plus 3, 2009 Infiniti FX50S - Long-Term Road Test Update - CAR AND DRIVER |
- 2009 Infiniti FX50S - Long-Term Road Test Update - CAR AND DRIVER
- December 2009 - Watertown Daily Times
- Public Safety Log - Burlington County Times
- 2009: The year businesses spent battling the economy - Lancaster Eagle Gazette.com
| 2009 Infiniti FX50S - Long-Term Road Test Update - CAR AND DRIVER Posted: 30 Dec 2009 11:40 AM PST Date: December 2009 Our journey in the FX50S continues. Well, make that journeys. Since last we wrote of our quirky and quick crossover, the FX has traveled to California and back on a road trip and was then put into service as a decidedly less than capacious moving van for a friend temporarily relocating to Brooklyn, New York. There have been several other decently lengthy jaunts, as well, meaning we're now past the three-quarter mark of our 40,000-mile long-term test. Tripping Delight, Fantastic? The FX has proven an okay travel companion, with some editors more enamored of it than others. Complaints continue that the ride is too harsh, visibility is poor, shifts from the seven-speed auto are often lumpy, and the brakes squeal too much and aren't very linear. Oh, and we're still not used to the violent throttle tip-in. Comparisons to our now-departed BMW X6 long-termer abound in the FX's logbook, many of them saying that the BMW beats the Infiniti in just about every department (except maybe looks). We still love the navigation system and iPod integration, both of which have been getting regular workouts on our many trips. We've also seen several logbook entries lamenting the cramped driver's footwell. The transmission tunnel encroaches on foot- and legroom, which can result in knee and ankle pain on long drives because there is precisely one way legs can be positioned from seat to pedals. A problem for only the very tall? Not so—our least tall (or is that most short?) staffer, who is 5 feet 3 inches, complained of the same pains after driving the FX on that trip to New York and back. That trip also illuminated another rather strange flaw with the FX. The packing list luckily included few enough items that they all fit in the cabin, delicately Tetris-ed around three occupants, although a bicycle required a hitch-mounted carrier. That's where the problems started. The hitch's positioning is low and inset from the rear bumper, necessitating a two-slot hitch adapter (originally intended for an RV) to move the mounting point up and rearward so that the bike carrier didn't scrape the ground or the bumper fascia. The aforementioned California trek included a trip to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado, some sustained cruising at super-extra-legal speeds across the Nevada desert, and the demise of two birds, all while managing an average of about 20 mpg. (The overall test average has held steady at 17 mpg.) And lest you think we only drive this ute east and west, it's also done duty on a trip to "Up North" Michigan and "Down South" to Louisville, Kentucky, where it posed in front of the world's largest liquor bottle and the world's largest baseball bat. Luckily, the two are separated by several miles, preventing the world's largest fight from breaking out. Two More Dealer Visits to Get Our Fix(es) The 22,500-mile mark fell during the FX's big California vacation, so the service scheduled for that mileage was postponed until just after 26K. At that point, we paid $114.63 for some fresh 5W30 and a new oil filter. The airbag light illuminated itself again, and was for the second time extinguished by the dealer who told us all was well. We did learn that the power tilt and telescope steering column is subject to a recall, but in the state of Michigan such items can't be replaced unless the dealer finds a problem. They continue to monitor the column during each service and we're keeping an eye on it, but so far the mechanism continues unbusted. The next service was a bit more costly. The 30,000-mile routine required an oil-and-filter job, a new engine air filter, new cabin air filters, and a tire rotation—$267.57 with parts and labor. Someone or something decided to crack one of the FX's fog lamps, so a new assembly was fitted at that time for just under $150; labor and supplies brought that part of the bill to $269.29. The total for this visit would have climbed even higher if the dealer had the filters for the front-seat ventilation system in stock. We're told each chair is due for a new one—at a cost of $185 each. We'll save our pennies and get those replaced at the 37.5K mark. Other destruction: The fuel-filler door froze shut during a recent cold snap and upon finally prying it open we found a small piece of plastic that looked suspiciously like the door's missing lock pin. That will have to be addressed on our next dealer visit; in the meantime hopefully no one siphons our gas. Its Sheetmetal is White as Snow Having picked up the FX last February, we didn't get much chance to exercise it in the snow during the last wintry season. Now that the white stuff has appeared again here in Michigan, we'll get a better idea of our Infiniti's plowing abilities. A Snow mode dulls throttle response in the slippery stuff, which may make the FX better to live with. Unfortunately, better footwear is not on the menu, since 21-inch snow tires don't grow on any rubber trees we've encountered. We're going to have to make do with the FX's all-season tires. The final 7000 miles will be completed in an SUV's natural habitat and with mixed emotions. Some of us will be sad to see the FX go, while others will feel actual physical relief. Hey, at least it looks pretty neat. Continued...Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. 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| December 2009 - Watertown Daily Times Posted: 30 Dec 2009 10:00 AM PST
Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Public Safety Log - Burlington County Times Posted: 30 Dec 2009 06:54 AM PST Bensalem Arrests/Citations ? Tereance Thomas Wynne, 23, 2500 block Paris Ave., 12:16 p.m. Fri, outstanding warrant on 2500 block Paris Ave., released to county sheriff. ? Robert Ritsky, 45, 800 block Station Ave., 1:43 p.m. Sat, outstanding warrant on 800 block Station Ave., released to county sheriff. ? Arianna Joy Vigo, 26, Central Ave., Morrisville, 2:48 p.m. Sat, outstanding warrant out of Philadelphia at Boscov's, Neshaminy Mall, also charged with retail theft, released to Philadelphia Police Warrant Unit, to receive summons for retail theft. ? Albert Wynne Sr., 52, 2500 block Paris Ave., Trevose, 12:16 p.m. Fri, simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct on 2500 block Paris Ave., Wynne Sr. released on $25,000 unsecured bail. ? David Alberto Rodriguez-Perez, 23, 1400 block N. Fourth St., Philadelphia, 12:34 p.m. Fri, simple assault, harassment, terroristic threats on 2700 block Windsor Dr., to receive summons. ? Sean Myers, 24, 2500 block Knights Rd., 9:05 p.m. Fri, simple assault, unlawful restraint, harassment, criminal mischief on 2500 block Knights Rd., sent to county prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. ? Nicholas Kirby, 32, 3400 block Eden St., Philadelphia, 12:33 p.m. Sun, fleeing/eluding police, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to drive at a safe speed, driving with a suspended license at Bristol and Gravel pks., to receive summons. ? Gary Artysh, 54, 3300 block Byberry Rd., 11:52 p.m. Sat, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, public drunkenness on 3600 block Street Rd., to receive summons. ? Juvenile female, 14, Bensalem, 1:12 p.m. Sat, harassment at Chancellor Cir., cited. ? Vanshon Donnell Clark, 35, 800 block W. Wellings St., Philadelphia, 4:59 p.m. Fri, retail theft at Macy's, Neshaminy Mall, sent to county prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. ? Amy Lynn Buras, 23, 800 block Highpoint Cir., Middletown, 6:02 p.m. Fri, retail theft on 3400 block Horizon Blvd., Trevose, sent to county prison in lieu of $10,000 bail. ? Robert Affet Jr., 33, 100 block Harmony Rd., Trevose, 8:20 a.m. Sat, retail theft and driving under the influence on 3400 block Horizon Blvd., Trevose, to receive summons. ? 2 juvenile females, 13, 14, both of Bensalem, 10:43 a.m. Sat, retail theft on 1800 block Street Rd., both cited. ? Darlene Marie Sorrentino, 39, 200 block Mill St., Bristol Borough, 2:48 p.m. Sat, retail theft at Boscov's, Neshaminy Mall, cited. ? Xiomara Alexandra Tigreros, 35, 7000 block Large St., Philadelphia, 3:11 p.m. Sat, retail theft at Hollister store, Neshaminy Mall, sent to county prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. ? Juvenile female, 15, Philadelphia, 7:32 p.m. Sat, retail theft at Hollister store, Neshaminy Mall, cited. ? Anita J. Daniels, 29, 1700 block Latona St., Philadelphia, 7:37 p.m. Sun, retail theft at Sears, Neshaminy Mall, cited. ? Debbie Ramos, 36, 3200 block D St., Philadelphia, 3:17 a.m. Sun, disorderly conduct on 2200 block Lincoln Hwy., Trevose, cited. ? 2 juvenile males, 15, 17, both of Philadelphia, 7:38 p.m. Fri, underage drinking on 2300 block Old Lincoln Hwy., Trevose, both to receive citation. Bristol borough Arrests/Citations ? Michael Marozzi, 46, Radcliffe St., 11:35 p.m. Fri, disorderly conduct on 600 block Cedar St., cited. Criminal mischief ? Auto Tops, 300 block Howell St., 9:06 a.m. Wed, garage door spray painted, no damage value given. ? 