Most people who succumb to drowning do not flail their arms or shout for help. They usually go under silently. This excellent article on gCaptain (by and for maritime professionals such as but not including lifeguards) reminds us to keep our eyes AND our ears alert for each other this summer. Unlike what you'd expect, LACK of noise is the real red flag that someone is in trouble:
"There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC)."
I became aware of this article on one of my local mommies' e-loops. It has apparently been shooting around on Facebook, but I'd never read it before. I guess I'm "injecting" it into my social media neighborhood. Of course, I hope none of us has these close calls this summer or ever, but I'm glad now to be aware and to share it with all of you and your loved ones.
The big winners at the 2010 International Engine of the Year Awards were Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. VW brand drove off with just two awards, yet it was not the quantity that mattered but the quality. It won 2010 International Engine of the Year, the kingpin of them all. Apart from that, it also took best 1 to 1.4-litre engine with the 1.4 TSI used in cars like the Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan and the Seat Ibiza Cupra.
Mercedes-Benz kept BMW in check with itssecond-in-a-row Performance Engine of the Year for its outgoing 6.2-litre V8 used in the C 63 AMG, S 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and ML 63 AMG. Porsche, second-placed in this category, took home only 125 votes for its 3.8-litre turbo, compared to the mighty AMG’s 220 votes.
Best New Engine went to Fiat’s Multiair motor while the Green Engine Award was taken by the Toyota Prius once again.
Category winners were Toyota’s 1-litre in the sub-1 litre category. The 1.4 to 1.8-litre segment was won by the BMW-PSA 1.6-litre turbo found in the MINI, Peugeot 308 and Citroen DS3 among others. BMW took top honours again in the 1.8 to 2.0-litre category with the twin turbo diesel fitted in the X1 xDrive23d and 123d.
Audi came to the fore in the 2.0 to 2.5-litre section with a win for the 2.5-litre turbo used exclusively for the fuming TT RS. Again BMW was king in the 2.5-litre to 3.0-litre category, sweeping the floor with its 3.0-litre twin turbo engine found in the 135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i and Z4. The Bavarians’ final stash came in the 3.0-litre to 4.0-litre category as it swiped the best award with the M3’s 4.0-litre V8. Mercedes-Benz came back strong with a win for the 6.2-litre V8 again in the above 4.0-litre show.
Ford has announced the establishment of a world class Supplier Incubation Facility in Silverton, Pretoria that will provide skills development and training for BBBEE companies.
The announcement follows the company’s confirmation of a R3 billion investment to expand manufacturing operations for its next-generation global compact pickup truck programme in Silverton, and Puma diesel engine production at its Struandale, Port Elizabeth facility.
The 7,200 sqm Supplier Incubation Facility is a joint initiative between Ford, the Gauteng Provincial Government and Tier 1 Suppliers who directly supply FMCSA. The Silverton incubation centre is a Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) initiative that will help develop small businesses by providing professional support and growth opportunities. Entrepreneurs will be selected and housed at the facility, enabling them to supply the new Ford production line.
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has committed R105million to the project. Funds will be disbursed through the Automotive Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), which has earmarked R55 million for training, development and BBBEE companies' start-up costs, and the Supplier Park Development Company, Ltd (SPDC), which has allocated R50 million to build the facility. The initiative is part of the Silverton assembly site's transformation from a low volume, multiple vehicle plant to a high volume, single model production facility in 2011.
“The Supplier Incubation Facility and BBBEE training programme is another example of Ford's commitment to strengthen South Africa's position as a world class exporter of vehicles and engine components,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “As part of the One Ford plan we require a globally integrated automotive supply chain and a highly trained workforce, and this programme will help us achieve that goal in South Africa.’'
Firoz Cachalia, MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, noted that the new investment will make a vital contribution to growth and job creation in the province. “Gauteng is committed to the development of the automotive industry and this facility will enable us to meet our objectives,” added Cachalia.
A training and development plan has been jointly conceived by FMCSA and the AIDC. The four-year training and development plan will enhance the overall skills and knowledge base of automotive workers in Silverton, resulting in a globally competitive workforce.
Amanda Nair, the CEO of Blue IQ, remarked that the new facility will assist in increasing the global competitiveness of the South African automotive industry. “We are bringing in black entrepreneurs and providing them with skills and training that will lead to the creation of decent and sustainable jobs,” she said. Blue IQ is the Gauteng agency responsible for the AIDC and the Supplier Park Development Company (SPDC) which will manage the Incubation Facility.
Annual capacity at Silverton will increase to 110,000 vehicles in 2011. FMCSA, Tier 1 Suppliers and the Government are working with BBBEE companies to enable them to participate in Ford's global pickup truck production programme.
“The automotive industry is one of the key economic sectors of the country and we are pleased to have the support of the South African government. With their continued assistance we will be able to foster a strong and globally competitive auto industry that will flourish,” said Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO of FMCSA.
This young lady looks like a classic Italian film goddess of the 50's and 60's: a modern, sharpened Sophia Loren.
