Although not a car that screams swagger to me Subaru has produced a vehicle that is a cut above because the new Subaru Outback has smog-forming emissions that are so low that only an electric vehicle (a Zero Emissions Vehicle) would run cleaner. On the U.S. EPA rating system for vehicular cleanliness that awards 10 points to ZEVs, eight points to a Camry Hybrid, and six to the average new car, a PZEV scores 9.5.

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As I was boarding the metro from CP (Rajiv Chowk) to Vishawvidyalya (Delhi University, North Campus), I noticed people queuing up to board the metro, a civic sense that didn’t exist so commonly 4 years ago when the underground metro was started. The major metro stations were a mess as people behaved in uncivilized manner and boarding the metro was no easier than boarding the Mumbai local. People behaved themselves inside the train though. Delhi Metro administration decided to educate the commuters to stop this mess. The constant announcements on the stations, platforms and inside the trains requesting the commuters to queue up while boarding and disembarking was a great step towards inculcating some civic sense in the commuters. The practice still continues and is proving to be extremely effective. Delhi has come a long way from being the most polluted city in India to the cleanest city of our country.

The development has really worked towards civilizing the face of the city and the same has led to the behavioral changes in the people of Delhi. I noticed a visible change in the attitude of Delhi people towards the city. Delhi people understand their responsibilities and duties towards the city now.

The change in the city infrastructure and the attitude of people has only made Delhi a better place to live. This proves the fact that a lot can be achieved if the government and the common people work together for the betterment of a city and the nation. I think the State government has done a fabulous job to improve the condition of our Rajdhani (Capital city).

What makes Delhi a great city is not only the finest infrastructure in India but the changed attitude of the residents of Delhi.  This should serve as a great learning example for other big cities of our country.

Davao city is my favourite city in the Philippines, I am from Ireland and have visited there many times, I am fascinated by this lovely place, how can I put it in simple words, it is simply paradise, I have friends in Malaybalay, this is a mountain town around 3 hours away in the bus, the last time I went there from Davao it was 300 peso around 6 dollars, Malaybalay is another town I would recommend , I believe its the Pineaplle capital of the Philippines.

O.K let me get started on Davao, why would I recommend Davao? my main reasons are listed below,

1. The place is so cheap, beer is the cheapest in the Philippines, hence cost of going out cost a lot less.
2. The food is very cheap, you can get great seafood, including lobster at the fraction of the cost of other cities in the Philippines.
3. The air is very clean, the taxis use gas, very good for the environment, also there is no smoking in public, sorry to you smokers out there (well I am not that sorry, no more smelly clothes and effects to my health from your cigarettes ,as Davao is a smoke free city, you can only smoke in your own premises, you can not smoke in hotels.
4. City is really safe, I think it has one of the lowest crime rates in Asia.
5. Fruit is plentiful and cheap: The Durian fruit is magnificant, I believe Davao is the Durian capital of the world, Durian fruit has a smelly reputation some describe it as smelling like dirty socks, but I love it, the Durian shakes are magnificant.
6. Taxis are cheap too, they don’t overcharge (o.k there is a minimal risk, so, so low compared to anywhere else I have ever visited)
7. The weather is warm and tropical, great for the beach, it can rain buckets too though.
8. The town never sleeps, places open 24 hours to buy DIm sum or some convenience items.
9. Also the place does not feel like a city ( Davao is one of the largest cities in the world , land area size)
10. Easy to get to in the Philippines, lots of planes service Davao from all over the Philippines.
11. People are so friendly, really friendly people, their smile will light up your face.
12. Beaches are great, Samal Island and Paradise beach, I very much recommend to visit there.
13. Nightlife is very good and safe, yes and more cheap beer, I recommend the Venue, its my favourite place.
14. Great shopping, the malls are really big here but I suppose that’s like everywhere else in the Philippines.
15. Great Festivals such as the Davao city Octoberfest beer festival and the Kadayawan festival.

Now that’s my 15reasons to visit Davao, if you can get more please do.

