Archive for December, 2009

PostHeaderIcon Beach Cruiser Bike History. What is a Beach Cruiser Bicycle?

Makai Bikes asked:


You might have landed on this website and are wondering: “what is a beach cruiser bicycle?”…or maybe you think you know what a beach cruiser is, but you’re not really sure? Take it from us, we know our stuff! After all, we’re in the business of selling beach cruiser bikes, so let’s explain this for you!

Beach cruiser bicycles can be considered an “old school” or a “vintage” style of bicycle, since their history dates back all the way to the 1930′s. In fact, beach cruiser bikes were extremely popular back in the 1930′s-1950′s. Like many popular beach cruisers today, in the old days beach cruiser bikes were characterized by the following features: wide balloon style tires, upright seating position, simple construction, simple single-speed operation, comfortable seat, and some other characteristics shared with beach cruiser bicycles today.

Beginning in the 1960′s, the beach cruiser began to sag in popularity. The bicycle market began to get crowded with a variety of other bicycle options including: sport style road bikes, mountain bikes, and others. Many consumers preferred the multi-speed capability of road bikes, off-road capability of mountain bikes, and in some cases the lighter weight and easier portability offered by competing styles of bikes.

Beginning sometime in the 1990′s, the beach cruiser bicycle began to experience a new big surge in popularity. Bicycle buyers began to again appreciate the classic vintage style, simple construction and simple operation of beach cruisers. From the 1990′s until today, bike buyers continue to be drawn to beach cruiser bikes for their style, affordability, and simplicity. Beach cruisers are particularly popular on college campuses, oceanfront beach communities, flat rural areas, and even in many large urban cities. While beach cruiser bicycles are often associated with beach towns in Southern California, they are frequently used in areas all over the USA and the world.

In a world of hi-tech gadgets and overly complicated bicycle technology, there are a lot of folks out there who appreciate riding a good old fashioned beach cruiser bicycle (and you don’t need to live at the beach to ride one!). Check out the selection of quality beach cruisers offered by Makai Bikes, and perhaps you too will begin to see the virtues of beach cruising!


PostHeaderIcon Fix Your Wheels With the Best Tyre Changers

Jhoana Cooper asked:


With RAV tyre changers to assist you, you can get rid of the tiring and tedious process of fixing and aligning the wheels of your vehicle. In the automobile segment, wheel balancing, tyre changing and wheel alignment machines have a very important part in making sure that your drive is not hindered by a flat tire which can get tiresome to replace manually. When you decide to go in for one of tyre machines, be sure to purchase one of the best quality RAV tyre changers that have fully automatic facilities for changing your tyres. Said to be among the best in branded tyre machines, the RAV tyre changers are available in plenty of of types offering a wide variety of utilities and come in 24″, 26″ and 30″. The 30″ completely automatic tyre changers come with the auto touch option which works on the lower and upper beads and takes out the tyre from the wheel base very gently thus minimizing any scope for damage. These tyre machines help you to mount and dismount the most difficult of tyre types in a matter of a few seconds. The 30″ also includes the self locking plate that controls the table rotation systematically. Other options that come with it comprise if a laser pointer as wells as a wheel sensor that assists in putting in place the tyre without inflicting any damage on the wheelbase.The 24″ RAV tyre changers are available in two models: quick release along with assist arm and quick release tool. The former provides you with a triple function arm rotation of microcast G steel that provides optimal efficiency. A few of the features of the RAV 500 cover wheel diameter of up to 40″ and rim width of up to 12″. The specifications for inner clamp are 11 inches and for outer clamp are 13 inches. On the other hand, the model with the quick release tool includes a gearbox which is heavy duty and a construct that makes it a good quality product. It also assists in reducing the friction and fixes the wheel most perfectly. Specifications of this type of 24″ RAV tyre changing machines cover wheel diameter of up to 40″ and rim width of up to 12″. The specifications for inner clamp are 11 inches and for outer clamp are 13 inches. The work pressure is in the range of 8 to 10 bars.If one is in search of the latest and advanced type of RAV tyre machines based on recent technology, then once may check out the RAV’s RAVSPIN 400; it comes with a backlit LCD screen and colored display. The specifications cover wheel weight of up to 65 kg, rim diameter of 26″ and 10′ for outer and inner respectively. Besides, the RAVSPIN 400 comes with a low rotational speed and some customized settings giving you good value for your money.If you are in search of even more advanced tyre machines, then inspect the RAVSPIN 800 model that is equipped with a type optimizer as well as an external balancer but with a monochrome display.Don’t ever misjudge the need to invest in one of the tyre machines as without it, you can be prone to road accidents and several other problems and inconveniences and to ensure your safety while driving on the roads, RAV tyre changers take the top place where security is concerned.


