Game Day Pressure (217): Jacques Pépin: More Fast Food My Way

Minute Recipe: Cheese Balls with Pignoli Nuts. For an unusual crispy snack to keep friends munching, Jacques makes Crunchy Kale. Then, forget long hours over the stove, Jacques shows us how to make chili without fuss in a pressure cooker for a game day favorite, Chili con Carne with Lettuce and Cheese. For dessert, Pears Bonne Femme are easy and decadent. To add an eclectic note and bit of extravagance, Jacques makes potato pancakes, known as Criques. Served with sustainable Californian caviar, these tasty morsels are both delicious and environmentally friendly!

Fast Yet Fuel Efficient The Toyota Yaris

If you want a vehicle that is comfortable and fuel-efficient, but don’t want to buy a hybrid, then you should at least consider the Toyota Yaris. You can drive the Yaris fast, because it has the engine power, and yet still achieve excellent gas mileage of around 36 mpg on the highway.It’s transmission is not an automatic and it is 5 liters and 4 cylcinders.

Safety-directed specifications are a big selling point for the Yaris by Toyota This safety measures includes driver and front seat passenger airbag having an advanced airbag system, anti-lock brake system together with an electronic brake force distribution, 3-point seatbelts for all passenger seats with an additional seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters for the front row seats, automatic locking retractors seatbelts, direct tire pressure monitor system, front and rear energy absorbing crumple zones and steering column, impact-dissipating upper trim, child restraint system lower anchors and top tether anchors, center high-mount stop lamp, maintenance light and low washer fluid warning light.

The interior of the Toyota Yaris is simultaneously roomy and flexible so that its occupants will be comfortable. The Toyota Yaris has many great features. These features include LCD Odometer,fblack faced optitron speedometer,fuel level gauge, twin trip meter, CFC free air conditioning,interior map light. The interior has a folding rear bench seat, lift back storage cover, covered rear storage deck box, remote fuel filler door. The exterior includes hoot releases, trunk lamp and 12v power outlets. There are also warning lights for the following: battery, door ajar,low fuel leve, seatbelt, airbag, oil presure, brake and the check engine. The seats are fabric trimmed 4 way adustable front seats.

An aerodynamic multireflector halogen car lamp, sporatic wind shield wipers, color-coded external mirrors, roof antenna, and 14 inch can be found on the outside of the vehicle You’ll find that the wheels are made of steel, with P175/65R14 tires and full covers.

To read more about cars and see some of the most expensive cars in the world, visit thesupercars.org and along the way, have a look at used cars Yaris.

ATIV: Commuting by electric bike. Fast, Fun – Go Green!

Short video about electric bicycle commuting where the typical objections against riding a bike to work are easily dissolved by choosing an electric bicycle, which has many benefits vs. a car (cost savings in the face of rising gas prices, improved health, low environmental impact while commuting using NiMH rechargeable batteries, and reduction of oil dependency). Electric bikes such as the Crystalyte Cannon conversion kit are fast (20mph), powerful (500W Motor) and make bicycle riding easy. Produced by ATIV Solutions LLC.

VW Concepts ERA Electric Car Stig – Fast Lane Daily 23May08

Volkswagen parties in Austria, a new Electric car is in play from Finland and what’s the latest dirt on Top Gear’s Stig. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis. Visit feed.fastlanedaily.com and vote for what you want in the show!

Paris Motor Show: Europe must act fast on EVs, says GM Europe boss

Business briefs
Chevrolet will plug Volt at World Series; Store owners fight menthol cigarette ban; Camaro will debut convertible in L.A.; AIG will repay billions from government aid; BMW recalls vehicles to check faulty brakes

Read more on Detroit News

Chinese Rare Earths Vital To US Military Equipment
China produces more than 90 percent of the globe’s rare earths. Minerals that, it turns out, are vital in huge numbers of US military equipment, and now China is limiting the export of the metals.

Read more on NPR

Sources: New vehicles could reach 62 m.p.g. by ’25
The fleet of new cars and trucks sold in 2025 may be required to average 62 miles per gallon, far surpassing the fuel efficiency of current high-mileage stars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids.

Read more on Detroit Free Press

Chinese Rare Earths Vital To US Military Equipment
China produces more than 90 percent of the globe’s rare earths. Minerals that, it turns out, are vital in huge numbers of US military equipment, and now China is limiting the export of the metals.

Read more on NPR

Paris Motor Show: Europe must act fast on EVs, says GM Europe boss
European governments and carmakers will have to get their act together quickly over electric vehicles or get over-run by the Chinese.

Read more on AM Online

Fairfield Recycling – A Rare + Fast Truck!

