2nd July 2008

Workplace Trends of the Future


Via
California Job Journal

The rapid evolution of technology, the aging population of baby boomers, the rising cost of healthcare and energy, and other societal and business trends are having a significant and irrevocable impact on the workplace.

Where, how and why we work has changed dramatically over the past two decades and it will go through further transformation over the next twenty years, according to employment experts at Challenger, Gray &Christmas, Inc.

The global outplacement and business coaching consultancy predicted these ‘Workplace Trends of the Future’ at last Monday’s opening of the Society for Human Resource Management’s 60th annual national conference.

Four-Day Workweeks With rising gasoline prices, the availability of increasingly portable and affordable technology, and the desire among growing numbers of employees for better balance between their work and home life, four-day workweeks will become the new standard for corporate America.

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    2nd July 2008

    Car Lust–Jaguar XJ Mk. 1

    We’ve featured quite a few British cars in this space, but of the cars we’ve covered so far, none match the compelling engineering and old-world English elegance of the original Jaguar XJ sedans. With their delicate styling touches and intimate, baroque interiors fairly dripping with wood and leather, the XJ6 and XJ12 are evocative of the great English motoring tradition of a more genteel time.

    The charmingly outdated Jaguar sedans the XJ6 and XJ12 replaced had a firm rooting in English tradition, of course, but the new-for-1968 XJ sedans were really remarkable for their stylish and refined athleticism. The 1968 XJ6 sported a 4.2-liter inline six borrowed from the legendary E-type Jaguar that provided sports car thrust with smoothness that rivaled the buttery leather seats.

    In 1972, Jaguar upped the ante by cramming the E-type’s massively complex but hugely torquey V-12 into the XJ. The turbine-like V-12 was just as smooth as the inline six, but provided enough thrust to push the XJ12 into the 150-mph neighborhood–serious speed for an early 1972 luxury sedan. Jaguar produced the XJ sedans with only minor facelifts for nearly two decades, and when they were finally phased out in the late 1980s in favor the XJ40-series cars, they were hoary but still hale.

      Today the Mk. I XJ6 and XJ12 might look a bit old-fashioned, but I think they look nearly as feline and feral as the E-Type. For the time, they were low-slung and aggressive without sacrificing their distinctive class, standing head and shoulders over their peers as a fast and dignified ride–like a four-wheeled Orient Express. Today’s Jaguar sedans borrow so heavily from the original XJ that they look like puffed-up caricatures of its purposeful greatness.

    I’ve always wanted an XJ6 or, dare I dream, an XJ12. As I grow older, though, I’ve come to realize two things about my XJ lust. For one, as wonderful as it would be to own an XJ, I’m not really sure I’m worthy of it. I almost feel as if would be almost a letdown to allow anybody outside of, say, Alec Guinness or Ian Fleming to drive an XJ. For another, what I’d really like is to own and drive an XJ in 1968, when it towered over the rest of the world. Unfortunately, that’s unlikely to happen.

    One interesting trend with these early XJs, and the most likely to inflame a Jaguar purist with righteous indignation, is the frequent conversion of XJ sedans from Jaguar to small-block Chevrolet V-8 power. Here’s one example of a an XJ-Chevy, unfortunately without engine pictures. It’s an easy swap, evidently, and was a pretty compelling option for those weary of dealing with the typical Lucas electrical gremlins and an engine that baffled middle America mechanics. Still, while I admire the ingenuity, it almost feels like making bangers and mash with Oscar Meyer franks, doesn’t it?

    These photos all come from Flickr–the top photo is from user cad_il, the second is from user dave_7, and the third image showing the V-12’s impossible complexity is from user Lou Danzinco.

    –Chris H.

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    2nd July 2008

    Independent Subaru Repair & Service Specialist In Seattle.





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    Why choose a Specialist over a Generalist? Independent over Dealer?

    As a specialist we know your car better, especially when it comes to the right way to make economical repairs that a general repair shop wouldn’t know about or a Subaru dealer would never consider. Sometimes a vehicle will develop a pattern failure and a real solution needs to be found or a more economical repair procedure can be had.

    Through the years we have found solutions to replacing expensive parts by making repairs to existing components rather than just blindly install new ones. We have been able to become very good at repairs and service work by specializing in Subaru and we try to share this experience with our customer with lower labor prices.

    We know what parts we can use on your Subaru without sacrificing longevity. Most automakers have become pure design and assemble companies leaving the parts manufacture to other companies. These auto parts companies are free to sell the same parts in aftermarket channels with out the Subaru logo. While in some cases in only makes sense to stick with Subaru parts especially when it comes to slower moving items that may have not been introduced in the aftermarket by the companies that originally made the parts for Subaru. There is also a good chance that the exact replacement part can be found at a 20% savings if you know how to look (we do).

    From top to bottom we really know your Subaru well and want to help you get as many trouble free miles out of it as possible. We have seen these cars go well over 300k and I am the owner of a 1992 Legacy with 292k and counting. We take pride in servicing cars with higher miles and often have suggestions to help keep them going. Even though your Subaru may be getting up there in miles don’t discount just how long they will run.


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    2nd July 2008

    New Holden Colorado Replaces Rodeo Ute in Australia

    MELBOURNE, Australia — GM Holden has taken the covers off its new light commercial workhorse, the Holden Colorado, which has replaced the long-running Rodeo here.

