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Friday, December 31, 2010

Revamp for UK bike test

The current format for the UK’s motorcycle licence test was only introduced in April 2009. Consisting of two parts, the first is conducted away from the roads and includes hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. The second element is a road riding assessment, which lasts for at least thirty minutes.



However, the system has received a lot of criticism. In particular, the first module has been slated for its content, as well as the number and geographic spread of the locations where it is carried out. Additionally, there have been calls to make the test a single event, rather than being split into two distinct parts that can rarely be taken on the same day.





In response, the government commenced a review back in June 2010, and the Department for Transport has now announced its initial proposals.



The aim is to return to a single, on-road test. This could mean that the hazard manoeuvre is carried out on the public road, provided the assessment still complied with EU standards. Meanwhile, the slow speed exercises (u-turn, slalom and figure of eight) might be delegated to examiners at training centres ahead of the main test.



Wisely, perhaps, the changes aren’t going to be rushed through. With the details still needing a lot of work, the plan is to trial the proposals in the early part of 2011, followed by a public consultation. The target would then be to introduce the new test during late 2011 or early 2012.

ZX-10R recall explained

A couple of weeks ago, Kawasaki announced a ‘technical hold’ notice for its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R in North America - in other words, a recall.





Under the notice, all bikes already delivered to customers and those at dealers had to be returned to Kawasaki. The cause was said to be unexpected engine behaviour, but an official reason wasn’t disclosed at the time.





Now, though, it seems that Kawasaki engineers have got to the bottom of the problem. A statement from the company reads:



"It had been discovered that when some examples of the new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R were operated at high rpm under unique riding conditions - such as operating on a racetrack - the intake valve springs could surge. Should this rare incidence occur it could cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.



"Having examined the very small number of machines which exhibited this surge phenomenon, the Kawasaki factory engineers have designed and fully tested a countermeasure which solves the problem without affecting any facet of the new engine’s outstanding performance.



"On the limited number of machines produced so far, the camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves are being replaced to prevent the valve spring from surging. The same design update is automatically being incorporated into the ongoing production run of the newest and most powerful Ninja yet produced."


The European launch of the bike, which was delayed because of the technical issues, is now expected to be at the end of January 2011. In the UK, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be priced at £11,699, with ABS costing an additional £1,000.



Gold-plated Tata Nano

The Tata Nano and Ferrari 458 Italia don’t have much in common, but an unfortunate characteristic shared by early versions of both was a willingness to burst into flames.



For the Nano, that might partly explain why its sales figures are in freefall. Tata managed to shift 9,000 units in July, but the tiny car found just 509 buyers in November.



In such a situation, most manufacturers would resort to a special edition to help boost interest. And sure enough, it’s a tactic that Tata is using with the Nano, except the result is a little, well, unconventional.





Produced ostensibly to celebrate the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewellery, the Goldplus Nano will be gold-plated. It’s named after a Titan Industries jewellery brand which, conveniently, is also part of the Tata Group. Might as well keep things in the family…



The design was chosen following a competition, and the Goldplus Nano is expected to be launched in April or May of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

The mysterious ways of fashion ... The recognition of a functional classic : The Wellington Boots and the "come back"of "Hunters"


Around Chistmas many European countries were touched by the "mixed"blessings of a White Christmas ... Time to get your "Wellis" out of the closet ... but since a couple of years, the Wellington boots and its most sophisticated version, in quality and form, got a remarkable recognition from "trendy" people ... when the "timeless" meets real functional quality, the problem of style gets a natural affirmation, capable even to resist the erosion of fashion ...





The Duke of Wellington instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James's Street, London, to modify the 18th-century Hessian boot. The resulting new boot was fabricated in soft calfskin leather, had the trim removed and was cut to fit more closely around the leg. The heels were low cut, stacked around an inch (2.5 centimetres), and the boot stopped at mid-calf. It was suitably hard-wearing for battle, yet comfortable for the evening. The boot was dubbed the Wellington and the name has stuck in British English language ever since. The Duke can be seen wearing his namesake boots, which are tasseled, in an 1815 portrait by James Lonsdale.[2]

Wellington's dashing new boots quickly caught on with patriotic British gentlemen eager to emulate their war hero. Considered fashionable and foppish in the best circles and worn by dandies, such as Beau Brummell, they remained the main fashion for men through the 1840s. In the 1850s they were more commonly made in the calf-high version, and in the 1860s they were both superseded by the ankle boot, except for riding. Wellington is one of only two British Prime Ministers to have given his name to an item of clothing, the other being Anthony Eden (his distinctive Homburg hat).[3]

Wellington boots were at first made of leather. However in 1852 Hiram Hutchinson met Charles Goodyear, who had just invented the vulcanization process for natural rubber. While Goodyear decided to manufacture tyres, Hutchinson bought the patent to manufacture footwear and moved to France to establish "A l'Aigle" ("To the Eagle") in 1853, to honour his home country. The company today is simply called "AIGLE", "Eagle"). In a country where 95% of the population were working on fields with wooden clogs as they had been for generations, the introduction of the wholly water-proof Wellington-type rubber boot became an instant success: farmers would be able to come back home with clean, dry feet.

