Have a safe and fun time!
Official Publishing Date and a Meme
I got an email from Double Dragon Publishing on Friday. It looks like my book SLIPSTREAM will be e-published in May 2012, so basically a year sooner than I expected. I think that they make it into a Print-on-Demand file at some point...probably a month or two later but DDP's print books seem to be God Awful expensive. I don't really expect to sell any paperback books anyway which fits with the whole e-publisher thing. Now, I'm working on edits/issues with it before the May date. I've got several months so I'll probably just work on it during weekends.
I also got tagged by a meme from Charity Bradford. So here it is:
I also got tagged by a meme from Charity Bradford. So here it is:
- If you could go back in time and relive one moment, what would it be? I would have eggs benedict at the Main Street Deli in Moscow, Idaho for Sunday brunch one more time. Their hollandaise sauce was sooo good. They're out of business now so I'll never get to eat there again :(.
- If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be? I would go back and give myself the winning lottery numbers for a huge powerball.
- What movie/TV character do you most resemble in personality? I think I resemble Harriet in Harriet's Law as far as personality goes. We are both allergic to bullshit.
- If you could push one person off a cliff and get away with it, who would you choose? Fred Phelps from the Westboro Baptist Church.
- Name one habit you want to change in yourself. Overeating.
- Why do you blog? To stay informed.
- Name at least three people to send this to:
Honda Jazz Hybrid HX: Road test
As I grew up, Honda was best known for the NSX, hot hatches such as the Civic Type R and its involvement in Formula one. However, times have changed along with concern for the climate and the Jazz is Honda's fourth hybrid.Mechanically similar to its bigger brother, the Insight, is there any reason to go for the Jazz apart from it being cheaper? I spent a week with the £17,995 Jazz Hybrid HX to find out.
The current car dates back to 2008, but the introduction of this Hybrid model is part of a mild range re-fresh. At the front, there are new lights, a hybrid-specific grille and a more aerodynamic front bumper.
At the side, there are new alloy wheels with special aerodynamic brake calipers, with just a new set of distinctive clear rear light clusters and Hybrid badging at the back, completing the light face-lift.
The Jazz Hybrid is fitted with the same 87bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine that's fitted in the bigger Insight and has a clever stop-start sytem. With emissions of 104g/km and 62.8mpg fuel consumption figures, this Honda should prove to be very cost-effective to run, although it's not Congestion charge exempt and still costs £10 to tax.
The Jazz Hybrid's steering is over-light and lacks feel. Still, its small dimensions and good all-round visibility mean parking is a doddle.
With its low-rolling resistance tyres lacking grip and soft suspension, there's some body roll in corners. It's not that much fun to drive either, because it's only available with CVT transmission, which results in boomy acceleration even on light throttle. The Jazz's ride is composed for a supermini, but the green tyres mean more road noise.
Inside, our HX test car felt quite luxurious with the standard leather trim; build quality is first rate even if it's not quite up to German rivals.
The 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine seems much better suited to the smaller Jazz than the bigger Insight, feeling less raw and raucous. Revving it hard is the way to make the most of what performance is available, but it's not advised as the din the engine kicks up will hurt your ears and the Jazz's green intentions.
The Jazz Hybrid is not a fast car, but then again that's not the point; 62mph comes up in a less than impressive 12.3 seconds and the top speed is just 109mph.One of the Jazz's key selling points is its tardis-like, versatile cabin. Thankfully, despite the addition of the hybrid engine and its batteries, it's as spacious and practical as the standard car. There's plenty of room for a couple of adults in the back and there's the same 883 litres of boot space.
The RX test car had most of the equipment you'd ever need including big car features such as electric windows, steering wheel audio controls, automatic climate control, leather trim, heated front seat and a CD stereo with auxiliary socket.
The standard-fit, single-disc CD player sounds good and if that's not enough, there's a port to play your MP3 player through. A navigation system is available on the range-topping HX-T.
If you're keen to go green and must have a hybrid powered car, then the Jazz is the cheapest on sale. If more space isn't an issue, it makes its bigger and more expensive brother, the Insight, pointless as the Jazz is quicker and slightly better to drive. If I had the choice, I'd still rather have the standard petrol version though.
Source;
http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/honda-jazz-hybrid-hx-road-test/
UK 2012 Honda Civic Review
Our verdict on the new Honda Civic – and better efficiency and toned-down looks give hatch added appealBy Jo Oliveira
The new ninth-generation Honda Civic is more civilised than ever, with improved refinement, toned-down styling and lower running costs. Honda has sold more than 650,000 Civics in the UK since 1973, so the arrival of an all-new version of the Ford Focus rival, built in Swindon, Wiltshire, is big news – and we’ve driven it.
The design represents a gentle evolution rather than the radical overhaul introduced by the old car. It won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but is still sure to get you noticed. The new Civic is 2cm lower, 1cm wider and 3cm longer than before, but a shorter wheelbase leaves it with much longer overhangs.
Other novelties include the high-mounted tail-lamp clusters, the daylight running LEDs and the active grille shutter on diesel models. The light strip spoiler, which bisects the back window, is set 20mm lower than before and a rear wiper has been added, too.
Inside, there’s slightly less space in the rear, although adults still have plenty of head and legroom. The boot is eight litres smaller than before, at 478 litres, but that’s still class-leading. Honda’s flexible seat layout is carried over, allowing you to fold the rear bench flat or fix the seats vertically, freeing up space to slot in bulky objects through the rear doors.
From the driver’s seat, visibility is improved thanks to thinner A-pillars, but the spilt screen still hampers the view to the rear. The dash layout has grown up, too, with the confusing digital dials from the old car making way for a cleaner, more logical design.
Quality has taken a leap with soft-touch materials added everywhere except on the top of the instrument panel. The driver’s seat has better lateral support and now features a pneumatic lumbar support which will be useful on long journeys.
It doesn’t take long behind the wheel to realise Honda’s focus was to improve refinement. The suspension bushes are now filled with fluid, rather than rubber, so the ride is more comfortable, while reinforced door sills and thicker front windows help keep engine noise and tyre roar at bay.
The Civic’s relaxing character is helped by the light steering, which is ideal around town, and a more direct ratio means it’s accurate and quick when you up the pace.
The initial engine line-up will be familiar to owners of the current Civic, although stop-start has been added across the range. The 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines have the same outputs as the current model – 99bhp and 140bhp respectively – while the 2.2-litre diesel in the car we drove has been given a more thorough makeover. Power is up by 10bhp and torque by 10Nm, to 148bhp and 350Nm, and fuel economy rises 18 per cent to 67.3mpg.
The large-capacity four-cylinder diesel remains one of the best engines around. It pulls hard from low revs, spins smoothly and has plenty of performance.
Despite being the most expensive option, Honda predicts this engine will be its biggest seller here – at least until a smaller 120bhp 1.6-litre diesel, with less than 100g/km of CO2, arrives this time next year.
For an alternative review of the latest Honda Civic visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/274567/new_honda_civic.html
2012 Honda CR-V pops up on Honda Japan’s website (Interior Shots!)
Click on either picture to get a larger version!
Last month, the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept was revealed, and now, the first images of the production fourth-generation CR-V have come about – Honda’s Japanese website teases the new SUV, which is set to make its debut at next month’s LA Auto Show.
The production model – which you can get a wallpaper of on the website! – retains most of the styling direction as seen on the concept, though the front bumper on it looks more sedate and the wheels, while keeping to the five twin-spoke theme, also look less showy.
The site also has graphics that presents a peek into the all-new vehicle’s interior – there’s certainly more line flow present in the dash, and noticeable cues are a large screen housing the navigation/audio system on the centre stack, with another display console above it; the latter houses what looks very much like a digital interpretation of an analogue clock. Sizeable speedo too, by the looks of it!
Familiar cues have been retained – the climate control switchgear orientation and dash-mounted gearshift, for one, though gone is the void area between the centre console and dash, which was a great space for ladies to house their handbags (as I am told!); in its place it is a open storage unit where the cupholders also reside. Which means the slide-covered storage box just aft of it should be much more voluminous than the present CR-V’s. No tech details as of yet, but LA should take care of that.
