Recall of some Bentley cars - the safety reason !!

Cars catch the attraction so easily – there are cars and there are luxury ones – at the most one can only dream of. In the film ‘Ninaithaale Inikkum’ – Rajni would risk his finger for a bet on a Toyota car. Those days, the word ‘toyota car’ rhymed with those ultimate mean dreams of ambitious people. Not any longer !!


Of the short list of the cosy ones, Bentley would be amongst the top ones. Quite often Aston Martin 77 is reported to be the costliest one – only 77 pieces ! all sold out at a premium priced at US $ 1.5 M (more than 6 crores !!) The ultra luxury automakers that have the potential for getting included in to the list would be Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Leblanc, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Pagani, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Saleen, Shelby SuperCars and Spyker.

Bentley Motors Limited is a British manufacturer of automobiles, founded in 1919 by Wlaer Owen Bentley. This company was known for the rotary aero engines in WW 1. Since 1998, the company has been owned by the Volkswagen group of Germany. We have not heard much of Cheshire as much as we have heard of Somerset, Yorkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Worcestershire, Leicestershire, Gloucestershire et al. Well, the list other than Cheshire is some of the County clubs that play cricket. Crewe is a railway town in Cheshire known for Crewe Railway works, an engineering facility of 1840s and also housed Rolls Royce production; now Pyms Lane factory produces Bentley cars exclusively. Bentley cars are hand-crafted and a favourite of rich and famous.

The luxury car maker Bentley is in news because of its recall of some models over concerns of its distinctive ‘flying B’ hood ornament that they could hurt pedestrians in a collision. The flying B is a winged statue that is designed to retract if the car crashes. Luxury carmaker Bentley is recalling some models over concerns its distinctive "Flying B" hood ornament could hurt pedestrians in a collision.

The fact of life that most metals corrode. Rusting is the common term for corrosion of iron and its alloys, many other metals also undergo corrosion. Rusting is red oxides, formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture. The priciest of metals is also susceptible as Bentley has found them to be – the safety administration has issued a recall of some of its models manufactured between 2007 – 2009 due to the perceived problem of retractable ‘flying B’ on the hood corroding and not retracting in the event of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency of US Govt whose mission is ‘save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes’.

The regulators state that the ornament could increase the risk of additional injury if Bentley struck a pedestrian. The car company however stated that they were unaware of any accident or injury related to the same. However, close to 600 units are to be recalled – reports say that the retractable flying B is an optional accessory and Bentley will replace the faulty mechanism free of charge. The recall for this reason, is highly unusual and the company has decided to recall the cars after a dealer spotted the problem in Britain. The total across the globe of this fault could be close to 1400 with 300 in Britain.

The Flying B badge at the centre of the recall dates back to the late 1920s, when W O Bentley was operating out of Cricklewood in north London. It survived until the 1970s, when it was withdrawn for safety reasons, only to return in 2006, with the development of the retractable mechanism. Now the safety mechanism finds itself in news due to water seepage on the system, resulting in rust and corrosion. Some of the famous owners in England include the football captain Rio Ferdinand and hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg.

The Company claims that the repair could be carried out within an hour. Recalls are not rare and Bentley has also has its track record of recalls arising out of problems with filters, retaining blots etc.,

The common Indian need not feel affected as the Bentley Arnage would cost around 2.25 crores, Azure close to 4 crores; a cheaper variety of Bentley continental flying spur would cost around 1.70 crores.

Have you ever seen a Bentley on Indian road – perhaps none at Chennai, though have seen a couple of Lamborghinis which are costlier.


Regards – S Sampathkumar.

Champions League T20 Finals - CSK set an easy target

After the first half with CSK needing only 128 for a win, things are looking very bright for CSK Dhoni and his men.  It is 15 minutes to 11 pm at Chennai.  Many Chennaites would be awake - happy with the progress so far, expecting an easy win for CSK.


