How to organise the perfect car show

IN PRETTY much the same way plenty of my pals like to shout instructions at Liverpool players even though they’re no good at the game themselves, I’m guilty of being that guy who reviews car shows even though I’ve never actually organised one.

It’s that time of year when every stately home, village green, municipal park and playing field seems to host its own car show. Thanks partly to my day job and partly due to being a glutton for punishment, I’ve spent pretty much every weekend, for as long as I can remember, wandering around them. Yet the only constant – apart from them featuring displays of cars, obviously - is the incredible amount of effort the organisers put into getting them off the ground. Passing comment on where they could do better is a bit like you telling Roy Hodgson how he could have got England’s boys to have done better in Brazil, surely?

But when you spend every single weekend wandering around classic car shows (and last year, a bit embarrassingly, I ended up at more than 40 of them) you soon get an idea of what works and what doesn’t. You end up wondering how the rather obvious opportunity for a striking car display right in front of the stately home somehow got missed, why all the ropey cheeseburgers from the mobile catering vans always seem to cost £5.50, and whether the people in charge forgot to invite anyone other than Austin Cambridge and Morris Minor owners. 

That’s why I found it so refreshing to wander around what I reckon was the perfect car event. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Lakes Charity Classic Car Show, held last weekend on a playing field in Grasmere.

I’ll skip past the postcard-perfect Lake District venue – if Wordsworth did car shows, this is what they’d look like – because just about everything else about the show was spot on. Every single car, bike and tractor, with the notable exception of a few last-minute entries, was carefully catalogued in a programme that didn’t cost a million pounds to buy, and what you did have to pay went straight to charity. The organisers couldn’t have been more helpful, the grub was sensibly priced, hastily-arranged ‘entertainment’ from long-forgotten rock bands was pleasingly absent and there was a great, friendly atmosphere.

Most importantly, however, they’d got the most important bit – the cars – right too. It was utterly refreshing to be able to check out some intriguingly and fantastically rare old cars, like one chap’s 1952 Marauder Sports, before wandering all of ten yards and debating whether the Ford Probe is old enough to considered a classic yet.

Getting a car show just right is a tricky old thing to do and I reckon the closest thing we’ve got on our doorstep is the (equally charity-orientated) Lydiate Classic Car Show. Roll on Sunday!

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5 Awesome Products Every Home Office Should Have

Creating a professional home office? We've got you covered! In today's article we'll highlight 5 super cool items that will surely benefit your space. These versatile products will improve the aesthetic value of your office as well as the ergonomic efficiency and comfort. Enjoy!

1.) Medina Desk Configuration

Wow factor on a budget! The all new Medina collection from Mayline is sure to impress even the harshest critics. Available in three stunning finish options, this line of Italian influenced desks offers high end contemporary appeal at a price any budget will appreciate. Who knew you could makeover your home office space for less than $1000.00? A variety of unique desks, tables, and accenting storage components are offered to meet your specific design needs. The 63" Medina desk highlighted above is only $292.99. Now that's a bargain!

2.) Offices To Go 10904B Ergonomic Chair

A high quality ergonomic chair for under $200 is almost unheard of these days. Luckily, reputable brands like Offices To Go still understand the needs of shoppers on a limited budget. The 10904B chair offers all the characteristics you'd expect from a professional grade seating solution at nearly three times the price. The breathable mesh back, polished base, and long list of adjustment features make this chair a true value.

3.) ESI Solstice Desk Lamp and Charging Station

Talk about cool! This versatile desk lamp is designed to shed light on any project while simultaneously charging your beloved smart phone. No need to fit over the only phone charger in the house... this little light with USB charging port just might even solve a few family arguments! All jokes aside, the Solstice lamp from ESI costs $205.99 and makes an awesome gift idea. The need for an extra USB port can never be overlooked while using this LED lighting solution will also help you cut down on that costly power bill.

4.) Adjustable CPU Holder

If you're still operating with your computers power source sitting on the ground, your at risk of theft and water damage that can be easily avoided with a CPU holder. These simple devices mount your CPU directly underneath your worksurface. Increase your usable leg space while minimizing those annoying trips under your desk to plug in devices and route wires. A CPU holder that locks is preferred and brands like ESI, Systematix, and Symmetry all offer top models that don't cost a fortune. There's just too many benefits gained to leave this little item off your office makeover checklist.

5.) Dual Screen Monitor Mount

Once thought of as high tech, dual screen monitor mounts are now becoming the industry standard. These helpful devices will require you to invest in an addition computer monitor, but as time is money, the amount you'll save will recapture your investment in a hurry. Dual screen mounts allow you to work quickly and efficiently without tab opening and closing every few minutes. Writing a paper or report? Open up your reference on one screen and type on the left! Brands like ESI offer excellent options that install easily via a clamp mount system that's universal. In addition to an increased computing speed, you'll also enjoy a wide range of screen adjustment capabilities and increased desk surface to work on.

