A famous research study was once done on a clique of young goldfish, who were raised in a luxuriously long aquarium with a pesky glass wall smack down its middle.
Every time these goldfish tried to swim to the far side of the aquarium – ouch — they’d hit their little fish noses on the glass wall’s hard surface. Eventually the goldfish became resigned to their limited swimming options, and stayed swooshing around in the mere half-sized portion of the aquarium they now recognized as home.
After a few months, the researchers removed the glass wall from the aquarium’s middle — allowing the goldfish full reign to swim wherever their little gills could gather speed to take them.
Guess what?
The goldfish never tried to swim to that other side of that long aquarium.
Although these goldfish were no longer stopped by that glass wall, they were stopped by their limiting beliefs. They became prisoners of their past life conditioning.
We humans are no better. Over time we amass limiting beliefs about how life supposedly is — beliefs which are not valid. We then allow these limiting beliefs to stop us from living our happiest life.
Indeed, if you want to experience maximum happiness, more important than whether you see that metaphorical glass as half full or half empty, is whether or not you see a metaphorical glass wall in your way.
After all, you could be the most optimistic person on this planet — consciously believing you deserve bundles of cash and heaps of lovin’ — yet you can still remain blocked from getting all you want.
How can that be?
Because although your conscious mind might be thinking many, many, many, fabulous thoughts about you — your subconscious mind can simultaneously remain very busy thinking its limiting glass wall beliefs.
How do you know you have glass walls beliefs? That’s easy. Your life is difficult. You keep finding yourself saying:
“I can never get a break.”
“The opposite sex sucks.”
“All people suck.”
“The world sucks. “
“Distant galaxies suck.”
Another way you can tell if you have glass walls — and where exactly you have them — is to look at The Top Life Categories (1. love, 2. sex, 3. career, 4. money, 5. family, 6. friendship, 7. appearance, 8. health) then rate yourself on a Happiness Score of 1 to 10 on where you are in each.
Whenever a Life Category garners a Happiness Score of six or under, your subconscious mind is blocking you with a glass wall belief — telling you, for example:
“Yo! Career Happiness stops here — go no further!”
Or…
“Yo! Money Happiness stops here — go no further!”
But yo! It ain’t so! You can go much further! You’re simply being blocked by a mirage of glass flashing in your subconscious’ face! Basically if you’re not fully leading your happiest career and financial life, it’s because your subconscious has created an incomplete, short-sighted map of the world!
Or if you’re a “foodie,” a good analogy to describe “glass wall limitations” is to say it’s as if your subconscious has given you a very limited menu of your life options — and in reality, you have many more yummy life-ordering selections available!
It’s funny how we humans love to blame other people for holding us back. I call these “(b)lame” excuses and “mythaken” thinking — for the obvious reasons. The truth is — more often than not — it’s our own selves and our imaginary glass walls hindering our success.
So what stops us from seeing that there’s no glass wall to be seen? What I call “The Three C’s”!
Oh – and if you enjoy by blog, I’d highly appreciate it if you helped to spread the viral word – by forwarding my url to friends/family/coworkers/crushes, linking to a post on Twitter ( follow me @notsalmon),and/or joining my FREE Be Happy Dammit newsletter by clicking RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW (you’ll be in a friendly crowd of 20,000 happy members!). Much-o appreciation-o!
SPRINGFIELD — Not even Honest Abe came out unscathed in a 34-page report on how to cut state spending.
The Illinois Policy Institute, a free-market think tank based in Lincoln’s hometown of Springfield, released a study Tuesday showing $350 million worth of what it considers wasteful state spending.
Among a lengthy list is about $140,000 the state has contributed to the national celebration of the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln at a time when there already are streets, towns and schools named in his honor.
“If those were the only ways that the nation’s 16th president was honored, they would be considered sufficient (after all, nobody gets the day off for President Taft’s or President McKinley’s birthdays,)” the report notes.
The study, compiled in conjunction with the Washington, D.C.-based Citizens Against Government Waste, comes as state officials grapple with a budget gap that could exceed $11 billion by June because of a drop in state revenues.
The authors of the “2010 Illinois Piglet Book” acknowledge that they won’t completely fix the state’s money woes by cutting some of the programs they found, but they said eliminating some of the expenses could avoid reductions to other state programs.
“Cutting nonessential spending is a good start,” said Nicole Kurokawa, who authored the report.
