I stumbled across this post on a website -Very Interesting

The Watchtowerand the Pyramids

POINTOF NO RETURN

Jehovah's Witnesses call themselves Witnesses to God's truth. They also believe the Bible is the inspired witness of truth. Their claim, like many others is the Scriptures were directly written by God through the Holy Spirit. In the Bible we find prophecies about the Second Coming of Christ and the end of the world. Reliability on the Bible is sure because it is God's revelation to us--His written witness.

Few Jehovah's Witnesses today are aware of their past history of their founder. For many years, the Watchtower claimed God had another witness! This was not the Holy Scriptures, but also another witness written in stone. What was this witness? The Watchtower declared it to be the Great Pyramid of Giza, in Egypt ! The Pyramids in pagan Egypt you say? That’s right! For decades all Jehovah's Witnesses believed God had two inspired works, the Bible and the pyramid. The pyramid has been known to be an occult object of veneration and revelation for mystics and false religions alike.

Today, Jehovah's Witnesses are told the Bible contains chronology which concludes that the year 1914 is an important prophetic date--the year of Christ's Second Coming, invisibly. Yet, according to the Watchtower's past teaching, the Great Pyramid also pointed to that year as the end of this world. It was claimed that 1914 and other important Biblical dates could be calculated by measuring the lengths of various passages and chambers in the pyramid. Actually one can trace calculation of the last generation to the pyramidology of C.T. Russell.

Russell had decorated his art with the great pyramid showing his affinity with outright paganism. His books displayed a winged disk the very same picture appears in Rosicrucian pamphlets and in Egyptian heiroglyphs. Manley P. Hall a Mason also had this winged disk in the secret teachings of all ages." As you leaf through the pages of Hall's book he continually refers to a coming "Golden age,"and on page XLIX there is a winged -sun-disk which he explains as the solar trinity, and represents the various sun Gods of all ages. Also at least 9 pages discuss the pyramids and their mystic attraction in detail -especially the great pyramid."(Dona Lackman The Jehovah Witness-Masonic connection)

Russell is reported to have visited the great pyramid twice , it was after his second trip that his teaching began and the use of the winged sun disk as a symbol for the international bible students. Not only is this disk used in Rosicrucianism but by Kabbalists who portray Jehovah with it. Russells connection with occult themes do not end here, the name of the organization and publication Watchtower is what occultists called the magical universe, "watchtowers." In enochian magic there were regions known as the Watchtower of fire, of air, of water,of earth . This corresponds to elements of the world. A Masonic offshoot society of enochian magic was known as the Hermetic order of the Golden dawn. Again the similarity of name is highly suspicious.

Lady Queenborough's book occult theocracy on pg.737 records C.T. Russell's Masonic membership (published in 1933). While this book seems to be the only evidence of his membership the insignia and words used are undeniable. The use of the terms 'society' and 'brotherhood' are used today among the witnesses which show Masonic terminology was carried over from Russell.

Through Russell the Watchtower called the pyramid God's Stone Witness and Prophet. ( Thy kingdom Come 1891 and 1905 ed. p.17) They claimed: "Its wonderful correspondencies with the Bible leave no room for doubt that the same divine inspirer of the prophets and apostles inspired this 'Witness' also." (ibid p.362)

1897 "...this measurement is 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years.... This calculation shows A.D. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble...." (Russell, Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342, 1897 edition [1916 edition changed to read: "We find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years.... Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning of the time of trouble...."]This was calculated as 1915 in (Studies Vol.3 1913 ed. P.342) note: the measurement was the length of an interior passageway discovered inside the Pyramids. It has no reference in Scripture.)

Chapter title; "The testimony of God’s stone Witness and prophet, the great pyramid in Egypt." (Studies Vol.3 1903 ed. P.313)

At this same time we find the Society involved in astrology as well as pyramidology, all considered the occult. "When Uranus and Jupiter meet in the humane sign of Aquarius in 1914, the long-promised era will have made a fair start in the work of setting man free to work out his own salvation, and will insure the ultimate realization of dreams and ideals of all poets and sages in history." (Watchtower, May 1, 1903, pp. 130-131; p.3184 Reprints)

"…this date,1910, indicated by the pyramid…we may accept as correct the testimony of the great pyramid, that the last members of the body or bride’ of Christ will have been tested and accepted and will have passed beyond the vail before the close of AD 1910." (Studies Vol.3 early ed. P.364)

