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Since the debut of the Prius in 2000, Toyota has become the undisputed king of the hybrid market. However, they didn't stop there. Over nearly two decades, the Japanese automaker has developed several more hybrid models that offer awesome perks, style, and unbeatable fuel economy. If you're looking to step into the 21st century, save money at the pump, and lower your carbon footprint, make sure to check out a few of these amazing Toyota hybrids. 1. Prius c Eleven years after the release of the Prius, Toyota aimed to expand the nameplate by offering two new versions of the legendary hybrid. One of those is the Prius c. Standing for "city," the Prius c is the compact, urban-friendly version of the Prius that's the perfect size to fit into tight parking spots and navigate narrow city streets. To power this pint-sized beauty, Toyota equips it with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with two AC motors. The resulting 99 horsepower isn't head-turning, but it still produces up to 48 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. more 2. RAV4 Hybrid When it first hit showrooms in 2015, the RAV4 Hybrid was an instant sensation. Taking everything you love about the RAV4 and combining it with a hybrid powertrain without changing its exterior appearance was a winning mix. Perhaps the best aspect of the vehicle is that it comes with standard all-wheel drive, allowing it to navigate even the toughest terrain. Under the hood, the RAV4 Hybrid sports a 2.5-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that mates with two AC electric motors. Together, they provide an impressive 194 horsepower while also getting a remarkable 34 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. 3. Prius Prime If you're searching for a hybrid that doubles as an all-electric car, the Prius Prime is the ideal choice. It features a plug-in powertrain that allows you to charge your car in as little as two hours and 10 minutes. When fully charged, the Prime can take you up to 25 miles, which translates into an MPGe of 133. If you switch to the hybrid mode, you'll still get a phenomenal 54 mpg combined. In total, the Prius Prime has a total range of 640 miles, making it one the leaders in the industry. 4. Avalon Hybrid There aren't many vehicles that combine top-tier luxury with a hybrid engine, but the Avalon Hybrid delivers on both fronts. The interior has many of the features you want in an opulent vehicle including a one-touch power moonroof, leather seating, a touch-screen color display, and wireless smartphone charging. With so many sumptuous amenities, you won't even know that you're in a hybrid. However, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood that's good for 200 horsepower. Even with this power, you'll still get 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg in the city. With so many excellent hybrid options, Toyota makes it easy to find the perfect one that fits with your schedule. Make sure to schedule a test drive today.

Whether you're a fan of spicy food or wanting to try something new, Kingsport, Tennessee, is home to a number of excellent restaurants. From Cajun and Creole to Thai and everything in between, there are several cuisines that serve up some mouth-watering spicy dishes. We've compiled a list of our four favorite restaurants that serve some of the best spicy food in the Kingsport area. So get ready to loosen that belt and read on to discover your next favorite restaurant. Restaurant #1: The Fried Alligator Featuring both American and Cajun cuisines, The Fried Alligator is a great place for either lunch or dinner. With a wide selection of options on the menu, the fried alligator, fried catfish, and shrimp are some of the more popular dishes. For those looking for a spicy dish, we recommend the etouffee. To top it off, the atmosphere is welcoming and festive, the wait staff are both friendly and prompt, and the BYOB option adds to the overall ambiance. If you're looking for a new and adventurous dining experience, look no farther than The Fried Alligator. more Restaurant #2: La Campina Mexican Grill We all know that Mexican food is known for spicy dishes, but La Campina Mexican Grill takes it to the next level. Offering all of your favorite and traditional Mexican dishes, this restaurant combines that flavor and adds even more spices and seasoning. While you can't go wrong with anything from the menu, we do recommend the pollo picosas, which is not only delicious but spicy as well. Located in the downtown area with a friendly atmosphere and great service, La Campina Mexican Grill is known as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. Restaurant #3: Thai Noodle Town As one of the only Thai restaurants in the Kingsport and surrounding area, Thai