Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
TLR BEST BET: "FUEL"; DOCUMENTARY, OPENING FEB 13, IS A MUST-SEE OSCAR-WORTHY JOY THAT INSPIRES, EDUCATES AND MAY JUST "FUEL" A REVOLUTION
Event/Film Review by Don Rose
Go see "Fuel"! In theatres! This weekend if possible! Spread the word!
Why am I so excited? Read on...
The new documentary "Fuel" was screened at a special VIP event February 11th to a lively crowd of folks who, after braving the cold temps to watch the film, gave it rousing cheers. A panel discussion followed, moderated by the host of Air America's "Hollywood Clout" talk show, Richard Greene, featuring the film's director, Josh Tickell, as well as actor Peter Fonda. The event was held in the perfect spot (Brentwood's Conserv Fuel station, which sells both old-school gasoline and its better-for-environment cousin featured in "Fuel", Bio Diesel). During the evening, libations were served (including drinks from one of The LA Report's favorite companies, Steaz - love their Peach Ice Tea!), as well as samplings of hot tea, healthy savory snacks and sweet treats. Other celebs and notables in attendance, in addition to Greene and Fonda, included actor James Cromwell, and Lisa Garr, host of KPFK's excellent program, The Aware Show (http://www.theawareshow.com/).
The LA Report highly recommends that everyone go see this film, and tell ten others to do the same. This weekend is the best time to go, for at least 3 reasons: (1) the director will be appearing here in LA, and it is inspiring to hear Josh speak; (2) a strong opening weekend box office will help keep the film in theatres, and (3) big tix sales will show Hollywood that audiences are hungering for this kind of movie experience: enlightening while entertaining, informative while inspirational.
To convey a sense of this film's importance and quality, I consider "Fuel" to be a cinematic soul-brother to "An Inconvenient Truth" and every bit its equal (one of that film's producers, Laurie David, even appears in "Fuel"). Tickell's film also deserves to follow the same path as "...Truth" to win the Oscar for Best Documentary. To go a bit further with this analogy, "Fuel" could be considered the intellectual heir of "An Inconvenient Truth" and "Fahrenheit 911", integrating and inheriting some of the techniques, controversies and narrative power of both films into a new whole. I think we will look back at these three films as this decade's daringest documentaries, and its most politically potent. The top trio of the "Oh-Oh" years.
While all three of these docs are highly entertaining while conveying important information, "Fuel" strikes me as a bit more concrete and hopeful. It not only packs Bio-Diesel-truckloads of information for us to learn, but masterfully illustrates concrete steps that we the people, as well as cutting edge companies, can take and are already taking to solve the immense problems we face in the arena of power generation and consumption. BioDiesel, BioMass, Solar, Plugin Hybrids, Wind, even a kind of "Algae Energy" -- all these technologies are presented and shown to be viable options NOW, TODAY, not in some nebulous future. Even the end credits are packed with specific steps we can take to make a better world. By film's end, I felt for the first time that, my God, these persistent questions of can-we-get-off-polluting-fuels and what-ways-work actually have a positive answer: a combination of existing technologies that bright minds are already putting to work. It's not pie-in-the-sky Polly-Anna pipe dreams, it's real working solutions that come together to show how we can get off polluting power for good and get on with the green memes -- solutions already proven to be an economically plausible path to a sustainable world.
In short, "Fuel" shows us what our best and brightest future can be. We just have to claim it. Other countries are doing it (Sweden, for one, plans to be totally off fossil fuels by 2020 -- talk about 20/20 vision), and we can join the conscious caravan too. "Fuel" shows us the roadmap, and inspires us by showing we can get to the desired destination, powered by a combination of private investment plus more intelligent use of government resources (like, say, no more $300 million per day for an Iraq war that only gives us access to foolish fuels that kill us, for instance).