PostHeaderIcon What Are the Differences Between a Cruiser, Destroyer, Frigate, Corvette and Gunboat?

Anil asked:


The way warships are classified tends to be controversial, and there is no set definition for the meaning of a term. Everyone have their own views with their ships. For example Russian destroyers on which I served for many years are known as SNF (Soviet Naval Frigate) in USSR. Since modernisation of navies size of the ship doesn’t matter in classifying the ships. However size was the main factor in the early days in classification. Secondly weapon carried and purpose of ship.

The World’s Navies classifies the ships as follows:

Cruisers: +10,000 tons

Light Cruisers: 5000 to 10,000 tons

Destroyers: 3000 to 4000 tons

Frigates: 1100 to 3000 tons

Corvettes: 500 to 1100 tons

FAC: +25 Knots

Large PC: 100 to 500 tons

Coastal PC: -500 tons

There are, however, some nearly “standard” classifications that can be applied to most major warships. The designations listed here attempt to be “universal” to the greatest degree possible. Keep in mind that many nations chose to “do things their own way” at one time or another. A typical destroyer built during WWII and still in service and would still be classified as a destroyer, but it would be more similar to a modern frigate, corvette or offshore patrol vessel depending on its level of modernization.

In the British Navy the pendent number is written with an alphabet in front which distinguish what type ship it is.

A – Auxiliary

B – Battleship

C – Cruiser

D – Destroyer

F – Frigate

M – Minesweeper

N – Minelayer

R – Aircraft Carrier

S – Submarine

H – Hydrographic Vessel

L – Amphibious Warfare

P – Fast Patrol Boat

Cruisers: Cruisers are an extremely large and varied group.

Guided Missile Cruiser: Modern guided missile cruisers generally have only one of the traditional cruiser roles–they are either offensive or defensive, but not both. Typically offensive ships are equipped with heavy anti-ship missile batteries; defensive ships have anti-aircraft missiles to defend task forces. Neither type is truly capable of independent offensive operations as traditional cruisers were. A few guided missile cruisers have combined the offensive and defensive batteries in one large hull.

Destroyers: The destroyers have seen numerous changes in role over the years, as can be seen from the descriptions below

Definitions based on size comparison (i.e. a destroyer is larger than a frigate but smaller than a cruiser) and displacement have become meaningless in this category and the same will likely happen to the escort classes (corvettes and frigates) in the next two decades.

Destroyer: (DD/DDG(Destroyer /Guided Missile Destroyer) Small, fast, heavily armed escorts intended to protect the battle fleet, Carriers from enemy surface, air or undersea threats, depending on the era. Destroyers originated as “torpedo-boat destroyers”, intended to sink enemy torpedo boats. Anti-submarine warfare was added when submarine became a threat. As aircraft became more important the destroyers added an anti-aircraft role. Destroyers are primarily defensive in nature and generally operate in groups rather than independently. In a modern context, DDs are the major anti-submarine ships and DDGs are anti-aircraft ships, but they retain multi-mission capabilities.

In addition to these defensive capabilities, it can support strike operations with long-range gunfire and land-attack missiles. It is this strike ability, mostly with Tomahawk missiles, that distinguish destroyers from frigates.

