Author: Serkadis

  • Black Eyed Peas Video Shoot Delayed By Sandstorm

    Filming for the new Black Eyed Peas’ video had to be abandoned on Wednesday after the Peas was caught in a sandstorm in the California desert. The Grammy-winning group was shooting the promo for its next single just outside of Los Angeles when the wind whipped up sand, unleashing havoc on the set.


  • Julio Iglesias Celibate

    Julio Iglesias has sworn off sex. The legendary Spanish crooner has a reputation as a ladies man, but he told an audience in Uruguay this week that he abandoned his prolific sex life 15 years ago.

    According to a report from Uruguayan newspaper El Pais, during a performance in Punta del Este this week, the singer said that when he first performed there at age 24, he was “like a rabbit.” He said that he had a “superstition, a quirk or whatever, that I couldn’t go onstage to sing if I didn’t make love first. I gave that up completely 15 years ago.”

    Julio is the father of singers Julio Jr. and Enrique Iglesias.


  • Tila Tequila Pregnant By “American War Hero”

    Celebutante Tila Tequila claims she is pregnant — but the eccentric reality star/model won’t be handing the unborn child over to her brother and sister-in-law as previously planned.

    In a pre-Christmas pregnancy announcement on her Twitter page, the often-controversial Tequila revealed that she would be acting as a surrogate mother for her sibling and his wife, who have been unable to conceive. However, following the death of her fiancee, Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson, nearly two weeks ago, Tila has changed her mind about motherhood.

    “I have a baby growing inside of me now, and that is my new happiness in life. It’s no longer my brother’s baby… It is MY very own baby,” Tila revealed in a post to her Twitter on Thursday night.

    The unnamed father is described by the celeb as “an American hero.” She wrote: “(He) Served in the US ARMY 4 10 years & fought war in Afgan (sic) & got shot. Now hes out of Army after 10 years and is now a fireman and EMT!”

    The baby news comes days after Tila unveiled plans to petition a court for custody of Casey’s young daughter, who is now being cared for by the socialite’s parents.


  • Nicolas Cage Settles IRS Tax Debt For $14 Million

    Cash-strapped celeb Nicolas Cage is looking to put his tax troubles behind him. In a statement to PEOPLE this week, Cage says he’s going to pay $14 million in taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

    “Over the course of my career I have paid at least $70 million in taxes, unfortunately, due to a recent legal situation, another approximate $14 million is owed to the IRS,” the actor told the mag. “However, I am under new business management and am happy to say that I am current for 2009, all taxes will be paid including any to be determined state taxes.”

    The star of films like Gone In 60 Seconds and Peggy Sue Got Married has been namedd in a number of recent lawsuits and recently lost two of his New Orleans homes in foreclosure auctions.


  • Is Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Charity Corrupt?

    Hip-hop star/humanitarian Wyclef Jean is speaking out in response to reports accusing him of mismanagement and his Yele Haiti charity of corruption. New documents obtained by The Smoking Gun suggest that prior to the 7.0 earthquake that rattled the island nation this week, Wyclef Jean skipped out on paying taxes used money donated to his foundation to pay himself and his associates.

    Yele Haiti has raised more than $2 million for Haitian earthquake victims since the natural disaster struck on Tuesday.


  • Conan O’Brien, NBC Nearing $30 Million Deal For “Tonight Show” Departure

    Conan O’Brien and NBC are reportedly close to hammering out a deal that would see Conan leave the network next month — opening the door for Jay Leno to return as host of The Tonight Show, a post he held for 17 years before passing the torch to Conan last May.

    Conan still has two-and-half years remain on his Tonight Show contract, says a source familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The alleged deal might involve NBC offering the Irish funnyman a settlement of more than $30 million and allowing him to launch a new show elsewhere as soon as this fall, according to The AP’s source.

    The agreement might also include a clause prohibiting Conan from bad-mouthing the network. The late night comic could also be forced to relinquish creative rights to popular characters like Pimpbot 5000 and Conando, as well as recurring segments such as In the Year 3000 and Desk Driving.


