Sherborne Sensors (www.sherbornesensors.com), a global leader in the design and manufacture of inclinometers, accelerometers, force transducers, load cells, rotary encoders, instrumentation and accessories for industrial, military and aerospace customers, has launched the new DTI series, a family of 5-digit, programmable digital panel meters, offering improved tilt measurement system versatility and performance.
The DTI series is designed to take an output from any Sherborne Sensors gravity referenced inclinometer, provide necessary trigonometric conversions, and display as an angle, with a resolution down to 0.001°. For seamless interface with a data acquisition system, two supplementary outputs, an analog voltage output and a RS422/485 serial output, are supplied. The enclosure is manufactured from recyclable and flame retardant (VO) materials, with front panel conformance to IP65: NEMA 4.
Because of its versatility, the DTI Series can be effectively implemented into simple, measurement-only applications, as well as those requiring digital communications, alarms and mathematical functions. The powerful menu-driven software, also supplied, enables fast and flexible set-up from the front panel or via serial communications link.
In addition, built-in, comprehensive alarm functions for the DTI Series makes them particularly suitable for monitoring, switching and control functions. The hysteresis facility prevents noisy signals from switching alarms erroneously, with high and low deviations facilitating control around a set point. On and off delay times can be set with individual alarms, configured as latching or non-latching, depending on user requirements.
The DTI Series is suitable for use with most Sherborne Sensors gravity-referenced inclinometers, as well as other manufacturers’ products. An integral 12 VDC power supply is intended to provide excitation voltage for MEMS- based inclinometers. Bi-polar voltage supplied inclinometers may be also powered via Sherborne Sensors XT-0102 or XT-0103 series power supply modules. For customer convenience, the DTI Series can also be supplied as a completely calibrated tilt monitoring system, including the inclinometer.
For additional details, drawings and specifications, please contact Sherborne Sensors toll-free (in the US & Canada) at (877) 486-1766 [email protected] or on +44 (0) 870 444 0728 [email protected] (rest of world), or by visiting www.sherbornesensors.com.
The portable modular design of this heavy duty remote control oscillator makes it easy to handle and setup. This compact unit increases productivity and improves weld quality by providing precise automation of welding applications. Mounted on a Kat travel carriage, the oscillator imparts pendulum, tangential or step motion to the welding gun with adjustable stroke widths, speeds and dwell times. Also a wide range of weld patterns can be produced.
Inspect – Record Sounds – Store Information – Manage Data
The Ultraprobe 10,000 brings Ultrasound Inspection technology to a whole new level. With this one system, inspectors can perform condition analysis, record sounds, store and manage data.
The Ultraprobe 10,000 Has On-board Sound Recording
With the push of a button, it is now possible to record a sound sample directly into the instrument and link it to one of 400 record files stored in the Ultraprobe.
With The Ultraprobe 10,000 System, Test The Way You Want
– Specialized Application Screens
– Adjustable On/Off Features
– Connect to External Devices
– Flexible Reporting Options
Utilizing just two controls: User friendly Spin and Click Technology of the Ultraprobe 10,000 simplifies sound recording, data collection, system customization and data entry.
ULTRAPROBE® 10,000 is a Complete Ultrasonic Asset Management System
Something for Everybody: Whatever you’re going to test, the Ultraprobe 10,000 has application-specific software for you. With the “click” of a button you can select an Application with Specialized fields for accurate reporting and analysis.
Select any of 6 applications: Generic, Leaks Valves, Bearings, Electrical or Steam and the Ultraprobe 10,000 automatically sets relevant fields for your data logging convenience. All stored data is easily downloaded to the Ultratrend DMS software.
Expand your inspections.
In addition to on-board data logging, the Ultraprobe 10,000 accepts and stores data from external devices such as thermometers and tachometers.
Now available, a 1.0X C-Mount Camera Coupler for microscopes with a standard 38mm ISO photoport. This new coupler provides a Clear Aperture (CA) of more than 20mm thereby allowing use of larger CCD arrays in the latest Scientific and Industrial imaging cameras.
The magnification factor of the CC-1X is 1.0X. The CC-1X provides a clear aperture of more than 20mm, larger than most similar products, providing both increased field-of-view and light transmission of the microscope image to the camera.
The Model CC-1X (0535-0012) is available from Tower Optical Corp. for $89.00 USD. Reseller pricing is available starting at a 30% discount. Camera Couplers are available from stock. For more information visit www.TowerOptical.com or contact the Tower Sales Department via email at [email protected].
