The Queen owns no property outside Britain.- She owns at least 30 furs. They are worth a reported £1 million. There is a refrigerated fur store at Buckingham Palace.
- Her estimated worth is more than £100 million.
- Her investments are held by a company called Bank Of England Nominees. It allows heads of states to buy shares anonymously.
- Under the ancient law of Bona Vacantia, The Queen is entitled to the property of those who die without heirs within the Duchy’s realm, the Country Palatine. The Queen still gets this money but apparently gives it to charity.
- She earns at least £1 million a month minimum.
- The Sovereign Grant, the amount of money the Queen gets from the government, was £31 million in 2012/13.
- The Royal Collection consists of 7,000 paintings, 40,000 watercolours and drawing and 150,000 Old Masters prints.
- The royal cars at Sandringham are worth an estimated £7.1 million
- She doesn’t need a passport and is the only person in the United Kingdom who is not required to have a driving licence in order to drive. She also does not require number plates on any of her cars. The official website of the British monarchy says, “As a British passport is issued in the name of Her Majesty, it is unnecessary for The Queen to possess one.”
- William and Harry just call her ‘granny’
- No alarm clock: she wakes to the sound of her personal bagpiper every morning.
- Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms.
- She met Prince Phillip when she was just 13.
Tag Archives: cars
How to Spot a Lying Used Car Seller
Nose touching, mouth covering, fidgeting and throat clearing are all common signs of someone telling a lie and detecting these signals could save used car buyers from making a costly mistake. Vehicle information expert HPI is urging consumers to be on their guard and pay attention to more than a vehicle’s body work, but a seller’s body language and facial expressions too.
“Have you ever had that uneasy feeling that someone was lying to you but didn’t know why you felt that way? It could be because you’ve subconsciously noticed their lying signs,” explains Shane Teskey, Senior Consumer Services Manager at HPI. “Trust your instincts. Pay close attention to body language and facial expressions. For example, look for nose touching and mouth covering. People touch their noses more frequently when they’re lying. They’re also more likely to cover their mouths.
“Of course, if you are buying online you can’t look the seller in the eye or take into consideration how they are behaving so investigate the seller’s history by reviewing the ratings from other buyers to ensure you’re dealing with someone who will deliver the car according to the terms you are offered.”
Another potential tell-tale sign of lying to look for is nodding, says HPI. When the head is nodding or shaking in contrast to what is being said, buyers should be on their guard. “Make sure the seller isn’t giving you inconsistent signals,” continues Shane Teskey. “Does your used car seller look shifty? Perhaps constantly fidgeting? Too much fidgeting, either with their own clothing, jewellery, hair or things around them, could indicate that they are feeling uneasy and may be lying to you about the car’s history.”
Buyers should try to observe the level of “mirroring” going on between themselves and the seller. When two people have a conversation, they naturally mirror the behaviour of each other, but unscrupulous sellers mirror significantly less when lying. Finally, pay attention to the person’s throat. Excessive lubrication of the throat by swallowing, throat clearing or gulping may indicate someone is dealing with a dodgy seller.
Shane Teskey concludes, “We always urge buyers to take along someone else with them when going to view a car. Having a second pair of eyes to check out the seller whilst you check out the bodywork will never go amiss. And if you don’t know much about cars, try to take someone who does know a thing or two, or invest in the services of an independent vehicle inspection. Most importantly, don’t let your heart rule your head and trust your instincts. If the car looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
The best way to avoid being deceived by devious used car sellers is to get the official HPI Check online at www.hpicheck.com, via it’s App (now available from iTunes) or by phone – which will confirm if a vehicle has been stolen, written-off, or has outstanding finance against it. The official HPI Check also includes a mileage check as standard, using its National Mileage Register (NMR), which holds more than 160 million mileage records, helping buyers avoid the risk of buying a clocked vehicle. In addition, the HPI Check offers a Guarantee of up to £30,000 in the event of the information it provides being inaccurate or incomplete, offering added financial protection to used car buyers. For the ultimate peace of mind, used car buyers can invest in a 202 point vehicle inspection by a qualified engineer with the new HPI Inspection.
How to Spot a Lying Used Car Seller
1. Look for nose touching and mouth covering
2. Watch when the person nods. If the head is nodding or shaking in contrast to what is being said, this can be a tell-tale sign that they are lying.
