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Under Construction
Photos & text about mostly plinthed (on static display) and forgotten South African Steam Locomotives found all over South Africa - These pages seek to promote awareness and appreciation for these once living machines - Main source used to supply the text: Locomotives of the South African Railways published by Struik in 1985 - Authors: Leith Paxton & David Bourne. Thanks to all photographers. Please contact me if your photo is not credited correctly.
23 August 2011
Namaqualand gallery 4
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Ah, summer break! No teaching for two and a half months (though I might be working a summer job as a mentor). Nice and warm out, so I celebrated with a trail run in the woods out back.
It was the warmest part of the day, meaning deer flies were very active. At certain spots, they were swarming big time, but at least they weren't really biting. Managed to kill five of the buggers. I think a Deer Fly Experiment Part Two might be in order. I have something else I want to try, and it's pretty much guaranteed to make me look even stupider.
A real treat though about four and a half miles into the run. I came across two barred owls sitting on the trail, which was quite odd. No signs that they had prey or anything. They flew apart, both landing in nearby branches. One was about 50 feet away, but into the woods a bit and I couldn't really get closer. We stared at each other for a couple of minutes, and then I went to see if I could find the other one, which had flown along the trail.
Sure enough, the second one was perched on a branch about 20 feet over the trail. I slowly crept towards it, getting up to within 30 feet of it. Never had as good of a look at a wild barred owl like this before. He/she totally didn't seem to mind my presence, only giving me the occasional look. I sat on the trail and just watched it for several minutes, even talking to it (saying hello and what not) to see what he/she would do, but it was totally unphased. After a while, it flew up to a higher branch and I decided to continue my run. Really cool encounter.
Run itself went great! Mix of very hilly fire roads and technical trails, and the overall pace was excellent at this stage of recovery. Didn't feel like too much effort either, so the rust continues to come off nicely.
Ran 7.0 miles @ 9:00/mile pace.
Deer flies killed: 5
Technical trails and fire roads.
Very hilly.
Mid 70s, mostly sunny.
Short, short sleeved shirt, cap.

subset: commoncrawl


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News Release
|News contact:
|Steve McGregor, UTD, (972) 883-2293, [email protected]
1993 Nobel Laureate Dr. Russell Hulse
Princeton Physicist to Focus on Science and Mathematics Education
RICHARDSON , Texas ( Nov. 17, 2003 ) - Dr. Russell A. Hulse of Princeton University, the discoverer of the first binary pulsar and co-recipient of the 1993 Nobel Prize in physics, will affiliate with The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) as a visiting professor of physics and of science and math education, beginning in January.
Hulse will be involved with developing innovative science and mathematics education programs for primary and secondary schools, including those in several Texas school districts, as well as with developing activities in more informal settings, such as libraries. Hulse also will continue to pursue his diverse research interests, including computer modeling and sensor systems for micro air vehicles. Several of these research areas will have close ties to the education programs Hulse plans to help develop in the Dallas area.
Hulse will become the second Nobel laureate on the UTD faculty and the third in the universitys 34-year history. Dr. Alan MacDiarmid, who shared the 2000 Nobel Prize in chemistry, currently holds the James Von Ehr Distinguished Chair in Science and Technology and heads the Center for Scientific and Technical Innovations. UTDs first Nobel laureate was the late Dr. Polykarp Kusch, who shared the Nobel Prize in physics in 1955 and who served as a professor of physics from 1972 to 1992.
During his appointment at UTD, Hulse will retain his affiliation with Princeton University, where he is a principal research physicist at the U.S. Department of Energys Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to work with UTD to help bring innovative science education programs to Dallas area communities, Hulse said. I have a long-standing interest in promoting science education through various programs both within and outside of the classroom. UTD has shown a strong commitment to contributing to its local communities through such science outreach programs, which is what attracted me to join UTD to help them make such programs a reality.
The addition of Russell Hulse as a visiting professor is a source of both pride and excitement at UTD, said university President Dr. Franklyn Jenifer. Dr. Hulses standing as one of the top scholars in his field will help advance our growing reputation as a premier institution of research and education, particularly in technology and the sciences. More importantly, we believe that his interaction with our faculty, students and the larger Dallas-Fort Worth community will result in innumerable even unforeseen benefits for years to come."
Hulse won the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the first binary pulsar a twin star system that provides a rare natural laboratory in which to test Albert Einsteins prediction that moving objects emit gravitational waves, as well as other aspects of his general theory of relativity. The discovery was made in 1974 by Hulse, a 23-year-old graduate student at the time, and his thesis advisor, Dr. Joseph Taylor Jr., then a professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, utilizing the 1,000-foot radio telescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The pair shared the physics prize in 1993.
The groundbreaking discovery of the binary pulsar ranked by many as among the top scientific discoveries of the 20th Century has had a significant impact on astrophysics and gravitational physics research.
In 1977, Hulse changed fields from astrophysics to plasma physics and joined the Plasma Physics Laboratory at Princeton, where he has worked since.
In recent years, Hulse has become deeply interested in the state of science and mathematics education in the nations primary and secondary schools. At UTD, Hulse will work with the universitys Science/Mathematics Education Department, in concert with local school districts including the Dallas Independent School District in an attempt to determine the best methods for teaching science and math to children.
A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Hulse earned a B.S. degree in physics in 1970 from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan. He received a Ph.D. degree in physics in 1975 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After earning his Ph.D. degree, he was awarded a postdoctoral appointment at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Charlottesville, Va.
Other Press Releases & Announcements
This page last updated August 03, 2013


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Pentek EP-20BB water filters produce healthier, better-tasting drinking water. The Pentek EP20-BB filter cartridge's high dirt-holding capacity maximizes utilization of the carbon block (based on manufacturer's internal testing). The Pentek EP-20BB water filter is highly effective at bad taste & odor and chlorine taste & odor reduction (based on manufacturer's internal testing). The Pentek EP20-BB water filter cartridges are versatile and combine the long life of carbon block filtration with the higher dirt-holding capacity of wound, carbon-impregnated paper cartridges. Ametek EP20BB filter cartridges are manufactured using a patented process. A high porosity design helps prevent the cartridge from plugging before its adsorption capacity is exhausted, maximizing the utilization of the carbon while maintaining low pressure drop. The Pentek EP-20BB filter cartridges are protected by Endurawrap, a uniquely formulated polyolefin bilaminate prefilter, designed to significantly increase the useful life of the cartridge by trapping sediment that typically plugs carbon block cartridges. Pentek EP-20BB cartridges are manufactured entirely from FDA-compliant materials making them an ideal choice for a wide range of residential, food service, commercial and industrial applications. NOTE: Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system. NOTE: Cartridges will contain a very small amount of carbon fines (very fine black powder) and a new cartridge after installation should be flushed with sufficient water to remove all traces of the fines from your water system before using the water. Each time you use your filtered water tap for drinking or cooking purposes it is recommended that you run (flush) the tap for at least 20 seconds prior to using water. NOTE: Micron ratings based on 85% or greater removal of given particle size. The Pentek EP-20BB water filter is the same filter as the Everpure EV910845 filter, Everpure DEV910845 filter, Everpure CGT-204 filter, and CUNO CFS215-2 filter. Nominal 5 micron Pentek EP-20BB Carbon Briquette Water Filter Cartridge.
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Payroll Tax Boost Crimps Consumers, Retailers
Wal-Mart and other retailers, restaurants and supermarkets are starting to feel the effects of the restored payroll tax as frugal customers with smaller paychecks start cutting back on purchases. Shelly Banjo has details on The News Hub.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the the ... well ... on the payroll tax was ... fully restored the beginning of the ... Consumer spotted spending less ... Sharks ... Homewood on ... Wall Street Journal's Shelly Banjo joining us now from Dallas to tell us what's been happening at the retail level Shelly thanks for being map ... aam ... is anyone surprised ... that people are spending less ... I think so I mean I don't have the EU ... and mentioned Wal-Mart and I were to take a look at Walmart today is ... did I mention earnings ... third-quarter earnings and men's apparel taxes of really a ... factor of this and ... you might not be surprised that payroll tax ... is ... him and never hit to consumer spending this month the time or January ... as people kind of starts you ... had intended for those losses ... with two smaller paychecks and ... by that what is causing the whole bunch of Bernie's the Monga Companies ... through the rest of the year and saying that maybe this isn't just a temporary blip that ... into you really need to be cautious for the rest of the year ... it is interesting is not just Wal-Mart that the ay ay ay ay ... aam is the story there and sing up above the King is again making the value menu even better value ... to new law put down one twenty nine wow ... with that burger teammates on all that all the fast food chains that are really taking another look that are ... at their value menu no use in the past couple years ... is coming in adding smoothies and salads and you know now ... are still doing that at this and what else can the ad for dollar because we wanna get these consumers who were ... passing less money in their paychecks ... back to Walmart summing was quite interesting aam and and and the slime story of what was a cash only one point seven billion dollars in tax refunds and I'm basically cash anticipation checks ... compared with four billion last year ... that's gotta be part of ... the issue to asthma ... that's why Wal-Mart banking on that they think that the biggest part of this slowdown that they've seen so far ... in January high which is where the earnings report goes through ... as well several weeks they hinted that comes to do with this the lead easily Iran stacks are typically when consumers have the money specially when it's in the form of the Aztec to go to Walmart and ... buy televisions ahead of the Super Bowl on a bike trip through the air in ... aam and all those things I had a super ball ... that didn't come this year so they're hoping that that money will show up ... later on in the rest of the quarter later on the rest of the year but they advertise their to their ... forecasts for the first quarter down because they just that I do not willing to bend on yet ... what I mean that basically this the story here is that ... aam this ... payroll tax ride ... height was ... that some people so it has been a necessary thing in the economy was strong enough ... is the downside here that maybe the economy wasn't strong enough to withstand the payroll tax hike ... well I think the issue is that if it was just the Herald acts on its own ... would be one thing I would put executives are unsure about is ... how does the state and city at the peril tax cut that I'm getting at the same time as ... gas prices are increasing fifteen cents in the past month ... I'm you know high isn't there brightening ... eye U S snack stagnant wage growth here that you have the tepid economic recovery ... and another hit to the consumers wallet isn't helping and how much is it really can push people over the ads ... it's a tough time but we thank you very much the was a pleasure ... to an end to it ... all the Wall Street John you can read mall Mac in tomorrow's ... Wall Street John all