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Life On Cars writer picks up award

THE writer behind Life On Cars has won a prestigious award at a glittering ceremony in London.

David Simister (pictured, centre) was presented with a ‘One to Watch’ award at this year’s Bauer Media Awards, held last Friday (June 27) at The O2.

David, who was praised for his achievements as news editor at Classic Car Weekly, said: "I'm over the moon to have won such a prestigious award a little over a year after I started at Classic Car Weekly.

"Even though I write more about Austins and Astons than Ormskirk and Aughton, I'm delighted to carry on The Champion spirit of finding great stories through hard work and good journalism."

The award was in recognition for a series of exclusive motoring scoops for Classic Car Weekly and sister website Classic Cars For Sale, including breaking the news that the world’s first Triumph Spitfire was up for sale and that the world’s largest collection of cars from the James Bond films was being sold for £20m.

John Westlake, acting editor of Classic Car Weekly, said: "David richly deserved this prestigious award. His tea-making is woeful, but he's a very promising journalist."

Earlier this year, Life On Cars picked up a prize at the inaugural UK Blog Awards, and when working at The Champion newspaper in 2011 David won the O2 North West Scoop of The Year award.

Read more of David’s news stories every Wednesday in Classic Car Weekly

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Telsa Model E To Rival BMW 3 Series On Price

New Model E from Tesla will look to take on the BMW 3-series and Audi A4.

The Tesla Model E is expected to go on sale in 2016. The car’s manufacturer said that the price of batteries will play a role in the car’s cost. It claims that the contruction of a Gigafactory will help ease the price of batteries, reports AutoCar.

Tesla also said that the car will be 20% smaller than the Model S. However, it won’t be completely made out of aluminum like the Models S. The Model E is expected to be priced to compete against other electric car rivals, such as the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series, AutoCar notes.

Tesla is currently building 600 examples of the Model S each week at its factory in Fremont and expects Model X sales to add significantly to that total. The factory has a theoretical capacity of 500,000 vehicles per year.

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Don't Settle for A Mediocre Office Chair!

If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from office-related pain, don't settle for a mediocre chair! For those of you that know the terror of aching muscles, joint problems, back pain, and the urge to nap on the job, the problem may be as simple as upgraded seating. But don't worry, we know what you're thinking, and an upgrade doesn't have to break your bank. At the right price, these breakthrough pain relieving ergonomic chairs can be yours for less than $400!

Chair 1

Our first chair is the 2660-4 Loover Office Chair by Global Total Office, and boy, does this chair deliver. This funky little chair not only boasts a fun modern design, but it is also an expert healer. With a live lumbar support built into the back, aided by a height adjustable ratchet system, this high tech ergonomic chair for pain relief helps guide the body into a more healthful position for relieving back pain. Slide activated seat depth with multi and synchro tilters ensure a comfortable seat while G5 lockable arm caps, Global's patented Soft Descent lift, and a high tech nylon "governor" base take care of the rest. 

Why upgrade? This chair is ideal for sufferers of back pain because of the adjustable hidden lumbar. The Soft Descent lift and adjustable seat features are perfect for those with arthritis, brittle bones, or sensitive muscles. Highly adjustable arms provide enhanced user control as well. And did we mention this chair is available in a huge host of color options?

Chair 2 

Available in a huge host of color options, it's no wonder the C1BB Mayline Commute Office Chair is such a favorite option. This chair is equipped with all the basics and a price that won't disappoint. With a travel seat slider, tilt tension, locks, and a considerable weight capacity, this popular mesh ergonomic chair will bring both style and comfort to an office with ease.

Why upgrade? This modern mesh chair blows older models out of the water. Even it's most basic of features send it leaps and bounds ahead of outdated office chair design. In addition to high adjustability, the mesh back is a feature all its own. By allowing air flow to the user, it prevents the build up of heat and germs, making it the ideal solution for office workers in warm climates.

Chair 3 

Loaded to the gills with excellent ergonomic features to improve health, the MFHB9SL-HRAP99 Apollo office chair by Eurotech is one of the best deals on our list. Enjoy all the benefits associated with high adjustability, tilt tension control, a waterfall seat, and seat angle adjustment all for an extremely low price.

Why upgrade? Like the Mayline Commute chair, the Apollo ergonomic chair by Eurotech boasts a breathable mesh upholstery, and all the benefits that come with it. Extremely adjustable, this chair can meet the comfort needs of a wide variety of body types. The waterfall seat allows improved blood flow to the legs, reducing pain and health risks. It even includes a bonus headrest!