So, big kudos to director Josh Tickell for a stellar achievement, one which may just "Fuel" a revolution in our thinking about how we can solve our energy woes while also saving the planet -- and ourselves. Everyone should see this film. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
In fact, Peter Fonda proposed a great idea during the post-screening panel. He plans to buy lots of tickets and give them to friends so they can see this great movie. Smart idea. By pre-buying packs of passes, he can boost ticket sales opening weekend while making it easier for his friends to see the film. Just the kind of win-win idea this film is filled with. And with Valentine's Day arriving the day after "Fuel" opens, I can't think of a better gift for one's loved ones.
Special thanks to Dawna Shuman and Nicole Landers, who put on a great event, as they always do; they have earned a well-deserved reputation as the preeminent PR team for green-oriented eco-conscious events in Los Angeles.
Feb. 13, 2009: opening day for documentary "Fuel". Check local listings for times and locations. Website: www.theFUELfilm.com. Film features director Josh Tickell as well as Woody Harrelson, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Julia Roberts, Richard Branson, Larry Hagman and more in an intellectual and emotional powerhouse that is a cinematic cousin to "An Inconvenient Truth," "Fahrenheit 911" and "Who Killed the Electric Car." A TLR BEST BET.
Go see "Fuel"! In theatres! This weekend if possible! Spread the word!
Why am I so excited? Read on...
The new documentary "Fuel" was screened at a special VIP event February 11th to a lively crowd of folks who, after braving the cold temps to watch the film, gave it rousing cheers. A panel discussion followed, moderated by the host of Air America's "Hollywood Clout" talk show, Richard Greene, featuring the film's director, Josh Tickell, as well as actor Peter Fonda. The event was held in the perfect spot (Brentwood's Conserv Fuel station, which sells both old-school gasoline and its better-for-environment cousin featured in "Fuel", Bio Diesel). During the evening, libations were served (including drinks from one of The LA Report's favorite companies, Steaz - love their Peach Ice Tea!), as well as samplings of hot tea, healthy savory snacks and sweet treats. Other celebs and notables in attendance, in addition to Greene and Fonda, included actor James Cromwell, and Lisa Garr, host of KPFK's excellent program, The Aware Show (http://www.theawareshow.com/).
The LA Report highly recommends that everyone go see this film, and tell ten others to do the same. This weekend is the best time to go, for at least 3 reasons: (1) the director will be appearing here in LA, and it is inspiring to hear Josh speak; (2) a strong opening weekend box office will help keep the film in theatres, and (3) big tix sales will show Hollywood that audiences are hungering for this kind of movie experience: enlightening while entertaining, informative while inspirational.
To convey a sense of this film's importance and quality, I consider "Fuel" to be a cinematic soul-brother to "An Inconvenient Truth" and every bit its equal (one of that film's producers, Laurie David, even appears in "Fuel"). Tickell's film also deserves to follow the same path as "...Truth" to win the Oscar for Best Documentary. To go a bit further with this analogy, "Fuel" could be considered the intellectual heir of "An Inconvenient Truth" and "Fahrenheit 911", integrating and inheriting some of the techniques, controversies and narrative power of both films into a new whole. I think we will look back at these three films as this decade's daringest documentaries, and its most politically potent. The top trio of the "Oh-Oh" years.
While all three of these docs are highly entertaining while conveying important information, "Fuel" strikes me as a bit more concrete and hopeful. It not only packs Bio-Diesel-truckloads of information for us to learn, but masterfully illustrates concrete steps that we the people, as well as cutting edge companies, can take and are already taking to solve the immense problems we face in the arena of power generation and consumption. BioDiesel, BioMass, Solar, Plugin Hybrids, Wind, even a kind of "Algae Energy" -- all these technologies are presented and shown to be viable options NOW, TODAY, not in some nebulous future. Even the end credits are packed with specific steps we can take to make a better world. By film's end, I felt for the first time that, my God, these persistent questions of can-we-get-off-polluting-fuels and what-ways-work actually have a positive answer: a combination of existing technologies that bright minds are already putting to work. It's not pie-in-the-sky Polly-Anna pipe dreams, it's real working solutions that come together to show how we can get off polluting power for good and get on with the green memes -- solutions already proven to be an economically plausible path to a sustainable world.
