the tournament are split equally by the players, who receive no personal compensation for playing in the event, to choose charities to receive the funds.

The Presidents Cup 2011 will see the return of 2009 team captains Fred Couples and Greg Norman. As first-time captains at The Presidents Cup 2009 in San Francisco, Couples and Norman each led strong teams as they competed in front of record crowds at Harding Park Golf Course. The U.S. Team retained the Cup, winning by a score of 19-1/2 to 14-1/2 to stretch their overall record in the competition to 6-1-1. The International Team's lone victory in the event came in 1998 which was also held at Royal Melbourne.

Thomson was the captain of that winning International squad.

"The city of Melbourne and the entire country of Australia should be proud to host what is one of the great golf events in the world," Thomson said. "Winning the Presidents Cup in 1998 was one of the highlights of my career."

Players from both teams have until Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, to qualify with names like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker looking to make the United States squad. The International team will be made up of the top ten international players (excluding those eligible for the European Ryder Cup team). This could include players like Australia's own Geoff Ogilvy, Rob Allenby and Adam Scott as well as Ernie Els, Mike Weir and Camilo Villegas. The captains will then each make two additional selections to the teams on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2011

Photos from the Corporate Launch can be found on the additional attachment of this press release. For high resolution versions of these photos, or for those interested in corporate hospitality for The Presidents Cup in 2011, contact Matt Kamienksi, Executive Director of The Presidents Cup at mattkamienski@pgatourhq.com, +61 3 9094 0701.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public through Ticketmaster in April 2011. Join our eclub to receive advance notice for tickets going on sale and news from the tournament. Just click here

"Joe Smith" the NBA player

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:45:00 +0000

His complate name is Joseph Leynard Smith (born July 26, 1975, in Norfolk, Virginia) is an American professional basketball player for the New Jersey Nets in the NBA.

Smith was the College Player of the Year at Maryland in 1995 and taken with the No. 1 pick of that season's NBA Draft. He was named to the 1995–96 All-Rookie team.

NBA career

Golden State Warriors (1995–1998)
Smith attended Maury High School and played at the University of Maryland. In the 1995 NBA Draft, Smith was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the first overall pick, before fellow power forwards Kevin Garnett, Antonio McDyess and Rasheed Wallace, as well as guard Jerry Stackhouse. Smith was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team for the 1995–96 season and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Damon Stoudamire.

Joe Smith would play two-and-a-half years for the Warriors before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers midway through the 1997–98 season. Smith's statistics declined immediately after the trade, and have never fully recovered.

Minnesota Timberwolves (1998–2003)
Despite a drop in production, Smith was seen still as a hot commodity in the free agency blitz[citation needed] that followed the strike in late 1998. In what seemed at the time like a bizarre move, Smith signed for very little money with the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the next two years, Smith played very productively at small forward alongside All-Star Kevin Garnett.
Timberwolves salary cap scandal

Following the 1999–2000 season, it was discovered that Smith was involved in a salary cap-tampering scandal involving Timberwolves executive Kevin McHale. Smith was allegedly promised a future multi-million dollar deal if he signed with the team for below market value, allowing the team to make some additional player moves in the short term. The league later found out about this violation and voided the last year of the contract, also severely punishing the Timberwolves by taking away five first-round draft picks (though two of the picks were ultimately returned) and fining the team $3.5 million.. The move hurt the Timberwolves in the long run, as while the team still found success, the lack of draft picks set the team up for their eventual failure in the mid-2000s.

Detroit Pistons (2000–2001)
Joe Smith was released by the Timberwolves and signed with the Detroit Pistons for the 2000–2001 season as a backup. Smith produced very good numbers for the Pistons and, at the end of the season, he re-signed with the Timberwolves where he played for two more seasons.

NBA journeyman (2003–present)For the next three seasons Smith played for the Milwaukee Bucks. Prior to the 2006–07 season, Smith moved on to the Nuggets, where he only played in 11 games before being traded, along with Andre Miller, back to the 76ers for Allen Iverson. Despite being considered an add-in on the deal, Smith averaged over 25 minutes per game with the 76ers, during the team's ultimately unsuccessful second half battle to make the playoffs.

For the 2007–08 season, Smith signed with the Chicago Bulls. Smith averaged over 11 points and 5 rebounds per game for the Bulls, but the team managed only 33 wins the whole season. Smith was traded in a three team deal at the trade deadline to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On August 13, 2008, Smith was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-team, six-player deal involving the Thunder, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers that sent Milwaukee's Mo Williams to Cleveland, Smith and Milwaukee's Desmond Mason to Oklahoma City, and Cleveland's Damon Jones and Oklahoma City's Luke Ridnour and Adrian Griffin to Milwaukee.

The Thunder traded Smith to the New Orleans Hornets along with Chris Wilcox and draft rights to Devon Hardin on February 17, 2009 for Tyson Chandler but on February 18, 2009 the trade was rescinded after Tyson Chandler failed a physical with Oklahoma City.

On March 1, 2009, the Thunder bought out the remainder of Smith's contract and released him. Two nights later, he agreed to terms to return to Cleveland and rejoin the Cavaliers.

On August 25, 2009, he signed a one year contract with the Atlanta Hawks.[6] On March 17, 2010, Smith became the 92nd player in NBA history to reach 1000 games played, in a victory over the New Jersey Nets.

On September 10, 2010, Smith signed a deal with the New Jersey Nets.

