Mopar Announces Details of Ram Runner Kit for Off-Road Enthusiasts

Turn Your Ram Truck into a Desert Racer

- Mopar® Ram Runner kit offers performance on par with off-road race trucks
- Suspension and shocks included in the Mopar Ram Runner kit are superior to the competition
- Mopar Ram Runner kit boasts aggressive, attractive styling that will also turn heads on the street
May 26, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram Truck owners may now transform their truck into a Mopar-powered desert racer.

Just a little more than one year after Mopar debuted its Ram Runner image vehicle to much acclaim at the 2010 Moab Jeep® Safari, the brand today announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts.

"At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO, Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer."

The Mopar Ram Runner Kit, developed with successful Baja off-road racer Kent Kroeker, includes the following: Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, off-road rear-tire carrier, sport performance hood and cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may also be purchased separately. The street-legal kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership.

The Mopar Ram Runner Kit is equal to or better than its competitors on a number of fronts. The heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front upper and lower control arms, which are three inches longer than production arms, provide added width and allow greater wheel travel over rough dirt trails.

Front lower control arms are constructed of 4130 chrome moly steel in order to withstand off-road punishment. Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. Both inner and outer tie rods are substantially strengthened and contribute to the rugged, off-road steering characteristics and capabilities. Outer tie rods, constructed of forged steel, measure 1-inch in diameter. Inner tie rods also are nearly 20 percent beefier, increasing from 0.62 inches to .75 inches.

At the rear, a 5-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure angle.

The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel, 14 inches both front and rear, which is superior to the suspension travel on the Ford Raptor. The Ram Runner kit, which includes Fox 3-inch internal bypass shocks, offers performance on par with that of an off-road Baja race truck and outperforms the 2.5-inch shocks of the competition.

Ground clearance is approximately 13 inches at the center of the front cross-member and 16 inches at the rocker panels.

Body parts included in the Mopar Ram Runner Kit, created with Trophy Truck inspiration, feature a tough-yet-stylish look built to handle the rigors of the off-road while turning heads on the street. The front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate. With a 41-degree approach angle, ample clearance is assured over the deepest off-road obstacles.

Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells that allow for tremendous suspension articulation with zero tire-to-body interference. The three-inch wider track also provides an imposing, aggressive look.

The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner kit. The spare-tire carrier is located in the bed of the pickup and enables easier access and provides the ability to transport a larger spare tire, contributing to the overall appearance and "Baja truck feel".

Ram Truck and Mopar are joint sponsors of The Off-Road Championship (TORC) Series in 2011. Both brands will share sponsorship of the Traxxas Racing team fielded by Mike and Mark Jenkins along with the Menzies Motorsports team owned by Steve Menzies. Ram will be the official vehicle of the TORC Series and the Mopar Ram Runner will serve as the official pace truck. The Mopar graphic that appears on the Mopar Ram Runner pace truck will also be made available to consumers.

Here's more information on the Mopar Ram Runner kit, which is available for owners of 2009 to 2011 model-year Ram 1500 models:

MOPAR RAM RUNNER KIT (Each part of kit may be purchased separately)

Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit: 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel, high-angle tie rods. Fourteen inches of suspension travel in front and rear, 3-inch internal bypass Fox shocks. (MSRP: $13,270, Part No. P5155662)

Off-Road Front Bumper: Steel construction with integrated aluminum skid plate, high approach angle of 41 degrees provides greater clearance over off-road obstacles. (MSRP: $1,250, Part No. P5155663)

Off-Road Rear Tire Carrier: Rear placement allows for easier access and ability to carry larger tires needed for the off-road. (MSRP: $1,010, Part No. P5155664)

Off-Road Front Fenders: Tough, durable fenders feature wider wheel wells allowing for tremendous suspension articulation, zero tire-to-body interference, and provide an imposing, aggressive look. (MSRP: $1,020, Part No. P5155665)

Off-Road Rear Fenders (6'4″ bed): Tough, durable fenders feature wider wheel wells allowing for tremendous suspension articulation, zero tire-to-body interference, and provide an imposing, aggressive appearance. (MSRP: $1,020, Part No. P5155665)

Sport Performance Hood: Stamped aluminum, dual-scooped hood with molded bezels adds to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner Kit. (MSRP: $978, Part No. 82211065AD)

5.7L Cat-back Exhaust: Dual exhaust with chromed tips for bumper with cut-outs. (MSRP: $1,135, Part No. P5155280)

Mopar-First Features

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:
- Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
- Vehicle-information smartphone apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
- Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
- Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to introduce new vehicle tracking system that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on set parameters
- 2011 Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
- WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
- Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers
- WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

About the Mopar Brand
Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand.

Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original-equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat North America vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered and tested with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat North America vehicles - a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at www.mopar.com.

More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s - the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Northville Farmers Market

Every Thursday
May 5, 2011 - October 27, 2011
8:00am-3:00pm
Located in the Northville Downs parking lot. Corner of 7 Mile and Sheldon Rd

The Northville Chamber of Commerce hosts the Northville Farmers' Market. With the beginning of each new growing seasons, the market has something for everyone.

Over 125 MICHIGAN GROWN-MICHIGAN MADE PRODUCTS featuring: flowers, herbs, vegetable plants, seasonal produce, berries, organic produce, roses, flowering shrubs, local honey, bread & bakery items, seasoning mixes, dog food, homemade pasta, jams & jellies, salsa mix, garden art, jewelry, juried artisans & crafters, furniture, and much more. Also offering casual lunch food service, cold drinks and shaded picnic tables.

Events
-Master Gardeners weekly 9:00 to 12:00
-Fresh food collection for Northville Civic Concern begins in July
-Weekly search for the "TOP BANANA"
-Coloring pictures always available
-Knife, scissors, and garden tool sharpening
-BETTERFINDS, a DNR approved grower of native Michigan plants & wildflowers will be at the Market the first 3 weeks. Wild orchids, rescue plants of protected species, and rare varieties are included-all Michigan.

Peace, Love & Planet
-On site weekly May & June, first Thursday of July & August.
-Bring clean garden pots, flats, trays and other garden plastics for recycling.
-Thanks to the efforts of PLP, Meijer , Home Depot and Waste Management now recycle these plastics.

CHEFS AT THE MARKET
-9:00 - 10:00 AM
-Every third Thursday, plus several "bonus" sessions
-Local chefs take a walk through the Market, do a cooking demonstration, provide a recipe and samples.
-No fee or reservations needed


More information on the Northville Farmers Market Click Here

Chrysler has three of the "Ten most improved cars of 2011" spots!

The Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey and Jeep Grand Cherokee are three of the "Ten most improved cars of 2011." Among the crop of new cars out for 2011 it's worth singling out those vehicles that have shown significant improvement.

2011 Dodge Durango

The original Durango was a monstrous, thirsty body-on-frame truck that had worse handling and fuel economy than the larger Chevy Suburban, but with less space inside than the Tahoe. The new Durango is built on a new unibody chassis shared with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and R-Class crossover SUVs and it is outfitted with either the company's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine or the latest version of the company's heralded Hemi V8, with cylinder deactivation for better gas mileage when cruising on the highway. Mercedes' ride and Hemi power? That's a tough-to-beat combination.


2011 Dodge Journey

Dodge briefly ran tongue-in-cheek television commercials touting the Journey mid-sized crossover as the best car in the world. It was a joke because the old Journey obviously wasn't, with its appalling cabin materials and thirsty V6 engine.

But the 2011 Journey was the recipient of the company's most lavish makeover, with a positively opulent interior that welcomes customers inside. Under the hood it also gets the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, with its accompanying improvements in power, smoothness and efficiency.


2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep The Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered during the years when the Jeep brand was controlled by then-DaimlerChrysler. Now that the company has split from the Germans and aligned itself with Fiat, the result has been, incredible as it may seem, a gigantic improvement. The old Grand Cherokee was as capable off-road as ever, but budget pressures robbed its once-luxurious cabin of premium materials.

Today's Grand Cherokee returns the premium materials to the cabin, while revving up the styling and installing the company's efficient new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine or the latest version of the powerful Hemi V8. For off-road enthusiasts it is a restoration of the Grand Cherokee to its deserved position as a premium off-road wagon.

We are excited to have several vehicles make this list!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43045141/ns/business-autos/

I-275 Bike Path Re-Opens!