    The Colorado is essentially a face-lifted version of the Rodeo. Holden lost the right to use the Rodeo name following the formal separation between Isuzu and General Motors.

    The new powerful light truck promises performance and carlike interior comfort, including standard A/C — as well as the expected load-carrying ability and up to 3 tons of towing capability.

    The Colorado will be sold in 30 variations, ranging from the basic 2.4-liter DX 4×2 cab-chassis at the equivalent of U.S. $19,255 to the fully loaded 3.0-liter turbodiesel sport variant 4×4 LT-R crew cab at $44,295.

    The LT-R is available in 4×2 or 4×4 versions, featuring sports bars, soft tonneau cover, side steps, front foglamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and sports interior trim. The LT-R 4×4 also includes Bluetooth capability and rear park assist.

    Driver- and passenger-side airbags are standard on the entire range and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution is standard on LT-R and all LX 4×4 variants.

    Three engines are available, including a 3.0 liter four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel, which delivers 265 pound-feet of peak torque at 1,800 rpm and peak power of 161 horsepower at 3,600 rpm (manual transmission). Also available is a 3.6 liter Alloytec V6 and a 2.4 liter four-cylinder, both gasoline engines.

    The Colorado is on sale now in Australia.

    What this means to you: A workhorse with style. — Mike Jarvis, Correspondent

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    2nd July 2008

    2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

    Base Price: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart - Reported $27,000

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    2nd July 2008

    Acura TSX Receives Top Safety Rating in NHTSA and IIHS Crash Tests


    Press Releases

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    06.26.08
    Acura TSX Receives Top Safety Rating in NHTSA and IIHS Crash Tests
    All-New 2009 TSX Sedan Awarded 5-Star and TOP SAFETY PICK Ratings

    The all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK and 5-Star safety ratings in all governmental crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA*), Acura announced today. A 5-Star rating is NHTSA’s highest safety rating and TOP SAFETY PICK is IIHS’ top rating reserved only for vehicles that achieve GOOD ratings in all of its crash tests.

    “With every Acura vehicle we build, passenger safety is paramount throughout the entire design process,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. “The all-new TSX combines strong power, excellent handling and compelling design.”

    The 2009 TSX received 5-Star ratings in NCAP frontal crash, SINCAP side crash and Rollover Resistance tests placing it in the top of its class. The TSX joins an elite group of vehicles– including the 2009 Acura RL luxury performance sedan –that received top NHTSA ratings. The 2009 TSX also received the prestigious GOOD (the best possible) rating in IIHS Frontal Offset, Side Impact and Rear Crash Protection tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

    The TSX’s NHTSA and IIHS ratings are a direct result of Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative that is based on the brand’s commitment to leadership in safety. The initiative’s goal is to provide a high level of occupant protection and injury mitigation to pedestrians in all Acura vehicles, as well as increased crash compatibility with other vehicles, regardless of size or price.

    The 2009 TSX includes as standard equipment Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineeringâ„¢ (ACEâ„¢) front body structure along with a host of other standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assistâ„¢, anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System, Active Front Head Restraints, an automatic tensioning system and load limiters for the front seatbelts, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

    Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

    For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.

    *Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).




    ©2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All information contained herein applies to U.S. vehicles only.
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    2nd July 2008

    Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster

    Meet the new limited edition Murcielago LP 640 Roadster VERSACE. The special edition Murcielago LP640 Roadster also inspired the Italian fashion house to create a new range of accessories that will be available at Versace Boutiques and selected Lamborghini showrooms beginning in November 2008. For old LP640’s owners: Nothing personal, strictly business

    Hand crafted in black matte calf skin, Versace’s range include: a trolley bag, suit carrier, sports bag, as well as a briefcase, suitcase, gloves, driving shoes, belt, wallet, key ring, beauty case, hat and a pair of jeans.

    Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., said: “Our collaboration with Versace turned out to be an excellent experience and is an example of how we are pursuing our strategy of developing luxury products outside of luxury sports cars. We are proud to be in this prestigious, Made in Italy partnership with Versace, which adds to our other recent successes.â€

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    2nd July 2008

    Chrysler Extends $2.99 Gas Promotion

    Today, Chrysler announced it would extend its $2.99-gas guarantee promotion through July 31. It also announced a huge 36% loss in sales for the month of June. Ford, GM and Toyota posted losses of 28.1%, 18.5% and 11.5%, respectively. While gas prices have been at the forefront of peoples’ minds as of late — and many dealers report the gas deal does indeed bring people into showrooms — we certainly aren’t seeing a stellar impact on sales for Chrysler.

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    2nd July 2008

    Ban signs that hide the real cost of petrol

    “I’m sick to death of petrol stations advertising prices that don’t apply to the majority of their customers. What about you?”

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    2nd July 2008

    Little Chef boosted by Heston Blumenthal

    Celebrity chef and culinary alchemist Heston Blumenthal is teaming up with the A-road restaurant chain Little Chef as part of the company’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

    Blumenthal, who is famous for weird dishes such as snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream, will be helping to revamp the 50-year-old Little Chef brand, which has the good old British fry-up as the cornerstone of its menu

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