Author: Serkadis

Beyonce attended Alicia Keys’ ‘The Element Of Freedom’ album release party in New York City last week. Check out a picture below of Beyonce workin’ it on the dance floor.

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Having trouble deciding which of America’s three latest muscle cars is right for you? Well, at least you’re not alone. We ourselves at the Autoblog HQ have had lengthy debates on the merits and drawbacks of each model, and the expected ongoing series of improvements to the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang are sure to drive a wedge between GM Gearheads, Ford Fanatics and Mopar Maniacs until the end of time.

Or, as seen above, you could go a slightly different route and combine all three ponies into one model, which we’ve taken the liberty of christening the Challarostang. A Vulcan Mind Meld between the front fascia and hood of a Challenger, the bodysides of a Camaro and the hind end of a Mustang, it actually doesn’t look nearly as crazy as you might imagine. In fact, we kinda dig it.

According to Robert D, the Challarostang’s modeler, the automotive ménage à trois seen here took four months to complete. Next question, which drivetrain do you choose? Click here for a description of the build process from the modeler himself.

[Source: Model Cars Magazine Forum via Carscoop]

Challarostang? Enterprising car modeler combines three ponies into one originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Toys/Games

We give thumbs up to Cruden’s reason for building a $191,500 F1 simulator: “Snooker rooms, swimming pools, gyms and cinemas have been done.” So there. If you’re over waiting for Codemasters to release F1 2009 on a real platform, or waiting for GT5 to ever show up and you have enough money to buy an SLS AMG and several weeks of track time, the Hexatech is waiting for you.

The fully-suspended system can be tailored to provide feedback based on the chassis setup, wheelbase and track, tire and suspension settings, drive train (engine, gearbox, differentials), aero loading, aero draft (slip streaming), steering, brakes and driver aids such as traction control, ABS, and more. It even has seat belt tensioners. And it isn’t just for F1: the sim does NASCAR, WRC, and 24-Hour racing, too. Three 42-inch screens, or a projector and a room with at least a 10-foot ceiling will keep you in the action.

If you want one but you don’t have that kind of dosh, there’s still time to make a wish and be extra nice before Santa makes his final decision. Or you could ask Ferrari if you can borrow theirs…

[Source: F1 Fanatic]

When F1 2009 won’t do, try the $191K Cruden Hexatech simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A partir de hoje a Rede de Blogs WebTuga conta com mais um elemento, o GlobPT, tornando assim os assuntos discutidos nos nossos blogs mais amplos.

Como podem reparar, o WebTuga há já algum tempo que tem uma categoria chamada “Random Stuff” que engloba uma variedade infinita de assuntos. O GlobPT é de certa forma um projecto que tem esse objectivo, ou seja, discutir assuntos aleatórios e diversos num único local, tendo como principal blogger o carismático João Silas.

O GlobPT apesar de só agora integrar a rede WebTuga, não é novo por estas andanças do blogging, sendo já subscrito por mais de 400 leitores via RSS e marcando presença nas redes sociais como o Twitter (@globpt).

Para além da entrada na rede WebTuga, foi criado também o novo logótipo do projecto que será integrado em breve no site, quem sabe também com uma nova aparência.

Está portanto assim oficialmente oficializada a oficialização oficial da entrada do GlobPT para a Rede WebTuga.

Esperamos que todos tenham gostado da surpresa natalícia que vos reservamos e pedimos que fiquem atentos porque em 2010 haverá mais!

WebTuga – GlobPT reforça Rede WebTuga!

Media Create has released the Japanese hardware sales numbers for the week covering December 14 to 20. The PS3’s still on top of the heap, followed by Nintendo’s monstrous Wii and DS combo.

Guest contributor: Karen Collins, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
Karen Collins holds a B.S. degree from Purdue and an M.S. degree from Cornell, both in nutrition. When she’s not writing or speaking, she conducts a private nutrition practice in Jamestown, New York.

