Tuesday, November 2, 2010

MV Agusta F3

We have just one thing to say about the MV Agusta F3: We want one. Badly.

This bit of two-wheeled heaven is everything we love about motorcycles: It is impossibly gorgeous, it is ridiculously fast, and it almost certainly handles like nobody’s business. MV boss Giovanni Castiglioni tells Hell For Leather the F3 will be “the smallest supersport ever produced.”

The 675-cc inline triple is good for a claimed 140 horsepower. That, according to the guys at Hell For Leather, makes it the second most-powerful engine in its class behind the Ducati 848 Evo. Top-shelf hardware includes Marzocchi fork, Sachs shock, Brembo brakes, yada yada. Two cool bits of tech, both first in the class, include traction control and a counter-rotating crankshaft to minimize vibrations.

The styling nicely updates that of the F4, which is among the most beautiful motorcycles ever.

Anything this cool isn’t cheap, and the F3 is no exception. Look for a sticker price of 11,500 euros, which comes to $15,970.












Smoking Hot Latina Ninel Conde!

Oh she's also 40!








Exclusive Look: Where The Workers Who Made Your iPhone Sleep At Night

Exclusive Look: Where The Workers Who Made Your iPhone Sleep At Night



Foxconn's factory in Shenzhen, China, is home to about half of its 420,000 workers. They make many of our gadgets and computers, then walk to dormitories on the 2.1-kilometer-square campus. I got to look inside.




Foxconn's factory in Shenzhen, China, is home to about half of its 420,000 workers. They make many of our gadgets and computers, then walk to dormitories on the 2.1-kilometer-square campus. I got to look inside.




A dorm room. Eight workers sleep in four bunk beds in a room about the size of a two-car garage.




Toiletries kept on a shelf in mugs.


A television viewing room is available on each floor. I joked with the Foxconn executive who was with me that of all the places in the world that could probably manage to get bigger television screens installed, it was probably here at Foxconn, who make televisions for the world's largest brands.



Since a spate of eleven suicides earlier this year, every building on the Foxconn campus is draped in netting. It is morbid but seemingly effective; there have been no suicides since the nets were installed in May.



Workout equipment in the spaces between buildings.



In a newer dorm, a sink is shared on the balcony, where workers can wash their clothing and themselves. Management of the living quarters has recently been outsourced to a local operations company in an attempt to address concerns about an employer managing living conditions of its workers. It's unclear how outside management will fundamentally alter the nature of on-campus living.

This special report is a partnership between Gizmodo and WIRED Magazine.




Facebook Predicts When You're Likely To Get Dumped

Facebook Predicts When You're Likely To Get Dumped





Facebook status updates can be creepy and revealing, but they can also help predict when you're likely to find yourself dumped. Naturally, there's good news and bad news to be found in the data.
David McCandless, the fellow behind some of the stunning data visualizations we've posted in the past, gave a rather fascinating TED talk a while back. And what stood out among all the clever trivia and tidbits about data were the statistics he shared about romances.
Apparently David and his team looked at about 10,000 Facebook status updates and searched for patterns related to break ups. Their discoveries? You're very likely to get dumped on Mondays, right before Spring Break, two weeks before Christmas, and at some point before the summer holidays.
The good news about the whole mess is that it seems that people feel quite bad about dumping someone right on Christmas Day, so you can breathe a bit easier while unwrapping your presents.

Monday, November 1, 2010

2011 John Deere Gator XUV 825i 4x4 Review

2011 John Deere Gator XUV 825i 4x4 Review




Awesome Power
The 50 HP, 812cc engine left very little to be desired as we took off down the trail. It did not take long at all to find a place to open it up to its top speed of 44 MPH. We were notably impressed with this speed out of such a workhorse of a machine. Its three cylinder, 4-cycle automatic engine has the most displacement and power in its class. It also has excellent low-end torque that kicked in as we came to the first steep hill climb. We suspect it would also come in handy for towing and hauling.
The reps later explained how the advanced clutching and use of a tighter belt was part of what provided the faster acceleration, along with the two-range CVT transmission, which also helps with the low-speed towing. One aspect that we appreciated, even though we did not need it at this particular test ride, was the electronic fuel injection which provides better throttle response and starting in cold weather and in higher altitudes. 

Rough Terrain
Conquering rough terrain is something you will need to be able to do whether you are working on the farm or cutting it up out on the trail. It is good to know that the 825i provides on-demand four-wheel drive at the flip of a switch. The 825i also has the option of a lockable rear differential so the rear drive wheels work together for any spots where you just a little extra boost.
The independent double-wishbone long-travel suspension combined with 11-inches of ground clearance made light work of all the obstacles we encountered on this extensive trail system. This combination also makes for a more comfortable ride whether on the trail or on the farm. The full clutch enclosure also allowed us to go through all the water crossings without any problem. John Deere representative said they recommend avoiding water deeper than 22 inches.