Noodle Town is one of the go-to places for great spicy food that has outstanding flavor. While most dishes are on the conservative side of spice, you can ask the wait staff to kick it up a notch, and they will bring a selection of spices to enhance the flavor. Fan favorites include the drunken noodles dish and tom yum goong soup but, honestly, anything on the menu will leave your taste buds wanting more. Featuring a friendly, clean and fun atmosphere, Thai Noodle Town is a great place for food lovers. Restaurant #4: Sitar Indian Cuisine Serving up some of the most delicious Indian food in the area, Sitar Indian Cuisine features all of the traditional Indian dishes. Offering a range of non-spicy and spicy dishes, all items on the menu have the ability to "up" the spice factor. With the friendly wait staff, clean atmosphere, and welcoming ambiance, this restaurant is one of the best choices for those looking for a little food adventure. Ready to spice it up? Trying any one of the above restaurants and recommended dishes definitely won't disappoint. So tell us — what restaurant will you try first? Image via Pixabay

Are you in the market for a new car? You've come to the right place. We know that buying a car is not only a big financial decision but also a daunting, timely and emotional experience, which is why we're here to help. When searching for a new car, there are certain key questions that you should be asking your sales representative. What are they exactly? Read on to discover them! Question #1: What is the term of your loan and financing options? After you've taken a few cars for a test drive, we'll sit down with you and have an honest and open conversation about financing. Dealer financing can be a bit tricky, so it's a good idea to explore all financing options in detail, including specific terms of the deal and interest rates. Whether this conversation takes 30 minutes or three hours, our team will make sure that you feel confident about your choice before you sign anything. more Question #2: Where's the closest service center? Not all dealers have attached service centers. In some situations, your dream car could even be six hours away. That's why it's important to ask your sales rep where the nearest service center is. If you have to drive all the way across town — or even a few towns over — twice a year for that regular car maintenance, it can quickly become a hassle. You'll want to factor that in before you fall in love with your dream car. Question #3: What is the total price of the car? Buying from dealerships often means that there will be associated fees and packaged, pre-fitted options already added on to cars. What is this advertising charge? What is this leather seal? What are you really paying for? You won't know until you ask about the mandatory fees. You should also ask about the total cost of your potential new vehicle. Combining the interest, commission, and sometimes hidden costs can raise the final cost of that car. Asking for an invoice and going through each line item one by one will help you to fully understand everything that's incorporated in that final price. Question #4: Do you love the car? While this question is one that you'll have to ask yourself, it's important to take the time to see if a potential new vehicle will fit your needs and lifestyle. Being an emotional decision, you'll want to make sure that your vehicle has all the space, power, and luxury features that you want and need to drive comfortably and safely. Before signing anything, make sure that the car truly makes you happy and that you're not making any unnecessary compromises. And there you have it, some of the most important questions that you need to ask when buying a new car. In need of more advice? Stop by our dealership today. Our friendly and expert sales staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.

It's no secret that grits are a Southern staple. From shrimp and grits to cheesy grits to every recipe in between, there's no doubt that this dish is an integral part of the Southern diet. Where can you find some of the best grits in the area? You're in luck — we're here to give you the scoop on some of the best restaurants in Kingsport, Tennessee, that serve up this delicious comfort food. So get ready to have those taste buds start watering and read on to find your next favorite grit-serving restaurant. Restaurant #1: FATZ Cafe With great food, good service and amazing prices, FATZ Café definitely doesn't disappoint. Upon walking through the front doors, the friendly and smiling staff will greet you with true Southern hospitality. While you can't go wrong with any dish on the menu, we recommend trying the fried green tomatoes and grits. Putting their own twist on Southern favorites, this restaurant serves South Carolina's own