Q: Do the various kinds of winter squash differ in nutrients or recommended preparation?

Winter squash come in many sizes and shapes, but nutrient content probably varies as much within any given variety as between varieties. Almost all winter squash is an all-star source of beta-carotene and its antioxidant carotenoid “cousins.”

It’s also a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber, all with about 75 calories in a cup of cooked squash cubes.

Spaghetti squash, however, is a little lower in calories, fiber and nutrients. Its preparation is unique, too, since after cooking it can be pulled out with a fork to form strands similar to spaghetti. It’s often served like pasta.

The other squash each have a slightly distinctive flavor and texture, but all make savory additions to soups, stir-fries, stews, curries and mixed oven-roasted vegetables. On their own, they can be baked, steamed or microwaved to serve stuffed, in chunks or puréed, often accompanied with sweet spices (cinnamon, ginger), fruits (such as apples or cranberries) or nuts.

Acorn squash are small with a very hard rind, so they are often best cut in half and baked without peeling. Butternut squash is sweet and moist with a slight nutty flavor, and the skin is easy to peel, so they are great when you want chunks to roast or add to stews.

Buttercup squash has a delicious sweet flavor, but because it can be a bit dry, use it especially in moist dishes so you won’t feel the need to drown it in butter. Don’t be afraid of delicious large squash like Hubbard, because amounts beyond what you can use at one time can be frozen, either in raw slices or (ideally) after cooking, in cubes or puréed.

Q: Are frozen berries as high in antioxidant phytochemicals as fresh ones?

Frozen berries are generally somewhat lower than their fresh counterparts in the antioxidant compounds called flavonoids, but they are still good sources. USDA data shows vitamin C content is also modestly lower in frozen compared to fresh berries, yet raspberries and strawberries in both forms are extremely high in this nutrient.

Research providing direct comparisons of the overall antioxidant power of fresh versus frozen berries is quite limited. When fresh berries are not readily available, frozen options are an excellent choice, especially since the fresh berries in the research comparisons probably do not reflect values found in out-of-season berries transported long distances.

Q: Are CoQ10 supplements recommended for cancer patients?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring antioxidant supplied mainly by production within our bodies, but is also found in trace amounts in meat, poultry, fish, and some oils and nuts. Supplements are often promoted as a way to prevent heart disease and cancer, but research-established benefits are not nearly as clear as some claims suggest.

Certain highly effective chemotherapy medications face limited use because of heart-damaging effects. Some researchers suggest that CoQ10 supplements could help prevent this damage and allow more effective treatment doses, but studies show inconsistent results.

Other studies, which used the supplements along with tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment, demonstrated increased signs of DNA repair enzymes and decreased signs of cancer cells spreading throughout the body. However, larger clinical trials to test these possibilities are needed; some animal research suggests boosting CoQ10 antioxidant levels could work against chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

CoQ10 could also work against blood thinner medications like warfarin. On the other hand, statin medications that lower blood cholesterol may decrease body production of CoQ10, so doctors may advise supplements for some people.

Bottom line: We need more research, and anyone considering CoQ10 supplements should discuss benefits and risks carefully with their doctor.

(This article was provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. A registered dietician is available to respond to questions about diet, nutrition, and cancer at the free AICR Hotline at 1 (800) 843-8114 during business hours.)

From the RSS feed of CalorieLab News (REF3076322B7)

Karen Collins on winter squash, berries and coenzyme Q10

Rob Hyndman points us to the news that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is facing a copyright lawsuit for sneaking into a fashion show and filming it. As the article notes, since the event was held on private property, you can make a reasonable argument for trespassing. But copyright? The fashion company is claiming that it should be able to copyright its fashion shows as a “performance,” but it’s difficult to see how a fashion show, by itself, is covered by copyright (what’s the fixed expression?). A film of it would be covered, but in this case, the filming was done by the CBC, so it should own the copyright. The fact that only a limited number of press were invited, and they signed agreements limiting how they would distribute any recordings of the event shouldn’t have any bearing on the copyright question at all. There are some other odd claims in the complaint, such as the fact that the cameraman acted “aggressively” when confronted. I’m unaware of any part of copyright law in which that would matter. All in all, this seems like yet another attempt to abuse copyright law based on a false belief over what it covers, and a misguided sense of “ownership.”