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Tickets for U.S. WNT Match at Germany on Oct. 29 in Augsburg On Sale Now
CHICAGO (Sept. 29, 2009) – Tickets for the match between the U.S. Women's National Team and Germany on Oct. 29 in Augsburg, Germany, go on sale for U.S. supporters today, Tuesday, Sept. 29, through ussoccer.com. The match between the two top-ranked teams is slated for 6 p.m. local time (1 p.m. ET) at Impuls Arena. Fans can follow the action via ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.
Tickets cost $54. To place a ticket order, fans must complete a ticket order form and return it by fax to U.S. Soccer at (312) 808-9295 before Thursday, Oct. 8. Tickets will be delivered by Wednesday, Oct. 21 via traceable service. As an official sponsor, U.S. Soccer welcomes you to pay with your Visa® card.
The U.S. Women's National Team held strong in first place in the latest FIFA Women's World Rankings but Germany has moved past Brazil into the second spot on the heels of its dominating triumph at the recently completed European Women's Championships in Finland.
The subtle shift means the encounter Oct. 29 will be a clash between the world's top-two ranked teams as the Americans travel to face the Germans on their home soil for the first time since 2000.
The newly constructed Impuls Arena will host the first meeting between the two women's powers since January of 2007. The stadium in Augsburg, which seats almost 31,000 fans, is one of nine venues that will host matches of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The match will mark the 25th meeting between the two countries (counting two matches against the former West Germany) with the USA having won 16 games, lost four and tied four. The two most successful women's soccer nations have met in several of the most epic matches in U.S. history, including a 5-2 U.S. win in the semifinal of the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup, a 3-2 U.S. win the quarterfinal of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup and a 3-0 U.S. loss in the semifinal of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup.


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FIGURE FIXERS: Lingerie and Shapewear Fitting GuideMay 2, 2013
Posted by verna luga
She earned her Masters in Applied Social Research at Ateneo de Davao University. She's a hard-core pluralist, an eternal optimist, a 40ish realist and a frustrated florist. She's a mother, a teacher, a dreamer and who knows one day a potter.
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The mission of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is to build bridges between the NHGRI's research laboratories and the academic, non-profit and private sectors for the benefit of the public health. The TTO carries out this mission by assisting in the transfer of NHGRI-developed technologies to the private sector for further development; it also facilitates the exchange of research materials between NHGRI and outside scientific groups.
Since its founding in the mid-1990s, the TTO has been an integral part of the NHGRI Division of Intramural Research, posting steady annual increases in the number of transactional agreements, conditional gift fund agreements, licenses, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) executed, as well as logging increases in the number of Employee Invention Reports received in and the number of patent applications filed each year.
The TTO is responsible for the evaluation, patenting, and licensing of novel technologies, biological materials and animal models invented by NHGRI investigators. The TTO is involved in negotiating Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Confidentiality Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) and other legal documents that enable the sharing of materials and resources between NHGRI scientists and third parties. This sharing may range from the transfer of a critical research reagent to the setting up of formal research collaborations.
The TTO handles the negotiation and execution of Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs) and CRADAs between NHGRI researchers and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The TTO also provides NHGRI researchers and administrative staff with general advice on copyright, intellectual property, and related technology transfer procedural and policy matters.
Technologies Available for Licensing
NHGRI technologies, inventions and discoveries offered for licensing, including tissue microarrays for rapid molecular profiling, mouse models of inherited disorders and a diverse range of genes. Includes list of current and past licensees.
Technology Transfer Office Resources
Includes links to technologies available for licensing, standard forms and agreements, technology transfer terms, and other technology transfer and government patent office websites.
Claire T. Driscoll
Phone: (301) 594-2235
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Anna Solowiej, Ph.D., J.D.
Senior Licensing and Patenting Manager.
Phone: (301) 435-7791
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Eggerton A. Campbell, Ph.D.
Senior Licensing and Patenting Manager
Phone: (301) 402-1648
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Rebecca Read
Management Analyst
Phone: (301) 443-9426
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Technology Transfer Office
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
6700B Rockledge Drive, MSC 6907
Bethesda, MD 20892-6907
Phone: (301) 402-2537
Fax: (301) 402-9722
Technology Transfer Office
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
6700B Rockledge Drive, Room 3168
Bethesda, MD 20817
Last Updated: November 8, 2018


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The death of popular artist Thomas Kinkade is certain to ignite controversy regarding the painter's legacy. Known for his renderings of luminous landscapes and street scenes, often captured at twilight, the so-called painter of light, a Christian who said that God guided his brush, died Friday at 54 of natural causes.
Regarded as both a master of kitsch and a genius of commercial marketing, Kinkade, a graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, discovered a lucrative formula for his art at an early age. He and his wife, Nanette, initially sold his painting for $35 apiece. Saturday morning on EBay, a 30-by-48-inch canvas of a stormy mountain range by Kinkade was listed at $95,000.
The marketplace will ultimately determine the value of his art, and in spite of his success –- or perhaps because of it –- he was the artist that most critics loved to hate.
In her 2003 memoir, "Where I Was From," Joan Didion compared Kinkade with the 19th century landscape painter Albert Bierstadt whose dramatic images of the American West, with precipitous mountains and cascading rivers, are sometimes credited for driving the country's Manifest Destiny.
Kinkade's images are more modest in their ambitions but just as romantic, and Didion was no fan.
"A Kinkade painting was typically rendered in slightly surreal pastels," she wrote. "It typically featured a cottage or a house of such insistent coziness as to seem actually sinister, suggestive of a trap designed to attract Hansel and Gretel. Every window was lit, to lurid effect, as if the interior of the structure might be on fire."
Essayist A.S. Hamrah likewise found little to admire in Kinkade's popularity. In an essay in the literary magazine "The Baffler," Hamrah equated Kinkade's commercial appeal to the mortgage crisis of the last five years.
"The idea that these reproductions, gobbed with points of light, are a good investment isn't any different than the idea that flipping gated, golf-coursed mansions is the way to get rich," Hamrah wrote. "Kinkade is a living testament to how the triumph of kitsch values has repercussions in the marketplace, outside the world of taste."
-- Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times


