Rubens Barrichello Q&A: Williams in better shape than last year

After a hectic pre-season test schedule, Williams’ Rubens Barrichello is feeling positive about the British team’s 2011 chances. Feeling more at home in the FW33 than he did in its predecessor, Barrichello is targeting a top-ten grid slot and a points-scoring finish at the forthcoming Australian Grand Prix…

Q: How has the pre-season build up been for you?
Rubens Barrichello: This is my second year with the team and we are in much better shape than we were this time last year. Everything has been prepared well and the team are doing a really good job getting everything ready in time for Melbourne.

Q: How does the FW33 compare to last year’s car?
RB: I think we are better on performance than last year. The car is a different animal though so there is a different way of treating it, but I quite like it. How much faster it is, is very difficult to know, but the car feels better than last year’s to drive.

Q: What is your opinion about the tyre degradation we are seeing?
RB: It is difficult for everyone but it depends on the balance you have. It gets to a point where tyre performance has completely gone and you can’t bring it back. You have to look after them but even then you wouldn’t realistically be able make them survive a whole race.

Q: What would you consider to be a successful weekend for you in Australia?
RB: There is still a question mark about where we stand I know that we have improved but there are teams either side of us. I know how optimistic I am and I know how much I would love to say that we will do really well, but what I will say is that I want to be in Q3 and to score points, and I think that is achievable.

Q: What are your thoughts on the load on drivers in the cockpit now you have had some time testing both KERS and the moveable rear wing?
RB: Running with both KERS and the rear wing is tough. As soon as you do a lot of running you get used to the situation, but every new track will be a new challenge. Hopefully we will get a little bit more of an explanation as to how the wing will work, as originally it was only to be used at the start and in straight lines to overtake, but now it seems to be engaged at most corners. With KERS you have to look at the steering wheel to save as much as you want and to use it in the right places, so you’re not looking straight ahead all the time. This is one of the things we are taking about with Charlie Whiting and Jean Todt to try to improve.

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Oil jumps to $103 as allied Coalition Bombs Libya

Oil prices jumped to above $103 a barrel on Monday after Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi vowed a “long war” amid a second night of allied military strikes on the OPEC nation.

A coalition of the U.S., France, U.K. and other nations bombed tanks and anti-aircraft sites Sunday and deterred Libyan fighter jets from flying. Gadhafi said he would not resign and pledged to continue to attack the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

Fierce fighting during the last month has already shut down most of Libya’s 1.6 million barrels per day of crude output. Investors are now concerned international intervention could extend the conflict and keep Libya’s oil production out of the market longer than perviously estimated.

“The regime in Tripoli shows no sign of giving up,” Capital Economics said in a report. “The prolonged loss of Libyan oil could push prices all the way up to the highs above $140 seen in 2008.”

Gadhafi also warned that Western powers would not get Libya’s oil, suggesting his forces may sabotage crude installations. Some traders worry a cornered Gadhafi could lash out in a last stand that disrupts regional tanker shipments.

“A ‘scorched earth’ response from Gadhafi could cause disruptions to ships traveling the Mediterranean,” energy consultant The Schork Report said.

By early afternoon in Europe, benchmark crude for April delivery was up $2.12 to $103.19 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 35 cents to settle at $101.07 per barrel on Friday.

In London, the May contract for Brent crude was up $2.14 at $116.07 a barrel on the ICE futures exchange.

While equity markets were boosted Monday by hopes that Japan was making progress in bringing under control radiation leaks at its Fukushima nuclear power plant, analysts said concerns about lower energy demand from the world’s third-largest economy would keep a ceiling over oil prices.

“The Japanese nuclear disaster seems to be coming to a close at an excruciatingly slow pace, meaning that the Japanese economic recovery will likely be slow and torturous,” said Edward Meir at MF Global in New York, adding that the situation “will continue to exert a drag on energy prices.”

In other Nymex trading for April contracts, heating oil was up 4.45 cents at $3.0688 a gallon and gasoline added 5.41 cents to $3.0035 a gallon. Natural gas gained 4.1 cents at $4.209 per 1,000 cubic feet.

