Damn mechanics

So....I'm not one to do my own auto work by any means. I don't have the time so typically I'll take my car in for any sort of work it needs. Today I get to the reception desks to drop my car off after I had charged it all night in hopes I could drive it the 2 whole miles it needed to go to have someone replace my alternator. Most people realize that an alternator takes maybe an hour to to do if you are taking your time. They tell me that my car will be done by noon. Since I got an appointment for when they opened you would just assume that call would come around 10-11 that it was done. So i call at 3 and they say that they won't even get it done TODAY. Last time I ever take my car to this place.

eLearning

eLearning is the concept of taking college courses online rather than having to make that long drive to the university. No matter what program you may be looking to get into there is no question that you can take the class e-learning style.

Capella University, an accredited, online university based in Minneapolis, Minn., has recently introduced a bevy of new programs available to eLearning students. A new Bachelor of Science in Public Safety program, as well as eight new graduate and undergraduate specializations in psychology, education, information technology, business, and criminal justice. Enrollment is now open, with classes beginning summer quarter 2007, but you can still get fall classes at this point since the Summer session is already underway.

Vacation Traveler Tips

Other than making sure you have your muscle milk with you to keep you in sahpe, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department today reminded consumers who are planning vacations to consider if purchasing travel insurance will help to protect their investment and peace of mind.

"Buying travel insurance can protect you from the loss of non-refundable travel costs, including airfare, hotel and tour expenses," said Cindy Fillman, director of Insurance's Office of Consumer Liaison. "With a host of companies offering various types of protections, consumers can avoid costly trip cancellations due to everything from severe weather and illness or personal emergency, to bankruptcy of the travel agency or cruise line." read more

Ford Reports a Net Profit of $750 Million for Second Quarter 2007

Guess it is time for them to take a break at a Virginia bed and breakfast. Ford Motor Company today reported a net profit of 31 cents per share, or $750 million, for the second quarter of 2007. This compares with a net loss of 17 cents per share, or $317 million, in the second quarter of 2006.

It has been quite a while since Ford showed up in positive numbers so this is a bit surprising.

Ford's second-quarter revenue was $44.2 billion, up from $41.9 billion a year ago. The increase primarily reflected currency exchange, mix and net pricing improvements, partially offset by lower volume.

Ford's second-quarter profit from continuing operations, excluding special items, was 13 cents per share, or $258 million, compared with a loss of 6 cents per share, or $118 million, in the same period a year ago.**

Special items - which primarily reflected the sale of Aston Martin and the recognition of previously deferred gains on certain hedges at Jaguar and Land Rover - increased pre-tax results by $443 million in the second quarter. read more

Be Among the First to Drive the Subaru Impreza WRX

Doing a bit of research on my laptop earlier I ran a crossed this article about how you can be one of the first to drive the Suburu Impreza WRX.

Subaru Impreza WRX enthusiasts are expected to turn out in force to be the first to drive the new performance model at a special Consumer Ride and Drive event on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Full story

BP Correcting Misinterpretation of Facts

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune about a BP Factory in Whiting, Indiana was released that claims that the massive BP oil refinery in Whiting, Ind., is planning to dump significantly more ammonia and industrial sludge into Lake Michigan, running counter to years of efforts to clean up the Great Lakes.

To debunk the reports, BP has went on a campaign to clear their name and make sure that everyone has the real facts of this case. Quite a difficult project I would guess based on the average auto owner's opinion of gas companies.

To be fair and accurate though it is important to make sure that the correct information is out there so that as many people as possible get the right idea.

A few of the main points of fact from the BP website are listed below with the explanations. To find more in depth coverage of this visit the BP Whiting Refinery Fact Sheet.

Only treated water into Lake Michigan:

What is released from our refinery is treated water that is more than 99.9% water - not sludge. All sludge is treated separately, according to state and federal requirements, and never discharged into Lake Michigan.

Well within legal limits

A new water discharge permit allows the refinery's average ammonia discharge to increase, but at levels that will still be less than half of those that federal environmental guidelines could allow.

No harm to people or the environment

We follow state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines that protect aquatic and human life.

Audi to Launch the Cleanest Diesel In The World

From mid-2008 Audi will be putting the cleanest diesel technology in the world into series production. Now that is something you wouldn't mind having on your personalized pens for the company. The new TDI engines with their ultra-low emission system combine the spontaneous performance and superior pulling power of today’s TDI power units with outstanding fuel consumption figures and incomparably low emissions.

