Source: jets.nhl.com

The worlds newest youtube sensation,  Winnipeg’s Maria Aragon, was supposed to fly out to Toronto yesterday for an interview on Virgin Radio 99.9 FM. Because of the blizzard we had yesterday, it ended up being a phone interview. Virgin radio surprised Maria by patching in Lady Gaga on the other line. It was a pretty sweet interview with some big upcoming event for Maria! Click here to listen to the interview.

The Infiniti line-up is set to expand this September with the introduction of the G25, a new entry-level sedan packing all the amenities of its bigger brother, but with less power and a budget-minded price tag.

By all outward appearances, the G25 is your standard G sedan with a new badge, but under the hood lies the same 2.5-liter V6 that’s been available in Japan since 2008. For an MSRP of $30,950, the G25 packs 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque channeled through a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox and – depending on the trim – can be had in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The standard G25, G25 Journey or G25x (AWD) come equipped with leather and power-adjustable seats, automatic climate control, six-speaker audio, 17-inch aluminum wheels, HID Xenon headlamps and the normal array of electo-nannies. An optional RearView monitor and dual-zone temperature control, along with heated front seats and outside mirrors, are available on the Journey.

All told, a completely maxed out G25 will set you back about the same amount of coin as a bone-stock G37 sedan – not a bad deal considering everything that’s included. Hit the jump for the full details and expect driving impressions late next month.

[Source: Infiniti]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/13/2011-infiniti-g25-arrives-stateside-priced-at-30-950/

Official Press Release

Infiniti G25 Sedan to Make U.S. Debut at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

- New 2.5-liter V6-Equipped G Sedan Priced at Under $31,000 M.S.R.P. USD -

Download image PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Infiniti today announced a new addition to the popular Infiniti G Line, the G25 Sedan, which features a 2.5-liter V6 engine. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in September, joining the Infiniti G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible. It will have a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of $30,950 USD.

- New 2.5-liter V6-Equipped G Sedan Priced at Under $31,000 M.S.R.P. USD -

Download image PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Infiniti today announced a new addition to the popular Infiniti G Line, the G25 Sedan, which features a 2.5-liter V6 engine. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in September, joining the Infiniti G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible. It will have a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of $30,950 USD.

source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infiniti-g25-sedan-to-make-us-debut-at-pebble-beach-concours-delegance-100616924.html

McDonalds Buttermilk Biscuit

Do I need to say more? The title explains it all! Yes, if you haven’t seen the signs and billboards all over the city, McDonalds is giving away deliscious buttermilk biscuits on February 9 & 10. Limit 1 per customer.

2011 Infinity M37

Mitsubishi is reportedly considering selling a rebadged version of the Infiniti M sedan in order to fill its void of premium offerings in its home market of Japan. However, Automotive News notes that Mitsubishi’s President, Osamu Masuko, has stated that the automaker will not leverage manufacturing deals with other companies in order to expand its lineup here in the United States, so don’t expect to see a Mitsu-branded Infiniti on our shores anytime soon.

Mitsubishi’s last endeavor into the luxury sedan market was with the Diamante – a car that suffered from lackluster sales numbers during its run throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Due to Mitsubishi’s financial woes during the mid-2000s, luxury car development was put on hold. Now, though, selling a rebadged version of the Infiniti M (or Nissan Fuga, as it’s known in Japan) would insulate Mitsubishi from research and development costs, making it easier for the automaker to launch back into the luxury segment.

Automotive News reports that the Mitsubishi-badged Infiniti could go on sale in Japan as early as this year. Expect the standard gas version to be the first to wear a triple-diamond badge, though Mitsubishi may sell a version of the M Hybrid, as well. Top tip, Randy!

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

source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/04/rumormill-mitsubishi-to-sell-rebadged-infiniti-m-new-diamant/

Andreas, 39 – from Saxony-Anhalt, Germany – won the brand new MINI Cooper after entering a radio station contest to show who would pull the craziest stunt to get the car.

“Once I’m sitting in the car, it won’t matter anymore. Then the pain will be gone and it’ll be alright,” he said.

Listeners heard him squealing in agony as an expert tattooist recreated the car’s logo on Andreas’ penis while a female presenter looked on.

“There were a lot of crazy stunts put forward by listeners, but Andreas won buy a short head,” said one organiser.

source: http://austriantimes.at/image/20504/news/Around_the_World/2011-01-24/29979/My_mini_sex_drive_

Canadian singer Justin Bieber finds another way to give back to the community around him by helping get out the message: Don't Text and Drive

Justin Bieber continues doing positive things for his fans and their families. The Canadian singer, who has been a spokesperson for an anti-bullying campaign and been involved with charities will be appearing on the ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ Sunday Jan. 30 2011 and on helps get the word out about the dangers of texting and driving.

