Tesla’s Model X Is Here, and It’s as Awesome as We Hoped

THE WORLD’S FIRST luxury electric SUV is gorgeous. It’s futuristic. And once again, Tesla Motors is redefining the electric vehicle.

The Silicon Valley automaker has teased us for years with the Model X, and tonight it finally gave the world its first look at the production model, then handed six customers the keys.

Those people now own a $130,000 electric vehicle that will go 250 miles on a charge, carry seven people and haul more stuff than anyone but a hoarder might want with him. And although the X shares much of its DNA with the impressive Model S P90D sedan, in many ways it eclipses that phenomenal car. It’s not just the design, which is futuristic without being weird. It’s not just the performance, which isholy shit fast. And it’s not even the dramatic “falcon” doors that lift like the wings of a bird.

It’s how all of those features come together in a vehicle that somehow makes an SUV not just cool, but desirable.

But then, that’s what Tesla does.

“The mission of Tesla is to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport,” CEO Elon Musk said at the car’s reveal, held at the company’s factory in Fremont, California. “It’s important to know that any kind of car can go electric.”

 Read complete story at : http://www.wired.com/2015/09/tesla-model-x-suv-reveal-specs-price/

Candy overload is around the corner.

As the annual sugar high known as Halloween fast approaches, Yahoo Food is hard at work dishing up recipes for ginger-spiked pumpkin cheesecake, salted caramel Snickers cake, and even crimson-hued cocktails fit for Dracula. But let’s get real, we all know the holiday’s real draw: candy.

To better understand our collective sweet tooth, Yahoo conducted a survey to learn how we like to stuff our faces on Oct. 31. Here’s what we learned:

1. Your favorite Halloween candy is the peanut butter cup.
A strong 21 percent of respondents prefer the creamy, peanut-buttery treat above all else. Snickers came in at second place with a respectable 16 percent of the vote.

2. You really hate licorice.
Like, a lot. Eighteen percent of respondents turn their nose up at the candy (both red and black varieties), although both candy corn and raisins garnered their fair share of dislike with 13 percent of voters saying they couldn’t stand either. On the upside, only nine percent said getting fruit was a total bummer. Good news for dentists everywhere!

3. You’re only into Halloween for the candy.
To heck with creepy decorations and scary movies! The greatest number of people said candy is their favorite part of Halloween, followed closely by costumes. Speaking of which, might we interest you in a foodie dog costume?

4. Less than a quarter of you will hand out healthy treats.
Not that we’re surprised. A whopping 95 percent of respondents said they’ll dole out candy to trick-or-treaters, while only 16 percent said they’ll give out healthy snacks. It makes sense, considering that 86 percent of people said neither calorie count or fat content will play a role in determining which treats they’ll pick. You can always kickstart that diet in January, eh?

5. You’re willing to shell out the big bucks for candy.
Forty percent of people said they’ll spend between $20 and $50 on this year’s treats. That’s a lot of peanut butter cups!

6. Self control is not completely dead.
A majority (40 percent) of respondents said they’ll eat five treats or fewer on Halloween, which seems like a reasonable indulgence to us. In fact, 40 percent of people said they plan to cut down on their sugar intake this Halloween. However, 18 percent of people said they’ll scarf down 20 pieces or more, which makes our stomachs hurt just thinking about it.

7. You’re concerned about allergies.
Twenty percent of people said they’re worried about their kids eating something that might trigger an allergic reaction. It’s more of a problem now than ever, as food allergies are on the rise.

8. Homemade treats are a no-no.
Maybe you’ll conjure a batch of cute Halloween-themed brownies at home, but most respondents — 70 percent of them — said they won’t let their kids tuck into homemade or unpackaged treats given out while trick or treating.

9. You’re totally going to eat your kids’ trick-or-treating haul.
Sixty-eight percent of readers came clean and admitted they plan to steal some of their kids’ hard-earned candy after they pass out from sugar exhaustion. Thirty-two percent said they wouldn’t… or they’re lying about it.

10. Sharing is caring when it comes to candy.
Fifty-six percent of people said they’ll make their kids share their treats with siblings in the event that they rake in more than expected. If you think that’s unfair, reconsider — 10 percent of people said they’d throw out the surplus altogether. Say it ain’t so!

