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Auto Review: 2009 Subaru Forester — 4,590 granola bars
DAMASCUS, MD (Marketwatch) — Subaru has taken its trusty pooch that was traditionally wrapped in box-like styling and added some French Poodle. It is almost as if the Forester was on an off-road adventure, kissed a frog, and is now ready to be displayed in Vanity Fair.

Bucket List
Two terminally ill men try to fulfill a wish list known as "The Bucket List" before each kicks the bucket. After they break out of a cancer ward, they head off on a road trip with an itinerary that includes racing cars, eating giant plates of caviar and slinging poker chips in Monte Carlo.

Burundi Travel Warning

This Travel Warning updates American citizens on security conditions in Burundi. American citizens should exercise caution while traveling in the country. The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of its personnel in Burundi, and certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Burundi dated December 10, 2007.

The Department of State continues to caution U.S. citizens traveling to Burundi. Burundi was plagued by a civil war from 1993 to 2006 that often involved non-government, non-combatant targets. In September 2006, the government and the last remaining hold-out rebel group from the peace process, the PALIPEHUTU–FNL, signed a cease-fire agreement. Many of the cease-fire provisions have not been implemented and the rebels still retain the capability to conduct indirect fire attacks on the capital. In April 2008 rebel forces engaged Burundian military units just outside of Bujumbura city limits. Rebels are still present throughout Bujumbura Rural, which surrounds the capital city.

Crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits or street children, poses the highest risk for foreign visitors to Bujumbura and Burundi in general. Common crimes include muggings, burglaries, robberies, and carjackings. Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic due to the threat of robbery by roving bands of criminals. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura. U.S. Government personnel are restricted from walking on the streets during hours of darkness, and prohibited from using local public transportation. Due to insufficient resources, local authorities in any part of Burundi are often unable to provide timely assistance in case of need.

The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of Embassy personnel and certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits to Embassy personnel. In addition, the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer must pre-approve all travel outside the capital by U.S. Embassy personnel, and employees must travel in two-vehicle convoys. The Embassy recommends that Americans not travel on national highways from dusk to dawn.

Americans who travel to, or remain in, Burundi despite this Travel Warning are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura for information on the latest Embassy security guidelines, and to register at the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at Avenue des Etats-Unis, telephone (257) 22-22-34-54, fax (257) 22-22-29-26. Security information for American citizens in Burundi is posted at http://burundi.usembassy.gov/warden_information.html.

For further information, consult the Country Specific Information for Burundi and the current Worldwide Caution, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Burundi is available at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, and for callers in other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Auto Review: 2009 Subaru Forester — 4,590 granola bars
DAMASCUS, MD (Marketwatch) — Subaru has taken its trusty pooch that was traditionally wrapped in box-like styling and added some French Poodle. It is almost as if the Forester was on an off-road adventure, kissed a frog, and is now ready to be displayed in Vanity Fair.

Major earthquake hits northern Japan

A powerful earthquake rocked rural northern Japan on Saturday, killing at least five people, injuring more than 200 and sparking landslides that sliced mountains, destroyed roads and left residents cut off.

Burundi Travel Warning

This Travel Warning updates American citizens on security conditions in Burundi. American citizens should exercise caution while traveling in the country. The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of its personnel in Burundi, and certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Burundi dated December 10, 2007.

The Department of State continues to caution U.S. citizens traveling to Burundi. Burundi was plagued by a civil war from 1993 to 2006 that often involved non-government, non-combatant targets. In September 2006, the government and the last remaining hold-out rebel group from the peace process, the PALIPEHUTU–FNL, signed a cease-fire agreement. Many of the cease-fire provisions have not been implemented and the rebels still retain the capability to conduct indirect fire attacks on the capital. In April 2008 rebel forces engaged Burundian military units just outside of Bujumbura city limits. Rebels are still present throughout Bujumbura Rural, which surrounds the capital city.

Crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits or street children, poses the highest risk for foreign visitors to Bujumbura and Burundi in general. Common crimes include muggings, burglaries, robberies, and carjackings. Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic due to the threat of robbery by roving bands of criminals. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura. U.S. Government personnel are restricted from walking on the streets during hours of darkness, and prohibited from using local public transportation. Due to insufficient resources, local authorities in any part of Burundi are often unable to provide timely assistance in case of need.