Frigates: Frigates are larger than corvettes. They are about the same size or just smaller than. Frigates today are multi-purpose platforms capable of long-range, long-endurance independent low and medium intensity missions. They are with advanced weapons, sensors and computer processing ability to defeat multiple air, surface and subsurface threats simultaneously and surviving in a high intensity environment. Stealth frigates are getting popular in the many navies.

Corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft, although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role.Corvette Small, generally slow escort-type vessel, generally intended for ASW. They are also sufficiently habitable and have the endurance for long-range operations. Best suited for coastal work but sometimes employed as a seagoing vessel. Often seem to be heavily armed for their size, but generally are lacking in things like sensors, electronics, reloads, range and accommodations.

Corvettes have a displacement between 540 and 2,750 long tons (and measure 180-330 feet (55-100 meters) in length. They are usually armed with medium- and small-caliber guns, surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and underwater warfare weapons

FAC: Fast attack craft are smaller than corvettes and distinguishable from similar sized patrol craft by their higher speed (at least 25 knots). They are distinguishable also from inshore vessels by size, being around 50m in length, whereas the smaller craft are 30m or less. Due to their small size, FAC specialise in one discipline and cannot be considered multi-purpose platforms. Most are optimised for surface warfare using missiles and guns, and increasingly rarely, torpedoes.

Battleships: Battleships were the primary warships in the era of ship-to-ship combat with guns. They were equipped with the largest and greatest number of guns possible, and were heavily armored to protect them from similar enemy ships. Battleships were intended to engage in ship-on-ship or fleet-on-fleet combat with forces of enemy battleships. Battleship armor was generally heavy enough to protect the ship against it’s own main armament

Offshore Patrol Vessel: (OPV) Modern classification for vessels similar in purpose to the 3rd class cruisers. Intended for duty in areas requiring presence but not major fighting power. Vessels tend to be optimized for good seakeeping, long range, good accommodations, easy maintenance and reliability. Generally slow and seemingly underarmed for their size

The World’s Navies classifies the ships as follows:

Cruisers: +10,000 tons

Light Cruisers: 5000 to 10,000 tons

Destroyers: 3000 to 4000 tons

Frigates: 1100 to 3000 tons

Corvettes: 500 to 1100 tons

FAC: +25 Knots

Large PC: 100 to 500 tons

Coastal PC: -500 tons

Anil

http://www.yoursuccesshub.com


PostHeaderIcon Cruise Line Job Oppurtunities Available on Both Land and Sea

John Shallo asked:


Do you want to work aboard a cruise ship and sail the seven seas? How about a land side corporate position with one of the major Cruise Lines? Many readers regularly ask the editor of Cruise Addicts for help in finding employment with the Cruise Lines. Below you will find information and links in obtaining your potential dream job with the worlds major Cruise Lines. The links below are the some of the official Cruise Line pages and not 3rd party recruiters or otherwise. We wish you the best and hope this information helps you get started with your new career.

Official Cruise Line Employment Information Pages

Carnival Cruise Lines – Fun Jobs – Carnival Cruise Lines has an extensive listing of positions and contact information to get your career started aboard one of the many ‘Fun Ships’ or land side jobs located around the world. To view Carnivals Employment page visit this link at:

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/Fun_Jobs/ccl_fun_jobs_landing.aspx

Royal Caribbean Career Opportunities – Royal Caribbean is known for wonderful service and beautiful ships. You can look into the many different opportunities to work for this global company on land or sea. To view Royal Caribbeans Career page visit this link at: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ourCompany/career.do

Love the spotlight and got talent? Then take stage left to Royal Caribbean Productions page and learn how to setup an AUDITION so you can be a star at sea visit this link at: http://www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com

Princess Cruises – Princess Cruises is a premium Cruise Line that covers the globe with wonderful ships. Princess also specializes in providing wonderful tours and cruises of Alaska. So you will find many seasonal opportunities each Alaska Cruise season. You can also find a many full time opportunities on land or at sea. To view Princess Cruises Employment page visit this page at: http://www.princess.com/employment/index.html

Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises offers white glove treatment to its guest. If your interested in learning more about a career on both land and sea. To view their employment page visit this page at: http://www.celebritycruises.com/aboutceleb/dblTxtSub.do?pagename=careers

Norwegian Cruise Line – NCL has hundreds of ways to be apart of their land or sea team. So be sure to view their employment page, just visit this page at: http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruiser/cmsPages.html?pageId=JoinOurTeam

Disney Cruise Line – Disney Cruise Line has an extensive website complete with videos and detailed information about life as a crew member on board a ship or other DCL career opportunities. To view this impressive website just visit this page at: http://www.dcljobs.com/

Costa Cruises – Costa Cruises has a long history of cruising the world and you can be apart of their team. To view their Job Opportunities page at: http://www.costacruise.com/B2C/USA/Corporate/human/Job+Opportunities/Job_Opportunities.htm

Cunard Line – Work for this historic company, Cunard Line. You can be apart of their global team with opportunities on both land and at sea aboard one of their “World Famous Ocean Liners”. To view their employment information page at: http://cunard.com/Hr/default.asp

Holland America Line – Holland America Line has enjoyed over 134yrs of company history at sea. To look into your employment options with their amazing team. To view their employment information page at: http://hollandamerica.com/about-best-cruise-lines/Main.action?tabName=Jobs


PostHeaderIcon Subaru Parts: Continuously Innovating

Anthony Fontanelle asked:


When Japanese cars finally entered the automotive market of the USA in the 1960’s, several other brands tried and succeeded in the land of the brave. During this year that Subaru, a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industry (FHI) of Japan, started its distribution in the US. Despite the unstable distribution of investments, the company still managed to produce high-end cars and Subaru parts. Today, there are already 10 cars that the FHI subsidiary had produced in the US markets. Nissan, Toyota and GM are the three big companies that have taken part in the stock investment of the FHI thus, partly having connection with Subaru automobiles. In 2006, Toyota bought the share of GM in the FHI prompting Toyota to build an assembly line for both Subaru and Toyota Camry in Indiana.

Subaru proudly advertises its advantages over other car brands. In one of its advertisements, it has stated a general yet distinct attribute of the company and their products. Boasting its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive design in all of its models and the outstanding safety it fosters, Subaru has paved new possibilities that clients would certainly grab. Having such an advantage would lead to high sales rate which can further push the company to even increase its production of OEM Subaru parts.

Subaru exclusively manufactures sedans, compact cars, mini vans and SUVs?the ideal vehicle types of average American family. Most of its car models are known for their hatch back designs and greater seating capacity. All models of Subaru is using reinforced body structure, incorporating a dual side-impact door beams, crumple zones in the rear and front and other safety fostering Subaru parts. While the interior design superbly houses enough number of passengers, its body structure is capable of protecting the riders from possible collision effects.

In addition to these, Subaru also utilizes several technological advances that offer safety on the part of the child passenger. Standard Subaru cars are using child-safety door locks which allow the parents to keep their children inside the car. Safety air-bags are also mounted in strategic places of the car. It is made with weight sensors located in the seats which determines whether the passenger is a child or an adult thereby, automatically controlling the force of ejection of the air-bags.


PostHeaderIcon Hyundai i30 Wagon: To Be Well-Received In Australia

Benard Worseley asked:


Unveiled in the Australian International Motor Show, the Hyundai i30 Wagon is definitely one of the vehicles that was worth watching out for. It offers a slightly longer wheelbase and more luggage capacity compared to its predecessors. The external sheet-metal is slightly featured to accommodate these changes.

