#Ford Transit Door Replacement

[firstautopartsplus]

Ford Transit Spare Parts Melbourne | First Auto Parts Plus

are you looking for Ford Transit Spare Parts Melbourne? First Auto Parts Plus is one of the largest and most trusted wreckers in Australia. We stock an extensive range of high quality spare parts for many popular Ford vehicles, including the Ford Ranger, Ford Transit, Ford Everest, Ford Territory, Ford Falcon, Ford Mustang and more. We buy in only the best quality Ford wrecks, which is why we’re so confident in our Ford parts that they come with a fuss-free, six-month warranty.As a leading automotive wrecker we’re hugely experienced in shipping used and genuine new Ford parts to every corner of Australia and New Zealand, and we aim to dispatch your parts within 24 hours of receiving payment for your order.

Resource URL: https://firstautoparts.com.au/

[college-girl199328]

Police are seeking to identify four suspects after a couple was held at gunpoint during an early-morning home invasion investigators say around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, a male suspect broke into a home in the area of Beaverdams Drive and Audubon Street near Taunton Road West by smashing the basement window. He then allegedly unlocked the rear door of the home, allowing three more suspects to enter the residence.

The suspects found a male resident in the living room and forced him up to the second floor, where two of the suspects held him and his wife at gunpoint the two other suspects raided the home and stole several items, including phones, handbags, jewelry, and an undisclosed amount of money.

After the suspects fled the home, the man called police from a nearby gas station and did not suffer any injuries in the incident.

Staples Canada laid off an unspecified number of head office staff this week as the U.S.-owned chain takes $1.75 million Ontario taxpayer dollars for store retrofits to install ServiceOntario outlets opened inside Staples Canada locations on Thursday and will offer extended evening and weekend hours. Three new Southern Ontario sites are in the GTA, including Oakville, Newmarket, and Scarborough.

CityNews learned earlier this week that the provincial government was giving Staples $1.75 million for retrofitting as officials said the deal would save $900,000 over three years government has not responded to multiple requests to see the business case or share more information on where the savings will come from.

Bonnie Crombie, Ontario’s Liberal Party leader, is asking Premier Doug Ford to be more transparent about the decision to move ServiceOntario outlets into Staples Canada stores, saying she has “deep concern” about the province’s “continued backroom deals letter addressed to the Premier, Crombie urged Ford to start answering questions about his government’s sole-sourced deal and “end the ServiceOntario cover-up.”

On Wednesday, Ford continued to deflect responsibility on the deal, saying that different officials negotiated and that he wasn’t behind the move.

Toronto’s spending plan for the next year still includes a record tax hike for Toronto homeowners — but it won’t be as high as initially proposed presented the final budget in Scarborough on Thursday morning, confirming a 9.5 percent property tax hike, as was previously reported by CityNews. The new rate is one percent less than the 10.5 percent tax that was recommended in January.

The new tax hike would still be the highest since amalgamation and would eclipse the seven percent increase former mayor John Tory pushed through last year.

Toronto is facing a budget deficit of nearly $1.8 billion “would only accelerate the decline of our transit system,” says Chow.

She also revealed, as part of her first budget as mayor, the city plans to foot the bill for Scarborough’s much-anticipated busway and fully fund the east-end transit corridor that will be built in place of where the Scarborough RT used to run. Transit advocates have been calling for the dedicated bus route since the RT stopped running last summer.

The TTC prematurely shut down Line 3 Scarborough RT due to a derailment. Chow says the 2024 spending plan will be able to cover the nearly $70 million cost of the replacement transit route.

The mayor has pointed to police spending as an area where the city could come away with significant savings. Toronto police will see a bump in their budget, but it will still fall $12 million short of what police chief Myron Demkiw has been asking for warned the cut would create an “unacceptable risk” to public safety. The board had asked for an increase of $20 million.

Opponents argue adding more money to the police budget doesn’t correlate to a safer city. A recent University of Toronto study found no consistent relation between police funding and crime rates across 20 Canadian municipalities, including will go before the city council on Feb. 14 and Mayor Chow has previously indicated that she would not use the strong mayor powers to push her budget through.

[renaultamour]

A 2023 Renault Trafic Van Review

The upgrade Renault Trafic for sale - what’s new inside and outside, but also what improvements to the safety equipment were made?

The Trafic competes against the likes of the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Transporter. It was previously updated in 2019 when the original 1.6-litre engines were replaced by the new 2.0-litre turbodiesels that form the basis of the current range. These offer up to 170hp and the option of an appealing six-speed automatic gearbox.

What's new for the Renault Trafic?

The front of the New Trafic – as Renault is calling it – is ‘completely new’. Alongside that big grille, there is fully LED lighting with Renault’s signature C-shaped daytime running lights, and beneath it, there’s a redesigned front bumper, described as ‘elegant and dynamic’.

There are no changes at the rear, but as before, the updated Trafic comes in two lengths and two roof heights. The trim structure has been revised a couple of times.

On the inside, there’s a new dashboard with an emphasis on horizontal lines, better-quality door panels with wider armrests, a new gear lever and a new instrument panel. Infotainment options are brought bang up-to-date with Renault's car range, which also lends the Trafic a number of interior trim parts.

Much safer than before

Most significantly of all, however, the prior version of the Renault Trafic was heavily criticised by the Euro NCAP crash safety body because of its lack of an active safety kit – to the extent that it was actually ‘not recommended’.

This updated Trafic has taken serious steps towards correcting this and is now available with a substantial number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including autonomous emergency braking (which Renault refers to as active emergency braking).

Renault Trafic strengths and weaknesses

Strengths include the impressively comfortable and car-like driving experience, good real-world fuel economy, and the joint-longest loading length in the mid-size van sector, alongside its sister van the Nissan NV300. This is essentially the same as the Trafic (and built by Renault), though the Nissan comes with a five-year warranty as standard.

Up until 2019, the Vauxhall Vivaro was also based on the Renault Trafic (though built in Luton rather than France). But with a change of ownership making the British brand part of the former Peugeot-Citroen PSA Group (now renamed Stellantis) a newer Vivaro has been launched based on the same platform as the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace. This was also true for the Fiat Talento, but the same happened in 2021 as Fiat also joined the Stellantis group.

In terms of weaknesses, you will find that many rivals are available with higher payload ratings. And as we've mentioned, older versions didn't have the greatest safety rating.

Renault Trafic body styles and variants

The Trafic comes in two lengths and two roof heights, making a total of four body variants.

It’s also sold as a panel van, a crew van (with second row of seats) and as the Trafic Passenger, essentially a compact minibus with up to nine seats. A platform cab for conversions is also available, as well as a 'luxury' passenger carrier called the SpaceClass, which competes against the Volkswagen Multivan.

A load-through flap in the bulkhead means items such as pipes up to 4.15m in length can be accommodated. This is fitted as standard on most models.

Full details of load area capacity are listed on this dedicated Renault Trafic dimensions page.

Verdict: Is the Renault Trafic any good?

The Renault Trafic is a good choice for a medium van if you don’t need the highest possible payload ratings. The latest version looks sharp, offers a safety kit that's right at the top of the class, and has a broader range of engines, all of which meet the very latest Euro 6 emissions regulations. The 2022-onwards interior is a big improvement, too.