  • Next Android version will be called Froyo, says Erick Tseng

    Proving once again that those who don’t watch The Engadget Show are always going to be one step behind those who do, our latest star guest Erick Tseng has dropped a dollop of exclusive wisdom on us: Android’s next big iteration will be known as Froyo. That’s short for “frozen yogurt” and fits right in line with the zany naming scheme that has delivered us Cupcakes, Donuts, and Eclairs so far. If you had your money on Flan being next in that alphabetical order, sorry to disappoint. No additional info could be squeezed out of the Google man at present — such as how much further along Froyo will be from Android 2.1 (technically considered part of Eclair) or when we might expect the upgrade — but we’ve got a name and that should be plenty to get us started on another wonderful journey of soothsaying and speculation.

    Next Android version will be called Froyo, says Erick Tseng originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • BREAKING: 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible revealed, 335i models get new N55 3.0L engine

    2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

    Giving out no love for the sedan, BMW today announced upgrades to the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible for the 2011 model year. While both feature some redesign upgrades, the 335i is where the real story is with a new turbocharged engine.

    Beyond the basic shape of the 3-Series lineup, the Coupe and Convertible variants receive some specific upgrades including new headlights, tail lamps, new exterior mirrors and an upgraded interior. Also new for 2011 are a lineup of additional colors including Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Vermillion Red Metallic, and Mineral White Metallic.

    2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and ConvertibleThe 2011 BMW 335i Coupe and Convertible get a new N55 3.0 inline-6 engine. The engine replaces the previous 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 with the innovation of a single twin-scroll turbocharger and Valvetronic helping the 335i Coupe and Convertible produce 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a peak torque of 300 lb-ft available from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm (redlines at 7,000 rpm). BMW says that the N55 turbocharged inline-6 weighs approximately 150 lbs. less than an equally powerful eight-cylinder engine displacing 4.0L. That means a significant advantage not only in fuel economy, but also in balancing the weight distribution.

    Performance wise, the 335i Coupe and Convertible can run from 0 – 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and 5.5 seconds respectively, when equipped with the manual transmission. The 335i xDrive goes from rest to 60 in 5.2 seconds with a manual. Top speed is electronically governed at 130 mph and 150 mph when equipped with the optional Sport Package.

    The 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible will go on sale in Spring 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to launch date.

    Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

    2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible:

    2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

    Press Release:

    The New 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

    Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 16, 2011 – BMW has announced substantial enhancements to the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, including outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

    Fundamentally unchanged are each car’s essential attributes of rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available on the Coupe), near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension…all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.

    All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the “N55,” this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same “short block” and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement. The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine’s output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox – beloved by North American enthusiast drivers – remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring “pull-style” shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.

    Design. Reflecting the legendary distinction of BMW Coupes and Convertibles

    The profile of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible is instantly recognizable at first glance. Beyond the basic shape of the car and its classic lines, the new design of the headlights, the enhanced depth and detail of the taillights, the interior, and even the exterior mirrors were specifically created for the Coupe and Convertible. These unique design elements reflect the sporty character of the car. The driver who chooses a two-door vehicle desires a car with dynamic looks as well as driving performance. With this in mind, BMW engineers and designers set out to create a unique, unmistakable blend of design features and most importantly, driving pleasure.

    It all begins with proportions. The new, long hood powerfully symbolizes BMW’s loyalty to the inherently balanced inline-6 engine. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, the passenger compartment set aft and the low, sleek roofline which seamlessly slopes into the trunk are all characteristics of the BMW Coupe and BMW retractable hardtop Convertible.

    In addition to the classic proportions, three design lines—the shoulder, character and lower sill lines— enhance the sleek appearance. Both the shoulder line and character line stretch uninterrupted to the back of the car, allowing one’s eye to move quickly and smoothly from front to rear along the entire length of the car. The sill line of the lower edge of the door flows into the front and rear air dams, reinforcing the dynamic nature of BMW’s newest 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.

    The combination of lines flowing into one another elegantly emphasizes the vehicles’ performance potential. While the shoulder line rises slightly but consistently from front to rear, the character line flows in a long, stretched arch all the way from the front fender to the new taillights. As the sill line, by contrast, moves up slightly to the rear in a slow and gentle curve, the distance between the character and sill lines becomes smaller near the rear wheel arches. The fender flare around each rear wheel also serves to give the character line extra tension in both an upward and outward direction.

