Supercars: The One Gallon Fuel Crisis Race – Top Gear – BBC

With petrol prices rising, the Top Gear team give alternative advice on fuel economy on saving money by racing 5 supercars. The Ferrari 599, Lamborghini Murcielago, Mercedes McLaren, Aston Martin DBS and Audi R8 are all given one gallon of fuel; how far will they get around the track? And what about the Toyota Prius vs. BMW M3? Brilliant challenge video in high quality from BBC motoring show Top Gear, available to view in full on the BBC Top Gear YouTube channel. Visit www.TopGear.com for all the latest news and car reviews.

Politicians and the Oil Crisis ? the Silence is Deafening

So America is faced with the fastest, most unjustified oil price spike in history, a situation that is having a devastating effect on the economy of America and the world. We have three candidates for president, 435 Congressmen up for election, 100 Senators, a few hundred specialists in the DOE, EPA and Agriculture not to mention the plethora of so called “energy experts” in banking, stocks, finance and the oil industry yet no one is telling us how to deal with our current crisis.

The laws of supply and demand have been obliterated by the forces of greed and the price of oil continues to increase every day setting new records driving the price of gas, diesel and aircraft fuel to record highs. Americans drive less, consume less, and spend less and still the price spirals out of control. So why are the people we entrust to lead us silent?

Why are we spending $500 billion to save Iraq in which they were going to repay yet we can’t get the revenue from the oil now being produced by Iraq? Did you know Iraq was producing 2.6 million barrels a day of oil before the American invasion? Just last February production reached 2.4 million barrels a day. In spite of the Bush military surge oil production can range from 1-2.4 million barrels a day depending on the latest bombing targets by Al Qaeda.

The Bush boys tell us oil was not a factor in the war but did they also mention Iraq has 112 billion barrels of oil reserves, second in the world to Saudi Arabia? They also have 112 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. Economists expect Iraq to reach 6 million barrels a day in production in four years yet none of it seems reserved to repay the USA the $500 billion plus or supply some of the USA needs. In fact, if Clinton or Obama get their way and we pull out of Iraq China or Russia will step in and take control of the 2nd largest reserve of oil in the world.

If refining capacity is a problem, which it is, why aren’t we fast tracking new refineries? No new refineries have been built in America since 1976 when crude oil sold for $12.37 per barrel compared to $112 per barrel today. Based on our military and aircraft needs alone increased refinery capacity should be a matter of national security. Perhaps American oil companies should build refineries in secure friendly countries as well?

Reduce our plastic use in fast food containers, bags and the many other uses, all which are very detrimental to the environment, and oil use goes down. A dual benefit and no one seems to be calling for the change. Paper bags always worked well and hemp stands ready to fill many of our needs if the federal government ever realizes you can’t smoke the stuff.

Any oil producing country dependent on our food should be selling us oil at a discount and most countries of the world are dependent to a large degree on our food. Fact is food is the one commodity more important to world stability than oil as you can see from the current food riots around the globe.

Require one third of all cars sold in America achieve 50 miles per gallon in 3 years and a substantial drop in demand will be achieved. Current regulations concerning the average mileage for an auto manufacturer’s fleet are ludicrous with the truck and SUV exemptions. Forget the fleet averages, the economy and cost of fuel will dictate buying patterns.

Besides, let American consumers decide if they want to pay extra for gas, it is supposed to be a free society. If a high mileage car is available consumers will buy it. We know it can be done because I have a 1946 Austin (UK made) that got 50 miles per gallon. If we could make them 62 years ago we can make them today.

Encourage Americans to stay home and take local trips rather than long vacations, subsidize mass transit to reduce autos on the road, and increase train use for up to 500-mile trips. When it comes to intercity travel trains come out on top of all other transit modes other than walking or bicycles.

Extensive data and statistics are available which show that passenger trains consume just one-quarter to one-third of the energy which automobiles and airliners consume, a fact the DOE refuses to acknowledge. Buy more trains and subways, we already own the facilities and right-of-way, and save on energy use, emissions and road maintenance.

Oh yes, what about the tax on gasoline and diesel fuel? State taxes can range from 14 to 45 cents per gallon and combined with federal taxes that are 18 cents a gallon the government gets an average of 45.9 cents per gallon, with states typically ranging from 32.5 to 63.5 cents in taxes per gallon. How about suspending taxes and not just the federal like McCain and then Clinton said? Well economists say it won’t work, it is just a political ploy. Perhaps a tax credit or full deduction for gas taxes paid might help.

Now these are just a few of the things politicians could be saying to help our short and long-term energy needs. Why are they silent? They are the office holders or want to be our elected representatives. I guess even experience doesn’t help politicians solve problems.

Do it Yourself HHO Car May End the Fuel Crisis?