Among the targets of the group are many smaller programs that rely on state funds for just a portion of their financing.
For example, the group claims Illinois is “lavishing money” on outdoor programs and conservation initiatives, criticizing a $2,000 grant to the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur and $3,727 to the World Shooting Center in Sparta.
The group also takes a shot at Illinois’ winery business, which has grown at a feverish pace in the past decade.
“Illinois may have good growing conditions, but it is certainly not temperate enough for wine production,” the report notes in reference to the $72,000 received by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association.
The group said Illinois should curtail spending on state and county fairs, Amtrak subsidies, libraries and public broadcasting stations.
Most people aren’t ready to give up on Google Wave just yet, but the general consensus is that the service is not ready for mainstream use and could do with a bit more tightening up. Still, Google is confident Wave is launching for everyone this year, it’s currently in private beta, what’s more it’s also integrating it in its enterprise offering, Google Ap… (read more)
I once worked in an office where there was a sign that said, ”
AFTER COFFEE BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE COFFEE POT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE COUNTER.” Someone either couldn’t write or had a sense of humor.
Speaking of the workplace, next Monday is a holiday for most companies! Banks, post offices, and commentary writers are shut down…
Even though it is only the 10th, don’t forget that that the FHA’s new appraisal policy is effective with case numbers assigned on/after February 15: FHA-approved lenders are prohibited from accepting appraisals prepared by FHA Roster appraisers who are selected, retained or compensated in any manner by a mortgage broker or any member of a lender’s staff who is compensated on a commission basis. (Mortgagee Letter 09-028.)
Several astute folks pointed out that any statistics involving pools of jumbo loans are older production, often from 2005-2008, are not going to look good. The popular press often leaves information like that out of their reports: what the press portrays to the public is different. I agree, and savvy investors can reap some better-than-average returns. Many private money investors are reaping the benefits of higher returns making loans with no loss of sleep. There is a significant difference in the value of a mortgage which would pass FNMA’s guidelines as “approved/ineligible” and the jumbo stuff generated a few years ago as stated income or Option ARM. There should be a healthy market for approved/ineligible current production.
For those who don’t feel like taking notes, it is a study on the sweetheart deal they cut, complete with an example of a bad $478,000 loan with six months of missed payments purchased at 70% for $334,600. The borrower is forced into a short sale on property at $ 241,000, so the loss on the original loan is $244,200. The FDIC pays 80% of the loss calculated from the original price, not the reduced 70% reduced price, bringing the loss payment to the purchaser to it to $195,360. So the short sale proceeds plus the FDIC guarantee totals $436,360. Already the profit for the purchaser is $241,000+$195,360 – $334,600 = $101,760, and on top of this, the original borrower was forced to sign a promissory note for $75,000.
Remember when cash-out refinancing was the bulk of your business, and any investor who would tweak their price slightly on this product would either see all or none of the business? Four or five years ago, that category of loan hit 88%, which, according to Freddie Mac, put another way, means that 9 out of 10 refi borrowers were increasing their loan balance! Now, however, the trend has moved in the opposite direction: in Freddie’s latest quarterly survey of refinancings, 33% of homeowners put cash into the deal to lower their mortgage balances, which was the highest ever, and cash-out refi’s are down to 27%. And why not, IF you have the cash – you’re certainly not earning much on it in the bank – and if you’d like to qualify for a better rate by lowering your LTV. Columnist Ken Harney points out that it is one form of savings plan – just like it used to be!
Locks desks were steady last week, generally speaking, and the MBAA reported that their poll of applications fell a seasonally adjusted 1.2% compared with the week before. According to the survey, which is said to include about half of all US retail residential applications, purchases dropped 7%, but refi’s rose 1.4%. Over the last four weeks apps are up almost 4%. ARM loans still account for less than 5% of volume, and refi’s still account for around 70%.
Yesterday I shared the desire to “look good naked” among my reasons for living Primally. A few readers seconded the logic. Though the point was in good fun, it wasn’t in jest. At 56 and counting, I happily take pride in my appearance. Although there’s a lot more to my life and self-confidence than appearance, I enjoy looking as dynamic as I feel. Although some might see the sentiment as vain, I’ll wholeheartedly stand by it. Although some might cry vanity at any focus on appearance (like my top ten admission), the wordsmiths say it’s more accurately “excessive pride” in one’s looks. But then, is one person’s perception of “excessive” the same as another’s? Is it a matter of kind, degree, or aim? We might balk at someone’s attention to perfect clothes or hair, but what about the same dedication to a great body?
