Andy Xie issues a stark warning for China in a latest Caing opinion piece.
Essentially, America's major hope for recovery and job growth right now lies in growing its exports since the Fed can't slash rates much lower, and American government is completely grid-locked by politics (thus can't do much for the domestic economy).
Thus he expects an increasingly aggressive stance from the Obama administration on U.S. - China trade.
While China has gotten away with pretty favorable trade terms for years, via a relatively more closed domestic market plus an under-valued yaun, this time the U.S. won't simply roll over, according to Mr. Xie.
This time the U.S. will be very aggressive, and if China doesn't start opening up in order to help balance U.S. - China trade, then a nasty trade war will erupt, which will be economically disastrous for both sides.
However, it would be unwise not to respond to U.S. pressure constructively. Without benefiting from China's growth, the United States lacks incentive to be China's biggest export market. So to pressure China, I expect many more U.S. protectionist measures this year. Before the November mid-term election, Congress could pass a bill that calls for a 30 percent tariff on all Chinese products unless China appreciates its currency by the same amount.
China's best reaction would be a proactive policy that benefits the United States and China's economy at the same time. First and foremost, as China's competitive advantage has shifted from cheap labor to cheap capital, it could open its capital markets to U.S. companies, thus decreasing bubble pressure at home and giving the U.S. economy a lift during a troubled time for its financial system. This would give Chinese investors more choices and a chance to benefit from the success of multinationals in China.
...
Second, China should lower tariffs on some imports that benefit the U.S. economy. For example, China has the largest and fastest growing auto market, and the government has been using the market's attraction to lure international companies to produce in China. But the tariff and tax structure prevents foreign production from benefiting. If China opens its auto market, U.S. labor unions might shift their position and support trade with China, giving Obama an incentive not to push for a doubling of China's currency value.
Third, the U.S. agriculture sector has a disproportionate influence over its political system, so it would be wise for China to open its agricultural market. This may exert more pressure on China's rural sector, but any negative effect could be offset by more fiscal support. China's rural problem is tied to a low labor-to-land ratio and the way out is urbanization, which could be accelerated by reforming the household registration system and letting farmers own their land.
MSMobiles say they have the low down on Microsoft’s Mobile World Congress announcements, and what they leaked makes quite a bit of sense.
First the bits we think we know already:
Windows Mobile 7 will be introduced with Zune, Xbox, Bing integration. It will feature a new kernel,Games and Music improvements and a new user interface, based on Windows Presentation Foundation. Development will take place in the latest version of Visual Studio.
Now the new bits:
Clearly in a direct response to Nokia and Android, Windows Mobile (not sure which version) will come with free navigation (presumably turn by turn). Also clearly in a response to all the open source mobile OS’s, Windows Mobile 6.X will be free to developing markets.
As mentioned above, these changes make perfect sense, and shows a Microsoft prepared to respond much more rapidly than before to changes in the mobile market.
What do our readers think? Is this a sufficient response to the competitive pressure Microsoft faces? Let us know below.
It’s time to play the numbers game again. Fresh out of the oven, the ComScore search market stats for January are here, more or less officially. The gist of it is, Bing sees another modest boost, everyone else loses. It’s not much of a surprise anymore, but it’s not much of a rise either, Bing got 11.3 percent of the US core search market share (which co… (read more)
Just wanted to share you all my Dzire story. I wanted to buy car (small car) for some time now. Searched various cars over net as well as in real. I go through various sites like TBHP (offcourse), Mouthshut, Carwale, Zigwheels, etc. Initially i was looking at Indica xeta first as it is very good car as compared to its price. It is just 3 Lacs on road for such a big comfy car. Initially i didnt believe what salesman is telling me. Such a big car at so less price on road is really unbelievable … Even little Alto is more costly. { I must tell you here that i am a "CHINGU" guy & dont like to spend my hard earned money so easily. } But Xeta has disadvantages as its a Tata car (Olde generation). Finishing is not good & its not that powerfull car. Also main thing about that car is it has typical CAB look. People dont give any respect if you have Indica. My wife & friends warned me that if i buy a Indica they will not come with me in it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also call me as a CAB- WALA :Frustrati
So with this in mind I started looking for other cars.
I didn’t wanted to go beyond 5 lacs budget. I have certain criteria for my own for buying a car:
1 It should accommodate 5 persons easily. Its a MUST as i have big family. Whenever we go out for any trip its rule that it should go fully occupied so that we will get full return on what we spend in petrol
2 It should be fuel efficient & easy on repairs. Spares should be reasonable. Heard that Ford, GM, Skoda loots people in this area.
3 Of course looks !!! It should look good & feel good.
4 Driving should be a pleasure, comfortable to ride.
5 Should have good amount boot space as i like to go on trips with car too often.
6 Should have good resale value.
So my search started ….Started looking for various cars. Wagon R is good but small for 5 people & i personally don’t like its shape much. Santro is also another good car but quite outdated & also they have stopped manufacturing top end model. GM cars where out of scope as i heard it has lots of service problems. I personally like Getz too. Its a very nice car. with its new price tag its a good bargain. Hyundai people told me that its production is going to be stopped. I was surprised to hear that as i can see lots of its advertsement on TV those days. Anyways my wife doesn’t liked it either so no point in going for that. Had a look at Swift also. Its a very nice sporty looking car. Plus its a Maruti, But i guess space is little less on rear & boot is also small.