In short, "Fuel" shows us what our best and brightest future can be. We just have to claim it. Other countries are doing it (Sweden, for one, plans to be totally off fossil fuels by 2020 -- talk about 20/20 vision), and we can join the conscious caravan too. "Fuel" shows us the roadmap, and inspires us by showing we can get to the desired destination, powered by a combination of private investment plus more intelligent use of government resources (like, say, no more $300 million per day for an Iraq war that only gives us access to foolish fuels that kill us, for instance).
So, big kudos to director Josh Tickell for a stellar achievement, one which may just "Fuel" a revolution in our thinking about how we can solve our energy woes while also saving the planet -- and ourselves. Everyone should see this film. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
In fact, Peter Fonda proposed a great idea during the post-screening panel. He plans to buy lots of tickets and give them to friends so they can see this great movie. Smart idea. By pre-buying packs of passes, he can boost ticket sales opening weekend while making it easier for his friends to see the film. Just the kind of win-win idea this film is filled with. And with Valentine's Day arriving the day after "Fuel" opens, I can't think of a better gift for one's loved ones.
Special thanks to Dawna Shuman and Nicole Landers, who put on a great event, as they always do; they have earned a well-deserved reputation as the preeminent PR team for green-oriented eco-conscious events in Los Angeles.
Feb. 13, 2009: opening day for documentary "Fuel". Check local listings for times and locations. Website: www.theFUELfilm.com. Film features director Josh Tickell as well as Woody Harrelson, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Julia Roberts, Richard Branson, Larry Hagman and more in an intellectual and emotional powerhouse that is a cinematic cousin to "An Inconvenient Truth," "Fahrenheit 911" and "Who Killed the Electric Car." A TLR BEST BET.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
NEW VIDEOGAME, "NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER", NOW IN STORES
by Don Rose
No matter what the state of our economy happens to be, there is one industry that never seems to slow down in terms of growth year after year: videogames! Every year brings more splashy debuts of hot new games, and now this week brings the latest lavish launch - Need For Speed: Undercover. Yes, the highly anticipated videogame is now in stores, as of 11.18.08. You can learn more about Need For Speed: Undercover at their website, http://www.needforspeed.com/.
Plus, for you gamers who want to dig even deeper, there is another site where you can check out video coverage of Need For Speed: Undercover, including producer interviews, game trailers, as well as developer commentary: http://www.gametrailers.com/game/9796.html.
EA Games is even hosting a big red-carpet launch party and car exhibition this Thursday to further promote the launch of this new game. The private invite-only Need For Speed event, taking place in Los Angeles, is perfectly timed on the eve of the upcoming LA Auto Show, the annual car confab which begins this weekend.
So, if you're feeling that Need For Speed, make sure to check out this new game, now in stores everywhere. It's sure to get your blood... racing.
No matter what the state of our economy happens to be, there is one industry that never seems to slow down in terms of growth year after year: videogames! Every year brings more splashy debuts of hot new games, and now this week brings the latest lavish launch - Need For Speed: Undercover. Yes, the highly anticipated videogame is now in stores, as of 11.18.08. You can learn more about Need For Speed: Undercover at their website, http://www.needforspeed.com/.
Plus, for you gamers who want to dig even deeper, there is another site where you can check out video coverage of Need For Speed: Undercover, including producer interviews, game trailers, as well as developer commentary: http://www.gametrailers.com/game/9796.html.
EA Games is even hosting a big red-carpet launch party and car exhibition this Thursday to further promote the launch of this new game. The private invite-only Need For Speed event, taking place in Los Angeles, is perfectly timed on the eve of the upcoming LA Auto Show, the annual car confab which begins this weekend.So, if you're feeling that Need For Speed, make sure to check out this new game, now in stores everywhere. It's sure to get your blood... racing.
Monday, September 1, 2008
SEP 7-12: GREAT AMERICAN RUN ROAD RALLY PROMISES UNIQUE DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND CHANCE TO WIN A MILLION; KICKOFF BENEFIT PARTY AT PLAYBOY MANSION
The Drive of Your Life! 2nd Annual Great American Run Offers Potential Cash Prize of One Million Dollars
The infamous Great American Run road rally is scheduled to set the USA a blaze when it departs Los Angeles, California on September 7, 2008. The event will conclude with a celebratory final night party in Los Angeles on September 12th.