Here in our MDA corner, we tend to focus on the strength, vitality and health parts of the PB. The Primal Blueprint book is similarly directed. I’d venture to say, however, that in the midst of these higher aims, all of us still want to look good naked. Are we all vain? Are we, in fact, hiding behind the façade of health and wellness when all we really want is to admire our incredible reflections in the full-length mirror while we dance around in our skivvies?
I think many of us would simply put that pleasure in context: health first, appearance – well, a welcome but secondary motivation. But what about others in our community who would put looks squarely if not solely on top? They might be as committed, meticulous, and enthusiastic as a PBer working his/her way off insulin. Would any of us begrudge these folks their choice to view the PB chiefly as a means to an aesthetic end? And for our collective self-inquiry, are we entirely honest about our own regard for the aesthetic benefits?
The truth is, some of us might cringe at any “ripped” or “shredded” talk, putting it in the same jokey category as “buns of steel.” For some with a more traditional, modest style, the language can feel embarrassing or even unseemly. In fact, many people have felt at home with the PB because we talk about this aspect (and these images) relatively infrequently. But for many of us, particularly those who spent time in the bodybuilding or other hardcore fitness realm (and maybe still keep one foot in that arena), the language rings true and feels richly motivating. We might relish each subtle uptick in leg muscle tone. We might be gratified by the graceful lines of a lean, taut torso. We might take significant pride in the developing curves of our shoulders and arms. We love what the PB does for our body composition, allowing us to hone and maintain the attractive, “cut” physique we’ve always aimed for.
A great body reflects great health, you might say. The end result of the PB, of course, encompasses both benefits – whether we intend it/appreciate it or not. Six-pack abs can comfortably accompany a good glucose reading. A tight caboose can be the perfect complement to healthy blood pressure or resting heart rate. The fact that the PB offers serious aesthetic advantages doesn’t diminish its credibility as a health paradigm. Just as we all settle into our own Primal practice, maybe we all carve out our own vantage point in the Primal Blueprint rationale itself. There’s room in the tent for all of us – wherever we’ve chosen to place ourselves.
So, is looking good reason enough to do the PB? Absolutely, I’d say. More power to anyone so intentioned. Nonetheless, don’t expect to see the health news and commentary dry up here any time soon. The pursuit of wellness and vitality will always be the heart of the Blueprint and MDA, however it dovetails (or doesn’t) with more “outward” achievements. Funny thing, that old beer ad comes to mind now – the one with two sides shouting at each other in a competition between “tastes great” and “less filling.” A tongue-in-cheek but apt comparison, I think. In the Primal Blueprint realm, isn’t it great you don’t have to choose?
What’s your take on the aesthetic pursuit of the PB? Where would you say you are on the appearance-health spectrum in your Primal commitment?
In a more practical sales pitch, Sega is giving away DLC for Yakuza 3 upon pre-order of the game. No fancy boxes, artbooks, and soundtracks for this one a true gang lord does not need those
Here’s a chart that should be causing some consternation to Ben Bernanke. It’s the ISM’s Commodity Survey, via Bespoke, and it shows a surge in commodity prices the likes of which we haven’t seen since the middle of 2008.
DES PLAINES — A 60-year-old woman was killed and another woman injured in a crash involving a car and a Metra train in northwest suburban Des Plaines Tuesday night.
A northwest-bound Metra training heading to Crystal Lake collided with a car at about 8:05 p.m. when the train was pulling up to the Des Plaines station on River Road, Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said.
Two women in the car were taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge in an unidentified condition, Gillis said. It is unclear how the train and car made contact.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the death of a 60-year-old woman at the same location, but could not provide further details.
The other woman remained hospitalized as of 10 p.m., Gillis said.
Des Plaines police remained on the scene as of 9:30 p.m., and River Road is closed in both directions for the investigation, police said.
Train No. 657 was stopped at the tracks and trains No. 659 and 660 were also delayed. Service was resumed by 10 p.m., Gillis said.
The B-segment ‘ute that Nissan asserts is “part SUV, part sports car” is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month before going on sale in Europe and the U.S. later this year.
