mod*mom giveaways :: please enter my fabulous holiday giveaways



please enter my fabulous holiday giveaways!


avalisa :: mod wool rug + 3 memory games $360

modern dose :: groovy panton "s" chair $245
dyson :: 3 space-age handheld root 6 vacuums $450
roxio :: 10 digital media editing + publishing suites $1000
fabulous stationery :: personalized stationery $250
preserve, skinfree, simplefood, pacific shaving, ferro ::
3 environment + allergy friendly gift baskets $300+
conservation international :: 3 gift cards $300


giveaway winners: stay tuned for names of 19 winners (maybe YOU!)....
nurseryworks :: mod mini sleepytime rocker $325
collins :: 10 retro skills books for girls + boys $250
puj :: 5 gorgeous + cleverly designed baby slings $250
method home products :: 3 holiday gift baskets $120

mod*mom giveaway :: easy media creator digital editing + publishing suites $1000




mod*mom giveaway :: 10 digital media editing + publishing suites $1000

roxio, the leader in digital media software, launched Easy Media Creator™ 10 suite of digital media applications that enables consumers to quickly + easily turn their photos, video + music into impressive multi-media projects to share + save on cd, dvd, online or a range of mobile devices. Easy Media Creator® 10 will be available in retail stores worldwide + is available today at
roxio.com for $99.99 + they're giving away 10 suites to mod*mom readers!

Easy Media Creator is the ideal complement to Windows Vista. it's easier than ever to manage digital content, whether burning a dvd or uploading videos to YouTube. creator 10 captures internet + pc audio streams + converts media files for easy playback on popular mobile devices, like the iPhone or Zune, + synchronizes media between the desktop + portable devices such as iPods, BlackBerrys, PSPs, + has unrivaled video editing power offered in 32-track timeline, complete with batch video-segment removal, timeline markers, + automatic tools for correcting color or removing background noise. select the music + it is automatically added + adjusted to fit the length of the production. send the finished project to YouTube with 1 click.

to enter to win an Easy Media Creator™ 10 suite of digital media applications, tell me in the comments, which features are your favorites + why?
(include your email address + web url so i can contact you when you win!)
if you have a blog or website, please link to mod*mom (get code),
before midnight, wednesday december 19

mod*mom giveaway alert :: lg appliances $30,000- vote for finalists


mod*mom giveaway alert :: lg appliances $30,000
i love
lg + i'm happy they asked me to tell mod*mom readers about their
"life is good" home video contest.


vote for the
lg's video contest finalists on youtube here today!
mod*tot + i picked this video as our favorite, but we didn't look at all 800+
vote for your favorites!

karim rashid has a new color menorah


karim rashid has a new color menorah

ROAD TO WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (WRC) FOR INDONESIA 2009

Proses untuk mengembalikan event WRC di Indonesia sudah mulai berjalan melalui pertemuan awal antara Bpk. James Tangkudung (Asisten Deputi Pembinaan Prestasi Olahraga) yang mewakili Menegpora RI dengan Mr. Morrie Chandler (President FIA WRC) pada tgl. 11 Juni 2007 di Singapore dengan didampingi oleh Bpk. Irawan Suchayono (Sekjen PP. IMI) ; Bpk. Harris Gondokusumo (Biro Olahraga PP. IMI) & Jeffrey JP (Rally Indonesia Organiser), dimana juga sekaligus Mr. Morrie Chandler menyampaikan undangan kepada Menegpora RI untuk menghadiri penyelenggaraan Rally New Zealand 2007 (WRC round 11) agar dapat diberikan masukan mengenai cara pelaksanaan suatu WRC dengan dampak/multiplier efek terhadap segi ekonomi dan pariwisata dari Negara itu.
Pada pertemuan tersebut President FIA WRC menyampaikan tahapan2 yang harus dilakukan oleh Indonesia adalah :
a. Penyampaian aplikasi sebagai kandidat WRC ditahun 2008 dengan progress WRC di tahun 2009, dimana aplikasi tersebut harus disampaikan oleh PP. IMI dengan mencantumkan jadwal ; lokasi serta penyelenggara dari event (kandidat WRC & WRC) dan kemudian FIA akan memberikan persetujuan sebagai Kandidat WRC yang akan diputuskan oleh World Council and General Assembly of FIA pada rapat akhir tahun.
Dimana pihak PP. IMI bersama-sama Rally Organiser harus aktif untuk menjadi anggota (representatif) dan hadir pada setiap annual meeting dari Working Group ; World Motor Sport Council dan General Assembly dari FIA
b. Melakukan pembayaran Inscription Fee (registered in the FIA calendar) untuk sebesar EURO 103.200 paling lambat tgl. 31 Januari 2008, dimana biaya akan dipergunakan untuk keperluan dari FIA Delegate saat peninjauan event kandidat WRC dan dapat diperpanjang pada tahun berikutnya bila belum memenuhi ketentuan WRC tanpa perlu melakukan pembayaran lagi. Inscription Fee ini diperlukan oleh FIA sebagai jaminan atas keseriusan suatu negara sebagai penyelenggara kandidat WRC, adapun Inscription Fee untuk menjadi WRC adalah sebesar EURO 155.050
c. Apabila Indonesia telah disetujui menjadi salah satu kandidat WRC dari kawasan Asia pada tahun 2008, maka secara terkait akan juga dialokasikan pada jadwal WRC di tahun 2009 dengan ketentuan subject to inspection on year 2008.
(Terlampir jadwal tahun 2008 & tahun 2009)

Laporan hasil kunjungan dan proses persiapan selanjutnya dalam bentuk proposal rencana kerja & anggaran biaya tahun 2008 s/d tahun 2010 telah disampaikan kepada Pemerintah melalui Menteri Pemuda & Olahraga RI dan Ikatan Motor Indonesia (PP. IMI) serta juga organisasi yang baru terbentuk yaitu Indonesia World Motorsport (IWM).