    Attractive new innovations at the front, side, and rear – integrated precisely into the overall look of the car- give greater emphasis to the sportiness of both models. At the same time, these modifications slightly extend the overhangs front and rear (now 1.14” and 0.12” longer, respectively), which adds a sleeker and even more athletic appearance.

    The new, widened kidney grille, a signature feature of every BMW, suits the broad new hood and stands out from the surfaces around it. Interaction with the three-dimensional kidney frame creates a look of power and unique style. The frame around the kidney grille now features a chrome band precisely twisted within itself.

    The 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come standard in the U.S. with Xenon Adaptive Headlights, accented by BMW’s signature corona light rings. At the top, the new headlights merge into a trim bar cutting off the light beam to create that concentrated, focused look typical of a genuine BMW. The corona rings, now powered by super-bright LED light sources, can serve as daytime running lights (if that feature is activated), and also as evening city lights, making the Coupe and Convertible instantly recognizable as a BMW, day or night. The upper edge of each headlight fixture is also illuminated by an LED light source.

    The new design of the taillights is unique to the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The rear light cluster feature two-piece L-shapes and are further accentuated by a new color scheme. With two rows of light tubes that illuminate simultaneously, they create a night design with depth and dimension. Integrated flush into the body of the car, the lights are split into two sections and extend up the trunk lid, blending with the character lines from the side profile. Horizontal LED tube taillights give the car an unmistakable look at night. The horizontal flowing lines accentuate the wide track and low stance of the Coupe and Convertible.

    An additional horizontal contour line has been added to the rear air dam to further accentuate the width of the Coupe and Convertible. It creates light-and-shade effects to give the entire rear end a flatter and smoother appearance.

    The exterior mirrors also receive a new design, adding further innovation to the unique looks of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. They blend harmoniously into the side view and silhouette of each new model.

    Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Vermillion Red Metallic, and Mineral White Metallic exterior colors will each become available for the new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible this spring.

    Interior: a truly stylish ambiance

    The emphasis on individual style, dynamic performance and exclusivity continues within the interior. Here again, the focus is on the driving experience, as announced by the standard leather multifunction steering wheel. Horizontal lines dominate the surfaces on and around the instrument panel which blend with the lines of the center console door panels to give the interior a light but dynamic feel. In true BMW fashion, all operational and informational elements essential to driving are grouped on and around the steering wheel. Climate controls, as well as those for the audio and navigation systems, are within easy reach of the front passenger.

    Because the Coupe and Convertible are four-passenger cars, the rear seat passengers are treated to a center console between their individual rear seats which includes individual storage boxes, additional air outlet vents, and footwell lights.

    The BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come standard with Dark Burl Walnut wood trim. As a choice, Bamboo Anthracite wood, Light Burl Walnut wood, and Aluminum trim are optional. Like the standard Dark Burl Walnut, these materials appear on the dash, front and rear consoles, doors and rear side panels.

    The standard leatherette upholstery is available in Black and Creme Beige. For the optional leather upholstery, luxurious Dakota leather can be chosen. Here too, the buyer may choose Creme Beige, Oyster, Coral Red, Saddle Brown, Gray, or Black. Upholstery leather appears on the seat facings, door inserts and door handle surrounds; other leather-trimmed items include the gear shift boot, handbrake grip and steering wheel.

    In other items of trim that don’t change with upholstery or trim options, the interior door handles, gearshift surround trim, steering wheel spokes, instrument dial and engine Start/Stop button surrounds, dash air-outlet adjusting tabs and the optional iDrive controller are in pearl-gray galvanic material.

    An elegant ambiance is further created in the interior by special lighting and switches with a premium look and feel. Ambiance lighting, streaming down from under the ledge on the door and side panels, and running from the A pillar all the way to the rear passenger area, creates a particularly warm, indirect lighting effect.

    Through its design and configuration, the cabin emphasizes the sporting and driver-oriented character of the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. Taking a seat behind the steering wheel, the driver’s eyes will immediately focus on the instrument cluster.