Taking cues from the Qazana concept, the Juke was created by Nissan’s European design arm and refined in Japan, with an odd amalgamation of organic creases, a sloping roofline, flared fenders and prominent greenhouse. It’s considerably wider and taller than its most obvious road-going inspiration – the Nissan Micra – coming in at 61 inches tall with a wheelbase of 92.5 inches and based of the Renault/Nissan Alliance’s B platform. Seventeen-inch wheels with 215-series tires will be available, along with either front- or all-wheel drive. Interestingly, the FWD versions come with a MacPherson front strut arrangement and a torsion beam in the rear, while the AWD variant gets an new multi-link suspension in the rear and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.
Three engines will be available in Europe, with AWD models coming equipped with a 187 horsepower 1.6-liter direct injected turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 177 pound-feet of torque. A 113-hp HR16DE 1.6-liter will also be available, along with a 110-hp 1.5-liter dCi commonrail diesel. The turbo’d petrol engine has to make due with a continuously variable transmission, while the the other engines can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Inside, Nissan is offering a host of high-tech features, including keyless entry and start, a rearview camera and automatic headlamps, along with the fabled “motorcycle tank” center console. Make the jump for all the details and a video of the Juke in action.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s simply inevitable for industries facing disruptive change to react badly to it. We spend a lot of time here trying to discuss ways that various industries can avoid doing stupid, self-defeating things, and yet, inevitably, they do them anyway. Copycense points us to an article by Susan Piver, an author, who was formerly a recording industry exec, complaining that publishers are acting just like the record labels did ten years ago. However, it might not be in the way you’d expect. She’s not talking about them just responding in anti-consumer ways, but in sitting back and hoping that someone else will find a magic bullet that “saves the industry” and that they can just copy:
The “somebody do something that works so we can copy it” mentality duplicates the kind of hoping-for-the-best attitude espoused by long-time executives in music who simply could not or would not question the viability of the professional cocoons they’d built for themselves. And who can blame them — corporate mega structures are schooled in consolidation as the primary means of growth, not fleet-footed, shape-shifting responsiveness to change. But now we’re in a world where getting bigger is not the answer, getting smaller is.
Piver makes a really good point, as well, that people are still looking at the music industry as if it was “killed” by unauthorized downloads — but nothing is further from the truth:
Downloads did not kill the music business. Shortsightedness and turf-protection on the part of music business executives did. Piracy and changing distribution schema will not kill the publishing industry. Shortsighted infrastructure-protection on the part of publishing houses will.
Instead, Piver points out that, just as in the music industry, there’s a ton of opportunity for those who embrace it, even as those who don’t incorrectly will claim the industry is dying:
Without making friends with this beast, my guess is that in 2-5 years we’ll see a publishing industry that looks like the music business does today: Super-downsized major companies selling a product line aimed at an older demographic or chopped into whatever the ring-tone equivalent will be in publishing, and a jillion new companies creating the next generation of publishers, retailers, and readers. Just like in the music business, some in publishing will be mourning the death of the business while others will be wildly excited because all they see is opportunity.
There’s more good stuff in there as well, but it brings up some really good points. But, part of the problem is that the traditional (false) music industry narrative is still the predominant one. People still think that music industry is dying, even as it’s thriving (it’s just the recording industry segment that’s struggled). And so as everyone tries to “avoid what happened to the music business” they’re going to make huge mistakes if they focus on the false narratives.
Already, today, we’re seeing that the publishing industry is just focusing on making ebooks available, but doing little to recognize how consumer behavior is changing in how they interact with media (which is as big a part of this market change as any new method of distribution). If the publishing industry is going to figure this out, it needs to not look for some silver bullet that brings things back to “the way it used to be,” but to really spend time trying to understand what people are doing today with media — and, actually, the music world is a good place to start, if they focus on the success stories of what’s working, not the complaints from the parts of the industry that have held back.
Five people were injured — four seriously — in a head-on traffic crash on the Southwest Side on Wednesday morning.
An EMS Plan I — which sends five ambulances — was called for the crash at 35th Street and Kedzie Avenue at 9:24 a.m., according to Fire Media Affairs spokesman Quention Curtis.
The two-vehicle, head-on crash resulted in five injuries, Curtis said.
Two people, in serious to critical condition, were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital; two others in serious to critical condition were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County; and one was taken in fair to serious condition to Mount Sinai, Curtis said.
The ages of the injured were not immediately known.
The $15 billion O’Hare expansion deal appeared to be in trouble Wednesday.
According to the Chicago Tribune, executives with United and American Airlines are upset with fees the City of Chicago wants to impose to fund the final new runways.