Tahapan berikutnya adalah melakukan kunjungan kerja ke Rally New Zealand 2007 pada tgl. 30 Agustus s/d 2 September mendatang sesuai undangan dari Mr. Morrie Chandler (President FIA WRC), dimana Menegpora telah menunjuk Bpk. James Bpk. James Tangkudung (Asisten Deputi Pembinaan Prestasi Olahraga) untuk mewakili guna melakukan pembahasan lebih lanjut untuk persiapan & koordinasi langkah berikutnya serta melakukan study banding sebagai persiapan dari rencana penyelenggaraan kembali WRC di Indonesia.
Rombongan yang akan berangkat mendampingi Deputy Menegpora adalah Bpk. Harris Gondokusumo (Ka. Biro Dept. Olahraga PP. IMI) dan Jeffrey JP (Rally Indonesia Organiser)

Persyaratan serta kondisi yang terjadi pada penyelenggaraan WRC adalah :
1. Negara yang menjadi kandidat WRC harus terlebih dahulu melaksanakan event yang berstatus FIA Regional Championship (di Indonesia adalah FIA APRC)
2. Jumlah negara penyelenggara untuk WRC mulai tahun 2009 akan menjadi sebanyak 12 putaran, dimana 6 negara sebagai penyelenggara tetap dan 6 negara akan dirotasi secara bergantian

Informasi selanjutnya selama kunjungan kerja delegasi WRC Indonesia dan partisipasi Indonesia Rally Team – Subhan Aksa/Hade Mboi akan kami sampaikan secara bertahap sampai dengan akhir penyelenggaraan Rally New Zealand 2007 (WRC round 11)

Kami sangat menghargai atas dukungan dari rekan-rekan media melalui peliputan yang diberikan dan hal tersebut sangatlah penting untuk dapat membantu sosialisasi proses pencapaian penyelenggaraan event WRC di Indonesia, dimana segala kritikan dan saran juga sangat kami butuhkan guna percepatan proses serta demi kemajuan Olahraga Otomotif cabang Rally di Indonesia.
Akhir kata apabila terjadi kekurangan dan kesalahan baik yang disengaja maupun tidak disengaja, sebelumnya kami memohon maaf serta kami sangat mengharapkan untuk dapat bekerjasama lebih erat lagi untuk bersama-sama memberikan kontribusi kepada Negara tercinta Indonesia melalui event-event Internasional (APRC & WRC) yang akan datang. Terima kasih atas perhatian serta liputannya dan sampai jumpa di GUDANG GARAM INTERNATIONAL RALLY INDONESIA 2007 putaran 3 di Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan pada tgl. 7 s/d 9 September mendatang.

ROAD TO WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (WRC) FOR INDONESIA 2009

Proses untuk mengembalikan event WRC di Indonesia sudah mulai berjalan melalui pertemuan awal antara Bpk. James Tangkudung (Asisten Deputi Pembinaan Prestasi Olahraga) yang mewakili Menegpora RI dengan Mr. Morrie Chandler (President FIA WRC) pada tgl. 11 Juni 2007 di Singapore dengan didampingi oleh Bpk. Irawan Suchayono (Sekjen PP. IMI) ; Bpk. Harris Gondokusumo (Biro Olahraga PP. IMI) & Jeffrey JP (Rally Indonesia Organiser), dimana juga sekaligus Mr. Morrie Chandler menyampaikan undangan kepada Menegpora RI untuk menghadiri penyelenggaraan Rally New Zealand 2007 (WRC round 11) agar dapat diberikan masukan mengenai cara pelaksanaan suatu WRC dengan dampak/multiplier efek terhadap segi ekonomi dan pariwisata dari Negara itu.
Pada pertemuan tersebut President FIA WRC menyampaikan tahapan2 yang harus dilakukan oleh Indonesia adalah :
a. Penyampaian aplikasi sebagai kandidat WRC ditahun 2008 dengan progress WRC di tahun 2009, dimana aplikasi tersebut harus disampaikan oleh PP. IMI dengan mencantumkan jadwal ; lokasi serta penyelenggara dari event (kandidat WRC & WRC) dan kemudian FIA akan memberikan persetujuan sebagai Kandidat WRC yang akan diputuskan oleh World Council and General Assembly of FIA pada rapat akhir tahun.
Dimana pihak PP. IMI bersama-sama Rally Organiser harus aktif untuk menjadi anggota (representatif) dan hadir pada setiap annual meeting dari Working Group ; World Motor Sport Council dan General Assembly dari FIA
b. Melakukan pembayaran Inscription Fee (registered in the FIA calendar) untuk sebesar EURO 103.200 paling lambat tgl. 31 Januari 2008, dimana biaya akan dipergunakan untuk keperluan dari FIA Delegate saat peninjauan event kandidat WRC dan dapat diperpanjang pada tahun berikutnya bila belum memenuhi ketentuan WRC tanpa perlu melakukan pembayaran lagi. Inscription Fee ini diperlukan oleh FIA sebagai jaminan atas keseriusan suatu negara sebagai penyelenggara kandidat WRC, adapun Inscription Fee untuk menjadi WRC adalah sebesar EURO 155.050
c. Apabila Indonesia telah disetujui menjadi salah satu kandidat WRC dari kawasan Asia pada tahun 2008, maka secara terkait akan juga dialokasikan pada jadwal WRC di tahun 2009 dengan ketentuan subject to inspection on year 2008.
(Terlampir jadwal tahun 2008 & tahun 2009)

