Technology blogging

pIMAGINE owning a superbike that punts out a massive 168bhp of raw V-Twin power with 97lb/ft of torque./p
pNow imagine hitting a corner apex and whacking that throttle open as hard as you can. Now imagine that instead of history’s biggest highside, you’re greeted by a gripping tyre that propels you out of the corner and into the distance, in a way that no other production superbike could ever manage, just like you were some kind of Casey Stoner riding clone./p
pYou’ve just imagined riding the brand new toy from the land of Spaghetti and red dream machines - Ducati’s 1198 S./p
pIt was only two years ago that a href=http://blog.automoton.info/category/motorcycles/ducati-motorcycles/Ducati/a brought out three versions of its stunning new superbike, the 1098. The ?12,000 base model, the ?14,000 higher-spec S, and the ?24,000 World Superbike-derived, all-singing all-dancing R version. Of course, there’s also the ?40,000 MotoGP-derived Desmosedici RR but that’s an altogether different kettle of fish./p
pNow Ducati has updated its flagship by giving the 90? V-twin Testastretta Evoluzione engine 100cc more and fitting it into two versions of 1198, the base-model Biposto (that’s two-seater in Italian), and higher-spec S./p
pThe engine’s increased bore and stroke brings capacity up to the 1,200cc limit for V-twins in the World Superbike championship, which Troy Bayliss won in 2008 racing the 1098. The 1198’s improved engine also gets new crankcases and bigger valves, all of which increases maximum power by 10bhp all the way across the rev range, and boosts torque./p
pBut the high-tech gadget that lets you use every last drop of that performance is the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) fitted to the 1198 S./p
pMuch has been written about the way 2007 MotoGP champion Casey Stoner rides his Ducati - how he whacks the throttle open from the apex, letting the bike’s electronics control the power and torque output to secure grip. This is exactly what the 1198 S’s DTC does, but on a production machine. This MotoGP-derived technology has the ability to turn a ham fisted throttle jockey into a riding sensation./p
pDTC was initially fitted to the 1098 R, but ironically this first production version of the technology could only be used on race bikes (which the R is). That older system destroys catalytic converters by dumping fuel into the exhausts when a reduction in torque is required. But the new system cuts off the fuel supply rather than the spark that ignites the fuel, so the catalytic converters aren’t affected. And that’s got to be more environmentally friendly too./p
pBut the 1198 S is not just about corner exits. It’s also about the way it flies down the straights at warp speed with a delicious Ducati drone emanating from the exhausts, the way it turns fluidly into corners, the way it handles like a dream./p
pNot only has Ducati shed weight from the updated model but it’s removed it from strategic places such as the front of the bike to improve agility. The 1198 flicks from side to side with incredible ease and holds a tight line./p
pUncharacteristically for a Ducati however, it can feel flighty when you’re properly on it. You can stop this though through careful suspension set-up to suit you and your riding style - and you might as well make the most of the state-of-the-art components as they’re adjustable every which way and really do make a difference to the bike’s behaviour./p
pVisually, there’s not much that distinguishes the new 1198s from the 1098s. The standard 1198 Biposto gets new 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the higher spec S is fitted with MotoGP-derived forged and machined seven-spoke wheels. There’s also the new 1198 designation on the side of the fairing and a new dash, and a gold-coloured frame for the S. But that’s about it./p
pHowever, Ducati has made another useful improvement to its flagship’s road-worthiness and this time it’s to something somewhat more conventional than DTC - the mirrors, whose longer stems let you see a little more than just your elbows in the reflection./p
pThe Biposto will set you back ?11,950, but there’s no DTC to brag about to your mates. The S version however costs three grand more at ?14,950. But if the bank manager’s given you the nod to spend that kind of money in the first place, you might as well go that extra mile and turn yourself into a riding god with the 1198 S./p
pFAST FACTS/p
pDucati 1198 S/p
pPrice : ?14,950/p
pMechanical : 1,198cc, 90? V-twin, 8 valves, dohc desmodromic, liquid cooled/p
pPerformance : 168bhp @ 9,750rpm, 97lb/ft @ 8,000rpm/p
pFuelling : Marelli electronic fuel injection, oval section throttle bodies/p
pTransmission : Six gears multiplate, chain final drive/p
pChassis : Tubular steel trellis/p
pSuspension : (F) Öhlins 43mm inverted forks (R) Öhlins monoshock, fully adjustable. Aluminium single-sided swingarm/p
pBrakes : (F) 2 x radially-mounted Brembo Monobloc four-piston fixed callipers, 330mm discs (R) Brembo 2-piston caliper, 245mm disc/p
pWeight : 169kg dry/p
pWheelbase : 1,430mm/p
pFuel tank : 15.5 litres/p
pSeat height : 820mmbr /
a rel=nofollow target=_new href=http://www.ayrshirepost.net/lifestyle/motoring-car-news/2009/01/05/ducati-dream-machine-102545-22614484/Source/a/p
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pIf you are like most people, you have probably started numerous weight loss programs. You were serious. You were determined. You pushed through the pain. That is, until a couple weeks later when you just up and quit. It’s the standard operating procedure of millions of people./p