Features of the Hyundai i30 Wagon

Hyundai i30 Wagon also integrates Hyundai’s renowned iPod connectivity features, AUX controls, six speakers, six airbags, wheel-mounted audio functions, and ESP stability control. Based on the i30 hatch model, the new automobile also features 17″ alloy, outside mirrors, and side repeaters. There are notable differences between the Hyundai i30 Wagon and the Hatch though. Among these include the i30 CW is:

• 230 mm longer in body (total of 4,475 mm)

• 40 mm taller in body (total of 1,565 mm)

It also has a turning radius of 10.42 m compared which is longer compared to the 10.34 from its predecessor. You can expect the versatility of a hatchback vehicle combined with more space for passengers and cargo. The unbeatable combination is characteristic of most Hyundai cars being introduced in the market today. This car is suitable for urban dwellers with an active lifestyle whole still meeting the needs of a small family.

Integrated within it is a 1.6 litre CRDi turbo diesel engine or a 2.0 litre petrol engine depending on the driver’s preference. The powerful engineering within it ensures that drivers and passengers will get the best comfort possible while delivering on maximum driving performance. The steering and suspension of this model is also tuned for the unique driving conditions of Australian roads. With all these features and benefits in mind, there is certainly enough reason to choose this car for your next purchase.

Green Credentials

Designed in Europe while engineered for Australian roads, the Hyundai i30 Wagon does not lack green credentials. It leaves minimal environmental damage because it uses fuel-efficient technologies. Individuals who are concerned about their environmental footprints should seriously look into this car model because Hyundai prides itself for fuel economy.

Previously, Hyundai was seen as the cheap alternative for better models. But new lineups and models such as the Hyundai i30 Wagon is proving that this car manufacturer has many things to boasts about. It has become one of the companies that offer Australian motorists some of the finest cars in the market today. And better things are definitely yet to come.

According to Kevin McCann, the Sales & Marketing Director of the company, the “i30 Hatch was a huge success”, it is only to be expected that the newer model will be well-received. It is one of the best alternatives for families who need extra space without shouldering the cost of expensive SUVs and busy individuals who always need to be on the go.

With a price range of between $20,890 and $29,890, no one can deny that the Hyundai i30 Wagon will soon become one of the hottest commodities in the market even during tough economic times. Hyundai is also set to release a limited series of a sportwagon model to be introduced in Continental Silver or Vivid Blue colors.

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

PostHeaderIcon Toyota Slashes Sales Plan as US Rate Stalls Its Momentum W

utut1 asked:


From:http://www.chinatopsupplier.com/

Tag:Toyota,slashes sales plan,US,SUV production

  Earlier this month, Toyota announced sprawling manufacturing changes in the US and shutting down truck and SUV production, to respond to changing consumer demand.

  Even with the lower number announced yesterday, Toyota Motor Corp plans to sell more vehicles than it did last year.

  The pace of Toyota’s growth has been slowing. Under the new target it would inch up 1 percent this year, in contrast to a 6-percent climb in 2007, when it sold 9.37 million vehicles.

  “The main reason for the change came from the faltering United States economy, and how rising oil prices and material costs are dampening the market there overall,” said Toyota spokeswoman Kayo Doi. The Japanese and west European markets were also sluggish, but Toyota’s solid sales in China, the Middle East and other markets were enough to maintain its worldwide growth, she said.

  Toyota now plans to sell 2.44 million vehicles in the US, far less upbeat than the earlier plan to sell 2.64 million vehicles. It also slashed the sales plan for North America to 2.67 million vehicles from 2.84 million vehicles.

  The new plan marks a nearly 7-percent drop from Toyota’s 2007 sales results of 2.62 million vehicles for the US, and a 5-percent slip from 2.82 million vehicles for North America. Prior to yesterday’s revision, Toyota had expected sales to grow in North America, including the US. The manufacturer of the Camry sedan, Corolla subcompact and Prius hybrid also lowered its production plan for this year to 9.5 million vehicles – unchanged from the previous year.

  Earlier, it had set the manufacturing target at 9.95 million vehicles, which would have represented 5-percent growth from 2007. Tatsuo Yoshida, auto analyst with UBS Securities Japan in Tokyo, said woes over US auto sales weren’t likely to ease until next year.