Laporan hasil kunjungan dan proses persiapan selanjutnya dalam bentuk proposal rencana kerja & anggaran biaya tahun 2008 s/d tahun 2010 telah disampaikan kepada Pemerintah melalui Menteri Pemuda & Olahraga RI dan Ikatan Motor Indonesia (PP. IMI) serta juga organisasi yang baru terbentuk yaitu Indonesia World Motorsport (IWM).

Tahapan berikutnya adalah melakukan kunjungan kerja ke Rally New Zealand 2007 pada tgl. 30 Agustus s/d 2 September mendatang sesuai undangan dari Mr. Morrie Chandler (President FIA WRC), dimana Menegpora telah menunjuk Bpk. James Bpk. James Tangkudung (Asisten Deputi Pembinaan Prestasi Olahraga) untuk mewakili guna melakukan pembahasan lebih lanjut untuk persiapan & koordinasi langkah berikutnya serta melakukan study banding sebagai persiapan dari rencana penyelenggaraan kembali WRC di Indonesia.
Rombongan yang akan berangkat mendampingi Deputy Menegpora adalah Bpk. Harris Gondokusumo (Ka. Biro Dept. Olahraga PP. IMI) dan Jeffrey JP (Rally Indonesia Organiser)

Persyaratan serta kondisi yang terjadi pada penyelenggaraan WRC adalah :
1. Negara yang menjadi kandidat WRC harus terlebih dahulu melaksanakan event yang berstatus FIA Regional Championship (di Indonesia adalah FIA APRC)
2. Jumlah negara penyelenggara untuk WRC mulai tahun 2009 akan menjadi sebanyak 12 putaran, dimana 6 negara sebagai penyelenggara tetap dan 6 negara akan dirotasi secara bergantian

Informasi selanjutnya selama kunjungan kerja delegasi WRC Indonesia dan partisipasi Indonesia Rally Team – Subhan Aksa/Hade Mboi akan kami sampaikan secara bertahap sampai dengan akhir penyelenggaraan Rally New Zealand 2007 (WRC round 11)

Kami sangat menghargai atas dukungan dari rekan-rekan media melalui peliputan yang diberikan dan hal tersebut sangatlah penting untuk dapat membantu sosialisasi proses pencapaian penyelenggaraan event WRC di Indonesia, dimana segala kritikan dan saran juga sangat kami butuhkan guna percepatan proses serta demi kemajuan Olahraga Otomotif cabang Rally di Indonesia.
Akhir kata apabila terjadi kekurangan dan kesalahan baik yang disengaja maupun tidak disengaja, sebelumnya kami memohon maaf serta kami sangat mengharapkan untuk dapat bekerjasama lebih erat lagi untuk bersama-sama memberikan kontribusi kepada Negara tercinta Indonesia melalui event-event Internasional (APRC & WRC) yang akan datang. Terima kasih atas perhatian serta liputannya dan sampai jumpa di GUDANG GARAM INTERNATIONAL RALLY INDONESIA 2007 putaran 3 di Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan pada tgl. 7 s/d 9 September mendatang.

Mechanic - Ball Joint Replacement

It started as a clicking noise as you backed out of the drive. Just a mild tap through the steering wheel. Sometimes it's not even there. But as the mileage builds over the next few weeks, the click gets bigger. Then it starts to morph into a thump as you go over potholes. A thump that turns into a shimmy. You jack up the front end and shake the wheels side to side--no problem. You shake them up and down. Big problem. There's a half-inch of slop on one wheel, though the other is tight. The diagnosis: You've got a bad ball joint.

NOTHING IS FOREVER

Front suspension parts eventually wear out, but this sudden onset of slop in your ball joint probably means a lubrication failure. But wait! you say. My ball joints are sealed--there's no grease fitting to pump fresh lubricant into. They're Lubed For Life, like it says right here in the owner's manual.

Exactly.

You've just discovered the true life span of a permanently lubed suspension joint. The lubrication finally dries out, water intrudes inside the boot covering the moving parts, and rust and abrasive road dirt turn a ball joint or tie rod end into a loosey-goosey accident waiting to happen. Do not delay in repairing a failing ball joint or tie rod end. When it fails, the wheel involved will try to part company with your vehicle, and not quite succeed in doing so. This will precipitate two unfortunate events: loss of control at some speed, and considerable damage to the rest of the vehicle.

