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Check out my October Picks for car, SUV, and trucks – stop by baierl.com to learn more, or visit one of our dealerships for a test drive!
Car
2011 Chevrolet Cruze
The all-new 2011 Cruze is the latest compact sedan from Chevrolet. It replaces the Cobalt, but is a completely different animal.
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SUV
2011 Acura MDX
The MDX carries a 3.7L V6 VTEC engine that achieves 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This kind of performance does require 91-octane gasoline, but Acura makes up for it with no scheduled tune-ups for 100,000 miles.
Read More
Truck
2011 Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline comes in three trim levels-RT, RTS and RTL-and they are all powered by a 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6 engine that makes 247 lb-ft of torque and utilizes a drive-by-wire electric throttle. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission in all three models, and they all have a locking rear differential
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MPG ALL STARS
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| OUR TOP TEN PICKS FOR CARS THAT ARE VERY AFFORDABLE AND DELIVER GREAT GAS MILEAGE. |
| If you’re looking to save at the pump AND at the showroom, BAIERL has some great cars for you to choose from. |
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 I received this question in my Facebook inbox recently, and it is definitely worth sharing with the rest of my friends and readers!
“When looking for a car should one be upfront with all of their payment limitations (ie monthly payment amount wanted) or can this hurt their buying process?
Also, if one needs to trade two vehicles in to buy two vehicles how can this benefit or hurt the buying process?”
Thanks for a very good question that raises some excellent points! Here’s my answer:
Do not fear transparency with your monthly vehicle budget. Many consumers believe that a dealer will try to push you into a less expensive vehicle in order to grab as much profit as possible, but the market doesn’t allow that to happen anymore. First, a dealer cannot afford to have its reputation marred by trying to make a lot of money on one transaction. Plus, most vehicles are not unique (new or used), and as with any commodity, the market will only bear a certain price for them. A reputable dealer, one who acts consultatively, will take the time both online and in person to help you find the best value for your transportation dollar.
On the topic of your trades, the number of vehicles used as trades in a transaction should not have any bearing on the process. In some cases the dealer’s computer system may not let you trade more than three or four vehicles, but technically, I do not know of a limit. Each trade carries a tax advantage in Pennsylvania that you do not have by selling it to someone other than the dealer. Just make certain that the dealer tells you the value of each trade independently. With a little research, you can check for a fair market value of each vehicle prior to coming to the store. Tools like Kelley Blue Book or AutoTrader’s Trade-in Marketplace have made the process very simple, and while a dealer many differ slightly from the values shown online, you should have a decent idea of the total value available from your various cars.
Hope this helps – and as always, feel free to contact me with any questions, or to let me know how everything is going with the process. I love to hear from you all!
Hi everyone,
As you may have noticed, Baierl is running a huge contest called The Big Ticket through Baierl KIA. We’ve been talking about it a lot recently, but some of you may not know the details yet – read on to see what all the fuss is about!
The Big Ticket is giving away tickets weekly to Pitt or Penn State home football games, and you could be our next winner!
WHERE’S JOEY?
Joey will be at a number of Pitt and Penn State games on weekends. In between, you can visit Baierl KIA on McKnight Road to grab a picture with you and your friends in front ofthe Big Ticket KIA Soul in the showroom.
Here’s how the contest goes:
It’s quick and easy! Get a picture, become a fan, post to Kia’s Facebook wall, and you’re done! Check out the Baierl Big Ticket website and visit Baierl KIA’s Facebook page often for updates. We’ll be posting a full schedule of where Joey will be on KIA’s page soon. I’ll remind you of what’s going on as the competition progresses.
We’re all looking forward to seeing your photos!
Hurricane Irene is rolling quickly towards a number of east coast states and cities, and residents who are not evacuating should be fully prepared before the storm hits.
Below are some solid suggestions from dailyfinance.com about what to do ahead of time. Read the full article in its original location here.
What to Buy to Prepare for Hurricane Irene
By Douglas McIntyre Posted 9:15AM 08/26/11
It is time to invest in Hurricane Irene. That does not mean to buy stocks, oil, or precious metals. It means spending money to make sure you can ride out the storm. Your total cost will vary, depending on what you already have in stock.
Some suggestions:
1. Save your financial life. Get a a water-proof case for key financial records, stock certificates, and personal records. A large cooler will do, if it can be securely sealed.
2. Get your cellphone and PC ready. Each may come in handy if you are trapped indoors for a couple of days. And if you lose electricity, products like the “Power Monkey” ($50) could come in handy. Some come with the ability to use the sun to charge the device.
