Thursday, September 27, 2012

NEW WHIPS


2013 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe And Convertible


2013 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe And Convertible photo
September 25, 2012
By Alex Nishimoto



ston Martin's lineup is about to get a little less confusing; in a release detailing revisions for the 2013 Aston Martin DB9, the automaker has confirmed the discontinuation of the Virage. With the 2013 DB9 moving slightly upmarket, the British sports car maker is streamlining its GT offerings.
The new 2013 Aston Martin DB9 receives a version of the brand's 5.9-liter V-12 tuned to 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, increases of 40 hp and 14 lb-ft over the previous model. Those numbers are achieved thanks to a revised engine block and head design, along with the addition of dual variable valve timing, larger throttle bodies, higher-rated fuel pump, improved intake manifold, and machined combustion chambers. Aston Martin estimates the 0-60 mph time at 4.6 seconds with a 183-mph top speed. Considering we clocked a 2012 Aston Martin Virage with the same six-speed automatic from 0-60 mph at 4.2 seconds, the DB9 estimate is probably conservative.
The 2013 DB9 integrates styling elements of the Virage, including a strip of LED daytime running lights in the HID headlights. A carbon fiber front splitter is available through the exterior Carbon Pack. The opening in the front valance is enlarged to direct air to the standard carbon ceramic brakes. Those brakes, supplied by Brembo, include cross-drilled carbon ceramic matrix discs, which Aston Martin says reduces weight by 27.5 pounds compared to the previous DB9's cast iron setup.
The DB9 also gains Aston's next-gen Adaptive Damping System, which offers three modes. Normal mode tunes the suspension for comfort, while Sport and Track modes deliver increasingly stiffer settings. A number of 20-inch alloy wheels are offered as standard, as are full-grain leather interior, power sports seats with memory, satellite navigation, a rearview camera, and what Aston Martin calls Organic Electroluminescent displays. Like the outgoing Virage, the new DB9 features glass buttons and switchgear. A leather headliner is offered as an option, and carbon fiber interior accents are available through the interior Carbon Pack.
Deliveries of the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 will begin in November, with the model priced starting at $185,400.


Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/paris/2012/1209_2013_aston_martin_db9/#ixzz27iJdxZpa


BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept


BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept Front Three Quarters photo

September 18, 2012
By Erick Ayapana

With German rivals Mercedes and Audi preparing to unleash a number of premium, front-drive vehicles, it was only a matter of time before BMW joined the fray. Set to debut at the upcoming Paris auto show is the BMW Concept Active Tourer, which combines the functionality of a subcompact crossover with a fuel efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The hybrid equation starts under the hood with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine that is transversely mounted to drive the front wheels. Should this concept make to production in some form, it could be the first-ever front-drive BMW. Supplementing the engine is a BMW-sourced electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. The system has a combined output of 190 hp, propelling Concept Active Tourer from 0-62 mph in less than eight seconds, BMW estimates. Recharging the lithium-ion battery is done via regenerative braking or a plug. BMW says the concept can run solely on electric power for about 12 miles. The concept's eDrive powertrain is similar to the i8 concept unveiled last year, although the sleek coupe is more powerful and faster with an estimated 0-62 mph time of less than five seconds.
Inside, the BMW Concept Active Tourer includes an advanced, multicolor head-up display, a panoramic sunroof that changes transparency at the push of a button, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.3-inch customizable screen replacing a traditional instrument cluster. BMW says the eDrive system gathers information from planned navigation routes and assists the driver to drive more efficiently. For example, if the system detects an upcoming blind, downhill turn, it will alert the driver to let off the throttle. Furthermore, the concept features a "Seismic Surf" game that collects driving data, which affects the gameplay for rear-seat passengers using the app on an iPad.
BMW Concept Active Tourer left rear view 02 300x187 imageIn the styling department, the Concept Active Tourer appears production ready, especially compared to the futuristic i concept cars. The side profile casts an unmistakable crossover silhouette, while the front sports BMW's familiar corporate face with a twin-kidney grille and angular headlights. The lower front bumper features large and aggressive airdams, while the rear is fitted with taillights that are similar to the X3 and X5 crossovers. BMW didn't include shots of the interior, but one photo does reveal plenty of ambient lighting and leather seats.
Stay tuned for more details and photos once the concept makes it official debut at next week's Paris auto show. Would we ever see a production car inspired by the Concept Active Tourer in the U.S.? While Europe is the focus here, don't put it past BMW to one day offer a front-drive plug-in hybrid with crossover styling in the U.S.


Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/paris/2012/1209_bmw_concept_active_tourer_phev/#ixzz27iL8xJqR




2013 Subaru BRZ Limited Arrival

A Silver Bullet in the War on Boring Cars

2013 Subaru BRZ Front Three Quarter


The 'ol MT Garage has been looking a little light on sports cars these past few months. Sure, the Nissan GT-R Black Edition that currently resides there pulls the weight of two or three "normal" sports cars, but even so, it's still limited to just one driver at a time -- usually bossman Ed Loh. Apart from the Godzilla that lurks in our shadowy lair, there wasn't a single vehicle that could be considered an honest-to-Fangio sports car until the arrival of this Sterling Silver Metallic Subaru BRZ.
As is often said, timing is everything. Having just given my previous S60 long-term car back to the good folks at Volvo (Verdict coming soon!), I happened to find myself near the top of the list for a new steed. That, combined with a few not-so-subtle whisperings in the ears of executive editor Ron Kiino landed our new BRZ's key fob in my sweaty little palm. Success!
"My" BRZ is a six-speed manual with the Limited trim option. That means I get niceties like dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless access, Alcantara and leather upholstery, silver interior accent trim, heated seats and mirrors, fog lights, rear spoiler, and -- wait for it -- illuminated vanity mirrors. It's a good amount of equipment for just $2000 more on the window sticker.
Of course, the lower-spec Premium trim still includes things like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and the BRZ's sweet 2.0-liter, 200-hp, 154-lb-ft boxer-four engine. A Torsen limited-slip diff is also standard across the board as are 17-inch wheels.
Thus far, the BRZ has already wound its way up the California coast for the Monterey Car Week and I'm finding myself loving every mile behind the wheel. This little Subie is one of the few cars that seems to make every trip feel special, no matter how mundane the destination. How will the BRZ stack up as a true daily driver? That's what I intend to find out while having plenty of fun along the way.
2013 Subaru BRZ Engine
2013 Subaru BRZ Front Three Quarters
2013 Subaru BRZ Interior

2013 Subaru BRZ
SERVICE LIFE2 mo/4443 mi
AVG CO20.68 lb/mi
ENERGY CONS118 kW-hr/100mi
UNSOLVED PROBLEMSNone
MAINTENANCE COST$0
NORMAL-WEAR COST$0
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON22/30/25 mpg
AVERAGE FUEL ECON28.6 mpg
BASE PRICE$27,495
PRICE AS TESTED$28,265
VEHICLE LAYOUTFront engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE2.0L/200-hp/151-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve F-4
TRANSMISSION6-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)2754 lb (55/45%)
WHEELBASE101.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT166.7 x 69.9 x 50.6 in
0-60 MPH6.4 sec
QUARTER MILE15.0 sec @ 93.0 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH120 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION0.90 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT26.3 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON22/30 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY153/112 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS0.78 lb/mile


Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/oneyear/coupe/1209_2013_subaru_brz_limited_arrival/#ixzz27iMzu5KJ








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POLITICS AS USUAL: DON'T BE" MITT" OUT OF LUCK


Arkansas court allows medical marijuana on ballot

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a proposed ballot measure that, if successful, would make the state the first in the South to legalize medical marijuana.
By ANDREW DeMILLO
Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —


The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a proposed ballot measure that, if successful, would make the state the first in the South to legalize medical marijuana.
Justices rejected a challenge by a coalition of conservative groups who had asked the court to block the proposed initiated act from the November ballot or order the state to not count any votes cast on the issue.
The measure would allow patients with qualifying conditions to buy marijuana from nonprofit dispensaries with a doctor's recommendation. The proposal acknowledges that marijuana is still illegal under federal law, but the Coalition to Preserve Arkansas Values argued that it doesn't adequately explain that approved users could still face federal prosecution.
"We hold that it is an adequate and fair representation without misleading tendencies or partisan coloring," the court wrote. "Therefore, the act is proper for inclusion on the ballot at the general election on Nov. 6, 2012, and the petition is therefore denied."
Arkansas will be the first Southern state to put the medical marijuana question to voters. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have legalized it in some fashion. Massachusetts voters are also expected to vote on the issue this fall, while the North Dakota Supreme Court ruled a medical marijuana initiative can't appear on that state's ballot.
The conservative coalition argued that Arkansas' 384-word ballot question doesn't accurately describe other consequences of passing the 8,700-word law, including a provision that would allow minors to use medical marijuana with parental consent.
Justices disagreed and said the proposed law is fairly summarized in the question that will appear on the ballot.
"Here, after reviewing the ballot title of 384 words, we conclude that the title informs the voters in an intelligible, honest and impartial manner of the substantive matter of the act," the ruling said.
The group behind the measure, Arkansans for Compassionate Care, told the court it believes the measure is sufficiently fair to go before voters. David Couch, an attorney for the group, said he was pleased with the ruling and said it allowed them to shift gears to building support for the measure's passage.
"Now that we've passed muster with the Supreme Court we'll begin our campaign to show the people of the state of Arkansas that this is truly a compassionate measure," Couch said.
The coalition also shifted into campaign mode, preparing to mobilize church leaders and other conservatives to oppose the measure.
"This is about the first incremental step to legalizing marijuana for recreational use," said coalition member Larry Page, the director of the Arkansas Faith and Ethics Council.
Under the proposal, qualifying health conditions would include cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS and Alzheimer's disease. The proposal also would allow qualifying patients or a designated caregiver to grow marijuana if the patient lives more than 5 miles from a dispensary.
The conservative coalition's members include leaders of the Arkansas Faith and Ethics Council, the Family Council Action Committee and the Families First Foundation.
Past efforts to put medical marijuana on the ballot in Arkansas have faltered, though voters in two cities in the state have approved referendums that encourage police to regard arrests for small amounts of marijuana as a low priority.
Supporters of the current proposal mounted an organized and well-funded campaign that surprised many political observers. Arkansans for Compassionate Care, the group advocating for the measure, won ballot access after submitting far more than the required 62,500 signatures.
Medical marijuana has never come before voters in the South partly because of the difficulty of getting such initiatives on the ballot. And conservative legislators throughout the region have not backed the efforts. The Washington-based Marijuana Policy Project has provided most of the funding for the campaign in Arkansas, contributing $251,000 to the effort.
Officials with the group said they stepped in after polling showed strong support for the measure in Arkansas. Group leaders also cite a "symbolic" value in passing a medical marijuana law in the South.
"I think it's a sign that marijuana policy reform is an idea that is coming of age now across the nation, rather than just in the states where we've seen it so far," said Morgan Fox, the group's communications director. "It's really an important moment."
Gov. Mike Beebe, who is opposed to the proposal, told reporters on Thursday he doesn't believe the state's voters would legalize medical marijuana. Beebe said he's asked for an estimate of how much it will cost the state to regulate the dispensaries if the measure passes.
"If I understand what I think I understand about it, if it passes, it's going to require a whole of administration from the health department," Beebe said. "I don't know where we're going to get it from."
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Andrew DeMillo can be reached at www.twitter.com/ademillo


THE RACE: Obama pulls slightly ahead of Romney, both nationally and in top swing states


By Associated Press, Published: September 17


After a dead-heat race for months, President Barack Obama is narrowly leading Republican challenger Mitt Romney in major polls, both nationally and in key states.
Some of the edge could be a bounce from the Democratic convention, and such lifts are subject to fading. But both campaigns are paying close attention to any shift in the polls since there’s been so little movement all summer, and they’re adjusting their campaign strategies accordingly.

Ohio moves to ‘Lean Obama’ on Fix electoral map


Posted by Chris Cillizza and Aaron Blake on September 25, 2012 at 8:00 am

In the wake of a new Washington Post poll that shows President Obama opening up an eight-point lead among likely voters in Ohio, along with a slew of other survey data — public and private — that shows the incumbent with a clear edge, we are moving the Buckeye State from “toss up” to “Lean Obama.”












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CERVICAL & BREAST CANCER AWARENESS


 