The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of Embassy personnel and certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits to Embassy personnel. In addition, the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer must pre-approve all travel outside the capital by U.S. Embassy personnel, and employees must travel in two-vehicle convoys. The Embassy recommends that Americans not travel on national highways from dusk to dawn.

Americans who travel to, or remain in, Burundi despite this Travel Warning are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura for information on the latest Embassy security guidelines, and to register at the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at Avenue des Etats-Unis, telephone (257) 22-22-34-54, fax (257) 22-22-29-26. Security information for American citizens in Burundi is posted at http://burundi.usembassy.gov/warden_information.html.

For further information, consult the Country Specific Information for Burundi and the current Worldwide Caution, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Burundi is available at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, and for callers in other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

How Travelers Waste Money on the Road
Fodors offers “8 Ways Travelers Waste Money on the Road”, which offers some good basic tips: Not reading the fine print on the credit card for foreign transaction fees. Avoiding hotel websites - online prices can be cheaper. Travel only during high seasons - off season can save you money. Renting cars - use your feet, trains, buses, and […]

Nominations to Mountain Bike World Championship Team announced
USA Cycling announced today the 37 remaining athletes that have been nominated to represent the United States at the upcoming 2008 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy, June 15-22. With only a little more than two months remaining until the Olympic Games in Beijing, American cross country athletes will square off against fellow 2008 hopefuls from across the globe in the only Olympic discipline of off-road cycling. Six men and seven women have been nominated to the elite cross country squad.

Auto Review: 2009 Subaru Forester — 4,590 granola bars
DAMASCUS, MD (Marketwatch) — Subaru has taken its trusty pooch that was traditionally wrapped in box-like styling and added some French Poodle. It is almost as if the Forester was on an off-road adventure, kissed a frog, and is now ready to be displayed in Vanity Fair.

Trainee Fund Manager/Senior Analyst - Emerging Markets, Competitive Salary Package - Henley on Thames, UK
Invesco Perpetual is one of the largest independent investment managers in the UK, managing assets on behalf of consumers, intermediaries and professional investors through a broad product range, which includes ICVCs, investment trusts, PEPs, ISAs, pension products, offshore funds, institutional mandates and other specialist mandates. The purpose of this role is to provide research, …

Mitsubishi Evo X Road Trip Part 3
The second day of the “Oregon Trail Rally” kicked off today, and we were there to scope it all out.

How to Improve Fuel Economy by Hypermiling

As American motorists grapple with elevated fuel prices, many drivers are trying to maximize their mileage using techniques called hypermiling. So-called hypermilers take extreme care to improve their fuel economy by modifying their driving style, with results that can significantly exceed the EPA ratings for their vehicle. Even with simple adjustments to how you drive, the average motorist can make a measurable gain in fuel economy.

Hypermiling techniques center around lawful, strategic driving. Fuel savings should never take priority over safety, and we urge you to be courteous to fellow motorists when trying to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption. That said, the benefits of hypermiling are significant. If you give this gentle driving style an earnest chance, you will see a difference in your weekly gas bill. Considering the big picture, these techniques could make a notable reduction in our need for imported oil if they were widely adopted by today’s motorists. So do pass these tips along.

To help you get the most from each precious gallon, we present the following gas-saving advice, tips, and hypermiling tricks:

Keep a logbook, noting miles driven, fuel consumed, and type of driving (city, highway, mixed, mountains). From this, you will be able to chart improvements and also have a tool for tracking maintenance.

To quantify improvements, track your typical consumption for several weeks. Also research what the EPA rating is for your vehicle. The EPA has adjusted fuel economy ratings for vehicles from 1985-2007 to the new 2008 standard, adding greater accuracy and a fair means for comparison.

Obey the speed limit. By observing the speed limit, you can save significantly. Tests have shown the benefits can be more than a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. When possible, do stay to the right lane when doing this, as unfortunately many motorists will not have the self-discipline or patience to adhere to the speed limit.

Use cruise control. Setting the cruise control for the speed limit ensures smooth powertrain operation. Even good drivers will vary speeds, leading to greater consumption.

Tires. Monitor the tire pressure with monthly checks to ensure proper inflation. Due to temperature changes and passive loss, the tires will need to be adjusted during the year. Significantly low tires will impact fuel economy, as well as tire wear and performance. Consider this tip more maintenance than fuel economy focused. When it comes time to replace your tires, research same-sized tires with low rolling resistance. The latest rubber compounds allow tires to improve on basic traction, as well as reduce rolling resistance. (The lower the rolling resistance, the less fuel is needed to move the vehicle.)