Grand Re-Opening Celebration Schedule of Events

June 4, 2011, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m-3:00 p.m. - Open riding, in-line skating, walking, and jogging between Michigan Ave and 7 Mile Rd (cyclist and in-line skaters must wear helmets)

9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Participant registration at Ford Rd/Lotz Rd (look for the gazebo in front of Sweet Bikes) and Schoolcraft College south parking lot along Haggerty Rd

Events at I-275 Metro Trail South (Hines Dr to Michigan Ave)

9:30 -10:00 a.m. - Organized ride from Canton Lower Rouge Trail to Cherry Hill rest stop - cyclists must wear helmets (meet at the trail head north of Michigan Ave at Morton Taylor Rd)

10:00 a.m.-Noon - Band entertainment at Cherry Hill rest stop

10:30-11:00 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting and speeches at Cherry Hill rest stop

11:00 a.m.-Noon - Children's Bike and Helmet Decorating and Parade at Cherry Hill rest stop

12:30-1:30 p.m. - Guided ride through Plymouth - cyclists must wear helmets; bright clothing is helpful (Meet at Wilcox Lake parking area on the south side of Hines Dr., east of Northville Rd)

Events at I-275 Metro Trail North (Hines Dr to 7 Mile Rd)

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Geocaching demonstration at Schoolcraft College

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. - Children's helmet fitting and bike safety clinic at Schoolcraft College (free children's helmets while supply lasts)

10:00 a.m. & Noon - Bike safety talk by Officer Jim Fisher, Northville Township Police Department at Schoolcraft College

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - Cycling a smoothie (make a smoothie by pedaling away)

10:30 a.m.-Noon - Guided urban walk/hike around Haggerty Rd and trail (meet at registration table, south parking lot at Schoolcraft College)

2:00 p.m. - Drawings for prizes at Schoolcraft College

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Learn the Hines connector (Volunteers with be available to show you how to get from the "north" end of the trail to the "south" end)

Cherry Hill rest area is south of Ford Rd and the Cherry Hill overpass at I-275

The registration table and Canton DDA gazebo are on the northwest corner of Ford and Lotz Rd in the Sweet Bikes strip mall.

Schoolcraft College is located on Haggerty Rd between 6 Mile Rd and & 7 Mile Rd. We are in the south parking lot, which is closer to 6 Mile Rd.

Welcome Girl Scout Troop 40217

A Big "Thank You" to all the great girls in Troop 40217 who came out and did a fantastic job at our Car Care Badge Clinic last Thursday, May 12th. We had a fun time showing the girls all the important things to watch for and check on a vehicle to keep it running top notch!

Each girl received a Car Care Badge Clinic workbook to be completed as we discussed and demonstrated each aspect of taking care of a vehicle. From the dashboard lights, dials and gages to the importance of properly inflating and rotating the tires. We also explained how some vehicle parts can even be recycled and the proper way to recycle them.We also went out into our Shop to see hands on how to maintain a vehicle and complete a safety check. The girls especially enjoyed the Question and Answer session with our Technicians.

We really enjoyed helping everyone better understand why Car Care is such an important part of owning a vehicle!

If your organization is interested in participating in one of our Clinics please contact our Service Manager Joe Prokes @ 734-451-3535.

Chrysler Extends Minivan Month AND Announces New May Deals

Chrysler said Wednesday that it is extending its Minivan Month promotion as well as its RamBox and no-charge HEMI engine promotions through the end of May, while also revealing a few new incentives for the month.

Back in April, Chrysler had revived its 60-day â??Minivan Pledgeâ?? to kick off Minivan Month. The pledge â?? which lets purchasers of 2011 Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan models bring back their ride within 60 days â?? has been extended through the end of May.

Other deals associated with Minivan Month are as follows:

â??Buyers of the 2011 Town & Country can receive either $750 Consumer Cash or as low as 2.9 percent financing for 60 months (for qualified buyers). These buyers are also given $750 in Bonus Cash.

â??Those buying the 2011 Grand Caravan can either receive Consumer Cash of $2,000 or go with financing as low as zero-percent for 60 months (assuming the customer qualifies) for most models. They also can get as much as $1,500 in trade-in support.

