R Y B A N Z

2011 Hyundai Sonata at 2009 L.A. Auto Show

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Competes with: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion
Looks like: An evil-looking take on the family sedan
Drivetrain: 198-200 hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or automatic transmission
Hits dealerships: January 2010

We already knew about Hyundai’s impressive four-cylinder engine going into the all-new Sonata, but today the company revealed the full details on the 2011 heading to U.S. dealers next month.

Mileage is impressive at 23/35 mpg city/highway, but what's more interesting is that this Hyundai sedan will turn heads. Yes, it shows glimpses of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and VW CC, yet it's distinctive enough to stand out among its direct competitors like the Camry and Accord.

On top of mileage and looks, the Sonata packs a spacious interior with the most overall interior volume in its class. Like the Accord, it falls in the EPA’s large sedan classification -- not midsize -- because it is so roomy inside. The trunk is nearly class-leading at 16.4 cubic feet.

We don’t have a full model breakdown in hand yet. However, all Sonatas come standard with XM Satellite Radio, USB port and iPod integration, and Bluetooth connectivity.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid model will be unveiled later in 2010.

More photos below. We’ll have more information and first-hand impressions later in the day.

Michelle Obama Ape Woman

Michelle Obama Ape Woman:Google has apologized over a racially offensive picture of Michelle Obama that apperared when users searched for images of the US first lady.

The image came top of the Google images results for “Michelle Obama”.

Google placed a notice over the picture titled “Offense Search Results”, saying: “Sometimes our search results cam be offensive. We agree.

Later on Wednesday the image dropped from top image results, though the BBC understands Google did not remove it. Instead the image appeared to have been removed from the site that originally published it, and was therefore no longer appearing prominently in Google searches.

tiger woods affairs voicemail, transgressions, joan najbar, …

Tiger Woods admits to "transgressions" as voice mail is made public

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Tiger Woods acknowledged Wednesday morning that he let down his family, saying he regrets "those transgressions with all of my heart."

Woods penned a statement Wednesday that he put on his Web site, offering his "profound apology" to his family and friends.

UsWeekly magazine published a cover story that says a cocktail waitress in Los Angeles carried on a 31-month affair with the married Woods, the world's top-ranked golfer.

"I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart," Woods said in the statement. "I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone."

UsWeekly has reported Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren, have a prenuptial agreement worth $300 million. If that number is correct – or even close -- and the two divorced, it would be the most expensive celebrity divorce in history, exceeding the $150 million-plus Michael Jordan paid his wife, Juanita, in their settlement.

The cocktail waitress, Jaimee Grubbs, told UsWeekly she had a voicemail of Woods asking her to do him a favor and take his name off of her cell phone.

"Hey, it's, uh, it's Tiger. I need you to do me a huge favor," the message said. "Um, can you please, uh, take your name off your phone. My wife went through my phone. And, uh, may be calling you. ... You gotta do this for me. Huge. Quickly. All right. Bye."

Also, radaronline.com reported that the New York bar hostess who initially denied an affair with Woods will now admit to it and that her attorney, Gloria Allred, has scheduled a news conference for Thursday to make a statement.

In its final report released Wednesday, the Florida Highway Patrol said Woods' Friday morning accident caused $3,200 in property damage, was not wearing a seat belt and was traveling 30 mph in a 25 mph zone. Woods was cited for reckless driving and has paid a $164 fine, court records show.

The six-page report did not include statements from Woods, his wife or any witnesses.

The AP contributed to this report.

Kalika Moquin Pictures, Tiger Woods Alleged Mistress #3

Another day, another woman. Kalika Moquin, a marketing manager for The Bank nightclub in Las Vegas has reportedly been an item with Tiger Woods for months.

Life & Style Magazine claims, Woods hooked up with Moquin, 27, on several occasions at his Sin City hotel room during the weekend of October 23, 2009.

"They've hooked up a bunch of times. Tiger told Kalika that married life isn't all it's built up to be. He said he wasn't happy in his marriage or his home life and that there was just so much pressure on him," an insider tells the magazine.

When Life & Style asked about her rumored relationship with Tiger Woods, Kalika replied, "It's not appropriate for me to comment one way or the other."

Kalika is the third woman to be publicly linked to Tiger. Rachel Uchitel [photos], a club promoter in NYC and Los Angeles cocktail waitress Jaimee Grubbs [photos] have also been named as women with whom Tiger has cheated on his wife of five years, Elin Nordegren.

James Frey Opens Up About The Death Of His Son

World Aids Day was yesterday and author James Frey wrote a very touching essay on losing his young son. Frey writes:

“When I think of (RED), I think of Leo, and I think of the children who are dying. I think of the pain and misery their families will feel when they are gone. I think of what my wife and I have felt and lived with and experienced and I never want anyone else to have to experience the same things.

I think of the fact, and it is a fact, that many of these children could be helped and saved and given life. They can find their dreams and pursue them. They can know joy and beauty and love. They can take their first steps and learn their first words and go to school and have their first dates. My son never got to do any of those things.” In celebration of World Aids Day, Frey and Bugaboo stroller company teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind stroller that is up for bid on eBay now. And 100% of the proceeds will go to the Global Fund which finances AIDS grants in Africa.

Your request is being processed... Rachel Uchitel-Tiger Woods AFFAIR: Alleged Mistress To Admit To Relationship With Golfer

RadarOnline.com is reporting that Rachel Uchitel, first reported last week to have had an affair with Tiger Woods, will admit to the relationship in a press conference Thursday. Uchitel's attorney, Gloria Allred, will reportedly "make a statement about Ms. Uchitel's relationship with Tiger Woods" at the news conference. Uchitel will attend the event but will not speak.

Click here for pictures of Rachel Uchitel, and click here for additional photos of her.

This week, rumors of Woods' affairs with other women have begun to circulate. Kalika Moquin (PHOTO, VIDEO) is the latest name to emerge. Jaimee Grubbs was named on Tuesday as an alleged mistress (PHOTOS, MORE PHOTOS), and she provided a voicemail and scandalous text messages that purportedly back up her claim.