Morning Reads: Saturday, 11 April 2008

[mika]

TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar

Tom and Jerry
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Yogi Bear ÔÇô Spy Guy
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SnagglePuss
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Skooby Doo ÔÇô Spooky Space Kook
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mcnews.com
Motorcycle sales continue to accelerate [In Australia]


ktnv.com
Can motorcycles help off set high gas prices?


motorcycle-usa.com
Best Western Hotels going biker friendly


thevintagent.com
How you find them


Moto Guzzi Stelvio group test v KTM, Triumph and the big GS
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BMW Sauber F1


BMW Motorsport

[uel= http://blogf1.co.uk/2008/04/11/team-history-renault/]blogf1.co.uk[/url]
Team History: Renault




[mg]http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/252037898_qct5P-XL.jpg[/img]


bimmerfile.com
F017 Series production ready


autobloggreen.com
Tesla shifts battery pack assembly from Thailand to the U.S.

BMW Website Review:


BMW Yachtsport


BMW Golfsport


BMW Oracle Racing


BMW Sport website


BMW PressClub


CONNECT YOUR DRIVE: BMW ADDS NEW "MYINFO" SERVICE FROM BMW ASSIST(TM) POWERED BY GOOGLE MAPS(TM)
04/11/2008

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - April 11, 2008...Navigation systems have become even easier, faster and more convenient to use with the introduction of "MyInfo". This latest addition to the BMW Assist Safety Plan allows subscribers to send business locations and street addresses and their associated phone numbers found in Google Maps(TM), an innovative online mapping service, from the comfort of their home or office directly to their BMW.
Effective as of April 8 production of 2008 X6 Sports Activity Coupes equipped with the BMW Assist and Bluetooth?« Hands-free calling System, customers will be able to call the phone numbers received with their Bluetooth connected mobile phone or, if their BMW is equipped with a navigation system, immediately start route guidance by a simple push of a button.

To use MyInfo, just search for a business or street address on Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) and click on the "Send" link at the top-right corner of the map. Select ÔÇ£CarÔÇØ, then ÔÇ£BMWÔÇØ and ÔÇ£BMW USÔÇØ for country and enter your e-mail address on file with BMW Assist as your BMW Assist account name. You can add a personal note, if desired, then press the ÔÇ£SendÔÇØ button ÔÇô and your destination is on its way. Once inside your BMW, simply push the MyInfo button within the BMW Assist menu and you will find the desired destination and associated phone number.

Already popular in Europe and recently launched in Canada this unique service allows advanced preparation for your next trip. Before you leave the house or office, you can easily and quickly determine online the exact location of up to 10 of your desired destinations and then make them available in your BMW. The advantage is that the listings found at Google Maps no longer have to be written down or printed out. Also manual data entry into the navigation system is no longer needed -the address and phone number is already in your iDrive menu. Even better, you can share MyInfo with your family, friends and colleagues so that they can send destinations, phone numbers and even notes to the vehicle while you are on the road. But best of all, there is no charge for this service, as itÔÇÖs included as part of the Safety Plan for the first four years, like the other benefits of Ultimate Service.

MyInfo will be included on BMW Assist-equipped X5, X6, 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series, effective with Model Year 2009. For now it is an exclusive feature of the 2008 X6. The X6 Sports Activity Coupe will be offered in the USA in two versions. The X6 xDrive35i, sporting a 300hp, twin-turbo, inline 6 cylinder will be available at authorized BMW SAV centers on April 26th. The twin-turbo V8 powered X6 xDrive50i will come to the US market in the late summer 2008.

To learn more about MyInfo, please visit www.bmwusa.com/bmwassist.

About BMW Assist:

BMW Assist provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is standard on all 5, 6, and 7 Series models, including M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this service for 4 years at no additional cost. Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW Assist system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. A severe accident automatically activates the BMW Assist emergency call as well. The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.

TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. The Service Advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of BMW Assist Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On most models produced September 2006 and later, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW navigation system and Bluetooth?«ÔÇôlinked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge button. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged. After pushing the SOS button, a BMW Assist response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year.

As before, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone.


Cool essentials for a hot summer. The summer accessories in the MINI Collection 2008.
04/11/2008

Munich. Radiant sun, blue skies, delightful temperatures: and with the series outfits, the summer already has a lot to offer. The MINI Collection also has many other extras ready for this: clever accessories for when you're on the way, partying or on the beach, and which will delight not only the MINI fans.