 See more at: https://www.yahoo.com/food/your-favorite-halloween-candy-and-9-more-fun-facts-141816434.html

Hungry? This customized Domino’s delivery car keeps up to 80 pizzas piping hot.

Have you ever been so hungry that you ate an entire pizza by yourself? How about two? How about 80? If you’ve yet to elevate yourself to those gastrointestinal heights, you’re in luck thanks to Domino’s and Chevrolet.

The Michigan-based pizza company has officially unveiled the Domino’s Innovative DXP, a uniquely-crafted delivery vehicle with the ability to ferry up to 80 pies at a time. Based on the Chevy Spark, the car features a bespoke interior designed for maximum nutriment storage, making it the first pizza-carrier of its type.

“The Domino’s DXP is the first purpose-built vehicle aimed at revolutionizing pizza delivery,”said Russell Weiner, President of Domino’s USA. “This innovation allows drivers to do their jobs with greater ease and efficiency, and demonstrates that Domino’s is absolutely fanatical about making perfect deliveries.”

There are many elements that make up the ideal delivery vehicle, and the DXP is chock-full of them. It features an illuminated warming oven that’s accessible via the key fob, and the entire cabin is coated with a non-slip, easy-to-clean material.  

There are also special compartments for salads, wings, sauces, and 2-liter bottles of soda inside. As far as the exterior goes, the Spark is decked out in Domino’s livery, including a puddle light that projects the brand’s logo on the ground. The vehicle is also fuel efficient with a 39-mpg highway rating, meaning it can spend less time at the pump and more time delivering crispy, bubbly, and cheesy goodness straight to your door.

Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/dominos-innovative-dxp-chevrolet-spark-pizza-delivery-car/#ixzz3pUK7hMmQ

THE MIAMI BUCKET LIST: 29 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE

Miami's a hotspot for tourists and out-of-towners, so naturally, there are tons of things to do in the city. So many, in fact, that this list could have easily been 1,000 ideas long, but ain’t nobody got time for that. Thankfully, we narrowed it down (in no particular order) to 29 totally sweet and not-so-obvious things to do in the 305 before you bite it. Dale, Miami!

1. Eat stone crabs at Joe’s Stone Crab

From October 15-May 15, eat all the stone crab your stomach (and wallet) can handle at this old-school institution. Just get there early or else you’re going to wait 2+ hours for a table.

2. Play a round of golf at Doral’s Blue Monster

You’ll be dropping at least $450, but it’s one of the best courses in the country.

3. Have brunch at The Biltmore

$85 gets you a massive spread of big baller brunch food and bottomless Champagne in a lush courtyard setting. Afterwards, veg out poolside.

4. Ride an airboat through the Everglades

What with urban sprawl and global warming, the Everglades may bite it before, er, you do. Plus, you may run into some alligators, snakes, and birds.

5. Watch a Miami Heat playoff game at the American Airlines Arena

Because we’ve made it to the finals plenty of times without you LeBron James.

6. Have a cafecito at La ventanita

3:05 Cafecito is the city’s official cafecito time. Head to two of the city’s most popular places -- El Exquisito (pictured above) or Versailles, and order it with extra sugar and a side of pastelito. Stick around and you may hear some interesting Cuban stories.

7. Swim at the Venetian Pool

At 820,000 gallons, it’s the largest freshwater pool in the country and a great place to cool off from the Miami heat.

8. Play dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park

This here is the city’s non-official. official gathering place for domino enthusiasts. Whether you’re playing or just watching, it’s serious business. Located in the middle of Little Havana, you thankfully don’t need to speak Spanish to understand what’s going on.

9. Go to Homestead to eat Mexican food

Real deal Mexican food can be found in Homestead, so create own multi-restaurant food tour and on the way back; visit Mexico Market and Redland’s Farmers Market for authentic products.
 

10. Get lost in Downtown Miami

Downtown sometimes gets a bad rap, but it’s actually quite beautiful. Park your car and walk around, you’ll find cool architecture, hidden walkways, and international food.

11. Watch the Flight of the Flamingos at Hialeah Park Racing & Casino

Flamingos take flight daily during race days. Then, stick around to play the slots at the new casino.

12. Eat a Publix sub

Preferably a chicken tender one, but any will do. They are a true rite of passage.