The city wants to hike O’Hare rents about 15 percent and landing fees by 38 percent, costing the airlines millions of dollars.
United and American say they cannot afford any new costs as they struggle to make a profit in the midst of a recession.
We were really stoked when we received the e-mail from Greg asking if we’d be interested in playing at the Boston Xconomy Battle of the Tech Bands. We had a great time at the Seattle battle, but we really thought that was the end of a fun gig… Traveling out to Boston to play a gig sounded awesome! [Juda’s Wake is (left to right): Peter Dixon, James Dixon, and Will Dixon—Eds.]
Booking travel accommodations fell nicely into place, lining up vacation time came through, confirmed with Delta that our guitars/cymbals could be carry-ons, doubled our practice schedule to prepare for the “big gig in Boston,” and we were feeling good about pulling off a respectable set.
I had traveled to Boston a bit for work and actually played some gigs in Boston about 10 years ago with another band (long story), and whenever I brought up Boston, my brothers/bandmates responded with, “Meh… Boston. What’s so cool about Boston?” Sure we enjoyed Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, and Fever Pitch, but…?
OK, so we had an early flight on Wednesday morning. We get to the gate at SeaTac with 3 minutes to spare, and the clearly metal-fearing gate check attendant exclaimed that bringing our guitars on board was against FAA regulation and they would have to be checked. So we confirm that they would be handled like a stroller and would be handed to us after we arrived in Boston. As we see our guitars dramatically toppling out onto the luggage conveyor at Logan Airport, we cringe at the thought of the damage to our babies that just spent hours freezing in the belly of the plane! Thanks Seattle!
Thankfully they only received some cosmetic scratches to the cases (that’s what they’re for right?), but here’s where the remarkable Boston hospitality starts (not kidding). We go to the luggage desk at Logan to see how we could avoid this on our return… The luggage manager apologizes profusely, files a complaint on our behalf, assures us that there is no FAA regulation against the guitars as carry-ons, gives us all Delta $$ vouchers and stresses that if this were to happen again, make sure to get the PINK check tag, and not the yellow. Luggage with pink tags are handed to you at the door of the plane. Luggage with yellow tags are handed to oversized playful gorillas.
The luggage manager, cabbies, hotel staff, waiters and bartenders—all inquire if we’re in a band, related, where from, etc., and all affirm that the Middle East is THE place to play, especially the lower level. Cool!
Three of the four spots we hit on Wednesday night bought us rounds, did shots with us, shared Boston music and architecture history, tips, and advice. The three of us are out in Seattle all the time, and the whole “Nah, that round is on us—how ’bout doin’ a shot?” just doesn’t happen. Let alone three times in a single night.
There was not a setting during this trip where we spent more than 30 minutes at that a Bostonian didn’t stop to chat with us, take a picture with us, share a story, etc. etc.
Add a really fun gig, big crowd, smooth running operations, at a top notch venue with other great bands… we love Boston—and Xconomy! Thanks guys!
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Like the 2011 Mustang GT at last month’s Detroit Auto Show, the 2011 Shelby was unveiled here at the Chicago Auto Show with little fanfare. In fact, there wasn’t an unveiling at all, as the new Shelby was sitting uncovered on the show floor as soon as we arrived. The car looks fantastic in person, especially with the optional Performance Package and its 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, and the thinner stripes look better than we expected.
The best part about the 2011 GT500, however, is underneath the hood. Ford has finally thrown out the heavy iron block in favor of an aluminum unit that contributed to a significant weight savings of 120 pounds. The GT500 still isn’t a lightweight at 3,820 pounds, but we fully expect the handling to be improved over the 2010 model with all that weight removed from the nose. You can read even more details about the 2011 Shelby GT500 here, or you can view the new live photos from the show floor in the gallery below.
Several lawmakers are introducing bills to tighten controls over use of red light cameras in Illinois.
State Sen. John Millner says he is convinced red light cameras have safety value in certain locations.
He says their presence eliminated car-pedestrian accidents on Biesterfield road in Elk Grove Village.
But he also says they’re being used unfairly in some cases. His bill calls for a police officer to review every ticket before it’s issued.
He wants the head on every single red light camera be painted yellow so it can be seen, and also wants a warning sign on every single red light camera in the state.
State Rep. Jack Franks wants to make the maximum red light camera fine lowered to $50 and wants to eliminate any fines for rolling right turns on red.