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Lotus is celebrating its return to F1 by paying a tribute to its Lotus Type 72 Formula One car, which won 20 Grand Prix victories between 1970 and 1975. The new Lotus Exige S Type 72 features a black and gold exterior finished by the same sign writer who painted the race cars for Team Lotus. The special-edition model also gets a Sport Pack as standard, which consists of bespoke high quality interior, including black micro fiber ProBax sports seats with gold stitching.

Power still comes from the 1.8L 4-cylinder making 220-hp. That allows the Exige S Type 72 to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 145 mph.

Lotus will only make 20 units for the UK to commemorate the number of Grand Prix wins achieved by the Type 72. Other markets including Europe and Japan will get a limited run of the Exige S Type 72 (nothing announced for the U.S.).

Hit the jump for the press release.

2010 Lotus Exige S Type 72:

Press Release:

Lotus Exige S Type 72

The Lotus Exige S Type 72 celebrates the most successful F1 car of all time, the Lotus Type 72 Formula One car, which achieved 20 Grand Prix victories between 1970 and 1975.

The Lotus Type 72 was driven by such Lotus greats as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx and won three Formula One Constructors’ Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers’ World Championships (the first being won by Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972).

The colour scheme of the Exige S Type 72 commemorates the famous and easily recognisable black and gold Lotus Type 72 livery and is finished by the same sign writer who painted racing cars for Team Lotus.

Performance through light weight has long been a Lotus philosophy. The 935kg Exige S Type 72 sprints to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 145 mph, 233 km/h. The Exige S Type 72 also offers class leading fuel economy and emissions, with fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) on the Extra Urban Cycle and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km.

The Exige S Type 72 is a powerful supercharged mid-engined sportscar that is equally at home on the racetrack or open road. The intercooled engine has VVTL-i technology ensuring impressive performance all the way to the rev limiter at 8500 rpm.

The Sport Pack comes as standard on the Exige S Type 72 which has a bespoke high quality interior, including black micro fibre ProBax sports seats with gold stitching. Each car comes with a special build plate commemorating one of the F1 car’s 20 Grand Prix victories. The exterior of the Exige S Type 72 features unique black and gold light weight wheels and is finished with hand-painted gold Type 72 and Exige S logos, (the Sport Pack also includes a T45 steel main roll hoop, Lotus Traction Control, twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar).

All Lotus cars offer outstanding handling and performance, and the Exige is no exception offering excellent dynamics and great driver involvement. Lotus ride and handling gives an inspiring driving experience and the mid-engined layout of the Lotus Exige S Type 72 offers fantastic balance and agility.

Luke Bennett, Operations Director for Lotus Cars Limited stated, “The Lotus Exige S Type 72 is an evocative sportscar, combining cutting edge handling and performance with the iconic Type 72 colour scheme, one of the most famous racing liveries of all time. The Exige provides an intense driving experience either on road or track and this limited edition is a worthy car to celebrate such a legendary racing car.”

Clive Chapman, Director of Classic Team Lotus said, “The Type 72 was a very significant car for Team Lotus and indeed for the world of F1. It was a revolutionary design that pioneered the use of side mounted radiators to achieve its distinctive ’wedge’ profile, which delivered a significant aerodynamic advantage. Furthermore, by minimising unsprung weight and using a torsion bar, rising rate suspension, tyre performance was excellent. The Lotus Type 72 design was so advanced that it was competitive for an extraordinary six years.”