13. Check out Wynwood’s art

Whether you are a tourist or a local, this is a requisite. Grab a coffee or tea at Panther Coffee and walk amongst some of the sweetest street art you'll ever see. You may even bump into an artist in action.
 

14. Stand in line for a Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon roll

Much like Joe’s, diehard fans make plans around this sweet number’s seasonality, October-April. Pro tip: go on a weekday when the lines are shorter as rolls tend to sell out on weekends. Work off the calories by picking strawberries on the fields afterwards.

15. Get on a boat and see Stiltsville

Kill three birds with one stone: get on a boat, cruise around Biscayne Bay, and pass bythis group of seven wood-stilt houses, which served as party central in the city’s heyday of sin. With special permits, you can even host a party in one of the houses.

16. Join a CSA

Skip the supermarket and eat some local stuff. There is a healthy CSA community in Homestead.

17. Go on an Art Deco walking tour

Made most famous by Miami Vice, this preserved architectural style of short pastel buildings, porthole windows, and terrazzo floors, actually dates back to the late '20s and '30s. Walking tours help put context to it all.
 

18. Get invited to a quinceañera party... or crash one

Quinceañera courts, choreographed dance numbers, ridiculous dresses, and reggaeton music. If you haven’t been to one of these parties, brush off your best Wedding Crashersskills and do it. Hang around any one of the city’s banquet halls, and you’ll find one in no time.

19. Catch a show/use the bathroom at Churchill’s Pub

An icon since 1979, this is CBGB-esque club is Miami’s haven for the alternative clad, and it's got a disgusting bathroom with a reputation all its own.

20. Go to one of the city’s many festivals

Miami is host to hundreds of festivals all year long, so why not take advantage? There’s something for every taste: South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Ultra Music Festival, Florida Supercon, Miami Book Fair International, Calle Ocho Festival…

21. Take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean

Sometimes life gets in the way, but don’t forget we live less than 25 minutes from the beach. Visit it once in awhile, even just to dip your toes.

22. Take a cruise from PortMiami

We live in one of the cruise capitals of the world, so why do we insist on planning our weekend getaways from Port Everglades, 45 minutes away. This also gives you an excuse to check out the new-ish Port Miami Tunnel, too.

23. Watch a game of jai alai

Passionate players are still perfecting the "world’s fastest game" on the outskirts of Miami Springs.

24. Eat alligator or frog

Before there was Cuban, Jewish, and even Bahamian cuisine, there was Florida fare. Indulge in the past with alligator and frog legs, because... um, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?
 

25. Roast a pig in a Caja China

A large Cuban population means lots of pork eating. The best way to make it is in thisCuban pig roasting box. Crunchy skin meets juicy pork fat and tenderlion.

26. Eat Haitian food

Stepsister to Cuban cuisine no more, Miami is home to the largest Haitian and Haitian-American populations in the country. With that comes some of the best food this side of the Caribbean island.

27. Drink a Florida Weisse beer

A traditional style (Berliner Weisse) goes Miami with an infusion of fresh local fruits. Johnathan Wakefield of J. Wakefield Brewing is the style’s local godfather.
 

28. Come out of a nightclub when the sun comes up

You can have your 2am closing times, rest of the country. We like to party until the sun comes up and then some. E11EVEN is open 24/7, while Club Space is notorious for their into-the-afternoon parties. At which point, you should probably get some breakfast.
 

29. Get Clevelander seats at Marlins Park

Only in Miami can you party AND watch a baseball game (lower level next to third base) at the same time. Priorities, yo. Did we mention there’s a pool?

To read more visit https://www.thrillist.com/eat/miami/miami-spice-guide-best-restaurant-deals

Yokohama wants to put spoilers on your tires for aero

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that it has made new advances in tire aerodynamics technology that control the air flow around tires in motion. The new development reduces vehicle aerodynamic drag and lift. Application of the new technology could lead to the development of new tires that will raise fuel efficiency and increase vehicle safety.