The Organisers could not have expected a better podium fight as CSK with a huge Indian fans turnout playing a local team.  A good finals is on the cards.  Johannesburg has been a happy hunting ground for Dhoni. He lost the toss and DA Jacobs had no hesitation in choosing to bat first and set a formidable target.  In walked Aleem Dhar and RE Koertzen and Bollinger started running in.


Well the first ball was not delivered as there was a hold up. It took some irritating minutes before it was sorted with Bollinger and Ashwin speaking to the ground staff and the reserve umpire Asad Rauf climbing over the advt. hoardings. A good finals on the cards. Jacobs has so far been the highest scorer in the tournament. Teams are unchanged and Jacobs opened with Ashwell Prince. For CSK, Ashwin, Murali, Bollinger all have been amongst wickets with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the highest wicket takers.
When it happened, it was a clinical performance by CSK. After the beauty of a delivery, Davies struck in – the next two were fours. He was chancing and hitting at will - after 4 overs, Warriors were 39 and a big score was in the offing.


Ashwell Prince was not hitting the sweet spot and was first to go - out to a full from Bollinger. Davie Jacobs ungainly reverse sweep off the first ball he faced from Ashwin saw Rudi Koertzen raising his finger after some thought. The turning point perhaps. Murali showed his class, foxing Boucher and taking another wicket. Wickets fell at regular intervels. Raina was a live wire, was everywhere took a well judged catch yelling Murali Vijay to stay away. Anirudha was also good on the field. Balaji bowled a steady line save his final over when he was hit for 18. Murali the 800man bowled the final first two dot balls. Thyssen presented a simple catch to Anirudha at covers off the fourth. Just four in the final over. 4-0-16-3 reads his figure ; Ashwin finished with 2/16 off 4. A target of 129 seems eminently gettable with the much famed batting line up of CSK.
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It was a methodical and clinical win in the end. CSK had really performed as a team with many contributing. Just a solitary loss that too in the super over. The youth brigade and wily seniors had all plotted it. The new stars are Murali Vijay, Ashwin and Anirudha Srikanth which will do Indian and State cricket lot good.
Chasing a modest total and getting along, Murali Vijay was distinctly lucky in the fifth over when he edged one; Boucher showing signs of old age did not go for the catch at all. The chance went abegging & Murali collected four runs also for that.

Just the type of people needed for chasing this s score - the experienced Mike Hussey partnering the prolific Murali Vijay. The only threat appears to be the mindset of playong to the target rather than the usual game.

Even when the match is on, one of the players is on mike and then Rudi was on for a lengthy time. Will it not be a diversion and impact the match is a valid Q - but would remain unanswered in present scenario where onfield happenings get directed elsewhere.

After 8 Boje came on, Vijay danced down with elan and played him over extra cover - one bounce - a statement of authority as to which team was dictating. Immediately another stumping chance went begging. That time he was 16 less than the aggregate of 286 in the tournament by Jacobs.

After ten - CSK were 65 without loss. Murali Vijay gets the golden bat and Ashwin, the ball - two to Chennai besides the cup. 100 came up with a straight six hit by Vijay. He left at 103 with little to be achieved by his teammates. His 58 came off 53 balls laced with 6 fours and two sixers. The winning runs came from Dhoni’s bat and Hussey also completed his fifty.

(the second part was posted subsequently)


Regards – Sampathkumar. S
PS: In TOI (Chennai Edition) today in the first page - photo caption reads 'Ingram out to Muralidharan ; actually it is that of D Jacobs getting out to Ashwin'.

Christophe Colomb at Khorfakkan - Employment of 10 cranes

I had earlier posted an article on the giant Christophe Colomb, a big container vessel with capacity of 13344 TEU of which 800 are reefers. The vehicle fitted with modern Pre-swirl stator for increased propulsion efficiency is said to be a strategic asset to CMA CGM and is capable of operation at super eco speed closer to 15 knots. The vessel is the first of the series of 3 which are named after great explorers. Christophe Colomb is the largest container ship ever to sail under French flag. It has 365 M length and 52m breadth with DWT of 157092 & GT 153022.