“This is a driving experience like no other in the world which provides the drivers and co-drivers with one hell of a ride,” says event organizer, Tim Porter. The guaranteed starting cash prize has already been set at ($100,000.00) one hundred thousand USD and could rise to an incredible one million dollars contingent upon the number of entries.
The 2007 Great American Run was a huge success with over 140 cars of all makes and models participating. A television film crew documented the entire crazy event, with the DVD set for release soon. Timothy S. Durham, CEO of Indianapolis, Indiana based Obsidian Enterprises, Inc., was a 2007 competitor. Durham liked the event so much he bought into the Great American Run company and now works alongside Porter. Durham commented, “The 2007 event was amazing and I enjoyed every octane filled moment. To witness over one hundred and forty cars travel across the States was exciting, challenging and always very entertaining. I’m passionate about cars and humbled to participate in this type of event. You feel as though you’re making a part of history.”
The 2008 Great American Run route will be kept strictly confidential by the event organizers, however based upon previous Runs it’s guaranteed to be challenging, exhausting and downright whacky. Porter has a long pedigree in establishing road rallies. He has successfully conducted six annual events in Europe and is now firmly established in the USA. Porter said, “The 2008 Great American Run promises to be very exciting and filled with surprises along the way. We knew we had a success on our hands during the 2007 event and now having Durham on board is fantastic. He has an immense flair for business which will hugely compliment my attitude of achieving the impossible.”
Route checkpoints will be staffed by gorgeous “Checkpoint Chicks” and an independent timing specialist company. These checkpoints are designed to avoid cheating and to log the daily performance of the vehicles. Each driver’s objective is to achieve an average speed of 61mph, which is no easy task. The event will also provide the entrants with wild parties, top notch dinners and luxury hotel accommodations.
This year's kickoff party will be held at the world famous Playboy Mansion West and will benefit the Children of the Night Charity. The event will be hosted by Holly, Bridget and Kendra of the hit reality show ‘The Girls Next Door’ with a special performance by Ludacris. The final night is a black-tie gala dinner where the massive cash prize will be awarded to the winner. The Great American Run is not about what you drive, it’s about how you drive and your individual approach to life and the risks you’re prepared to take.
If you’re up for the challenge, want to meet some like-minded car aficionados, or just want to be thoroughly thrilled and entertained, this is the event for you. You might win yourself one million dollars! The Great American Run has got guts, glamour and a real “go factor.”
If you’re a raging bull, a dancing horse, or just want a “gas of a time” contact the Great American Run organizers for more details. US toll free 1-800-619-8593, Tim Porter directly US 714-391-2486 or go to www.thegreatamericanrun.com. Sponsorship inquiries US toll free 1-866-890-2234.
The infamous Great American Run road rally is scheduled to set the USA a blaze when it departs Los Angeles, California on September 7, 2008. The event will conclude with a celebratory final night party in Los Angeles on September 12th.
“This is a driving experience like no other in the world which provides the drivers and co-drivers with one hell of a ride,” says event organizer, Tim Porter. The guaranteed starting cash prize has already been set at ($100,000.00) one hundred thousand USD and could rise to an incredible one million dollars contingent upon the number of entries.
The 2007 Great American Run was a huge success with over 140 cars of all makes and models participating. A television film crew documented the entire crazy event, with the DVD set for release soon. Timothy S. Durham, CEO of Indianapolis, Indiana based Obsidian Enterprises, Inc., was a 2007 competitor. Durham liked the event so much he bought into the Great American Run company and now works alongside Porter. Durham commented, “The 2007 event was amazing and I enjoyed every octane filled moment. To witness over one hundred and forty cars travel across the States was exciting, challenging and always very entertaining. I’m passionate about cars and humbled to participate in this type of event. You feel as though you’re making a part of history.”
