A tiger cub needs the care of a mom that's a tigress, not a..."cougar" - custom maximum card (USA) that I created

I ordered that nice photo print in a postcard size 10x15cm (4x6 "), and I can attach anytime a postcard-backing paper, if I want.

Or, I can re-order it as a postcard, from the print shop.

http://www.winkflash.com

The stamp is my design at Zazzle.

http://www.zazzle.com/siberian_tiger_hug_postage-172968708985811645?rf=238693463283865848

In the enlarged image below, look how thrilled is the tiger cub that his mom plays with him!

"Open up your loving arms!"...:)

The postmark is from my Mailers' Postmark Permit canceller, my own official/legal/valid postmarking device.

http://mppclub.org/

How concordant is the postmark with the stamp and the postcard?

Well, the postcard image shows tigers from the Berlin Zoo (Germany, I suppose, 'cause we have Berlin localities in USA, too).

The stamp image shows tigers from the Buffalo, New York Zoo.

My Sterling, VA postmark is concordant at least on a zoomed-out level (both states of Virginia and New York are in USA).

Do I attempt to focus my MC (maximum card) only on a specific Zoo? On specific tigers?

http://www.zazzle.com/no_no_no_no_baby_postage-172866537361275772?rf=238693463283865848

I just want to focus my MC on the general relationship between a tiger cub and his mother.

http://www.zazzle.com/sheesh_postage-172193995595441185?rf=238693463283865848

A Zazzle custom stamp [= custom(ized) postage, personalized stamp, personalised stamp] has a thin plastic coating, to prevent fraud by laser-printing, and to prevent the obscuring of the IBI (information-based indicia; the black and white little squares) by the ink of the postmark.

How can you get a postmark onto a Zazzle stamp?

A USPS postal associate may, or may not agree to postmark it. Officially, "it doesn't require a postmark".

I interpret that as "it's still OK to postmark it on (nice) demand, for philatelic purposes."

I had to use a trick that George C. and some other maximaphilists around the world have experimented with: harsh dishwashing scrub pad (cut out a thumb-size square), used carefully to dull the glossiness of the postcard.

Any brand name: Scotch Brite, etc. would do.

So I scrubbed just right, with "the Midas touch" ["special touch", though not transforming anything into gold :) ], the matte postcard and the plastic-coated zazzle stamp.

Thus, the postmark ink was absorbed well-enough. 

You can see the postmark, can't you?

My good friend/MACSU colleague/mentor/client George Constantourakis (Canada) knows a trick or two (or 1001) about maximaphily.

After all, he is the current President of the Commission for Maximaphily from FIP (The International Philatelic Federation), for God's sake!!!

:) :) :)

http://www.maximaphily.info

Are you kidding??? stamp from Zazzle.com

Are you kidding??? stamp from Zazzle.com

Jacob Frank's skull

Here's something you don't see every day. This is Jacob Frank's skull:

The caption says that it was extracted from his grave in Offenbach when the old cemetery was razed in 1866, and is owned by Emil Pirazzi. The image is from Alexander Kraushar's book, Frank i frankiści polscy, 1726-1816 Vol. 2 , as is the one below, which is different from the usual depiction of Frank:



Here's a creepy crown ornament of some kind taken from his coffin (he died in 1791). Looks like filigree, maybe.



There's also an image of his daughter and successor Eva:



And a document from 1793 with her signature:

Holden Viva Automatic Ultimate Choice

Holden Viva is the ultimate choice if you are looking for a mid-sized car that isn’t a Corolla. Holden Viva is meant for those buyers on a budget. If you are confused whether to buy it or not then read on.

Very simply, the Holden Viva is a keenly priced automobile and is well equipped, two of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new car. In addition to this, it has a reasonable performance, agile and is fitted with a proper interior and spacious boot room.

No doubt the ride quality is up to par with its ability to soak up even the worse road surfaces, and the tyre and wind noises are passive. Under cushy and simple conditions the Holden Viva is a quiet and low impact ride. This provides a smooth ride helping to avoid the bumps and jarring of daily suburban driving.

