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Mr. Obama goes to Moscow

In the next few days, I plan to be blogging regularly, here and at The Y-Files, on Barack Obama's trip to Moscow and especially the Russian coverage of his visit. I didn't really expect much from the trip, but so far, it is shaping up to be quite fascinating. Evidently, Obama is spending a lot of [...]

CBS News Plans for Michael Jackson Memorial

CBS News sent us their plans for Tuesday's Michael Jackson memorial Service at the Staples Center.

Monday, July 6

• THE EARLY SHOW (7:00-9:00 AM, ET) broadcast live from Los Angeles

• CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC (6:30-7:00 PM, ET) anchored by Couric from the Staples Center

Tuesday, July 7

• THE EARLY SHOW (7:00-9:00 AM, ET) anchored by Maggie Rodriguez and Harry Smith from the Staples Center

• CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC (6:30-7:00 PM, ET) anchored by Couric from the Staples Center

• 48 HOURS (10:00-11:00 PM, ET) anchored by Couric from the Staples Center

Quote of the day

Man in the mirror?

Insurance, roof have it covered

WIMBLEDON - A furious hailstorm smashed through one layer of Colin's Plexiglas roof in the dining area, so he called the insurance company. I thought he was crazy for doing so, because they'd either deny his claim or raise his rates well above that roof. But then the assessor came, nodded, and offered three new layers of roof.

With tinted Plexiglas, to protect against the sun.

I want to live here, have a triple-layered roof over my head.

A lot of people are annoyed with NBC for delaying their broadcasts of big weekday matches. The network bought the rights to the big matches, but doesn't want to touch its showcase franchise, the "Today" show. So instead of getting Roger Federer live, Americans must watch Al Roker brutally interrogate the latest reality show loser.

The "Today" show is all about getting interview subjects to cry over personal setbacks. Matt Lauer should ask Federer about the Australian Open final.

Karl Malden is the latest to fall victim to the American celebrity curse during Wimbledon, dead at 97. Something few know about him: Malden was a huge soccer fan. Back in 1999, during the women's World Cup, you would suddenly spot him sitting with a big, floppy hat over his head at one of the U.S. practices in California. No way to miss that nose, ever.

The Reverend Bull was in the Royal Box today. So was David Dinkins. Put him in charge around here, he'd get rid of those overhead flights from Heathrow.

Al Franken’s national net favorable rating pretty much what you’d expect

Loser.

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan, UK, Special/Limited Editions

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron - Click above for image gallery

American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now. That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.

Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.

Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD - as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow

Continue reading UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Filed under: Autoline on Autoblog

Hybrids Stumble While Diesels Surge

The new-car sales figures for June must be a cause for concern for fans of hybrids. But at the same time they're very encouraging for diesel proponents. You don't want to read too much into one month's sales numbers, but the numbers do tell a story.

Ever since gasoline prices tumbled from their highs of last year, sales of hybrids have tumbled along with them. And while most automakers are shunning diesel engines right now, Volkswagen turned in sales numbers in June that should make everybody sit up and pay attention.

So, are we going to see a battle royale between hybrids and diesels? It's too early to tell, but here's what's going on in the market at this snapshot in time.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.2.09

Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent
A week with Honda's new Insight proves there's more to making a dedicated hybrid than aerodynamic sheetmetal and a miserly mill.

Hurst announces Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger
Hurst's Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger gets back to basics with a new hue, Eibach springs, 20-inch wheels and a full exhaust.

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony
How do you breath life into a decade-old Mustang? Throw in the Viper's 8.4-liter V10 and attach a couple of turbos for good measure.

Other news of import

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.2.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Dodges to be rebranded as Alfa Romeos in Europe

Filed under: Euro, Dodge, Earnings/Financials, Alfa Romeo

With the ink still wet on the Fiat/Chrysler deal, many auto sites (including Autoblog) have had a bit of fun prognosticating which Fiat/Alfa models would be rebadged as Chrysler products. U.K. site Autocar is reporting that Fiat is exploring bringing in Dodge models to Europe to be rebadged at Alfa Romeos. CEO Sergio Marchionne is said to be considering the move, saying that the two brands share the same core identity.