Chair 4

Sure, it may have a bit of a strange look to it, but trust us when we say that the 581 Mesh Ergonomic Chair by OFM is an excellent choice for an upgrade. Bursting with high end ergonomic features, the 581 chair is both attractive and functional. It is the sort of model with enough versatility of design to move from the desk, to the training area, to the conference room and back again. At an extremely reasonable price, it may even beat out the Apollo in terms of value.

Why upgrade? This highly ergonomic office chair includes 360 degree swivel power, a gas lift, smooth tilting, ratchet back adjustability, built-in adjustable lumbar, breathable stain resistant mesh, and fire retardant fabric just to name a few things. For a chair with adjustable lumbar support, it comes at an amazingly low price.

Chair 5

As much as we hate to end this list, we confidently leave you with the R8 Rainier High Back Managers Chair by RFM to cater to your office comfort needs. Being from one of the top office chair brands on the market, it's not surprise to find an RFM chair on a list for high tech seating. Although most chairs from this reputable office seating brand tend to run a little higher in price, the R8 Rainier comes at an excellent value. Available in the manufacturer's stunning array of color choices, the R8 Rainier also boasts plenty of healthful features. From a brand known for it's customer service, it's only to be expected that this chair caters to a user's every need!

Why upgrade? Well, first off, this chair does boast an incredible swath of color choices, so it's the perfect thing for designers. However, it's real health benefits lie in ergonomic features, such as the 1900 molded foam tractor seat, seat slider, ratchet back, multi function control, and thoracic lumbar support to reduce office related pain.

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A great selection of rare classic cars at Gaydon

IT'S a bit of a shocking admission to make when your day job is being the news editor of a national publication dedicated to classic cars. Until last weekend, I'd never looked around the Heritage Motor Centre.

I'd only been to the extensive museum, based in the Warwickshire village of Gaydon, on one fleeting visit during a classic car rally last year. Sadly, an extremely hectic schedule meant I couldn't do what any self-respecting petrolhead really ought to; have a long, lingering look at the scores of British classics inside.

Luckily, last weekend's roster of classic car events was just about un-hectic enough to afford me a proper peek into one of the nation's bona-fide automotive treasure troves. Here's just a few of the stunning machines you'll be greeted by if you head through Gaydon's doors...

To plan your own visit, go to the Heritage Motor Centre's website or give them a call on 01926 641188.

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Molten-air battery offers up to 50x higher storage capacity than Li-ion

With support from the National Science Foundation, researchers at George Washington University, led by Stuart Licht, think they have developed a novel solution, and they're calling it the "molten air battery."

These new rechargeable batteries, which use molten electrolytes, oxygen from air, and special "multiple electron" storage electrodes, have the highest intrinsic electric energy storage capacities of any other batteries to date. Their energy density, durability and cost effectiveness give them the potential to replace conventional electric car batteries, said Licht, a professor in GWU's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Chemistry.

The researchers started with iron, carbon or vanadium boride for their ability to transfer multiple electrons. Molten air batteries made with iron, carbon or vanadium boride can store three, four and 11 electrons per molecule respectively, giving them 20 to 50 times the storage capacity of a lithium-ion battery, which is only able to store one electron per molecule of lithium. "Molten air introduces an entirely new class of batteries," Licht said.

Other multiple-electron-per-molecule batteries the Licht group has introduced, such as the super-iron or coated vanadium boride air battery, also have high storage capacities. But they had one serious drawback: They were not rechargeable. Rechargeable molten batteries (without air), such as a molten sulfur battery, have been previously investigated, but are limited by a low storage capacity.

The new molten air batteries, by contrast, offer the best of both worlds: a combination of high storage capacity and reversibility. As the name implies, air acts as one of the battery electrodes, while simple nickel or iron electrodes can serve as the other. "Molten" refers to the electrolyte, which is mixed with reactants for iron, carbon or vanadium boride, then heated until the mixture becomes liquid. The liquid electrolyte covers the metal electrode and is also exposed to the air electrode.

The batteries are able to recharge by electrochemically reinserting a large number of electrons. The rechargeable battery uses oxygen directly from the air, not stored, to yield high battery capacity. The high activity of molten electrolytes is what allows this charging to occur, according to Licht.

The electrolytes are all melted to a liquid by temperatures between 700 and 800 degrees Celsius. This high-temperature requirement is challenging to operate inside a vehicle, but such temperatures are also reached in conventional internal combustion engines.

The researchers continue to work on their model to make the batteries viable candidates for extending electric cars' driving range. In the Licht group's latest study, the molten air battery operating temperature has been lowered to 600 degrees Celsius or less. The new class of molten-air batteries could also be used for large-scale energy storage for electric grids. "A high-temperature battery is unusual for a vehicle, but we know it has feasibility," Licht said. "It presents an interesting engineering question."

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