With an average of 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers, you won’t have to worry about the recent fuel price hikes. So is the Viva the small car upheaval that Holden claims? Judged merely in product terms, not by a long shot. But on the sales charts, where things like space, value and features usually add up for more than sharp handling and modern design, the Viva is likely to make an impact.

The Comfortability Factor

There is ample space front up with good seat support and adjustable steering. The steering feels light and direct making maneuvering in the tightest spots quite easy.

Ride Quality

No doubt the ride quality is up to par with its ability to soak up even the worse road surfaces, and the tyre and wind noises are passive. Under cushy and simple conditions the Holden Viva is a quiet and low impact ride. This provides a smooth ride helping to avoid the bumps and jarring of daily suburban driving.

Standard Equipment

With the Holden Viva you get all the standard car features you may look for in a car mid size auto. Good fit-out, four air bags, air-conditioning, power front windows, remote central locking are just a few that are present in this cozy car.

Specification
Dimension
Wheelbase 2600 mm 102.4 in
Track front 1480 mm 58.3 in
rear 1480 mm 58.3 in
Length 4295 mm 169.1 in
Width 1725 mm 67.9 in
Height 1445 mm 56.9 in
Length:wheelbase ratio 1.65
Ground clearance
Kerb weight 1293 kg 2851 lb
Weight distribution
(Front)
Fuel capacity 60 litres 13.2 UK Gal 15.9 US Gal

Engine
Bore × stroke 80.50 mm × 88.20 mm
3.17 in × 3.47 in
Cylinders S-4
Displacement 1.8 litre
1796 cc
(109.599 cu in)
Type DOHC
Key:

SOHC
Single overhead camshaft

DOHC
Double overhead camshaft

OHV
Overhead valves

TS
Two stroke

SV
Side valves

Sl
Sleeve valves

oise
Overhead inlet side exhaust

4 valves per cylinder
16 valves in total
Construction
Sump Wet sumped
Compression ratio 9.70:1
Fuel system SMPFI
Maximum power
(ECE) 121.7 PS (120 bhp) (89.5 kW)
@ 5800 rpm
Specific output 66.8 bhp/litre
1.09 bhp/cu in
Maximum torque
(ECE) 169.0 Nm (125 ft·lb) (17.2 kgm)
@ 3600 rpm
bmep 1182.5 kPa (171.5 psi)
Specific torque 94.1 Nm/litre
Maximum rpm
Manufacturer GM
Code
Main bearings
Coolant Water
Bore/stroke ratio 0.91
Unitary capacity 449 cc/cylinder
Aspiration Normal
Compressor type N/A
Intercooler None
Catalytic converter Y

Performance
0-50 mph (80 km/h)
0-60 mph
0-100 km/h
0-100 mph
80-120 km/h (50-70 mph) in top
Standing ¼mile
Standing km
Top speed
Fuel consumption
CO2 Emissions
Carfolio Calculated CO2 ?
Power-to-weight 92.81 bhp/ton

New Toyota Verso-S

Toyota will exhibit at booth at the Paris Motor Show, world premiere, a small van (MPV) referred back of S, and a restyled version of the model inside iQ. The Toyota Verso S re-segment small car family, where several years ago have only one representative: Toyota Yaris Verso.

The Japanese firm's replacement for the long-gone Yaris Verso measures just under 4 meters in length and will compete with the likes of the Kia Venga, Opel Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. We don't have anything else in the way of details, but European buyers should expect a similar petrol and diesel engine lineup to the Yaris.



The all-new Toyota Verso-S arrived at the world’s leading at the Paris Motor show in 2010. Underestimated, broad and ill-S Toyota Verso efficiency in the direction of an empty display. This brusquest overall length – to a lesser degree four beats – whatever the MPV in the segment-B in Europe. But attention to contingencies in any practical expression by the spaciousness of the interior design has maximum flexibility, convenience and caliber to understand the end-to-end.