Picture: Kadayawan festival Davao city

Picture: Durian stand, Davao city

Picture: Paradise beach, Samal Island, close to Davao city

This is the cleanest farm yard I have ever seen and two great old buildings…

2008 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs (THAT MEANS NO ADS AND NO SELLING OF ANY KIND) but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used…(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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It has been a fantastic year for SureRide we have just celebrated our first year as the new owners and we could not be more proud. SureRide has been in business in San Diego for over 15 years and under the new ownership we are looking to grow SureRide into the number one minibus company in San Diego. We are currently the only minibus specialists in San Diego our fleet consists of over 95% minibuses. If you are looking for transportation to any city event, city tour, wine tasting, wedding, dinner outing, night club, bar, sporting event or any other group transportation need let, SureRide get you there in one of our new and clean vehicles. We pride ourselves in maintaining the cleanest and newest vehicles in the industry and we make every effort to wash all vehicles inside and out every night! This ensures you will have a fresh vehicle for your group outing.

We also traveled to Phoenix this year and worked with the NFL and transported guests to and from the Super bowl and other events surrounding the Super bowl. Other events that were going on around the same time as the Super bowl was the FedEx Cup in Scottsdale Arizona. We had a great time in Phoenix and look forward to other NFL football games in the future. Obviously we are based in San Diego and enjoy taking groups to the San Diego Chargers games for tailgate parties and to enjoy the game. What better way to enjoy a game then to rent a bus and take a group of your friends and not have to worry about drinking and driving or even finding a parking space. Buses are allowed to park in special designated areas which allow you to get in and out of the football games easier.

We love all our sports teams here in San Diego. The Padres have not had a great season this year but just like they say, “a bad day at the game is still better then the best day at work!”

This weekend we are gearing up for the Boost Mobile Pro of Surf competition in San Clemente. The competition runs from September 7th through 13th. Last year they had an extra day as the weather was not working out. We shuttle the guests to the event from the parking lot and we get to meet some of the pro surfers along the way. It is always a great time and hopefully the weather helps and provides some great surf for these athletes to show off their stuff.

Even before the Surf competition we will have the always colorful Action Sports Retailer Trade Show at the convention center in downtown San Diego. This event runs from September 4th through 6th.

• San Diego Symphony
• The Grapeline
• Carey Worldwide
• Gadabout Tours
• Kushner & Associates
• IMG Worldwide Inc.
• SEAT Planners
• San Diego Chariot, DBA Chariot Worldwide
• Destination Temecula
• San Diego Community College District
• Lifestyle Limo
• Camp Pendleton
• Star Destinations
• Profile Limousine
• The Bus Bank
• Mother Goose Parade Assn.
• People Business, Inc.
• Estancia
• Arrangements Unlimited
• Amylin Pharmaceuticals
• San Diego Golf Events 
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• TMS – Transportation Management Services
• Sterling Rose Limo
• San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau
• PRA
• Unique Tours & Transportation
• Pacific Beach Recreation Center
• VIP Ride
• SDSU extended studies
• USS Midway
• Qualcomm

This list is just a sample of some of our most recent clients we have been fortunate to work with these fine organizations and look forward to expanding our relationship with other great organizations.

The environment is a big issue for many of the world’s countries. Billions are spent on making our world a cleaner place yearly. More policies and technological advances help, but the people’s cooperation is what is truly needed. Most do what they can, but some go far and above and aim to make their country the cleanest and greenest it can possibly be, in air, water and land. What are these countries that are the hallmarks of cleanliness?

1. Switzerland – With an environmental performance index (EPI) of 95.5, this European country ranks first in cleanliness. The environment has been in the country’s interest as early as 1876 when it passed a forestry law. There are many major influential pro-environment groups in the country. Nearly all electricity comes from dams and nuclear plants, reducing emissions caused by burning fossil fuels. Strict standards for exhaust are placed on vehicles to lower air pollution. The country is also one of the top recyclers in the world, with stiff penalties levied on offenders. If you want clean, this is the place to be.