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1995–96	Golden State	82	82	34.4	.458	.357	.773	8.7	1.0	1.0	1.6	15.3
1996–97	Golden State	80	80	38.6	.454	.261	.814	8.5	1.6	.9	1.1	18.7
1997–98	Golden State	49	49	33.6	.429	.000	.769	6.9	1.4	.9	.8	17.3
1997–98	Philadelphia	30	6	23.3	.448	.000	.788	4.4	.9	.6	.4	10.3
1998–99	Minnesota	43	42	33.0	.427	.000	.755	8.2	1.6	.7	1.5	13.7
1999–00	Minnesota	78	9	25.3	.464	1.000	.756	6.2	1.1	.6	1.1	9.9
2000–01	Detroit	69	59	28.1	.403	.000	.805	7.1	1.1	.7	.7	12.3
2001–02	Minnesota	72	63	26.7	.511	.667	.830	6.3	1.1	.5	.8	10.7
2002–03	Minnesota	54	21	20.7	.460	.000	.779	5.0	.7	.3	1.0	7.5
2003–04	Milwaukee	76	76	29.7	.439	.200	.859	8.5	1.0	.6	1.2	10.9
2004–05	Milwaukee	74	73	30.6	.514	.000	.768	7.3	.9	.6	.5	11.0
2005–06	Milwaukee	44	5	20.2	.475	.000	.774	5.2	.7	.6	.3	8.6
2006–07	Denver	11	0	13.5	.479	.000	.833	3.6	.3	.6	.6	5.1
2006–07	Philadelphia	54	11	25.1	.445	.000	.846	6.7	.9	.6	.4	9.2
2007–08	Chicago	50	35	22.9	.466	.000	.807	5.3	.9	.5	.6	11.2
2007–08	Cleveland	27	1	21.5	.512	.000	.652	5.0	.7	.3	.6	8.1
2008–09	Oklahoma City	36	3	19.1	.454	.500	.704	4.6	.7	.3	.7	6.6
2008–09	Cleveland	21	0	19.5	.496	.333	.750	4.7	.8	.3	.7	6.5
2009-10	Atlanta	64	1	9.3	.399	.143	.813	2.5	.3	.1	.3	3.0
Career		1,014	616	26.6	.455	.238	.790	6.5	1.0	.6	.8	11.0

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1998–99	Minnesota	4	4	30.0	.297	.000	.727	6.5	1.3	.5	2.0	7.5
1999–00	Minnesota	4	0	19.8	.471	.000	1.000	3.0	.3	.8	.2	4.5
2001–02	Minnesota	3	1	14.3	.429	.000	.875	3.7	.0	.0	.3	4.3
2002–03	Minnesota	5	1	8.0	.667	.000	1.000	1.2	.0	.2	.2	2.8
2003–04	Milwaukee	5	5	35.0	.491	.000	.923	10.0	.4	.8	2.0	13.2
2005–06	Milwaukee	5	0	21.2	.485	.000	.667	5.4	.6	.4	.4	7.6
2007–08	Cleveland	13	0	20.2	.486	.000	.636	4.6	.5	.4	.5	6.6
2008–09	Cleveland	13	0	16.8	.460	.600	.793	3.7	.2	.5	.5	5.5
2009–10	Atlanta	5	0	4.8	.000	.000	.000	.4	.0	.0	.2	.0
Career		57	11	18.7	.454	.375	.780	4.2	.4	.4	.7	5.9

Info source: Wikipedia.com

Nominations 68th "Golden Globe" Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 04:20:00 +0000

This information is in waiting, 2011 Golden Globe Awards for the year ended December 31, 2010

Nominations Press Release

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. BLACK SWAN
  
  Protozoa Pictures & Cross Creek Pictures & Phoenix; Fox Searchlight Pictures
2. THE FIGHTER
  
  Paramount Pictures and Relativity Media; Paramount Pictures and Relativity Media
3. INCEPTION
  
  Warner Bros. Pictures UK LTD.; Warner Bros. Pictures
4. THE KING’S SPEECH
  
  See-Saw Films and Bedlam Productions; The Weinstein Company
5. THE SOCIAL NETWORK
  
  Columbia Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. HALLE BERRY FRANKIE AND ALICE
2. NICOLE KIDMAN RABBIT HOLE
3. JENNIFER LAWRENCE WINTER’S BONE
4. NATALIE PORTMAN BLACK SWAN
5. MICHELLE WILLIAMS BLUE VALENTINE
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1. JESSE EISENBERG THE SOCIAL NETWORK
2. COLIN FIRTH THE KING’S SPEECH
3. JAMES FRANCO 127 HOURS
4. RYAN GOSLING BLUE VALENTINE
5. MARK WAHLBERG THE FIGHTER
BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. ALICE IN WONDERLAND
  
  Walt Disney Pictures; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
2. BURLESQUE
  
  Screen Gems; Sony Pictures Releasing
3. THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
  
  Antidote Films, Mandalay Vision, Gilbert Films; Focus Features
4. RED
  
  di Bonaventura Pictures; Summit Entertainment
5. THE TOURIST
  
  GK Films; Sony Pictures Releasing
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. ANNETTE BENING THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
2. ANNE HATHAWAY LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
3. ANGELINA JOLIE THE TOURIST
4. JULIANNE MOORE THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
5. EMMA STONE EASY A
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. JOHNNY DEPP ALICE IN WONDERLAND
2. JOHNNY DEPP THE TOURIST
3. PAUL GIAMATTI BARNEY’S VERSION
4. JAKE GYLLENHAAL LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
5. KEVIN SPACEY CASINO JACK
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
1. DESPICABLE ME
  
  Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment; Universal Pictures
2. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
  
  DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures
3. THE ILLUSIONIST
  
  Django Films, Ciné B and France 3 Cinéma; Sony Pictures Classics
4. TANGLED
  
  Walt Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
5. TOY STORY 3
  
  Disney * Pixar; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
1. BIUTIFUL (MEXICO/SPAIN)
  Menageatroz, Focus Features International; Roadside Attractions
2. THE CONCERT (FRANCE)
  An Oï Oï Oï Productions, Les Productions Du Tresor, France 3 Cinema, Europacorp, Castel Films, Panache Productions, RTBF (Belgian Television), BIM Distrubuzione Co., Canal +, Cinecinema and France 3; The Weinstein Company
3. THE EDGE (Kpaй) (RUSSIA)
  Teleshow/Rock Films; Central Partnership (Russia)
4. I AM LOVE (IO SONO L’AMORE) (ITALY)
  First Sun; Magnolia Pictures
5. IN A BETTER WORLD (Hævnen) (DENMARK)
  Zentropa Entertainment; Sony Pictures Classics
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
1. AMY ADAMS THE FIGHTER
2. HELENA BONHAM CARTER THE KING’S SPEECH
3. MILA KUNIS BLACK SWAN
4. MELISSA LEO THE FIGHTER
5. JACKI WEAVER ANIMAL KINGDOM
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
1. CHRISTIAN BALE THE FIGHTER
2. MICHAEL DOUGLAS WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
3. ANDREW GARFIELD THE SOCIAL NETWORK
4. JEREMY RENNER THE TOWN
5. GEOFFREY RUSH THE KING’S SPEECH
BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
1. DARREN ARONOFSKY BLACK SWAN
2. DAVID FINCHER THE SOCIAL NETWORK
3. TOM HOOPER THE KING’S SPEECH
4. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN INCEPTION
5. DAVID O. RUSSELL THE FIGHTER
BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
1. DANNY BOYLE, SIMON BEAUFOY 127 HOURS
2. LISA CHOLODENKO, STUART BLUMBERG THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
3. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN INCEPTION
4. DAVID SEIDLER THE KING’S SPEECH
5. AARON SORKIN THE SOCIAL NETWORK
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
1. ALEXANDRE DESPLAT THE KING’S SPEECH
2. DANNY ELFMAN ALICE IN WONDERLAND
3. A.R. RAHMAN 127 HOURS
4. TRENT REZNOR, ATTICUS ROSS THE SOCIAL NETWORK
5. HANS ZIMMER INCEPTION
BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
1. “BOUND TO YOU” — BURLESQUE
  