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Explode tree
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Ingredients: deer's tail extract, fresh yoyal jelly
Direction: take 1 to 2 vials a day as dietary supplement
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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"I studied with Michael Jarvis in Hamilton, Ontario and with Arthur Haas at the Eastman School of Music and the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and I learned Baroque performance practice with renowned lutenist Paul O'Dette. In 2003, I received my doctoral degree from Stony Brook and was awarded the Samuel Baron Prize, given to an outstanding graduate. …"
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Used Truck - 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab Pickup in Bedrock, Mn
About This 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab Pickup
Vehicle Location:
Bedrock, Mn
Ram 1500
Regular Cab Pickup
Exterior Color:
Atlantic Blue Pearl (Blue)
Interior Color:
Medium Slate Gray (Gray)
5.7L 8 Cyl.
Three Door
Stock Number:
Fuel Economy Estimates
City MPG
Highway MPG
Combined MPG: 18
Estimated Monthly Fuel Cost: $123.61*
*Based on $1.78 per gallon and 15k miles per year.
Actual costs may vary.
Actual costs may vary.
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Vehicle Options:
- Power Driver Seat
- Am/fm Stereo
- Cd Changer
- Sirius Satellite Radio
- Wheels-chrome
- Trip Odometer
- Tilt Wheel
- Brakes-abs-4 Wheel
- 4 Wheel Disc Brakes
- Cruise Control
- Steering Wheel Stereo Controls
- Steering Wheel-leather Wrapped
- Intermittent Wipers
- Fog Lights
- Seats-front Bench-split
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Mirrors-folding
- Mirrors-vanity-driver
- Mirrors-vanity-passenger
- Air Bag - Driver
- Air Bag - Passenger
- Air Conditioning
- Tachometer
- Bed Liner
- Power Steering
- Power Windows
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- Power Brakes
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2006 Dodge Ram 1500 ReviewThis car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale.
Re-engineered with new frame and fresh styling.
The Dodge Ram has been extensively re-engineered for 2006. It has also been modestly restyled and the interior has been upgraded.
The bumper fascia, grille, headlamps, fenders and wheels are all new, but far more significant are less visible improvements, including a new hydroformed frame that's boxed its full length to provide more strength than in any previous Ram. You can't see the new suspension and body mounts, either, but they improve ride, handling, and quietness.
Inside the '06 Ram, the instrument panel, center console and seats have been redesigned for more car-like comfort, while new radios and entertainment features help the miles roll on by.
Those miles will roll quicker still when you order the Hemi engine, which has drawn much attention for its power and efficiency as well as the heritage its name evokes. It is an exceptionally good engine, smooth and very responsive. For 2006, the Hemi features the new Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four of the Hemi's eight cylinders when they are not needed. Dodge claims the switchover is seamless, and that fuel economy is improved by as much as 20 percent. Step on the gas, however, and the cylinders reawaken, ready to deliver the 345 peak ponies that make the Hemi-powered Ram the most potent mass-production light-duty pickup on the market. Adding to the Hemi's responsiveness is a five-speed automatic transmission.
As if the Hemi wasn't enough, enthusiasts can choose the SRT-10, which looks like a NASCAR Craftsman Truck and runs like a race car, with stunning performance from its Viper V10 engine. Super-duty brakes and suspension help keep it on the road. The Guinness Book of World Records called the SRT-10 the world's fastest production pickup. Like other Rams, the SRT-10 is offered in either Quad Cab or Regular Cab configurations.
Ram's popular 4.7-liter V8, while not as powerful as the Hemi or SRT-10, delivers responsive performance and is smooth and sophisticated, benefiting from a modern overhead-cam design. Full-time four-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) is available with the 4.7-liter for improved stability in slippery conditions.
The light-duty Ram 1500 models are smooth and refined. Their cabs are comfortable and convenient, among the roomiest in their respective classes. The Quad Cab is handy for hauling friends and family but even the Regular Cab is roomy. Arguably, the Ram is the best-looking truck on the market. Its styling is bold and handsome, even more so in its latest incarnation.
This may indeed be the golden age of the full-size pickup. The Ford F-150 and Nissan Titan made headlines with their engineering. Coming soon are all-new versions of the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. In spite of all this, the Dodge Ram remains an excellent choice. Re-engineered for 2006, it may be the best choice, depending on what you want from a truck.
Dodge Ram is available as a Regular Cab or four-door Quad Cab. (There is no in-between, extended-cab version.) Dodge now offers what you might call an extended Quad Cab, which it calls the Mega Cab. However, the Ram Mega Cab is different enough from other Rams to be considered a distinct model, and we have reviewed it separately.
Two bed lengths are available: a 6-foot, 3-inch short bed and an 8-foot long bed. Ordering the long bed adds 20 inches to the wheelbase. And a Quad Cab wheelbase is 20 inches longer than a Regular Cab. So a Quad Cab long bed has 40 more inches of wheelbase than a Regular Cab short bed. Long-bed Rams also get a bigger fuel tank, 35 gallons in place of the standard 26.
Regular Cabs start at $20,800 with rear-wheel drive (2WD), $25,055 with four-wheel drive (4WD). Quad Cabs, which ride on a wheelbase 20 inches longer than comparable Regular Cab models, start at $24,870 with 2WD, $29,005 with 4WD.
Several engines are offered: The most economical choice, one that can actually break 20 mpg on the highway, is the 3.7-liter overhead-cam V6, rated 215 horsepower. It's the base engine in 2WD Regular Cabs and 2WD Quad Cabs with the short box. The available 4.7-liter V8 uses modern overhead-cam heads to generate 235 horsepower. The popular 5.7-liter Hemi produces 345 horsepower. At the top end of the scale is the 8.3-liter pushrod V10 in the SRT-10, rated 500 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment with the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8. A four-speed automatic is optional with the V6. A five-speed automatic is optional with the 4.7-liter V8 and standard with the Hemi. The SRT-10 Regular Cab comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox; the SRT-10 Quad Cab comes only with a four-speed automatic.
ST is the base trim level. It comes standard with air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, rear-wheel ABS, 17-inch steel wheels and a full-size spare tire. Upholstery is vinyl, and the windows wind up manually. Options include a bed liner, trailer tow mirrors, speed control, four-wheel ABS, 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels, and a power sliding rear window for the Quad Cab.
SLT comes standard with the 4.7-liter V8, and adds power windows and door locks, keyless entry, an overhead console with mini-trip computer and compass, speed control, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Options expand to include a power sunroof, power adjustable pedals, six-disc CD changer and Infinity speaker system, navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, UConnect Bluetooth hands-free wireless communication, bucket seats with leather upholstery, six-way power driver seat and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
Sport, which was an option package last year, has been promoted to a trim level for '06. It comes with the Hemi engine and five-speed automatic transmission, unique bucket seats, body-color fascia and grille, fog lamps, and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. Sport adds $7,256-$8,410 to price of an ST. Options are the same as for the SLT, but the long bed is not available.
Laramie is the luxury level, with dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, four-wheel ABS, security alarm, and Sentry Key engine immobilizer. Leather seats are standard, with a split 40/20/40 bench up front and power adjustment for the driver. Laramie retails for $6,600-$7,800 more than the base (ST) trim level, and offers a nice selection of luxury options.
SRT-10 is its own trim level, available in both regular cab ($47,605) and Quad Cab ($51,810) models. In addition to its go-fast equipment, SRT-10 also comes with most Laramie-level luxuries, plus heated sport bucket seats up front and a lot of unique, performance-oriented trim inside and out.
The TRX4 Off-Road package ($1,250) comes with unique 17-inch aluminum wheels on LT275/70R17 off-road tires, 3.92 rear axle, limited-slip differential, skid plates for the transfer case and front suspension, special red-painted shocks, tow.
The Dodge Ram presents a bold, distinctive appearance with its big horse-collar grille and Freightliner fenders. The basic look dates back a dozen years, but it received a major redesign for 2002, and now a more subtle makeover for '06. New headlamps cut back deeper into the fenders, and a flattened front bumper on Sport and Laramie looks even more big-rig-like than before. Dodge claims the new lights are improved 22 percent in intensity and 40 percent in beam spectrum. A slot in the front bumper aids engine cooling and air conditioner performance.
Ram's trademark front grille has been recontoured slightly to fit the new bumper, but it remains one of the most instantly recognizable front ends on the road. A thick band of chrome surrounds the grille on ST, SLT and Laramie; the band is body color on Sport models and grey on Work Specials. The broad, sloping hood has a pronounced crown that falls over the sides to the prominent front fenders.
Moving rearward, the Ram continues to present a robust appearance. A fast, raked-back windshield enhances aerodynamics and water management, while gracefully blending modern sleekness with Ram's retro lower body. The leading edge of the front door overlaps the A-pillar, creating a smooth transition from the front of the cab to the side. Everything is smooth and integrated. The big side mirrors, great for visibility, are mounted on platforms to minimize wind noise, and a channel has been specially designed to keep water off of the mirrors. A small spoiler at the top of the tailgate, new for '06, is said to improve fuel efficiency.
Rams sit relatively high off the ground, particularly the four-wheel-drive models. Tailgate load height is 34-1/2 inches on four-wheel-drive models, 33 inches with two-wheel-drive. That seems high when trying to heave heavy gear aboard. All beds are fitted with boat cleats designed to handle 1,000 pounds each.
SRT-10 features a body-color grille surround surmounted by a hungry-looking hood scoop. Additionally, SRT-10 boasts its own front bumper, which looks lighter and less truckish than the standard unit and features its own gaping, air-gulping opening. A body-color aluminum tonneau cover for the pickup bed, outfitted with a unique spoiler for aerodynamic efficiency, is standard for 2006. Gas struts help in raising and lowering the tonneau cover for easy access to the pickup bed, which features a bed tray for protecting bed and cargo.
The Dodge Ram is among the roomiest of the full-size pickups and its cab is a pleasant place to be. Its short pickup box is more than three inches shorter than a Ford F-150's or Chevrolet Silverado's because Dodge put that extra three inches into the cab. So you sacrifice a little bed space for a lot more wiggle room. Regular Cab and Quad Cab versions offer identical roominess in the front seats.
The Ram is available with a front bench seat split 40/20/40. The narrow center section features a large fold-down armrest with a compartment big enough to hold a laptop. We've found both the cloth and the leather seats comfortable, and the previously flabby side bolsters have been beefed up in the '06 redesign. The driving position is good, with good visibility in all directions, though the aerodynamic front end makes it impossible to see the front corners. Big mirrors on the Ram make it easy to see what's behind.
The seats, along with the dashboard and a lot of interior trim, have been redesigned for 2006. We found the bucket seats in a 2006 Sport model we drove very comfortable and supportive. We really liked the sporty fabric, which looks durable. Laramie models get silver trim adorning the door panels and instrument bezels. Laramie comes with distinctive leather trim, with higher-contrast color seat inserts.
The Ram interior shows attention to details that add utility and convenience. The big fold-down center armrest/console comes with adjustable dividers and a power outlet. A hook on the passenger-side floor well is provided for securing a plastic grocery bag or anything else with suitable handles. Premium amenities such as the full-screen GPS navigation radio, Bluetooth hands-free communications are available, along with a rear-seat DVD system for Quad Cabs. We found the navigation radio to be a nice design and relatively easy to operate; these systems are getting better all the time and the latest Chrysler Group's systems work quite well.
We found most of the Ram's interior materials to be of good quality, and Dodge is clearly working to improve the few that aren't. The available faux wood surface on the center stack has been upgraded this year; it looks okay, though it's clearly not wood, partly because of the way it's molded around the nooks and crannies. White-faced instruments with turquoise numbers look sporty and trendy, but don't offer the legibility of traditional white-on-black designs, particularly at dusk. The top brow of the instrument panel has been extended for '06 to provide better glare protection in bright sunlight. At night, the instruments are nicely illuminated in green.
Three-point shoulder belts are provided at all locations, including the rear center seat. Power adjustable pedals let shorter drivers adjust their seating position better so they aren't sitting so close to the airbag. This improves comfort, safety, and drivability. Power adjustable pedals are optional on ST, SLT, and Sport; standard on Laramie and SRT-10; they're a smart choice for two-driver families because they allow shorter drivers to move farther away from the airbag-armed steering wheel, reducing the chance of airbag injuries.
Side-curtain airbags are optional and we strongly recommend getting them. These curtain-style airbags are designed to provide head protection in a side impact along with protection in the event of a rollover; head injuries are the leading cause of death in side impacts. The Ram was awarded the highest possible rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset frontal crash test. The SRT-10 does not offer side-curtain airbags, but instead offers door-mounted side-impact airbags on the Quad Cab version designed to provide torso protection in a side impact.
Overall, the center dash is a paradigm of convenience. Large heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) buttons can be operated while wearing gloves. A textured fa.
Driving Impression