Source;
http://paultan.org/2011/10/31/2012-honda-cr-v-pops-up-on-honda-japans-website/
Last month, the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept was revealed, and now, the first images of the production fourth-generation CR-V have come about – Honda’s Japanese website teases the new SUV, which is set to make its debut at next month’s LA Auto Show.The production model – which you can get a wallpaper of on the website! – retains most of the styling direction as seen on the concept, though the front bumper on it looks more sedate and the wheels, while keeping to the five twin-spoke theme, also look less showy.
The site also has graphics that presents a peek into the all-new vehicle’s interior – there’s certainly more line flow present in the dash, and noticeable cues are a large screen housing the navigation/audio system on the centre stack, with another display console above it; the latter houses what looks very much like a digital interpretation of an analogue clock. Sizeable speedo too, by the looks of it!
Familiar cues have been retained – the climate control switchgear orientation and dash-mounted gearshift, for one, though gone is the void area between the centre console and dash, which was a great space for ladies to house their handbags (as I am told!); in its place it is a open storage unit where the cupholders also reside. Which means the slide-covered storage box just aft of it should be much more voluminous than the present CR-V’s. No tech details as of yet, but LA should take care of that.
Source;
http://paultan.org/2011/10/31/2012-honda-cr-v-pops-up-on-honda-japans-website/
Honda rushes Civic refresh in wake of criticism
By: Mark Rechtin, Automotive News on 10/31/2011
Because of the chilly reception this year for its redesigned 2012 Civic, which was universally panned for its cheap, hard-plastic instrument panel and center console, Honda is moving more quickly than planned on some mid-cycle changes.
"We take feedback seriously, regardless of who it's from, and we will act accordingly quickly," John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, said in an interview.
The mid-cycle update normally would occur in spring 2014. But Mendel said the change could occur sometime in 2013.
Honda was in the midst of redesigning the Civic when the global economy imploded in 2009. Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito stopped the redesign in its tracks, approved shortening the wheelbase and reducing content to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
Reviewers chastised Honda for its penny-pinching ways after it debuted in April. Consumer Reports removed the Civic from its "recommended" list for the first time in memory, calling it "cheap" and "insubstantial." A recent Wall Street Journal review called it "a betrayal."
For the car that leads the compact segment in retail sales--and is Honda's bread and butter--those words are damning when competitive entries from Ford, Hyundai and Chevrolet have shown major improvement.
"I don't know how much we can do, and how quickly," said Mendel at the media launch of the redesigned 2012 CR-V crossover. "But the comments of Consumer Reports and our customers have not gone unnoticed. We are appropriately energized."
The launch was severely disrupted by the Japan earthquake on March 11. Dealers held blowout sales of the outgoing Civic in March and April but allocations were slow in coming.
Still, the Civic was the most shopped nameplate in June, in the thick of the car's marketing launch, according to the consulting firm Compete Automotive. But the spike was surprisingly short-lived, and shopper volume declined quickly--"atypical for Honda in particular," the Compete report said.
The downgrade by Consumer Reports likely played a role in the diminished interest, Compete said.
Source;
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111031/CARNEWS/111039993#ixzz1cMnFOVjp
Because of the chilly reception this year for its redesigned 2012 Civic, which was universally panned for its cheap, hard-plastic instrument panel and center console, Honda is moving more quickly than planned on some mid-cycle changes."We take feedback seriously, regardless of who it's from, and we will act accordingly quickly," John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, said in an interview.
The mid-cycle update normally would occur in spring 2014. But Mendel said the change could occur sometime in 2013.
Honda was in the midst of redesigning the Civic when the global economy imploded in 2009. Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito stopped the redesign in its tracks, approved shortening the wheelbase and reducing content to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
Reviewers chastised Honda for its penny-pinching ways after it debuted in April. Consumer Reports removed the Civic from its "recommended" list for the first time in memory, calling it "cheap" and "insubstantial." A recent Wall Street Journal review called it "a betrayal."
For the car that leads the compact segment in retail sales--and is Honda's bread and butter--those words are damning when competitive entries from Ford, Hyundai and Chevrolet have shown major improvement.
"I don't know how much we can do, and how quickly," said Mendel at the media launch of the redesigned 2012 CR-V crossover. "But the comments of Consumer Reports and our customers have not gone unnoticed. We are appropriately energized."
The launch was severely disrupted by the Japan earthquake on March 11. Dealers held blowout sales of the outgoing Civic in March and April but allocations were slow in coming.
Still, the Civic was the most shopped nameplate in June, in the thick of the car's marketing launch, according to the consulting firm Compete Automotive. But the spike was surprisingly short-lived, and shopper volume declined quickly--"atypical for Honda in particular," the Compete report said.
The downgrade by Consumer Reports likely played a role in the diminished interest, Compete said.
Source;
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111031/CARNEWS/111039993#ixzz1cMnFOVjp
Acura NSX Technical Illustration
This is from 2008, but I thought I'd pass it along anyway. Interesting incarnation of the NSX that would have come out sometime in 2010 had Honda not scrapped the idea. V8/10 was the speculation at the time. Now with Honda confirming that the NSX was back on the radar, I'm interested what they are going to build on top of this previous idea.
Honda Civic HB Moster Car
Forget the next Honda Ridgeline! Let's put this baby into full production before the demand dies down....
Thanks for the tip Mark!
Thanks for the tip Mark!
Want to get paid for editing? My publisher is hiring.
In the yahoo group that my publisher runs, Deron Douglas, the CEO of Double Dragon Publishing posted this:
Also on the marketing front, I found out that a guy named John Klawitter (Find his website here) is producing a radio show for Double Dragon authors (again through our Yahoo group). It's a one-hour thing and provides exposure by featuring a short story or flash fiction read aloud over the radio with a plug for the author's book after the reading (paid for by Double Dragon).
In my opinion, it's pretty original marketing, and I was intrigued by it because of the different approach. I'm telling you guys simply because it gives a glimpse "behind-the-scenes" on a mid-size publisher and their attempts at helping authors to market their work...kinda like the "Little Engine that Could." I'm not complaining because I think the idea is pretty awesome and when it starts up in either January or February I'm gonna tune in to it to see how well it is done. I mean...this is not a Big Six publisher...they don't have billions of dollars so really any marketing that they do shows an "attempt" at selling their books rather than just sitting there like a limp noodle.
Now if only I could prod them to use their twitter account...
Hello All,
DDP is looking for new editors to help with the edit of 2012-2013 titles. If you know someone with experience and the need to make a difference, please have them contact me directly at deron@double-dragon-ebooks.com
Cheers,
DeronI figured I'd post it for anyone that may have a little time on their hands that wants to make some money on the side and find out a little about how the publishing business works. I have no idea what they pay and nothing aside from this post on what is entailed. But if I had to "guess" it would be that they email you a Word document in .rtf form...maybe chapters at a time...and you go through and edit them using the "review" options in the word processor, making notes on the side and then when those are done, shipping them off to the writer. Then I also assume that you would be paid through Paypal which is how they seem to conduct business for the authors. So, I'm thinking you would need a Paypal account. However, please don't quote me on this because I'm just "guessing".
Also on the marketing front, I found out that a guy named John Klawitter (Find his website here) is producing a radio show for Double Dragon authors (again through our Yahoo group). It's a one-hour thing and provides exposure by featuring a short story or flash fiction read aloud over the radio with a plug for the author's book after the reading (paid for by Double Dragon).
In my opinion, it's pretty original marketing, and I was intrigued by it because of the different approach. I'm telling you guys simply because it gives a glimpse "behind-the-scenes" on a mid-size publisher and their attempts at helping authors to market their work...kinda like the "Little Engine that Could." I'm not complaining because I think the idea is pretty awesome and when it starts up in either January or February I'm gonna tune in to it to see how well it is done. I mean...this is not a Big Six publisher...they don't have billions of dollars so really any marketing that they do shows an "attempt" at selling their books rather than just sitting there like a limp noodle.
Now if only I could prod them to use their twitter account...
Next-gen Mitsubishi EVO hybrid confirmed for 2014!
