You may be familiar with the name Colin Furze. The gentleman has made a name for himself by crafting some of the most impressive small-displacement two-wheelers around, and his four-wheel creation – a mobility scooter – lives up to the same level of insanity. Thanks to a 125cc engine lifted from a dirt bike, the machine can whip to over 70 mph. If that isn’t terrifying enough for you, the vehicle does it using the same wheels and tires as the electric scooters you see whirring around your local loathsome neighborhood box store.

Furze recently took his death machine out for a little fun on a snow-covered stretch of tarmac and brought along a video camera for the ride. Hilarity ensues. Hit the jump to check out the quick clip for yourself.

Get ready, middle school art teachers – your new car is almost here. Following the launch of the re-skinned 2012 Beetle (and its oil-burning TDI kin), Volkswagen is hard at work prepping the new droptop variant, seen here testing in a not-so-convertible-friendly environment.

The signature styling difference that separates the 2012 Beetle from the Bug that came before it is indeed the longer, flatter roofline, and it’s interesting to see how well the shape has been kept intact during the transformation from hardtop to droptop. This test mule is fitted with the front and rear fascias of the last-generation car, but make no mistake, the decidedly more masculine fore and aft lighting treatments will indeed carry over to the new convertible.

Much like the coupe, we can expect the Beetle Convertible to be available with Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine as standard kit. There’s no word about whether or not the 2.0-liter turbo-four will make its way under the hood of the new convertible, but what really piques our interest is that Volkswagen sources have pretty much confirmed that the topless Beetle will be available with the 2.0-liter TDI unit, making it the first (and currently, only) diesel droptop in the United States. Expect to see the production car debut at the New York Auto Show this April.

For anyone thinking of starting their own organic gardening adventure, correct and proper soil preparation is the foundation on which the garden is built. You cannot afford to get it wrong. This article show how you can get it right so what you plant can grow successfully.

Step one to prepare your organic garden’s soil is basically to test it to see what you have to work with. You can pick up a soil testing kit at your local garden centre. The test will look at the pH of the soil which is a measure of acidity and alkalinity contained in it. Depending on the results of the test you may need to consider adding lime or sulfur to get the balance just right. A good soli testing kit will help you with this and additional materials are available at garden centers.

In addition to the pH balance the soil test should look at other chemical elements present and in what amounts. The less the better if you are intending to use the garden organically. You are favoring natural elements over chemical fertilizers and the like. Even if the site you intend to use is not blessed with the most perfect soil conditions it can be carefully tended and developed in to the right stuff for a great organic garden.

When gardeners speak of a soil, they are referring to earth that looks, feels and smells pleasant. That means fertile soil, with good structure depending on the extent to which the inorganic soil particles; sand, silt, clay, and humus are bound together. No matter what kind of miserable soil you begin with, it can be transformed into the stuff great gardens are made of.

You can start to do this by using only natural compost on your garden. You can even make this yourself although until you are in a position to do so it is an expense you will have to bear and buy it from the garden centre. However as soon as possible it is suggested you do start to make your own natural compost by using things from your household such as food scraps, vegetable waste and the like.

As you apply the natural compost to your organic garden the soil will benefit from the natural nutrients in the compost and you will gradually develop better soil for better growing conditions.

Another part of proper soil preparation is mixing in some topsoil along with all the good, natural stuff you introduce to the existing earth. A staple here is, as unpleasant as it might sound, horse or cow manure. Well it is naturally occurring and will help with soil development. Again, it is available from garden centers though if you have access to a local farmer you may be able to do a deal with them. Alternatively, consider the use of grass cuttings and leaves.

The mixture of existing earth, good top soil and the natural nutrients you introduce will encourage good organically prepared soil which is rich in organic nutrients, moisture holding and with good drainage. A fine recipe for good growing.

Be sure to remove any weeds, old roots and other things which might be there in the soil. Then once your soil is prepared leave it to settle down for a few days before you begin to plant anything in your new organic garden.

When people ask me, where can I buy bee pollen, I ask them to think about the environment where it is collected. The interesting fact is that lots of bee pollen capsules and other bee products never reveal exactly where they are sourced from.

There is now alarm about the honey as well, as the pollen is filtered out of this. This applies to the honey imported into the USA. This is in violation of US FDA regulations because the pollen in the honey is the only way that we can verify its purity.

Alarmingly, a recent report in the Food Safety News estimates that up to 70% of the honey sold in stores and supermarkets across the USA contains no pollen. According to the FDA definition, that means that it is simply not honey, by their standards and according to the laws.

This is just one alarming aspect of the whole bee production scenario. That is why when people ask me, where can I buy bee pollen, I recommend that they do their homework first. Here are the things that I recommend they check out:-

• if you buy it in granules from your local farmers market, check that it is harvested in a pollution free environment.
• there is no way that we can be absolutely sure though that GM microbes and other nasty contaminants are not carried by winds and thereby it may well be polluted
• ask about the drying procedures and how the granules are stored immediately after collection.
• check if the beekeepers are regulated or controlled in any way
• some beekeepers overuse antibiotics to fight disease in the hives. Others feed their bees with fructose so that they produce more.

