The Detroit Free Press finally did an expose on one of my big pet peeves - people who aren't handicapped but use the disabled parking spaces. These are the worst of the worst in my opinion. People with such a morally corrupt core that they have no problem doing stuff like this. I don't care if it's people with no permit, or people "using a friend's permit", or even people using a permit from someone in their own family. They're all as bad as each other. I've challenged people about this on occasion and without exception, they always go on the defensive and always spin some bullshit excuse about how they're entitled to park there. Last time this happened I went to butt-in to an argument a guy in a wheelchair was having with a lady who'd parked in the disabled space. In the end she had no remorse or conscience - typical of so many self-centred people today. As long as they serve themselves, nobody else matters.
Anyway - the Detroit Free Press video is quite informative. See for yourself.
The woman at 3 minutes is amazing: "Well where's the handicap sign then?".
"Erm - right there, right in front of you!"
"Oh."
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
F1 race tracks, past present and future.
F1 racing provides excitement for spectators around the globe and every race track used provides a unique test of skill and courage that makes this motor sport one of the most passionately followed spectator sports. In this article we take a look at a brief history of where the drama unfolds, on the track and look at circuits used in the past, present and also plans for the future.
Constantly evolving
Since the first World Championship Grand Prix in 1950 at Silverstone a total of 68 different circuits have hosted an official F1 race. The racing circuit at Nürburgring is a good example of the constantly evolving nature of the circuits and how they adapt to the changing demands posed by improvements and developments to the cars that are competing and related safety issues. The Nürburgring used to race over a longer configuration but following safety concerns they now use a shorter safer circuit. As a result of the expansion of the sport into Asia and America nearly half of the 20 circuits currently on the Grand Prix circuit were not on the calendar just over 10 years ago.
Consigned to history
Racing at Aintree is associated with the horse racing spectacle that is the Grand National but Aintree hosted the British Grand Prix at various times between 1955 and the last time in 1962. Some circuits were not so fortunate to get more than one shot at hosting the Grand Prix and the Ain Diab in Casablanca Morocco, whilst being in a location entirely suited to the glamour of F1, only got to be a one hit wonder in 1958. Monaco is famous for many reasons and particularly the F1 race that winds its way through the streets that are normally frequented by the rich and famous, but some other street circuits were not so fortunate to stand the test of time and the Circuito da Boavista in Portugal only got to host the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1958 and 1960. The streets of Porto and many others have not heard the competitive roar of racing engines for some time unlike the residents of Monaco.
The Future
There are plans in place to introduce a Grand Prix of America and a Russian Grand Prix in 2014. The American race will be held on the Port Imperial Street Circuit in New Jersey which will see cars racing over a circuit of 5.1km around the streets of Hudson County while Russia eagerly awaits their Grand Prix which will be held in Sochi. The Sochi Olympic Park Circuit will hopefully see racing take place around a circuit of 5.8km in 2014 but there is talk of a potential delay for another year as preparations are also in place for the 2014 Winter Olympics so F1 fans in Russia might have to wait a little longer for their motoring entertainment to come to town.
As with the cars that compete, the nature and layout of the circuits used is always being evaluated and changes made where required not only to provide high class entertainment but also to ensure that the highest level of safety is always achieved. Any course that does not evolve along with the sport will always be wary that the last race they host will be their last, as history has shown that many venues are never guaranteed a future if they do not meet exacting standards.
Author Bio.
Jamie McMackin is a racing enthusiast and researcher. He enjoys getting out on the tracks and sharing his experiences on various racing blogs. Visit Wish.co.uk to find out more about driving experience days.
Constantly evolving
Since the first World Championship Grand Prix in 1950 at Silverstone a total of 68 different circuits have hosted an official F1 race. The racing circuit at Nürburgring is a good example of the constantly evolving nature of the circuits and how they adapt to the changing demands posed by improvements and developments to the cars that are competing and related safety issues. The Nürburgring used to race over a longer configuration but following safety concerns they now use a shorter safer circuit. As a result of the expansion of the sport into Asia and America nearly half of the 20 circuits currently on the Grand Prix circuit were not on the calendar just over 10 years ago.