Meanwhile sedan car was always on my mind but was not thinking of it as it was out of my budget. Its nice feeling that you have 3 box car. In India people still respect more to 3 box car than any hatchback. (3 box means not Fiat & Ambassador) Still i started looking for sedans also. One thing to mention, all these time swift was always in my mind as its a very popular car on road. It is not one of the best looking car but still has good appeal in it. Its elder sister Dzire is also very popular on road in no time. Had a look at Ascent, but Hyundai dealers were not very keen to show the car. Suggested me the i10. Its good but somehow i didnt like it. Rear is not good looking. Ascent, they said its not popular anymore. I was surprised !!! I saw the car its good but not very impressive as its old model & seating position is on lower side. Also it has very low resale value. Looked at new Ford Ikon too. Very old model & same problems as Ascent.
Then one fine day went to Tata’s. Impressed with Indica Vista very much. But still it has few problems like name same as old one, Indica. It creates taxi image. Finishing is improved but not top notch. Still areas of improvements are there. Saw Fiat linea there. Very good looks & sturdy body. Very good package but its out of my budget 🙁 Fiat Palio is also very good but again its not very popular car in market & has resale problems. Very low resale value.
Then we (me and my dad) thought of Swift Dzire. My dad always wanted it. I went through various sites. Everyone is claiming that its a Hyped car. Basically a average car but due to hype sales a lot. I was not sure though.
So we finally called a sales executive for a test drive. He came with diesel version of Dzire 🙁 We told him that we want to buy petrol but he said they dont have petrol model for test drive 🙁 Not expected this from Maruti. I guess they should look into this. I told him how i can try this & buy Petrol version? He said try petrol swift. Engine is same !!!! I was speechless.
Anyways i took trial on Disel Dzire, it was cool car. Doesn’t feel like its a disel car. Good pickup & power with little noise. Sales man gave us the leaflet of the car will all details. It was all nicely given in details. Then we checked with main thing, price !!! Petrol Vxi was 5.72 on road. I checked the features & got surprised as it has loads of features in it for that price. I reconfirmed from him twice as i was not sure. It comes with HVAC, Power steering & windows, central locking with remote key, fog lamps front & rear, tape with CD, MP3, radio & iPod compatibility, Icats (imobiliser, good for safety), tubeless tires, electronic watch in dash + temp meter, few warning alarms & lights, & more. I was really impressed. Also one more small feature, rear armrest !! It gives rich feeling for car & rear passengers if there are only one or two. Nice feature, Also inside is rear cabin light which is useful. Front has two separate for 2 passengers.
We immediately booked the car & been told that have to wait for a month at least. I was very eager to get the car at the earliest. At last we got the car after 5 weeks as promised by the sales guy. Its really a pleasure to drive the car. Till date i was driving old M800. So i was feeling like i am driving the Merc re
Dzire is very smooth & engine noise is almost nil. Sound system is not very great but very good. Seats are very comfortable. Boot space is very good. Now i can go for trips with lots of luggage. Pickup of the car is also good. AC is nice & chilling. Went for ride immediately on second day & ran the car for almost 300 Kms. Its very nice to drive & feels very safe.
Now it has been almost 6 months now for my car. I am really happy with my car. I get average of 17-18 on highway with AC. & 13-14 in City. Dont have any other problem except little hard reverse gear. I must appreciate that Dzire has one of the best power steering in the market. Its really effortless & feels nice to drive in city. I can surely say that its not just a hype but in fact its really a very very nice car to own.
All i can say is all my Dzire about car fulfilled !!!!!!!!!!
And 47 Years later, this will now be the Lincoln Double-Palm Face
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King delivered what is arguably the greatest address in American History, the “I have a Dream Speech”. Forty-Seven years later, Will Bunch notes, Glenn Beck aspires to deliver his Nightmare:
He’s working on something called “The Plan” (which seems to involve a book, although I’m sure he’s donating the profits back to “the cause) that will be unveiled at what he hopes will be a massive rally on Aug. 28 at the Lincoln Memorial, on the 47th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech at or about the same sport. But to work up to what he says will be a 100-year plan, Beck is starting out with a series of what he initially called “educational seminars” and he’s now calling “American Revival.”
It’s as offensive as it is stupid — so it will undoubtedly be given as much coverage as possible.
Google is not the only one touting social web integration in one of its products, in fact, most of its competitors, Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL, raised their hands saying “we had it first.” AOL even went one step further and announced a couple of new features in partnership with Facebook, notably missing from Google Buzz. First up, AOL is integr… (read more)
I am pleased to see this particular item. It has been long known that in primitive conditions, the extended human village calves at around 200. Obviously people sort themselves out with a smaller group of say fifty or so heading out to establish a new village.
This certainly suggested an upper limit to a person’s ability to relate properly to people. The hard news from this piece is that it is properly 150 without much variation implied here.
Read through this. I think it will become very useful. I had already been thinking along these lines and had begun developing a prospective symbolic language to work with it properly.
It should be immediately useful to sales training in particular. We now have a realistic framework to plan with.
British researcher asks: How many friends can you have?
The magic number is 150
Published On Fri Feb 05 2010
Debra BlackStaff Reporter
British anthropologist Robin Dunbar says human beings can have no more than 150 friends – that’s the upper limit the brain can absorb.
His conclusion comes from studying the social group size of monkeys and apes and how that size might relate to the brain.
Initially Dunbar was examining why primates groom each other. If the reason involved sexual bonding, it should correspond to “the social brain hypothesis” that the reason primates have a large brain is because of their social complexity.
In other words, you need a large brain to keep track of your relationships. Humans, he says, are no different.
Known as “Dunbar’s number,” the idea of an upper limit to friends is bound to cause some people – especially teens and young adults — to raise their eyebrows, particularly in this era of social network sites where some people boast of having thousands of friends.