pThe problem is most people dive in head first without putting enough thought and planning into their personal program. You see, there is no single “Perfect Plan” that will work for everyone. Nor is there a magic formula that will work for every person every time. The ideal weight loss program for you is one designed for you by you. You need to develop a program around your likes, wants and needs./p
pThe following are five simple steps to take when developing a weight loss program for yourself. By taking a couple of hours to pre-plan your program, you can drastically increase your chances of decreasing your waistline./p
pemStep One – Taking Stock/em/p
pThe first thing you need to do is ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish. Only then can you plan an appropriate program. Are you looking to lose fat? Maybe you want to concentrate of building some muscle. Quite possibly, you want to do both./p
pDetermine what it is you want to accomplish and plan a program around activities that will work toward this new goal. However, only choose activities that you like to do. For example, running is probably the best exercise to help you burn fat. Even so, if you abhor the concept of jogging, do not make running the cornerstone of your weight loss program as you won’t do it./p
pRemember – your objective is to develop a program of activities you enjoy that will move you toward your goal. This is not about what is “best” or “most effective.” What is best and most effective are the activities you will do on a consistent basis. You can work in the other activities later when your new routine becomes habit./p
pemStep Two – Setting Realistic Goals/em/p
pNow that you have taken stock and picked your activities, set up a plan that you will stick to. If you have decided to run, but have not jogged around the block since middle school, do not start out trying to run twenty miles a week. You need to start slow. Your goal in the early stage is to set the habit, to make your new plan part of your everyday routine. Your subconscious will shut you down and turn you away from your goal if you try to do too much too soon./p
pTry this – for the first month do just one third of what you think you can do or twenty minutes, which ever is less. Do this no more than three times per week. This goes for cardio and weight lifting. Keep everything easy and light for the first month. After that, start inching up the length and intensity at intervals you find comfortable, yet challenging. Remember, you are not looking for some magic, quick loss plan to “lose thirty pounds in a month.” You have tried and failed at these “plans.” You are throwing the gimmicks out the window and setting out to slowly establish positive habits which you can build on as time goes by. There is no rush./p
pemStep Three – Planning Ahead/em/p
pNow that you have taken stock and set realistic goals, you need to plan. Literally write your workout into your day planner. Do the same with meals. If you are going to eat five meals a day, make time for those meals in your schedule. You won’t find the time unless you schedule it./p
pThis is a must - Prepare your meals ahead of time. If you do not prepare your meals in advance you are setting yourself up for failure. If you take one thing away from this article, this is it. By not planning and preparing healthy meals in advance, you are planning for bad meals instead. You either plan for success or you plan for failure. It is that simple. Nothing will help your weight loss plan more than this simple “trick.”/p
pemStep Four – Tracking Your Work/em/p
pSo, you took stock, you set realistic goals and you planned ahead. You are now ready to begin your new weight loss journey in a successful manner. However, you are not done yet. The only way to fully prepare for the future is to understand the past./p
pMake sure you log every workout and every meal (Yes, I’m serious) in a daily planner of some sort. You should also note your mood before and after each work out and each meal. This way, whenever you have a very successful week or month, you can look back over that time period to see just what made it such a success. This is very powerful information to have because it isn’t second hand information, it is a recored history of what worked for you! Conversely, you can also use your written records to find out why a period was not successful./p
pemStep Five – Revising and Re-Energizing!/em/p
pEvery month or two months, start back at step one to readdress the direction of your weight loss program. Use your written information to improve upon your success, limit your failures and to set more challenging goals for yourself./p
pThese five steps are everything you need to create your own personalized weigh loss program. While it is outside the scope of this article to discuss specific exercises and diets, your success can be boiled down to how effectively you implement these five steps.br /
a href=http://phentermine-np.info/2009/01/five-simple-steps-to-weight-loss-success/Source/a/p
div style=’margin: 4px; float: none;’centerp class=’linktext’Permanent link to this post: a title=’Five Simple Steps To Weight Loss Success’ href=’http://blog.homyhealth.net/2009/01/five-simple-steps-to-weight-loss-success/’Five Simple Steps To Weight Loss Success/abr/From the a href=’http://blog.homyhealth.net’My Home Health Care Blog/a weblog/div/p/center