Following its successful research on rolling resistance, Yokohama Rubber has been focusing its research on aerodynamics technology on the reduction of vehicle air drag, including the use of aerodynamic simulation technology since 2010. In December 2012, Yokohama Rubber developed a technology for placing fin-shaped protuberances on the inner sidewall of the tire in a radial or spoke-like pattern to reduce the aerodynamic drag inside the wheel wells. The latest development seeks to control aerodynamic flow throughout the vehicle body by using a new fin shape and placement technique that places the fin protuberances at angles near the tire's shoulder. The fins on the tire's outer sidewall help to reduce vehicle aerodynamic drag when on the upper part of the tire during its rotation while suppressing vehicle aerodynamic lift when on the lower part of the tire. In addition, we conducted a large-scale parameter study in collaboration with a team led by Professor Shigeru Obayashi of Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University; this study used a Supercomputer "K" to run aerodynamic simulations at different parameter values to determine the impact of changes in the parameter values on a desired result. This study led to new knowledge about the optimal placement of fins on the tire surface in order to enhance tire aerodynamics.

To date, Yokohama Rubber's research on aerodynamics technology has to a number of new tire designs that contribute to vehicle fuel efficiency, including a dimple design that places small depressions on the side of the tire and the aforementioned fin tires, with fins located on the side of the tire. The latest breakthrough will enable more optimal placement and shaping of dimples and fins as Yokohama Rubber accelerates its research of tire designs that not only improve tires' fuel performance but also enhance performance in many other areas.

The aerodynamic tire with new fin pattern will be on display at the YOKOHAMA display at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015, to be held from 28 October at the Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan.

Aerodynamic flow from the upper part of the aerodynamic tire with new fin pattern runs along the side of the tire and car body while flow from the lower part of the tire spreads out from car body.

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Camp Jeep: A Crowd Favorite at the Miami International Auto Show

Miami, FL – October 19, 2015 – Jeep® is bringing its Camp Jeep® interactive, off-road experience back to the Miami International Auto Show presented by Ally Auto which runs November 6-15, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Located on Convention Center Drive. Camp Jeep® is the ultimate outdoor off-road driving test. The 20,000-square foot exhibit offers auto show attendees a chance to experience the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles.

“We have created this unique auto show opportunity to provide our customers with a memorable experience that no other manufacturer can offer,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The iconic Jeep brand offers an adventurous lifestyle and vehicles that deliver legendary 4x4 capability. Attendees will enjoy the Jeep experience first-hand.”

The course provides consumers a first-hand look at the capability standards of Jeep vehicles for Ground Clearance, Traction, Stability, Articulation and Suspension. The Jeep Test Track is an interactive adventure zone where professional 4x4 drivers allow riders to experience a Jeep's on and off-road capabilities. Product specialists will chauffeur participants in an All-New Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Wrangler Rubicon, Cherokee Trailhawk and Grand Cherokee, to allow consumers to experience the legendary capabilities of a Jeep.

Each ride is about 5 minutes long. Test-ride participants 17 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and be at least 44 inches tall. Camp Jeep will be open during all hours of the Miami International Auto Show.

The Miami International Auto Show presented by Ally Auto is among the largest nationally and takes place Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 15, 2015. Admission to the show is $15 for adults, $6 children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.

For more information see: http://www.sfliautoshow.com/Press/Camp-Jeep-A-Crowd-Favorite-at-the-Miami-International-Auto-Show

Hercules Introduces New Ironman I-Series Patterns

Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. has added three new patterns to its Ironman I-Series medium truck lineup.

The new patterns include two new all-position tires – the Ironman I-402 Wide Base Mixed Service A/P and Ironman I-502 Premium Deep Tread A/P – and one tire for trailer applications – the Ironman I-480 Trailer Rib.

The Ironman I-402 Wide Base Mixed Service A/P is designed for work trucks with a tear-resistant compound and deep tread for on- and off-road applications, Hercules said. The tiremaker said tread also yields longer mileage. The tire is currently available in four LRJ sizes – 315/80R22.5, 385/65R22.5, 425/65R22.5, 445/65R22.5 – and a 315/80R22.5 LRM is expected to be available by the end of the year.

The Ironman I-502 Premium Deep Tread A/P is designed for both steer and trailer applications and will be available in nine SKUs, including high-volume sizes and LRM sizes. The tire features a five-rib design that is great for mileage and shoulder wear resistance on steer axle use, the tiremaker said. Additionally, it has a deep tread for longer mileage in high scrub applications and solid wide shoulder for durability and even wear.

