![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
akumakun's journalLog in Create a LiveJournal Account Learn more
| You are viewing akumakun's journal Log in Create a LiveJournal Account Learn more | Explore LJ: Life Entertainment Music Culture News & Politics Technology |
|
|||||||
 |
|
|
|||||
|
akumakun's Journal  By Jamie Page Deaton If $4 gas didn't convince you to trade in that big H2 for a Mini Cooper, perhaps your friendly neighborhood police officer will. It seems that Hummer drivers get more traffic tickets than drivers of any other make of car. The data come from a survey conducted by ISO Quality Planning. The company helps insurers spot risks; or in other words, it helps insurance companies spot you, Mr. Bright Yellow Hummer. Not sure if your car attracts more cops than a donut shop? Check out the list to see if your ride is getting you unwanted attention. 10 Most Ticketed Cars 1. Hummer H2 People who love the Hummer H2 probably love its bold, imposing looks. Apparently, cops love the H2 because it helps them meet their ticket quotas. Here's a tip: If you have an H2, maybe you shouldn't drive it near then end of the month when traffic cops are scrambling to make their numbers. 2. Scion tC Seeing the tC on the most-ticketed list makes sense, given its popularity with young people. Its sporty performance, which comes at a price that makes affording tickets easy, probably helps tempt some drivers as well. 3. Scion xB Like the Scion tC, the xB is aimed at younger drivers. Still, when you look at the xB's less-than-stellar performance, it's safe to assume that all the tickets xB drivers are getting aren't moving violations. 4. Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG If you're lucky enough to have a Mercedes AMG -- any AMG -- then a few tickets are worth unleashing this luxurious beast. Besides, if you've got a Mercedes, you can probably afford a few traffic citations. 5. Toyota Solara Coupe Now, here's a surprise. The fifth most ticketed car is the Toyota Solara Coupe. Essentially a two-door Camry, the Solara isn't known for road-thrashing performance. Maybe Solara drivers just get a lot of parking tickets. 6. Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG The CLS63 AMG is another luxury performance car, so it's no shocker to see its drivers among the most ticketed. The question is: With all that power, why aren't more CLS63 AMG drivers outrunning the cops? 7. Scion xA With the xA taking the seventh spot on the ten most ticketed cars list, Scion completes the traffic-ticket hat trick. Toyota's upstart little brand has only come out with four models over its entire lifespan -- and three of them will likely get you a date in traffic court. 8. Subaru Outback Subarus have a reputation of being yuppie grocery getters, but the Outback manages to prove that stereotype wrong by being one of the top ten most ticketed cars. Apparently, the Outback is the car of choice for people who need to get to Whole Foods in a hurry, and maybe park illegally once they're there. 9. Audi A4 Audi often finds itself in the shadows of Mercedes and BMW, but not when it comes to getting tickets. The Audi A4 is the ninth most ticketed car in America. 10. Toyota Matrix The Toyota Matrix is often credited for bringing SUV styling to small cars. Now it can also be credited to bringing insurance rate increases to thousands of its owners. 10 Least Ticketed Cars 1. Jaguar XJ The Jaguar XJ gives drivers a smooth ride and an opulent interior. As the least- ticketed car in America, it also seems to provide the ability to fly under radar guns. There's a feature they won't tell you about at the dealership. 2. Chevrolet Suburban Suburban drivers tend to need their large SUVs for hauling people or towing trailers, not breaking land speed records. So it's not surprising to see it on the list of least-ticketed cars. 3. Chevrolet Tahoe The Tahoe shares some architecture with the Hummer H2, the most-ticketed car in America. Despite the two having similar sizes, the Tahoe manages not to attract as much police attention. 4. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 It's no shocker to find Chevrolet's heavy-duty trucks among the least-ticketed vehicles. These trucks are usually bought for their towing ability, not for impromptu drag races. 5. Buick Park Avenue While Buick has recently begun to increase the oomph in their cars, the now- discontinued Park Avenue helped solidify the brand's image as cars for the senior set. No wonder Park Avenue drivers tend not to get very many tickets. 6. Mazda6 The largest car in Mazda's line up, the Mazda6 has plenty of the brand's zoom-zoom, yet still manages to be among the least-ticketed cars. If you love driving sporty sedans but can't take seeing any more red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, the Mazda6 may be just the car for you. 7. Buick Rainier The now-discontinued Buick Rainier is a largely forgettable attempt at a near- luxury SUV. Maybe that forgettable nature keeps cops from noticing when one commits a traffic offense. 8. Oldsmobile Silhouette Finding a minivan from Oldsmobile on the list of least-ticketed cars isn't surprising. What's surprising is that anyone is still driving a Silhouette. 9. Buick Lucerne The Buick Lucerne offers a near-luxury experience at an affordable large car price. Being one of the least-ticketed cars means that the Lucerne's affordability continues after it's bought, thanks to fewer fines and lower insurance rates. 