Thursday, August 28, 2008

PERFORMANCE


Type	2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS). Iridium spark plugs.

Horsepower	305 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque (lb.-ft.)	290 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Fuel and Ignition system	Multiport fuel injection. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). Engine management with adaptive driving habits capability. Direct ignition.

Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 gallons

Fuel Economy (city/highway)	Manual: 17/23 mpg

Fuel Requirement	Premium unleaded gasoline required. 91 octane minimum, 93 octane recommended.

Steering	Engine-speed-sensing quick-ratio variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion. Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8.

Turning Circle, curb-to-curb	36.1 ft.

SI-DRIVE performance management system	Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE ) enables three distinctively different modes of vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control unit (ECU) and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle.

Suspension	High-performance sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension. Front: Inverted-strut-type with aluminum-alloy lower L-arm. Rear: Double wishbone. Front and rear stabilizer bars.

Brakes	Brembo® performance brake system. 4-wheel disc, ventilated front and rear. 4-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers. 4-channel, 4-sensor Super Sport ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Brake discs Front: 12.7 in./Rear: 12.3 in.

Wheels	18 x 8.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy. High-luster silver finish. Optional 18 x 8.5-inch 18-spoke BBS® aluminum-alloy⁴. Silver or Gold finish.

Tires	245/40 R18 93W ultra high-performance¹

Manual Transmission (Standard)	Standard fully synchronized close-ratio 6-speed manual with Incline Start Assist

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)	Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) All-Wheel Drive: Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) All-Wheel Drive uses an electronically managed multi-plate transfer clutch and a mechanical limited-slip differential in conjunction with a planetary-gear-type center differential to control power distribution between the front and rear wheels. Featuring manual and three automatic modes, DCCD splits power 41% front and 59% rear. Sensors monitor parameters such as wheel slippage, steering angle, throttle position and braking to help determine torque distribution and direct it to the wheels with optimum traction. DCCD also features a limited-slip helical front and Torsen® rear differential.

Hot Import Nights Los Angeles is one of the most coveted shows for everyone involved in this crazy world we call the Import Scene. Weeks before the show, the hype on the radio, mass flier blasts, and chatter amongst West Coasters make me giddy with anticipation. From the car competitors to the models to the show spectators and the talent, HIN LA is the show everyone talks about and looks forward to year after year. People from all over the country make the trek out to the West Coast to see what LA has to offer: sick cars, hot girls, and, oh yeah, bacon-wrapped hot dogs! For the concert, they couldn't have picked a more fitting artist for L.A., The Game, in his first performance after being released from jail.

I've been lucky enough to be on tour with Boost Mobile and HIN for the last year and have gotten to travel to all corners of the country, from the rolling green grass in North Carolina to the palm trees on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Meeting fans and signing autographs is usually what I do at the shows, but for this one, I actually got a chance to walk the show floor with Carter and Derrick from Import Tuner and got to know the car competitors and their cars. The hard work and dedication these guys put into their rides often goes unnoticed so we picked out our favs and showed them some love in our Top 20.-Pearl Nalani

Car: '74 RX-4 Owner: JRX Rotary Carter: Supercharged, bridgeported 13B on Epsilon wheels. Cleanest Stateside RX-4, ever. Pearl: Can't go wrong with two sets of headlights. Oh wait those are foglights. I do like the color and the wheels, though.	Car: '01 Lexus LS430 Owner: Freddie Fernandez Carter: Junction Produce body kit, Air Runner bags, 21-inch Leon Hardiritt wheels and fox fur that cost a grand per seat; Freddie's ride is straight Bippu and bad. Let's hope its fast enough to evade PETA. Pearl: Joyce Lex on top! And girls, let's give Freddie some love. He's looking out for us on those hot, burn your ass on the leather seat days with that chinchilla fur!	Car: '90 Honda Civic Si Owner: Lenin Carter: EF rocking Mugen parts, 'nuff said. The wheels? From a Mugen Fit. Pearl: Old school but clean looking. The Mugen sticker is so cute!
Car: '01 Lexus GS300 Owner: Kevin Peverill Carter: Supercharged with front-mount intercooler and leather-wrapped Recaros. Pearl: I heart big, fat staggered wheels. The JP knot on the mirror is a nice touch.	Car: '93 Acura NSX Owner: Garrie Yeo Carter: Veilside Fortune kit, supercharged with forged Cognac rims with mad lip. Pearl: We measured the lip, 7 inches! Size, in this case, matters.	Car: Eric Navales Owner: '07 Lexus IS350 Carter: Ings body kit and Endless brakes sitting behind 19-inch AMEs. Pearl: The blue Endless brakes caught my eyes and it has Pearl paint, just like my name