The Five-in-One Cover proves itself to be fit for all terrains in the current MINI Collection. Whether you're going for an off-road adventure or a picnic, or simply off to chill out in the sun: the 185 x 150 cm large multifunctional blanket is perfect for every plan. With a few flicks of the wrist the Five-in-One Cover can be converted into a canopy top, poncho, sleeping bag or picnic rug. This versatility is made possible by ribbons and eyelets at the four corners. The black outside is made from 100% robust polyester. On the inside, polyester fleece ensures cosy warmth, and is in a chequered flag design. The Five-in-One Cover also serves as a comfortable cushion when in the stowaway pouch provided with it.

The "South Africa" Urban Chill Box has an inside storage capacity of 14 litres - enough space for 18 ice-cold cans of energy drinks. Connected to a socket or a 12-volt terminal the portable Urban Chill Box cools from 4??C up to 20??C less than the surrounding outside temperature. And in case the sun isn't playing along, the compact Chill Box converts into a Thermal Box, which can be heated up to 65??C. The Urban Chill Box weighs only 4.5kg and, alongside the "South Africa" version, is available in another four further versions from the online shop www.MINI.com/shop, among other places.

Automatic climate regulation as standard: on hot days, the black Flip-Flops with leatherette straps ensure a well-ventilated cooling flexible and close-fitting sensation while running. The foot bed is anatomically shaped and the necessary grip on the soles is decorated with white contrasting stripes. The flip-flops are available for men and women in double sizes from 37 to 45.

The Beach Towel Spotlight is a 130x150cm large soft private parking space for the beach. The white "MINI" lettering and the radiant headlights of the "MINI front view" in aubergine-white move the beach towel in 100% cotton up a gear in terms of class.

The compact Duffle Bag is an outstanding bargain for space: available in chili red or black, it has a zip-pocket with mobile phone pocket as well as inside space with a further pocket for sun lotion, sunglasses and much more. The zipper of the small beach pocket is made of brushed nickel. The length of the convenient padded neoprene safety-belt-like shoulder strap is adjustable.

The Drink Bottle in the typical MINI chequered flag design is ideal for a small interim drink stop. The SIGG-drinks' flask has a capacity amounting to 0.75 litres and is made of odourless and taste-neutral aluminium. The colour is chip-resistant.

The summer accessories in the MINI Collection are available on the internet at www.MINI.com/shop. The new catalogue can also be found in the download section of the online shop.

Continued Page 2

 

[mika]

Page 2

BMW at the fair Beijing Auto China 2008.
10.04.2008


With the joy of driving, a stunning design and premium quality
BMW has in the Chinese automobile market, the fundamentals for
An extraordinary success story. In a dynamic growth environment, the world's leading manufacturer of premium cars in 2007, a new sales record. At the Auto China 2008 in Beijing now is the continuation of this development. In the Chinese capital, BMW shows the audience of 22 Until 28 April, with the new models and technical innovations, the company also in the Olympic year 2008 for new best-evaluate aims. Innovative vehicle concepts and thrust into a new segment to create optimal conditions for new target groups. In addition, BMW underpinned its technology leadership by the introduction of measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The innovations in the context of the global development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics originated, ensure that BMW customers in China unique driving pleasure in combination.

Enjoy with good efficiency.

With the BMW X6 and the BMW 1 Series experience two new models in its Beijing premiere on the Chinese automobile market. The BMW X6 is the world's first Sports Activity Coupe. It combines the elegance and the sportsmanship of a great BMW coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model. Powerful eight-and six-cylinder engines with Twin Turbo and gasoline direct injection, the intelligent all-wheel BMW xDrive system and the unique Dynamic Performance Control help to the BMW X6 superior agility and sovereignty. No other manufacturer has a vehicle with comparable properties on offer. The newly developed eight-cylinder engine of the BMW X6 xDrive50i makes 300 kW/407 hp in the speed range between 5,500 and 6,400 min-1 and reached a maximum of males torque of 600 Newton metres between 1,750 and 4,000 min-1. The BMW X6 xDrive35i is a series of six-cylinder,Its 225 kW/306 hp between 5,800 and 6,250 min-1 mobilised and between 1,300 and 5,000 min-1 to a maximum torque of 400 Newton metres. In both variants allows the Sports Activity Coupe is not only a totally new driving experience, but is also a unique expression of innovation, which enables BMW, new vehicle categories to justify.

