Resolutionize

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVQ5FLAjCZKVs6ZF7H_OIPdDVG0NRYbhUP1m4q56Qc2zksD72xhCriCg0WSc1JohkiOsChTmoAU1zKWXvidE8WsDr4wz9QFhn1zdUPZauowLx-_9kvjLN5T0EQLYsjUf4-URhxdLP0hE/s1600/hny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVQ5FLAjCZKVs6ZF7H_OIPdDVG0NRYbhUP1m4q56Qc2zksD72xhCriCg0WSc1JohkiOsChTmoAU1zKWXvidE8WsDr4wz9QFhn1zdUPZauowLx-_9kvjLN5T0EQLYsjUf4-URhxdLP0hE/s400/hny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: auto;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is that time of year where we complete Chapter 12 of 2010, and begin afresh with 2011, eager to fill the blank pages with rediscovered dreams, new hopes and fervent aspirations. It is also a time when we reflect upon the year that has passed, willing to right the wrongs and change our lives for the better. This is when New Year </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Resolutions are formed, where people make (sometimes impossible) pledges of self-improvement and commit to accomplish (often unreachable) goals. </span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: auto;">I don't do New Year's Resolutions. Simply because it's pretty hard to stick to. It's no wonder people make the exact same resolutions at the beginning of every single year. January goes as well as planned, you're still motivated in February, March is when you begin to slip, you start to neglect them in April and May is when you wonder why you made such unrealistic resolutions in the first place. You completely forget about it for the rest of year, until December, when you pledge that you will fulfill all those unresolved resolutions that you couldn’t attain within the year. It's a vicious circle. </div></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>These are some of the most popular new year resolutions that people make:</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Lose Weight and exercise more </li><br /><li>Quite smoking </li><br /><li>Get out of debt and save money </li><br /><li>Find a better job </li><br /><li>Improve on their education </li><br /><li>Go away on a long holiday</li><br /><li>Find their soulmate </li><br /><li>Volunteer to help others </li><br /><li>Buy a house or move to a better place </li><br /><li>Become more organised and less stressed </li><br /></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">I bet that 3 or more of these were on your list for 2011. Instead, why don't you try some of these funny new year resolutions that I stumbled upon: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>I will no longer waste my time reliving the past, instead I will spend it worrying about the future. 
 </li><br /><li>I will not bore my boss with the same excuse for taking leave. I will think up other innovative excuses. 

 </li><br /><li>I will not spend every weekend in my PJ's, lazying in the living room. I will move the TV to my bedroom instead. </li><br /><li>I will give up chocolates totally. Completely. Honestly...Ok maybe just the white ones. </li><br /><li>I will stop sending e-mails, BBM's, SMS's and be on the phone at the same time with the same person. 
 </li><br /><li>I will not bribe any more traffic cops, but <i>only</i> because I need the money for petrol. I'll try to drive closer to the speed limit. </li><br /><li>I will learn to make decisions... </li><br /><li>I will cut my hair. I will grow my hair. Okay, maybe just a trim? </li><br /><li>I will stop worrying about things that don't worry about me. </li><br /><li>I will keep my opinions to myself. <i>Yeah right.</i></li><br /></ul><div><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ_2-ECH8klIPYC5719ckRBEurp1lZo5sRtA2gjJsMhxvvaf935Ojt4tSU-tVfCShWLGSMafYmyPFRMtROgxya8oY3duiq6XnKJeXs45WaGxMPu4qvXVljc-R7ZkFhYVEsF8LnHvW94M/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-ponders-his-new-years-resolutions1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ_2-ECH8klIPYC5719ckRBEurp1lZo5sRtA2gjJsMhxvvaf935Ojt4tSU-tVfCShWLGSMafYmyPFRMtROgxya8oY3duiq6XnKJeXs45WaGxMPu4qvXVljc-R7ZkFhYVEsF8LnHvW94M/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-ponders-his-new-years-resolutions1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>Here are some resolutions that anyone would be tempted to keep:</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>I will aim for the world record for number of hours spent watching TV.</li><br /><li>I will read something other than the newspaper. Like fashion magazines.</li><br /><li>I will chat more over phone. </li><br /><li>I will get more credit cards and max them out shopping. </li><br /><li>I will gain 15kg. Putting on weight is much easier and more fun than losing it. </li><br /><li>I will stop exercising, because it's such a waste of time. </li><br /><li>I will procrastinate more. Think I'll start sometime next year. </li><br /><li>I will spend less time at work. </li><br /><li>I will eat more junk food.</li><br /><li>I will take up a new habit. Maybe smoking, it helps keep tobacco workers employed. </li><br /></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Wouldn't it be easy to keep <i>these</i> resolutions for more than a week?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, onto the serious stuff...My New Year gift to you is the wise and wonderful words of <i>Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen</i> (which I modified slightly). It's a timeless and insightful piece of modern poetry which will alter your view of life in some way or the other. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cRzjoL_neJX1j2h0tpt9Fk8-GXIAUeyotw5G5wrp8e3mF0zkpg7z6NGS-S4JLcxHjKJxXgMQngIDDn0LEh2EYYeDX3xpNUStIahx0HgTITo2uKq9kjZ-jqjLLyW2dr3r2fjfCsz3eqw/s1600/happy+2011+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cRzjoL_neJX1j2h0tpt9Fk8-GXIAUeyotw5G5wrp8e3mF0zkpg7z6NGS-S4JLcxHjKJxXgMQngIDDn0LEh2EYYeDX3xpNUStIahx0HgTITo2uKq9kjZ-jqjLLyW2dr3r2fjfCsz3eqw/s640/happy+2011+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of 2010, </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas, the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked…. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">You are </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">not</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"> as fat as you imagine. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Do one thing everyday that scares yo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">u. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Sing</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Floss </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Stretch </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Get plenty of calcium.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…What ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Dance...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"></span>Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Do </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">not</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"> read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Live in Johannesburg once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Cape Town once, but leave before it makes you soft. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Travel. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Accept certain inalienable truths; prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do, you’ll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect <i>your</i> elders. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">But trust me on the sunscreen… </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Wishing you a very Happy New Year! </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Looking forward to sharing more Frills and Thrills with you in 2011. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></span>

Resolutionize

It is that time of year where we complete Chapter 12 of 2010, and begin afresh with 2011, eager to fill the blank pages with rediscovered dr...