3. Beware of constant fidgeting.
4. Observe the level of mirroring.
5. Watch the person’s throat for excessive swallowing, throat clearing or gulping.
5 Ways to Prevent a Car Accident
Car accidents are an unfortunate part of driving in the real world, no matter what you do. However, there are some ways you can minimize your chances of getting into an accident. The following are some of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your car safe.
Keep the Car in Good Shape
How to Prevent Car Accidents
Image via Flickr by Alexandre Prévot
When your car is in good shape, it’ll be more able to handle the issues that tend to lead to getting into accidents. When your tires and brakes are good, you have a much better chance of dodging an accident. When your mirrors are properly aligned and your windows are clean, you can better see what’s either ahead of or coming toward you before it can cause damage.
Keep Yourself in Solid Condition
If you drive when you’re tired, you have a much higher likelihood of having an accident. As well, driving under the influence of even one recently consumed alcoholic beverage can slow your reaction times and muddle your perceptions enough to make an accident more likely. When your condition is at its best, you are more capable of noticing potential problems and heading them off before they become as serious as an accident.
Follow the Laws of the Road
As a good car wreck attorney in Dallas could tell you, following the law is just a good idea. If you don’t follow the law and get into an accident, the law won’t look favorably on your actions and your legal liability could be great. This is particularly the case if there is a large amount of property damage or loss of life because of the accident. If you follow the law, insurance will be more useful if an accident happens and you will be less likely to get into an accident in the first place.
Keep Distractions in the Car to a Minimum
Distracting yourself will only make you more likely to get into an accident. Having a visible screen, an overly bright stereo system or doing things with your phone will all divert your attention. Also, having a serious conversation that could become emotional while you’re driving is also an ill-advised way to go. The fewer things you have around to focus on, the better aware of how dangerous each thing is you’re going to be.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
When you have other drivers around, these are people you can’t control. Don’t imagine you can control them, but you do need to know what they’re doing in your presence. Most of the time this is simple awareness, but every so often you will need to dodge someone in order to avoid getting into an accident. The sooner you know what a reckless or unaware driver is doing, the more easily you will be able to get out of their way. The best way to avoid accidents is to be as far away from the crazy drivers as you can get.
Avoiding accidents isn’t always possible in the real world. However, the above suggestions will make staying out of an accident far easier.
Jude Law races around Yas Marina Circuit, the home of Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
ABU DHABI LAYS DOWN THE LAW ON A FAST-TRACK CIRCUIT
British actor Jude Law, the heart-throb star of countless Hollywood hits, swapped red carpets for chequered flags on a recent trip to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit – the futuristic home of the emirate’s annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Jude Law cools down after his Hot Laps at Yas Marina Circuit
This one is the brake… Jude Law gets last-minute pointers from the Yas Marina Circuit instructor
With stunned fans snapping the Sherlock Holmes star on their mobile phones, fearless Law buckled into an open-cockpit Yas Supersport SST – a mini version of Le Mans endurance vehicles – for thrill-a-minute ‘Hot Laps’ around the 5.5km track.
“Jude was bowled over by the entire experience – he was a natural racer,” said a Yas Marina Circuit insider. “He even said he was considering returning to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix in November.”
To find out more about Yas Marina Circuit, book Driver Experience packages, or secure tickets for the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs October 31 to November 3, visit: www.yasmarina.circuit.ae
All About the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Facelift
There is no longer any delineation between diverse kinds of bumpers with particular off-road and on-road packages. Below the recently designed headlamps, the entire models give LED driving lights at daytime in a chrome clasp as standard. The radiator grille with central star and two slats goes after the design idiom of all existing passenger automobile models. The slats are decorated silver, along with chrome inserts as an alternative. In addition part of the model facelift, the design makers have developed latest wheels in size 17-inch (43.2 cm), 19-inch (48.3 cm) and 20-inch (50.8 cm) that are accessible in a variety of paint finishes or by means of a high-sheen finish. An aerodynamically optimized 17-inch (43.2 cm) wheel is accessible probably with auto loan for the first time.