  Music by: Samuel Dixon
  
  Lyrics by: Christina Aguilera, Sia Furler
2. “COMING HOME” — COUNTRY STRONG
  
  Music & Lyrics by: Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges
3. “I SEE THE LIGHT” — TANGLED
  
  Music by: Alan Menken
  
  Lyrics by: Glenn Slater
4. “THERE’S A PLACE FOR US” — CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER
  
  Music & Lyrics by: Carrie Underwood, David Hodges, Hillary Lindsey
5. “YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE LAST OF ME” — BURLESQUE
  
  Music & Lyrics by: Diane Warren
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. OARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)
  
  Leverage, Closest to the Hole Productions, Sikelia Productions and Cold Front Productions, HBO Entertainment
2. DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
  
  Showtime, John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company
3. THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)
  
  CBS Television Studios
4. MAD MEN (AMC)
  
  Lionsgate Television
5. THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)
  
  AMC
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. JULIANNA MARGULIES THE GOOD WIFE
2. ELISABETH MOSS MAD MEN
3. PIPER PERABO COVERT AFFAIRS
4. KATEY SAGAL SONS OF ANARCHY
5. KYRA SEDGWICK THE Closer
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
1. STEVE BUSCEMI BOARDWALK EMPIRE
2. BRYAN CRANSTON BREAKING BAD
3. MICHAEL C. HALL DEXTER
4. JON HAMM MAD MEN
5. HUGH LAURIE HOUSE
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. 30 ROCK (NBC)
  
  Universal Media Studios in association with Broadway Video and Little
  
  Stranger Inc.
2. THE BIG BANG THEORY (CBS)
  
  Warner Bros. Television
3. THE BIG C (SHOWTIME)
  
  Showtime, Sony Pictures Television, Perkins Street Productions, Farm Kid, Original Film
4. GLEE (FOX)
  
  Ryan Murphy Television, Twentieth Century Fox Television
5. MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
  
  Twentieth Century Fox Television
6. NURSE JACKIE (SHOWTIME)
  
  Showtime, Lionsgate Television, Jackson Group Entertainment, Madison Grain Elevator, Inc. & Delong Lumber, Caryn Mandabach Productions
EST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. TONI COLLETTE UNITED STATES OF TARA
2. EDIE FALCO NURSE JACKIE
3. TINA FEY 30 ROCK
4. LAURA LINNEY THE BIG C
5. LEA MICHELE GLEE
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
1. ALEC BALDWIN 30 ROCK
2. STEVE CARELL THE OFFICE
3. THOMAS JANE HUNG
4. MATTHEW MORRISON GLEE
5. JIM PARSONS THE BIG BANG THEORY
BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
1. CARLOS (SUNDANCE CHANNEL)
  
  Film En Stock and Egoli Tossell Film, Sundance Channel
2. THE PACIFIC (HBO)
  
  Playtone and DreamWorks in association with HBO Films
3. PILLARS OF THE EARTH (STARZ)
  
  Starz, Tandem Communications, Muse Entertainment Scott Free Films
4. TEMPLE GRANDIN (HBO)
  
  A Ruby Films, Gerson Saines Production, HBO Films
5. YOU DON’T KNOW JACK (HBO)
  
  Bee Holder, Cine Mosaic and Levinson/Fontana Productions, HBO Films
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
1. HAYLEY ATWELL PILLARS OF THE EARTH
2. CLAIRE DANES TEMPLE GRANDIN
3. JUDI DENCH RETURN TO CRANFORD
4. ROMOLA GARAI EMMA
5. JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT THE CLIENT LIST
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
1. IDRIS ELBA LUTHER
2. IAN MCSHANE PILLARS OF THE EARTH
3. AL PACINO YOU DON’T KNOW JACK
4. DENNIS QUAID THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
5. EDGAR RAMIREZ CARLOS
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
1. HOPE DAVIS THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
2. JANE LYNCH GLEE
3. KELLY MACDONALD BOARDWALK EMPIRE
4. JULIA STILES DEXTER
5. SOFIA VERGARA MODERN FAMILY
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
1. SCOTT CAAN HAWAII FIVE-O
2. CHRIS COLFER GLEE
3. CHRIS NOTH THE GOOD WIFE
4. ERIC STONESTREET MODERN FAMILY
5. DAVID STRATHAIRN TEMPLE GRANDIN

NOMINATIONS BY MOTION PICTURE DISTRIBUTOR AND TELEVISION NETWORK



MOTION PICTURE DISTRIBUTOR
Sony Pictures Releasing	14
The Weinstein Company	10
Fox Searchlight Pictures	7
Paramount Pictures	7
Relativity Media	6
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures	6
Warner Bros. Pictures	5
Focus Features	4
Sony Pictures Classics	4
Twentieth Century Fox	4
Roadside Attractions	2
ATO Pictures	1
Central Partnership (Russia)	1
Freestyling Releasing	1
Lionsgate	1
Magnolia Pictures	1
Summit Entertainment	1
Universal Pictures	1