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A Tartan Tale

<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Holiday Make Up Collection</span></span></span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">by MAC Cosmetics</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /><br /></i></b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SXPM6rpk-Ls/TRyKv4jQAzI/AAAAAAAAAGg/GLDQmxaYKhI/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SXPM6rpk-Ls/TRyKv4jQAzI/AAAAAAAAAGg/GLDQmxaYKhI/s640/Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">I adore all things tartan, so when I discovered<i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">A Tartan</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Tale </span>by MAC Cosmetics, I was delighted. It is a beautiful make up collection inspired by the Scottish Highlands, Celtic Charm and Posh Punk. Royal jewel tones and pretty patterns combine to create an interesting quilted collection with fanciful names like <i>Follow Your Fantasy, The Faerie Glen, Magical Mist, Noble Knights </i>and<i> Storybook Ending. </i>Plaid printed eyeshadows are the highlight of the collection, with my favourite being <i>Golden</i> <i>Crown</i>. The Pearlglide Intense Eyeliners are easy to apply and the glittery Pigments provide an iridescent glow to eyes. My pick from the 5 shades of Dazzleglass Crème is <i>Gone</i> <i>Romancin</i>', which is a lustrous lavender lipgloss. You can also buy the set of <i>A Lady and Her Tricks </i>make-up brushes which come in a cute checkered cling bag. </div></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add these opulent shades of purples, greens, greys and golds to your make-up bag for the <i>Dashing Lassie</i> look. Go to your nearist MAC store to get this limited edition collection or visit <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.co.za/">www.maccosmetics.co.za</a> for more information.</span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>

A Tartan Tale

Holiday Make Up Collection by MAC Cosmetics I adore all things tartan, so when I discovered   A Tartan Tale by MAC Cosmetics, I was delight...

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A Mellow-Dramatic Mountain Retreat