Since first coming up with the number 150, Dunbar, who heads the Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at OxfordUniversity, has also looked at what the nature of the friendship is within that circle. And he found that the people within that circle were those that had a personal relationship based on history and a shared experience – be it family or friends.
Dunbar, whose book How Many Friends Does One Person Need? has just been published by Faber & Faber in England, describes a person’s friends akin to ripples in a pond – each ripple representing an ever increasing number of friends from 5 up to 150. Those closest to you are usually family, then close friends and eventually acquaintances.
“The other key thing is the 150 friends aren’t a homogeneous group of people, but rather they are rings of people or circles of friendship that expand outwards.”
The first five friends and or family you might be prepared to go to prison for, Dunbar said. The next layer of 10? You wouldn’t go to prison for all of them. “You’re less emotionally engaged with them,” Dunbar says. “You might lend them $100. The next layer out, which takes you to 50, your emotional engagement is less but still there. You might lend them $20. The next layer of 100, you might do them a favour.”
Everyone outside those 150 are people you may not even have a reciprocal friendship with, he added.
Dunbar said that once he had determined the upper range of friends, he examined a wide range of historical and contemporary settings to see if the number still applied. And it did – in everything from villages 100 years ago in which the population hovered around 150 to individuals’ social networking sites. Even the Gore-Tex fabrics factory keeps its employees at 150 at each of its sites, he said.
Some of Dunbar’s work on the magic number 150 is being used in other areas of research, including the development of mobile phones and how much storage is actually needed for people’s address books, as well as building the optimum organizational structure.
Even last year’s international banking crisis might have been averted if the number 150 had been applied, Dunbar said. If the banks units had been smaller, everyone might have known what was going on and felt more responsibility towards each other.
The potentialities of feed grain for fish feed has been known to myself for two decades. The question was if someone would do something about it. The answer of course is in this item. Wild supply has been flat and now needs to be augmented by grain.
The obvious approach is to blend the feedstock with as much barley product as suitable to maintain a healthy stock. This would allow the use of barley fairly early.
As I have posted earlier, the advent of fresh water Coho husbandry in particular opens the door to exploitation of lakes in the boreal forests. There the feeding needs will be concentrated over the winter months, while during the summer it will be augmented by insect larvae. Trout should also prosper as well as less commercially attractive species.
This appears to be a fairly serious effort and it is hopefully implemented in the feed cycle somewhere to have it proven out.
Implementing a successful fish husbandry program in the boreal lakes opens up seventy percent of the world’s fresh water for commercial aquaculture in an environment that is presently overwhelmed with insect hordes. I would not want to put a production potential calculation out, because we simply do not have good working numbers, not least since no one has actually tried to do it the way I think it has to be done to optimize production.
What is however obvious is that the fresh water resource is so huge as to dwarf anything we can imagine. I suspect that without ever going to the ocean, that we can supply sufficient fish protein to satisfy the global population if we want to, or at least a serious fraction of it.
Fish physiologists Rick Barrows (left) and Gibson Gaylord (right) inspect pellets made of barley protein as technician Jason Frost (background) loads an extruder with raw materials. (D1425-9)
————–
Millions of tons of menhaden and other small fish are removed from the oceans each year to feed fish, poultry, and swine. The total amount of fish harvested for fishmeal has not changed in the last 20 years, but the demand has increased sharply. This pressure is thought by some to presage ecological problems and higher feed costs. So the search is on for alternative feed ingredients.
ARS scientists, led by fish physiologist Rick Barrows, are attacking the problem from many angles, one of which is to use barley protein as a main ingredient in feeds. Researchers at the Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, Idaho, are examining barley’s genes to improve the grain’s protein yield and nutritional composition and developing ways to concentrate the protein. At the research unit, which is co-located at the University of Idaho’s Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, geneticist Ken Overturf is identifying genes in trout that may allow the fish to better utilize fishmeal-free diets.
The research team is pursuing several approaches to enhance the use of barley protein in aquafeeds. One is to produce a highly valuable co-product, beta-glucan, for the human nutraceutical industry while also producing barley protein for fish. Geneticist Gongshe Hu has selected varieties that will yield high levels of beta-glucan as well as protein.
Another approach is to concentrate the protein in standard field barley into a form usable in aquaculture feeds. Keshun Liu, a chemist at Aberdeen, is evaluating both wet and dry fractionation methods of concentrating the protein. Barrows and researchers with cooperative research and development agreement partner Montana Microbial Products (MMP) of Butte, Montana, applied for a patent on a new enzymatic method that concentrates barley protein and produces raw material for another valuable commodity—ethanol.
“This process has provided a high-protein ingredient that may replace other, more expensive protein sources,” says Barrows.
“We conducted feeding trials to determine the digestibility of macronutrients and amino acids in the barley protein concentrate. The data from these trials allowed us to formulate trout feeds with varying levels of barley protein concentrate, and we successfully replaced both fishmeal and soy protein concentrate.
“There is no current commercialization of barley protein concentrate in place, but MMP is producing pilot quantities for feeding studies in trout, salmon, and other species. MMP projects that the concentrate will sell for $700 to $1,200 per ton,” says Barrows. Since fishmeal costs about $1,200 per ton, and fish oil costs about $2,200 per ton, the projected costs of barley protein concentrate compare favorably.
“Feed is part of a complex interplay of genetics, nutrition, and economics,” says Barrows. “We believe barley protein concentrate can completely replace fishmeal if other essential nutrients are supplemented. We will also examine oats as another fish-feed alternative.”—By Sharon Durham,Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.
This research is part ofAquaculture,an ARS national program (#106) described atwww.nps.ars.usda.gov.
This thread was unavoidable but I couldnt help it.. After much dilly-dallying and test driving, am still not able to come at a conclusion which one to go for. Here are my thoughts, doubts and requirements and want your opinions on the same..