3. Get some cheap walkie talkies. These can definitely keep you in touch with loved ones for up to a mile if you have to make it out into the storm in an emergency.
4. Three flashlights should be enough for two or three days with new batteries in them. And, you probably already have a flashlight somewhere. Spend a few dollars on new batteries.
5. Get a mobile inverter for your car. It connects to a car’s battery or through the cigarette lighter Make sure you have jumper cables in case you need to charge the battery in the SUV that might be needed to travel in the storm. The car battery will last longer if the car is running, so, don’t forget to fill up your tank. That tank of gas may be the most expensive thing on the list because regular is still about $3.60 most places.
6. Buy some food. You probably already have items like protein powder, tuna, can soup and pasta in the kitchen. Make sure you have enough non-perishable food to last three or four days.
7. Everyone needs toilet paper. Eight rolls will probably cost less than $10. While you’re at it, get some paper towels, too.
8. Load up on plastic garbage bags. They’re good for garbage, and to put up on windows if the glass is broken by high wind. Two big packages might cost $20.
9. Fill your tub(s) with water. Clean them first. The water may be absolutely necessary. Depending on what your city or town charges for water, the cost may be a few cents. If you have a well, it’s virtually free.
10. Keep a few hundreds dollars in cash. You may need it if you run out of essentials and ATM machines are not working for whatever reason. It may seem like a lot of dough, but if you don’t spend it, you don’t loss a dime – except for a fee you might pay for get the money from a cash machine that is not at a branch of your bank.
11. Sandbags. These are expensive, but some stores are already selling out as customers stock up. In many cases, municipal authorities, local fire or police offices, or state disaster relief organizations give these out.
12. Generators. These are also pricey. But, if you don’t have a car battery or solar power, they may be necessary. Sears sells them for as little as $429.99. And, you can keep them for the next time a storm or summer power outage pulls the plug on your electricity.
Just came across this article from the Women-Drivers blog: Goodyear Tire has engineered a new type of tire that will inflate itself when it gets low. This technology is a helpful innovation, but that’s not the point of this article. As the author notes, back in the 70s, auto commercials ran a lot of sexist commercials – and Goodyear Tire ran a tire ad that in this modern day and age is considered quite offensive. Take a look at the article, watch the video, and leave your own comments at the bottom! Check out the article in its original location on the Women-Drivers.com page.
Watch one of the most sexist ads ever that tries to reach women and protective husbands
Goodyear Tire has unveiled the ultimate secure tire: one that not only detects when it us running low, but inflates itself as well.
The tires have an inflation device inside each of them that keeps track of their inflation and add air as necessary. The innovation by the Akron, Ohio tiremaker should also save its owners money as under-inflated tires decrease fuel economy by up to 3.3%.
Although Goodyear is not marketing the new tire directly to women, long ago it aired one of the most sexist ads ever to hawk a tire that was supposed to keep little ladies from having to endure changing a tire. We’ve got a copy below.
Goodyear says its Air Maintenance Technology will help everyone, male or female, by enabling tires to remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for any external pumps or electronics. All components of the AMT system, including the miniaturized pump, will be part of the tire itself.
A tire that can maintain its own inflation is something drivers have wanted for many years, according to Goodyear. The closest tire companies have come up to know are run-flat tires, which allow the driver to keep driving for between 50 and 100 miles after a puncture as long as the side wall of the tire is not compromised. Such events usually happen when a car runs over a curb or hits an especially bad pothole.
Goodyear did not provide an estimate as to when this technology would be available at tire retailers, but said the timetable would be pushed up because of government research grants. The Department of Energy’s Office of Vehicle Technology awarded a $1.5-million research grant for a commercial truck application.
Technology that keeps vehicles with flats on the road has been a driving force in tire innovation for several years. It has become a “safety and security” measure that is meant to appeal expecially to women consumers who express a high degree of anxiety about getting a flat and being stranded in out of the way places.
[Watch the video here]
Good year used to market to this market dynamic much more directly than it does today. Have a look at this ad, from around 1970 or so in which the company markets its Polyglass tires to women and to husbands who the ad was aimed at: The key phrase: “When a woman’s at the wheel, polyglass means more than mileage.”
Perhaps it was an ad for its time. But looking at it now, it seems like one of the most sexist ads of the last fifty years.
 It’s almost time for the kids to head back to school. Now more than ever, today’s generation of school-age kids are using tech devices and online tools to help them study, stay organized, and take notes. Teachers are also relying more heavily on the latest digital classroom features to help them prepare and present lessons in an effective and engaging manner. Parents are not only learning more about tech through their kids, but also embracing some of the latest tools to help themselves and their kids get the most out of their school year.