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Live Coverage: The Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Artists come together to sing "Please Stay, Guests from Afar." (Photo credit: Xinhua)

1). Dozens of young singers and 112 performers in beautiful clothes of the 56 ethnic groups dance hand in hand and sing the song Please Stay, Guests from Afar on the Main Stage and the steps.

50 male dancers holding Fuwa lucky cloud yarn strips and paper flower launchers and 120 other dancers dance on the Main Stage in tune with the rhythm of the song.

600 female performers in festival clothes enter the stadium, flow around the athletes and dance with all athletes in the stadium and 1,046 marshals in tune with the rhythm of the song, forming a spectacular dance circle.

2). 600 female performers in festive clothes, 112 performers of minority ethnic groups, 50 male dancers, 70 collectors of launched red silk and 200 "memory tower" performers throw the Fuwa lucky cloud yarn strips into the stadium, interacting with the athletes.

3). At the same time, innumerable dazzling fireworks are launched from the top of the "bowl rim".

4). Above the Tian'anmen Square, numerous festival fireworks form a huge circle of fireworks, symbolizing the successful conclusion of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Giant ribbons float to the ground as thousands of performers and athletes gather around the memory tower.

Special guest performers

The Handover segment is led by special guest performers from London whose achievements demonstrate the power of sport, music and art to cross barriers and divided in ways where talent and creativity can be celebrated and enjoyed the world over- from our Rock royalty to the current global star urban pop, to one of our greatest global sporting heroes. These include global football hero, David Beckham, new international singing sensation, Leona Lewis and legendary Led Zeppelin rock group guitarist Jimmy Page. We demonstrate why London remains the coolest place on the planet.

The Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Beckham kicks a football. (Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The special guests are joined by performers spanning the spectrum of diverse, creative, multi-cultural dance in London. Zoonation's athletic urban dance, Candoco's inspirational and contemporary dance along with dancers form the world renowned Royal Opera House perform as one company to music performed in part by the London Symphony Orchestra- a truly unique combination of talent for a unique occasion.

Tonight's Handover segment is indicative of our four-year, youth focused Cultural Olympiad, which starts in September and will reflect the interests of young people from all backgrounds, from music and video to disability and urban arts, which will help to spread the values of the Olympic Movement to young people more widely.

Singer performs (Photo credit: Xinhua)

The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad provides a contemporary interpretation of the vision of the founder of the modern Olympic Movement Pierre de Coubertin for the Games as an international festival of sport and culture for the athletes and youth of the world.

4). Games for the new generation

I am, of course fiercely proud of London and the UK, proud of its passion for sport, proud for its creativity and diversity as a home to ethnic and faith groups from every part of the world; and very proud that London is seen as the youth capital of the world. We want to share this London with all of you and through you send a message to the youth of the world that the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is for them. We want you to help us to use the power of the Games to inspire children and young people from all backgrounds to fulfill their potential- on and off the sporting field. Tonight's performance will be beamed to millions of UK residents, who will be celebrating back home and getting ready to welcome you in 2012.

We hope you enjoy tonight's special performance -- from London with a Wholelotta Love!

The Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games

8 . Entrance of the NOC Flags

Synopsis: Entry of the flags of all delegations.

1). Led by guides and placard holders, the flag bearers of all delegations enter the stadium, divided into two groups. One group (1-102), headed by Greece, enters from Gate 4 in the right order and stands along the Main Stage. The other group (103-204), headed by Saudi Arabia, enters from Gate 3 in the right order and stands along the Main Stage. The Chinese Flag bearer enters last and stands at the designated place.