MIG/MAG welding torches from Fronius offer the advanced technology and quality that let you concentrate on the job in hand, whatever it might be, rather than the equipment. All welding torches are designed to the last detail to guarantee precise results and ease of use.
Design also plays a key role. The ergonomically perfected handle means the torch sits comfortably and firmly in the hand, making it easy to use.
All Fronius torches are optimally matched to the entire welding system. Whether air or water-cooled, manual or automated or robotic operations.
One thing that certainly caught our attention that the Gearhead T/A will supposedly offer as an option is a 900 horsepower 6.2 liter twin turbo LS9 V8 engine. Besides that, we see the typical and fully expected split front grille, fender vents, ducktail spoiler and snowflake wheels. There will also be a gaud gold-accented interior option for the ultimate in 1970s style. Just add a CB radio and you’ll be good to go.
Okuda, N.; Ninomiya, K.; Katakura, Y. & Shioya, S. (2008), ‘Strategies for Reducing Supplemental Medium Cost in Bioethanol Production from Waste House Wood Hydrolysate by Ethanologenic Escherichia coli: Inoculum Size Increase and …
Intrawest is in financial trouble and lenders are threatening to auction off the company’s assets, including Whistler Blackcomb. Auction notices have already appeared in US papers apparently.
Ironically, an auction during the Olympics is probably the best case scenario from a seller’s point of view.
Quote:
Intrawest to be auctioned off: report
CEO reiterates business as usual refrain as reports about WB parent firms future swirl
January 20,2010
David Burke
Intrawest Holdings, which owns Whistler Blackcomb (WB), has been seized by banks after the company missed a big debt payment late last year, and the banks plan to auction off the company in the middle of the Olympic Games, according to a published report.
The Globe and Mail, citing a notice placed in major newspapers and a person said to be familiar with negotiations between Intrawest and its lenders, said lenders Lehman Brothers and Davidson Kempner Capital Management LLC plan to auction off the ownership of Intrawest on Feb. 19.
The lenders served notice of the foreclosure on Jan. 8, and the timing of the purported auction date was unrelated to the Olympics, the Globe reported. The Games are set to run from Feb. 12 to 28.
The published notice cited by the Globe said in part, Each qualified bidder must be a financial institution or other entity that has the financial wherewithal to purchase the membership interests in immediately available funds on the closing date, the Globe reported.
Reports related to Intrawests future as a company, and even of the Games themselves, has been swirling all week. In spite of that, Bill Jensen, Intrawests chief executive officer, insisted as late as Wednesday morning that talks with lenders were ongoing and that it was business as usual for the company and its resorts.
Officials with the Whistler Blackcomb (WB) parent company, which is owned by New York-based hedge fund firm Fortress Investment Group, have been negotiating with lenders after missing a $524 million debt repayment last October. Quoting unnamed sources, though, the New York Post on Wednesday reported that the sides were no longer talking.
The Post reported that creditors were planning to foreclose on Intrawest, a possibility that cast a shadow on the resort (WB), which will host the alpine events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It quoted one unnamed source as having said the foreclosure would probably happen within 10 days.
By forcing Intrawest into bankruptcy, the creditors could raise several billion dollars by repossessing Intrawest and selling off its resorts, the Post reported.
Citing another unmamed source, the Post reported that because of issues surrounding agreements between Vancouver 2010 organizers and Intrawest, the Canadian federal government is threatening to pull a purported $50 million guarantee made to Intrawest.
That, the source said, has compelled (Fortress head Wesley) Edens to privately say he has a legal right to keep the Games from taking place at Whistler, the Post reported.
In an emailed statement, Jensen disputed the claim that negotiations between Intrawest and its lenders had broken off.
Intrawest is in ongoing discussions with our lenders regarding refinancing. Our company is generating strong cash flow from its resorts. Its business as usual, Jensen said.
Of the 2010 Games, Jensen said, We have a 2002 agreement with VANOC to host the Winter Olympics and have every confidence that VANOC will honour its financial commitments. Intrawest is looking forward to a successful Games.
A WB spokesman on Wednesday told The Question that Dave Brownlie, WB chief operating officer, did not intend to comment on the Post report. The spokesman referred calls to Ian Galbraith, Intrawest manager of investor relations, who emailed Jensens comments.