"In the passages of the great pyramid of Gizeh the agreement of one or two measurements with present truth chronology might be accidental, but the correspondency of dozens of measurements proves the same God designed both pyramid and plan…" (WatchTower 6/15/1922 p.187)

"The great pyramid of Egypt, standing as a silent and inanimate witness of the Lord, is a messenger; and its testimony speaks with great eloquence concerning the divine plan." (WT 5/15/1925 p.148)

Almost unanimously all of Russell's dates were taken from his studies on the pyramid (1878,1881,1910,1914,1915,1918). Is it any wonder they got the dates wrong. Yet they wrote it was God's dates not ours.

Based on Watchtower claims, the Great Pyramid was near and dear to the hearts of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They relied on it to learn of God's plans just as they would the bible. Imagine their shockwhen in the late 1920's the Watchtower published articles condemning those who believed this pyramid was inspired by God. In 1930, they said, "let no one today add tohis prophecy by saying that a pile of stone in the land of Egypt constitutes God's witness." (Light book, p.286 1930)

The Watchtower lashed out at those who had fallen for the teaching of the Great Pyramid. Did they admit responsibility from their founder for deceiving Jehovah's Witnesses over the years, adding to God's prophetic word? No, just like they have done for the other prophecies they instead blamed the Witnesses themselves for believing this false doctrine! For instance the Society declared," …they have not discerned the distinction between the Devil's organization and God's organization…"and accused such Jehovah's Witnesses of "not following after Christ."(WT Nov.15 p.340 1928) They also said, 'If the pyramid is not mentioned in the Bible, then following its teachings is being led by vain philosophy and false science and not following after Christ.")(ibid p.341) "Those who have devoted themselves to the pyramid… the mind of such were turned away from Jehovah and his word." (WT 11/15/1928 p.344) In this we would agree with them.

What was accepted under their founder they were now distancing themselves. Take for example the Cross and Crown logo which had been provided through Russell, later was abandoned since it was"...to Brother Rutherford's mind Babylonish and should be discontinued." Hewrote they are, "...not only unnecessary but objectionable, "(1975 Yearbook, p. 148).

Theyalso claimed that the pyramid is Satan's Bible, and not 'God'sStone witness." "Then Satan put his knowledge into dead stone, which may be called Satan's Bible, not Gods stone witness…" (WT, 11/15/1928 p.344)

"It is more reasonable to conclude that the great pyramid of gizeh, as well as the other pyramids…were built…under the direction of Satan the devil." (WT, 11/15/1928 p.344). Does this mean the dates that Russell was calculating for the end of the world were satanically inspired? Does this make the founder of the Organization a pagan?

It's clear that even though the Watchtower put the blame on Satan and Jehovah's Witnesses, but the onlyreason people believed in the pyramid was because the Watchtower had taught them to! Here is astatement from a 1928 issue of the WATCHTOWER magazine. Speaking of those who promoted the pyramid, it reads, " Themind of such was turned away from Jehovah and his word." We absolutely agree and so it is with all those who follow man’s organization and not God. It was from their teaching that their own people were turned away.

Despite the change of mind of the Watchtower, Russell was buried with a tombstone pyramid as evidence of their false testimony. "The Watchtower society burial plots in Rosemont United cemeteries, five miles due north of Pittsburgh City, contain ample space for all the members of the Bethel family… In the exact center of the Bethel lot will be erected diagonally the pyramid shape monument designed by brother Bohnet, and accepted by brother Russell… 9 feet across the base. And its apex stone is exactly 7 feet above the ground surface level." (Convention report, p.7)

Russell influence in the occult continued until he died where he had a pyramid shaped tombstone over his grave as a memorial of their founders influence which began this non scriptural practice of predicting the future through a stone edifice in a pagan land. But not only was he buried with a pyramid but on it was engraved a cross. Imagine that, a pagan symbol upon a pagan memorial. Does this make their founder a pagan according to Watchtower teaching? It certainly does. By their own publications teaching they deny it was a "Pagan" cross Christ was crucified on!

If Jehovah's Witnesses were true to what they teach today they would have to reject Russell's teachings and consider those who practice his religion apostates, just as they do with others who believe differently in the own organization today. They would also have to admit they were founded by a pagan. In Gods providence he had them leave us a witness to the false Witnesses of Jehovah.

