Whether you are an Auto –Enthusiast or looking for a fun outing, why not visit the Vancouver International auto show ??Take a look!

Do you like to look at shiny things? Or love to explore latest cars in the auto market? See something new! The Vancouver Auto show is going to be full of excitement!! – Brought to you by PartsAvatar Replacement Auto Parts.

Need help planning your visit to the Auto Show? Supercharge yourself with the Vancouver international auto show which is an exciting, family friendly event and take in the excitement of the city.

In the mean time, why not have a look at the highlights of 2017 Vancouver auto show!

Rare Ferrari Race on display

Ferrari racer of 1960s was the most expensive car of Vancouver international auto show 2017. Its estimated value is said to be US$14 million. So, if you ask someone what do you get in a $14M car these days, they’ll say simple mechanics and a room enough to pack one kid at a time.

This car was sold to a doctor whom Ferrari knew and enjoyed a long racing career, at one point placing second overall in the La V Coppa Sant Ambroeus in Monza, Italy.

The engine is water cooled V12 with a single overhead cam that produces 280 horse power. It’s something that everyone wants to get a glimpse of.

High Performance Supercars

Want to see supercars? Vancouver Auto show is unique because it showcases unique cars on the earth. Well, Ford’s Halo the GT, sat loud and proud for all to see. The halo car is often described as a figure head for a brand.

If Halo is not your thing, don’t worry Ford’s lemans simulator is parked next to it. A colourful mixture of McLaren’s, Lamborghinis, Porches and Ferraris stood proud and even classic cars like 1960 Ferrari and 1957 Maserati gave them tough competition for viewer’s attention.

The exotics are always crowd favourites. Every year Auto giants like Ferrari, Maserati, Lotus, Porsche, Aston Martin and Bentley present string of exotic cars and car enthusiasts just immerse in their amazing world.

The supercars that the auto show showcases every year feature an interior treatment and subtle design details that cannot be missed. So, before you regret not going there, do a pre booking for tickets!!

Debut of Subaru, KIA and Mini country man CUV

Kia demonstrated its commitment to design and quality with the regional debut of all new 2018 Kia Stinger at Vancouver auto show. The stinger is company’s first AWD sedan and the highest performance production vehicle ever.

With an estimated 365HP and 376 Lb ft torque, the powerful nod to the classic gran turismos of the past will redefine the Kia brand.

Subaru has also unveiled its concept car VIZIV-7 concept at auto show. This 3 row midsize SUV foreshadows a new addition to Subaru line-up in 2018. Visitors can get their nails painted the same spectacular blue as the Avista concept car at the booth.

Mini Countryman CUV also made its debut at Vancouver auto show 2017. The car included a novel bench seat that swings out of the cargo area to offer a comfortable seating area for tailgate picnics.

Ford wasn’t behind. It showcased its latest Mustang, the all terrain Baja busting Raptor and the latest F150, complete with 10 speed transmission!

2018 Lexus LS 500H and 2018 BMW M550i and Range Rover Velar’s Debut!

The lower mainland’s reputation for being a proponent of green living is why Lexus chose to reveal the hybrid variant of its next- generation flagship LS sedan here.

Utilizing the Lexus Multi Stage hybrid system also found in other models like the LC 500H the power train is made up of 3.5L V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and a 10 speed transmission and produces 354 HP.

BMW has rolled out its initial M performance version of latest 5 series Sedan. It features 4.4L twin power Turbo eight cylinders motor churning out 455HP and 480 Lb ft Torque with eight speed transmission and rear biased X- drive intelligent all wheel drive making it the fastest 5 series ever.

Range rover Velar and Lexus were the two vehicles from North America that made their debut at the auto show. The range rover velar is a brand new model of Land rover and is a midsized SUV with advanced aerodynamics and style, but also the perfect mix of off road prowess and dynamic road dynamics.

Seeing the car in person really reinforces how much attention the company has paid to the reductionism design aspect of the vehicle, from the hidden door handles to the perfectly rounded curvature of the bumpers.