I own a ’06 Hyundai Getz GLX ABS, running on the Turanzas and doing pretty good with 30,000 kms on board so far. Now, we all want to buy a new car, we are a family of 4. The Getz was good enough for 4 but when with 5 it got a tad uncomfortable with real lack of space. Plus, what I never liked was Hyundai’s after sales and service and the quality of parts. The interior plastics were cheap, the ac not strong enough to cool the entire cabin( even after getting the sun control film on), the suspension too soft for city and highway drives, with jerks literally slamming us all over the place. This was our major complaint, but we have been persisting with it all along. Apart from this, the below par mileage in city which always used to be around 8 to 10kpl. Highway drives gave around 15 but again, never frequent them much!
A few good points included the pickup and the smooth engine. But again, it lacked airbags and ebd, although alloys came as standard which was really great. Handling also is pretty good but is there any car which betters the Getz??
Circa 09, a lot of cars to debut in the coming years, making up my mind, I went to Apex Honda at Santacruz(w) and test drove the Jazz. I was bowled over by the awesome interiors, the cool instrument cluster, the space( just 50mm lesser than the city) and the huge boot. The magic seats are also great but I have used something like that in my Getz which also had foldable rear seats. The engine felt peppy and it was so easy to flick it through the traffic. The supple clutch and the short throw gearbox made things so much easier. Add to it the Honda tag and reliability bonus which I simply love. Next up, drove a friends new City, same awesomeness but apart from the little more space inside the car, the interior of the Jazz felt much better than the City’s. The dashboard, the quality of plastic felt much better and the one on the City felt a little cheap( the dash and the ac knobs) although not so by Honda standards. Plus the lack of cd player worried me a little bit.
After all this, I was back driving my Getz and it was a completely different experience. I found the clutch hard, the pickup less( had got the car back from service couple of days back!), the Hondas had charmed me completely. So we decided that no more scouting around, right away booking a Honda but the dilemma remains which one!
The Jazz has better interior quality, the City has little more space, the Jazz has a cd player system, the City it will be extra for fitting one, both have great engines and suspension and ground clearance. The topic of debate is price..
The Jazz(mode and active) are priced 8.5L and throw in alloys and fog lamp it comes down to around 65k more, as Honda charges nearly 13k for 1 alloy and 15k for the foglamps. The alloy I mean is the one which comes with the City top variant and looks superb. One surprising thing was Honda aint giving standard things like mudflaps, they have to be bought extra!! Same for the body protector strips. This applies for the City and the Jazz.
The City top variant, the V MT comes fully loaded(sans cd player) for 10.32L a price difference of 1.32, for which I get 300cc more, 28bhp more, and a proper boot space.
Now in city traffic, I always found my Getz to be handy at places where sedans couldn’t cut through simply because of its size. I found the Jazz nimble enough to perform the same thing but the city was good too! Adding to my confusion..
I have been reading ownerships report of the Jazz by cpyder and biju. Really love the car, the last thing on my mind is the price. I really hope Honda reduce it by a lac and even they know it. Or for that price include alloys as standard. If they do it, am really awaiting. Else the car purchase remains on hold and inquiring with other dealers with pricing.
Thats why need everybodys inputs and opinions regd both the cars side by side with regards to everything…ride quality, suspension etc etc. Let this thread also serve the purpose of helping out members who want to buy the Jazz but what is it that doesnt convince them enough!
If you thought the Google Street View trike was weird, get a load of this, the official Street View snowmobile. Google wanted to take some shots of the locations of the events in the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Cars don’t really do that well on ski slopes and, somehow, pedaling the trike, which Google normally uses in remote loc… (read more)
Barcorama is a simple freeware application for Windows Mobile devices developed by the xda-developers user hypest. The application is still in development stage but it is possible to test the alpha-version of the program…
Recently, NASA Director James Hansen was challenged by Hungarian Physicist Dr. Miklos Zagoni and Dianna Cotter, a Contributing Editor to FamilySecurityMatters.org, to release the raw numbers data Hansen used to report that 2009 was the warmest year on record. NASA incorrectly states that our surface atmosphere can hold infinite amounts of heat. Instead, the discovery of Atmospheric Equilibrium by Dr. Ferenc Miskolczi proves Global Warming by CO2 emissions a hoax.
The challenge can be found in this open letter to Dr. Hansen, made public by the authors for the first time.
Open Letter to:Dr. James Hansen (NASA GISS)
Dear Dr. Hansen:
On January 22, 2010 you published a statement: “2009: Second warmest year on record.”
As we all know, the global average surface temperature is a sum of two quantities. One is the so-called effective temperature, determined by the available incoming energy (depending on the solar constant, planetary albedo [reflectivity] and internal heat sources as ocean-atmosphere heat exchange, industrial heat generation and so on), now about 255 Kelvin or minus 18 Celsius.
The other is the greenhouse temperature, coming from the presence of infrared-active gases (H2O, CO2, methane, ozone, etc.) and clouds in the atmosphere, generally accepted as about 33 degrees Celsius. These two give up the known 288 K (+15 C) global average surface temperature.
Former Alaska Governor Dismisses Climate Change Research at Calif. Logging Conference
AP) Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin called studies supporting global climate change a “bunch of snake oil science” Monday during a rare appearance in California, a state that has been at the forefront of environmental regulations.
Palin spoke before a logging conference in Redding, a town of 90,000 about 160 miles north of the state capital. The media were barred from the event, but The Associated Press bought a $74 ticket to attend.
Palin said California’s heavy regulatory environment makes it difficult for businesses to succeed, a point that is shared by many business leaders in the state.