The tattoos take her look to a entirely different place. Honestly, I can't decide if they add or distract from her natural beauty but, with that added edge, it's hard to take your eyes off her.
The first show that I really liked was Junya Watanabe.
The humor and quirkiness of Junya were still evident this season, but they were toned down to a point that made the collection even more desirable. Some Junya diehards commented afterward that the collection seemed "too commercial." I know they didn't mean it in a good way, but that commercial element made the collection so much more desirable for me.
Jaguar Land Rover's new CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, initiated the challenge to the Jaguar engineering team to construct an XKR to celebrate Jaguar's 75th anniversary, which would deliver a combination of enhanced performance, superb chassis and steering control and grip levels to inspire the driving enthusiast to explore the true potential of the XKR's capabilities.
Mike O'Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said "The XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar's great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75th year of the Jaguar name", he continued.
Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 390kW and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model's top speed is electronically limited to 280km/h, the XKR 75's 0 - 100km/h acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 375kW XKR.
Using the rigid lightweight aluminium architecture of the XK as a solid foundation, the increased power of the XKR 75 is matched by an agile, dynamic chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.
The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.
And with an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the XKR 75 produces a pulse-racing growl to match its performance.
The car's driver-focussed character, however, has not been achieved at the expense of the Jaguar traditional values of refinement and comfort.
"We conceived the XR 75 as a sports car with a duality of character that makes it perfectly suited to driving across Europe to the Nurburgring, completing some very fast laps, and then driving home again, added Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity.
The XKR 75 features a new Stratus Grey finish. Red brake callipers contrast the eye-catching 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys with a dark technical finish and diamond turn. Customers will have the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches.
The XKR 75’s interior completes the driver-focussed performance environment finished in Charcoal with ivory stitch, piano black finish to facia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining.
Ecurie Ford France, one of the partners of the popular Le Mans Classic event which takes place between July 9th and 11th, has prepared a collection of just five Focus RS cars in unique colour schemes, each paying tribute to the Ford cars which made 'blue oval' history at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Each of the five Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be finished in the colours of one of the Ford cars which made 24 Hours history for Ford. During the event itself, they will even carry the race number of the cars to which they’re paying tribute:
Black with silver stripes: a reference to the Ford Mk II, which was victorious in 1966.
Red with white stripes: recalling the Mk IV which won in 1967.
White with a thin blue centre stripe surrounded by a red border: echoing the decoration of the beautiful Ford Mk IIB, entered by Ford France in the 1967 Le Mans 24-hours.
Two-tone sky blue and orange: A modern take on the GT40s which dominated Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.
Two-tone white and blue: representing the livery of the Capri RS 2600 which took the Touring category in 1972.
All five exclusive Focus RS vehicles also have customised interiors. The Recaro seats are upholstered in leather and diamond-quilted alcantara, front and back, with stitching that matches the bodywork. The gearshift gaiter, hand brake handle and central arm-rest are upholstered in real leather, and a leather safety belt guide has been added to the front seats.
Each of the five cars will carry a personalised numbered plaque on the dashboard confirming its exclusivity as part of the collection.
The five cars will be seen in action at the 2010 Le Mans Classic in July, and will be driven on a number of laps of the full track at the start of a number of the different 'grid' races reserved for cars of a particular era, with Ford-invited special guests and VIPs at the wheel.
The Focus RS Le Mans Classic units will be joined on the track by the limited edition Ford Focus RS500, whose futuristic matt black livery will be an equally eye-catching addition to the palette of colours which have fired the imaginations of countless fans of Ford and the greatest endurance race in the world.
Only Five For Sale
Once the fifth Le Mans Classic event is over, these five unique Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be put up for sale, and will be offered with exclusive accessories. Fitted with either RS(1) or RS Technology(2) packs, they will be supplied with a Le Mans Classic watch - a 3-dial automatic chronograph with large date display and sapphire background of which only 600 are to be produced.
The 5 cars to which the Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic is paying tribute:
The Ford Mk II (victorious in 1966): on the 18th of June 1966, Henry Ford II himself gave the starting signal for the 24th Le Mans 24 Hours. He let loose a pack of fifty-five vehicles led out by two of the eight Mk IIs entered by the manufacturer plus six GT40s, including one belonging to Ford France which was driven by Guy Ligier and the American Bob Grossman. The duel with Ferrari was at its peak for this “race of the century”. Unbeaten since 1960, the Italian marque was the queen of Le Mans. However, this time it was the Americans who dominated, pulling off a spectacular triple! For the first time ever, the 200km/h average speed barrier was broken at Le Mans.
The Ford Mk IV (winner in 1967): Wanting revenge, Ferrari sent its formidable 330 P4s to challenge the Mk IVs in a face-to-face battle without mercy. However, it was all in vain. The unstoppable red, white-trimmed Mk IV, piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, wiped the floor with Lodovico Scarfiotti and Mike Parkes’ P4. Unforgettable new pages in the history of motor sport were being written before everyone’s eyes. The epic tale of the Mk IIs and Mk IVs concluded with the spectacular distance (5,232.9 km) and average speed (218 km/h!) records set by Ford that year.