Source

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Great Pictures

Do Not Let Radicals ReWrite History

General Eisenhower Warned Us!


It is a matter of history that when Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight

D. Eisenhower, found the victims of the death camps, he ordered all possible photographs to be taken, for the German people from surrounding villages to be ushered through the camps, and even made to bury the dead.

He did this because he said, in words to this effect:
'Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the road of history, someone will get up and say that this never happened'

This week, the UK removed The Holocaust from its school curriculum because it 'offended' the Muslim population, which claims it never occurred. This is a frightening portent of the

fear that is gripping the world, and how easily some countrys are giving into it.

It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the,



6 million Jews,


20 million Russians,


10 million Christians


And 1,900 Catholic priests



Who were 'murdered, raped, burned, starved, beaten, experimented on, and humiliated' while the German people and a lot of the world looked the other way!


Now, more than ever, with Iran , among others, proclaiming the Holocaust to be 'a myth,' it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets.





How many years will it be before the attack on the World Trade Center , 'NEVER HAPPENED'




because it offends some Radical Muslim in the U.S. ?

Lest We Forget!

Layla looks back through a lens

TheStar.com - entertainment - Layla looks back through a lens

TONY BOCK/TORONTO STAR

Patti Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife and the love of Eric Clapton’s life, is in town promoting her autobiography, 'Wonderful Tonight,' and a photo exhibition. She's shown ere at the Great Hall Gallery on Queen St., Nov. 18, 2008.

ROCK MUSINGS

Mick Jagger's "Angie," long assumed to be about his passion for David Bowie's ex-wife, Angela, was in fact inspired by Keith Richards' daughter.

John Lennon's "The Ballad of John and Yoko" and "Oh Yoko" were just two of more than half a dozen songs inspired by his second wife.

Paul McCartney's "I Will," "The Lovely Linda," "My Love" and "Maybe I'm Amazed" were all tributes to his first wife.

Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" is Suzanne Verdal, former wife of Canadian sculptor Armand Vaillancourt.

Bob Dylan's "Sad-Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands," long considered to be a declaration of his love for Joan Baez, was in fact inspired by Sara Lownds, his now ex-wife.

Muse to Clapton and Harrison on tour with revealing photo exhibit

November 21, 2008

GREG QUILL
ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNIST

"They'll always be personal," Pattie Boyd said, casting an eye over the framed images against the walls of the Great Hall Gallery on Queen St. W., waiting to be hung for the Toronto opening today of her travelling photography exhibition, "Through The Eyes Of A Muse."

"I know how they smelled when I was taking the pictures."

"They" are George Harrison and Eric Clapton, the two fabulously talented, obsessive, emotionally abusive and spectacularly self-centred guitarists to whom Boyd was sequentially married in 1966 and 1979, and for whom the two friends, love rivals and Brit rock icons wrote, respectively, the songs most people consider their signature pieces: "Something" and "Layla."

Locked away since they were taken and unearthed only four years ago at the behest of friends who were scouting for previously unseen images of pop's glory years for an exhibit, Boyd's most intimate mementos have lost none of their potency for the 64-year-old former model, the archetypal "rock chick."

They were captured during the quieter moments in the otherwise turbulent and spectacularly eventful, though mostly unhappy, times chronicled in her 2007 memoir, Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me (Three Rivers Press/Random House Canada, $16.95).

"It was like opening Pandora's Box, lifting a lid on a life I'd kept secret for 40 years," said Boyd, whose autobiography, co-written with British journalist Penny Junor, was published, coincidentally, at the same time as Clapton's bestselling memoir. It recounts many of their shared experiences, but often from a startlingly different perspective and with equally startling candour.

"Pictures are so powerful," she continued quietly.

"In some ways these belong to the world now, but they'll always be part of me. I was concerned at first that they were too intimate ... I felt I shouldn't, or couldn't share them with strangers.

"But when I looked at them objectively, the way a photographer should, I also saw how very beautiful they are. I thought others might enjoy the beauty in them as well."

Shot decades before Boyd took formal training in photography (she's currently working on portraits of artists in many disciplines who survived the 1960s and are still working and thriving), the pictures in her Beatles- and post-Beatles-era exhibition display affecting naiveté, joy, idealism and innocence.