Chrysler also shared its new incentives for May. It broke the deals down by brand:

Chrysler Brand

â??On the 2011 Chrysler 200, buyers can pick between $1,250 Consumer Cash or as low as zero-percent financing for 36 months on most 200 vehicles.

â??Consumers who buy the 2011 Chrysler 300 can take advantage of financing as low as 1.9 percent for 36 months or financing up to 4.9 percent for 72 months.

â??There are also lease deals and Lease Bonus Cash for all 2011 models.

Dodge Brand

â??2011 Dodge Avenger customers can either get $1,750 Consumer Cash or go with as low as zero-percent financing for 60 months, excluding the Express model of the Avenger.

â??Dodge is also providing lease deals and Lease Bonus Cash on most of its 2011 lineup.

Jeep Brand

â??To commemorate the 70th anniversary of Jeep, Mopar is providing $500 Mopar Bucks to accessorize 2011 Jeep Wrangler models. Buyers of the 2011 Wrangler can receive $500 worth of accessories.

â??Jeep said it is providing â??attractiveâ?? leasing deals on its entire 2011 lineup. Furthermore, certain Jeep Compass, Patriot and Liberty models come with
Lease Bonus Cash.

Ram Truck Brand

â??2011 Ram pickup buyers can either receive a HEMI engine in their truck for free or pick Engine Bonus Cash, which comes with most 2011 V-6, V-8 or Cummins diesel models.

â??On the 2011 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, buyers can tap into $500 RamBox Bonus Cash.

http://www.autoremarketing.com/content/financial-services/chrysler-extends-minivan-month-announces-new-may-deals

Indian Motorcycle Vintage Indian Motorcycle News THE HISTORICAL VIEW

Vintage Indian News These vintage magazines bring the classic Indian experience to life! See what has changed about riding Indian Motorcycles throughout the years ... and what has remained the same.

Click Here to Read Vintage Indian News Magazines!
http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/index.php?submenu=Vintage_Indian_Motorcycle_News&src=gendocs&ref=Vintage%20Indian%20Motorcycle%20News%20THE%20HISTORICAL%20VIEW&category=History

Jeep Wranglers Take On Hell's Revenge in Moab, Utah

	Jeep Wranglers Take On Hell's Revenge in Moab, Utah No way in hell can you stop a Jeep 4x4.	From:thejeepchannel Views:498 29ratings
	Time:01:14	More inAutos & Vehicles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P84x93sDsqY&feature=youtube_gdata

Nissan earns $6.27B in CY 2010

Nissan's strong sales and increased revenue led the automaker to a $6.27 billion operating profit for 2010. Nissan, which counts January through March as its fiscal fourth quarter, managed overall revenue of $102 billion, while net income came in at $3.72 billion after taxes.

The automaker's recipe for success had everything to do with product, as sales jumped 19 percent compared to 2009 numbers. The automaker moved 4.185 million vehicles in total, up over 600,000 units versus the prior year. The automaker's China sales were also quite successful, with a 35.5 percent increase year over year.

Nissan managed hefty profits in spite of the March 11 earthquake in Japan, which contributed to many production disruptions. Results for the fiscal fourth quarter were down considerably to $380 million; a trend that is likely to continue as Nissan continues to struggle to get its plants running at full capacity again.

NISSAN POSTS OPERATING PROFIT OF 537.5 BILLION YEN FOR FY10
Record global sales; Nissan LEAF heralds start of affordable zero-emission mobility

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced financial results for the fiscal year 2010, ending March 31, 2011, and filed the following results with the Tokyo Stock Exchange:

Net revenues of 8.7731 trillion yen (US $102.37 billion, euro 77.57 billion);
Operating profit of 537.5 billion yen (US $6.27 billion, euro 4.75 billion);
Ordinary profit of 537.8 billion yen (US $6.28 billion, euro 4.76 billion); and
Net income of 319.2 billion yen (US $3.72 billion, euro 2.82 billion).

In fiscal year 2010, Nissan's global sales reached a record-high level. In a year when the total industry volume was up 12.6% - from 64.5 million units in fiscal 2009 to 72.6 million worldwide in fiscal 2010 - Nissan's global sales increased 19.1%. Vehicle sales grew from 3.515 million to 4.185 million units. For the full year, overall global market share stood at 5.8%.

