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iPod devices that are equipped with video players must have the movies from their original format converted to one that can be read and played by the iPod movie player system. This means that the movie can either be downloaded from an iPod-friendly site such as the Apple iPod Store or another website dedicated to iPod music and movies, or the user must purchase the appropriate conversion software. Most of the iPod movie conversion systems can convert most types of movie files such as AVI, MPEG, WMV, MOV, MP4, RM, RMVB, H.264, VOB or DivX formats into the MPEG-4 video format that the iPod uses.

In addition to just converting the format, the system must also match the resolution of the iPod movie player. The typical resolution for the iPod display screen is 640 by 480 for optimum viewing and clarity of picture. Without the appropriate software conversion, the picture would be highly distorted. Other resolutions are possible and the software application will usually optimize the file for viewing, selecting the appropriate resolution.

There is also a great program offered by Apple, called QuickTime 7 Pro, that allows you to use home videos and videos that are not professionally made and convert them to play on your iPod, just like an iPod movie that you can download. This is a great way to personalize your iPod video, or send a home movie to a friend or family member.

The process is simple: start by downloading the QuickTime 7 Pro from the Apple website. If you have a Mac computer, simply upload your movie to your computer and click on the title of the movie in the drop down box found on the QuickTime program menu. If you have a PC, upload the movie from the device as per the manuals and then save it in the QuickTime file. Once the movie is selected you will again need to use the drop down box and select the export feature, then click on Movie to iPod and let the computer do the rest.

A scrolling bar will keep you informed of the transfer process and will allow you to see how much more time is required for the transfer to occur. You will then need to synch the iPod with the computer to play the movie the first time, then it will be stored on both your computer and the iPod for future use.

The vast number of iPod movies and the ease of using the conversion software means that more people, even those that are not experts on the computer, can easily keep their favorite movies as well as their favorite songs close at hand on their iPod.

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about ipods and ipod accessories, please visit his website: www.ipodsforyou.com http://www.ipodsforyou.com .

AP - Voters in Pennsylvania rarely elect black and female candidates. There’s no consensus explanation for the political glass ceiling in this state, which currently has only one black and one woman in its 21-member congressional delegation and has never had a black or female governor.

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Most of us have dangerous cleaners in our homes. The worst part of this is these products are designed to make our lives easier. But the health problems caused are far greater than the gains. Not to mention the impact on our fragile environment.

Let’s start by identifying some of the major poisons found in cleaners & their effects. First, lets look at oven cleaners. These contain petroleum-based compounds which are not replaceable. Oven cleaners are among the most caustic substances found in the home.

These products can cause breathing problems such as asthma. I was a childhood asthmatic so I understand fully the effects of household cleaners. These alkalis cause accumulating damage to our bodies. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing & excess fatigue.

The EPA has indicated that indoor pollution may be as high as 20 times the levels outside. This is primarily caused through slow release of gases contained in the petroleum-based cleaners. This can be virtually eliminated using all natural cleaning products that are made with replaceable resources such as essential oils found in our fruits & vegetables.

Another common poison found in home cleaning products is ammonia. It is also a by-product of pet urine. This can cause severe breathing problems such as tightening of chest which causes extremely difficult breathing. Ammonia also causes eye, nose, & throat irritations.

Fortunately, there are natural cleaners today which replace these toxins with products that are effective & do not create any noxious fumes. These can create a safe environment for pets, kids, the elderly, & anyone with respitory allergies. Not to mention these products are not made from oil which is non-replenishable. Eliminating the toxic cleaners from our homes will help protect our environment with no risk to our health.

John Marshall is an ex-asthmatic & the CEO of www.completegreencleaning.com http://www.completegreencleaning.com . John’s site has natural cleaner recipes & well as home how-to guides. John has been symptom-free since using natural products. This article (c) 2007 reprint only with this bio box intact.

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Credit card spending can be hard to keep track off if you are not disciplined, but it is important to monitor your spending in order to stop yourself getting into huge debt. If you are having trouble keeping tracking of what you spend on your credit cards, then here are some useful tips to help you control your spending.

Take stock and stop spending

Before you do anything, you should stop spending on your credit card and look at the situation you are currently in. Whether you have virtually no balance or a large debt, it is important to see exactly how much you have spent. This is the first step to managing your spending.