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Info shared from https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/

[autorestoreclassic]

Ford Transit Fuel Filler Door Replacement

[inkasarmored]

The Benefits of Purchasing an Armored Ford in the USA

If you're in the market for an armored vehicle, but you're not sure which one to choose, you'll want to read on to discover the benefits of purchasing an armored Ford in the USA. These vehicles are made to meet all the necessary requirements that come with being an armored vehicle, including maintaining optimal performance, ride quality, safety, reliability, and maintainability. In addition to these benefits, you'll also want to consider the fact that you can purchase an armored Ford in the USA legally. Be prepared for any situation on the roads with an armored Ford. Visit Inkas Armored for Armored ford for sale in USA now and drive with confidence.

Can you legally buy an armored Ford in the USA?

If you are looking for a new armored vehicle in the United States, you are in luck. There are several different kinds of vehicles available for sale, including armored sedans, SUVs, and trucks.

An armored car is a large, sealed metal box designed to provide extra protection. Some armored cars have roll down windows, while others are merely big, enclosed spaces.

A heavy armored vehicle is a vehicle that is finished in sheet steel, bulletproof finish, or carbon fiber. It is generally considered the safest kind of vehicle on the road.

Depending on the make and model, the price of an armored car can range from $300,000 to $1 million. These vehicles can be purchased by both civilians and military members.

Modern armored car designs

The armored car industry has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past century. It focuses on creating vehicles that are both tough and simple. Today's armored cars are characterized by improved safety, superior on-road performance, and greater maintainability.

Throughout the history of warfare, armored cars have proven to be effective. Their versatility makes them a popular choice for peacekeeping duties.

They are also useful in mobile warfare over open terrain. Although they are not as well-armored as tanks, they are less expensive and provide more maneuverability than tracked vehicles.

Many nations are now building wheeled armoured carriers. These vehicles can be used for infantry transport, fire support, and anti-tank defense.

A common design approach is the use of a common platform. This provides a simpler, faster, and cheaper maintenance procedure. Some armored cars are even modular, meaning that their individual components can be easily replaced.

Complies with or exceeds North American regulations

The Ford Transit is one of the newest entrants in the armored car arena. It is packed with safety features like a front and lateral airbags, anti-collision technology, and a clear view windshield. Plus, it is connected to GardaWorld's North American Monitoring Center. If you're looking for an armored vehicle for hire, this is one of the hottest options on the market.

GardaWorld Cash Services announced the first phase of its armored car deployment in North America. They partnered with Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles to make it happen. These two companies aren't the only ones putting their name on the armored car block, though. Another company is Laydon, which has a fleet of specialized vehicles. Laydon's OptiTailTM aerodynamic device allows motor carriers to operate vehicles with lower lamps and two new doors behind the cab.

Armor specifications affect the cost

If you are considering purchasing an armored Ford in the USA, there are a few things you should consider. First, the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the armor specifications. Each type of armor requires different levels of protection. In addition, the Department of Transportation requires that armored vehicles meet certain OEM standards. Other agencies, such as the Defense Security Service (DSS), may require their own armoring specifications. Besides, the armor must be destroyed at the end of its useful life.

Armoring procedures for DS/PSP/DEAV-funded vehicles must be performed by authorized technicians. These technicians will be under the observation of a post employee. They must also use parts that are compatible with OSPB standards. This will help to ensure that the armoring materials are safe and effective. Besides, the armoring process is inspected four times throughout the process.

[vidstrust]

Mazda protege 5 2003

#MAZDA PROTEGE 5 2003 MANUAL#

#MAZDA PROTEGE 5 2003 ZIP#

Though the low-effort steering can have an over-assisted, rubber-band feel at modest lock under light loads (a trait shared by the current Civic Si), both on-center and when you’re tossing the car precisely through a curve the rack and column seem to transmit EVERTYTHING through a relatively thin, minimally padded rim to your fingertips. First of all, despite a 2,800-pound curb weight, the car’s reactions to steering inputs are quicker than in any compact hatch I’ve driven since buying it. The Protege5 remains relevant for the same reasons I still own it. How does it possibly remain relevant today? So the P5 was designed and engineered back in the mid-nineties. I got a great deal ($18,900 MSRP, paid $13,400) because the new Mazda3 was in transit. Once I realized they stopped the Protege production, it was like I was missing an old friend whom I haven't talked to in a while.When I bought my Protege5 back in November 2003, it was already at the end of its run. Now I am thinking about getting another car and was hoping Mazda continued the line of Protege's, but unfortunately, it appears they have not. But it was a good long haul before it decided to retire. But when the car decided it was time to retire, it did so pretty much in a week. We had to replace the battery once, but that's just regular maintenance. It didn't have a major breakdown once between that time. My brother drove it on the weekends to and from work as well. Me and my younger brother drove it about It about 70 miles a day to and back from community college Monday through Friday. We had the car for around four years and put another 80,000 miles on it before it broke down and was not reasonably repairable.

#MAZDA PROTEGE 5 2003 ZIP#

It took corners great, had a little zip in the acceleration, and handled well in the rain. Of course, the exterior wasn't flashy nor did support a racy-type look to the body, but it was a car I loved to drive.

#MAZDA PROTEGE 5 2003 MANUAL#

It was a fun car to drive with the manual transmission and handled like a dream. It was not necessarily my car, but I drove it whenever I had the chance. My family bought a 2003 Protege in 2014 with over 200,000 miles on it. If you can find a Protege that's been taken care of, I recommend buying it. of new vehicles but I've been using models that plug into the cigarette lighter for many years and they work perfectly fine. I admit that I wish it had the built-in GPS, back-up camera, USB port, etc. Over all, it's been a great car and I'll miss it when the time comes to change. I know exactly where the car is on the road or in a tight parking spot. Of course, I'm perfectly comfortable navigating now. With my Protege, there is no crease so that took some getting used to. My previous vehicles were all Fords so I was used to navigating using the crease down the hood. Allows us to sit higher in the vehicle and to feel less of the road. I bought seat covers and have a cushion under both front seat covers. It's a sport suspension so you "feel" the road, which is all the more reason I'd prefer to have higher, better-padded seats. The other thing I dislike is the low seating. Of course, that's only a pain if you have multiple drivers. It's on the passenger's door, so you have to adjust, sit back and check, adjust, sit back and check. One is that you can't readily reach the passenger-side, outer-mirror adjustment knob. In my experience, there are a few drawbacks to the interior. My latest mechanic said he's on his fourth Protege and doesn't care that they have none of today's bells and whistles. Virtually every time I take it in for servicing, the mechanic asks if I'm interested in selling it. My car's in excellent condition, with low mileage (less than 100,000 kms) and no rust, thanks to walking to work and parking underground all these years. It had about 12,000 kms on it and was exactly the colour I was hoping for (sand/champagne). It was a 2003 model, leased by a company for short drives around the city, then returned for resale a year later. I bought a second-hand Protege from the dealer in 2004.

[animationgreys]

Abc box body for truck

#Abc box body for truck pdf

#Abc box body for truck series

Click to see literature for the specific Morgan model that interests you.

