Blog

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Alfa Romeo

If this crossover looks a little familiar, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Alfa Romeo unveiled this concept vehicle at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. It was called the Kamal, and it was supposed to have gone into production by now. But things have been a little crazy over at the Fiat group. Mergers and acquisitions have collapsed and others have gone through, forcing the Italian automaker to change its product strategy at every turn.

What has us asking questions all over again is this batch of spy shots reportedly leaked by an employee at Fiat’s Elasis research and development facility in Pomigliano, Italy. Of course, it’s entirely possible the original concept was being moved from one storage facility to another, but then they could be bringing it out again for another reason. One way or another, we should find out soon as Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne prepares to decide on Alfa’s fate in due course.

[Source: alvolante.it via Worldcarfans]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept snapped at Fiat R&D facility? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

As each holiday comes and goes I think back to simpler times and the gifts that you really remember giving and the favorite gifts you received. Always a standard in both those lists were gifts with wheels and my first Schwinn Sting Ray is at the top of that list. I know I am dating myself but the re-issue of the Sting Ray recently lends some credence to my fascination.


Thanks to Gene Gable of CreativePro.com for the inspiration. He has put together a great visual retrospective of that “certain feeling”.  Check it out here.


Merry Christmas.

John Williams, who runs the popular counter government data manipulation site Shadowstats, has thrown down the gauntlet to deflationists, and in an extensive report concludes that the probability of a hyperinflationary episode in America over the next year has reached critical levels. While the debate between deflationists and (hyper)inflationists has been a long and painful one, numerous events set off in motion by the Bernanke Fed (as a direct legacy of the Greenspan multi-decade period of cheap and boundless credit) may have well cast America as the unwilling protagonist in the sequel of the failed monetary policy economic experiment better known as Zimbabwe.

Williams does not mince his words:

The U.S. economic and systemic solvency crises of the last two years are just precursors to a Great Collapse: a hyperinflationary great depression. Such will reflect a complete collapse in the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar, a collapse in the normal stream of U.S. commercial and economic activity, a collapse in the U.S. financial system as we know it, and a likely realignment of the U.S. political environment. The current U.S. financial markets, financial system and economy remain highly unstable and vulnerable to unexpected shocks. The Federal Reserve is dedicated to preventing deflation, to debasing the U.S. dollar. The results of those efforts are being seen in tentative selling pressures against the U.S. currency and in the rallying price of gold.

Read the whole thing at Zero Hedge >>

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• WSJ Has Published Three Articles This Month On Single Hyperinflation Fund
• DEFLATION: Oil Now On Its Longest Losing Streak In Eight Years
• Get Ready For A Couple Of Hot Inflation Numbers

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Cadillac

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don’t, here’s a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California’s Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York’s Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn’t lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company’s noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM’s marketing ploy, and withdrew their cars’ support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac’s ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we’ve driven with Mr. Heinricy – he’s that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor’s hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn’t in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz’s 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let’s not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper’s feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM’s marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper’s M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.

[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Eggnog is one of those foods that really conjures up thoughts of the holidays because it’s only available for a few weeks of the year (although you can make it at home anytime). There are also lots of eggnog-flavored treats out there, like cakes and cookies. Many don’t even use eggnog as an ingredient and just include vanilla and nutmeg in the recipes to capture a big of flavor that is reminiscent of eggnog. This is a huge disappointment when you want something that actually tastes like eggnog! It’s also unfortunate because eggnog can be a great ingredient to use when baking around the holidays. In many recipes (cakes, puddings, etc.) regular eggnog can be substituted for regular milk, adding a lot of holiday flavor to an otherwise unseasonal recipe.

Eggnog plays a big part in this Eggnog Ricotta Cheesecake, so you get a cheesecake that is a balanced mix of cream cheese and eggnog flavors. Ricotta cheese has such a mild flavor that it doesn’t come to the forefront, but it does have a big impact on the texture of the cheesecake. The cheesecake is light and very tender, not heavy or dense.

I used a shortbread crust for this cheesecake. Its plain, buttery flavor goes well with the cheesecake and it is very sturdy, so it slices and holds together very well. It is also very easy to throw together. The cheesecake batter is poured over the crust while it is still warm, so the whole cheesecake takes very little time to come together. I refrigerate this cheesecake before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature, but you may want to bake it the night before and simply put it in the fridge for 8-12 hours before serving.
(more…)

Canvi and Temps (click both links!) [culturesdelcanvi.com] are two impressive network browsing spaces by the datavis group Bestiario. These historical (with citations since 1927) and transversal (with more than 30 categories of fields of knowledge) visualizations offer access to the collection of approaches, strategies and tactics, research methods and interests known as “complexity science“. The project is based on various data sets including articles, pages, persons and links that relate with the topic of complexity in science.

