Scott Hibb’s Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Prep Time:

20 Min

Cook Time:

2 Hrs 40 Min

Ready In:3 Hrs

Servings  (Help)

US

Original Recipe Yield 4 serving

Ingredients

• 2 (2 pound) slabs baby back pork ribs
• coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground red chile pepper
• 2 1/4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 1/4 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring
• 2 teaspoons whiskey
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dark molasses
• 1/2 tablespoon ground red chile pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degree F (150 degrees C).
2. Cut each full rack of ribs in half, so that you have 4 half racks. Sprinkle salt and pepper (more pepper than salt), and 1 tablespoon chile pepper over meat. Wrap each half rack in aluminum foil. Bake for 2 1/2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir the onions in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in water, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, liquid smoke, whiskey, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dark molasses, and 1/2 tablespoon ground chile pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 1 1/4 hours, uncovered, or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat, and set sauce aside.
4. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
5. Remove the ribs from the oven, and let stand 10 minutes. Remove the racks from the foil, and place on the grill. Grill the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Brush sauce on the ribs while they’re grilling, just before you serve them (adding it too early will burn itNutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 1043 | Total Fat: 68.5g | Cholesterol: 234mg

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/scott-hibbs-amazing-whisky-grilled-baby-back-ribs/detail.aspx

www.mazdaoflakewood.com

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why we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day

Little is known of Patrick’s early life, though it is known that he was born in Roman Britain in the 4th century, into a wealthy Romano-British family. His father and grandfather were deacons in the Church. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave.^[12] It is believed he was held somewhere on the west coast of Ireland, possibly Mayo, but the exact location is unknown. According to his Confession, he was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. Upon returning, he quickly joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul and studied to be a priest.^{[citation needed]}

In 432, he again said that he was called back to Ireland, though as a bishop, to Christianise the Irish from their native polytheism. Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. After nearly thirty years of evangelism, he died on 17 March 461, and according to tradition, was buried at Downpatrick. Although there were other more successful missions to Ireland from Rome, Patrick endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish Church.

[edit]Wearing of the green

Originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the colour green and its association with Saint Patrick’s day grew.^[13] Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century.^[14] He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day.^[15][16] In the 1798 rebellion, in hopes of making a political statement, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching public attention.^[13] The phrase “the wearing of the green”, meaning to wear a shamrock on one’s clothing, derives from a song of the same name.

[edit]In Ireland

According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.

Saint Patrick’s feast day, as a kind of national day, was already being celebrated by the Irish in Europe in the ninth and tenth centuries. In later times he became more and more widely known as the patron of Ireland.^[17] Saint Patrick’s feast day was finally placed on the universal liturgical calendar in the Catholic Church due to the influence of Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding^[18] in the early 1600s. Saint Patrick’s Day thus became a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland. The church calendar avoids the observance of saints’ feasts during certain solemnities, moving the saint’s day to a time outside those periods. Saint Patrick’s Day is occasionally affected by this requirement, when 17 March falls during Holy Week. This happened in 1940, when Saint Patrick’s Day was observed on 3 April in order to avoid it coinciding with Palm Sunday, and again in 2008, where it was officially observed on 14 March (15 March being used for St. Joseph, which had to be moved from 19 March), although the secular celebration still took place on 17 March. Saint Patrick’s Day will not fall within Holy Week again until 2160.^[19][20] (In other countries, St. Patrick’s feast day is also 17 March, but liturgical celebration is omitted when impeded by Sunday or by Holy Week.)