The Ironman I-480 Trailer Rib adds the 11R24.5/14 and 11R24.5/16 sizes to the lineup for short and long haul trailer applications. The tires’ five-rib tread pattern allows for long mileage and shoulder wear resistance and solid shoulders and four wide grooves assist with wet and dry traction, Hercules said.

Most of the new Ironman lineup SKUs are now available, the company said.

For more information, visit www.herculestire.com.

From Seed to Tread: Bridgestone Reveals First Tires Made Entirely of Natural Rubber Components

Bridgestone Corporation announced today that it successfully built passenger tires with 100 percent of its natural rubber-containing components derived from guayule*, a desert shrub that grows in arid regions. Built at the Bridgestone Technical Center in Japan, the tires are particularly unique because they were constructed using the company’s guayule natural rubber cultivated by Bridgestone at its Biorubber Process Research Center (BPRC) in Mesa, Arizona, U.S.A.

A truly global effort, Bridgestone built similar passenger tires at its operations in Rome, Italy earlier this summer. In those tire builds, all of the tire’s major natural rubber components — including the tread, sidewall and bead filler — were replaced with natural rubber extracted from guayule grown and harvested by Bridgestone.

Tire demand is expected to increase in conjunction with global population growth and the advancement of motorization in developing nations. Today, approximately 90 percent of all natural rubber is harvested from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree, which is primarily grown in tropical regions of Southeast Asia. The number one tire and rubber company in the world, Bridgestone is continuing to invest in and advance major research and development in search of new and more sustainable sources of natural rubber to alleviate the overconcentration of natural rubber production in certain regions.

Natural rubber is the primary raw material used to produce tires worldwide, and it’s consumed in large quantities. Bridgestone’s future research endeavors will focus on optimizing the natural rubber content in each guayule shrub, as well as evaluating applications in a wider range of tire types and rubber compounds.

Guayule grows in the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, and the natural rubber made from guayule is a plant-derived biomaterial similar to the natural rubber harvested from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. As guayule grows in arid regions, as opposed to the tropical regions where the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree is found, the further development of guayule rubber is anticipated to contribute to the diversification of natural rubber sources.

After securing a plot of agricultural land in Eloy, Arizona, with an area of 114 hectares or approximately 281 acres, the Bridgestone Group established a research farm to employ advanced breeding practices and develop guayule cultivation techniques. The Bridgestone Agro Operations Research Farm opened in September 2013. One year later (September 2014), Bridgestone opened the BPRC and established, in-house, all processes necessary for developing guayule natural rubber for use in tire applications, including research and development, experimental production, and manufacturing.

The Bridgestone Group will continue its research activities with guayule and various other raw materials with the aim of achieving its long-term environmental vision of shifting towards 100 percent sustainable materials in tires by 2050.

to see more visit: http://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2015/-from-seed-to-tread--bridgestone-reveals-first-tires-made-entire#sthash.kK0m3KCY.dpuf

Brakes for Breast Fundraiser in Fifth Year

October kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness month and with it comes fundraisers for the cause. Brakes for Breast, now in its fifth year, is one of those fundraisers.

“The beauty of getting involved is that together we truly can make a difference.  The side story to Brakes for Breasts is that independent repair shops across the country have joined hands to puts the brakes on breast cancer,” said Leigh Anne Best, a co-founder of the Brakes for Breast fundraiser.

As part of Brakes for Breasts, auto shops across the U.S. offer free brake pads to their customers during the month of October. For each brake service performed at one of those shops, customers will receive their brake pads for free and just pay for the labor and other parts. In return, the shop will donate 10% of that brake service to The Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.

The fundraiser works because a repair or tire shop receives free brake pads or shoes from their vendor and in turn the store purchases all other parts for that job from that vendor in October. The store can then offer free brake pads or shoes to their clients.

The Brakes for Breasts fundraiser started in 2011 with just five independent repair shops in Northeast Ohio raising $10,000. In 2014, 136 shops raised $115,236.53.
This year 169 auto repair shops and tires dealers from 33 different states have signed up to participate.

While October is just around the corner, it’s not too late for tire dealers to get on board with the fundraiser.

“The nice thing is that even if you get on board with little time left, it really helps to set you up for a fantastic fundraiser the following year.  The first year there is always a small learning curve, and like anything, we get better and better the more we repeat something,” Best said.