500 block Bath St., 1:02 a.m. Sun, rear driver's side window smashed out of 1991 Cadillac Deville, no damage value given. Theft ? Meineke Muffler, 500 block Bristol Pk., 8:52 a.m. Dec 7, left piston, 4 car rims, 1 roll of aluminum, engine parts, no value given. ? Wood St., 10:57 p.m. Sat, black purse, cash, Olympus camera, $300 camera value. Lower SOUTHAMPTON Arrests/Citations ? Zhen Liu, 35, 300 block Village Way, Chalfont, 8:50 p.m. Fri, retail theft, receiving stolen property at TJ Maxx, 100 block E. Street Rd., Feasterville, $544.82 value. ? Michelle Mruk, 49, 400 block Jeanes St., Philadelphia, 3:26 p.m. Sat, retail theft at Kmart, 100 block W. Street Rd., Feasterville, $104.95 value, to receive summons. Burglary ? First Choice Auto Body, 200 block Philmont Ave., Feasterville, noon Sun, forced entry made by smashing clear laminated glass of front door, nothing was taken, $150 damage value for door. Criminal mischief ? Arbor Lane Apts., 600 block Old Street Rd., Trevose, 1:52 a.m. Sat, 1996 Saturn in parking lot covered in flour, ketchup and other things, driver's side door keyed, no damage value given. ? Unit block Stoltz Ave., Feasterville, 8:26 p.m. Sat, resident heard several loud bangs on east side of residence, found five or six exploded plastic bottles thrown over rear fence into yard, all had melted tin foil balls inside. Fraud ? 2000 block Herrick Ave., Feasterville, 12:29 p.m. Fri, resident reported being notified by a collection agency that he owed $1,600 for a five line Verizon account that was opened using his Social Security number. Theft ? 40 block Lukens St., Trevose, sometime Fri, inflatable snow globe lawn ornament with three figures that spun around inside, $150 value. Theft from vehicle ? 500 block Ave. F., Feasterville, overnight Dec 6, Garmin Nuvi GPS unit, black DVD holder containing 40 DVDs, loose change and bills from center console of unlocked 2009 Honda Odyssey van in driveway, $1,004 value. MIDDLETOWN Criminal mischief ? Foxwood Manor Apts., Levittown, overnight Fri, 2 tires punctured on 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe parked at 1700 building, $256.29 damage value. ? 700 block Highpoint Cir., 8:30-10 p.m. Fri, right rear tire slashed on Toyota Corolla, no damage value given. Theft from vehicle ? 1000 block Walsh Ave., 8:30 p.m. Thu-7 a.m. Fri, digital picture frame, $30 value. ? 400 block Turtle Ln., midnight-6 a.m. Sat, sunglasses, DVDs, flashlights, credit cards from unlocked 2002 Nissan Titan in driveway, $740 value. ? 400 block Turtle Ln., 6:30 p.m. Fri-9 a.m. Sat, 2 pairs of sunglasses, 8-gig Apple Nano iPod from unlocked 2007 Acura TL in driveway, $375 value. morrisville Arrests/Citations ? Rasheen J. Northwood, 23, 1000 block Stuyvesant Ave., Trenton, 2:33 a.m. Wed, receiving stolen property at Francis Ave. ? Terrell Mann, 19, 600 block New Willow St., Trenton, 2:33 a.m. Wed, receiving stolen property at Francis Ave. ??Bowling Green Ave., no time or date given, warrant at Mill Pond Shopping Center, sent to county prison. ? Shawn James Herzog, 31, 20 block Dewberry Ln., Levittown, 9:27 p.m. Sun, public drunkenness on 300 block Plaza Blvd., cited. Burglary ? 100 block Delaware Ave., 10:57 p.m. Wed, suspicious person entered garage workshop, fled when noticed by owner. Criminal mischief ? 300 block Plaza Blvd., 11:54 a.m. Sat, vandalism to vehicle parked in lot, no damage value given. Theft from vehicle ? 700 block S. Pennsylvania Ave., 9:52 a.m. Sat, cash, pair of walkie-talkies from RV trailer in rear of property, $50 value. ? Police from Falls, Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, Lower Makefield, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Penndel, Solebury, State Police at Trevose, Tullytown, Upper Makefield, Wrightstown, Yardley reported no crime. Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. 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| 2009: The year businesses spent battling the economy - Lancaster Eagle Gazette.com Posted: 29 Dec 2009 03:13 AM PST FAIRFIELD COUNTY -- The past year was a roller-coaster ride of beginnings and ends for local businesses. Many business owners still operating consider themselves among the lucky ones. The past year was dominated by the worst recession in several decades. The poor economy led to the closure of several local businesses in every industry. Many of those businesses forced to close were local benchmarks that have been in the area for many years. As business owners shuttered their doors, the county's unemployment climbed to the highest level in 16 years. The news was not all gloom in 2009, several new businesses opened in Lancaster, a national pipeline snaked through the county, stimulus dollars aided local companies and farmers yielded the biggest corn crop in history. BUSINESS CLOSINGSOne of the first businesses to announce its closure ended up being one of the most significant. Sonoco, a paperboard manufacturing plant, shut down on May 16, laying off 58 employees. Company officials cited a weak economy and decline in demand for uncoated recycled paperboard as reasons for the closure. Beyond the loss of employment for 58 people, the manufacturer was a major water, waste-water and natural-gas user. Lancaster city officials estimated Sonoco paid more than $1 million annually for its utilities. The poor economy was no less taxing on local businesses, some of which have been in operation for generations. The White Cottage in downtown Lancaster closed after being open for nearly 70 years. The current owners