Meet the one-off McLaren X-1

I love this design, reminds of old Citroen. I wish they would create this not just catering to the super rich.

The dramatic one-off supercar has just been unveiled in Pebble Beach, California, at a very exclusive event dubbed ‘The Quail'. Scratching your head? Settle down at the back, it's a long story...
It's the latest offering from McLaren's Special Operations, a division of the Woking company unveiled this time last year at Pebble Beach, and responsible for building completely bespoke creations for very special customers.
It was one of those very special customers - someone who already owns a McLaren F1, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and 12C - who began discussions with McLaren chief Ron Dennis three years ago to build something completely unique. Apparently the brief was to create something with the capability of the 12C, but wrapped up in something that reflected his "needs and personality".
The three hour discussion covered such noted automotive inspirational touch points as the Guggenheim museums in New York and Bilbao, a Jaeger LeCoultre art deco clock, an Airstream trailer, a Montblanc pen, a piano, an eggplant, and of course, the delightful Ms Hepburn. Mood books happened.
Said client wanted to draw potential designers of his Hepburn-mobile from inside and outside McLaren, with Korean-born RCA grad Hong Yeo's design being the final one you see before you. McLaren's Yeo referenced a 1961 Facel Vega, a '53 Chrysler D'Elegance Ghia, a 1959 Buick Electra, a 1939 Mercedes 540K and a 1971 Citroen SM.
As mentioned, underneath sits McLaren's Monocell - like in the 12C - surrounded by bespoke carbon panels and brightwork machined from solid aluminium, like the shoulder rails, the headlight ‘eyebrows' and even the McLaren Airbrake. Oh, and as you can see, those carbon panels cover the rear wheels too, accessed via - in McLaren's own words - "some of the most gorgeous hinges you've ever seen".
Despite being based on the 12C Monocell, the X-1 is wider and longer than the MP4 but weighs around the same (1,400kg), using the same interior architecture, albeit with some personalisation such as a titanium weave and tufted carpets.
Underneath, the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 remains, powering the rear wheels, replete with 621bhp and many torques. It's also been thoroughly homologated for road use (it was tested for 625 miles) and because it's been nailed together by McLaren, expect it to offer Space Station levels of build quality.
"To see the stars," notes Yeo, "sometimes you need the absence of that blinding light. Looking at a car from a different perspective is what X-1 stands for."

Manila - Philippines Motorist mauls MMDA Enforcer

Robert Blair Carabuena is the latest trending topic in social media for allegedly mauling MMDA traffic officer Saturnino Fabros. The show of arrogance as some of "his friends" claimed, happened only because the MMDA man slammed on his Volvo. Regardless if there is any truth to the cause of such volatile behavior, it is quite obvious who came out the better man in the end.

Zooming out, #Carabuena's attitude mirrored a society most have tolerated. For it is an epitome of a system where the reckless have's lord over the docile have-not's, worse it is also a reflection of how much respect our citizens have for our uniformed men whose names don't strike fear or awe.

In a system where the law tips in favor of those who can buy it, Carabuena is suddenly the name to vent the hate on, when in fact, incidents like this has happened many times over. Just check out any local queues, once a "V.I.P." comes in, they are led to a special lane or is exempted to fall in line regardless if they are not on official duty. Surely, the stinging slap that the MMDA officer got from Carabuena is as much painful as for all those who had been in any line patiently waiting for their turn only to be bullied by the arrogance of those who are privileged.

Again I say, Noblesse Oblige, PRIVILEGE ENTAILS RESPONSIBILITY.

Education should have instilled humility and the uniform should have commanded respect. Unfortunately, such is just not that easy in a society where education is merely a means to an end and a "uniform" is nothing but a reminder of corruption and abuse of power.

The cycle just goes on, no amount of hate pages can break the cycle until we all work on the cause and not at its symptoms.

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Things to Do This Summer

People take advantage of the warmer temperatures by spending more time outdoors during the summer. Activities such as traveling to the beach and picnics occur during summer months. Sports such as cricket, volleyball, skateboarding, baseball, softball, tennis and water polo are played. Water sports also occur. These include water skiing, wake boarding, and tubing. Water skiing is a uniquely summer sport, which is done when waters approach their warmest of the year.
If you’re wondering what to do this summer there are many activities planned across the district. The following list of activities will help your family take full advantage of summer and help spark your creativity to make the summer all that it should be.