The iconic custom cars

A small display of custom cars populated the upper halls including full size renditions of hot wheels- the bone shaker and darth Vader helmet car.

The Bone shaker is complete with a skull face piece and hands gripping the headlights; a skull topped spine shifter and crossbones steering wheel. This scary hot wheel produces 402HP with 350Lb ft torque.

Known for showcasing the world’s most amazing custom cars, trucks and bikes, the monster energy DUB show tour has developed an international reputation as the home of coolest aftermarket vehicles in the world.

Hybrids and Electric cars

Vancouver auto show gives opportunity to drivers to take a test drive of their favourite vehicle. Every year, drivers get a chance to get behind the wheels of a new plug in electric car from auto giants like Lexus, Nissan, Toyota, Ford etc.

There are two test drive locations- electric vehicle experience test drive located at lower level of Vancouver convention centre west and Toyota Lexus Hybrid ride and drive located at Thurlow entrance to the auto show.

Licensed drivers under this electric ride and drive program are given opportunity to test drive industry’s most popular green vehicles. In 2017, green vehicles introduced were new Chevrolet Bolt, BMW X5 40e and the Chrysler Pacifica plug in Hybrid.

Toyota, Lexus vehicles also wait for you to take them for a drive.

These were the highlights of 2017’s Vancouver auto show. There is more to see this year. You can expect much more fun and excitement there. And why not, after all, Vancouver hosts Canada’s third largest auto show every year! But, don’t forget to check their official website !

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Here are the Eye Opening facts you need to know about Daylight Savings Time before you spring forward!!

Get ready to “spring forward” as people in North America lose an hour of sleep in the early morning! Learn more about DST’s origins and interesting facts related to it here. – Brought to you by PartsAvatar Canada.

Daylight savings time system is followed in mostly North American and European countries. But why are we bound to it? Who disrupted our daily life for one day or two? Read the facts and find your answer!

Modern Time was invented in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians were the first or one of the first ancient civilizations to divide a day into sections, so they could tell what time it was. They divided the day into two 10 hour segments. They then added one hour at each end of the 10 hours, one for dawn and one for the twilight. Thus, they created 24 hour standard system.

But the credit of division of an hour goes to the Babylonians. They used sexagesimal (counting in 60s) system which was derived from their predecessors- the Sumerians who used it in 3500 B.C.

Later ancient Greco- Egyptian mathematician Claudius Ptolemy divided the hour further into seconds. However it was until 16^th century that mechanical clocks were invented and modern timekeeping was born.

Ancient Romans practised DST!

Ancient Romans were familiar with hours and minutes but not with seconds. They did not fix their schedules to the clock the way we do today, but they did adjust their schedules according to the sun.

During summers, they used to divide daylight into twelve hours regardless of daytime, so that each daylight hour was longer during summer. Unlike Egyptians who used Shadow clocks to trace time, the ancient Romans used Water clocks.

To adjust with DST, Romans would use water clocks of different amounts for different months of year.

Benjamin Franklin gave the Idea of DST

In 1784, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to the editor of journal of Paris. He outlined the need to align the clock according to sun set and sun set. The essay was meant to be a joke. He further suggested that Parisians could save on the cost of candles if they got out of bed earlier in the morning.

It is said that he got this idea after riding his horse one summer morning and noticing how many blinds were still down, which was pointing towards the wastage of sunlight.

DST became mandatory during WWI

During World War 1, in order to save coal for war efforts, Germany and several other European countries enforced the DST system. They believed DST was a way of reducing the use of electricity. But it is still controversial as there is hardly any proof that says that DST saves or reduces electricity.

After World War II, a lot of chaos was caused in America as some cities refused to stick with DST. Then 1966, the uniform time act was enforced which standardised DST from last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.

Different times for different countries

Not everyone changes the clock on same date. Even in Canada, many provinces don’t follow DST. Israel usually changes the clock on the last Sunday in October.

Brazil on the other hand changes its time on third Saturday in October.

More time for Trick or Treat!