The Exige S Type 72 options include: Air Conditioning, Limited Slip Differential and the Performance Pack, which includes a power increase to 240 PS, larger AP Racing brakes, enlarged roof scoop (compared to the standard Exige S) and Lotus variable traction control and Lotus launch control.

To commemorate the impressive number of Grand Prix wins the Type 72 achieved, Lotus will be producing 20 of this special edition for the UK, a further 20 cars for mainland Europe and there will be a limited run of cars in Japan and selected markets around the world.

Lotus Exige S Type 72 prices:
UK Price: £35,995 MRSP, excluding on the road costs of £950
Euro zone price: €40,332, including delivery and other on the road costs, excluding local country tax.

Exige S: 199 g/km CO2
8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.9 l/100 km (23.7 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

– By: Kap Shah

 
lenka | lenka (2009)
what a lovely debut album from australian television actress / singer-songwriter. her most famous song would be “the show” which was served as her debut single, followed by her second single “trouble is a friend”. the original debut album contains 11 tracks, most of them are quite catchy and easy to listen to. the special edition comes with additional bonus dvd containing three tracks of audio; all my bells are ringing, trouble is a friend )rac maury remix), don’t let me fall (the grass rem remix) and five videos including the original and new version of of the show, trouble is a friend, don’t let me fall (woodstock video) and lenka in montreal working on the album documentary. it is a lovely album indeed.

Sweden, Europe | Rites and Rituals

The small Swedish town of Gavle harbors a history of repeated sustained vandalism, unexpected in the polite mild-mannered Nordic country.

Making of Yule Goats, straw goat figures are an ancient Christmas tradition in Nordic countries, dating back probably even to pre-Christian times and pagan celebrations of winter solstice. In 1966 an advertising consultant, Stig Gavlén, came up with the idea of making a giant version a Yule Goat and placing it in the town square. Ironically the “chief engineer” on this project was his brother Jesper Gavlén, also the towns fire department chief.

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, the goat went up in flames. Thus the tragic history of Gavel Goat began.

In following years the goat has been burned a total of 23 times, in a few instances in mere hours after being assembled, sometimes even before being actually being built. In addition to that, it has been smashed to pieces several times, and once even run over by a car.

Vandalizing of the Yule goat has become something of a dark tradition for the town. The organizers went through a long list of measures to try to protect the goat, or at least ensure its survival until Christmas. The list over the years includes protection by police, firemen, hired guards, bands of volunteers, webcams and fireproofing the material with chemicals. The price tag of goat construction went up ten fold in years between 1996 and 2005, reaching 100,000 Swedish kronor. The 2005 attack sparked the biggest wave of inanimate-goat violence in Sweden so far, with half a dozen copycat goat-burnings all over the Sweden.

Nowadays people can even place bets on goat’s survival with certain Swedish and British bookkeepers.

Since 1986, two goats are built, one by a society of Southern Merchants and the other one by Natural Science Club of Vasa School. This split is a result of goats complicated history, though both goats suffer the same inevitable fate.

In 2009, the Southern Merchants version survived an arson attempt on December 7. It was finally stolen on December 14. Someone tried to throw the Natural Science Club goat into the river on December 11. On December 23 this goat was torched after a coordinated DDoS attack on the two websites hosting live video webcam feeds.

Nothing, it seems, can save the Yule goat.

Tis that time of the season–gift buying and crappy bowl games. But we have had some good bowl games so far–if you’ve been watching them at all. The Utah-Cal game was pretty good last night, but upsets have abounded on the rest of them. Here’s to you and yours this holiday season!

© fanblogs.com

View the original post or comment on Fanblogs Christmas Open Thread…

Asia, Globe | Incredible Ruins

Both eerie and impressive to behold, this half-sunken sea-liner has been laying, tipped to one side, and half-submerged for over nine years. Once a globetrotting cruise ship, and the first ship to ever transit the Northwest Passage, a fateful date with an uncharted reef ended it’s seafaring career for good.

