And the Oscar Goes to... The Hyundai Azera

Hyundai Azera

Hyundai has locked in its spot for the fourth year as the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Oscars, which airs tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. Over the course of the evening, nine Hyundai ads will be aired - two before the nominations begin, and seven during. Hyundai has chosen to feature its all-new Azera, playing two ads titled "Talk to My Car," and "Modern Life," both of which focus on the Azera's premium luxury features and Blue Link connectivity.

Azera Interior

Hyundai already dominated the Superbowl scene, now they are the prime automotive focus of yet another huge television in event in America. Way to go Hyundai. Other commercials being aired during the highly-anticipated event will be repeats of Superbowl favorites such as the "Victory Lap," celebrating the Elantra's win for the 2012 North American Car of the Year, and "Think Fast" featuring the Genesis Coupe.

Azera Panoramic View

All of this hype making you want one? I mean, that is what commercials are for. These awards aren't just given to anyone though, so if you want to see for yourself what the hype is about - come over to Burlington Hyundai and we'd be happy to show you. Or head to our website to check out our collection of new and used Hyundai vehicles.


To see descriptions of all of the ads Hyundai will be airing, including the featured Azera commercials, click here.

Image 1 via lethistorylive.com
Image 2 via autocarsreview.com
Image 3 via rumors.automobilemag.com
Image 4 via examiner.com

Google Glasses, Just Like Wearing an Android on Your Face

These Google glasses (which are reportedly coming out by the end of this year) are just like having a smart phone attached to your face. Rumored to look similar to the Oakley Thumps (pictured), these glasses have sensory equipment that will work in conjunction with Google Maps, cloud, Latitude and Goggles and will feature a "Heads-Up Display" via projection. They will of course have the Android software and will work primarily with Google applications.

Remember when the iPad came out in, oh, April of 2010? Not even two years later there are a million companies trying to compete. So long contacts! I'm visioning a glasses-wearing population coming on very soon.

Check out the full article on Gizmodo.com

Image 1 via Oakley
Image 2 via zanura.com

You Should Eat Dessert for Breakfast

(this is cherry cheesecake stuffed french toast:
click the link at the bottom for the recipe.)

I know this is a shocker so I'll get right down to business - In a recent study, scientists put 144 obese people on a low-carbohydrate and low-calorie diet. Women were allotted 1,400 calories each day and men 1,600, with both group one and group two on identical diets. Save for the one very important factor; one of the diets included a high-protein and high-carb breakfast that included either cookies, chocolate, cake or ice cream as a "breakfast dessert".

Throughout the first 16-week period, weight loss was similar across the board averaging to about 32 pounds within both groups. However, at the 16-week follow up the group that had been eating dessert for breakfast had lost an extra 13 pounds, while the no-dessert group gained back all but 3.5 of their originally-shed 32.

This can mean one of two things, and I'm going to go with the latter.

1. Eating dessert for breakfast is the weight-loss secret we've all been waiting for.

2. The group that ate dessert for breakfast satiated their sugar and junk craving early in the morning, ergo were less likely to indulge in unhealthy cravings throughout the day.


But if you decide you like the first one, you've just been handed a fool-proof excuse to eat cheesecake before noon.


To see the full article, click here.
Image 1 via babble
Image 2 via chicagoweightcontrol.com

Coming Soon: Synthetic Meat

A project that has been running for over six years, Dr. Mark Post from the University of Maastricht has been working on creating synthetic meat and has finally succeeded. Post released this photo of a 2cm piece of muscle that will over time become a piece of edible meat. He said that in the beginning it will taste bland, but as the experiment ensues they will work on flavor.

Why the fake meat? I wondered the same thing. Post's answer is sustainability. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030 annual meat production levels will reach 367 million tons. Post says that synthetic meat can be engineered to be "healthier" than the real stuff, too, because there is no risk of E.Coli or BSE. Cholesterol levels would be dramatically decreased, and other essential vitamins and minerals could be added to production.

It's said that synthetic meat won't actually be released or mass produced for another 10-20 years, but Post says he'll have his first complete burger sample by October.

I mean, I get where they're coming from, but me? I'll take one of these instead...

(Yes, that's Vermont's Best Burger, the Scibec Sizzler.)


To see the full article, click here.
Image 1 via Digital Trends, image 2 via The Shopping Bag Inc Facebook page.

"Like 4 Hope" - Help the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

Hyundai's Hope on Wheels program has launched yesterday "Like 4 Hope", a Facebook initiative to celebrate their 14th year in the fight against pediatric cancer. In addition to their current programs, Hope on Wheels will also be donating additional money to 14 different pediatric cancer organizations in honor of their pivotal contributions to their cause.

"Beginning Feb. 15, anyone who "Likes" the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Facebook page can select one of 14 pediatric cancer organizations participating, and Hyundai Hope on Wheels will donate $5 to that organization.  Each organization is eligible to receive up to $10,000, with all funds going directly to childhood cancer programs," according to the article.