Production of the Wellington boot was dramatically boosted with the advent of World War I and a requirement for footwear suitable for the conditions in Europe's flooded trenches. The North British Rubber Company (now Hunter Boot Ltd) was asked by the War Office to construct a boot suitable for such conditions. The mills ran day and night to produce immense quantities of these trench boots. In total, 1,185,036 pairs were made to meet the British Army's demands.

In World War II, Hunter Boot was again requested to supply vast quantities of Wellington and thigh boots. 80% of production was of war materials - from (rubber) ground sheets to life belts and gas masks. In Holland, the British forces were working in flooded conditions which demanded Wellingtons and thigh boots in vast supplies.

By the end of the war in 1945, the Wellington had become popular among men, women and children for wet weather wear. The boot had developed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with the rationing of that time, labourers began to use them for daily work.

The lower cost and ease of rubber "Wellington" boot manufacture, and being entirely water-proof, lent itself immediately to being the preferred protective shoe to leather in all forms of industry. Increased attention to occupational health and safety requirements led to the steel toe or steel-capped Wellington: a protective (commonly internal) toe capping to protect the foot from crush and puncture injuries. Although traditionally made of steel, the reinforcement may be a composite or a plastic material such as ThermoPlastic Polyurethane (TPU). Such steel-toe Wellingtons are nearly indispensable in an enormous range of industry and are often mandatory wear to meet local occupational health and safety legislation or insurance requirements.



Hunter History
1817 was the year the wellington first made its appearance. At this time men's fashion was going through major changes as gentlemen everywhere discarded their knee breeches in favour of trousers. This however, led to a problem regarding comfortable footwear. The previously popular Hessian boot, worn with breeches, was styled with a curvy turned-down top and heavy metallic braid - totally unsuitable for wearing under trousers.

To this end, Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James Street, London, to modify the 18th century boot. The resulting new boot designed in soft calfskin leather had the trim removed and was cut closer around the leg. It was hard wearing for battle yet comfortable for the evening. The Iron Duke didn't know what he'd started - the boot was dubbed the Wellington and the name has stuck ever since.

These boots quickly caught on with patriotic British gentlemen eager to emulate their war hero. Considered fashionable and foppish in the best circles, they remained the main fashion for men through the 1840's. In the 50's they were more commonly made in the calf high version and in the 60's they were both superseded by the ankle boot, except for riding.

All these boots were made of leather, however in America, where there was more experimentation in shoemaking, producers were beginning to manufacture with rubber. One such entrepreneur, Mr. Henry Lee Norris, came to Scotland in search of a suitable site to produce rubber footwear.



Having acquired a block of buildings in Edinburgh, known as the Castle Silk Mills, the North British Rubber Company was registered as a limited liability company in September 1856.

Mr. Norris then had to find employees skilled in the manufacture of rubber footwear. This was no simple task for such a new industry. The problem was solved by importing labour. Four adventurous individuals from New York set sail on a ship laden with manufacturing machinery bound to become pioneers of the rubber industry in Scotland. They were employed not only to make the boots, but also to instruct others in the process.

Although this company began its life as a manufacturer of rubber boots and shoes, it quickly expanded to produce an extensive range of rubber products. These included tyres, conveyor belts, combs, golf balls, hot water bottles and rubber flooring - to name just a few.

Initially the rubber boot was produced in a limited number but production was dramatically boosted with the advent of World War I. The North British Rubber Company was asked by the War Office to construct a sturdy boot suitable for the conditions in flooded trenches. The mills ran day and night to produce immense quantities of these trench boots. In total, 1,185,036 pairs were made to cope with the Army's demands. This fashionable boot was now a functional necessity.

Again the company made an important contribution during World War II. At the outbreak of war in September 1939, 80% of the entire output consisted of war materials. The list of contributions was extensive, including ground sheets, life belts, bomb covers, gas masks and wellington boots.

Although trench warfare was not a feature of the war, the wellington still played an important role. Those forces assigned the task of clearing Holland of the enemy had to work in terrible flooded conditions. Thus The North British Rubber Company was called upon to supply vast quantities of wellingtons and thigh boots.

