Las Vegas Mayor: Pro Team in Southern Nevada a 'Guarantee'

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to attend a Monday Night Football game live in Las Vegas? What would the NBA or NHL playoff experience bring to 'Sin City'? Or how about an Opening Day MLB start in the desert?

I can tell you exactly what it would be like. The back of your game ticket would be a scratch-off lottery game for lap dances and convertibles. There would be brilliantly lit slot machines in the bathroom stalls. At halftime, an opposing fan would be lowered into a cage and fed to a pair of white Bengal tigers. The vendors would be seven-foot mutants from Eastern Europe and the cheerleaders would be South American vixens. There would be midgets and clowns and a giant money tree that one lucky fan would get to shake at each home game.

It would be beautiful.

Las Vegas and a professional sports team are a natural fit. There are few things as American as the cultish pride, monetary excess and choreographed violence involved in pro athletics in this country. It's in our blood. It's our birthright. And America's Playground is the only city in the country that could possibly match that sort of frenzy and bacchanalia stride-for-stride.

The population of Las Vegas has tripled over the course of the last 20 years to 1.8 million, and it remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Its economy pumps out a staggering $72 billion annually, with nearly 38 million tourists blowing through town each year and contributing their mortgage/retirement/child's college fund to that honey pot. If we assume three-fifths of all Las Vegas visitors are sports fans - a measurement the Founding Fathers would approve - that would yield a pool of roughly 24 million fans to draw from.

I've said before that just like Dallas is America's Team, I truly think that a team in Las Vegas would be the World's Team, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said. We really have the type of cosmopolitan people out here that would embrace the hometown team.

Goodman is an outspoken, martini-swilling, showgirl-loving Philadelphia native and the ace in the hole for the city's bid for pro sports. He is disarmingly honest, and has the guile and zeal one would expect from an attorney who used to defend such ruthless mobsters as Meyer Lansky and Anthony Spilotro. Goodman is on record in support of canings and thumb amputations as punishment, and has shown up in public surrounded by Elvis impersonators. Would you bet against him?

Goodman has lobbied and prodded owners and commissioners in all major sports to relocate or expand to his orgiastic oasis. Vegas currently hosts major events in boxing, NASCAR, Arena Football, Triple-A baseball and tennis. Also, the city locked up a bid to host the 2007 NBA All-Star Game. They will be the first non-NBA city to do so.

With the recent financial difficulties of pro sports franchises in Florida, Portland, Seattle, San Diego and New Orleans, the number of potential suitors for Las Vegas seems to be at its pinnacle. Goodman said that discussions have been eal hot with the NHL.

However, not everyone shares his optimism.

I believe Las Vegas will not be seriously considered until someone steps up and builds a new arena to host a team, said Jay Kornegay, executive director of the sportsbook at the Las Vegas Hilton. Right now it seems like Las Vegas is just being used as a pawn for some owners to strike deals around the country.

Sin City's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness when it comes to seducing a team into its hypnotic trance. The reason there isn't a team in Las Vegas already has little to do with being the 47th ranked television market, its lack of a state-of-the-art arena or its graveyard of defunct pro franchises since 1976. No, Las Vegas doesn't have a team today because it permits legalized gambling and is seen by some as a modern Sodom and Gomorrah.

It's true that gambling and hedonism are at the soul of Las Vegas. But that's what gives it such a unique relationship with Sports. Vegas is Switzerland with slot machines. The hometown loyalty is to the point spread and every precious edge that she provides. People there are fans of everyone and no one, with allegiance based on whoever provides the best opportunity for a payday. Sports fans in Las Vegas are mercenaries, bounty hunters and war profiteers. And it's unlikely that their attitude will ever change.

That is what strikes Fear into the rulers of the major sports. They are afraid of point-shaving or players consorting with criminal elements. They are scared of anything that could be viewed as a conflict of interest and their hard-line stance against gambling is done in an effort to preserve the integrity of the game. (That is, the integrity remaining after sham officiating, performance enhancing drugs and uneven distribution of wealth.)

Needless to say, this stance by owners and executives is the height of hypocrisy. Goodman stated that the NFL's public actions and outward opposition to gambling is he most disingenuous reasoning that he'd ever heard. He also believes there's already illegal gambling at live sporting events in most other sports.

There's more bets taken during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden then there is on that game here, Goodman said. Think about it, you going to sit around watching 10 guys run up and down the court for two hours without some money going around? I didn't think so.

For my money, the owners and execs are the real criminals. They are vicious and vile, feasting on the flesh of children and old people. Just look at Al Davis. They loot the public treasury for a new stadium. They charge $8.50 for a beer. They claim their low-rent, second-rate organizations are perpetually ebuilding. They draft emotionally unstable and intellectually shallow children, get them hopped up on Potential and mescaline and turn them loose on society. Then the players are cut loose after they become multiple felons.

It's inconceivable that owners and league executives can pass judgment on Las Vegas or legalized professional gambling on the basis of some moral authority. They have more blood on their hands than most, and since they wouldn't resist the urges of greed and temptation they don't expect anyone else to either.

They don't realize the Nevada sports books and the league are on the same side, Kornegay said. We both want 'true' games. If anyone gets hurt on a crooked game it's the sports books. This is why we have so many policies, regulations and procedures to make sure the games stay true.

Someday they will realize that they need us a lot more than we need them, Goodman said of sports leagues.

The NHL and MLB have stated that if Las Vegas was awarded a franchise the casinos and books would have to agree not to take bets on the home team. This arrangement was a condition of hosting the NBA All-Star Game, and had been in place for UNLV and Nevada athletics until recently. The NBA has said that the books would have to agree not to take any action on any NBA games - period - before Las Vegas would be given its own team.

Over $2.5 billion was gambled through legal channels in Las Vegas in 2005. Nearly $400 million of that was on the NBA. Those are high stakes for casino owners and operators, especially since they form the backbone of the local economy but stand to gain little from the presence of a pro team. Also, what if Las Vegas were awarded an MLB team and it made the World Series, or if they got an NFL team and it played in the Super Bowl? There would be riots in the street and potentially billions of dollars lost.

Should Las Vegas have a pro sports team? Could it even handle one? We will see. But when asked what the odds of Las Vegas having a pro franchise by 2010 were, Goodman didn't hesitate: It's a guarantee.

Hmm. A guarantee in Vegas? If you're willing to buy that, I'm willing to bet that you'll be welcome in Sin City anytime.
About the Author

Check Doc's Sports site for daily sports betting articles, College Football Odds, NFL Odds, and Sportsbook Bonus info.

Don?t Risk Your Baby?s Life Get The Right Car Safety Seat

Start looking at baby car seats well before your baby is born. You don?t want to get caught out if your baby is born preterm. You?ll need a baby car seat before you leave hospital.

Every year thousands of young children loose their lives or sustain serious injuries which could have been prevented if through the correct use of car seats and safety belts.

When choosing a baby car seat don?t make your decision based on price alone, all seats available to purchase in the USA meet very strict safety standards but added features in higher price baby car seats may make them easier to use (thus avoiding fitting errors) or even safer than the cheaper options.

Always use a car safety seat that is the right size for your baby, infant or child. You will need to change your car safety seat as they grow.

The safest place for your baby / child to ride is in the back and you must never place your baby in a rear facing baby seat in the front of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.

For all car safety seats make sure you follow the manufacturer?s instructions to the letter. Ensuring your baby?s safety while traveling is an essential part of baby care and it is not something over which you should become complacent.

For newborn babies and babies up to around 15 months use a rear-facing car safety seat. You can get rear-facing seats that are convertible which means you can use them as front facing seats once your infant is big enough to travel forward facing safely. Rear-facing seats which are safe up to 22 pounds are suitable for babies up to 6-9 months and rear-facing seats which are safe up to 29 pounds are suitable for babies up to 12-15 months.

Once your infant has reached 12 months of age and weighs at least 20 pounds he can safely travel in a forward facing seat. If you have a convertible seat you can just switch to using it as a forward facing seat. Otherwise you can look at a built in, combination or forward facing seats which are usually suitable for infants up to 40 pounds (4 years).

Many states now have booster seat laws with children between 4 ? 6 or 4 - 8 years (depending on the state) having to use booster seats by law.

There are many booster seats available with some suitable for infants weighing just 20 pounds (9 months) but are generally geared towards children from 4 years old ( 33 pounds or more) up to 11 years.

Booster cushions are suitable for children weighing 48 pounds or more (6 ? 11 years of age).

About the Author:

Visits my website to learn more about pregnancy, babies and baby care.

Waiting For the Pontiac Solstice

General Motor?s Pontiac division is very much responsible for the Pontiac Solstice. What is the Pontiac Solstice? It is a roadster and this will be running on the streets, highways, and roads starting the summer of this year, 2006.



The Pontiac Solstice was introduced to the public eye during the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The production though for this vehicle had started during the middle of the year 2005. Compared to the concept car of the Pontiac Solstice during the said auto show, the Pontiac Solstice still holds the very same exterior styling. Manufacturers claim that this vehicle could possible be yours for US$19,995.



Mounted on the GM Kappa platform, the Pontiac Solstice has been predicted to boost the marketing and sales of the Saturn Sky and the Opel GT. This vehicle has been crafted as a convertible although there have been rumors that Pontiac would soon be manufacturing a fixed roof coupe version. By doing such, the Pontiac Solstice would then be very much capable of doing sports car racing since this event is not open to convertibles. Pontiac has also given interested parties the chance to choose as to what they would like the vehicle to have with regards to seat material and exterior color. As per the seats, the choices are either leather or cloth and the color choices are Steel, Sand, or Ebony. As per the exterior colors, one could choose from Sly, Aggressive, Mysterious, Pure, Envious, Cool, and Deep. Sly is a shade of gray, Aggressive is a shade of bright red. Mysterious is black. Pure is white. Envious is a dark green. Cool is a mixture of off white and very light gray. While Deep is a shade of dark blue.