10. GMC Sierra 1500 The GMC Sierra is an attractive truck for work or play. With its ability to haul or tow heavy loads, this truck will do anything you ask it to, including avoiding traffic citations. Recent Articles HONG KONG - Jackie Chan, the comical kung fu king, is starring in a new movie so violent that its director decided not to release it in mainland China, which doesn't have a film ratings system. Hong Kong director Derek Yee said Monday that he considered toning down the violence in "Shinjuku Incident" so it could pass censorship in China , but decided not to because he thought it would hurt the integrity of the movie. Yee said the $25 million Chinese-language movie, in which Chan plays a refugee who escapes to Japan and becomes a killer for the mob, has scenes that show characters getting a hand chopped off and pierced with knives. "We tried to cut the violent scenes to meet the requirements of the Chinese market, but producers I invited to watch that version thought it was incomplete," he said. source Associated Press article found on Yahoo entertainment Yee said Chan, who invested in the movie, agreed with his decision. Solon So, chief executive of Chan's company, JC Group, confirmed Yee's account. China doesn't have a ratings system, so every movie is released for all audiences. Chinese censors are also wary of subject matter that is politically sensitive, like Tibet or the military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989. Yee said he wasn't worried about the film's setting of Japan — another sensitive topic in China. "For us, the problem was just the violence," he said. Sino-Japanese relations remain tense because of Japan's brutal occupation of China during World War II. The 2005 Hollywood film "Memoirs of a Geisha" was not released on the mainland apparently because the sight of Chinese actresses Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li portraying Japanese entertainers would offend viewers. Yee's decision also had financial implications because the film is expensive by Asian standards and China is an increasingly important market, where a hit movie can make millions of U.S. dollars. "Shinjuku Incident" will be released in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia on April 2 and in Japan on May 1. ---------------------------------------- I am hoping they will release the movie here. A few of his movies have not been released here so I am hoping this one will make it here because it sounds real good. Make me wonder after reading this article if it will get A rating rather then R. this guy is trying to sound American? New VR figures for collectors but this one costs $125 USD >_< The evening is perfect. You've made your finger-lickin' herb dip, decked yourself out in your finest, and opened several bottles of killer Zin. Your entourage arrives -- things start kickin' -- and your "best party EVER" is in full swing! Now... just make sure you have the perfect playlist pumping so the evening's music is as flawless as every other detail. Until it's your own party you may not realize that a really bad song kills a good vibe -- and that's not easy to revive. Here are Foxy's votes for the ten worst buzzkill tunes of all time. I'm Too Sexy by Right Said Fred This song's humor wore out long ago, and now it's just vulgar, cheesy, and so annoying. It's kind of become a really bad, hairy, cheap-cologne-wearing gigolo anthem. All By Myself by Eric Carmen Music to make even the happiest person on earth sick with despair. There's no amount of nostalgia in the world that can make us yearn for this song -- even if our dog died... even if we lost our job... and especially if we're trying to party! When I Grow Up by The Pussycat Dolls These girls are H-O-T. We get it. And if your party playlist was voted on looks alone, they'd be near the top. But this repetitive, hi-pitched, electro-pop track lacks the sexy vibe of "Don't Cha" and just leaves us wishing the Dolls would grow up and sing a little something else. Endless Love by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross Just thinking about this gushy ballad makes us so happy the ‘80s are over! Even the divine Miss Ross can't save this duet from being maudlin. Macarena by Los Del Rio This flash-in-the-pan phenom is our pick for the most annoying song of all time. Even if half your guests agree with us (and we think the will), cross this dance ditty permanently off your list. Fergalicious by Fergie The funky Fergie stutters her way through this irritating tune, parts of which sound like a broken record, literally. She may have the best abs in the music 'biz, but do you and your friends really want to listen to her sing about herself for nearly five minutes? I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry Too loud. Too obvious. Just trying too darn hard. With its in-your-face content and dumbed-down lyrics, it comes off as a one-hit-wonder curiosity for the under-twenty set. The kind of tune you'd expect to hear playing at a teen-store at the mall, not a hip soiree. We like the taste of cherry chapstick too but... My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion Your gathering will sink and crash like the legendary Titanic. Need we say more? Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin Childish, perky pop -- upbeat to the point of being really really annoying. This is a song that makes you be happy that you're near the door. The End by The Doors Weighing in at over 11 minutes long, this song will stop even the most raucous party in its tracks. The lyrics - "Father...I want to kill you" - are not quite the feelgood hit of the century. Good thing to know when we want to end the party. 