Moonbadger's posterous

To commemorate the release of the new Volkswagen Caddy and Caddy Maxi vans, VW has released a new website showcasing the ins and out outs of its new van range. In true flash style (geeky web pun intended) the guys and gals from Volkswagen have pulled out all the stops to create a truly interesting interactive website.

With the help of some cherries and a robotic arm, users are able to view and interact with both the Caddy and the Caddy Maxi. The website allows visitors to scroll through a number of drop-down menus, providing interested parties with a full range of details about the new range.

Information on the site includes a rundown of all the latest Caddy safety features, including VW’s unique ESP and emergency brake hazard system. Both Caddy’s also feature VW’s revolutionary BlueMotion Technology, providing both vehicles with additional energy efficiency, making running costs much more affordable compared to your old battered used vans.

Though I must admit my favourite part of the site has to be Caddy flash game. The aim of the game is to score as many points possible within a minute by using the mechanical arm and placing cherries on top of the designated vans. You can control different sections of the arm by using the up or down arrows, providing you with greater or lesser reach. The more cherries you place on top, the more time you get. Check it out, for such a simple game it’s remarkably difficult and enjoyable. Managed to get to level 6 today, 3720 points boooooya!   

Just as 2007 was famous for crashing banks and the US subprime mortgage crash, 2010 will undoubtedly be known as the year of cuts. During the October spending review, the UK’s new coalition government announced a staggering number of measures and cuts, intent upon securing the country’s sacred AAA credit rating and reducing the country’s massive budget deficit. This week the Irish government followed suit, after it was forced to release its budget announcement early as Irish 10 year bonds jumped to a new high of 7.69%. In an effort to secure the country’s credit rating and to reduce a 32% GDP deficit, the Irish government has announced a series of measures, which includes a €6bn cut over 2011.   

According to the Irish government the savings would be made through spending cuts and tax rises that would impact the living standards of all. Although it appears that the Irish taxpayers will bear the brunt of the deficit reduction, the Irish finance minister announced a number of measures intent upon helping out those less well off. In a recent statement the finance minister announced his approval of a revolutionary new programme which would significantly reduce the mortgage payments for those who lost their jobs during the recent financial crisis.

According to the new proposals, mortgage owners without jobs will be able to ‘park’ a significant amount of their mortgage debt, allowing families to concentrate on keeping their earnings and boosting their current account balances until earnings return to normal. Under the new legislation, heavily indebted families with a mortgage of €300,000 would be able park €100,000 for up to 5 years with no interest. The programme would also encourage banks to extend existing deals for mortgage holders, which would include payment holidays for struggling families. 

The notion was received warmly by mortgage holders and consumer groups. The government hopes that the new scheme will also prove a boon to the economy, as families and mortgage holders will be released from the pressure of debt, providing them with more disposable income. According to a recent study Irish consumers are spending much more money on credit card debts and mortgage repayments then they are purchasing products. The report also discovered that personal savings and savings accounts were at an all time high, due to job insecurity and financial worries over the future. Although the increase in savings is a welcome boom for struggling banks wishing to boost their balance sheets, the lack of excess money within the consumer industry has led to a slowing in the struggling Irish economy.