• Have a picnic
• Visit another country
• Make dinner for your family
• Write a poem
• Take a boat ride
• Take a walk and record the sounds
• Go backpacking
• Create a web site
• Go camping
• Visit the zoo
• Have a family game night
• Go to a museum
• Visit a tourist spot near your home
• Donate some of the toys and clothes you no longer use
• Fly a kite
• Make a bird feeder
• Organize a bike safety clinic
• Spend time with your grandparents
• Take a dog for a walk
• Learn some new outdoor games
• Go swimming
• Start a collection
• Watch the birds

Celebrate the summer with our following list of  activities!  Whether you want to get out into the garden and learn about mini beasts or growing things, or stay in.
‘’A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.’’

summer activities

Five foods to beat the blues

 Often times, even most optimistic person can blue and feel depressed in his or her life. For those times here are few help to lift up your moods and find cheerful attitude to keep you going. Enjoy the motivational and healthy foods mood lifting.

Marmite

If you’re feeling anxious, stressed or depressed, a dose of B vitamins could help to lift your mood. B vitamins are important for normal brain function and producing mood-boosting serotonin, with vitamins B12 and B6 being particularly beneficial for regulating your mood.

To up your intake of B vitamins, try snacking on Marmite on wholegrain toast. As Marmite is fortified with vitamin B12, this is a particularly good choice of food for vegans and vegetarians who may struggle to get their recommended intake.

Oily fish

Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish are well known for being good for the heart. However, they are equally beneficial for our brain health and mood. A study by researchers from the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine found that participants who had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood were more likely to be moderately depressed and have a negative outlook.

Furthermore, a study has found surprisingly low rates of seasonal affective disorder in Icelanders, where the diet is high in omega-3 rich fish. To follow in their footsteps and help ward off the blues, try eating two portions of oily fish a week, or up to four for men.

Chocolate

Many people find themselves reaching for chocolate to ease a bad mood, and this could in fact be no bad thing. Research has shown that chocolate contains many chemicals which can help beat the blues, including relaxing magnesium, calming anandamide and pleasure-inducing phenyl ethylamine.

To up the mood-boosting benefits further, try snacking on chocolate-dipped strawberries for a healthy treat. Strawberries are not only a good source of vitamin C, which helps in the production of endorphins, but they are high in mood-enhancing flavonoids too.

Bananas

Bananas are high in natural sugars, making them a great remedy for low energy levels which can leave you feeling down. On top of this they are packed with mood-lifting nutrients to help put a smile on your face.

Bananas are a great source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which boosts serotonin levels, helping to regulate your mood. Furthermore, they are rich in magnesium, which can help you to relax and vitamin B6, which can help to relieve depression.

Nuts

Walnuts are the perfect good-mood food, offering the combined mood-boosting properties of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6 and tryptophan. The nuts are also a good source of foliate (vitamin B9); the deficiency of which has been linked to depression.

As well as snacking on walnuts, another good nut to add into your diet is the Brazil. Brazil nuts are an extremely rich source of the mineral selenium, with research suggesting that just one Brazil nut a day can provide you with your recommended daily intake. As low levels of selenium can lead to depression, irritability and anxiety, snacking on Brazils could be the perfect healthy way to boost your mood.

Autumn Fashion Style

People often change how they dress during autumn and winter to adapt to the temperatures of the new seasons. While most people don't wear the fashions exhibited down the runway by models, being well dressed and trendy in the cooler months is still important.
It’s important to know how to stay warm and still look cute. One of the easiest ways to do that is by choosing the colours for your autumn and winter wardrobe from a more subtle colour palette. Shades of grey, cream, brown and black accented with deep shades of purples, greens, reds and blues are all popular for autumn and winter. Keep in mind that black makes you look slimmer, so it's often a good choice for a main colour. You want your top half and bottom half to complement one another. This means that when you're wearing skinny jeans, you can wear something baggier on top, like a sweater. But when you're wearing loose pants or flared jeans, wear something fitted on top, such as a short dresses. This keeps you from looking like a shapeless splotch.
Show your style sense with layers of sheer fabric tops, opaque shirts, scarves, jackets and ankle boots.
As it gets colder, you can wear a long-sleeved shirt with a short-sleeved shirt over it. Under the main shirt, deliberate adding a camisole with a different neckline, lace or ruffles for a different texture. You can also wear a camisole with a very long t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt under a sweater. Not only will it keep you warm when your outdoors, but if you go inside where it's warm, you can remove the sweater and still be wearing a few layers.
Colour is important with coats. Make sure to choose a variety of colours that match and different shapes for shirts and necklines. Highlight the parts of your body that you like the most. You may have to try a few times before you can consistently achieve the look you want. With training, you can look marvellous, feel warm and be comfortable.
Tips: Add flair to your autumn and winter closet with faux fur and velvet-trimmed collars, hems and sleeves, and don't forget big colourful handbags with matching hats and gloves.