TELEVISION NETWORK
HBO	12
SHOWTIME	8
CBS	6
FOX	6
AMC	5
NBC	4
ABC	3
STARZ	3
PBS	2
SUNDANCE CHANNEL	2
BBC AMERICA	1
FX	1
LIFETIME	1
TNT	1
USA NETWORK	1

NOMINATIONS BY MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION SERIES OR PROGRAM



MOTION PICTURE
THE KING’S SPEECH	7
THE FIGHTER	6
THE SOCIAL NETWORK	6
BLACK SWAN	4
INCEPTION	4
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT	4
127 HOURS	3
ALICE IN WONDERLAND	3
BURLESQUE	3
THE TOURIST	3
BLUE VALENTINE	2
LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS	2
TANGLED	2
ANIMAL KINGDOM	1
BARNEY’S VERSION	1
BIUTIFUL	1
CASINO JACK	1
CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER	1
THE CONCERT	1
COUNTRY STRONG	1
DESPICABLE ME	1
EASY A	1
THE EDGE	1
FRANKIE AND ALICE	1
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON	1
I AM LOVE	1
THE ILLUSIONIST	1
IN A BETTER WORLD	1
RABBIT HOLE	1
RED	1
THE TOWN	1
TOY STORY 3	1
WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS	1
WINTER’S BONE	1

NOMINATIONS BY MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION SERIES OR PROGRAM


TELEVISION SERIES OR PROGRAM
GLEE	5
30 ROCK	3
BOARDWALK EMPIRE	3
DEXTER	3
THE GOOD WIFE	3
MAD MEN	3
MODERN FAMILY	3
PILLARS OF THE EARTH	3
TEMPLE GRANDIN	3
THE BIG BANG THEORY	2
THE BIG C	2
CARLOS	2
NURSE JACKIE	2
THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP	2
YOU DON’T KNOW JACK	2
BREAKING BAD	1
THE CLIENT LIST	1
THE CLOSER	1
COVERT AFFAIRS	1
EMMA	1
HAWAII FIVE-O	1
HOUSE	1
HUNG	1
LUTHER	1
THE OFFICE	1
THE PACIFIC	1
RETURN TO CRANFORD	1
SONS OF ANARCHY	1
UNITED STATES OF TARA	1
THE WALKING DEAD	1

Source: http://www.goldenglobes.org

More closer to Life Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:43:00 +0000

What is variable life insurance? life insurance is generally the least expensive and least complicated type of variable life insurance. It provides variable life insurance protection for a specified period of time, such as 10, 20 or 30 years.1 If you die within the term period and the policy is in force, a death benefit is paid to your beneficiary. If you are still living at the end of the term, protection ceases unless your insurance policy is renewed. There is no "accumulation" element, or cash value with Term Life Insurance

Protect the most precious things in your life

Who can use it?
People with a temporary need for universal life insurance protection.
Those who need a large amount of insurance protection but have limited budgets.
People with specific business needs (e.g., business owners who want to cover the life of a key employee who has a set number of years until retirement).

Benefits of life insurance
It provides insurance protection for a low cost (at least initially).
If your needs change, most variable life insurance policies allow you to convert to a permanent life insurance program without having to take a medical exam or provide other information about your health.
variable life insurance is a good way to supplement other coverage when you have added financial responsibilities for a given period of time (e.g., mortgage, college expenses).
Death benefits are generally received free from income tax.

Things You Should Consider:
Premiums generally increase with age and they could become unaffordable later in life. There is no cash-value element with insurance, so you miss the tax-deferred growth of the cash value of permanent whole life insurance policies, such as Term Life Insurance.
Once the term period expires, unless you renew your plan, the Term Life Insurance coverage ceases and the program has no further value.

(Best life insurance, life insurance 2010/ 2011, Education insurace, etc)

Your Self is a valuable investment!

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:42:00 +0000

Everyone has the potential and opportunities to invest. And you are a very valuable asset.

Successful investing is your right

hello all, this news is important for you to read, here's a opinion from Dustin Mitchell that posted on http://smallbusinessonlinecommunity.bankofamerica.com .

What is your most important investment? What's the most important thing in your life? Or to put it another way, what is the one thing you absolutely, positively must achieve during your brief time on this small planet?

This is not a trick question! But it does have a "tricky" answer.

Most people answer with things like their spirituality, their children or family, their career or health. If those are your answers, you may want to think again.

All of those things are important! But I'm indebted to one of my mentors, Thomas Leonard, for helping me dig deeper on this one. Thomas argued that the most important thing in life is "self-ishness."

Ordinarily, we associate selfishness with spoiled kids fighting over toys in a sandbox, and it's not a pretty picture. Fortunately, that's not at all what Thomas had in mind.

He pointed out that our first obligation is to figure out who we are, what we want, and where we're going in life. Until we discover our "Self," we are in a sense living someone else's life!

And, here's a critical point. Figuring out who we are and what we'll do with our life doesn't happen by accident! Carl Jung said that most people don't figure this out until after age forty. It takes a long time to grow up and take care of life's essentials. As young adults most of us are busy with school and work, starting and raising a family, launching a career, and a thousand other things.

Fortunately, as adults we can pause, step back and ask the big questions. I find it incredibly sad that so many people never face this essential responsibility. It's no good living by someone else's rules or following someone else's dream. Life is a gift, but to make the most of it we must accept that "some assembly is required" and make the effort to find our own way in this world.

Thomas was right about the importance of being "self-ish." But he was wrong about how we do it.

Thomas developed a theory he called "personal evolution" and speculated that we could create a process of "automatically" evolving into the person we want to become. Frankly, as much as I admired him (he passed away several years ago), I think he was wrong about this.

I think some of us virtually "paint by the numbers" or "go through the motions" of living our lives! Existence is (relatively) easy, but growth requires hard work, and a plan.

I think the term "personal development" is a more accurate description of how we earn the right to a "life of one's own." I think responsible adults take control of their own lives because life expects us to learn and stretch. It expects us to make choices, set a course, develop skills and work hard. Life asks us to try things, make mistakes, and commit to a path of growth and maturity. Anyone can get old, but growth only comes with effort and commitment.

So here's the challenge: Who are you striving to become? Do you have a plan? Are you making the daily investment?