The smallest four-seater in the world, Toyota iQ comes with an internal review at the Paris Motor Show, and the Aygo model comes with a small class connectivity technology, suggestively called Connect. Also, Toyota's stand at Paris will host the FT-CH concept, already presented in Geneva in March 2010, and the Prius plug-in hybrid - an advanced version of the hybrid Prius, which will be available on sale in Europe 2012.

The Red Man of the Forest: The Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) - maximum card created for me by my friend Shinta (Indonesia)

I've read somewhere ['cause I don't read only from wikipedia.org :) ] that male orangutans don't fight with each other over mating rights, allegedly. Not worth the aggravation?

But here's what wikipedia says:

"Although orangutans are generally passive, aggression toward other orangutans is very common; they are solitary animals and can be fiercely territorial. Immature males will try to mate with any female, and may succeed in forcibly copulating with her if she is also immature and not strong enough to fend him off. Mature females easily fend off their immature suitors, preferring to mate with a mature male."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orangutan

A young male orangutan may look for a "fender-bender".

Or, he may be a bender, but she may be a fender.

Fender of the of-fender (repeat offender).

Yom Kippur Kattan coming to an Orthodoxy near you? The new Artscroll siddur.

As far as I can tell Garnel was the first to notice that the Koren Sacks Siddur appears to have generated the first new Artscroll siddur with translation in decades - the Wasserman Edition.


It includes:

• An original new Overview
• Yom Kippur Kattan
• Megillas Esther, Ruth and Koheles
• Perek Shirah
• Six Constant Mitzvos
• Iggeres HaRamban
• Prayer of the Holy Sh'lah
• Prayer at the Holy places in Israel
• A new special section: The Laws, Customs, and Prayers in the Land of Israel

Henry Kissinger and Rabbi Moshe Sherer secretly discuss matzah.

Here is an interesting declassified document from 1976. It is the transcript of a meeting between Rabbi Moshe Sherer of Agudath Israel and Sec. Henry Kissinger concerning shipments of matzah into the Soviet Union.

In certain ways this document is a snapshot of the Agudah under Rabbi Moshe Sherer at that time ("both pro and con" as my friend put it). It really speaks for itself, and I don't want to inflict my interpretations onto readers, but it is my blog. Here are some thoughts:

- Rabbi Sherer repeatedly refers to the "Torah sages" privately; not only wasn't it just rhetoric for the masses, but he even brings them up in a closed meeting with the Secretary of State.

- Although I certainly don't want to give the impression that I am easy on Soviet persecution, it is interesting that this issue seems to concern extra special kosher matzah, as opposed to regular old kosher ones. Sherer agrees with Kissinger that matzah could be baked in the Soviet Union, but "because of our meticulous requirements, many people do not look upon it as kosher." Some might suggest that if kosher matzah was available, perhaps it wasn't worth making a big deal over. Of course he explicitly asks that the issue be separated from the normal Soviet Jewish issue, which shows that even though this was a question of frumkeit, he wisely tried to keep it from becoming a federal case.

EDIT: Rabbi Josh Waxman remarks that in 1973 someone he knows personally saw matzah baking in Odessa. There the vat in which the dough was being mixed was encrusted. Thus, those matzos were not kosher at all. Whether or not this was the case in Riga in 1976 is unclear, but it does not seem so unfair to assume it was. Thus this might not really have been a case of frumkeit and chumra, but rather of no kosher matzos really being available at all.This is not clear from the way it was discussed with Kissinger, but read with this additional knowledge it is possible to see that is what he meant.

- Rabbi Sherer's candid admission that the Agudah's growth in the prior five years was "despite [the Agudah's] conservative orientation" (Kissinger's words) but they did "benefit[] from the memories of the Holocaust," by which he means that the immigrant survivors and their children joined.

- Kissinger doesn't really seem to know who he is. He knows he is speaking to a rabbi, and he asks him which is his congregation. Rabbi Sherer reminds him that he is from the Agudah. Kissinger tells Sherer that he was in the Agudah as a child. Rabbi Sherer tells him that he knows all about it: there's a paper written by the child Agudist Kissinger kept "under lock and key." Someone who knows these things tells me that it is supposedly on yishuv ha-aretz, but of course it hasn't seen the light yet.