  “I think Toyota is giving rather cautious targets,” he said. “GM is in a worse state in reliance on trucks, but Toyota also has the same problem.”

  Toyota, the world’s second-largest auto maker in annual vehicles sales after General Motors Corp, has averted the battering its American rivals have taken from soaring gas prices.

  Toyota has long boasted a reputation for models with good mileage.

  And its sales are still expected to be strong in emerging markets such as Russia, China and India, offsetting some of the losses in North America.

  How the full-year tallies will add up is still uncertain as Detroit-based GM is also reporting growth in new markets. GM, the world’s top auto maker for 77 years straight, doesn’t release full-year sales forecasts.

  Toyota outsold GM by 277,532 vehicles in the first six months of this year, selling 4.82 million vehicles worldwide. The call was close in 2007. GM eked out a win at 9.37 million to Toyota’s 9.366 million vehicles.

  Also hurting Toyota is the sluggish Japanese auto market, where Toyota is the top-seller. Toyota said it now ex pects to sell 2.23 million vehicles in its domestic market this year, rather than the initial 2.27 million. It sold 2.26 million vehicles in Japan in 2007.

  With auto sales ailing in the key North American market, speculation had been growing that Toyota would lower its sales targets. Toyota reviews such plans every half-year or so. But even Toyota is struggling to shift production from gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and trucks to smaller models.

 


PostHeaderIcon Features OF A Toyota Land Cruiser

Anthony Cantu asked:


Title: Features OF A Toyota Land Cruiser

Article:

For years now, the Toyota Land Cruiser’s tough yet sturdy nature has made it possible for it to be used even in the most severe environment condition. This is due to the fact that the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the Toyota cars that are specially designed in order to meet the conditions of the majority of off-road driving while still providing that fashionable, comfortable and accommodating feeling. The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV with an engine of five point seven liter V8, that stirs upto 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, which makes up for the SUV’s rather heavy weight.

Toyota Land Crusier has a powerful engine and is well manufactured with the new handy and stylish features in its both outside and inside. External features include a lean multiple refraction halogen headlights with extra morning driving lights which come with auto switch off options, hooks provided for towing of the Land Cruiser both at the front and back, mist lights fitted snugly in the bumpers and windows with green glasses that has UV resistance for the back side.

If you turn to the inside you will see that the Toyota Land Cruiser has all the essential equipment as well as some that add to entertainment and relaxation. The inside features of Toyota Land Cruiser’s are like it has a tilt and telescopic steering wheel that is covered with leather and is equipped with a multi-function and integrated audio display control, power tilt and slide glass moon roof plus sunshade, automatic dimming electro chromic rearview mirror, alternating front and rear wipers, AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with 14 speakers, heated seats that is covered in leather and is power-adjustable in ten ways for the driver and 8 ways for the front passenger, CFC-free air condition with separate second-row control panel, and a direct tire pressure monitor system.


PostHeaderIcon Cruise Ship Vacations — 10 Secrets Experienced Cruisers Know That Will Make Your Cruise Better

Vincent Czepiel asked:

Cruise ship vacations are a great way to travel, relax and visit exotic lands. Every cruise I take I learn something new that makes my next trip more enjoyable. Here are 10 secrets that will make all your cruise ship vacations memorable.

1. Most cruise lines offer special discounts for past guests, police officers and firefighters, military personnel (active duty, retired, and sometimes even veterans with as little as 2 years service), senior citizens, airline employees and more. I had already been on several cruises before I found out I was eligible for a military discount. Don’t rely on your travel agent to point it out. In fact, it was a fellow passenger who gave me this hot tip. You can find this information on the cruiseline’s website, but it might take a little digging. (Hint: start at FAQ or search for ‘special cruise pricing.’) It’s worth the effort — the military discount I received applied to both me and my wife and was very generous.