stone-ground Adluh cheese grits with Cajun-spiced shrimp. Topped with Andouille sausage gravy, parmesan cheese, and scallions, this Lowcountry classic is truly remarkable. more Restaurant #2: Puleo's Grille The warm, friendly vibe of Puleo's Grille is just one of the many reasons why we like this restaurant. It blends the traditional steak and seafood restaurant with Southern comfort and Italian offerings. The menu is jam-packed with a variety of options ranging from salads to fried green tomatoes to steak and everything in between, but we are in love with the grits. Both grit options are served with either chicken or shrimp, Italian sausage, peppers and onions over cheese grits, and tasso gravy. Puleo's Grille adds a unique twist to this classic Southern dish. Restaurant #3: Shoney's Cooking all of your fresh Southern favorites under one roof, Shoney's is a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Featuring Southern-styled grits, this restaurant serves most of its grit options with side country fried steak, pancakes, or eggs and bacon. It doesn't offer the traditional shrimp and grit choice. However, Shoney's grits are cooked to perfection along with all of their menu items. Coupled with the welcoming atmosphere and hardworking staff, this restaurant is a great place to satisfy all of your grit cravings. Restaurant #4: Two Dads Café N Catering Featuring all of the traditional fried Southern dishes, this place is known for its breakfast. Offering a wide range of breakfast sandwiches and dishes, Two Dads Café N Catering serves up some delicious grits. While only offered as a side dish (available in either a small or large bowl), this restaurant does allow you to pair the grits with any menu item listed. Our personal favorite option is the grits paired with one of their tasty made-to-order custom omelets. And there you have it, a list of our top recommendations for restaurants that serve the best grit recipes in Kingsport and the surrounding area. So tell us — what restaurant are you going to try next? image via Pixabay

Whether you lease or own a vehicle, we all know the costly expense associated with replacing a vehicle's tires. While no tire (even top brands) will last forever, there are different ways to extend the life of your vehicle's tires. By following a regular tire maintenance routine, you can not only save money but also keep your passengers and other drivers safe on the road. We've compiled a list of the four top tips for prolonging the life of your tires. Tip #1: Check Tire Pressure Frequently We recommend that you take the time to check your tire pressure weekly. Simply unscrew the cap on your tire's air intake and hold a tire pressure gauge, allowing the air to flow out of the tire and into the gauge. When doing this routine check, it's important to make sure that all tires are evenly inflated. Make sure to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended pressure. Depending on where you look for the recommended pressure (car manufacturer or tire manufacturer) it's important to know that lower pressure improves drive performance while higher pressure will extend the tire's life. At the end of the day, always avoid over-inflating your tires, as this can cause extensive tread wear and reduces its life. more Tip #2: Physically Examine Tires While this tip doesn't need to occur weekly, it is recommended to visually inspect your tires for any cuts, holes or extensive damage. Roads are full of debris, some of which can be extremely sharp like glass. While a piece of glass in your tire might not cause a flat tire right away, it can cause a slow leak. You can avoid this by repairing any cuts and holes that you find. For bigger damage, it's a good idea to replace the entire tire. Tip #3: Rotate Tires Every 6,000 Miles Whether you rotate your tires every 6,000 miles or every time you visit a mechanic for an oil change, this tip is key for prolonging the life of your tires. Why? Keeping tires rotated will promote even tread wear. Keep in mind that each tire will wear unevenly, and tires in the front will wear differently than those in the back. Regular and proper tire rotation allows the tires to serve in all front and rear positions, which helps with even wear so that you don't need to replace them as often. Tip #4: Tires Should Be Properly Aligned Best kept to the professionals, mechanics will use specialty equipment to balance and align tires to make sure that they remain perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. If you notice poor vehicle handling or consistent pulling to the right or left, it's time to get your tires aligned. It's also a good idea to check tire alignment if you hit a pothole or curb at a high-speed. There you have it, some of the top ways you can help prolong the life of your vehicle's tires.