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6 Steps To Make Your Cholesterol Level Lower Naturally

The increasing number of people with high cholesterol issues, along with the side effects of its medications, has begged an answer to the question "How to reduce cholesterol naturally?". Unsurprisingly, your lifestyle plays a vital role in increasing and decreasing cholesterol levels. Altering the way you live in certain ways can help you lower your cholesterol naturally, without the use of medications and prescriptions. Even if medication is necessary, a healthy lifestyle enhances the effect of your medication to reduce cholesterol faster and maintain its level.

Here are 6 steps to follow:

STEP 1 - Cut Down On Your Body Fat

Having extra fat in your body is just not recommended for cholesterol patients. Carrying even just a little excess weight can contribute detrimentally to your cholesterol health. Even a small decrease of 5 to 10 pounds of excess weight can have significant effects.

The very first aspect of losing weight is to honestly analyze your eating habits and daily routine. If you eat when you are frustrated or bored, try to divert your mind and take a walk instead. If your lunch and breakfast consist of fast food, strike it off from your lifestyle and pack something healthier from home. Watching television does not mean munching on potato chips, but instead you can try munching on carrot sticks.

Try to include more physical activity into your daily routine such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

STEP 2 - Eat Healthy Food

If you have been on an unhealthy diet for years, making a few changes in your diet can drastically reduce your cholesterol level. After all, cholesterol levels are substantially dependent on what you do and do not eat.

Healthy fats: the saturated fat found in red meat or dairy products can increase your cholesterol level by increasing the bad cholesterol in your body. It is recommended that you should not take in more than 10% of your daily calories from saturated fat. This is why you should choose low-fat dairy products and leaner cuts of meat. You can also switch to olive, canola and peanut oils for cooking.

STEP 3 - Avoid Trans Fats

Trans fat can be found in fried foods and many store-bought products such as crackers, cookies and snack cakes. Do not believe the labels on the packaging that claim the product is 'trans fat-free' as they might only be half truths. Instead, you can choose to look at the ingredients list and determine if those ingredients are high in cholesterol or not.

STEP 4 - Do Not Exceed The Daily Cholesterol Limit

A normal person can take up to 300 mg of cholesterol per day. If you have a heart disease or other cardiovascular problems you should only take less than 200 mg. Cholesterol levels are highly concentrated in foods such as egg yolk, cheese, processed meat, shrimps etc. Try to avoid such high cholesterol foods to keep within the recommended boundaries.

STEP 5 - Eat More Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre which helps you to increase your metabolism rate and cuts down fat. Fibre also prevents the build up of cholesterol particles in your arteries. However, one must remember that dried fruit tends to have more calories than fresh fruit. Also, try to include more vegetables in your diet on a daily basis.

STEP 6 - Increase Your Physical Activities

Exercise always plays a vital role in general fitness and reducing your cholesterol level naturally. Exercising does not mean that you need to force yourself into high-intensity workouts. Simple moderate workouts done frequently can help you drastically. Choose exercises that keep your heart functioning faster like jogging, running, swimming and cycling.

High cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. Medications are certainly available to help you reduce your cholesterol levels but if you try to alter your lifestyle with these steps, you will be surprised with the results. This way you can stay away from all those terrible side effects that medicines can cause.

11:17 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Celebrating French fine dining at Cassis

A bold contemporary setting and an ever-expanding repertoire of new tantalizing dishes inspired by popular classic French cuisine mark Cassis’ return to Jakarta’s dining scene.
 
Foie Gras Cassis, a harmonious blend of scrumpti ous butt ery pan seared foie gras with soft brioche, deliciously sweet caramelized apple slices and exciti ngly sour fresh blackcurrant sauce. — Photo by P.J. Leo
A superb chic French ambiance greets diners the moment they step through Cassis’ giant, solid black steel entrance door.

Inside, an assortment of fresh white-and-green flowers and foliage stylishly arranged on a two-meter-long brown marble counter, as well as rows of neatly placed plants in sleek black metal vases along water windows cleverly reveal a refined interpretation of a typical Parisian flower shop.

