Riding Over the Obstacles

Keyboard shortcuts for moving faster in Windows Vista

2009-02-14T21:37:00.001+05:30

Quotes 4

2009-02-14T21:24:00.003+05:30

Nothing is certain in life.

First search for a complete man in yourself then search for others.

Useful Quotes - 3

2009-01-30T06:43:00.002+05:30

Without faith nothing is possible. with it, nothing is impossible.

Everyone has will to win but a very few have the will to prepare to win.

Our mind can hold only one thought at a time so make it positive and constructive one.

If you want to build a positive attitude then learn the phrase, "do it now" and stop the habit of procrastination.

Useful Quotes - 2

2009-01-29T08:03:00.000+05:30

Life is like a circle. Happiness and sadness are the part of that.

Any goal can be achieved with positive attitude, full concentration, motivation and persistence.

Life is zero sum game. If you gain some where then you will lose some where else.

Positive thoughts and feelings are not the result in your life. They are the cause.

Useful Quotes - 1

2009-01-29T07:51:00.005+05:30

Proper planning prevents poor performance and proper guidance ensures higher performance.

Unless you try to do some thing beyond what you have already mastered you will never grow.

Intelligence without ambition is like a bird without wings.

No one can make you feel inferior with out your permission.

10 fundamental differences between Linux and Windows

2009-01-27T08:59:00.004+05:30

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10 ways to survive office politics

2009-01-27T08:59:00.003+05:30

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10 Windows XP tricks and timesavers

2009-01-27T08:53:00.002+05:30

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10 things you should do before, during, and after reinstalling Windows

2009-01-27T08:51:00.001+05:30

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2009-01-27T08:37:00.001+05:30

Every problem has a solution if it is faced with a free and fresh mind.

2009-01-27T08:36:00.001+05:30

Self Actualization is nothing but realizing the god in oneself.

2009-01-27T08:14:00.001+05:30

Mother - the synonym of love

2009-01-27T08:13:00.000+05:30

Some thing is better than having nothing to do.

2009-01-27T08:11:00.000+05:30

Learning will be a tougher process until we try to adopt.

2009-01-27T08:04:00.003+05:30

Life is to live. It will have some up's and down's but definitely one must ride over it with some courage, confidence and faith as fuel.

Williams pulls the wraps off the FW31

2009-01-25T07:22:00.005+05:30

Another Formula One car which was unraveled at Portiamo along with the Renault car was the Williams-Toyota FW31. The team's test driver, Nico Hulkenberg, was the first person to get his hands on the car and put it through its paces at the Algrave circuit. The heavy downpour on the track meant Hulkenberg couldn't really push it hard to get a clear picture of the car's capabilities, but the differences between it and last year's car were clear right off the bat.

The Williams-Toyota FW31 is the first car designed all-new from the ground-up in almost 30 years, compelled by a dramatic change in Sporting and Technical Regulations. The changes in the aerodynamic regulations have led to the most significant visual changes in this year's car. The front wing end plate is redesigned and takes into account the interaction of the air flowing over slick tyres, which have been re-introduced into Formula One racing from this season on. The team has also had to squeeze in a small barge board in place of the large ones they had till last season. Even the engine cover has lost its traditional chimneys and louvers which were meant for cooling, and therefore the exhausts have had to have a higher and wider exit at the rear.

Williams hasn't disclosed any specifications about the engine they'll be running this year. But rest assured that with the rule to make the engines last for at least 3 races, they'll be adopting policies similar to the other teams like reducing the engine redline and opting for tougher construction materials. And like every other team, Williams too has opted for the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which charges itself under braking and gives the driver close to an extra 80 horsepower boost at the press of a button. But unlike the other teams, Williams is the only team which chose to use a mechanical system which stores recovered braking energy using a flywheel instead of an electrical system which uses batteries for the same.

Williams test driver, Hulkenberg was rather pleased with the new car and confirmed that every on-board system was working as it was designed to. However, the current Williams drivers, Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima haven't yet got their hands on the car and will join Hulkenberg in actively testing the new car.

Slumdog Millionaire bangs 10 OSCAR nominations

2009-01-24T07:41:00.003+05:30

Nominees for the 81st Academy Awards

Performance by an actor in a leading role

Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

Performance by an actress in a leading role

Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Best animated feature film of the year

“Bolt” (Walt Disney), Chris Williams and Byron Howard
“Kung Fu Panda” (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount), John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

Achievement in art direction

“Changeling” (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Peter Lando
“The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
“Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Art Direction: Kristi Zea, Set Decoration: Debra Schutt

Achievement in cinematography

“Changeling” (Universal), Tom Stern
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Claudio Miranda
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle

Achievement in costume design

“Australia” (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West
“The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor
“Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Glicker
“Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Albert Wolsky

Achievement in directing

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
“Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Best documentary feature

“The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)” (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
“Encounters at the End of the World” (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
“The Garden” A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
“Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
“Trouble the Water” (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

Best documentary short subject

“The Conscience of Nhem En” A Farallon Films Production, Steven Okazaki
“The Final Inch” A Vermilion Films Production, Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
“Smile Pinki” A Principe Production, Megan Mylan
“The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306” A Rock Paper Scissors Production, Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

Achievement in film editing

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lee Smith
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
“Milk” (Focus Features), Elliot Graham
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens

Best foreign language film of the year

“The Baader Meinhof Complex” A Constantin Film Production, Germany
“The Class” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Haut et Court Production, France
“Departures” (Regent Releasing), A Departures Film Partners Production, Japan
“Revanche” (Janus Films), A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production, Austria
“Waltz with Bashir” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel

Achievement in makeup

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O’Sullivan
“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (Universal), Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Alexandre Desplat
“Defiance” (Paramount Vantage), James Newton Howard
“Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Elfman
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Thomas Newman

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

“Down to Earth” from “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyric by Peter Gabriel
“Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
“O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam

Best motion picture of the year

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
“Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, Producer

Best animated short film

“La Maison en Petits Cubes” A Robot Communications Production, Kunio Kato
“Lavatory - Lovestory” A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production, Konstantin Bronzit
“Oktapodi” (Talantis Films), A Gobelins, L’école de l’image Production, Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
“Presto” (Walt Disney), A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Doug Sweetland
“This Way Up” A Nexus Production, Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes

Best live action short film

“Auf der Strecke (On the Line)” (Hamburg Shortfilmagency), An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production, Reto Caffi
“Manon on the Asphalt” (La Luna Productions), A La Luna Production, Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
“New Boy” (Network Ireland Television), A Zanzibar Films Production, Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
“The Pig” An M & M Production, Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
“Spielzeugland (Toyland)” A Mephisto Film Production, Jochen Alexander Freydank

Achievement in sound editing

“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Richard King
“Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Tom Sayers
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
“Wanted” (Universal), Wylie Stateman

Achievement in sound mixing

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
“Wanted” (Universal), Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt

Achievement in visual effects

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
“Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan

Adapted screenplay

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Screenplay by Eric Roth, Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
“Doubt” (Miramax), Written by John Patrick Shanley
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Screenplay by Peter Morgan
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Hare
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

Original screenplay

“Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Courtney Hunt
“Happy-Go-Lucky” (Miramax), Written by Mike Leigh
“In Bruges” (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh
“Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

Chevrolet Captiva goes Automatic

2009-01-24T07:02:00.002+05:30

GM India has just brought out the Automatic version of its popular Captiva SUV. The Captiva is priced at Rs 20,30000 (Ex Showroom, Delhi). Thanks to its handsome looks, grunty engine and versatile seating options. It comes with an intelligent automatic transmission system that changes gears automatically on the road and multimode fuzzy logic system that changes gears according to the inputs. Also its equipped with all wheel drive and descent control system. The new generation Variable geometry Turbo Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel Engine [VCDI] delivers 150 PS of power at 320 nm torque. Smooth turbine operation results in complete combustion with significantly reduced emission. Also the 5 speed transmission makes shifting the gears quite easy. Captiva can take anything on the road and in its cabin with the revolutionary self levelling suspension technology eqipped.