I don't think this has to be "hard" or expensive. In many ways, it's very easy! Think about this--would you rather live a life of distractions, obeying other people's rules, and following someone else's script, or a life focused on your own most important priorities? I think in many ways, living a GREAT life is much easier than living an ordinary life. Sure, it requires a few basic disciplines. It requires hard choices and the integrity to stick with them. But in many ways, a GREAT life is actually much easier and infinitely more satisfying!

Here are four simple--not always easy, but simple--steps:

1. Get clear about who you are, what you value and where you're going in life. Be very "self-ish" about this!

2. Develop a plan. What do you need to change? What do you need to learn? Who will you be five years from now, and how will you make that happen? Take notes and write this stuff down.

3. Take action every day. It doesn't have to be dramatic action, but every day, stick with it. Read. Talk with smart people. Eliminate one or two distractions. Spend time on things that make you proud, that stretch and strengthen you.

4. Invest time (and a few dollars) in your self! Get away for perspective. Get away to learn. Get away to THINK! Get away to organize, plan and grow. Get away so you can return home clear-headed, focused and energized.

See you at the top!

Dustin Mitchell

2011 Master Golf Scedules

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 11:48:00 +0000

Did any of you who have waited for the game of golf master 2011? Here are the opening schedule obtained from the site http://www.ticketcity.com. Get tickets as well!

The 2011 Masters Golf Tournament Schedule of Events:

Day	Events	Scheulde
Monday, April 4	Practice Round	Gates open at 8:00 AM, close at 6:30 PM
Tuesday, April 5	Practice Round	Gates open at 8:00 AM, close at 6:30 PM
Wednesday, April 6	Practice Round, Par 3 Contest	Gates open at 8:00 AM, close at 6:30 PM
Thursday, April 7	Competitive Round	Gates open at 7:25 AM, close 30 min. after play
Friday, April 8	Competitive Round	Gates open at 7:30 AM, close 30 min. after play
Saturday, April 9	Competitive Round	Gates open at 8:00 AM, close 30 min. after play
Sunday, April 10	Final Competitive Round	Gates open at 8:00 AM, close 30 min. after presentation ceremony

For safety, use snow tires!

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 08:57:00 +0000

Thick snow had begun, time to replace your tires for the snow season. Why? This is because all people do not want any accidents. While our families waiting at home and your dream is still much yet to materialize.

In Snow Season, Snow Tires is important!

According to autos.aol.com editor, Mr. Tom Torbjornsen, Do you live in the “Snow Belt,” that part of the U.S. where a few inches of overnight white stuff is considered a light snowfall? Then it’s time to buy your snow tires. What’s that? You don’t use snow tires? Then let’s bone up on why these specialized tires should find a place on the wheels of your vehicle.

Who Needs Snow Tires? You

Perhaps you drive a vehicle that has all-wheel-drive and consequently you assume that you don’t need snow tires? Or maybe the all-season tires that came on your front-wheel-drive sedan have always served you well? Think that the stability control of your rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan will keep you out of trouble? You might want to rethink your position after hearing my argument for snow tires.

The bottom line is that anyone who routinely drives in snowy, icy winter weather can benefit from snow tires. Modern winter tires are totally different animals from the summer tires or all-season tires fitted to most cars when they come from the factory. Simply put, they are designed for winter conditions, without all the compromises that get made in designing an all-season tire. But what does this mean?

Special Rubber And A Different Design

Typically, winter tires are made of a rubber compound that does not lose its flexibility below 32 degrees. This is important because the rubber compound in a winter tire must be able to move and flex in order for the special tread design to effectively clear the road surface of snow, ice, water, and slush, as well as bite through that muck to gain traction.

This sort of rubber compound is only found in winter and all season tires. It is not found in summer tires, which is why they’re not for use in temperatures under about 40 degrees.

The tread design of snow tires is also different. This makes them much more desirable because they can self clean, channeling water out from under the tire’s footprint, while also biting into ice for better traction. This is accomplished by designing the tread pattern to move as the tire rolls down the roadway. The special rubber compound allows for this flexing, while an ingenious design element called “siping” is utilized on snow treads.

Siping is a semi-segmenting of each tread lug to make it flexible and movable while the tire rolls down the road. It looks like little slits have been carved into the tread blocks. This allows for the tread lug to open and close, causing a pumping and squeegee action, moving water away from the tire’s surface while the tread lug squeegees the road surface.

Some snow tires even have ice cleats built into their tread lugs. These cleats, or “studs,” are sharp metal edges that bite downward into the icy road surface giving you maximum traction on ice covered roadways. They’re not legal everywhere, however, as they contribute tearing up road surfaces much more than normal tires.

Buying The Right Tires

Now as much as this article is written to convince you that winter tires are a good thing, depending on where you live, all season tires might be fine for you. If winter is just a few light dustings of snow in your neck of the woods, then I would say that all season tires would probably work, especially if you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

One of the other big questions drivers have is whether they need snow tires for all four tires? The answer is yes. Ideally, you should put four snow tires on the vehicle because the axle set that has the regular tires on it will not be able to maintain the same level of traction and consequently those wheels will slip and slide.

If the snow tires are on the front, the rear of the vehicle will tend to spin out, which is the worst case possible. If the snows are on the rear, the front will tend to push or slide, instead of turning. So four snow tires are best.

Once you have your snow tires, you’ll have to remember to take them off in the spring. Since snow tires are made of a softer rubber compound with a softer, more flexible tread design, driving them on warm, dry roadways will wear them out prematurely. The siping or semi-segmenting of each tread lug is usually at about a 50 percent depth (sometimes slightly more) of each tread lug. Driving them constantly on dry roads would wear out the tread lugs in a short time.

A Word Of Caution

Lately, there has been concern that some tire dealers are selling tires that have been in stock a long time and the rubber has dried out, making them unsafe. For peace of mind, ask your sales person to show you the date code on the tires. It is usually found on the sidewall close to the rim bead area.

When tires sit for a long time in a dry, warm environment the oils in the rubber dry up. This causes a condition called “dry rot,” causing the rubber to crack, usually close to the rim bead area or in the sidewalls where there is more flexing. This condition compromises the structural integrity of the tire's sidewall and makes it vulnerable to blowout.
Tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. It is vital that you choose the best tires for the roads and climate conditions where you drive.

Regards.