"Fiscal year 2010 was a record year for Nissan in terms of sales and growth," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Our recovery efforts were effective, and new models launched in the second half - including the all-electric Nissan LEAF - boosted our brand and sales power in the world's major markets."

In fiscal year 2010, 10 all-new products were released by Nissan globally: Juke, Elgrand, Serena, Moco, Infiniti QX, Quest, Murano CrossCabriolet, NV series, Sunny and the zero-emission Nissan LEAF.

Nissan sold a total of 4,185,000 vehicles worldwide in fiscal year 2010, a 19.1% increase compared with the prior year. Sales in China, Nissan's largest single market worldwide, reached a record 1,024,000 units, a 35.5% increase. In North America, sales were 1,245,000 units, up 16.6%; United States sales were 966,000 units, up 17.3%. Across Europe, sales were 607,000 units, up 19.3%. In Japan, sales were 600,000 units, down 4.7%. Other markets totaled 709,000 units, up 28.2%.

"The March 11 earthquake in Japan significantly disrupted our operations, but Nissan is once again proving its resilience in the face of adversity," said Ghosn. "We have repeatedly demonstrated our experience in recovering short-term performance while protecting strategic, long-term priorities. Although the effects of this tragedy continue to affect our operations, we are poised for a robust recovery."

Note 1: On February 9, 2011, Nissan filed the following forecast with the Tokyo Stock Exchange, based on foreign exchange rates of 85.4 yen/dollar and 112.5 yen/euro, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011:

Net revenues of 8.8 trillion yen (US $103.04 billion, euro 78.22 billion);
Operating profit of 535 billion yen (US $6.26 billion, euro 4.76 billion);
Ordinary profit of 530 billion yen (US $6.21 billion, euro 4.71 billion); and
Net income of 315 billion yen (US $3.69 billion, euro 2.80 billion).

Note 2: Amounts in dollars and euros for the results are translated for the convenience of the reader at foreign exchange rates of 85.7 yen/dollar and 113.1 yen/euro, the average rates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/nissan-earns-6-27b-in-cy-2010/

Announcing our NEW Auto Glass Repair & Replacement Division!

Announcing our NEW Automotive Glass Repair and Replacement Division at Dick Scott Collision - Motor Mall in Fowlerville!

We are excited to offer Auto Glass Repair and replacement! Visit our Collision Center website for more details all we can offer you during your next Collision Repair or Auto Glass Replacement AND Repair!!

We're Giving Away $5,000!!!

We are at it Again!!

Not only are we saving you money on your next car by giving you your "Best Shot" Deal, but we are also giving away $5,000!

The first 100 customers who purchase ANY vehicle from Dick Scott Motor Mall will be eligible to WIN! $5,000 Cash could ALL be yours; just take delivery of your next vehicle by May 31st, 2011. Drawing will be held June 1st, 2011. Who couldn't use some extra cash? Use it for your summer vacation, that New landscaping you been dreaming of, anything you want it is all yours just for being one of our Great Customers!!

Someone is going to WIN, why not make it YOU?

Click Here to see Dick Scott Motor Mall's December 2010 Holiday Cash Winner!

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a summer blood drive at the Plymouth City Hall on Friday, June 3rd.

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a summer blood drive at the Plymouth City Hall on Friday, June 3rd.  

Save a Life ! There is always a need for blood and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

If you come to donate blood in the City Hall Blood Drive there will be a raffle for a pair of CEDAR POINT TICKETS.  In addition, you will be entered into a summer blood donor raffle for a $3,000 GASOLINE CARD!!! 


BLOOD DRIVE INFORMATION:

WHO:          American Red Cross Blood Drive

WHEN:        Friday, June 3rd

TIME:          1:00 â?? 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:     Plymouth City Hall 
                   201 S. Main Street
                   Plymouth, MI 48170


FOR PRIORITY APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING ONLINE...

Visit www.redcrossblood.org   and ENTER SPONSOR CODE-- PCH



*WALK-IN'S are also welcome!*

16 year olds can now donate in Michigan with parent consent!