Those qualities belie the ugly reality of relationships with her men, her prime subjects – one withdrew into mysticism, the other was a howling drunk and a heroin addict – who cheated on her flagrantly, were impossibly demanding, treated her as chattel, ignored and neglected her for months on end (often without money), and yet were also alternatively romantic, passionate, tender, helpless and inspiring.

Already seen in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, Sydney and, most recently, Dublin, "Through The Eyes Of A Muse" provides financial sustenance – the prints are for sale – for Boyd, who claims in her book that she was "outlawyered" by Clapton in her divorce settlement in 1989.

Apart from a cottage in West Sussex, where she still lives, the famous muse found herself high and dry, cast out of the fabulous lifestyle and fantastic homes she had enjoyed for so long. The $2.2 million advance she is reported to have received for her memoir helps her survive, but at considerable emotional cost.

No stranger to public scrutiny – "When I first heard `Layla' I was terrified that everyone would know what it was about, that Eric was confessing this great passion for me while I was still with George," she said – Boyd couldn't stomach the idea of an exposé until Junor, a seasoned writer, came on board and relentlessly coaxed information from her.

"Talking about myself was difficult," Boyd said. "I was extremely self-conscious at first. I haven't done anything praiseworthy. Talking about myself goes against my grain.

"Still, I feel I was more honest in my book," she added.

"I thought Eric's interpretation (of their relationship) was harsh and not very romantic. But then I didn't realize till I read his book how fundamentally unhappy he was."

Blind submissiveness and a self-destructive need to forgive, habits Boyd said she learned from her mother's relationship with two overbearing men, her father and stepfather, allowed her to enable unconscionable behaviour from Harrison and Clapton, whose early fame and wealth inhibited their emotional and social development.

"I was partly to blame. I allowed the bad behaviour. I had such low self-esteem ... I didn't know how to fend for myself," she said. "We were all so wild and free. I never thought it would end in failure. I never looked ahead ... or maybe I did, or I wouldn't have kept all the negatives of these pictures."

Polar Bear + Dogs Become Friends

If you don't already think animals are far more spiritually advanced than we humans, think
again. Stuart Brown describes Norbert Rosing's striking images of a wild polar bear coming upon tethered sled dogs in the wilds of Canada 's Hudson Bay .




The photographer was sure that he
was going to see the end of his dogs when the polar bear wandered
in.




















The Polar Bear returned every
night that week to play with the dogs.

Identity theft: The new way to rob a bank

CNN.com

Identity theft: The new way to rob a bank

By Jared Thorne and Andy Segal CNN

HOUSTON, Texas (CNN) -- When Bank One notified Houston veterinarian Mike Janney that he owed $85,000 on his line of credit, he was stunned.

"I'm thinking, 'How can this be?' I've never even used this account," Janney told CNN.

Janney fell victim to fraud when a bank employee sold his personal information to an identity theft ring. His bank had to cover the loss, along with another $12 million stolen from other customer accounts during a two-year identity theft blitz that ended in 2002.

Janney said he considers such thieves to be no better than common bandits from the era of Bonnie and Clyde. "Instead of blowing through the front doors of a bank, guns ablazing, they took my identity," he said. "That was their mask."

Sophisticated and ingenious techniques have allowed these modern-day crooks to use thousands of stolen identities to drain billions from banks and other financial institutions. Meanwhile, the average stickup guy gets about $7,200 in a bank heist, according to the FBI, and is more likely to get caught.

"Not only dollar for dollar, they get more money this way, but it's [also] safer," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman of Houston, who prosecuted many of the 30 conspirators in the Bank One fraud case.

Identity theft has become the most common way to steal from a bank. (View the prevalence of identity theft in the United States)

A 2003 Federal Trade Commission report estimated identity theft losses to financial institutions at $47 billion, roughly the combined gross domestic products of Afghanistan, Madagascar and Jamaica.

In comparison, there are about 7,600 bank robberies a year, amounting to roughly $77 million in losses to the institutions, according to the FBI.

Putting the identity theft ringleaders behind bars barely makes a dent in what prosecutors describe as the nation's biggest white-collar crime.

"I think that we're going to always be one step behind, chasing the crooks," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Buchanan of Houston said. "They're always thinking up a new tactic."