Make notes on your spending

Once you know what the situation is, start using your credit card as you normally do and monitor your spending. Take notes every time you spend money on your credit card, and look at how much you spend and what you spend it on. By dividing what you spend into categories you can see the areas that you are spending the most money, and where you can cut back on your spending.

Transfer balances

If you have a number of credit cards, then transfer the balances onto the lowest interest cards if possible. This will reduce the amount that you are paying in interest on your balances.

Get rid of cards

Once you have paid off some of your balances, then you can get rid of some of the cards that you have. You should make sure that you have only one or two credit cards, as this will help you to more easily keep track of spending.

Create a budget

Create a budget for yourself that you can stick to. If you look at how much you earn each month, and the subtract all the essential bills and spending from that, you will see how much money you have left to spend on extra things. Make sure that you stick to this budget, as it will help you to spend wisely and not get into debt.

Bank online

Banking online can really help you to keep track of your credit card spending. You can easily check your balance at any time of the day or night, and can instantly see what you have spent daily. Also, you can transfer your bank statements into an accounts program to better help you manage your money.

Credit cards for emergencies

Although spending on credit cards is a fact of life for most people, you should try and keep credit card spending to a minimum, and keep the cards handy for emergency situations. Also, try and save some money each month, as this will reduce the need for credit cards. Credit cards are a very useful financial tool, and if you monitor your spending properly then you will get the most out of your credit cards.

Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb.co.uk Please visit us at Credit Cards and Credit Cards UK

John Hargrave has pulled pranks on everyone from Ashton Kutcher to Wal-Mart. His goal is to make you laugh, but he won???t mind if you think a little, too.

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Why Crate Train My Dog?

A few years ago, before I decided to stay home with my kids, I worked as a veterinarian technician in an animal hospital. While at that job I saw so many clients who would bring in their dog and be upset because they had eaten something in the house, other than food, and were now sick. One client brought in her chocolate lab that had gotten into her sewing box and eaten a pincushion, pins and all!!! Off to surgery the dog went and the owner was out about $1,500. Case number two was a giant poodle that, while the owner was away, got into her closet and ate a pair of panty hose. Unfortunately this dog did not make it through surgery. The pantyhose got wrapped around its intestines and the doctor was not able to save the dog.

The above stories are a couple of really good reasons why you should crate train your puppy or dog, especially if you have a dog who likes to chew or eat things they should not be eating.

By putting your puppy or dog in a crate you are giving them a sense of security and a place they can call their own. Dogs actually like having a “den” to cuddle up in. By putting the dog in a crate while you are gone it will also give you peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe place, away from harm, and not doing any damage to your belongings or themselves.

Crate training will also help with potty training. Make sure you put your pet on a regular schedule for potty breaks and use the crate when you are gone or need your pet to rest. Dogs will typically not “go” in their home. They like to keep it clean and will hold it until you can take them outside to eliminate. Remember to always praise your pet when he eliminates in the area you want him to outside.

Puppies have very small bladders so they cannot physically hold it for very long. I would suggest that you take the puppy out every two hours. As puppies get older, naturally they will gain the bladder control and be able to hold it longer. Eventually this time should increase to 8 hours or more.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a crate is to make sure that you buy a crate big enough to accommodate the full growth of your pet. When your pet is a puppy and you are crate training, make sure that the crate has a divider panel. You can adjust the placement of the divider panel so that the puppy does not have full use of the crate thus creating the “den” feeling that will make your dog feel comfortable and cozy. In this situation the dog will not want to go in its den and will keep the area clean. If you give the puppy the full area of the crate it may be too large and the dog will make one area of the crate his potty area and the other area as his sleeping area. Adjust the divider panel so that the dog has enough area to get up and stretch but not enough room to eliminate.

Crate training your puppy or dog is just a smart thing to do for you and your pet. It will give you the sense of security and peace knowing that your pet is not getting in harms way while you are away.

Jenny Saylor
CratesPlus.com http://CratesPlus.com

Jenny Saylor is the owner of CratesPlus.com http://CratesPlus.com , specializing in quality dog crates, pet carriers, accessories, and more.

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One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is trying out the food of that place. New tastes, new flavors somehow seem to complete the experience you have when you visit a new country or city, especially if it’s food you’ve tasted for the first time. What is a must for most travelers is to try any delicacy that the place is famous for.

