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An excerpt from Tobias Levkovich’s latest Pulse Monitor shows how strong earnings season has been so far.

Citi:

Of the 161 S&P 500 companies that had reported 1Q10 earnings through 4/22/10, 131 had beaten estimates and 15 had missed. Therefore, the 1Q10 ratio of positive to negative surprise is 8.73x versus a 4Q09 ratio of 6.15x, and 1Q09 ratio of 2.72x thus far into the earnings reporting season.

In aggregate, 1Q10 share- weighted results are beating expectations by 18.6% and are up 48.6% (thus far) from a year ago.

Financials and Industrials appear to be leading the way in terms of topping estimates thus far for 1Q10.

Also, in a separate chart shown below, note the huge upward revisions happening in Consumer Discretionary stocks right now. This makes sense given the performance inflection point this past week we saw for consumer goods companies.

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Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were to take a KFC Double Down — the bacon sandwich that uses two pieces of fried chicken as the “bread” — and you were to sandwich it in between two halves of a Krispy Kreme donut? Of course you haven’t. Luckily, someone has.

Over at TopCultured.com, they provide step-by-step instructions — and, not for the faint of heart — pictures of how to make one yourself.

The verdict?

What you end up with is over 900 calories of tongue flipping delight. This thing will not only supply you with enough calories, sodium, sugar and fat for a good part of your day it will keep you up and running for a bit. The inevitable afternoon crash was not the best though…as there is now a brick in the belly. I do highly recommend you give this a shot though. I know it sounds far fetched but it’s actually quite delicious.

We’ll take your word for it.

Will They Build It? KFC & Krispy Kreme (Luther Double Down) [TopCultured.com]

General Motors has announced its plan to outfit the 2011 Chevy Cruz Eco with Goodyear’s Fuel Max radials and Alcoa Automotive’s lightweight forged aluminum wheels. Alcoa says that the 17-inch wheels taken by GM are 20% lighter than comparable products, contributing to overall weight reduction as the Cruz is capable of 40 mpg economy during highway driving.

Not only does the use of the forged aluminum wheels reduce mass to lower consumption and increase efficiency, but it also improves driving performance by reducing unsprung weight.

The Alcoa deal is one that will be in place for a number of years, with the wheels being manufactured at the company’s facility in Cleveland. The Cruz is expected to hit showroom floors this coming fall, but GM has yet to furnish sales expectations.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze’s base LS model is powered by a 136-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, while the Eco, LT and LTZ model get a 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder Ecotec engine making 138-hp and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. The 1.4L turbo models are expected to have a cruising range of more than 500 miles and the Cruze Eco is estimated to get an EPA fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg on the highway. All 2011 Cruze models will be available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco:

– By: Steve Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

[JURIST] A New York man pled guilty Friday for plotting to bomb the New York City subway system in 2009. Zarein Ahmedzay appeared before US magistrate judge Steven M. Gold on charges of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass of destruction (explosive bombs) against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The plot was never carried out after Ahmedzay and co-conspirator Najibullah Zazi realized that law enforcement was investigating their activities. He faces up to life in prison.
In February, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a five-count superseding indictment against Ahmedzay and another man, Adis Medunjanin. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped two charges against Ahmedzay. Zazi also pled guilty to terrorism charges, and faces up to life in prison in connection with those. Medunjanin has pled not guilty. All three men are alleged to have traveled to Afghanistan and received training from Al Qaeda.

Chinese electricity consumption soared 24.2% in Q1 to 969.5 billion kilowatt-hours according to China’s National Energy Administration (NEA).

China Daily:

Breaking the figures down, thermal, nuclear power and wind power generation increased 24.3 percent, 7 percent and 99.3 percent, respectively, compared with the same period last year, while hydropower generation declined 5 percent, the NEA said in a statement on its website.

…

China may increase its fuel consumption in the second quarter driven on the back of robust economic growth and increased domestic travel during the Shanghai World Expo, said NEA official Zhou Xi’an.

Note that China’s most energy consuming industries are steel, chemical, building materials, and metals. This rampant electricity consumption growth is being driven by China’s construction boom, and it will crash if China suddenly discovers an overcapacity of infrastructure.

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Known as the Sacagawea of fantasy primers, the Weekly Rundown guides
head-to-head owners through a forest of obscure stats and exploitable
matchups in an attempt to help solve lineup conundrums. While reading,
keep in mind matchups are subject to change due to managerial moves,
unforeseen injuries and Mother Nature’s influence. NOTE: Because we’re in the midst of moving our family cross-country to McCainada (Arizona), this week’s Rundown is slightly abbreviated. 