The 10 most useful Word shortcuts

2009-01-24T05:41:00.004+05:30

How many Word shortcuts do you remember and use on a regular basis? Fifty? Twenty? How about just 10 solid go-to shortcuts like these? If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 10 Word shortcuts would you like to have with you? Here are mine.

Keystroke	Function	Notes
Shift + F3	Toggles through capitalization options.	This one isn’t perfect — for instance, it insists on capitalizing articles and prepositions in Title Case mode — but it’s still a big timesaver.
Ctrl + Shift + N	Applies the Normal style.	If you work with documents that are riddled with obscure and specialized styles (typically other people’s), it’s handy to turn them into Normal paragraphs on the fly.
Ctrl + Shift + C	Copies the formatting of selected text.	Once you’ve copied the format, you can press Ctrl + Shift + V to paste the formatting onto a new selection. Yeah, I know — Format Painter does this, too. But Format Painter forgets the formatting as soon as you’re finished with it. This shortcut remembers what you copied until you close out of Word.
Alt + F9	Toggles the display of field codes on and off.	Unless you work with field shading turned on — and I don’t know many users who do — you can’t necessarily tell what’s literal text and what’s being generated by an underlying field code. A quick peek using this shortcut can prevent the headache of inexplicable changes and unwanted editing consequences.
F4	Repeats your most recent action.	This might be the all-time best shortcut (except for Undo, which I’m not including in this list because for me, at least, it’s like breathing and requires no conscious thought). The F4 shortcut will repeat nearly all the actions you take on document text: typing: formatting, deleting.It will also let you repeat the action of adding or removing table rows, but it isn’t well implemented with tables overall. For instance, changing table properties is not replicable via this shortcut.
Ctrl + H	Opens the Find And Replace dialog box with the Replace tab selected.	Replace functionality is my constant companion, so this one is essential for me. Ctrl + F opens to the Find tab if you just want to locate something in a document (or make sure something isn’t in there).
Ctrl + drag text or an object	Creates a copy of the text or object.	Apologies to the keyboard purists, but this useful trick does require mouse action. It’s handy when you need to copy an object and control where that copy ends up. For example, a picture or other object that has certain positioning attributes may land in some unpredictable location if you use the standard copy and paste functions. This shortcut lets you drag it exactly where you want it.Just make sure you drop the text or object before you release the Ctrl key or Word will move the original instead of copying it. BONUS: If you hold down Shift along with Ctrl as you drag, Word will keep the copy aligned with the original.
Ctrl + Q	Removes paragraph formatting that isn’t part of the style assigned to a selected paragraph.	When you want to strip out manually applied formats and return to only those characteristics defined by a paragraph style, this is the quickest way to get there. Ctrl + Spacebar works the same way for character formatting.
Ctrl + 0 (zero)	Applies or removes 12 points of space above the current paragraph.	This sounds a little lame, but you can improve readability of selected text in about two seconds using this trick. For instance, table text is often jammed up against top borders. Select the table and hit Ctrl + 0 and you’ll get an instant improvement.
Alt + drag the mouse vertically	Make a vertical text selection.	Another keyboard/mouse hybrid, this one is obscure but useful. Some users have trouble making it work, but the problem is usually sequence. Just make sure you press Alt before you press the mouse button and drag. Then, release Alt before you release the mouse button.

Oracle HTML DB

2009-01-24T05:34:00.002+05:30

I dont read a lot about Oracle HTML DB in trade magazines. But the ones that are using it think its the next best thing since

sliced bread and are happily singing its praises. What is it? Oracle..

This HTML DB is a web-based application development and deployment tool integrated with Oracle Database 10g. Oracle HTML DB enables anyone with only a web browser and limited programming experience to quickly create secure and scalable web applications that can be instantly deployed to tens, hundreds, or thousands of users. Oracle HTML DB is a standard feature of Oracle Database 10g, available in Standard One, Standard and Enterprise Editions at no additional charge. Essentially it is a web based application development tool geared to those users who are creating the dozens of spreadsheet and small desktop database applications that one finds among end using departments. It is a fabulous tool that has enabled to get rid of dozens of problematic spreadsheets and MS Access databases that have grown too large and complicated for the desktop. I havent had an opportunity to try it out myself yet, but you people can try.

Suzuki Hayabusa

2009-01-22T07:29:00.002+05:30

It has many names and even more titles - Busa, Falcon, drag king, fastest bike in the world - but what really matters is that it's here. Suzuki Hayabusa entered the Indiam market just a while ago and as anticipated has created ripples all over. Arguably the fastest, almost the most powerful and certainly one of the most iconic motorcycles of our times, with all its 197PS of power and 150 Nm of tyre destroying torque, the Busa is at its bubbliest, most rotund shape with its long, wide and raked out windscreen that ends in the triangular headlamp, flanked by the snouty ram-air intakes on the inside of the indicators. Hayabausa is not really a bike that will make you go weak in your knees with charm, neither one that will intimidate you with hooligan sneers. It is all quite warm and inviting, and the feeling continues even when you get on the bike. Seriously fast, a decade long repute of performance and a fabulous street-cred. Such strong credentials with very little competition - getting the Hayabusa would all be a no-brainer if not for a million-rupee question.

Five dumb mistakes IT pros make that can mess up their networks

2009-01-22T07:26:00.001+05:30

IT pros love to share stories about the dumb things that users do, but sometimes you have to admit your own mistakes. Every admin has at least one embarrassing story about something they did to mess up their network. After all, you’re busy, networks are complicated, and sometimes it’s easy to overlook the obvious. In this IT Dojo video, I discuss several dumb mistakes that can really mess up a network, so that we can avoid them in the future.

Five vital communication skills for IT leaders and their staff

2009-01-21T07:54:00.000+05:30

Take control of your day with these time management tips

2009-01-21T07:51:00.001+05:30

The top five reasons to check your own references

2009-01-21T07:41:00.001+05:30

Many people offer prospective employers references thinking they’ll work out fine. But will your references work for you as you want?