Bahamas is a dream of blue sea and white sand. The beaches and the water somehow seem to have a magical spell about them. It’s the kind of place where you can let your hair down and feel as though time stands still. And the wide array of mouthwatering food can be had at any of the restaurants in the islands. The choice goes from international cuisines to the native fare. The staple food in the Bahamas is, not surprisingly, seafood. The fish is caught fresh and cooked with a lot of local ingredients, some of which are unique. One thing that Bahamian food will never be is ordinary.

One of the delicacies is conch mollusk. The meat is cooked and served in so many different ways, each one mouthwatering. So you can have conch fritters, conch burgers, scotched conch, conch salad, conch chowder or scorched conch. The last one is just rinsed in seawater, splashed over with lime juice, hot pepper rubbed on and served raw on a knife or skewer with onion slices and fresh tomato.

To get into the spirit of the Bahamas, here’s what you can try when you’re on the islands. Here’s the great Bahamian appetizer, the Souse. This soup is a delicious mix of water, lime juice, onions, meat, peppers and celery. For the morning meal, you could try Fish ‘n Grits where you have fish cooked with salt pork, green peppers and onions and served with grits. The Fish Chowder here is made with tomatoes, dark rum, lime juice and grouper. The flavor is sure to set your juices flowing.

And of course, don’t forget the conch delicacies like the Conch Salad, the Scorched Conch, the Conch Fritters and the Conch Chowders. These local specialties must be tried to be believed. You could also taste the Raccoon Stew and the Curried Mutton. Mutton here refers to both goat and sheep. Dessert has a wonderful choice too. Try the Johhnycake which is slightly sweetened bread and the Bahamas specialty, the Guava Duff. This is made with pulped guava which has been sieved and served with a sauce made of confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, butter and rum.

When it comes to liqueur, you get the local stuff called Nassau Royal which can be had by itself or in coffee. And of course the national beer, Kalik, is a great accompaniment to any meal. The rum-based drinks such as Bahama Mama and Goombay are also very popular.

Whatever you choose to eat or drink in the Bahamas, you’ll find it’s all so good. Just remember to include a 15% tip in case you haven’t been billed a service charge.

Anne Morris writes articles about travel. Discover more information about travel at www.todaybahamas.com http://www.todaybahamas.com and www.guideatlanta.com http://www.guideatlanta.com .

Reuters - Pakistan’s new government will negotiate with militants who lay down their arms, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani told parliament on Saturday, as he laid out priorities for his administration.

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We’ve all attended, or chuckled at the mention of, bar and bat mitzvahs that the hosts considered ultimate achievements in event design. Hollywood dramas where the bat mitzvah was dressed as Cleopatra and carried to the banquet on a litter borne by slaves; 80s era mega-productions where the bar mitzvah, dressed as Luke Skywalker, fights a choreographed battle with Darth Vader complete with special lighting and sound effects; or the relatively low-key affairs where the theme is simply football …but the entertainment is the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

In the quest to create a memorable event, bat mitzvah parents have hosted medieval jousts, roller derbys, and space launches. They’ve recreated Vesuvius erupting over Pompeii, Studio 54, and the hanging gardens of Babylon. They’ve hired troupes of Polynesian fire dancers, Chinese acrobats, robot dogs, Tony Bennett, and the entire touring company of Grease .

It would be easy to be cruel about all this - the misspent fortunes and misdirected energy. But at the heart of all the excess is a very natural, human, parental desire to make the appropriate fuss, to express what words alone cannot seem to convey. To say…via camels, flaming headdresses, and lightsabers…

This child is ours! And, isn’t he simply incredible?!

And rightly so. There are few enough occasions when you can get up and unabashedly declare how proud you are of your kids. Once you’re in the teen years, few enough occasions, frankly, when you will even feel like it. This is their moment to shine…and yours to gaze in wonder.

How do you make the most of it and capture all the magic and majesty of this once-in-a-lifetime experience? In the past, there were two schools of thought: Keep it simple, meaningful and sincere…and risk having an event that feels drab, skimpy, and underwhelming. Or - bring on the camels! - adopt an outrageous theme and go to town with the decorating and entertainment. That approach fails in its own way by producing events that are dazzling while you’re there, but that digest emotionally like fine pastry. Delicious on the lips, but almost totally lacking in substance, spiritual nourishment and stick-to-your-ribs memorability.

People who consider themselves religious have shunned glamour because they think big bashes with themes trivialize and overshadow the bar mitzvah experience. The glamorous folk have shied away from being too religious because they fear it will suck the life out of an otherwise fabulous party!