The Dodge Ram has a pleasant ride quality, even when empty. Like all full-size pickups, it rides better with a some weight in the bed. New shear-type body mounts on 2006 models isolate the passenger compartment from vibrations that reach the frame. (These mounts consist of two concentric tubes: one bolted to the frame, the other bolted to the body structure, with internal steel reinforcements and rubber bonded in between. Dodge claims they provide direction-specific response, as well as a quiet cabin and comfortable ride.) Also new for '06 are laminated front-door glass, improved door seals, and extensive use of Polymer Constraint Layer (PCL) sound insulation. Dodge says this all results in a significant 5 decibel reduction in sound level in the cabin. Our impressions of a 2006 Sport model support this claim.
Ram's rigid chassis minimizes road vibration. The new frame on 2006 models is fully boxed and, like the old one, is hydroformed. (Instead of having to weld a bunch of straight pieces together, hydroforming uses ultra-high water pressure to force the metal into shape.) This highly rigid frame is a key component to the ride and handling of the Ram. It allowed Dodge engineers to redesign the Ram suspension and tune it precisely, without having to work around a lot of chassis flex. Rack-and-pinion steering sharpens handling, and a new steering rack for '06 provides more precise steering feel. Big 17-inch wheels are standard. The result overall is that the Ram offers responsive handling, a comfortable ride, and a general feeling of tightness.
The Ram is a big truck and on narrow roads it feels big and tall, with broad fenders that seem to fill small country roads. The ride height of the Ram adds to this sensation. It's sometimes difficult to be sure exactly where your fenders are because you can't see them, so it's not the best vehicle for the timid. In this regard, the Ram is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the 2006 Toyota Tundra, which feels small and nimble by comparison. Quad Cab models add 20 inches to the wheelbase and a long bed adds another 20 inches, so a Quad Cab long bed is a long truck, riding on a 160.5-inch wheelbase. It's long on roominess and utility, but not the easiest to turn around.
That said, the Ram handles reasonably well and powers through or over just about anything, even when the tires aren't always precisely where you intended to place them. Springs, jounce bumpers, and bushings are all re-tuned to provide better handling for '06, and all models now feature monotube shocks for more precise control of body motions. Additionally, 4WD Rams now ride on a new coil-over-shock front suspension, replacing last year's torsion bars. (In general, torsion bars absorb hard impacts better than coil springs, but are harder to tune for smooth, progressive action.)
All Rams come standard with big four-wheel disc brakes that are smooth and easy to modulate.
As mentioned, a choice of engines is available for the Ram. The 4.7-liter V8 was until recently the most popular choice among Ram customers, but in 2005 it was surpassed in sales by the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which is now ordered in nearly half the Rams that Dodge makes. In the three years since its debut, Chrysler has produced more than 1 million Hemi-powered vehicles and it's no wonder that the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has become the Ram's most popular engine choice. Fire up the Hemi, let it idle, and it burbles like the good old American V8 it is, recollecting the sound of a mid-'60s muscle car. Yet in spite of the Hemi name's long heritage, there's nothing old or outdated about this engine. The first Chrysler Hemi was decades ahead of its time in 1951; half a century later, most state-of-the-art, multi-valve, multi-camshaft engines use some variation on its hemispherical combustion chamber. Chrysler totally reengineered the Hemi in 1964, stretched it to 7.0 liters, and saw its legend soar.
The Dodge Ram offers big power and big capabilities. It's responsive and comfortable as an everyday driver and it's ready to do some serious work when called upon. Ram's distinctive styling, tweaked for 2006, makes it stand out in a rapidly improving field. Ram Quad Cab models offer a brilliant combination of comfort and utility. Even Regular Cabs are generously roomy and are thoughtfully set up to accommodate gear behind the seat. The responsive 4.7-liter V8 delivers good acceleration and gets the job done; it's paired well with a five-speed automatic transmission that's smooth and responsive. The 5.7-liter Hemi delivers strong acceleration performance and is an excellent choice for towing; its real-world fuel economy should improve with the new MDS system. The V10-powered SRT-10 makes you feel like you're qualifying for a NASCAR Craftsman Truck race.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough reported from Los Angeles, with Sam Moses in San Antonio. John Katz contributed to this report.
Model Lineup
Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab ST 2WD SWB ($20,800), Regular Cab ST 4WD SWB ($25,055); Quad Cab SLT 2WD LWB ($27,920); Regular Cab Sport 2WD SWB ($29,210); Regular Cab Laramie 2WD SWB ($29,220); Quad Cab Laramie 4WD LWB ($35,970); Regular Cab SRT-10 ($47,605); Quad Cab SRT-10 ($51,810).
Assembled In
St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico.
Options As Tested
5.7-liter V8 ($995); anti-spin differential ($285); 3.92 axle ratio ($50); H Package ($960) includes seven-speaker Infinity audio, 6-CD changer, MP3, and Sirius; Protection Group ($140) includes tow hooks, skid plates; trailer tow package ($335); heated front seats ($140); under-rail bed liner ($245).
Model Tested
Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SWB ($35,640).New design features giant cab.
Pickup trucks are America's ultimate raw material. Generic in concept, the lowly pickup truck can be configured in dozens, even hundreds of ways to specifically suit any need, and practically any price point. The fastest-growing segment is full-size crew cab pickups. Crew cabs combine exceptional seating comfort, personal use features and unlimited hauling potential to create an extremely versatile vehicle.
Dodge has addressed that by creating the largest crew cab pickup available, the Ram Mega Cab. The extra-large cab has been created by re-proportioning the relationship between cab and bed, adding 20 inches to the cab and shortening the bed to 6 feet, three inches.
The result is acres of cab space. The Mega Cab seats six, with plenty of head, shoulder, leg and hip room. The back seats are roomy and comfortable with reclining seatbacks, separate rear heating and air conditioning outlets, reading lights and a center armrest with cup holders, and available DVD entertainment. And there's space behind the back seats for cargo.
Folding down the back seats reveals a huge cargo area (72.2 cubic feet) with a flat load floor. The rear doors open big and wide, making it easy to load stuff inside. Covered bins are provided back there for storing gear and smaller items, and hooks are provided for hanging things.
Mega Cab pickups can be ordered in 1500, 2500 and 3500 configurations, but all are built on the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty platform. They ride and drive like heavy duty pickups and don't make much sense if you're not towing and hauling heavy loads.
Mega Cabs make a lot of sense if you're towing. All boast big towing capacities, up to 15,900 pounds, with payloads of up to 2,970 pounds. The available Cummins Turbo Diesel puts out 610 pound-feet of torque, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that comes on the 1500 and 2500 models isn't exactly a slouch.
These trucks are best on long trips where, once you get under way, you don't want to stop. And with the Mega Cab, there will be no need. It's a low-effort cruiser, relaxed and efficient under load. It's not the ideal commuter, being more comfortable in the wide-open spaces of big roads and big driveways. Driving a Mega Cab much with empty seats would be a waste.
The 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab comes in two trim levels, SLT and Laramie, with a range of engine choices, payloads and towing capacities.
The Mega Cab 1500 is the light-duty configuration, but it still can still haul payloads of up to 2,430 pounds and trailers of up to 8,750 pounds when equipped with 4.10 axle gears. The Mega Cab 1500 comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and a five-speed automatic transmission. The 1500 Mega Cab ranges from SLT 4x2 ($31,860) to the Laramie 4x4 ($40,175).
The Mega Cab 2500 ($34,165) comes standard with the Hemi V8, optional with the Cummins 5.9-liter Turbo Diesel and a six speed manual ($4,385) or four-speed automatic ($5,555). The 2500 SLT is available with 4WD ($37,280). Laramie trim is available with 2WD ($39,260) or 4WD ($42,375) 2500 models.
The 3500 Mega Cab ($39,510) comes with the Cummins diesel mated to the six-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic ($1,095). It's also available with 4WD ($42,600) and is available as a Laramie 2WD ($44,605) or 4WD ($47,695).
SLT is the standard trim on 2006 Mega Cabs, and includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers, an overhead console with mini trip computer and compass, speed control, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel ABS. On 4x4 models, a part-time manual shift transfer case is standard. A full-size spare tire is standard.
Options for SLT trim includes a power-sliding rear window ($295), a bed liner, trailer tow mirrors, power sun roof ($850), power adjustable pedals ($120), AM/FM/6CD/MP3 with Infinity speakers ($950), cassette ($100), navigation radio ($2,545), Sirius Satellite Radio ($195), DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($1,200), UConnect Bluetooth hands-free wireless communication system ($325), bucket seats ($850), and 17-inch forged aluminum wheels ($345). A part-time electric shift transfer case is available on 4WD models.
Laramie adds leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated front seats, security alarm, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Sentry Key engine immobilizer. Options on the Laramie package include a power sun roof, bucket seats, Bluetooth, and the navigation radio.
Safety features include dual front multi-stage airbags, three-point belts in all seating positions with constant-force retractors, LATCH child-seat anchors, child-protection rear door locks, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats are optional ($490).
The Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers a striking presence, taking the Big Rig look to another level. From the front, a more refined crosshair grille with strong, full-chrome collar remains instantly recognizable as a strong Dodge Ram signature. New, angular headlamps are distinctive, and deliver 22 percent more light intensity by use of halogen bulbs. The front bumper is massive, integrated with the equally bold hood and fender combination. The ram's head emblem is moved to the center of the grille for 2006. Chrome accents add to the bold, metallic design.
From the side, the Mega Cab makes an even more dramatic impression. Very wide rear doors are unique to the immense Mega Cab, with a very large proportion of window glass to door. The second-row window glass is tinted, suggesting a limousine. Behind this huge cab, the bed looks small, but it remains significantly large: 6 feet, 3 inches in length and 51 inches wide between the wheel wells. Wheels are sparkling 17-inch chrome units, with tires nicely proportioned to the Ram's physical size.
The front grilles of the SLT and Laramie trim levels are differently styled, providing an external visual cue.
All Ram pickups offer unusually wide, roomy cabs with lots of storage. The Mega Cab's interior space is nearly identical to that of a Quad Cab with the exception of rear legroom. The Mega Cab adds some 22 inches of cab length to the already-wide interior, taking second-row spaciousness beyond any previous concept. The Mega Cab's rear seats offer 44.2 inches of legroom, compared with 36.7 for a Quad Cab. And there is room for the rear seats to recline, tilting up to 37-degrees for added comfort. The rear seats also have their own separate rear air conditioning and heat outlets, reading lights and a center armrest with cup holders.
DVD entertainment for rear seat passengers is available, with wireless headsets and integrated game ports. Behind the passengers is a power sliding rear window for flow-through ventilation. Because of the added length of the second-row seating area, the air bag system had to be redesigned with larger side curtain air bags. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to trigger the air bag on the side where impact occurs.
From the driver's seat, the view is of a wide center stack with large knobs and buttons, precisely finished with consistent angles and cut lines throughout. The instrument panel cluster, revised for 2006, is located under a more prominent dash brow to reduce glare and improve visibility of six white-faced gauges. A substantial four-spoke steering wheel houses cruise control buttons and available stereo controls. Rectangular, slat-type air vents close flush.
There is a marked distinction between the SLT and Laramie trim levels. In SLT trim, the dash is textured plastic. The Laramie package makes extensive use of wood trim inside, with less use of plastic, for a more distinctive appearance.
The seats are generously padded and proved to be comfortable, especially the six-way driver's seat in the Laramie, which can be shifted around as any particular position becomes tiresome on long trips. The leather upholstery adds a rich appearance to the interior of Laramie models. With the optional front bucket seats, a new center console extends from the dashboard.
Everything about the Ram screams full size. Even those of us used to operating domestic pickups and tow vehicles will be taken aback by the Ram's imposing size. Inside the cabin, it is a long reach to hand something across the console to a passenger, and there would be no hope of leaning across to open the passenger door, or grab something from the opposite door pocket. Interior door handles are large and heavily built, consistent with the large size of the Ram doors.
The cabin is loaded with nicely sized trays, slots and pockets. It seemed there was always a safe place to put something down, yet keep it within easy reach. The center console is big enough for a laptop, and is designed with fold-down dividers.
The optional 5.8-inch navigation screen is surrounded by buttons and knobs. With the standard front bench seat, a very wide center console flips up to allow makeshift center seating. There is additional storage under the front seat.
Several power outlets are provided for the front seats. The dash power outlet is ignition switched, while the cigar lighter is always on, so we used it to charge a cell phone. A third outlet is available in the center console.
Testing the rear seat was a defining moment. One passenger, six-feet, three-inches tall, had no problem stretching out completely with the rear seats reclined. A rear-seat passenger spent an entire day with us, and declined to move up front at the halfway point.
Getting in the Mega Cab requires a big step up, but the rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees, so access is easier for people or cargo. Behind the rear seats is even more storage, in the form of bins that are designed to accommodate tools or sports equipment.
We found the optional seven-speaker, 384-watt Infinity sound system to be remarkably good for a truck.
Driving Impression