How To Take Care Of Swimming Pools

There are a lot of people fascinated in going for swimming with the way of time wherein inflatable swimming pools are becoming very common now a day. This is obviously giving them some kind of refreshment wherein they will be able to carry on with the exercise on regular basis wherein the health conditions will naturally remain maintained with the flow of life. It is true that people of all most all the age groups are actually interested in going for the swimming without any issues and considering these factors you should try your level best in getting hold of the best pool to carry on with the activity with the passage of time.

It is also right that you might be bit anxious about the cleanliness of the pool as there are many people getting into the same pool around the clock. Also there are many people moving on with the undertaking of getting hold of the private swimming pool within the court yard rendering to the available space as it will certainly help you in moving on with the right task without facing any kinds of issues by receiving hold of the professional who could carry on with the structure of the pool. There are many cleaning activities carried on by the people with the help of the equipment’s that are available for cleaning the water in the pool during regular intervals of time in the best possible manner. This will naturally protect the people from getting infected with some kind of allergies with the passage of time.

There are many kinds of equipment available in the market for cleaning the inflatable swimming pools or a in ground swimming pools, each equipment’s is used to serve different purposes that are really involved along with the cleaning task in the right manner. There are many equipment’s including the pool and spa filters, pool cleaners and chemicals in order to check out the chlorine level in the water and so on wherein flow clear filter cartridge are very important to get rid of the dust and dirt elements from the water in the correct way. You should try getting at least some of the equipment’s if you are having a swimming pool within your home and garden.

Filtration is one of the most important factors to keep your swimming pools clean. Both Bestway and Intex filters helps you to keep your pools clean and safe.

Brain Foods For Increased Intelligence

Although it accounts for only 2% of your total body weight, the fact remains that the brain is a food-hungry organ with ten times the appetite of other organs. In order to function, it uses up a minimum of 20% of your daily calorie in-take.
In addition to calories, you should also make sure you get good nutrients for your neurons through a balanced and varied diet. To ensure your brain gets what it needs there are certain foods you should add to your diet.

1. Oily fish (mackerel, sardines salmon) for brain maintenance

More than 50% of brain mass is made up of lipids, and over 70% of these are fatty acids that belong to the well-known Omega 3 group. These fats are crucial to the production and maintenance of brain cells, preserving the fluidity of cell membrane.
They also play a part in neuron activity. Weakening brain function and memory trouble can often be traced back to a deficiency in Omega 3¹. Oily fish are one of the best sources of Omega 3, but if fish isn't to your taste, consider nut oils and rapeseed oil as equally rich alternatives.

2. Pulses (lentils, chick-peas) for brain energy

The brain is said to be glucose-dependent, which means it uses only glucose to function. It consumes more than 5g an hour, but doesn’t know how to store it. It therefore has to be regularly supplied your diet via the circulatory system. It has long been proven that the most difficult task within intellectual performance, the capacity to memorise, depends on the level of glucose in the blood².
But beware of indulging in sugary foods and confectionery; though easy to snack on, they can lead to such strong fluctuations that your system can react violently and reduce blood sugar to below its normal level. The brain cannot tolerate this and the drop in blood sugar leads to fatigue and a shorter attention span.
The sugars that are said to be ‘complex’ and which have a low Glycaemic Index (GI) are therefore crucial. Pulses are rich in these ‘complex’ sugars, and their GI is one of the lowest. This really works to allow the regulation of glucose in the blood and its supply to the brain without creating a reaction of hyperglycaemia. If pulses aren’t to your taste either, consider wholegrain foods, especially cooked ‘al dente’.

3. Bananas for a calm brain

Rich in magnesium, which is essential in the transmission of nervous impulses, bananas are equally a source of Vitamin B6 (just one banana holds practically a quarter of the recommended daily amount). This vitamin is not only involved in the assimilation and use of magnesium in cells, but also in the metabolism of amino acids and the functioning of the nervous system through enabling the production of certain neurotransmitters, notably Serotonin and GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid).
These two molecules seem to create the right state of mind for prudent, calm and measured behaviour. If you don’t like bananas, consider prunes or dried fruit instead.

4. Liver (veal, beef, chicken) for intelligence

The brain accounts for around 20% of the body’s oxygen needs, and iron is needed to get oxygen to the brain by means of the blood’s haemoglobin. Liver is one of your diet’s assets guaranteed to contain this valuable metal. Equally, liver is one of the most important sources of Vitamin B. Since the mid 1980s, it has been shown that these vitamins, mainly B9, B12, B1 and B6, improve cognitive function and the results of intelligence tests. If you don’t like liver, consider ham, beef or nutritional yeast as a food supplement.

