Sex appeal and seductive curves are not only for women but are looked upon as sought after characteristics for automobiles. One vehicle segment that has recently elevated the curvy-sex appeal of the automobile is the four-door coupe design commonly found on the Benz CLS, Volkswagen CC, Panamera and the Audi A7. BMW has never had anything to compete in this specialized segment until now.
BMW has officially introduced its new 2012 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sporting 4-doors with frameless windows, a continuous curved roof-line and exquisite interior luxury appointments. The new 6 Series Gran Coupe does not sway to far from the original BMW’s Gran Coupe Concept introduced last year. The new 2013 6 Series Gran Coupe will first make its debut stateside as a 640i model powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter N55 inline-6 cylinder turbocharged engine. The Gran Coupe’s N55 twin-scroll power unit will have an output of 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. A new 650i Gran Coupe variant will be available afterwards offering optional xDrive all-wheel drive and powered by BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Both engines direct power through a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new 2013 BMW Gran Coupe is much more than a 6 Series coupe stretched about 4.4 inches, it will embody a 4+1 seating configuration allowing a 5th passenger between the two outboard rear seats. All of the tech-gadgetry will be the newest offerings from BMW with the latest iDrive integration, a new generation color Heads-Up display, a trans-reflective Control Display mounted in a freestanding housing, and an optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System.
Look for the introduction of the new 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe to make an appearance in the flesh at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Pricing details have not been released as of yet. For other additional information please hit up the official press release below.
2011年12月12日星期一
2011年11月29日星期二
Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Timely Reminder From Chief Nurse
Alfonzo Tramontano (pictured left) is reminding staff, patients and visitors that the best and simplest way to stop infection in its tracks is to wash hands with soap and water; and to use the gel dispensers available across the hospital - starting at the temporary front entrance.
"We treat over 60,000 in-patients on our wards every year and we have an excellent record," he comments.
"Year-on-year we have seen hospital acquired infections including Clostridium difficile and MRSA reduce - and we want to ensure we achieve our standards this year - but it is a real challenge.
"With the onset of winter and infections such as Norovirus (winter vomiting disease) and seasonal flu already rife in our communities, it's timely to remind people that cleaning hands really can save lives."
The trust has a high national rating for cleanliness and is regarded as a model of good practice by the Health Protection Agency, but is continually looking at ways to reduce the risk of all avoidable infections.
A case of MRSA recently has seen the trust make some more major changes to clinical practices on wards. Single use blood pressure cuffs are now used in high-risk areas; 200 bladeless Dyson fans have been purchased (MRSA bacteria was found to have survived in some fans at bedsides) and a new style cannula pack is set to be introduced next month.
The trust has also stepped up MRSA checks on hospital staff (about a third of the healthy population carry MRSA harmlessly on their skin or up their nose) and all high-risk patients coming in for surgery and emergency treatment are also swabbed for the infection. There is a simple course of medication that can be given to treat MRSA carried in this way.
"We are confident that we are doing all we can to prevent infection and the spread of infection," says 'Fonz'. "We are asking local people to support us by doing all they can as well - and by working together, we'll be successful."
As well as hand washing, the trust is asking people not to come and visit - or to come for appointments - if they have had any sort of diarrhoea and sickness. Anyone suffering from this type of infection should avoid public places until they have been free of symptoms for 72 hours.
"We treat over 60,000 in-patients on our wards every year and we have an excellent record," he comments.
"Year-on-year we have seen hospital acquired infections including Clostridium difficile and MRSA reduce - and we want to ensure we achieve our standards this year - but it is a real challenge.
"With the onset of winter and infections such as Norovirus (winter vomiting disease) and seasonal flu already rife in our communities, it's timely to remind people that cleaning hands really can save lives."
The trust has a high national rating for cleanliness and is regarded as a model of good practice by the Health Protection Agency, but is continually looking at ways to reduce the risk of all avoidable infections.
A case of MRSA recently has seen the trust make some more major changes to clinical practices on wards. Single use blood pressure cuffs are now used in high-risk areas; 200 bladeless Dyson fans have been purchased (MRSA bacteria was found to have survived in some fans at bedsides) and a new style cannula pack is set to be introduced next month.
The trust has also stepped up MRSA checks on hospital staff (about a third of the healthy population carry MRSA harmlessly on their skin or up their nose) and all high-risk patients coming in for surgery and emergency treatment are also swabbed for the infection. There is a simple course of medication that can be given to treat MRSA carried in this way.
