10 minute read
Lifestyle
APPEALS TO THE ADVENTUROUS TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2020
If you tend to be somewhat adventurous with the great outdoors, you might want to consider the 2020 Toyota 4Runner! This latest model is classified as the fifth generation of this “go anywhere, hill-climbing, boat-towing, family transport” as it was first introduced back in 1984.
Based on a solid body-on-frame, tough as nails underside architecture, its inherent capabilities starts with its four-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. The robust chassis is also the source of 4Runner’s notable ride quality. It’s offered with either two-wheel-drive or 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and locking center differential, depending on the vehicle’s trim. All 4WD models feature 9.6 inches of ground clearance.
4Runner makes its presence felt with new safety enhancements plus numerous benchmark technologies, comfort and convenience upgrades. Toyota’s safety suite is now standard on all grades, making it even more of a compelling choice.
With room for up to seven, this generation 4Runner is the most capable, accommodating and most comfortable thus far. All versions now come with a new instrument panel design. This also includes a high-resolution eight-inch touchscreen display for the factory’s multimedia audio system. This also includes the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. You can easily navigate your smart phone content or ask Siri, Google or Alexa to recommend a nearby campsites, or to perhaps find a restaurant that might just deliver food to your secret hiding spot. Rear seat passengers will appreciate the addition of two USB ports to charge their devices.
The 4Runner TRD Pro model gained the most off-road capabilities with its reworked suspension and its “Cat-Back” growl sounding performance exhaust system. The vehicle’s 4.0-liter V-6 engine (rated at 270- HP) is matched with a smooth shifting fivespeed automatic transmission that includes a sequential shift mode for manually shifting when more control is needed.
Those opting for the top-of-the line 4Runner Limited grade can choose the Nightshade Special Edition that debuted in 2019. Available in Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic or Blizzard Pearl, the Nightshade Special Edition in-part gets its name from extensive black exterior trim, black wheels, its unique rear bumper and grille accents, solitary exterior mirrors and door handles plus exclusive window moldings, rocker panels, and door garnish.
Undeniably, its rugged look maintains a timeless robust style all its own. For 2020, there are slight changes to the grill design, and every model features projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps plus a full size spare tire. All models include a standard integrated tow-hitch and wiring harness. To add to the cargo carrying space, the second-row seats fold flat plus the available rear pull-out cargo deck can support up to 440 pounds to make loading and unloading heavy items easier.
Base pricing starts at $36,120. At road test, the 4X4 TRD PRO I drove, had an MSRP of $51,968 and the EPA numbers reflected 16-MPG city/19-MPG highway. 4Runner is competitive with the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Tahoe and the Dodge Durango.
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.
Katherine Johnson of ‘Hidden Figures’ fame passes away at Age 101
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon in 1969, it was a momentous accomplishment. Eight years earlier, John F. Kennedy set a goal of landing men on the lunar surface and work began in earnest, especially in St. Louis. The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation (MAC) created space capsules used in the Mercury and Gemini programs that helped astronauts gain skills needed to reach the moon by Kennedy’s deadline.
Mathematician Katherine Johnson, who passed away recently at age 101, also was an invaluable part of the space race. One of the subjects of the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” Johnson’s work helped make Alan Shepherd’s 1961 sub-orbital flight possible. Her calculations also helped John Glenn return safely to Earth in Friendship 7. Before Armstrong made his “giant leap,” Johnson worked on the math needed to get the lunar lander on the moon.
The early trailers for “Hidden Figures” were a bit misleading, though, making the story appear to be a broad comedy instead of a tribute to the women who helped the space race. Taraji P. Henson played Johnson in the film and focused on the brilliant mathematician’s struggles to do her job. She also dealt with discrimination because of her race. Not allowed to use a nearby “Whites Only” restroom, the movie showed Johnson rushing across the Langley Research Center campus to find a bathroom.
Johnson and her brilliant female colleagues were referred to as “computers,” doing their calculations with slide rulers, pencils and papers. Dorothy Vaughan, played by Octavia Spencer in “Hidden Figures,” was one of Johnson’s colleagues. When NASA was moving from human computers to those made of circuits and wires, Vaughan created an opportunity for herself by learning FORTRAN, one of the early computer languages. The on-screen version of Vaughan is shown teaching herself how to program and earning a promotion in the process.