The Ford GT40 (victorious in 1968 and 1969): Even though Ford as a manufacturer was not directly involved, John Wyer’s JWA team benefitted from Gulf Oil sponsorship and the blessing of Ford Dearborn. For their first outing in 1968, the GT40s faced some keen and challenging competition from Porsche and Alfa Romeo. Driven by Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi, the GT40 clearly dominated the field ahead of a Porsche 907 and three Alfa Romeo 33/2s. This third consecutive Ford victory was the first for a genuine GT40.
In 1969, competition was as intense and varied as ever: Porsche was in attendance with its 908s and its new 917s, Matra introduced its 630/650s and Ferrari was back again with its 312 Ps. Nevertheless, once again the GT40 beat them all, sweeping the boards at the end of an epic duel. Jacky Ickx raced across the finish line leaving the German Hans Hermann 120 metres behind and red faced at the wheel of his Porsche. The GT40 drove away with Ford’s fourth consecutive victory at Le Mans!
Capri RS 2600 (1st in the Special Touring category in 1972): Tenth overall, the Capri RS 2600, driven by Gerry Birrel and Claude Bourgoignie, dominated its category during the 1972 Le Mans 24 Hours. Manufactured between 1969 and 1986, the Ford Capri enjoyed a great sporting career and was one of the great leaders of the European Touring Car Championships and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It also shone in the Production Cars Championship of France and the famous British Touring Car Championship. Many Formula 1 drivers distinguished themselves at the wheel of a Capri, including Jochen Mass, Hans Stuck and the Tyrrell Racing duo of Jackie Stewart and François Cevert during the 6 Hours of Paul Ricard Circuit organised in 1972. The rally version of the Capri also appeared in the colours of Ecurie Ford France with internationally renowned drivers such as Jean-François Piot, Guy Chasseuil, Jean Vinatier and Jean-Claude Gamet at the wheel.
Ford Mk II Ecurie Ford France (1967): Jo Schlesser teamed up with his friend Guy Ligier on only one occasion at Le Mans. That was in 1967, in a magnificent white Ford Mk II powered by a seven litre V8 engine. An early track exit crushed their hopes in the 13th hour. However, driving the same car, they won the last ever 12 Hours of Reims, the other former great French endurance race. Jo Schlesser, a driver with an incredibly eclectic talent, was killed during the 1968 French Grand Prix. He was one of Ecurie Ford France’s most emblematic drivers, racing on track circuits, in rallies and in a famous hill climbing race of the time, the Mont-Ventoux.
This young lady was one of the cleaning crew at Pitti Uomo.
She wore the same green uniform as all the other young cleaning ladies but, as you can imagine, she was the only one that really stood out in that crowd.
Of course I really don't know anything about her but her stylistic choices for her hair, piercings, etc. give us a good place to start.
Uniforms are, by nature, an attempt to make people conform to a code. I always find it interesting when people are able to play within the set boundaries of a code while still not totally losing their own uniqueness.
I love this mix of Adidas shoes and a chic linen jacket worn by a refined gentleman. To wear the expected loafers or espadrilles would, in this case, make his look somehow less interesting.
As we head into the summer travel season, NHTSA issued an advisory for parents to buy their babies their own seats on planes. There several sobering moments in this story that aired recently on CBS' Early Show, but I gasped when a mother recounted losing hold of her 2 year old during a turbulent flight, and watched his body slam into the overhead cargo compartment. Thankfully the child did not suffer any permanent injuries.
Earlier this year, I compared holding a baby on your lap in an airplane to holding a baby in your lap on a roller coaster. Airplanes travel faster and higher than roller coasters, so what's crazy at 700 feet shouldn't even be allowed at 3,000 feet. And if babies are required to be in approved restraints when riding on the ground, shouldn't they be even more protected in the air?
For parents who do choose to buy seats for their children under the age of 2 (individual seats are required for anyone older), but want to lighten their loads: infant seats can be installed without their bases, and children 22-44 pounds can use the CARES Kids Fly Safe Travel Harness, which costs less than $75 and can fit in a tote bag.
This is easily one of the best Prada men's collections I've seen in a while. Gone are the sometimes over-the-top design details replaced by a very desirable collection based on color and proportion.
I think one of the few positives of this economic turbulence has been a shift away from designers trying to seduce us into what they think we need and instead offering clothes that we simply want to wear.
I'm showing more images from the runway this season (so far, anyway) because I'm actually seeing lots to love. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will continue in Paris.
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Today was a very good day of menswear shows in Milano. It started early (very early) at Bottega Veneta and just ended at Prada with stops at Ferragamo, Ferre, and Moncler along the way.
Bottega Veneta was so strong: the color options, the focus on sportswear, and the casting of masculine, virile models.
I'm very curious about where the prices will come in on this collection. Even though the design details are fantastic, I don't want to spend a ton of money on cargo shorts.