Autocar quotes Marchionne as saying that Dodge is the muscle car of the U.S. while Alfa is the muscle car of Europe, the latter being an interesting bit of positioning that we Statesiders don't normally associate with the brand. If the right Dodge-branded products were to make their way to Europe, the theory is that the Auburn Hills marque could actually bolster the products already offered by Alfa. The problem is, though, that there are few (if any) Dodge models that could reasonably be expected to perform well in Europe. The only models that are likely to be of interest are the Charger, Viper and Challenger, and the there is a chance that the Viper could soon find itself outside of the Chrysler portfolio altogether. The Charger and Challenger are likely too big for Europe as well, and would probably only sell in small numbers.

Marchionne also tells Autocar that the Chrysler group is still losing money, but the rate has slowed due to production and labor cuts.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Dodges to be rebranded as Alfa Romeos in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honduras thug: Help me, Barack Obama, you’re my only hope

Allies.

Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Supercars, Rumormill

McLaren F1 LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

McLaren has put up a job posting for a Senior Engineer for Powertrain Hybrid Technology on its official website, which may offer a few clues as to where the automaker may be heading in the near future for its road cars. As far as rumors go, this one seems pretty solid. According to an unnamed spokesperson quoted by Autocar:

It (hybrid technology) is something we want as a forward-thinking, technology-driven company. We have been considering it for future projects. All the advert means is that we are looking for a senior engineer in powertrain hybrid technology. Read into it what you will.

One possibility is that McLaren will attempt to adapt the KERS system from its Formula 1 race cars for street use. It's widely agreed upon that McLaren's KERS implementation is the best in F1 and both BMW and Ferrari are also thought to be working on KERS for future road cars.

Within the next few years, McLaren is expected to introduce a couple of new supercars, including a replacement for the current SLR, codenamed P11, and a successor to the famed F1 supercar from the mid '90s that's currently known as the P12.

Gallery: McLaren F1 LM

[Source: McLaren via Autocar]

Rumormill: McLaren planning hybrid supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saddam told FBI: I bluffed on WMD because I feared Iranian nukes

Crisis averted.

Kate Gosselin: A popular brand self-destructs

Filed under: Home, Career, Relationships, Celebs & Money

As Jon and Kate Gosselin's marriage has slowly self-destructed, Kate is finding that the brand she has so carefully built is under attack. A children's clothing line that she produced with Healthtex is on hold, and her latest book, Love in the Mix: Making Meals into Memories, has been sidelined while she and her husband work out their divorce.

Reading through reports about these speedbumps, it's hard to miss the barely-concealed glee that underlies the reporting. Over the past few months, bashing Kate Gosselin has become a popular sport in America. By now, even people who haven't seen the show know that Kate can be disturbingly stern with her kids, that she is mean to her husband, and that she is greedy when it comes to snatching up the freebies of quick cable fame. Pundits have endlessly attacked her weight, her behavior, her child-rearing, and her hairstyle, until it seems that Kate isn't so much a person as the heart of a cottage industry in verbal brutality.

Continue reading Kate Gosselin: A popular brand self-destructs

Kate Gosselin: A popular brand self-destructs originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series mule caught in the desert

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, BMW

2011 BMW 5-Series - Click above for gallery

A year ago, we showed you pics of the next-generation BMW 5-Series doing some high-speed testing on the Nürburgring, but that was pretty much the last we heard about this midsize bahnstormer. Well, intrepid spy photographer Rich Truesdell spotted a similar mule out in the desert last week, and he has filled us in on some additional details. The car he spotted appears to be a 2011 BMW 540i sedan. Rich relates that the car was big enough to have him thinking 7-Series at first, but BMW helped out by having a clearly larger current 7 on hand for comparison purposes. How thoughtful of them.

