Saturday, December 29, 2007

Brabus Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster






Thursday, December 27, 2007

New Theories on Star of Bethlehem


SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It's long been a puzzle for Christian astronomers, and now a professor from the University of Notre Dame thinks he has it figured out -- almost, anyway.

His quest: discovering just what "the star in the East" was that led wise men to travel to Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.

As a theoretical astrophysicist, Grant Mathews had hoped the answer would be spectacular -- something like a supernova. But two years of research have led him to a more ordinary conclusion. The heavenly sign around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ was likely an unusual alignment of planets, the sun and the moon.

Not a lot was written about the star in the Bible. In the Gospel of Matthew it says: "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."


The star, though, has long been immortalized in Christmas songs, plays and movies. Astronomers, theologians and historians for hundreds of years have been trying to determine exactly which star might have inspired the biblical writing. German astronomer Johannes Kepler proposed in 1604 that the star was a conjunction of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in 7 B.C.

The advantage Mathews has over Kepler and others who have pondered the question is that he had access to NASA's databases.

"In principle, we can see any star that was ever made from the beginning of time if we knew where to look. So the question is, could we find a star that could be a good candidate for what showed up then?" he said.

Mathews found several possibilities. He began by posing three questions he would ask when trying to find the answer to any astronomical event: When did it occur? What were its characteristics? Did anyone else see it?

The Gospel of Matthew indicates Jesus was born in Bethlehem when Herod was king. Roman historian Flavius Josephus wrote that Herod died after an eclipse of the moon before the Passover. Mathews said among the possibilities are 6 B.C., 5 B.C., 1 B.C. or 1 A.D. The star could have appeared up to two years before the wise men arrived in Jerusalem, he said.

Mathews believes that means the Christmas star could have appeared anywhere from 8 to 4 B.C.

Among the characteristics written about the star was that it appeared before sunrise and that it appeared to "rest in the sky." Mathews also found writings from Korean and Chinese astronomers of an event about 4 B.C. which described a comet with no tail that didn't move.

Using that set of facts, Mathews found several possibili ties, including supernovas, novas and planetary alignments.

The problem with novas and comets, though, is that they were believed in ancient times to be a sign of disaster, not a portent of good things to come

By TOM COYNE
Source: Tulsa World

The Energy of Aurora Borealis



SCIENTISTS think they have discovered the energy source of Aurora Borealis, the spectacular colour displays seen in the upper latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

New data from Nasa's Themis mission, a quintet of satellites launched recently, found the energy comes from a stream of charged particles from the sun flowing like a current through twisted bundles of magnetic fields connecting Earth's upper atmosphere to the sun.


The energy is then abruptly released in the form of a shimmering display of lights, said Vassilis Angelopoulos of the University of California at Los Angeles.

In March, the satellites detected a burst of Northern Lights over Alaska and Canada.

During the two-hour light show, the satellites measured particle flow and magnetic fields from space.

To scientists' surprise, the geomagnetic storm powering the auroras raced 645km in a minute across the sky.

Angelopoulos estimated the power of the storm was equal to the energy released by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake.

Although researchers have suspected the existence of wound-up bundles of magnetic fields that provide energy for the auroras, the phenomenon was not confirmed until May, when the satellites became the first to map their structure some 40,000 miles above the Earth's surface।
Source: New Straits Times

The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road






The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road extends for 7.3 mi (11.7 km) up the mountain, rising 4000 ft (1219 m). With 21 corners and three lanes (two climbing and one descending), the immaculate road was called the greatest driving road in the world by Edmunds.com. The road scales the mountain and ends at a parking lot with only a hotel and a palace belonging to the country's rulers.

Jebel Hafeet Road is the challenge for cyclists who frequently come over to train। The Jebel Hafeet Mercure Challenge is a yearly road cycling competition taking place somewhere in January. National & international riders take part in climbing the 8% average ascent of the mighty mountain.


Is Hell Endothermic or Exothermic?


Is Hell Endothermic or Exothermic?
Dr. Schlambaugh, a senior lecturer at the Chemical Engineering
Department,University of Oklahoma, is known for posing questions on
final exams like: "Why do airplanes fly?"

In May a few years ago, the "Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer " exam
paper contained the question:

"Is Hell exothermic or endothermic? Support your answer with proof."