The power of the Pontiac Solstice comes from a Power Ecotec 2.4 L DOHC engine. This is assisted by an Aisin five speed manual close ratio engine. The vehicle also offers an optional five speed automatic engine. The estimated fuel economy of this convertible is some 20 miles per gallon if it pertains to city driving and 28 miles per gallon if it is for highway driving.



For those who would like to customize their Pontiac Solstices, Pontiac has also thought of five packages ready for sprucing up the Pontiac Solstice. The Convenience Package includes cruise control, a Driver Information Center, fog lamps, a steering wheel accessory cruise control, and Driver Information Center controls. The Power Package has power windows, power door locks, a keyless entry system, remote and outside rearview power mirrors, and a remote control. The Premium Package includes a three spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with accessory controls, and a leather seating. For smokers, there is a Smoker?s Package that includes an ashtray, and a lighter. The Club Sport Package adds four wheel anti lock brakes, a limited slip rear differential, a sport tuned four wheel independent suspension, a five speed manual transmission, and an Ebony Cloth interior.



For the most trusted and most reliable source of superb quality Pontiac parts and accessories, there is no other car parts online supplier than Car Parts Rush. This company has a well stocked array of Pontiac premium quality automotive parts and car body parts. It also boasts of the finest Pontiac accessories and these are also found in Car Parts Rush?s online collection. Their collection includes Pontiac body kits, and body parts as well as parts for the Grand Prix, the GTO, the Sunbird Euro, the Sunfire, the Trans AM, and the Vibe among many others.

MercedesBenz Delivers 4Door DropTop

Mercedes-Benz confirmed the rumor that spread like wildfire in the previous months. The rumor is about a 4-door convertible that comes with a fascinating drop-top. The new convertible from the automaker named Ocean Drive, will make its debut early next month at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.



At a glance the new convertible appears like a decapitated S600 but a closer look suggests sophistication and state-of-the-art quality. It is given a unique body work that boasts large grille that also serves as Mercedes-Benz hood ornament. The door handles are mated to the striking architecture of the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with distinctive LED-based Mercedes-Benz headlights and taillights. In addition, 4 Lamborghini doors Mercedes-Benz are integrated to create a breathtaking vehicle.



To create a catchier and more indulging convertible, Mercedes-Benz integrated Ocean Drive's power operated soft-top behind the rear seats. The automaker's Airscarf heating system is also fitted onto the four seats to allow comfy driving even in colder weather conditions.



Mercedes-Benz did not give information about the production model of the car. Further, they are claiming that the mentioned convertible is not just a concept but a design study. According to auto analysts, automaker's decision regarding the production version will be influenced significantly by how the vehicle will be received by the auto market. When Mercedes-Benz finally decides to mass produce the vehicle, it will be its first production four-door convertible since the 1960s. More information about Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive design study will be revealed by the automaker during Detroit show press days which is scheduled on January 7 to 9 next year.



Mercedes-Benz is a German brand for cars, trucks, buses and coaches, which are produced for Daimler-Benz AG. The latter's inception can be reckoned on June 28, 1926. Mercedes is now owned by Daimler-Chrysler AG. The brand name is applied to the models of one of the premier automakers today.



The automaker has introduced auto breakthroughs both in the past and present. In 1908, Daimler-Benz and Chrysler agreed on the merger of equals, which eventually created DaimlerChrysler AG.



Mercedes-Benz pride convertibles include the 2007 CLK-Class priced at $46,200-$89,200, SL-Class $94,800-$186,000, and SLK-Class $43,350-$62,500.

As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield,Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

Way to Go

The bartender looked at me with just a trace of concern and said: Are you sure you want another dry martini? Gee, you just had 4 in a row.

Yup, I also need more peanuts and some olives. They'll keep me upright till lunch time.

I had just finished playing 18 holes and had turned in another Oscar performance on the links: four under par in a course known for its devious and hidden character. My playing partner, who is also my doctor, had had two Alka-Seltzers in a row. The round that morning had cost him not only a cool thou but it had left more than a hairline crack in his self-esteem. Crushed were whatever hopes he had of humiliating me. He had tried everything, including poor score accounting, the old distraction sequences and the worn out You don't look too well today.

FOUR UNDER PAR! It was one of the best cards I had turned in half a dozen years. It meant a positive balance of birdies against bogies and other atrocities. That score, the feeling it produced and the enrichment of the blood and the senses provided by the dry martinis, gave me a time-space frame of chop -licking texture.

Once the fourth martini had been added to the inventory and peanuts and olives swiftly disposed of, I sauntered down the clubhouse towards the parking lot by the pond, carrying as usual my inseparable Japanese Pitching Wedge.

The red Mercedes convertible - top securely up - was parked in the usual shady and secluded spot of the parking lot. A very discreet location where no possible intruder could appear without allowing some beneficial warning. The spot guaranteed seclusion, intimacy and quiet.

She was sitting in the driver's seat reading an action-adventure book of the kind written by retired military officers. I could tell by translating the aura emanating from her delicate head: bored puzzlement, disdain and a Tabasco dash of disgust. Those retired warriors ought to accept Security jobs in two star department stores, play golf or use their travel vouchers. They should not be allowed to write anything longer than a laundry list.

She turned towards me and said:

Love, what the hell is a three pronged Info-ductilliable Model 405 Series EW34-009 Transteroformer with Spectimetrical Megaglicks??

The tone was pure frustration and fury. She continued:

When are they gonna draft these bastards back into KP. They are doing more damage to the civilian population in this country than a Republican majority in the House, Congress and the NAACP.

As soon as I entered the car and sat next to her, her rage turned into the most enticing welcome expressed in glorious smiles, a gentle squeeze of my hand and a soft kiss on the lips. That soft kiss - in a sense the first note of a complex overture - quickly turned into more aggressive mutual savoring, delicate caresses, and the increasing cadence of urgent breathing.

Mercedes Benz has always built excellent cars. This one had, in addition to tinted glass all around, padded automatic luxury seats that allowed tri-dimensional maneuvering to satisfy the most capricious configurations. In short, the damn thing was as comfortable as a triple mattressed double bed! We made use of it. Several times.

A couple of hours and a box of Kleenex later and, after both of us having dozed off in each other's arms, spent and satisfied, we decided to call it a day.

For an old thirty year old, you do quite well - I observed half in jest. She looked at me and in a very serious tone she dropped a bit of information both unexpected and shocking:

Love, I am going to have your baby. I saw the doctor this morning and he confirmed it...

I was speechless. My mind sort of flickered off. With an imperceptible but totally unconscious shake of my head I recovered a long second later.

Don't even think it - she said, It is yours. Bob has been away for the last 4 months. And it is over two years since we were last together. I haven't had any sexual contact with anyone but you. As hard to believe as it may sound, you are the father-to-be!

Well, true. I fell for Anansse the first time I saw her. My daughter, who introduced us, sensed at once that I had, again, been conquered by that indescribable and magnetic essence that some women project. It is like turning on a spectrum of colored lights that only you can see or a haunting melody that only your ears can hear. There is an immediate bridge, unspoken, undefined but intense and certain. It leads to pure love.

Anansse and I enjoyed a most romantic and passionate interlude. The only shadow in an otherwise bright agenda of love and passion was her husband's non-presence. In spite of the total demise of their marriage and the brutal treatment that Bob had inflicted on Anansse, she was forced to observe a minimum of discretion. As the only daughter of a Supreme Court Judge, she had to sacrifice some of her personal integrity to protect the pretense of a marriage of convenience. Her own happiness did not enter into the equation.

His being away almost continuously made things easier for us, but at the same time, it managed to let in a microscopic amount of remorse. This remorse, while insignificant and not wholly justified, was enough to prove to us that we had not lost our decency and could still sense the echoes of our conscience.

Our passion was endless. Often I would meet her for breakfast at one of the more distinguished lounges in the city and, just as often, we could not finish breakfast. We both would begin to feed each other small pieces of this or that and soon our appetite would be replaced by an urge that was impossible to stop. Caresses in public places have always been distasteful to me but such was the fury of our desire that we would not hesitate to rush into the nearest restroom, supply room or closet. It was great!

Of course I never thought I would be in a position to engender children. That vasectomy of long ago and all those modern prevention measures for both sexes had given me a happy and careless demeanor, which, I felt, added to the enjoyment of my relationships and improved my social acceptance.

What are you going to do? - I asked.

She looked at me for a long time. She seemed to be trying to reach the proper neuron cluster in my brain before letting her own thoughts disclose her decision.

I am going to have the baby! Love, it is too precious a gift and I can not think of any argument that can convince me to change my mind.

Tears filled my eyes. She had touched the right combination. Pride, happiness, amorphous joy, they all paraded through me and left me with a sense of wonder. Something akin to shooting substantial sub par golf.

I could not expect any other answer from you, darling Anansse..-- I was finally able to blurt. -- But, how about Bob?

She twisted her solid Gold Bulgari bracelet in a sudden nervous motion. The question, obviously, had been in the front layers of her mind. I could tell that it was a painful moment for her and an anxious one for me. I feared more than anything else that she would allow some unreal sense of responsibility, loyalty, and decency towards Bob to prevail upon her; to push her towards the accepted rigors of modern convention. To tell me that it was all over between us. But my fear was unfounded.

I will just have to tell Bob. And I shall move out this very week. I must put an end to all these years of pretending. He returned yesterday with the usual vodka personality, dead on his feet and barely made it to his room but not without letting me have another of his senseless fit of jealousy. This morning I left early so I really have not had a chance o talk to him. I know he knows that I have reached the end of the rope.

I listened with my heart. My love for Ananssee was such that the thought of losing her could only compare to the loss of my senses. Her determination to end what I considered the tasteless relationship she maintained with an abominable man confirmed my own faith in the love I had patiently inspired in her own heart. In spite of the complications her actions were certain to create, I felt happy. I felt in many ways justified; I also felt the pride of having overcome incredible obstacles to win her love . Ananssee my love, you make me so happy. Doubly happy. It means to me that we can plan our future together; we will have a bond between us and a source of joy.?