    All-new turbocharged engine with Valvetronic for 335i

    BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible customers have a choice of two inline-6 engines that are the worlds’ finest. The 328i features 230 horsepower while the 335i has 300 horsepower and is the first inline-6 equipped with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection, and all-aluminum construction.

    The 335i’s new inline-6 engine displaces 3.0-liters and develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm. This is the same level of performance as the previous 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of Valvetronic, this new engine is even more fuel efficient.

    Historically, BMW engineers were never satisfied with the most often-cited downside to turbocharging: the frustrating “turbo lag” that occurs between the time at which driver presses the accelerator pedal and when the turbocharger develops sufficient rotation to increase power. Turbo lag is usually worse at low engine speeds. Other drawbacks included relatively high fuel consumption and poor emissions output. At the time, turbocharger technology was not a reliable, practical or efficient was to make power. For these and other reasons, BMW put turbocharged gasoline engines on the shelf for more than 20 years.

    Two recent developments caused BMW to reconsider turbocharging. While many luxury-performance carmakers began to achieve power gains by building engines of ever-increasing displacement, BMW looked for a more efficient way; smaller engines and turbocharging made sense. Also, the technology transfer from BMW’s turbocharged diesel engines could easily be transferred to their gasoline-fired counterparts. Accordingly, BMW articulated its new approach to developing high-performance engines as part of its EfficientDynamics initiative.

    The new N55 is the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, High Precision direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology. It features a single, mid-sized turbocharger with a “twin-scroll” housing to boost performance and minimize the response lag. Thanks to its housing design which maintains proper separation between streams of exhaust gasses, the turbocharger builds up pressure much faster than previous-generation turbochargers, thus eliminating even the slightest tendency for lag.

    A further advantage of turbocharging is that this is the most weight-efficient method to boost engine power and performance. The N55 turbocharged inline-6 weighs approximately 150 lbs. less than an equally powerful eight-cylinder engine displacing 4.0 liters. This lower weight means a significant advantage not only in fuel economy, but also in balancing the car’s weight distribution.

    Using Valvetronic for the first time on a turbocharged inline-6 allows the engine to “inhale” air for combustion with virtually no delay and with reduced pumping losses. As a result, the engine makes power more quickly than ever before, and this is proven by the N55’s ability to reach peak torque at 1200rpm, 200rpm earlier than its predecessor.

    As a result, the technology in the BMW 335i Coupe and Convertible represents a significant achievement in terms of both performance and fuel efficiency. The advantages over a conventional turbocharged engine are not only clearly measurable, but easy to feel on the road.

    Turbocharging typically includes intercooling of the engine’s induction air, that is, cooling the compressed air that emerges, very much heated up by the compression process, from the turbocharger(s). Sometimes it’s done with coolant; in the case of the N55 engine, it’s accomplished with outside air. Intercooling is necessary to reduce the temperature of the incoming air to preclude detonation or “knocking” that can reduce power or, in the extreme, damage the engine. Of course, the N55, like all other current BMW engines, is equipped with knock control as part of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) engine management system. On the N55 engine, the DME is now mounted directly to the top of the engine for better packaging and weight savings.

    The significant loads and cylinder pressures of the N55 300-hp engine required the use of an aluminum engine structure with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. Altogether, the N55 weighs about 427 lbs. The 335i Coupe and Convertible dual exhaust system runs at both sides of the vehicle. At low loads, a flap channels most gas through one side to reduce low-frequency exhaust “rumble.” The 335i Coupe and Convertible feature an air-to-oil external oil cooler mounted in one wheel well as opposed to the N52’s coolant-to-oil unit.

    The peak power of 300 hp at 5800rpm has already been mentioned; this is fully 70 hp up on the 2011 328i models. At least as important is the fact that this engine can deliver its peak torque from 1200 rpm – not far above idling – to 5000 rpm. On the road, this power and torque result in outstanding performance. The 335i Coupe and Convertible can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 5.3 (5.5) seconds and 5.5 (5.7) seconds, respectively, when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission. The sense of urgency continues all the way to the electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (150 mph when equipped with the optional Sport Package). The 335i xDrive coupe accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.2 (5.3) seconds when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission.