Forget Brooklyn Decker.
Andruw Jones(notes) once again looks good in a bathing suit – and on a fantasy roster.

No longer tempted by complex carbohydrates, the now svelte
Jones, who dropped 15-20 lbs during the offseason, is on the verge of a major
career revival. Not only noticeably thinner, he’s exuded a jovial attitude.
Loose and laidback it appears the 10-time Gold Glove winner has buried, at
least temporarily, his donut-craving likeness Anpoo.

Friday night was a prime example.

The birthday boy celebrated
his 33rd in memorable fashion clubbing two bombs to left, one of which sealed
the Mariners’ fate (see him blow out the candles here). It was his 39th career
multi-homer game and the first time a major leaguer went yard twice on his
birthday since Alex Rodriguez(notes) accomplished the milestone in July ’02. Widely considered deceased by 99.9 percent of the fantasy community
entering the season, his resurrection has been nothing short of amazing. As a result, Sox play-by-play man Hawk Harrelson has tapped into his inner Meg Ryan shouting "Yes!" repeatedly. 

What’s more astonishing: he’s gliding around the bases with
the zeal of a 21-year-old. Over the past seven seasons, the former perennial
20-SB threat has averaged a mere 5.3 swipes per year. This season he already has three.
Because of Ozzie Guillen’s aggressive tactics, double-digit steals are
likely. 

The signs of a turnaround were apparent in spring training.
The 15-year vet entered camp with a hungry attitude, determined to regain the
everyday form that terrorized NL pitchers for years. So far
so damn good. From Chicago beat-writer Bruce Levine:

"I’m really proud of him," Ozzie Guillen said.
"He came [into spring training] with one goal — to play every day. I remember
having a conversation with him. I said, ‘If you swing the bat good I will play
you.’"

Guillen’s growing confidence in Jones as one of the Sox’s
primary RBI threats greatly enhances his virtual value. Over the past couple
games, the shifty manager has slotted Jones into the No. 3 spot. Based on the
immediate rewards gained, it appears he will
stay entrenched there for the foreseeable future. It also means Mark Kotsay(notes),
who entered the season locked in a DH platoon with Jones, will remain firmly
planted on the bench.

It’s understandable why Jones is only currently owned in 16
percent of Y! leagues. Many owners are forever scarred by his Dodger days. Also,
his high strikeout percentage (31.7) doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. If the
current trends persist, a final BA around .250, not .290, is a certainty. However, his
fly-ball heavy profile (0.60 GB/FB), reignited bat/legs and steady PT are
nothing to scoff at. Remember, the five-time All-Star averaged 34 homers and
103 RBI from 1998-2007. He will post superb power totals in the smallish Cell.

It may seem unfathomable, but mixed leaguers with outfield
needs should give Jones another long look.

Yes, seriously. 

Fearless Forecast
(Season): 430 at-bats, .257 BA, 29 HR, 86 RBI, 74 R, 12 SB

DOUBLE DIPPERS

For stream conscious owners
who want to push the innings-pitched envelope this is the list for you.
Run support, ballpark factors, historical and recent trends, opposing
offenses, opposing SPs, managerial tendencies and meteorological
influences are painstakingly taken into account to give you the top
double dippers of each week.

Other AL Double Dippers: Ian Snell(notes), Sea (at KC, Tex), Kyle Davies(notes), KC (Sea, at TB)

Other NL Double Dippers: Zach Duke(notes), Pit (at Mil, at LAD), Aaron Harang(notes), Cin (at Hou, at StL), Bud Norris(notes), Hou (Cin, at Atl), Kyle Lohse(notes), StL (Atl, Cin), Jon Garland(notes), SD (at Fla, Mil), Oliver Perez(notes), NYM (LAD, at Phi), Jason Hammel(notes), Col (Ari, at SF), John Lannan(notes), Was (at ChC, at Fla), Daniel McCutchen(notes), Pit (at Mil, at LAD)

FEAST OR FAMINE?  

Torn between two
stat-similar infielders this week? Use the pitching and hitting staff
sorters below to help you decide whether or not Adam LaRoche(notes)
or Carl Pavano(notes)
is fantasy feast or famine. Stats are for games played through April 23:

—

Image courtesy of the AP

Beijing 2010: World premiere of the Mercedes Shooting Break Concept

Mercedes-Benz is setting a highly emotional accent with the world premiere of the all-new Concept Shooting Break the groundbreaking study displays an array of conceptual and technical innovations and offers an exciting glimpse of the brands future design language.