2. Sweden – Coming in second with 93.1 are these two countries. Like Switzerland, almost all power is produced without fossil fuels. A good percentage of Sweden’s forests still stand thanks to the people’s efforts, up to today. Like most clean countries, they have emission laws in place. Yet another clean place you can visit!

3. Norway – Tied with Sweden, Norway still uses some forms of oil to power the nation. Norway was once a heavy air polluter, but that has changed after Norway took steps to reduce emissions. A good portion of its land is also protected. It’s always a good time to visit Norway.

4. Finland – Unlike the first three, Finland still uses fossil fuels for power, but this is gradually lessening. Finland takes care of its shores, assigning a majority that can never be built on. Like all the other now-clean nations, it had a past problem with pollution until the government decided to act. Now, it’s one of the cleanest places in the world. I’d love to go there!

5. Costa Rica – It may be unexpected for some, but Costa Rica comes in fifth. This country has a large total area dedicated to parks. Early on in its history, Costa Rica was already acting to have water and air standards. Almost a quarter of the country is protected to preserve wildlife, one of the largest percentages in the world! The nation also contains 5% of the entire world’s species! The country is generally poor but educated, and is the most stable country in its region. They still make an effort for the environment. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t have all those lovely beachside resorts to bring in tourists! They are the most visited place in Central America. Why not come, too?

Next time you plan a vacation, why not go somewhere where you’re sure to breathe clean air? It will be good for you! What are your experiences in these countries? Speak up!

Wet, sticky spots on the train floor, chicken bones, nut shells, spilled coffee, hot dogs and “lots and lots of rolling bottles” often greet subway passengers on the E and the Q trains — rated the dirtiest lines in the New York City subway system in the latest survey by a rider advocacy group.
Riders on the L line, however, are getting the cleanest ride, according to the group, the Straphangers Campaign, which released its findings on Tuesday.
It concluded that the fruits of a New York City Transit program to assign additional cleaners to the L and the No. 7 lines from September through January helped the L line pull ahead.
The No. 7 line tied with the No. 1 line for second place and was among the most improved lines since the group’s survey in 2005.
“Clean trains are a priority,” said Gene Russianoff, the Straphangers Campaign’s staff lawyer. “It’s what the riders care about.”
Mr. Russianoff said that under the new program, cleaners are now stationed at both ends of the L and No. 7 lines to go through each train, picking up litter and mopping.
Charles Seaton, a transit spokesman, said the agency added about 60 car cleaners each to the No. 7 and L lines last year. Each line previously had fewer than 20 cleaners. The annual cost of the program is about $10 million, according to the transit agency.
In December, the L and the No. 7 lines were also used to test a new management initiative that appointed general managers to tackle pressing problems on the lines and to assign workers and other resources with greater independence than elsewhere in the subway system. Mr. Russianoff said that effort may also have contributed to the improved cleanliness.
Poppy Mardliah, 35, a Queens resident, often sees the worst and the best of the system. She frequently takes the J train, ranked next to last in cleanliness, and then transfers at Broadway Junction to the L.
“The L train is a much better train,” Ms. Mardliah said. She added that there was a marked difference between the two lines when it comes to cleanliness and that it affects the quality of her ride. “It makes me feel that the commuters are more respectful,” she said.
The Straphangers Campaign said that from September through January, it had volunteers inspect 100 train cars on each subway line. The inspectors used the same cleanliness rating system that New York City Transit uses, giving each car a score from 1 (cleanest) to 4 (dirtiest).
Cate Contino, who supervised the survey for the campaign, said the surveyors judged the level of dirt, grime, spills and food on the train floors and seats, but generally did not focus on litter like discarded newspapers.
The campaign’s volunteers found that 88 percent of cars on the L were clean (scoring a 1 or a 2). In the campaign’s survey in 2005, 61 percent of the cars on the L were rated clean.
The E and the Q lines tied for last place, with 29 percent of cars from each line rated clean. The E also ranked last in the 2005 survey, with 2 percent of cars rated as clean. In the previous survey, 69 percent of cars on the Q line were rated clean.
Overall, the survey found that 50 percent of cars in the subway system were clean, compared with 47 percent in the 2005 survey.
The results differed from a similar survey conducted by the New York City Transit. In a recent systemwide survey, the transit agency rated 87 percent of cars clean. In the agency’s survey, the No. 3 train was rated the cleanest, with 97 percent of cars considered clean, and the M line was rated the worst, with 70 percent of cars found to be clean.
Steven Feil, the senior vice president for subways at the transit agency, said in a statement that keeping trains clean was one of the agency’s “top goals.”
Mr. Russianoff, who held a news conference in the Union Square subway station, was asked if the cars on the cleanest lines were clean enough to eat off the floor. Mr. Russianoff said he would not recommend it.
Maria Alvarez contributed reporting.