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My family has a tradition where we spend a holiday away every year in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This year, the Mont-Aux-Sources Resort and Hotel was the retreat of choice for 30 members of my family and I. The resort is situated in the heart of the Northern Drakensberg, with panoramic views of the world famous Amphitheatre. It is named after the highest peak in this area, Mount-Aux-Sources, which stands at an impressive 3282 meters. It was discovered in the 1830's and aptly named 'Mountain of Springs', as it forms the source of three major rivers; the Tugela, Vaal and Orange.<br /><br /><br /><br />The formidable task of climbing Mount-Aux-Sources will provide you with a breathtaking view of the cascading Tugela Falls, which plunges at 948m (3110 feet), making it the 2nd highest waterfall in the world. I was amazed to find out that we have such an incredible natural wonder right on our doorstep. This spectacular sight, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">situated in Kwa-Zulu Natal, is one that every South African should see. See <a href="http://www.world-waterfalls.com/">www.world-waterfalls.com</a> for all the stats.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskEG6_A-i-dgFUnSLo5BwqVrihxSVmXZ8VltVPK5PmnCPQKSxd3q9hVQou38zCJ-GYLJoTY8AGFAUB7al8Mw2WFSCPlSMH4C-Nfp3lLzImSZYCpfOc_HnghjvJp5WrHHuH12Mj4FYdyA/s1600/Tugela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskEG6_A-i-dgFUnSLo5BwqVrihxSVmXZ8VltVPK5PmnCPQKSxd3q9hVQou38zCJ-GYLJoTY8AGFAUB7al8Mw2WFSCPlSMH4C-Nfp3lLzImSZYCpfOc_HnghjvJp5WrHHuH12Mj4FYdyA/s320/Tugela.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scenic Tugela Falls</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span>The Resort</span></b><br /><br /><br /><br />We stayed in the self-catering chalets, where the décor can be described as, er, shabby chic. I guess when you choose to spend time in the Great Outdoors, 5 star luxury is not to be expected. The hotel rooms are in slightly better condition. Next time, I must remember to pack bug spray – there are giant ants the size of grasshoppers and all sorts of zzzing, flapping, flying and buzzing things, waiting to strike while you sleep.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibzQ_nro54ig68dQvTrsYSNXmGQyrVAHyX0aD9BBEj4gcV45iQ8dr2VPdxCOUsL-Gwb2ACALtk8OBWgf_Qw7kdZCFVFC20MFukKziIBsVSPRQvvrYE07noAR3re9RvjX8OYyDE39EwlM/s1600/Mont+Aux+Sources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibzQ_nro54ig68dQvTrsYSNXmGQyrVAHyX0aD9BBEj4gcV45iQ8dr2VPdxCOUsL-Gwb2ACALtk8OBWgf_Qw7kdZCFVFC20MFukKziIBsVSPRQvvrYE07noAR3re9RvjX8OYyDE39EwlM/s640/Mont+Aux+Sources.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Images of the Orion Mont-Aux-Sources Resort and Hotel</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scenic view from the front porch of our chalet set the peaceful atmosphere in this marvelous mountain locale. Of course, no holiday at the Berg is complete without some drama. There was a Christmas crook on the loose, hopping in and out of chalet windows, stealing everything in sight; wallets, shoes, glasses and even all the food from the fridge! Must have been one hungry barefooted thief. A few policemen were kind enough to leave their Christmas dinners and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">investigate the crime scene. The last we heard from CSI:Drakensberg, there were no leads. Word of Note: Even though there's no air-conditioning, do not sleep with the windows open; you rather suffer from heatstroke than have your snacks stolen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Things To Do </span></b><br /><br /><br /><br />There's something for young, old and the in between at the resort and surrounding areas. For the outdoorsy types, there's horse riding, mini golf, swimming, tennis & squash courts, trout fishing, volley ball, hiking and mountain bike trails. A 4.5km walk down the windy mountain pass to the gushing Tugela River is quite energizing and a great way to experience nature. But I really wouldn't know, because I was wise enough to drive there to pick up all the hikers who couldn't make it back up the hill. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Other facilities include a restaurant, pool tables, darts, kids activity room, jumping castle, jungle gym and a life size chess board. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you drive 10km out of the resort, you will find the farmstyle Tower of Pizza Restaurant. Appetizing Italian food is served in this quaint countryside venue.  We had towers of different pizzas, naturally, and the most delicious basil pesto with tagliatelle. Visit their website at www.towerofpizza.co.za</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM3CkTC-Nf9RPKsCUBmKWuiDSnJmUzQlexxmubXsvoSiEVlTR8ZIzrqGiK37qxOiFDG4VeZOwc9NBWhD8BdmDIDw9t8Y8cgIIURN7PWTc099at5p8gKPMg4-PIrOqIX5xq-nE6k9B97Y/s1600/DSCF0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM3CkTC-Nf9RPKsCUBmKWuiDSnJmUzQlexxmubXsvoSiEVlTR8ZIzrqGiK37qxOiFDG4VeZOwc9NBWhD8BdmDIDw9t8Y8cgIIURN7PWTc099at5p8gKPMg4-PIrOqIX5xq-nE6k9B97Y/s400/DSCF0125.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Countryside Cuisine at The Tower of Pizza</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our nights were entertained with boardgames, braai's, karaoke and competitions. Now, you get those who sing karaoke like true Idols and then, you get the karaoke kings and queens who keep the wildlife away. One more mortifying rendition of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hotel California</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and The Eagles are going to sue. My ears were in actual physical pain after being tortured by a petrifying performance of Abba's Dancing Queen. Trying to hit those high notes is a health hazard. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guests staying at the hotel could also participate in a megafun music trivia competition. Families were grouped together and played musical Trivial Pursuit for a grand prize. I am proud to announce that our team, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Outlaws</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> won.  </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Applause </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> To clear things up, we didn't win because we had the largest team of em..14 or is it 15 members, we won because good teamwork pays off. Cheating (by Googling the answers on your Blackberry) doesn't...hope our rival team, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Police</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">are taking heed of this.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to get away from the city traffic, busy streets, clamour and crowds, then the tranquility of this rustic mountain resort is the remedy. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgnjaf-W_7pUyqsc7_w4l2xCdks_qY0RqvSFxlUXkGQRfkoeK72e1VR3Y86RM3XT5UAwT4-ucoWWwphUL6PPSfpc8sDpkLBZP6agQpZzQVHkrU3VlX0VTlJJam_cDxfS11ytoqSqnREQ/s1600/Mount+Aux+Sources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgnjaf-W_7pUyqsc7_w4l2xCdks_qY0RqvSFxlUXkGQRfkoeK72e1VR3Y86RM3XT5UAwT4-ucoWWwphUL6PPSfpc8sDpkLBZP6agQpZzQVHkrU3VlX0VTlJJam_cDxfS11ytoqSqnREQ/s640/Mount+Aux+Sources.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Glorious Drakensberg Mountains and Tugela River</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Criminal offences, run-down rooms and rainy weather could not put a damper on our fabulous family getaway. It doesn't really matter where you are, as long as you have great company and a sunny state of mind.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For further information on the Mont-Aux Sources Resort, contact the General Manager on </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(036) 438 8000 or visit <a href="http://www.oriongroup.co.za/">www.oriongroup.co.za</a></span></div>

A Mellow-Dramatic Mountain Retreat

My family has a tradition where we spend a holiday away every year in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This year, the Mont-Aux-Sources Re...

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Meet the 388HP V8-Powered and RWD Mercedes-Benz B55 【Video】