    Finally, the new N55 engine is able to achieve a more favorable emissions signature than its predecessor. The single turbocharger has only one exhaust path and feeds a single catalytic converter in place of the previous engine’s two. This means the exhaust gases are concentrated at the catalytic converter for better cold-start emissions performance, making the N55 a more environmentally friendly engine.

    The 328i Convertible is powered by BMW’s 230 horsepower, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, known internally as the N52. Its magnesium/aluminum construction and Valvetronic variable valve lift are features found only on BMW engines. The N52 achieves impressive progress on all performance and technology fronts, especially in its remarkably light weight of 357 lbs. An aluminum/magnesium engine block, hollow camshafts, plastic camshaft cover, improved combustion chambers, a further evolved Double VANOS[1], higher fuel injection pressure, sophisticated engine electronics, an electric coolant pump, a variable-volume oil pump and an oil/coolant heat exchanger are the other weight-saving features and improvements of this engine over previous generations.

    For the Coupes: Available xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

    The 2011 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe combines intelligent all-wheel drive with the power of BMW’s new 300-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. Likewise, the 2011 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe will impress with its 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine featuring magnesium-aluminum construction. On smooth, dry roads BMW’s xDrive gives a sporty, rear-wheel drive feel. But on a wet or snow-covered road, xDrive automatically sends more torque to the axle with more traction. BMW’s xDrive is the most sophisticated and responsive all-wheel drive system on the market today. It has proven its merits, in terms of agility and safety, in the 19 BMW models currently offered with xDrive in the U.S.

    For the Convertibles: Sun-Reflective Leather offers cooler seats

    BMW is the first carmaker in the world to use sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. The process uses modified color pigments imbedded in the leather during the production process to reflect the infrared radiation of the sun in wavelengths of more than 720 nanometers.

    This leather treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees), and also offers advantages on light-colored upholstery, where the heating effect of sunshine is less severe, reducing the surface temperature by as much as 15 Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees). All other qualities of the leather remained unchanged.

    – By: Omar Rana


  • Disappointing one night stands. :/

    So, yeah.

    A good friday night ended in a rather seedy Saturday morning for me.

    I haven’t done that in a while and now I understand why I don’t. It was a real case of the beer goggles.

    I had given him a fake name (ok, really lame I know), but when we were talking at a bar earlier I had no intention of actually having more than an exchange while ordering drinks (he asked my name first). My friends mantra was "just go with it"

    He also cracked the shits when I decided I was going to leave at 9am – this was after I just caught him going through my wallet, staring pensively at my ID. "Why would you lie to me, I thought there was a really amazing connection here" Should I move house??

    I think i’ll become a nun.

  • Згадайце горад Беларусі

    Паважаныя спадары і спадарыні, аматары архітэктуры.
    Запрашаю Вас прыняць удзел у гульні "Згадайце горад Беларусі", створанай па аналогіі з "Guess The City".

    Правілы:
    – Горад, вуліца ці пэўны аб’ект павінны знаходзіцца ў Беларусі.
    – Той, хто згадаў горад, атрымлівае 3 балы. Калі можаце паведаміць назву, дакладны адрас аб’екта, назву вуліцы ці пераскрыжавання, яшчэ +1.
    – За цікавую інфу аб месцы ці аб’екце – яшчэ +1.
    – ТОЙ, ХТО ЗГАДАЕ горад, посціць наступнае фота і г.д.

    УВАГА! Калі Вы жывеце у гэтым горадзе, калі ласка, устрымайцеся ад адказу на 10 пастоў.

    Прашу не посціць тое, што немагчыма згадаць (тыпу пейзажу панэльнай 9-ціпавярхоукі на фоне тыповага дзіцячага садку)

    Спадзяюся, што будзе цікава.
    Я распачынаю з лёгкага.