Go to their Facebook page here, just a couple of clicks makes a difference.


For more information, please view the article here.
Image via decisivemagazine.com

Hyundai Genesis Named Most Dependable Midsize Premium Car

J.D. Power and Associates named the Hyundai Genesis the Most Dependable Midsize Premium Car, also ranking it ninth among all vehicles.

"Our goal is to design and build cars that meet and exceed consumers' expectations not only off the showroom floor, but through the duration of their ownership experience. Earning Hyundai's first-ever top 10 finish in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrates that our efforts are paying dividends ... It's equally gratifying to see Genesis sedan, a content-rich model with all the features you expect of a premium car, outperform powerful competitors in its category. Long-term dependability translates to a positive ownership experience and brings customers back to the Hyundai brand in the future, "said Director of Engineering and Quality Erwin Raphael.

Exciting news Hyundai! Even more exciting - we've got some of these dependable vehicles on hand now. Check out our used Hyundai Genesis selection.

For the full press release, click here.

Image via CarReview

Introducing the All-New 2013 Elantra Coupe

Hyundai announced this morning that they will be unveiling their new addition at the Chicago Auto Show this week. They will unveil both the new hatchback and the sport editions (Coupe and GT).

Word on the Auto Show street is that this new sporty Elantra will compete with the VW Golf, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. Although it's roomier than its competitors, the Elantra coupe is expected to achieve 28 MPG in the city, and 39 on the highway.

People say you can't have too much of a good thing, but I don't necessarily think that's true. I can't see any problem with creating a sportier and smaller version of a vehicle that was just crowned the North American Car of the Year. Keep an eye out for more updates on when this car will go on sale, but if you're interested in the current Car of the Year, check out our online inventory of new and used Elantras.

For a full list of the Coupe's features, please click here for the remainder of the press release.

Photo 1 courtesy of Automobilemag.com

Photo 2 courtesy of autoguide.com

Charge by Day, Light by Night

Here's a new decoration tactic for Vermont yards and gardens. These little solar lights work by charging via sunlight during the day, then lighting your yard at night. Don't worry if you're not good at keeping real plants or flowers - these ones won't die without water or enough sunlight.

They may be a little bit tacky, but hey, we're Vermonters and what don't we love about solar power? Plus, these little guys are weatherproof. I'm a little surprised they're not made in Vermont!

For more information, click here to view the article.

Photo via Lifehacker.

Go Local This Superbowl!

Channel 5 added a video this morning on how to go local this Superbowl by added local ingredients to your Superbowl favorites.

They don't allow their videos to be redistributed, but it's a good watch! So check it out on their site by clicking here.

If you want to watch another video involving the Superbowl, check out Hyundai's "Think Fast" commercial for the Genesis.

Image via eatlocal.net

FAA Reauthorization Bill Passes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill just passed in congress - meaning air travel is about to be much different, and much better.

The key points:

Food and water will always be accessible, previously it was only required that food and water be available after two hours. Now, if you're stranded on the runway the airline is required to provide food and water. The same exact rule goes for medical treatment; previously a two-hour wait that now must always be available.

A hotline will be created by the Department of Transportation so that passengers may call toll free without issues.

Airlines will be required to post their maximum child safety seat size for each airplane they operate so that parents can know ahead of time if their child seat will work in the specific plane.

They will no longer be allowed to charge you for bringing a musical instrument. As long as the instrument meets regular safety guidelines, the passenger will no longer have to pay a fee to bring them along.

There will be a creation of a Department of Transportation Advisory Community; in favor of creating a valuable consumer flying experience.

Airlines will be required to provide a full list of insecticides used to the Department of Transportation so that flyers can check ahead of time to cross reference with any personal allergies.

For more information, please see the Flyer's Rights site.

via Lifehacker.com

Image via dipity.com

Bieber's Hyundai Genesis Sells for $40,000

As we mentioned in an early Facebook post, Justin Bieber autographed a Hyundai Genesis Coupe as a fundraiser to fix up a skate park in his hometown Stratford, Ontario. Bieber signed the dash with silver ink and put the car up on Ebay, where it proceeded to sell for $40,000.

I somehow missed the whole Bieber fever. I thought I was too old until one of my coworkers who has four years on me talked about going to see Never Say Never for a straight month. But, to each his own!

The person who bought the car is unknown, but I'm sure it's one extremely happy superfan, or maybe a well-off parent who has a teenager obsessed with the Biebs.

Ours aren't autographed by Just Bieber (they're also not $40,000!), but if you're interested in checking out a Hyundai Genesis, click here for our brand-new black coupe, or our used 2011 platinum Genesis 3.8.

(And if you really wanted, I'm sure one of our sales staff would be happy to sign yours, too.)