As we have seen, there are so many question marks about the purity of this marvellous supplement and the environment where it is gathered, that you cannot really be sure about anything at all, except trust your local beekeepers presuming that they are doing it all according to the book.

So, the question, where can I buy bee pollen, has no simple straightforward answer. Actually one solution, which I use personally is to ensure that you use bee pollen capsules.

Once you are sure about the company and above all the source which is as uncontaminated as you can get, then you can be certain that you are getting a pure product. The best areas now that are safe for bee foraging and harvesting are some areas of Canada and also New Zealand. It really does pay to do your homework on this one.

Toyota has let slip a few additional teasers for the company’s FT-Bh concept headed to the Geneva Motor Show in March. As you may recall, the vehicle is an engineering study designed to evaluate what kind of emission reductions can be accomplished in the city car segment without resorting to exotic materials or science-fiction drivetrains. Toyota says the concept emits around 50 percent less CO2 than your run-of-the-mill supermini thanks in part to the fact that it tips the scales at a feathery 1,763 pounds.

The hybrid’s aerodynamic shape and efficient powertrain also contribute to the reduction. While the FT-Bh isn’t headed to production any time soon, there’s a good chance some of the vehicle’s tricks may show up on consumer models in the near future. Hit the jump to check out a short teaser video and the press release, and be sure to stay tuned for our live Geneva Motor Show coverage.

Dodge, or rather SRT (we’re still getting used to it being its own brand), has been busy teasing us with the new Viper that will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely done flaunting the performance capabilities of the old model. Only a few short months ago, SRT released a video of the Viper ACR reclaiming the lap record at the Nürburgring for a production car with a time of 7:12.13, taking the title away from the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition.

Now the Viper Club of America has released a new video of the race-only Viper ACR-X tackling the Green Hell, and the result is even more impressive. The V10-powered spec racer lapped the circuit in just 7:03.058, more than nine seconds quicker than its roadgoing brother. It makes us wonder when we’ll start seeing six-minute lap times at the Nürburgring.

You can see a video of the impressive lap after the jump, including real-time stats like g-force and downforce included in the footage.

Being knowledgeable about different investment terms is a necessity if you want to enter the financial markets. This glossary covers some of the more basic, but important, terms investors should be aware of beginning with the letters between J and Z.

Junior ISA – A version of the ISA, where parents can invest up to £3,600 a year on behalf of their child, who then has access to the invested total plus interest accrued from their eighteenth birthday.

Liquidity – The ease at which buying and selling can take place on the financial markets.

Loan – Money that is paid to an individual or company which must then be paid back over time. This will usually be paid gradually on a monthly basis over a set time period, with interest included in the monthly payments.

Market Capitalisation – The total market value of an entire company. All assets, including cash and assets, are taken into consideration.

Market Value – The price at which a security is trading and could be bought for.

Maturity – The length of time until the last interest payment of a bond will be redeemed.

Property Investment – When land or buildings are invested in with the intention to buy and sell for a higher price at a later date. Some make money through charging rent while the investment increases in value. 

Retail Prices Index (RPI) – A measure of inflation which looks at the increase or decrease in retail prices.

Return – The percentage of income from an investment. So, if £100 was put towards an investment and it is now worth £120, that is a return of 20%.

Security – A security is a negotiable certificate that shows a debt or equity obligation.

Settlement – A payment or collection of proceeds that results in the end of a financial agreement. For example, a loan settlement mean the loan has been paid off and is now complete.

Share – A stake in a company. Shares are divided into portions, which are sold to investors.

Share Capital – The amount of a company’s funding that comes from the issuing of shares.

Short-Selling – Selling a security while prices are high with a plan to buy it again at a later date when it is at a lower price.

Spread – The difference in yield between two different bonds.

Stamp Duty – A form of taxation which is paid by a purchaser of certain assets, including property.

Total Return – The overall return on a stock or portfolio taking into account changes in capital values and income earned.

Valuation – A summary of an investment portfolio showing the value and value of everything they own.

Venture Capital (VC) – Where a company is invested in at its early stages. These companies can be invested in for relatively little, meaning potential for high returns. They are risky though, as there is no previous performance to base potential on, only expectation.

Yield – The percentage of return paid on a stock in the form of a dividend or the effective rate of interest paid.

Yield Gap – The difference in yield between different assets.

Andrew Marshall © 

Level indicators are level measurement devices used to measure the height of liquid or solid in its containing vessel. The two most common types are the magnetic level indicator and the float and board level indicator.

The magnetic level indicator is used to measure fluids and consists of a floatable device that is able to float in high and low density fluids. These indicators can often withstand severe environmental conditions. It comprises a permanent magnet that is sealed within a float, whose rise and fall opens and closes the switch. The most important factor that must be kept in mind while selecting the appropriate magnetic indicator is the magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field, the more efficient the instrument.