"Ford Focus" The Best Selling Cars in America

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 08:46:00 +0000

Let's see what's best selling vehicle in America. Small, economical, and fun, the Ford Focus is a smart choice for those looking for a compact car.

2010 Ford Focus

Now available only as a four-door sedan the front-wheel drive Focus includes only minor changes for 2011. Ford offers four trims on the Focus, the S, SE, sporty SES, and luxury SEL. The engine is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. For 2011 the SEL trim is only available with the four-speed auto transmission. The interior features an available SYNC system that allows the driver to synchronize mobile electronic devices such as mp3 players and cell phones. Four airbags are standard, and rear seats include headrests. Ford's MyKey, Message Center, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, remote keyless entry and power door locks are standard on all series.

Ford is definitely shaking things up with its frantic pace of fresh model introductions, and its new world order looks to continue with the upcoming release of a new Focus and Fiesta next year. But where does that leave the current Focus? It stands to reason that anticipation of a sharper redesigned model may relegate the 2010 Focus to lame-duck status.

Though it was heavily updated two years ago, the incumbent 2010 Ford Focus can still be considered a single-termer that started service a rather unbelievable 10 years ago. On the positive side, the Focus still has a liberal amount of feature content, a low cost to maintain and an economically sound price tag. Add in the nifty Sync feature and environmentally friendly fuel economy, and the current Focus holds up as a viable candidate for a small car.

But this car has also built up some undesirable baggage during its term. Notably, there's a general lack of excitement and curbside charisma when the Focus is taken out for a spin, which is a shame because it originally had these qualities. While economy cars aren't typically expected to have high quotients of personality, other automakers have really upped their small cars' game in recent years. Additionally, the Focus is still haunted by the use of some low-quality interior plastics, subpar construction and a four-speed automatic transmission (many other cars have five-speeds or continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).)

Overall, we think that the current Focus is a respectable choice for a compact sedan or coupe, but shoppers should certainly examine the competition before casting a vote. The Mazda 3 is our favored choice, as it combines a high-end interior with a fun-to-drive nature. The Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit are other perennial all-stars, while Kia's new Forte is worth a look as well. And if you are still interested in a Focus, it might be worth waiting a bit to catch the new and improved model for next year.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Ford Focus is available as a sedan or coupe. The four-door body style is offered in four trim levels. The base S sedan comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker audio system with a single-CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. Satellite radio is the only available option. Upgrading to the SE will get you all of the above plus 15-inch alloy wheels and full power accessories. There's also more to choose from in terms of options, such as a rear spoiler, foglamps, the Sync electronics interface (includes Bluetooth and iPod integration), an upgraded stereo with a six-CD changer, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, customizable interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a sunroof.

The SEL trim (sedan only) will get you all of the SE features and options (minus the spoiler and sunroof) plus 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a sportier suspension, chrome exterior and interior accents, leather upholstery and heated front seats. The SES trim level represents the athlete of the model line by adding 17-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front fascia for the sedan, dark chrome exterior trim, a rear spoiler and a performance-enhanced suspension. Options for the SEL and SES are few and include the sunroof and a premium nine-speaker sound system.
Powertrains and Performance

2010 Ford Focus models are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. A cleaner version of that engine that earns PZEV tailpipe-emissions certification is also available for California-emissions states. That engine makes 132 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque.

The standard transmission on all Focus trim levels is a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic is available as an option. The automatic on SES coupes is geared slightly shorter for better acceleration. In testing, an automatic Focus coupe went from zero to 60 mph in a lackluster 9.7 seconds. Fuel economy for the Ford Focus is rated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined for the manual transmission. Opting for the automatic drops the highway estimate to 33 mpg.
Safety

Six airbags are standard on all Focus models, including front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for both front- and rear-seat occupants. For 2010, antilock brakes and stability control are now standard on all trim levels. Also new for the 2010 Focus is Ford's programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume for their teenage drivers.

In government crash tests, the 2010 Ford Focus sedan earned four stars (out of a possible five) for its protection of front occupants in head-on collisions. In the side-impact test, the sedan received five stars for protection of front occupants and four stars for protection of those in the rear. Curiously, the Focus coupe earned a five-star rating for frontal impacts but just a three-star rating for front and rear side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Focus coupe a top rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side crash protection. The Focus sedan also earns a "Good" rating for frontal protection, but receives a downgraded "Acceptable" for side impact protection.
Interior Design and Special Features

At night, the cabin of the 2010 Focus has a high-tech feel about it, thanks to a soothing cool blue glow from the gauges and optional customizable ambient lighting. But these lighting effects do little to mask some interior missteps, including cheap-looking plastic interior bits and a button-heavy center stack that some people find a bit confusing.

Despite having a non-telescoping steering wheel and fairly flat front seats, comfort is adequate -- even for extended road trips. Luggage capacity is also suitable for road trips at nearly 14 cubic feet, with 60/40-split-folding rear seats at the ready for even more storage. One other nice attribute is Sync, a voice activation system that allows hands-free operation of mobile phones, iPods and other MP3 players. The 2010 Focus further increases Sync's appeal by adding the ability to acquire driving directions, traffic conditions and other information by pairing it with Bluetooth-enabled phones.
Driving Impressions

Behind the wheel of the 2010 Ford Focus, you'll likely be pleased with the relatively quiet and smooth ride quality. Engine performance is also respectable for a small car, but the four-cylinder can sound noisy and the four-speed automatic is increasingly outdated by competing models' five-speed units. To its credit, the Focus has commendable steering response and feedback along with a decent amount of grip when driven hard. But those hankering for a bit more fun are going to be happier with a Honda Civic or Mazda 3.

Golfer Tiger Woods rebuilding public image with essay!

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Many people want to make a living by playing golf as a professional golfer. The road to being a top golfer can be long, with years of hard work, and may u must begin with joined in Twiiter. Woods has had a Twitter account since June 2009 his sign name, "Tiger Woods" was secured about a year before that but the only tweets were to announce his Twitter page, Facebook page and a redesign of his website.

Then came a tweet at 11:08 a.m. Wednesday: "What's up everyone. Finally decided to try out twitter!"

by report from The Associated Press, Woods had just over 90,000 followers until that tweet. Within three hours, he had added over 40,000 more followers, adding them by the thousands each hour. A person confirmed that he was typing the tweet himself, and Woods added this: "Yep, it's me. I think I like this twitter thing. You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the love."