Mechanic - Ball Joint Replacement

It started as a clicking noise as you backed out of the drive. Just a mild tap through the steering wheel. Sometimes it's not even there. But as the mileage builds over the next few weeks, the click gets bigger. Then it starts to morph into a thump as you go over potholes. A thump that turns into a shimmy. You jack up the front end and shake the wheels side to side--no problem. You shake them up and down. Big problem. There's a half-inch of slop on one wheel, though the other is tight. The diagnosis: You've got a bad ball joint.

NOTHING IS FOREVER

Front suspension parts eventually wear out, but this sudden onset of slop in your ball joint probably means a lubrication failure. But wait! you say. My ball joints are sealed--there's no grease fitting to pump fresh lubricant into. They're Lubed For Life, like it says right here in the owner's manual.

Exactly.

You've just discovered the true life span of a permanently lubed suspension joint. The lubrication finally dries out, water intrudes inside the boot covering the moving parts, and rust and abrasive road dirt turn a ball joint or tie rod end into a loosey-goosey accident waiting to happen. Do not delay in repairing a failing ball joint or tie rod end. When it fails, the wheel involved will try to part company with your vehicle, and not quite succeed in doing so. This will precipitate two unfortunate events: loss of control at some speed, and considerable damage to the rest of the vehicle.

Ball joint

Description: A ball joint consists of a hardened-steel, bearing stud and socket enclosed in a steel housing. The bearing stud is tapered and threaded and fits into a tapered hole in the steering knuckle. A protective boot prevents dirt from entering the joint assembly. Ball joints are used on the front end of virtually every car and light truck. Vehicles with conventional suspension systems use two ball joints per wheel: an upper and a lower ball joint. Cars with MacPherson strut suspension systems use a lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing rather than an upper ball joint.

Purpose: Ball joints serve as the pivot points between the tires and suspension. Ball joints also support weight. On some vehicles, the ball joints may be used to make wheel alignment settings.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Many cars use “lubed for life” ball joints that can’t be lubricated. Replacement ball joints often come with lubrication fittings. If your car has lubrication fittings, the ball joints should be lubricated at every oil change. Ball joints, along with other suspension components, should be inspected annually along with a complete wheel alignment. The most common vehicle symptoms associated with worn ball joints are wandering, uneven tire wear, and erratic steering. Ball joint inspection methods and specifications vary, so have your vehicle inspected by a qualified service professional.

source : carcare.org

STEERING & SUSPENSION (BALL JOINT)

Description: A ball joint consists of a hardened-steel, bearing stud and socket enclosed in a steel housing. The bearing stud is tapered and threaded and fits into a tapered hole in the steering knuckle. A protective boot prevents dirt from entering the joint assembly. Ball joints are used on the front end of virtually every car and light truck. Vehicles with conventional suspension systems use two ball joints per wheel: an upper and a lower ball joint. Cars with MacPherson strut suspension systems use a lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing rather than an upper ball joint.

Purpose: Ball joints serve as the pivot points between the tires and suspension. Ball joints also support weight. On some vehicles, the ball joints may be used to make wheel alignment settings.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Many cars use “lubed for life” ball joints that can’t be lubricated. Replacement ball joints often come with lubrication fittings. If your car has lubrication fittings, the ball joints should be lubricated at every oil change. Ball joints, along with other suspension components, should be inspected annually along with a complete wheel alignment. The most common vehicle symptoms associated with worn ball joints are wandering, uneven tire wear, and erratic steering. Ball joint inspection methods and specifications vary, so have your vehicle inspected by a qualified service professional.

source : carcare.org

DAMPER DINAMICS

KONI Sport and FSD (Frequency Selective Damping)

During a typical mile of travel down the road, the damper will move in (compression) and out (rebound) millions of times. Break that mile into one second of travel, and the number of times the damper moves (stroke) defines the operating frequency (Hertz, Hz). Controlling body roll entering a corner induces relatively few strokes of the damper (low frequency), while chattering over broken pavement at highway speed results in a much higher quantity (high frequency) of very short strokes. Knowing this, damper frequency can also be used to tune handling and ride quality. Vehicle body roll control needed to aid handling occurs at a frequency of around 1Hz. Ride impact harshness is felt when damper frequency reaches approximately 10Hz.

Hit a bump without dampers, and the suspension would continue to bounce up and down uncontrollably like a bobble head doll. The damper's job is to reduce the size and/or speed of the suspension movement, preventing the never-ending bobble head scenario. We've all seen that older car going down a smooth highway with one of the rear tires visibly vibrating up and down very rapidly, which is caused by a worn-out damper that is no longer controlling the movement of the suspension. The lack of damper control allows the suspension to move uncontrolled.

The piston moving back and forth through the oil inside the damper creates the resistance needed to control (dampen) the suspension movement. How much resistance (force) develops for a given movement is determined by internal valves that control the flow of oil. Based on the force, the valves open or close to self adjust to each bump or any vehicle body roll. All dampers do this; but KONI's FSD units add a second valve system that responds to the damper's operating frequency, allowing ride and handling to be tuned more independently than with conventional dampers.