Although Easter is a religious holiday, it is synonymous with the opportunity to eat lots of delicious chocolate. The use of eggs as a symbol of Easter might seem commercially driven, but it is steeped in history. German immigrants are reported to have brought the idea of an Easter bunny to the U.S. The idea of decorating eggs goes back as far as the 13th century when Christians used to decorate eggs and eat them on Easter Sunday to mark the end of Lent. Luckily, if you live in Kingsport, Tennessee, you can indulge in delicious chocolate treats at any time of the year, not just at Easter. If you are a chocolate lover in search of a delicious sweet treat, read on to find out about three must-visit local establishments in Kingsport to get your chocolate fix. 1. Bellafina Chocolates Head down to Bellafina Chocolates on Cherokee Street for an incredibly diverse selection of indulgent chocolate truffles. You'll be able to purchase truffles in a large array of flavors, and there are even gift boxes to satisfy any chocolate lover. A really special and heartwarming characteristic of this company is that all net proceeds after accounting for normal business expenses go toward funding charities that help disadvantaged or sick children. By getting your chocolate fix at Bellafina, you'll not only be tasting some heavenly treats, but you'll also be helping some of the most vulnerable people in society. more 2. Sax and Liz Sax and Liz is the place to go if you want to add some personalized touches to your chocolate fix. You can order customized chocolate bars, cakes, and truffles at this creative and quirky chocolatier. The talented staff at Sax and Liz will also create any other chocolate designs you can think of, including chocolate shoes. The company is owned by a husband and wife who place great importance on sourcing the best ingredients to make the tastiest chocolate treats. You can find Sax and Liz on Fort Henry Drive. 3. Chocolate Elegance Chocolate Elegance is the place to find some of the finest specialty chocolates in Kingsport. The business is now owned by the Ketron family, having been sold to them after the death of a previous owner and the subsequent retirement of her widower husband Bob Scibor. The chocolates here are produced in small batches before being hand-dipped to give exceptional flavor. Chocolate Elegance is the ideal place to come if you need to make an impression in either a corporate setting or at an important family event with some fine chocolates. A lot of emphasis at Chocolate Elegance is placed on the presentation of the chocolates, so you can rest assured you'll be buying chocolate treats of the highest quality that look great, too. These three Kingsport establishments are the best places to get your chocolate fix in town at any time of the year, so be sure to sample some chocolates from each one throughout the year. Image via Pixabay

Toyota makes reasonably priced vehicles that practically anyone can afford. You might think that Toyota's affordable prices make them off-limits for television stars who prefer spending large amounts of money. It turns out that plenty of stars drive Toyota vehicles simply because they understand the value of good craftsmanship. Browse this short list of TV stars to see if any of your favorite actors prefer driving Toyota vehicles. 50 Cent Drives a Land Cruiser 50 Cent started his career as a rapper. When television producers saw his charisma, though, they featured him on several shows. For the most part, he has played himself, even on scripted shows like The Simpsons, Entourage, and Robot Chicken. 50 Cent currently plays a main role in the crime drama Power. Today, though, he prefers to go by his given name, Curtis Jackson. Jackson has been spotted driving his Toyota Land Cruiser around New York, where he grew up and currently spends most of his downtime. The Land Cruiser makes the perfect vehicle for Jackson, who is a large man with a commanding presence. more Jessica Alba Loves Driving Her Prius in Los Angeles Jessica Alba has won numerous awards for her work as a television and film actor. Some of her most popular roles include performances as Leanne on Beverly Hills, 90210, Sophie on an episode of The Office, and Max Guevara, a lead character on Dark Angel. Alba does more than spend time in front of a camera. She also has commitments to several social causes, including those that aim to protect the environment. Given her concern about climate change, it's not surprising to see her driving a Toyota Prius in her hometown, Los Angeles. The 2016 Prius Eco gets 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway, so it makes sense for her to choose the hybrid vehicle. Danny DeVito Gets Around in a Prius Danny DeVito often plays self-centered characters. Just think of his role as Frank on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Frank couldn't possibly care less about protecting the environment. DeVito makes a great example of why fans shouldn't assume that actors have the same personality traits as the characters they play. DeVito owns a Prius, which makes it possible for him to maintain a low carbon footprint even when he has to drive the crowded streets of Los Angeles, where he lives. Chris Tarrant Rolls in a Toyota Landcruiser Chris Tarrant doesn't appear on television often these days, but he was once a popular star who hosted the UK version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? He has also hosted Pop Quiz, Cluedo, and Lose a Million. Tarrant probably owns more than one vehicle. One of his preferred options, though, is a Toyota Land Cruiser that he drives frequently in Esher, where he currently lives. No matter how much money you have, Toyota makes a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. If 50 Cent, Alba, DeVito, and Tarrant enjoy driving Toyota vehicles, you should give them a try, too.