Like youngsters, we made plans. After a quick divorce we would be reunited in Geneva and would take up residence there. Geneva had been home to both of us in our separate pasts and had always remained a particular haven in Europe for each of us. I was overjoyed. My mind was already setting up spreadsheets, charts and diagrams about the next few months. Pure bliss!

We kissed each other and she quickly steered the Mercedes out of the parking lot. I started to walk back to the lot in front of the Clubhouse, where my Jaguar and Warren, its keeper, chauffeur and personal assistant, had been waiting for me.

As I reached the entrance to the parking lot, Bob suddenly appeared from behind the hedges bordering the lot. His eyes were red, his hair and face seemed to have been given a vinegar shampoo. He glared at me and quickly stepped in front, blocking my way.

I know all about you and Ananssee, you dirty old bastard!

As he shouted these words, he pulled a gun, shiny and threatening and pointed it at me.

I must admit that with age, my reflexes -- well, some of them -- have slowed down a few notes down the scale. So, if you put together a demented Bob brandishing a gun in front of me and my own inertia as I moved past the hedge, you can see that I stopped rather abruptly and my inseparable Japanese Wedge sort of slipped in front without any conscious effort on my part. The trusty Japanese Wedge hit Bob's hand as he pulled the trigger causing the barrel to move upwards and let go of its mortal message right into Bob's contorted face.

Seconds before, my peripheral vision had detected Warren moving quickly towards us. He witnessed the entire sequence and came immediately to my aid.

Then the police, coroner, officers, witnesses and curious golfers all seemed to materialize and stand around talking about the incident.

After talking to the police and agreeing to be there in an hour?s time, I went to the bar and could not help ordering a double Remy Martin. I felt tired and a little unhappy that this most unfortunate encounter with Bob had temporarily dampened the euphoria Ananssee had produced in me. Warren came after me and gently suggested I leave as soon as I finished the cognac.

As we were leaving the bar, one of the regulars at the bar -- thinking that I could not hear him -- said to Warren:

Make sure you take care of that wedge. If it is as old as his master it may not have many shots left.

Everyone laughed heartily. I stopped and in a loud enough voice so that the rest of the guests at the bar could hear me said:

I heard that. Not to worry. This wedge is only thirty years old. I think I'll retire it when it reaches my age. You see, I will be 85 years old next week

After a career in international corporate business,the author uses humor to describe and comment on people, events and current concerns.

The Volvo C70: The Conservative Convertible

The Volvo group has always been known more about the safety of their cars than the kind of style that their vehicles sport around. The reputation comes from Volvo's effort to increase the safety of their cars which they designed to have a boxy look. The boxy design is employed by early models of the car that is why the company is known not for the good looks of their cars.

The present though is different; the last decade has seen Volvo produce cool looking cars in an effort to catch the attention of younger buyers. An example of the Sweden-based outfit effort to produce eye pleasing design is their Volvo C70 convertible. The car is originally designed as a coupe and is converted to a drop-top which has the conservative styling of a Volvo but it still looks good.

The convertible does not offer radical designs but the drop-top configuration of this car surely commands attention. The car's attractiveness mirrors the company's drive to not only provide safe cars for the public but also good looking ones in order for them to have the younger consumers latch on - this is the group which the company is hoping will become their buyer base for many years to come.

The car employs a four-piece hardtop that gently tucks itself into the car's trunk in under 30 seconds. The precise engineering of the mechanism enables the driver to lower the top and it also makes the lowering of the top quite a sight to see.

The convertible is a four-seater affair and offers good lumbar support to all its occupants. With the top up, it feels like a coupe from the inside, not only in its looks but the way you would feel when you drive it. The rest of the interior is also a good piece of work, from its floating console which is common with newly released cars from Volvo, to its easy-to-read analog dials; the car offers convenience and comfort.

It is also loaded with safety features that only Volvo can offer. The C70 is the only convertible that has side curtain airbags; this is a testament to the company's dedication to providing safe cars no matter what the design may be.

The performance of the car is optimized by a wide array of high performance Volvo auto parts which are known for their reliability and long service lifespan. Its turbocharged engine can accelerate the car from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in roughly 7 seconds. The car's acceleration is quite remarkable given its heavy roof, the added weight of chassis stiffening components, Boron steel windshield pillars and ballistic roll-over bars. What powers the car to that remarkable acceleration is its powerplant that is a transversely-mounted 2.5 liter turbocharged engine capable of producing up to 218 horsepower at 5000 revs per minute.

The problem that is common to all convertible though is that once the top is lowered, it cuts the luggage space in half, and the Volvo C70 is no exception to that. But efforts put in the design of the convertible gives the driver a mechanism that allows him to raise the top while it is inside the trunk to permit loading of luggage underneath it before lowering it again. While this does not solve the storage space problem, it is a clever way to make the best out of the situation. Overall, the convertible is a great ride, not only does it offer good aesthetic value but also great performance, with a healthy slice of safety thrown into the mix.

About the Author

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

History of Cars Types of Cars

Baby, can I drive your car?

A car or automobile, from the Greek auto- (?on its own?) and Latin mobile (?moving?), is a vehicle that has evolved from the carriage and the bike to a road vehicle that can independently move. Usually it is described as a vehicle with four wheels that can be used to transport one to seven people.

The history of the automobile

Carl Benz was the first one to build a car, which had three wheels, powered by a gasoline driven engine in 1885. He was granted a patent in 1886 for that automobile. Of course, he wasn?t the only one trying to build cars. Several others succeeded in making motorized vehicles, like the first motorbike by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885. Benz is credited with the invention of the modern car, as we know it.

Types of cars

When choosing a car, it is important to choose one that fits your needs. The most common types of cars are: 4-doors sedans, 2-door coupes, station wagons, SUV?s, convertibles or sports cars.

4-Door Sedans

A 4-door sedan is a perfect choice for most people looking for a new car. It offers security because of the enclosed trunk and the rear-seat passengers have an easy entry because of the rear doors. You can find them in a range from compact models to large and luxury sedans. Four-door sedans are more comfortable than other types.

2-Door Coupes

If you don?t have any kids or are single, you may be attracted to a two-door coupe. The rear seats aren?t that easy to access, because you have to use the front doors. Many types of these cars have a hatchback instead of a trunk. That allows you to carry large items for a short distance.

Station Wagons

Are you the type of family that likes to pack your things and go to the beach? Then you should check out the station wagon. Station wagons offer a lot of stability, a good gas mileage and an affordable insurance rate. Some of the types of station wagons have all-wheel drive and of course they give you lots of space. Ideal for a family pick-nick on a Sunday afternoon or taking a small trip to the mountains with the kids.

SUV?s

SUV?s or sport utility vehicles are taking a big part of the market today. They are often used as a big family car, but are firstly intended to ride on rough grounds. They are not as easy to drive as a regular car or a station wagon and the insurance rates for SUV?s are definitely higher than for any other car. If you are considering of buying an SUV, be sure to take a look at the station wagons too.

Convertibles

Most convertibles have only two seats, superior handling and high-performance engines. Some of the manufacturers offer ?regular? convertibles with four seats. Convertibles are great if you?re living in a place where the weather is great all the time. It?s useless to buy a convertible when you never get the chance to use the convertible top.

Sports Cars

Sports cars originated in Europe as two-seat roadsters that were designed for daily travel and racing. Sports cars are considered cool and fun, but it?s not practical to use them for daily transportation.

So, before you buy that new car to impress your neighbour, friend or lover? think before you act! Find the car that fits you.

Find Cars information

Seattle Used Car

Car seat safety tips

Do you know that according to a report 80% of kids are not properly seated in the car seat and thus many children get unnecessarily injured in car accidents. Still many of us do not bother about using safe car seats for our children. So let us follow some basic tips so that we can avoid our babies from getting involved in an accident.

The biggest mistake that you parents often commit, is not to bother whether the seat is right for your child's age and whether he is facing the right direction.

a) Always remember infants should be in a rear facing infant only seat or convertible seat until they are 1 year old and weigh twenty pounds. Kids whose weight remains less than 20 pounds even after 1 year should also continue to face backwards.

b) When a child is above 1 year in age and weighs more than 20 pounds then he/she can be seated in a forward facing car seat, until they are 40 pounds of weight. Children over forty pounds should be placed into a belt positioning booster seat and they should usually stay in it until they are at least 8 years old.

c) Parents always remember not to use the car's regular seat belts for your child until they fit correctly when your child is about 80 pounds and is 4ft 9 inches tall. Your child should not use regular seat belts until the shoulder strap fits across his shoulder and not his neck, and the lap belt fits across his hips and not his stomach.

d) You should not allow your child to sit in the front seat until he/she is more than 12 years of age

e) Remember! Do not use seat, which has its harness straps too loose or in the wrong position, always lock the seat belt properly with a locking clip, secure the seat belt correctly and do not place an infant seat in the way of an air bag.

f) Always make sure that the harness chest clip of the infant seat is positioned at your child's armpit level, the harness straps are straight, the rear-facing straps are positioned at or a bit below your child's shoulders, the seat is reclined at about a 45 degree angle and never ever place an infant in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat of a car.

g) When you are using a rear facing convertible seat, see carefully whether the harness straps are positioned at or a bit below your child's shoulders, the harness chest clip is at the armpit level, the harness straps are straight and the seat is reclined at a 45-degree angle

h) While using a forward facing convertible seat, watch out that the harness straps are positioned at or slightly above your child's shoulder, the straps are straight and the harness chest clip's position is around your child's mid-chest or armpit area.

i) You can only use a forward facing combination seat if the harness straps are positioned at, or slightly above, your child's shoulders and you must stop using a shield booster when your child is 40 pounds.

j) If you want to use a belt-positioning booster seat, first make sure that you are using the lap/shoulder belt combination with a belt-positioning booster. Never use just a lap belt. Secondly, the shoulder belt must rest across the chest and thirdly the lap-belt should remain across the lap or upper thigh area and not across the stomach

Finally, do not use a car seat that: a) was involved in a crash, b) more that 10 years old, c) does not have a label with its date of manufacturing, d) does not have instructions, e) has a crack in its frame or has some part missing.
Always follow these instructions to ensure your baby's safety in the car.