<center><object height="378" width="600"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a22HsB6hJ-A"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a22HsB6hJ-A" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="378" width="600"></embed></object></center><br />The regular Mercedes-Benz B-Class wasn’t exactly created with the motoring enthusiast’s needs in mind, but this one-off B55 special is another story. Trainees of Mercedes-Benzs Rastatt plant in Germany turned a B200 CDI diesel model into a full-blown sports car by planting in a 388 hp 5.5-liter V8 and transferring the drive from the front axle to the rear.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The idea of the project came from plant manager, Peter Wesp, while the execution fell on the shoulders of foremen Andreas Würz and Matt Rieger and a team of twelve second and third-year trainees specializing in production mechanics and automotive mechatronics.<br /><br />via: <a href="http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/meet-388hp-v8-powered-and-rwd-mercedes.html">carscoop</a><br /><br /><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz61RcjuVI/AAAAAAADy3M/f_R6meX3Pes/s1600/Mercedes+B55+1.jpg"><img alt="Mercedes B55, V8-powered B-Class prototype" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556591833391544658" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz61RcjuVI/AAAAAAADy3M/f_R6meX3Pes/s200/Mercedes+B55+1.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz61lR9v8I/AAAAAAADy3c/cDst8jVULVA/s1600/Mercedes+B55+3.jpg"><img alt="Mercedes B55, V8-powered B-Class prototype" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556591838715822018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz61lR9v8I/AAAAAAADy3c/cDst8jVULVA/s200/Mercedes+B55+3.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz611AAveI/AAAAAAADy3k/76jIvyo9zWI/s1600/Mercedes+B55+4.jpg"><img alt="Mercedes B55, V8-powered B-Class prototype" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556591842935487970" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz611AAveI/AAAAAAADy3k/76jIvyo9zWI/s200/Mercedes+B55+4.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz61nQUOGI/AAAAAAADy3U/cLw6gKaLKU4/s1600/Mercedes+B55+2.jpg"><img alt="Mercedes B55, V8-powered B-Class prototype" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556591839245776994" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz61nQUOGI/AAAAAAADy3U/cLw6gKaLKU4/s200/Mercedes+B55+2.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz62fYEtaI/AAAAAAADy30/YRVilj3MXTs/s1600/Mercedes+B55+6.jpg"><img alt="Mercedes B55, V8-powered B-Class prototype" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556591854310700450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz62fYEtaI/AAAAAAADy30/YRVilj3MXTs/s200/Mercedes+B55+6.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz621QAJ_I/AAAAAAADy38/Ci9KVbMMF4o/s1600/Mercedes+B55+7.jpg"><img alt="Mercedes B55, V8-powered B-Class prototype" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556591860182427634" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz621QAJ_I/AAAAAAADy38/Ci9KVbMMF4o/s200/Mercedes+B55+7.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); text-decoration: underline; " href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz62G5Qt2I/AAAAAAADy3s/1B8bkufSkKc/s1600/Mercedes+B55+5.jpg"><img alt="Mercedes B55, V8-powered B-Class prototype" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556591847739012962" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRz62G5Qt2I/AAAAAAADy3s/1B8bkufSkKc/s200/Mercedes+B55+5.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a></center><br /><br /><b>Press Release</b><br /><br /> <div style="display: block;" class="pressrelease"> <p><strong><i>B-Class with a V8 engine crafted by trainees in Rastatt</i></strong></p> <ul> <li><i> Fulminating one-off: B 55 with a V8 engine and 388 hp</i></li> </ul> <ul> <li><i> Complete conversion in the training workshop</i></li> </ul> <p><i>Spacious, innovative and safe, the compact models of the Mercedes A and B-Class score with their high practicality, and have found favour with more than 2.5 million customers as a result. An extraordinary one-off example has now been built at the Rastatt plant, and shows the B-Class in a completely new light: a B 55 with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive.</i></p> <p><i>The idea came from the Rastatt plant manager, Peter Wesp. He gave some of his staff the task of creating a very special vehicle on the basis of the B-Class - leaving it to their creativity to decide what and how. Andreas Würz, a foreman in the technical vocational training department, immediately took up the challenge. He took a very close look at this large compact model, enlisted the aid of a tape-measure and came up with an idea that not only surprised and delighted his boss and colleagues, but also the trainees: "Actually it should be possible to fit a V8 into the engine compartment."</i></p> <p><i>Together with his fellow-foreman Matthias Rieger from the electrics/electronics installation section, he assembled a team of twelve second-year and third-year trainees specialising in production mechanics and automotive mechatronics. A book of specifications was drawn up:</i></p> <ul> <li><i> The spatial concept of the B-Class was to remain unchanged.</i></li> </ul> <ul> <li><i> On the outside too, there were only to be minor indications of the conversion work.</i></li> </ul> <ul> <li><i> The interior was to be upgraded in line with the new vehicle class being aspired to.</i></li> </ul> <ul> <li><i> And the result of the conversion was to be in large measure suitable for day-to-day driving.</i></li> </ul> <p><i>HR manager Martin Spicale promised financial support, which made the project a feasible proposition in the first place. And a "victim" (Würz) for the conversion was also soon found: a B 200 CDI which had anyway been delegated to the training workshop for learning purposes. While the trainees completely disassembled the car, Würz went in search of a suitable engine and found what he was looking for. And no mistake: the 5.5-litre V8 developing 388 hp and 530 newton metres of torque was transplanted into the B-Class together with a seven-speed automatic transmission and the engine control unit. The latter proved to be quite a headache later on, as it had to be reprogrammed only to process signals from the driven rear axle.</i></p> <p><i>Würz: "The V8 power unit fitted amazingly well, and we were even able to use the original engine mounts." There were serious problems with the steering, but here too, harmony was restored with a number of modifications. The exhaust system was a clever combination of various replacement part items, and took the form of a twin-pipe system emerging at the centre of the rear end. This is where the one-off, christened the B 55 gets its typical, burbling sound - once the ignition key has been turned, all heads in the vicinity are guaranteed to swivel simultaneously in the direction of the B-Class.</i></p> <p><i>Intensive perusal of parts catalogues also solved the second major transplantation problem, namely the drive axle at the rear. It emerged that the rear axle of an older W 210 series E-Class would be a very good geometrical fit. Plant manager Wesp gave the go-ahead to obtain one, and Würz and his colleagues designed a subframe, which extensive forming and welding work allowed to be integrated into the B-Class bodyshell to receive the new rear axle. Elegantly concealed within the sandwich floor, the propshaft of the E-Class also fitted into the B-Class with no further modifications.</i></p> <p><i>For the brakes the team also struck gold in the replacement parts catalogue, this time in the C32 AMG listing. Perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 345 x 34 mm were implanted at the front, with perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 300 x 30 mm at the rear. The system was combined with striking 8.5 x 18 AMG sports wheels in a five-spoke design shod with 235/40 ZR 18 Y tyres at the front and 9 x 18 wheels with 255/35 ZR 18 Y tyres at the rear. The maximum steering angle at the front axle was limited to suit. The team had recourse to a typical item from the tuner's toolbox for the suspension, installing a coil-over suspension by K&W.</i></p> <p><i>Where the interior was concerned, friends from the training workshop in Sindelfingen were able to help, providing Alcantara linings for the A, B and C-pillars as well as a roof liner in the same, luxurious material. The seats in a leather/Alcantara combination were provided by the specialists at Johnson Controls, who are located on-site in Rastatt. The finishing touches were added to the B 55 in the paint shop of the Rastatt plant. In trendy white with dark-painted radiator louvres and smoked headlamp lenses, the B-Class cuts an imposing figure but only gives a discreet indication of the powerpack concealed beneath its bonnet.</i></p> <p><i>The project team headed by foreman Würz are particularly proud that at 1620 kg, the weight of the B 55 is only around 180 kg greater than that of the original car. Which means that impressive performance figures can be expected. Würz: "We have not made any measurements yet, but we should manage a sprint to 100 km/h in under six seconds."</i></p> <p><i>Plant manager Wesp is equally proud of the result: "The team of trainees has done a superb job, and placed a spotlight on the sporty genes of the B-Class that nobody could have imagined." Training manageress Manuela Rascher is likewise very pleased: "The B 55 shows what our training workshop can do.</i></p> <p><i>And at the same time it clearly demonstrates that we not only offer young people high-quality professional training, but also highly unusual and exciting project work." Could it be that further projects of this nature are planned for the future? Rascher: "We may have some surprises in store..."</i></p></div><br /></span><p>