Stability
One of the most common concerns for side-by-sides is the stability factor. John Deere employs a solid core steel sway bar and double-ball drop-link to help insure more stability, reduce body lean and provide more durability in all areas whether at work or at play. The 825i is wide enough (62 inches), long enough (119 inches) and has a low enough center of gravity, to produce what feels like one of the most stable vehicles in its class.
Workability
While playing out on the trail with the XUV 825i is an awesome adventure in itself, the workability aspect is still one of the main considerations of most UTV buyers. Keeping true to its reputation of producing top-of-the-line work vehicles, John Deere did not miss the mark here.
The John Deere 825i 4x4 engine is built with heavy-duty components such as an aluminum head, thrust bearings and a cast block with painted interior. To increase endurance under twisting and turning out on the trail or carrying heavy loads, the 825i frame is hydro-formed and the A-arms are made of cast iron to withstand the jackhammer abuse of the most severe terrain. As added protection, the 825i comes equipped with a full-steel skid plate guard. Additionally, body panels are made of scratch resistant engineered polymer. These panels are paintable so the John Deere XUV can keep looking as good as it runs.

Cargo
What is a work vehicle without great cargo capabilities? John Deere knows this and acts on it with one of the largest cargo boxes in its class at 45 inches in length, 52 inches wide and 12 inches deep with a 1,000-pound capacity. Backing this up is a 1,400-pound payload capacity and a 1,500-pound towing capacity. To keep your cargo secure, the cargo box features 20 tie-down points to make keeping the load in place easier. You can also quickly convert the cargo area to a flatbed to haul larger items. The pick-up style tailgate is easy to use without all the latches and guards, while the steel reinforced bed and body guard provide strength and durability. As well, the cargo area has gas-assist to make loading and unloading faster and easier. Cargo bed options include a factory spray-in bed liner and power lift.
One of the things we liked most about the cargo box is the exclusive Quick-Clamp system, which makes adding the attachments quick and easy.

Competition
Honda’s Big Red, Kawasaki’s Mule 4010 4x4, Yamaha's Rhino 700, and Polaris’ Ranger 800 are some of the top competitors to the John Deere 825i.
All five of these models come with automatic transmissions with liquid cooled engines, spark arresting mufflers, electronic fuel injected fuel pumps and all are four-wheel or all-wheel drive. 
One thing that sets the John Deere apart is its three-cylinder engine, which is a fairly uncommon setup for off-road machines. All others units have either a one- or two-cylinder engine. Out of this group the John Deere also boasts the largest engine displacement at 812cc, compared to the Ranger’s 760cc, the Rhino’s 686cc, the Big Red’s 675cc, and the Mule’s 617cc mills.



Summary
I believe the John Deere 825i is one of the best choices on the market for anyone looking for a good crossover vehicle they can use on the farm and out on the trail. I often say that I would recommend a certain vehicle if you plan to do a bit more work than play or another one if you plan to play more than work. However, the John Deere XUV 825i 4x4 ($11,199) would seem an excellent choice for almost any combination of work and play.