BABY FOOTPRINTS

Everyone loves sweet baby feet, and baby footprints are a classic symbol of a newborn. The first year of a child's life is a time of remarkable growth and development.

Now you can preserve a piece of your baby's first year forever with easy-to-use kit, which captures a perfect impression of your child's tiny foot.

Anyone can make cute cards with a cherished reminder of baby's adorable feet and hands.

Parents and grandparents will think this is the best baby shower gift.

For thank you notes or baby announcements after baby has arrived, use his/her real footprint or handprint.

Copyright ? 2006 Lena Hilltorp

Baby Footprint. Money-Saving Information About Baby Footprint. Look At Everything We Have To Offer
http://www.baby-footprint.net/

About the Author

Lena Hilltorp is a freelance publisher based in Sweden. She publishes articles and reports and provides Baby footprints resources on www.baby-footprint.net

The Volvo C70: Two Cars in One

Many car buyers especially those more concerned about their car's exterior styling would usually opt for a convertible. After all, driving down a busy street in a top down car is guaranteed to turn heads. Of course, the driving performance of the car is not left to chance; any buyer would surely go for a car with good looks and a high performance level to boot. And since a convertible is known for having problems in security and leakage in the past, a smart buyer would surely cover all bases and go for the convertible that not only looks good and drives well but is also secured and safe.

One such car is the Volvo C70. This vehicle is a four-seater coupe/convertible which is expected to set a trend for other car manufacturers to follow shortly. The current convertible model from the Swedish manufacturer is owned by the Ford Motor Company. It is actually based on the Volvo S40 sedan but the convertible has a wider track and holds better looks. But just like all other Volvo models, both are safety features rich and have high performance levels.

The car's performance, just like its exterior design, does not disappoint. It can handle great speeds with ease giving its occupants a smooth and quiet ride even with the top down. The top, by the way, is made of steel and it takes 30 seconds for it to fold down into the trunk. It has that sports car feel which accompanies all convertibles, thanks to its hardworking engine and an array of precisely engineered parts - a product of all the hard work the company puts in all its car models. The powertrain of the car is one of the finest in the market thanks to the company's dedication to their consumers' safety. From its engine, power is transferred through either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Various parts work together perfectly to get that power to the wheels like the Volvo axle, the drive shaft, and other drivetrain parts.

With precision engineering and a design that enables the car perform to its optimum level; the car is not surprisingly one of the best in the market, and they are up against very tough competition. Its suspension is incredible, giving the car the stability and ride comfort even on long drives that driver and passenger would surely appreciate. The chassis of the car is fortified and re-figured from the original Volvo C70 to increase the rigidity of the car thus increasing the safety of the occupants in cases of roll over on collisions. This is a trait that is uniquely Volvo. Through the years, the company has been known for making their cars safer and safer for their consumers. And the new coupe/convertible, two cars in one, is another example of the dedication of the company towards better road safety.

About the Author

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Top Volkswagen Executives on Trial

The trial of former Volkswagen human resources executive Peter Hartz has ended on Friday, January 26. And the verdict? Hartz received a two-year suspended sentence and a fine. The bribery and corruption case of Peter Hartz was feasted on by journalists and camera teams with matching angry protesters outside the courthouse in the town of Braunschweig.

Peter Hartz was a former top manager of Volkswagen and a member of the IG Metall trade union and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He was also a special advisor to Chancellor Gerhard Schr?der (SPD). He devised the draconian labor market reforms that bear his name. During the trial Peter Hartz was called with various names such as traitor, scoundrel and most of the angry protesters were shouting for him to be put to jail.

Hartz trail was conducted in a rapid speed although he was charged with 44 criminal offenses; among them are bribery, undue influence and breach of fiduciary duty amounting to ?2.6 million. His initial appearance inside the court only lasted an hour.

After a short deliberation, the chairman of the judges, Gerstin Dreyer , announced that the court has reached a prior agreement with all involved basing on the credible confession of Peter Hartz. He further declared that since Hartz has pleaded guilty on the charges and has confessed the whole truth, punishment would be reduced to a two-year suspended sentence and a fine of not less than ?300,000. The said decision was ratified last Friday.

Volkswagen has also made it clear that it does not want details of the corruption involving the long standing works council Chairman Klaus Volkert and the other 23 works council members to be aired in open court. Lots of questions are still unanswered. The German public would like to know what Volkert do in return for receiving the questioned special bonuses amounting to ?1.9 million between the years 1995 to 2005. Another mind-boggling question is the payment of ?399,000 to Volkert's Brazilian lover, what was it for?

It would have been quite interesting to discuss in the courtroom, or possibly later before the High Court, the question whether the alleged bribing of a works council boss harmed or benefited the enterprise. Perhaps the money paid was worth it. Since every day of industrial peace is worth a great deal of cash, wrote Hans Leyendecker in the S?ddeutsche Zeitung.

Hartz Case an Eye-Opener
The scandal that happens in Volkswagen has resulted for the German public to doubt their country's post war system of corporate governance. The felt cheated and betrayed. They also began questioning the system's vulnerability to serious abuse. Under the system called codetermination, labor representatives are allowed by law to obtain half the seats on a company's supervisory board which in turn gives them the opportunity to control management decisions.

As they say power corrupts. The system is not that perfect and so ending up being abused by those in power. Furthermore the chairman is also given an extra vote which gives him the power to tip the scales in votes resulting to the separation of labor and management. This type of system gives the shareholder representatives with the advantage especially in close boardroom battles.

And lastly the Hartz case has become an eye opener to the German public especially since never in their wildest dream did they ever think that such a distinguished man like Peter Hartz that authored Germany's Labor reforms and who is renowned for hitting record breaking targets for exports year after year is involved in one of the country's biggest plunder ever.

About Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a 20th century icon and unparalleled in terms of its production of legendary cars and quality auto parts like a href= http://www.dubautoparts.com/volkswagen-brake-hose.html itle=Volkswagen brake hoseVolkswagen brake hose. The Beetle which is an original masterpiece of the German automaker has become the world's best-selling car of all time. Volkswagen's bus was also branded as a symbol of generation while the Golf was deemed by many as a modern masterpiece. All the mentioned vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen have become an indelible part of the cultural and personal lives of millions of people around the world.

Volkswagen was founded in an era where privilege is limited to a few number of people only. And this is exactly what motivates Ferdinand Porsche to come up with the idea of a people's car or Volkswagen in German. It was in the year 1934 when Porsche created the first people's car for Europe and a year later a working prototype was launched.

By the end of 1942, almost 70,000 Volkswagens were produced. Three years after in a swift recovery after the war, Volkswagen produced almost 2,000 vehicles for the Allied Forces and the new German Post Office. The year 1948 was another good year for Volkswagen; it was able to produce 25,000 Volkswagens from its production lines in Wolfsburg. Two Beetles were produced during this year and was shipped to United Sates. A year after another batch of Volkswagens was produced including Volkswagen Karrman convertible which became the best-selling convertible in the world.

The year 1955 has signaled the growth for Volkswagen since it was during this year that the automaker was able to produce a million Volkswagens. Since then it has grown into a world corporation, building factories and working communities in countries like United States, Brazil, and Canada. Volkswagen has not also forgotten to help its fellow countrymen; the German automaker has also put up working communities in major centres in Western Europe.

In less the last fifteen years of the millennium Volkswagen has become a true global force in the auto industry and ranked fourth as the largest automaker in the world following GM, Toyota and Ford. Its acquisition and redevelopment of famous car brands like Audi, SEAT, Skoda and Lamborghini has added to its strength.

About the Author

Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car. dubautoparts.com - Dub Auto Parts Direct 1254 zipcode - Richmond

The 2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Everything That A Wagon Should Be

The 2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is one sinister looking wagon and it?s not just about the color. Wagons may not be the first choice by most when it comes to a cool conveyance but if utility is high on the priority list then there are always SUVs, vans and wagons.

Wagons provide as much cargo room without sacrificing a car?s typically better ride, handling, braking, and acceleration. The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is like a Charger with a really big trunk which makes this wagon a match to SUVs and vans when it comes to loading cargoes.

These LX cars have proven quite a success for Chrysler and it?s because of some very good reasons. It?s based on the E-Class Mercedes platform, offer rear-drive, full-size comfort in a more refined package than what most American car buyers are used to. The price is also remarkable since it?s very affordable.

The Hemi versions in particular offer a lot of features plus extras for the buck. But with the additional of the SRT badge, expect to get things a little more devilish.

The Drivetrain When it comes to vehicles it?s always about the engine. Instead of the 5.7 liter Hemi, the SRT will have a smokin? 6.1 liter version with an additional 80 hp. The Street and Racing technology engineers worked with their black magic and created the classic Hemi orange block and black valve cover paint to remind customers of the powerful heritage of the SRT.

The hemispherical combustion chambers were viewed as the source of dominant power in the past. And that is also one of the reasons why the Hemi ?Cuda convertibles can cost over $2 million at auction today. The ?Street hemi? of the 60s and 70s produced 425 horsepower from its 426 cubic inches of displacement. The present Hemi gets a similar output from less than 90 percent of that displacement.

The SRT team begins with a run-of-the-mill 5.7 then bores the cylinders by 3.5 mm, increases the compression ratio from 9.6:1 to 10.3:1, redesigns the cylinder heads, exhaust and intake systems for increased flow and hit the redline from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm. There was nothing more left with the standard 5.7 once the SRT team gets through with it?valves, cams, rods, manifolds, rods, crank, oil pan, pistons?you name it they?ve changed it all?.Every single part. The block is also given more reinforcement and the result is a seemingly endless grunt whenever you have a need for it.