A St Patrick’s Day religious procession inDownpatrick, 2010

Girls playing Irish folk music during a St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, 2010

Traditional St Patrick’s Day badges from the early 20th century, photographed at the Museum of Country Life in County Mayo

Sign on a beam in Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, a commercial museum promoting the drinking of Guinness stout on St Patrick’s Day

In 1903, Saint Patrick’s Day became an official public holiday in Ireland. This was thanks to the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903, an act of the United Kingdom Parliament introduced by Irish Member of Parliament James O’Mara.^[21] O’Mara later introduced the law that required that pubs and bars be closed on 17 March after drinking got out of hand, a provision that was repealed in the 1970s. The first Saint Patrick’s Day parade held in the Irish Free State was held in Dublin in 1931 and was reviewed by the then Minister of Defence Desmond Fitzgerald. Although secular celebrations now exist, the holiday remains a religious observance in Ireland, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland.

Main article: St. Patrick’s Festival

In the mid-1990s the government of the Republic of Ireland began a campaign to use Saint Patrick’s Day to showcase Ireland and its culture.^[22] The government set up a group called St Patrick’s Festival, with the aim to:

– Offer a national festival that ranks amongst all of the greatest celebrations in the world and promote excitement throughout Ireland via innovation, creativity, grassroots involvement, and marketing activity.

– Provide the opportunity and motivation for people of Irish descent, (and those who sometimes wish they were Irish) to attend and join in the imaginative and expressive celebrations.

– Project, internationally, an accurate image of Ireland as a creative, professional and sophisticated country with wide appeal, as we approach the new millennium.^[23]

The first Saint Patrick’s Festival was held on 17 March 1996. In 1997, it became a three-day event, and by 2000 it was a four-day event. By 2006, the festival was five days long; more than 675,000 people attended the 2009 parade. Overall 2009′s five day festival saw close to 1 million visitors, who took part in festivities that included concerts, outdoor theatre performances, and fireworks.^[24] Skyfest forms the centrepiece of the festival.

The topic of the 2004 St. Patrick’s Symposium was “Talking Irish”, during which the nature of Irish identity, economic success, and the future were discussed. Since 1996, there has been a greater emphasis on celebrating and projecting a fluid and inclusive notion of “Irishness” rather than an identity based around traditional religious or ethnic allegiance. The week around Saint Patrick’s Day usually involves Irish language speakers using more Irish during seachtain na Gaeilge (“Irish Week”).^{[citation needed]}

As well as Dublin, many other cities, towns, and villages in Ireland hold their own parades and festivals, including Cork, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford.

The biggest celebrations outside Dublin are in Downpatrick, County Down, where Saint Patrick is rumoured to be buried. In 2004, according to Down District Council, the week-long St. Patrick’s Festival had more than 2,000 participants and 82 floats, bands, and performers and was watched by more than 30,000 people.^{[citation needed]}

The shortest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village’s two pubs.^[25]

Christian leaders in Ireland have expressed concern about the secularisation of St Patrick’s Day. In The Word magazine’s March 2007 issue, Fr. Vincent Twomey wrote, “It is time to reclaim St Patrick’s Day as a church festival.” He questioned the need for “mindless alcohol-fuelled revelry” and concluded that “it is time to bring the piety and the fun together.”^[26]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick’s_Day

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Valentines day in Denver

Romance is in the air this Valentine’s Day in Denver. Show your sweetheart you care by indulging in one of these activities in the Mile High City. Take a carriage ride through LoDo, be pampered at a hotel, or dine at a romantic restaurant. For the more adventurous, try a couple’s massage class – or even take the ultimate plunge at Loveland ski resort.

1. Best Date Restaurants

About.com’s list of best date restaurants covers all bases, from best all-around date restaurant to best expensive date restaurant. Romance will be on the menu at any one of the dining establishments, although you might want to avoid the best cheap date restaurant for Valentine’s Day! Nominate your favorite date restaurant for our 2011 Readers’ Choice AwardAds3. Couples Massage Class2. Carriage Rides

A horse-drawn carriage around LoDo’s cobbled streets evokes the romance of a bygone era. Reserved carriage rides range from $75 – $100 for Valentine’s Day, depending on the route. Be sure to take note of Denver’s unpredictable weather before embarking on your horse-drawn journey – frostbite is not romantic.Ahh, the gift that keeps on giving. Learn the art of couples massage from Colorado Free University. Classes are held throughout the year, including Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The cost is $92 per couple for non-members or $79 per couple for memb3. Couples Massage Class

Ahh, the gift that keeps on giving. Learn the art of couples massage from Colorado Free University. Classes are held throughout the year, including Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun. Feb. 13, 2011 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The cost is $92 per couple for non-members or $79 per couple for members.

4. Loveland Resort

If your love of the mountains matches your love for each other, a day on the slopes might be just the ticket. If downhill skiing isn’t risky enough, you can take even more of a plunge and get married in a mass wedding at the top of the mountain on Mon. Feb. 14, 2011. Lift tickets at Loveland are $59 per person, and wedding participants get one ticket free.

5. Opera Colorado

Opera Colorado presents a performance of “Rusalka” on Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. The fairytale opera follows a water sprite who longs to be human after falling in love with a mortal man. Tickets range from $20 – $150.

6. Molly Brown House

The Molly Brown House offers Valentine’s Tart High Tea on Sat. Feb. 12 and Sun. Feb. 13, 2011. Tea costs $25 per person, and includes a tour of the museum. The mansion at 1340 Pennsylvania St. served as the residence of the Unsinkable Molly Brown, who survived the sinking of the Titanic.

7. Warwick Denver Hotel

The downtown hotel offers a unique package for Valentine’s Day with its Toast to Love. The package includes chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne upon arrival, followed by a four-course meal for dinner at Randolph’s Restaurant. The Toast to Love package starts at $289 a night, and is available from Fri. Feb. 11 – Sun. Feb. 13, 2011.

8. JW Marriott Hotel

Treat your sweetheart to a romantic weekend in Cherry Creek at the JW Marriott Hotel. The Valentine’s Day package includes a $50 gift card to the Spa at Cherry Creek and a bottle of champagne. Rates start at $245 for the package valid from Fri. Feb. 11 – Sun. Feb. 13, 2011

Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colo., offers an extra incentive over Valentine’s Day weekend for couples who get engaged at the luxury property. Couples will receive a voucher good for a weekend night stay for their honeymoon or other romantic getaway. The Sweet Rendezvous Romance Package starts at $185 per night.

10. Hotel Teatro

The Hotel Teatro, located across the street from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Denver, offers a romantic getaway in the heart of the Mile High City. The boutique hotel’s Valentine’s Day package includes chocolates, strawberries and a bottle of Rosa Regale. A rose turn-down service and late checkout time also set the stage for romance. Rates start at $249 per night.

http://denver.about.com/od/artsentertainment/tp/valentinesday.htm

www.mazdaoflakewood.com

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Call the Public Works Department for a free Snow Removal brochure: 303-413-7162.

---

Use Caution When

To make this a safer winter for you and your family:

• Give snow plows and spreader trucks plenty of room to operate.
• When driving, allow for more stopping distance between cars. It takes 3-12 times more distance to stop on icy or snowy roads. Avoid making last-minute decisions.
• Shovel your sidewalks within 24 hours after it stops snowing.
• Teach your children to be extra careful around traffic.

Snow plows are wider than one traffic lane

• You can avoid getting squeezed on the road (and avoid limited visibility caused by flying snow and ice) by NOT passing snow plows.

Spreader trucks have spinners which distribute traction materials across two lanes of traffic.

• Stay at least three to four car lengths behind spreader trucks to avoid windshield damage.

http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=1703Spreader trucks weigh up to 54,000 pounds when loaded. Because the trucks are heavy, they drive slowly.

• When you are behind a spreader truck, allow for adequate stopping distance. Try to stay three to four car lengths behind spreader trucks.

Using alternative transportation during snow storms reduces the number of vehicles on the roadways and gives snow plows and spreader trucks more room to operate.

• You will also save wear and tear on your car, avoid the stress of driving, and probably enjoy the winter scenery much more!

  
  

  http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=1703
  
  www.mazdaoflakewood.com

SKYACTIV®TECHNOLOGY

Our philosophy is that if it’s not worth driving, it’s not worth building. So in our quest for better environmental performance, our goal was to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising driving performance.

To get there, we started with a clean sheet of paper and engineered every major component of the automobile to work together in efficient harmony. The result is something revolutionary.

The SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L Gasoline Engine

Currently, 95% of the world uses gasoline or diesel combustion engines, and by 2020 90% still will be. In this fact we saw an enormous opportunity: If we could find a way to make the internal combustion engine work better, we could make a big difference in how much fuel the world uses and how much CO₂ is emitted. Our solution is the SKYACTIV®-G gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter marvel that produces 10% to 15% more low/mid-range torque, along with 15% lower fuel consumption and emissions than our previous 2.0-liter engine.

The SKYACTIV®-Drive Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

Now that we had come up with such a revolutionary engine, we needed the ultimate transmission to get all that precious energy to the wheels. How do you build that? Study every modern transmission made, take the best features of each and fire up the blender. Then, top it all off by adding a brain, A.K.A. an advanced control module. The result is the SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. It shifts smoothly for steady acceleration and quickly for the connected feel of a manual transmission, while the brain delivers precision responsiveness and reliability.

The SKYACTIV®-Body and SKYACTIV®-Chassis

With our SKYACTIV® Body and Chassis, we were determined to get more of that exhilarating Mazda driving feel while increasing crash safety performance and reducing weight. Through smarter engineering and materials we were able to improve body rigidity by 30% (for better handling) and shed 220 pounds, all while improving crash safety performance. To give you more of that “oneness” between car and driver, the suspension was redesigned for greater agility at low speeds and more stability at high speeds

Stay Healthy by Combating Colds

 

 

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) estimates that in one year, Americans suffer one billion colds. And while the common cold may last a day or two, it can also linger for two weeks, interrupting your every day routine. Fortunately, government organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer useful information for avoiding and treating colds and all their bothersome symptoms.

 

The CDC notes that over 200 viruses can be responsible for a cold, and the NLM points out that cold virus germs are spread by physical contact, as well as inhalation. Therefore, good hygiene is key to prevention; wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with those suffering from colds or other upper respiratory infections. Visit www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/ for proper hand washing techniques, proper use of hand sanitizers and links to lots of related information.

 

If congestion, a sore throat and body aches are interrupting your daily life, you should pay your doctor a visit. Don’t be surprised, however, if you leave without a prescription; the CDC explains that because the common cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective and can actually be harmful if taken when not needed. Doctors can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of a cold, so talk to your provider about options for coughing, congestion or headache relief.

 

There are many home remedies for combating cold symptoms. The NIH and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommend getting plenty of rest, gargling with warm salt water, using throat anesthetic sprays and drinking lots of fluids.

 

The common cold tends to go away on its own, but the CDC advises the attention of a healthcare provider if you have a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or your symptoms have lasted for more than 10 days.

Cooling System Maintenance

 

For most drivers, a new car is their second biggest financial investment after a house, and they need it to run reliably for many years. The cooling system is one of the most important, yet often neglected regular maintenance items in any vehicle.

 

“Coolant (also known as antifreeze) prevents engine freeze-up in winter, reduces engine temperature in the summer, and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion year round,” according to the AAA website.

 

Gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines can produce up to 15,000 explosions per minute with flame temperatures topping 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling system has to efficiently remove that heat energy to prevent damage to cylinder heads, blocks, pistons and gaskets. The engineers that create these engines carefully design the coolant flow passages to ensure that temperatures stay even at all times with no hot or cold spots.

 

Whether you experience brutal cold, blistering heat or both, coolant has to flow through those passages without freezing or boiling to work properly. Specially formulated antifreeze – typically based on a blend of ethylene or propylene glycol and water – can function over a temperature range of −34°F to +265°F. Other additives in the coolant help to inhibit corrosion of metal parts and lubricate the water pump.

 

Over time, coolant degrades due to the limited lifespan of the corrosion inhibitors and exposure to all that heat. Without the corrosion inhibitors, scale builds up and restricts flow in the cooling passages, heater core and radiator tubes. When this happens, leaks can develop, temperatures can climb and internal engine components, including the head gasket, can be damaged, leading to very expensive repairs.

 

A failed head gasket can easily cost thousands of dollars, and potentially much more while periodic cooling system flushes are cheap by comparison. The traditional glycol-based coolants used in many cars and trucks should be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, often about every two years or 30,000 miles. These coolants are easily identified by the fluorescent green or blue dye that is added to make it easier to identify leaks and spills. Many modern vehicles use newer, long life coolants that are designed to last five years or 150,000 miles. These coolants are usually orange or red, and should never be mixed with green coolants. Although the coolant itself lasts longer, these systems should still be checked and maintained regularly, according to the schedule in your owner’s manual.

 

The first step of cooling system maintenance is a pressure check. In order to raise the boiling point of the coolant above 250°F, all modern vehicles use pressurized systems. With the engine off and cold, a test device can pressurize the cooling system to check for leaks. The pressure ratings vary for different vehicles, but if the pressure holds steady at the recommended level, the system should be free of leaks. The pressure cap itself should also be tested to ensure that it holds and releases at the rated pressure. If it releases at too low a pressure, the coolant can boil while excessive pressure can cause hoses or gaskets to burst. Your dealer’s service department has the tools and the expertise to complete these tests quickly and accurately.

 

The rubber hoses that transfer coolant between the engine, radiator and heater core should also be inspected for cracks or bulges. The belt that drives the water pump and in some cases the fan should also be checked for cracks or stretching. Problematic hoses or belts should be replaced immediately. The front side of the radiator should also be carefully cleaned to remove the dead bugs and other road dirt that inevitably build up during driving. A thermostat in the system controls the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator and should be checked and replaced if it doesn’t open at the correct temperature.

 

The freezing and boiling points of the coolant can also be checked by testing the specific gravity. Using a special tool, coolant can be drawn out of the engine and tested. If the freezing point is too high, the coolant should be replaced. 

 

The coolant is drained using a plug on the radiator, although some vehicles also have a secondary drain on the engine block as well. Drained coolant should always be properly disposed of and never dumped in a sewer or waterway. The sweet smelling glycol is attractive to many animals, but it is toxic. After draining, the system should be thoroughly flushed with water until it runs clear and free of the color of the coolant. The flushing should be done in the reverse of the usual flow direction to help to loosen and remove any scale or other contaminants that have built up. 

 

After closing up all the drains, the system should be refilled with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. With the radiator pressure cap still off, the engine should be run with the fresh coolant for about 10 to 15 minutes to bleed any air out of the system. Air in the cooling passages will limit the pressure, which will lower the boiling point and potentially cause damaging hotspots in the engine. During this bleed procedure, the interior heating system should also be turned on high to ensure that air is forced out. Once it has been bled, the system should be topped off with coolant mixture, typically through the reserve tank, and the pressure cap should be reinstalled.

 

Besides having the specific tools, experience and knowledge necessary to maintain your vehicle properly, our dealership’s service department will collect used coolant and send it to a recycling facility for reprocessing. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, service and parts personnel at our dealer can answer your questions and help you get the job done right.

Hours:   Monday-Friday 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM to 2:00PM & Closed Sunday

Call Us: (888) 481-9966

Thanksgiving Day Safety Tips

 

Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings friends and family together to share a good meal, conversation and laughter. But Thanksgiving also comes with several health hazards, including an increased chance of fires, food poisoning and choking. Take a few minutes to review these Thanksgiving Day safety tips, and enjoy the holiday without worry.

1. Fire

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that, on Thanksgiving Day, more than 4,000 fires occur. The average number of cooking fires doubles on the holiday. In addition to installing a fire detector in the kitchen, there are several easy ways to avoid fires:

Don’t leave the kitchen while frying and grilling. Use a timer and do kitchen checks when simmering, baking, broiling and roasting. If deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, fences and other structures. Also, keep the fryer away from moisture to avoid burns from steam and spattering oil.

Keep pot holders and food wrappers 3 feet away from the stove or other hot surfaces. Kids should stay 3 feet away too. Make sure the handles of pots and pans are facing inward. Avoid loose clothes, especially those with long sleeves, while cooking. And make sure all candles and smoking materials are put out after the guests leave.

2. Turkey

Eating undercooked turkey is another Thanksgiving health problem. If a turkey is thawed at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, salmonella or other bacteria that cause food poisoning can grow.

Safely cooking a turkey starts with correct defrosting. There are three methods for safe defrosting. The turkey can be thawed in the refrigerator—one day for every 5 lbs. of the bird. The turkey can be submerged in water if it is in leak-proof packaging—30 minutes for every pound. The water should be changed every half hour. It’s also safe to defrost a turkey in a microwave. Remove any packaging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

With all three methods it’s important to cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Don’t slow cook or partially cook the turkey, and check the temperature with a meat thermometer to determine if it’s done. Even if the turkey came with a pop-up thermometer, it’s necessary to check the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey needs to be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (and the stuffing, too).

Let the turkey rest before carving. This gives the juices time to set.

3. Choking

The most common cause of choking is talking while eating. If a person is unable to cough, breathe or speak, the first thing to do is call 911. Next, the Red Cross recommends a technique called FIVE-and-FIVE for choking victims.

The first step is giving the choking victim five sharp blows on the back, using the heel of the hand. If the obstruction is not dislodged by this move, the next step is to give the victim five quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

Some people run from the table when they start choking. It’s important to stay with other people so they can give assistance. If the victim is alone, he can give himself the five abdominal thrusts using his hand or by pressing his abdomen firmly against the back of a chair.

4. Leftovers

Eating Thanksgiving leftovers that have been improperly stored can also lead to food poisoning. Leftovers need to be put away within two hours after serving the food. (This includes pumpkin pie.) They go in the refrigerator if they are going to be eaten within three days otherwise they go in the freezer. Food should be stored in shallow containers. Meat should be removed from the bone before being put away.

Reheated leftovers should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Gravy should be brought to a vigorous boil.

5. Pets

Thanksgiving brings health hazards to dogs and other pets as well as humans. Don’t give turkey bones to pets.Turkeybones and other bird bones are hollow, which makes them likely to splinter. This can cause tears in an animal’s esophagus, stomach or intestines.

Fatty holiday foods, like turkey skin and gravy, can contribute to pancreatitis. More pets are brought to vets for pancreatitis after their owners have had a party or holiday dinner.

Be careful about leaving chocolate candies out (or kids dropping candy on the floor). Chocolate can cause illness and even death when dogs ingest it. In addition, dogs shouldn’t be fed grapes, raisins, onions, alcohol or anything with caffeine. It’s also important to keep the string used to tie the turkey and other food wrappings out of reach of pets.

Dogs also tend to be excited when there are lots of people in the house. When dogs are excited they often eat too quickly, and this can lead to bloating, a very dangerous condition. Feed your dog before the guests arrive and don’t let them be too active before or after eating.

MAZDA ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2012 MAZDA3 WITH SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing of its refreshed 2012 Mazda3compact vehicle, including the first application of the brand’s all-new fuel-efficient and performance-oriented SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.  Available as both a sedan and hatchback, Mazda3 commands more than 40 percent of Mazda’s year-to-date sales, and is by far the best-selling vehicle in the brand’s line-up.

“The Mazda3 is the core of the Mazda line-up and continues to be the standard by which all other compact cars are measured,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.  “Because of the importance of this critical vehicle to Mazda sales success, we chose to debut our revolutionary SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY in Mazda3, as well as bring the i SV model to market at a lower starting MSRP than the previous year.”

The Mazda3 i SV sedan starts at an impressive $15,200[1] MSRP, which is a price drop from the previous model year.  Styling is updated with a revised front fascia and Mazda-distinctive five-point grille opening.  Inside, new cloth seats and a bold, black cabin accentuates intuitive controls and panels.  Paired with the dependable 148-horsepower MZR 2.0-liter engine, the Mazda3 i SV sedan is the first stop in Mazda’s performance-geared, fuel-efficient line of sporty compacts.  Moving up to the Mazda3 i Sport, the 2012 model sees the addition of remote keyless entry as standard equipment.  The Mazda3 i Sport sedan starts at $16,845 MSRP and is optionally available with the five-speed Sport automatic transmission.  Mazda3 i SV and Sport trims are not available on five-door models.

Mazda3 i Touring models swap the MZR engine for the all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, and is EPA-rated to achieve 40 mpg on the highway.  MSRP for the sedan model starts at $18,450.  SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is a suite of fun-to-drive and fuel-saving technologies, debuting with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine that produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.  The all-new engine offers five percent more horsepower than the standard MZR 2.0-liter engine as well as 10 percent more peak torque, 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque and up to 21 percent better fuel economy.  And, unlike competitors in the segment, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is available on a host of different trim levels to benefit the most customers possible.

In addition, the hatchback model will be available for the first time in the U.S. with a 2.0-liter engine, priced from $18,950 for the Mazda3 i Touring hatchback with SKYACTIV-G, and boasts an EPA-rated 39 mpg on the highway, which is best-in-class for compact five-doors.  All i Touring and Grand Touring models are available with the all-new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission (an additional $850 MSRP for either sedan or hatchback model).

Building off the Mazda3 i Touring model is the all-new i Grand Touring trim level, also available in both sedan and hatchback body styles.  Mazda3 i Grand Touring models provide class-competitive fuel efficiency as well as high-value standard features such as a power moonroof, power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a Bose® Centerpoint® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot® and a full-color navigation system with a multi-information display (MID).  Mazda3 i Grand Touring sedan models start at $22,300 MSRP with five-door models starting at $22,800.

Other standard equipment for i Touring and Grand Touring models are an all-new 16-inch aluminum alloy wheel design, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel as well as a trip computer.  A Moonroof & Bose® Audio Package is available for i Touring models ($1,400) while an updated Technology Package featuring rain-sensing windshield wipers, self-leveling bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Sirius satellite radio and a perimeter alarm. A segment-exclusive Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System is available for i Grand Touring models ($1,400).

Available in Touring and Grand Touring trims, Mazda3 s models are equipped with an MZR 2.5-liter engine that boasts 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque.  Starting at $21,300 MSRP for the sedan and $21,800 for the hatchback, new standard features for s models are all-new 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start, a moonroof, a dual zone automatic climate control system and a Bose® Centerpoint® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®.  Navigation is now standard on all s Grand Touring models.

Equipped with an MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) engine, the top-of-the-line MAASPEED3 has an output of 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.  The vehicle starts at $24,000 MSRP and is equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a Bose® Centerpoint® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®.  Other standard MAZDASPEED-only treatments include: sport-tuned exhaust, larger front brakes, sport independent front and rear suspension, a limited slip differential with the Mazda Advanced Torque Management System, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, distinctive red and black interior styling with similar-fashioned leather-and-cloth Sport seats, scuff plates, black leather-wrapped shift knob as well as a unique front fascia, fenders and hood.  

A MAZDASPEED3 Technology Package is the only packaging option with an MSRP of $2,135, and adds features such as navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), self-leveling bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, Sirius satellite radio, a perimeter alarm, rain-sensing windshield wipers and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start.

 

Winterize Your Vehicle

 

Winter is the enemy of the car. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly. Snow and ice limit traction. Potholes damage wheels and tires. Salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle in this time of duress. Following are some easy steps to properly prepare your car for winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

1. Consider using snow tires.
The condition of your car’s tires is critical during the winter. If the tires are worn or if they are high-performance tires, braking, acceleration and handling all suffer on slippery roads. Because of reduced vehicle capabilities, the likelihood of a crash increases. All-season tires will work to a certain point, but their effectiveness depends on their tread depth.

If you have the cash, consider buying a set of winter tires. Winter tires are optimized for snow and ice. They aren’t magic — even with winter tires, your car will still perform worse on slick roads than dry ones. But winter tires provide more traction on slick surfaces than all-season tires.

2. Check your tire pressure.
Tire pressure is especially important during the winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It’s critical to have properly inflated tires, which guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. A properly inflated tire will also help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure.

In winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop. Since air is a gas, it contracts when it cools. Keep this in mind if you are checking tire pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi (up with higher temperatures and down with lower temperatures).

3. If you have a four-wheel-drive system, make sure it is working properly.
A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don’t use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a 4WD system requires minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to check that it works properly before winter arrives.

Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drivetrain when the system is in use. Check to make sure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct.

If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system. The owner’s manual will state at what speeds and in what environments the 4WD can be activated.

4. Check to see if your engine requires lower-viscosity oil in the winter.
This isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin a fluid is. (Tar has a higher viscosity than orange juice, for example.) Engine oils are sold with different viscosity levels. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. The colder the oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn’t circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn’t get the proper lubrication.

To solve this wintertime problem, some engines require a change to a thinner oil. This may be more necessary on older vehicles, since many new cars already come with oil that’s thin enough to withstand the winter. Even when the thinner oil is cold, it is still not too thick for proper engine lubrication. Keep in mind that an oil can also be too thin.

It’s easy to determine what type of oil your car should have in winter. Simply read the owner’s manual. It will list the manufacturer’s oil recommendations for different climates. If a dealership or local garage performs the oil change, you can ask the manager what type and viscosity of oil he’ll put in your vehicle.

5. Inspect the belts and hoses.
Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose, so have them inspected before winter starts.

6. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid.
Visibility is particularly key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. There are a number of aftermarket wiper blades that are made for winter use.

Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. You might consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time for untreated wiper fluid to create ice on your windows or for you to discover your blades aren’t performing properly.

7. Check the battery.
Batteries give little notice before they die, and they absolutely love to expire at the worst possible moment. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion. If the posts are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda, water and a small wire brush.

8. Check antifreeze mixture.
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can suffer.

If you were to put pure water in your vehicle’s radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees F. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won’t freeze until -34 degrees F. Most antifreeze you’ll find in stores already comes pre-mixed, which makes this process much easier.

You can check the composition of a radiator’s mixture by using an antifreeze tester, which is available at auto parts stores and is inexpensive and easy to use. If the mixture is off, adjust it by adding more antifreeze.

9. Carry an emergency kit in your car.
A roadside kit doesn’t take up much space and can prove invaluable in an emergency. Many companies sell pre-assembled kits, but if you want to save a few bucks, you may already have the key items around the house. Things you might want to consider carrying include:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
• A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

10. Check the heater and windshield defroster.
Winter will put your vehicle’s windshield defrosters to the test. It’s a good idea to check that they are in working order. While you’re at it, check the air-conditioner, too. An easy way to speed up the defrost process is to turn on the A/C. (You can leave the temperature dial on warm so you don’t have to suffer.) And now is also a good time to make sure your heating system works.

Our service department will be happy to assist you in getting your car ready for winter.

Hours:   Monday-Friday 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM to 2:00PM & Closed Sunday

Call Us: (888) 481-9966