#Abc box body for truck pdf

Many of the Morgan body PDF literature files are listed below. Let us design your truck body around your specific needs- whether they be interior cargo control, special access side doors, temperature control, or special loading/ unloading requirements. If these Fastrak programs do not meet the specifications you require, we can assist in customizing Morgan truck bodies to meet your transportation requirements. 2014 Reading Adapts To New Markets With the new euro-style van market hitting the US strong, Reading adapts its successful Aluminum Classic Service Van (CSV) to work with the new Ford Transit and. Please refer to the Morgan website for the wide variety of specifications available in these programs. The Reading Group purchases America’s Body Company (ABC), which expands its truck body offering to include hauler, dump and landscape bodies. The Morgan Fastrak ordering program through Morgan distributors produces dry freight van bodies in 7 days and refrigerated van bodies in 21 days. STAHL has a variety of service bodies to meet your needs. Our line of truck bodies includes standard and medium-duty service/utility bodies that provide heavy-duty performance wherever the job takes you. When you submit your used truck part request, you will receive offers from our network of dealers with the most competitive prices.Morgan has available two quick build Fastrak programs that minimize your lead time in waiting for delivery of a new truck body. Since 1946, STAHL Scott Fetzer Company has been manufacturing durable, rugged truck bodies that provide years of dependable service. Find a store near you or shop online for car, truck, and SUV replacement parts.

#Abc box body for truck series

The series premiered on ABC as a fall entry in the 202021 television. Because the body wraps around the chassis, the floor of the truck sits lower to the ground unlike box delivery trucks where the cargo box is mounted on top. Kelley and based on The Highway series of books by C. box truck or cargo van, Kansas Truck Equipment can help you find the. (786)-803-8031 Do you have any question Write us that we will gladly assist you. Your local source for quality auto parts. Big Sky is an American crime drama thriller series created by David E. price on rebuilding my transmission was 1000 abc cake decorating store near me. Only the best brands on the market Truck Accessories & Parts Check out our wide variety of products for Truck. Our nationwide network of salvage yards, auto recyclers, and junk yards carry an extensive inventory of used truck parts – both domestic and foreign. ABC Truck Parts is the leader for truck Accessories atftermarket oem parts. solid, steel journal boxes, Susemihl side bearings, complete lead. or Packer's Depot to the Retailer's Ice Box With ABC Refrigerator Bodies. We are proud to announce that our C-body dash pads have been selected as a top-ten reproduction part for 2016 by Mopar Collectors Guide Magazine. 26000 lbs PHILADELPHIA 6-188 Type of ABC Refrigerator Truck Body used by John. U Need A Part is one of the largest truck parts locators for ford truck parts, toyota truck parts, dodge truck parts, chevy and chevrolet truck parts, and other used heavy truck parts. Cast steel body and truck bolsters, brake beams, Simplex body and truck. Thanks to our constant efforts to provide exceptional products and services, we have managed to carve a niche in the industry.

[schizophrenicfordpinesmoved]

I think I’ve strayed from my original and most important content which is that Ford Pines is schizophrenic so I wanna talk about his college years from this hc/i guess au? If you wanna get caught up check my tag #psychotic pines family The thing about schizophrenia is it hits at around college age (for me it hit at 20) and for most people it starts with a prodromal period that looks like severe depression - difficulty with emotions and feelings of pleasure, lack of energy, poverty of speech, flat affect, etc. This prodrome lasts for several months to one or two years (mine was one year) and then transitions to the acute stage of hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, etc.

We don’t know that Ford and Fiddleford were roommates and for how long, just that they were college friends, but I like to think they at least roomed together sophomore, junior, and senior year. So Fiddleford probably saw Ford slowly lose interest, get more lethargic, get quieter, his already flat affect getting flatter, and thought, man, he must be depressed or homesick. Fidds seems like the kind of guy who’d very gently be like “hey uh the mental health office is right over there wanna walk in with me” and fords like “thats very brave of you fiddleford of course i’ll come” and fidds is thinking “its for you idiot”

But then the prodrome ends and Ford starts acting...weird. He spends more time reading and researching conspiracy theories and at first Fidds is glad because he has more energy but he realizes quickly that somethings wrong. It’s not interest, it’s frantic and wild. Ford starts sleeping less, he talks about aliens. He flinches and looks around when the room is silent and there’s no one else there. Fiddleford gets worried.

And in my head the big moment where it goes from “i’m worried” to “something is fucking wrong” is when Fiddleford comes into their room and Ford grabs him by the arm and throws him into the bathroom, follows after, and locks the door. Fiddleford of course is like dude. wtf. and then he looks at ford and he looks terrible, bags under eyes and he’s shaking and just purely terrified and then ford starts ‘explaining’ that the people of backupsmore were being replaced by aliens and its only him and Fidds left as humans and Fiddleford is thinking “how could i let it get this bad”

Eventually he manages to talk Ford down enough to leave the bathroom but Ford refuses to go to the doctor or get help for a while after until Fidds gives an ultimatum and after a rare lucid moment. From there its meds and treatment. Ford jumps back to finish school faster than he should but its ford, he’s not one to take breaks even when he’s essentially recovering from a brain injury. yes this is semi-autobiographical what do you want