Two acquisitions announced today in mobile enterprise space:
– Apperian, a developer of iPhone applications for consumers and enterprises, has bought DS Media Labs, another mobile developer, for an undisclosed sum. Apperian will use the acquisition to develop apps for other mobile platforms, and to expand its mobile enterprise business. Release via Yahoo
– Ifbyphone, a provider of mobile voice and data services, has acquired Cloudvox, an open-source, cloud-based platform for developing voice applications. Ifbyphone will integrate Cloudvox’s platform into its portfolio of cloud-based services. Ifbyphone has raised $9.1 million in funding to date, writes VentureBeat. Financial details were not disclosed.
I just saw in the news that the Republican [Scott Brown] won the Senate seat in Massachusetts vacated by the death of Edward Kennedy [“GOP wins Kennedy seat,” page one, Jan. 20]. How ironic is it that the Senate seat of America’s greatest advocate for universal health care in America should become the means by which the Republican party can now attempt to halt the first significant health-care legislation?
I’m stunned and disgusted. The health-care bills currently before Congress are not what I think Sen. Kennedy had in mind, but they are the first steps in the right direction. If you don’t take a first step, you can’t take a second or third step or have a chance to correct your direction. You have no direction.
I think we all understand that the Republicans — as they have stated — want to kill the health-care legislation because they feel that losing on this issue will be President Obama’s Waterloo. And they will do anything to see him fail. So the American people are, once again, held hostage by those who are supposed to be our representatives.
If the American people are against the movement to provide health care for all Americans, it is simply because they have been fed so many lies about this issue by the ones who would stand to lose significant wealth if such a program was ever to be passed into law — i.e. the medical insurers and pharmaceutical companies, etc. The individuals that speak the loudest about how health care would not help the general public are usually those who are public servants. They have never been without health-care benefits for their families and have never had to pay exorbitant amounts for their coverage.
— Linda Joyce Knowlton, Redmond
Health care decided election
With the very fortunate and timely election of Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, the Democrat party is in complete meltdown and denial mode. They have already thrown their hapless candidate under the bus and driven back and forth over her several times.
But in truth, there is no way she could have won this race because this race was not about her. It was instead about how President Obama and senior Democrat leaders in both chambers of Congress are trying to ram this abomination of a health-care bill down the throat of the people and we don’t appreciate it.
Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are going to have to look at this whole process anew and hit the restart button and start listening to the people once again. Or come November, they will join Martha Coakley as newly unelected persons looking for new opportunities.
— Scott Stoppelman, LaConner
Ashamed of Massachusetts roots
“I was born and raised in Massachusetts.” Up until today, I have always said those seven words with pride, but no more.
This Tuesday, 52 percent of Bay State voters let fear, greed and selfishness get the better of their intelligence, good sense and conscience. I am angry and ashamed.
As I tally up the years, I find that — coincidentally — as of this year, I will have lived in the Seattle-area longer than I lived in Massachusetts. From this day forward: “I am from Seattle.”
— David Swanson, Kirkland
Chance for Republicans to implement health care?
The Republican Party is to be congratulated for their victory in Massachusetts. Now the evil Democratic health-care overhaul plan can be summarily scrapped and the Republicans can begin working in earnest to implement their own health-care plan. This is great news and every concerned American should be proud!
Wait a minute…there is no Republican health-care plan — other than if you get sick to just go to the nearest emergency room.
Those popping sounds you’re hearing are Champagne bottles being opened in the boardrooms of pharmaceutical and insurance companies across the land. I’m sure Republicans will continue to give us the same wonderful care that they have in the past.
— Dave Richards, Bainbridge Island
Tragedy or farce?
In the concept of politics as theater, Tuesday’s election in Massachusetts is truly among the darkest of Greek tragedies! When a giant of the Senate like Ted Kennedy is replaced by a conservative neophyte only six months after his death, it might also qualify as a ridiculous farce!
Actually, the greatest overall tragedy is the U.S. Senate today. As one of the world’s greatest deliberative bodies in the world, it makes a mockery of democracy with its filibuster rules. Where else is 59 percent of the vote considered insufficient for a victory? I don’t know whether to laugh or cry!
— James A. Young, Seattle
Eliminate the power of the filibuster
Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, South Dakota, Delaware, Montana, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Idaho, Nebraska, West Virginia, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Iowa combined have approximately the same population as California. California has two U.S. senators and all the other listed states have 42.
Not only is this undemocratic, it’s insane. I appreciate the significance of the Connecticut Compromise, but that was over 200 years and the Civil War ago. No other country in the world has a system such as ours. Our government was state of the art in 1787, but now it’s dysfunctional.