“Audi is a trailblazer when it comes to diesel power. Since 1989, over 4.5 millions cars have rolled off the production line with the highly efficient TDI technology under the bonnet. By equipping the R10 TDI sports prototype with this technology, we have just won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a diesel-powered car for the second time. The Audi R8 racing cars with TFSI petrol direct injection took victory on five occasions at Le Mans. We have been incorporating the key findings from the world of motorsport directly into series-production development,” emphasises Michael Dick, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. “By so doing, we are demonstrating how TDI and TFSI represent the ultimate in efficiency, driving pleasure and economy both on the road and on the racetrack.” read more

Quantum to Supply Hydrogen Vehicles to Iceland's SMART-H2 Project

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., today announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply ten hydrogen hybrid Priuses to VistOrka for use in Iceland's SMART-H2 project.

The SMART-H2 (Sustainable Marine and Road Transport -- Hydrogen in Iceland) project is a supported market introduction where participants impose various demands on hydrogen technology in a variety of market applications. VistOrka's role in SMART-H2 includes leading the steering committee for the project, financing its management, subsidizing hydrogen vehicles, and providing support to follow up all parts of the project. The SMART-H2 will be one of the largest hydrogen demonstrations in the world.

The first phase of the SMART-H2 is to introduce hydrogen powered vehicles to potential customers. Wonder if I could get a truck rack put on it. Customers will buy or lease these hydrogen vehicles from VistOrka, who will also provide technical support. The first customers will be energy companies, investment funds, and Hertz car rental service. SMART-H2 will be expanded in the next phase of the project with additional hydrogen vehicles introduced in 2008-2009. read more...

Date a Hardbody

IF you have a hot car you need a hot babe. About the only way you can guarantee that in an online dating forum is to look into fitness dates. These are people that are in good shape and look good at the same time.

Those that are into fitness dating couldn't find a better place to look for a mate who is healthy, and in great shape. The site is free to join and has many features to work with. Search by any type of woman, or man, and find the perfect hard body for your desires. What are you waiting for? Have a look at some hard bodies.

New Amphibian Vehicles Make Debut

So you want a land/sea vehicle? The sports car called Aquada has already been homologated in Europe and is being federalized here. It looks a bit like an older Mazda Miata roadster but wider with three seats across. The transverse engine, transmission and power-take-off are mounted inside the composite body behind the triple seat. The engine and transmission work conventionally when Aquada is on land and the PTO powers the jet pump for propulsion in the water. The transition is fully automatic. Aquada can do 110-mph on land and 32-mph in the water, a record for amphibious vehicles.

So do you want one? Better get your kid some child life insurance now because you never know what kind of crazy things they will be doing in the future and they may as well be insurable to provide for their families when they start to do all this crazy crap.

read more..

Top 10 Movie Cars

There are some spectacular cars in movies. From the Batmobile to the DeLorean in Back to the Future the most amazing cars int he world are on the big screen. Condo Hotels overlooking a scenic Autobon will always show you a spectacular view of machines blazing a crossed the landscape. Below you will find the 10 cars voted as the best movie cars of all time.

No. 10: 2003 Mini Cooper S, "The Italian Job"
2006 rank: 10

Drivetrain: 163-horsepower, supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive

Notable Features: 200 pounds lighter than stock Cooper S; painted red, white or blue

The Mini Cooper holds the No. 10 spot on the list for the second year in a row likely due to its slender physique, which allows the vehicle to escape captors on congested streets, parks and subway tunnels. Computer-rigged signals aid the getaway, stopping cross traffic at red lights. Larger cars could not have achieved the maneuverability demonstrated by the Mini as it weaves through traffic, drives down stairs and speeds along sidewalks.

No. 9: 1959 Cadillac Ambulance, "Ghostbusters"
2006 rank: 7

Drivetrain: 325-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with two-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Tailfins, flashing lights, sirens, attached ladder

The Ghostbusters wouldn't go far without a sizable vehicle to transport the team and their ghost-capturing gear around New York City. Though it plays a relatively small part in its film, the Ectomobile is the finest medical movie car to date. From its distinctive siren wail to its red tailfins, strobe lights and roof gear, this car is truly unique.

No. 8: 1974 Dodge Monaco, "The Blues Brothers"
2006 rank: 3

Drivetrain: 275-hp, 7.1-liter V-8 with three-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Cop motor, cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks

You usually don't come out ahead when swapping a Caddy for a Dodge -- unless the Dodge has a 440-cubic-inch V-8. The Bluesmobile would be our pick if we had to outrun the better half of Illinois police, not to mention a neo-Nazi outfit and a country-and-western band. The car may fall apart in the end, but it performed well on this "mission from God."

Rest of the list

BMW Launches New 1-series Coupe

The recent release of the BMW 1-series Coupe has been announced and the reviews are out. My realtor buddy has been waiting for it to come out for some time apparenlty and is excited for it to be in his driveway.

BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. The next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe, represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created. read more...