The banks fight back with ever-improving methods to detect and deter the frauds, but the identity thieves are constantly fine-tuning their methods as well. "The criminals are like water: They see an obstacle; they try to go around it," said Nessa Feddis of the American Bankers Association.

Here are some examples of how identity thieves have developed ways of robbing bank funds:

* A bank employee sells your personal information to criminals, who then use the information to take over your account.

* Crooks use your Social Security number and date of birth to open accounts in your name to launder checks. If the police catch up, it's your name on the account -- not the crooks'.

* An e-mail scam known as "phishing" attempts to trick people into giving out their personal information and credit card numbers.

Victimless crime?

Those who steal the identities and organize the frauds often view it as a victimless crime. Even a 17-year prison sentence hasn't tempered the attitude of convicted identity thief Jason Carpenter.

"I still feel it's worse to steal from an individual than it is to steal from a bank," he said. (Read more from Carpenter)

Matthew Boyden, a U.S. postal inspector who investigates mail fraud, said that viewpoint is typical of many identity thieves. "I've had several tell me it's so easy to do, and [that] it's somewhat our system's fault," Boyden said.

Meanwhile, consumers end up paying a price, in frustration and time. A survey published in January by the consulting firm Javelin Strategy & Research found that the average identity theft victim spends 40 hours to straighten out the mess.

"We've talked to a number of victims and they've had frustration; they've been scared to death when they discover this," said Hileman, the assistant U.S. attorney. "They're angry. Some of them feel violated."
Passing the buck to customers

Just as shoplifting is built into the cost of retail merchandise, banks recoup their losses through higher customer services fees and interest rates.

Janney said he realizes that "it doesn't cost me a nickel here, but it does end up costing me down the line, because the bank is not going to sit there and take losses."

Police, prosecutors and financial institutions are nowhere near claiming victory in what has become a high-stakes battle of wits, and identity thieves are constantly remodeling their schemes to stay ahead of investigators.

"It's evolution at its finest," Boyden said.



Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/05/18/identity.theft/index.html

CNNMoney: The price of identity theft protection

Even weeks after Brenda Clarke's identity was stolen and thousands of dollars in illegitimate credit card charges were discovered, she is still saddled with extremely high interest rates on her credit cards and a damaged credit score.

updated Thur August 7, 2008

Fighting the agents of organized cybercrime

Back in the good old days of the Internet, the hacker was a teenager motivated by high-tech pranks and bragging rights. Today, the online thief could be anyone with 'Net access after a quick buck.

updated Thur October 11, 2007

CNNMoney: Putting a freeze on your credit

By the end of the year, consumers in all 50 states will have a new weapon in preventing identity theft - credit freezes. We'll tell you if this protection is worth the time...and the money.

updated Wed March 14, 2007

CNNMoney: Internet crime gets personal

Internet pirates have begun to turn away from traditional attack modes such as viruses and worms and are increasingly using targeted emails and other techniques to swipe critical personal information, according to an Internet security report released Monday.

updated Wed February 7, 2007

CNNMoney: Top 5 consumer complaints

Of the more than 670,000 consumer fraud complaints made to the Federal Trade Commission in 2006, identity theft was the biggest category of reported cases, accounting for 36 percent of calls.

updated Mon January 29, 2007

Business 2.0: Top tech flops

Sony PC-B-Q... Defects in batteries made by Sony for portable computing cause a handful of notebooks to burst into spectacularly photogenic flames. The end result is the biggest computer-related recall ever, as Dell replaces the batteries in more than 4 million laptops. In short order, Apple (1.8 million), Lenovo/IBM (500,000), and others do the same.

updated Wed December 20, 2006

Gangs flooding the Web for prey, analysts say

On December 8, Australia suffered a sneak-attack from malevolent forces based in the former Soviet states. The weaponry was a multi-million fusillade of bogus e-mail touts targeting customers of iiNet, owner of Ozemail, one of the most popular Internet providers in the country.

updated Fri December 8, 2006

Fortune: My boss stole my identity!

Anyone who works in an office - or watches "The Office" - knows how torturous cubicle life can be: unflattering fluorescent lights, insecure supervisors and clueless co-workers can all take their t...

updated Tue December 5, 2006

Money Magazine: Thwart ID thieves

There's no surefire way to stop ID theft because so much of your information is already out there. More than 93 million personal data records have been lost or stolen since February 2005. That's on top of the tens of millions of records bought and sold annually by credit issuers, insurers, government agencies, data brokers and, of course, identity thieves.