For decades, the title “Hidden Figures” truly applied to Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and aerospace engineer Mary Jackson. In the film, Janelle Monáe played Jackson, who worked on the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel that was used to study strong forces. Her boss encouraged her to get additional training so that she could become an
BIGSTOCK
Katherine Johnson (center) with Caroline Waterlow and Ezra Edelman at the 89th Annual Academy Awards in 2017.
aerospace engineer. She needed to take courses at an allwhite high school; however, and had to fight for the right to take the necessary classes.
On the surface, “Hidden Figures” is a brilliant, engaging film that contains an Oscar-nominated performance by Octavia Spencer. At a time when STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is highly important, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson are figures that continue to inspire young people to follow their dreams.
BY STEVE BRYAN Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.
Tantalizing taste buds with the latest in trendy foods can be a fun way to bring the whole family to the table for meals together. Combining familiar flavors with a new preparation method, for example, is one way to add flair to dinners at home.
An innovative sushi-style concept, “beefshi” features convenient beef products like pastrami, roast beef, summer sausage, hot dogs, corned beef or bologna prepared in rolls with rice and vegetables. Because recipes like Reuben Roll, Taco Maki, New York Deli Roll and Muffarolletta can be enjoyed individually as appetizers or grouped together for a full meal, these dishes can provide a variety of solutions from entertaining a crowd to simply feeding your family.
Find more information and recipes at beefshi.com.
Recipes courtesy of the North American Meat Institute on behalf of the Beef Checkoff
BEEF MENU with a trendy twist on sushi up your
Maki: 2 sheets nori 4 cups sushi rice 4 ounces finely shredded spicy beef jerky 16 cilantro sprigs 1/2 cup slivered radishes 64 tortilla strips quesofresco crumbles pico de gallo
To make maki: Lay sushi mat on clean surface. Moisten hands with hand vinegar and shake off excess. Place one nori sheet on mat, shiny-side down. Spread 2 cups rice across nori, leaving 1 inch empty at farthest end.
Lay 2 ounces jerky, 8 cilantro sprigs and 1/4 cup radishes crosswise along rice, covering half the surface closest to you.
Taco Maki Yield: 2 rolls (16 pieces)
Lift top of mat and roll firmly until tight and round. Squeeze gently to shape roll. Press ends in carefully to secure loose rice. Remove mat and set roll aside. Repeat to make second roll. Use thin, sharp knife to cut each roll into eight slices. Arrange on sushi platter. Stand four tortilla strips upright in center of each roll then sprinkle with queso fresco. Serve with pico de gallo.
Hand Vinegar: 1 cup water 1/4 cup rice vinegar Futomaki: 2 sheets nori 3 cups sushi rice 2 teaspoons caraway seeds 6 thin slices corned beef 4 teaspoons horseradish, well-drained 4 thin slices Swiss cheese, sliced into thin sticks Dijon mustard
To make futomaki: Lay sushi mat on clean surface and cover with plastic wrap. Place one nori sheet on mat, shiny-side down. Moisten hands with hand vinegar and shake off excess. Spread 1 1/2 cups rice across nori. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Turn nori over so rice side is down.
Cover half the rice crosswise with three slices corned beef. Spread corned beef with 2 teaspoons horseradish. Cover corned beef with two slices cheese.
Securing meat and cheese with fingers, use thumbs to push end of mat up and over filling until edge of nori meets rice on opposite side. Press firmly on roll. Lift top of mat and roll firmly until tight and round. Squeeze gently to shape roll. Press ends in carefully to secure loose rice. Remove mat and set roll aside. Repeat to make second roll. Arrange on sushi platter and serve with Dijon mustard.
Reuben Roll Yield: 2 rolls (16 pieces)
Hand Vinegar: 1 cup water 1/4 cup rice vinegar
Rolls: 12 thin slices pastrami 3 cups sushi rice 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 2 sheets nori 4 thin slices Swiss cheese, cut into slivers 1 1/4 cups sauerkraut, rinsed, drained and squeezed dry
Russian dressing
To make rolls: Lay sushi mat on clean surface and cover with plastic wrap. Lay six slices pastrami on mat lengthwise. Moisten hands with hand vinegar and shake off excess. Spread 1 1/2 cups rice across pastrami, leaving 1 inch empty at farthest end. Sprinkle rice with caraway seeds. Turn nori over so rice side is down.
Cover half the pastrami crosswise with two slices cheese and half the sauerkraut.
Lift top of mat and roll firmly until tight and round. Squeeze gently to shape. Press ends in carefully to secure loose rice. Remove mat and set roll aside. Repeat to make second roll. Use thin, sharp knife to cut each roll into eight slices. Arrange on sushi platter and serve with Russian dressing.