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 10.1

331 BC – Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela. 366 – Pope Damasus I is consecrated. 959 – Edgar the Peaceful becomes king of all England, in succession to Eadwig. 965 – Pope John XIII is consecrated. 1553 – Coronation of Queen Mary I of England. 1588 – Coronation of Shah Abbas I of Persia. 1730 – Ahmed III is forced to abdicate as the Ottoman sultan. 1779 – The city of Tampere, Finland (belonging to Sweden at this time) is founded by King Gustav III of Sweden. 1787 – Russians under Alexander Suvorov defeat the Turks at Kinburn. 1791 – First session of the French Legislative Assembly. 1795 – More than a year after the Battle of Sprimont, the Austrian Netherlands (present-day Belgium) are officially annexed by Revolutionary France. 1800 – Via the Third Treaty of San Ildefonso, Spain cedes Louisiana to France, which would sell the land to the United States thirty months later. 1814 – Opening of the Congress of Vienna, intended to redraw Europe's political map after the defeat of Napoleon the previous spring. 1827 – Russo-Persian War: The Russian army under Ivan Paskevich storms Yerevan, ending a millennium of Muslim domination of Armenia. 1829 – South African College is founded in Cape Town, South Africa. It will later separate into the University of Cape Town and the South African College Schools. 1832 – Texian political delegates convene at San Felipe de Austin to petition for changes in the governance of Mexican Texas. 1861 – Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management is published, going on to sell 60,000 copies in its first year and remaining in print until the present day. 1887 – Balochistan is conquered by the British Empire. 1890 – Yosemite National Park is established by the U.S. Congress. 1891 – Stanford University opens its doors in California, United States. 1898 – The Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration is founded under the name k.u.k. Exportakademie. 1903 – Baseball: The Boston Americans play the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first game of the modern World Series. 1908 – Ford Model T automobiles are offered for sale at a price of US$825. 1910 – A large bomb destroys the Los Angeles Times building, killing 21. 1918 – World War I: The Egyptian Expeditionary Force captures Damascus. 1918 – Sayid Abdullah becomes the last Khan of Khiva. 1928 – The Soviet Union introduces its first five-year plan. 1931 – The George Washington Bridge in the United States, linking New Jersey and New York, is opened. 1931 – Clara Campoamor persuades the Constituent Cortes to enfranchise women in Spain's new constitution. 1936 – Spanish Civil War: Francisco Franco is named head of the Nationalist government of Spain. 1936 – Spanish Civil War: The Central Committee of Antifascist Militias of Catalonia dissolves itself, handing control of Catalan defence militias over to the Generalitat. 1938 – Germany annexes the Sudetenland. 1939 – World War II: After a one-month siege, German troops occupy Warsaw. 1940 – The Pennsylvania Turnpike, often considered the first superhighway in the United States, opens to traffic. 1942 – World War II: USS Grouper torpedoes Lisbon Maru, not knowing that she is carrying British prisoners of war from Hong Kong. 1943 – World War II: After the Four Days of Naples, Allied troops enter the city. 1946 – Nazi leaders are sentenced at the Nuremberg trials. 1946 – The Daegu October Incident occurs in Allied-occupied Korea. 1947 – The North American F-86 Sabre flies for the first time. 1949 – The People's Republic of China is established. 1953 – Andhra State is formed, consisting of a Telugu-speaking area carved out of India's Madras State. 1953 – A Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea is concluded in Washington, D.C. 1955 – The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is established. 1957 – First appearance of In God we trust on U.S. paper currency. 1958 – The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics is replaced by NASA. 1960 – Nigeria gains independence from the United Kingdom. 1961 – The United States Defense Intelligence Agency is formed, becoming the country's first centralized military intelligence organization. 1961 – East and West Cameroon merge to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. 1961 – The CTV Television Network, Canada's first private television network, is launched. 1964 – The Free Speech Movement is launched on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley. 1964 – Japanese Shinkansen ("bullet trains") begin high-speed rail service from Tokyo to Osaka. 1966 – West Coast Airlines Flight 956 crashes with no survivors in Oregon. This accident marks the first loss of a DC-9. 1968 – Guyana nationalizes the British Guiana Broadcasting Service, which would eventually become part of the National Communications Network, Guyana. 1969 – Concorde breaks the sound barrier for the first time. 1971 – Walt Disney World opens near Orlando, Florida. 1971 – The first practical CT scanner is used to diagnose a patient. 1975 – Muhammad Ali defeats Joe Frazier in a boxing match in Manila, Philippines. 1978 – Tuvalu gains independence from the United Kingdom. 1979 – Pope John Paul II begins his first pastoral visit to the United States. 1979 – The MTR, the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong, opens. 1982 – Helmut Kohl replaces Helmut Schmidt as Chancellor of Germany through a constructive vote of no confidence. 1982 – Epcot opens at Walt Disney World in Florida. 1982 – Sony and Phillips launch the compact disc in Japan. On the same day, Sony released the model CDP-101 compact disc player, the first player of its kind. 1985 – Israel-Palestinian conflict: Israel attacks the Palestine Liberation Organization headquarters in Tunisia during "Operation Wooden Leg". 1987 – The 5.9 Mw  Whittier Narrows earthquake shakes the San Gabriel Valley with a Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), killing eight and injuring 200. 1989 – Denmark introduces the world's first legal same-sex registered partnerships. 1991 – Croatian War of Independence: The Siege of Dubrovnik begins. 1994 – Palau enters a Compact of Free Association with the United States. 2000 – Israel-Palestinian conflict: Palestinians protest the murder of 12-year-old Muhammad al-Durrah by the Israeli police in northern Israel, beginning the "October 2000 events". 2001 – Militants attack the state legislature building in Kashmir, killing 38. 2009 – The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom takes over the judicial functions of the House of Lords. 2012 – A ferry collision off the coast of Hong Kong kills 38 people and injures 102 others. 2014 – A series of explosions at a gunpowder plant in Bulgaria completely destroys the factory, killing 15 people. 2014 – A double bombing of an elementary school in Homs, Syria kills over 50 people. 2015 – A gunman kills nine people at a community college in Oregon. 2015 – Heavy rains trigger a major landslide in Guatemala, killing 280 people. 2017 – An independence referendum, declared illegal by the Constitutional Court of Spain, takes place in Catalonia. 2017 – Fifty-eight people are killed and 869 others injured in a mass shooting at a country music festival at the Las Vegas Strip in the United States; the gunman, Stephen Paddock, later commits suicide. 2018 – The International Court of Justice rules that Chile is not obliged to negotiate access to the Pacific Ocean with Bolivia.

[firstautopartsplus]

Used Auto Parts Western Australia | First Auto Parts Plus

First Auto Parts Plus is a leading supplier of high-quality used spare parts for vans, utes, and 4x4 vehicles in Western Australia. We ship our products to customers across Australia and New Zealand within 24 hours of order confirmation. In addition, we offer a wide range of genuine new and aftermarket spare parts at competitive prices on our online shop.

Resource URL: https://firstautoparts.com.au/

[chicagocityfclanspromoblog]

Sam Thompson → Joe Manganiello → Moose

→ Basic Information

Age: 227

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Straight

Born or Made: Born

Birthday: April 26th

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Religion: Christian

→ His Personality (one to two paragraphs)

→ His Personal Facts

Occupation: Broker and External Liaison and Board Member

Scars: Scratches and Bite marks from his kids and other members of the clan

Tattoos: None

Two Likes: Sports Cars and Rough housing

Two Dislikes: Silent Films and “Trendy” home finishes

Two Fears: Poison and Dishonoring his family name

Two Hobbies: Weight lifting and Golfing

Three Positive Traits: Macho, Perceptive, Disciplined

Three Negative Traits: Vindictive, Uncharitable, Argumentative

→ His Connections

Parent Names:

Sterling Thompson (Father): Sterling was one of the original Board Members. He was the last one standing between Garland Fields and the leadership position. He lost, and the shame followed him the rest of his life. Behind closed doors, Sterling preached to Sam about the importance of taking Chicago back and made Sam promise to continue their legacy the night he died. Sam wants to live up to all of his father’s hopes.

Charlotte Thompson (Mother): Charlotte was a good mother and was alive long enough to see Rhett born. She cared about Sam and wanted him to live his life for himself, not Sterling. She often calmed him down whenever his anger would get the best of him.

Sibling Names:

None

Children Names:

Rhett Thompson (Son): Rhett is 12 going on 30. He reminds Sam a lot of himself growing up. It is Rhett’s first year in middle school, he has taken up football and golfing while keeping his grades up. Sam is very proud and excited for his son.

Delilah ‘Dee’ Thomson (Daughter): Delilah has just turned 10 years old and is Ford’s twin sister. It was a long and hard process for Dee, giving up having Rhett in the same school, making it a tougher transition year for Sam. Dee is naturally curious and nearly drove Sam insane asking for her mother when Mattie was killed. She reminds him too much of Mattie. If it wasn’t for Patrick, Sam doesn’t think he could be the father she needed at the time. She loves her Uncle Pat.

Ford Thompson (Son): Ford has just turned 10 years old and is Delilah’s twin brother. Ford has always been easier to deal with. Delilah has always been more outspoken while Ford stood back and watched the room. Ford prefers to sit in a corner and read all day. Sam usually has to drag him away from his book and is regretting replacing one of their hallway closets for a miniature library.

