The Batmobile Actually Exists in Dubai

This is really someone's personal vehicle that they drive daily. An excellent replica of Tim Burton's Batmobile (unless it's actually the real thing). Dubai has a few things to brag about; palm tree shaped land, ridiculously expensive condos, thriving businesses and now, they're the proud owners of the Batmobile. I'm not being sarcastic either - Dubai is really, really cool.

Via Jalopnik.com

Why the apocalypse will not be happening in 2012

If you're nervous about the world ending in December, here's a video that may ease your anxiety. The guy who does these videos (C.G.P. Grey) is either a genius or an amazing researcher (or both), because his entire YouTube channel is a slew of videos that explain, well, everything - and do it in fine detail.

He has quite the variety, too; from how caucuses and primaries work, to what the difference is between Great Britain and England (I pretended to know this for a long time until I watched the video and now, thankfully, know the truth). Check out his video that explains the foundation behind our near-future "apocalypse" and how it's unlikely that it will really happen - at least in December of 2012.

Image courtesy of islandcrisis.net

The Five Hardest Jobs to Fill in 2012

2012 is going to be a big year for start-up companies - as it was in 2011. Here is a list of the five most competitive jobs that are both highest in demand, and most difficult to fill:

1. Software Engineers and Web Developers

There is a huge need for this position and not near enough the people to fill the positions available. Companies are struggling finding a good amount of technological engineers.

2. Creative Design and User Experience

This is extremely important to companies because they're trying to encompass a user experience that's effective and inviting to potential customers.

3. Product Management

Since companies (especially new ones) are getting more technologically complex, it's difficult for them to find people who have relative experience with their product.

4. Marketing

The new-age marketing is much different from the marketing we've known up until recently. Now, there is a high demand for marketers who fluently understand (and know how to effectively use) social media, content development and viral web traffic.

5. Analytics

Since there are plentiful ways to measure customer's experiences and practices online; there are plenty of stats to show a company what methods they use actually work. People who can analyze this data and use it to benefit the company are extremely valuable.

If you're interested in reading the full article, go to Inc.com

If you're talented in one of these fields, go to Craigslist

Five Most Common Engine Light Causes

Believe it or not - I got this information from an article on Lifehacker. But don't worry, they're wise people over there and they do know what they're talking about. Here is a list of the five most common reasons why your engine light will turn on, and what to do about it.

1. Replace Oxygen Sensor

What it is: This is the part of your vehicle that helps monitor how much fuel is burned; "Over time, the sensor gets covered in oil ash and it reduces the sensors ability to change the oxygen and fuel mixture. A faulty sensor not only reduces gas mileage, it also increase emissions.

How to fix it: This is something that needs to be taken care of right away, but you can do it yourself to avoid extra costs (taking it to a shop can cost you about $200). Check out your owner's menu, which should show you how to unclip it and replace it with a new one. For a video on how to do it yourself, click here.

2. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap

What it is: When your gas cap is loose or cracked, it causes fuel vapors to leak out.

How to fix it: As long as your car isn't feeling jerky and is seemingly running smoothly, this is the first thing you should check. Pull over and tighten it, and if that doesn't solve your engine light problem, you can purchase a new gas cap for about $3 - just take the old one off, and put the new one one.

3. Replace Catalytic Converter

What it is: Your catalytic converter's job is to reduce exhaust gases, so when it's faulty you may notice a decrease in gas mileage, or your car will fail to accelerate when you push the gas pedal.

How to fix it: Unfortunately, this isn't really a do it yourself option, and can be very pricey (up to $2,000). Ultimately if it fails completely your car will stop running. And until it's fixed your gas mileage will suffer immensely.

4. Replace Mass Airflow Sensor

What it is: Based on the air coming through the engine, the mass airflow sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper appropriate of fuel. Problems occur when your air filter is installed improperly, or badly needs a change.

How to fix it: You can drive with this issue without real risk, but your gas mileage will decrease and your vehicle will stall frequently. This typically costs about $200-$300, and while it's possible to do on your own, it's better to have it done by a mechanic so as to not run into the issue again.