Idling. If you are to be stopped longer than a minute, such as dropping the kids off at school, shut the engine off. And for those in the snow belt, resist the temptation to let the car warm up for minutes, unless necessary to aid ice and snow removal.

Chaining. Combine several errands into a single trip, rather than leave home for each one. This minimizes time on the road and therefore fuel consumption, and it also means your engine will be warm and running at peak efficiency.

Air conditioning. Studies on the impact of using air conditioning versus opening windows show negligible difference between the two. Go with what makes you comfortable.

Weight. Minimize the weight in the car by removing unnecessary items. This is particularly important, again, for northerners who may keep snow removal and survival equipment in the trunk, such as a heavy bag of sand.

Aerodynamics. A slippery exterior will help the vehicle slice through the wind. Avoid, or remove, roof rack cross bars, side steps, and brush guards. When buying a new vehicle, think twice about a roof rack – will you really use it?

Gasoline. Use 87 octane unless your owner’s manual specifically REQUIRES Premium. If it is just RECOMMENDED then it isn’t necessary or even worthwhile to pay the extra cost.

Maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure your vehicle is running properly and reliably, including changing the air filter. Don’t obsess over the air filter; regular replacement schedules should suffice unless you off-road frequently.

Hypermiling Secrets

Drive smooth. Avoid jack-rabbit starts and panicky stops. Accelerate smoothly, as if there is an egg under the gas pedal. Look ahead and predict traffic signals and traffic flow to help reduce the need to brake. Coast to a stop, rather than accelerate till the moment you hit the brakes. Around-town driving is hardest on a non-hybrid car and, likewise, extra care here can pay off.

Perpetual motion. Using brakes squanders the investment made in achieving speed. Within reason, go easy on the use of brakes, and likewise you’ll reduce the need to accelerate.

Engine load. To go to the extreme, focus on minimizing the engine load rather than just maintaining speed. Again, this is a technique that requires judgment regarding safety and courtesy, but where possible, going slow when ascending hills, rather than going hammer down to maintain speed, will help.

Oil. Use the lowest viscosity recommended for your driving conditions to minimize internal engine friction.

Pull-throughs. Rather than hunt for the perfect parking spot within inches of a store front, especially if you must wait for one to open up, just coast into a spot at the end of the row. Pull forward so you can simply drive away, rather than needing to back out.

Air conditioning. Never use A/C on maximum. If possible, leave the windows up and A/C off.

Trip computer. To closely monitor your performance, consider installing a ScanGauge II or similar trip computer. The ScanGaugeII plugs into your OBD-II port and provides data on fuel consumption, distance to empty, fuel to empty, maximum rpm, average speed, and many other parameters. As a bonus, it is a diagnostic code reader and can reset trouble codes, turning off the “Check Engine” light.

For more information, read: “How to get the most miles out of each tank of gas.” Also, visit cleanmpg.com, a quality community focused on fuel-efficient driving.

On the Road: In Today’s Air Travel, Stress and Comfort Mix
Lauro Rizzatti’s perspective on the evolution of air travel is informed by an early bad experience in 1975, when the plane he was on skidded off the runway in Milan.

Head of Marketing - Funding Proposition, £ Six figure package - York, UK
Our client needs little introduction due to its enviable position as one of the leading FTSE Top 100 Financial Services Groups in the U.K. The business is continuing its focus on the investment funding arena for its Lifetime wrap and both offshore and on shore life bonds with the appointment of a Head of Marketing. The broad responsibilities of this role will be: *Devise and …

And Today We Wheeled The Gulches ORV Park
The Gulches Off Road Vehicle Park has been around for a couple of years and we finally got to wheel it today!

They must be mud!
Off-roading in a caravan? Sounds ridiculous! We joined up with Jeep for a true world first…

Do You Value Life?
What a big question that is. What criteria to use? In who’s opinion? How is it demonstrated?

It is a given that most people value their own life – there are inbuilt human mechanisms for survival. For example getting nervous when climbing high ladders is the body’s message to be careful or face DEATH!

Or alternatively why babies give a cringing expression of bitter taste and spit out food which spooks their taste buds, is precautionary to guard against accidently ingesting anything poisonous or harmful.

Strangers

So the question really is how much do people value OTHER people’s lives. Because with strangers, there is no connection or commitment to that unknown individual directly.