The underlying undemocratic nature of the U.S. Senate is exasperated by the use of the filibuster. The time has come to eliminate the filibuster from the rules of the U.S. Senate. I think the Democratic Party should commit to changing the Senate rules in 2011 so that a majority vote is sufficient to pass legislation.
Having said that, I think a supermajority should be required for issues not subject to legislative reversal, such as the confirmation of judges granted a lifetime appointment.
Making this change would restore vibrancy to our democracy and would require voters to become engaged and policy would matter once again.
— Edward Wietecha, Sammamish
Waiting for other parties if filibuster remains
The most evident problem that has been brought to the forefront by the health-care debate, is that America’s majority continues to lose out because of the filibuster process of the senate.
If our Senators want to show that they are willing to work for the people of this country, they should stop the filibuster process and accomplish bringing about the changes required to make us a strong, honorable nation again.
Do nothing and leave me hoping for the coming of a third party that I can stand behind and support.
— Patrick Lockridge, Renton
Chances better for third parties in Senate race
Some minor parties have done nothing but harp and carp about the “Top Two” primary — mostly because, according to them, it would keep minor parties out of the general election — but with the recent report about the U.S. Senate election in The Times, [“For Sen. Patty Murray and Democrats, voter anger is wild card,” page one, Jan. 17] it would seem a minor party’s chance of making it to the general election in a major race under “Top Two” is better than ever.
The report stated there were six Republicans running against the incumbent Murray. None of them seem to be particularly well-known in statewide politics. If the Republican vote is split six ways or more, that would seem to be an idea opportunity for a Green, Libertarian or Constitution Party candidate — or other minor-party or independent candidate — to get in the general election. And since that candidate would be one of two, he or she cannot be ignored by the media as in the past.
Some minor parties should stop effectively boycotting “Top Two” and get in the game. Half the battle, after all, is just showing up.
— Mark Greene, chairman of the Party of Commons, Newcastle
The White House has launched an iPhone application, which is consistent with President Obama’s mission to create a more open and transparent government. But if you have anything other than an iPhone, you are going to have to wait.
The White House did not say any other applications for other platforms are in the works (despite Obama’s known love for the BlackBerry), and instead said it will launch a new mobile web version of the White House website at mobile.WhiteHouse.gov, which will be optimized for a number of phones. Release.
The White House said that the application was important because “Mobile internet access is an important way Americans are staying informed.” The iPhone app is very much an extension of the White House’s website, including access to the White House Blog and the Briefing Room. There will also be behind-the-scenes photos and videos, including speeches, press briefings and special events. To kick things off, iPhone users will be able to access next week’s State of the Union speech.
One individual on the GenCouple forum seems to be a little upset over an bid on a Hyundai Genesis Coupe that he believes he won from a dealership in Kentucky on eBay Motors. It appears that the dealership is not planning on honoring the bid and several accusations have surfaced from both parties but it appears there is one thing that both sides can agree on. What they can agree on is that there was a 2010 Hyundai Genesis 2.0 T was listed on eBay Motors in December of last year, and the winning bid was $16,125. That is all can be agreed upon. The individual buyer believes he won the bid at $16,125, almost $6,ooo below the sticker price, and there is the proof on eBay’s item listing. Eric Manley, the internet manager for the Kentucky car dealership believes that he put the car up for sale with a “Buy It Now” price at $19,700, and had no intention at selling it at a lower price. And because no one placed a bid higher than $19,700 the car was removed from eBay. The disgruntled buyer is attempting to get his voice heard buy speaking his mind through media outlets, the Kentucky governement, and eBay itself. It may be a few days before eBay can determine who is in the right and who is in the wrong and the legal implications that may follow. According to the dealership they have already sold the car and the prospective buyers threats are futile. It’s going to be interesting to see how this one shakes out.
I just resigned up for live gold last night after an extended leave because I had no games I cared to play online. Spent the night playing Left 4 Dead 2 and LOVED it. If anyone wants to play look for me on Golintaim. I’m a night owl so the later the more likely I’ll be on.
Le passeport biométrique délivré par 14 préfectures 6 consulats
Depuis le 7 janvier, le nouveau passeport biométrique marocain est délivré au niveau de 14 préfectures et 6 consulats.
Lancé le 15 décembre dernier, le passeport biométrique était déjà délivré à Skhirat, Témara et Salé ainsi qu’au consulat de Colombes (France).