The Dodge Ram Mega Cab feels like a big, heavy duty pickup because it is a big, heavy duty pickup. All Rams are wide, and on small, rural roads oncoming traffic sometimes required us to edge away from the center line to create comfortable passing for both parties.
Parking a truck as big as a Mega Cab requires some care, and some experience. We found it necessary to execute three-point turns into most parking spaces and sometimes to get out and look to check our final position. This, even with a very quick 2.75-turn steering ratio that helps maneuvering at low speeds.
The steering has been improved on all the Rams. The 2WD Mega Cab comes with rack-and-pinion steering, while 4WD models come with a recirculating ball system. We found a minimum of bump steer and relatively precise tracking, not easy to engineer on a tall 4x4.
We noticed right away that the use of laminated window glass and re-designed door seals has cut down on wind noise, inherent in big pickups with wide mirrors. The interior is remarkably quiet, even as we ran the air conditioning, which offers minimal fan noise on the lower settings. With any pickup, especially a 4x4, a certain amount of noise and vibration is to be expected.
We were quite comfortable in an all-day drive in a Laramie model through historic Civil War towns of Virginia. We drove on state roads and byways, through Leesburg and Manassas, Delaplane and Carpathian. We passed gracious historic estates, with rolling hills, grazing horses and green grass. There were quaint towns and the occasional churchyard, with continuous split-rail fencing following the two-lane roadways.
With the heavier spring package that comes on 3500 models, we noticed some vibration leaking through to the cabin as we passed over rough railroad tracks and bridged creek crossings, but overall, found the chassis to be well damped, with a nice balance between the opposing priorities of comfort, control, and load-bearing capability. As a general rule, the more weight a heavy-duty pickup carries, the more the ride improves.
The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 13/17 city/highway mpg in the 1500 with the automatic transmission. The Hemi is a heavily built overhead-valve, pushrod V8, with a cast-iron block and hemispherical combustion chambers. It develops 345 horsepower at 5400 rpm. Like any good truck engine, it makes more torque than horsepower, delivering 375 pound-feet at 4200 rpm. The redline is set at 5800 rpm. In 4x4 trim, the 5.7-liter gets a 13/17 mpg EPA rating, when matched with the automatic. The Ram 2500 and 3500 models aren't subject to EPA testing.
The vaunted 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is a straight six-cylinder fitted with an intercooled, turbocharged induction system, with fuel delivered via an electronic high-pressure common rail system. The advantage is additional torque, 610 pound-feet that comes on at just 1600 rpm. This engine has a reputation for reliability. The Cummins is not EPA rated, but it has been known to deliver around 20 mpg on the highway, give or take a few, when driven steadily, as in use with a tow vehicle.
The Cummins responds extremely well to part-throttle acceleration at low speeds. It's a remarkable engine, more like a medium-duty motor home power plant. The gas V8 is quieter, but the Cummins is the heavy-duty king. There is so much extra torque available; we never really needed engine speeds above 2000 rpm with just three people in the truck. Hauling heavy loads, or jumping onto a crowded freeway are the only times we would expect the Cummins to need full throttle. And it responds well in this situation. We stood on it to merge into some fast traffic in Michigan and were surprised and impressed by its responsiveness.
The Mega Cab is designed to tow and haul, so we tested the Cummins 3500 Mega Cab (single rear wheel with trailer brakes) by hauling an 11,200-pound horse trailer using a gooseneck hitch. The truck itself weighed 7200 pounds, for a Gross C.
The Dodge Ram Mega Cab is designed to be the flagship of the heavy haulers. The Ram Quad Cab may be big, but the Mega Cab is bigger. It has the power and weight to tow heavy loads for long distances. And there is comfort for passengers in the process. For better ride and handling, the 2WD 1500 Mega Cab will be the choice. For best control handling heavy loads, the 3500 Mega Cab 2WD with Cummins would do the job. For heavy hauling, and accessing rough terrain when you get there, the 4x4 Mega Cab 3500 would be just the ticket.
New Car Test Drive correspondent John Stewart filed this report from Manassas, Virginia. NCTD.com editor Mitch McCullough contributed to this report.
Model Lineup
Dodge Ram Mega Cab 1500 SLT 2WD ($31,860); 4WD ($35,080); Laramie 2WD ($36,995); 4WD ($40,175); 2500 SLT 2WD ($34,165); 4WD ($37,280); 2500 Laramie 2WD ($39,260); 4WD ($42,375); 3500 SLT 2WD ($39,510); 4WD ($42,600); 3500 Laramie 2WD ($44,605); 4WD ($47,695).
Assembled In
Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
Options As Tested
side airbags ($490); 4-speed automatic transmission ($1,095); bucket seats ($490); navigation radio ($1,595); anti-spin differential; clearance lamps ($80); tow hooks ($50); skid plate for transfer case ($45); trailer mirrors ($100).
Model Tested
Dodge Ram Mega Cab 3500 Laramie 4x4 ($47,695).The Dodge Ram 1500 is Dodge's full sized pick up truck. It has a carrying capacity of 8,350 lbs and a bold, unique design that makes is unmistakable compared to its competitors. The Ram comes with three cab options, a regular cab, a four door Quad Cab, and an extended quad cab called the Mega Cab. Bed lengths are also customizable and can be extended up to 20 inches. The entry-level engine for the Ram is the 3.7-liter overhead-cam V6, rated at 215 horsepower. A 4.7-liter V8 uses modern overhead-cam heads to generate 235 horsepower and the popular 5.7-liter Hemi produces 345 horsepower. At the top end of the scale is the 8.3-liter pushrod V10 in the SRT-10, rated 500 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque. A six speed manual transmission is standard on the 3.7-liter V6 or an optional four speed automatic. A five-speed automatic is optional with the 4.7-liter V8 and standard with the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi. The SRT-10 Regular Cab comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox; the SRT-10 Quad Cab comes only with a four-speed automatic. For 2006, the Ram 1500 is completely restyled. The bumper fascia, grille, headlamps, fenders and wheels are all new. Additionally, a new hydroformed frame that boxes the vehicles full length provides more strength than in any previous Ram 1500. The Hemi-equipped Rams feature the new Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four of the Hemi's eight cylinders when they are not needed.
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Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen spoke to the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday to deliver the central bank's semi-annual monetary policy report. While Yellen's testimony is no longer a secret, she will be grilled by as many as 61 members of Congress. Greg Robb live-blogged the proceedings.
Also read: Day One: Yellen says Fed could move sooner
Warren presses Yellen on living wills
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- 9:48 am
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Welcome to the second day of Yellen's report to Congress on monetary policy.
- 9:50 am
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Yesterday, Yellen that if the labor market keeps surprising the central bank, then rate hikes might come sooner and faster.
She stressed that that time has not yet arrived.
- 9:53 am
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The Fed also caused a stir in a discussion of asset prices in its monetary policy report to Congress. The report noted that stock market valuations for small firms, social media, and biotechnology firms "appear to be stretched."
- 9:57 am
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The last time Yellen delivered her monetary policy report to the House panel in February, the hearing lasted until 4 p.m.
The new Fed Chairwoman had promised to stay until all members of the committee who were present had a chance to ask her questions.
- 9:58 am
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Later on Wednesday, we have a speech from Richard Fisher, the president of the Dallas Fed, and the central bank's Beige Book report on current economic conditions.
- 10:02 am
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Yellen's testimony is expected to be nearly identical to the prepared remarks she gave Tuesday to the Senate Banking committee.
- 10:03 am
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We're underway.
- 10:05 am
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Whilst the statement may be similar, Yellen will face seperate questions and thus we could see her drop a market moving comment #Fed
— Joshua Mahony (@Joshua_AlpariUK) July 16, 2014
- 10:08 am
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Rep. Jeb Hensarling, a Republican from Texas, and the chairman of the House Financial Services panel, is making a strong opening statement in favor of a Republican bill that would require the Fed to follow a mathematical rule from when to raise or lower interest rates.
- 10:14 am
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Partisan sniping has already started.
Hensarling criticizes Democrats for reacting hysterically to his bill to reform the Fed. Now Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California, and the ranking minority member of the panel, returns the fire, blaming Republicans for the slow recovery.
- 10:15 am
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Here is a link to details about the House Republican plan to reform the Fed.
- 10:21 am
- Add a Comment
Hensarling announces that the hearing will end at 1 p.m. Eastern, so it won't be a marathon.
- 10:22 am
- Add a Comment
Yellen has begun to read her statement. Takes a few minutes.
- 10:28 am
- Add a Comment
Quick market update:
S&P 500 Index + 0.3%, Nasdaq Composite up 0.5%
Crude is up $0.77 to $100.74.
Gold is up $5 to $1,302 an ounce.
- 10:33 am
- Add a Comment
Yellen is very close to wrapping up her prepared remarks. One more page!
- 10:35 am
- Add a Comment
Q&A is starting. First question, the House Republican reform bill.
- 10:39 am
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Rep. Hensarling is pressing Yellen about her weekly lunches with Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew. He wants the Fed to disclose more about these closed-door talks. Yellen is resisting.
- 10:43 am
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Yellen is pretty blunt about her opposition to the House Republican bill, saying it would be a "grave mistake" for Fed to commit to follow a mathematical rule.
- 10:45 am
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Yellen defends the Fed's openness, saying the U.S. central bank is the most transparent central bank in the world.
Yellen says mathematical rules are best used as guides for policymakers.
- 10:47 am
- Add a Comment
@EconomicsOne, right or wrong, would tell Yellen that a crisis is EXACTLY when you need rule based policy rather than discretion.
— Dan Greenhaus (@DanBTIG) July 16, 2014
- 10:53 am
- Add a Comment
Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican of Michigan, who wrote the Fed reform bill, tells Yellen that, under the bill, the Fed can pick the rule to follow.
Yellen replies there is no evidence that adopting a monetary policy rule is the best way to run a central bank.
- 10:57 am
- Add a Comment
Yellen tells Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Democrat of New York, that the Fed hasn't laid out a specific timeline for the first rate hike. She will not be pinned down on this. Most Fed officials see lift-off in 2015 but there is no exact timing, she notes. "There is no clear date," she concludes.
- 11:05 am
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"Threats to financial stability are at a moderate level," Yellen said. There may be pockets of stretched valuations, but "not generally," she added.
- 11:09 am
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Yellen said the Fed doesn't have a target for equity values. The central bank instead looks to see if valuations are outside historical norms.
"In that sense, I am not seeing alarming warning signals," she said.
- 11:24 am
- Add a Comment
"A rule is useful input, but I just won't go further than that," Yellen said.
- 11:26 am
- Add a Comment
In another financial crisis, the Fed might decide to open its discount window to brokerage firms. Rep. Scott Garrett, a Republican from New Jersey, seemed troubled by that answer.
- 11:28 am
- Add a Comment
#Yellen: We've just lived through a period when simplistic rules would have performed "miserably" & would have produced "dreadful" results.
— John Dearie (@John_Dearie) July 16, 2014
- 11:43 am
- Add a Comment
Yellen downplays risks to banking system from global hotspots such as Ukraine and the Middle East.
"Direct financial implications for our banking system would not be large," she said.
- 11:51 am
- Add a Comment
Headwinds for the economy include low productivity, lack of credit, and households gloomy about their future income potential, Yellen said.
However, most indicators of the economy suggest improvement, she notes.
- 12:01 pm
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Yellen said that many Americans are hurt by structural factors in the labor market. Middle-income and low-income Americans are facing a lot of pressures, she added.
- 12:02 pm
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Former star of "Real World" Sean Duffy asking Fed Chair Yellen questions (2nd from left) pic.twitter.com/vyaQt4j1Be
— Pedro da Costa (@pdacosta) July 16, 2014
- 12:03 pm
- Add a Comment
In speech, Fisher suggests two steps #FOMC could take to dilute "financial punchbowl." http://t.co/DiU596u7Lj
— Dallas Fed (@DallasFed) July 16, 2014
- 12:05 pm
- Add a Comment
Richard Fisher wants to curb all assets, including ducks http://t.co/LOrYqGX2CG
— Steve Goldstein (@MKTWgoldstein) July 16, 2014
- 12:17 pm
- Add a Comment
Yellen again expresses confidence the Fed can exit when the time comes. The Fed has a variety of tools it can use to raise interest rates. In the distant future, the Fed's balance sheet will shrink in size, she adds.
- 12:18 pm
- Add a Comment
The slow recovery is the result of the financial crisis, Yellen said.
- 12:27 pm
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What is her estimate of the existing output gap? Yellen says her "back-of-the-envelope" estimate is that the gap is a little over 2% of GDP.
- 12:35 pm
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Yellen says she expected a rebound in housing by now.
Why is it still lethargic?
"I can't give you a precise reason," she replies. "I have to say I am somewhat surprised," she added. Credit is tight and some builders are facing supply constraints, she notes.
- 12:46 pm
- Add a Comment
Yellen has not had much impact on markets today.
Nasdaq Composite + 0.4%
- 12:49 pm
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Our colleagues at The Tell are live-blogging CNBC's Delivering Alpha hedge fund conference.
- 12:55 pm
- Add a Comment
Yellen is clear that the House Republican reform bill would increase short-term political pressure on the central bank.
- 1:03 pm
- Add a Comment
The hearing has ended.