were unable to find a buyer for the restaurant prior to relocating to Somerset. D&R Tool and Wholesale in Carroll, open for more than 30 years, closed its doors in March after the remaining inventory was sold. Photo Image in Lancaster closed after 24 years because the owners were unable to afford an equipment repair that would cost $12,000. Other businesses that shut down in 2009 included W.G. Grinders, Weldon's Ice Cream, CDM Wholesale, Merchant 5 Star Trucking, Damon's Grill, PJ's Pizza, Famous Uncle Al's Hot Dogs and the Lancaster Grill, which reopened in November. BUSINESS OPENINGSAs some businesses packed boxes and hung 'for sale' signs in the door, others made the move to locate to the area. The biggest splash, in terms of jobs, was made by the area's first International House of Pancakes. The IHOP opened shop in September near River Valley Mall and created about 100 jobs for residents. The deliverance of breakfast eateries to the area continued when Waffle House built a restaurant, which created about 25 jobs, on Election House Road. A dog-training business, Sit-means-Sit, set up shop near Carroll in July. The owner said the training business was booming with local residents seeking help with their dogs. The new business openings will continue into next year. The projects scheduled to be completed in 2010 are a Golden Corral, Verizon Wireless and a Kroger Fuel Center. ROCKIES EXPRESS PIPELINEThe Rockies Express Pipeline was referred to a "recession-buster" for the area, bringing benefits in 2009 and for years to come. The $6.6 billion multi-state natural-gas pipeline stretched from Colorado to Monroe County in Ohio. Part of the project snaked through Fairfield County in July, August and September. The project brought in workers from out of state as well as creating construction jobs for some local residents. A total of 600 to 700 people worked on the portion of the pipeline in Pickaway and Fairfield counties. Pipeline jobs paid anywhere from $20 to $40 an hour. Thousands of dollars were spent daily in local villages and cities where workers stopped while traveling along the pipeline. The project provided a boost to local businesses when contractors purchased supplies through area companies. Local RV Parks and hotels received a boost from out-of-town workers looking for a place to stay. The benefits are expected to continue for decades to come. Pipeline officials said Fairfield County would receive about $3 million in annual property-tax collections, which is the fourth most of the 13 Ohio counties the pipeline will travel through. A bulk of the annual revenue -- between 60 percent and 70 percent -- will be distributed to school districts. The remaining is distributed to cities, villages and the county general fund. Lancaster officials hope the added access to natural gas will be attractive to potential businesses looking to expand to the area. Stimulus programs aid local businesses Two of the biggest beneficiaries to federal stimulus money were auto dealers and a Lancaster battery-recycling plant. The federal "Cash for Clunkers" program gave a big boost to car sales at local auto dealerships. Congress approved $3 million for the program, which lasted just a few weeks until the money was exhausted. The program offered peopled as much as a $4,500 rebate to trade-in their gas guzzler for an energy-efficient vehicle. Local dealerships said sales jumped 30 percent to 50 percent in one week. By the end of the program, many dealers' lots were nearly empty of eligible energy-efficient vehicles. Direct stimulus dollars were given to one local company. As many as 40 new jobs could be created by the end of 2010 at Toxco Inc., which was awarded a $9.5 million grant as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The money will be used to expand the plant on Quarry Road to begin recycling hybrid car batteries. CORN FARMERS BOAST BEST YEAR EVERLocal farmers contributed to the best corn harvest in county and state history. Ohio's projected yield, 165 bushels per acre, would set a new record for the state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ruff's Seed Farms General Manager Allan Reid said he has been farming for more than 40 years, but has never seen such a large yield for corn. He said the farm harvested more than 200 bushels per acre; its average is about 150 bushels per acre. Ohio State University Extension Office of Fairfield County Program Assistant Stan Smith said the local crop yield also could set a record. The current record for the county is an average of 165.7 bushels per acre, set in 2006. He anticipates the new number to be at least 5 to 10 bushels per acre higher. One of the welcome surprises to farmers during this uptick in crop yield was the steadiness of the price for corn, which remained about $3.30 per bushel. In 2007, the price was about $6 per bushel. Large yields typically drop the purchase price based on supply and demand. 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