Préfectures :
■ Rabat
■ Kénitra
■ Mohammedia
■ Sidi Kacem
■ Khémisset
■ Mediouna
■ Nouaceur
■ Benslimane
■ Sidi Bernoussi
■ Ben M’ssik
■ Ain Sebaa
■ Hay Mohammadi
■ Moulay Rachid
■ Chichaoua
■ Fahs Anjra
■ Salé
■ Skhirat
■ Témara
Consulats :
■ Paris (France)
■ Toulouse (France)
■ Colombes (France)
■ Utrecht (Pays Bas)
■ Liège (Belgique)
■ Palerme (Italie)
■ Bilbao (Espagne)
D’ici à fin mars 2010, le passeport biométrique devrait être généralisé à tout le Maroc ainsi qu’aux ambassades et consulats marocains dans le monde.
Bladi.net
Reste à savoir si l’on va être obliger de, tous, changer nos vieux passport.
et perso je changerai bien la couleur moi, du rouge ou du bleu je trouve que ce serait mieux , qu’on pensez-vous?
Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp premieres Monday, Feb. 8 @ 9:00 PM ET/PT on VH1. And you know what that means — time for the shedding fat with the hasbeens!
VH1 celebrates the new decade with the long-awaited return of its popular celebrity fitness challenge. The 8-episode series boasts a cast full of fallen pop culture personalities ready to drop their physical and emotional baggage through a series of grueling weight loss challenges. And with exes like Shar Jackson and Kevin Federline on hand, we’re sure reality fans are in for a season of drama.
Battling the bulge this season are legendary R&B bad boy Bobby Brown, Jay McCarroll (winner of “Project Runway”, Season 1), KayCee Stroh (“High School Musical”), dancer and choreographer Kevin Federline, former “Baywatch” babe Nicole Eggert, Sebastian Bach (Former lead singer of Skid Row), actress Shar Jackson (“Moesha”), and infamous “Bad Girl” Tanisha Thomas (“Bad Girls Club”, Season 2). The cast will be broken into two teams, competing for $200,000 in cash and prizes and the individual celeb who drops the most weight will win $50,000 in prizes.
In his column, David Sirota takes journalists to task for presenting news reports with a conservative bias [“We’re left in the middle, right?, Opinion, Jan. 18). I guess he has no quarrel with all the liberal bias in the media.
He gave away his own bias when he referred to conservative talk-radio hosts as goons. Such name-calling is simply standard operating procedure for liberals, even those pretending to be objective members of the media.
But the comment that I could not believe was his description of the Obama administration as a center-right administration. That is as far from the truth as it would be to call the Clinton administration a right-wing conservative administration.
If the Obama administration was truly center-right — and not radically and revolutionary to the left — our center-right country would not be rising up in opposition to his policies as it has the past year and is continuing to do this year.
I do not understand how The Times can feature an article by a person who would make such an outrageous statement, even if he is a syndicated columnist.
— Jack Hurley, Bellevue
Political labeling diverts attention
In regards to David Sirota’s column, when someone labels an argument as liberal or conservative they immediately divert attention away from the issue. It is the quickest way to stop progress of a potentially illuminating dialogue. The details seem to matter less.
This labeling has become common for many media outlets and Internet blogs. They concentrate on pigeonholing issues as liberal or conservative.
How can we address the massive federal deficit, unfunded future federal liabilities, the significance of global warming or the complex issues of health care? One can so effortlessly eliminate any educational discussion that may be counter to their interest.
As we learn of the complexity of subjects, our emotional attachment to our opinions wanes. Humility and uncertainty take the place of arrogance and pervasive labeling guarantees a future laden with problems too long avoided.
Earlier this morning BMW released the details on the 2011 Mini Countryman for the European market. We now have the U.S. press release detailing what the 2011 Countryman will offer us on the stateside.
The Mini Countryman will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 and will be available with two gasoline engine choices including a “rev-happy” 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 120-hp and a maximum torque of 118 lb-ft. 0-62 mph will take a long 10.5 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 118 mph. The Mini Cooper S Countryman model will get a 1.6L 4-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s Valvetronic technology. It will produce a total of 180-hp with a peak torque of 177 lb-ft (192 lb-ft with Overboost). The run from 0-62 mph will come in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 128 mph. Both models will come with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and a 6-speed automatic transmission available as an option.
In the U.S., Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system will only be available on the Mini Cooper S Countryman.
Pricing and option details will be available closer to launch date.