How happy they will all be to discover there’s a new integrated way to go: MitzvahChic, the notion that the mitzvah - the good works and the meaning - can be fused with high style. More than just fused. MitzvahChic holds that the meaning and the joy, artfully expressed, are what make the celebration magical. MitzvahChic is a blueprint for how a family can have an amazing bar mitzvah experience and use their emotion to electrify their party.

Anyone can hire a decorator to create some mind-altering backdrop; what makes a bar mitzvah truly wonderful is the way it expresses who you are as a family and how this very special event - already experienced by millions before you - is still somehow uniquely your own. Have an experience that is soul-satisfying and that works on every level by being fun, poignant, cool, moving, exciting and completely unforgettable. Enter the MitzvahChic zone and have an absolutely perfect bar or bat mitzvah.

MitzvahChic is the #1 bar/bat mitzvah planning book and website! Visit www.MitzvahChic.com http://www.MitzvahChic.com and be sure to sign up for FREE planning reminder emails.

Gail A. Greenburg is a life long writer, editor, and crafts artist. She is the creator of www.MitzvahChic.com http://www.MitzvahChic.com and the author of the book MitzvahChic.

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(NOTE) The following is an excerpt of my upcoming book entitled, MORPHING INTO THE REAL WORLD - THE HANDBOOK FOR ENTERING THE WORK FORCE.

Today, our society is driven by technology and some would accuse me of being an anti-technologist. Having been actively involved with the Information Technology industry over the last 30 years, I can assure you this is simply not true. I have witnessed many different technological enhancements over the years, but what intriques me most is how it affects us socially. I firmly believe technology is purchased more as a fashion statement as opposed to any practical application. Consequently, we tend to under utilize or abuse the technology thereby costing companies millions of dollars. Instead of Ready, Aim, Fire, people tend to, Fire, Aim, Ready. In other words, people tend to implement the latest technology before they understand precisely what it is or what business need it serves. To me, this is putting the cart before the horse.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the 20th century and the 21st is how technology has changed the pace of our lives. We now expect to communicate with anyone on the planet in seconds, not days. We expect information at our fingertips. We expect to be up and walking shortly after a hip or knee replacement. Basically, we take a lot for granted. But this frenzied pace has also altered how we conduct business and live our lives. To illustrate, we want to solve problems immediately, and have no patience for long term solutions. Consequently, we tend to attack symptoms as opposed to addressing true problems, and apply Band-Aids to pacify the moment as opposed to tourniquets which are actually needed. We are easily satisfied with solving small problems as opposed to conquering major challenges. Personally, we tend to live for today, as opposed to planning for tomorrow. This mindset concerns me greatly.

What if someone pulled the plug on our technology? Would engineers still know how to draft products? Would we still know how to ship a product or process an order? Would our financial transactions come to a halt? Would business come to a standstill? The answer, unfortunately, is Yes. This highlights the overt dependency we have developed on our technology and is cause for alarm. We are being driven by technology as opposed to the other way around. By unplugging our technology, we are unplugging the human-being. Think I’m wrong? Watch what happens the next time the power goes out at your office or home.

Because of the domination of technology, people have allowed their socialization skills to slip. Small things, such as common courtesy, appearance, and our ability to network with others, have all deteriorated in the workplace. We may be effective in communicating electronically, but we are becoming complete failures in communicating socially. Throughout the book I mention how people act on perceptions, right or wrong. These perceptions are based in large part on our ability to communicate, such as through the messages we transmit verbally or written, our appearance, our body language, and how we treat others. If we cannot communicate effectively in this capacity, no amount of technology will be able to alter the perceptions of our coworkers, our managers, our customers, our vendors, or our friends and family.

To this end, I have introduced a new Bryce’s Law:
As the use of technology increases, social skills decreases.

Tim Bryce is a writer and management consultant located in Palm Harbor, Florida. You can find his work on the Internet at: www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm http://www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm

AP - Rihanna and Chris Brown both walked the orange carpet at the Kids’ Choice Awards. Separately. “We’re not in a relationship or anything,” Brown told The Associated Press before Saturday’s slime-filled ceremony.

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Home owner loans UK can be define as the synonym for a secured loan. Home owner loans in UK are secured of backed up by the home of the borrower as collateral. This means that when the agreement for the loan is signed, the title deed of the home of the borrower transfers to the lender. But please don’t misunderstood title with possession. The possession of the home still remains with the borrower. However, if you make any defaults in repayment installments, in such situation the lender has the right to take the possession of your home to recover his money.