While everyone aboard was safely evacuated, the ship began to list as it was brought into Roderick Bay and the captain had no choice but to ground it, lest it sink entirely. The ship still rests there to this day and has become something of a tourist’s attraction.

Several salvage companies have made attempts to retrieve the ship, but found that it had already been ransacked by locals during the civil war the Solomon Islands endured. In addition, tidal activity has caused further damage to the structure and surface rusting. It is likely that this ship will remain in its place for a long time to come, until it slowly crumbles into the ocean.

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For the first time on US soil, American manufacturer Chrysler will present the entire Fiat 500 lineup at the 2010 North American Auto Show (NAIAS), including the 500C and the 500 Abarth. But the most exciting 500 appearance will be that of an electric version of the 500.

At least this is what some sources told Autoweek, adding that, despite the unveiling, Italian carmaker Fiat has no intention of selling it in the US in the near future. Chrysler officially declined to comment on… (read more)

Uncharted 2 is ringing in the holiday weekend with another Double Cash event, according to a post on the PlayStation.Blog. For the uninitiated, all of the multiplayer unlockable skills and loadouts in the game cost money, so a double cash weekend is like a double experience event in other games. It’s set to kick off today at 10 a.m. PST, and last until Sunday at 11 a.m. PST. So if Nathan Drake’s award-winning adventure is waiting under your tree, you’ll still have a little time to rack up the cash and catch up with other players.

The blog also revealed that for the weekend, characters will be sporting seasonal hats to show some Christmas spirit (above). If you’ve unlocked the Fat Drake character model, you can just imagine you’re playing as a young, smart-ass Santa Claus as voiced by Nolan North.

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Joe Weisenthal, Deputy Editor, The Business Insider

Your Questions (4 min)

• I just inherited 100K, I am 28, no debt, good job, etc. If you could make one big bet on the market with it, what would it be? – heavy hitter
• Joe, what are you buying right now? – CNBC
• As ADIA [Abu Dhabi Investment Authority] is trying to exit the Citi deal, do you expect any more sovereign funds to sell stakes in western corporations to have cash to buy distressed assets in the Middle East and Eastern Europe? – Sir Lorenz
• Do you think Paul Volcker would make a better Fed Chair than Bernanke? – dcortex
• Do you have any political philosophy or consistent understanding of the world on the basis of which you reason? Your analysis seems to favor the wealthy and I am wondering why. – SS
• Should Joe get with Jon Stewart and start a business editorial feature on the Daily Show? – Let’s Get Real

Produced By: Kamelia Angelova & William Wei

More Video: TBI Calendar Click HERE >

Join the conversation about this story »

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Toys/Games

We give thumbs up to Cruden‘s reason for building a $191,500 F1 simulator: “Snooker rooms, swimming pools, gyms and cinemas have been done.” So there. If you’re over waiting for Codemasters to release F1 2009 on a real platform, or waiting for GT5 to ever show up and you have enough money to buy an SLS AMG and several weeks of track time, the Hexatech is waiting for you.

The fully-suspended system can be tailored to provide feedback based on the chassis setup, wheelbase and track, tire and suspension settings, drive train (engine, gearbox, differentials), aero loading, aero draft (slip streaming), steering, brakes and driver aids such as traction control, ABS, and more. It even has seat belt tensioners. And it isn’t just for F1: the sim does NASCAR, WRC, and 24-Hour racing, too. Three 42-inch screens, or a projector and a room with at least a 10-foot ceiling will keep you in the action.

If you want one but you don’t have that kind of dosh, there’s still time to make a wish and be extra nice before Santa makes his final decision. Or you could ask Ferrari if you can borrow theirs…

[Source: F1 Fanatic]

When F1 2009 won’t do, try the $191K Cruden Hexatech simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix loves remakes. While the same doesn’t seem to hold true to that game where that psycho pretty boy skewered that flower girl, it does when it comes to Dragon Quest VI. A new trailer for