2011 Mini Countryman:
Press Release:
Fun has no Limits: The MINI Countryman
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 20, 2010… A year ahead of its launch in the US, MINI Countryman is confirmed to expand the MINI lineup to four variants.
Note: U.S. product specifications are different from those announced in markets outside North America. All specifications presented in this press kit are provisional. The launch date for markets outside North America is fall 2010, and early 2011 for the U.S.
Meet The MINI Countryman MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of motoring with that unmistakable MINI exhilaration. The new MINI Countryman is a genuine crossover vehicle, and bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Crossover. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique go-kart handling so typical of MINI, yet allows the brand to appeal to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility.
As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. The MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, and optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive offers an additional highlight for motoring enthusiasts. In a nutshell, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customization in a new, modern style.
The Countryman’s Look The MINI Countryman carries on unique design characteristics such as superior style and quality, while combining new larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors. It also features short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and windows extending around the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of a MINI. At the same time, the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagonal radiator grille element, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid with integrated side direction indicators, the prominent wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters.
Measuring 161.3 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 102.2 inches, the MINI Countryman features an interior that offers a new dimension of space and function. The four-door body of the car combines the proportions typical of the brand with extra ground clearance and an elevated seating position, the MINI Countryman thus bridging the gap between the classic Mini and a modern Crossover Vehicle. From the start, the design of the MINI Countryman emanates a unique feeling of independence, performance, robustness and versatility, particularly the clear structure of the front end giving the MINI Countryman a mature and most respectable look of class and style. But at the same time the new model naturally retains that unique charm and individual flair so typical of MINI.
Proceeding from the MINI design language, the MINI Countryman authentically visualizes the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimize pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasized by extra-large windows and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.
The new diagonal function line at the transition point from the front side panel to the door likewise serves to distinguish the MINI Countryman from its counterparts within the range. This particular feature – yet another re-interpretation of the body welding seam at the same point on the classic Mini – comprises both the side direction indicator and the air outlet on the MINI Countryman. Conceived and designed as a wide and very robust-looking band, this diagonal function line continues the course of the A-pillar towards the front wheel. Like the C-pillar facing towards the rear axle, this special line again emphasizes the impression of a powerful body resting strongly on its wheels.
The proportions and horizontal subdivision of the rear end also underlines the sporting character of the MINI Countryman, ensuring powerful presence also from this perspective. Broadening out in steps from top to bottom, the body structure emphasizes the stable stance of the car, the muscular shoulder line additionally highlighting the masculine character of the MINI Countryman. With its integrated, aerodynamically refined airflow contour, the roof appears to almost hover above the window areas. The chrome band extending round the entire car between the windows and the body, finally, forms yet another horizontal line as a further highlight in the design of the MINI Countryman.
Like all models in the MINI range, the MINI Countryman comes with upright rear light clusters forming a distinctive contrast to the otherwise horizontal lines at the rear. Highlighted by chrome surrounds, the rear light clusters stand out three-dimensionally from the body of the car. Positioned far to the outside, the rear lights emphasize the width of the MINI Countryman and bear clear reference to the generous interior space.
All light functions are integrated in the rear lights embedded like islands in the rear side panels. The inner structure of the lights is determined again in typical MINI style by full circles and circular sections also giving the car its unique night design.
For the first time the MINI logo at the rear has a specific function: Pressing the inner circle on the logo allows the MINI owner to release the rear lid that is hinged at the top. The rear license plate recess takes up the shape of the air intake in the front bumper, thus linking the front and rear ends through their clear symbiosis in design.
The rear air dam on the MINI Cooper S Countryman comes as a diffuser guiding the flow of air beneath the rear end of the car to optimize the aerodynamic qualities of this special model. The most powerful model in the range also stands out through its special roof spoiler, a twin-chamber exhaust system, as well as striking openings in the rear wheel arches.
The MINI Countryman is available with a choice of at least eleven body colors: five non-metallic, and six metallic. All models are available with the roof finished either in Black, White or as an alternative, body color.
Living In The Countryman Within the interior, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfort and pleasant and optimizes the driver’s all-round view. The Central Display and air vents are highlighted by colored rings. The most unique interior feature is its innovative Center Rail system, which extends from the front to the rear replacing a conventional center console. It opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. It offers flexible clip-in elements enabling the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.
The MINI Countryman offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually and the backrests may be tilted for angle, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from liters 12.2 –41.0 cu ft.