The company’s comment policy may not be what you think it is. A countless number of our clients confidently say, “They won’t tell you anything, it’s against policy.” Many people assume that an employer can’t or won’t say anything, and are unpleasantly surprised to find out this is not the case. Employers frequently say unflattering things about former employees.
Your reference may not be saying what you expect. A lukewarm reference can be just as damaging as a negative one. If your reference is anything less than glowing, they are damaging your chances of landing that job, not helping it. You need to know that that person is doing everything possible to make a positive impression for you. Otherwise, it’s time to rethink your references.
Your information may not match the HR records. In many instances, we find that the employer has different employment dates, position title, or supervisor listed than what the employee has presented. Don’t let this type of discrepancy suggest that you are being less than truthful about your former position’s title or responsibilities.
You may have been omitted from the HR records entirely. This happens more often than you might think, especially in the case of mergers, where not all records make the transfer into a new system. It’s also frequently the case with the self-employed; many companies do not hold records for a contractor in their HR system. It’s not a good thing when an employer calls and is told that there is no record of you ever having worked for their company.
Your reference contact may no longer work for the company. Many job-seekers make the mistake of not staying in close contact with the person they intend to use for a reference. Be sure that that person is still there to respond to inquiries. If they’re no longer there, a reference checker may be shuffled though the system and end up with someone who won’t cast you in such a positive light.

The six types of difficult co-workers

2009-01-20T08:56:00.000+05:30

It’s hard enough to deal with these kinds of people in the wild, but when they’re your co-workers, it can be dreadful. Recognize any of these types?

The Steamroller

This is the bully of the group – always interrupting, insulting, and yelling. We all know those types.

The Sniper

These are the folks who hide in the back of room, always sniping – taking shots at everyone, constantly nitpicking back at you, sending out comments, etc. They always want to do this from “under cover.” If you call them on it they say, “Oh, I’m just kidding,” or, “Can’t ya take a joke?” or, “I didn’t say anything!” They always have a comment.

The “Can’t Say No” Person

Will not say no to work. The problem is they won’t say no, they won’t say no, they won’t say no . . . and then they finally just collapse!

The Know-It-All

Do I have to say anything else? Need I say more? They know it all!

The Complainer

Chronic complainers! Chronic whiners! To them, life is one big complaint!

The Staller

The Indecisive Staller. This is the person who just will not make a decision. They will not commit to anything; they are always stalling.

The Empty Promiser

This is the person who says he’ll send you that information or write up that report but never does. You waste so much time reminding him of his promise that you might as well have done it yourself.

The Scatter-Brain

This one just can’t seem to get it together. Can become the Empty-Promiser if left unchecked.

Got any to add?

Four tactics for career success in 2009

2009-01-20T08:40:00.004+05:30

1. Write down specific goals. The key words in that statement are write down andspecific. Here’s why - when you commit yourself to something in writing, you are more likely to refer to it, manage it, and make running changes to it. It works better than just “telling yourself” your goals. And, if your goals are not specific they are not as “concretized.” They’re less likely to be actionable.

2. Do a SWOT analysis on yourself. This stands for: Strengths - what you’ve got going for you and what makes you stand out in comparison to others. Weaknesses - what you need to work on, things that can hold you back, or make you a more likely candidate for the next round of layoffs. Opportunities - what you can use to your advantage to improve your situation. Threats - what can derail your plans and aspirations.

With #1 and #2 in hand, you’ve got the makings of a sound career plan. And 2009 is a good time to have such a plan.

3. Ensure your loved ones are covered. You’ve got the career plan together. Now, noodle about those whom you want in your life over the long term. Many people are so consumed with the economy and their career that they are ignoring their friends and family. If you want to have a life with some balance, treat these people with importance. Make it worth their while to stay a part of your life.

4. Self promote. There’s no better way to stand out from the crowd. I don’t mean becoming a glory hog that nobody wants to be around; just helping those in a position of influence over your career to recognize that you’re a keeper and should be kept happy. This can be as simple as having a regular meeting with your boss to brief her/him on what you’ve accomplished, or sending a bi-weekly e-mail update to outline your current activity and plans. If the environment doesn’t accommodate that type of communication, use chance meetings to keep her updated e.g.: In the elevator ride leaving the office, if Boss asks “How are things?,” rather than talk about your health, try something like, “Great! The new software is running well and we’re hearing positive feedback from everyone.

Five things we have learned from Bill Gates

2009-01-20T08:39:00.000+05:30

Five things that make it great to work in IT

2009-01-20T08:34:00.000+05:30

VOLVO B7R

2009-01-20T08:15:00.001+05:30

Rear Engine - modern powerful and fuel-efficient

the engine in the Volvo B7R, the Volvo D7, is a modern 7-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine with a turbocharger and an intercooler. The engine delivers 290 hp, with a maximum torque of 1200 Nm. The engine meets Euro III Emission Standards.

Hydraulic retarder

the hydraulic retarder provides a good complement to normal braking, which considerably reduces wear on the brake pads. The hydraulic retarder, mounted on the gearbox output is a standard fitment on Volvo B7R.

Powerful disc brakes

Volvo B7R has highly efficient electronic braking system with EBS5added to compact design with ventilated discs for better cooling. The braking system ensures high safety, immense durability and longer service life. ABS anti-locking brakes are available as an option to further enhance safety levels. Asbestos-free brake pads have long been fitted as standard on all Volvo buses.

High performance gearbox

Volvo B7R has a manual gearbox, the ZF 6S 1380BD, with 6 forward and 1 reverse speed, which are fully synchronized - ensuring easy operations. Gearbox is lighter due to aluminium housing on Volvo B7R.

A well adapted power train

the rest of the power train is adapted to enable the engine to provide as much power as possible.

High degree of ride comfort

The Volvo B7R is fitted with air suspension, which effectively compensates for irregularities in the road surface and offers a high degree of ride comfort. Stabilizers are fitted as standard on both the front and rear, minimizing the tendency to roll over. With a 5.94 m wheelbase, the B7R has a small turning radius of 9.25 meters. Tubeless tyres fitted on B7R ensure higher mileage, good road grip, wet-rolling resistance, better braking, stable driving and longer tyre life.

Floor-based large luggage space

B7R has ample luggage space located on the floor level, it offers easy access to load and unload baggage of all the bus passengers.

Integral bus body design

Volvo B7R body is designed as per our global standards and profiled for Indian drive conditions to accomplish maximum comforts to the passenger which comprises of tubular structures; aerodynamic body shape with ergonomic and noiseless interiors; comfortable reclining seats.

Hyundai Verna Automatic

2009-01-19T07:17:00.005+05:30

Hyundai would be looking to capitalize on the wave it has started with the i10 and i20 hatchbacks to improve the standings of its other cars as well. First up amongst these is the Verna,which despite being a competitive car has not set the charts on fire. Attempting to widen the reach of the city sedan and have it compete with those in a higher segment, Hyundai is expected to announce a variant with an auto-box later this year. It will cost 9 - 11 lakhs.

Mahindra Launches XYLO

2009-01-18T06:59:00.004+05:30

Mahindra has finally taken the wraps of the much awaited Xylo MPV. Needless to say, the Innova has done all the hard work in breaking new ground and creating a new-look statement in the Indian MPV segment, and the Xylo is now set to capitalize on this. Packed with an all new 2.5 litre engine that generates oodles of power and football field sized interiors, the Xylo is sure to find a solid fan following. The Xylo may be out to make life difficult for the likes of the Toyota Innova, Chevrolet Tavera and the Sumo Grande but in its bid to becoming the great Indian travelling machine, it is no doubt going to hit one of its stablemates Scorpio 2.6 CRDe - Mahindra's flagship SUV as well.