If you haven't donated within 56 days as of June 3rd, you are eligible. For all other questions on eligibility call 866-236-3276 .

Facebook page seeks to return items to tornado victims - CNN.com

(CNN) -- A group on Facebook has created a page to try to link victims of Thursday's tornadoes with photos, documents and other personal effects blown away in the storm.

The page, called "Pictures and Documents found after the April 27, 2011 Tornadoes," lets members post photographs of things they've found, along with their e-mail addresses, in the hopes that items of value may be reunited with their owners.

The page was created Wednesday evening. As of Friday at 5:30 p.m., it had more than 50,000 "likes" and displayed more than 600 images of found items, including a child's Raggedy Ann blanket; a Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, mortgage document; and an ultrasound image of a fetus.

The description of the page's purpose is simple:

"Please post pictures or pictures of other items that were found as debris after the 4/27/2011 tornadoes," it reads. "Please leave a brief description of how someone can find you if they identify pictures or items that belong to them."

The missing items were presumably blown away by the storms that tore through Alabama and other Southeast states late Wednesday and early Thursday, killing more than 270 people and devastating entire towns and neighborhoods.

A CNN iReporter posted this photo of a teddy bear lying in debris in tornado-ravaged Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The page's creator, Patty Bullion, said the inspiration for it came when the worst of Wednesday's storm flew pastabout 10 miles from her home in northern Alabama.

"When it went over us, it literally just started raining pictures," she said. "We got parts of Bibles, hymnals. ... I just started saying, 'There are parts of people's lives falling out of the sky.' "

Bullion said that, as of Thursday afternoon, 13 documents had been identified and were on their way to their owners.

But the items posted to Facebook have another, less practical purpose. When viewed as a gallery, the images combine to create an oddly stirring testament to the power of the destructive storms and the lives they affected.

A group of young soldiers in desert camouflage poses for the camera in one photo. Another is a scratched and apparently rain-dotted shot of a beauty queen and her mother.

One signed yearbook page, apparently from the '60s, shows a group of boys eyeing a female classmate. A snapshot of a shredded receipt from Smithville, Mississippi, was posted by a user in Franklin County, Alabama.

"You just know these are prized possessions to people," said Bullion, who had planned to begin work at a local council on aging this week before getting delayed by the storms.

"If they've lost everything and could just get one picture back, I know that would mean a lot to me."

Sometimes, the poignancy on the Facebook page is direct.

One photo shows a signed 1981 check for $29.40, made out to Farmer's Supply Co. Then, in the photo's comment section, this:

"This check belongs to my brother in law's father. (The signer of the check) passed away in the tornado. I know it would mean alot to his son and wife to get that back."

Another user's raw emotions were apparent in her post about a photograph of a shredded receipt.

I am praying for (the person whose name was on the receipt)," she wrote. "I don't know him but I am praying he is safe. I found this receipt in my front yard this morning. I live 58 miles away in Crestline in Birmingham.

"Alabamians are suffering and displaced and I pray that they find a way to put it all back together again. I don't know if this is important for him, but it has affected me deeply."

Anyone who has found valuable personal items in the aftermath of the tornadoes may also post photos or video of them to CNN iReport.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/04/28/tornado.lost.facebook/index.html

2011 Jeep Wrangler Renegade | Jeep

If you couldnâ??t clear your schedule to be in Moab, Utah last week, donâ??t sweat it. We were able to get the entire scoop on the six special models that enthusiasts were drooling over at the 2011 Moab Easter Jeep® Safari, one bearing a legendary name scrawled across its hood: Renegade.
 
All of you who love the 1972 CJ5 Renegade will find a lot to get excited about in this new one-off effort from Jeep and Moparâ??starting with the Street and Racing Team (SRT) engineered 475-horsepower, 6.4-liter HEMI® engine. Yeah, we said 475 horsepower. But the hits donâ??t stop there: a 6-speed manual transmission sends the power to a Dynatrac ProRock44 front axle and ProRock 60 rear axle with ARB air lockers and 4.10 gears. The new Renegade gets its rock on atop an AEV/Nth Degree 4-inch lift kit and 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw radials. Weâ??ll let that sink in for a moment while you lament not being able to walk into your local Jeep® dealer and buy oneâ?¦
 
Okâ??moment over, moving on. The Renegade brings back styling cues like the bikini top and a half-door kit. Rock rails and Warnâ??s new 9.5 CTi series winch mounted on the front protect and assist you during your adventures (not that youâ??ll need any help, of course). The Katzkin interior can be found in the Mopar catalog and the black-and-gold paint is straight out of the Renegadeâ??s glorious past. We brought the rocks, the trails and the Renegade; your turn to bring the Foghat and Zeppelin.
See you on the trails. Letâ??s rock.
 