2013 Mitsubishi EVO XI conceptual renderingIf you wonder what Mitsubishi is up to these days then, read on to find out their ambitious plans for the future. If are a fan of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and you don’t want to miss this. The Japanese car maker is coming up with an all new Mitsubishi EVO by 2014. However, this car isn’t what you’d expect from a car maker who have dominated the cross-country rally scene with its powerful four-wheel drive saloons. The latest from them has been the Misubishi EVO X. To put in plain English, the next-generation EVO will be a hybrid!
Surprised? Well, that is correct. Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko, has confirmed this with Autocar but refrained himself from revealing the technical details of the new car. According to him, the Mitsubishi EVO XI will feature a diesel-hybrid powertrain. The new changes are aimed at controlling emissions. Now, the EVO is known for lightning fast 0-100 kph times and nimble reflexes. It is difficult to image an EVO without its USPs and that is what Mitsubishi engineers also feel. The new EVO XI will thus retain its trademark handling and performance characteristics.
The only change then, could be under the hood. That said, the acceleration will certainly be spine smashing with a diesel engine and an electric motor working in unison. The team at Mitsubishi will start work on the new EVO project next year. The actual car is expected to arrive in the three years time. Earlier in the year, there were reports of the EVO being axed for a more sustainable electric car over which the world reacted in criticism. Taking notice of the reaction from fans, Mitsubishi was quick respond. So with a hybrid EVO taking shape, Mitsubishi’s marketing bumph might read, “EVO XI- Its Green and goes like stink “.
Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/nextgen-mitsubishi-evo-hybrid-confirmed-2014-50510/
Facelifted Honda City to arrive in mid November?
Not for us in North America, think of this as a Honda FIT Sedan.....
While we know that the facelifted Honda City will be here in the next couple of months, our friends at OnCars seem to have gotten wind of when the Honda City could actually be launched. According to them, Mid November is when Honda will unveil the facelifted version of the Honda City Sedan. The facelift of the Honda City is essentially a mid career makeover of the Honda City and thus is largely cosmetic in nature.
Both the front and rear ends of the Honda City get minor changes in the facelift. The facelifted City has already been launched in the Thai market. Hence, it is quite easy to gauge what we will be getting here in India as Honda usually launches its products in the Thai market before an Indian launch. On the front end, brand new bumpers, a new front air dam, a revised grille design with chrome tipping is what you get.
The rear end gets new tail lamps and reflectors on the rear bumper. The car also could get an Eco mode indicator on the instrumentation console that will help willing drivers to squeeze out that extra bit of mileage from the City. Automatic climate control could be one feature that could still be in the missing list on the facelifted Honda City as the Thai model doesn’t seem to have one.
Under the hood, the same 1.5 Liter 118 Bhp, i-VTEC petrol engine will do duty along with the five speed manual and automatic transmission options. Given that Honda doesn’t have a diesel engine in its portfolio, expect the facelifted version of the Honda City to be priced similar to the current version as the facelift does not add any functional feature worth a price increase. Meanwhile, the current versions of the Honda City are trading for big dealer discounts this festive season.
Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/facelifted-honda-city-arrive-mid-november-50618/
While we know that the facelifted Honda City will be here in the next couple of months, our friends at OnCars seem to have gotten wind of when the Honda City could actually be launched. According to them, Mid November is when Honda will unveil the facelifted version of the Honda City Sedan. The facelift of the Honda City is essentially a mid career makeover of the Honda City and thus is largely cosmetic in nature.Both the front and rear ends of the Honda City get minor changes in the facelift. The facelifted City has already been launched in the Thai market. Hence, it is quite easy to gauge what we will be getting here in India as Honda usually launches its products in the Thai market before an Indian launch. On the front end, brand new bumpers, a new front air dam, a revised grille design with chrome tipping is what you get.
The rear end gets new tail lamps and reflectors on the rear bumper. The car also could get an Eco mode indicator on the instrumentation console that will help willing drivers to squeeze out that extra bit of mileage from the City. Automatic climate control could be one feature that could still be in the missing list on the facelifted Honda City as the Thai model doesn’t seem to have one.
Under the hood, the same 1.5 Liter 118 Bhp, i-VTEC petrol engine will do duty along with the five speed manual and automatic transmission options. Given that Honda doesn’t have a diesel engine in its portfolio, expect the facelifted version of the Honda City to be priced similar to the current version as the facelift does not add any functional feature worth a price increase. Meanwhile, the current versions of the Honda City are trading for big dealer discounts this festive season.
Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/facelifted-honda-city-arrive-mid-november-50618/
Honda Integra Reborn As Unusual Scooter/Motorcycle Hybrid
Good news: The Honda Integra lives again! Bad news: instead of the small, sporty you’ve come to know and love as an Acura, the new Honda Integra is instead a big, funky-looking scooter.Perhaps scooter isn’t exactly the right word for it. Honda dubs the Integra a “midsize motorcycle,” although its seating position, which puts the rider’s feet further forward than on a conventional bike, echoes the company’s large Silver Wing scooter.
Mechanically speaking, the motorcycle term is perhaps a bit more fitting. While the Silver Wing tops out with a 582-cc two-cylinder engine, the Integra utilizes a new liquid-cooled, 670-cc inline-twin. Power figures have yet to be released, but Honda says the engine delivers considerable low- and mid-range torque, catering to owners who prefer to ride at moderate speeds. A crankshaft with a 270-degree throw allegedly provides the “feel and character of a V-twin” while retaining the compact dimensions afforded by its inline configuration.
Unlike the Silver Wing, which uses a belt-based continuously variable transmission, the Integra is the second production Honda motorcycle to utilize a dual-clutch transmission. As is the case with the larger VFR-1200F, the Integra’s gearbox is a seven-speed unit with both manual- and automated shift modes, but this second-generation design is reportedly more responsive to inputs, and can adapt its shift logic parameters to the rider’s habits.
Honda says the Integra will formally debut at the EICMA Motorcycle Industry show in Milan, Italy. Presently, there’s no word on whether or not the bike will make its way to North American Honda showrooms – or if the Integra name will stick should it be sold in our market.
Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/honda-integra-reborn-as-unusual-scootermotorcycle-hybrid-83095.html
Honda Targets Sales in Japan With Hybrid Freed, New Minivan
Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co., Japan’s third- largest carmaker, will start selling a hybrid version of its Freed minivan tomorrow as it seeks to boost sales among domestic consumers looking for more fuel-efficient cars.The hybrid Freed will start from 2.18 million yen ($28,700), according to a statement by the Tokyo-based company today. The new gas-electric version has a fuel-economy rating of 24 kilometers per liter, compared with 17 kilometers per liter for the conventional gasoline model, according to Honda.
“With the new Freed, we hope to attract the increasing number of ‘downsizers’ in the Japanese market,” Sho Minekawa, a managing officer at Honda, said today at a press conference in Tokyo. “We expect to get half of our sales from hybrid models by the end of March next year.”
The company aims to sell 10,000 units of the Freed hybrid minivan a month, Minekawa said. Honda will begin selling a revamped Insight hybrid starting Nov. 11 from 1.9 million yen and a new minicar from mid-December called the “N Box.”
Honda shares rose 2.75 percent to 2,393 yen at the close of trading in Tokyo. The stock has slid 26 percent this year, compared with a 15 percent drop for the broader Topix index.
--Editors: Chua Kong Ho, Frank Longid
Source;
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-27/honda-targets-sales-in-japan-with-hybrid-freed-new-minivan.html
Woodyscarsite: Toyota FT-86 Getting Closer to Production
And here we have the Toyota version of the Subaru BRZ, the FT-86, getting closer to productions form. I've got to say, very nice design!
Source;
Source;Subaru BRZ: new tech details
The new Subaru BRZ coupé will have the lowest centre of gravity of any production car when it goes on sale next summer, according to the manufacturer.The BRZ’s rear-wheel-drive configuration has meant that Subaru's compact 2.0-litre Boxer engine can be mounted even lower in the chassis than would normally be permissible in the manufacturer's conventional four-wheel-drive layout.
Despite being co-developed with Toyota, the vast majority of the engineering work has been undertaken by Subaru; although the company has confirmed that the BRZ's flat-four unit will incorporate a Toyota direct fuel-injection system.