"Tiger wants to do some things a little differently moving forward," Steinberg said. "He wants to be a little more connected to the fans, and this is just one new addition."

Woods is identified at the bottom of the Newsweek op-ed piece as "founder of the Tiger Woods Foundation, which has helped educate more than 10 million kids."

He writes about how much is life was out of balance and his priorities were out of order a year ago, when he was caught in numerous extramarital affairs that cost him three major endorsements and eventually led to his divorce from Elin Nordegren.

"At first, I didn't want to look inward," Woods wrote. "Frankly, I was scared of what I would find — what I had become. But I'm grateful that I did examine my life because it has made me more grounded than I've ever been; I hope that with reflection will come wisdom."

Woods said he spends some evenings alone with his two children, and it's helping him appreciate what he had overlooked.

"Giving my son, Charlie, a bath, for example, beats chipping another bucket of balls. Making mac and cheese for him and his sister, Sam, is better than dining in any restaurant," he wrote.

He ends the op-ed piece by writing, "I'm not the same man I was a year go. And that's a good thing."

Steinberg said it has not been decided if Woods will make an appearance on television during the next few weeks.

Woods, who lost his No. 1 ranking two weeks ago to Lee Westwood (FSY), recently returned from two weeks of tournaments in Asia and Australia, where he posted consecutive top 10s for the first time this season, but didn't come close to winning either one. By failing to defend his title in the Australian Masters, it marked the first time in his career he went a calendar year without a win.

He next plays the week after Thanksgiving at his Chevron World Challenge, his final tournament of 2010.

Healthy Diet Foods for a Healthy Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Courtesy of http://t2.gstatic.com

Have you ever complained to the diet menu that you do every day? and feel how your diet is torture and not nutritious? There are several fad diets that will lead to successful weight loss if you follow them exactly as they are designed. That doesn't mean every food that fits into a diet is a healthy food, but it does mean you have to change your eating patterns to fit the diet's rules.

Balanced Your Diet, Health And Nutrition

Courtesy from diethealthclub.com. A balanced diet comprising of diverse and healthy foods is key to promoting good health. After all, we are what we eat - Research continues to prove that eating healthy food promotes good health and unhealthy food habits lead to a diseased body. Foods contain vital nutrients that aid our body’s metabolic function. However, a lack of consumption of these nutrients or feeding upon the wrong kinds of food leads to an accumulation of toxins within the body, resulting in chronic diseases in the long run.

A nutritious diet while ensuring overall well being, helps to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), reduces the risk of several debilitating diseases like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke. Thus a nutritious & healthy diet is important in the prevention and cure of various diseases.

Diet for diseases
There are several health conditions that can be caused or aggravated by the food we eat. However, there are also several foods that you can include in your diet to help prevent or treat diseases. It is simplest to draw up a balanced diet chart as this will ensure that you get all the nutrients you require on a regular basis. A nutrition diet chart is a diet chart that helps you to keep a track of your nutritional diet requirements and is a very useful tool when drawing up a personalized diet plan.

Heart diseases: Coronary heart diseases are a very common health problem and they are closely linked to a diet that is high in unhealthy fats. Decreasing one’s intake of fatty foods, especially fried food, will go a long way in preventing heart diseases. On the other hand, a healthy diet chart with an adequate amount of high fiber foods is seen to prevent heart diseases. People who suffer from heart problems are often advised to follow a specific high fiber diet for heart diseases that is rich in raw fruits and vegetables.

Diabetes: While genetics does play an important role in the onset of diabetes, an unhealthy lifestyle and bad eating habits are also contributing factors. A diabetes diet chart is a diet plan that is high in fiber and low in fat with a minimum amount of saturated fats. A Vegan diet is very effective in controlling this problem.

Anemia: Anemia is generally caused by nutritional deficiencies and is most commonly associated with a diet that is low in iron. Iron rich foods such as green leafy vegetables should be included in a diet for anemia.

In addition to these diseases, conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gout, and even cancer are affected by the individual’s diet. There are several diet plans such as the Alkaline Acid Diet plan, the Low Glycemic Index diet and the DASH diet plan that are meant to treat specific medical conditions.

Healthy Food Groups
Since no single food group can nourish the body with all the vital ingredients it requires, it is important that we consume a variety of healthy foods to derive the nutrition our body needs. There are five main food groups, they are:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Cereals and Pulses
• Dairy
• Poultry, Fish and Meat products

A healthy balanced diet of these five food groups ensures essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. The food group serving size will depend upon various factors like age, activity level, body size and gender. It is also important that one eat a variety of healthy foods from within and across the food groups. As some foods from within a food group provide more nutrients than others. This will ensure that one gets the maximum recommended nutrition from the food group; besides the food variety will make for an interesting meal.

Diet for weight loss
Problems related to excessive weight gain are commonplace as we tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle and have unhealthy eating habits. People with excessive weight gain often try to crash diet in the hope of obtaining a svelte figure. However, this type of a restrictive diet chart for weight loss is extremely unhealthy and not easy to stick to and so the individual succumbs to temptation and goes back to his/her unhealthy eating habits. The cycle of repeated trial and failure can leave the individual disillusioned and finally the person stops trying to lose weight. However, a simple and easy weight loss diet chart can work wonders for overweight and obese people. It is best to follow a daily diet chart as this will help you to stick to your diet. In order to balance a diet chart, it is important to take into account your physical activity levels as a person who exercises daily will have a higher calorie need as compared to a person who leads a sedentary lifestyle.

You can include healthy snacks in your daily diet charts as this will allow you to snack without having to worry about excessive weight gain. It is important to have realistic goals and dieticians often suggest that overweight individuals should not concentrate on weight loss but rather try to follow a healthy diet plan. Once a person has decided that sticking to a healthy diet chart on a daily basis is their main goal, they will not unnecessarily fret over their progress in terms of weight loss. This will allow a person to lose weight at a steady pace with a higher chance of sticking to their diet plan. Once an individual has lost a considerable amount of weight, they can then use a follow-up diet chart to ensure that the weight loss is permanent. Keep in mind that a healthy balanced diet will lead to a slimmer and healthier you!