She criticized what she said were heavy-handed environmental laws. As Alaska governor, for example, she said she sued the federal government to overturn the listing of polar bears as a threatened species.
While perusing some of the review comments to the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report, I came across the contributions of Andrew Lacis, a colleague of James Hansen’s at GISS. Lacis’s is not a name I’ve come across before but some of what he has to say about Chapter 9 of the IPCC’s report is simply breathtaking.
Chapter 9 is possibly the most important one in the whole IPCC report – it’s the one where they decide that global warming is manmade. This is the one where the headlines are made.
Remember, this guy is mainstream, not a sceptic, and you may need to remind yourself of that fact several times as you read through his comment on the executive summary of the chapter:
There is no scientific merit to be found in the Executive Summary. The presentation sounds like something put together by Greenpeace activists and their legal department. The points being made are made arbitrarily with legal sounding caveats without having established any foundation or basis in fact. The Executive Summary seems to be a political statement that is only designed to annoy greenhouse skeptics. Wasn’t the IPCC Assessment Report intended to be a scientific document that would merit solid backing from the climate science community – instead of forcing many climate scientists into having to agree with greenhouse skeptic criticisms that this is indeed a report with a clear and obvious political agenda. Attribution can not happen until understanding has been clearly demonstrated. Once the facts of climate change have been established and understood, attribution will become self-evident to all. The Executive Summary as it stands is beyond redemption and should simply be deleted.
Moderncat reader Andrea really wanted a neko chigura after seeing it posted here last month, but since they don’t seem to be available in the US, she decided to make her own. She used 1/2 inch piping and 1 inch strips of calico fabric with a coil basket weaving method to create a shape similar to the traditional Japanese neko chigura cat beds. I love the photo above with her two cats testing the unfinished design with a hole in the top!
Andrea ran into a structural challenge, since her cats kept sitting on the top, causing the basket to cave in. She tried to reinforce the sides, but eventually gave up and dismantled it to create two separate beds, which seem to work quite nicely.
I hope that Andrea can figure out a way to reinforce the basket to achieve a similar structure to the original neko chigura. If she does, perhaps she will share her design with us.
Read all about Andrea’s project over on Craftster.
Some top officials of a Nobel Prize-winning climate-science organization are acknowledging the panel made some mistakes amid a string of recent revelations questioning the accuracy of some of the information in its influential reports.
Officials of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a United Nations-sponsored network of scientists whose reports strongly influence global policy on greenhouse-gas emissions, initially played down some of the allegations and criticized those who called them important. Increasingly, however, they are acknowledging the panel’s mistakes and saying it needs to tighten its procedures.
The whole concept of “windowing” movie releases makes little sense. It’s as if the movie industry purposely wants to make sure customers don’t get to consume the content in the format that fits them best at the time when they’re putting the most money behind a marketing campaign. It’s hard to fathom why they do this, other than the pressure they get from the movie theater companies (which is silly, because the theaters would benefit from this too). Every so often, though, we hear about a moviemaker who seems to understand how to better reach out to an audience. Pranav points us to the news of a new movie out of Bollywood that is being released on YouTube at the same time as its theatrical release. There is a big caveat though: the YouTube videos are only available for international, rather than domestic (Indian) viewers. Also, it looks like US viewers will have to pay to rent it via Google’s new YouTube rental program, but those in any other country (outside of the US or India) can view it for free. It’s not necessarily ideal (and there doesn’t seem to be much of a business model behind the free viewings), but at least it’s a step in the right direction.
Okay so at first sight the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty doesn’t look as different than the current model – well, that’s because most of the changes are mechanical and are ready to make the heavy-duty GM pickup a segment best in about every category.
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty lineup is now larger than ever with a total of 11 2500HD models and 8 single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models. It also features a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5 foot cargo box. Available in WT, LT and LTZ trim levels, all models bring greater capability, improved ride, handling and depending on the model, offer segment-best towing (20,000 lbs) and payload (6,335 lbs).
Power comes from a Vortec 6.0L gas V8 mated to a strengthened version of the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission or the new 6.6L Duramax diesel mated to a new Allison 1000 6-speed automatic. The 6.6L Duramax diesel offers class-leading torque, class-leading fuel-economy and quicker acceleration – also, as mentioned last week, is B20 biodiesel capable.
Sales of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty trucks start later this summer.
Read on after the jump for more details in the massive press release.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty:
Press Release:
2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy-Duty Trucks At A Glance
* Segment-best towing (20,000 lb / 9,072 kg) and payload (6,335 lb / 2,873 kg) supported by all-new frames and strong suspensions for maximum capability
* Class-leading torque, class-leading fuel economy with up to 63-percent lower emissions and quicker acceleration with new 6.6L Duramax diesel mated to new Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission
* B20 biodiesel capable
* All-new exhaust brake system for greater feeling of control and reduced brake pad wear
* Comprehensive set of confidence- and control-related features, including trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start assist, automatic grade braking and intelligent brake assist
* Bold and new exterior design features louvered hood, front bumper, grille and 20-inch wheels
* Extended cab models feature 170-degree-opening rear access doors for unobstructed access to the interior
* Purposeful technology, including available mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar 9.0 and navigation
* Goes on sale this summer
BRING IT ON – 11 WAYS THE NEW 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS PROVE THEY’RE READY FOR ANY JOB OR COMPETITOR
CHICAGO – On a recent validation drive of the new, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty trucks, engineer Brent Deep towed a 20,000-pound (9,072 kg) trailer for 245 miles (400 km) along I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction, Colo. – and he barely touched the brakes the entire way.