Meet the 388HP V8-Powered and RWD Mercedes-Benz B55 【Video】

The regular Mercedes-Benz B-Class wasn’t exactly created with the motoring enthusiast’s needs in mind, but this one-off B55 special is anoth...

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The Wonders of My World

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SXPM6rpk-Ls/TRnffWA8OoI/AAAAAAAAAF8/63nwB2c0RIw/s1600/red+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SXPM6rpk-Ls/TRnffWA8OoI/AAAAAAAAAF8/63nwB2c0RIw/s640/red+dress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most pleasant holiday surprise was paging through my favourite fashion magazine and discovering that I won 'Letter of the Month' for January 2011.</span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>30 Seconds</i> is a tremendously fun, creative, quick thinking, fast talking game that anybody can learn to play. Buy it for R183,20 from <a href="http://www.makro.co.za/">www.makro.co.za</a></span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Playing <i>Scrabble </i>requires a whole lot of patience, practice and free time. Studying the dictionary beforehand may help secure a win.</span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bear testimony to the fact that 22 people can fit (almost comfortably) into a Caravelle Minivan. I would have posted the pictures, but reputations had to be saved ;)</span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wasabi Peanuts can be used as an alternative to dental anesthetic. Once you pop one into your mouth, your ears ring, nose zings, you feel dizzy and before you know it, you can't feel your face anymore.</span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't wear sticky lipgloss on a really windy hair. You will end up looking like a human windshield. Not pretty.</span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why is there always a brilliant TV line-up on the one weekend of the year that nobody has time to watch?</span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are loving <i>Lovesick</i> by Durban girl group The Arrows. Watch the video on <a href="http://www.artistdirect.com/">www.artistdirect.com</a> and check out their site at <a href="http://www.thearrowsband.com/">www.thearrowsband.com</a></span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who cannot rap, (especially on Eminem tracks) really shouldn't. Unless they plan on going into stand-up comedy. </span></li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do not be surprised if your clothes don't fit after having strawberry cheesecake, malva pudding, checkerboard cake, sweet pear tart, Bar One cake, Turkish Delight dessert and cupcakes all in one weekend.</span></li><br /></ul>

The Wonders of My World

The most pleasant holiday surprise was paging through my favourite fashion magazine and discovering that I won 'Letter of the Month'...

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2011 Fiat Strada Sporting

<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhSMGb9mI/AAAAAAADyNY/0gF12CqBAiM/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-29.jpg"><img height="402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhSMGb9mI/AAAAAAADyNY/0gF12CqBAiM/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-29.jpg" width="600" /></a></center><br />Fiat's Brazilian division recently released the new Strada Sporting, a special version of the popular pick-up customized with multiple sporty accessories that improve both the exterior and the interior of the car. Pickups are fairly popular in Brazil and Italian carmaker Fiat tries to take advantage of this fact by offering local buyers the possibility to choose a more aggressive version of the Strada, already a best-seller in the country.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The exterior design is all painting in the same color as the body, it is distinguished on the outside by the new aero kit, which comprises of a front spoiler, side skirts and wheel arch add-ons as well as the 16-inch alloy wheels dressed in 185/55 tires. Other styling cues include the smoked headlamps and the silver trim on the mirrors, front fog lights, roof bars and the rear bumper.<br /><br />Inside, there's gloss black trim, a leather steering wheel (with red stitching) and rubber-studded aluminum pedals. For more flavor, options include a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system.<br /><br />While the Strada broadened Cab are powered along the Italian firm’s 1.8-liter 16v four-cylinder flex-fuel locomotive acquiring 130 horsepower and 18.4 lb.-ft. By torsion when keeping going gasoline and 132HP and 18.0 lb.-ft.<br /><br />The truck will go on sale early next year with a base price of $46,270 BRL ($27,580 USD / €20,820).<br /><br />via: <a href="http://carscoop.blogspot.com">carscoop</a><br /><br /><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhSMGb9mI/AAAAAAADyNY/0gF12CqBAiM/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-29.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555719317940336226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhSMGb9mI/AAAAAAADyNY/0gF12CqBAiM/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-29.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; 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; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhRhIMvtI/AAAAAAADyNI/80qFCSq1pwY/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-27.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555719306405002962" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhRhIMvtI/AAAAAAADyNI/80qFCSq1pwY/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-27.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; 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border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhP3nN58I/AAAAAAADyMg/zubiXjnaE4U/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-22.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555719278080944066" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhP3nN58I/AAAAAAADyMg/zubiXjnaE4U/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-22.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; 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border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhHqMQvQI/AAAAAAADyLY/tuaTicNq3lc/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-13.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555719137039269122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnhHqMQvQI/AAAAAAADyLY/tuaTicNq3lc/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-13.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng8VTmksI/AAAAAAADyLQ/hwAVjpDbSHU/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-12.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555718942454354626" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng8VTmksI/AAAAAAADyLQ/hwAVjpDbSHU/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-12.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng7k6i-lI/AAAAAAADyLI/zfHCXdk7Un4/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-11.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555718929464359506" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng7k6i-lI/AAAAAAADyLI/zfHCXdk7Un4/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-11.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng7oe0lhI/AAAAAAADyLA/9l2AUuOJyV0/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-10.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555718930421814802" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng7oe0lhI/AAAAAAADyLA/9l2AUuOJyV0/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-10.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng7eMeN7I/AAAAAAADyK4/-htvXHfpuI0/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-9.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555718927660496818" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng7eMeN7I/AAAAAAADyK4/-htvXHfpuI0/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-9.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng6MDdgtI/AAAAAAADyKw/GDaQ536BF6o/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-8.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555718905610994386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRng6MDdgtI/AAAAAAADyKw/GDaQ536BF6o/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-8.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfkYBrnII/AAAAAAADyI4/ctVoVi7ToA0/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-5.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555717431356005506" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfkYBrnII/AAAAAAADyI4/ctVoVi7ToA0/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-5.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); text-decoration: underline; " href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfkVU8c-I/AAAAAAADyIw/Ol7dxJIB8TQ/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-4.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555717430631494626" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfkVU8c-I/AAAAAAADyIw/Ol7dxJIB8TQ/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-4.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfkMJgaqI/AAAAAAADyIo/_PvhdfnB4kQ/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-6.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555717428167600802" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfkMJgaqI/AAAAAAADyIo/_PvhdfnB4kQ/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-6.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfW3NudbI/AAAAAAADyIY/1ltkZgrOIiA/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-3.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555717199209854386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfW3NudbI/AAAAAAADyIY/1ltkZgrOIiA/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-3.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfUmc6hnI/AAAAAAADyIQ/2bOQVytpQZ4/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-2.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555717160350418546" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfUmc6hnI/AAAAAAADyIQ/2bOQVytpQZ4/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-2.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfUJ3GR_I/AAAAAAADyII/yxZcfZbF9DA/s1600/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-1.jpg"><img alt="2011 Fiat Strada Sporting" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555717152675612658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRnfUJ3GR_I/AAAAAAADyII/yxZcfZbF9DA/s200/Fiat-Strada-Sporting-1.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a></center><br /></span><p></p>