Kingsport is a great place to be during Easter, with an abundance of fun events held around the city in celebration of this Christian holiday. Read on to find out about four entertaining Easter events that you and your family can attend around The Model City. 1. Egg Hunt and Puppet Show This annual show is normally held in Warriors' Path State Park, and it makes for an exciting way to celebrate Easter. Music and puppetry are used to tell the story of Easter in a fun and engaging way, and afterward, you and your family can partake in the traditional egg hunt. 2. Hop to It Community Egg Hunt It wouldn't be Easter in Kingsport without a frantic egg hunt. Upwards of 3,000 people from Kingsport and further afar normally attend this event, which is typically held in the field adjacent to the playground at Andrew Johnson Elementary School. You'll have the chance to win some amazing prizes that'll keep the kids happy, including video games, bicycles, and more. There is free food available so you and your family can be full of energy for that all-important egg hunt, which is split into three different age groups to give everyone a fair chance to find some eggs. There are 20,000 candy-filled eggs in total to be found. You can also get a memorable family photograph with the Easter Bunny or have the kids' faces painted. more 3. Son of Sorrows Son of Sorrows is a wonderful Easter musical held every year at the LampLight Theatre on Broad Street in Kingsport. The actors normally begin rehearsing for this show in mid-January, so a lot of preparation goes into getting it right. The play depicts the last few days of Jesus Christ's life, with the actors delivering powerful and memorable performances. The entire production is huge; Son of Sorrows features more than 100 actors. The show wouldn't be what it is without the dedication of the 50 volunteers who work as tech crew, ushers, and theater courtesy staff. You can check out the dates and ticket prices for this year's event on the theater's website. 4. Bays Mountain Observatory There's something happening all the time at Bays Mountain Park, which is Tennessee's largest city-owned park. You should visit the Bays Mountain Observatory this year for an alternative and intriguing way of celebrating Easter. Light is one of Christianity's most important symbols, and the normally clear skies in Kingsport at this time of year make it an ideal time to celebrate the sense of hope and divinity that transcends Christianity by observing the sun up close. Daytime viewings of the sun are normally held on weekends at 3 p.m., and the high-tech equipment ensures you get a really clear image of the closest star to Earth and its most abundant source of light. Consider attending some or all of the above family focused events for an entertaining Easter this year. You'll be sure to make some special memories. Image via Pixabay

Since so many families enjoy owning Prius vehicles, Toyota has spent a lot of effort making sure the model uses the latest safety features. After all, few things are more important than keeping your family safe on the road. If you're interested in buying a new vehicle, make sure you pay attention to these four safety features included in the latest Prius models. Intelligence Clearance Sonar A lot of drivers assume that accidents happen on the road. A large number of vehicle collisions, however, take place in parking lots. Toyota developed Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) technology to make parking easier and safer. The current version of ICS uses several sensors to detect objects all around the Prius. It can recognize obstacles approaching from several yards away and even help you avoid vehicles in adjacent parking spots. The 2017 Prius relies on ICS when you drive at speeds below 10 mph. This makes it perfect for navigating parking lots that often present difficulties for drivers. more Color Head-Up Display Distracted drivers create danger for everyone on the road. Toyota offers an optional color head-up display for the Prius that lets the driver monitor speed and navigation without looking away from the road. The Prius still has a standard display, but it also projects information onto the windshield. The next time you need to follow directions, you won't have to take your eyes off the road to check an auxiliary screen. Toyota Safety Sense Toyota Safety Sense comes standard with every version of the new Prius. Toyota Safety Sense is a comprehensive safety system that offers several features, including Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams that come on in the dark, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that adjusts the car's speed when it approaches slow-moving vehicles. The version of Toyota Safety Sense included in the Prius can detect pedestrians as well as vehicles. If someone steps in front of or behind the Prius, the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection will warn you. If you don't respond, the safety system will apply the brakes to help avoid a collision. Toyota Safety Sense uses a combination of cameras and radar to offer an exceptional level of safety for you and other drivers. Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) LATCH uses anchor points that hold car seats firmly in place during accidents. Vehicle designers decided over a decade ago that standard child safety seats were not adequate to protect children during collisions. LATCH offers a more sophisticated way to protect children. The 2017 Prius has several features that help drivers avoid collisions, but no technology can eliminate accidents. LATCH makes it possible for children to remain as safe as possible in an uncertain world. Toyota has always been at the forefront of safety technology. The latest version of the Prius shows that the car company remains committed to keeping drivers safe. Whether you're traveling across the continent or just making a quick trip to the grocery store, you can count on the 2017 Prius to keep you and your family safe.