KONI's design theory for tuning dampers uses the compression (in) force to dictate the amount of axle movement and is directly linked to handling like steering response, road holding, etc. The rebound (out) force is used to control body movements (side-to-side body roll and/or pitch fore and aft) and is also directly linked to ride comfort.

KONI's traditional user-adjustable yellow sport dampers most applications have a fixed setting for the compression rate, but allow the user to manually adjust the amount of rebound control to tune the balance between ride comfort and handling. The FSD dampers also have a fixed compression setting, but instead of allowing the user to manually adjust the rebound, the internals of the FSD dampers automatically adjust the rate and shape of the force curve (when plotted on a graph) on the fly, responding immediately to the frequency of the damper’s movement. The unique secondary valve used inside the FSD units is engineered to provide large amounts of force to control vehicle body movement at relatively low frequencies, while generating less force at the higher frequencies that affect ride quality.

mod*mom editorial :: parental controls for family game systems






mod*mom editorial
:: ratings + parental controls for family game systems

many of our kids have video games + game consoles on their wish lists.
video games are the easiest entertainment products for parents to control.
learn to set up parental controls for your family's game systems at esrb.org.

esrb (entertainment software rating board)
ratings are on game packages,
+ provide information about the age-appropriateness + content of games. parental control features on video game consoles allow us to configure the systems to limit children's access to games based on their
esrb ratings.
the front of game boxes display an
esrb rating symbol ranging from EC (early childhood 3+) to AO (adults only 18+). on the back, are content descriptions. you can also set up parental control features on the new generation of game consoles: microsoft xbox 360, nintendo wii + sony playstation 3.

sit with your children + play the games with them + use
esrb ratings to keep your children's video game play appropriate to their age + maturity.

mod*mom giveaway :: 3 conservation international gift cards $300




mod*mom giveaway :: 3 conservation international gift cards $300

i have a degree in environmental science, + as a mother + cancer survivor, i'm very interested in preserving biodiversity, habitats + the environment.
there are many medicinal properties in plants we rely on, new beneficial chemicals are being discovered + developed all the time, + we depend on them to make oxygen from co2. hopefully, we can slow + repair some of the damage we've already done to our forests, oceans, jungles + deserts.

"conservation international's mission is to conserve the earth's living natural heritage, our global biodiversity + to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature." i looked them up on charity watchdog + they got 4 stars as an efficient charity (for the last 10 years, more than 85% of funds raised go directly to conservation programs).

to enter to win a conservation international gift card, tell me in the comments, which animals + habitats are you most interested in saving?
(include your email address + web url so i can contact you when you win!)
before midnight, monday december 17

mod*mom giveaway :: environment + allergy friendly gift baskets $300+


mod*mom giveaway :: 3 environment + allergy friendly gift baskets $300+

i LOVE products that are good for the environment + don't cause allergies.
i'm happy these companies are donating products for mod*mom readers:

preserve tableware (recycled, reusable, recyclable plates, cups + cutlery)

pacific shaving all natural shave oil (400 shaves in a 2 ounce bottle!)

ferrocosmetics mineral makeup set

skinfree body products gift set (balms, butters, moisture spritz + soap)

simplefood organic soynut butter (chocolate, cinnamon, sea salt + sweet)

to enter to win an environment + allergy friendly gift basket, tell me in the comments, what do you like most about these products, colors + flavors?
(include your email address + web url so i can contact you when you win!)
before midnight, monday december 17

mod*tot is getting her 1st blythe for christmas!



january 2008, 12 new models of blythe dolls licensed by hasbro will be on the market!!!

"In 1972, an extraordinary event took place; a unique new doll appeared on the scene. She had a kooky, kicky look, and each time you pulled her string her eyes would change color and she would "look" in a different direction! Her name was BLYTHE™ and those lucky enough to add her to their collection knew they had a doll like no other! But, then BLYTHE dolls disappeared from the fashion doll world after a single year! Now, the long awaited third collectible doll replica with brunette hair and red patterned reproduction dress design is here! What an opportunity for collectors! Today, original BLYTHE dolls sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market and collectors clamor for her the world over."

thank you so much to lala of lala-a-go-go for the tip to this affordable blythe :D
i'm so excited that mod*tot is getting her very own real brunette blythe from santa :)
(holy cow, i saw an original 1972 blythe for sale on ebay today for $3,500!)

i hope you had a happy thanksgiving!


i think this turkey is so cute! i'm going to ask mod*tot to make one for me.

pic at:nursery

happy thanksgiving!

happy thanksgiving! thanks for visiting!

mod*mom giveaways :: reminder $1800 in prizes!

avalisa :: mod wool rug + 3 memory games $360

puj :: 5 gorgeous + cleverly designed baby slings $250

collins :: 10 retro skills books for girls + boys $250

modern dose :: groovy panton "s" chair $245

fabulous stationery :: personalized stationery $250

dyson :: 3 space-age handheld root 6 vacuums $450

please enter my holiday giveaways totaling
$1800 in fabulous prizes!

mod*mom editorial :: breast cancer charities :: where's the money going?

mod*mom editorial :: breast cancer charities :: where's the money going?