Deep relied on the Silverado’s new, smart exhaust brake system to slow the truck/trailer combination on descents, helping prove the new system is suitable for the most demanding conditions. It was a drive across the heart of the Rocky Mountains and some of the interstate system’s steepest grades, with altitudes ranging from Denver’s approximately 5,000 feet (1,525 m) to more than 11,100 feet (3,400 m) at the Eisenhower Tunnel.
“It takes some courage to leave your foot off the brake, but the Silverado’s Duramax engine and Allison transmission perform the task with smoothness and confidence that really impresses,” said Deep. “Better still, the exhaust brake system can help extend brake pad life and help avoid overheating the brakes on long descents.”
The exhaust brake system feature is just one of the elements that makes the new 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models the most capable in the industry. They go on sale this summer.
“We sought the input of our customers during the development of the 2011 Silverado HD to deliver a truck that meets or exceeds their every need,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. “It offers greater strength and capability – including class-leading fuel economy, trailering and payload ratings – and has more power, accelerates quicker and has lower emissions. That sounds like the very definition of no compromises.”
The Silverado heavy-duty lineup is broader than ever, with 11 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models – including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered, and popular features such as the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control. Depending on the model:
* Segment-best fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg)
* Segment-best conventional towing capacity increases up to 23 percent, with a maximum of 16,000 pounds (7,272 kg)
* Segment-best payload capability of 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) on a complete vehicle
* Segment-best Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 27,500 pounds (12,500 kg)
* Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings increases up to 17 percent to 13,000 pounds (5,909 kg)
* Front Axle Weight Rating increases by up to 25 percent to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
* Snow plow capability is now enabled for all 4WD cab configurations
There are also enhanced powertrains, including a new Duramax 6.6L diesel/Allison 1000 six-speed transmission that offers the exhaust brake system, new front and rear suspensions, an improved brake system, hill start assist, trailer sway control system and more.
“Along with all their heavy-duty equipment, these trucks are designed to be stylish and refined, inside and out,” said Campbell. “We paid close attention to all the details, giving them a distinctive, muscular appearance on the exterior and a well-appointed interior with the comfort, convenience and safety features customers appreciate.”
Outside, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too (20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels are available on 2500HD).
Designers and engineers left almost no bolt unturned during the comprehensive redesign of the trucks. Here are 11 key elements that demonstrate the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are ready for any job and any competitor:
1. New frames
In the quest to comprehensively redesign the Silverado HD chassis to improve durability and ride, while also supporting increased capability, engineers developed 11 all-new, fully boxed frame assemblies. The frames have increased cross sections and use more high-strength steel for greater durability, higher towing capacity and improved ride and handling; the front sections are hydroformed.
The bending and beaming stiffness of the frames is increased 92 percent and 20 percent, respectively, with the fully boxed sections enhancing torsional stiffness by a factor of five. Also, larger engine and transmission mounts, coupled with a 125-percent-stiffer front frame structure, provide greater vibration control, while hydraulic body mounts are incorporated under the cab section on extended and crew cab models for a more isolated feel inside.
Engineers addressed common customer and aftermarket uses when designing the new frames, including adding access holes to the rear frame section to enable easier installation of fifth-wheel/gooseneck-style hitches. Also, the frame-mounted hitch for conventional trailering is stronger, with a box-tube design. It supports up to 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg).
2. New and strong independent front suspension
A completely redesigned independent front suspension system offers up to a 25-percent greater front axle weight rating – up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) – enabling a snow plow to be used on all 4WD cab configurations with the available snow plow prep package, while also supporting improved ride and handling characteristics.
Silverado’s signature short-long arm/torsion bar front suspension design is retained, but now features new, forged steel upper control arms that are stronger and lighter than their predecessors. The new lower control arms are made of precision-machined cast iron to handle the greater loads. Five different torsion bar rates support five different front gross axle weight ratings (a single torsion bar was previously used for all models). This helps stabilize the range of trim heights of various models under load, while enhancing appearance, handling, durability, tire wear and alignment. The trim height is adjusted on each bar via a single bolt, easily allowing the height to be changed to account for the weight of a snow plow or other accessories.
The Silverado HD front suspension now uses a pair of urethane jounce bumpers on each side, instead of one, for improved load management; and there’s a new upper shock mount attachment design that’s positively connected to the frame with two fasteners. This design eliminates squeaks and clunks, while supporting higher load capability and increased durability.
Compared to competitors’ beam-axle front suspension, the Silverado’s independent front suspension provides a better ride, more accurate trim height control (with fewer parts) and greater flexibility to adjust the alignment for weight and tire sensitivity.
3. New asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspension
Commensurate with the Silverado HD’s greater strength and capability is a rear suspension designed to support greater loads. It features a new, larger asymmetrical leaf-spring design that also contributes to improved ride and handling characteristics.
The asymmetrical design is derived from unequal front and rear spring half lengths, which minimize axle hop and enhance traction control efficiency. 2500HD models feature a two-stage leaf-spring design, while 3500HD models have a three-stage design. All models feature 3-inch-wide (76 mm) leaf springs that are 20-percent wider than previous models.
The larger leaf-spring design supports increased rear gross axle weight ratings across the board. On the 2500HD models, the rating is 6,200 pounds (2,818 kg) – up from 6,084 (2,765). On 3500HD models, the rating increases to 7,050 pounds (3,204 kg) on single-rear-wheel models and 9,375 pounds (4,261 kg) on dual-rear-wheel models – the latter representing a nearly 14-percent increase over the previous 8,200-pound (3,727 kg) rating.