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Not sure what to search for?click here to find out more
The Elia collection of quality cutlery delivers classic shapes as well as simple, contemporary designs which provide an elevated dining experience.
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MENDOCINO — Authorities say an abalone diver is missing and feared dead in rough waters off the Mendocino County coast.
Fire officials tell the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa (http://bit.ly/UmIisj ) that the 50-year-old San Francisco man ran into trouble while diving with three friends Sunday in Elk Harbor.
His friends administered CPR in standing water inside a cave, says Bob Matson, assistant chief for Elk volunteer fire.
Believing the man had died, they left him in the cave. Matson says it took about 30 minutes for the three to get up to the bluffs and call 911.
Rescue divers attempted to search the cave Sunday night but had to abandon the plan because of the rough water.
Abalone are mollusks found off the California coast. They are revered by seafood lovers.
Information from: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, http://www.pressdemocrat.com


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Parts Counter - June 2013
Track Max Hydraulic Roller Race Camshafts for Ford 5.0L
Trick Flow has offered its stage 1 and 2 high performance hydraulic roller camshafts for the late-model 5.0L pushrod engine since it came out with its cylinder head and intake packages for said engine. In the years since those cams debuted, performance expectations have greatly increased, and Trick Flow saw a need to meet those expectations and has done so with its new Track Max Race Camshafts.
Trick Flow's Track Max Race Cams are dyno-proven to produce a wide power curve over the entire rpm range, not just at a particular rpm point or peak. They are cut from premium blank cores and checked for proper hardness before being precision ground to within exact tolerances.
TFS-51303004 offers a 242/246-degree duration at 0.050 with a valve lift of 0.595/0.595-inch with 1.6 ratio rocker arms. Lobe separation comes in at 110 degrees. TFS-51303005 is a step up with a 250/254 duration split at 0.050, and the same 0.595/0.595-inch valve lift and 110-degree lobe separation. These cams are hot off the SEMA show floor, so check www.trickflow.com for updates and availability.
Trick Flow Specialties
(330) 630-1555
Stainless Bumpers
Not necessarily the bumpers you may be thinking of, these new hood bumpers from Stoker's Hot Rod Factory are custom machined and polished stainless pieces that are sure to keep your engine bay looking great for years to come. Prices start at only $30 per set.
Stoker's Hot Rod Factory
(855) 726-7101
Interstate Batteries Introduces AGM Battery
Vehicles are equipped with more electronics than ever before, including the advent of Start/Stop technology in newer automobiles. Interstate Batteries looks to meet the power demand and cranking dependability of these on-the-go consumers with its new MT7 absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, available this fall in group sizes 34, 65, and 78.
Whether you have a classic car fitted with modern power amenities, or a late-model vehicle equipped with numerous electrical accessories, the MT7 AGM battery is ideal for handling the cranking and reserve power demands, and can accommodate the cycling demands for drivers who plug in additional devices, such as cellphones, backup sensors and GPS navigators.
The new battery features Interstate's Pure Matrix Power, a 99.99 percent pure, non-alloy lead in ultra-thin plates. Interstate claims its new battery outperforms conventional batteries, delivering twice the life of most absorbed glass mat batteries and three times the life of flooded batteries. And, as an AGM battery, the MT7 AGM has all the typical AGM benefits of being leak proof, vibration resistant, maintenance free, and installable at any angle (except upside down).
Interstate Batteries
Dual-Exhaust FloorPans For '65-'66 Mustang
As part of the GT and High-Performance dual exhaust package, the factory installed these reinforcement plates to support the muffler hangers. Without these supports, the stock factory floorpan could suffer metal fatigue from the weight of the dual exhaust system. These plates will properly support the exhaust, preventing floorpan warping damage.
Classic Tube's reinforcement plates are the same gauge metal as the factory originals and are pre-drilled for the hanger stud brackets. To provide concours originality, they are exact reproductions of the Ford factory stampings.
The configurations of the right and left plates are identical to the OEM parts, and the '66 models even have additional holes provided for seatbelt nutplate access. These plates are made in the USA with U.S. materials. Retail price is $29.95 each.
Classic Tube
(800) 882-3711
Snap-On Micro-Cordless Impact Driver
Versatile and efficient, the new Snap-on 1⁄4-Inch Hex Drive Micro-Cordless Impact Driver with Quick Change Chuck (CT661QC) is the perfect cordless impact for hard-to-reach areas. This new Micro Impact Driver offers a hefty 50 ft-lbs of torque output, as well as a patent-pending oversized variable-speed trigger that allows for one-hand operation to toggle quickly from forward to reverse.
Twin-beam lights illuminate your work area (handy for under dash use), while a built-in brake stops the tool from throwing sockets and fasteners. Charging the battery is a quick 30 minutes and a built-in gauge measures the state of the battery charge.
(877) 762-7664
750-CFM Street Demon
Demon Carburetion has introduced a new 750-cfm Street Demon carburetor. The 750 looks identical to its forerunner, except for the size of its primary throttle valves, which have been enlarged in diameter from 13⁄16 to 111⁄16. The main venturii diameter has also been enlarged, and predictably, the calibrations have also been increased.
As with the 625 that came before it, the 750 accommodates square- or spread-bore intake manifolds with an adaptor plate supplied in the drop kit. It also benefits from the 625's unique fuel bowl that is integrated with the main body. Available in either aluminum construction or in an exclusive automotive-spec composite, the composite bowl demonstrates its driveability credentials particularly in hot stop-start conditions. Because it reduces heat transfer by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it contributes to faster hot restarts. A single fuel inlet simplifies installation and two-stage metering rods accommodate most tuning requirements, without carburetor disassembly or removal. A reliable electric-assist bimetal coil choke is provided for cold starting.
Street Demons will be available in three part numbers and finishes: 1903, all aluminum tumble-burnished; 1904, tumble-burnished with composite fuel bowl; and 1905, all aluminum hand polished. Prices are $369.95, $399.95, and $469.95 respectively.
Demon Carburetion
(270) 438-2039