5. Red berries for happy brain cells

All edible berries (blackcurrants, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries etc.) are veritable mines of Vitamin C (blackcurrants have twice as much concentration in Vitamin C as kiwi fruit, and three times as much as oranges). They have antioxidant micronutrients that make up their colour (anthocyanes, polyphenols, flavonoids…)
Together, they not only fight against free radicals which can affect nerve cells, notably brain cells, but also improve circulation and strengthen blood capillaries, which enable the best oxygenation of the brain. If you don’t like red berries, then go for kiwi fruit or garlic.

6. Shellfish for brain function

Though rich in Vitamin B12 and in protein (notably lysine, a precursor to dopamine, a powerful neurotransmitter), it is mostly the oligo-elements in seafood and crustaceans (oysters, clams, shrimp etc.) that are good for brain function. Oligo-elements are crucial in order to fight and prevent stress and its inconveniences. Some of these can be described as ‘therapeutic weapons’ as they have a hand in fighting anxiety, mental fatigue and nervous disposition.
Manganese, copper, lithium, zinc and iodine have this effect too and can also be found in seafood. If you don’t like shellfish, consider eating wholemeal bread, algae (which has iodised salt as in table salt) or wheat germ.

7. Eggs for brain connectivity

Eggs contain lecithin and phospholipids, integral to the construction of brain cell membrane. In terms of feeding intellect, their value lies mainly in the quality of their proteins. Long used as points of reference when analysing the quality of other dietary proteins by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FOA), eggs are actually rich in amino acids, essential in the production of the principal neurotransmitters.
This is also the case with acetylcholine, a synthesis made from methionine and serine used in the process of memorisation, where noradrenalin (which stimulates learning) and its production rely on the presence of tyrosine and phenylaline, which are again found in the proteins in eggs. If you don’t like eggs, consider white fish as an alternative.

8. Spinach for good memory

All leafy vegetables share a richness in Vitamin B9 (or folates), which is known to play an active role in the development of a foetus’ nervous tissue and also in the renewal of blood cells. One of the signs of Vitamin B9 deficiency is reduced awareness and memory deterioration³. This phenomenon, observed in people of advanced age with folate deficiency, can probably be explained by the fact that Vitamin B9 is needed for the maintenance of dendrites (arborisation of neurons, where B9 levels are high).
If you don’t like spinach, go for watercress, lamb’s lettuce, iceberg lettuce, broccoli or different types of herbs. Of these, rosemary is worth noting as it has certain flavonoids (notably apigenin) in its aroma, which possess stimulating properties affecting concentration and memory through encouraging cerebral blood flow.

9. Cocoa for brain stimulation

In Aztec times, cocoa was already considered a medicine. Later, Casanova, the legendary seducer of women, used chocolate as an aphrodisiac with the kind of effects we know well! Since then, the chemical analysis of cocoa paste has revealed many surprises; besides the important calorific benefits, the presence of molecules similar to caffeine (theobromine, theophylline) and amphetamines (phenylethylamine, tyramine) give chocolate its true power as a tonic and psycho-stimulant. At the same time, chocolate’s high magnesium content (330mg per 100g), and the molecules it contains which are similar to serotonin (the ‘relaxation’ hormone), account for its ‘anti-stress’ and anti-depressant effects.
But that’s not all! Scientists have demonstrated the positive role flavonoids present in cocoa play in encouraging better dilation of blood vessels⁴. These antioxidant compounds help fight free radicals and guard the brain’s activity. Beware of over-indulging, however. If you don’t like chocolate, drink tea (which also contains antioxidants) and weak coffee (for its caffeine and its psycho-stimulating effect⁵), but being mindful of excess and without indulging too much at the risk of cancelling out or even reversing the effects.

10. Avocado to keep the brain young

The avocado is exceptionally rich in Vitamin E. This vitamin constitutes one of the most powerful antioxidants and protects the fatty tissues of the brain from ageing. If you don’t like avocado, consider oleaginous fruit instead (nuts, particularly hazelnuts etc.).
And don’t forget that, in order to become a real intellectual athlete, you must equally train your brain with special exercises (cerebral games, memory puzzles…). And you mustn’t neglect rest either (sleep is crucial for the brain’s regeneration…). In following this advice, you may not pick up that Nobel Prize, but you will have a brain that’s at the top of its game nonetheless!
1. Neurology. 2004, 62(2): 275-280
2. Psychopharmacol, 1993, 113: 83-8
3. JAMA, 1983, 249: 2917-21
4. J Hypertens. 2003 Dec; 21(12): 2281-6
5. J Psychopharmacol, 1991, 5: 120-8

Benefits of a Healthy Diet

It may sound trite but it's true: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, it can decrease your ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with your ability to focus. A heavy meal may make you feel lethargic, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.
Benefit your brain: Strive for a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.