Consigned to history
Racing at Aintree is associated with the horse racing spectacle that is the Grand National but Aintree hosted the British Grand Prix at various times between 1955 and the last time in 1962. Some circuits were not so fortunate to get more than one shot at hosting the Grand Prix and the Ain Diab in Casablanca Morocco, whilst being in a location entirely suited to the glamour of F1, only got to be a one hit wonder in 1958. Monaco is famous for many reasons and particularly the F1 race that winds its way through the streets that are normally frequented by the rich and famous, but some other street circuits were not so fortunate to stand the test of time and the Circuito da Boavista in Portugal only got to host the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1958 and 1960. The streets of Porto and many others have not heard the competitive roar of racing engines for some time unlike the residents of Monaco.
The Future
There are plans in place to introduce a Grand Prix of America and a Russian Grand Prix in 2014. The American race will be held on the Port Imperial Street Circuit in New Jersey which will see cars racing over a circuit of 5.1km around the streets of Hudson County while Russia eagerly awaits their Grand Prix which will be held in Sochi. The Sochi Olympic Park Circuit will hopefully see racing take place around a circuit of 5.8km in 2014 but there is talk of a potential delay for another year as preparations are also in place for the 2014 Winter Olympics so F1 fans in Russia might have to wait a little longer for their motoring entertainment to come to town.
As with the cars that compete, the nature and layout of the circuits used is always being evaluated and changes made where required not only to provide high class entertainment but also to ensure that the highest level of safety is always achieved. Any course that does not evolve along with the sport will always be wary that the last race they host will be their last, as history has shown that many venues are never guaranteed a future if they do not meet exacting standards.
Author Bio.
Jamie McMackin is a racing enthusiast and researcher. He enjoys getting out on the tracks and sharing his experiences on various racing blogs. Visit Wish.co.uk to find out more about driving experience days.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Luxury car manufacturers losing the plot.
I think there's some sort of collective neuroses going on in the luxury car segment at the moment. I was hoping the Porsche Cayenne would be a one-off; a flight of fancy from a designer soon to be sacked for perpetrating such a crime on the world of motoring. But sadly no. More luxury car makers are getting their feet wet in markets they have no business being in. First the Cayenne, now the Panamera - can there be a more pointless car for Porsche to make? A front-engined, 4-door saloon? Buy a Camry or a Fusion if you want one of those. They're a fraction of the price, much less likely to be stolen, have better warranties and are far more practical. It doesn't stop with Porsche though. Now we face the prospect of Lamborghini losing their marbles. For whatever reason, the Audi-owned purveyor of all things hypercar, makers of the Reventón, Murciélago, and pant-wettingly gorgeous Aventador, have decided they need to build a bloated, badly-handling, poorly-designed, ugly-looking SUV. The Urus (I'll spare you the picture, you can google it) is a really odd way to go for Lambo. I know most SUVs never go off-road but for $200,000 I'm pretty sure the most dirt a Urus will see will be the dust settling gently on it whilst parked on Rodeo Drive. Not wanting to be left out, Bugatti are getting in on the game with their 16C Galibier - essentially a four-door version of the Veyron. $1.4M for a four-door "family" car? Seriously?
But all of this pales in comparison to what's happening at my favourite maker of exotica - Aston Martin. DB9? DBS? Vanquish? V8 or V12 Vantage? Yes please - any and all of the above. But the Rapide? Why in the name of all that is handbuilt and peculiarly British would Aston want a 4-door sedan? Is it because they're copying Porsche? Are they jealous of the Panamera?
The answer to all the above stupidity of course lies in the vast inequality of wealth in certain countries. In the US, where 9% of the population have 90% of the wealth, it's hardly surprising people want to squander their money on expensive toys to be used as status symbols. "Oh honey - the Ford Escape is just too common. We simply must do better than that - I wouldn't be seen dead in anything less than a Cayenne." Where rich suckers and their money are easily separated, car makers know they can make serious bank. Porsche, Aston and Lamborghini know these vehicles are pointless but then they know the people they're selling them to are equally stupid. And if you can make a fast buck off someone, that's what capitalism is all about right?