In conclusion, it must be noted that allopathic medicine treats the symptoms rather than the root cause of the disease, which is usually caused by wrong eating habits leading to an accumulation of toxins within the system. Whereas a nutritious healthy diet can rectify underlying causes of diseases and restore one to wholeness of mind and body. Once we realize the connection between a wholesome balanced diet and good health, our food will be our medicine and maintaining good health will be a matter of making the right food choices and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Oakland, Be a Good Citizen in the Fight for Health

noreply@blogger.com (Venny Malang) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 07:40:00 +0000

Margaret Gordon. Courtesy of http://www.pacinst.org

Be a good citizen and fight for the rights of decent, it might be the motto that you want to convey by this nice lady, Margaret Gordon.

As a resident of West Oakland, Margaret Gordon was used to living with pollution. Soot-spewing diesel trucks carrying goods to and from the port there routinely crisscrossed her neighborhood, or even worse, idled for long stretches on city streets. The area is dotted with industrial facilities, many of them older and more polluting. Like Gordon, who has asthma, many of the residents there live with respiratory problems. When three of her 10 grandchildren developed asthma, Gordon began to wonder if the environment was making her family sick.

Twelve years ago, at the age if 51, she became a volunteer with a neighborhood resident research project to measure “indicators” of well-being and quality of life, such as air quality, that could be tracked over time to see if the situation improves.

The neighborhood research project sought to turn residents into citizen-scientists, not use them as passive subjects. They came up with their own study questions and could use the data to advocate for change in their neighborhood.

That decision put Gordon on the path to become a community health advocate and researcher. She founded the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project, training residents and youth to analyze their surroundings through a research lens. Over the years, Gordon has grown her reputation in the Bay Area as a passionate and effective community health advocate, who has the ability to bring diverse stakeholders together toward a common goal. Gordon is the first community resident appointed to the Port of Oakland commission, a powerful decision-making body that sets policies affecting thousands of residents. And now Gordon, 63, was just honored with a Purpose Prize, a prestigious award given to social innovators 60 and over, and will receive a $100,000 prize.

Two of the most “eye-opening” findings from the initial environmental indicators research project, Gordon said, were the following: In 1998, West Oakland had the highest level of toxic air releases of any neighborhood in the city, and children there were seven times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than other children in the state.

Gordon says the data verified what residents were experiencing, but more importantly it gave the community ammunition to confront policymakers.

“With the knowledge of science, we could communicate on a technical level with them,” she said. “We weren’t in this place of [being uninformed] and saying, ‘What are you talking about?'”

The data showed that one of the biggest polluters in the neighborhood was the former Red Star Yeast facility. The factory was dumping 30,000 pounds of acetaldehyde, a possible carcinogen, into the surrounding area, according to Brian Beveridge, co-director of the West Oakland Environmental Indicator’s Project.

“[Emissions from the plant] were hard on people,” said Beveridge. “It’s an irritant for people who had a respiratory problem, and so many in West Oakland had asthma.”

He said neighbors had complained to the regional air quality officials, but the complaint process back then made it difficult to document the pollution. Beveridge said inspectors would be sent out after five complaints, but they weren’t always on the clock when the releases happened, sometimes during the night.

The factory had been around for decades, so its air permits were “grandfathered,” Beveridge said, allowing it to perform less stringent air quality standards. Gordon and community members pushed the company to upgrade their facility.

“We’re not anti-business,” said Gordon. “We’re trying to make the community healthier. So businesses that do harm to the community should go someplace else to do business or put technology in place where you’re not doing harm to the community.” Red Star Yeast shut down in 2003.

Since then, Gordon’s organization has worked with residents to tackle the issue of diesel truck pollution in West Oakland, where there are 10,000 truck trips per day. To get more fine-grain data about truck routes, the residents-turned-researchers staked out busy street intersections or freeway on- and off-ramps and counted the number of trucks that went by.

The organization used the truck-count data to develop a plan to re-route trucks away from places with many people or children, such as schools. The group spearheaded the city’s first truck route ordinance.

Beveridge described Gordon as “tireless” and a believer in self-education.

“The key to how I see Margaret teach, she often tells people, ‘you need to see it, lay your hands on it, see reality in context, and you can’t sit and expect someone to tell it all to you. You have to commit some time to your own self-education,’” he said.

Gordon makes a point of saying that she doesn’t have academic credentials. “I’ve never taken a biology class," she said, "but I’ve learned a lot of science in the last 12 years.”

A few years ago, Gordon was nominated for a public service award and received $10,000. She used the money to subsidize an internship at a community organization to improve her writing and advocacy skills.

“Someone else would have bought a new car," said Beveridge. "Margaret will find an education experience for herself."

“Margaret is an amazing advocate for the community, and she’s just really blossomed in this role,” said Meena Palaniappan of the Pacific Institute, which sponsors the indicators project. “It’s amazing the way she’s able to connect with actors on many different sides of the issue. As a member of the port commission, she interacts with people with a clear economic interest, and she’s able to verbalize and articulate the community perceptive in a compelling and convincing way.”

In January, the Port of Oakland implemented a state mandate to phase out older, more-polluting diesel trucks. Gordon’s presence on the board, Palaniappan says, ensured that the regulations were adopted in a way that benefits the communities who are most impacted by port pollution.

What’s the West Oakland Environmental Indicator’s Project’s next research question: “What’s in the air we breathe,” said Beveridge, who said the group is working with technology company Intel to test mobile devices that will allow residents to monitor air quality in real-time.

Beveridge says the goal is to compare the data they collect with that collected by the regional air quality agency, which takes air samples in towers located two-miles apart and hundreds of feet in the air.

“From that they tell us what the air in like in the air basin, so it’s always been an interest to know what do we really breathe,” said Beveridge. “Everybody breathes the same air, but there’s some local variation. Is it worse where we live.” He says the data they are collecting could reveal “pockets of pollution” that may arise if people are next to a factory, for example.

Residents plan to meet with regional air quality officials to share their findings, and push for changes.

“As long as we don’t have public education, we’ll always have disproportionate impacts on how policy is going to be formed,” Gordon said. “It is important for those who have the sophisticated capacity and resources to come back to the most vulnerable communities and…support what they are doing.”

“I’m just working and doing my job to leave other people with the same kind of education.”