“Temps” highlights the interest in representing changes associated with complexity science through time (starting from 1927, which is the chronological reference in the field). Temps allows to see changes on the usage intensity of the tags through time, and includes an interactive time slider bar and mouse hovering actions to access more detailed information.

“Canvi” is an interface that enables browsing a network with a local vision of a node’s surroundings while allowing moving through the network through their relation. Canvi combines different techniques (so-called “geometric paradigms”) subtly alternating between nodes and their relation. This means that the visual representation of the network is in constant movement (a breathing sort of movement), this way offering a broader perception of the local network.

More information at Bestiario Blog.

LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc. (LG Mobile Phones), in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment, has created a multi-faceted marketing campaign tied to the highly anticipated epic adventure film – AVATAR – written and directed by Oscar®-winning filmmaker James Cameron ("Titanic").

LG Mobile Phones has created a marketing campaign that will appeal to forward-thinking technology enthusiasts. The marketing execution includes a TV spot that features the "Avatar" movie trailer footage being projected from LG eXpo, a smartphone handset that features a detachable mobile projector. To further support the campaign, LG developed an interactive micro site, www.lgexpo.com, which includes exclusive movie content, and is also launching an exclusive joint-sponsored Facebook page between FOX and MTV.

"AVATAR was created using a revolutionary technology with a new generation of special effects to tell this story. I was grateful to have the opportunity to work with a cast and crew that allowed me to take risks," said AVATAR Director James Cameron. "To be supported by a brand such as LG Mobile Phones, which continually strives to push technological boundaries, provided additional reinforcement for this endeavour."

In AVATAR, human "drivers" have their consciousness linked to an avatar, a remotely-controlled biological body that can survive in alien world’s lethal air. These avatars are genetically engineered hybrids of human DNA mixed with DNA from the natives of Pandora… the Na’vi. LG Mobile Phones is bringing users one step closer to their own Avatar-like experience through the advanced projection capabilities of LG eXpo, which allows users to digitally project their own images, videos, and documents – anywhere, anytime, and to anyone.

"Just as AVATAR breaks through all levels of filmmaking technology, LG eXpo offers unprecedented advances in mobile technology," said Ehtisham Rabbani, vice president of product strategy and marketing for LG Mobile Phones. "We share in the excitement around this cutting-edge, highly anticipated movie. As a technology leader, LG values and appreciates the research and development required to create a groundbreaking film – or product – that transports consumers to a place they have never experienced before."

CAMPAIGN DETAILS

TV Advertising – To promote the film and its involvement, LG Mobile Phones created a 30-second TV spot, which features the movie trailer for the highly anticipated film. The spot showcases a humorous interchange between co-workers who compete to be in the know about the latest and greatest in technology. The ad will begin appearing on national TV (network and cable programming) on December 7, 2009.

LG Mobile Phones Facebook Page and Exclusive Applications – The campaign also includes an interactive joint-sponsored Facebook page between FOX, MTV and LG. The page will promote the live event on Dec. 3 with James Cameron and the stars of "Avatar" that will be hosted by MTV’s Josh Horowitz, and presented by LG. During the live event, fans will hear about the director’s and cast members’ experiences. The director and cast will answer live pre-submitted questions about the highly anticipated blockbuster film. This is only the third time Facebook has hosted a live talkback. The page will feature an application that allows movie enthusiasts to submit questions via video. Five of the video questions will be chosen and played for the film’s director and cast members, who will respond during the live talkback.

LG Mobile Phones Micro Site – The movie-themed micro site, www.lgexpo.com, will give fans a deep, rich movie-tie in experience. The site, set to launch on December 3, contains exclusive content from the film. It also features two characters – Jim and Dale – who are the ultimate Avatar and LG eXpo fans and give visitors to the site, an online video demonstration of LG eXpo and its advanced exclusive features, such as the Mobile Projector.

The video above is part of the promo, showing the director and producer of Avatar talking about LG’s latest smartphone.