a safeway stores representative contacted me to write on mod*mom about safeway raising $16 million for breast cancer research + awareness last month, partially from melissa ethridge cd sales in their 1740 stores.
i wanted to know where the money is going + responded with this email:
"thank you for the info on safeway + melissa etheridge raising funds.
as a breast cancer survivor, i'm keenly interested in this topic.
i'm also very interested in where all that money is going specifically.
can you please ask safeway where the research funds are donated to?
i'd like to include that in my post about their fundraising.
an increasing # of women, like myself, are questioning where the tremendous amount of funds raised are specifically going, when they buy "pink products" + participate in fundraising races. "research" is too vague. can they please specify some organizations + projects?"

she responded with the following excerpt from their press release:
"During the past six years, Safeway's annual breast cancer campaign has raised more than $40 million to fund major cancer research programs at major research institutions and hospitals in the North America, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the University of California at San Francisco, and the University of California at Los Angeles. The company also supports information and awareness raising organizations such as Susan G. Komen Foundation and the breast cancer information website
breastcancer.org "

"Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $40.2 billion in 2006."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

while safeway has added some organic produce + products in some stores,
i wish
safeway would edit it's overall product selection. safeway is causing health problems with the junk they sell. they could improve the general population's health by not offering sodas, cigarettes, hormone/antibiotic laden dairy + meat products, + sugary, salty, hydrogenated, processed, artificially flavored + colored refined foods.

you can read independent ratings, reports + research on charities at
charity watchdog , give.org + charity navigator.

mod*mom giveaway :: 3 dyson vacuums $450



mod*mom giveaway :: 3 dyson vacuums $450



i'm mesmerized by these space age handheld dyson root 6 vacuums.
dyson is offering mod*mom readers 3 of them just in time for the holidays.

to enter to win a futuristic dyson root 6 vacuum, tell me in the comments,
"what are your favorite
features or design elements of the root 6 + why?"
(include your email address + web url, so i can contact you when you win!)
before midnight, monday december 17

Automotive Dynamometer Systems(dynamo meter/rolling soad) information

Once you have built your new motor, or fitted any tuning parts you will NEED to visit a good automotive Dynamometer or rolling road. If you don't you will never be able to set up your engine properly. A good dynamometer allows you to use a gas analyser while under load so you can see the real air fuel mixture at all RPM's while driving.

Car chassis Dynamometer

Rather than discuss the subject on this site it is better if you go to my Automotive Dynamometer pages, as I used to build them! (Below)

Click to see a richer run as well as these two

Chip tuning, or chipping your car...

Non Turbo Cars

Heard a boy racer telling his mate the other day "just fitted a chip to my xxxxx car (non turbo) yesterday, and its loads faster!". Well that is just NOT possible.

I asked him how and he didn't know, but said it was about 20mph faster flat out! Now since it takes 4x the power to go twice as fast, that equates to a simply huge power increase! So he was obviously lying...

First of all, a noticeable increase in power is simply not possible with a naturally aspirated car (no turbo) by fitting a "chip" or having it "chipped". As we said in the first few pages engines breath air. If you do not increase this flow somehow it cannot make more power than it already is doing! That chip simply tells the fuel system how much is the CORRECT amount of fuel to add! The manufacturers stock settings are usually optimum for peak power. It also controls the Ignition timing, but again the stock settings will be about perfect for full power. It is only possible to get tiny gains in "drivability" rather than more real power.

t is possible to gain a few percent here and there at different rpm's and throttle plate positions, because the manufacturers tailor the fuel map to give optimum economy, smoothness and low emissions. But these gains are pretty small. They "may" result in better drivability, but definitely not enough extra power to notice!

Turbo Cars

It is possible however to chip a turbo car for more power in many cases. The max boost level is often controlled by the engine management system. So in this case reprogramming, or rather remapping the ECU or chip can bring power increases. Be careful though because the manufacturers set these things as they are often for good reasons - usually reliability!

By allowing the turbo to make higher boost the engine gets more air and therefore can make more power, often considerably more.

Conventional Engine tuning methods

By "conventional engine tuning" we mean internal engine work. Not Turbocharging, Supercharging, Nitrous Oxide Injection, etc. No "bolt on power" modifications. but tuning the internals to give better airflow.

Getting more power from a standard car engine by conventional tuning means is at best difficult. (we will ignore standard turbocharged cars for the moment). The only way is to increase the airflow drawn through the engine. There are lots of ways to do this and it all involves a lot of work and money! For example:

  • Bigger side draft carbs or throttle bodies

  • Bigger engine bores / pistons (machined to increase capacity)

  • Bigger engine stroke (offset ground machined crankpins and shorter connecting rods)

  • better tubular exhaust manifolds and system

  • better port shape in the head (ported head)

  • Bigger inlet and exhaust valves fitted with specially shaped valve seats

  • Higher compression ratio

  • longer duration and higher lift camshaft

  • forged pistons (for strength)

  • stronger connecting rods to cope with higher RPM's

  • uprated oil pump/system to help engine reliability at higher RPM's

  • Crank / Connecting rod lightening, balancing, strengthening etc to cope with higher RPM's than standard engine


Depending on what you are trying to achieve you may need to do all of the above or just some! A fully tuned and "built" race engine is seriously expensive, loud, and unsuitable for road car use. It has bad driving characteristics, uneven idle, little low rpm power etc. And it is usually short lived as it has to be revved hard to get to any useful power. Obviously then it is best to start with the biggest engine variant of your model of car to begin with! This way you may not need to tune it at all to get the same power! If you do tune it it will not need as extensive modification to achieve the desired power so will be more user friendly.