Model	Price
E2	Rs.6,24,500
E4	Rs.6,69,500
E6	Rs.7,32,500
E8	Rs.7,69,500

XYLO boasts a wide array of unique features such as Flat Bed front seats, Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS), Foldable flight trays, Surround cool dual ACs and captain seats.

Fiat Launches the Stylish All New Linea

2009-01-17T08:06:00.003+05:30

Fiat India Automobiles Ltd today entered a new chapter in India with the launch of the Linea which is expected to raise the bar for sedans available in the country. The car will shortly grace the Indian roads and will be available in both Multi Jet diesel and Fire petrol engine versions. The car designed by the Fiat Style centre in Turin will go on to become Fiat’s flagship product in India. The car is expected to create a new sub-segment between the mid-sized cars and the luxury cars segment due to its unique design, comfort ability, performance and features. Linea is first in the line of three launches that Fiat will undertake this year, the other two being Bravo and Grande Punto.

The FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine) will power the petrol version of the Linea, and the diesel version will be equipped with the Advanced New Generation MULTIJET engine. The new generation multijet engine also boasts of higher peak performance with unparalleled power and torque outputs. This enables a fine balance of performance, refinement & fuel economy. Both the variants will be further supported with two option packs, one each on petrol & diesel top end variants mainly comprising of Dual Front Airbags and Blue & Me feature as standard. Blue & Me is the voice interactive device developed by Fiat along with Microsoft that offers an additional voice interface for the on board music system and can be linked to a personal mobile for communicating through the car’s audio unit & speakers.

The car will be manufactured at the Ranjangaon plant near Pune and is the first major launch after the company introduced the Palio Stile Multijet last year. The three basic versions would be known as Active, Dynamic & Emotion with similar set of features for both variants. The Linea will be available in 4 colors at the time of the launch, Flamenco Red, Minimal Grey, Perla Champagne and Hip Hop Black.

Bike of the year - Yamaha FZ16

2009-01-17T07:16:00.004+05:30

Yamaha spent years in India doing what they never should have done in the first place - trying to make the perfect commuter bike for the masses. The Japanese firm finally woke up in 2008 and went the performance way with their big imports - the YZF-R1 and the MT-01. Then came what was a revolution in Indian biking - the awesome YZF-R15 that put back the public's faith in the tuning fork brand. Phase 2 of Yamaha's resurrection in the country was the FZ16 and quite frankly, this could prove even more rewarding for Yamaha than the R15.

Designed as a small-size clone to the original FZs from abroad, Yamaha's approach to the FZ16's styling was truly clever. By making the Indian bike look like the bigger international offering the FZ16 instantly gains brand value despite its 160cc displacement. Sculpted body panels complimented by a monoshock suspension system and the short, stubby silencer end can make the FZ the best looking naked bike on Indian roads today. Throw in that 140-section fat rear tyre and Yamaha have got a whole generation hooked on to the way this baby looks.

While power to the chunky rear wheel may not be coming from a 600cc or litre-class powerplant, the FZ16's 153cc unit is no less entertaining. The air-cooled motor manages enough power to make riding the bike fun and the highlight of the mill has to be its loads of torque that make riding around town a breeze. For the stunt-inclined, this also translates into effortless wheelies and the likes. Ergonomics are well sorted for short rides in the city and the wide matt-black finished handlebar raises comfort levels immensely. The suspension is well sorted out and both ride quality and handling are great.

How A Jet Engine Works

2009-01-16T08:07:00.001+05:30

Exactly how a car engine works - 3D animation !

2009-01-16T08:00:00.000+05:30

TOP 10 CONCEPT CARS 2009

2009-01-16T07:58:00.000+05:30

Masterful Technology

2009-01-15T07:39:00.006+05:30

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

With its 16-cylinder four-wheel drive, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 may well be the most sophisticated production vehicle of all times. Boasting a maximum speed of more than 400 km per hour, the Veyron is unmatched in the super sports category. It offers a total of 1,001 HP, and its ample power reserves even at high speeds are the fabric of dreams for luxury-class limousines: for a constant speed of 250 km/h, the Veyron only needs 270-280 HP. This means that the seven-gear clutch transmission works with a torque of up to 1,250 Newton meters. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ensures the necessary flexibility and maneuverability at any speed. The Veyron reaches velocities that would literally lift the car off the ground – if it weren’t for its ingenious aerodynamics, which keeps it firmly on the road even at full speed. Adjusting the back spoiler, reducing ground clearance, opening and closing the lids – it all adds to the perfect balance between propulsion and downforce. Such a super sports car may not seem to be brought to a halt easily, but the Veyron’s ceramic brakes slow it down faster than it can accelerate. While it takes this exceptional car only 2.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, it needs even less time – a mere 2.3 seconds – to come to a standstill from 100 (reference point). To reduce the risk of injuries in accidents, Bugatti had a Formula 1 safety concept adapted for the Veyron. All these technical details combine to make the Veyron a truly exceptional super sports car.

A super sports car like the Veyron 16.4 needs to be light in order to reach top speeds. From the initial concept to the design and the selection of materials, the Bugatti engineers tapped the full potential of their considerable expertise to ensure that this car is, indeed, a light weight. Titanium, carbon, magnesium, and aluminum – each part of the Veyron 16.4 is made of the material with the lowest weight and the highest level of functionality. The titanium piston rods save approx. 4 kg of weight, the titanium screws 3.5 kg, and the magnesium valve caps another 2 kg. By reducing the wheelbase, the original weight was reduced by about a third, and the titanium exhaust system – another Veyron 16.4 first – with its wafer-thin layer of titanium aluminite saves yet another 17 kg. These combined efforts capped the Veyron 16.4’s weight at a compact 1,888 kg. Add the car’s high-powered performance and unmatched speed, and you have a uniquely fast and nimble super sports car.

Optimum protection is guaranteed by the car’s carbon monocoque construction: weighing only 110 kg, the survival cell withstands enormous crash impact forces. This principle is comparable to that used in the Formula 1 world, where drivers usually emerge uninjured from their cars even after severe accidents. The maximum impact force reduction is mainly due to the frames integrated in the carbon monocoque. The front part of the monocoque is made of aluminum; the rear consists of a combination of carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum. The car’s safety concept, which includes two frontal airbags for the front-seat occupants, is so sophisticated that additional airbags would be redundant. Crash tests have shown the Veyron 16.4 to conform to all international safety standards – and to exceed them. As painful as it was for the engineers to watch their valuable prototypes hit the test wall, they were always glad to see that the Veyron survived these maneuvers almost unharmed.

With its luxurious length of 4.47 m, the Veyron is a perfectly balanced combination of high-powered performance and sleek, racy design. Even at complete standstill, the car’s enormous power is made visible by its impressive mid-engine, elevated majestically beneath the chassis. Simultaneously, the Veyron’s bold proportions, well-balanced surfaces, and clear line structures give an impression of pure, sleek elegance. With its classic look, the large radiator grill – adorned with the hand-enameled Bugatti emblem – represents the grandness of the Veyron. The sports car’s distinctive front is defined by the harmonious contrast of its broad headlights and majestic grill. The rear end, 1.99 m wide, features the formidable retractable spoiler and generously designed fenders. The Veyron perfectly fulfills the main design objective governing the development of the new Bugatti: an uncompromising combination of highest elegance and state-of-the-art technology.