Over the years we’ve certainly grown a lot, and so, we have lots of new readers and we get a ton of stories submitted — which is great — but I wanted to run a quick post reminding people that the best way to submit a story is to use the story submission page. This makes it easy to track, manage and format story submissions. It is, by far, the best way to submit a story. Also, when submitting a story, please make sure to include a title (preferably a descriptive one). It also helps to give a brief description of the story and why you think it’s interesting — or, if you’re ambitious, feel free to write a thorough analysis yourself. Submissions with no title, or just links often get ignored in the pile. If something is particularly urgent, alerting us via a message directed at our Twitter account can work as well, but there’s a lot of noise there, and sometimes stories get lost, so use the submission page as well. We’re thrilled that so many people want to help out and participate in the community here, so thanks to our fans for all those great story submissions. These days, we get probably three times as many good story submissions as we can write up, so we apologize if we don’t cover everything sent in, but the quality of story submissions has grown quite a bit in the last few years, and it helps keep this site dynamic and interesting — so thanks to everyone for pitching in.

Permalink | Comments | Email This Story

Raytek, a leading worldwide provider of infrared (IR) thermometry, has introduced the Raytek CM, a compact, integrated IR noncontact thermometer intended for continuous temperature monitoring in a wide range of industrial manufacturing processes and OEM applications. The Raytek CM sensor is designed to measure target temperatures ranging from -20°C to 500°C. Its onboard electronics are protected by a rugged IP 65 stainless steel housing, allowing the sensor to function in ambient temperatures to 70°C without cooling. This rugged, IP65 sealed, single-piece integrated sensor offers powerful features to handle nearly any temperature measurement requirement. Designed for easy integration, the CM sensor can easily replace traditional contact probes with a J-type or K-type thermocouple output, or with a user-scaleable 0-5 volt output. The Raytek CM includes precision, high-resolution silicon optics, providing excellent optical resolution at a very attractive price. An RS232 digital interface allows the user to configure all programmable sensor variables via the powerful Raytek DataTemp® Multidrop software. These include a 24 volt DC alarm output triggered by target temperature or head ambient temperature; peak hold, valley hold or variable averaging signal processing; adjustable target emissivity settings; and adjustable window transmissivity setting. A built-in sensor health LED provides a convenient on-line indicator of the sensor’s operating status.

High performance key switches ideal for automotive, industrial and off-road applications…

C&K Components has developed two series of high reliability key switches. Designated the K6 and K12 Series, the key switches are offered in detect or single- or double-action tactile feedback versions, and feature excellent tactile feel for low-level switching applications.

“The key switches are offered with an extensive range of LED colors, travel and actuator force options, and also feature extended life cycles and sealing to IP67 requirements for use in harsh environments,” said Rodolphe Gie, product manager for C&K Components. “The versatility and high reliability of these products allow us to meet all of our customers’ application-specific needs in the automotive, industrial and off-road markets.”

Specific applications for the K6 and K12 key switches include window lifts, seat adjustments and steering wheel functions in the automotive arena, as well as command panels for industrial and off-road equipment such as excavators, fork lifts and tractors.

Featuring electrical and mechanical life to 1,000 cycles and self-cleaning contacts, actuation force for the momentary action K6 and K12 Series key switches ranges from 1.5N to 9N, with a mechanical travel range from 1mm to 2mm. RoHS compliant and compatible with lead-free wave soldering processes, the miniature K6 key switch measures just 11 x 7.4 x 8.4mm while the K12 key switch measures 12 x 11 x 11mm.

Tranter International AB – a world leader in heat transfer equipment – has recently supplied plate heat exchanger (PHE) equipment to CATALANA DE TRACTAMENT D’OLIS RESIDUALS S.A. a company that specializes in the integral management of used oil. The application is a particularly testing one, given that the refining of waste oil involves treatment with a potassium hydroxide at high temperature. The PHE unit is manufactured from Hastelloy C267 to resist corrosive effects.

The PHE is a Tranter Supermax SM-07-H-06-HS-76 unit designed to withstand the aggressive medium which has to be cooled from temperatures in excess of 200 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees. The previous installation had used Inconel as a material but the new unit has now been in operation for a year and has proved much more suitable for this application.

CATOR (Group GBI Serveis) was established in July 1993 and is a concessionary operation of the public service of the Generalitat de Catalunya charged with the integral management of waste oil. It provides a collection service for all garages and industries in Catalonia and recycles all types of used oil products.