Hydrogen powered cars are expected to end the fuel crisis that the world is facing right now. However one hardly gets to see any HHO car on the road and the reason is scarcity of hydrogen. Hydrogen stations are limited in number and that is what is stopping these cars to become popular.

A HHO cell car saves money and is thus easy on your pocket. In addition to that it is also good for the environment. Because of these advantages, the hydrogen cars are bound to become more acceptable in the future. Hydrogen technology is good for everyone considering the ever increasing pollution levels.

One good way to use hydrogen fuel is to install hydrogen fuel kit in your car. The kit is sure to keep you busy if you love the “do it yourself” kind of projects. The kit includes all the essential parts and a manual. The manual gives clear instruction on how to go about assembling the various parts. It is good idea to go through the manual first. You should start working on your car only when you are clear with the instructions. This is essential to avoid any mistakes that may occur during the installation process.

Carefully put all the required materials in the car, one by one. When in doubt, double check to avoid mistakes. Buying a hydrogen fuel kit is a onetime investment. It allows you to save money on fuel and also increases your car’s mileage. Just make sure that you buy the kit from a known supplier or dealer. There are many scammers on the internet, so be careful with that!

Forum: The other Gulf oil crisis needs attention

US-Iran ‘double swap’ points to peace
NEW YORK – The United States and Iran have reached a critical juncture, facing the alternative of further tension and escalating conflict spiraling toward military confrontation, or dialogue, diplomatic engagement and reciprocal compromise.

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Gaza’s biggest hospital caught in political, economic crossfire
GAZA CITY, Gaza — Dr. Ehab al Ramlawy fanned beads of sweat off his face with the shiny black X-ray slide in the sweltering, dimly lit emergency room of Gaza City’s al Shifa Hospital.

Read more on McClatchy Newspapers via Yahoo! News

Pocono solar farm powers NASCAR green plans
LONG POND — Racing relies on tens of thousands of gallons of fuel each year to power cars, but when Pocono Raceway flipped the switch on its 25-acre solar farm last week for the Pennsylvania 500, a NASCAR track became the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility.

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Somalia: Getting an Education Against All Odds in Kismayo
Five years after a local charity opened a university to offer this bullet-scarred city’s youth an alternative to militia life and emigration, the first degrees have been awarded.

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Forum: The other Gulf oil crisis needs attention
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a rude reminder of the risks inherent in an economy dependent upon petroleum. But there’s a quieter crisis in the other gulf – the Persian Gulf – that should call Americans’ attention to the even more severe consequences of relying upon imported oil.

Read more on Athens Banner-Herald

Could Water Cars Be The Solution To The Current Gas Crisis?

Look out. Big problem full speed a head-aren’t you tired of the gas crisis that’s going on all over the globe? It just has people itching to find something else they can do besides helplessly shell out ridiculous amounts of money at the gas station. Companies have been producing cars that are powered by water for quite some time. And now, they’re making a dramatic entrance onto the market, like a hurricane in Florida. People are getting excited in anticipation at the idea of powering their cars with water. After all, who wants to pay for high priced gas?

It’s easy to make a car go on water. Hydrogen is combined with the car’s gasoline. One of the most plentiful elements on earth is hydrogen. It comes in the form of water.

One can go on and on about the positives of hydrogen cars. These cars are good for the environment because they don’t give off all the carbon dioxide that regular cars do. Many people who have driven water powered cars say that they have experienced an increase in their car’s mileage by as much as 100%. The design and size of a water powered car is equal to that of a regular car. No UFOs or other alien air crafts here. Water cars look just the same as the regular cars you see being driven around. The only way you might be able to tell the difference is because water powered cars are so quiet.

Fuels prices are no joke these days. They’re on the rise and people are in a panic. They’re doing all kinds of things to save money on gas. They’re buying hybrid cars and they are using innovative technology to turn their own automobiles into water powered cars. And sure many people are still scratching their heads and asking themselves if it really is possible for cars to run on water. But this has happened in numerous instances. Truck drivers all over are taking advantage of the water powered car. They’re doing it because it’s a lot less costly than powering their trucks on gas. It’s no secret that truckers do a whole lot of driving. So of course higher gas prices could mean big trouble for truckers.

So there are two things you can do. You can go out and buy a hybrid or you can convert your car into a water powered car. It’s really up to you. You may discover that converting you car into a water powered car costs a lot less than buying a hybrid car. There are plenty of kits out that you can buy. Just make sure you make your purchase from a place that’s reliable. The kits are easy to put in. And you can reverse everything. That means that if the gas prices go back down again, you sure won’t have anything to worry about.

Report of Chinese Automobile Industry under International Financial Crisis, 2009

The International financial crisis in 2008 has seriously affected the global automobile industry. Four largest automobile companies lost their previous prosperity and looked for breakout to save them. There is no exception for Chinese automobile industry, which is still in its rising period.