With the Concept Shooting Break, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its successful tradition as a trendsetter for new vehicle segments.

The innovative concept study combines the practical benefits of an estate car with the elegance of a luxury coupe, and showcases the further development of modern Mercedes-Benz design in keeping with the cultivated sportiness so typical of the brand.

With the new Concept Shooting Break, we are demonstrating once again that pioneering spirit is an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz brand DNA, said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Its world premiere in Beijing is also an acknowledgment of the Chinese market, which continues to emerge as a driving force for our entire sector

If you know someone is cheating on their taxes and your pulse quickens at the thought of the IRS paying you, then then check out the IRS Whistleblower – Informant Award program. It’s a program that rewards you for providing “specific and credible information” that the IRS can use to collect “taxes, penalties, interest, and other amounts” from a cheat.

This isn’t a “my neighbor next door can’t possible afford that new Porsche he bought” type of information, we’re talking specifics and, in most cases, documents. In most cases it’s business related, with the whistleblower being someone privvy to sensitive documents such as a banker or administrative assistant.

How much can you earn? There are two types of awards based on some qualifications, the first of which is dollar amount:

• Amounts in dispute are greater than $2,000,000 or individuals with more than $200,000 of annual gross income – IRS pays 15-30% of the amount collected.
• Amounts in dispute are less than $2,000,000 or individuals with less than $200,000 of annual gross income – IRS pays 15% of the amount collected up to $10,000,000 (if you’re wondering how the math works out, this award can also be discretionary, which accounts for the disconnect).

If you have reams of damaging documents and are wondering where to go, the IRS explains how you file a Whistleblower Award Claim.

With our national debt nearing $13 trillion dollars, we can use all the help we can get!

Jim doesn’t cheat on his taxes and can usually be found writing about personal finance at Bargaineering.com.

2010 New Volkswagen Polo GTI

The new Volkswagen Polo GTI has been unveiled, promising to be the fastest, most focussed and cleanest performance VW Polo yet produced.

The original performance variant of the Polo was unveiled in 1986 in the form of the G40 Coupé – a car that mixed a fast-revving, 113 PS, supercharged engine with a low kerbweight and sharpened responses.

Fast forward 24 years and the new Volkswagen Polo GTI bears similarities with the G40. At its heart is a 1.4-litre TSI engine that uses a supercharger from idle through to 3,000 rpm at which point the turbocharger cuts in to provide boost. The result is an output of

180 PS at 6,200 rpm and 184 lbs ft of torque from 2,000 rpm which, when aligned with a 1,184 kg kerbweight, allows the Volkswagen Polo GTI to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 142 mph.

Despite a keen focus on performance, the new VW Polo GTI is capable of delivering 47 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2.

The TSI engine is linked to a compact seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox that channels drive through the front axle. In addition, the Volkswagen Polo GTI is fitted with the XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling. The XDS system is a functional extension of the electronic limited slip differential (EDL) which is a part of the standard ESP system.

In order to sharpen responses, the Volkswagen Polo GTI is fitted with new springs and dampers which results in a 15 mm lower ride height than the conventional VW Polo.

Like its Golf GTI sibling, the Volkswagen Polo GTI features significant aesthetic changes. A new front bumper featuring a deep airdam is joined by a honeycombe grille element with horizontal red strips and a simple GTI badge. New headlight units complete with the option of LED running lights lend the Volkswagen Polo GTI an imposing new look.

Further back, a subtle sill extension wraps around the lower edge of the body while at the back a new rear bumper features a small diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts. The Polo badge is replaced by a simple ‘GTI’ version.

Finally, a set of 17-inch wheels identical to those fitted to the VW Golf GTI are fitted along with a set of red brake callipers.

The changes continue inside the VW Polo GTI with revised dials, a new, flat-bottomed GTI steering wheel complete with small gearshift paddles and contrasting red stitching, aluminium pedals and new, heavily bolstered front sports seats finished in tartan trim. Subtle gloss black trim covers the centre console while the headlining is now finished in black.