All in all, a pretty good picture of sincerity and diplomacy. The Holocaust statement is surprising, but it's not meant to say that they exploited the Holocaust. Rather it's an honest assessment, and he did not resort to exaggerated claims regarding the ideological importance or attractiveness of Agudath Israel to explain its growth. A window into the Golden Age of the Agudath Israel of America.

Menasseh Ben Israel's passport

Here are the records of the passports issued to Rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel to enable him to visit England. These are contained in a record book called Council of State: Books and Accounts 1639-1660 (v.25 out of 139)"

November 22, 1652:



December 17, 1652:



September 16, 1653:



For posterity, the first reads "That a passe bee granted to Manasseh Ben Israel to Come out of Holland and into England."

The second: Whereas Manasseh Ben Israel a Rabbi of the Jewish Nation and well reported of for his learning and good affection to this State hath exprest his desire to have letters of safe conduct to come from Amsterdam to these parts. These are therefore to will and require all Officers belonging to this State as well by Sea as by land to whom the foresaid Menasseh Ben Israel may addresse himself on his way hithorward that they let him passe freely without molestation and give him all favourable entertainment and respect as to well affected foreigners and strangers (they behaving themselves without offence) is due. Given at Whitehall.

The third, "That a passe be granted to Manasseh Ben Israel of Amsterdam himself and ? ofsarios (?) necessaries to come into England without interruption."

In fact, he didn't arrive in England until 1655.

Mm-hmm. Stamp from Zazzle.com

Mm-hmm. Stamp from Zazzle.com

In the past, YOU, as a stamp collector, were NOT able to communicate with others using text-on-stamps (stamps with words - YOUR choice of words).

Welcome to the present!

I have created many more stamp designs with words, and I can create (you can do it, too) many more, with no end in sight. :)

Sometimes, to create a maximum card, you already have the right postcard, and the right postmark is available for a limited time (1-30 days, usually - in USA, at least).
If you don't have the right stamp, you can...give up. Anybody can do that.
Or, YOU can create the right stamp (with image, text, or both), as you wish (if it's approved, of course).

You can tele-create, remotely create zazzle stamps from wherever you are in the world.
And many other custom products.
Designing is free.
What are you waiting for?
:)
If I can do it, then ANYBODY can do it*.
--------------
* Certain exceptions apply.
:)

New Alfa Romeo Brera 2010 Specification

The special edition Alfa Brera "Italia Independant", which will be produced in a limited run of 900 units for Europe, Japan and Australia, is available for order in Germany with prices starting from €29,700 for the 185HP 2.2-liter four-cylinder JTS model and from €38,850 for the 260HP 3.2-liter JTS V6 model that's offered in both front- and all-wheel drive versions.

Alfa Romeo in collaboration with stylish goods brand Italy Independent has release a special Alfa Romeo Brera model, the Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent Special Edition.

Created in collaboration with domestic fashion house "Italia Independent", the limited run Brera coupe is about style. Special exterior touches include a Titanium opaque paintwork with matching 18-inch alloy wheels in a turbine pattern, red colored brake callipers and an aluminum fuel cap.

The 2+2 coupe's interior is decked out in carbon fiber trim and black leather upholstery with contrasting red seams. The brushed aluminium "Italia Independent" logos, pedals and foot rest complete the package.

The vehicle's standard equipment includes seven airbags, automatic dual zone climate control system, cruise control, fog lights and a high-end audio system.