2011 Fiat Strada Sporting

Fiat's Brazilian division recently released the new Strada Sporting, a special version of the popular pick-up customized with multiple s...

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BYD Bringing Two Battery Cars To Detroit Show

<center><img alt="http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/BYD-e6.jpg" height="449" src="http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/BYD-e6.jpg" width="600" /></center><br /><br />BYD has announced plans to introduce two new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.<br /><br />BYD will stage two world premieres, including the unveiling of a pure battery-electric crossover, the e6Premier, as well as the S6DM plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The BYD e6Premier, equipped with an iron-phosphate "FE" battery, has a 186-mile range on city roads and a top speed of 87 miles per hour. It takes 40 minutes to fully charge the e6 using a 100-kilowatt fast-charger and six hours on a standard outlet.<br /><br />BYD's S6DM SUV can travel 38 miles on electric power alone and more than 310 miles when engaging a 2-litre gas engine. A 10-kilowatt electric motor is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission propelling the front wheels, while a powerful 75-kilowatt electric motor powers the rear wheels.<br /><br />BYD also will display the F3DM hybrid, featuring a solar panel sunroof to help charge the iron-phosphate battery, and an all-electric K9 e-Bus with in-wheel electric drive. It can travel 155 miles on a single charge.<br /><br />via: <a href="http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2010/12/byd-bringing-two-battery-cars-to-detroit-show/">thedetroitbureau</a><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>Press Release<br /><br /><i>BYD to Announce Green Vision at NAIAS on January 10th</i></b><i><br /><br />BYD's "Three Green Dreams" focuses on renewable energy generation, environmentally-friendly energy storage and efficient energy consumption, covering solar power, Iron-phosphate energy storage and electric vehicles. BYD will present their short and long term "Green City Solutions" which includes plans to help cities electrify all public transportation, and reduce air pollution and carbon emissions at a low cost.<br /><br />BYD's pure-electric vehicle -- the e6 Premier (2012 Year Model) and the brand-new dual mode electric SUV -- the S6DM will make their world premieres on the main floor exhibit space at the COBO Center at the 2011 NAIAS. The World's first mass-produced F3DM sedan low-carbon version and the core drive technology of the pure-electric bus, shown at EVS25 recently, will also be showcased.<br /><br />The new 5-seat crossover -- the BYD e6 Premier (2012 Year Model) has a more dynamic and sporty exterior design. Equipped with BYD Iron-phosphate "FE" battery, the e6 Premier has an expected range of 300km (or 186.4 miles) on urban roads, while its projected top speed is 140km/h (or 87 mph). It only takes 40 minutes to fully charge the e6 on the 100kW fast charging cabinet and 6 hours to overnight-charge the e6 on the 10kW standard charging pole. These characteristics make the e6 ideal for daily commuters and in-town driving.<br /><br />The core technology of the pure-electric K9 e - B us is another BYD breakthrough in the field of electrified transportation. The specially designed in-wheel electric drive and the electronically-controlled air suspension allows this 12-meter-long e-Bus to have ample space and a low-floor for easy passenger loading and unloading. The K9 is able to run 250+ km (155+ miles) on a single charge.<br /><br />The BYD S6DM SUV is the world's first independent 4WD dual-mode electric SUV. Traveling over 60km (38 miles) purely on electric power and over 310 miles extended range when engaging the environmentally friendly 2.0L gasoline engine, this SUV sports a 10kW electric motor (M1) paired with a smooth 6-speed dual-clutch transmission propelling the front wheels while a powerful 75kW electric motor (M2) powers the rear wheels.<br /><br />The F3DM low-carbon version also features the BYD Fe battery together with a BYD 371QA 1.0-liter gasoline engine. This vehicle is equipped standard with a solar panel sunroof to parallel charge the Fe battery. Powered by the Fe battery pack alone, the F3DM can travel over 60km (38+ miles). The extended range HEV mode allows the car to achieve another 500 km (or 313 miles) with a maximum speed of 150km/h (about 93.2 mph).</i><br /><br /></span><p></p>

BYD Bringing Two Battery Cars To Detroit Show

BYD has announced plans to introduce two new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. BYD will stage two world pre...