Power outputs, however, will differ with a Subaru-spec ECU liberating the BRZ’s power to “less than 300bhp,” compared with the FT-86’s 200bhp figure.
Details of the car’s final spec remain under wraps - even Subaru's UK new MD admitted to Autocar that he'd only seen a clay model of the finished product - but insiders suggest that the grille and bumpers will differentiate the RBZ from its Toyota-badged sibling.
A roadster version could yet play a part in future model plans, but a topless car is ‘under consideration’ rather than developmental reality.
Subaru insists that no costing strategy has been established, but with the Volkswagen Scirocco confirmed as the main rival, expect the RBZ’s price tag to land somewhere in the current coupé ballpark.
The lack of a final figure - or even an image of the production car - has apparently not dissuaded Subaru fans from already registering their interest with the company's dealership network.
While the new 2+2 coupé is expected to fill a healthy new niche for the manufacturer, Subaru UK has made it clear that it intends to focus much of its energy on 'lifestyle' products, such as the new XV crossover, as it looks to achieve a sales target of 7500 units in 2012.
The Subaru BRZ will be unveiled at the Tokyo show next month.
Nic Cackett
Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=259739
Six questions for Briane Pagel, author of Eclipse
Now when I say "cerebral" I'm not saying that it is difficult to read. I'm saying that it is challenging to really know what is going on. It's like reading one of Brooke R. Busse's flash fictions that she posts on her blog. Half the time I have no idea what it is that she's writing about. So if you buy this book, you are purchasing a puzzle. I personally have my own ideas of what is going on with the book but you'd have to look at my review on goodreads. And it is just that...ideas. Mr. Pagel has not elaborated at all as to whether I'm correct or not. Also know that the book is short...novella sized. You can read it in one sitting easy so this is not asking you to set aside weeks to plow through a book. This is something you could flip through while waiting for your turn at the doctor's office.
Mr. Pagel keeps many blogs but the one that I follow the most is Thinking the Lions. I urge you to follow him there (click on link) because he's funny, witty, and I think it's always nice to be friends with a lawyer. :)
For fans of Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks, Eraserhead, and the Tree of Life...this book is for you.
Without further adieu, I give you the man that dared to eat a Twinkie on his blog that was so rancid, I thought for sure he was going to get sick.
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| I do lawyer stuff and chase my boys around with a camera. |
A: This is hard because I don't really know directors. David Lynch's Mullholland Drive has the feel that I want for Eclipse, a kind of "what the heck just happened" feel, so he wouldn't be bad. But Tim Burton might be able to do a good job of putting a creative spin on it. The book isn't Tim Burton-esque at all, but I'd like to see what he'd do with it. I think a movie should do more than just parrot the written material; the visual and audio element to film both restrains the imagination and adds a new dimension to the work, and I think the interface where my imagination and Tim Burton's meet would be a great place to start Eclipse: The Movie.
 |
| Eraserhead...it simply must be seen and you will not understand it. Reaction is everything. |
It actually was a collaboration with The Boy, my eldest son you might know from reading Thinking The Lions. He gave me the idea, which I won't repeat here because it actually spoils part of the story of Eclipse, and I ran with it, writing the first chapter to give him an idea how I'd start it. He read the first chapter and said "Make it weirder," so I did. The use of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and other hard-rock lyrics in the book was a sop to The Boy, who was going through his 70s-music-phase at that point.
Q: Upon finishing your book, what reaction do you want from your reader?
A: "What the heck just happened here?" is the primary effect I'd like. The book has so many possible interpretations that I'd want a person to think "Okay, that's what it meant" and then later on say "But what if this" so that the storylines and imagery are constantly revisited. So far, people who have read it have almost uniformly come to me and said "So, was it real?" about one aspect or another. I love that.
 |
| What the heck just happened here is often what I ask when I watch "Eraserhead" |
 |
| A: "Eclipse is more of a kaleidoscope than a book, but everytime you turn the kaleidoscope, you get an even more mysteriously horrifying version of an astronaut's journey from madness to murder." |
A: I self-published because I am impatient with the "real" publishing process. I don't want to spend my time writing query letter and I don't want to have to conform my writing to what someone else expects.
I write because I enjoy writing, first and foremost, and secondly because I enjoy hearing from people about my writing, and if writing and being read is your goal, self-publishing is the way to go, because you have absolute creative control over it and never have to query yourself.
With that said, I make 98% of my money from my day job, and 1.9999% of my money from my blogs; the remainder comes from my books. My books are not money-makers. Yet. Selling books is like selling anything else; you have to work at it. If you want to make lots of money with your books, you have to either convince a publisher that you're the next John Grisham so they will put your book in giant stacks in the front of bookstores, or you have to relentlessly push your book in every forum imaginable and convince the public that you are the next John Grisham. I'm not going to quit my job and start going to Comic-con to sell my book, because then writing would just be another job instead of something that I have fun doing and can make a little money at.
But I said "yet." All success is a combination of luck and hard work, with the hard work creating more opportunities for the luck to strike. I market my books and market myself to a certain extent, and hope that I'll get lucky and the right person will read it and it'll start catching on. If it does, I'll finally buy that place in Hawaii. If it doesn't, then, well, I still got to write exactly the story I wanted to write and had fun doing it, and people occasionally review it or email me and tell me they loved it. That means a lot to me.
Q: If you were to pick one novel out there that could stand on the shelf next to Eclipse and be similar by tone and subject matter, what is the name of that novel?
A: The Illustrated Man, By Ray Bradbury. Not a novel, but a set of short stories that I read when I was 12 and have never forgotten.
Buy Eclipse on Amazon for only .99 cents on your Kindle :)
Have a great Thursday.
I write because I enjoy writing, first and foremost, and secondly because I enjoy hearing from people about my writing, and if writing and being read is your goal, self-publishing is the way to go, because you have absolute creative control over it and never have to query yourself.
With that said, I make 98% of my money from my day job, and 1.9999% of my money from my blogs; the remainder comes from my books. My books are not money-makers. Yet. Selling books is like selling anything else; you have to work at it. If you want to make lots of money with your books, you have to either convince a publisher that you're the next John Grisham so they will put your book in giant stacks in the front of bookstores, or you have to relentlessly push your book in every forum imaginable and convince the public that you are the next John Grisham. I'm not going to quit my job and start going to Comic-con to sell my book, because then writing would just be another job instead of something that I have fun doing and can make a little money at.
But I said "yet." All success is a combination of luck and hard work, with the hard work creating more opportunities for the luck to strike. I market my books and market myself to a certain extent, and hope that I'll get lucky and the right person will read it and it'll start catching on. If it does, I'll finally buy that place in Hawaii. If it doesn't, then, well, I still got to write exactly the story I wanted to write and had fun doing it, and people occasionally review it or email me and tell me they loved it. That means a lot to me.
Q: If you were to pick one novel out there that could stand on the shelf next to Eclipse and be similar by tone and subject matter, what is the name of that novel?
A: The Illustrated Man, By Ray Bradbury. Not a novel, but a set of short stories that I read when I was 12 and have never forgotten.
Buy Eclipse on Amazon for only .99 cents on your Kindle :)
Have a great Thursday.
A little Halloween to the greatest pop song of all time
I miss you Michael Jackson.
Thank you for Thriller. Thank you for everything.
Have a great Wednesday.
Million Mile Joe honored with 2012 Honda Accord and parade
Submitted by Adam Yamada-Hanff on Tue, 10/25/2011
Joe LoCicero a 53 year old man from Norway, Maine has done the unthinkable. He has driven his 1990 Honda Accord over 1 Million Miles! To celebrate this extremely amazing accomplishment, Honda threw a surprise parade in Saco, Maine for “Million Mile Joe” as he as come to be known.
The parade, along the Main Street of Saco, was complete with a giant odometer float powered by six people spinning life-sized hamster wheels. An airplane flew over with a banner that read “Way To Go Joe.” Local schools got involved as well, as students from Biddeford High School made floats to honor Joe. One of the creative floats was a replica of Joe and his 1990 Honda Accord nicknamed, “True Blue” due to its light blue color and a road adorned with banners marking special life occasions like Graduation, Just Married, Another Road Trip, and Million Mile Joe! The Westbrook High School marching band and color guard performed, and the Saco Middle School Marching Band performed as well. Shoestring Theater stilt walkers were part of the parade. Over-the-top costumed characters walked the streets, which included one person dressed in a number "1" costume with six other people dressed in "0" costumes, maps of Maine, and a pine-tree car air freshener. Joe and his wife, Sharon, happily waved to the crowd.