5 Reasons Why You Guys Are Still Single by ?????? Posted Mon, Nov 17, 2008, 1:23 pm PST Yahoo Do you find yourself wondering why most of your buddies have steady dates, yet you can barely secure a first date, let alone a second (and, playing a regular game of Mahjong and Canasta with your grandparents and their friends doesn't count)? Guys, if so, it's time to ask yourself a few Foxy questions... Do you... have a problem with eye contact? Even if you love everything about this other person, it won't matter, if you can't take your eyes off their body parts. They'll likely think you're out for one thing, or that you're just kind of creepy. Sure, they might be wearing something revealing, but that's no excuse to stare all night long. Get a grip and get comfortable with eye contact, which creates a much better bond. Do you... eat like a caveman? Utensils are there for a reason -- so you can eat like a gentleman. Shoveling food into your mouth is not something you should subject your date to. Same goes for talking while chewing. Not only is it unpleasant to watch at a time when your job is to be easy on the eyes, it's a red flag that says you're a little short on self-awareness -- an important characteristic in a mate. Do you... trim your toenails? Not that your date will necessarily see your toenails right away, but when they do end up eyeballing them, unkept toenails are a guaranteed huge turnoff. It means you don't take care of yourself, and valuing yourself is an important part of a healthy relationship. Plus, let's not forget the damage they can do to the other person's leg when you're snuggling up on the sofa watching movies. Do you... order "everything on the side" at a restaurant? In other words, do you order like a girl? Please don't. Because if your date has to be tortured by, "I'll have the Cobb salad, but no cheese, avocado, or bacon, and dressing on the side, and the pasta, but no oil please, and extra light on the pinenuts," they may be forced to hide under the table or at least wonder what kind of demanding partner you could be. If you have dietary restrictions, do your best, just don't get into what will happen to your belly if you don't follow them. Do you... assume you're going to strike out? The Secret said it once but we'll say it again: In a lot of ways, you manifest your own destiny. So, if you have lots of thoughts about being unlucky in love, you may be pushing people away in ways you may not even know. If you assume the worst of the world and yourself, spend a few minutes before your date making a mental list of why you're looking for a relationship and why you are an incredible a catch. http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/121855 It is coming out Nov.1 in Japan and will not play GBA games. It will have a digital camera and weigh less then the DS. The DSi will also have a media player but it looks like it will not play movies or those kinds of formats. It will use a SD card.. or DS backwards. For me.. I like the bigger screen but I really don't need a camera or a music player or even the pre-loaded web browser. I will keep my DS lite and see no reason for me to buy the DSi. I LOVE MY GBA GAMES and I like playing my DS games. I know there is a add on not licensed by Nintendo but it will play music. In honor to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer. I wanted to help educate those people who might not of heard of I.F.B. (Inflammatory Breast Cancer). It is a silent killer and some women do not realize they have it because most doctors over look it. I've posted some links. I normally do not do this but I hope you send a email with this link. Thank you ^_^ http://www.komonews.com/news/content/46 http://www.katu.com/news/medicalalert/4 http://www.komonews.com/ibc On Wednesday 10/1 show the crew went to Aokigahara-Jukai in Japan. This area just at Mt.Fuji is nicknamed "suicide woods" where 30 people kill themselves each year. The Destination Truth crew flew to investigate the woods and they caught a ghostly figure raising from the forest floor along with a voice left on the digital recorder. This is where I have a problem, the voice is a American sounding voice and not Japanese. The voice in very plain English says "GET OUT" and I find it strange that it isn't in Japanese. Also just finding someone who writes in kanji "oni" or "devil"on a tree doesn't make it a haunted forest. I will admit it was a creepy forest and it made for a good story but it came across as kind of cheesy. It just seems this place as well some other places in Japan has some kind of folklore behind it. Maximum PC article Sept. 08 article "Kiss your Gear Goodbye" In July, the Department of Homeland Security released two policies that among other things, allow U.S. customs agents to seize "any device capable of storing information in analog or digital form" - yes, your laptop, cellphone, flash drive, and iPod - for as long deem necessary. The polices are designed to allow U.S. agents sufficient time to analyze, translate, or decrypt information crossing a border in order to detect threats or illegal information. The problem? Custom agents don't have to give probable cause or even "individual suspicion," when seizing your assets. Apparently the forth amendment doesn't apply here. Still, we like the idea of loosing our hardware even less than people rooting through our private stuff. What's a geek to do? If possible, leave anything you would miss at home. Encryption is still a good idea, but it could just draw suspicion. Put your sensitive data on a disc and mail it to yourself, or leave it online and download it later. The internet knows no borders. www.maximumpc.com ---------------------------------------- My comment: On my recent trip with in the U.S. no one asked to see my PC, so I think it is only international travel they check the PC, cellphone, and flash drive. I guess it would be good to check with the airlines or homeland security website.
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||