4. Segment-leading towing and payload capability
Stronger frames, suspension systems with greater weight ratings and enhanced powertrain systems contribute to the Silverado HD’s class-leading towing and payload capability. The specifications charts included below outline capacities for each model and/or configuration, but here are the key facts:
* The maximum conventional (ball hitch) towing rating increases to 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg)
* A Silverado 3500HD crew cab/long box can tow up to 20,000 pounds (9,091 kg) with a fifth-wheel hitch. The 2010 Ram 3500 has a maximum rating of 17,600 pounds (8,000 kg) and the 2010 Ford F-350 is rated at a maximum of 18,800 pounds (8,545 kg). It should be noted that while Ford claimed segment-leading trailering and payload during its recent announcement of the 2011 Super Duty models, no towing ratings were issued
* The maximum payload (3500HD) is 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) – that’s nearly 11 percent greater than the 2010 Ford F-350’s 5,730-pound (2,604 kg) rating and about 24 percent more than the 2010 Ram 3500’s 5,130-pound (2,331 kg) ratings. Again, while claiming segment-leading payload for the 2011 Super Duty models, Ford did not announce the ratings
5. New 6.6L Duramax diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed combination
Helping the new 2011 Silverado HD trucks deliver their best-in-class capabilities is a new version of the workhorse Duramax 6.6L diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission powertrain combination. The Duramax 6.6L is more powerful and durable and the Allison 1000 is stronger and helps enable new features, including the exhaust brake system. Together, this improved version of a proven combination is also expected to deliver segment-best fuel economy.
The Duramax 6.6L’s new and improved features include:
* Horsepower and torque expected to top previous model (testing is ongoing – check media.gm.com for updates)
* NOx emissions reduced at least 63 percent over 2010 models
* Quieter operation
* High-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and reduced emissions
* Exhaust brake system that enables controlled vehicle slowdown on downhill grades without actuating the brakes
* Selective catalytic reduction after-treatment system using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection to provide the best overall diesel characteristics and performance – with a range of about 5,000 miles (8,000 km) between DEF refills
* Combustion and after-treatment have been optimized to provide about 700 miles (1,125 km) between diesel particulate filter regenerations – a 75-percent improvement over the previous system and significant contributor to improved fuel efficiency, as the regeneration process requires additional fuel
* B20 biodiesel capability for an alternative fueling option
* Internal revisions that improve durability
With nearly 1.3 million Duramax 6.6L engines produced since 2000, they have proven exceptionally durable and dependable. The internal elements that helped build its reputation are enhanced for 2011, including:
* Main bearings’ profiles changed to enhance oil film thickness
* Oil pump flow increased for increased pressure at low speeds
* The turbocharger’s oil circuit is changed to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery
* The connecting rods’ pin ends are modified to provide increased piston support
* New, higher-strength piston design that eliminates bushings to provide lower reciprocating weight
* An EGR cooler bypass reduces high-mileage soot deposits in the cooler and EGR circuit
The enhanced Allison 1000 for 2011 is strengthened to handle the higher torque capability of the new 6.6L Duramax engine, while also helping improve fuel economy and provide seamless assistance with a new exhaust brake system. Greater efficiency is delivered through reduced “spin loss” – meaning, the transmission channels more of the engine’s power to the axles, allowing it to do more with less fuel.
The Allison 1000 also features driver shift control with tap up/tap down shifting and a patented elevated idle mode cab warm-up feature. Also, the tow/haul mode reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. The six-speed configuration retains its two overdrive gears for optimal efficiency.
Performance with the Duramax/Allison combination is also improved over previous models, with preliminary testing showing 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds and quarter-mile times of less than 16 seconds in 2500HD models. That’s about 0.3-second and 0.5-second quicker, respectively, than previous models.
The venerable Vortec 6.0L gas V-8 with variable valve timing returns to the new heavy-duty trucks, along with a strengthened version of the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers excellent performance and efficiency, with a greater emphasis on low-rpm power.
A new camshaft profile in the Vortec 6.0L helps the engine produce more torque lower in the rpm band, for improved launch feel and a greater feeling of overall performance at higher altitudes and when towing a trailer.
The 6L90 is enhanced for greater strength, smoothness and quietness via:
* Adding four attachment bosses to the transfer case adapter (4WD models) for increased strength and smoother, quieter performance
* Increasing the cross section size of the transfer case adapter for greater strength
* Adding a new, stronger output shaft
* Adding a new heat shield and vent hose
7. Exhaust brake system
A new feature on Duramax-equipped models is an exhaust brake system. This driver-selectable feature uses the turbine control of the variable geometry turbocharger and the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. It is a smart system integrated with the cruise control feature and varies the braking to account for the grade and vehicle load.
The exhaust brake system allows for virtually effortless driving and towing, with seamless and quiet operation. It also helps prolong brake life and prevents overheating the brakes on long, downhill grades.
8. Large brakes
Brake feel and performance is greatly improved with the 2011 Silverado HD trucks. The standard four-wheel disc system is completely revamped to deliver smoother, more immediate and confident-feeling performance. Four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard on all single-rear-wheel models and a three-channel system is standard on dual-rear-wheel models.
The front and rear rotors are larger in diameter – 14 inches (355 mm) – and width on all models to support their increased capacity, weight ratings and trailering ratings, while the calipers are stiffer and stronger. The hydroboost brake booster calibration is revised for reduced pedal effort and the travel of the pedal is also revised for a more comfortable, confident feel.
Larger wheel hub and bearing assemblies complement the new brake system and the rear rotors attach to the wheel hubs for easier servicing.
9. Refined and capable ride, handling and steering
Longer wheelbases – ranging from 133.6 inches (3,395 mm) to 167.7 inches (4,259 mm) – and wider front/rear tracks enhance the ride and handling characteristics of the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, giving them a greater feeling of smoothness and control.