DST is a blessing for candy makers. Longer amount of daylight in the fall means more time for kids to go trick or treating on Halloween. Candy makers enjoy their sales as kids get extra hour of daylight to collect candy.

Barbeque industry also has a lot of stake. In 1986, when U.S. added extra month of DST, it was worth $100M in extra sales of grills and charcoal briquettes.

Everyone won’t be on time!

People often get confused during DST. They forget to either fall back or spring forward. So it eventually results in them getting late or coming early at their workplace.

Alert! Exam Scores can be Messed

It’s a warning for high school students or teenagers preparing for entrance exams. The change of time can mess up sleep schedules of teens causing them to perform poorly on college exams. SAT tests are administered after DST. So beware!

Health problems and accidents increase

Lack of sleep can have unfortunate effects. A Swedish study reveals the risk of having heart attacks increases in first three weekdays after switching to springing forward.

Losing one hour of afternoon daylight after setting the clocks back to standard time can trigger mental illness, including bipolar disorder and seasonal effective disorder also called winter depression.

Subtle changes in sleep patterns and circadian rhythms can alter human alertness which can cause fatal car accidents.

People who work at physically taxing jobs such as miners have been shown to experience more frequent and severe workplace injuries at the onset of daylight saving time in the spring.

The researches attribute the injuries to lack of sleep, which might explain why the same effect did not pop up in the fall when workers gained an hour of sleep.

Longer cyber loafing

Cyber loafing is a slang word for surfing for entertainment during work hours. It can cause the companies thousands of salary wages flushed down the internet tube.

Lack of workday motivation and focus caused due to lack of sleep in the spring may cause this increase.

People want it repealed

DST favouring folks often argue that DST is energy conserving, promotes outdoor leisure activity during summer nights, which helps in psychological health and reduces accidents. Urban people usually support DST.

But according to farmers living in the rural areas, the natural biorhythm of animals and humans is disrupted by this system. National geographic argues that actual energy savings benefits are inconclusive.

Don’t become victim of DST change. Just remember

Spring: forward

Fall: back.

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Its time for the Jewish Festival of Lights!! Find out more about rituals, history and Fun facts of Hanukkah day at PartsAvatar!!

In winters, you really need more light than whole year! Don’t worry, as Jewish festival of lights is here for 8 days. Impress your Jewish friends by updating your knowledge about Hanukkah festival. And where will you get it? Of course here!! – Brought to you by PartsAvatar Car Parts.

Light is not only part of Diwali rituals and celebrations but it also plays significant role in Hanukkah- the festival of lights. So, if you happen to know Jewish people around you, don’t forget to wish them. Read about this amazing festival ahead.

An eight day celebration, Hanukkah day is observed by Jewish people by lighting one candle on a nine branched menorah each day. Hanukkah marks a remarkable event that took place long ago. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish people’s successful rebellion against the Syrians in Maccabean War in 162 BCE.

The word Hanukkah in Hebrew means “rededication”. The Jewish rebel army rose against the Greek Syrian dictators in this war. The Jewish rebellion was led by Judah Maccabee. During the time of revolt, practising Judaism was a sin in Jerusalem and pigs were slaughtered in the name of sacrifice.

A ritual cleansing and rededication of temple occurred after their victory over oppressors. Only pure olive oil with the seal of high priest could be used for the Hanukkah i.e. rededication.

It is said that there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day but the small bottle miraculously lasted for eight days. This event came to be known as “the miracle of the oil” and is now its rituals are associated with this festival.

Hanukkah is celebrated for eight continuous days between 25^th of the month of Kislev to the second day of Tevet according to Hebrew calendar. Candles are lit for eight nights and families eat food cooked with oil and exchange gifts. The menorah was an oil lamp with seven branches and was used in old temples. Nowadays Hanukkiah is used which has nine spots to hold the candles. Many people still address the candlestick holder as Menorah. People recite a blessing when lighting the candles followed by singing of Hanukkah songs.

You have saved enough history in your grey matter. Now it is time for some fun stuff. There are various activities and fun facts about this day that you may or may not know. Take a look!