The GLK SUV received a total internal renovation: the dashboard for instance provides a broad trim in aluminum or alternatively in wood spans the whole width of the dashboard. The additional trim elements in silver shadow and new round vents also grasp the eye. A high-end color display is alternatively accessible for the appliance cluster. A new upholstery colors, three-spoke sports steering wheel, and indirect ambient lighting plus seat designs featuring LED fibre-optic technology that is obtainable on the GLK for the first time, additionally improve the feel-good environment inside the automobile.
The GLK provides wonderful driving dynamics, admirable driving security and excellent ride comfort. Besides the versions of rear-wheel drive, the 4MATIC models together with an everlasting all-wheel drive reveal an intrepid courage even in the most unfavorable situations both off-road and on-road. Similar to all-terrain and all SUV motor vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, the GLK is a pure-bred, without hesitation off-road operator. In the meantime, the forefather of all contemporary Mercedes-Benz SUVs that provided its name to the GLK is at this time in its model year of 33rd and is also experiencing a comprehensive facelift.
The external lends the GLK additional poise. The body unites classic elements of all geographic condition motor vehicles with the design saying of the existing Mercedes-Benz saloons. Expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, stringent lines, volume-emphasizing rear and front regions synchronize with the trademark GLK body features that are characteristic of functional all geographic condition vehicles. These comprise slender roof pillars, a steep windscreen, short overhangs, the taut roof line and the upright front end. The design of the body is not a fashionable end in itself. Otherwise, it applies the benefits typical off all geographic condition motor vehicles to the compact SUV class. Proficient ATV-specific characteristics for example departure and approach angle and ground clearance allow off-road schemes at any time. The good all-round visibility and the carefully designed body together with the seat position augment appropriateness for everyday use and give for comfortable driving.
The headlamps symbolize an innovative version of the signature of the design of Mercedes lamp. On the fundamental model together with headlamps of reflection-type, a chrome torch characteristic spans the two reflectors. On models showing the ILS (Intelligent Light System), the headlamp includes a reflector, the torch and the projection unit with LED cables made from fiber-optic for the position light. Moreover, the turn signal indicators comprises individual LEDs are situated. The roof rails in an entirely new design are specifically striking in the side view.
Kathleen Hubert is a blogger who writes on a variety of different sites. Check out more of her work at autoloan.org.
Bring Down The Cost of Motoring
Saving money on fuel is a priority according to research by Mobil 1
- Cash strapped Brits look to save money on motoring but actually lose out where it matters most: in the engine
- Research marks launch of Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30, a fully synthetic car engine oil approved for use by BMW and Mercedes-Benz
- Drivers understand engine oil helps their vehicle but do not know it can help them save money on driving costs
- New Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30 is designed specifically with potential fuel savings and efficiency in mind
LONDON, 2012 – Checking oil ranked highest in the activities we’re willing to do on our own, over and above a number of everyday activities. New research commissioned by Mobil 1 has found that more Brits are confident checking the oil in their car than making beans on toast.
This research comes as Mobil 1 launch its latest synthetic car engine oil, Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30, with BMW and Mercedes-Benz approval. The research also shows that Brits are increasingly looking to cut motoring costs as the economic climate gets tougher, with over a fifth of drivers cutting their mileage by as much as 2,500 miles each in 2011.
However, it also seems that drivers are missing out on other easy cost-cutting measures, unaware that basic actions such as keeping engine oil topped up can reduce overall motoring costs, as only 6% of respondents recognised that using the correct engine oil prolongs the life of an engine.
“It is great to see that as a nation we are confident with checking car oil and we are surprised to see it beat so many everyday activities in terms of consumer confidence” said Dan McGoldrick, Field Marketing Advisor UK, Nordic and Benelux for ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialities, makers of Mobil 1. “Checking oil, especially in winter months, is essential to keep cars running smoothly, avoiding wear-and-tear and making sure your car runs as efficiently as possible – potentially saving you money on fuel and ensuring your motor is as confident on the road as you are in looking after it.”
Developed using the latest synthetic lubricant technology, Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30 has the potential to improve fuel economy whilst optimising engine protection. Expertly engineered to help prolong the life and maintain the efficiency of emission systems in both diesel and petrol powered vehicles, it has gained approval from Mercedes-Benz1 and BMW2 for a range of models.
Mobil 1 top tips for saving money and keeping your motor in peak condition:
- Choose the right oil for your car.