  • 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo

    Filed under: , , , ,

    BMW 3 Series Coupe Refresh

    2011 BMW 3 Series – Click above for high-res image gallery

    The next-generation BMW 3 Series isn’t that far off, with the sedan expected to debut sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model. Yet the Munich brand isn’t sitting on its hands in the meantime – the current 3 Series coupe and convertible are getting a mild refresh and updated powerplants this spring for the 2011 model year. The most immediately noticeable change are headlamp clusters that get a subtle reshaping to go along with a wider grille and reworked lower front fascia. At the rear, the taillamps retain the same shape, but the reflectors are redesigned with some of the light-pipe styling found in other recent Bimmers.

    The 3 Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, while the 3 Series convertible gets a new solar reflective leather upholstery that BMW claims helps keep seat temperatures down when the lid is open.

    The most significant updates come underhood, where the much lauded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. This is expected to reduce the turbo lag that some drivers complained about with the outgoing twin turbo setup.

    BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. The end result is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with a fatter torque curve that maintains its peak from 1,200-5,000 rpm.

    [Source: BMW]

    Continue reading 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo

    2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Phonedog looks at the LG eXpo

    Phonedog.com have published this 12 minute video review of the LG eXpo smartphone.  Noting that if the Snapdragon powered Nexus is a superphone, the LG eXpo with the same processor should be as well, Noah found the device responsive, the touch screen sensitive enough, but shared the complaints many have had regarding the D-pad/fingerprint sensor.

    Read more about their impressions at Phonedog.com here.

    Share/Bookmark

  • Ph BG to Dr via Bluetooth

    New application allows for mobile blood glucose management

    13 January 2010

    A mobile phone application has been launched for the first time in Australia which aims to help those with diabetes better manage their blood glucose levels (BGLs).

    The Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service involves transmitting blood glucose readings via wireless technology from a Bluetooth enabled blood glucose meter to a compatible phone running a specialised application.

    The application, which the person with diabetes subscribes to as an additional cost on their current Telstra phone plan, allows for the sharing of BGL results with their GP and the ability to chart blood glucose averages across three to six months.

    In addition to this, the application will send helpful reminders about diabetes management through the phone to the user and send an SMS notification to the person and their healthcare team if their BGLs are above the target set by the healthcare professional.

    The service has already shown in a study of 100 people with diabetes to increase BGL testing frequency, create a more accurate account of records and those using it said the information provided a better insight into managing their condition which allowed them to better track and respond to trends.

    The team behind the service said breakthroughs in technology that help to improve people’s diabetes management can also help to reduce the serious complications of diabetes, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and amputation.

    Charges for this service are $30 per month plus data charges

    New application allows for mobile blood glucose management…News… Diabetes Australia – NSW
    _________________________________________________
    This service doesnt meet my needs but it could become an alternative in countries where doctor/endo visits are expensive

  • Meryl Streep Sandra Bullock Kiss Critics’ Choice Movie Awards 2010 [VIDEO]

    Screen legend Meryl Streep got more than she bargained for after winning the award for Best Actress at the 15th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards overnight — a kiss from fellow winner Sandra Bullock!


    Sandra and Meryl tied for the Best Actress at Friday night’s ceremony — and The Blind Side star wasn’t happy about it.

    “This is bulls***!” Sandra yelled upon taking the stage following Meryl’s acceptance speech for Julie & Julia. But the star soon warmed up to the idea, planting a liplock on Meryl that earned cheers from the audience.

    “It is a great honor to be in the company of the extraordinary women I was so lucky to be nominated with, because this one here inspired me to do everything better,” she said.




  • It goes both ways: Suzuki to take a stake in Volkswagen

    As part of a pact whereby Volkswagen became Suzuki’s biggest shareholder with a 20% stake, VW is looking to its own shareholders for individuals that may be willing to sell their shares to Suzuki, as agreed upon by the two companies as part of their comprehensive partnership plan.

    With the auto industry facing an extremely dynamic climate, manufacturers are increasingly commonly striking agreements and entering into joint ventures with each other in order to get around the phenomenal costs associated with developing state-of-the-art powertrains.

    “Suzuki is in a comprehensive alliance with Volkswagen. In every field including hybrid, diesel and electric cars, we will carry out joint development with them, or we will learn from them,” Suzuki said.