Savannah Thompson (Daughter): Savannah is Sam’s little angel and is currently 8 and a half years old. Sam wants nothing but the best for all of his children but he worries about Savannah sometimes. She is sweet and innocent, all rainbow, unicorns and butterflies but Sam doesn’t have the heart to give her a reality check.

Jasper Thompson (Son): Jasper was barely walking or talking when Mattie was taken from them. Jason remained shifted for weeks as if he felt her being taken from them. It took time and patience for Jasper to change back but Sam’s smiling toddler never returned. Nearly four years later and starting Elementary school, Jasper is the most aggressive and dangerous child Sam has ever met. He had to remove him out of his classes just two weeks in to start homeschooling him.

Romantic Connections:

Mattie Thompson (Late Wife): Life is cruel and Sam has always known that but when he met Mattie, he believed his world was changing for the best. It was everything Sam joked and teased other members of his pack that were mated about. At one point Sam lost all interest in challenging Clara. Mattie was young but she loved him and they were married quickly. She even blessed him with a son within a year of their marriage, twins two years laters, and two more within the span of five years. Unfortunately, Mattie only ever felt comfortable in her shifted form when pregnant, and developed a case of hypershift extraordinarily young. Sam had barely come to terms with it when the other Board Members ordered her to be put down. The only one who tried to stand with him was Eliza, but they were ultimately overruled by the others and the law. Clara ultimately fulfilled the sentence and killed her 4 years ago. Sam has had to pour all his love for Mattie into their children in order to keep hanging on.

Platonic Connections:

Patrick Perry (Best Friend): Patrick has been a good friend of his for decades, and is like an uncle to his kids. They hang out nearly every weekend as well as every holiday, and he considers him to be his closest confidante. It was Patrick who stopped him from attacking Clara after Mattie’s death and the one who has kept him pushing through. His kids refer to Patrick as Uncle Pat.

Eliza Meyers (Good Friend): Eliza has consistently been the only one in his corner. She was close to Mattie and introduced the two, and he doesn’t know where his life would have been without her. They work together in real estate and in the boardroom, playing off of one another’s strengths and supporting the other’s weaknesses. His kids refer to Eliza as Auntie El or Aunt Eliza.

Taye Black (Friend): Taye has a no nonsense personality that Sam enjoys. Taye can easily drop friendships and fire personnel without a blink of an eye; which Sam admires. They both share the job as clan heavies liaison. While Sam deals with the local supernatural clans, Taye focuses on finding and placing matches for endangered heavies or for those who are willing to have hybrids.

Asa Fields (Old Friend): Asa and Sam grew up as brothers, and stayed like that. He never seemed to have the same issues with Asa as he did Clara, despite them being raised the same. However, he does think Asa has no claim to any council seat, or at least not a legitimate one. He’s hoping that by getting Asa to attempt to overthrow his sister, he’d willingly hand off the responsibilities of head to Sam, and live out the rest of his life doing whatever. Sam is trying to gauge how the relationship is between the two to see if that’d work.

Latasha Mist (Friend): Sam is supportive of Cece and Latasha’s change and sees the advantages of having them on their side. He has tried to come up with multiple solutions that wouldn’t result in their deaths but has yet to find one.

Cecilia ‘Cece’ Mist (Friend): Sam has been supportive of Cece’s change, even before her mother offered millions of dollars for the change. The couple has been together for over three year and the entire pack knows of their relationship. Sam believes further delay of the inevitable is bad for their entire clan and other local supernatural clans.

Jalen Martinez (Friendly): Sam thinks that Jalen has made a great choice by choosing Cece. While Sam communicates with Cece and Latasha more, Jalen has his full support. The couple has been together for over three year and the entire pack knows of their relationship. Sam believes further delay of the inevitable is bad for their entire clan and other local supernatural clans.

Ellis Watts (Old Friend): Sam and Ellis used to party hard in the 20s together. Ellis had a wild streak and the two would race cars, bikes, and boats with one another. They’ve still maintained the friendliness, though both have grown up.

Percy McCormick III (Old Acquaintance): Percy grew up around the same time as Clara, Sam, and Asa. Even back then he had a knack of trying to trick the three of them with lies. His dad always had the biggest and best of everything, and their clan always seemed to be growing. Sam and Asa ditched him quickly as they grew up, but Clara tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s done alright for himself, and Sam speaks to him as a liaison now.

Sol Alfaro (Old Friend): Sol shares many of his frustrations with his own clan head, and he has been girding himself to challenge Isaac again.

Michael Shaw (Acquaintance): They often hit the gym together on weekends.

Hostile Connections:

Clara Fields (Hate): Clara and Sam grew up like siblings; both nearly the same age and constantly around one another. However, as they grew up the differences between the Fields and Sterlings became obvious. The Fields had best picks of lands and businesses and were starting to make their money hand over fists. They also had final say on every issue, as was mandated by the agreement, and were using it to their benefit. Eventually the wealth of the Fields began to trickle down to them until they were in as good of a position, and Sterling forced a vote to create joint businesses, whose money was pooled and equally distributed to the Board Members. Things began to settle into something comfortable and profitable for all when Garland kicked the bucket. Sterling and the other leaders assumed it was finally his time, but Clara took up the helm and snatched power before anyone else could call for a fair fight. Sterling died not too long after from Hypershift and Sam took his spot. Then started the constant back and forth between the two of them. Always, always opposed, Clara and Sam began a dance of intrigue and backstabbing, trying to get the other to falter. Then the economy collapsed and Real Estate died in its tracks. Clara and the rest of them were bleeding money and had no place to turn. She thought of the vampires and came back with an offer of their blood. Initially they all refused, but had no other options. Either let their clan dissolve or sacrifice what they needed to. He was the first person to stand behind her and support the call. He regrets it to this day, and it’s his main reason for wanting her out of the Leader’s seat. He has been working for decades to plant seeds of doubt into the various members of their clan, so when he takes over it’s well received.

Michael Johansen (Hate): Michael was the leader of the Alaska clan who merged with their clan a few months ago. Their numbers were too low to sustain themselves and the Chicago clan was the only one that had the most potential matches. As soon as Sam met Michael, he had an air around him that reminded him of  Clara’s father, Garland Fields. Sam has been on defense around him and doesn’t trust Michael one bit.

Scorpius Getta (Hate): Scorpius Getta made a blood deal with them in exchange for money during the Great Recession. They needed to stay afloat so the entire Board agreed to it. They assumed they could pay him back the loan with interest, but he just wants money. In his dreams, Sam kills Getta and all his cronies.

Petra Chak (Hate): She enjoys the humiliation of the board members as they go down to have their blood drained. She’d be the one he’d kill if he had a chance to, after Getta.

Ezra Schultz (Hate): He expected Ezra to be on his side, and was shocked that he ruled to have her killed. His archaic ideas of “justness” are ridiculous and shouldn’t be used when lives are at stake.

Hollis Sony (Hate): Hollis stabbed him in the back when she voted that Mattie had to die. She’d always been on Clara’s side and he thought she might have sympathy for him, but was proven very wrong. He’ll never forgive her.