The 2008 Great American Run route will be kept strictly confidential by the event organizers, however based upon previous Runs it’s guaranteed to be challenging, exhausting and downright whacky. Porter has a long pedigree in establishing road rallies. He has successfully conducted six annual events in Europe and is now firmly established in the USA. Porter said, “The 2008 Great American Run promises to be very exciting and filled with surprises along the way. We knew we had a success on our hands during the 2007 event and now having Durham on board is fantastic. He has an immense flair for business which will hugely compliment my attitude of achieving the impossible.”
Route checkpoints will be staffed by gorgeous “Checkpoint Chicks” and an independent timing specialist company. These checkpoints are designed to avoid cheating and to log the daily performance of the vehicles. Each driver’s objective is to achieve an average speed of 61mph, which is no easy task. The event will also provide the entrants with wild parties, top notch dinners and luxury hotel accommodations.
This year's kickoff party will be held at the world famous Playboy Mansion West and will benefit the Children of the Night Charity. The event will be hosted by Holly, Bridget and Kendra of the hit reality show ‘The Girls Next Door’ with a special performance by Ludacris. The final night is a black-tie gala dinner where the massive cash prize will be awarded to the winner. The Great American Run is not about what you drive, it’s about how you drive and your individual approach to life and the risks you’re prepared to take.
If you’re up for the challenge, want to meet some like-minded car aficionados, or just want to be thoroughly thrilled and entertained, this is the event for you. You might win yourself one million dollars! The Great American Run has got guts, glamour and a real “go factor.”
If you’re a raging bull, a dancing horse, or just want a “gas of a time” contact the Great American Run organizers for more details. US toll free 1-800-619-8593, Tim Porter directly US 714-391-2486 or go to www.thegreatamericanrun.com. Sponsorship inquiries US toll free 1-866-890-2234.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
TESLA MOTORS GRAND OPENING: EVs FOR THE UPPER CRUST COMBINE LOTUS-LIKE LOOKS WITH SUSTAINABILITY; LET YOUR WILD SIDE SHINE, WESTSIDE RIDE IN STYLE!
Event Report
Ready to drop six figures on a clean ride? Want to see how the rich and famous roll green? Check out the Tesla EV. Showroom now open at 11163 Santa Monica Blvd, in West LA; to schedule a test drive, call 310.473.8337. The very-high-performance (and high expectation-laden) electric car is ready to drive. It looks like a Lotus with fast acceleration (0-60 in 3.9 seconds) and superb sound system. More info at www.teslamotors.com. Below is a report from the showroom opening party, excerpted from the Sustainable Transport Club newsletter produced by Speakers Press:
Wow! I just got home from Tesla's grand opening of their first ever store located on the west side of LA, hard against the 405 freeway on Santa Monica Blvd. We've been anticipating this moment for some time, and we were not disappointed. As it was rush hour on the west side, which means driving is not any faster than walking, I chose to leave my beautiful wife the RAV while I drove the Vectrix. The Vectrix being a motorcycle, I was able to lane split and so I was there in about 10 minutes.
I pulled up just as three beautiful Tesla Roadsters took off with excited passengers. Stefano Paris, Plug In America's resident documentarian, was shooting tape as I grabbed one of the Tesla parking spots, this being a very tough neighborhood in which to find parking. The party was just getting underway as I saw many friends including Chris Paine, Director of "Who Killed the Electric Car?" and Chelsea Sexton, Linda Nicholes and many more.
Lots of free drinks and food got folks in a great mood, but the rides in the Tesla were the real hit. It had been almost two full years since I rode in one of those phenomenal cars, so I was ready for another turn. The driver behaved himself on the side streets until he was able to get out on Sepulveda with no one in front of us for a couple of blocks. Bam! he hit the accelerator and the adrenaline shot through my body providing me with a jolt that my first martini couldn't begin to dampen. Time for a second. I spent a lot of time just bringing people to the Tesla line for a ride. It was so much fun watching them as they got out with that big grin on their faces. My favorite was Marvin Campbell's son. This kid was beside himself with glee as he got in, and even more so when he got out.