Most students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law or
similar. One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we must postulate that if souls exist, they must have some mass.
If they do, then a mole of souls also must have a mass. So, at what rate
are souls moving into hell and at what rate are souls leaving? I think
we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it does not leave.
Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for souls entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that
exist in the world today. Some religions say that if you are not a
member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there are more than
one of these religions, and people do not belong to more than one
religion, we can project that all people and all souls go to Hell. With
the birth and death rates what they are, we can expect the number of
souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of
change in the volume of Hell. Boyle's Law states that in order for the
temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the ratio of the mass
of the souls and volume needs to stay constant.

[Answer 1] So, if Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at
which souls enter Hell, then the temperature in Hell will increase until
all Hell breaks loose.

[Answer 2] Of course, if Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the
increase in souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop
until Hell freezes over.

So which is it? If we accept the postulate (given to me by Teresa Banyan
during freshman year) that "it'll be a cold day in Hell before I sleep
with you", and taking into account that I still have not succeeded in
having sexual relations with her, then [Answer 2] cannot be correct;
...... thus, Hell is exothermic.

The student got the only A.





Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Chevrolet Camaro - One of the Most Popular Cars for Modification in the Automotive History

The Chevrolet Camaro was a compact car introduced in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors at the start of the 1967 model year as competition for the Ford Mustang.

Although it was technically a compact (by the standards of the time), the Camaro, like the entire class of Mustang competitiors, was soon known as a pony car.

Though the car's name was contrived with no meaning, General Motors researchers found the word in a French dictionary as a slang term for "friend" or "companion." Ford Motor Company researchers discovered other definitions, including "a shrimp-like creature" and an arcane term for "loose bowels"! In some automotive periodicals before official release, it was code-named "Panther".

Four distinct generations of the car were produced.

Generation 1

1967 Sharing mechanicals with the upcoming 1968 Chevrolet Nova, the Camaro featured unibody structure. Chevrolet offered the car in only two body styles, a coupe and convertible. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options including three main packages were avaible.

* RS Package included many cosmetic changes such as RS badging, hidden headlights, blacked out grill, revised taillights and interior trims.

* SS Package included modified 5.7 L (350 in³) V8 engine (first 350 in³ engine ever offered by Chevrolet), also L35 396 in³ "big block" was avaible. SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping and blacked out grill. It was possible to order both - RS and SS packages to receive RS/SS Camaro. In 1967 Camaro RS/SS Convertible Camaro with 396 in³ engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race.

* Z28 option code was introduced in 1966. This option package wasn't mentioned in any sales literature so was unknown by most of the buyers. The only way to order Z28 package was to order base Camaro with Z28 option, front disc brakes, power steering and Muncie 4-speed transmission.

Z28 package featured unique 302 in³ "small block" engine, designed specifically to compete in the Club of America Trans Am racing series (which required engines smaller than 305 in³ and public availablity of the car).

Advertised power of this engine was listed at 290 hp (216 kW) while actual dyno readings rated it at 360 to 400 hp (269 to 298 kW). Z28 also came with upgraded suspension and racing stripes on the hood. It was possible to combine Z28 package with RS package. Only 602 Z28's were sold.

Generation 2

The larger second-generation Camaro featured an all-new sleek body and improved suspension. The 1970-1/2 Camaro debuted as a 2+2 coupe; no convertible was offered and would not appear again until well into the third generation.

Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969 with the exception of the 230 in³ (3.8 L) six cylinder -- the base engine was now the 250 in³ (4.1 L) six rated at 155 hp (116 kW).

The top performing motor was a L-78 396 in³ (6.5 L) V8 rated at 375 hp (280 kW). (Starting in 1970, the 396 in³ big block V8's actually displaced 402 in³ (6.6 L), yet Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badging.) Two 454 in³ (7.4 L) engines - the LS-6 and LS-7 - were listed on early specification sheets but never made it into production.

Besides the base model, buyers could select the "Rally Sport" option with a distinctive front nose and bumper, a "Super Sport" package, and the "Z-28 Special Performance Package" featuring a new high-performance 360 hp (268 kW) 350 in³ (5.7 L) cid V8. 1972

The 1972 Camaro suffered two major setbacks. A UAW strike at a GM assembly plant in Ohio disrupted production for 174 days, and 1100 Camaros had to be scrapped because they did not meet 1973 Federal bumper safety standards.

Some at GM seriously considered dropping the Camaro and Firebird altogether, while others were convinced the models remained marketable. The latter group eventually convinced those in favor of dropping the F Cars to reconsider, and Chevrolet would go on to produce 68,656 Camaros in 1972, the lowest production numbers for any model year.