Pets:

None

→ History (paragraph(s) on background) → The Present (paragraph(s) on how the character connects to the plot)

→ Available Gif Hunts (we do not own these)

Joe Manganiello (Sam Thompson) [1][2][3][4]

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Toyota Celica, 1970. The Celica was Toyota’s Mustang, a 2-door coupé based on a mass-market saloon (in Toyota’s case the Carina, in Ford’s the Falcon). The Celica developed through 7 generations and survived the transition from rear to front wheel drive. It was discontinued and not replaced in 2006 though the Supra was derived out of the 3rd generation Celica and has recently been resurrected 

[scorpio0930]

2021 Ford Transit van recreates the mobile house as well as work van

The 2021 Ford Transit van includes new choice plans to simplify experience conversions or distribution needs, Ford revealed Tuesday.

The flexible Transit name relates to 4 various body styles: A two-seat cargo van for job, a staff van that seats five and also has side home windows, a traveler van XL, and an incredibly lengthy and high XLT that seats approximately 15 with 5 rows of seats. [electric tailgate opener]New wheel as well as shade selections poise the Transit, which is the successful van in America, according to Ford. That claim must be bolstered by Nissan's announcement over the weekend that it was terminating its NV cargo as well as passenger van collection in the U.S. Making the most of a booming recreational vehicle market many thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ford supplies three brand-new bundles to transform the vans right into motorhomes, RVs, and also adventure vans.

The Motorhome Prep plan is truly about the engine and framework since the body will certainly be lopped off for a complete conversion by an upfitter. It includes flexible cruise ship control and an "economy-rated" alternative for the 310-horsepower 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6.

The basic engine on the Transit is a 275-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged V-6 makes 400 lb-ft of torque. Either engine pairs to a 10-speed automatic that shuttles power to the rear wheels or all four wheels with the available all-wheel-drive system.

The Motor Home Preparation plan relates to the freight van conversion. It includes flexible cruise control and also a heavy-duty trailer towing option that can carry up to 6,800 extra pounds in certain arrangements. Front fog lights are typical, as are four-way hand-operated swivel front seats and also an eight-speaker sound system.

The Journey Prep plan can be put on either the freight van or crew van that seats five. It packages together options such as four-wheel drive, the 3.5-liter turbo V-6, a rear limited-slip differential, a heavy-duty front axle, as well as personal privacy glass. Advanced driver-assist features consist of flexible cruise ship control, blind-spot monitors, as well as side sensors. For travelers heading to work, the 2021 Transportation cargo van highlights simplicity of activity between the traveler and also freight locations. The manual hand brake on the floor has been replaced by an electronic parking brake button, which develops a 50% wider aisle between pole positions on vans with a 9,500-pound GVWR.

An optional center console as well as above shelf boost clearance and also area when moving via the cabin. The Parcel Delivery plan adds hinged back doors that open 253 levels as well as full interior lighting. The bundle erases armrests on the chauffeur as well as guest seats[click to see].

At the top of the Transit line is a Livery bundle for the XLT people hauler. It has 10-way power-adjustable seats shod in leather for all 15 placements, power-sliding doors, privacy glass, as well as 16-inch wheels.

Made in Kansas City, Missouri, the 2021 Ford Transportation goes on sale early next year.

[itcars]

First Look: The Audi AI:Trail Quattro Concept 

Audi is completing its quartet of visionary vehicles by showcasing a forward-looking electric off-roader at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Audi AI:Trail Quattro, a concept for sustainable mobility off the beaten track, is one of four use case vehicles projecting Vorsprung durch Technik into the future.

The four-seater Audi AI:TRAIL quattro combines the capacity for automated driving with off-road capabilities. The glass surrounding the cabin extends all the way to ground level, providing unrivaled all-round visibility. The battery capacity ensures sufficient range even away from dense networks of charging stations.

The “Trail” part of the name evokes the idea of exploring nature. That is why there are no big screens on board for streaming TV series or videoconferencing; instead, broad glass surfaces provide a clear view of the surroundings.

Technology that’s plain to see – the exterior

With an exterior length of 4.15 meters and a width of 2.15 meters, the brawny Audi AI:TRAIL’s potential away from paved roads is immediately apparent. The roof height of 1.67 meters and the enormous 22-inch wheels with 850 mm tires hint at the vehicle’s excellent off-road capabilities even when it is standing still. With a ground clearance of an impressive 34 centimeters, it can ford through water more than half a meter deep.

On rough, rocky terrain, this architecture provides plenty of agility without the battery unit integrated in the floor coming into contact with the ground.

The cabin itself is an extensively glazed space surrounded by polygonal shapes, with room for up to four people. One characteristic feature—and one that indicates the vehicle’s kinship with Aicon and AI:ME—is the protruding ridge halfway up the side windows. This line continues to both the front and rear and acts as a waistline uniting the entire body in one monolithic whole.

With the electric drive system arranged around the axles and the battery in the floor, there is no need for overhanging sections or separate attachments for the motor or batteries. Something else that the four visionary Audi vehicles at IAA 2019 will be demonstrating is that the one-box design is becoming the gold standard for the age of the electric vehicle.

Light weight and maximum body stiffness are, of course, important technical objectives for off-roaders in particular. That is why the body of the Audi AI:TRAIL is made of a mixture of high-tech steel, aluminium and carbon fiber. As a result, it weighs just 1,750 kilograms (3,858.09 lb) despite its high-capacity battery.

With the Audi AI:TRAIL, form follows function. In the interior, the side window ridges give passengers space where they objectively need it the most—around their shoulders and elbows. They also provide extra space where they subjectively perceive it most acutely, as the way in which the side windows extend down low opens up a clear view down to the ground, even between the wheels. The aim of the designers here was to give those inside the vehicle the best possible view of nature and their surroundings, breaking the boundaries between the interior and the world outside. When the car is moving, the occupants’ gaze is not merely focused on the terrain ahead but is free to wander and happen upon little details in the open spaces around them. In the AI:TRAIL, passengers can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the ride without even having to think about it.

Helicopter-style all-round visibility

The windscreen wraps around the front of the vehicle like the cockpit of a helicopter. Passengers have an unobstructed view of the road or trail both in front and to the sides. Nor is it just the front and sides that are transparent and covered in glass. Almost the entire roof, from the top of the windscreen to the rear spoiler, allows a clear view of the sky and the landscape. Even the vertical Singleframe is glazed, with only the four rings of the badge sitting in their customary position in what is otherwise a glass octagon.

Both the windscreen and the tailgate open wide, providing easy access to large storage compartments with straps to keep luggage secure in transit. Integrated in the bumper at the rear is another separate compartment for dirty items such as hiking boots, climbing gear or wet clothing.

The side sills beneath the opposing doors act as retractable running boards. This makes it easier to load and unload the roof rack. Instead of bulky wheel wells, horizontal wings are all that sit above the four wheels. That makes it possible to see the suspension in action from the cockpit even during travel.

Bulky transverse links and MacPherson suspension struts with coil springs and adaptive dampers provide suitable robustness and ensure safe driving stability. The special tire design becomes apparent at first glance, as the profile appears to be drawn all the way up into the high tire sidewalls. However, behind it lies a structure of supporting struts, which are integrated in the treads, and the actual surface. This design allows the tires themselves—in addition to the suspension struts—to contribute a further 60 millimeters of suspension travel. Aside from improved off-road capability, this provides the occupants with an enormous amount of additional comfort.