2). After all flags are in position, 1,046 marshals run into the designated places.

Flags of the participating delegations (Photo credit: Xinhua)

9. Entrance of the Athletes

Synopsis: All athletes enter from four gates without differentiation of nationality.

1). A women's percussion band for welcoming performance and two children percussion players play cheerful music, and the whole stadium is in raptures.

2). Entry of the medal-winning athletes of the 29th Olympic Games.

3). Simultaneous entrance of the athletes from four gates without differentiation of nationality.

Entrance of athletes (Photo credit: Xinhua)

10. Marathon Victory Ceremony

Synopsis: Holding the marathon victory ceremony.

1). The music for marathon victory is played. The winning athletes and award presenters enter.

2). The marathon victory ceremony is held. The national anthem of the winner's country is played, and the marathon flag operators of the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army raise the national flag of the winner's country.

Marathon Victory Ceremony (Photo credit: Xinhua)

11. Entrance of the Representatives of Volunteers

Synopsis: Entry of the volunteer representatives.

Twelve children lead twelve representatives of volunteers to walk from Gate 2 to the Main Stage.

Representatives of volunteers (Photo credit: Xinhua)

12. Entrance of the New Members of IOC Athletes' Commission

Synopsis: Entry of the newly elected members of the IOC Athletes' Commission.

Four children lead for new members of IOC Athletes' commission to walk together with four persons for the ceremony from Gate 1 to the Main Stage.

Newly-elected members of the Athletes' Commission of the IOC (Photo credit: Xinhua)

13. New Members of IOC Athletes' Commission Present Flowers to the Representatives of Volunteers

Synopsis: New members of the Athletes' Commission present flowers to the representatives of volunteers.

The new members of the Athletes' Commission present flowers to the representatives of volunteers.

14. The Present of IOC and the Present of BOCOG Take the Floor

Synopsis: Mr. Jacque Rogge, President of IOC, and Mr. Lu Qi, President of BOCOG, walk to the Main Stage from the VIP corridor.

Mr. Jacques Rogge, President of IOC, and Mr. Liu Qi, President of BOCOG, walk to the Main Stage from the VIP corridor.

IOC president delivers a speech. (Photo credit: Xinhua)

15. Address by the President of BOCOG and the President of IOC

Synopsis: Address by Mr. Rogge, President of IOC, and Mr. Liu Qi, President of BOCOG.

Mr. Liu Qi, President of BOCOG, gives an address.

Mr. Rogge, President of IOC, gives an address.

16. Raising the UK National Flag and Playing the UK National Anthem; Raising the Greek National Flag and Playing the Greek National Anthem

Synopsis: Raising the Greek National Flag and playing the Greek National Anthem; raising the UK National Flag and Playing the UK National Anthem

1). The flag operators of the Guard of Honor raise the Greek National Flag while the Greek National Anthem is played.

2). The flag operators of the Guard of Honor raise the UK National Flag while the UK Natinal Anthem is played.

National flag of Great Britain (Photo credit: Xinhua)

17. Lowering the Olympic Flag and singing the Olympic Hymn

Synopsis: Lowering the Olympic Flag and singing the Olympic Hymn.

1). The flag operators of the Guard of Honor slowly lower the Olympic Flag and hold it.

2). A chorus of 226 Chinese and foreign children sings the Olympic Hymn in Greek.

The Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games

Full coverage: The Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

An interior view of the National Stadium (Photo credit: Xinhua)

1. Pre-ceremony Performance

Synopsis: With Fuwa as the creative theme, relaxing and humorous performances interact with the audience and create a passionate, relaxed and joyous atmosphere for the Closing ceremony.

1). With Fuwa as the main focus, the best wishes from Beijing are presented to the audience by each Fuwa in their own unique style.

a. Best wishes brought by Beibei (humorous interactive performance)

b. Luck brought by Jingjing (awe-inspiring bicycle trick performance)

c. Happiness brought by Huanhuan (acrobatic plate-spinning performance)

d. Health brought by Yingying (springboard slam-dunk performance)

e. Peace brought by Nini (acrobatic stick-shaking performance)

2). The hosts arouse the passion of the audience for the Closing Ceremony and explain how to use the prop package.