Fairfield City Council is another council found in Western Sydney and is bordered by Parramatta, Holroyd and Liverpool. Residents are provided with a weekly serviced 240L garbage bin and a fortnightly serviced split 240L recycling bin. The council takes care of all the collections themselves, except for the recycling which is contracted to WSN. I followed the trail of full and empty bins along a main road and into a few side streets for about 10mins, until I eventually crossed paths with this collection truck after locating the sound of crashing glass. This particular truck is a very rare make in Australia these days, which could previously be found in numerous councils around the country, though now only a handful of councils use them. As far as my state goes, Wyong, Ryde, Penrith, Ashfield, Randwick, Bankstown, Kiama and Camden were a few councils I knew of to use these… now I can only think of Ballina (near the northern end of my state’s border) and Fairfield. The MJ DART is a split-bodied ASL used to service either split bins or 2 separate bins. The top compartment is used for mixed recycling or streamed bottles and the bottom compartment is used for garbage or streamed paper. Both compartments are packed by two linked paddle mechanisms. A while ago, Fairfield came to an agreement with WSN about mixing the recycling to ease sorting at the MRF. So as a result of this, the four DARTs operating in Fairfield had their dividing walls, inner tailgate and the upper paddle …

Fuel Economy Bill on Fast Track

A bill to increase fuel economy mandates is now on a fast track in the House. On the fourth of July, it is expected to reach the floor for a vote. The information was announced yesterday during a standing-room-only hearing.

Like any other issues, the opposite side intends to put a halt powered by EBC pads to prevent the bill’s approval. Some Democrats said that they will continue to fight in order to make the 57-page bill far tougher on auto manufacturers. Rep. Rick Boucher, the chairman of the Energy and Air Quality subcommittee, said that his subcommittee would consider amendments on June 13, while the full committee would debate and approve the measure June 20. That swift track comes as the Senate is set to consider its own bill to increase fuel economy as early as late next week.

Automakers have agreed to work hand in hand with Congress. “We want to work with policymakers to create a bill that is effective, achievable and inclusive,” said Dave McCurdy, the president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, in written testimony. The trade group represents the Big Three and Toyota among nine companies.

“We recognize that fuel economy requirements will continue to increase for our products, but these regulations need to recognize the competitive conditions of the automotive market,” McCurdy added.

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, said that the bill’s energy provisions would raise the price of gasoline by $1 to $1.50 per gallon. He noted that previous energy bills have taken years, dozens of hearings and ‘false starts.’ “Your timetable is to say by the least ambitious,” Barton said. The bill “would require monumental changes in the automotive and refinery industry. We need to know what the cost and benefits of these changes are.”

Republicans offered some aid for the bill. The ranking energy and air quality Republican, U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert, said that the bill would require automakers to raise fuel economy to at least 36 miles per gallon by 2022 for passenger cars and 30 miles per gallon for light trucks by 2025 has the “potential to produce good policy.” It also would bar California and eleven other states from imposing their own tailpipe efficiency requirements that would require automakers to average 40 miles per gallon by 2016.

McCurdy said that the alliance does oppose doubling corporate average fuel economy fines. “It will cause consumers to pay more for certain vehicles,” he said. Only small, luxury manufacturers have been required to pay fuel economy fines.

U.S. Rep Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, said the proposal offers “market-based solutions,” but opposed the specific fuel economy increase, saying it offers “arbitrary numbers that distorts the marketplace.” “Please don’t rush this bill,” Rogers said.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said that he strongly opposed the committee’s draft, calling it “deeply flawed.” “It doesn’t step up to the urgent challenge. It blinks and then steps back,” he said. Waxman said he would offer a substitute amendment that would require more stringent fuel economy increases. “Instead of discouraging states from taking action, it… will support states’ actions,” Waxman said.

U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., also opposed the draft, saying “it does not represent the spirit of what this country wants.” He added, “This bill is cutting the legs out from the states just as they are starting to sprint forward on carbon emission regulation.”

Markey also will bring an amendment to raise fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon. “We must send that signal to all of those OPEC nations. We have the technological capacity to do that,” he said. Markey added that “historic debate is about to break out.”

4S Compact Fast Reactor : DigInfo

DigInfo – www.diginfo.tv Toshiba presented technology for its 4S compact fast reactor at the ECO Products 2008 Exhibition. Toshiba began developing the compact, sodium cooled 4S fast reactor ten years ago based on nuclear power generation technology cultivated in the development of the Joyo and Monju reactors. The 4S, which is an abbreviation for Super-Safe, Small and Simple, can generate 10 megawatts of power and doesnt require refueling. The 4S design exhibits advanced performance in terms of nuclear nonproliferation because the 4S doesn’t require refueling. In addition, the adoption of an electromagnetic pump that has no rotating mechanisms enabled a design that requires no maintenance inside the reactor itself, and with this design, the 4S can be used as a source of heat and electricity to supply energy in nations throughout the world that are lacking sufficient energy sources. The 4S features superior safety performance and is designed to automatically shut down in the event of an emergency with natural cooling of the reactor core. Hope is rising for the 4S as a supply source for clean, safe energy. In addition, a production system that uses the waste heat that is generated as a byproduct by the nuclear power plant to extract hydrogen fuel also contributes to reducing CO2 levels. Toshiba will submit an application for licensing to the US government in the spring of 2009.

Fuel Economy Fast: how the thermostat can save your fuel

Thermostat

A thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator and ensures the engine stays at its ideal temperature.