The tires also feature variable, sensor-controlled air pressure regulation. Optical sensors and electronic stability control (ESC) work together to detect the condition of the road surface and adjust the air pressure in the tires accordingly. As regards traction, it can be useful to reduce the pressure, such as when driving on sand, and thereby increase the tire contact patch. By the same token, increasing the pressure again when switching to asphalt increases drive stability.

Reduction as a principle of style – the interior

The interior of the Audi AI:TRAIL is uncluttered and spacious, and it has just a few visible control elements. There are two comfortable-looking, almost delicate seat shells in the front row, both equipped with four-point seat belts. Light colors dominate the upper interior area down to the level of the seat cushion and the low dashboard. The openness to the outside world appears all the more present; the occupant’s eye is drawn to the large glass areas in the front and side sections and guided through the almost fully glazed roof.

Pedals, a yoke for a steering wheel, a few buttons, and a smartphone attached to the steering column as a display and control center for vehicle functions and navigation—those are all the elements there are for the interaction between the driver and the vehicle.

The whole color concept with its blue and grey surfaces and earthy tones emphasizes the connection between the interior and the surrounding nature. The sense of touch adds to this perception, with rough, granular surfaces indicating functional qualities. Smooth wool felt in the luggage compartment provides a cozy contrast. Like in previous concept cars, the Audi designers also use recycled materials in the AI:TRAIL. The carpet is made of reprocessed wool with recycled leather, both of which are sustainable and durable, and feature excellent acoustic and climatic properties.

There is storage space between the seats and also under the windscreen. Tensioning straps secure any stowed objects, which can also be loaded from the outside through the upward-folding windscreen. Seat belt retractors ensure that the tensioning straps always have optimum tension.

The second row features a novelty in the form of two seats designed like hammocks. When taut and tensioned in a transportable tubular frame, panels of fabric form a comfortable seating surface and backrest, and the backrest that is drawn around to the side even provides lateral support. These seats are good for relaxation in more ways than one, as they can even be taken out of the AI:TRAIL and used as mobile outdoor chairs.

Eyes in the sky

Mobility and multi-functionality are features of the Audi AI:TRAIL’s light sources as well. Instead of conventional headlights, self-contained light sources sit below the A-pillars and can shine both outward and inward. These LED elements are dimmable and adjustable and can be used as interior lighting as well as for lighting the vehicle’s path. The rear light operates in a similar way. Extending across the full width of the rear section, this element can be used to illuminate the luggage compartment and as distinctive signature lighting for the exterior.

Instead of conventional low beams and high beams, the Audi AI:TRAIL is equipped with a total of five rotorless, triangular, electrically operated drones with integrated matrix LED elements. They are capable of landing on a roof rack or directly on the roof of the vehicle, and docking onto the inductive charging elements.

The flying objects are Audi Light Pathfinders, which generate their lift in the same way as bladeless fans produce their air flow. Thanks to their markedly lightweight design, they can fly ahead of the AI:TRAIL, consuming comparably little energy in the process, and illuminate the path ahead, thereby replacing headlights entirely. If desired, the on-board cameras generate a video image that can be transmitted to the display in front of the driver via Wi-Fi, turning the Pathfinders into eyes in the sky.

When the AI:TRAIL is stationary, the drones can also illuminate the surrounding area from their position on the roof; for example, when the occupants are enjoying a picnic next to the vehicle. They can also illuminate the interior through the transparent panoramic roof if the occupants prefer to remain inside the vehicle.

The drones, which are coordinated fully automatically by the AI:TRAIL, usually fly at least in pairs. If necessary, they can also provide additional light intensity or illuminate the area around the vehicle by coming together to form groups of up to five drones. The occupants can simply use control software on their smartphones to set their desired scenario.

The Audi Light Companion is just as easy to use. This is a light source that is shaped like a large flashlight but has a much more extensive range of functions. It is normally magnetically attached to the front side of the seat, where it acts as ambient lighting. However, you can also take the Light Companion with you when you leave the AI:TRAIL, and this is when it really shows what it can do. Integrated in its housing are three legs that can be used to stand the light in place and turn it into a campfire light or a close-range floodlight. The housing also accommodates several cameras that can scan the way ahead or take videos of the scenery, which can then be uploaded directly so social media.

However, that is not the end of the Audi Light Companion’s talents. When integrated with the AI:TRAIL’s navigation system, it is capable of projecting directional symbols and even written information onto a route and thereby helping AI:TRAIL users to find their way around when hiking.

Audi AI – on the road to smart mobility

Audi AI:ME and Audi Aicon: two concept cars whose very names refer to the new, two-letter abbreviation under which Audi is bundling an entire cluster of innovative mobility technologies. There is now a new member of the family in the form of the AI:TRAIL. Audi AI is the code for a variety of electronic systems that relieve strain on drivers and simultaneously offer them new ways to use the time spent in the car. To this end, Audi AI also uses strategies and technologies from the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Audi AI combines vehicle intelligence, which makes automated driving possible in the first place, and interaction intelligence, which turns the vehicle into the occupants’ partner.

Audi AI systems are capable of learning and thinking, while also being proactive and personal. Thanks to Audi AI, models bearing the four rings will be both intelligent and empathetic in the future. They will be able to continually interact with their surroundings and passengers and thus adapt themselves in a better way than ever before to the requirements of those on board.

Automated driving on roads, driver assistance in rough terrain

What is already established in rail transportation and aviation is now at the threshold of a breakthrough in automotive transportation—automated driving. The Audi AI:TRAIL is designed for driving on roads up to level 4.

Level 4 is the second-highest level on a standardized international scale for increasing automation. Although systems in this category do not require any assistance on the part of the driver, their function is limited to a specific area—such as highways or areas of inner cities equipped with suitable infrastructure. In these places, the driver can completely transfer the task of driving to the system. The driver needs to resume the task only when the car leaves the area defined for fully automated driving. The Audi AI:TRAIL is therefore equipped with the traditional steering wheel and pedals.

Discovering life at a slower pace – the drive system

The performance specifications for the Audi AI:TRAIL are markedly different from those for conventional automobiles. That is because the car’s development was not about achieving remarkably quick acceleration or hitting extreme speeds on the autobahn.

Given that the AI:TRAIL is intended for use in areas without charging infrastructure, the thing that really draws the attention is its range. The stated target with its lithium-ion battery is 248 to 310 miles on roads or easy off-road terrain (in line with the WLTP). On rough ground, where the almost constantly elevated wheel slip alone means that energy consumption is higher, the limit is still an impressive 155 miles.

In order to meet these requirements, the vehicle is designed to reach a maximum speed of 80mph on the road. The vehicle electronics continuously monitor the energy flow and consumption, thereby ensuring maximum economy even during off-road driving.

In terms of drive hardware, the Audi AI:TRAIL is equipped with four electric motors installed near the wheels, each of which propels one wheel directly. As is typical for Audi, the off-roader is therefore a true quattro. The maximum system output is 320 kilowatts and the maximum torque is 1,000 Newton-metres (737.6 lb-ft). Usually only a fraction of this power is mobilised; the drive of just one axle is often sufficient.

Due to the individually propelled wheels, the vehicle can do without differentials and locks, which also consume energy. Thanks to the moderately calculated maximum speed, the gear ratio can be designed such that every wheel is provided with enough torque even without a multi-speed transmission.

[prorevenge]

More ProRevenge from the radio business.