Prop Package includes:

1. Torch-shaped fluorescent stick with cloud patterns: 30cm x 8cm

2. Shining handball: 22cm x 13.5cm

3. Lengthened Chinese fan: 30cm x 60cm

Artists perform (Photo credit: Xinhua)

2. Entrance of the President of PRC, the President of IOC and VIP

Synopsis: Greeted by solemn music and warm applause, the president of PRC, the President of IOC and VIP enter the stadium.

3. Prelude, Countdown and Fireworks Display

Synopsis: The countdown music is played. The countdown videos are played simultaneously on the screens in the south and north of the stadium. The countdown starts from "29", indicating the 29th Olympic Games.

1). The countdown starts from "29", indicating the 29th Olympic Games. From "29" to "11", highlights of this Olympic Games are shown with countdown numbers on the screen. Accompanied with sound effects, the atmosphere reaches its climax.

Guided by volunteers, all audience count down from 10 together. Both Arabic numerals and numbers written in Chinese characters appear on the screen with typical patterns of minority ethnic groups as the background.

2). Fireworks on top of the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) burst immediately when the countdown ends, forming a great circle in the sky which symbolizes the success of Beijing Olympic Games.

(Circle: In traditional Chinese culture, "circle" is a symbol of harmony and renewal, indicating the success of Beijing Olympic Games.)

Fireworks of the closing ceremony in the National Stadium (Photo credit: Xinhua)

Girls dancing in the Closing Ceremony (Photo credit: Xinhua)

4. Welcome the president of PRC, the President of IOC

Synopsis: Welcome the President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Hu Jintao, and the President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Jacques Rogge.

5. Raising the PRC National Flag, Singing the PRC National Anthem

Synopsis: The National Flag of PRC is raised while the Military Band of the Chinese People's Liberation Army plays the National Anthem of PRC.

6. Chapter 1: Reunion -- Prelude

Synopsis: All lights go out in the Stadium. A video is played on the large screen in the north and south to explain the theme of the Closing Ceremony. The video reviews the exciting and memorable moments during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. A grand celebration is about to begin.

1). Two hundered performers of drum formation line up in a circle on the steps of the Main Stage, dance and beat drums while looking up at the sky. Two large heavenly drums fly from the north and south, and the resonant sound of the drum comes from far away.

2). The performers beat the heavenly drums in a unique style in magical light. The two heavenly drums meet at the center above the stadium, slowly fall down to the Main Stage and are suspended about 5 meters above the stage. The heavenly drum and the drum on the ground complement each other.

3). Summoned by the drumbeat, 1,148 silver bell dancers wearing silver bells gather around the Main Stage, and sing and dance for the heavenly drums. A grand celebration is about to begin.

(Drum: The drum has the distinct symbolic meaning in traditional Chinese ceremonies; the drumbeat indicates the commencement of the ceremony. The drumbeat calls people to gather together, to express common dreams and passion through grand ceremonial performance.)

Performance of the Closing ceremony (Photo credit: Xinhua)

7. Chapter1: Reunion -- Greeting the Guests

Synopsis: Silver bell performers dance in tune with the beat of the heavenly drums on the Mian Stage to greet the guests.

1). Eight drum carts in different shapes enter the stadium, carrying performers who beat drums in unique ways.

The sound of the song is mingled with the drumbeat, passionate and dynamic.

2). Eight rotating poles swing and go across.

3). With 60 light wheels shuttling, 200 bouncing and flying men run and roll over.

4). The silver bell dancers change into radiating wave lines coming through, and form four festive passages with the eight drum carts to great guests.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Jamaica wins 4 x 100m Relay gold

(L-R)Asafa Powell, Michael Frater, Nesta Carter and Usain Bolt (Photo credit: Xinhua)

Photo Gallery>>

Two-time sprint gold medalist Usain Bolt led Jamaica to the Men's 4 x 100 meters win with a new world record at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Friday.

Trinidad and Tobago took the silver in 38.06 seconds and Japan won the bronze in 38.15.