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KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

<center><img height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHxxEvJUhn3dlleVK_ooXsn5HbJXTuPVPyly7Pxb2D1BJA52-TGCjS1K40B_yaOvttVPvyaQekB9aRLtwS0tcaFEo4scDM8VWYUe9-QQxhtkIl149FhS60sE0a1IhxnZFbOlUjZJcnZI/s1600/03accordcoupereview2010-1293037263.jpg" width="600" /></center><br />Dec 22, 2010<br />Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Names 2010 Most-Researched New Vehicles, Brands With Greatest Share of Market Interest This Year<br /><br />Sales Success Story Hyundai Sonata Makes Giant Leap to No. 5 on 2010's Top 20 Most-Researched New Cars List<br /><br />IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the most-researched new vehicles of 2010 on the company's top-rated website, www.kbb.com. In addition, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com reveals the top five brands with the greatest share of market interest for 2010.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />This year marks the fifth consecutive year that Kelley Blue Book saw increased visitation to its website, with nearly 24 million more visits to kbb.com in 2010 versus 2009. Because kbb.com is one of the most-trafficked automotive research sites, visitation to specific vehicles has become a leading indicator of sales patterns for manufacturers.<br /><br />Kbb.com's Top 20 Most-Researched New Vehicles of 2010<br /><br />1. Honda Accord<br />6. Nissan Altima<br />11. Toyota Sienna<br />16. Ford Escape<br />2. Honda Civic<br />7. Honda Pilot<br />12. Honda Odyssey<br />17. Toyota Prius<br />3. Toyota Camry<br />8. Ford Mustang<br />13. Chevrolet Equinox<br />18. BMW 3 Series<br />4. Honda CR-V<br />9. Toyota Highlander<br />14. Toyota Corolla<br />19. Chevrolet Camaro<br />5. Hyundai Sonata<br />10. Toyota RAV4<br />15. Ford Fusion<br />20. Volkswagen Jetta<br /><br />The Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry (in varying orders each year) have been the top three most-researched new vehicles on kbb.com each year since 2004. However, a few vehicles made jumps into the top 20 most-researched new vehicles for 2010 that were not on the list in 2009, and many models have changed their standings among the top 20 when compared to last year.<br /><br />The most noteworthy success story this year is the Hyundai Sonata, which made a giant leap up 24 positions, from number 29 last year to number five this year. Hyundai's popular all-new Sonata helped to re-shuffle the deck among the top 20 most-researched new cars of 2010, knocking a few vehicles further down on the list compared to where they were last year.<br /><br />A number of popular new or redesigned models also increased their standing for 2010 versus 2009, including the Ford Mustang, up eight positions to number eight, the Toyota Sienna, up seven positions to number 11, and the Chevrolet Equinox, up seven positions to number 13. In addition, the BMW 3 Series was new to the list for 2010, making its debut at number 18.<br /><br />Likewise, many vehicles that are staples on the annual kbb.com top 20 most-researched new vehicles list experienced a decline in standing for 2010 when compared to 2009. The Toyota Corolla fell nine positions to number 14 this year, and the Toyota Prius dropped nine positions to number 17. In addition, the Chevrolet Camaro was down seven positions to number 19 for 2010.<br /><br />"The site traffic on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com clearly demonstrates which models are resonating with today's new-car shoppers, especially when we examine the most-researched new vehicles of 2010," said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Hyundai's homerun Sonata was not only the darling of the industry this year, but also made a strong impression in the minds of new-car shoppers by leaping ahead to the fifth most-researched new car of 2010. In addition, two popular Toyota models, the Corolla and Prius, experienced drops on the list this year, likely due to a combination of lower fuel prices and reduced overall interest in compact and hybrid vehicles, and also possibly due to Toyota's public perception crisis during the recall saga of 2010."<br /><br />Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com 2010 Top Five Brands with Greatest Share of Market Interest Among New-Car Shoppers<br /><br />Toyota with 13.4 percent<br />Honda with 11.4 percent<br />Ford with 10.2 percent<br />Chevrolet with 8.3 percent<br />Nissan with 6.2 percent<br /><br />Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan (respectively) are the top five brands with the highest share of market interest -- defined as the percent of new-car shopper activity for a particular brand -- on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com for 2010. While these five brands remain in the same positions as last year, Toyota has experienced a decline in share of market interest for 2010 while Ford's share of market interest continues to grow. Toyota managed to hold down its top spot for 2010, even though its share of market interest declined 2.4 percentage points from last year. While Ford remains in the number three spot, its share of market interest increased 1.5 percentage points for 2010 when compared to 2009. The remaining three (Honda, Chevrolet and Nissan) brands' share of market interest numbers remained relatively flat year-over-year.<br /></span><p>

KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

Dec 22, 2010 Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Names 2010 Most-Researched New Vehicles, Brands With Greatest Share of Market Interest This Year...