Dairy Products are popular during Hanukkah!!

It is said that during the Babylon captivity of Jews, the town of bethulia was under siege and were ready to surrender due to lack of water. A young woman called Judith requested a meeting with top general Assyrian holofernes. 

She entered holofernes camp and fed him salty cheese so that he would become thirsty and will fall asleep after drinking wine.

She then took chance and killed him. The Syrians fled from Israel because there leader was killed. Judith decided to remain unmarried and Jews in honour of her purity and bravery eat dairy products during Hanukkah.

Celebrating with the driedel game!

The driedel is a four sided top with a letter from Hebrew alphabet on each side. This game is often played during Hanukkah and everyone is given gelt, which can be a real coin or gold wrapped chocolate coins. Win or lose is decided depending on what side the dreidel lands.

Driedel has its roots from Greek Syrian rule over holy land. Learning Torah and practising Judaism was a crime punishable by death. So Jewish children were forced to study in secret.

Eating Latkes- the traditional Jew meal!

It’s time to eat. Many traditional dishes are served using lots of oil. Latke or potato pancakes are popular in Jewish household during Hanukkah days. Latkes are fried and served with apple sauce or sour cream. In terms of desserts, don’t forget jelly doughnut or sufganiot.

In North America, where olive oil was scarce, goose or chicken fat was often used for frying so latkes, apple fritters and non dairy food became the norm.

Adam Sandler dedicated a song to Hanukkah!

In 1994, famous Jewish comedian Adam Sandler performed “The Chanukah song” a novelty ditty which deals with the issues of Jewish children feeling alienated during Christmas. It’s a Must watch because he lists Jewish celebs as a way of sympathizing with kid’s situation.

There are certain things you should refrain from saying it to the Jewish people during Chanukah.

Things not to say to a Jewish person around Christmas!

“Why isn’t Chanukah on same day each year?” Chanukah follows the Jewish calendar which is 13 months long and starts on Jewish New Year also called Rosh Hashanah.

“I don’t know how to greet people during Hanukkah”. Well if you want to greet someone you can say “Happy Chanukah/Hanukkah”.

“I know someone else who celebrates Hanukkah. Do you know Rob?” Jew population may be scarce in some areas but they don’t belong to same tribe always. So, they don’t care to know each other often.

“Is Hanukkah, Jewish Christmas?” Now this is truly offensive question. Well, as you know Hanukkah’s history so it has nothing to do with Christmas.

Taking your leave with the phrase” Merry Christmas”. Well, it often create religious controversies and is another indicator that majority is of Christians though many other communities now add to North American population.

“Don’t you want to celebrate Christmas?” Christmas and Hanukkah come in the same time so it might be difficult for Jewish people to navigate. So you can politely ask what traditions are upheld and leave it at that.

“Don’t you believe in Santa Claus?” No, they don’t need to, do they?

Even if you dint grow up in a typical Jewish household, these facts are enough for you to impress your friend and his/her Jewish family. Happy Hanukkah day from PartsAvatar Canada and enjoy the festival of lights with zeal.

Toronto, Get Ready with a Red Nose and a Warm coat!! Your favourite Santa Claus Parade is back again!!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Are you ready to have your best time at Toronto Santa Claus parade? Here, we’ve pulled together some interesting tidbits about the parade’s 113 year old history! So don’t miss it. - Brought to you by PartsAvatar Auto Body Parts!!

Every age group eagerly wait for this parade in Toronto. So, are you also one of them? Before participating, why not brush up your knowledge? Here, we will suggest you how to have best time in Snowy parade!!

Toronto has been hosting this parade for about 113 years. Santa Claus parade is regarded as one of the oldest and largest parade of its type on earth.

The very first parade of Santa Claus was held in Toronto in 1905 which was an idea of Timothy Eaton, the founder of Canada’s famous retail chain. He arranged for Santa to arrive at the old union station on Front Street. He was collected at the union station and was delivered to downtown’s eaten store.  Along the way, he tossed small bags of candy, nuts and trinkets to children lining the route. Hence the parade grew in size each year and attracted large crowds.