Conventional tuning has low limits on how much power you can expect too. Its easy to get a few horsepower more, but very difficult to get any big power increases. And the cost of power goes up and up as more power is wanted...

Unless you have a good reason to use "conventional tuning" rather than fitting a bigger engine, or a turbocharger or Nitrous injection then these are probably better options for road use.

Fuels, and fuel additives

There are hundreds of different fuel additives with all kinds of different claims! We are only really interested in the ones that CAN work to help power.

First we need to understand the differences between the two common road fuels we all use, and a few "race" fuels.

1st we have all those "additives" that claim to improve power, and torque, improve "smoothness" emissions, and mileage! Sometimes by 25 percent! But they cannot, or will not tell you how! Well get real! They are a CON!

2nd we have "octane boosters" SOME of these work well. Look for tests and recommendations, or just use proper high octane fuels in the first place!

3rd we have "upper cylinder lubricants" such as Redex etc. Well in a road car they may not hurt. In a highly stressed race engine running on the borderline of detonation, it might just be enough to kill it! You see oils radically lower the total cylinders Octane So be careful!

4th Methanol. This can if added in small amounts increase octane. But it may make the total fuel mixture weaker so again be careful!

Then there are the lead replacement additives. These may or may not work, some definitely don't. They are designed to replace the lead that some engines like to stop valve/head seating problems in pre unleaded fuel days! Don't confuse lead and Octane. Lead is for lubrication. Octane is a measure of the fuels ant knock properties. Although lead happens to increase octane a little too!

A little known fact...

In the UK leaded pump fuel if you can get it when mixed with super unleaded gives a higher octane than either alone! Because both use different additives to increase octane that work less effectively the higher the concentration

Lightening engine parts



If you want more acceleration, especially in lower gears, lightening crankshafts and flywheels is a good idea.

It may also result in a slightly lumpier idle, but will give faster throttle response when you blip the pedal! Much like a motorcycle, because they have no flywheels.

The gains are quite small and expensive but like all engine tuning you have to decide what you are trying to achieve. And everything should be a good balance of modifications that matches.

A lightened Suzuki 1300 GSXR Crankshaft and it has no flywheel at all! >>>

Cams, or camshaft, and effect on performance

Wild or "race" cams are just not suitable for a road car. They do not allow you to drive smoothly in say 4th gear in town because they make your engine run "lumpy" at low revs! And you will have an uneven idle like a bike engine.

They "CAN" give some performance benefit at higher revs though, but only if the rest of your engine and induction system and exhaust are also modified to take advantage! If not, the extra valve o "overlap" makes them sensitive to exhaust back pressure and your car may well be slower! Valve overlap happens when your engines inlet valve opens whilst the exhaust valve is still open. This aids airflow at high engine rpms.

On the other hand, if you have just spent a fortune building a "big valve" race engine with lightened and balanced internals etc it would be stupid to fit a standard camshaft, as most of your hard work would be wasted! Like everything in life it has to be a balance. So its best to know what you are looking for and plan for that! Its no use just putting a few go faster bits on your car and hoping! That does not just apply to camshafts but to the complete engine. All the bits need to be matched and work together! You must have a plan before you start.

Cams types can be described (very general guide) :

a) Stock - smooth, long lasting, good emissions, good economy, good low down power for smooth easy driving in traffic. The main manufacturers are not stupid! Think carefully before you decide on a "race" cam. Power falls away at higher RPM's.

b) Towing, mild, or whatever - these will give good economy and will work much like the manufacturers stock cams. Standard lift and duration Usually expected top give more torque than stock ones at low RPMs Smooth tick over.

c) Fast road camshaft - Usually works OK with stock head/valves and a good free flow exhaust system, and bigger better multi carbs. These will give a higher RPM peak power than stock and usually at the expense of some low down power. Remember that low down power is where you spend the most time in a road car. Usually a touch more lift and duration (about 260 / 270 degrees) Slightly lumpy idle in some cases. Gas flowed head and bigger valves helps if you can afford to do it, but generally not essential.

d) Sport Cam / Very fast road - Not a sensible choice for road use, unless the car is also a race car and you can suffer a bit! Very lumpy idle on some engines, not smooth or powerful at lower 25 percent of RPM range. Peak power typically 1000 RPM higher than stock camshaft, big valves, ported head, free flow exhaust, multi carb or big throttle body, needed really to take advantage. Probably 20 percent more peak power than stock cam would give if the engine is as described. Lots of overlap, so high emissions likely. free flowing exhaust essential. 280 to 290 degrees, usually more than stock lift.

c) Race... Speaks for itself. in a road car far too much! To work, you need to have a totally "built" motor, with strong bits to stand much higher RPM than stock. And good head, big valves, open big bore exhaust (loud) and good free flowing induction system. High compression ratio needed as there is less time to "trap" the gasses. Much power! At high rpm only. Think "Bike engine"!

d) Turbo or Nitrous Cams - These have stock (ish) intake timing, but less overlap, and high lift long duration exhaust timing, to get rid of all the extra gasses.