Presence of collateral helps you support larger cash requirements with home owner loans. Depending upon factors such as requirement of the amount, value of your home and repayment capacity you can borrow amount varying between ₤5000 to ₤75000 and even more in certain situations. The repayment period for a home owner loans in UK lies between 5 to 30 years based upon the amount borrowed by you.

A large segment of homeowners in UK is suffering from the status of bad credit which is the result of mismanagement of debts by them in the past. These people most of the time face trouble while looking for unsecured form of loans. A home owner loans UK easily considers such people for loan approval simultaneously giving them a chance to recover from their bad credit score. These people include defaulters and arrears, CCJ’s and IVA’s, late payment makers and other such people with poor credit score or bad credit history.

Coming back to home owner loans in UK, these loans serves a wide variety of your personal needs. These needs include buying your dream property, home improvements, holiday or vacations at beautiful places of the world. You can even start your new business or finance your ideas for the expansion the existing one. Other than this you can also consolidate your debts to get rid of all your mental stress and anxiety due to unpaid debts.

The most important step in getting any loan is the research factor. The more you search the better you will get and the lesser you have to repay. Internet revolution has made the task of searching easier with lot of online loan websites to serve you with free online quotes. You can study and compare these quotes before filling application form for a home owner loans in UK. It will take 12 to 15 days to get the approval as the valuation of your home takes time. A home owner loan in UK can help you achieve your goals which, till now are kept on hold due to your financial incompetence.

Peter Taylor is a senior financial analyst at Loans UK with an acumen for finance and insurance. In recent years he has taken up to provide independant financial advice through his informative articles. His articles are widely read because of the lucid manner of wriiting and thoroughly researched datas. To find home owner loans UK, personal loans UK, secured loans UK, unsecured loans UK, debt consolidation loans UK UK that best suits your need visit www.loansuk.eu.com http://www.loansuk.eu.com

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Plan everything in advance. There is nothing worse than a poorly planned trip. Start right from the beginning i.e. deciding your destination to booking your tickets to the reservation of your accommodation. Traveling is, indeed, one of the most indulging activities one could ever experience. When traveling, it is extremely important to plan ahead. Don’t let something as simple as an unexpected car rental problem ruin what would otherwise be a perfect holiday! Instead, let us help you plan the details of your holiday.

Here are just some of the areas that they can help you

Pre book you’re parking to save time and money on departure and arrival!

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Let us show you the best places to shop, to eat and to relax while on your holiday! Travel Documentation

Never forgets to bring the proper documentation as you travel, to prevent long delays at the border. Foreign Currency

It is best to choose hotels that are equipped with the best innovative safety equipment. This is to ensure that travelers will be safe once they are alone in their room. Now you are ready to enjoy your vacations. Canmore is one of the best options for vacation. Canmore is one of Alberta’s fastest growing resort destinations, and its no wonder. 45 minutes west of Calgary, minutes from the gates of Banff National Park, 20 minutes to Kananaskis Country, easy access to countless hiking & biking trails, and home to four seasons of fun. For those seeking something more urbane, enjoy celebrated restaurants, pubs, spas and shops. Here are just a few suggested activities to help plan your Canmore adventure

Hiking
Mountain Biking
Disc-golf (at the Nordic Centre)
Spas & natural therapies
Mountain scenery & wildlife
Fishing
Championship Golf
Rock Climbing
Cross country skiing
Downhill skiing - at Alberta’s Big Three
Dog sledding
Guided Adventure Caving
Horseback Riding
Ice fishing
Snowshoeing
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Ice Climbing

Canmore Crossing is a Vacation Rental property with a focus on delivering exceptional resort experiences for all of our guests. We do this by delivering spacious and comfortable accommodations to enjoy your vacations and for more information visit www.canmorecrossing.ca http://www.canmorecrossing.ca

This article was written by Manisha Bhatra of Vision-studio.com http://Vision-studio.com . For more information about Travel and Vacation visit www.canmorecrossing.ca http://www.canmorecrossing.ca

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It will be BMW’s first ever car to be made available with the option of a third-row seating, to welcome up to seven passengers.

That’s the all-new, second-generation BMW X5 SUV, to be launched soon in Europe.

