Convert Kilograms Into Pounds

Kia Canada launches first-ever Kia Hybrid vehicle, 2011 Optima Hybrid

"The introduction of the Optima Hybrid to the Canadian market in 2011 marks a significant milestone for Kia in our current design-led transformation through the enhancement of world-class technology" said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer Inc. "The hybrid offering also further entrenches our positioning as a responsible car company that will continue to provide Canadians with environmentally-friendly, world-class vehicles".

The 2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission mode, and/or in blended gas-electric mode. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

Durable Lithium Polymer Battery with partner LG Chem.  The power and energy density of this new battery type allowed Kia to create a lighter and more compact battery pack, with the 30 kilowatt battery pack weighing just 95.9 pounds (43.6 kilograms) - less than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid's nickel metal hydride pack - which maximizes fuel economy. 

Optima Hybrid's battery will hold its charge up to 25 per cent longer than hybrids with nickel metal hydride batteries, so the battery is more likely to have usable energy available even if it has not been in use. With that improved efficiency, more of the recovered kinetic energy and charging energy from the engine is available to move the car as necessary, which allows the vehicle to provide electric driving assist more often and for a longer period. Lithium polymer also has less of the self-discharge characteristic found in most rechargeable batteries.

Unique Hybrid Architecture Unlike most current systems on the market, the Optima Hybrid powertrain is configured with a unique architecture.  Compared to the power-split hybrid systems found on vehicles from Toyota or Ford, the Optima Hybrid uses a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout with the electric motor separated from the transmission gear-set.  Offering several advantages, this modular layout includes more efficient powertrain packaging, use of many existing components such as the six-speed automatic transmission found on the 2.4-liter GDI Optima, resulting in a consumer cost reduction. This also allows for other possible future combinations including the application of more powerful motors and higher capacity batteries.

Why We Love Oz: Deciphering Australian Recipes « When in Oz

We love to cook and I get plenty of practice at it preparing dinners while Ryan is working.  Just call me Suzie Homemaker.  One of the things I love about cooking in Oz is the deciphering the recipes.  There are, of course, the simple conversions that must be done from Metric to US but Australians have a way of making cooking — like everything else– really relaxed and fun!

For example: converting mililetres to cups, no problem?  Or kilograms to pounds, done!  (With the help of my friend, Google).

But who on earth knows what a “glug” of olive oil is?  Or a “knob” of butter?  When these terms showed up in recipes I was cooking I looked them up online and to be honest, I’m not convinced anyone really knows what they mean.  A “glug” can be equated to a “good portion” or “maybe a tablespoon” while a “knob” is “sort of like the size of a walnut” or “around a large tablespoon”.

Sometimes even the commentary in the instructions can provide entertainment.  My all-time favorite so far was when I made my first attempt at beef stew.  The recipe was Best Ever Beef Stew and the author of the recipe had an interesting way of explaining each step.  In step 2, for example, the author says, “…transfer [beef] to dish and pour red wine into de-glaze frying pan. Stand back, eyebrows are good.” The one that made me laugh outloud was when she or he encouraged the seasoning of the stew.  “Use cracked pepper or freshly ground. (Ready ground pepper is the devil’s dust and should not be used.)”  O.M.G.  So true.  So true.

Despite the challenges, we haven’t done so bad in the kitchen.  Our favorite so far has been Jamie Oliver’s Parsnip and Pancetta Tagliatelle with Parsnips .  We left out the parsnips and subbed bacon for pancetta.  It was delish!

I have to admit that it all adds an extra element of adventure in the kitchen these days.  My main order of business has been cooking and I haven’t baked anything other than cookies, but I rather suspect (or hope) that precise measurements are given there.

Happy Eating!

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