Define: quid pro quo President-elect Barack Obama

WASHINGTON: World leaders hoping to meet President-elect Barack Obama at an economic summit in the U.S. capital this weekend will be disappointed. But as he works on forming his new government, Obama is finding it difficult to remain on the sidelines as Democrats in Congress line up in support of a financial bailout for the ailing U.S. auto industry...

Reflecting the delicate dance of a meeting between outgoing and incoming presidents, Bush repeated his position that he is open to helping the automakers without making firm commitments.

"In no way did the president suggest that there was a quid pro quo," said White House press secretary Dana Perino. But, she added, "he did talk about the merits of free trade."

In September, Congress approved $25 billion in loans to automakers to help them retool plans to build more fuel-efficient vehicles, and thus become more competitive in the global marketplace. Though the administration is working to give automakers quick access to that money, it still would likely not come fast enough — or in big enough amounts — to satisfy the drowning companies.

Quid pro quo (Latin for "something for something" ^[1]) indicates a more-or-less equal exchange or substitution of goods or services.

English speakers often use the term to mean "a favor for a favor" and the phrases "what for what", "give and take", "tit for tat (this for that)", "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" have similar meanings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quid_pro_quo

Pictures Of The Universe From The Hubble Telescope

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Astronomers Select Top Ten Most Amazing Pictures Taken by Hubble Space
Telescope in Last 16 Years
'...they illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but
also almost impossibly beautiful.'


After correcting an initial problem with the lens, when the Hubble
Space Telescope was first launched in 1990, the floating
astro-observatory began to relay back to Earth, incredible snapshots
of the 'final frontier' it was perusing.

Recently, astronauts voted on the top photographs taken by Hubble, in
its 16-year journey so far Remarking in the article from the Daily
Mail, reporter Michael Hanlon says the photos 'illustrate that our
univers e is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful.'

Hubble Telescope's top ten greatest space photographs. Awesome!!!

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After 30 years I said Goodbye To The Big 3 Carmakers

2009 Hyundai Tucson

For 2009, Tucson returns with additional exterior and interior changes including all-new 16-inch alloy wheels, 200-watt Kenwood Navigation/Audio System[1], a more distinctive chrome grille, new tailgate trim, more color choices and new GLS seat fabric. The Hyundai Tucson SE 4WD receives standard heated front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer. An optional B&M Racing Sport Shifter adds shorter throw-lengths and enhances precision to Tucson’s manual transmission. Tucson also has standard XM Satellite Radio™ and an auxiliary audio input.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2009
· 4-6 percent improved fuel economy
· B&M Racing Sport Shifter for manual transmissions
· Bolder front grille and rear garnish
· 16-inch alloy wheel design
· Metal grain interior accents
· New colors: Arctic Blue, Graphite Gray, Crystal Silver
· Heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer standard on SE 4WD
· 200-watt Kenwood Navigation/Audio System with 700 MB internal memory, SD card slot, and touch screen interface (Delayed availability)
· Power sunroof is standard on Limited V6 models

IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY
In a marketplace demanding better fuel economy, the 2009 Hyundai Tucson delivers. The fuel economy on Tucson GLS automatic equipped with the 2.0-liter DOHC “Beta” in-line four-cylinder engine has been improved by 5 percent in the city. This improvement is attributed to a 2.1 percent improvement in the transmission management system, a 1.85 percent improvement to the torque converter, and a 1.1 percent improvement in the engine management system. These improvements add up to EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for Tucson GLS M/T and 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for Tucson GLS with the SHIFTRONIC® automatic. In addition to being fuel efficient, Tucson’s Beta engine is certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle. The Beta engine also has Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for better performance, fuel economy and lower emissions. At 6,000 rpm, the engine develops 140 horsepower, with the 136 lb.-ft. torque peak arriving at 4,500 rpm.