*This post discusses off-road driving. The vehicle featured has been modified with non-standard equipment. Rock crawling and off-road driving are inherently dangerous activities. All participants in the activity assumed the risk of off-road driving. Always take proper precautions and exercise discretion before attempting off-road driving, including, without limitation, driving within your ability and experience, using appropriate harnessing devices and having proper safety gear ready.
http://blog.jeep.com/2011/04/26/2011-jeep-wrangler-renegade/

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - "Hide and Seek" Commercial

	2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - "Hide and Seek" Commercial The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and its 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 offers best-in-class driving range of more than 500 miles per tank.	From:thejeepchannel Views:142 9ratings
	Time:00:33	More inAutos & Vehicles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2OncTEBIgQ&feature=youtube_gdata

We are doing our part to be "Green"

Waiting too long for Gas can be Costly

AAA Reminds Motorists of Hazards of Running Out of Gas

As fuel prices continue to climb, drivers pushing gas tanks to their limits could end up with costly repair bills in addition to putting themselves in potentially dangerous situations.


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AAA "Gas Watcher's Guide"

With gas prices nearing record levels, motorists who attempt to stretch a tank of gas too far could end up stranded at the roadside. AAA cautions drivers that allowing their car to run out of fuel can not only put them in a potentially dangerous situation, but also could result in costly repair bills.

â??We realize some motorists are trying to be resourceful and delay fuel expenditures by driving their car until the gas tank is nearly empty, but this can sometimes do more harm than good,â?? said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair, Buying Services and Consumer Information.

Potential Costly Repairs from Running on Empty

Running a vehicle extremely low on fuel may cause sediment in the bottom of the tank to clog the fuel pump pickup, the fuel filter or even the fuel injectors. In addition, when a minimum level of fuel is not maintained it could cause the electric fuel pump inside the tank to overheat. The cost to replace that one component alone can be $500 or more in parts and labor.

Dangers of Running Out of Gas

Running out of gas also can put the personal safety of a motorist and their passengers in jeopardy should the vehicle suddenly become immobilized on the roadway. â??Power steering and brakes can be lost when the engine dies, and drivers can end up stranded in the middle of a busy highway without the ability to move their vehicle. Fortunately, out-of-gas situations are completely avoidable just by keeping an eye on the fuel gauge,â?? noted Nielsen.

Finding the Lowest Priced Gas before Hitting E

AAA recommends drivers always maintain at least a quarter tank of fuel. â??We understand everyone today is looking to save money by finding the lowest priced gas before they fill up. AAA can help in that quest with several free tools drivers can use to plan their fill ups in advance so they both save money and avoid running out of gas,â?? explained Nielsen.

Both the TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com and the free AAA TripTik Mobile iPhone app can help drivers plan efficient routes for errands and locate the best places to stop for gas along the way. And on the go, AAA TripTik Mobile provides motorists with turn-by-turn navigation and audible directions. Both tools allow drivers to compare frequently updated fuel costs at gas stations near their location.

Safe, Smart Ways to Save on Gas

Rather than stretching their fuel supply too far, AAA urges motorists to make a few simple changes in their driving habits that can greatly improve fuel economy.

â??Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, accelerate gently rather than making a â??jack rabbitâ?? start,â?? said Nielsen.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can reduce a carâ??s fuel economy up to 33 percent.

Speed also is a key factor in conserving fuel. The fuel efficiency of most vehicles decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. â??Every additional 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Take it easy on the road and youâ??ll see a tremendous savings at the pump,â?? added Nielsen.

AAA offers more than 40 ways motorists can reduce the amount of fuel they consume in its â??Gas Watchers Guideâ?? available online at AAA.com/PublicAffairs.

As North Americaâ??s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.
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