But all of this pales in comparison to what's happening at my favourite maker of exotica - Aston Martin. DB9? DBS? Vanquish? V8 or V12 Vantage? Yes please - any and all of the above. But the Rapide? Why in the name of all that is handbuilt and peculiarly British would Aston want a 4-door sedan? Is it because they're copying Porsche? Are they jealous of the Panamera?
The answer to all the above stupidity of course lies in the vast inequality of wealth in certain countries. In the US, where 9% of the population have 90% of the wealth, it's hardly surprising people want to squander their money on expensive toys to be used as status symbols. "Oh honey - the Ford Escape is just too common. We simply must do better than that - I wouldn't be seen dead in anything less than a Cayenne." Where rich suckers and their money are easily separated, car makers know they can make serious bank. Porsche, Aston and Lamborghini know these vehicles are pointless but then they know the people they're selling them to are equally stupid. And if you can make a fast buck off someone, that's what capitalism is all about right?
Monday, November 5, 2012
Guest post : 2013 Audi Q5 - Subtle Success
Audi has a reputation for manufacturing luxurious, understated vehicles, and their 2013 Q5 SUV is just that. With its sleek, simple body style and superior driving capabilities, it’s both a classic and a head turner. Originally launched three years ago and not scheduled for an overhaul until 2016, the Q5 saw some minor upgrades in 2013. And while it may be predictably Audi and significantly short of revolutionary, it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Overview
When the first Q5 hit the streets in 2008, it was nothing special by any means. Not only was it late to the compact SUV game, it didn’t offer anything that made it stand out from its competition. Nevertheless, it quickly became one of Audi’s best-selling models. Four years later, the Q5 is facing stiffer competition, which includes the Range Rover Evoque, Cadillac SRX, the BMW X3 and Infiniti’s EX35. Therefore, a few changes were necessary to give it an edge. Because Audi rarely whips out completely redesigned vehicles, it’s no surprise that the changes to the Q5 amount to little more than minor improvements. New for 2013 is a grille with slightly harsher corners, chrome lined fog lights on the front, revised LED lights on the rear, and adorning the back of the vehicle, a pair of chrome tipped exhausts. The interior upgrades include a revised steering wheel and new ignition switch design, additional interior color options, and cleaner lines throughout.
Engines
Previously, those interested in purchasing a Q5 only had the choice of two engines, either the premium 2.0L I-4 with 211-hp or the premium plus 3.2 L V-6 with 270-hp. In 2013, Audi expanded its engine options to include a hybrid and a TDI diesel, which probably won’t make it into the U.S. lineup. Additionally, they replaced the 3.2-liter V6 with a newer direct-injection, supercharged 3.0L engine. This V6 offers 268-hp and 296 lb-ft torque. Audi claims the Q5 is capable of 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 146, which is pretty impressive for an SUV.
Pricing
Though pricing details have yet to be released, MSRP for the Q5 is expected to begin around $36,000 and reach $45,000 fully loaded. The Q5 will arrive in American dealerships in fall of 2012, but the hybrid model won’t make it across the pond until later in 2013. Only 500 total hybrids will be sold by Audi for the 2013 model year.
This guest post was contributed by Brittany Larson on behalf of Audi Warwick.
Overview
When the first Q5 hit the streets in 2008, it was nothing special by any means. Not only was it late to the compact SUV game, it didn’t offer anything that made it stand out from its competition. Nevertheless, it quickly became one of Audi’s best-selling models. Four years later, the Q5 is facing stiffer competition, which includes the Range Rover Evoque, Cadillac SRX, the BMW X3 and Infiniti’s EX35. Therefore, a few changes were necessary to give it an edge. Because Audi rarely whips out completely redesigned vehicles, it’s no surprise that the changes to the Q5 amount to little more than minor improvements. New for 2013 is a grille with slightly harsher corners, chrome lined fog lights on the front, revised LED lights on the rear, and adorning the back of the vehicle, a pair of chrome tipped exhausts. The interior upgrades include a revised steering wheel and new ignition switch design, additional interior color options, and cleaner lines throughout.