2011 New Volkswagen CrossGolf

The new Volkswagen CrossGolf is debuting in a world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with new styling, new TDI and TSI engines and new equipment. After the classic Golf, Golf Plus, Golf Variant, Golf GTI and the Golf R introduced just a few weeks ago, the range covers six very independent models. However, among one another they share the high-tech components of an innovatively conceptualised modular system toolkit. For example, the new Volkswagen CrossGolf, as well as the previous CrossGolf, were developed based on the Golf Plus. The Cross, as an all-around vehicle, bridges the gap between the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) and SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle); that is, it unifies the variability of an MPV with the ruggedness of a SUV. Common to all of these vehicles is the higher seating position that is in more demand than ever.

In initial markets, the new VW CrossGolf will already be available for purchase in April 2010. Buyers of the cleverly designed five-door will be able to enjoy a new generation of engines that offer huge fuel economy advantages. These engines are exclusively direct-injection turbocharged petrol (TSI) and diesel (common rail TDI) engines. They are as agile as they are economical. This is illustrated by the example of the Golf Cross 1.4 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS: The (from 1,500 rpm) 240 Newton-metre strong turbo- and supercharged petrol engine (Twincharger) enables a top speed of 207 km/h, but when shifted by a 6-speed gearbox it has a combined fuel consumption of just 6.8 litres of fuel (equivalent to 159 g/km CO2). Even compared to the 20 PS weaker TSI of the first generation car, it shows a fuel consumption advantage of 0.5 litres. As an alternative the TSI is available with an optional 7-speed DSG; in this case too fuel consumption is 6.8 litres. Other available TSI engines are the variants with 77 kW / 105 PS and 90 kW / 122 PS.

As would be expected, the new common rail TDIs of the Volkswagen CrossGolf are extremely fuel-efficient. They have power outputs of 77 kW / 105 PS (1.6 litre) and 103 kW / 140 PS (2.0 litre) and are paired with a standard diesel particulate filter. For example, the 140-PS TSI, shifted by a 6-speed gearbox, consumes just 5.3 litres of fuel (138 g/km CO2). The torque of this engine already reaches the impressive maximum value of 320 Newton-metres from 1,750 rpm.

With the exception of the 105 PS TSI, all other engines may be combined with an automatic, the direct shift gearbox (DSG). For the petrol engines and the 105-PS TDI, the 7-speed version is used; in the case of the 140-PS TDI, there is a 6-speed variant specially designed for extremely high torques. In addition, the entire engine range of the Volkswagen CrossGolf fulfils the strict Euro-5 emissions standard.

As is usual on the Cross models, the mirror caps are always painted in silver and therefore the same colour as the underbody guard of the front bumper. Harmonising with them are the likewise standard silver roof railings. The exterior styling is rounded out by chrome accents and “CrossGolf” signature on the side trim as well as new 17-inch alloy wheels (“Budapest”).

On body colours: Volkswagen is offering the new Volkswagen CrossGolf in six exterior colours – from the continuing trend colour “Candy White” to “United Grey”, “Reflex Silver Metallic”, “Shadow Blue Metallic” and “Cashmere Brown Metallic” to the classic “Deep Black Pearl Effect”.

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo, Racing

The Zagato-designed Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa has been unveiled at the Villa d’Este concours, and frankly, it’s spectacular. Driven by the Alfa 8C Competizione’s V8, the TZ3 is very much in keeping with its 60s-era predecessors, the TZ1 and TZ2, sporting similar detail elements and the same near-breadvan profile. Also like the originals, this is a legit racing car. Unlike its forbears, however, the new machine wears aluminum bodywork stretched over a tube frame and carbon-fiber chassis. Power, as indicated before, is also of thoroughly modern origin.

Zagato says the TZ3 was commissioned by German collector Martin Kapp as a special celebration of 100 years of racing from Scuderia Ferrari, Alfa Corse, Autodelta, and Scuderia Zagato. On that “special” bit, we think it’s safe to say, “Mission accomplished.” With class and panache to spare. Official PR pics are in the gallery below, and a full live gallery is posted at OmniAuto. Be sure to pay them a visit as well. Thanks for the tip, Claudio!

[Source: Zagato (PDF link) via OmniAuto.it]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa unveiled at Villa D’Este

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa unveiled at Villa D’Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010/2011 Hyundai Sonata

The all-new Sonata’s exterior is sporty and its interior is refined and full of great amenities. Once in the middle of the pack among mid-size sedans, the Sonata is now a class leader.

The all-new Sonata sets the bar much higher for this segment.