When you start the engine the thermostat will be closed so that the engine warms up faster. When the engine is about to reach its optimal temperature, the thermostat will then allow the coolant to circulate through the radiator (to reduce its temperature) and ensure that the engine doesn’t overheat.

It might be an inexpensive part but its role is of major importance.

Excessive cooling

With an open thermostat or without a thermostat (yes, some people run their car without the thermostat, which is very WRONG) you would have excessive cooling all the time and your engine wouldn’t work at its optimal temperature. This would lead to less performance, lower fuel economy and higher emissions, and the oil wouldn’t be hot enough to work at its best. Your spark plugs would also deteriorate faster and the engine’s internals would suffer increased wear.

If you face cold weather difficulties increase. And when you turn on the cockpit heater the coolant temperature needle will probably go all the way down, unable to provide comfortable temperature in the cabin.

This isn’t adequate and far from preserving your engine’s health and efficiency.

Overheating

The contrary problem is if the thermostat doesn’t allow enough cooling. Using a thermostat that does not open fully or doesn’t even open means the engine will be working at higher temperature than adequate. That can lead to head gasket problems and having your engine open for repair. But that’s not all; eventually, it can overheat and damage your engine beyond repair.

Noticing a faulty thermostat

The coolant temperature gauge will be of great help. Don’t think it is very reliable and precise, it’s not. But if the thermostat isn’t working well in to a significant extent, you can notice it on the gauge.

If it is allowing excessive cooling, you can sometimes notice the needle moving down. That happens when you turn on the cabin heater and when you go for several seconds in gear at a moderate speed without pressing the accelerator. Because the car engine is barely burning any fuel, the heat generated will be much reduced and the thermostat will cause the engine to fall below its optimum temperature. This is very likely to occur in winter months although you can notice it during summer also (remember that air conditioning will add more fuel to the engine and makes it more difficult to spot it).

The opposite situation is when the indicator rises above where it normally stands. You can also notice the radiator fan being used more frequently. In extreme cases the expansion tank might allow some coolant to be expelled; that will look like smoke coming from under the hood. That’s because the expansion tank’s cap has a valve that will open slightly when submitted to high pressure. Since the coolant system is a closed circuit, the pressure will build up if temperature goes beyond desirable.

But don’t get worried if the fan turns on during summer, especially at low speeds when there is little air entering the engine compartment. It’s normal and very likely to happen. And if the temperature indicator stays at its normal position, there’s probably no need to worry.

It’s a good procedure to check your coolant level regularly.

If you change your thermostat and your coolant and things still don’t look good, it can be a faulty temperature sensor.

If you want to know how to take care of your thermostat and discover various true-and-tried ways on how to achieve impressive fuel economy, check Fuel Economy Fast

Fuel Economy Fast: how to save fuel on hilly roads

Facing hills

Inclination can be a huge enemy to fuel economy, especially when you have to go uphill.

Due to the extra engine response required when going uphill your engine will be burning more fuel to keep a determined speed than it would on plain ground. In many cases you’ll even need to make use of the gearbox to respond to that adversity.

Going up…

You can reduce the effect of hills by optimizing your driving. Because it’s easier and more economical to gain speed on plain ground you should accelerate before you start climbing up.

While you are going up you can maintain your foot still and even lose some speed, and it will be fine – just don’t lose so much speed that you need to change to a lower gear before you reach the end of that section. To do this you must gain adequate speed while on plain ground; after a few tries you will be able to perform it quite well. If you arrive at the top of the hill moving slower but still using the same gear that you started it with, keep it and gradually return to your normal speed.

Try to only gain speed only a bit above what you require to reach the top of the hill in the same gear and without stalling the engine, while losing some speed along the way.

You will severely cut down your engine’s thirst while going uphill when using this procedure.

You’ll find circumstances in which you won’t be able to gain speed before starting going uphill or you can’t take advantage of it; it can be a good and easy option on the highway but can be hard or even impossible to apply in urban routes.

In that case I recommend using smooth acceleration and trying to use a speed which you can maintain. Don’t open the taps and rev your engine high on a straight to gain speed and switch to the longest gear if you know there’s a curve just ahead and you’ll have to slow down.

… going down…

If while going uphill you’ll require more fuel, the opposite will happen when going down. This is when you can go some distance while almost needing no fuel if you know how to take advantage of it.

These situations are great to relief the throttle and let the car’s weight move it. Most times you can get let go of the throttle and almost stop consuming fuel, if you have a fuel injected car.

A fuel injected car will have an ECU (a computer that takes care of combustion) and will cut off fuel consumption (almost completely) when you totally release the throttle pedal. This will be true at most engine speed’s, except if the engine starts to turn close to the idling speed. At that point the ECU will inject fuel to prevent the engine from stalling.

If your car is older and has a carburetor instead of electronic fuel injection, it will be more economical to put it on neutral than letting it in gear, as there is no ECU to cut off fuel delivery.

The rest of the article will solve the eternal discussion on what’s the best way to save fuel when going down… is it in gear or using neutral?

If you want to read the rest of the article and discover various true-and-tried ways on how to achieve impressive fuel economy, check Fuel Economy Fast

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