A relevant demonstration of how much a person values a stranger’s life, can be witnessed everyday cycling on London roads. The decision (for the vehicle driver) is how to overtake a cyclist. There is much more depth to this decision than the rhetorical; “well you just go past ‘im, innit!”

Most of the time however, with an adequate road layout, space between cycles and overtaking vehicles is roomy enough not to even invoke this question. And drivers can rumble on their way without the “stress” of decision making.

Thought

But often circumstances present a situation, where the driver has to choose between their own perceived gains (time, making progress), and what risks their actions might pass on to the cyclist being overtaken.

Typically this dilemma arises in locations such as road narrowings, pedestrian refuge islands, limited space from parked cars, and the like.

My theory is, a driver who does not value life (of other people), will overtake regardless, blasting past the vulnerable cyclist in a questionably tight gap, with little adjustment to their speed and road position. The driver willingly CHOOSES to take a risk on behalf of the cyclist.

Therefore the driver doesn’t value (a strangers) life very highly. Often it could be a deluded arrogance towards their own driving skills which clouds this decision. But the fact remains that wherever there is human judgement, there is human error.

Competent Raw Belief

The noticeably competent driver however, deals with the same situation differently, and more positively:
This driver trades off the 3 seconds time advantage which would be “gained” by blasting past the cyclist at a narrowing, (with traffic lights, such negligible time becomes irrelevant anyway).

The driver slows down, follows the cyclist through the narrowing, leaving enough distance from the cyclist’s rear wheel, not to spook or intimidate the rider – why? Because this driver cares about other people, they have the personal quality of being able to empathise with how a stranger would feel, on receipt of their driving decisions.

The driver asks internal questions to put themself in the stranger’s shoes, such as; “would I like 1,500Kg’s of unforgiving metal being thrust towards my pedalling legs? No, no I wouldn’t” and “would I appreciate wing mirrors practically striking my handlebars if I were the cyclist? Again; I’ll decide against thanks”

After navigating the narrowing, the driver executes a safe overtaking of the cyclist, leaving plenty of respectful space side by side.

Everything about this competent drivers’ decisions, trace back to the raw belief that they value OTHER people’s lives.

2009 Jeep Wrangler
The 2009 Jeep Wrangler, off-road-ready SUV, is offered in 2-door or Unlimited 4-door form.

AMD Delivers HDTV Experience for Mac®
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — November 14, 2007 — AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the new ATI TV Wonder™ 650 Combo USB for Mac® – a new HDTV experience for Mac users. ATI TV Wonder 650 Combo USB for Mac integrates two TV tuners to receive off-the-air ATSC/HDTV broadcasts as well as analog television programming. This new TV tuner solution joins AMD’s six TV Wonder™ offerings for the PC platform.

Wallet-friendly business travel tips

For the typical road warrior, who spends about $1,045 on airfare, hotel accommodations and car rental per trip, the cost of business travel is a necessary expense.  After all, a global economy requires traveling far to pitch clients and deliver presentations. But the cost of representing a company off-site is expected to increase.

Get Your Ass On A Plane: Why Getting Laid Off From Your Job Could Be The Best Thing That Ever Happened
Ever needed an excuse to travel? Probably not, but have you gone beyond dreaming about saddling up your trusty backpack, and actually managed to hit the open road? Ah, there’s the rub. For there be dragons (aka bills to pay, things to buy, future to secure, blah blah blah…). In the words of Jason Kester, […]

James and gang recover in Game 3 vs. Celtics

LeBron James scored 21 points on another off-shooting night, but Delonte West scored 21, Joe Smith had 17 and the Cavaliers raced to a large, early lead in Game 3 in a 108-84 victory Saturday night over the road-challenged Boston Celtics to pull within 2-1 in their playoff series.

AMD Delivers HDTV Experience for Mac®
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — November 14, 2007 — AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the new ATI TV Wonder™ 650 Combo USB for Mac® – a new HDTV experience for Mac users. ATI TV Wonder 650 Combo USB for Mac integrates two TV tuners to receive off-the-air ATSC/HDTV broadcasts as well as analog television programming. This new TV tuner solution joins AMD’s six TV Wonder™ offerings for the PC platform.

Wallet-friendly business travel tips

For the typical road warrior, who spends about $1,045 on airfare, hotel accommodations and car rental per trip, the cost of business travel is a necessary expense.  After all, a global economy requires traveling far to pitch clients and deliver presentations. But the cost of representing a company off-site is expected to increase.