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

When the Porsche 997 Turbo first came out and it was discovered that you could get from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds in the Tiptronic automatic transmission (which was quicker than the manual gearbox), that was incredible enough. In the updated 997 Turbo with PDK, however, you can apparently get to 100 mph in less than eight seconds with just three fingers on the wheel and a bottle of Coke at your lips.

Things coming out of Stuttgart are no longer incredible, they’re outrageous. Follow the jump to watch Chris Harris do a bit of drinking and driving.

[Source: EVO]

Continue reading VIDEO: EVO does 0-100 mph in Porsche’s new 911 Turbo… with a Coke and a smile

VIDEO: EVO does 0-100 mph in Porsche’s new 911 Turbo… with a Coke and a smile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2009 has been interesting for many of us – the world has changed so much this year and it is a relief to have some good old fashioned holiday spirit. Looking forward, we are on the verge of a new decade and what seems like a new era in technology. I can’t think of a better time to invest some money in a nice quality Sony gift for someone to enjoy this holiday season and in the new year. We stopped by SonyStyle in Atlanta, Georgia yesterday and offer some recommendations for nice holiday Sony gifts in the sub $300 price range. Enjoy! Click here for more gift ideas from Sony.

Here are our recommendations in a list:

PSP Go ($249) – The most portable PlayStation Portable system yet, the PSP Go lets you download rich, immersive digital gaming or the best movies and TV shows directly to the ample 16GB hard drive with room for expansion via Memory Stick Micro (M2). Browse the incredibly deep lineup of PSP gaming and movie content from the PlayStation Network. Use built-in Bluetooth support to connect a wireless headset and talk with friends via Skype, or connect a PS3 DualShock controller. Plus, an ultra-crisp 3.8-inch LCD screen make your games and movies come alive – we feel its the best screen ever implemented in any PSP product.

PS3 Slim ($299) – While the form factor may have changed, the new slimmer and lighter PlayStation 3 120GB system still comes with free PlayStation Network membership, integrated Wi-Fi and 120GB of hard disk drive storage for your games, music, videos and photos. Plus, every PS3 system comes with a built-in Blu-ray Disc player to give you pristine picture quality and the best high-definition viewing experience available. Whether it’s gaming, Blu-ray movies, CDs, DVDs, music or online services, you can experience it all with the PlayStation 3 system.

Reader Pocket ($199) – The Reader Pocket Edition lets you access up to 350 of your favorite books from anywhere (512MB total storage). Its elegant, lightweight design is small enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket, and features a 5″ display with E-Ink Vizplex paper-like screen technology for easy reading, even in direct sunlight. For added versatility, it supports multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, offering access to more books from more places, including the Reader Store and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books. Enjoy up to two full weeks of reading (7,500 continuous page turns) on a single battery charge.

Reader Touch ($299) – Thinner, smaller and lighter than most magazines, the Reader Touch Edition lets you access up to 350 (512mb built-in storage, or more with SD/Memory Stick Duo memory expansion card slots) of your favorite books from anywhere. The intuitive 6″ touchscreen display makes navigation a breeze, letting you turn pages with the swipe of a finger. An included stylus offers freehand highlighting and annotation. With support for multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, you can enjoy books from more places, including the Reader Store and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books.

Cyber-shot Digital Camera DSC-WX1 (normally $349, available for $299) – A compact and attractive body, a 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD Plus and phenomenal imaging technology, the Cyber-shot DCS-WX1 digital camera delivers high-quality photos (and 720p HD video) in high style. A 24mm wide-angle Premium G lens and a new “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor works in combination with the BIONZ image processor for super-fast processing to make it easy to get the best shot. You can now shoot 10 frames per second at an incredible 10.2 megapixels per shot—perfect for those hard-to-get moments. You can even shoot beautiful landscape shots with ease and capture clear photos in dark environments. Not sure which mode to use in challenging lighting conditions? Let the Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode choose the setting for you.

Reach beyond the traditional wide angle lens, and capture more breathtaking shots with Sweep Panorama Mode. Simply press the shutter button and sweep the camera in the desired direction and the camera continuously shoots at a high speed, then seamlessly stitches the images together with automatic position adjustment to create one stunning panoramic image.