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Sounds and Silences from a San Archive
Sound and Silences from a San Archive is an exhibition of Iziko Social History's archive of /Xam and other San ethnography, artefacts, rare wax cylinder sound recordings, drawings, and memories collected by Wilhelm Bleek, Lucy Lloyd and especially Dorothea Bleek between 1856 and 1947 from their /Xam and other San teachers. This archive has revolutionised our understanding of San life past and present.
The exhibition matches ethnographic texts with artefacts to show how seemingly 'ordinary' objects can tell extra-ordinary stories about everyday life, belief, gender, childhood, storytelling, resistance and survival. Modern uses and abuses of San intellectual property and ownership of the past are also presented.
Dr. Sven Ouzman, Curator of Pre-Colonial Archaeology, Social History Department,
Iziko South African Museum,
PO Box 61, Cape Town, 8000,
Republic of South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3883
Email: email@example.com


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For decades SCARPA has been making products for athletes who reach extremes in the world of mountain adventure. But that's not all they do, and many of the people who are a part of the international SCARPA family avoid extremes, and focus more on balance, body and a healthy way of life. So is the case for Gina Pedrett, SCARPA's production designer, who is a central character in the company's everyday goings on. The active wife, mother of two, and engaged outsdoorswoman has her own goals and her own rewards, which are every bit as valuable to the fabric of the SCARPA lifestyle. Let's hear what she has to say.
You've been in the outdoor industry for a while. Did you always think you'd end up in this kind of work? I moved here from Missouri a week after college graduation, and first and foremost, I needed a way to support myself. After several stints and layoffs with "dot com" start-ups, I began my search for a different industry. I found an ad from Backcountry Access, and got my foot in the door there. I wouldn't say I sought out this industry in the beginning, but now that I'm here, I'm a bit spoiled and can't imagine going back to high-tech. It's definitely more suitable to my lifestyle and attitude.


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(Exciting, complex trilogy conclusion)
It was a little strange going to see the third Batman movie in Christopher Nolan's trilogy only a few hours after hearing of the tragic shootings at the midnight show. While the movie is filled with violence, there is still that eerie presence of fiction versus reality.
The 2¾-movie starts where the last one left off. Batman had been accused of being responsible for the death of DA Harvey Dent. He and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, have gone into seclusion.
Eight years pass when the evil Bane comes out of hiding in the Gotham City sewers and joins with evil Wall Street-type crooks to violently take over the Stock Exchange and put Wayne Enterprises into bankruptcy.
Bane (Tom Hardy) is pure, unadulterated evil, wearing a weird mask, killing everyone in sight and proclaiming a Power to the People policy that seems more like Death to the People, as he initiates his reign of terror by threatening to blow up Gotham City with a nuclear device. Christian Bale makes a perfect Bruce Wayne/Batman, first shown as a broken man, physically and mentally, but eventually rising to the challenge to stop Bane and save Gotham City. It is all pure comic book fantasy, with Batman's flying vehicle and motorcycle providing the transportation to tackle the evil menaces.
Meanwhile, Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway in an out-of-character performance), a cat burglar (never actually referred to as "Catwoman" in the film) steals a necklace from Wayne's mansion. But is it the necklace she is after or something else? Catwoman and Batman engage in an interesting relationship, neither trusting each other, but joining together at times to deter Bane.
Those unfamiliar with the Batman story will have problems catching up, especially in the first quarter of the film, where the story slowly develops. But once the chase is on, all heck breaks loose and we are subjected to nonstop action. There are some interesting revelations along the way, as we learn who is really who and why some of the characters do the things they do. Fans of the series will no doubt be satisfied with the outcomes, including a rather neat ending.
There are some great supporting roles, including the always-good Morgan Freeman as the developer of Batman's arsenal and, of course, Michael Caine as his ever-faithful butler, Alfred. Gary Oldman has a heavy role as the keeper of a dark secret, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is great as the cop who believes in Batman's innocence and is always there when needed. Rated PG-13, with loads of violence.