Generation 3 1982

The 1982 model introduced the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions (three-speed on the earlier models), five-speed manual transmissions (four-speed manual transmissions in 1982, and some 83-84 models), 15 or 16-inch rims, hatchback body style, and even a four-cylinder engine for a brief period (due to concerns over fuel economy).

The Camaro Z28 was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1982.

1985

In 1985 Chevrolet introduced a new Camaro model - the famous IROC-Z, called after popular racing series. IROC-Z Camaro featured upgraded suspension, special decal package and Tuned Port Injection system taken from the Chevrolet_Corvette Third generation Camaros also had a suspension system that was more capable in corners than the previous generation.

The Camaro IROC-Z was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985.

Engines

* 1978-1981 5.7 L (350 in³) Small-Block V8 * 1982-1985 2.5 L (151 in³) Iron Duke L4 * 1982-1984 2.8 L (173 in³) LC1 V6 * 1985-1989 2.8 L (173 in³) LB8 V6 * 1990-1992 3.1 L (191 in³) 60 Gen II V6 * 1982-1992 5.0 L (305 in³) Small-Block V8 * 1985-1992 5.7 L (350 in³) Small-Block V8

Generation 4 1993

1993 began the fourth and last generation of Camaros, lasting through the 2002 model year. Production of the fourth and final generation was moved from GM's Van Nuys, California assembly plant to one in Ste. Therese, Quebec in 1993.

Though the car would no longer be produced in the US, the new design which incorporated lightweight plastic body panels over a steel space frame, and a better suspension, further improved upon the Camaro line.

From 1993 to 1997 the Camaro was available with the LT-1 engine, the same Generation II small block V8 used in the Corvette, although in slightly de-tuned form.

In 1996, the long-discontinued "SS" option was resurrected and in 1998, the all-new LS-1 engine Generation III small block was offered on the SS and Z28 Camaros, marking the end of the Generation I small block V8 that had its roots in Chevrolet's 265 in³ engine of 1955. Unfortunately, sales were below expectations, and production of the Camaro ceased in 2002. 1998

1998 saw a new head light design for the Camaro. The new design removed the previous recessed-light design present in the 1982-1997 Camaros. The faux air intakes on the hood were also eliminated. In addition the LT1 engine was removed and instead an LS1 in its place. Engines

* 1993-1995 3.4 L (208 in³) 60 Gen III V6 * 1995-2002 3.8 L (231 in³) 3800 Series II V6 * 1993-1997 5.7 L (350 in³) LT1 V8 * 1998-2002 5.7 L (350 in³) LS1 V8

2002 2002 marked the last year of the Chevrolet Camaro and was also the 35th anniversary for the Camaro. This milestone was celebrated with a special anniversary car modified from the factory by SLP. The anniversary package was only available on the SS (Super Sport).

Engine modifications were available in addition to the 325 hp (242 kW) engine which all Super Sports produce. Silver racing stripes down the hood and trunk lid made the car more noticeable than ever—especially against the Bright Rally Red paint (the only color available with the anniversary package).

The car also had the slogan attached to it "Leave a Lasting ImpreSSion" and had the logo embroidered in the seats. The car was only available as a convertible or with T-Tops. 3,000 Camaros with the anniversary package were produced for the United States and 152 for Canada.

Though production Camaros were never as fast as the flagship Corvette, the car cost less than half as much and was easily modified. If its frequent inclusion in automotive enthusiast magazines is any indication, the Chevy Camaro is one of the most popular cars for modification in the automotive history.

Throughout its history, the Camaro shared its internal body and major components with a sister car - the Pontiac Firebird।
by Harry Rockwell

Swallow Tattoos, Nautical Stars, and Cherry Tattoos are Hot Ideas for Rockabilly Girls

I have noticed recently that there are tons of Rockabilly girls getting some great tattoo work done. They are getting themes like swallow tattoos, or nautical stars, and even cherries. These are all very classic and great looking tattoo designs. Many of them will work wonderful in combination with each other. For example a large chest piece tattoo design that incorporates two swallows on either side of a sacred heart with some nautical star tattoos to round out the design!

These work so well and


have noticed recently that there are tons of Rockabilly girls getting some great tattoo work done. They are getting themes like swallow tattoos, or nautical stars, and even cherries. These are all very classic and great looking tattoo designs. Many of them will work wonderful in combination with each other. For example a large chest piece tattoo design that incorporates two swallows on either side of a sacred heart with some nautical star tattoos to round out the design!

These work so well and are becoming so popular among this group of rockabilly women because they hark back to the time period of the 1950s and especially have the look and feel of Sailor Jerry type of tattoo designs.