 

In 2008, the yields of Chinese automobile were 9.3451 million, increased by 5.2% of last year. But the growth speed decrease by 16.8% of last year. The total automobile sales volumes reached to 9.38 million, rising by 6.7% compared with 2007, but the growth speed declined by 15% compared with 2007. There was a sharp reduction in the profits of Chinese automobile manufacturers. 

 

In 2008, FAW Volks, Shanghai Volks and Shanghai GE stood the top three sales volumes respectively in Chinese automobile market. However, the independent brand, such as Chery, dropped in market shares, totally accounting for only about 25.92% in the whole automobile sales volumes.  

 

In order to promote the development of Chinese automobile manufacture under international financial crisis, Chinese government approved the Revitalization Plans of Automobile Industry in January of 2009. The major contents concluded: reducing the purchase tax of passenger automobiles with low emissions; offering purchase subsidy policy to specific targets so as to promote automobile consumption; advancing Mergers and acquisitions among automobile industry; supporting Chinese automobile manufacturers to develop independent innovation and technical reform; driving the development of electric powered automobiles and its crucial accessories; supporting Chinese automobile manufacturers to develop independent brands; speeding up the export base construction of automobile and accessories.

 

Compared with the international automobile patterns, China is getting to be the manufacture center and cost center. Under the existing circumstances, Chinese automobile manufacture has an advantage of low cost compared with the developed countries. However, various costs are rising in Chinese automobile industry. As far as accessories are concerned, China has no advantage in the high quality accessories. The medium quality accessories have been developed in recent years. China has to compete with India and Vietnam in the low quality manufacture, such as batteries and tires etc.

 

From the part of Chinese automobile industry, international financial crisis is not only challenges but also opportunities. Chinese automobile market has a huge development potential in the fields of Mergers and acquisitions, accessories and new energy automobiles. 

 

The analysts of our company cooperated with some experts in Chinese automobile industry to write this report, with the purpose of helping the domestic and international persons to tide over, discover opportunities in Chinese market, and cope with the challenge from international financial crisis.

 

Readers can obtain more following information in this report:

- Productions and Sales of Chinese Automobile Industry

- Imports and Exports of Chinese Automobile Industry 

- Favorable Elements for the Development of Chinese Automobile Market

- Unfavorable Elements for the Development of Chinese Automobile Market

- Prediction on the Sales Volumes of Chinese Automobile, 2009-2012

- Influences of International Financial Crisis on the Local Automobile Manufacturers in China

- Influences of International Financial Crisis on the Foreign Funded Automobile Manufacturers in Chinese Market

- Import and Export Trends of

- Sales Targets of Major International Automobile Enterprises in China, 2009

- Short, Medium and Long Term Influences of Revitalization Plans of Automobile Industry on Chinese Automobile Industry

- Subsistent Opportunities of Chinese Automobile Industry under International Financial Crisis

  

If you are interested in this report, please visit Report of Chinese Automobile Industry under International Financial Crisis, 2009 to get details

Toyota chief hopes to lead company past crisis

Complete streets
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Toyota chief hopes to lead company past crisis
Nagoya, Japan — The president of Toyota Motor Corp. said he has spent the last year apologizing for the automaker’s missteps and now hopes to lead the company past its recall crisis and restore confidence in its vehicles.

Read more on Detroit News

Jackson Heights takes to the street
From all hours now until August 31, 78th Street between 34th Street and Northern Boulevard is for kids, not cars. Community officials and leaders inaugurated the temporary summer plaza on Thursday, amid a flurry of children already reaping its benefits.

Read more on Queens Chronicle

Toyota chief hopes to lead company past crisis
The president of Toyota Motor Corp. said he has spent the last year apologizing for the automaker’s missteps and now hopes to lead the company past its recall crisis and restore confidence in its vehicles.

Read more on Seattle Times

Toyota chief hopes to lead company past crisis
The president of Toyota Motor Corp. said he has spent the last year apologizing for the automaker’s missteps and now hopes to lead the company past its recall crisis and restore confidence in its vehicles.

Read more on Brisbane Times

what are the strengths and environmental costs of the green revolution?solutions for the current food crisis?

how successful was the green revolution in addressing the food problem.
what enevironmental impacts came with the green revolution

will a second green revolution solve the food problem currently experienced in the world?

When the Circuit Breaks: America’s Energy Crisis

Product Description
A progressive film for its time, When the Circuit Break, details energy consumption, while stressing the importance of energy conservation. The film begins with a thorough history of energy production and consumption and ends with an enlightened discussion about how people will need to change energy use habits.

End of the Road: From World Car Crisis to Sustainable Transportation