Specification
Wheelbase 2525 mm 99.4 in
Track front 1579 mm 62.2 in
rear 1559 mm 61.4 in
Length 4413 mm 173.7 in
Width 1830 mm 72 in
Height 1341 mm 52.8 in
Length:wheelbase ratio 1.75
Ground clearance
Kerb weight 1480 kg 3263 lb
Weight distribution
(Front)
Fuel capacity 70 litres 15.4 UK Gal 18.5 US Gal
aerodynamics
2010 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.0 JTDm See all Alfa Romeo models
Drag coefficient
Frontal area
Cx
engine
2010 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.0 JTDm See all Alfa Romeo models
Bore × stroke 83.00 mm × 90.40 mm
3.27 in × 3.56 in
Cylinders S-4
Displacement 2 litre
1956 cc
(119.362 cu in)
Construction
Sump Wet sumped
Compression ratio 16.50:1
Fuel system common rail direct diesel injection
Maximum power 170.3 PS (168 bhp) (125.3 kW)
@ 4000 rpm
Specific output 85.9 bhp/litre
1.41 bhp/cu in
Maximum torque 360.0 Nm (266 ft·lb) (36.7 kgm)
@ 1750 rpm
bmep 2312.8 kPa (335.4 psi)
Specific torque 184.05 Nm/litre
Maximum rpm
Manufacturer Fiat
Code
Main bearings
Coolant Water
Bore/stroke ratio 0.92
Unitary capacity 489 cc/cylinder
Aspiration Turbo D.
Compressor type
Intercooler
Catalytic converter Y

0-50 mph (80 km/h)
0-60 mph
0-100 km/h 8.80 s
0-100 mph
80-120 km/h (50-70 mph) in top
Standing ¼mile
Standing km 30.20 s
Top speed 218 km/h (135 mph)
Fuel consumption 7.1/4.4/5.4 l/100km urban/extra-urban/combined
CO2 Emissions 142.0 g/km
Carfolio Calculated CO2 ? 145.80 g/km
Power-to-weight 113.51 bhp/ton

Engine location Front
Engine alignment Transverse
Drive FWD

Key:

FWD
Front wheel drive

RWD
Rear wheel drive

AWD
All wheel drive

4WD
Four wheel drive


Steering rack & pinion PAS
Turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle
Suspension front I.DW.
rear I.MultiLi.
Key:

I
Independent

LA
Live axle

dD
de Dion axle

W
Wishbone

DW
Double wishbones

CS
Coil springs

ARB
Anti-roll bar

LS
Leaf springs

SE
Semi-elliptic leaf springs

See more...
Wheels front
rear
Tyres front 225/50 R 17
rear 225/50 R 17
Brakes F/R VeDi/VeDi-S-ABS

Key:

Ve
Ventilated

Di
Disc (Disk)

Dr
Drum

S
Servo-assisted

ABS
Anti-lock Braking System

Brake ∅ front 330 mm
rear 292 mm
Braked area
Transmission 6 speed manual
Top gear ratio
Final drive ratio 3.55

The bar mitzvah of the child soldier grandson of Rabbi Shmuel Salant; also how R. Salant's photograph is mistaken for the Mezeritcher Maggid.

In the thick of World War I this notice appeared in the Jewish Chronicle (March 3, 1916) regarding the bar mitzvah of Reuben Ginsberg. Ginsberg was born in Wales, but moved to Montreal with his family. His father had been a soldier before, and joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force. When his father was sent to England, Reuben stowed away. When he was discovered he was allowed to join his father's company and was given a job as trumpeter. Sadly, he was wounded. In the period of recovery he turned bar mitzvah, which is what the article is about. At the end of the article it is stated that he is the grandson of the late Rav Shmuel Salant!



This was no imaginary story. Here is his discharge certificate:



Reuben Ginsberg died in Montreal in 1960:



Here is more information about Ginsberg, and underage Jewish soldiers in the Great War.

Here is a photo of his grandfather, Rabbi Samuel Salant (1816-1909) from the Memorial Book of Rowno (1956):



I included this one because the caption amazingly says that this is Rabbi Dovber, Maggid of Mezeric who died in 1772. This is a photograph. According to an article on rabbinic portraiture by Aviad Hacohen this portrait of R. Salant was reproduced and captioned as the Maggid many times. Go figure.

New Jeep Commander Generation 2010

2010 Jeep Commander largely unchanged. Medium SUV is basically a stretched version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Commander comes in Sport and Limited trims. The Jeep Commander is a niche vehicle for people who like to go off-road and need a lot of passenger room. However, reviewers say that the passengers you haul down the trail in the Commander won't be happy campers. While some high-tech interior features, like Chrysler's uConnect multimedia entertainment system are available, the Commander just isn't as comfortable as competitors. The Overland model has been discontinued. Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Low range gear for off-roading is a standard Limited, optional on Sport. All the Commander seat seven passengers.