A.R.Rehman - the international journey begins

2009-01-14T04:58:00.003+05:30

India's very own talented musician A. R. Rahman has taken a giant stride forward as he won the prestigious GOLDEN GLOBE award in the Best Original Background Score category for the film 'Slumdog Millionaire'. It was a moment to cherish for A. R. Rahman and all his fans when the hosts at the 66th Golden Globe Awards announced his name as the winner. A moment that told the world that Indian talent was well on its way in making its presence felt globally. The man TIME magazine called 'Mozart of Madras' shook hands with many as he went on to the stage to collect the award. The first word that came out of Rahman was 'Unbelievable' followed by a chuckle. He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket as he said he had a long list although he though he wouldn't win.

Rahman thanked Almighty God for the award. His thank you list also had Danny Boyle, Fox Pictures and all his musicians in Chennai and Mumbai. Rahman thanked the billion people from India who were looking forward to his winning the award. 'Slumdog Millionaire' was about a boy born and raised in the slums of Mumbai who eventually goes on to become a millionaire thanks to his winning the 'Who wants to be a millionaire' contest. The film was directed by Danny Boyle who also won a Golden Globe for Best Director. The film won two other awards as well – Best Picture and Best Screenplay (Simon Beaufoy). Does Rahman's winning a Golden Globe signal to the world that Indian talent would be a breath of fresh air to World Cinema? In addition to this Rahman had also won Six popular Awards for his compositions in 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

The Broadcast Film Critics Association Award

The Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award

The New York Film Critics Online Award

The Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards

The San Diego Film Critics Society Award

The Satellite Awards - International Press Academy

This honor would most definitely be cherished by India's Film Industries and the scores of Rahman fans would be ecstatically jumping for joy. So what can Rahman look forward to?….well, it sure is going to be the Oscars next up….and then some innovative compositions that would enthrall world audiences. A dynamic musician's international journey has begun. Indian Cinema has been made proud of by Rahman and let's hope our filmmakers can utilize this extraordinary talent properly in such a way that the world bows down to India.

Hats off A.R. Rahman. the Oscar is waiting.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-13T19:18:00.001+05:30

Music which fetched A.R.Rehman, the golden globe award.

India - one of the best places to live

2009-01-13T19:11:00.000+05:30

Incredibly Incredible India

2009-01-13T19:07:00.000+05:30

Proud To Be An Indian

Chak De India - title song

2009-01-13T19:04:00.000+05:30

Incredible India - one land everyone desire to see

2009-01-13T19:00:00.000+05:30

India unveils 'world's cheapest car'

2009-01-13T18:56:00.000+05:30

Chak De India

Salt Water as Fuel for cars

2009-01-13T18:49:00.000+05:30

Water Fuel Car

2009-01-13T18:45:00.001+05:30

What Will Speed Mean In Future?

2009-01-13T09:09:00.020+05:30

It's no secret that people love speed. If you don't agree, then just take one look at the packed stands at any race track around the country (or around the world, for that matter) and you'll find true-blue race fans watching the race. There's something almost intoxicating about speed that drives us to push harder and harder to go faster and faster. Whether it's saving a fraction of a second off of an elapsed time at the local drag strip or attempting to break the land speed record on the Formula one, pushing the upper limits of man and machine is what it's all about. Around the world you'll find kids laboring over homemade go-karts to make them go just a little faster; playing NFS series to the full extent and even grown men and women are buying expensive high-performance parts from the local speed shop to achieve the same results (just on a slightly larger scale). some people even trick-out their lawnmowers so that they'll move at speeds that far exceed highway speed limits. To put it in simple terms, speed is addictive. So one must be careful while driving at exceeded speed limits. This addiction should not cost their lives.

Auroras

2009-01-12T15:43:00.012+05:30

An Introduction

An aurora is a colorful glow that appears in the sky at night. Most auroras appear in the far northern and southern parts of the world. Auroras in the northern part of the world are called the northern lights. The colored lights appear as curved lines, clouds, and streaks. Some auroras move or get brighter or flicker suddenly. The most common color in an aurora is green, but sometimes auroras are red or purple. Auroras form when the solar winds reach the Earth. The solar winds are a flow of particles, or tiny bits of matter, from the sun. The particles in solar winds contain electrical energy. When these particles strike other particles that surround the Earth, energy is released. Some of this energy appears in the form of auroras.

How the Auroras Form

The auroras form when charged protons and electrons emitted from the sun (solar wind) penetrate the earth's magnetic shield and collide with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. These collisions result in countless little bursts of light, called photons, which make up the aurora. Collisions with oxygen produce red and green auroras, while nitrogen produces the pink and purple colors. This reaction encircles the polar regions of the earth and occurs at an altitude of 40-400 miles (65-650 km) in a zone called the "Auroral Oval."

When & Where

The auroras most commonly occur between 60°-75° latitude, but during great geomagnetic storms the auroral oval expands equatorially and can reach 30° latitude or further. In the northern hemisphere they are called the aurora borealis (northern lights) and in the southern hemisphere aurora australis (southern lights). An auroral display might be observed any night from dusk until dawn as long as it is dark, which excludes Alaskan summer nights (May-July). The best time to view them is between midnight and 2 am. There is an 11-year solar cycle (on average) that controls the tempo of the aurora. The most recent peak in the cycle occurred in 2000-2001. The next peak is predicted in 2011.

Bugatti Veyron Engine Components

2009-01-12T08:24:00.003+05:30

How a Car Engine Works

2009-01-12T08:19:00.002+05:30

Engine Assembly

2009-01-12T08:17:00.001+05:30

Piezo Electric ceramic Injector from Bosch

2009-01-12T08:09:00.002+05:30

New Valve Timing and Lift System "Valvematic" in Toyota Avensis

2009-01-12T07:30:00.002+05:30

Toyota announced on occasion of a Technology Seminar in Berlin that the new Avensis will be equipped with the newly developed variable valve timing and lift system called Valvematic. The innovation that further improves both fuel efficiency and performance at the same time is a combination of the already known Variable Valve Timing intelligent (VVT-i) with a new mechanism that continually varies the lift of the inlet valves in order to better control the intake air flow.

The Valvematic is a compact system that minimises energy losses. Its design makes the application in every engine possible. The compactness of the variable arm enables the rocker shaft being placed in the same height with camshafts. Because the height of the camshaft was the same as the height of a conventional one, by introduction of a cam carrier system, the same cylinder head could be used.

The Valvematic system consists of an actuator, which drives the control shaft, the variable valve lift mechanism for each cylinder and the cam phaser VVT-i. The electrically activated system VVT-i varies air induction by automatically adjusting the pipe length according to rpm, thus working at lower rpm and engine temperatures than a conventional hydraulic system. The variable valve lift mechanism consists of four parts: the roller arm transmits the input from the camshaft, two oscillation cams contact the roller rocker arms and the slider, which contains the helical spline, transmits the rotating power of the roller arm to the oscillating cam. The slider is connected to the control shaft and links the movement in the axis direction of the control shaft. The phase of the roller arm and the oscillation cams varies with the action of the helical spline. Because the angle of rotation of the variable arm and cam is always uniform, the range in which the roller rocker arm comes in contact with the oscillation cam changes. The cam surface of the oscillation cam consists of a no lift part and a lift part. It can change the valve lift height from 1 millimetre to 11 millimetres.