The output is also rated at 425 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm. This power is routed through the A580 five-speed AutoStick that may prove to be a little reluctant to downshift on its own. Upshifts are smooth and may prove to be unremarkable but once under full throttle they seem a bit abrupt. The transmission may not be the smoothest in the world but it enough for most accomplished drivers.

A tap to the right or left once in drive mode will enable drivers to hold a gear which will be displayed on the dash. And the best thing about automatic is that it makes burnouts as simple as pressing both pedals for a second or two before letting the brakes out. Never forget to disengage the ESP traction control unless you want to change tires already.

The Suspension Since the Dodge Magnum SRT8 is a large vehicle weighing 4,260 lbs it is best to start with the brakes. The SRT despite its size is capable of decelerating from 70 to 0 mph in approximately 170 feet. It can also do the quarter-mile in the mid 13s and can also do 0 to 100 to 0 mph in the mid 16-second range. That?s one serious stopping power courtesy of the 14.2 inch front and 13.8 inch rear vented Brembos.

These Brembos are strong and easily modulated even when it means reducing a triple-digit velocity by half in one emergency maneuver. It just did what it is asked to do without any problem. The brakes that reside within the large, 20-inch polished 5 spokes, wrapped in 245/45 Goodyear F1 summer tires provide excellent gripping performance.

The SRT?s special shocks, modified spring rates, different bushings, plus the big anti-sway bars create a huge change to the handling. The vehicles height is also lowered by just one-half inch but it feels like it?s lowered by a lot more. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has also been reprogrammed to provide a slightly more antisocial behavior before cutting in. The riding comfort that one gets from the SRT8 will make you wonder why all suspensions are not tuned in a similar manner.

The Exterior The exterior appeal of the Magnum SRT8 is charming and compelling. No other wagon has been as successful as the Magnum SRT8 has been able to stir the soul so thoroughly. The Dodge Ram crosshair grille, tapering roofline, and raised beltline exudes power and muscle. The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is available in Brilliant Black, Bright Silver or Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.

Chrysler?s Eagle The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is not the first powerful vehicle that Chrysler has developed. The Eagle Talon which was one of the three model names given to a passenger car manufactured and sold by the then Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan in a joint venture known as the Diamond Star Motor, between 1990 and 1998.

The Talon was then sold under the Eagle brand developed by Chrysler to compete with Japanese imports in the late 1980s. The other siblings of the Talon were the Eclipse which was sold by Mitsubishi and the Laser which was sold by Plymouth another Chrysler brand. Both Plymouth and Eagle has been discontinued but despite this fact the production of Eagle parts like the Eagle exhaust continues. The Eagle exhaust is renowned for performance and power.

The Eagle Talon together with the Eclipse and the Laser were built on the same platform at the DSM manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. The three vehicles were mechanically identical including engine, transmission, and drivetrain. In terms of exterior features the three cars only differ in wheels, tail lights, availability of colors, front and rear bumpers, and spoilers.

And speaking of colors the Eagle Talon has a two-tone body color, which is called the ?greenhouse?. Starting from its roof, pillars, door-mounted mirrors the color was always black regardless of the body color.

The other basic characteristics of the Eagle Talon include:
?Two doors
?Hatchback
?2+2 seating (2 front seats and 2 marginal, fold down rear seats)
?4 option levels (starting from lowest to highest): DL, ES, TSI, and TSi AWD
?Front-wheel drive (FWD) for all option levels except for the top option level which had all-wheel drive (AWD)
?5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions
?Two-tone color combination
?Hood bulge on the left-hand side of the car that provides it with adequate clearance for the camshaft sprockets/timing belt cover on the 4G63engine

One outstanding thing about the Talon is its success compared to the Eagle nameplate which was a huge flop for Chrysler. While the Eagle failed to gain any market share from Pontiac which was its main rival, the Talon on the other hand was a stellar success and the only Eagle model that was profitable. The Talon has received lots of awards and sold over 100,000 units in its lifetime and created a cult of followers.

For more about your Eagle exhaust, visit your trusted online source.

Jerick Brooks is a BS Computer Science graduate at Columbus State University. He has passion for anything car-related especially car racing. He loves writing and currently works as an IT consultant in a company based in Atlanta.

SEAT at Techno Classica Essen

SEAT, Volkswagen Group's Spanish automotive brand has showcased some of their most popular and classical vehicle models at the concurrent Techno Classica Essen in Germany.

Techno Classica Essen is one of the largest classic automotive shows in the world for veteran cars, vintage cars, and classic cars from different automakers. Moreover, also included in the Techno Classica are auto parts and accessories show, forum for manufacturers and clubs, and market for tools, clothing, model cars and others. Last year, more than 150,000 visitors from more than 30 countries participated in the show that took place at Essen, Germany. Over 1,000 exhibitors comprised of 15 domestic and international manufacturers have presented their products at the 110,000 square meters, 17 halls of exhibition space.

For the third time, SEAT has participated in the 19th edition of the Techno Classica Essen, presenting four of their most popular models including classic cars, concept, and production models. Leading the product lineup is the legendary SEAT 600, along with the SEAT 850 Sport Spider, which has dominated the European market in their time. In addition, SEAT has also showcased the Toledo Marathon and the SEAT Formula concept car at the show.

The SEAT 600, built from 1957 to 1973 is popular for initiating a massive production of vehicles in Spain that helped the country to recover economically after the Spanish Civil War. SEAT will display one of the last units of SEAT 600 produced in Barcelona in 1973. Another classic model, a 1969 SEAT 850 Sport Spider with a 903 cc engine that pumps out 52 horsepower is presented at the Techno Classica Essen. According to the Spanish automaker, the SEAT 850 Sport Spider made history as the first sporty convertible vehicle model sold in the Spanish market during the 60s 70s.

Meanwhile, the SEAT Toledo Marathon embodies the SEAT's ingenuity in building models that stand out for their popularity and great success in motor sports. The SEAT Toledo Marathon was built in 1992 by SEAT Sport and competed in some of the European and international off-road rally racing events and gave the Spanish automotive brand some great victories including the Greece Raid in 1993.

Last but definitely not the least is the spectacular SEAT Formula concept car. Unveiled in 1999, the 2-seater convertible concept car features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 20 valve turbo engine capable of pumping out 240 horsepower, coupled with a 6-speed transmission with sequential gearbox taken from SEAT Cordoba World Rally Car. Performance is at 5 seconds acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph, reaching a top speed of 146 mph. The SEAT Formula is most probably equipped with VW strut mount. Unfortunately, the SEAT Formula concept has not yet put into production until now

For more about your VW parts needs like VW strut mount, visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Don't Risk Your Baby's Life Get The Right Car Safety Seat

Start looking at baby car seats well before your baby is born. You don't want to get caught out if your baby is born preterm. You'll need a baby car seat before you leave hospital.

Every year thousands of young children loose their lives or sustain serious injuries which could have been prevented if through the correct use of car seats and safety belts.

When choosing a baby car seat don't make your decision based on price alone, all seats available to purchase in the USA meet very strict safety standards but added features in higher price baby car seats may make them easier to use (thus avoiding fitting errors) or even safer than the cheaper options.

Always use a car safety seat that is the right size for your baby, infant or child. You will need to change your car safety seat as they grow.

The safest place for your baby / child to ride is in the back and you must never place your baby in a rear facing baby seat in the front of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.

For all car safety seats make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Ensuring your baby's safety while traveling is an essential part of baby care and it is not something over which you should become complacent.

For newborn babies and babies up to around 15 months use a rear-facing car safety seat. You can get rear-facing seats that are convertible which means you can use them as front facing seats once your infant is big enough to travel forward facing safely. Rear-facing seats which are safe up to 22 pounds are suitable for babies up to 6-9 months and rear-facing seats which are safe up to 29 pounds are suitable for babies up to 12-15 months.

Once your infant has reached 12 months of age and weighs at least 20 pounds he can safely travel in a forward facing seat. If you have a convertible seat you can just switch to using it as a forward facing seat. Otherwise you can look at a built in, combination or forward facing seats which are usually suitable for infants up to 40 pounds (4 years).

Many states now have booster seat laws with children between 4 - 6 or 4 - 8 years (depending on the state) having to use booster seats by law.

There are many booster seats available with some suitable for infants weighing just 20 pounds (9 months) but are generally geared towards children from 4 years old ( 33 pounds or more) up to 11 years.

Booster cushions are suitable for children weighing 48 pounds or more (6 - 11 years of age).
About the Author

Visits my website to learn more about pregnancy, babies and baby care.

2007 Eos Convertible To Hit Showrooms This Spring

American shoppers will have the greatest spring surprise this year as Volkswagen?s new for 2007 Eos convertible hit showrooms.

The four-seat Eos is the lowest priced convertible from the producer of VW car axle, Volkswagen. It is the first German brand convertible with a hardtop rather than a fabric roof. Also integrated in the Eos? hardtop is a fully functional sunroof that enables Eos driver to see and feel the sun through the sunroof glass on a not-so-warm spring day.

The Eos comes standard with lots of safety equipment that includes electronic stability control, and rollover bars which are very useful in crash accidents when the car overturn with its top down. There are also side air bags that activate to provide protection for both head and thorax during side crashes.

The starting manufacturer?s suggested retail price, inclusive of destination charge, is $28,750 for a base, 2007 Eos with manual transmission and 200-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine.

The other competitors of Eos including the 2007 Volvo C70 hardtop convertible is priced more expensively at $39,785 for a base model with 218 horsepower, turbocharged, five-cylinder engine and manual transmission. Its other competitor the 2007 Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible has a price of $29,330 with 224 horsepower V6 and automatic transmission.