"We are confident that we are doing all we can to prevent infection and the spread of infection," says 'Fonz'. "We are asking local people to support us by doing all they can as well - and by working together, we'll be successful."
As well as hand washing, the trust is asking people not to come and visit - or to come for appointments - if they have had any sort of diarrhoea and sickness. Anyone suffering from this type of infection should avoid public places until they have been free of symptoms for 72 hours.
2011年11月27日星期日
Garden State Plaza gets OK for parking guidance system
The Garden State Plaza received unanimous approval for the installation of a parking guidance system in its main parking deck, as well as several other minor improvements to the parking lot and entrances
The approval was granted by the Paramus Planning Board at meeting earlier this month.
The system consists of a network of cameras within the garage and a sign outside the entrance, according to civil engineer William Page. The cameras, which are spaced at approximately every other parking space, detect whether nearby spots are occupied. Spaces that are open will have a green light above them, and occupied spots will have a red light.
In addition, the number of open spaces is calculated by the system and displayed on the sign at the garage's entrance, giving motorists up-to-date information on both how much parking is available and where it is located.
"This is what they call real-time sequencing," Page said. "As cars go into parking spaces, that information will be sent to the computer, which will then tell people that are driving into the garage that there are 200 parking spaces on level three or 100 parking spaces on level one."
The primary purpose of the plan is to ease the flow of traffic in and around the garage, according to Page. Drivers currently travel throughout the garage looking for an open space, adding to congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. Once the system is installed, drivers will know exactly where to look for a free space.
"They'll know their chances are better finding a space on level two and they'll drive right to that location instead of circulating around," Page said.
The system is expected to operate half an hour before the mall opens and remain on half an hour after the mall closes for the evening, Page said. The sign itself is designed to prevent glare from the sun, maximizing visibility and minimizing distraction to drivers during the day. The sign's LED lighting will remain visible at night without giving off much light and can be dimmed or intensified as needed.
These signs are new to the area, but Westfield, the company that owns the Garden State Plaza, does have similar signs in other malls and they have proven useful, according to Page. Board member Gary Pucci noted that he has also seen the signs while traveling and agreed that they will ease the circulation of traffic in the Garden State Plaza.
"I'm quite familiar with these systems, as I travel to Germany a lot and I go where they have them. They work quite well," Pucci said. "They are very helpful and will be a good addition for the traffic flow at the Plaza."
The ring road between Old Navy and Macy's is also slated for general improvements, motivated by a desire to improve valet parking, according to Page. Currently, the space for valet parking at the Capital Grill is limited, and has caused a negative impact on nearby traffic.
"What we're trying to do is come with some plans where the valet parking for Capital Grill would work so you wouldn't have cars parked into the ring road and improve circulation in the area," Page said.
To remedy the situation, the space for valet was expanded from 4 feet to 18 feet, enough parking for six cars directly in front of the restaurant, according to Page. The restaurant will retain seven standby spaces located nearby for use as needed.
The entrance curb needs adjustment to accommodate the change, and the ring road itself will be straightened in the vicinity of the changes, according to Page. The road is currently curved at that location, something that has drawn concern from local fire officials. The new layout will make the area both more accessible for emergency vehicles and easier to navigate for everyday motorists.
"We did lose 27 parking spaces, but in reference to what we're doing with safety and circulation and the valet parking for Capital Grill, we think it's a fair tradeoff," Page said.
The approval was granted by the Paramus Planning Board at meeting earlier this month.
The system consists of a network of cameras within the garage and a sign outside the entrance, according to civil engineer William Page. The cameras, which are spaced at approximately every other parking space, detect whether nearby spots are occupied. Spaces that are open will have a green light above them, and occupied spots will have a red light.
In addition, the number of open spaces is calculated by the system and displayed on the sign at the garage's entrance, giving motorists up-to-date information on both how much parking is available and where it is located.
"This is what they call real-time sequencing," Page said. "As cars go into parking spaces, that information will be sent to the computer, which will then tell people that are driving into the garage that there are 200 parking spaces on level three or 100 parking spaces on level one."
The primary purpose of the plan is to ease the flow of traffic in and around the garage, according to Page. Drivers currently travel throughout the garage looking for an open space, adding to congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. Once the system is installed, drivers will know exactly where to look for a free space.
"They'll know their chances are better finding a space on level two and they'll drive right to that location instead of circulating around," Page said.