For more diversity in the distribution of driving pleasure also the launch of the BMW 1 series on the Chinese automobile market. BMW offers the first in China to vehicles in the compact segment. The two BMW 130I models and the BMW 120i embody the entry
In the driving dynamics, innovative technology and premium quality dominated world of BMW models. The first and still the only model in its class combines the BMW 1 Series compact dimensions and handling leichtf???ƒiges for BMW with the typical power transfer
To the rear wheels. The result is a fascinating agility, both in city traffic and on winding country roads for unmatched driving pleasure makes. The BMW 130i is a series of six-cylinder engine, which at 6,600 min-1 an output of 190 kW/258 hp and produces between 2,500 and 4,000 min-1 a maximum torque of 300 Newton metres. The four-cylinder drive the BMW 120i develops an output of 115 kW/156 hp at 6,400 min-1 and a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 3,600 min-1. Both models are equipped with the world's most demanding suspension of its technology segment. In his comfortable and quality equipped interior offers five variations in both space for five occupants.

With the launch of the BMW 1 series, the German premium manufacturer with a major boost to the Chinese automobile market, whose sustained growth with an increasing individualization accompanied by customer requirements. The BMW 1 is the first premium car segment in its China and meets the demands of modern, quality-and technikorientierter motorists. Similar to other markets worldwide BMW also expected in China, a high growth potential in quality of compact cars segment. The BMW 1
Offers ideal conditions for this segment at an early stage to set standards, while an open-minded and forward targeted typical qualities of the BMW near to bring.

The quality characteristics, all models of BMW distinction belongs beside their vehicle outstanding character and their efficiency. An economical handling of fuel and possibly lower pollutant emissions are important barometers for technological advancement
In the automotive sector. BMW brings this progress always driving with a special joy in line. The fact that each new BMW compared to the respective previous model optimized consumption and emission values, and always at the same time, even with increased driving performance enthusiastically, is the proof of the extraordinary development competence of the company.

The equal importance of the factors driving pleasure and economy reflected in the consistently pursued development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics. Under this concept, BMW sums up all the measures that are optimized to a relationship between driving performance and fuel consumption: from the propulsion technology energy management in the vehicle until the aerodynamics.

The framework of BMW Efficient Dynamics innovations come in all ranges are used. They are used in each model and market combined worldwide in all new vehicles. Due to the global nature baureihen??bergreifenden wins and the development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics their unique widespread impact in the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, the measures effizienzf?Ârdernden not some special models reserved, but always part the standard equipment of a new BMW. This fact illustrates the special responsibility, the BMW in the development of its vehicles to the day sets. Both of the products as well as whose production plays an important role sustainability. She has worked for decades, a major theme of corporate strategy -- a fact which only recently again with a top rating in the world's major Dow Jones Sustainability Index appreciated. For Third time in a row, the BMW Group is a worldwide nachhaltigster automobile manufacturers ".

Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics BMW now offers on all automobile -
Markets in the world and in all segments vehicles that are competitive in their respective competitive environment through a particularly favourable relationship between driving performance and efficiency highlighted. Even Chinese motorists decide with the election of a BMW not only for premium quality and exceptional driving pleasure, but
Also for a particularly contemporary consumption and emission behavior.

The Auto China 2008 will be presented innovations this claim in any respect. The High Precision Injection as a designated gasoline direct injection allows the second generation
Both in China available engine variants of the BMW X6 an extremely precisely metered fuel injection. The newly developed eight-cylinder the top model BMW X6 xDrive50i with 300 kW/407 hp is not only very powerful, but also the world's most efficient engine in its class. Both the 190 kW/258 hp sechszylinder-paid ranks of the BMW 130i and at the 115 kW/156 hp four-cylinder drive the BMW 120i, the only BMW realized combination of double-VANOS and VALVETRONIC for sports development and good power efficiency. By expanding the range of models and thrust into a new BMW car segment continues its growth rate in China consistently. The increase in sales figures should help strengthen the position as the leading premium car brand in Asia further.
With 49,388 units sold was Mainland China for BMW in 2007, the single most important market on the Asian continent. Based will the positive development of an optimized distribution structure. Thus, the number of dealer operations in Mainland China during 2007 by 20 to 90 now. With the commissioning of two distribution centres was also the spare parts supply optimized. In the coming months, in addition, the production capacity in the shenyang plant by 45 percent to 44,000 units per year. There, in addition to the specifically for the Chinese market developed long version of the BMW 5 series models of the BMW 3 series built. A sustained growth trend recorded the organizers of the Auto China 2008. The New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, the number reached in 2006 of around 600,000 visitors from all world again surpassed. The international automobile fair is this year, the 10th Time in the Chinese capital.
Its premiere was held in 1990, now has to be fair for the automotive industry in China to date.

Conversion tools:

Periodically articles in the Morning Reads list things such as prices in units you may not be familiar with. Here are links to some conversion tools for your use.