Bieber, who puts ‘Don’t Text and Drive’ signs up at his concerts and in videos, filmed the show in November and it is just now coming to air for the first time. He appears in the show with the Brown family, who were sadly affected by texting and driving when their young daughter died while texting and driving her truck.

Extreme Makeover: Don’t Text and Drive

The singer let the family know that he’s working to be a part of the solution to texting and driving, which is to get the message out there to young people, to everyone, that while you drive your vehicle you should not be texting friends, family, or anyone, not for any reason. It’s not safe for you, for other vehicles around you or for pedestrians, and it is clear that Justin Bieber cares.

“Every night we have a banner that goes up and it says ‘don’t text and drive’ so every night all these kids see it so it definitely means a lot to me as well,” he told the family about texting and driving. “It’s been a big part of my life to influence others not to text and drive. And every night when I perform, I have a video that comes up and it says ‘don’t text and drive’ and it’s me driving. It’s just really important to me.”

He also told the family he would be donating a dollar from every ticket sold at the concert he was giving that night. The concert was an early November 2010 concert in Texas.

Bieber Takes Fans to Sound Check Party

He invited one of the family, a young girl, and five of her friends, to come along to a sound check with him before the show. “I always do this sound-check party and I wanted to invite you guys to come and hang out,” he told the happy girls. That, and a dollar from each ticket at the sold-out concert going to the cause of getting out the message of not texting and driving spoke volumes about Bieber’s level of concern and willingness to be a strong role-model.

The Brown family was appearing on the show getting help putting up a new home. Actor Emma Roberts and NASCAR drivers Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle were also on the episode.

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

Read more at Suite101: Don’t Text and Drive: Justin Bieber Helps Out on Extreme Makeover http://www.suite101.com/content/dont-text-and-drive-justin-bieber-helps-out-on-extreme-makeover-a337835#ixzz1CdpqQHf0

Hostility toward the United States is widespread among the crowds in Cairo’s streets, who feel Washington’s alliance with Egypt — along with billions of dollars in military aid over the years — has helped Mubarak’s authoritarian regime keep its grip on power for nearly 30 years.

But there’s also a yearning for U.S. support.

Among the tens of thousands of Egyptians who have gathered in Cairo’s main square over the past week, there’s a widespread belief that the administration of President Barack Obama could be a key factor in helping to push Mubarak out. So behind the angry chants, there are hopes for solidarity.

“America has to support us — not the oppressors of the people,” said protester Abdel-Salam Hassan, a 51-year-old unemployed man.

“The Americans believe in democracy. Now they have to show us,” said Hassan, who stood in Cairo’s downtown Tahrir, or Liberation, Square, a focal point of protests against economic hardship, government corruption, police brutality and political restrictions.

Washington has urged Mubarak to allow an orderly transition to democracy, giving a strong impression that it believes he will have to go. But it has not called outright for him to step down, and it has seemed wary of chaos and a power vacuum if he leaves. Obama administration officials say Washington is pressing Mubarak to institute a set of key reforms, including a lifting of emergency laws in place since 1981 and the holding of credible presidential elections in September, preferably without the 82-year-old leader as a candidate.

The demonstrators have a multilayered perception of America, a reflection of the complicated feelings widespread among the Egyptian public, where many often express respect for freedoms they see in the United States but anger at what they see as domineering policies in the Middle East.

Egyptian police pummeled protesters with tear gas, rubber bullets and in some cases, live fire, in the early demonstrations that erupted a week ago, many of which turned deadly. But demonstrators said they believed the police response would have been even more violent were it not for strongly worded calls of restraint by Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

They noted with bitterness, however, that some of the weaponry used against them appeared to be U.S.-made.

“Look at this!” one man shouted in a makeshift emergency room in a mosque near Tahrir Square on Saturday, as doctors treated bleeding demonstrators and other volunteers removed the bodies of slain protesters. He held up tear gas canisters emblazoned with “Made in the USA.”

Another man shook a fistful of bullet casings at reporters. “America! This is America!” he shouted.

A military helicopter that swooped over Tahrir Square, as well as warplanes that roared across Cairo’s skies on Sunday, highlighted the conundrum once again. Protesters shook fists at the two low-flying planes and declared that they were obtained with U.S. military aid.

The United States gives some $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt every year, along with $200 million in economic aid. But the aid is viewed by many Egyptians with mixed feelings, seeing it as a tool to keep their country’s government subservient to American foreign policy — for example by supporting the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and by maintaining ties with Israel.

The United States has often called for reform and an end to abuse in Egypt — and for a period in the mid 2000s it hiked up the pressure, seeking to make Egypt a showcase for a policy of greater democracy in the Middle East. But the pressure eased. Many in Egypt believe Washington shelved the demands to ensure Mubarak’s secular government as a close ally in efforts to contain Islamic extremism and deal with regional issues.

To ensure that stability, they say a succession of U.S. administrations has tolerated Mubarak’s tightening grip on power, including elections believed to have been rigged and indications that he may have been grooming his son, Gamal, to succeed him.