The system is expected to operate half an hour before the mall opens and remain on half an hour after the mall closes for the evening, Page said. The sign itself is designed to prevent glare from the sun, maximizing visibility and minimizing distraction to drivers during the day. The sign's LED lighting will remain visible at night without giving off much light and can be dimmed or intensified as needed.
These signs are new to the area, but Westfield, the company that owns the Garden State Plaza, does have similar signs in other malls and they have proven useful, according to Page. Board member Gary Pucci noted that he has also seen the signs while traveling and agreed that they will ease the circulation of traffic in the Garden State Plaza.
"I'm quite familiar with these systems, as I travel to Germany a lot and I go where they have them. They work quite well," Pucci said. "They are very helpful and will be a good addition for the traffic flow at the Plaza."
The ring road between Old Navy and Macy's is also slated for general improvements, motivated by a desire to improve valet parking, according to Page. Currently, the space for valet parking at the Capital Grill is limited, and has caused a negative impact on nearby traffic.
"What we're trying to do is come with some plans where the valet parking for Capital Grill would work so you wouldn't have cars parked into the ring road and improve circulation in the area," Page said.
To remedy the situation, the space for valet was expanded from 4 feet to 18 feet, enough parking for six cars directly in front of the restaurant, according to Page. The restaurant will retain seven standby spaces located nearby for use as needed.
The entrance curb needs adjustment to accommodate the change, and the ring road itself will be straightened in the vicinity of the changes, according to Page. The road is currently curved at that location, something that has drawn concern from local fire officials. The new layout will make the area both more accessible for emergency vehicles and easier to navigate for everyday motorists.
"We did lose 27 parking spaces, but in reference to what we're doing with safety and circulation and the valet parking for Capital Grill, we think it's a fair tradeoff," Page said.
2011年9月12日星期一
Union declares 'war' on paid parking plan
A retail union is leading the fight against plans by Westfield to charge customers and staff to park at Brisbane's Chermside Shopping Centre from next month.
The shopping centre's management confirmed today retail staff would be charged a daily fee to park at a designated roof top car park, as well as shoppers who would be charged to park at the northside centre for more than three hours.
"Retailers will pay a small daily flat fee which will cover the security and management of the dedicated roof top car park," a Westfield Chermside spokeswoman said.
"This dedicated roof top car park will ensure that the most convenient car spots are available for our shoppers.
"Parking rates for retailers will be confirmed by the end of September and controlled parking will be introduced in October."
On the weekend, more than 1000 people signed a Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association's petition condemning the impending charges.
Members of the association mounted a small protest outside the centre on Saturday, where they garnered 150 signatures from shoppers in 15 minutes.
Chris Ketter, the secretary of the union's Queensland branch, said he understood staff would be charged about $3 per day to park at the centre.
He said staff would also be charged about $10 for a swipe card to access the designated parking area, although the fee would be refunded when their employment at the centre ended.
“We've declared war on Westfield Chermside's push to introduce paid parking for both staff and customers," Mr Ketter said.
“Making staff to pay to work is unfair and unAustralian and I imagine shoppers are against the move as well.
“This money grabbing push could see thousands of Queenslanders forced to pay a daily toll just to do their jobs," Mr Ketter said.
“Many of these staff are young people and parents already doing it tough in today's economic climate. It's unfair for them to have to pay up to $15 per week to park at work.
“The suggestion they should pay to work is an outrage and we want it wiped out."
Mr Ketter said the union intended to present the petition to Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.
In 2008, Westfield sought council approval to install boom gates and charge anyone using its carparks for more than three hours.
But the council rejected the proposal 12 months later.
As owner of the land at Chermside, Westfield can introduce paid parking on its site without the green light from council.
According to Westfield, the introduction of "controlled parking" is necessary to stop commuters who use the bus interchange outside the shopping centre taking shoppers' car spaces.
"The primary objective of introducing controlled parking is to ensure maximum car spaces are available for shoppers," the spokeswoman said.
"Currently up to 25 per cent of car spaces are taken up by commuters which reduces valuable sales and traffic for our retailers."
Westfield estimates that 96 per cent of shoppers spend no longer than three hours at the centre and would therefore not have to pay for parking.
Westfield has not commented on suggestions it is planning to introduce paid parking at Carindale Shopping Centre once a parking guidance system, which would direct customers to vacant car spaces, is installed.
The shopping centre's management confirmed today retail staff would be charged a daily fee to park at a designated roof top car park, as well as shoppers who would be charged to park at the northside centre for more than three hours.