A long open corridor connects the restaurant’s five separate dining areas, each of which boasts a signature style and earthy tones.

A semi-open kitchen artfully provides Cassis’ illustrious clientele with succulent, top quality dishes prepared by French executive chef Stephane Simond and his team. A secluded bar area is nestled in a relaxed, dimly lit corner of the corridor.

A New York-based award winning design studio, Yabu Pushelberg, was selected to create an innovative design concept for the new Cassis, which underwent a major seven-month overhaul before reopening its doors in mid-August.

“Yabu Pushelberg has a long, reputable history in architecture and interior design in the US and we are very pleased with their out-of-the-box approach for the new Cassis,” said Lody Anjes, chief operating officer of the Cassis Group.
 
Main dining area — Photo by P.J. Leo
“They have provided us with an exclusive modern design concept that is 100 percent tailor-made, from the ceiling and lighting to the furniture and accessories. This way, you will not find an exact copy of the new Cassis anywhere in the world.”

Cassis’ gorgeous new interior persona has brought a fresh perspective in restaurant design to Jakarta, but there is undisputed element that makes Cassis one of Jakarta’s best French fine dining establishments – its top quality signature dishes.

Its signature dishes are now served alongside its latest gastronomic invention, the la cuisine du marche (fresh delicacies from the market) menu.

For something to tantalize the taste buds, try the exquisite Foie Gras Cassis — a harmonious combination of scrumptious buttery, pan seared foie gras with soft brioche, deliciously sweet caramelized apple slices and excitingly sour fresh blackcurrant sauce.

Satisfy your culinary desire with one of the restaurants most popular main courses: grain fed beef tenderloin Perigourdine with duck foie gras served with black truffle sauce, sautéed vegetables and a choice of potatoes.

Or, for a foolproof order, choose chef Simond’s recommendations: the delightful lip-smacking roasted French pork tenderloin, duck foie gras and port wine gravy served with pickled pistachio and walnut — a newcomer dish that already has its own diehard fans, or North Atlantic sea bass lightly smoked with rosemary and tomato heart, served with eggplant caviar and black mussels.

Many regular diners request customized “a la minute” dishes prepared by chef Simond. In this case, ask for an exceptional tailored dish with French tenderloin because Cassis is apparently the only restaurant in Jakarta serving the rare, succulent red meat.

Flavorful desserts — like Le Rocher Chocolat Noisette et Amandes, chocolate hazelnut and almond rock bun served with banana ice cream and passion fruit sauce — blends charmingly accompanied by the sublime Vodkatini Cassis, an uplifting mix of Crème De Cassis, vodka and fresh blackcurrants.

Using 85 percent fresh ingredients — from meat, fish and vegetables to fruit — directly imported from Europe and Australia, the new Cassis is committed to continuously crafting new delectable, one-of-a-kind dishes unavailable elsewhere in Jakarta.

“Though we keep favorite dishes as regular menu items, we also change some of the dishes listed among the la cuisine du marche by following the fresh produce seasons in France,” explained Chef Simond.

“We always try to create our own modern interpretation of classic French cuisine that also combines the taste that our clientele usually prefer.”

Since the restaurant’s reopening in mid-August, the chef’s overflowing creative pursuit has set Cassis apart from its competitors.

“Everybody loves surprises once in awhile,” said Lody Anjes. “So it’s essential to astound our clientele with new specialties all the time. It’s what keeps them coming back — having something different to look forward to each time they dine at Cassis.”


Cassis French Fine Dining Restaurant
Pavilion Apartment – Retail Arcade
Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur Kav. 24
Jakarta 10220
Tel: (021) 5794 1500/574 2010

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Is there Good and Bad Cholesterol?

Many classify cholesterol as good and bad. This is not true. Cholesterol is simply cholesterol. When thinking of good and bad, many are referring to HDL’s and LDL’s. HDL refers to high density lipoprotein while LDL refers to low density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are merely cholesterol carriers. Lipoproteins are part lipid (fats) and part protein. The reason for this structure is proteins are soluble in water whereas fats are insoluble in water. The protein portion is used to transport the lipids through the blood. Since blood is comprised mostly of water, the lipid portion would not travel without the protein portion.