State Sen. Dan Duffy calls the entire system: “the red light racket” and has introduced legislation that would eliminate all red light cameras except at Construction sites and railroad crossings.
An organizer of the “No Games Chicago” movement says he was barred from entering Canada at the Vancouver airport – just days before the Winter Olympic Games.
Nothing against the Canadian people, says 20-year-old Martin Macias of Chicago. But he says he wants to know why Canada denied him entry this past weekend.
“It really is strange. And the only thing I can come up with is that they really thought I was a threat and that I was there with the intention of disrupting the games.”
Macias says he wanted to go to Vancouver to attend a conference of like-minded people who, among other things, were not keen on the Olympic Games.
But he says he planned to leave before the opening ceremonies.
Macias says Canadian customs searched his bags and talked to him for at least three hours before putting him on a plane to Seattle.
Macias says he thinks his rejection at the Canadian border has something to do with a phone number Canadian customs found in his address book – during that three-hour interview.
Macias says it was the number supplied by organizers of a conference in Vancouver of people who weren’t necessarily pleased to see the Olympic Games there.
“The customs agent decided that this number in my phone book showed that I was there in Vancouver with the intention of getting arrested or being involved in some kind of protest that would cause destruction of property in Vancouver… By just this little number in my phone book, which I think is ridiculous.”
Macias says he was planning to leave Vancouver before the games started.
A spokeswoman for the Canadian consulate in Chicago could not be immediately reached for comment.
At the 2010 Chicago Auto Show today, Toyota unveiled its refreshed 2011 Avalon, which seems to stay true to its “Traveling Avalon Class” motto.
“The Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment. The competition does not stand still, and neither do we.”
For 2011, The Toyota Avalon gets some minor touches to exterior styling and an upgraded interior with comfort and technology advancements. Upgraded equipment and technology features include a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, Bluetooth phone connectivity with music streaming audio system and more.
Power still comes from the same 3.5L V6 making 268-hp; however, fuel-economy is improved by 1 mpg to an EPA estimated 20/29 mpg (city/highway) or 23 mpg combined.
Sales of the 2011 Toyota Avalon will start in spring 2010.
Follow the jump for the press release and high-res gallery.
2011 Toyota Avalon:
Press Release:
Toyota Reveals Redesigned 2011 Avalon at Chicago Auto Show
• Distinctive New Styling Offers a Modern, Upscale Appearance
• “Travel Avalon Class” with Segment’s Only Reclining Rear Seat and Overall Comfort
• Modern Technologies Provide Comprehensible Convenience
CHICAGO (February, 10, 2010) – Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Avalon today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies.
Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and “Traveling Avalon Class” is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.
The new Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon’s excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.
Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero landfill” facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Dynamic New Exterior For 2011, Calty restyled Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence. A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Avalon’s wide stance.
The new headlamps, which combine multi-reflector halogen high beams with halogen or HID low beams, utilize light pipes to create a signature, night-time appearance. The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination.
Viewed from the side, the 2011 Avalon is enhanced by additional use of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels, and glare-resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade feature a 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.
At the rear of the car, identification is cleanly defined by a single Avalon logo located above the license plate. Dual-exhaust pipes are integrated into the cutaway trapezoid shape of the lower bumper for a modern image. Taillights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a lower coefficient of drag. The new lights integrate stop, turn and side marker lighting functions in one combined lamp. Unique LED light pipes with dark aluminized sides and both clear and red lenses project a modern appearance.
Spacious Interior Built For Comfort For 2011, a new interior has been designed with a contemporary style. The new interior remains generously spacious and elegant, fitted with comfortable seating and thoughtfully integrated amenities. Coordinated colors and rich wood-grain materials were carefully chosen to convey an optimistic attitude and modern essence.
Standard leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area to help keep them cool. Interior seats feature thicker stitching, which provides an elegant accent to the interior design. Active front headrests are also standard.
The rear seating area is configured to seat three passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats, unique in the segment. The rear headrests have also been reshaped and enlarged for better support, and a convenient flip-down center armrest provides storage when the middle seat is not in use.
A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window. The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear.
A new instrument panel incorporates visually attractive and highly readable Optitron gauges that use graduated white illumination with white pointers. They are set inside smoked lenses and deep chrome rings that add depth and a sense of luxury.
The steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center.