The longer wheelbases and wider tracks are complemented by the new, stiffer frames, new jounce bumpers, shock mounts and hydraulic body mounts to provide a solid, smooth and isolated driving experience. New shocks were specially valved to support the new trucks’ weight ratings, while balancing excellent ride characteristics.
Also enhancing the driving experience is a revised steering system designed to support the trucks’ greater front gross axle weight rating. It includes a new, larger steering gear, power steering pumps and linkages. The pumps (different parts for gas and diesel models) deliver greater pressure for reduced steering effort in low-speed and parking maneuvers; they are also quieter. On some models, the new linkages feature a compliant joint added at the pitman attachment to enhance handling.
10. Comprehensive safety and functional technology
The 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models have a comprehensive roster of safety features and functional technologies that include:
* StabiliTrak electronic stability control system on all single-rear-wheel models
* Larger, four-wheel disc brakes with standard four-wheel ABS
* A new high-strength steel tubular frame cross member that enhances safety and improves crashworthiness
* Seat pelvic/thorax and head curtain side air bags available on 2500HD
* Available rear backup camera
* Segment-exclusive OnStar 9.0
* Trailer sway control system on all single-rear-wheel models
* Hill start assist (standard on single-rear-wheel models)
Trailer sway control system provides an added measure of confidence when towing a trailer. The system senses conditions of trailer sway and intervenes with braking and/or reduced engine power to bring the trailer under control and keep it on its intended path. The system will use electric trailer brakes when a trailer is plugged into the standard wiring harness of the truck and its performance requires no input from the driver.
The hill start assist system is automatically engaged when sensors detect the vehicle is on grade of about 5 percent or greater. It holds the brakes for about 1.5 seconds or until the gas pedal is pressed, preventing rollback – it is particularly effective when towing, giving the driver time to switch from the brake pedal to the gas pedal without rolling.
11. Lives bigger, drives better, works harder
From the available remote starting feature to the unimpeded access offered by the 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models, the 2011 Silverado HD models live bigger, drive better and work harder. The interiors are refined, with improved quietness and attention to detail, but designed for working. Numerous storage compartments provide covered access for everything from work gloves to laptops.
Indeed, for many owners the Silverado HDs are mobile workspaces, offering mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and a navigation system. Multiple charge points enable multiple electronic devices to operate simultaneously; and when equipped with the available navigation system, XM NavTraffic offers real-time updates of traffic conditions (in selected areas) that can help plan the most effective route to the job site.
Cold-weather customers will appreciate the Duramax 6.6L’s quick, reliable start-up, with a starting time on par with gas engines. Its glow plug cycle time is the segment’s best in all temperatures, taking no more than 3 seconds in temperatures as low as -20 F (-29 C). There’s also a cab heat-up feature that allows the engine to idle faster in low temperatures to warm up the interior faster.
And when you’re on the road, the Silverado HDs take you farther without stopping. A new, 36-gallon (136 L) fuel tank is standard on all models and, with the improved fuel efficiency of the powertrains, enables a cruising range of up about 680 miles (1,090 km) with the Duramax 6.6L. That’s the equivalent of a trip from Houston to Oklahoma City and back to Dallas on a single tank.
Finally, all 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks work under the best warranty coverage in America – five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, plus roadside assistance, courtesy transportation and other features that provide assurance that Chevrolet backs its trucks confidently.
SPECIFICATIONS
2011 SILVERADO 2500HD
Overview
Models:
2500HD reg. cab, long box, 2WD & 4WD
2500HD ext. cab, std. box, 2WD & 4WD
2500HD ext. cab, long box, 2WD & 4WD
2500HD crew cab, std. box, 2WD & 4WD
2500HD crew cab, long box, 2WD & 4WD
Body style / driveline:
2-3 passenger regular cab or 5-6 passenger extended cab,
5-6-passenger crew cab
3/4-ton; 2- and 4-wheel-drive heavy-duty pickup
Construction:
body on frame
EPA vehicle class:
full-size truck
Manufacturing location:
Flint, Mich., Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Key competitors:
Ford Super Duty Series pickup, Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickup
Engines
Vortec 6.0L V-8 (L96)
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V-8 (LML)
Type:
6.0L V-8
6.6L V-8
Displacement (cu in / cc):
364 / 5967
403 / 6599
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92
4.06 x 3.9 / 103 x 99
Block material:
cast iron
cast iron
Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
cast aluminum
Valvetrain:
overhead valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
Congratulations to Nancy (comment #148), winner of the awesome Valentine prize package from Oh Boy Cat Toy! I just know that Nancy’s cats Mimi, Rowdy, Gizmo and Arabella will have a blast with these catnip-filled creations!
MSMobiles say they have the low down on Microsoft’s Mobile World Congress announcements, and what they leaked makes quite a bit of sense.
It’s time to play the numbers game again. Fresh out of the oven, the ComScore search market stats for January are here, more or less officially. The gist of it is, Bing sees another modest boost, everyone else loses. It’s not much of a surprise anymore, but it’s not much of a rise either, Bing got 11.3 percent of the US core search market share (which co… (
re 
Google is not the only one touting social web integration in one of its products, in fact, most of its competitors, Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL, raised their hands saying “we had it first.” AOL even went one step further and announced a couple of new features in partnership with Facebook, notably missing from Google Buzz. First up, AOL is integr… (
If you thought the Google Street View trike was weird, get a load of this, the official Street View snowmobile. Google wanted to take some shots of the locations of the events in the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Cars don’t really do that well on ski slopes and, somehow, pedaling the trike, which Google normally uses in remote loc… (