The parade interrupted a brief press conference where Joe received an oversized key to a new 2012 Honda Accord EX from Ashley Marble, Ms. Maine. The new car is a well earned gift from Honda to Million Mile Joe, but what is in store for “True Blue?” Joe is uncertain about what to do with his 1990 Honda Accord since he has new Honda Accord, complete with a lot of safety features and creature comforts his old Accord lacks. He was going to try to sell it for $1 million to a Honda dealership so they could showcase Honda's reliability, durability, and longevity but so far nobody has taken him up on his offer. (ummm.... really?!?)
“We at Honda are extremely proud of Joe. His accomplishment is really a testament to the reliability of the Honda Accord,” said Jessica Fini, a Honda PR spokeswoman. Tom Peyton, Honda's brand manager adds, "Joe's journey is a testament to his Honda's reliability and how people have come to count on Honda for more than 50 years to get them to where they need to go.”
A normal driver clocks around 10,000-15,000 miles on their odometer every year. It took Joe 15 years to get 1 million miles driving 62,500 miles a year. It would take an average driver 66-80 years to get to 1 million miles. That is farther than the average lifetime of 7 cars. Additionally 1 million miles would take you around the globe 40 times, it would be 4 trips to the moon... and back, and it would cost you $2 million in a taxi fare.
According to Honda, Joe is the the first person officially documented to have put 1 million miles on a Honda vehicle. Joe should feel quite proud of his accomplishment. Congratulate him on the Honda Facebook page
Way To Go Joe!
Source;
http://www.torquenews.com/1070/million-mile-joe-honored-2012-honda-accord-and-parade
Joe LoCicero a 53 year old man from Norway, Maine has done the unthinkable. He has driven his 1990 Honda Accord over 1 Million Miles! To celebrate this extremely amazing accomplishment, Honda threw a surprise parade in Saco, Maine for “Million Mile Joe” as he as come to be known.The parade, along the Main Street of Saco, was complete with a giant odometer float powered by six people spinning life-sized hamster wheels. An airplane flew over with a banner that read “Way To Go Joe.” Local schools got involved as well, as students from Biddeford High School made floats to honor Joe. One of the creative floats was a replica of Joe and his 1990 Honda Accord nicknamed, “True Blue” due to its light blue color and a road adorned with banners marking special life occasions like Graduation, Just Married, Another Road Trip, and Million Mile Joe! The Westbrook High School marching band and color guard performed, and the Saco Middle School Marching Band performed as well. Shoestring Theater stilt walkers were part of the parade. Over-the-top costumed characters walked the streets, which included one person dressed in a number "1" costume with six other people dressed in "0" costumes, maps of Maine, and a pine-tree car air freshener. Joe and his wife, Sharon, happily waved to the crowd.
The parade interrupted a brief press conference where Joe received an oversized key to a new 2012 Honda Accord EX from Ashley Marble, Ms. Maine. The new car is a well earned gift from Honda to Million Mile Joe, but what is in store for “True Blue?” Joe is uncertain about what to do with his 1990 Honda Accord since he has new Honda Accord, complete with a lot of safety features and creature comforts his old Accord lacks. He was going to try to sell it for $1 million to a Honda dealership so they could showcase Honda's reliability, durability, and longevity but so far nobody has taken him up on his offer. (ummm.... really?!?)
“We at Honda are extremely proud of Joe. His accomplishment is really a testament to the reliability of the Honda Accord,” said Jessica Fini, a Honda PR spokeswoman. Tom Peyton, Honda's brand manager adds, "Joe's journey is a testament to his Honda's reliability and how people have come to count on Honda for more than 50 years to get them to where they need to go.”
A normal driver clocks around 10,000-15,000 miles on their odometer every year. It took Joe 15 years to get 1 million miles driving 62,500 miles a year. It would take an average driver 66-80 years to get to 1 million miles. That is farther than the average lifetime of 7 cars. Additionally 1 million miles would take you around the globe 40 times, it would be 4 trips to the moon... and back, and it would cost you $2 million in a taxi fare.
According to Honda, Joe is the the first person officially documented to have put 1 million miles on a Honda vehicle. Joe should feel quite proud of his accomplishment. Congratulate him on the Honda Facebook page
Way To Go Joe!
Source;
http://www.torquenews.com/1070/million-mile-joe-honored-2012-honda-accord-and-parade
Corvette traps would-be thief in B.C.
Pure gold....
A would-be car thief in Prince George, B.C., has learned a powerful lesson from a powerless car.
He now knows that the Corvette he tried to steal on Sunday afternoon becomes nothing more than a four-wheeled holding cell when the battery dies.
RCMP Sgt. Jason Keays told the Prince George Citizen the 21-year-old (Brent Jameson Morgan) jumped into the idling Corvette just as the owner was putting away a charger used to revive the sports car's dead battery.
The owner watched in disbelief as the thief rolled up the power windows, locked the power doors — and promptly stalled the vehicle while trying to back out of the driveway.
Without enough juice in the battery to restart the car, the suspect was trapped inside as the Corvette withstood his efforts to smash a window or pry one open with a screwdriver.
As police arrived, Keays says the man was trying to bash his way out with a hatchet stored in his backpack, but instead was arrested and charged with various theft and weapons offences.
Source;
http://www.cbc.ca/news/Canada/British-Columbia/story/2011/10/24/bc-corvette-thief-stall.html
A would-be car thief in Prince George, B.C., has learned a powerful lesson from a powerless car.He now knows that the Corvette he tried to steal on Sunday afternoon becomes nothing more than a four-wheeled holding cell when the battery dies.
RCMP Sgt. Jason Keays told the Prince George Citizen the 21-year-old (Brent Jameson Morgan) jumped into the idling Corvette just as the owner was putting away a charger used to revive the sports car's dead battery.
The owner watched in disbelief as the thief rolled up the power windows, locked the power doors — and promptly stalled the vehicle while trying to back out of the driveway.
Without enough juice in the battery to restart the car, the suspect was trapped inside as the Corvette withstood his efforts to smash a window or pry one open with a screwdriver.
As police arrived, Keays says the man was trying to bash his way out with a hatchet stored in his backpack, but instead was arrested and charged with various theft and weapons offences.
Source;
http://www.cbc.ca/news/Canada/British-Columbia/story/2011/10/24/bc-corvette-thief-stall.html
Consumer Reports' 2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Ford drops, Chrysler rises, Scion leads
To continue the list from Ford....Dodge (8) up
GMC (13) down
Mini (6) up
Buick (5) down
Cadillac (5) down
Audi (7) even
Porsche (2) down
Jaguar (2) not available
In recent years Ford has been a model of American reliability, competing well against Japanese makes that have dominated for decades. But three of its new models are blemishing that record.
The new Ford Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus all had below-average reliability in their first year. As a result, Ford’s overall reliability rank among 28 major car makes slipped from the 10th to the 20th spot this year—the biggest drop for any major nameplate in Consumer Reports' 2011 Annual Auto Survey.
Ford’s drop can also be attributed to problems with new technologies: the new MyFord Touch infotainment system and the new automated-manual transmission used in the Fiesta and Focus. On the bright side, the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan remained outstanding, and other Fusion versions were above average.
While Ford’s star has fallen, Chrysler’s has risen. Jeep has moved up seven spots to 13, becoming the most reliable domestic brand, and all its models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data scored average in predicted reliability. Chrysler and Dodge moved up 12 and three spots in ranking, respectively.
Chrysler had better results with its new models, including the freshened Chrysler 200 (formerly Sebring) sedan and the redesigned Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. The Chrysler brand moved up in Consumer Reports survey, but its rank is based on just two models: the 200, which was well above average, and the freshened Town & Country minivan, which tanked. The remaining model, the 300, is too new for Consumer Reports to have sufficient data.