Multi-function Clock Radio for iPod ICF-CL75iP ($149) – Update your bedroom, living room, or office with contemporary flair. The ICF-CL75iP multi-function clock radio packs an array of innovative features into a space-saving design and gives you a 21st century alarm clock and photo frame. View photos and videos on the 7″ LCD screen or slide out the retractable docking tray to charge or listen to your iPod/iPhone music and video. There’s even a 2-5-7 day alarm for waking to the radio, iPod, iPhone, Nature Sounds, or a pre-recorded personal message. Additionally, this clock radio includes 1GB built-in memory, plus inputs for Memory Stick media, Secure Digital (SD) memory cards and USB.

Sony Camera Case ($19-39) – Safeguard your Cyber-shot or non-Sony camera digital camera with a carrying case. Some are even designed to match the color of your camera, and most come with a caribiner clip for easy attachment to your belt loop or handbag.

Of course, there are many other gifts under $300 by Sony, so check out SonyStyle for more ideas.

Raising a kid who love the earth isn’t complicated. It’s pretty darn easy except for the very top step which is all about you…

YOU (the parent) has to love nature. Actually love is pushing it, but you should at least like nature, talk about nature, get out into nature yourself, and be invested in keeping the earth healthy. This is the hard part for may parents. Especially busy parents who find it difficult to find the time to get outside. Still, difficult or not, your child will mimic you as he grows, both the good and bad so keep this in mind.

Jump in puddles. Playing outside is not just a sunny day activity. Get your child the gear he needs to tackle the outdoors no matter the weather. Let him jump in puddles, slide in the snow, stomp through hot beach sand and more. Experience nature in all seasons.

Observe and discuss. When outside observe the surroundings. Is there nature? If so what’s good about it? Is there mostly concrete and buildings near you? If so what sucks about that. Your observations help form your child’s opinion about nature so speak up.

Add to the fun. Nature alone is pretty darn fun – just ask an eight-year old skipping rocks in the lake or a toddler with a stick and a daisy. Still you can add to the fun with items like an outdoor tent, a skateboard, some garden seeds, and more. Make being outside just as much fun or more so as sitting inside.

Your house your rules! I rarely pull rank as a parent when it comes to activity. I believe I should respect my son’s decisions about what he wants to play and learn about. That said, nature time is not up for discussion. Kids who get outside regularly are healthier, more fit, and green-minded. I know parents who allow their kids to whine about, “Having to go outside” and then worse let the kids win so no one gets outside and it’s annoying. Most of these kids are overweight and addicted to sitting activities like TV and video games which yeah have their place but not at the expense of your child’s health. If you want a healthy kid, this is one issue you should pull rank on. Kids DO need to get outside and the more you push the issue from an early age the more they’ll learn to enjoy it.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Five simple ways to raise a nature kid

As part of a recent webinar presented by the International Food Information Council Foundation (which included holiday eating tips from Brian Wansink), the organization revealed data from its annual food survey regarding how Americans think about and approach their health.

Activity important, but not everyone gets it

When asked which three things were most important for maintaining good health, 80 percent of the 1,000 people who took part in the online survey (which was weighted demographically to generally match the U.S. population) said exercise was important. Sixty-six percent named healthy food choices, 53 percent said managing weight, 49 percent mentioned getting enough sleep and 45 percent keyed in on managing stress.

Twenty-two percent of those surveyed said they were physically active one or two days a week, while 56 percent said they got some activity in three to five days a week and 21 percent worked out six or seven days a week.

Just 24 percent said they worked out for more than an hour at a stretch, while 23 percent worked out 51 to 60 minutes, 11 percent 41 to 50 minutes, 4 percent 31 to 40 minutes, 25 percent 30 minutes and 13 percent less than 30 minutes.

It’s thought that working out 60 to 90 minutes each session is best for weight loss, which 27 percent of survey respondents said was their motivation for working out. Thirteen percent said they wanted to look better, 10 percent said they enjoyed getting physical activity, 10 percent wanted to prevent a future health issue and 9 percent were looking to increase their energy levels.

Many looking to lose weight

Fifty-three percent of those surveyed said they were trying to lose weight, while 25 percent were looking to maintain their current weight, 18 percent weren’t doing anything special and 4 percent were trying to gain weight.

Among those seeking to lose weight, 71 percent said they’re changing the amount of food they eat, 65 percent are changing the type of food they eat, 62 percent are getting more physical activity, 44 percent have altered how often they eat and 19 percent are counting calories or eating diet foods.