Wet, sticky spots on the train floor, chicken bones, nut shells, spilled coffee, hot dogs and “lots and lots of rolling bottles” often greet subway passengers on the E and the Q trains — rated the dirtiest lines in the New York City subway system in the latest survey by a rider advocacy group.
Riders on the L line, however, are getting the cleanest ride, according to the group, the Straphangers Campaign, which released its findings on Tuesday.
It concluded that the fruits of a New York City Transit program to assign additional cleaners to the L and the No. 7 lines from September through January helped the L line pull ahead.
The No. 7 line tied with the No. 1 line for second place and was among the most improved lines since the group’s survey in 2005.
“Clean trains are a priority,” said Gene Russianoff, the Straphangers Campaign’s staff lawyer. “It’s what the riders care about.”
Mr. Russianoff said that under the new program, cleaners are now stationed at both ends of the L and No. 7 lines to go through each train, picking up litter and mopping.
Charles Seaton, a transit spokesman, said the agency added about 60 car cleaners each to the No. 7 and L lines last year. Each line previously had fewer than 20 cleaners. The annual cost of the program is about $10 million, according to the transit agency.
In December, the L and the No. 7 lines were also used to test a new management initiative that appointed general managers to tackle pressing problems on the lines and to assign workers and other resources with greater independence than elsewhere in the subway system. Mr. Russianoff said that effort may also have contributed to the improved cleanliness.
Poppy Mardliah, 35, a Queens resident, often sees the worst and the best of the system. She frequently takes the J train, ranked next to last in cleanliness, and then transfers at Broadway Junction to the L.
“The L train is a much better train,” Ms. Mardliah said. She added that there was a marked difference between the two lines when it comes to cleanliness and that it affects the quality of her ride. “It makes me feel that the commuters are more respectful,” she said.
The Straphangers Campaign said that from September through January, it had volunteers inspect 100 train cars on each subway line. The inspectors used the same cleanliness rating system that New York City Transit uses, giving each car a score from 1 (cleanest) to 4 (dirtiest).
Cate Contino, who supervised the survey for the campaign, said the surveyors judged the level of dirt, grime, spills and food on the train floors and seats, but generally did not focus on litter like discarded newspapers.
The campaign’s volunteers found that 88 percent of cars on the L were clean (scoring a 1 or a 2). In the campaign’s survey in 2005, 61 percent of the cars on the L were rated clean.
The E and the Q lines tied for last place, with 29 percent of cars from each line rated clean. The E also ranked last in the 2005 survey, with 2 percent of cars rated as clean. In the previous survey, 69 percent of cars on the Q line were rated clean.
Overall, the survey found that 50 percent of cars in the subway system were clean, compared with 47 percent in the 2005 survey.
The results differed from a similar survey conducted by the New York City Transit. In a recent systemwide survey, the transit agency rated 87 percent of cars clean. In the agency’s survey, the No. 3 train was rated the cleanest, with 97 percent of cars considered clean, and the M line was rated the worst, with 70 percent of cars found to be clean.
Steven Feil, the senior vice president for subways at the transit agency, said in a statement that keeping trains clean was one of the agency’s “top goals.”
Mr. Russianoff, who held a news conference in the Union Square subway station, was asked if the cars on the cleanest lines were clean enough to eat off the floor. Mr. Russianoff said he would not recommend it.
Maria Alvarez contributed reporting.