- Using the correct engine oil can potentially improve fuel efficiency, provide valuable engine protection, and reduce wear and tear.
- Mobil 1’s online “Which Oil” product selector – found at www.mobil.co.uk – helps drivers find the correct engine oil to optimise their vehicle’s performance.
- Simply insert the vehicle registration number and ‘Which Oil’ identifies the most appropriate engine oil.
- Talk to your service representative about the “health” of your engine and the motor oil they use during maintenance checks.
- Service representatives are your vehicle’s “doctor”, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about the benefits of different oils and how to keep an engine running smoothly.
- Keep a 1 litre container of engine oil in the boot
- Maintaining the proper level of engine oil and lubricant is essential to the protection and efficiency of a vehicle.
- A one litre container of oil is a cost effective way of maintaining an engine between regular maintenance checks.
Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award – A sneak preview at the work of the finalists!
The finalists of the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award have been announced and we have the winning sketches that are taking this year’s hottest new designers to FS2012!
Now entering its 20th year, the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show is a professionally run and high achieving student organisation, which is passionate about both fundraising and fashion. It is currently the largest student-run charity fashion show in the UK. FS2012 will take place on 25th February and will showcase young design talent alongside big fashion brands and as official jewellery partner of this year’s show, Swarovski will adorn models with pieces from its couture jewellery collection, Atelier Swarovski.
Nadja Swarovski commented, “The St Andrews Charity Fashion show has a long history of promoting both young and established design talent, which is in keeping with Swarovski’s commitment to supporting creative industries. As a patron I am delighted to be a part of this exciting event which also benefits such a deserving cause as the Muir Maxwell Trust.”
FS 2012 are working this year with the Muir Maxwell Trust (MMT), a charity that supports the 70,000 children in the UK with epilepsy and their families. Established in 2003 by Ann and Jonny Maxwell, the Trust is named after the Maxwell’s 14 year old son, Muir, who is profoundly damaged by a severe form of epilepsy that began in infancy.
The Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award will function as a platform for UK-based new and emerging young designers. In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of our show, it will combine the authority of well-known designers with the flare of the country’s best student design talent both on the catwalk and throughout our campaign.
The recipient of the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award will receive:
- The Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award 2012
- £1000 in prize money, courtesy of Alfa Romeo
- The opportunity to design a fashion line, worth £500, in support of our chosen charity: The Muir Maxwell Trust
- Exclusive feature and spread in The FS Magazine, with over 7,000 online readers.
The 2011 judging panel included the PPQ design duo, Amy Molyneaux & Percy Parker, as well as Britain’s Next Top Model Winner, Alex Evans.
The Stig, a Black Cab…and Chris Evans
The Stig, a Black Cab…and Chris Evans
• Top Gear Live’s tame racing driver in 400bhp London ExCeL blat
The Stig gave television and radio presenter, Chris Evans, a truly memorable ride yesterday morning when he took to the wheel of a Black Cab for a quick tour of ExCeL London, the capital’s venue for the all-new Top Gear Live 2011 (November 24-27th). The show also visits the NEC in Birmingham between 11 – 13 November.
Petrolhead, Evans, jumped in the back of a rather unique 400bhp version of the iconic London taxi to announce his appearance at this year’s show where he will take part in a special live rendition of Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.
Negotiating service ramps, the underground car park, power-sliding through the show halls and across the central boulevard, The Stig gave his passenger a whirlwind tour of the 100,000 square metre venue.
Billed as ‘The Ultimate Top Gear Experience’, visitors can expect all the on-screen, supercharged excitement of the TV show rolled into one event, with the famous presenting trio of Clarkson, Hammond and May previously seen in the TopGearLive action arena now spilling out into the rest of the event.
At the centre of the new format is the new Top Gear indoor track featuring highlights from the TV show including Stig Power Laps and ‘Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car’ as well as the Top Gear Stunt Team, mouth-watering head-to-heads and supercar parades.
BBC Radio 2 breakfast DJ and One Show presenter, Chris Evans will appear on 24th November at London ExCel. Further celebrity names will be announced in the coming weeks.
Visit www.topgearlive.co.uk or facebook.com/topgearliveuk to see how Chris and The Stig got on.
Tickets start at just £49. For more information about the show or to book tickets visit www.topgearlive.co.uk or call 0871 230 5588.