Valve lift and valve timing are determined based on best fuel efficiency. The target throttle valve angle is calculated for optimal airflow for high performance. In order to minimise the fluctuation of the intake airflow, the actuators are continuously functioning. Further, a technique to maintain a continuous airflow was developed using modelling of induction system parts including air cleaner, throttle valve, surge tank, intake manifold, and intake valve.

According to a company's spokesman, using Valvematic, the valve lift for best fuel economy and power across each operating range can be chosen. During light load conditions (1 millimetre valve), the intake throttle is used to more precisely control airflow volume. For medium to high loads, the intake throttle is wide open, and airflow volume is controlled by the valve lift. Pumping losses are reduced across entire load range. When combined with variable valve timing, this mechanism allows the valve opening and closing event to be controlled independently. The valve timing mechanism is driven by hydraulic oil pressure, and so exhibits some delayed response compared to the electro-mechanical actuation of valve lift mechanism. While synchronisation between valve lift and valve timing is desired for some valve overlap, delayed timing response can cause too much overlap, which has negative impact on fuel economy and drivability. In such a case, additional throttle angle is used to maintain drivability. And using the output control by the valve lift, good response in transient situation could be given because no intake volume after control mechanism.

When applied to a 2.0-litre straight-four Naturally-Aspirated gasoline engine, Valvematic provides according to a company's spokesman up to 10 percent of fuel consumption reduction, 10 percent power output improvement, enhanced transient response and reduces CO2 emissions. It will be available from the beginning of next year in the 1.8-litre and the 2.0-litre version of the new Avensis.

Audi Introduces Compressor Supercharging

2009-01-12T07:11:00.002+05:30

The new 3.0 TFSI engine of Audi's V6 engine range combines two technologies: gasoline direct injection and compressor supercharging. The 3.0 TFSI develops 213 kilowatts and delivers its maximum 420 Newtonmetres at 2500 revolutions per minute and maintains this constantly until 4850 revolutions per minute. The crankcase of the three-litre version is made of cast aluminium/silicon, and tips the scales at 33 kilograms. The entire engine, including the compressor, weighs 189 kilograms. Later this year the new V6 will go into production.

The compressor of the engine is so compact that it fits inside the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks, in place of the intake manifold. Because it is driven by the engine via poly-V belt, its full thrust is available from idle speed upwards. The gas paths after the compressor are very short; this means that the torque is built up quickly, even more dynamically than on a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement. The 3.0 TFSI revs up to the maximum of 6500 revolutions per minute, achieving its rated output of 213 kilowatts at under 5000 revolutions per minute.

The engine has a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The direct injection principle is once again the key, because the intensively swirled fuel cools the combustion chamber, reducing the tendency to knock. The compressor of the new 3.0 TFSI is what is known as a Roots blower. Inside it, two four-vane rotary pistons counter-rotate at a speed of up to 23,000 revolutions per minute, with an air gap between them measuring just a few thousandths of a millimetre. The rotors can deliver 1000 kilograms of air per hour and force it into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 0.8 bar.

Two water-to-air intercoolers made from aluminium and connected to a separate coolant circuit are integrated into the housing. Here, the compressed and therefore heated intake air is cooled down again in order to boost its oxygen content for the combustion process.

The crankcase of the three-litre engine is made of cast aluminium/silicon and tips the scales at 33 kilograms. The entire engine, including the compressor, weighs 189 kilograms. The bore measures 84.5 millimetres and the stroke 89.0 millimetres, producing a swept volume of 2,995 cubic centimetres. Also the crankcase has been adapted to the higher prevailing pressures, all components are frictionally optimised. The two intake camshafts can be adjusted through 42 degrees crankshaft angle. In the intake ports, tumble flaps induce movement in the incoming air to promote optimum mixture preparation.

The injection system is a new design also. A common rail system with six-hole injectors injects the fuel directly into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 150 bar. The injectors' dynamic response permits up to three fuel injections per operating cycle across an extensive range of the characteristic map.The new 3.0 TFSI will achieve an average fuel consumption of less then ten litres per 100 kilometres in virtually all longitudinally engined models of the car manufacturer, the concept for which it is envisaged. It is designed to run on either premium or regular gasoline and complies with the future emission standard Euro 5.

The car manufacturers technology of gasoline direct injection according to the FSI principle was what made this efficiency possible in the first place. Unlike conventional concepts, it allows the compressor to be located behind the throttle valve. In view of the low density of the intake air at loads below supercharging level and when coasting, its rotors are free-running and the amount of power required to drive them is low.

How Light will the Cars be in future?

2009-01-11T13:37:00.014+05:30

ULTRA LIGHT CAR

Light, but not small. The Loremo prototype weighs no more than a Smart Car, thanks to its materials. In the past decade, automobiles in the United States have followed the same trend as Americans' waistlines, growing bigger and bigger. We're not just talking about enormous models such as the Hummer and other full-size SUVs. Even sedans and mid-sized cars have ballooned. For instance, the 2007 Honda Accord outweighs its 1988 counterpart by almost 600 pounds. Since fuel prices have risen as well, car companies and consumers alike are scrambling to find more efficient alternatives. Much of the mainstream attention has focused on different ways to power cars, rather than altering the body. But one promising solution that researchers and manufacturers have tossed around since the mid-1990s is the concept of an ultra light car.

The term started popping up in many places in 1993 with the kick-off of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. This agreement brokered by then-Vice President Al Gore and the executives of the Big Three auto makers Ford, Daimler Chrysler and General Motors) laid out a goal to build an 80-mile-per-gallon car by 2003. One cornerstone of the alliance was researching ultra light materials, such as carbon composites and lighter steels and plastics as a way to jolt fuel efficiency. Just how light are we talking? German car startup company, Loremo, which stands for low resistance mobile, will soon put its first models on sale in Europe that weigh around 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms). To put that in perspective, that 2007 Honda Accord we mentioned earlier is 3,197 pounds (1,450 kilograms). And it's even lighter than the pint-sized, 1800-pound (816-kilogram) Smart Fotwo model. In exchange for the more svelte body, the Loremo LS gets around 120 miles to the gallon. Why does weight make such a difference? And how safe are these fitter models?

Size and Safety of Lighter Cars

The average car uses only 15 percent of its energy to actually move the vehicle and drive. Most cars on the road today lose all but that sliver of power to braking, friction, idling and having to haul piles of accessories. By slightly altering the design, prioritizing function over luxury and using lighter materials, those issues can be minimized. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, every 10 percent of weight reduction translates to a 7 percent increase in fuel economy. Thanks to that significant exchange, one of the goals outlined by the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles was to reduce the weight of cars by 40 percent, or around 1,200 pounds (554 kilograms). But when thinking about ultra light cars like these, it's important to differentiate between mass and weight. The mass, or sizes, of ultra light prototypes car companies have revealed aren't smaller than the average compact. Rather, the weight of the materials involved makes the difference.