Of course, there can be too much of a good thing, and many parents worry that their young scholars are using tech devices to be a little less… scholarly.
What do you think of technology’s increasingly large presence in the classroom and throughout the school year?
The author of the article below, from Mashable, has put together a big list of helpful tech and mobile education tools. Take a look and weigh in with your own suggestions and opinions!
It’s getting to be that time of year. Your chances of seeing school supply commercials have increased exponentially. Kids are breaking out last year’s Elmer’s in anticipation of glorious glue feasts. Teens are cramming their entire summer reading into the last week of August. Yep, it’s back to school time, folks.One thing that makes back to school a tad less stressful? Tech, of course! What did you think we were going to say — studying? Pssssh.
Take a gander below at these tech tools, apps, social media and parenting tips that will ease you or your kid into another school year. Here are Mashable‘s best education-related posts from the past year! Enjoy, you teacher’s pet, you.
- 6 Reasons Tablets Are Ready for the Classroom
If tablets have penetrated mainstream consumer markets, what’s preventing them from widespread use in schools?
- 100+ Online Resources That Are Transforming Education
Most education innovation is centered around a short list of fundamental ideas. In this post we walk through nine clusters of education tech companies.
- 8 Educational Gadgets That Make Learning Fun
Everyone knows that learning is more valuable when you’re having fun doing it. These great toys and games will keep your kids infotained for hours at a time.
- 5 Innovative Classroom Management Tools for Teachers
Didn’t get into teaching for the administrative tasks? These five virtual tools can help you complete them more efficiently.
- 15 Essential Back to School Podcasts
If you need some help getting back into “learning mode,” these podcasts will open your ears to a wealth of insight on science, history, economics, literature, math and more.
- 5 Fun Ways to Help Your Kids Learn Math Online
Math doesn’t have to be a dull subject when it’s taught with music, games, and iPhone apps. Check out these 5 ways to keep your kids’ summer educational and fun.
- Top 8 Android Apps for Education
Whether you’re currently in school or just seeking a little self-improvement, here are some Android apps to enhance your knowledge base, expand your skill sets, and improve your memory.
- 6 Companies Aiming to Digitize the Textbook Industry
The ebook market is booming. Here are some ways manufacturers are looking to get students to trade print for pixels.
- Smart, Digital Flashcards Maximize Study Time
Need a better way to study? Brainscape might have the perfect solution.
- 4 Ways Mobile Tech Is Improving Education
With the Internet in the palm of our hands, educators are looking to mobile as the next big tool for schools.
- How Teens Use Cellphones [INFOGRAPHIC]
Flowtown has posted an infographic illustrating cellphone use among teenagers.
- 5 Fun iPhone Accessories for Kids
We’ve found five fun products that will suit a wide age range of kids, from the toddler borrowing Mom’s iPhone right up to older children with gadgets of their own.
- 10 Useful Gadgets for Connected Teens
A teen-friendly gadget is a good gift choice for young adults, as it’s a functional item that will prove useful, and if you’re lucky, even educational.
Education via Social Media
Education Tips & Stats
Extracurricular Tech Education
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, flyingdouglas.
This list is far too long to post in its entirety on my blog, but I wanted to share the resource with you so you can check out the site for yourself.
Follow the link to see a list of car cruises in Allegheny County – all happening throughout the month of August. They’re family-friendly and a lot of fun.
Allegheny County Car Cruises
There’s lots of car cruises in Allegheny county, and many on this website are free of charge. You can check them out for any upcoming month of the year. Some of the Allegheny county towns listed include: Forest Hills, Allison Park, Whitehall, Homestead, Allentown, Pleasant Hills, Plum, Wexford, Millvale, and many more.
Calling all Pittsburgh Bikers! Join Bike Pittsburgh for their 10-day celebration of bicycling, going on August 12-21. Anyone can create an event – and no matter what type or level of biker you are, there is an event for you. It’s a great fund raiser and opportunity to enjoy the beauty of downtown Pittsburgh. Check out the details in the article below – and visit the original article for a full schedule of events!
 BikeFest is not only our biggest fundraiser, but our annual 10-day celebration of bicycling, showcasing the beauty and wonders of Pittsburgh. BikeFest is a framework for individuals, companies, and organizations in the Pittsburgh to organize bike-themed events. Absolutely anyone can organize and submit an event. Whether you ride everyday, the weekends, or simply always wanted to give it a try, BikeFest has an event for you!
The BikeFest Fundraiser Party will kick-off all of the fun on Friday, August 12 at the Pittsburgh Opera. Please join the BikeFest Host Commitee and Buy your ticket today!
FAQs:
Can my company sponsor BikeFest?
BikeFest is one of the best ways to support BikePGH’s efforts to make Pittsburgh more bike-friendly and get in front of thousands of healthy, hip, environmentally conscious people. If you or your company want to sponsor BikeFest, here is the BikeFest 2011 Sponsor Packet with all the info you need on sponsorship opportunities, or email mike@bike-pgh.org to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
Who organizes BikeFest?
The calendar of events is open to anyone who wants to organize an event, and relate it to the bicycle. Bike Pittsburgh provides the marketing framework, merely acting as the “hub” to catalyze the events. Click here to submit your event. Be creative!
One of the stops on the BikeFest ’08 Mural Ride
Where is BikeFest?
BikeFest is anywhere and everywhere around the Pittsburgh region. Each event will start in a different location. The calendar will have location details.
Any Questions?
If you have questions or want to receive email updates about BikeFest and the events, please email: bikefest@bike-pgh.org. To find out more and how you can get involved contact us!
Previous BikeFest Posters
Click on an image to view the calendar. Sorry, no calendar available for Bikefest ’05.
 
DISCLAIMER: Bike Pittsburgh assumes no legal responsibility for the events listed. We are merely advertising these events, not organizing them, unless noted in the schedule. If you participate in an event, you do so at your own risk, according to the terms of the event organizer. Discuss any concerns you have with the event organizer, or email us at bikefestpgh@gmail.com.
Hey everyone!
I wanted to share one of my top July Picks with you: The 2011 Acura MDX AWD is one of my favorite models this summer, and I’ve got the stats to back up my appreciation for this great vehicle!
Read on to learn more, and check out all my July Picks here, on my website!
 2011 Acura MDX AWD Overview
The MDX carries a 3.7L V6 VTEC engine that achieves 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This kind of performance does require 91-octane gasoline, but Acura makes up for it with no scheduled tune-ups for 100,000 miles. The MDX is the first Acura to have their new sequential SportShift automatic 6-speed transmission installed.
The MDX utilizes Acura’s Super Handling all-wheel drive system, which was designed to grip the road all weather conditions. The system includes Hill Logic, which puts power to the rear wheels on steep inclines. There’s independent suspension front and rear and 18-inch wheels with 4-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes and brake assist. The system was refined on the famously grueling and twisty Nurburgring course in Germany.
The MDX has done well in safety testing, thanks to standard equipment such as stability assist, tire pressure monitoring, six airbags and energy-absorbing knee bolsters. The optional Collision Mitigation Braking System uses a radar transmitter behind the grille to determine the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of the MDX. If there’s a possible collision about to occur, the driver first gets a visual warning. If no action is taken, the system tenses the seatbelt and applies light braking. If the collision is unavoidable, the system goes right for strong braking and tightened seatbelts.
The interior features power-adjustable, heated front seats and theater-style raised second-row seats that slide forward for easy access to the third row. Three-zone automatic climate control is standard, along with power windows and moonroof. A 6-CD stereo system with XM satellite radio has speed-dependent volume that adjusts as you drive.
The Technology Package adds a navigation system with Zagat restaurant reviews and real-time traffic, a 10-speaker sound system with iPod integration and USB, voice recognition and GPS-linked temperature control. It even adds a premium leather-trimmed upgrade to the interior.
The Advance Package includes everything above, plus and active damper sport suspension, perforated leather-trimmed interior, heated and ventilated front seats, a blind spot information system, adaptive cruise control and the Collision Mitigation Braking System. It also gets 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels and auto-leveling headlights.
The Entertainment Package can be added to either the Technology or Advance package. It brings a DVD entertainment system to the rear seats, heated second-row seats and a 115-volt power outlet to the front center console.
Model Strengths
Lots of power with good handling; tons of available technology; luxurious cabin
Model Changes
Following significant styling revisions last year, the 2011 Acura MDX sees no major changes.
Model Value
This 7-seater MDX has a nice array of standard features even at the base level and includes a lengthy options list. There’s plenty of room for a family and its gear-and the MDX includes 10 cupholders for just such duty. Fit and finish are excellent across the board including a very quiet cabin. Super Handling all-wheel drive is more for on-pavement performance than off-roading, but for those looking for a minivan or station wagon upgrade, the MDX performs admirably.
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