All surfaces come in a new, even more striking, textured grain that harmonizes perfectly with the powerful look of the car. The instrument panel in the MINI Countryman is characterized by concave shapes and a sporting, functional impression. Extra-large air vents at the side emphasize the particular style of the interior in its modern class and function. Like the center air vents, the center speedo and the gearshift lever, the air vents are highlighted by white surrounds in a contrasting color. A further color highlight is provided by the side surrounds on the center console appearing to actually support and hold up the dashboard. The center console itself, through its matt-black color in conjunction with a chrome ring for the climate controls, is particularly stylish and sophisticated in its looks. Apart from the control units for the air conditioning and CD player, the toggle switches for various car functions typical of MINI are also housed within the center console.
Newly designed door panels underline the specific shape of the body and the extra space the MINI Countryman has to offer. The ellipsoid frame around the door armrests and door handles, again so typical of the brand, is for the first time positioned in the middle, encompassing in its design also the B-pillars and emphasizing the length of the interior through its stretched contours.
The MINI Countryman comes with supportive bucket seats specific to this particular model. Sports seats are featured as standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman (optional on the Cooper) and offer two different combinations of cloth/leather seating as well as various choices of all-leather upholstery as an option. A particular highlight is the top-of-the-line Lounge Leather upholstery that is reminiscent of classy leather seats with piping in a classic British car.
The rear bucket seats featured at the rear move fore-and-aft 5.1inches independently of one another. Even with the seats in their upright position, the MINI Countryman is able to meet additional transport requirements as the rear seat backrests may be moved to a cargo position increasing luggage space from 12.2–15.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity increases to a commodious 41.0 cubic feet, enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. And for those that need more options to carry their adventure items, a standard low-profile roof rail system allows Motorers the ability to add a full line of MINI Accessory.
MINI Center Rail: Unique Storage Concept Instead of a conventional center console between the seats, the MINI Countryman comes with an innovative rail system, the unique MINI Center Rail enabling the driver and passengers to keep their personal belongings and odds and ends exactly where they need them at any point in time. At the same time the MINI Center Rail forms a visual and functional connection between the front and rear seats.
The Center Rail extends through the entire passenger compartment all the way to the rear seat backrests. Specially developed and easy-to-use clip-in fixtures allow the driver and passengers to use the MINI Center Rail individually as required, hanging on various bins and storage units. As an example, the MINI Center Rail may be fitted with holders for entertainment and telecommunication devices, cupholders, a case for sunglasses in genuine MINI design, as well as center armrests held safely and comfortably in position. The holders and storage bins placed on the Center Rail may then be moved forwards and backwards to any desired position. And whenever the users place electronic devices such as a mobile phone or an MP3 player on the Center Rail, the integrated cable system automatically connects the respective device to the car’s on-board network and ensures full and convenient integration into the MINI Countryman’s entertainment system.
Ambient lighting, which is part of the standard light package, sets a particular highlight within the interior of the MINI Countryman. Providing an indirect lighting effect, ambient lightning creates special color highlights throughout the entire door panel in night design, thus giving the interior a truly unique atmosphere. Using a toggle switch, the driver and passengers may vary the color of the light generated steplessly from a warm orange to a sporting blue. Light rods also provide the color desired on the MINI Center Rail from one end to the other. This makes it easier to find objects attached to the Center Rail.
The optional interior color lines provide further opportunities to customize the car, creating different color effects along the door panels within their ellipsoid frame, on the center armrest side panels, the lower section of the B-pillar covers, and the inserts on the Center Rail itself. The colors available in this case are Carbon Black, Polar Beige, Pure Red, and Dark Tobacco, as well as powerful Surf Blue exclusive to the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Trim bars for the cockpit as well as a Chrome Package adding discreet gloss to the air vents, the central instrument, the rev counter and the surrounds on the gearshift lever, provide an even more intense touch of color and style.
Countryman Power The MINI Countryman is entering the US market with a choice of two engines, each coming in the new generation of power units developed with masterful engineering and naturally, comply with ULEV II emission standards. The rev-happy 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in the Cooper offers fuel efficiency and performance with fully variable valve timing and lift via VALVETRONIC technology. The Cooper S adds a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. It also features fully-variable valve management offering the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. And as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, both Cooper and Cooper S models are also available with a six-speed automatic transmission complete with manual control.
All engines featured in the MINI Countryman come with fully variable valve management. This technology for masterminding engine load without requiring a throttle to control engine output is quite unique within the segment of this new MINI and is based on the VALVETRONIC valve management system featured in BMW power units. This optimizes engine response and serves to significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.