Technology-Enriched Environment A comprehensive infusion of technology was designed into the new interior to ensure an enriched environment, with enhanced function and connectivity.
New standard equipment includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and music streaming to the audio system from a compatible device, XM® satellite radio (subscription required), and both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod® and other audio devices. Each of the three available audio systems can control iPods seamlessly using switches located on the steering wheel and display track information stored in the device.
Toyota’s latest DVD Navigation system has a newly adopted database and now has easier search and address input functionality. The Navigation system also offers new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.
The Avalon grade’s standard nine-speaker system offers exceptional sound quality, while the Limited grade features a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer. The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.
A rear-view monitor function is standard in the rear-view mirror or with the navigation system. The rear-view-mirror image includes on-screen back-up guides that help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.
Performance and Efficiency Combined Avalon’s exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.
The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2011 Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.
A roadworthy mix of fine ride quality and accurate driving control is delivered by the Avalon’s MacPherson strut suspension, which uses coil springs at all four corners. Rack-and-pinion steering combines with front-wheel-drive and optimized steering gear for a natural handling feel.
Simple Comforts Throughout A dual-zone climate control system has nine air-flow modes for more precise control of interior climate, and a clean-air filter removes dust and pollen. Doors use three stop positions instead of two for easier entrance and exit. A lockable glove box has a pneumatic-door damper and inner box illumination. The front-console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches front to rear, able to accommodate a wide range of driver positions. The elegantly stitched top is padded with a double density cushion material for softness. Inside, there is a 12-volt outlet in addition to the USB and auxiliary audio terminals.
Safety is Standard The new Avalon’s occupant-safety strategy includes use of extensively tested energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as standard equipment. Avalon will also have a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system.
Seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows, are also standard. Toyota’s standard Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system. TRAC and VSC functions can be disengaged if the driver needs to free the vehicle if stuck in mud or snow.
A full-size spare and alloy wheel is standard. Each wheel has its own pressure sensor to warn if tire pressure drops, providing the driver with an early warning to find a safe place to change a tire.
Simplified Packaging The 2011 Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited. Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver’s seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have additional standard equipment, such as an eight-way passenger’s seat with lumbar support, driver’s seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Avalon grade can be upgraded with features like a JBL Synthesis sound system and heated front seats, while Navigation is optional for both grades.
Color and Trim Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica. Additional colors include Cocoa Bean Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic. Avalon grade will be mated to three leather-trimmed interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Limited grade receives Ivory, Light Gray, and Black Bordeaux trims with accent-color trim on the vertical surfaces.
Limited Warranty Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.
The redesigned 2011 Avalon will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships nationally in spring 2010.
Since launching in 2000, Bejeweled has been hooking casual and core gamers alike with its simple, yet addictive gameplay. It went on to sell more than 50 million copies worldwide, spanning across multiple platforms and spawning shameless
Melbourne-based Rio Tinto recently reported record Q4 output thanks to robust Chinese demand. But doing business with China has its dangers too.
The very long arm of the Chinese law swept up four Rio Tinto employees last summer on suspicion of espionage. One of the employees, Stern Hu, was the director of Rio’s iron ore business in China and was in the middle of price negotiations.
His arrest may have to do with export prices that were rising and continue to rise, according to speculation by the New York Times and China Daily.
The four miners received charges today of accepting bribes and infringing trade secrets, according to Xinhua. They will face trial in front of a court in Shanghai, where as white collar criminals their penalty could be death.
However, don’t expect Rio to cut off it’s China action. Last week, the mining company named a new China operations chief who is fluent in Mandarin and known to be friendly to China, according to Xinhua.
A famous research study was once done on a clique of young goldfish, who were raised in a luxuriously long aquarium with a pesky glass wall smack down its middle.
SPRINGFIELD — Not even Honest Abe came out unscathed in a 34-page report on how to cut state spending.
Most people aren’t ready to give up on Google Wave just yet, but the general consensus is that the service is not ready for mainstream use and could do with a bit more tightening up. Still, Google is confident Wave is launching for everyone this year, it’s currently in private beta, what’s more it’s also integrating it in its enterprise offering, Google Ap… (
Yesterday 
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The $15 billion O’Hare expansion deal appeared to be in trouble Wednesday.
Several lawmakers are introducing bills to tighten controls over use of red light cameras in Illinois.
An organizer of the “No Games Chicago” movement says he was barred from entering Canada at the Vancouver airport – just days before the Winter Olympic Games.
