Meet The Jetson's

Picture this: You're running late for work, the traffic is terrible, you have a huge presentation that could literally make or break your career, and you still need to get a cup of coffee and drop the kids off at kindergarten and middle school. Sound familiar? Just imagine a new way to get to work faster and without a single red light. It could be a reality as early as next year.

Terrafugia, a U.S. company is on track to begin manufacturing flying cars. These hybrid vehicles called Transition Roadable Light Sport Aircraft can transform from a car into an aircraft in under 30 seconds. The vehicle will be able to travel by air at 115 MPH and reach top speed of 65 MPH on the street. In fact, it will be just like any other car according to a report in the Sunday Express; you will be able to fuel up at any gas station, it will fit comfortably in any standard garage and when fully fueled it will have a fuel range between 400-450 miles.

The Terrafugia company hopes to manufacture and sell 200 vehicles a year and so far the have taken orders on 100 Transitions. There are still adjustments needed to meet both federal road and aviation standards, but the company is committed to ensuring the project launches on schedule.

There are downsides however to owning a car/plane hybrid. The basic vehicle starts at $194,000, excluding extras such as a radio, transponder and a parachute. Federal safety regulations require driver to have a pilots license, a certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency. As the technology improves and demand increases future flying cars will become safer, easier to build and more affordable, but for now it will remain a novelty few can afford.

With a few fight lessons and money in hand, that trip across town to the store or across country to grandma's house will become a whole lot faster. Unfortunately, for those of you with kids, you'll probably still get that age old question, "Are we there yet". Well, nothings perfect.


For more information on this story, check out the links below:

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/06/the-flying-car/
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/109522/20110207/flying-cars-terrafugia.htm

Car Thefts on the Rise in Chico

Are you an owner of a Honda Civic or Honda Accord? If so, you need to read this! Honda Civics and Accords were the #1 most often stolen vehicle in 2010.

I just read a very interesting article in last week's issue of The Orion, C S U Chico's newspaper describing the increase in number of vehicles stolen in Chico. I empathize with Butte College Student Christine Schneider, whose Gray 2002 Ford Focus was stolen in the middle of the night. Christine was shaken awake by her roommate only to discover that her car was stolen. Christine's car had been broken into and ransacked. The thief got away with her purse, computer, textbooks and keys. Two days later, her car went missing too.

I know what it feels like to have your whole life lost in seconds because I was a victim too. My car was broken into and my personal items were stolen off the front seat.

According to the Chico Police Department, incidences of car theft in Chico have skyrocketed in the last two months. There were 17 thefts reported in December which increased to 32 by mid-January . The shocking part is that the majority of the car's taken were Honda's. Out of the 32 cars taken last month, 14 of them were Honda sedans, mostly because thieves want what's under the hood. Honda parts bring top dollar when sold on the street. A word of warning; just because you don't own a Honda, doesn't mean your out of the woods. Here is a list of the top 10 car models that are likely to go missing:

1994 Honda Accord

1995 Honda Civic

1989 Toyota Camry

1997 Ford F150 Pickup

2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

2000 Dodge Caravan

1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

1994 Acura Integra

1999 Ford Taurus

2002 Ford Explorer

Here are 3 important ways you can protect yourself and your car from thieves:

1. Always lock your doors whether you will be out of the car for 5 hours, 5 minutes or 5 seconds.

2. BE SMART! Remove all valuables from your car when you're not inside it. Don't just cover up purses, sunglasses, laptops, digital cameras, cell phones or other electronics, put them away in the trunk.

3. Get to know your neighbors. Most stolen cars have been taken from neighborhoods and apartment complexes. If you see any suspicious activity in your community don't hesitate, call the police immediately at 530-898-5555.

For more information, check out the links below.

http://theorion.com/news/article_dc186960-2e9a-11e0-8c43-0017a78c22.html

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/09/honda-accord-civic-top-list-of-most-stolen-cars/1