Reliability methodologyFindings are based on responses on 1.3 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or ConsumerReports.org. Conducted by Consumer Reports’ National Survey Research Center, the survey covers model years 2002 to 2011.
Consumer Reports’ expert team of statisticians and automotive engineers used the survey data to predict reliability of new 2012 models. Predicted reliability is Consumer Reports’ forecast of how well models currently on sale are likely to hold up. To calculate predicted-reliability ratings, CR averages the overall reliability scores (used car verdicts) for the most recent three model years, provided that the model remained unchanged in that period and also didn’t substantially change for 2012. If a model was new or redesigned in the past couple of years, one or two years’ data may be used, or if that’s all that’s available. On rare occasions, Consumer Reports makes predictions for a newly redesigned model, but only if previous versions had outstanding reliability.
Fortunes change for the Big ThreeEven with Chrysler’s improvement, Detroit models still have reliability problems. Of the 97 domestic models and versions for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 62 (64 percent) rated average or better in CR’s new-car reliability ratings, leaving 35 as below average.
General Motors has stumbled after edging up last year. The Buick and Cadillac brands, in particular, appear to have taken a step backward; Chevrolet held steady and GMC dropped one spot. The new Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze were below par in reliability.
Asian brands roll onJapanese brands continue to dominate Consumer Reports survey’s upper echelons and took the top nine spots. They were led by Scion, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda, and Toyota. Of the 91 Japanese models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 87 (96 percent) were rated average or better in predicted reliability; 24 Japanese models earned the highest rating.
The biggest improvement was from Mazda, which moved up eight spots from last year. All its models were rated above average. Scion remains the top brand in Consumer Reports’ survey, but only two models of its three, the xB and xD, had sufficient data to be included. Lexus, with 11 models included, rebounded seven places from last year.
Mixed results from EuropeEuropean models continue to be a blend of reliable and not so reliable vehicles. Overall, European vehicles’ reliability is slightly below that of domestic models. Of the 58 European models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, 37 (64 percent) scored average or better in predicted reliability.
Among European brands, Volvo ranked the highest at 10th overall. It was helped by the redesigned S60, which was above average in its first year. Volkswagen was able to hold on to 16th place in the ranking; seven of its 11 models scored average or better.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW improved, but results were inconsistent for their various models. BMW’s redesigned X3 SUV did well, for example, but the redesigned 5 Series sedan was well below average. Mercedes’ compact GLK SUV improved, but its flagship S-Class luxury sedan fell to below average.
Reliability, recommendations, and further insightsConsumer Reports Annual Auto Survey Ratings are unrelated to vehicle road-test results, but are a key factor in determining whether or not Consumer Reports recommends a car. CR only recommends models that have performed well in tests conducted at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, and that have average or better predicted reliability based on its annual survey. In addition, vehicles must perform at least adequately in government or insurance-industry crash and rollover tests, if tested, in order to be Recommended by Consumer Reports.
Full reliability history charts and predicted-reliability ratings on hundreds of 2012 models, plus a list of what’s up and what’s down, best and worst models, and a comparison chart of brands can be found online in our Reliability special section, in the December issue of the magazine, and in the upcoming Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst New Cars for 2012, on sale November 15, 2011.
Source;
http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/10/consumer-reports-2011-annual-car-reliability-survey-ford-drops-chrysler-rises-scion-leads.html
2012 Honda CrossTour Information for Canada
Well Honda Canada has dropped two things;A) No more Honda Accord Crosstour, now just Honda Crosstour.
B) No more 2WD model, only 4WD models available.
Models;
2012 Honda Crosstour EX-L 4WD Automatic
2012 Honda Crosstour EX-L 4WD Navi Automatic
Colours;
Silver exterior with Black interior
Black exterior with Black interior
Black exterior with Ivory interior
Red exterior with Black interior
Grey exterior with Black interior
White exterior with Black interior
White exterior with Ivory interior
ETA;
November 2011
Pricing;
TBD (No major changes expected)
Feature Changes;
Increased Fuel Economy
Source;
Honda Canada
Honda to Debut Two All-New Models at the Los Angeles Auto Show
10/24/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.Honda will debut two all-new models, the 2012 CR-V and 2013 Fit EV, at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th at 1:05 pm PST. As one of the best-selling SUV's in the United States, the fourth-generation 2012 CR-V will showcase new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and added technology features. The all electric zero-emissions Fit EV concept vehicle debuted at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show and the production model will be revealed this year.
The Honda press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show can be viewed live via webcast at www.hondanews.com.
For high-resolution photos and media information on Honda's current product offerings, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.
Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-to-debut-two-all-new-models-at-the-los-angeles-auto-show
Fifth Gear's Ford Focu 120 mph (192 km/h) Crash Test
3
“Speed doesn’t kill. It’s suddenly becoming stationary that does.” -Jeremy Clarkson
Source from www.egmcartech.com
“Speed doesn’t kill. It’s suddenly becoming stationary that does.” -Jeremy Clarkson
Source from www.egmcartech.com
Fox Marketing prepping special Honda Civic Si for SEMA
All I can say is wow....
Fox Marketing Cars 2012 Honda Civic Si
The main focus of this build was to showcase the reliability, and performance capability from Honda's new K24Z7 power plant. With a properly engineered turbo kit the new Civic Si can consistently provide an enthusiast with over 450 horsepower for 100,000+ reliable miles without blinking an eye. Because the K24Z7 is so strong from the factory, we added a new Full-Race intercooled turbo kit. This turbo kit features the BorgWarner EFR turbo as seen in Honda's LMP1/LMP2 engine program, and 2012 Indycar teams. To properly and accurately tune the vehicle, Hondata FlashPro was selected to control Injector Dynamic 1000cc fuel injectors and the 255lph fuel pump, all made possible with the Chasebays Engine Harness. For additional power and durability, the stock plastic K24Z7 intake manifold was replaced with a Honda RRC intake manifold (euro Accord Type-R) sourced from ImportDPS. Since the car has these types of power numbers we need serious traction - so a 10.5 inch wide Vossen wheel with Toyo Tire will put the power to the ground. We then hand-built the widebody kit around the wheel and tire set up, and painted the civic BASF R-M Ultrasonic Blue Pearl, a new-school take on the classic Civic Si electron-blue-pearl. The interior was upgraded with Yonaka Ronin Racing Seats with factory Civic Si fabric inserts front, and rear. We hope you enjoy our vision for this new Si, and stay tuned to our Facebook and YouTube page for full dyno videos after SEMA!