When asked about their motivation for weight loss, 69 percent said they wanted to improve their appearance, while 67 percent were looking for improved health. Forty-nine percent hoped for a self-esteem boost, and an equal number hoped for increased energy.

Thirty-five percent were seeking compliments from friends and family, while 33 percent wanted to lose weight for stress relief.

Healthier food choices

Sixty-four percent of those surveyed said they were making changes to the healthfulness of their diet. Of those, 64 percent said they were doing so to improve their well-being, while 61 percent sought to improve their physical health and 61 percent were trying to lose or maintain their weight.

When trying to make healthy changes, 38 percent said they hadn’t used any particular resources to help them, while 29 percent looked to friends and family for support and information. Twenty-one percent said they were using a formal weight-loss plan, 19 percent used a food diary and 18 percent followed the advice of a health professional.

(By Sarah E. White for CalorieLab Calorie Counter News)

From the RSS feed of CalorieLab News (REF3076322B7)

Americans speak out on what it takes, and what they’re doing, to be healthy

A Catholic’s first-amendment rights

Editor, The Times:

Sam Sperry’s guest commentary, “Bishops take the low road on health-care reform” [Opinion, Dec. 10] is a masterpiece of miscommunication.

I invite Seattle Times readers to get a better picture of what the bishops are trying to accomplish in health- care reform by going to the Washington State Catholic Conference Web site, www.thewscc.org. The bishops are working on a number of issues in addition to liberating taxpayers from having to fund abortions, such as the affordability of heath care for everyone, and access to health care for illegal immigrants.

What drives faithful Catholics to support these issues is our belief in Christ’s preferential option for the poor. When we speak of pro-life, we are talking about all life issues from conception to natural death. Raising our voices in support of the dignity of human life isn’t easy in our culture, especially when we advocate peace instead of war, programs to feed the hungry locally and globally, and when we celebrate our birthright as Americans to courageously speak up in the marketplace for those who can’t speak for themselves.

We strive for the higher road. We invite people to join us. Catholics in our country have the same first-amendment right to speak our hearts and minds as everyone else.

— Pastor Frank Schuster, Woodinville

Believe in abortion? Then you’re not Catholic

I read Sam Sperry’s guest commentary with amazement.

The bishops don’t want anyone denied health care. They are on record supporting health-care reform in this country — They argue the immorality of abortion.

I believe science says life begins at conception. At all developmental levels from the moment of conception forward, the child is fully human.

Bishops do not promote religious belief concerning abortion. Religious belief concerns God and our relationship with him. The bishops promote a moral fundamental, and have every right so to do in the public forum. Certain nonprofit organizations are allowed to speak freely and influence the course of public policy in the direction of their mission and acts, and so should be the same for the Catholic Church.

I recommend Sperry recall and act from the tenets and ethics of his Catholic education. Recently, I saw a bumper sticker that read, “Believe in Abortion? You’re Not Catholic.”

That Sperry’s byline cloaks him as Catholic and a product of Catholic education, I feel is a masquerade.

— Michael J. Ulrich, Woodinville

A life for a life, a good for a good

Sam Sperry’s “Bishops take the low road on health-care reform” is full of misinformation and poor conclusions.

Sperry stated the Catholic Church has “no absolute aspect to the sanctity of life.” To prove his point, he argues that the church prohibits abortion in cases of rape or incest, but is less absolute when a woman’s life is at risk. While rape and incest are heinous and tremendously emotionally and physically damaging, they are not in and of themselves life ending.

As such, they should be treated differently than a life-for-a-life scenario.

Sperry’s conclusion, that the bishop’s position on abortion may make them responsible for denying health-care coverage to the poor is flat wrong. The same faulty conclusion may be argued by stating that the Democrats position on abortion may make them responsible for denying health-care coverage to all those in need.

The bishops, in arguing against public funding for abortion, are doing what they must. They are making the point that you cannot create a good, universal health-care access, which the church has long favored, on the destruction of a more fundamental good — life.

— Brian Cummings, Port Orchard

Well folks, it’s over. The hustle is no longer hustling and the stockings are waiting to be packed up for the next go ’round. An ungodly amount of See’s Candy has been consumed, and we’re slowly making our way through leftovers and the last dregs of eggnog. Now if you’re anything like me (read: efficient first child), you’ve broken down boxes, recycled wrapping paper, and put your new gifts away. Heck, maybe you’ve even got your thank you notes ready to roll.

Read Full Post