As you would know, container vessels are cargo ships that carry all of their load in intermodal containers mostly standardized TEU of forty footers. By construction, above a certain size the container ships do not have their own landing gear. So loading and unloading from the vessel can only be done at the Port with the necessary cranes.

Container cranes stationed in Ports have a supporting framework that can traverse the length of a quay and moving platform known as spreader. The spreader can be lowered down on top of a container and locks on to the box at the four locking points known as corner castings using a twistlock mechanism. Typically cranes handle one container at a time, though there are some which have the capability of picking up more. The first use reportedly was at a terminal in Alameda, CA by Matson and was called a portainer.

There are gantry cranes which are overhead structures with hoisting machines mounted on frame or structure. Gantry cranes are for any type of cargo such as timber, paper rolls, containers and any kind of bulk material.
The marvel of vessel’s maiden call at Khorfakkan container terminal during Aug 10 was a record of sorts as 10 cranes were used at a time for unloading containers from the vessel. Gulftainer reports that it worked with a maximum of 10 cranes and a picture has also been released with cranes all over the ship. It is stated that technically it is feasible to fit 12 cranes within the lengthwise stack profile of 365 m LOA ship.

According to reliable reports, CMA CGM Christophe Colomb is the largest vessel ever to enter the recently expanded terminal at Khorfakkan. When the vessel made its maiden foray into the terminal, the operations commenced with 10 cranes lined up and with around 7000 moves a record breaking performance in offloading had been achieved.

Khorfakkan is a town located along the Gulf of Oman on the east coast of United Arab Emirates. It is scenically beautiful part and means creek of two jaws. It belongs to the Emirates of Sharjah but is geographically surrounded by the emirate of Fujairah. It has a natural deep water port and is a major container terminal. KCT is managed by international port management company Gulftainer on behalf of the Sharjah Ports Authority, and is widely considered to be amongst the most efficient terminals in the world, a crucial factor for companies operating large vessels between Asia and Europe. KCT has 1900 meters of quay, 20 world class gantry cranes and water depths allowing entry of largest vessels. It is a major transhipment port with numerous feeder connection to gulf ports of hinterland, Iran, East Africa. Gulftainer Co was established in 1976 and primarily manages and operates container terminals in Port Khalid and Khorfakkan.

It is claimed that the efficient operations ensured the leaving of the terminal by Christophe Colombo in 24 hours which then proceeded her eastward voyage to Asia.


Regards - Sampathkumar S

Presenting our Sept. 2010 issue of BLISS - voice of SYMA

Dear (s)

Here is our monthly issue of BLISS - Sept 2010 issue:    Sept 2010 issue of BLISS

There are grave concerns at the National level – the continued unrest at Kashmir, occurrences overshadowing the conduct of Commonwealth Games etc., There is need for stopping the bloodshed and progress as a strong Nation.

At SYMA, we have been very active in the past months with the conduct of Asthma detection camp, Blood donation camp, Education aid distribution programme and conduct of Eye camp. Our regular activities of tuition centre and medical centre are running well.

This issue contains something on :

• The Eye Camp for detection of cataract held on Independence day and subsequent free surgery conducted at Sri Sankara Eye Hospital, Pammal

• Thanking the NKT authorities for providing infrastructure for SYMA Growth

• Q on the famous speech ‘tryst with destiny’ speech of JN Nehru – when and what time was it made and who sung the invocation song in that meeting ?

• Something on Swine flu – requesting not to spread rumours and to have vaccine

• About the flag hoisting and Independence day celebrations

• The new tele line at our premises and on intimating change of address of our members

• Fondly remembering our beloved KE Raghavan who left for heavenly abode on 25th Aug 2007

• Felicitating Ravi Srinivasan, our member who was the Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent that secured bronze medal at the 2nd World Tennikoit competition held at Germany.

All these and more in the present issue of BLISS.

Look forward to your feedback.

With regards – S Sampathkumar

PS : For those new recipients, SYMA is a Social service organization in existence for more than 3 decades and BLISS is the newsletter / voice of SYMA.

Yours truly is the Secretary of SYMA and has been the Editor of BLISS for more than 7 years since its inception.