Sport has a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. Standard Limiteds and optional on the Sport is a 357-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. 305-hp 4.7-liter V8 has been discontinued. All engines team with 5-speed automatic transmission. The commander assessed to tow up to 3500 pounds with the V6 and 7400 pounds with the V8. Security features that are available include ABS, traction control, charging system, curtain side airbags, front and side airbags. DVD entertainment, navigation system, glass-camera and power adjustable pedals are among the choices. Also offered are Chrysler's Uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-GB hard drive to store digital music and image files, and navigation systems.

If you're looking for a comfortable SUV with plenty of seating space and towing capabilities, check out the Chevy Tahoe. Though it doesn't have the off-road chops of the Commander, some critics say it can handle the off-road terrain that most consumers will throw at them. If you just need people-moving ability and don't plan to go off-road or tow, check out the Chevrolet Traverse. It can seat as many as the Commander, costs a little less, is more comfortable to drive and gets better fuel economy. While it isn't as rugged as the Commander, if you can confine your driving to the pavement, it may be a better choice for you.

The 2010 Commander is largely a carryover from the 2009 model year, and is available in two trims: Sport and Limited. It's also available as a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle. If you're dead set on the Commander, check out this month's best Jeep Deals to see what discounts and incentives are available.

The Jeep Commander offers three different transfer case/driveline options for selection, depending on the model. The base is called Quadra-Trac I, which is a single speed (no reduction gearset for a “low” range) transfer case, incorporating a “power divider” to send power to the front driveshaft, and consequently, the front driving axle, only when slippage is encountered.

The second system, called Quadra-Trac II, is standard on the Commander Limited and optional on the Commander Sport and Rocky Mountain. This system contains an electronically controlled clutch pack that engages to transfer up to 100 percent of the available engine torque to the axle wit hthe most traction. This system also adds a Neutral and Low range selection for special situations.

The third and final system Jeep offers on the Commander is the most complex system, the Quadra-Drive II, standard on the Overland, but optional on all other models, in keeping with Jeep's “You Talk, We Listen” attitude. This system has the “brains” to deliver power only where it is usable, in a normal or low range, based on speed sensor inputs and distributed by Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (“ELSD” in Jeep speak) in both the front and rear axles as well as the transfer case. These three inputs allow the computer to constantly offer the power where it can be most safely utilized, by the tires with the most traction.

The tires on the Commander remain as Goodyear being the supplier, in sizes of P245/65R17 BSW all-terrain as standard, OWL as optional on all but the Overland models, where 245/65R18 BSW tires are standard. Jeep offers 2 different wheels, depending on the tires supplied. In the 17 inch diameter size, a 17” x 7.5” inch machined face aluminum wheel is utilized, and in the optional 18 inch size, an 18” x 7.5” Chrome clad aluminum wheel is supplied.

Trailer towing packages are optional on all models except the Overland, where the high end Trailer Towing Group IV is standard, in keeping with the nature of the fully equipped vehicle.

Jeep has announced enhancements to the 2008 Commander models, Overland and Limited, that include: No Charge MyGIG Infotainment System with integral Navigation system (a $900 value), Power Sunroof w/Command View dual skylights, available SIRIUS BackSeat TV, the SmartBeam headlamp system, which adjusts to ambient lighting conditions, illuminated (fade in and out) entry, and active “three blink-then-off” lane change turn signal position.

New Chrysler Aspen Specification

The Chrysler Aspen Limited 4X2 is Chrysler's full-size SUV. The Aspen shares the same platform as the Dodge Durango. It is clear that when the Aspen was on the drawing board we were not suffering from a credit crunch or gas price hikes. However, although the sheer size and cost of the Aspen may deter buyers, some buyers actually need vehicles like the Chrysler Aspen Limited 4X2 in order to tow large boats or trailers. We should not forget that there is a place for vehicles with huge towing capacities - try towing a 40ft trailer with a Prius!