The idea that "dogs love to ride in the car" hearkens back to the days of the horseless carriage. The slobbery truth, however, is that dogs can suffer from motion sickness, just as some people can. Before taking Fido along on that next road trip, be sure to do some research. Why Do Dogs Get Carsick? The science behind dog carsickness is a bit hazy, but it seems that dogs get carsick for the same reasons that people do. Your dog's inner ear fluids slosh around when riding in a car, and if their neurological input doesn't match what Rover is seeing, nausea can be the result. When humans drive cars, for example, carsickness is almost never a factor because they can see the road ahead and predict movements such as turns and stops. It's generally ill-advised to let your dog drive, however. more What Are the Symptoms? The most obvious manifestation of dog carsickness requires a wet/dry vac and some deodorizer, making you wish they still made vinyl car seats. More subtle symptoms include excessive drooling, panting, lip smacking, or yawning. Your mutt may also seem nervous or listless. If more than nine people are required to drag your terrified, whining pooch into the backseat, this may also be a sign. What Can Be Done? Anxiety may be the cause of your dog's plight. If Spot's only car rides are to the vet for neutering and shots, you can hardly blame him. Dogs make associations, just as humans do. To prevent this, take your dog for short rides to places you know they enjoy, like the park or the river. Give a treat when they get in the car, and keep a special toy in the backseat just for car rides. Try the same remedies that work on humans. Instead of a crate or kennel, use a dog harness that allows them to face forward and see out the window. Of course, crates are easier to hose out if Lucky gets unlucky, but you'd save her a lot of potential misery. Lining the seats and floor with old towels is smart insurance against accidents. If you put your pooch in the front seat so he gets the clearest view of the road, keep in mind that the passenger airbag can potentially kill your pal if there's a collision, so be sure to turn off the passenger airbag during your drive. If this isn't possible, slide the seat as far back from the dashboard as you can. Other helpful ideas include limiting the amount of food given to your dog before a scheduled trip, lowering the windows a bit to balance out the air pressure inside the cabin, and giving them a small, sugary treat before you leave. Tiny amounts of sugar seem to help with carsickness, but be sure to never give dogs chocolate or any candy containing xylitol, as both of these are toxins for them. Medications are available from your vet if none of these remedies work. Nothing brings canines and their human servants together like car trips. Do everything you can to make these rides as pleasant, safe, and relatively clean as possible. Both Bowser and your upholstery will thank you for it! Image by Radosław Zmudziński from Pixabay

If you think a "book club" is something made out of wood pulp that's handy for beating a caveman to death, you may need to spend a bit more time at your local library. Better yet, join one of the many cool book clubs in the Kingsport area, and you'll find that books are indeed weapons of mass enlightenment. Folks from all walks of life can easily find a book club that's just right for them. Kingsport Public Library Teen Book League The Kingsport Public Library Teen Book League is not a group of superheroes, though they might as well be. This book club draws its members from 6th grade through 12th grade and is based out of the Kingsport Public Library. During the fall and winter months, they read and discuss books that have been nominated for the Volunteer State Book Award. When spring arrives, they vote for their favorites in various categories to create a list of Tennessee Teen book selections. The Book League assumes one of the most important roles in today's society of young readers. They help navigate the crowded world of published books. With so many titles, authors, and subjects to choose from, the process of selecting what to read can be daunting. Groups like the Book League are a tremendous help. The group meets twice a month from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Join them to not only discuss literature but also to make friends and have fun. more Between the Covers Book Club Geared toward senior members of the community, Between the Covers Book Club meets every first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. The group gets together in the Card Room at the Senior Center located at 1200 E. Center St. Their selections are thoughtful and robust, with subjects ranging from