2. When you’re booking your cruise, you may be able to choose where you want your cabin — toward the front of the ship, the rear or the middle; upper decks or lower. Generally, the higher the deck, the more expensive the cabin. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your location:

~ being close to the elevators might be convenient, but it can also be noisy. This is especially true of service elevators.

~ avoid being under the disco or gym because you’ll hear people partying late into the night or working out early in the morning.

~ the front and rear of the ship can be noisy from anchors and propellers.

3. The elevators get crowded, especially at mealtimes and when getting off the ship in port. I always push both call buttons and get on whichever elevator gets there first. Even if I have to go the opposite direction, I found it’s still faster than waiting in the lobby for the right elevator.

4. To save closet space in your cabin, slide your suitcases under the bed after unpacking. You won’t need them until it’s time to disembark.

5. If you attend any of the shopping and excursion orientations, sit up front. They frequently throw free stuff out into the audience to build excitement.

6. Some cruise ships have a cruise director’s TV show to keep guests informed about the ship’s activities. Call or write in with comments or questions and you’ll likely win a free bottle of champagne or other gift. Cruise directors love guests who participate.

7. Bring a small flashlight or plug in night light. The cabins get very dark, especially inside cabins.

8. There’s always plenty of food on a cruise ship, but try not to overdo it. Set food goals. If you have a big breakfast, have a light lunch. Maybe the next day do the opposite. Try to balance what you eat in terms of carbs, proteins, sweets, etc.

9. Instead of waiting in the buffet line for breakfast and hoping you’ll find a table, eat breakfast in the dining room. It’s hardly ever crowded and you’ll get some great choices for breakfast that you probably won’t see on the buffet line.

10. Pack a travellers first aid kit with sun block, aspirin, bandaids, ointment, and be sure to include insect repellent. On a recent cruise we toured a zoo in the jungles of Belize, and the insects were overwhelming! My wife came back covered in bug bites. While cruise ships have a medical doctor on board, there’s a charge to see the doc… it can be pretty expensive for treatment of minor mishaps.

These 10 simple tips will make your cruise ship vacations more enjoyable. Each time you cruise and pick up new tips, jot them down so you’ll remember them when it’s time for your next cruise.

PostHeaderIcon The Iconic Toyota Land Cruiser

Dirk Gibson asked:


There are certain vehicles that develop an aura over the years. The Toyota Land Cruiser certainly falls into that category. From a utilitarian beginning, it has become a bit more modern without losing the toughness we all loved.

Toyota has always taken a unique approach when it comes to their model lines. The company prefers to launch a model and then stick with it unlike most other car companies. The Land Cruiser is a classic example. The truck was first designed in 1951 with full scale production beginning in 1954. It has come in versions ranging from convertibles to station wagons. As it closes in on 60 years of production, the Land Cruiser is still the lead SUV model for the company. That’s staying power!

The story of the beginnings of the Land Cruiser is surprisingly mundane. The Japanese government asked the company to build a vehicle similar to the Jeep used by the United States Military to such effect. The name of the vehicle is often written as “Landcruiser”, but this is incorrect and obviously so when you know the origins of it. The name was based on the Land Rover built in England. Toyota wanted a similar name that sounded similar.

Despite this mundane beginning, the Toyota Land Cruiser became an iconic vehicle. The “40” series of the vehicle looked very similar to the classic military Jeep. The engine and suspension system, however, proved to be far superior. The 40 became a much sought after vehicle for off road enthusiasts as its climbing ability was second to none. Despite being built in the 60s and 70s, the vehicle is still a huge favorite as it often outperforms modern 4 wheel drive cars in off road competitions.

Perhaps the biggest testament to the popularity and reliability of the vehicle is known as the documentary/travel show testimonial. What is this? Well, pay close attention to the vehicles being driven in travel shows and documentaries in exotic locations. The vehicles are almost always Land Cruisers. This is a testimonial in that it essentially says the Land Cruiser is the vehicle of choice if you are going to be out in the middle of nowhere. That’s pure credibility.