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From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
With a super-newsy Des Moines Register poll out, here are a few observations -- for whatever they're worth -- on what I've seen on the ground about the two new leaders in the state: Obama and Huckabee.
Obama's new slot at the top has a host of possible causes and factors. But here's one: As someone originally inclined to believe that Obama's massive productions at the Harkin Steak Fry and the Jefferson-Jackson dinner were mostly smoke and mirrors, I am officially (and somewhat begrudgingly) admitting that, here in Iowa, there's some real backbone to his organization.
Last week, I went to an Obama campaign event that featured brief remarks by Michelle Obama and the official opening of a new field office in West Des Moines. There wasn't anything particularly remarkable about the event, which attracted 60 or 70 people who waited outside in the frigid afternoon for the senator's wife to speak. But what I did notice was this: the young staffers running the event knew most of the attendees personally (and vice versa). When the lead staffer thanked each of her colleagues by name at the beginning of the program, supporters cheered and shouted out things like "We love you, Luke!"
This probably doesn't seem all that noteworthy, but it might be a hint of an important distinction between the Obama campaign and the failed presidential bid of Howard Dean in 2004. Pundits compare the two campaigns frequently, and with reason: Obama, like Dean, is a change candidate with a foundation of support in youth and netroots communities. Dean's campaign fell apart because -- among other things -- it was "made of sand," as one longtime Iowa statesman here put it. Its manpower was entirely disconnected from grassroots activists, and supporters had little allegiance to keep them in the fold when the going got tough. But Obama supporters appear to have a genuine personal fondness for the young campaign workers who have clearly laid down roots in this community. (This is also evidenced, by the way, when Obama thanks his field organizers at the beginning of every town hall, as he always does. Crowds almost always appear to know the young person with the clipboard who Obama points out by name.)
The same thing happened when I went to an bema-sponsored caucus training in Knoxville, IA earlier this week. Staffers packed 37 people into a tiny office to teach them what the big night in January will look like. They knew almost all of the participants by name, most of whom were first-time caucus-goers who brought their spouses and friends in tow. Moreover, the mock caucus was FUN -- they voted on PIES instead of actual candidates for a goofy twist -- and the participants came away less intimidated by the whole process.
It's not clear that this affection and connectness is mirrored in all of the 1,700-odd precincts in Iowa, and it's likely that rival campaigns have equally dedicated and beloved organizers in the field as well. But I came away from both organizational events with a pretty strong sense that these true believers aren't going to disappear on caucus night -- unless their candidate does something truly catastrophic between now and then. He might not gain the votes he needs to win Iowa, but my sense is that he's not at the high risk of losing support that one might have imagined a few months ago. Their sense of membership in the Obama movement, cultivated by these bright-eyed young field organizers, seems awfully strong.
As is probably obvious, the same can't be said for Huckabee. Republicans, in general, do far less "touches" between the campaign and voters, and the Huckabee camp in particular appears to be flying by the seats of their pants. Their candidate is EXTREMELY media savvy, but he's still got an uphill battle on the ground. Watch the trip here on Monday and Tuesday closely -- it's much more oriented towards TV pictures than it is towards real retail politicking. And Huckabee's staff here simply doesn't have the time or resources to be putting rubber to the road in the same way you'll see from Romney (whose campaign uses a traveling bank of cell phones to nimbly move around the state for evening phone-calling efforts).
I won't say go so far as to say that Huck's support is soft, but it's fair to assume that he probably doesn't have the organizational backbone in place now to fend off a devastating hit by a rival campaign. Buzz has served him very well, and his charm and good humor is largely accountable for this surge, but he simply hasn't invested the time yet for the key ingredient -- LOYALTY -- to make those numbers hard enough to withstand attacks.
And attacks will come -- probably from Team Romney -- and they'll fall on the receptive ears of pragmatic Iowan social conservatives who hate Rudy with a passion. There are already loud whispers that a Huckabee victory here would be a dream for Giuliani. I would be surprised if there WASN'T a concerted effort within the conservative community, obvious or otherwise, to take Huckabee down in the name of supporting the more organized and electable social conservative in Mitt Romney.


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Back to... Holiday Cottages The Magazine
Beaufort Golf Course and 15th Century Castle Corr
Beaufort Golf Course map
Beaufort Golf Course, Ireland
Beaufort Golf Course, Ireland
Beaufort Golf Course clubhouse
Beaufort Golf Course, Ireland
Note: This article may contain or reflect personal opinions and cannot be considered contractual.
Full property details and booking terms and conditions are available on the relevant property page(s).
Entry fees, opening hours and other information is correct as of publishing, November 2017.
Pure Ireland is a trading name of Atkins & Jones Limited.
© 2019, all rights reserved.


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We don't need to tell you that buying a new a set of wheels can be stressful endeavor. Throw in a monkey wrench like buying a car powered by an unconventional power source you're unfamiliar with — electricity for example — and you've got an ordeal you could probably do without. But with gas prices at or near the $4.00 mark nationwide, now might be the right time to take that drive down Electric Avenue. If you've looking into buying an electric car, or want to know more about them, our guide to purchasing an electric car is here to help walk you through the entire process.
One is the loneliest number, that's why there's three
Before you get carried away and overwhelmed with all the talk of batteries, zero emissions, hybrid this and electric that, know this: There are really only three types of green cars out there that you need concern yourself with. For now.
Hybrid cars: Hybrid cars remain the closest thing to what you're probably already driving. They use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to help offset fuel costs and increase gas mileage. Because hybrid cars use gasoline as the primary source of power, all you need to do is fill your tank up like you normally would and off you go. Some examples of popular hybrid vehicles are the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Volkswagen Jetta hybrid but there are more coming to market all the time, so shop around.
Plug-in hybrids: Plug-in hybrids delve further down the electrical rabbit whole, so to speak, when it comes to alternatively powering a car. They are the middle child of the green car family. Plug-in Hybrids, like the Chevrolet Volt, operate in much the same way as a hybrid by providing an all-electric driving range using a battery pack. Once the battery has been depleted, the vehicle can slip back to being a regular fuel-fed hybrid and recharge its batteries using the gasoline-powered motor as a generator. The big difference here is that you can also plug it in and recharge the electric motor instead of using the engine to charge it up. Depending on your driving needs, if you can plan your trips and just drive on electricity and then charge back up, you can go a very long time without having to gas up.
All-electric (EV): All-electric cars like the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S, Ford Focus Electric and Chevy Spark EV run on, you guessed it, electricity and use electrons as their solitary source of energy. They are known an Electric Vehicles, or EVs. The more you drive an EV, the more the battery charge is depleted and there's no gas engine built in to rescue you if you run out the battery completely. Because all-electrics EVs use no gas, they must be recharged either at your home or at an EV charging station (more on charging options later). At present, fully electric vehicles are primarily city cars due to their limited range, which is typically 80 to 100 miles on a charge. Only the Tesla Model S goes farther but as time goes on, expect the range of EVs to improve.
Gotta spend green to go green – but Uncle Sam can help
Now that you know what types of green cars are out there, you can begin to decide which one is right for you. But before you do that, it might help to know how much they cost. Unfortunately, the price of electric cars, and to a lesser extent, hybrid vehicles in general can be quite high — at least more than your average gasoline-powered car. But all is not lost! While a prohibitive entry price can scare some consumers away, the U.S. government has subsidized the cost by offering incentives to qualifying consumers.
If you are eligible, the federal government will award you a cool $7,500 tax rebate for buying an EV. The only caveat: You need to have a one-year tax liability that exceeds that amount. Otherwise you can lease the car from the manufacturer and pay the lease down with your $7,500 right away. And while it's still a hefty monthly payment, both Nissan and Chevrolet offer leasing options right around $350 per month. Rumblings going around Washington suggest that President Obama is seeking to raise the incentive to $10,000, and instead of a tax rebate, the credit would be issued at the point of sale.
It's also important to keep in mind that, as of now, the tax credit will only remain in effect for a given manufacturer until it has sold 200,000 green vehicles. But you don't really need to worry because we're a long ways off before that happens.
Many states offer their own incentives in addition to what is provided by the federal government. This website shows what exactly your state can offer you.
Charging: Easy as Level 1, 2, 3
Now that you've decided on a car — either plug-in or all-electric — you're gonna need to charge it up. There are really only three types of charging types or "levels" supported right now by electric car manufacturers.
Level 1: Level 1 charging works like any standard three-pronged household outlet, meaning you can plug your EV into the outlet in your garage and charge its battery. Virtually every EV on the market supports this type of charging. The bad part: it's painstakingly slow. For example, a Nissan Leaf using a standard 120-volt charger will take roughly 18 to 20 hours.
Level 2: Level 2 charging is much faster and uses special equipment specific to EVs. This is the type of charging you will want to use most often. To borrow again another example from the Leaf, a full charge using a 240-volt Level 2 charger ranges between 8 to 12 hours.
Level 3: Level 3 charging (DC Fast Charge or DC Combo) uses industrial-strength chargers, which can bring battery levels up to 80 percent capacity in as little as 20 to 30 minutes by zapping your battery with 480-volts of electricity. Not all EVs support this type of charging, and currently there are no commercial-grade electric cars on the market that are capable of charging faster than Level 3 although that may change in the future.
It's important to remember that charging times will depend greatly on what the current state of charge your battery is at. In addition, how often you need to charge will invariably come down to how far you drive and what your vehicle's electric range is. Electric cars will be able to travel further due to their larger batteries and need to be plugged in more often in order to recharge, while plug-in hybrids will travel fewer miles on electricity and may require less charging due to their gasoline-powered on-board generators.
Like all lithium-ion batteries found inside the majority of hybrid-electric vehicles (including the Toyota Prius Plug-in, the Chevy Volt, the Nissan Leaf, and the Ford Focus Electric), the ability for the battery to hold its charge capacity will diminish over time. What this means is that in a 10-year period the gradual loss could reach as much as 30 percent or more. Using a Level 3 charger too often can accelerate that loss in a shorter amount of time.


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Quick Slants:
- Nelson became the third Bill rookie receiver to have touchdown receptions in three straight games.
- It was the first time since 1970 that a Bills opponent missed four FGs in a game.
- Fitzpatrick now has 23 touchdown receptions, eight most in team history and he sat the first two games.
- The Bills beat a team with a winning record for the first time this year.
My Take:
The Bills continue to battle hard and refuse to give up and it has shown as they are now 4-2 in the 2nd half of the season. It does give them promise for the future as they have bought in to the Chan Gailey scheme and appear like they may actually turn the corner with a solid offseason by the front office.
What's Ahead:
The Bills look to continue on their spoiler run but it won't be easy against the big bad Patriots as the Bills look to end a 14 game losing streak against New England which is the longest active streak in the NFL.