5. Replace Spark Plugs and Wires

What it is: Your spark plugs and wires should be replaced about every 25,000-30,000 miles, and never more than 100,000 miles. "The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gab for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine. When the plugs are failing, the spark plugs misfire. You'll feel a little jolt in your car's acceleration when this happens."

How to fix it: This is a simple enough fix to do on your own, and should be done immediately for the betterment of your vehicle. Watch the video below for how to do it yourself.

To read the full article, click here to go to Lifehacker.

Mitsubishi Hints About Geneva Debut

Mitsubishi continues to drop a few hints about what vehicle they'll be featuring at the Geneva auto show in March. To the right is a teaser picture, which shows similarity to the PX-MiEV II SUV concept they unveiled at the Tokyo auto show in November.

Mitsubishi general design manager Hiroaki Ohtsuka said that the new vehicle "reflects a gradual transformation in Mitsubishi design language."

People are guessing that it will be the new Mitsubishi Outlander, but Mitsubishi hasn't confirmed this. They said they're switching gears (if you will) from SUV development, to focusing on the environmental aspects of driving. They said that their goal is for hybrid and electric vehicles to account for 20 percent of their sales by 2020.

Information and picture courtesy of Automotive News, click here to read the full article.

The new gasoline alternative: Seaweed?

Gizmodo just posted this article about a lab that has found a microbe that uses very little energy to convert the sugars in edible seaweed to ethanol. The article says that using seaweed could only really account for 1 percent of the nation's gasoline - but if it works, how bad of an idea can it be?

Gizmodo touches on the simple facts that actually make this a great idea;

1. Seaweed is grown underwater, so it wouldn't take up any crop space above ground
2. It grows without fertilizer or irrigation
3. It doesn't require much energy to turn into fuel
4. Biofuels (the future alternative to fuel) are extremely expensive and difficult to make


Personally, I'd like to know who thinks of these things. Of course there are people with scientific backgrounds who spend their lives coming up with genius ideas to make the rest of our lives easier and more efficient - but seaweed? fuel? seaweed-fuel? Very impressive.

Check out the article at Gizmodo.com, or if you want the full scientific article, check it out on Scientific American.

Gary Olney's story of his antique cars

Here's an article that the Burlington Free Press printed this morning about a man named Gary Olney and his plethora of antique cars. He says that each car has a story behind it, and indeed goes on to tell a few of those stories in the article.

Olney has a real passion for antique vehicles. It's amazing to see someone who has put so much work into these cars and finds so much love in what he does. He seems to have a real connection to each one; and in fact says that most of the cars he owns were originally his father's, and have been around since he was just ten years old.

Check out the full article at the Burlington Free Press to see a fellow Vermonter and fellow vehicle enthusiast.

All information, including the picture, courtesy of the Burlington Free Press.

How to: Organize and Personalize your Desktop

Lifehacker posted this video to show how to organize and personalize your desktop. The video shows how to do it in Photoshop, but you can do it on any other photo editing software too. Basically, you choose your own background image and make labeled "shapes" that you can drag your desktop icons on to. Sounds a little bit confusing, but it took me about ten minutes to do - it's really simple!

The picture is the finished product of mine. Kind of feminine... but of course you can choose your own background, color schemes and font. Check out the video below and please feel free to post if you have any questions. Enjoy.

It's Electric!

Mitsubishi is just releasing its first electric vehicle to retail customers. Sales have just begun in Hawaii and are beginning in the West Coast now.

The Mitsubishi i is said to cost the driver just $550 dollars a year. The best part - is that it only costs about $21,000. Not too bad when mixed nicely with its annual cost to drive. The i is said to go roughly 62.3 miles for each charge depending on whether the user is on the city or the highway.

For more info, check out the full article at blogs.cars.com

How-to completely customize your iDevices

Here is a really cool article on how to completely customize your iPhone, both on the inside and the outside. Learn how to change your icons, background and lock screen - among many other things.

This article gives you ways to change your iPhone after you "jailbreak" it (a process in which you disengage your phone from its current Apple limitations), but also gives you alternatives to edit and personalize your phone settings without going as far as to actually "jailbreak" it.

Check out the full article and complete directions for customization - click here for How to Customize Your iPhone, Inside and Out.