Engine:
Full-Race 2012+ Civic Si Turbo Kit
Full-Race Turbo Manifold
Full-Race Intercooler w/ 2.5" Charge piping (Black Chrome finish)
Full-Race 3" Downpipe
Full-Race 3" Cat-Back Exhaust
BorgWarner EFR Turbocharger
Hondata FlashPro
Injector Dynamics 1000cc InjectorsWalbro 255lph Fuel Pump
ChaseBays Engine Harness
06 Civic Si ECU
Yonaka Silicone Hoses
Yonaka Clamps
Competition Clutch Stage 4
Competition Clutch Flywheel
Hardware909 Billet Oil Cap
Hardware909 K Series Flat Head Bolts
Hardware909 Billet Oil Dip Stick
Custom Steel braded AC Line
Brad Penn Penn-Grade 1 "The Green Oil" – 0w-30
Valve Cover Insert painted BASF R-M Ultrasonic Blue
Intake Manifold Cover painted BASF R-M Silverstone
Installed by:
Mugsy's Repair – Gold Certified Honda Techs
Suspension/Braking:
Front: SSBC 13 inch 4 Piston Calipers
Road Magnet 1.5 inch Springs
Rear:
12 inch 2 Piston Calipers
Road Magnet 1.2 inch Springs
Wheels/Tires:
Front:20x10.5 Vossen CV3 Brushed Aluminum with BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Barrels
255/30/20 Toyo Proxes 4 Tires
Yonaka Tuner Lug Nuts
Rear:20x10.5 Vossen CV3 Brushed Aluminum with BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Barrels
255/35/20 Toyo Proxes 4 Tires
Yonaka Tuner Lug Nuts
Exterior:
BASF R-M Ultrasonic Blue Pearl
BASF R-M Carizzma Flat BlackBASF R-M Black
CarBodyKits.com Custom Front Bumper
CarBodyKits.com Custom 2.5 inch Fender Flares
CarBodyKits.com Custom Side Skirts
CarBodyKits.com Custom Rear Valance
Custom Carbon Front SplitterAdvan Carbon HoodCustom Tined Taillights with BASF R-M DC5335 Clear
Custom Tinted Headlights with BASF R-M DC5335 Clear
Accentz 45 percent UV Window Film
Interior:
Yonaka Ronin Black Leather Seats with Factory Si fabric inserts
Custom Rear Black Leather with Factory Si fabric inserts
Partners:
BASF RefinishYonaka MotorsportsMugsy's Repair
Full-Race Motorsports
BorgWarner Turbo Systems
HondataID Fuel Injectors / T1 Race DevelopmentVossen Wheels
Toyo Tires
ChaseBays.com
Hardware909SSBC Brakes
Road MagnetHybrid Racing
CarBodyKits.com
Advan Carbon
Accentz Window Tint
Brad Penn Oil
Honda-Tech.com
9thCivic.com
AutoBlog.com
Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/fox-marketing-prepping-a-special-honda-civic-si-for-sema/#continued
Fox Marketing Cars 2012 Honda Civic SiThe main focus of this build was to showcase the reliability, and performance capability from Honda's new K24Z7 power plant. With a properly engineered turbo kit the new Civic Si can consistently provide an enthusiast with over 450 horsepower for 100,000+ reliable miles without blinking an eye. Because the K24Z7 is so strong from the factory, we added a new Full-Race intercooled turbo kit. This turbo kit features the BorgWarner EFR turbo as seen in Honda's LMP1/LMP2 engine program, and 2012 Indycar teams. To properly and accurately tune the vehicle, Hondata FlashPro was selected to control Injector Dynamic 1000cc fuel injectors and the 255lph fuel pump, all made possible with the Chasebays Engine Harness. For additional power and durability, the stock plastic K24Z7 intake manifold was replaced with a Honda RRC intake manifold (euro Accord Type-R) sourced from ImportDPS. Since the car has these types of power numbers we need serious traction - so a 10.5 inch wide Vossen wheel with Toyo Tire will put the power to the ground. We then hand-built the widebody kit around the wheel and tire set up, and painted the civic BASF R-M Ultrasonic Blue Pearl, a new-school take on the classic Civic Si electron-blue-pearl. The interior was upgraded with Yonaka Ronin Racing Seats with factory Civic Si fabric inserts front, and rear. We hope you enjoy our vision for this new Si, and stay tuned to our Facebook and YouTube page for full dyno videos after SEMA!
Engine:
Full-Race 2012+ Civic Si Turbo Kit
Full-Race Turbo Manifold
Full-Race Intercooler w/ 2.5" Charge piping (Black Chrome finish)
Full-Race 3" Downpipe
Full-Race 3" Cat-Back Exhaust
BorgWarner EFR Turbocharger
Hondata FlashPro
Injector Dynamics 1000cc InjectorsWalbro 255lph Fuel Pump
ChaseBays Engine Harness
06 Civic Si ECU
Yonaka Silicone Hoses
Yonaka Clamps
Competition Clutch Stage 4
Competition Clutch Flywheel
Hardware909 Billet Oil Cap
Hardware909 K Series Flat Head Bolts
Hardware909 Billet Oil Dip Stick
Custom Steel braded AC Line
Brad Penn Penn-Grade 1 "The Green Oil" – 0w-30
Valve Cover Insert painted BASF R-M Ultrasonic Blue
Intake Manifold Cover painted BASF R-M Silverstone
Installed by:
Mugsy's Repair – Gold Certified Honda Techs
Suspension/Braking:
Front: SSBC 13 inch 4 Piston Calipers
Road Magnet 1.5 inch Springs
Rear:
12 inch 2 Piston Calipers
Road Magnet 1.2 inch Springs
Wheels/Tires:
Front:20x10.5 Vossen CV3 Brushed Aluminum with BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Barrels
255/30/20 Toyo Proxes 4 Tires
Yonaka Tuner Lug Nuts
Rear:20x10.5 Vossen CV3 Brushed Aluminum with BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Barrels
255/35/20 Toyo Proxes 4 Tires
Yonaka Tuner Lug Nuts
Exterior:
BASF R-M Ultrasonic Blue Pearl
BASF R-M Carizzma Flat BlackBASF R-M Black
CarBodyKits.com Custom Front Bumper
CarBodyKits.com Custom 2.5 inch Fender Flares
CarBodyKits.com Custom Side Skirts
CarBodyKits.com Custom Rear Valance
Custom Carbon Front SplitterAdvan Carbon HoodCustom Tined Taillights with BASF R-M DC5335 Clear
Custom Tinted Headlights with BASF R-M DC5335 Clear
Accentz 45 percent UV Window Film
Interior:
Yonaka Ronin Black Leather Seats with Factory Si fabric inserts
Custom Rear Black Leather with Factory Si fabric inserts
Partners:
BASF RefinishYonaka MotorsportsMugsy's Repair
Full-Race Motorsports
BorgWarner Turbo Systems
HondataID Fuel Injectors / T1 Race DevelopmentVossen Wheels
Toyo Tires
ChaseBays.com
Hardware909SSBC Brakes
Road MagnetHybrid Racing
CarBodyKits.com
Advan Carbon
Accentz Window Tint
Brad Penn Oil
Honda-Tech.com
9thCivic.com
AutoBlog.com
Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/fox-marketing-prepping-a-special-honda-civic-si-for-sema/#continued
The Crystal Bridge by Charles M. Pulsipher
First off, I want to mention that I enjoyed reading this book. Here's the stuff that Mr. Pulsipher did right. His dialogue was definitely age-appropriate, the science he presents is an extrapolation of the cutting-edge stuff that we hear about today, the pacing is perfect and there's a lot of action, and the idea/trope that Mr. Pulsipher uses to travel between worlds that he refers to as "Kaden's egg" is amazing. I've never seen a magical or scientific device described in such way. It's really kind of neat.
If you want to read the rest of my review, you're going to have to go to Goodreads and look for yourself. I'm going to turn the floor over to Charles who was kind enough to answer a few of my questions. So here he is:
A: I quit my job to finish my novel, so I wasn't swimming in money. I couldn't pay someone to edit my book, so I took advantage of free editing. I self edited the novel about five times. Then I leaned heavily on my wife's skills. She's a high school English teacher. I had my brother read it. He's the biggest reader I know. I had a few other people read through it and offer suggestions. Then I self edited again three more times. I think I caught 98% of the typos. I, of course, just made that statistic up.
Q: How did you get the idea for Kaden's egg? More specifically...why the egg shape as opposed to any other? I'm just curious. You also might want to explain how the egg works to the readers out there or they'll be wondering why I'm asking you about some dude's egg.
A: That does sound weird, doesn't it. No, he doesn't lay eggs like some freaky space-chicken. Kaden opens wormholes to distant worlds. He's able to see bits of these worlds before he opens the wormhole. They appear as images floating along the inner shell of a golden glowing egg surrounding him. Kaden's egg was plucked straight from the original dream that prompted the novel. I also liked the organic feel of the egg as opposed to the more mechanical process that Omegaphil uses later.
Q: Of all the worlds to visit, why did you decide to spend the majority of the time on one that had essentially elves, dwarves, and dragons?
A: I needed a world that readers could relate to. Many of the other ones would be fun for a minute or two, but then the pure alien environment might have turned off some readers. I liked the contrast of the science and fantasy. I don't think that's done enough. I may also be obsessed with dragons. That part of James came from me.
Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser? If you are a plotter, can you give us an idea of your story-boarding process.
A: Both. A ploantser or ponttser...something like that. I start with a dream. I then write off the seat of my pants for a while as the dream settles and cements in my head. Then I write out an outline. I follow the outline for a while, but let tangents form when they feel right. Hollister and Penny were tangents. They didn't originally exist. I rewrite my outline several times until I finish the book.
Q: What advice do you have for those who may want to write a science-fiction novel?