Universal Currency Converter by xe.com

Online Conversion tools by onlinecoversion.com

Morning Reads standard measure of bike value is the Rdstr. The Rdstr is pegged to the U.S. Dollar and is currently trading at 1 Rdstr = $12,620 U.S. dollars


BlogRoll: some of the blogs I have collected while purposefully wondering around the internet.

NEW LINKS, FEEDS and BLOGS

8negro

Ace Racer 72[/url[

[url=http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/rss/]Best Brands of the World

Designers Underground

Explore Minnesota News

Mick Rides RTW on R65

Otto Nero

RocketGarage


Stuff: A place for everything and everything in its place, including stuff.


Okay you Star War fans, read the Wired article then click through to the pictures.
wired.com
DIY Star Destroyer: The Emperor will be pleased


speigel.de
Zappa festival defends itself fromZappa


foodqualitynews.com
Challenges ahead for brewersÔÇÖ ÔÇÿgreenÔÇÖ beer drive


Its been a tough spring for the Easter Bunny
ft.com
CadburyÔÇÖs Easter eggs sales diaappoint


researchbuzz.org
Another video site ÔÇô For Military Films

Follow up video to the Ice Cream Ship
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M.R. Traveler


colorado.com
Colorado Tourism has an online events calendar to help you find excuses and destinations to ride to.


Places 2 Ride Blog


www.biker-events.com
Finding the Good Times on 2 Wheels


Horizonsunlimited.com ÔÇô Newsletter

2008 International Rally
Gillette, Wyoming, July 17-20 2008


Mining The Website


BMW MOA Foundation: MotoSafe ÔÇô Mentoring a Novice
Part I
Part II
Part III


Threads worth following:


Road Side Attrations

The elections threads; then vote early and often.


TodayÔÇÖsRoadFood.com


Woot

Todays Woot
The Blog

Packer News: Packers.com, jsonline.com - Packers Plus Online


Humor

Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City
Sluggy Freelance
The Onion
xkcd


Bike Candy:

THE END

 

[PAULBACH]

From today's Morning Reads:

Harley(R) riders can also register for the Gold Crown Club International Ride Rewards(TM) program, a free, specially-themed rewards program for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Harley-Davidson(R) owners or enthusiasts can register by going to http://www.bwrider.com/.

The Link
Wonder why neither Honda nor BMW is part of the program?

If you do follow the link notice the building in back of the promo photo. Is that a Best Western?

 

[ALLANCOOK]

Last time I checked today was the 12th.

Cool bike candy.

 

[mika]

I am never certain what day or time it is here in the state of confurssion.

Has something to do with the intrenational confussion line or is it date line? Probably a 900 number, wait a news show...I am confused


Any way glad you liked the bike candy

Check out the LARGE tank below the engine. I assume it is a huge oil well, anyone else have ideas? There was no information at the picture source.

 

[Ridesalot]

sat morning read

Bang up job as always M1ka


Ridesalot

 

[AZ-J]

Any way glad you liked the bike candy

Check out the LARGE tank below the engine. I assume it is a huge oil well, anyone else have ideas? There was no information at the picture source.

Fill with liquid (oil?) for ballast to make a super low COG. This is a guess, but seems like the "what for" or where the engineering was going.

 

[BUBBAZANETTI]

Cool bike candy.

ditto, where's the drooling smily?? that is one of the nicest looking beemer cafes i've ever seen, wonder how they accomodated the larger rear tire.

 

[SNOONE]

M1ka, Thanks for the Zappa link.. Below one of my favorite tunes


I'm the Slime

I am gross and perverted
I'm obsessed 'n deranged
I have existed for years
But very little has changed
I'm the tool of the Government
And industry too
For I am destined to rule
And regulate you

I may be vile and pernicious
But you can't look away
I make you think I'm delicious
With the stuff that I say
I'm the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I'm the slime oozin' out
From your TV set

You will obey me while I lead you
And eat the garbage that I feed you
Until the day that we don't need you
Don't go for help . . . no one will heed you
Your mind is totally controlled
It has been stuffed into my mold
And you will do as you are told
Until the rights to you are sold


That's right, folks . . .
Don't touch that dial

Well, I am the slime from your video
Oozin' along on your livin' room floor

I am the slime from your video
Can't stop the slime, people, lookit me go

I am the slime from your video
Oozin' along on your livin' room floor

I am the slime from your video
Can't stop the slime, people, lookit me go

 

[mika]

Always enjoyed Zappa so it caught my wondering eye. I saw him with the Mothers of Invention at the Depot, a night club in Minneapolis way back when. Unfortunately I don't remember much of it.


When I found the photo in today's bike candy there was no information about the bike.