Cars weigh so much because many of them are made from steel parts and sizeable engines. Ultra light future cars will be made of lightweight products including plastics, aluminum and metal composites and other hybrid materials. By adjusting the weight of the car parts, companies don't have to sacrifice size and can also use smaller engines. But what about safety? If an ultra light car rams into the side of a building, won't it crumple like a ball of paper? Well, yes, it may crumble, but its impact absorption will protect the people inside. According to the State Department, "carbon fibre depodites can absorb 12 times the energy per kilogram as steel." Researchers at MIT also have discovered clay nanotech particles that could be used to make ultra light, yet ultra-strong auto parts. By adding these tiny particles to materials, it reinforces them and forms a strengthened network for incredible durability.

For Loremo, addressing safety concerns involved creating an entirely new type of car frame. While most cars are designed to distribute impact around the passenger, the Loremo passes it under them. It does so by using a longer chassis, the frame on which the car sits, that runs along the length of the car to spread the force impact linearly. The company compares it to the same effect as striking a nail. When hit the nail doesn't break because its impact is directed along its length rather than at an angle. Also, by keeping the body close to the ground and adding air shafts that funnel air through the bottom of the car, it adds driving stability in the same way as featherweight racecars. When will consumers start to see these ultra light phenomena on the car lot? The Loremo goes into production in 2010, and depending on its reception, it could set off a domino effect.

Is It Possible to Assemble a Car With Glue

2009-01-11T08:54:00.006+05:30

When you imagine the assembly line at an auto plant, you probably picture welding machines, rivets, bolts and screws fastening all the parts of a car together. You might be surprised to learn that many automakers are using glue to bond some parts together on modern vehicles. This isn't the kind of glue you'll find in a school kid's backpack, or the kind of car glue that you might use to assemble a plastic model -- automotive structural adhesives are advanced materials called epoxies that can be customized to bond to almost any surface and endure a wide range of temperature extremes. Many automakers, including BMW, have used automotive structural adhesives in place of bolts or welds to attach plastic cladding to vehicles.

Using glue in auto manufacturing isn't a way to cut corners or make an inferior car. Modern adhesives offer a lot of engineering advantages over traditional methods of fastening two parts together. In fact, adhesives usually form a bond stronger than the materials they're bonding together. Adhesives could be the key to building lighter, more efficient cars, and when new materials such as carbon composites are used, adhesives might be the only way to bond them as carbon fiber panels cannot be welded together. Of course, auto adhesives aren't perfect -- there are a few environmental concerns and some applications for which they just don't work very well. Which adhesives work best for the many different parts of a car? And how will the use of adhesives change the auto industry? As a result, will we see less expensive cars? If so, will they be safe? Keep reading to find out. Several engine components, such as this valve cover, are commonly secured with just a few bolts and adhesive epoxies that act primarily as a sealant.

Auto Glue

To many people, automotive adhesive on a vehicle's body panels may not sound out of the question, but what about gluing the engine? Can an auto adhesive stand up to the heat and pressures that engines are capable of producing? Yes, adhesives can be and currently are used in engines. In fact, valve covers, intake manifolds and oil pans are commonly attached using just a few bolts and an adhesive material that forms a fluid- or air-tight gasket, or seal.

Epoxies - Chemicals That Stick Together

Applying adhesive in auto manufacturing is a slightly more complicated process than just slathering on some glue and holding the two parts together. For one thing, automotive structural adhesives are made from chemicals called epoxies. An epoxy comes in two parts, a resin and a catalyst. When the two components are combined, the catalyst starts a chemical reaction in the resin, and the resin develops its bonding properties as the mixture cures. Curing times for the epoxy can range from just a few minutes to a day or even longer. In some cases, curing may be aided by baking or some other form of applied heat. Some epoxies even cure with the application of ultraviolet light. This rear window will be coated with adhesive before it's placed on a Dodge Caliber.

There are two types of epoxies commonly used: polyurethane epoxies and glassy matrix epoxies. Glassy matrix epoxies are extremely strong and rigid, and they resist shearing -- lateral separation of the bonded parts -- at very high force levels. Polyurethane epoxies are more flexible, but they break under shearing forces at much lower force levels than glassy matrix epoxies. A newer two-stage application process called synergistic rubber toughening gives high-strength epoxies greater flexibility so they are less likely to fracture under stress.

Further complicating the adhesive application process are the unique needs of an automotive production line. In some cases, adhesives must be applied to an entire section of the car in a single batch. After some additional parts are attached and bonded, the section may need to go through a cleaning and painting process before the final pieces are attached. The adhesive needs the ability to stay in place when subjected to liquid sprays, electro deposition and other assembly processes. To avoid the use of expensive pre-curing ovens, this curing ability can be built-in to the adhesive, but it requires a lot of testing and some impressive chemistry. The best place to use a structural adhesive is in a location where the primary forces are either compression, where the joined pieces are pushed together, or shear, where the force tries to slide the joined surfaces against one another, like pressing your hands together and trying to slide them apart. Structural adhesives are typically not good to use if the force acting on the joint would pull the two pieces apart as most adhesives have poor peel strength. Another poor location for a structural adhesive would be one where there are forces that would bend the joint, which could allow the joint to cleave and then peel. In addition to the epoxies, urethane foams are also used in certain areas of a car. While they do have adhesive properties, these foams are used more for their properties as sealants than as structural fasteners.

Pros and Cons of Adhesives

Using adhesives has some major advantages over other fastening methods. An adhesive distributes loads better than a spot weld or a rivet. Imagine two body panels that are attached with a few spot welds. Every time the car hits a bump, the force of the bump travels through the car. When it passes across those two body panels, the spot welds carry all the force. This leads to stress fractures in the area near the welds. An adhesive would allow the panels to be attached across a wider surface area, distributing the force in a more efficient manner. A good seam weld would accomplish the same thing, except welds are so rigid they don't transfer force very well. Adhesives, especially polyurethane epoxies, have the ability to flex and absorb some of the force, and transmit the rest of it evenly across the surface area.

This is one of the reasons airplane manufactures have been using adhesives for years. Aircraft manufacturers began using structural adhesives long before the auto industry made good use of them. Adhesives also allow for the use of lighter structural materials. Welds and bolts require thick, heavy steel pieces to anchor them. With an adhesive, thinner-grade steel can be used, or the manufacturer can switch to alternate materials such as aluminum or carbon composites. These materials can't be welded the way steel can, so adhesives are often the best option. Indian automaker Tata reduced the weight of their ultra compact Nano in part by using adhesives to attach certain body panels. Temperature does affect adhesives, but the epoxies used to assemble cars don't melt until they are heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.4 Celsius) or more, and they don't crack until they are cooled to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Tata Nano uses automotive adhesives to attach body panels -- and to reduce weight. That's not to say that adhesives are without their flaws. The auto industry doesn't have a lot of long-term data on the use of adhesives, and some question their ability to stand up to 10 or 20 years of use. Structural adhesives have been used by European manufacturers for several years, so confidence is growing in adhesives' longevity. There is one potential negative side-effect of adhesive use -- more expensive repairs. If an adhesive-bonded structural part breaks, most repair shops will not have the facilities necessary to rebound the adhesive. Instead, they would have to use a pre-bonded component sent by the manufacturer, possibly forcing the car's owner to pay for more than just the broken part. A good body shop can handle a cosmetic repair by cutting away the damaged section and patching in a new part with adhesives specifically designed for this purpose.