A: Research the science a lot and then use it sparingly. Most readers are going to care more about the characters than the hard science. The hard science fanatics will love the little nuggets of pure science you use. Those who don't understand the science will be able to ignore it and focus on the story. That's just my opinion though. You will find readers who want more science. I'm such a reader, but, as a writer, I know I'm the minority.
Q: The god Rho seemed like a cross between alien and Cthulhu. What were you going for by making him this tentacled, spider-like dark mass with acid for blood?
A: I don't like shiny black segmented spiders. I'm okay with the furry ones as long as they aren't touching me. My wife is terrified by all spiders. She points at them and makes this weird noise until I get rid of the thing. I wanted that image surrounding Rho. I wanted readers disgusted, terrified, and darkly intrigued, pointing at it, unable to look away, but wanting it gone every second. Rho's blood isn't really acidic. It tears down and absorbs anything it touches. The explanation as to why is implied in the last few pages of the novel. I won't give that away.
Q: Who is your favorite character? For the record, poor Evandrel.
A: I've had several people say Evandrel was their favorite. I have a hard time choosing a favorite. All the characters are like my little brain-children. I love Evandrel, Kaden, Aren, James, and Dveldor. I must admit I even like Rho, Vander, and Diresh. That said, I may be a bit partial to Penny. She was a pleasant surprise that just popped into existence as I wrote about James' strange experiences with the malfunctioning chip. She'll also have a large role in the next book.
Car and Driver: Chevy Sonic vs. Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio5, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris - Comparison Tests
Appetizers: Life in the automotive B-segment can be piquant, almost zesty. Choose wrong, however, and you’re in for beans on toast.
BY JOHN PHILLIPS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY CJ BENNINGER September 2011
In the automotive time/space continuum, life first pokes its head out of the primordial pea soup in the B-segment. Some of its denizens are slowpoke slugs with nubs for legs. Others are beginning to sprout wings and dazzling plumage. It’s a mixed bag, with the brightest of its Darwinian candidates evolving at light speed and with the dullest apparently content to linger listlessly in dodo-dom. Selection of the fittest, here, means that shoppers do the selecting, and—as we found out—they’d better do it pretty damned carefully.
We’ve spent time aplenty sampling the bargain Bs. In 2006 (“$15,000 Cheap Skates”), we droned around Ohio celebrating the Buckeye state’s seven dead and oft-maligned presidents. On that trip, the Honda Fit easily won. We revisited the segment in 2010 (“Ego Shrinkers”), only to elect the Fit again to the segment’s highest office, nudging out the Mazda 2 Touring and Ford Fiesta SES. As a result, those two weren’t included in this competition. Yeah, we know, maybe they should have been. We’ll confess that neither would have finished anywhere near last in this face-off. But we gotta draw the line somewhere. Have you seen our restaurant tabs? There’s the food, the alcohol, the pre-arraignment hearings, the occasional small hotel fire.
Our destination was Drummond Island offMichigan’s Upper Peninsula, 700 miles there and back. The island is usually a sleepy place with largely deserted humpy roads that kink through forests inhabited by malevolent-looking pileated woodpeckers. But the island is also home to Drummond Island Resort’s Bayside Dining, renowned for its artful and aromatic appetizers, woodpecker under glass not on offer.
“You spent $135 on lamb hors d’oeuvres?” asked our T&E minder.
“Well, sort of. At first we ordered just one, but a fight broke out.”
When the resort’s executive chef, Frank Jones, heard we’d be touring the environs in econoboxes, he vowed to enliven our travels by fashioning six tasteful and photogenic appetizers, one per car, supplying some gusto where, for instance, the Nissan Versa offered none. Jones promised two appetizers of his own contrivance, with sous-chefs Scott Bousson and Zachary Schroeder contributing likewise, no doubt hoping we’d decree their creations superior to their boss’s. We did not. Chef Jones runs a disciplined kitchen—no hijinks, no insubordination, and, unlike us, no fires.
Folks who buy these B-segment cars usually do so because they can’t afford the entrée. That’s okay. These are apps that will satisfy on their own.
6th Place: 2012 Nissan Versa SL
Highs: A back seat that actually accommodates three adults—briefly.
Lows: You want us to start alphabetically?
The Verdict: Here, again, is that age-old argument for buying used.
Full write up;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q3/chevy_sonic_vs._honda_fit_hyundai_accent_kia_rio5_nissan_versa_toyota_yaris-comparison_tests/2012_nissan_versa_sl_page_2
5th Place: 2012 Kia Rio5 SX
Highs: Laden with features and amenities, above-its-station interior styling.
Lows: Imprecise handling, automatic trans sucks the life out of the twin-cam.
The Verdict: A value-packed ’round-town scooter that looks the part more than it plays the part.
For the full write up;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q3/chevy_sonic_vs._honda_fit_hyundai_accent_kia_rio5_nissan_versa_toyota_yaris-comparison_tests/2012_kia_rio5_sx_page_3
4th Place: 2012 Hyundai Accent SE
Highs: Silky idle, an accelerative standout, useful long-distance cruiser.
Lows: Mystery Hill steering, obscured rear sightlines, pogo-stick body motions.
The Verdict: A terrific value that, dynamically, remains too fair-to-middling in all of its moves.
For the rest of the write up;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q3/chevy_sonic_vs._honda_fit_hyundai_accent_kia_rio5_nissan_versa_toyota_yaris-comparison_tests/2012_hyundai_accent_se_page_4
3rd Place: 2012 Toyota Yaris SE
Highs: Enthusiastic styling inside and out, light, agile, willing.
Lows: Needs a sixth gear, driver’s seating position is seriously compromised.
The Verdict: Stick with the SE’s sport-tuned suspension, and the Yaris finally leaks some fun.
For the rest of the write up;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q3/chevy_sonic_vs._honda_fit_hyundai_accent_kia_rio5_nissan_versa_toyota_yaris-comparison_tests/2012_toyota_yaris_se_page_5
2nd Place: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo
Highs: Pugnacious styling, 138 turbocharged horses, serious grip, satisfying ergonomics.
Lows: Could already go on a diet—both for its weight and for its price.
The Verdict: Elegantly and easily relegates the awful Aveo to distant-memory status.
For the rest of the write up;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q3/chevy_sonic_vs._honda_fit_hyundai_accent_kia_rio5_nissan_versa_toyota_yaris-comparison_tests/2012_chevrolet_sonic_ltz_turbo_page_6
1st Place: 2011 Honda Fit Sport
Highs: No-secrets steering, amazing cargo capacity, fun shifter, airy cockpit.
Lows: Wants a sixth gear, buzzy at freeway speeds, could do with some interior texture upgrades.
The Verdict: Since 2006, Honda’s been the judge, jury, and prosecutor in this segment.
A trifecta of goodness, the Fit still owns the B-segment. As mobile appetizers go, this one's a corker. Buy two, and you'll have a full entrée.
Like bruschetta, the Fit is a familiar favorite, returning to its third B-segment comparo and again strutting off with trophies and attaboys. Climbing into the Fit is like strapping on a greenhouse. This is the tallest car in the group, and its minivansized windshield (aided by big portholes under the A-pillars) delivers 180 degrees of glorious worldview. When you can see way, way down the road, driving like a madman takes far less concentration.
With its informative steering, quick shifter, and stern roll control, the Fit devoured our slalom at the highest speed, and when it came time to whoa, its brake pedal was the easiest to modulate. That the Honda won fun-to-drive kudos surprised no one. Of course, fun is often the enemy of usefulness, but with its folding rear seat dropped to the load floor, the Fit also managed to swallow the most cargo in this group.
The chief fault, here, is that, like the Yaris, the Fit needs a sixth gear. At freeway speeds, the engine isn’t exactly screaming, but it’s definitely calling urgently at 3500 to 4000 revs. It’s a shame because the engine is otherwise an angel—quietest at idle, quietest at full throttle. Of course, our test car was a 2011 model. The 2012 Sport promises additional sound insulation, thicker front quarter-windows, new upholstery, and a few classier cabin surfaces.
Best fit and finish, tied for best ergonomics, tied for the quickest to 30 mph... well, we’ve listed all these character proficiencies before. The Fit is a spicy and tasteful little runabout that knows exactly what it needs to be, then delivers the pesto, presto.
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