By Caroline Ng and Fung Yu
Contributors

Author’s Note: The 3D images linked to this article uses Adobe Flash technology, which provides an immersive experience by means of virtual reality technology. Flash 9.0 is required to view the 360-degree, 3D images.

I’m shopping for a new car, specifically a small one with an engine displacement of 1.3L or below. After seeing the purchasing power of my money getting weaker amid the rising pump prices that seem to have no end, costly automotive parts replacements and increasing maintenance cost, the perennial traffic problem of Metro Manila, I believe it’s about time I retire my aging car and switch to one that gives greater fuel economy, more creature comforts, environmental compliance, and plenty of available cup-holders.

Car manufacturers who anticipate more increases in fuel cost but are also conscious of protecting the environment, have rolled out respective minis or compact cars. They range from the 0.8L Suzuki Alto and the Chery QQ to the 1.3L Toyota Vios/Avanza, Honda Jazz/City, and Nissan Sentra GX. In between, we also have the 1.0L Chevrolet Spark, plus the 1.1L Kia Picanto and the Hyundai Getz.

Most cars run on petroleum products derived from oil, which is a non-renewable source of energy. Oil is formed by the compression and heating of ancient organic materials over time. The oil we use today was formed by the preserved remains of prehistoric planktons and algae over the past 200 million years (remains of prehistoric land-based plants and trees turn into coal). This is the reason why oil is called a fossil fuel.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Paranaque-based kart track City Kart recently announced that it will have its second Manila 701 endurance race from July 19 to 20.

This was according to its Managing Director Jean-Marc Freihuber who announced this year’s race will be tougher as they would be simulating every road condition imaginable.

Manila 701 started out as a small event at City Kart late last year and was limited to karting enthusiasts. It required teams to race around the track that was strewn with obstacles that simulated road conditions. The first one to finish 701 laps was declared the winner.

Freihuber said that this time, they will open the race to the first 14 teams that will have four to nine players.

New simulated road conditions would include blackouts, landslides, traffic jams, ice pelts, and “mini-volcanic eruptions.” Freihuber said they will be bringing equipment that could simulate these conditions.

The rules from the Manila 701 will still apply. The first team to finish 701 laps will be declared the winner. However, teams must formulate their own strategy to ensure that they would be able to finish the endurance race.

“There are no time limits but without proper strategy the players will get tired immediately. This kind of competition is grueling and in my estimate, it could run between 12 to 16 hours,” said Freihuber.

To add some spice to the race, live entertainment will be offered while the competition is running, he said. “It’s going to be a party until someone reaches the finish line.”