The magnetic indicator is fitted with a precision manufactured float which has internal magnets and flex rings. Moreover, the flag or shuttle type indicator with the stainless steel scale can correctly measure height, volume or percentage of level. These indicators are used in water heaters, industrial boilers, oil/water separators, flash drums, surge tanks, gas chillers, etc.

The float and board level indicators are also used to measure fluid levels in industries. The float is particularly important because of its buoyancy, structural design, volume displacement, etc. A regular float and board indicator would consist of a float, a dustproof pulley housing, pointer cradle with nylon and 150 mm screen printed aluminium scale. These indicators work on the principle of buoyancy. They find application in over ground and overhead storage tanks, and are also used for the measurement of petroleum products like furnace oil, diesel, lube oil, etc. The non-corroding aluminium board with brightly painted scale projects the measurement clearly. This device is easy to handle and also extremely portable.

Some other types of level indicators include:

• Tubular
• Reflex
• Transparent
• Welded Pad type
• Slight Flow

These devices are very useful for industrial use, and are easily available in the market as well as online. It is, however, important to have full knowledge of the type of matter to be measured and the most appropriate level indicator for it. These indicators are scientifically designed, and resist wear and tear that is likely to take place over time. Level monitoring and automatic movement of fluids is an important concern in most large-scale production units, be it in the health, food or petroleum industry. They are, however, only one part of the larger variety of level measurement instrumentation.

Badrinath is one of the cities that are a part and parcel of the famous Chardham Yatra. It is the highly famous pilgrimage place in Uttaranchal. It is located a t a height of 3133 meters from the sea level. The town is protected by two peaks in either side famous by the name of Nar and Narayan. There are several tour and travel operators who offer packages that are custom made according to the needs, requirements and budget of the pilgrims. You can select amongst the usual and custom made tours that are offered by them.

The main attraction in Badrinath is the Badrinath Temple which was constructed by Adiguru Shankaracharya. It is believed to be the house of Lord Vishnu and is one of the four shrine towns in the state. There is much other magnetism apart from the temple. The most eminent one is the Tapt Kund. They are natural thermal springs that offer curative properties and are believed to be blessed. They can treat several diseases. Other attractions in Badrinath include Narad Kund and Surya Kund springs. It is also called the gateway to paradise for the dead spirits and is a significant place for the Hindus.

Since Badrinath is a famous place for pilgrimage and a favorite spot for the tourists, the Badrinath Hotels are important for the visitors.  They would get pleasure on their stay if they are able to avail comfort and relaxation from the superb accommodation from the Badrinath hotels. You can decide to reside at any of the Badrinath hotels which provide the most comfortable way to stay and visit this pilgrimage center.

There are a number of hotels in each of the following categories: Luxury hotels, mid range hotels including economy and budget hotels. Many of them are located in the core of the city and are easily accessible. They offer advanced and convenient services for your stay in the city. There are numerous 4 star hotels in the city that provide happiness along with calmness. They have up to date amenities and services along with professionally trained staff that provide warm hospitality.

The Badrinath hotels provide tidy atmosphere, calm surroundings, airy rooms, attached bathrooms along with various leisure activities. This is surely enough to welcome any visitor. They are always ready to welcome visitors and provide Indian and Continental food. So, just browse online and search for the most reliable and affordable Badrinath hotels keeping in mind your budget and needs. 

Probing for reliable removalist Melbourne? If you are planning to relocate your office or home then removalist is the service you must be looking for. Removalist Melbourne is easy to find, you can find them online for sure. They will assist in your move and make sure that you will not face any difficulty or damage while relocation to other place in Australia. Usually most of the people do the packaging by their own but when it comes to heavy furniture household items then people go to good removalist in the town to do the packaging for them.

This way you will make your move quick, easy and safe. Professional Removalist Melbourne can do half of your work related to relocation; they are expert in packaging and moving your belongings to your new home or office. Apart from this they will also provide trucks or transport for your easy move in Australia. They have certain type of packaging material such as bags, rolls and taps etc that will work as important elements while packing.

Hiring Removalist Melbourne is a complete solution for your move and all the problems related to that. Relocation in Australia would no longer be a trouble to you when you have smart removalist to work for you. They usually have organised packing standards and all packaging will be done in a more reliable and flexible manner. All hard or heavy furniture will be packed in a shock resistant bubble export blankets so that it won’t get damaged. Fragile items will be packed in plastic protector bags that guard your belongings against breaking during transit and handling. Most importantly, make certain that all your doubts must be discussed with your furniture removals Melbourne while you need to keep a proper checklist so that both the removalists as well as you can have an easier time if each of these items is taken care of properly.

Fundamental services of the professional and reputed removals Melbourne are flawless and quick; firstly you only need to contact them and ask for free price quote. Then you will surely get the approximate amount that you need to be spent on your removals when moving to new place.