Valve management adjusts the lift and duration of the intake valves within fractions of a second to the respective level of power required. The intake camshaft acts on the valves through an additional intermediate lever, and not directly through the follower arm. The rotating point of this additional lever is adjusted infinitely by an eccentric shaft controlled by an electric motor.
MINI Cooper Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Max output: at least 120 hp at 6,000 rpm,
Max torque: at least 118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, top speed 190 km/h (118 mph)
Average fuel consumption: TBD
MINI Cooper S Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Max output: at least 180 hp at 5,500 rpm
Max torque: at least 177 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm (at least 192 lb-ft with Overboost).
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: in 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 205 km/h (128 mph)
Average fuel consumption: TBD
ALL4 –Performance and Safety The MINI Cooper S Countryman is the first MINI to offer a permanent all-wheel-drive system known as MINI ALL4. Utilizing an electro-hydraulic differential, positioned directly on the transmission’s final drive, varies the power distribution from front to rear in an infinitely-variable process. Under normal driving conditions, up to 50 percent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels and under extreme conditions up to 100 percent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of the agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with MacPherson spring struts and forged lower control arms, the multi-link rear axle and EPS (Electric Power Steering.)
On the Cooper S Countryman with ALL4, a specific driveline setup is used. Together with the elaborate mounting for the final drive and individual driveshafts, a vibration damper is fitted is within the rear driveshaft giving the ALL4 version of the MINI Countryman the same high standard of acoustic and dynamic comfort as on the models with front-wheel drive.
Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure, with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones, ensures passive safety of the highest caliber. A total of six airbags are standard, with frontal and side airbags as well as side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants. Three-point inertia-reel seat belts are present on all four seats and belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as LATCH child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tire Pressure Monitor.
In terms of crash behavior, there is no compromise between the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the MINI Countryman. To ensure this equality, the car comes with an innovative drive shaft made up of two elements giving way within one another in the event of a collision to absorb impact energy. The body structure of the MINI Countryman is also designed to offer maximum occupant safety in the event of a collision, high-load-resistant bearer structures, precisely defined deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell serving to keep impact forces away from the passengers.
The MINI Countryman furthermore comes standard with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) is an option that also features an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential. All Countryman models comes standard with 205/50 R17 runflat tires for supreme safety and performance in all situations. Available optionally are 18’’ alloy wheels with runflat tires and 19” wheels can be ordered as a dealer-installed accessory.
True You-ification and Technology, Countryman Style The wide range of customization options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colors, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, the MINI Center Rail, and a premium six-speaker audio system complete with a CD player and AUX IN. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone® and other smartphones in the car. Further options are the dual-pane Panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with the optional Xenon headlight units, lightweight-alloy wheels ranging in size from 17 to 18 inches, sports suspension (which lowers the car by 10 millimeters or almost 0.4″), as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.
The Countryman Cometh For the US, the Countryman’s three versions – Cooper Countryman, Cooper S Countryman and Cooper S Countryman ALL4 – will be offered for sale in early 2011. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
As the fourth model within the MINI range and the first premium car of its kind, the MINI Countryman is a pioneer in many respects. It opens up that characteristic MINI feeling for new target groups and at the same time transfers individual design and the unique fun of motoring into a segment with greater demands in terms of space available, diversity and motoring comfort, thus opening up new perspectives for the MINI brand as a whole.
Through this extension of the model range, the MINI brand once again proves its ability to grow with the demands of its fans and followers, while remaining true to its particular character.
When Ulrika and Mark walked into the cramped, dark kitchen of a 1926 Tudor house in Cambridge, MA, they saw something no one else had: possibility. With open minds and a lot of patience, they transformed this blight into a warm, gracious space that is now the hub – and heart – of their charming historic home.
SMS GupShup has raised $12 million to help build out its texting-based mobile-phone communities in India. The company, which has operations in both Santa Clara, Calif. and Mumbai, India, claims to serve 26 million users in roughly two million topics, ranging from religious groups to sports teams.
The fourth round of capital was led by Globespan Capital Partners; existing investors Charles River Ventures and Helion Venture Partners also participated. To date, the company has raised $37 million. SMS GupShup will rely on advertising from brands such as Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT), Puma, Cadbury and others, to bring the company to profitability this year. The money will be used to expand into the Philippines and Indonesia, and to grow the organization to 150 employees by adding another 20 positions in marketing, engineering and sales.
As designer 