The Chrysler Aspen Limited 4X2 uses exactly the same suspension layout as the Dodge Durango, independent, double-wishbone front and non-independent solid-axle rear. The Aspen comes with a 303-hp 4.7-liter V8 or a 335-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and either rear- or all-wheel drive. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and the Hemi V8 includes the Chrysler Multi-displacement System (MDS) which is capable of shutting down 4 cylinders to conserve fuel when not required.

Conventional 2009 Chrysler Aspen are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrids are AWD only. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb for conventional models, 6000 lb for the Hybrid. A low-range gear for off-roading is an option on non-Hybrid AWD models. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen its available in safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.

Standard seating is for eight with a 2nd-row bench; available buckets reduce it to seven. A power liftgate and rearview camera are standard on all models. Leather upholstery and navigation system are standard on Hybrid and available on other models. DVD entertainment is optional on all.

The Consumer Guide Automotive compare places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position for consumer choice. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Infiniti FX and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The Chrysler Aspen adds a gas/electric hybrid model, and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and R-Class add a new diesel powerplant, as does the Volkswagen Touareg 2.

Specification
Wheelbase 3028 mm 119.2 in
Track front 1636 mm 64.4 in
rear 1636 mm 64.4 in
Length 5100 mm 200.8 in
Width 1930 mm 76 in
Height 1887 mm 74.3 in
Length:wheelbase ratio 1.68
Ground clearance 220 mm 8.7 in
Kerb weight 2224 kg 4903 lb
Weight distribution
(Front) 52.60 %
Fuel capacity 102.3 litres 22.5 UK Gal 27 US Gal

Drag coefficient 0.391
Frontal area 3.10 m2
Cx 1.21

Bore × stroke 93.00 mm × 86.50 mm
3.66 in × 3.41 in
Cylinders V-8 in 90.0° vee
Displacement 4.7 litre
4701 cc
(286.873 cu in)
Type SOHC
Key:

SOHC
Single overhead camshaft

DOHC
Double overhead camshaft

OHV
Overhead valves

TS
Two stroke

SV
Side valves

Sl
Sleeve valves

oise
Overhead inlet side exhaust

See more...
4 valves per cylinder
32 valves in total
Construction cast iron block; aluminum alloy head
Sump Wet sumped
Compression ratio 9.00:1
Fuel system SMPFI
Maximum power
(SAE net) 307.2 PS (303 bhp) (225.9 kW)
@ 5650 rpm
Specific output 64.5 bhp/litre
1.06 bhp/cu in
Maximum torque
(SAE net) 447.0 Nm (330 ft·lb) (45.6 kgm)
@ 3950 rpm
bmep 1194.9 kPa (173.3 psi)
Specific torque 95.09 Nm/litre
Maximum rpm 6000 rpm
Manufacturer Chrysler
Code
Main bearings
Coolant Water
Bore/stroke ratio 1.08
Unitary capacity 587.63 cc/cylinder
Aspiration Normal
Compressor type N/A
Intercooler None
Catalytic converter Y

Engine location Front
Engine alignment Longitudinal
Drive RWD

Key:

FWD
Front wheel drive

RWD
Rear wheel drive

AWD
All wheel drive

4WD
Four wheel drive


Steering rack & pinion PAS
Turns lock-to-lock 3.410
Turning circle
Suspension front I.U&LW.ARB.
rear LA.WL.ARB.
Key:

I
Independent

LA
Live axle

dD
de Dion axle

W
Wishbone

DW
Double wishbones

CS
Coil springs

ARB
Anti-roll bar

LS
Leaf springs

SE
Semi-elliptic leaf springs

See more...
Wheels front
rear
Tyres front
rear
Brakes F/R VeDi/Di-S-ABS

Key:

Ve
Ventilated

Di
Disc (Disk)

Dr
Drum

S
Servo-assisted

ABS
Anti-lock Braking System

Brake ∅ front 336 mm
rear 352 mm
Braked area
Transmission 5 speed automatic
Top gear ratio 0.67
Final drive ratio 3.55

It looks like a duck, but... Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) - official maximum card from Australia Post

Did you think that your domestic partner (or wild partner), spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend

http://www.zazzle.com/whatever_postage-172753759423326509?rf=238693463283865848

is the ONLY venomous mammal in the world?