In addition to a smooth and efficient four-cylinder engine, the Tucson also offers an optional 2.7-liter V6 for improved acceleration and passing power. Key competitors like Honda CR-V and Jeep Patriot do not offer a V6. This Delta-series engine has an aluminum block and cylinder heads to keep weight down, while four-valve combustion chambers and dual overhead camshafts ensure ample performance. A Variable Intake System (VIS) helps provide smooth power delivery across the entire engine operating range. Horsepower peaks at 173 at 6,000 rpm, and torque crests at 178 lb.-ft. at an accessible 4,000 rpm. The V6 with its standard four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic and four-wheel drive now delivers 18 mpg in the EPA city driving cycle, which represents a dramatic 6 percent improvement. This improvement comes from a 3.4 percent improvement to the transmission management system, a 1 percent improvement to the torque converter, a 1 percent improvement due to a steering pump enhancement and a 0.6 percent for other powertrain enhancements.

KENWOOD NAVIGATION/AUDIO SYSTEM
The all-new 200-watt Kenwood in-dash navigation/audio system has been added to the long list of standard amenities available on the 2009 Tucson Limited. This system was developed exclusively for Hyundai by Kenwood, a leading developer and manufacturer of consumer electronics and communications equipment. The Kenwood system combines audio, navigation, an auxiliary input into a single head unit, SD card slot and 700MB internal memory. The navigation system provides coverage for the continental United States and includes simple touch screen functionality, audio and visual prompts, and point-of-interest features for all entertainment needs. The Kenwood navigation/audio system is also optional on Tucson GLS and Tucson SE.

TWO TRANSMISSIONS: FIVE-SPEED MANUAL OR FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC
The Hyundai Tucson offers a wide range of drivetrain choices to suit a variety of customer needs. In the GLS trim with the standard four-cylinder engine, owners can choose between a precise five-speed manual transmission with an optional B&M Racing Sport Shifter for more precise shifting or a convenient four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic. This sophisticated unit can function like a conventional automatic, but also has manual controls for a more sporty driving experience. The SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission is standard with the V6 engine.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
Hyundai’s approach to combining state-of-the-art safety and affordability is clearly evident in the Tucson. Tucson is loaded with life-saving standard safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six airbags and active front head restraints. Its active safety technologies include four-wheel disc brakes controlled by an advanced four-channel ABS with Brake Assist, providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance with uneven weight distribution.

All Tucsons also come standard with life-saving ESC and traction control. ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response. If needed, ESC then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power to help correct understeer or oversteer. NHTSA studies show SUVs equipped with ESC experience 67 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes, and 63 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities. In addition, a recent study by the IIHS found that ESC reduces the risk of all fatal collisions by 52 percent and the risk of fatal single-vehicle rollovers of SUVs by 80 percent.

Should a collision prove unavoidable, the Hyundai Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers with multiple defensive safety layers. The steel unibody has integrated crumple zones and a high-tensile front sub-frame that are designed to work together to reduce the forces that typically reach the passenger compartment. To help resist intrusion, four structural rings encircle the body. All four doors also have internal guard beams to protect passengers in a side-impact collision. These safety systems are government verified as the Tucson earned NHTSA’s top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts.

Tucson’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS.

The Tucson’s passenger restraint systems also help minimize injury. Three-point belts are provided at all five seating positions, and the front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. There are two outboard rear Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat anchors.

A total of six airbags are positioned in the Hyundai Tucson’s interior. Dual advanced frontal airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags that cover both the front and rear seat rows.

Tucson also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts drivers if one or more tires are under inflated.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Tucson’s purposeful exterior has a strong, urban presence. The new distinctive Hyundai grille and standard alloy wheels enhance its appearance and flexibility; Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue have standard steel wheels. There is a large rear hatch for easy loading with a convenient flip-up rear window which eases loading of small or long items. SE and Limited models provide more premium amenities, with new unique alloy wheels and wider tires, as well as standard fog lights, bodyside cladding, bodycolored door handles and mirrors, and new chrome rear accent trim.

ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR
The Hyundai Tucson’s five-passenger interior is a handsome blend of thoughtful features and utility. It echoes the sleek athleticism of the exterior, with matte-black accents in GLS trim and new metalgrain accents in SE and Limited versions. Illuminated power window and door lock switches, combined with highly legible analog instrumentation aid in functionality and convenience. Driver comfort is a top priority in the Tucson’s design, as evidenced by the eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and tilt-adjustable steering column. Tucson’s trip computer, standard in SE and Limited trims, includes two trip modes, each with information relating to mpg, distance to empty, drive time and average speed.