The roof of the Eos has a steel structure that has five panels, including the glass sunroof, that separate and stack in a sophisticated manner by a simple push of a button on the center console. The whole process only takes 25 seconds and is operated by hydraulics. It is also quite amazing to watch as the trunk lid opens in clamshell fashion with the panels stack before it is lowered into the back of the car.

In terms of room the Eos offers 6.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk with the Eos roof down. When its top is up the Eos trunk can offer 0.5 cubic feet of space. However beware since Eos prices can get high really fast. Take for instance since there is no automatic transmission available for the base Eos buyers would need to move up to the Eos 2.0T with automatic that has a starting price of $31,825 and was used as the test car.

Plus if buyers would like for their Eos to have leather seats or satellite radio they have to choose an expensive option package that would entail for an additional cost amounting to $3,490. But in fairness to the test Eos 2.0T it has the styling and comfort that you will surely love. It is also sized just right---not too small or too big---just right for an easy parking and maneuvering.

The Eos tester?s turbocharged four-cylinder turns it into a peppy ride. It has a peak torque of 207 foot-pounds surges as low as 1,800 rpm and available through 5,000 rpm, according to Volkswagen.

For a smoother and effortless driving power buyers may consider purchasing the top engine for the Eos. It?s a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 with 235 foot-pounds of torque starting at 2,500 rpm. The starting price for an Eos with V-6 is $37,610. Its fuel economy rating falls from the 23 miles per gallon for city driving and 31 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model to 22/29 mpg. These ratings are applicable for Eos models with automatic transmission.

For more about your VW parts needs like VW car axle, visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Audi A4: Bringing in More Power

It is the first convertible bearing four seats that Audi, the automobile manufacturer, has created long after the Audi Cabriolet. And this is the new 2006 Audi A4. This vehicle is a totally solid vehicle and a good companion. Audi has marketed this vehicle as the type of car that you would want to bring to different occasions and locations for it is elegant, smart, and will not embarrass you. The 2006 Audi A4 is only offered with a front wheel drive along with an automatic transmission. It is totally supreme for it has a restrained appearance unlike other vehicles on the road. This vehicle swamped the automobile market early last year, 2005.

The 2006 Audi A4 is good to use for it has the capacity to transport its driver and passengers through long distances yet still give them excellent comfort. The convertible's sports seats have a wide range of electrical position adjustments. Also, there is the option of utilizing leather upholstery, lumbar support and an adjustable thigh support. This vehicle is totally stylish and has a very sporty body. It holds a bumper that has large air inlets. Its xenon headlights have a titanium-colored surround behind the glass. And it also contains outside mirror housings that has been provided and sprayed over with an aluminum finish. Taking a view at the 2006 Audi A4's rear, one can find out the power exhaust tailpipes on both sides - this is quite typical for the Audi S models.

Far from being just a vehicle that has just been given a new skin, the 2006 Audi A4 convertible sports changes other than that. This vehicle now holds a substantially upgraded suspension. Under its hood lie two new direct-injection gasoline engines. Also, the engine has also gained some power. This vehicle now has the capacity to produce some 200 horsepower and around 207 pound feet of torque.

This 2006 Audi A4 also brags about a new steering wheel as well as a new navigation system although most critics have found that it is not that remarkable so it should not be something to brag about.

This convertible from Audi sports features like tinted glass, power outside mirrors that contain a defogger, an aluminum trim around its side windows, polycarbonate covers for its aerodynamic ellipsoid halogen projector headlights, heated windshield washer nozzles, fog lights for the front and the rear, an anti-lock brake system with vaccump ower assist, Sideguard? head protection airbags for front and rear occupants, dual-stage and dual-threshold airbag supplemental restraints with occupant sensors, front and rear passenger safety belts, active driver and front passenger head restraints, and a power locking system with a safety unlock feature in the case that the airbag deploys.

As Audi keeps producing cars with innovative changes, Auto Parts Deal maintains its lead on product excellence by its continuous supply of top grade Audi parts. Auto Parts Deal offers a vast array of performance parts, replacement parts, aftermarket parts and accessories. This online store offers new and used Audi auto parts that include fenders, hoods, and radiators among anything else. Audi owners and enthusiasts can shop freely for Audi parts with Auto Parts Deal's secured website.

About the Author

As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

Head In The Clouds And Feet On The Ground: Top 10 Convertibles

There are many reasons to fall in love with the lure of an open air car. Whether it is the visceral connection to nature, the natural feel of wind in your hair, or the energizing wide open night sky ? there?s something enthralling about driving a car with the roof down. We have compiled a list of 10 hot convertibles. Nothing puts more sizzle in your step and a large smile on your face than driving in a sexy open car and breathing in the air.

Mercedes-Benz SL Class

It is very common for German engineers to put their passion into technology. As such, the 2007 SL is no exception. The great-great-great-grandchild of the iconic 300SL Gullwing, from 1954, contains many pioneering innovations, but most of all brings back the myocardial good looks lost during the bloated Elvis period of the mid-1990s.

Of the many attributes of the 2007 SL, the most overlooked feature is the acrobatic disappearance of its metallic roof. Like an illuminated water fountain outside a Vegas casino, this modern museum on wheels opens its roof in a dazzling display of wizardry in just 16 seconds.

MSRP for the 2007 SL ranges from $94,800 to $186,000 for the AMG. Other cars in this price range include the BMW 6 Series convertible, the new Jaguar XK convertible, Porsche 911 Turbo convertible, and the Aston Martin V8. Fuel economy averages around 16/24 mpg for the 2007 SL, but fluctuates on how hard you drive.

The graceful, proportioned lines of the 2007 SL come close to capturing the worthy heritage of the original 300 SL Gullwing.

Porsche Boxster

It?s perfectly natural for your wife or girlfriend to get jealous of the other girl ? the 2007 Porsche Boxster. A modern day reinvention of the 60?s Porsche 356B, the second generation Boxster takes a popular icon and makes it better. Both the 2.7-liter at 245 horsepower and the 3.4-liter Boxster S at 295 horsepower were completely reborn in 2005. Additionally, the new rivets make the car much, much tighter. It really feels like you can take 90 degree turns without worry.

But the real reason Porsche enthusiasts continue to buy the Boxster, and why BMW drivers readily convert is not the 0-60 times, not even the badge appeal, but the outer-worldly handling of the mid-engine car. The Boxster is quick, of course reaching the highway limit in 5.8 sec (in the 2.7); and 5.2 sec for the S. But the real joy is maneuvering the car on a congestion free, curvy road.

Initially criticized as an entry level Porsche, the Boxster has grown up. It now shares much in common with the higher priced 911. Seats, steering wheel, and instrument panels are the same. But unlike the 911, the Boxster is considerably lighter at 2,877 lbs. (for the 2.7-liter), and 2,987 lbs (for the S). With the engine right behind your ears, you also hear the melodic howl of the water-cooled engine better than in the 911.

MSRP for the 2007 Boxster ranges from $45,600 to $55,500 with a respectable 20/29 mpg. Porsche is currently developing a dual-sequential gearbox so future Automatic Tiptronic transmissions will have even more precise shifts. Additionally, a Hybrid version for the Cayenne is in the works. It is easy to see why people expect good things from Porsche.

BMW M3

If you want to be kissed, you?ve got to be kissable too. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but it?s hard to look at the 2007 BMW M3 and not smile. This charming, 400 horsepower, convertible beauty, mixes beauty and brains with DSG (dual-sequential gearbox) providing the ultimate escape from the stress of living. For 2007, the M3 has been given an entire facelift. The lines are sharper, the nose grill wider, and the chin more muscular. This is not a soft, pretty car out for a milkshake at night. The 2007 M3 embodies the softening of Chris Bangle?s school of design, and unlike the controversial BMW 5 Series, looks as a BMW should.

The car is scheduled for sale in spring of 2007, and should be pre-sold for the first six months. Scorching performance, a fabulous body, and detailed cabin work are all part of the $56,400 ? $67,000 price point. The 2007 BMW M3 is the very embodiment of what the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG tag line stands for.

BMW 6 Series

If you sold your soul to Satan for unlimited riches, the BMW 6 Series convertible rocket ship would surely be one of the cars on your wish list before the deed was up. The base 6 Series features the 4.8-liter 32 valve Double VANOS equipped engine that churns out 360 horsepower. If that wasn?t enough, there is an earth burning 5.0-liter V-10 upgrade available with 500 horsepower. Released from the gates of hell in 2006, the car received mixed reviews because the Chris Bangle lines were not mutually admired by all. Loyalists preferred the more classic lines from the previous version, and the new money brand converts prefer the bashful look of the new version. Thrill seekers can choose from a six-speed manual, SMG or automatic shifters. Make sure to ink the deal which includes protection from traffic cops and speeding tickets. MSRP is estimated at $73,295 to $106,195 and fuel efficiency of around 17/25 mpg.

While the car offers a lot of torque, thrills and fun in the sun other cars in this price range include the Maserati Spyder, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Maybe the gates of heaven aren?t that green after all?

Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Fabelhaft is the German word for fabulous; an exclamation point that goes well with the second generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class. Although the 2007 SLK is in its third year of production, it still looks as fresh as ever. Pictures, however, don?t do it justice. It really is one of those fabulous creations of extraordinary sheet metal design that requires closer inspection. The SLK is an understated car, with some brilliant cuts. The bulbous nose has an integrated hood ornament to appease the anti-branding design pundits who want to position the vehicle to a younger demographic. This is definitely a car for extroverts. The car is also styled to resemble the more expensive SLR McLaren.

The only flaw of the SLK is that it is not as lithe as a sports car should be. Weighing in at 3,210 lbs. means a quick list of options makes the car even heavier, and justifies the need for a heavier engine with more horses. In addition, the folding roof does compromise the storage capacity in the trunk. MSRP of the SLK ranges from $43,350 to $62,500 and averages 18/27 mpg for both the 280 and 350, and 16/22 mpg in the SLK 55.