Women with ovaries…listen up!  This is your month!   Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month occurs every September.  Today I had a patient who painted her nails teal to pay personal honor to the ovaries.  Tealis the color designated by the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) to represent the fight against ovarian cancer.  In fact the color is called “OCRF Teal” until someone comes up with a better name.
But why should we choose an entire month to support ovarian cancer?  Because ovarian cancer is the “ leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American women” (OCRF.org).  In the United States, an estimated 22,280 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,500 women will die from the disease. (American Cancer Society).  The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 1.3 per 10,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year.
Most woman who comes see me annually for their wellness checks undergo gynecologic exams here in my office.  I perform full body exam and labs that include pap smear screening for cervical cancer and cholesterol screening for heart disease. We order mammogram screening for breast cancer and colonoscopy screening for colon cancer.  Unfortunately, there are no routine orders for ovarian cancer screening.
Unlike breast and colon cancer, ovarian cancer is very difficult to detect early.  Education for our patients is key to early ovarian cancer detection.  Education includes providing women with the symptoms of ovarian cancer that can alert their doctors to pursue further testing and therefore aid in early detection.  In fact, when ovarian cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%.  Unfortunately only 20% of ovarian cancers are found at the time the cancer is limited to the ovary and not spread throughout the pelvis.
Here are some of the symptoms to look for:
  1. Pelvic bloating: The sensation of persistent premenstrual abdominal and pelvic swelling.
  2. Increased pelvic girth: Those pants fit a little too tight and it is not that over-abundant American diet.
  3. New onset of low back pain: Not the usual back pain for those chronic pain sufferers.
  4. Urinary urgency: The sensation or urge to urinate frequently.
There is no standard annual screening test for ovarian cancer and the bimanual (doctors) pelvic exam cannot generally detect very early disease.  In the past 2 years, I have diagnosed ovarian cancer in 2 women. One was a new patient at her very first office visit.  The other patient had come in to see me after being absent from her office visits for 3 years. They both had all the above symptoms.
Why the coincidence?  What is most important about the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is your personal discussion of physical concerns with your physician.  Family history that includes breast cancer and ovarian cancer could trigger your doctor to order additional annual blood work and ultrasound tests (looking at the ovaries).
Studies suggest that annual blood work such as the CA-125  (a biomarker for ovarian cancer) and an annual ultrasound of the ovaries may decrease death rates from ovarian cancer.  But the decrease in mortality rate is just a modest (approximate) 13%.  However, new protein studies that are linked to genetic testing may be more relevant in the near future.
Stay tuned, the Dallas Fort Worth chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is planning a walk to “Break the Silence” and raise awareness about ovarian cancer.  The NOCC event is being held on September 26, 2012.  Go to NOCC.org for more information.
So, go paint the town TEAL! Or just wear it on your toes.  But get motivated to support an excellent cause for women’s health.  Most importantly, review your risk factors with your doctor and know the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer that could save your life.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Since 1988, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) has been helping patients win the fight against cancer using advanced technology and a personalized approach.
Our national network of fully accredited cancer hospitals earned Full Standards Compliance from the Joint Commission, and recognition for delivering high-quality care and exceeding patient safety standards from numerous renowned healthcare organizations, such as the Association of Community Cancer Centers and the American College of Radiology.
Each hospital provides state-of-the-art cancer treatment by a dedicated team of oncologists, surgeons and other health experts. We offer a welcoming environment, where patients and their family members can find comprehensive cancer care under one roof.
Every day, we are inspired by our patients and motivated to provide innovative treatments to fight cancer, with a personalized approach. We call this the Mother Standard® of care, which means we provide each patient with the kind of attention and consideration we would want for our own loved ones.
We Pioneered Patient-Centered Care
At CTCA, our patients always come first. We are committed to bringing advanced treatment options to patients sooner, including highly accurate diagnostic tools; safer, more targeted radiation therapies; minimally invasive surgical techniques; and new targeted drug therapies.
In our Patient Empowerment Care® Clinic, our doctors come to you, the patient. They listen to your questions, review your health history and provide you and your family with clear, well-defined choices so you can make informed decisions about your treatment.
Together, you and your care team will develop an integrated treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and diagnosis, and designed to meet your individual goals.
Quality of Life Matters
Our focus is not just on fighting cancer, but also making sure that you are comfortable throughout your treatment. Our Cancer Treatment Statistics and Results demonstrate that our constant efforts make a difference when it comes to the quality of life for our patients.
We treat cancer, and improve your quality of life by alleviating the symptoms that can occur during cancer treatment. Throughout your treatment, we’ll provide therapies like nutrition, naturopathic medicine, pain management and rehabilitation. These therapies are fully integrated into your treatment plan to help boost your immune system and reduce side effects, so you can continue treatment with fewer delays or interruptions.
We also provide diabetes management, advanced cardiac and respiratory care, as well as reconstructive services. Our Survivorship Support program continues to support you once you return home.
Our Hospitals
With hospitals in suburban Chicago, Tulsa, Philadelphia, suburban Phoenix and our newest facility scheduled to open in suburban Atlanta in August 2012, CTCA continues to provide comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care to more patients and families across the United States.
Explore our cancer hospitals:

HERE AT REAL RAP TALK MAGAZINE.COM
 WE JUST WANT TO SHED LIGHT ON THE CANCER ISSUES AND THE IMPACT IT HAS ON LIVES...THIS ISSUE WE ARE FEATURING A YOUNG MOTHER FROM SANDUSKY, OHIO BY THE NAME OF MRS. DANIELLE NIKKI BELL, SHE IS A CANCER SURVIVOR AND A GREAT WOMAN. NOT ONLY THE HIP-HOP COMMUNITY BUT, ALSO CITIES NATION WIDE NEED TO BE AWARE AND SENTIMENTAL TO THE FACTS OF CANCER. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT MRS. BELL IS A FIGHTER AND A DEFINITE SURVIVOR. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MRS. BELL SOME WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT LOOK HER UP ON
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ DANIELLE NIKKI BELL
THANK YOU   

EDITORIAL BY: MR.9



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