Enough with the history! It’s time for some interesting tidbits about this parade.

Real Reindeer pulled Santa’s sleigh!

In 1913, live reindeer was imported from Labrador to pull Santa’s sleigh. The reindeer had their own veterinarian and were fed reindeer moss- their favourite food. There were special baskets on poles carried around where children could drop their letters and each one received personal letter back from him!

It is said that the reindeer was adopted by Eaton’s executive and he retired to his estate outside the city.

Original floats were used!

Unlike today where we have floats by toy companies, the original floats were nursery rhyme characters.

Lions are banned from the parade!

Riders dressed like lions were meant to help pull the horses on Santa’s sleigh. But their costume spooked the horses, and they had to be banned from the parade to avoid commotion.

 Never missed a year!

Despite bad weather, world wars, and even Eaton Company pulling its sponsorship, there had not been a single year that Santa hasn’t made his way down the Toronto Streets and delighted every age group by cheerfully saying “Ho! Ho! Ho!”

Aired live from Toronto!!

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the parade. You can watch it live, thanks to CBC. The parade was first broadcast on the radio in the 1930s and was aired live on the CBC starting in 1952.

With TVs becoming a big part of people’s home, Santa Claus parade went from being just a holiday parade to being seen in dozens of countries throughout the world and Santa became a television star.

Prime minister can’t send or accept gifts!

According to the federal accountability act of 2009, the Canada’s Prime Minister and his family members are not allowed to accept or send Christmas gift cards, monetary gifts or perishable food items like cookies or cakes.

Canada post help Santa answer every letter!

Canada post volunteers donate 200000 hours annually to assist Santa answer every letter that he receives.

Santa’s parade had a big hand in ending Cold War!

In 1989, the Santa Claus parade was broadcast live by the Russian broadcasters in Soviet Union. It helped change, Russia’s opinion about the west and aired for next three years.

Costumes were made of paper!!

During World War II, there was shortage of materials like metal and cotton. So at that time organizers used paper to create costumes for the parade.

Santa’s Secret workshop!

Many of us think that Santa has his secret toy workshop in the North Pole, but his parade float workshop is located in north York.

Its route has grown by time!

Santa clause parade’s route was so brief in the beginning that it used to cover union station to Eaton centre in just 10 minutes. But, now it has grown to 5.6 km so that kids can have interaction with Santa without any hustle.

Enjoy the parade with Santa’s App!

Two free apps have been created with the organizers so that the mass can enjoy the classic tradition. The App Track Santa shows the location of Santa along the parade and Shake the bells let everyone join in on Santa’s ride with the shake of a phone.

Tips for attendees to enjoy the parade!

Arrive early at the venue. Want to claim a good spot for yourself and your friends? Make your way soon.

Find a good place to stand. Organizers recommend standing near Christie pits, as this way you are exposed to cold weather for less time. It’s not that cold in the beginning of parade, so you can thoroughly enjoy it.

Snacks or meal stores get crowded nearby the parade. It is recommended to bring your own snack. You can bring along cookies and hot chocolate and can enjoy it with your friends and family.

Exiting is quite dangerous. Sometimes, it’s just like a stampede is occurring. So, take your time, wait for five minutes or more till the exit is clear. This way you can get out safely. Sometimes, due to heavy rush while exiting, people lose track of their children, so it will be wise to wait rather than rush.

Don’t forget to bring a blanket!

You can enjoy more if you bring along your friends, family. This way you can hang around with them and can spend quality time chatting, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate. It’s really pleasant.

Santa’s parade of lights is a spectacular night time parade with colourful and brightly lit floats, dancers and marching bands winding their way through the streets of Oshawa much to the delight of little boys, girls and the young at heart.

Plan a Santa Claus Parade themed day trip or a Christmas lights family evening out and explore the beauty of Toronto! Don’t forget all the delicious eateries to enjoy while you are downtown!!

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