By the end of the war the wellington had become popular among men, women and children for wear in wet weather. The boot had developed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with the rationing of that time, labourers began to use them for daily work.

To deal with this success the company extended their manufacturing premises in 1946, acquiring an extensive factory in Dumfriesshire. This factory, known as Heathhall, had been built in 1912 originally to manufacture car and aeronautical engines.

The North British Rubber Company continued to prosper introducing both the Green Hunter and Royal Hunter wellingtons into the market in 1958. Trade reaction was very slow - an order of 36 pairs was regarded as quite an achievement. However, the company persisted in their promotion taking them to county shows.

In 1966, The North British Rubber Company underwent a name change and from that date operated under the name of Uniroyal Limited. In 1978, the golf ball production side of the business was sold off. This was shortly followed by the sale of the tyre factory at Newbridge near Edinburgh to Continental.

In 1986 The Gates Rubber Company Limited of Colorado, Denver bought Uniroyal and the following year the name of the Scottish company was changed to The Gates Rubber Company Ltd. In 1996 Gates was bought by Tomkins PLC of London and then later Hunter became the Hunter Division of Interfloor.

In 2004 the management of the Hunter Division of Interfloor, together with external investors, funded a management buy-out of the company and the company became the Hunter Rubber Co. Ltd.

In 2006 the ownership of the company changed and it now trades as Hunter Boot Limited.

During its long lifespan, the Hunter wellington boot has undergone a major revolution ... From being a solely practical item it has now become an extremely popular fashion brand.





DB9 special editions

Aston Martin has been busy during 2010 creating special editions of its DBS (Carbon Black and UB2010), V8 Vantage (N420) and V12 Vantage (Carbon Black).



Now it’s the turn of the DB9 to receive the ‘let’s see if we can shift a few more units’ treatment.



The DB9 Morning Frost specification is aimed at those wanting a little more luxury. Finished in pearlescent white with a metallic bronze leather interior, other distinguishing features include silver grilles and brake calipers, plus 19" ten-spoke alloy wheels.





By contrast, the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are intended to be sportier. Named after their body paint colours, both feature Obsidian Black interiors with coarse silver stitching, real glass switchgear and a piano black centre console. They also come with a remapped sports exhaust for a better sound (Aston Martin isn’t claiming any increase over the standard car’s 470 bhp / 350 kW / 477 PS), graphite tailpipes, 19” ten-spoke gloss black alloys and black grilles.





The DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver will all have Touchtronic II transmission fitted as standard. They are available to order now, although curiously pricing has yet to be revealed.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Speed camera openness

The UK government’s Department for Transport has announced proposals that could see information being published about the country’s numerous speed cameras.



Under the plan, statistics released might include accident rates at camera sites, recorded vehicle speeds and the number of offenders prosecuted or alternatively offered speed awareness courses.





Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said, “Public bodies should be accountable and if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.



“The proposals I have announced today will help show what impact cameras are having on accident and casualty rates and also how the police are dealing with offenders. This is in line with our commitment to improve transparency of government data so that the public are able to make more informed judgements about the work of local and central government.”



At least the government is now referring to them as ‘speed cameras’, instead of the disingenuous ‘safety cameras’.



While this spirit of glasnost is to be welcomed, such data on its own may be pretty much useless. The number of accidents (and injuries sustained) that occurred before a speed camera was installed would have to be known too, otherwise it’s impossible to judge whether the camera is effective or not. Even then, the actual causes of crashes at the site would also have to be disclosed to see how many were actually speed-related.



One important thing that the proposals seem to ignore is what then happens with the results? Will a camera be removed if it can be demonstrated that it plays no role in road safety? Will a particular speed limit be raised to a more appropriate level if it’s found that there are minimal speed-related accidents? If it’s just business as usual, and nothing is done, then publishing the data in the first place seems rather pointless.



The Department for Transport will be consulting with the Highways Agency, police forces and local authorities to decide exactly what will be revealed. It’s intended that data will be made available to the public from April 2011.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Journey becomes a Fiat

Dodge will stop offering its Journey in Europe, choosing instead to market the vehicle as the Fiat Freemont on this side of the Atlantic.





Such a move comes as no surprise. Indeed, when Fiat Group Automobile unveiled its 2010-2014 Business Plan earlier this year, it was made clear that for Dodge ‘outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe…’



The good news for potential Freemont customers is that Dodge gave the Journey an extensive overhaul for the 2011 model year. Changes included retuning the suspension for improved ride and handling, recalibrating the steering for more feel and increasing the soundproofing for more refinement.