While not a lot of final detail shows through, Truesdell points out that the heavy rear quarter cladding could be a tip that something is brewing in the recently revamped styling department in Munich. In particular, around the C-pillar, there was a lot of camo, indicating that perhaps there's something worth hiding. Beyond that, the sedan looks like a shortened 7-Series from most angles, and the dual exhausts suggest that this is likely the V8-powered 540i. Follow the source link to read what Rich thought of the vehicle and to see all of the photos in high-res.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series mule

All images (C) 2009 Rich Truesdell/Automotivetraveler.com

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series mule caught in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Scoreboard: Wednesday, July 1

25-54 demographic: (L +SD)

Total day: FNC: 333 | CNN: 252 | MSNBC: 123 | HLN: 206

Prime: FNC: 551 | CNN: 424 | MSNBC: 234 | HLN: 311


	5p:	6p:	7p:	8p:	9p:	10p:	11p:

FNC	Beck:	Baier:	Shep:	O'Reilly:	Hannity:	Greta:	O'Reilly:
	515	396	428	665	524	458	460

CNN	Blitzer:	Blitzer:	Dobbs:	Brown:	King:	Cooper:	Cooper:
	236	237	243	288	525	457	313

MSNBC	Matthews:	EdShow:	Matthews:	Olbermann:	Jackson:	Jackson:	Olbermann:
	185	127	176	261	252	190	137

HLN	Prime:	Prime:	VMitchell:	Grace:	Dobbs:	Grace:	Showbiz:
	167	188	260	339	268	339	301

Data by Nielsen Media Research. Live and same day (DVR) data.

continued...

New GOP ad: The stimulus isn’t working

Hounded.

Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early

Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn't plan to release its final rules and regulations for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), otherwise known as Cash-for-Clunkers program, until July 23rd, Hyundai has decided that its customers don't have to wait. Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, VA has already accepted the first trade-in and doled out its first rebate. The clunker is a 15-mpg 1995 Ford Explorer, and Katherine Michon of Arlington, VA traded it in for a $4,500 credit on a brand new 26-mpg Hyundai Elantra Touring.

How can Hyundai get away with accepting clunkers early? The automaker is giving dealers short-term cash advances to cover the cost of its rebates until the CARS program officially kicks off later this month. Hyundai has 13 models with particular engine combinations that qualify for CARS, and the NHTSA has already confirmed that transactions on or after July 1, 2009 are eligible.

This could be a brilliant move on Hyundai's part, since its own internal research shows that 11 percent of car shoppers have delayed their purchase to take advantage of the rebates. If Hyundai is the only game in town that's accepting trade-ins and giving rebates early, it could steal a few sales away from other brands that are waiting patiently for the program to officially begin.

On the other hand, the NHTSA warns on the CARS official website that "interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved and the final rule is issued." By that time, however, you'll be driving around in a new car and getting reimbursed for the rebate will by Hyundai's problem.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early

Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helping artists in down times, part I

Filed under: Extracurriculars, Food, Recession

In a recession, art funding becomes an oxymoron. And then we're suddenly grateful for the tattoos of celebrities, like Megan Fox's King Lear reference on her back, to give us our Shakespeare.

Two of my favorite new artists I discovered with the help of Campari. No, not the name of New York's latest curator from across the pond, but the 150-year-old red alcoholic aperitif invented in Italy, the stuff of New York Times' Helene Cooper's villa dreams. "We proffer Campari-vodka-grapefruit juice aperitivos..." Cooper writes in her romantic story on how to score an affordable vacation rental in Italy.

Artists and alcohol have long had a productive relationship (go ahead and argue that), and Campari's long-standing "experiential marketing" initiative, House of Campari, is brilliantly set on supporting emerging artists, through grants and rallying audiences into galleries. In a boom market, this might get eclipsed by the insane stories of English artist Damien Hirst selling off his pieces for tens of millions of dollars--$100 million for a diamond-encrusted skull alone.With the art bubble going the way of Lehman Brothers, suddenly we need more Camparis, the "apertivos" and the art patron.

Continue reading Helping artists in down times, part I

Helping artists in down times, part I originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Movie Madness for the Fourth of July weekend

Filed under: Extracurriculars, Simplification

Screw NetFlix and Blockbuster! The future of movies, and TV for that matter, is online. Everything is going digital these days and Hollywood is slowly catching on. Fortunately for us, the virtual trend is affordable. Scratch that, it's more like free! Below are some really movies online for free:

The Times of Harvey Milk is available on Hulu. This Oscar-winning documentary covers the successful career and tragic assassination of San Francisco's first openly gay man to be elected to office. (Hulu's movie description). This is a great documentary that follows the political path of Harvey Milk, an important figure who fought for civil rights. The first two minutes of this film is available on YouTube.