“America is worried about instability in Egypt, so they’ll try find a new leader they like and anoint him to work for their interests,” said Muslim preacher Ahmad Abdullah, 40, who was sleeping in Tahrir Square.

“They will keep stepping on our heads,” he said.

The U.S. is in a further bind, said political activist and analyst Mohamed el-Dahshan.

Egyptians have long viewed any foreign inference in their affairs with deep resentment — even if it matches their own goals, el-Dahshan said. He noted that U.S. pressure helped secure the release of several jailed human rights activists over the past few years, though at the same time the pressure tarred them among some Egyptians as American stooges.

The U.S. has refrained from outwardly supporting Mohamed ElBaradei, an opposition leader and Nobel Prize laureate whose frequent travel in the West has tainted him with suspicion among some Egyptians.

“People are aware the current regime can’t survive without the support of the Americans,” el-Dahshan said. “But they are hoping that (the United States) will allow Mubarak to be toppled, and then stand aside.”

source: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/breakingnews/egyptian-protesters-resent-the-us-yet-seek-its-support-in-trying-to-push-mubarak-from-power-114943794.html

This morning, Const. Natalie Aitken said police are now investigating whether charges could be laid under the federal Criminal Code, like a charge of criminal negligence causing death.

“Within the city of Winnipeg, motorists should note that it is illegal to operate any kind of off-road vehicle,” she said.

The snowmobile struck a 51-year-old man as he walked in a field in the east end of the city around 6:30 p.m. He later died in hospital. His name has not been released.

Officers questioned and released the man driving the snowmobile. The driver suffered only minor injuries in the collision.

Aitken said there’s no indication alcohol was a factor in the crash and the driver co-operated with police after the crash.

The victim was “well off” a path in the area when the crash occurred, said Aitken, according to information gathered so far by investigators.

Police did not release the driver’s age this morning or release specifics about what transpired before the crash.

The Central Traffic Unit continues to investigate and it’s “most likely” investigators will consult with the Crown.

“There’s the possibility of charges being laid down the road,” said Aitken.

Aitken said officers will look at whether visibility is an issue. She said the case highlights the illegality of using off-road vehicles in the city. She said police have responded before to areas of the city based on complaints about off-road vehicles.

Fines under the provincial Off-Road Vehicle Act for using prohibited vehicles can range from $100 to $300.

In 2010, police handed out more than 44 tickets under the Act.

“Whether a specific enforcement is going to be generated as a result of this, that’s still, I think, too early to tell,” she said.

Aitken said the collision happened near city outskirts, in a field located between Redonda Street and the Perimeter.

“I think there’s sometimes the situation where people who are very close to that border will…take a chance and they’ll drive partially through City of Winnipeg jurisdiction into an area where they can legitimately be driving, so that’s a concern for sure,” she said.

================
source: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Man-struck-killed-by-snowmobile-in-Transcona-113591509.html

Southbound Highway 59, near the floodway turnoff was the scene of a multi-vehicle collision, putting about 8 cars in the ditch as result of very icy conditions.

WINNIPEG — City streets and highways in and around the city are slick this morning, so police are urging motorists to drive with caution.

Emergency crews have responded to several collisions and rollovers this morning. Highway 59 just north of the Perimeter, in particular, has seen more than its share of minor crashes, with several vehicles in the ditch.

City and provincial highway crews have machines out clearing snow and sanding slippery spots.

Meanwhile, with more snow set to fall in the city we’re also about to be gripped by a cold snap.

Environment Canada is calling for winds and nighttime lows in the -20 C range beginning tonight and lasting throughout the weekend in Winnipeg. The bitter spell will last at least until Tuesday, with daytime highs of just -20 C and brutal windchill factors.

For today, we can expect between five and 10 centimetres of fresh snowfall and a high of -12 C.

Environment Canada has issued a weather warning for the RM of Stanley, including Winkler and Morden. As much as 10 cm of snow could fall in the area today, due to an Alberta clipper spreading snow over much of southern Manitoba.

The highest amounts will be along the Trans-Canada Highway from the Saskatchewan border through Brandon, then south through the Melita-Pilot Mound areas, and southeast through the Morden-Winkler region. The snow will taper off this afternoon or early this evening as the system moves into Ontario.

Ron Harkness, supervisor of transportation, said Alexander, O’Kelly and Spring Valley schools are closed.

School buses will be running within the city of Brandon but attendance is at the discretion of parents.

In Winnipeg tonight, winds from the north at 30 km/h will make the low of -23 C feel like -32.

For Saturday, partly sunny skies, winds up to 15 km/h with a high of -21 C but it will feel like -34.

Sunday will be sunny with a high of -19 C and a low of -31 C, without the windchill.

The weather and road conditions forced the closure of all schools outside the city of Brandon within the Brandon School Division.

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

source: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/breakingnews/Brace-yourselves-for-bone-chilling-weekend-weather-113597569.html