Interior quality - arguably a factor that has prevented recent Chrysler Group products from performing better in Europe - received attention too, and Dodge is now claiming ‘world-class levels of craftsmanship and comfort’ for the Journey. If true, that should help the Freemont succeed in an extremely competitive market sector.



North American buyers can currently specify either a 173 bhp (129 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre I4 or 283 bhp (211 kW / 286 PS) 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine for their Journey, both of which are petrol-powered. It’s unclear whether these will also make it into the Freemont, but a 168 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 litre diesel engine from Fiat is a certainty. To help extend the Freemont’s appeal, expect all-wheel drive to be offered as an option, as it is for the Journey.



The Freemont, which will be built alongside the Dodge Journey in Toluca, Mexico, replaces the ancient and slow-selling Ulysse MPV. Originally introduced back in 2002, the Ulysse shares its underpinnings with the Lancia Phedra, Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807.



Sales of the Fiat Freemont are due to begin in June 2011, following a debut at next March’s Geneva International Motorshow.



Related posts:

Fiat Freemont unveiled

No UK return for Lancia

A wonderful Christmas present from the BBC ... Upstairs Downstairs Revisited


Upstairs, Downstairs is a British drama television series originally produced by London Weekend Television and revived by the BBC set in a large townhouse in Edwardian, First World War and Inter-War Belgravia in London, that depicted the lives of the servants "downstairs" and their masters "upstairs". It ran on ITV in 68 episodes divided into five series from 1971 to 1975.

Upstairs, Downstairs attempted to portray life in a London townhouse set against the events of the early 20th century. Great events are featured prominently in the episodes but minor or gradual changes are noted as well. It stands as a document of the social and technological changes that occurred between 1903 and 1930. The lives of the servants are integral to the story.



The legendary TV series Upstairs Downstairs is to be brought back to life by the BBC.

Award-winning Heidi Thomas (Cranford, Madame Bovary, Ballet Shoes) is writing two new feature length scripts for transmission on BBC One in 2010.

Set in 1936 in the same iconic house 165 Eaton Place in London's Belgravia, the sumptuous drama is set to delight fans old and new.

Jean Marsh will reprise her role of Rose, the parlourmaid, returning to the house as housekeeper to its new residents, the wealthy and well-connected Holland family.

Heidi Thomas will create a new role for Dame Eileen Atkins.

We rejoin the world of Upstairs Downstairs in the years leading up to the Second World War. Times are changing and servants are no longer cheap and obedient; Rose soon finds she has her work cut out.

Meanwhile, in the wider world, Edward VIII has ascended the throne, fascism is on the rise, and Europe is inching towards catastrophe.

Keeley's Role: Lady Agnes Holland

Other Cast Members:
Eileen Atkins as Lady Maud Holland
Ed Stoppard as Sir Hallam Holland
Claire Foy as Lady Persephone (Persie)
Art Malik as Mr. Amanjit (Lady Maud Holland's secretary)
Jean Marsh as Rose Buck the housekeeper
Anne Reid as Mrs. Thackery the cook
Adrian Scarborough as Pritchard the butler
Ellie Kendrick as Ivy the housemaid
Nico Mirallegro as Johnny the footman













Sunday, December 26, 2010

Nautical star tattoo designs for girls

Body art is more popular than ever and many people are looking for new tattoo designs. They want more than what is offered at the tattoo shop. The internet has opened up a multitude of resources where people can find one-of-a-kind designs. Of course with so many resources your online search could easily become overwhelming and you could spend days surfing between design sites. A better idea is to

2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

There are different engine choices available, all with varying degrees of power. The XF Premium trim comes equipped with a 8 cylinder 5.0 Ltr with 385 horsepower. The XF Supercharged engine has the same specs but puts out 470 horsepower. The ultimate Supercharged XFR puts out a total of 510 horsepower and 461 lb feet of torque. This car handles extremely well on the open road and is quite agile, while acceleration is immensely powerful due to the substantial amount of power. The base model receives approximately 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the freeway.
2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan
Speaking of room, the Jaguar XF has just enough of it. In fact, a six-foot person sitting in the back will actually have a lot of head room left between his or head and the ceiling. Foot room is quite spacious but the 500-liter trunk space is a lot more generous and the back seats also fold for additional space.
2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Side View2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