Living With Lew is available on SnagFilms. A heart warming movie about a man living with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Watch as he copes with this medical condition and maintains his humor and lives his dreams.The trailer of this film is available on YouTube.

Slacker is available on Joost. A social experiment of "slackers". You know, the outcasts of society made up of hippies, students, criminals, philosophers, bloggers, and the unemployed. All characters end up meeting each other, and the result...well, I won't ruin it for you.

So, as you take the time to unwind for this weekend, check out these free movies! WalletPop always has you covered. Enjoy!

Free Movie Madness for the Fourth of July weekend originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manhattan real estate market finally craters

Filed under: Real Estate

Reports released today by three major New York City real estate brokers show that the housing bust has finally hit the city, with prices falling somewhere between 13% and 19% over the past year -- depending on who you believe.

The decline isn't out of line with national numbers, but in Manhattan, the decline has been remarkably rapid. In the first quarter of 2009, some brokers were reporting a price increase of as much as 6%.

What went wrong? The volume picked up, as sellers realized that the market had changed and slashed their prices to move inventory. Sales volume was up 28% in the second quarter compared with the first quarter, according to Prudential Douglas Elliman. That's the good news: Compared with the second quarter of last year, volume was down 50%.

Continue reading Manhattan real estate market finally craters

Manhattan real estate market finally craters originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Michelle smacks WaPo for big pimpin’

Pimp slap.

Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchbacks, Ford

Tanner Foust's 2009 Olsbergs MSE ROCKSTAR Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford knows better than most that the way into an American car buyer's heart is through motor racing, so the latest step in Ford's North American "Fiesta Movement" is the deployment of the compact hatchback which we've driven and enjoyed on several occasions on America's most popular rally circuits.

Following its entry in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Ford will be fielding a team of rally-prepped Fiestas in the upcoming X Games, the 15th running of the famous stunt competition and the first time Ford will participate. Piloting a trio of Fiestas prepared by the same Swedish MSE outfit that created Marcus Gronholm's rallycross car will be a star-studded line-up comprised of drift champion Tanner Foust, ten-time X Games medalist Brian Deegan and former Indy champion Kenny Brack. With that much talent behind the wheel, we'll look forward to the Fiesta Movement getting into motion at the games running in Los Angeles from July 30 to August 2. Details are available in the press release below the fold and a pair of sketches of the X Games Fiestas can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 X Games Ford Fiestas

Continue reading Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars

Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The USS Sanford Takes on More Water

In addition to the pressure Governor Mark Sanford is getting from the growing list of Republicans (and Democrats) in the Palmetto State now calling for his regisnation, a new poll Sanford is losing the battle of public opinion as well. A day after last week's press conference in which Sanford first revealed he had been unfaithful [...]

Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi

Filed under: Audi, Lifestyle, UK

Goodwood Festival of Speed Audi Sculpture - Click above for image gallery of more GFoS sculptures

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place this weekend, and every year the Earl of March, who manages the 12,000-acre Goodwood estate that hosts the event, commissions a giant art piece honoring that year's featured marque. Audi is the featured marque this year, which is timely since the Ingolstadt-based automaker is also celebrating its centennial.

This year's sculpture that was commissioned for Audi is a big swoosh of tire tracks with a 1937 Auto Union streamliner and new Audi R8 V10 suspended at either end. Standing 135-feet tall and weighing 40 tonnes, as they say in Britain, the piece is made entirely of steel to support itself without braces or cables. Gerry Judah is the designer, as he has been for Goodwood's featured art installations since 1997 when he first designed one for Ferrari. This is also the second time he's produced a piece for Audi, the first one being back in 1999.

It goes without saying that we all want to stick this in the flower bed in our front yard, but unfortunately you'll only be able to see it if you're in West Sussex this weekend to enjoy the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Check out more pics of this year's Audi sculpture, as well as art pieces from prior years, in the gallery below.

Gallery: Goodwood Festival of Speed Art Sculptures

[Source: Audi, Photos courtesy of Gerry Judah]

Continue reading Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi

Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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South Carolinians wonder: Is Sanford nuts?

Touched.