It was fun talking to Elon Musk, chair of Tesla and the president, Ze'ev Driori and his lovely wife, Carolyn. The new Tesla sales manager for SoCal, Jeremy seemed as pleased as you can imagine someone would be who just landed the plum job of selling these incredible machines. The ride home on the Vectrix was fun, but all I could think about was how can I get my hands on one of those Roadsters. Time to go to bed and sleep on it.
Paul Scott
******
Note: You can sign up to receive the Sustainable Transport Club newsletter by going to www.sustainableclub.org or calling 310-450-7419 or by emailing to main@sustainableclub.org. They also have a group discussion area at http://groups.google.com/group/sustainableclub?lnk=srg. Speakers Press produces this newsletter for the Sustainable Transport Club. You are encouraged to contribute articles that support developing sustainable transportation. Authors contribute electronic first serial rights only and retain all other rights. The newsletter is Copyright Speakers Press May 2008 - All rights reserved. You are authorized to electronically forward all or part provided this copyright notice is included.
Ready to drop six figures on a clean ride? Want to see how the rich and famous roll green? Check out the Tesla EV. Showroom now open at 11163 Santa Monica Blvd, in West LA; to schedule a test drive, call 310.473.8337. The very-high-performance (and high expectation-laden) electric car is ready to drive. It looks like a Lotus with fast acceleration (0-60 in 3.9 seconds) and superb sound system. More info at www.teslamotors.com. Below is a report from the showroom opening party, excerpted from the Sustainable Transport Club newsletter produced by Speakers Press:
Wow! I just got home from Tesla's grand opening of their first ever store located on the west side of LA, hard against the 405 freeway on Santa Monica Blvd. We've been anticipating this moment for some time, and we were not disappointed. As it was rush hour on the west side, which means driving is not any faster than walking, I chose to leave my beautiful wife the RAV while I drove the Vectrix. The Vectrix being a motorcycle, I was able to lane split and so I was there in about 10 minutes.
I pulled up just as three beautiful Tesla Roadsters took off with excited passengers. Stefano Paris, Plug In America's resident documentarian, was shooting tape as I grabbed one of the Tesla parking spots, this being a very tough neighborhood in which to find parking. The party was just getting underway as I saw many friends including Chris Paine, Director of "Who Killed the Electric Car?" and Chelsea Sexton, Linda Nicholes and many more.
Lots of free drinks and food got folks in a great mood, but the rides in the Tesla were the real hit. It had been almost two full years since I rode in one of those phenomenal cars, so I was ready for another turn. The driver behaved himself on the side streets until he was able to get out on Sepulveda with no one in front of us for a couple of blocks. Bam! he hit the accelerator and the adrenaline shot through my body providing me with a jolt that my first martini couldn't begin to dampen. Time for a second. I spent a lot of time just bringing people to the Tesla line for a ride. It was so much fun watching them as they got out with that big grin on their faces. My favorite was Marvin Campbell's son. This kid was beside himself with glee as he got in, and even more so when he got out.
It was fun talking to Elon Musk, chair of Tesla and the president, Ze'ev Driori and his lovely wife, Carolyn. The new Tesla sales manager for SoCal, Jeremy seemed as pleased as you can imagine someone would be who just landed the plum job of selling these incredible machines. The ride home on the Vectrix was fun, but all I could think about was how can I get my hands on one of those Roadsters. Time to go to bed and sleep on it.
Paul Scott
******
Note: You can sign up to receive the Sustainable Transport Club newsletter by going to www.sustainableclub.org or calling 310-450-7419 or by emailing to main@sustainableclub.org. They also have a group discussion area at http://groups.google.com/group/sustainableclub?lnk=srg. Speakers Press produces this newsletter for the Sustainable Transport Club. You are encouraged to contribute articles that support developing sustainable transportation. Authors contribute electronic first serial rights only and retain all other rights. The newsletter is Copyright Speakers Press May 2008 - All rights reserved. You are authorized to electronically forward all or part provided this copyright notice is included.
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