Engines
Previously, those interested in purchasing a Q5 only had the choice of two engines, either the premium 2.0L I-4 with 211-hp or the premium plus 3.2 L V-6 with 270-hp. In 2013, Audi expanded its engine options to include a hybrid and a TDI diesel, which probably won’t make it into the U.S. lineup. Additionally, they replaced the 3.2-liter V6 with a newer direct-injection, supercharged 3.0L engine. This V6 offers 268-hp and 296 lb-ft torque. Audi claims the Q5 is capable of 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 146, which is pretty impressive for an SUV.
Pricing
Though pricing details have yet to be released, MSRP for the Q5 is expected to begin around $36,000 and reach $45,000 fully loaded. The Q5 will arrive in American dealerships in fall of 2012, but the hybrid model won’t make it across the pond until later in 2013. Only 500 total hybrids will be sold by Audi for the 2013 model year.
This guest post was contributed by Brittany Larson on behalf of Audi Warwick.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Guest post : The DMV
The DMV can be a hassle. Long lines, paperwork, fees, and bureaucracy, aren't things many look forward to. There are ways to cut down on lost time though. From ordering products online to doing some preparatory research, sometimes the DMV can be outright avoided.
Often, a quick search online can save you a lot of time. Three things I usually look for, if I have to go in person, are the following:
1) Proper Identification
Waiting in line only to realize you don't have the correct ID with you is not a good use of time. It can vary from task to task but usually its a pretty easy search on the DMV state website. Know what you need beforehand.
2) Printable Forms
Most states will have a list of different forms and usually put up PDFs available for download. Having the form already filled out saves time at the counter. Also, there may be some information you didn't know you needed to have on there.
3) Correct Office
In smaller counties and towns there's usually only one DMV that handles everything, but for bigger cities there are sometimes smaller offices that don't manage some tasks. Contacting your DMV can save you the hassle.
Online Products
Sometimes products are available online. Some of them are from private companies or can be found on DMV's website. For example:
Driving Records
Sometimes called a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), Driving History Report, Drivers License Check, or Driving Abstract. These are detailed records of traffic violations, license suspensions, and so on, usually used for employment purposes.
Study Material
All state DMVs have a drivers handbook that they offer with safety guidelines and traffic rules. They have all the information that are on various licensing tests. Private companies also offer study guides and practice tests. There are boating and motorcycle tests out there as well.
Traffic School
Traffic Schools can help decrease demerit points or sharpen skills before a driving test. There are online traffic school options as well services that help you find physical driving courses.
If you can't get the correct information or product online unfortunately you're going to have to go to the DMV and figure it out in person. Hopefully this guide helps, and good luck!
Often, a quick search online can save you a lot of time. Three things I usually look for, if I have to go in person, are the following:
1) Proper Identification
Waiting in line only to realize you don't have the correct ID with you is not a good use of time. It can vary from task to task but usually its a pretty easy search on the DMV state website. Know what you need beforehand.
2) Printable Forms
Most states will have a list of different forms and usually put up PDFs available for download. Having the form already filled out saves time at the counter. Also, there may be some information you didn't know you needed to have on there.
3) Correct Office
In smaller counties and towns there's usually only one DMV that handles everything, but for bigger cities there are sometimes smaller offices that don't manage some tasks. Contacting your DMV can save you the hassle.
Online Products
Sometimes products are available online. Some of them are from private companies or can be found on DMV's website. For example:
Driving Records
Sometimes called a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), Driving History Report, Drivers License Check, or Driving Abstract. These are detailed records of traffic violations, license suspensions, and so on, usually used for employment purposes.
Study Material
All state DMVs have a drivers handbook that they offer with safety guidelines and traffic rules. They have all the information that are on various licensing tests. Private companies also offer study guides and practice tests. There are boating and motorcycle tests out there as well.
Traffic School
Traffic Schools can help decrease demerit points or sharpen skills before a driving test. There are online traffic school options as well services that help you find physical driving courses.