Chevrolet Corvette

The raspy growl of the Corvette will make you believe there is a full moon rising every time you dial it up past 3,500 RPM. There is something visceral about the 2007 Corvette. Historically, the Corvette has always been known for its sound. For example, during the filming of the 1967 film ?The Graduate,? where Dustin Hoffman runs out of gas in an Alfa Romeo Spyder, the sound of the Alfa was dubbed with that of a throaty 1967 Vette. Driving today?s more refined interpretation of the modern corvette, you still hear the incredible sound of the engine whether it?s the standard 6.0-liter V8 400 horsepower engine, or the 505 horsepower in the range topping Z06 LZ2. GM engineers claim the Z06 is the fastest car they have ever produced, and tests prove this car does 0-60 in well under 4 seconds! That?s faster than it took you to read this sentence.

Introduced in 2006, the new Corvette silhouette echoes a more Roman look than vintage Vettes of the past. For 2007 the car is available in 7 trims and includes a hot new metallic orange paint as option. With a MSRP of $44,995 for the LT1 to $69,950 for the Z06, this is probably the least expensive 505 horsepower car on the planet! Estimated fuel economy averages 16/26 mpg.

Other cars in the 500 horsepower club include the distinguished BMW M5, Ferrari 599, and the Mercedes-Benz SLR.

Nissan 350Z

If you are a proud parent of the 2006 Nissan 350Z, there?s a good probability you?re giving the car some exercise every weekend on a dry, safe, curvy tarmac near you. The 2006 Nissan 350Z captures the uncompromised feel of a tight suspension, and impressive performance from the 300 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine found under its hood. The only drawback is the car?s weight. The base version 350Z weighs 3,340 lbs and the roadster is even heavier due to reinforced steel on the sides. MSRP of $27,900 ? $42,000 offers value in its class, but there is ample competition from the new Audi TT roadster, the Porsche Boxster, and the BMW Z4.

The 2007 350Z, scheduled for sale in January, will feature a new VQ35HR performance engine with better fuel efficiency than before. It presently averages 19/25mpg. The 2007 model also promises advanced safety features, a lighter convertible top retracting mechanism, a completely new cabin and a variety of new colors. Something that?ll make the loyalist 350Z enthusiasts proud!

Dodge Viper

Like hard core metal, the 2007 Dodge Viper revitalizes parts other cars cannot reach. A glorified rock star, with three hit singles, the Viper rolls down the boulevard with people screaming in awe: ?Oh my Gawwd, it is a VIPPPERR!? The first three gears are all you really need to drive the 2007 Viper in most situations. In our test drive, we encountered many people who wanted us to drive the car hard and shake things up. It certainly is easy to reach the upper threshold of the speed limit within seconds due to the 8.3-liter pushrod V-10 that now has 510 horsepower, but it may not always be necessary. Step on the accelerator, the massive amount of torque pushes you in the back of your seat every time.

For 2007, the car features a new suspension with new lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, the engine has been made lighter with magnesium parts, and the inside cabin is completely revitalized covered with leather/chrome accents. With a MSRP ranging from $82,785 to $83,995, the adrenaline junkies will certainly get their fix with the new Viper.

BMW Z4

Extreme machines make you feel disinclined to listen to the radio when driving the car. That?s because the car gives you so much feedback, from the steering wheel, the shifter to the muffler, that you fear turning the knob. In order to get most out of the 2007 BMW Z4, you really do need to keep your eyes on the road and foot on the accelerator.

Introduced as a late 2006 model, the 2007 BMW Z4 captures the spirit of the outgoing M3 by giving you the option of transplanting its 330 horsepower engine into this lightweight vehicle. Unlike many cars in its price range, the 2007 BMW Z4 is neither slow, nor extravagantly priced.

With a MSRP of $36,795 to $51,795, you have three engine choices: the 3.0-liter inline six with 215 horsepower, the 3.0-liter inline six with 255 horsepower, and the 3.2-liter inline six with 330 horsepower. On average, the 2007 BMW Z4 achieves 20/30 mpg. Looking at the spirited lines of the 2007 Z4, it is easy to see how BMW keeps alive the ideals of Karl Rapp, by continuously reinventing the wheel and achieving the impossible.

Pontiac Solstice

Do you believe in the power of hypnosis? The distinct curves of the 2007 Solstice recapture the time when open top cars were hand built. Those historic cars were not as good at handling or as fuel efficient as this new model. The 2007 Solstice achieves 20/28 mpg from the 177 horsepower engine (a turbo-charged 260 horsepower engine is also available in 2007.).

The curvy shape is reminiscent of the 1967 Ferrari Dino with supple curves and lithe lines. The body and chassis rails are made from hydro-formed steel, a process that allows for more robust shapes that are impossible to achieve using traditional stamping. The resulting shape appears to lack straight lines. The sensual, curvy look highlights Solstice?s curb appeal. The car we test drove was red in color, further accentuating the Italian, sporty feel. We?re proud GM had the guts to make this car, and to price it adequately.

Driving the new Solstice, you will experience rubber-necking you?d expect from a more expensive Italian roadster. Additionally, the car?s precise steering, strong brakes, supple ride, and a superb exhaust note make it all the more palatable in the $20,995-$25,996 price range than both the Mazda Miata, and the Honda S2000. Bob Lutz?s experiment, the 2007 Solstice, is not perfect; but as a pure, satisfying roadster, it certainly is seductive.

Saurabh Sharma is an avid motoring enthusiast who is inspired by cars, and emerging automotive technology. His fascination with automobiles began during his infancy when his father brought him matchbox cars from a trip to Singapore.

InvoiceDealers.com

Bmw 645CI Coupe

 



Bmw 645CI CoupeSubmitted By: Sam Carson  

The BMW 645Ci Coupe is manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, and was first showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003, while the car first went into production in 2004. The 645Ci coupe is one half of the sensational pair that consists of the BMW 6 Series, the other half of the duo is the convertible design. The 6 Series represents BMW?s second foray into the market of luxury sportscar coupe and convertible forum, their first attempt into that specific forum unveils the symbolic prestige of the original 6 Series that ran from 1977-1989. Then previous model beheld the special attention that was given to it, and the result was the onslaught of refined, logical, and powerful styling theories. The new 6 Series upholds these same values and element in their current design with the same carefully crafted curves, sweeping lines, harmonic surfaces, and a spacious interior, setting elevated foundations that even their own future BMW models might find it hard to uphold. The 2+2 seater was first created and designed at BMW Designworks studios in Los Angeles, California.

The 645Ci has an enhanced echelon of agility and driving consistency when it comes to the unfettered movement of the car, because the bodywork that has been done is considered to be lightweight technology. The 6 Series coupe agility and free movement are the effect of the smart combination of synthetic materials essentially located all over the car?s body, steel, and aluminum. The spots where lighter materials were placed are the front areas (not made of steel), front fenders (thermoplastic), the trunk lid (composite material), and the doors and the hood (aluminum). With the overall reduction of the weight, the car has achieved perfect weight distribution at 50:50, and helps intensively also on the fuel economy of the vehicle. Another plus from the lightweight construction is that of flawless maneuvering, even on hilly or mountainous environments and hair pin turns. The car does not buck or fly off unnecessarily, it responds as is expected from a BMW.

The coupe?s engine is the 4.4 litre DOHC V8, which was the engine of the very well known BMW 745i. The 4.4 litre max power is 325hp at 6,100rpm, with a torque of 330lb-ft at 3,600rpm, and with assistance from the variant, ?VALVETRONIC? valve controller. The 645Ci can surely achieve a top speed of 149mph in one simple movement, and an impeccable acceleration of 0-60mph in less than six seconds. The transmission system consists of 3 different six speed options: the six speed manual transmission that has always been reliable; the six speed ?Steptronic? automatic, allowing the driver to shift manually if they chose; and a six speed ?Sequential Manual Gearbox? (SMG), featuring both the shift paddles and a gearshift lever on the steering wheel.

The BMW 645Ci also comes standard with ?BMW Driving Dynamic Control? (DDC), which lets the engine react instinctively when driving by having and maintaining steering capabilities in relation to speed depending on the surroundings. Also DDC permits the SMG or automatic transmission to stay in gear for a greater distance, and also promoting faster SMG shifts. All of these conditions can be altered by just a push of the DDC button to enable it. Other additions to the new 6 Series coupe are the trademark ?twin-kidney? grille, ?Active Steering?, ?Active Roll Stabilization?, lightweight aluminum suspensions, ?Dynamic Stability Control?, adaptive headlights, panoramic glass roof, and the ?Head-Up Display technology?(displaying information to the driver, directly in his line of vision).

The 645Ci coupe dimensions are a length of 190.2in; a height of 54.1in; a width of 73in; and a wheelbase of 109.4in. Making the 6 Series very noticeable with the characteristics of being long, wide, having a very low roofline, low slung, very spacious inside, and being positioned more to the back on its chassis. These attributes further help enhance the car and gives it a reputation of its own in the sportscar arena that was similar yet different to the original 6 Series, as it had its following then, and so to will this 645Ci coupe.

Article Tags: coupe, series, speed

Diaries of a (London) Bus Driver Vol. 1.4May 16th 2003

Dear friends,

What is it about buses that makes other drivers lose all their common sense! In consecutive days, I have been passed on bends in the road. The car drivers couldn't possibly have known what, if any vehicles were approaching from the opposite direction. Both were lucky. Within a minute of the second incident, on Green Dragon Lane, a third car overtook me on a straight, downhill section of road, doing somewhere in excess of 50mph. To deter such speedsters, there are 3 sets of chicanes at mini-roundabouts. This particular stunt was attempted an insufficient distance from one of these, so the driver was forced to negotiate the entire manoeuvre on the wrong side of the road. This time, the driver was almost not so lucky. Another vehicle was coming the other way. I doubt they missed each other by more than a couple of feet. This incident almost brought to life my enduring waking nightmares.