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2011 Kia Pro_Cee’d

<center><img alt="2011 Kia Pro_Cee'd" border="1" height="400" hspace="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-proceed-630.jpg" vspace="4" width="600" /></center><br />Kia recently released the first official images of the refreshed Pro_cee’d hatchback. To be unveiled at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March.<br /><br />A handful of images of the facelifted Kia Pro_Cee’d have managed to find their way to the internet via Kia World. The Kia Pro_Cee’d with communal H-shaped grille make an appearance on the model for the first time, and new, aggressive fog-light insets help give the vehicle a little more personality, too.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The three-door configuration will be also powered by a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, according to a report by kia-world.net, which develops a maximum of 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque.<br /><br />New headlamps, a wider bumper accommodates larger air intakes , changes that will traverse the 5-door and SW models, in terms of the engines is expected to update the current engines that will meet Euro 5 emission standard. We enjoyed the first image as more data arrive.<br /><br />But the aesthetics aren’t the only thing on that’s changed on the punctuation-laden Pro_Cee’d. Kia World also suggests that the Kia will now come with a slightly warmed-over diesel engine under its hood. The new lump is expected to churn out 128 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque from 1.6-liters of displacement.<br /><br />via: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/28/kia-pro_ceed-facelift-leaked-ahead-of-geneva/">autoblog</a><br /></span><p>

2011 Kia Pro_Cee’d

Kia recently released the first official images of the refreshed Pro_cee’d hatchback. To be unveiled at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in Mar...

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Mini Clubman Cooper S Streetworker

<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLX0OgsMI/AAAAAAADxz4/solHvFapC2E/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-4.jpg"><img height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLX0OgsMI/AAAAAAADxz4/solHvFapC2E/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-4.jpg" width="600" /></a></center><br />A new modification package targeting the MINI Clubman Cooper S is being previewed by Schmidt Revolution. The German company, which handles alloy rims as a core business, takes its time to release complete modification projects once in a while, with this kit, which uses the Streetworker name, being the newest offer of this kind.<br /><br />The focus point of the tune is of course the German firm’s new Cirrus alloy wheel series, seen here in an 18-inch version. The funky looking rims can be ordered in any color ranging from the matte blue on this tune to any other tint including carbon black. On the MINI Clubman project car the alloy wheels are shod in 215/35R18 Continental rubber. <br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The body has been repainted and color coordinated in a way only people who live and breath neon lighting would understand. Then there’s the underpinnings. The engine now produces 200 horsepower and 250 NM of peak torque.<br /><br />Under the hood, the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine has been tuned to produce 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the car to hit a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).<br /><br /><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLX0OgsMI/AAAAAAADxz4/solHvFapC2E/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-4.jpg"><img alt="MINI Clubman StreetWorker" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554428587959955650" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLX0OgsMI/AAAAAAADxz4/solHvFapC2E/s200/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-4.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); text-decoration: underline; " href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLX8C0upI/AAAAAAADxzw/_5wlljlN9k4/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-3.jpg"><img alt="MINI Clubman StreetWorker" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554428590058420882" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLX8C0upI/AAAAAAADxzw/_5wlljlN9k4/s200/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-3.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLYeJUOpI/AAAAAAADx0I/ZjLKWOurNdw/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-6.jpg"><img alt="MINI Clubman StreetWorker" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554428599212456594" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLYeJUOpI/AAAAAAADx0I/ZjLKWOurNdw/s200/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-6.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLXhDbOaI/AAAAAAADxzg/ZGuue-O8SNk/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-1.jpg"><img alt="MINI Clubman StreetWorker" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554428582813186466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLXhDbOaI/AAAAAAADxzg/ZGuue-O8SNk/s200/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-1.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLXvOMP3I/AAAAAAADxzo/dN0Z4DMwILU/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-2.jpg"><img alt="MINI Clubman StreetWorker" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554428586616438642" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLXvOMP3I/AAAAAAADxzo/dN0Z4DMwILU/s200/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-2.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(173, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; " href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLYKFGO1I/AAAAAAADx0A/bkXvraLE1Yo/s1600/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-5.jpg"><img alt="MINI Clubman StreetWorker" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554428593826052946" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRVLYKFGO1I/AAAAAAADx0A/bkXvraLE1Yo/s200/MINI-Clubman-Cooper-S-5.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 86px; " /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><b>Press Release<br /><br /><i>The STREETWORKER from Schmidt Revolution</i></b><i><br /><br />In a kind of competition from the Fiat 500, the Toyota IQ and others in its class, the Mini Cooper Clubman S prevailed with style and passion. In fact, the Schmidt Revolution, wheel manufacturer from Bad Segeberg, had taken on the task of providing a concept car with Urban Lifestyle tuning. With its Clubdoor, the engine and the concept of space, it is practically the perfect choice for this task.<br /><br />The "genetically engineered" Mini, already equipped with a John Cooper Works Aerodynamic package, has been purchased in March 2010. With black xenon lamps including daytime running lights and after a performance increase to 200 hp and torque of 250 Nm - these two parameters allow the Clubman to reach a maximum speed of 220 km/h - the car is ready for city travel, at least for trips around the church tower.<br /><br />The colors still harbored some problems in it, should the Mini yet actually be equipped with chrome foil. Rethinking was not easy for the men from A4M in Wuppertal; the BMW sprout has a matt blue car wrap, and then they returned back to immaculacy.<br />Street workers usually go a lot, so the "feet" and "shoes" require special attention The Cirrus wheels were decorated with colored multiplex material, so this fun car is never left unattended in city traffic. The really impressive 8Jx18H2 Cirrus rims have any of 3D-shaped multiplex patterns in matte blue; any tint of body color, from bright red to carbon black is possible at any style.<br /><br />Cheap tires, causing annoying road noise, were changed with recapped 215/35R18 Conti tires, and the tire problem was solved. To allow for changing "obstacles" while impressive driving in city traffic, the concept car has a Streetec air suspension with press buttons which enables to adjust the height and make it 60 mm lower or 40 mm higher than the serial cars. The goal was to run over thresholds better and to park the Clubman easier.<br /><br />Finally, it should also be mentioned that the spectacular rims are completely washable and thus are suitable for daily use.<br /><br /><br />So, that beautiful Urban Lifestyle can be a street worker...</i><br /><br /></span><p>

Mini Clubman Cooper S Streetworker

A new modification package targeting the MINI Clubman Cooper S is being previewed by Schmidt Revolution. The German company, which handles a...

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