SUV or… SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle, as BMW called it since its launched its first generation in 1999, lifting its image - and specifications - above the more utilitarian attribute of Sports Utility Vehicles.

Selling more than 580,000 units of the first X5 generation was a respectable figure for a luxury priced SUV, considering in particular that it was the first step for the Bavarian brand into the SUV market as such. Having well over half a million people trust the brand with its first step in SUV land, especially in the elitist premium price brackets, can be safely qualified as an achievement.

The all-new X5 will be available then in standard 5- or optional 7-passenger configurations, and in any case, with more power, lower emissions, better fuel consumption, an all-new six-speed automatic gearbox and several new technologies in the segment such as the head-up display, run-flat tyres, adaptive drive suspension management.

Back in 1999, t he first generation BMW X5 was the first SUV-type vehicle to offer a genuinely sporty car-like drive, thanks to its crossover structure with a unitary body construction rather than a traditional truck-like body-on-frame architecture.

Hence the German automaker Sports Activity Vehicle phrase to underline its dynamic attributes over the rather utilitarian construction of many traditional SUVs.

Seven years after its 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show debut, the all-new X5 mission will be to reconfirm, once again, its premium status with a new list of firsts for its category. The Bavarian carmaker describes it new X5 as the world’s first SAV (OK, we’ll read it as crossover SUV) to be offered with Head-up Display, an active suspension system - BMW’s adaptive drive package, active steering and run-flat tyres.

For a brand often described as the ultimate driving machine, description starts from… the engines, naturally. And the new BMW X5 is powered by the latest, most advanced engines.

A choice of three units will offered at launch, two petrol and one diesel, all of which feature increased power compared to the engines in the outgoing model, while also posting more economical consumption figures and reduced emissions.

In the UK, the biggest seller is expected to be a 2,993cc six-cylinder diesel but, for those preferring petrol power, the X5 can also be specified with a 2,996cc six-cylinder or a 4,799cc V8 engine.

Starting from the most frugal between the three choices, the BMW X5 3.0d uses a diesel engine with high-precision piezo crystal injection technology for better economy and emission figures. This advanced technology, combined with the introduction of an all aluminium crankcase that saves 25kgs in weight compared to the former 3.0-litre diesel engine, sees the new X5 record improved performance figures. It is now seven per cent more fuel efficient with a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5 UK mpg (27.08 US mpg), or 8.69 litres per 100 km, while also emitting eight per cent less CO2. The 3.0d engine records 231g/km.

Although more economical, the new BMW X5 3.0d comes with increased power. Output is 231hp, up six per cent compared to the previous model, and maximum torque is 520 Nm, up four per cent. Peak torque is available from 2,000 to 2 ,750 rpm offering near swift yet refined motoring, powering the BMW X5 3.0d from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 134 mph (215 km/h), or 130 mph (209 km/h) for the non-Dynamic Package equipped model.

Based on the world’s lightest production inline six-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW X5 3.0si comes equipped with BMW’s Double Vanos and Valvetronic variable valve technologies for high performance, yet economical motoring. In simple terms, Double Vanos determines when the engine’s valves open (timing), while Valvetronic determines by how much they should open (lift).

The net effect of both systems is that the engine is operating constantly at its optimum efficiency with only the exact amount of fuel needed being used. Hence, the X5 3.0si has a combined fuel consumption of 25.9 UK mpg (21.58 US mpg), or 10.9 litres per100 km, an 18 per cent improvement compared to the previous X5 3.0i, and an emissions figure of 260g/km.

Developing 272hp at 6,650rpm, the engine peak torque of 315 Nm is reached at 2,750rpm, with zero to 62mph dispatched in 8.1 seconds. Top speed for the new BMW X5 3.0si is 140mph (225 km/h) when fitted with the Dynamic Package, or 130mph (210 km/h) without it.

With its 355hp engine, the BMW X5 4.8i is the flagship of the range. It is faster from zero to 62mph and has a higher top speed than the supercharged Range Rover Sport or a Mercedes Benz ML500 Sport. The 4,799cc V8 powers the X5 4.8i to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 150mph (241 km/h), when fitted with the Dynamic Package. With this performance, fuel consumption is 22.6 UK mpg (18.83 US mpg), or 12.5 litres / 100 km on the combined cycle and emissions are 299g/km.

The new BMW X5 comes with an all-new faster-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. It features a new torque converter with enhanced software resulting in gearshift times up to 50 per cent quicker than the previous automatic gearbox.