There are different engine choices available, all with varying degrees of power. The XF Premium trim comes equipped with a 8 cylinder 5.0 Ltr with 385 horsepower. The XF Supercharged engine has the same specs but puts out 470 horsepower. The ultimate Supercharged XFR puts out a total of 510 horsepower and 461 lb feet of torque. This car handles extremely well on the open road and is quite agile, while acceleration is immensely powerful due to the substantial amount of power. The base model receives approximately 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the freeway.
2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan
Speaking of room, the Jaguar XF has just enough of it. In fact, a six-foot person sitting in the back will actually have a lot of head room left between his or head and the ceiling. Foot room is quite spacious but the 500-liter trunk space is a lot more generous and the back seats also fold for additional space.
2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Side View2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

The British brand Jaguar is synonymous with luxury and refined style but it has been primarily been popular with more established and older consumers due to its classic and subdued styling. Jaguar boldly moves into the next millennium with a contemporary and ultra modern vehicle; the sporty 2010 Jaguar XF. This auto first burst into the automotive scene in 2010 so it's definitely a newcomer to the luxury market. Its appearance is daring, modern and entirely different from any Jaguar produced in the past. This car has a sporty bold look; it's aggressive and modern looking with lines that are usually found on a sports coupe. The vehicle's stunning body is perfectly accentuated by beautiful eighteen inch wheels and an automatic sunroof allowing you to enjoy the warm breeze as you cruise down the street in glamorous style.

2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Front Angle View2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Front Angle View
Expect the Jaguar XF to "hit the shelves" on March 1 2008. It will come in two whopping 4.2 liter V8 models, one with a supercharger and one without. There will also be a 3.0 liter V6 for the slightly less adventurous and a 2.7 liter V6 turbo diesel for the gas-consumption conscious. This is the definitely the cat to beat as soon as it hits the market and at over $60,000, this price range is only rivaled by Germany's BMW 550i M Sport. It all depends in what class you choose to belong to when it comes to shopping for the top car leasing specials.
2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack
2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

The British brand Jaguar is synonymous with luxury and refined style but it has been primarily been popular with more established and older consumers due to its classic and subdued styling. Jaguar boldly moves into the next millennium with a contemporary and ultra modern vehicle; the sporty 2010 Jaguar XF. This auto first burst into the automotive scene in 2010 so it's definitely a newcomer to the luxury market. Its appearance is daring, modern and entirely different from any Jaguar produced in the past. This car has a sporty bold look; it's aggressive and modern looking with lines that are usually found on a sports coupe. The vehicle's stunning body is perfectly accentuated by beautiful eighteen inch wheels and an automatic sunroof allowing you to enjoy the warm breeze as you cruise down the street in glamorous style.

2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Front Angle View2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Front Angle View
Expect the Jaguar XF to "hit the shelves" on March 1 2008. It will come in two whopping 4.2 liter V8 models, one with a supercharger and one without. There will also be a 3.0 liter V6 for the slightly less adventurous and a 2.7 liter V6 turbo diesel for the gas-consumption conscious. This is the definitely the cat to beat as soon as it hits the market and at over $60,000, this price range is only rivaled by Germany's BMW 550i M Sport. It all depends in what class you choose to belong to when it comes to shopping for the top car leasing specials.
2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack
2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars

The Bentley Continental GT's 6-litre engine is designed in four banks of three cylinders producing a W formation of its 12 cylinders. Its twin turbochargers create an astonishing power output of 552HP potentially producing a top speed of 198mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds.With its high efficiency catalyst and exhaust system, there are much lower emissions. The GT's wider central air intake gives a much improved airflow which aids engine cooling.
2012 Bentley Continental GT Seats2012 Bentley Continental GT Seats
The bargain Bentley, or at least that's what the Bentley GT used to be called. When it debuted on the market in 2003 it had a retail sticker of $156,000. These days $156,000 might get you a used, 3 year old Bentley GT. Isn't that a shame? But let's put price aside a have a look at this luxury behemoth.
2012 Bentley Continental GT Luxury Cars2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars

2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars

The Bentley Continental GT's 6-litre engine is designed in four banks of three cylinders producing a W formation of its 12 cylinders. Its twin turbochargers create an astonishing power output of 552HP potentially producing a top speed of 198mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds.With its high efficiency catalyst and exhaust system, there are much lower emissions. The GT's wider central air intake gives a much improved airflow which aids engine cooling.
2012 Bentley Continental GT Seats2012 Bentley Continental GT Seats
The bargain Bentley, or at least that's what the Bentley GT used to be called. When it debuted on the market in 2003 it had a retail sticker of $156,000. These days $156,000 might get you a used, 3 year old Bentley GT. Isn't that a shame? But let's put price aside a have a look at this luxury behemoth.
2012 Bentley Continental GT Luxury Cars2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars