Subaru XV Crosstrek: Athletic and Affordable

Subaru XV Crosstrek: Athletic, Adorable, and Affordable
by The Car Family
for more reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is a CUE mighty mite of a vehicle with a plethora of useful features that make it both handy and fun. The hatchback offers all wheel drive, over eight inches of ground clearance, an EyeSight active safety option that uses cameras and sensors to provide active cruise control, lane-departure warnings, and pre-collision braking. Essentially, what Subaru created a mini Forester. The smaller Crosstrek cost less, starting at $22,000 and gets an estimated 34 highway mpg. This handy CUE opens up access to the desert, beach, and mountains while still retaining its creature comforts. Want to test your endurance, with good driving habits you could make a 400 mile round trip without refueling. The Subaru has the ability to go off-road, handle inclement weather (it could happen) and still park in the smallest space. It is both affordable and athletic. Adding to that appeal are a variety of features for those who enjoy the outdoors with bike and ski racks, roof-mounted cargo carriers, electric outlets and handy dog hauling options.

Mom’s view: An interesting offering, the Crosstrek is ideal for the young at heart in terms of cost and utility. The ride is very compliant and stable with a nice heft to the steering. The engine creates 148-horsepower and Subaru uses a continuously variable automatic transmission to maximize the powerplant’s potential. A five speed manual is also offered. Although smooth and economical to operate, the four cylinder engine isn’t designed with high speed driving in mind. Safetywise, Subaru offers its EyeSight safety package with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and more. Very worthwhile. Overall, a very cute, comfortable and capable CUV for the young at heart. Well priced and cute.

Dad’s view: Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive provides reassuring grip at all times with very little fuel cost. The body makes no apologizes to it big brother, the Forester, even copying the lower body panels that help protect the exterior when traversing unpaved roads. There are three Crosstrek versions; the base, Premium, and Limited. Each model each adds a little more to the mix. Subaru offers two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the XV Crosstrek. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute torque. The Crosstrek is very car-like to drive and is quick on its feet thanks to an aggressive accelerator pedal.. The electric steering is responsive, headroom quite good, and the overall impression is one of being in a very comfortable and capable vehicle with excellent visibility. It may not be fast, but using the paddle shifters to keep the engine on boil is entertaining.

Young working male’s view: The Starlink infomainment is user friendly and makes the Subaru the equal to others in its class. New this year is the STARLINK Multimedia system that provide an array of music and information sources and a seven inch touch screen display. Sound, phone, and information are all handled with this application. If you live in the mountains or frequent colder climates, I would order the All Weather Package that includes heated seats and outside mirrors, plus a windshield de-icer. Other options worth considering are the safety laden EyeSight program, a moonroof, touch-screen navigation, and keyless entry and start. Since I haul a lot of equipment I would opt for the Crosstrek’s big brother, the Forester.

Young working woman’s view: A low entry height is appreciated when wearing a dress and the seats are quite comfortable. The Crosstrek can hold four adults and, when the rear 60/40-split rear seatbacks are folded, the Subaru yields a flat load floor with nearly 52 cubic feet of cargo space. There are some clever storage compartments that can hold a variety of small items, including a cell phone, and the rear hatch opens easily. Entry and exit are a little tight due to the size of the door openings, but once inside there is room to stretch out. The tilt/telescoping steering makes it easy to find a good driving posit ion. Subaru even has door pockets designed to hold drink bottles. The Crosstrek received good crash test scores and wraps you in a cushioned cocoon with a driver’s knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The airbags have sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength as well. Subaru claims that the roof is strong enough to hold at least four times the vehicle’s own weight should that be worth a bar bet. Interestingly, the Crosstrek has a brake assist system that detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain threshold, it applies pressure to increase braking effectiveness. Subaru even offers a system that cuts engine power when the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously. The Crosstek is for the young at heart.

Family conference: We have recommend Subaru products for several years for many reasons. First, the cost is very reasonable for all wheel drive vehicle. Secondly, the hatchback design makes it easy to load and very dog friendly with a low hop-in height. Thirdly, the gas mileage is excellent compared to similar vehicles. Finally, it is ideally suited to so many outdoor activities while still being a comfortable and frugal daily driver with an adorable, love me look.

 

Doodles: Could these be the Perfect Family Pet?

Golden Doodle and LabraDoodle: Could these be the Perfect Family Pet?

by The Car Family

All types of zoology lessons

http://www.reacheverychild.com/science/zoology/

We can’t help but be amazed at Man’s creativity when it comes to canines. Dogs were the first animals domesticated and with that came the ability to control cattle, goats, sheep, as well as being a hunting partner and protector.

Since all dogs come from the much maligned wolf, one has to wonder how this transformation from wild animal started. Research done in Russia on foxes revealed that some were more inclined to interact with humans. Those were bred and over time these animals gradually became less fearful of humans and even wagged their tail, among other things, showing how domestication might have evolved.

Today, the world’s largest dogs weigh over 300 pounds and the smallest just a few pounds and yet they are from the same wolf stock. Indeed, Man is still at it and within the last couple of decades a new breed has emerged that combines the traits of three of the most popular and intelligent dogs. The new breed can be called a Labradoodle or a Golden Doodle, depending on whether a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever was bred with a poodle. They come in three sizes with a weight range from about 20 pounds to over 100 pounds. The breed started in Australia as breeders attempted to find a guide dog for blind individuals who had allergies. The result was a success and has so quickly caught on with the public that in ten years its has gone from number 159 on the list of most popular breeds to number 31, according to the AKC, which, ironically, does not recognize it as an official breed.

Doodles are very affectionate and gentle dog and are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They can be good good watchdogs, but not guard dogs,as they usually are into tail wagging as opposed to growling. They are exceptional service dogs and have been listed as one of the best breeds with children.

The Doodles are called designer dogs or hybrids because you never know which characteristics from the two parent dogs will be exhibited. Those variables include coat color, type of hair, and size. The two traits they appear to all have is that of an exceptional intelligence and being people friend1y. The Doodle are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. They usually love to swim, and are good retrievers to the point that you may end up with a dead gopher or bird on your doorstep. Good dog.
Another valuable aspect is the fact the Doodle can be a non-to light shedders and thus may do well with those who have allergies as they have less dander.

The Doodle coat be wavy or curly or both and they need to be have their hair trimmed regularly. Coat colors can be caramel, white, red, black or a combination .The cost of trimming and maintenance can be dear, but if you aren’t fussy, you can do it yourself if the Doodle doesn’t mind being laughed at on visits to the dog park.

The Doodle appears to have the traits people are looking for with its possible reduced allergenic traits, smarts,cheerful disposition and attractive look. But perhaps the greatest reason this dog is one of the fastest growing in popularity is the fact that owners can proudly claim that have a Doodle and enjoy the reaction. And yes, several have been named, Yankee.

Before you consider a Doodle, do your homework. The Doodle has a tremendous number of positives going for it, but it all depends on its parents and the reliability of the breeder. There are also Doodles in need of rescue. http://doodlerescue.org/

 

Golden Doodle and LabraDoodle: Could these be the Perfect Family Pet?

Golden Doodle and LabraDoodle: Could these be the Perfect Family Pet?

by The Car Family

for more animal related lessons go to

http://www.reacheverychild.com/science/zoology/index.html

 

We can’t help but be amazed at Man’s creativity when it comes to canines. Dogs were the first animals domesticated and with that came the ability for Man to control cattle, goats, sheep, as well as being warned of potential dangers. Since all dogs come from the much maligned wolf, one has to wonder how this transformation from wild animal started. Research done in Russia on foxes showed that there were some that showed more inclination to interact with humans. These were bred and the result was a less dominant animal that wagged its tail and showed changes in its smell among other things. It was an amazing study, especially when it is known that nearly all domesticated animals have drooping ears a trait not shared by wild foxes and wolves.

With a life span of about ten years for some breeds there was the possibility to experiment with various traits and come up with canines for various purposes. Some were breed to hunt rodents, others to protect livestock and lapdogs were even used to attract fleas away from humans.

Today, the world’s largest dogs weigh over 300 pounds and the smallest just a few pounds and yet they are from the same wolf stock. Indeed, Man is still at it and within the last couple of decades a new breed has emerged that combines the traits of three of the most popular and intelligent dogs. The new breed can be called a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle, depending on whether a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever was bred with a poodle. Making this pet even more unique is the fact they come in three sizes; Miniature, Small Standard, and Large Standard. The smaller versions weigh up to 35 pounds and the larger ones can exceed 100 pounds, but are usually weigh around 50 pounds. In other words, there is one size Doodle for nearly every household. No other breed has this range of sizes.

They are very affectionate and gentle dog and are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They can be good good watchdogs, but usually are into tail wagging rather than barking. Another valuable aspect if the fact the Goldendoodle is a non-to light shedders and thus may do well with families that have allergies as they have less dander.

 

The Doodles are called designer dogs or hybrids because you never know which characteristics from the two parent dogs will be exhibited. Those variables includes coat color, type of hair, and size. The two traits they appear to all have is that of an exceptional intelligence and being family friendly. They also need exercise and are very light on their paws. The Goldendoodle are easily to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. They usually love to swim, and they are good retrievers to the point that you may end up with a dead gopher or bird on your doorstep. Good dog.

The Goldendoodle coat can be wavy or curly or both and they need to be have their hair trimmed regularly. Cost collars can be caramel, white, red, black or a combination and they need to be brushed often. The cost of trimming and maintenance can average over $50, but if you aren’t fussy, you can do it yourself once the dog has been gotten used to the process and doesn’t mind being laughed at on visits to the dog park.

So why consider a Doodle? Well there are a great many dogs at shelters and we have rescued five of them. However, the non-allergenic hair, intelligence, cheerful nature, and their ability to get along with other animals, including young children, and availability in various sizes make it attractive. However, this is a breed-in-progress and, as such every dog in every litter may be different. It is not like buying a pure breed dog that have been created over the the centuries for certain traits. As such, it is best to buy from a reputation breeder or institution.

Here are some other facts that might bring this place this breed on your radar: There are backcross puppies that means that the dog can be 1/4 Golden Retriever and 3/4 Poodle, for example. A F2 is the result of a Goldendoodle bred to a Goldendoodle. Before you consider a Doodle, do your homework. The Doodle has a tremendous number of positives going for it, but it all depends on its parents and the reliability of the breeder.

Doodle Rescues

http://doodlerescue.org/

Doodle website

http://www.goldendoodles.com/

Golden Doodle Video on Animal Planet

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dogs-101-goldendoodle.html

 

Pro and Con of Pets as Teaching Tools

Using pets in the classroom

By National Hall of Fame Teacher Alan Haskvitz

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Haskvitz

Many teachers use pets in their classrooms to good effect in reaching students, teaching responsibility, learning about biology and many more vital life lessons. But downsides exist, too, such as what to do with animals in summer, what happens if they die or if a room is vandalized, and how to handle care, feeding and expenses, to name a few. In addition, some students may be allergic to the animal. With that in mind, we found the best resources to aid a teacher or parent who might be interested in such a purchase.

One thing to remember is the feelings of the pet in this matter. It is probably going to be handled a great deal, may be left in a cold room over the weekend, and may even be treated poorly. Thus it’s vital not to rush into this decision as there is a life at stake. The best links are here including how to choose a pet, the ASPCA site, and many more with pro and con arguments

http://www.reacheverychild.com/feature/pets-classroom.html