pWhisking your other half away on a romantic weekend away might be the last thing on your mind in these wallet-busting times, but with these budget breaks you can disappear into the sunset for some quality, us-against-the-world time together.#160; a href=http://summer-winter-air-travel.info/blog/img/WintersuninDubai_DAAF/romantic1.jpgimg style=border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px height=119 alt=romantic1 src=http://summer-winter-air-travel.info/blog/img/WintersuninDubai_DAAF/romantic1_thumb.jpg width=244 align=left border=0 //a /p
pForget Michelin-starred restaurants, swanky a href=http://blog.food-drink-recipes-free.com/ target=_blankcocktail/a bars and expensive shopping trips #8211; the key to real romance is ingenuity, not a massive bank balance.#160; a href=http://blog.food-drink-recipes-free.com/ target=_blankFree recipes - food and drink recipes/a/p
pThink late-night picnics on your hotel room floor and long, lingering (half the price) lunches, or a #163;10-a-head budget to find each other that perfect souvenir and long walks in the country #8211; all will leave your heart a little lighter, but won#8217;t have the same effect on your wallet. /p
pEven finding a cheap train ticket (book in advance at www.thetrainline.com) can start the weekend with a romantic, Brief Encounter-esque flourish - just pack a cheap bottle of bubbly to enjoy en route. /p
pThe trick is to pass your efforts off as thoughtful gestures, rather than desperate measures #8211; banging on about your budget is not generally considered a turn on. To point you in the right direction, here are five of the best romantic weekends in the UK that won#8217;t break the bank. /p
pbClose to London: Shere, Surrey#160; /b/p
pThis gorgeous little village, just 30 miles from London, has impressive romantic credentials. Romcom location scouts love it (a snow-covered Shere is the star of the Jude Law/Kate Winslet sopfest quot;The Holidayquot;), and it#8217;s easy to see why.#160; a href=http://summer-winter-air-travel.info/blog/img/WintersuninDubai_DAAF/romantic2.jpgimg style=border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px height=119 alt=romantic2 src=http://summer-winter-air-travel.info/blog/img/WintersuninDubai_DAAF/romantic2_thumb.jpg width=244 align=right border=0 //a /p
pSitting in the heart of the rolling Surrey Hills, with its pretty pub, 12th century village church (star of quot;Bridget Jones#8217; Diaryquot;) and duck pond, it#8217;s a href=http://blog.food-drink-recipes-free.com/ target=_blankchocolate/a box Britain at its best. Stay at a href=http://www.rookerynook.infoRookery Nook/a (doubles #163;70 a night), a cosy, 15th century BB in the centre of the village, where the two doubles offer comfy beds, wooden beams and wonky floorboards. /p
pThe North Downs and nearby Box Hill are on hand for bracing walks and stunning views, or you could visit England#8217;s largest vineyard, 8 miles from Shere. A tour of the vines and the winery, plus an English wine tasting costs #163;7.25. /p
pFor a delicious lunch, head to Stephan Langton Inn , a 1930s country pub in the grounds of the tranquil Wotton Estate, 5 miles from Shere. Everything that can be is home-made, from the bread to the ice cream to the chutney, while fresh, local a href=http://blog.food-drink-recipes-free.com/ target=_blankproduce/a - some from a href=http://blog.theestateinfo.info/ target=_blankthe estate/a - makes up the rest of the menu. And all at pub grub prices. /p
pIf you can#8217;t resist the Michelin stars, do lunch at Drake#8217;s. At #163;21 for two courses, the lunch deal is amazing value. /p
pbCountry classic: The Malvern Hills /b/p
div style=’margin: 4px; float: none;’centerp class=’linktext’Permanent link to this post: a title=’Five romantic English weekends on a budget’ href=’http://blog.summer-winter-air-travel.info/2009/01/five-romantic-english-weekends-on-a-budget/’Five romantic English weekends on a budget/abr/From the a href=’http://blog.summer-winter-air-travel.info’Winter and summer travels/a weblog/div/p/center

pIt’s still cold outside and not spring quite yet so your dog still needs quality and cute a href=http://pets.adorafresh.com/2009/02/selling-pet-supplies-from-home-%e2%80%93-grab-your-piece-of-40-billion-dollars/dog clothes/a such as this dog parka. More and more pet owners are realizing that their pets get cold too and so you might be thinking about getting your special a href=http://atnews.07x.net/dog/a something warm to wear. Now you can keep your dog warm and stylish at the same time./p pWith several different types of a href=http://pets.adorafresh.com/2009/02/selling-pet-supplies-from-home-%e2%80%93-grab-your-piece-of-40-billion-dollars/dog apparel/a to choose from you are sure to find the perfect dog sweater, dog jacket, and even dog pajamas. Since we all know we are in hard economic times SuppliesJust4Pets.com is offering tiered coupons for customers. You can now save $5 on orders of $50, $10 on orders of $100, or $15 on orders of $175. Find these coupon codes at http://www.suppliesjust4pets.com/coupons.html.br / /p div style=margin: 4px; float: none p class=linktextPermanent link to this post: a href=http://pets.adorafresh.com/2009/03/cute-and-essential-dog-clothes/ title=Cute and Essential Dog ClothesCute and Essential Dog Clothes/abr /From the a href=http://pets.adorafresh.com/Pets - breeding, nutrition, health/a weblog/p /div