Versatility is a Tucson hallmark. Tucson delivers an impressive 102.6 cubic feet of passenger interior volume, which surpasses Nissan Rogue (97.5 cu.ft.), Ford Escape (99.5 cu.ft.), and Jeep Patriot (101.7 cu.ft). The standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo. Single-lever operation and shingle-style headrests that remain in place speed the conversion from passenger to cargo use. Tucson has greater cargo space behind the first row at 65.5 cubic feet compared to Patriot’s 54.2 cubic feet and Rogue’s 57.9 cubic feet. Tucson is ready to haul gear with an easy-to-clean composite load floor. Underneath the load floor is an additional sectionalized storage area with the spare tire positioned below. Plenty of storage bins, compartments and eight cup/bottle holders are positioned throughout the interior, as are three 12-volt power points. Comfort and convenience features include a two-tier front storage console. Two cupholders are positioned nearby, with one more in each door pocket. The rear armrest also includes a cupholder that can accommodate juice boxes.

AVAILABLE ELECTRONIC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
For maximum all-season traction with good fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Tucson 4WD model is available with an Electronic Torque Management Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) System that routes up to 99 percent of the power to the front wheels. As road conditions or torque demand (acceleration) changes, the system automatically diverts up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. This on-demand system operates quickly and unobtrusively by monitoring the throttle position, front wheel angle, wheel slippage and routes power to the axle offering the best traction.

The 4WD system can be manually locked into four-wheel drive for a continuous 50/50 power split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery situations. The locking system begins to disengage at 20 mph and is fully disengaged at speeds over 25 mph. The system is disabled when ABS is activated to provide optimal braking performance.

VERSATILE SUSPENSION
Given the Tucson’s broad mission both on the road and in the occasional off-road situation, it requires a versatile suspension system. A robust MacPherson strut front suspension is used in combination with a multi-link independent rear suspension system that uses trailing arms and multiple links to control wheel geometry precisely though the full range of suspension motion.

All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas-charged dampers. In the interest of balancing the Tucson’s handling and minimizing body roll during cornering, front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all trim levels. Tucson’s handling dynamics are supervised by a responsive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system. Tucson is easy to maneuver in parking lots and on backcountry trails. In fact at 35.4 feet, Tucson has a tighter turning circle than Jeep Patriot (35.6 ft.), Honda CR-V (37.8 ft.) and Ford Escape (36.7 ft.).

CAREFUL ATTENTION TO NOISE REDUCTION
The 2009 Hyundai Tucson employs a wide range of strategies to keep interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to a minimum. Vertical and horizontal reinforcements in the instrument panel include insulation in the front bulkhead and wheelhouses. The floor pan has complex curved sections stamped in to reduce flex and undesirable resonation while the door frames feature triple seals to reduce the intrusion of wind and road noise. The Tucson also uses a large electric radiator-cooling fan that minimizes blade noise typically noticeable at lower speeds.

TUCSON GLS
The Tucson entry model is the GLS. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Active front head restraints, ESC, traction control and ABS are standard, as are 16-inch alloy wheels, advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. The GLS also includes power windows, door locks and exterior mirrors and a 172-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. XM Satellite Radio and auxiliary jack are standard. Options include a B&M Racing Sport Shifter or a four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission that includes cruise control, rear privacy glass, remote keyless entry with alarm and roof rails.

TUCSON SE
Stepping up to the mid-range SE trim brings a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, unique 16-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R16 tires, bodyside cladding, foglights and bodycolored door handles and mirrors. Interior features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and deluxe cloth seating surfaces. SE models also include dual front illuminated vanity mirrors, cruise control and trip computer with two modes, which in addition to mpg and distance to empty, now include drive time and average speed. XM Satellite Radio and an auxiliary jack are also standard. Options include electronically controlled four-wheel drive that includes heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer.

TUCSON LIMITED
Moving up to the luxurious Limited, Hyundai Tucson customers will enjoy leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power sunroof (V6 models), a six-disc in-dash CD changer and subwoofer. The Limited also has a monochromatic exterior appearance package, fully automatic temperature control with Air Quality System (AQS), rear retractable cargo cover and rear cargo mat. The 200-watt Kenwood navigation/audio will be standard on Limited starting in the first quarter of 2009.

WARRANTY
The Tucson is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Tucson buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

ABOUT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide. [1] Delayed availability

Source: Hyundai Motor America