    The two automakers will seek to produce a competitive small car as they see that as key to dominating the developing market. VW currently stands as the number one automaker in China while Maruti Suzuki India (a company owned 54% by Suzuki), dominates the Indian market with a share over 50%. Though the research and manufacturing arms of the companies will operate in sync with each other, sales networks will remain separate.

    – By: Stephen Calogera

    Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)


  • Happy Birthday tanyatype1

    :birthday: :birthday: :birthday: :birthday: :birthday:

    Happy Birthday Tanya

    :party: :party:

  • Happy Birthday Stuboy

    :birthday: :birthday: :birthday: :birthday: :birthday:

    Happy Birthday Stu

    :party: :party:

  • T-Mobile rolls out Windows Mobile 6.5 for Touch Pro2 and Dash 3G, Sprint waits for 6.6 ?

    HTCTouchPro2

    Following closely on the heels of Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile has rolled out Windows Mobile 6.5 for its Touch Pro2 and Dash 3G handsets. The update rolled out earlier than the target  date of January 20th and is accessible from T-Mobile’s website once you enter in your handset’s IMEI. While AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile customers now enjoy the new experience offered by Windows Mobile 6.5, Sprint customers are left waiting in the wings. Their patience may be rewarded as Sprint customers may be getting something more than the plain jane Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade. A statement from Sprint suggests that the Sprint flavor of Windows Mobile 6.5 may offer “significant enhancements to the Touch Pro2 user interface which will allow additional customization / personalization options and more integration with the applications users access most.” Is Sprint promoting this upgrade with over-hyped marketing speak  in order to placate Touch Pro2 owners or is Sprint really alluding to the mythical Windows Mobile 6.6 which is rumored to be unveiled at MWC 2010 next month?

    [Via TmoNews]

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  • Germany advises its citizens to say ‘nein’ to Internet Explorer

    Autsch! In light of the recent attacks on Google China and Microsoft’s revelation that an Internet Explorer security flaw served as an impetus in the assault, Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security has released a warning to its population: avoid IE. Specifically, the report calls out the latest three versions — 6, 7, and 8 — but let’s face it, those older versions should be avoided on grounds of usability alone. Boy, bet the Bonn-based agency is happy about that Windows 7 web browser ballot screen, eh?

    Germany advises its citizens to say ‘nein’ to Internet Explorer originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • FoursquareX: Foursquare Addicts Need To Get This Desktop Fix Immediately

    Screen shot 2010-01-16 at 1.26.00 PMUse of the location-based service Foursquare is on the up and up. But it’s use is mainly limited to mobile phones currently. That makes sense since the service is all about sending your location when on the go. But it would be nice sometimes to use it on your computer (beyond visiting the rudimentary mobile site from your browser). Enter FoursquareX.

    This new application built by software developer Eric Butler is easily the best way I’ve ever seen to interact with Foursquare on a computer. Using Foursquare’s API, Butler has made a OS X client that not only allows you to see where your friends are, but even allows you to check-in at venues. And when paired with the notification application Growl, it’s a great way to get alerted about what’s happening on Foursquare without having to check your phone every few minutes.

    The app is mainly meant to run in the background in your menu bar to serve you notifications (again, via Growl) when friends check-in places. But the more interesting part of the app may be its map component. If you open that up, you’ll get a window displaying a Google Map with all of your friends’ Foursquare icons overlaid on it to show where they are in the world. You can zoom in or out to show more detail of where they are. Or you can click on their names displayed in a timeline to the left of the map to bring up more details about their latest check-in.

    There’s another view to this map too which gives you a visual representation of the Foursquare venues close to where you currently are. Clicking on any of them allows you to easily check-in. To the right of this map view there is a list of the venues currently trending on Foursquare (where multiple people are checking-in) as well as your “favorites” (the venues you check-in to the most).

    There is also a setting for the app that lets you get notifications when other people check-in to the same venue you’re checked-in at, even if you don’t know them. Some people may not like that, but if you’re interested in meeting new people that you have at least one thing in common with (your use of Foursquare), it’s kind of an interesting way to do that.

    Again, this app is currently Mac-only (and specifically, Snow Leopard-only), but if you’re addicted to Foursquare, it’s a must-have. Find it here.

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