The vision I have almost overcome, is where I am driving at a decent speed and misjudge how far I am from a parked vehicle, causing a gut-wrenchingly spectacular smash. In the second scenario, a testosterone drunk dick-for-brains pulls out from behind me, while crossing into the path of oncoming traffic - a scene that unfolds several times daily. This time around, neither the perpetrator nor the victim, a bus or articulated lorry driver, can avoid a devastating crash. Car parts and flames fly through the air. Fortunately, my imagination has spared me visions of the mangled bodies.

I also have another accident to report. As seems to happen weekly, the tunnels on the North Circular Road, going under the Great Cambridge Roundabout and Silver Street, were closed for repairs that nobody has ever actually witnessed taking place. Two lanes had just merged into one on the slip road. Without enough space to get past me, another car attempted to do so anyway. Upon failing in his first attempt, he applied the old adage: try, try, try again.... until he hit me! After pounding the steering wheel in frustration and anger, I got off the bus to assess the damage, minimal, and see if the other driver was alright. He asked how I didn't see him!!!! He wanted to know what 'I' was going to do about his car. His tone was threatening, so I got back on the bus. I carry a company-supplied camera, with which I am supposed to photograph accident damage and location. Upon seeing this, the other driver cursed, rounded the cones and sped towards the waiting queue of traffic. Not a bright chap, as I would inevitably join the same queue immediately behind him. I snapped a shot of his licence plate.

Talking of not bright! My trip to the US was great. I loved seeing family and friends, and spending time with my kids was the highlight of my year. The second leg of my road trip was from Detroit to Pittsburgh - about 250 miles. We were in Ohio, about 10 miles from the Pennsylvania border, when a full grown female Deer ran up the embankment to the highway, within yards of our car. Surprising and beautiful. I said, look, kids! The Deer than full on charges our vehicle. I had a split second to react and swerved to the left, grazing the animal, which ran off, with the side of the car. Hair flew. Shit flew! Literally!! It hit the passenger window. Good thing for Sean's allergies! The windows were closed and the AC on, else Hannah would have had a face full!! Seems that Bulls aren't the only animals that attack red! We were told that this was far from an isolated incident. We were all sick to our stomachs. I called Rob, in Pittsburgh, telling him that we would be a little late. He lightened our moods with a few rather sick jokes. The time spent waiting for the Police - I had to get an accident report for insurance purposes - was almost sufficient for us to recover. I always drive past Rob's house, so called him again from close-by, asking him to stand outside it. We'll be in the maroon Honda Stationwagon with the shit on the window!

Seen and believed, but certainly not comprehended: Two Mercedes cars, one a sporty convertible, that have television screens on the dashboard. One of them had music videos on. What I want to know is, what egghead had this pea-brained idea, what corporate melon-head agreed to put them in the cars, what 'safety' commission approved it and how much did that cost in political contributions, and, last but not least, what yuppie moron with more money than sense would buy such a thing? Countries and States are banning mobile phone use for drivers, but it's OK to watch the booty-shaking flesh parade that constitutes so many videos! One thing's for sure: there'd be no shortage of people for me to sue, should I ever be involved in an accident with one of these cars!

As far as I can tell, there are only two things prone to more exaggeration than a man's penis size: Parents' estimation of how advanced their children are, and how long people have waited for a bus. On Sundays, the 125 comes only twice an hour. A man got on my bus complaining that he had waited an hour. I said that was untrue. I had crossed paths with the other bus exactly where I should have done. OK. Maybe 40 minutes. No, it would have been about half an hour ago. Oh! I must have just missed it!

There are many reasons for buses being late. People are constantly ringing the bell for the wrong stop and then just sit there saying nothing when I stop. The new buses on the 125 route have bells on almost every pole. People get on and grab the bars on their way to a seat, accidentally ringing the bell. Anyone can make a mistake, but as a public service request for all my fellow drivers everywhere, please admit to yours, if you make one. It will save a half a minute. The later I am, the more passengers I pick up (and will therefore also have to drop off somewhere) that would otherwise have missed me. This makes me later still. After all, the leading cause of lateness is picking up and dropping of the passengers. If I never had to pick up any, I'd rarely be late at all!

Another major cause is crazy schedules. On the W15, 44 minutes are scheduled for the late, late runs. This is almost impossible. I have made it just once. I was determined, and the roads were unusually clear, as it was Bank Holiday weekend. The allotted time from the Hackney Central Bus Stand to Leytonstone Station is 15 minutes. I drove 35-40mph most of the way, even briefly topping 50 along the Homerton Road. I was 2 minutes late at my first checkpoint! I made this up by the time I reached Terminus.

Along the same lines, the 125 has a round trip of 16 miles. (I originally thought this was 25 ? miles, but the new buses display kilometres.) The late runs are expected to accomplish this in 50 minutes. Supposedly, all times are based upon a top speed of 27mph. I worked it out! If there were no traffic, no traffic lights, no turns to negotiate, no roundabouts and no passengers, it would take me over 35 minutes. At an average 30mph, the time needed would be 32 minutes. But I tend to slow down for road hazards, and go considerably slower still when taking on passengers! Bare in mind, not one of these road has a limit of above 30mph and I would be expected to pay any speeding fines, and the 3 points would be on my licence!! 12 points and I'm out of a job! Not without a fight!! Letters to Mayor Ken, 'The Editor'...

If Swan Lane in Whetstone flooded...

I have to report the sad closure and removal of the 24-hour mobile tea and snack bar on Hackney Marshes, at Homerton Road. Not that I ever ate there. However, I always found it wryly amusing just how often the place was closed when I passed it - certainly more than any other 24-hour joint I've ever seen!

As a final note, I have some hope of returning both to New York and my old profession. Projects are in the works at my old employer, which I hope will result in a call in a few months. Perhaps next year, I'll be writing Diaries of an Englishman in New York.

That's all for now.

Love,

Andy

About the Author

My name is Andy. I am an Englishman who has spent most of his adult life in the United States. In 2001, I moved back to London, thinking I would remain there for the rest of my life. But things didn't go as planned. And instead of finding a job in IT, I became a bus driver. This is my memoire, written from 2003 to 2005.

Now back in Brooklyn, I have a blog I currently enjoy writing: sceneandheardinny.blogspot.com

Hardtop Rush Isn't Over Yet

The retractable hardtop is the automotive equal of a Busby Berkeley routine. The roof raises, folds and shoves into the car?s trunk. Just to witness the operation is fascinating; much more is to experience the driving options of a convertible.

Car occupants are given a broader leeway for the exercise of their driving discretion. A free-spitted ride with the wind blowing the hair or a private drive that precludes the world from taking unwarranted chirp - these are the options available to them.

Advances in technology and engineering feat made convertible a big hit. Nonetheless, auto hardtop is not a recent discovery. Its inception could be traced ages ago. You think that the 1998 Mercedez-Benz SLK230 is the most popular convertibles bearing these exceptional hardtops? Think again. In 1934, Georges Paulin, a Parisian dentist and part-time car designer, designed and patented a retractable hardtop for a small Peugeot coupe. Paulin?s patron and coachbuilder, Marcel Pourtout, also helped in customizing the former?s designs on a larger Peugeot chassis. The cars were stunning and well received by many.

The patent of the retractable hardtop design was sold to Peugeot in 1935. During the World War II, Peugeot built a limited number of cars named the 402BL ?clipse D?capotable. Said cars used Paulin?s design. One of these remarkable cars is bought by Raymond Milo, a Los Angeles dealer in collectible European cars. According to Milo?s research, there are 470 ?clipse D?capotable manufactured however, only 30 of them exist up to the present time.

?The ?clipse was a milestone design and perhaps the most attractive example of Art Deco design applied to automobile coachwork,? Milo said. He added that unlike most first attempts to solve an engineering problem, the design was sound. Being manually operated, the top was relatively simple and could be raised and lowered by one person.

Paulin died during the Word War II holocaust. And his design seemed to be forgotten by the automaker. It did not reappear in postwar era until the introduction of the 206CC in the year 2001. It was followed by the mass-produced retractable hardtop called the 1957 Ford Skyliner.

The Ford Skyliner was built on the Fairlane chassis and was equipped with a 118-inch wheelbase. The rear deck of the car made it extraordinary. The space required to stow the top gave the Skyliner the proportions of a pickup truck.

It was reported that Ford persuaded Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to pitch the car on television. With the requisite amount of sexism for the period, Desi warned Lucy when she asked to try out the top, ?An automobile is complicated machinery; women just don?t understand.? The announcer said there is no truth to that statement and explained that the process is so simple anyone can do it.

The complexity of the engineering features made it daunting. The standard of hardtop convertibles was enhanced when Mitsubishi introduced the 3000GT Spyder at the Los Angeles auto show. The car is likened to the Camaro or the Firebird. It was offered with a retractable hardtop for the 1995-96 model years in naturally aspirated SL Spyder form and as the 320-horsepower twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive 3000GT VR-4 Spyder.

Mercedes-Benz invaded the hardtop scene with its own version of a fascinating convertible. It was delivered to the industry for the model year 1998. Said car was designed to compete with the BMW Z3 and the Porsche Boxster.

Now, the big names in the automotive retractable hardtop include the Mazda MX-5, Lexus SC 430, Pontiac G6, Volkswagen Eos and the BMW 3 Series. Volvo also introduced the Volvo C70 which carries a remarkable improvement of the Volvo 940 parts. Hope, product communications manager for Volvo Cars North America, management approved the cost of the Volvo C70 program after engineers pointed out that a single retractable-roof version was actually more efficient to develop than both a soft-top convertible and a fixed-roof coupe. Like the clutch pedal, the ragtop may be going the way of the rumble seat.

Hardtop convertibles are showering the auto industry with lots of good things that every driver desires. This is the reason why the rush is not to end yet ? not yet.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.