While adhesives are gaining wider use today, their use in auto assembly is not really new. Car windshields have been held in place by polyurethane epoxies for decades, and in the last ten years or so, manufacturers such as Saturn and even BMW have attached plastic cladding to their cars with adhesives instead of bolts or welds. As auto designers explore new technologies and new materials, we may see the use of adhesives skyrocket in the next few years. Even so, there will probably always be a place on the assembly line for a welder.

Fuel Stratified Injection

2009-01-09T11:48:00.027+05:30

Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous mix.

In case of petrol engines the air and the fuel are already mixed in the carburetor and sent to the combustion chamber for combustion .so the air -fuel ratio is same at each and every point in the combustion chamber. That is a homogeneous air-fuel mixture is burnt in the combustion chamber. But in case of diesel engines, since fuel is directly injected in to the cylinder and only air alone is coming through intake, the mixing of air and fuel will not be proper .so a heterogeneous mixture is obtained with different air-fuel ratio at different points in the combustion chamber.

Evolution Of FSI

The term FSI denotes Fuel Stratified Injection .also called as direct injection stratified charge, a brilliant technical version of advanced engine technology. FSI deals with combustion of both homogeneous as well as heterogeneous air-fuel mixtures in the combustion chamber of petrol engines. How it is possible to have both homogeneous as well as heterogeneous mixtures at the same time in the combustion chamber? We’ll see now.

FSI technology uses a high-pressure direct-injection pump to create perfect synergy between power and fuel efficiency. It makes engines cleaner, more economical and delivers peppier, more dynamic performance. In direct injection systems, fuel is injected directly into the cylinder so that the timing and shape of the fuel mist can be precisely controlled. This allows higher compression ratios and more efficient fuel intake, which deliver higher performance with lower fuel consumption. Most of the petrol engines work on the principle that an even or 'homogeneous' - mixture of fuel and air at the correct proportion is ideal for combustion. Especially if full power is required, for example when accelerating. But how much of the time are we accelerating? What happens under a trailing throttle, for example when slowing down or holding in traffic?

Engineers discovered that under those conditions having a homogeneous fuel-air mixture could be wasting energy, and thus fuel. At such times the FSI engine switches to something called a ‘’stratified’’ charge, where the injector releases a precisely-timed and directed smaller charge of fuel, creating a variable mixture of fuel and air that is richest around the spark plug, for instantaneous combustion, but that becomes leaner further away from the spark. Result? Enough power for the situation and a clean, highly efficient burn. In simple terms, this means that the driver has all the power he or she needs, whenever it is needed, but the engine smoothly and seamlessly switches to a leaner burn mode whenever the car is in a steady-state cruise or is decelerating.

Concept of FSI Engine Operation

Precise control over the amount of fuel injected and injection timings which are varied according to the load conditions is the norm in FSI engines. Basically, the engine management system continuously chooses between three different modes of combustion: ultra lean burn combustion, stoichiometric combustion and high power output mode. Each mode is characterized by the air-fuel ratio, the amount of fuel in the air-fuel mixture; the stoichiometric ratio for petrol is 14.7 to 1 by weight, but in ultra lean mode, it could be as high as 65 to 1. These leaner mixtures than those ever achieved in the conventional engines are desired because of reduced fuel consumption.

Ultra lean combustion mode is effective under normal running conditions, when little acceleration is required. The fuel is not injected at the intake stroke but rather at the latter stages of the compression stroke, so that the small amount of air-fuel mixture is optimally placed just near the spark plug. 　This stratified charge is surrounded by mostly air which keeps the fuel away from the cylinder walls for lowest emissions. The combustion takes place in a toroidal cavity on the piston's surface. This technique enables the usage of ultra lean mixtures with very high air-fuel ratio, impossible with traditional carburetors or even intake port injection.

Stoichiometric combustion mode is activated for moderate load conditions. In this mode, fuel is injected during the intake stroke. The air-fuel mixture is homogeneous with the stoichiometric rates necessary for the catalytic converter to remove the maximum number of major pollutants viz., CO and NO_X from the exhaust gas.

In full power mode, the air-fuel mixture is homogeneous as well but contains the maximum amount of fuel that is possible to ignite without knocking out, as defined by the compression ratio of the engine. The fuel is injected during the intake stroke. This mode is activated at high load conditions and provides maximum output and torque.

Mode of Operation of FSI

The heart of FSI, lies in the adoption of a mode known as "stratified charge", which gives the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder an extra swirl to create an electric charge (much as a thunderstorm is created) at the point where it reaches the spark plug. This allows for a leaner fuel-air mixture, using less fuel, and the excess air forms an insulating layer in the cylinder to guard against heat energy losses. Exhaust gas recirculation systems divert some of the waste exhaust gases back up for re-combustion, working with catalytic converters which process the remaining surplus harmful nitrous oxides and convert them into inert nitrogen. Besides reducing such emissions, FSI technology can reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 15 percent². The fuel injector, which shoots fuel directly into the combustion chamber, can control injection to within thousandths of a second, at pressures of up to 110 bars. As a comparison, indirect injection operates at pressures of up to 8 bars. Higher the pressure betters the efficiency.

Pros and Cons of FSI

The Merits of FSI are reduced emission, reduced fuel consumption, power on demand and reduced heat loss. The only disadvantage is during ultra-lean combustion mode, the exhaust gas temperature is high enough to account for considerable NOx emissions. However, most of this is negated by adopting “Exhaust Gas Recirculation” technique.

Latest Brake Development

2009-01-09T10:48:00.003+05:30

There's relatively less throughout for brake discs during the past 20-30 years. The most powerful disc brakes are still ventilated, cross-drilled and made of cast-iron, although larger wheels enable larger diameter of brake discs.

For calipers, road cars today still employ single caliper per disc. Each caliper is actuated by up to 4 pistons ("4-pot") or a few racing-biased cars may even employ 6-pot calipers. The caliper is made in a single piece - so called "monobloc" - and made of aluminium.

Cast-iron, aluminum and carbon-fiber discs

Obviously, cast-iron disc is the heaviest part of a brake - about 8 kg each, or 32 kg per car. Aluminium alloy discs are used in the base Lotus Elise. Though light, they were less resistant to heat and fade, thus more powerful Elises still employ conventional cast-iron disc.

In contrast, carbon-fiber disc is most heat-resisting yet is by far the lightest, however, it requires very high working temperature, otherwise braking power and response will be unacceptable. (it's expensive as well) It was first introduced in Formula One, but applying to road cars seems impractical (F1 cars have warm up lap to bring the discs into appropriate working temperature), although the short-lived French sports car specialists Venturi made history by applying it to its road cars in the mid-90s.

Porsche's ceramic disc brakes

Recently, Porsche introduced a breakthrough to the 996 Turbo - ceramic disc brakes. Ceramic disc is highly heat and fade-resisting. Moreover, it is just 4 kg each, or half of a conventional cast-iron disc, thus save 16 kg per car. This benefit performance as well as ride quality (because of lower unsprung weight). The ceramic disc is based on specially treated carbon-fibers that are siliconized at 1,700°C in a high-vacuum process.

Accompany with a new metallic brake pad, Porsche claimed it provides superior braking power yet requires less effort, thus does not require brake assist. The pad does not absorb water, hence excellent response under wet conditions.