This trend of course started with the now very popular West Coast tattoo style that at it's heart takes older tattoo designs and recolors them with new vibrant splashes of brightly colored ink. So taking old Sailor Jerry tattoo designs and redoing them with new bright ink colors not only has a great retro look and theme but also are becoming very popular tattoo designs for women.



All three of these designs have great symbolism behind them also. Sailors are a very superstitious lot by nature and would do anything to come home alive. They often would look for signs or clues to help them navigate their way home. Over the years these signs have turned into symbols for luck, safe travel, and returning home! For example the swallow tattoo is a symbol for returning home safely. Swallow birds can not fly very far from land and so when a sailor at sea spots a swallow bird he knows that land is close by and therefore home. So the swallow and therefore the swallow tattoo is a symbolism for returning home. Stars were also used frequently by sailors to navigate their way home and a nautical star is a symbol of this.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Nissan FORUM concept











Nissan's attempt to inject style into the minivan segment, with the current Quest, hasn't gone so well but the company is forging ahead anyway, this time with the Forum concept. This six-passenger people mover presents a somewhat different twist on the familiar, minivan shape.

The interior is even more unusual, with second-row chairs that can snug up next to each other and then rotate as a single unit with the console in between. They're then free to face sideways (for tailgating--or side-gating, as they would face the open slider door) or rearward. The sliding side doors incorporate speakers into their rear edge, to project music outside the vehicle when it's parked. Inside, all the speakers are integrated into the seats (6 in each). Both speaker systems are supplied by Bose. A Time Out button on the steering wheel lets the driver interrupt all the in-car audio, to speak to the passengers. An integrated microphone picks up the driver's voice and sends it out through the speakers (the thinking evidently being that kids might listen to their parents if their voices are conveyed electronically).



In addition to barking at their kids over a microphone, parents in the front seats can keep a hawk eye on their offspring via two ceiling-mounted cameras, one trained on the second row and one on the third. Images from those cameras appear on the screen in the center of the dash. The Forum also incorporates Nissan's Around-View monitor, which recently had its production debut on the Infiniti EX35.

The stylish interior features modish, wraparound seats, a microwave oven located toward the rear of the center console, and cool wave-like carpeting, but does not bother with the mundane utility of folding or removable seats. The Forum is designed for a front-engine, front-wheel-drive powertrain, and is slightly smaller overall than today's Quest.

Monday, December 10, 2007

How To Remove Spyware - What You Need To Know Now

Learn how to remove spyware from your PC. It has the potential to betray your sensitive information to outside parties, slow down your computer and lead to financial and personal loss without your knowledge or permission. The alarming thing is that the majority of people whose computers are infected aren't even aware of the problem. This article will describe what spyware and adware are, how to remove it from your computer and where you can find some of the best removal software available.

The Basics Of Malware And Adware

It's important to learn how to remove spyware and adware from your computer, you should understand the potential annoyance and damage they can cause. Downloaded from the internet, it sits on your hard drive, looks through your files, watches the websites you visit and often records things such as usernames and passwords to various websites. Adware watches your behavior online and pops up advertisements on your computer screen. Many of these programs then send this information to outside parties. This can lead to financial loss and even identity theft.

Fortunately, you can easily learn how to remove spyware from your computer. In order to do this, you need to first identify the programs. Despite what some believe, not all software that are designed to protect the integrity of your PC can do this.

Can Anti-Virus Software Remove It?

Anti-virus software often cannot identify this stuff on your computer. These malicious programs are created and distributed every day on the internet. As a result, most well-known anti-virus software has difficulty keeping up with the onslaught of new spyware and adware released each day. Further, the creators of these programs work hard to hide them effectively from anti-virus software, making detection and removal even harder.

Can You Manually Remove Spyware From Your Computer?

You can manually remove it from your computer or you can use software specifically designed for the job. Most removal experts recommend not trying to do this manually. While possible, it is a very high-maintenance task that requires researching the various files associated with each spyware and adware program, the specific steps to get rid of each program, etc.

Using Software for Removal

Instead of learning to remove manually, you should consider using software such as Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware. Spybot is designed to identify and remove malware like this from your computer. Ad-Aware is designed to do the same for adware programs. The key factor that makes these programs effective is that they are constantly updated to account for new programs that are released. These types of programs are very easy to use and extremely effective.

This junk can slow down your computer, display annoying pop up advertisements, kill your productivity and even make your personal and financial information vulnerable to prying eyes. However, you can easily remove these programs from your computer by using removal software. If you are still not sure how to remove spyware there is more help available.
By John Deela