If you can't get the correct information or product online unfortunately you're going to have to go to the DMV and figure it out in person. Hopefully this guide helps, and good luck!
Monday, October 22, 2012
So NBC has acquired F1 coverage rights. Wonderful.
It's hard to denote sarcasm on the internet, but trust me, the 'wonderful' in the title of this week's post is very definitely sarcastic.
Right now, to watch F1 in America, we have either Speed Channel, Fox (who own Speed) or internet piracy. Speed do a pretty good job. They have a pre-race show, the entire race, the podium ceremony and the post-race interviews. The commentators are a good blend of people. Bob Varsha is sometimes outwitted by Hobbs and Matchett but that's mostly because he doesn't get the English humour and sarcasm.
Fox on the other hand are awful. The race coverage starts normally as the cars are forming up after the formation lap, and runs to about a minute after the first car crosses the finish line. No pre-race, no podium, no post-race interviews. The race itself is diced up into hundreds of pieces by the commercials - about 30% more than we get on Speed.
Now I refer you back to what NBC did to the Olympics this year. Their coverage was so awful that it was just an embarrassment. Their streaming service choked regularly, they couldn't show stuff in the right order at the right time and their commentary team was wooden and so idiotically banal that my wife and I just sat staring at the TV shouting "shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!". They kept talking in the wrong places (over other announcements) and they knew nothing about any of the sports or athletes. Their coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies was an editing nightmare (a good hour missing from each), and this is the team who are going to take on F1. I think we know where this is going to end up.
In defence of NBC acquiring F1, most people point out that the Formula 1 association control the TV feed so we ought to be fine. This is true, but then the Olympics was a controlled feed and that didn't stop NBC from turning it into an unwatchable train wreck.
With F1 going to NBC we face the prospect of a major network screwing it up worse than Fox did to the point where, like the Olympics, the only way to see the actual events will be to pirate them online. I'd rather not have to do that, but if it comes to it, I have no problem with it. As a matter of fact, Speed's coverage of F1 is one of the last remaining reasons we have a satellite box and haven't cut the cord to go to something like Amazon or Hulu. If NBC do their usual quality job next year, I see a future full of downloaded content for my household.
Right now, to watch F1 in America, we have either Speed Channel, Fox (who own Speed) or internet piracy. Speed do a pretty good job. They have a pre-race show, the entire race, the podium ceremony and the post-race interviews. The commentators are a good blend of people. Bob Varsha is sometimes outwitted by Hobbs and Matchett but that's mostly because he doesn't get the English humour and sarcasm.
Fox on the other hand are awful. The race coverage starts normally as the cars are forming up after the formation lap, and runs to about a minute after the first car crosses the finish line. No pre-race, no podium, no post-race interviews. The race itself is diced up into hundreds of pieces by the commercials - about 30% more than we get on Speed.
Now I refer you back to what NBC did to the Olympics this year. Their coverage was so awful that it was just an embarrassment. Their streaming service choked regularly, they couldn't show stuff in the right order at the right time and their commentary team was wooden and so idiotically banal that my wife and I just sat staring at the TV shouting "shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!". They kept talking in the wrong places (over other announcements) and they knew nothing about any of the sports or athletes. Their coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies was an editing nightmare (a good hour missing from each), and this is the team who are going to take on F1. I think we know where this is going to end up.
In defence of NBC acquiring F1, most people point out that the Formula 1 association control the TV feed so we ought to be fine. This is true, but then the Olympics was a controlled feed and that didn't stop NBC from turning it into an unwatchable train wreck.
With F1 going to NBC we face the prospect of a major network screwing it up worse than Fox did to the point where, like the Olympics, the only way to see the actual events will be to pirate them online. I'd rather not have to do that, but if it comes to it, I have no problem with it. As a matter of fact, Speed's coverage of F1 is one of the last remaining reasons we have a satellite box and haven't cut the cord to go to something like Amazon or Hulu. If NBC do their usual quality job next year, I see a future full of downloaded content for my household.
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