HDL’s consist of about half protein and half lipid; whereas LDL’s are about a quarter protein and three quarters lipid. The function of the HDL is to bring cholesterol to the liver for recycling or elimination. Low density lipoproteins transport cholesterol to the rest of the body for building tissues.
Cholesterol by chemical structure is an alcohol, because of the hydroxyl group (OH). Remember, ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages and gasoline) is also an alcohol but a much smaller alcohol. Cholesterol contains a four ring region that is characteristic of all steroid hormones (estrogen and testosterone). However, combination of the steroid ring structure and the hydroxyl group classify cholesterol as a sterol.
Cholesterol has many functions. Cholesterol is the precursor to all steroid hormones produced in the body. This includes mineralcorticoids, glucocorticoids, and the sex hormones.
Cholesterol is found in every cell. Cholesterol regulates the cell membranes fluidity. This prevents the cell from becoming too rigid or too fluid. Cholesterol helps keep the cell membranes intact. Cholesterol helps to build strong bones and muscles, and maintains libido and fertility. Cholesterol assists in regulating the blood sugar. Cholesterol helps to protect against infectious disease and repairs damaged tissue. Cholesterol is required to form vitamin D.
Cholesterol is a component of lipid rafts, this helps to secure proteins involved in cell signaling. When sleeping at night, our brain synthesizes cholesterol to benefit our mood and increase our memory. Cholesterol supports the nervous system, in which cholesterol is a vital component of the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath allows neurons to conduct impulses with each other. Cholesterol has been found to be the rate limiting factor found in the formation of synapses, this formation is necessary for learning and the formation of memories.
Cholesterol is used by the liver to synthesize bile acids. The liver makes about two grams of cholesterol daily. However, under stressful conditions the production of cholesterol increases to produce more adrenal and stress hormones. Bile acids are secreted into the small intestine to emulsify fats, aiding in digestion.
Many studies cannot correlate eating foods containing cholesterol with an increase in blood cholesterol. Eating a diet high in meat and fat does not necessarily indicate heart disease. For example, the Eskimos live on a diet rich in meat and fat. The Eskimos have low cholesterol levels. Many populations that consume a high percentage of animal fats have less heart disease. Why? Animal fats are more resistant to oxidative damage. Many do not realize that cholesterol plaques are often there to protect a damaged artery. Many need to understand that a clogged artery is better than a ruptured one. Although elevated cholesterol levels are associated with heart disease, cholesterol may not be the cause.
If cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease, what are the causes? Many factors may contribute to cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can be associated with deficiencies in a few minerals (copper, zinc, magnesium). Toxicity in calcium can assist in hardening of the artery walls. Increased homocysteine (amino acid found in vitamins b6 and folic acid) levels are a factor in heart disease. Deficiencies of vitamin C and the amino acid lysine cause decreased collagen synthesis. Also, hypothyroidism is associated with heart disease. Certain types of infections and inflammations are related to heart disease (dental infections). High blood pressure can lead to heart disease. Smoking, diabetes, obesity, caffeine, and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of heart disease. Finally, genetic factors play a part in heart disease. Any oxidative damage from vegetable oils contributes to heart disease. Hydrogenated fats found in margarine, dressings, fried foods contribute to heart disease. Hydrogenation produces trans-fatty acids. These are non-naturally occurring fatty acids that contribute to inflammation, one of the causes of heart disease.
Cholesterol has a bad reputation and many misunderstand. The truth to the importance of cholesterol is simply not widespread enough. Cholesterol’s role in heart disease cannot be linked. When understanding what may cause heart disease, total cholesterol is not as important as the ratio of HDL’s to LDL’s. This organic compound is essential for life as we know it.