"Retailers will pay a small daily flat fee which will cover the security and management of the dedicated roof top car park," a Westfield Chermside spokeswoman said.
"This dedicated roof top car park will ensure that the most convenient car spots are available for our shoppers.
"Parking rates for retailers will be confirmed by the end of September and controlled parking will be introduced in October."
On the weekend, more than 1000 people signed a Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association's petition condemning the impending charges.
Members of the association mounted a small protest outside the centre on Saturday, where they garnered 150 signatures from shoppers in 15 minutes.
Chris Ketter, the secretary of the union's Queensland branch, said he understood staff would be charged about $3 per day to park at the centre.
He said staff would also be charged about $10 for a swipe card to access the designated parking area, although the fee would be refunded when their employment at the centre ended.
“We've declared war on Westfield Chermside's push to introduce paid parking for both staff and customers," Mr Ketter said.
“Making staff to pay to work is unfair and unAustralian and I imagine shoppers are against the move as well.
“This money grabbing push could see thousands of Queenslanders forced to pay a daily toll just to do their jobs," Mr Ketter said.
“Many of these staff are young people and parents already doing it tough in today's economic climate. It's unfair for them to have to pay up to $15 per week to park at work.
“The suggestion they should pay to work is an outrage and we want it wiped out."
Mr Ketter said the union intended to present the petition to Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.
In 2008, Westfield sought council approval to install boom gates and charge anyone using its carparks for more than three hours.
But the council rejected the proposal 12 months later.
As owner of the land at Chermside, Westfield can introduce paid parking on its site without the green light from council.
According to Westfield, the introduction of "controlled parking" is necessary to stop commuters who use the bus interchange outside the shopping centre taking shoppers' car spaces.
"The primary objective of introducing controlled parking is to ensure maximum car spaces are available for shoppers," the spokeswoman said.
"Currently up to 25 per cent of car spaces are taken up by commuters which reduces valuable sales and traffic for our retailers."
Westfield estimates that 96 per cent of shoppers spend no longer than three hours at the centre and would therefore not have to pay for parking.
Westfield has not commented on suggestions it is planning to introduce paid parking at Carindale Shopping Centre once a parking guidance system, which would direct customers to vacant car spaces, is installed.
2011年4月11日星期一
Outstanding Community Members Give Back To WED
Special students, teachers, administrators and community members are helping the Woonsocket Education Department to provide some very special educational opportunities for students and teachers. We examine students who are helping to gain community awareness and teacher professional development for Autism and a committee of educators, parents and community members that are creating an impressive boundless playground that will provide academic benefits as well as enjoyment for the students of Woonsocket in our future.
Fun was had by all at the Woonsocket High School Music Department Autism Benefit. It proved to be a stellar event. Over 30 gift baskets were raffled off. A silent auction took place with items including celebrity autographs, a jersey signed by all of the Colorado Rockies professional hockey team, Microsoft software, and a complete computer system. Performances from local celebrities included Louise Tetrault and the Woonsocket School Committee Member Linda Majewski. Student group performances included the Woonsocket High School Jazz band, Percussion Ensemble, Chorus, and Select Chorus.
Historically, people typically give back to their schools and community after they graduate from high school. At Woonsocket High School, we have three very special students who are giving back to the school before they graduate. Adam Brunetti, Richard Gramstorf, and Jamel Williams. When asked why they began this quest and they were all very passionate in their responses.
Adam relayed his story about challenges he had encountered in earlier grades but how that changed at Woonsocket High School. The combination of some teachers who understood autism and outstanding support services including Dr. Sullivan, administrator, Ms. Cohagen, WHS guidance councilor, and the school nurses. All of these educators helped to make smooth transition to Woonsocket High School for him. He feels lucky that he met these teachers and councilors at the high school because when he was younger, there was less of an awareness of autism. He said it was a different feeling in high school. Adam also identified that the outstanding Music and Drama programs we provide helped him to enjoy school more and ultimately helped him become more academically successful over all. These teachers, councilors, and administrators had the knowledge about Autism and as a result helped him make his high school years wonderful. Adam's favorite quote is "knowledge is power and ignorance is intolerable." That is why he is on a quest to raise money for the RI Autism Project.