As I comb through old entries to fix broken internal links (mostly to images), they seem to appear as new/unread entries in the RSS feed. I don’t know how to prevent that, so I’m just going to bulldoze forth and do what I need to do. I look forward to sunnier days where I can stop self-referencing my website issues, and I do believe those days are just up around the next bend.

….and I’m done! There are probably still a few missing images and broken links, but I think I got most of them. We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussions of mud, mambas, mushrooms, books, boys, and beasts.

Filed under: About this Site

Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid

Toyota is rolling their spin machine on the new Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept.

The study will have its moment in the spotlight at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, before hitting the salesroom floors next year.

Even though the car can be driven either on petrol alone, or just electric, it can also run on a combination of the two. Unfortunately, the engine’s power figures do leave quite a bit to be desired.

Although it uses a reasonably sized engine, featuring a 1.8-liter displacement, it only manages to put out 97 horsepower.

This leads to a 0-100 km/h time of “around 10 seconds,” which means that the car probably hits 100 in 10 to 10.5 seconds under lab conditions, and maybe a second slower in the real world.

2010 Toyota Sport Hybrid Concept

Hybrid concept sports car unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 15, 2010. Open top 4WD concept is based on the discontinued Toyota MR2 and packs a 392bhp.

See it here in action.

Peugeot 508 Concept

Peugeot 408

2010 Peugeot 408 Launch in Beijing

The new Peugeot 408 marks a further step in the Marque’s offensive on the world’s foremost automobile market. Despite being present on the Chinese market for 5 years only, the Peugeot Marque sold over 410 000 vehicles in 2009. This corresponds to a 44% sales increase compared with its 2008 performance.

Following its fine performance in the M1 segment with the success of the 307 saloon and the 307 notch-back, of which 3,522,800 have been produced worldwide, Peugeot is now quite legitimately embarking on a Chinese market offensive with its new Peugeot 408

This new prestigious notchback tailored for the Chinese market will serve to reinforce Dong Feng Peugeot’s product offer on the M1 segment that accounts for over 45 % of the total market.

In this manner, the new Peugeot 408 should enable the Lion Marque to increase its sales volumes by over 30% in 2010, compared with 2009, and thereby to grow at twice the forecast pace of the market.

This half-height architecture notch-back saloon has been designed and developed jointly by Peugeot’s Styling teams in Europe and China and meets three objectives: embody the Marque’s modernity, guarantee maximum safety and offer unrivalled interior space.

The 408 name follows the Lion Marque’s traditional naming logic. The figure 4 refers to the size of the car (4.68 m) and its positioning in the medium-luxury family saloon segment. The 0 in the middle signifies that it belongs to the Peugeot Marque, while the 8 expresses the vehicle generation.

With this name, the Peugeot 408 naturally falls into place within the current Peugeot range and becomes the forerunner of the 8 series, the latest generation vehicles to be launched on the Chinese market.

The Dong Feng Peugeot 408 is the fruit of work by the joint venture set up between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the Chinese group DFM. The car is being produced at the Wuhan plant in Hubei province in China. It is positioned to become one of the market’s benchmark vehicles with a full-year sales target of 100,000 units.

Chrysler Group is anticipating year-over-year sales for April to be up 20% this year, according to company spokesperson Kathy Graham.

Such a gain would mark the second time the manufacturer saw such an increase in 28 months, after having realized a 1% gain for February. Through cost cutting maneuvers and the introduction of the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck, Chrysler has been able to show an operating profit for Q1 2010 of $143 million. Their sales figures are also up from Q4 last year, having moved 318,00 units and increasing that figure to 334,000 for Q1.

Optimistic that the fallout from the bankruptcy is over, Chrysler officials are really enthused about products rolling out, especially the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, set to hit showroom floors this July. New products seems to be the cornerstone upon which Chrysler’s comeback strategy is built, and dealers seem to be just as enthused about that as company officials.

– By: Steve Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

One of the cooler blogs out there is Ironic Sans by David Friedman (the same guy who made scientific Valentine cards). He’s started a new blog called SundayMagazine.org, where posts and discusses old issues of the New York Times Sunday Magazine from the ancient archives.

In his first one, he found quite the catch:

How cool is that? The article is about a lettered French scientist speculating about what life would be like on other planets. David has a PDF of the article as well, which is an absolute delight to read. How wonderful to see something like that; an apparently scientifically-minded article, but free to have fun and take the reader to a totally different place than what they might expect!

It’s inspiring, in fact. Given that kind of freedom today, I wonder what other famous scientists of today would write about.