A new design of gearstick also creates more space on the centre console for additional storage space and cupholders, while the use of an electronic parking brake (EPB) in place of a conventional handbrake aids ergonomics further.

The BMW X5 intelligent xDrive four-wheel-drive system transfers power between front and rear wheels depending on available grip for optimum handling, and it can now be specified with Adaptive Drive and Active Steering - two advanced systems never offered before on a BMW X model.

Adaptive Drive uses active hydraulic anti-roll bars to counteract the cornering forces of the car to keep the body from leaning too heavily and unsettling the occupants. In addition, the system incorporates an Electronic Damper Control system that uses sensors to continuously adjust the damper setting for the optimum comfort.

Active Steering - To make parking effortless at slow speeds, active steering uses an electronically operated planetary gear intersecting the steering shaft to add more lock than inputted by the driver. Steering becomes more direct. When driving at speed, the opposite occurs for a smoother, more composed ride.

The new BMW X5 can be optionally specified with Head-up Display - a first for its category. For enhanced safety, the system projects speed, navigation and check control messages into the line of sight of the driver who can keep his /her eyes on the road ahead while still being made aware of important instructions.

Another safety benefit comes from the standard fitting (UK specs) of run-flat tyres - again a first for an SAV or SUV. Run-flat tyres allow a driver to continue the journey in the event of a puncture for up to 90 miles (145 km) at speeds of 50mph (80 km/h).

Run-flat tyres also provide the best stability in the event of a blowout.

The BMW X5 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres as standard with optional 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels offered.

With the latest in traction control technology, Dynamic Stability Control+, comes also standard (UK specs), with four unique functions for added safety and comfort:

- Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should it detect the driver lifting off the accelerator sharply in reaction to an incident ahead.

- Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs.

- Hill Start Assistant allows a car to pull away smoothly on a steep gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake.

- Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up.

With the new X5, the driver will also be able to select the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function of DSC+. DTC allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.

In a first for a BMW, the new X5 can be specified with an optional third row of seats allowing up to seven occupants to be transported in comfort. An increase of 19cms in overall body length and an increase in body width of 6cms, combined with innovative design, has made it possible to introduce a brace of seats in the rear, while still retaining luggage space.

With all seven seats in place, there is 200 litres of boot space (half the average of a family car boot / trunk volume). The two extra seats, complete with three-point seat belts and head restraints, are stowed under the boot floor when not in use. BMW X5 owners who do not specify the third row of seats benefit instead from an additional 90-litre storage compartment situated below the boot floor.

In a standard five-seat configuration the boot measures 620 litres - up 155 litres (33.33%) compared to the outgoing X5. For sizeable objects, luggage capacity increases to 1,750 litres with all the rear seats stowed - a figure greater than that of any other BMW.

While being one of the most practical cars BMW has ever made, the new X5 still has, as expected from the brand, with its premium prices too, a luxurious interior feel and a dynamic and sporty exterior shape.

A drag coefficient as low as 0.33 places the BMW X5 at the top of its segment as the most aerodynamically efficient large SUV. This low figure is partly achieved by a rear tailgate that incorporates a roof spoiler and a near flat underbody to aid airflow.

In the UK, nine exterior colours will be offered initially (from next spring) alongside four levels of trim and seven upholstery colours.

BMW’s iDrive control system also comes to the X5 for the first time. A new ‘wave’ style of dashboard houses the colour display while the iDrive controller sits on the centre console adjacent to the new style of gear selector. The controller is complemented by eight buttons integrated as system short cuts for ease of use.

Supplementing the standard fit front and rear Park Distance Control , X5 customers can optionally order a rear camera for added parking convenience. Automatically activated when the reverse gear is selected, the driver is presented with a wide-angle colour image on the iDrive display in the centre console.

Additional photos and specifications can be found with the article at:
www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV.shtml http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV.shtml
www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV_engines.shtml http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m09/BMW/BMW_X5_SUV_engines.shtml

Bechara Aboul-Nasr: Automotive editor and publisher of Motion Trends car magazine and media services. Based in Toulouse, France, since Oct. 2000. Previously, automotive editor of Al Hayat International daily newspaper in London, UK (1988-2000).

SPACE.com - Europe’s first automated “Jules Verne” cargo ship passed several crucial tests today above the Earth inpreparation for docking at the International Space Station (ISS) in less than a week.

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