Richard Gramsdorf said that this event helped to make him feel like he contributed to a cause that is a community need. He wants to positively contribute to his community and he is starting now! Ricky told me of a story that happened in his sixth grade class. He said that his sixth grade teacher must have known about autism because of how she taught him and his classmates. They had a new student in their class who was diagnosed with autism and she not only helped the new child transition to the new classroom, but she taught Ricky and the other children how to respect each other's differences. Ricky was quick to point out that many people with autism are gifted academically but have challenges with socialization. He said "There is always a price with a gift."
Jamel Williamson recognizes that autism is the fastest growing medical diagnosis. One out of every 98 boys born has some form of autism. He has always felt it is important to "help the community, help the world and help our schools." He will be attending Johnson and Wales next year but he wants to come back and make this event bigger each year. He will be studying bakery and pastry arts and hopes to be the first musical chef. He is hoping that with earlier promotion, they may be able to fill the Stadium Theatre next year!
This group of students created a team name for the Autism Imagine Walk. They will be "The Musical Notes." They hope to raise over $10,000. The RI Autism Project will provide 30 teachers with a ten week training about students with autism for free if they can raise that amount. Any funds raised at this the Woonsocket High School Autism Benefit will be combined with the funds that they will raise at the Imagine Walk Benefit.
Adam's mom, Mrs. Brunetti, should also be commended for all of the work that she has put into this effort. She personally worked with the principals and community members to arrange all of the donations that will be raffled or auctioned off to increase the fundraising. She is also very passionate about the need for parents and the public to learn more about Autism.
Fun was had by all at the Woonsocket High School Music Department Autism Benefit. It proved to be a stellar event. Over 30 gift baskets were raffled off. A silent auction took place with items including celebrity autographs, a jersey signed by all of the Colorado Rockies professional hockey team, Microsoft software, and a complete computer system. Performances from local celebrities included Louise Tetrault and the Woonsocket School Committee Member Linda Majewski. Student group performances included the Woonsocket High School Jazz band, Percussion Ensemble, Chorus, and Select Chorus.
Historically, people typically give back to their schools and community after they graduate from high school. At Woonsocket High School, we have three very special students who are giving back to the school before they graduate. Adam Brunetti, Richard Gramstorf, and Jamel Williams. When asked why they began this quest and they were all very passionate in their responses.
Adam relayed his story about challenges he had encountered in earlier grades but how that changed at Woonsocket High School. The combination of some teachers who understood autism and outstanding support services including Dr. Sullivan, administrator, Ms. Cohagen, WHS guidance councilor, and the school nurses. All of these educators helped to make smooth transition to Woonsocket High School for him. He feels lucky that he met these teachers and councilors at the high school because when he was younger, there was less of an awareness of autism. He said it was a different feeling in high school. Adam also identified that the outstanding Music and Drama programs we provide helped him to enjoy school more and ultimately helped him become more academically successful over all. These teachers, councilors, and administrators had the knowledge about Autism and as a result helped him make his high school years wonderful. Adam's favorite quote is "knowledge is power and ignorance is intolerable." That is why he is on a quest to raise money for the RI Autism Project.
Richard Gramsdorf said that this event helped to make him feel like he contributed to a cause that is a community need. He wants to positively contribute to his community and he is starting now! Ricky told me of a story that happened in his sixth grade class. He said that his sixth grade teacher must have known about autism because of how she taught him and his classmates. They had a new student in their class who was diagnosed with autism and she not only helped the new child transition to the new classroom, but she taught Ricky and the other children how to respect each other's differences. Ricky was quick to point out that many people with autism are gifted academically but have challenges with socialization. He said "There is always a price with a gift."
Jamel Williamson recognizes that autism is the fastest growing medical diagnosis. One out of every 98 boys born has some form of autism. He has always felt it is important to "help the community, help the world and help our schools." He will be attending Johnson and Wales next year but he wants to come back and make this event bigger each year. He will be studying bakery and pastry arts and hopes to be the first musical chef. He is hoping that with earlier promotion, they may be able to fill the Stadium Theatre next year!
This group of students created a team name for the Autism Imagine Walk. They will be "The Musical Notes." They hope to raise over $10,000. The RI Autism Project will provide 30 teachers with a ten week training about students with autism for free if they can raise that amount. Any funds raised at this the Woonsocket High School Autism Benefit will be combined with the funds that they will raise at the Imagine Walk Benefit.
Adam's mom, Mrs. Brunetti, should also be commended for all of the work that she has put into this effort. She personally worked with the principals and community members to arrange all of the donations that will be raffled or auctioned off to increase the fundraising. She is also very passionate about the need for parents and the public to learn more about Autism.
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