There are LOTS of aftermarket Camshaft manufacturers to choose from. Companies such as:

Kent, Piper, Crower, Holbay, MTS, ISKY, MAHLE, Comp Cams, Crane, Edelbrock, Erson, H.O., Indian Adventures, Iskandarian, Lunati, Speed-Pro, Summit, Ultradyne, Systrand , Schrick Camshafts, Wolverine, Lazer Cams to name just a few!


Tuning and LPG or Propane alternative fuel vehicles

The short answer here is that LPG or Propane fuel has a higher detonation limit so makes a better fuel for tuning than pump petroleum does.

It allows either more turbo boost, or higher compression ratios, or more nitrous to be used before detonation of fuel stops play!

In short, if you want power its a great idea!

copyright : tuning.wanadoo.co.uk

Superchargers and Supercharging your car...


Supercharging your car makes more power by forcing more air into your engine just like an Exhaust driven Turbocharger does.

This allows you to burn more fuel.

The difference is that the compressor is driven directly by the engine rather than the exhaust gasses. The one shown is a VW VR6 Motor with an aftermarket low boost "supercharger" fitted.

In this case it is actually a centrifugal compressor just like a Turbocharger uses, but driven by an auxiliary drive belt.

Most superchargers are "screw" types, and positive displacement like the one on the left.

The VR6 one at the top of the page is unusual in that it uses a turbocharger type centrifugal compressor instead.

The Supercharger has a few disadvantages over a turbocharger, in that it takes power to drive the compressor directly from the engine. This is then lost or wasted. A turbocharger on the other hand uses waste exhaust gasses to drive the compressor so is more efficient.

But the supercharger has advantages too! There is no lag! Boost is always available, no matter what. With a turbocharger you have to wait until the engine starts to produce enough exhaust gas to spin up the turbo to give you some boost.

For ultimate BHP, like a top fuel dragster with 5000bhp supercharging is the only option! They accelerate from zero to 300 MPH in 4 seconds. A turbo would still be winding up!

copyright :tuning.wanadoo.co.uk

mod*mom blog button for pals





mod*mom blog button for pals :: please cut/paste the html to your page.
this will create a link to mod*mom, so you can remember to visit me :)

mod*mom editorial :: imported toys, food + drug safety

NotinMyCart.org


mod*mom editorial :: imported toys, food + drug safety

we need a stronger consumer product safety commission
(CPSC) to keep unsafe toys out of stores, + a stronger food + drug administration (FDA) to protect us from unsafe food + drug imports. only 1% of imported toys, food + drugs are inspected. foreign manufacturers risk incurring our weak penalties, because they know there's a 99% chance they won't get caught. toy, food + drug recalls are now "voluntary" on the part of foreign manufacturers, that's why they are able to make toys with lead + sell them in america to compete with strictly inspected american made products.
(here's an additional
video from the sierra club)
  • 80% of toys are made in china
  • 25 million+ toys were recalled this year (many for lead paint)
  • 15 CPSC inspectors at ports nationwide inspect all imported products
notinmycart.org

mod*mom giveaway :: personalized mod notecards $250




mod*mom giveaway :: personalized mod holiday notecards $250

i'm on the lookout for holiday cards + i love these at fabulous stationery.
fabulous stationery is offering 5 lucky mod*mom readers $50 in cards!

to enter to win personalized mod notecards, tell me in the comments,
"what are your favorite holiday styles at
fabulous stationery + why?"
(include your email address + web url so i can contact you when you win!)
before midnight, monday december 3

mod*mom giveaways :: reminder + winners

mod*mom giveaways :: reminder + winners

enter these fabulous giveaways:

avalisa :: mod wool rug + 3 memory games $360

puj :: 5 baby slings $250

collins :: 10 books for girls + boys $250

modern dose :: panton "s" chair $245

winners: stay tuned, i'll be back with 4 lucky winners...

nurseryworks :: mod mini rocking chair $325

method home :: 3 holiday gift baskets $120

mod*mom giveaway :: vernor panton "S" chair $245 - moderndose.com


mod*mom giveaway :: vernor panton "S" chair! $245


moderndose dose owner estela lugo is a mother of a newborn + a toddler,
+ she's an interior designer who wants to make modern design accessible.

moderndose dose is giving a lucky mod*mom reader a mod panton S chair, designed in 1968! vernor panton is one of my favorite designers + i love modern dose's chair selection (do you need new dining room chairs for thanksgiving? modern dose is having a buy 1 S chair, get 1 FREE sale too).

to enter to win a groovy vernor panton S chair in color of your choice, tell me in the comments, "what are your modern dose favorites + why?"
(include your email address + web url so i can contact you when you win!)
before midnight, wednesday december 5

luxuria music internet radio


i'm listening to luxuria music free internet radio + you should too!

modern cat






gay purreee with judy garland + robert goulet, inspired by moderncat

via monimania

rock flower dolls video


we're going dancing at pip squeak a go-go in san francisco
i love these rock flower dolls with "exciting now fashions"

i'm going to be a lab rat at ucsf cancer center today


i'm going to be a lab rat in a research study at ucsf cancer center today.
have a nice weekend!
pic: wardomatic