11:19 PM | 0 comments | Read More

10 Best Gaming Laptops

Even though companies like Razer may be fighting the cold hard truth that, when it comes to gaming, the platform of choice goes to the consoles. But enthusiasts know that if you want to experience the true quality that a game has to offer, then PC gaming is the way to go. Desktops will give you that extra oomph, but sometimes portability is a necessary factor for LAN party-goers or traveling pros. For those looking to take their game mobile without sacrificing too many frame rates, PCMag has rounded up the best gaming laptops.
Most gaming laptops aren’t what we in the business call “ultraportable” (the Acer Aspire AS3830TG-6431 is one exception). The smallest designated gaming rig I’ve ever encountered is Alienware’s M11xr3; a 3.3-pound laptop. It packs quite a punch, managing 55.6 frames per second (fps) on our Crysis (DirectX 10) benchmark test—a respectable score considering its 11-inch size. However, if you want to bump up your frame rates high-end components need room, which is why its 17-inch brother, the Alienware M17x (Sandy Bridge), can pump out Crysis at 93.3fps on medium quality.

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It’s important to remember that what a laptop lacks in high-end components, it makes up for in battery life. Big GPUs and CPUs require lots of power to keep running. That’s why the Alienware M11xr3 will give you 8 hours 3 minutes of relative computing life and the Alienware M17x will give you a mere 2:24. Unless you’re the type to carry around an extra battery or two, road warriors may want to factor this in when considering what gaming laptop to buy.
For those looking to game on the lighter end of the 3D graphics spectrum there are laptops with lower-end GPUs that cost a little less than the higher-end stuff out there. If you’re a World of Warcraft enthusiast, fan of games like Torchlight, or into older titles like Team Fortress 2, you might go for a laptop like the Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110) or Acer Aspire AS3830TG-6431.
Below are 10 of our best gaming laptops. All have gone through our Crysis test and all have come out around 30 frames per second or better. Pick one that will help you get your game on.
Featured in this Roundup:
Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110)
$1,039.98 direct

The Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110) gives you some 3D performance through its Nvidia GeForce GT 525M graphics chip, creative control of both your virtual media and the laptop’s physical appearance, and features to make this desktop replacement laptop pop.
Acer Aspire AS3830TG-6431
$750 street

The Acer AS3830TG-6431 is one of the most powerful ultraportables on the market, equipped with an Nvidia GT 540M graphics chip. This laptop will not only play Crysis, it has enough battery power to get you through a coast to coast flight.

Asus K53SV-B1
$990 street

The Asus K53SV-B1 desktop replacement laptop packs high-end performance without the price tag, offering quad-core Intel Core i7 processing and powerful Nvidia GeForce graphics for under $1,000.

Acer Aspire AS8950G-9839
$1,499.99 street

Gamers will love the Acer Aspire AS8950G-9839 laptop’s big 1080p-resolution screen, built-in Blu-ray drive, and crisp-sounding speaker system. The AMD Radeon HD 6850M powering the system impress, with playable frame rates on Lost Planet 2 and Crysis.

Dell XPS 15z (Microsoft)
$999 direct

The XPS 15z (Microsoft) is available from Microsoft’s Store and every bit as luxurious as the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch, but it won’t cost you nearly as much.

Asus G74SX-BBK7
$1,199 list

The Asus G74SX-BBK7′s huge exterior speaks volumes: Intimidating to the casual consumer, but speaks to the gamer saying, “The bigger I am, the better I game.”

Alienware M17X (Sandy Bridge)
$2,254 direct

With outstanding gaming scores and the most wicked design, the Alienware M17X (Sandy Bridge) is the best gaming laptop, period.

Alienware M11xr3
$1,099 direct

Need a portable gaming device to keep you sharp while you’re on the road? Look no further than the Alienware M11xr3.

Asus G74SX-A2
$2,000 street

The Asus G74SX-A2 holds its own against top gaming laptops with its quad-core processor and Nvidia graphics, and its stealthy cooling system kicks in when those components get hot.

Samsung QX411-W01
$799.99 list

The Samsung QX411-W01 is a mainstream laptop that includes top-notch battery life and a sturdy design among its features. It’s Nvidia GT 520M won’t get you far when it comes to high-end titles, but for those who like to play games like World of Warcraft, Portal, and Indie games like Limbo and From Dust, the QX411-W01 will suit your needs.

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Video Funny Baby

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