politics to history to philosophy. Their October 2016 selection, for example, was the insightful "Killing Reagan" by Bill O'Reilly. This gripping story of his near-assassination was the fodder for a greatly absorbing conversation between members of the group. Kingsport Book Club The Kingsport Book Club has a fascinating history spanning nearly 100 years that's highly representative of the local reading community. It began as a small handful of friends casually meeting up to discuss books they'd recently read, and within a couple of years evolved into a more formal and organized group of dedicated bibliophiles. The Kingsport Public Library opened in 1921, with a mere 400 books in its collection, thanks to the efforts of the first members of this book club. Initially, the troublesome issue of funding wasn't solved with public monies. Instead, they held carnivals, bridge parties, and similar events to create their own financial support. It remained a private enterprise until municipal ownership was introduced in 1929. The Kingsport Book Club remains a cornerstone of the community. While the flood of social networking and technology has convinced many that book reading is a dying endeavor, groups such as these prove that the Kingsport community still regards books as critical to the intellectual and emotional growth of the individual. Join a book club and see what you're missing out on. Image via Pixabay

It's a rare occasion when a global automaker releases a new series of powertrains. Toyota's all-new Dynamic Force lineup is poised to shake up the automotive industry and unlock a new world of fuel efficiency, performance, and eco-friendliness. What Is Dynamic Force? Dynamic Force powertrains are a critical component of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. Modular parts and technologies will streamline and simplify Toyota's manufacturing process. Behind each new vehicle's unique skin will be key systems — such as drivetrain, shifters, air bags, and steering — of which there are just a small handful, handpicked for each specific vehicle. Toyota anticipates a savings of about 20 percent and more consistent quality and performance as well. more Dynamic Force Engines Toyota plans to develop nine core engine styles with 17 different variations. These new engines are expected to provide a 20 percent jump in fuel efficiency, a 10 percent increase in power, and a 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. These improvements are a result of reduced internal friction and decreased loss of energy through the cooling and exhaust systems. Adding to performance are lower centers of gravity and lower engine heights. To date, only one engine has been revealed. This 2.5-liter four-cylinder will probably make its debut in the 2018 Camry. High-speed combustion with variable control is one of the many new technologies that makes this an engine that Toyota claims is among the world's most energy-efficient offerings. Dynamic Force Transmissions Four new automatics, including a new Continuously Variable Transmission, will be included in the Dynamic Force lineup. Two have surfaced so far. The eight-speed is for front-wheel drive vehicles, and the 10-speed is for rear-wheel drives. Some of the world's fastest gear changes can be found in the 10-speed. Of the four new transmissions, a total of 10 variations will emerge. Friction is the enemy of all transmissions, which is why the new Dynamic Force offerings feature low-friction clutch packs and gear teeth surfaces. When compared to a six-speed automatic, about 50 percent of friction loss is recovered. Close-ratio gear shifting ensures optimal acceleration. Despite their enhanced performance, these new transmissions are both lighter and smaller than the ones they will replace. Dynamic Force Hybrid Systems As the manufacturer of the Prius, perhaps the most iconic vehicle on the planet, Toyota naturally includes hybrids in its TNGA vision. The company has developed the Toyota Hybrid System II in order to trim weight and size from its hybrid drivetrain. Six different Dynamic Force hybrid systems are in the works, with 10 total versions. Three have already been unveiled. Plug-in hybrids with also receive a Dynamic Force refresh. A new dual-mode drive system will allow hybrid motors to power the wheels instead of merely serving as generators for the batteries. A new lithium-ion battery will feature a higher capacity and extend EV range. Toyota claims it's a bit too early to specify when these new systems will show up, but it predicts that by 2021, about 60 percent or more of its vehicles will use TNGA Dynamic Force setups. Once again, Toyota is poised to change the automotive world, and we can't wait to see what's next.