Specifications
Engine
   • Type: 4-cycle gasoline with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
   • Cylinders: 3
   • Valve: Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
   • Horsepower: 50 (37 kw) @ 6000 rpm
   • Displacement: 812 cc
   • Maximum torque, ft – lb: 47 (64) @ 3200 rpm
   • Ignition Type: Solid State 12V
   • Lubrication: Full Pressure
   • Oil Filter: Screw on Filter
   • Cooling System: Liquid
   • Muffler: Spark-arresting
   • Battery: 340CCA
   • Alternator: 75 amp @6000 rpm, regulated
   • Headlights: Two 27 watt halogen
Fuel System
   • Capacity: 5.3 gallons (20.1 liters)
   • Consumption (half load at avg. speed) U.S. gal/hr: 0.7 (2.65)
   • Fuel Pump: Electric
4WD
   • System Type: On-demand true four-wheel drive
   • Front Differential: Auto-locking (on/off rocker switch)
   • Rear Differential: Positive locking, mechanically actuated
Transmission
   • Type: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
   • Drive Belt: Spun top cog, 31 mm wide
   • Ground Speed, mph: Hi Forward (0-44), Lo Forward (0-27), Reverse (0-32)
   • Transaxle: Two speed, oil bath
   • Gear Selection: Forward (hi-lo) Neutral, Reverse
   • Overall Reduction Ratio: Low (86.8488:1), High (42.1430:1), Reverse (75.9333:1)
   • Brakes: Front/rear hydraulic disk
   • Park Brake: driveline mechanical disk, hand operated
   • Bearings: Sealed, double-row ball
   • Axle: 27 mm dia. forged CV-Shaft with Double Offset Joint
Suspension and Steering
   • Suspension, Front: Fully Independent Dual A-Arm with adjustable coils
   • Front Suspension, Travel: 8 inches (203 mm)
   • Suspension, Rear: Fully Independent Dual A-Arm with adjustable coils and sway bar
   • Rear Suspension, Travel: 9 inches (229 mm)
   • Steering: Rack and Pinion
   • Turning Radius: 12.4 feet (3.8 meters)
Hitch
   • Front: Standard 2-inch receiver
   • Rear: Standard 2-inch receiver
Occupant Protective Systems
   • Tubular Overhead Structure: 1.75 inch (44.4mm) Steel Tube
   • Passenger Grab Handles: Front OPS post, front dash
   • Seat Belts: 3-point
Ground Pressure (Max.)
   • With 200 lb Operator: 14 psi (0.98 kg/cm2)
   • Fully Loaded Vehicle: 14 psi (0.98 kg/cm2)
Ground Clearance
   • Ground Clearance: 11 inches (267 mm)
   • Under Foot Platform: 12.25 inches (311 mm)
Dimensions
   • Length: 119 inches (3021 mm)
   • Width:  62 inches (1574 mm)
   • Wheelbase: 79 inches (2007 mm)
   • Height: 75 inches (1903 mm)
   • Weight (including fuel/fluids): 1640 lbs (744 kg)
   • Seating Capacity: 2
   • Seat Type: Professional high back, bucket (tilt forward)
   • Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs (680 kg)
   • Payload Capacity: 1400 lbs (635 kg)
   • Sound Rating (at operator’s ear): 89.4 dB(A)
Cargo Box
   • Material: Polypropylene side panels and tailgate, steel floor and load guard
   • Dimensions: 45L x 52W x 12D (in), 1143L x 1320W x 304.8D (mm)
   • Volume: 16.4 cu. Ft (0.46 m3)
   • Weight Capacity: 1000 lb (454 kg)
   • Dump: Manual with lift assist shock (factory installed power lift option)
   • Tailgate:  Hinged at bottom, removable
Tires
   • Front: 26x9-12 Ancla M-T (Extreme Terrain) 25x9-12 Terrahawk AT (All Terrain)
   • Rear: 26x11-12 Ancla M-T (Extreme Terrain) 25x9-12 Terrahawk AT (All Terrain)
   • Available Tread: Ancla M-T (Extreme Terrain), Terrahawk AT (All Terrain) Maxxis BigHorn
   • Types: 2.0 Radials (Extreme Terrain) Front: 27x9-14, Rear: 27x11-14
Color Options
   • John Deere Green and Yellow
   • Olive and Black
   • REALTREE HARDWOODS HD Camo 

My Little Dita Tribute!

I am strangely attracted....





















Detectives to get Facebook training to hunt killers

Detectives to get Facebook training to hunt killers

Detectives are to get training on using social network websites like Facebook and Twitter in order to catch killers.
The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) is overhauling its training to bring it up to date.
Police are reportedly examining posts on Facebook made both before and after the murder earlier this week of 17-year-old Marvin Henry in north London.
Adam Mann was jailed for life this month for killing ex-wife Lisa Beverley after she taunted him on Facebook.
And in May 2008 19-year-old Vicky Couchman went missing in East Sussex. Her Bebo page was updated after her disappearance by her father Tony Couchman, who is believed to have killed her.


He was found dead in his prison cell earlier this year on the eve of his murder trial.
Deputy Chief Constable Nick Gargan, acting head of the NPIA, said: "This programme is a vital part of the career pathway for detectives and the new training covers sensitive areas of policing where limited guidance existed previously.
"These improvements are exactly what detectives need to tackle the challenges and complexities of modern policing effectively."
Around 3,500 detectives take the crime investigator's development programme every year.
Most of those trained by the NPIA will be from England and Wales but it works closely with Scottish forces and the PSNI and also makes courses available to the Serious and Organised Crime Agency and the UK Borders Agency.
The training course will also include sections on how to record allegations of domestic violence and rape and how to treat suspected "honour-based crimes".
Detectives will also be taught to recognise the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress disorder in victims and witnesses to avoid adding to their trauma.

Your Daily Fix





HOW TO TICK PEOPLE OFF

HOW TO TICK PEOPLE OFF

  1. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 99 copies.
  2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors."
  3. Specify that your drive-through order is "TO-GO."
  4. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others.
  5. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets.
  6. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up."
  7. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what you think."
  8. Practice making fax and modem noises.
  9. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc" them to your boss.
  10. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.
  11. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy."
  12. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears and grimacing.
  13. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room.
  14. Holler random numbers while someone is counting.
  15. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."
  16. Staple pages in the middle of the page.
  17. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a croaking noise.
  18. Honk and wave to strangers.
  19. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints at the cash register.
  20. TYPE IN UPPERCASE.
  21. type only in lowercase.
  22. dont use any punctuation either
  23. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets.
  24. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times.
    "DO YOU HEAR THAT?"
    "What?"
    "Never mind, it's gone now."
  25. As much as possible, skip rather than walk.
  26. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "No, wait, I messed it up," and repeat.
  27. Ask people what gender they are.
  28. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet.
  29. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.
  30. Sing along at the opera.
  31. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.
  32. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."

For The Gamers