You're wrong.

" It is one of the few venomous mammals; the male Platypus has a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans."

"The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. It is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platypus

=======================

Happy PFF (Postcard Friendship Friday)!

Please visit: http://thebestheartsarecrunchy.blogspot.com/

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A 19th century apostate rabbi; also some miscellaneous Swedish missionary magazine pictures.

I came across a Swedish missionary journal from the turn of the century (20th, that is). Naturally it included many pictures of Jewish interest. I record a few here for posterity since I believe that the Missions-tidning för Israel is a relatively obscure source.

I give pride of placement first to some cheder yingelach. This one is from 1901. Some of these may be or certainly are posed, by the way:



Next is a photo I haven't seen of famous Jewish apostate and Masoretic scholar Christian David Ginsburg (1905):



Here is a missionary named J.T. Redensky (evidently Johannes Theodor). This is interesting, because he is reading what looks like a Hebrew periodical of some kind. In fact, it's likely just the title. Unfortunately I can't read the first word, so I'll guess what it says - ישועת ישראל, even thought to my eyes it looks more like חרות ישראל .



Next is a photo of a missionary couple, which I thought was interesting because of it's "The Lord is my shepherd" inscription in Hebrew:



Here are two photos of kapparos being performed:





Two photos of Jews, including one captioned Talmudstuderande (from 1897):





Finally, below is so-called Rabbi Abraham Jacob Schwartzenberg (1862-1843):



This Rabbi Abraham Jacob Schwartzenberg may well have gone down as Alexander M'Caul's most famous converted Jew if not for certain circumstances propelling Ezekiel Stanislaus Hoga to that position (and he wasn't actually converted or baptized by McCaul, see here). Evidently Schwartzenberg was an actual rabbi in Warsaw, and he converted to Christianity in 1828 after receiving a New Testament from a missionary named F.W. Becker. McCaul, who headed the London Society for Promoting Christianity Amongst the Jews baptized him.

He spent the next 20 years missionizing to fellow Jews - in full traditional dress, which he never ceased wearing. He is quoted as giving the following reason for retaining his dress and living among Jews: "The Jews often think that persons are baptized in order to escape reproach, or to live in Christian quarters of the city, or to walk in the "Saxon Garden" (from which then Polish Jews were excluded), but I will show them that none of these things move me. I am a Jew still - formerly I was an unbelieving Jew, but now I am a believing Jew, and, whatever inconvenience or reproach may result, I wish to bear it with my brethren." — who thought he was mad, of course.

In fact, such tropes appear quite often in the history of conversions. A Jew converts, other Jews say he or she did it for material gain and not conviction. In no few cases this could be proven. Still, in others it was undoubtedly out of conviction, and evidently Schwartzenberg desired to prove that was so in his own case. Elisheva Carlebach points out that the Jewish apostate Giulio Morosini (formerly known as Samuel Nahmias) describes his family's wealth and influence in his דרך אמונה Via della fede: mostrata à gli ebrei (1683), in order to silence Jewish critics that say he converted for financial gain (Pursuit of Heresy pg. 241).

Here is how Schwartzenberg's death is described:



This is interesting, because it records the contention that Jews typically claimed that apostates repented, or at least recanted, before death. Although we have solid evidence that Stanislaw Hoga did indeed recant many years before he died, the legends about him have him repenting when he was close to death. For more on that see my posts, but even more importantly, read The Baal Teshuvah and the Emden-Eibeschuetz Controversy by Dr. Shnayer Leiman, or listen to his lecture The Meshumad, which is based on his essay. Also see Stanislaus Hoga—Apostate and Penitent by Beth-Zion Lask Abrahams JHSE 15.

Naturally there are other interesting pictures scattered through the volumes of the Missions-tidning för Israel and you can browse them yourselves here.