The ProRevenge post that I made yesterday, about the radio business, was well-received. Someone asked me if I had any other stories from radio. This is the only other one that I could think of. It is more about my colleague Petey than about me.

I hope it qualifies as professional level revenge. At the time, it felt pretty pro. THIS IS A VERY LONG STORY.

Here we go:

Once upon a time, when terrestrial radio was popular, Brian was was one-half of a radio morning show. You know the kind that I am talking about, two pleasant personalities giving weather reports, rehashing entertainment gossip and playing a song or two.

I was the advertising sales manager for the station that broadcast his morning show.

Brian came to us from a larger city. Before working with us, he was an entry-level on-air person, doing overnight radio deejay shifts on the weekends and copying commercials from CDs so that they could be put on the air. This kind of job is the lowest position that a person could hold at a radio station. The position has since been replaced by technology.

It is important to understand that geography is critical when understanding the career level and prestige of an on-air and/or radio programming job. A job in a larger city (or most accurately described, a larger media market) usually pays more, has more listeners and is a more prestigious position.

As I mentioned before, Brian came to us from a larger city, which we will call BigVille. When you see BigVille, think LA, NYC, Chicago or San Francisco. The actual city doesn’t matter for this story.

Our station group is in, shall we say, MiddleBurg. My city is in flyover country but is hardly a sleepy little town. Cities like mine are San Antonio, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City and Jacksonville.

Brian’s transition to his job with my company was a huge step up in actual job title. He went from part-time lackey to full-time morning show radio personality. To make that jump, he moved down in market size from BigVille to MiddleBurg.

Brian’s boss, the station program director, was a guy named Petey. He was responsible for everything that was on the air, except commercials (which was my job), including personalities and music.

I think that his peaceful and kind personality was created by the fact that he and his wife had five kids at home. He was used to dealing with strong personalities and emotional conflict. In many tough professional situations, Petey was like the opposite of a catalyst. When he showed up things usually calmed down.

He was also a great person, evidenced by the fact that three of his five kids were adopted out of a foster care.

Over time, it became clear that Brian didn’t like nor respect Petey. It started with little snide comments to coworkers about so-called stupid decisions that he made. Brian’s familiar refrain was, “that’s not how we did it in BigVille.”

Brian made multiple attempts to get Petey fired. He would come into my office and say things like, “Petey’s decided to [insert managerial decision], don’t you think that this a terrible idea. This would never happen in BigVille?” I always just responded by deferring to Petey.

Eventually, it devolved into Brian screaming at Petey on a regular basis. He would get angry about something and unleash his fury. There were multiple instances where he stomped off and told Petey to go fuck himself, that he quit and was going back to BigVille. Brian would cool off and come back a few hours later.

At Petey’s urging, everyone acted as if nothing had happened. “He just needed to vent,” Petey explained.

Through it all, Petey was patient with Brian. The morning show performed fairly well, had many listeners and got good ratings. My sales staff sold gobs of commercials at good rates. We all made money. Petey was content to let Brian be a raging monster to him as long as he performed on air.

The thing is, though, his morning show wasn’t actually that good. It performed well in the ratings because there wasn’t much competition in this particular radio format. That changed a few years later when a competing station put a popular syndicated national program on the air against Brian.

His ratings immediately began to crumble. What was once a dominant morning show in the target demographic, was now facing stiff competition.

It was unclear if Brian even noticed the change. My sales staff and I noticed it. Demand sets prices and we suddenly had a lower-demand product that was selling at lower rates with fewer customers.

Eventually, my boss noticed and it was decided among the group of managers (including Petey and I) that a change needed to be made. If this had been corporate radio then Brian and his on-air partner would have been out-on-their-asses. Fortunately, this was a privately held company and the owners cared about people. They were willing to figure out a way to keep both morning show hosts on staff, including Brian, at current salaries, doing other on-air jobs somewhere else in the cluster of radio stations.

There was a window of weeks in which the managers knew that the morning show was going to change, but we weren’t sure to what the new programming was going to be. Only the management team knew about the impending change. Brian wasn't aware of his impending reassignment.

During this window, one morning, immediately after his morning show ended at 9, Brian went to Petey’s office to discuss the weekend remote schedule.

Remote broadcasts (simply referred to as remotes) are one way that a radio personality can make extra money. You have probably heard them on air: Hey there, this is Chickenboy, broadcasting live from Salmonella Chrysler, Ford, Jeep...etc.

For remote broadcasts, the advertiser pays the personality a talent fee. At the time, the hourly rate was $100. So, a deejay could do a two-hour remote, sitting around at a car dealership, bullshitting with the sales guys, and walk away with $200.

Most weekends there were five or six remotes. Petey was in charge of assigning talent to each remote. He tried to keep things as fair as possible so that all of his deejays had a chance to make extra money. Brian often lobbied for more than his fair share, and often got it

One Tuesday, after Petey had just assigned remotes for the following weekend, Brian stomped into his office, which was two doors down from mine. He demanded to know why he wasn’t getting more remotes. Petey calmly explained that he already had two of the six scheduled remotes for the weekend. That wasn’t good enough for him.

Brian then walked to my offices and said something like, “Don’t you think that the station advertisers would prefer to have a top morning show personality doing their remote instead of some random nighttime deejay? That is how we did it in BigVille.”

I replied, “Assigning remote talent is Petey’s responsibility. He will make good decisions for the advertisers and the station.”

He harrumphed, shot out of my office, and flew back to Petey’s, slamming the door.

From my office, two doors down, I heard him scream, “Fuck this. You are an idiot. I fucking quit. I'll go back to BigVille.”

He tore out of Petey’s office, through the front reception area and out toward the parking lot into the station-provided dealer demo car that he was driving around as part of an advertising promotion.

I gently walked over to Petey’s office and poked my head in.

“He’s just venting, right?” I said to Petey.

Petey replied, calmly, “You heard everything he said? You heard him say that he quit.”

“I am pretty sure half of the building heard it.”

Petey requested, “Could you follow me down to the business office?”

“Sure.” I knew what was about to happen.

We walked down to visit with the person in charge of Human Resources, Dolores.

“Brian just gave his resignation to me, verbally in my office. He heard it,” pointing to me. “Is there any additional paperwork that we need to do in order to formalize this?”

Dolores said that it would be best if Petey wrote a memo to Brian, describing what happened in the office, and formally accepting his resignation on behalf of the company.

Then, Dolores began the process of separating Brian from the company. She turned off his access key code to the building and turned off his company email.

Petey prepared the memo.

I wish that I had been at the station when Brian returned. Unfortunately, I was away on a sales call. Here is what Petey and the station receptionist told me:

Brian showed up a few hours after the blow up, like normal. He tried to enter the building through an employee-only side door. His code didn’t work.

He marched around to the front of the building and through the main, public door. Inside of the reception area, he tried his code again, to get through the door into the employee area. The code didn’t work. “Fuck!”

The receptionist called Petey. He flew up to the front with memo in hand.

In the reception area, in front of the receptionist, Petey said, “Brian, your resignation has been accepted. This memo is for you. Would you please sign here that you received it?”

Brian was dumbfounded. He signed the paper acknowledging receipt, still not saying a word.

“We will need the keys to the dealer demo that you have been driving.” Petey continued.

Brian detached the key from his ring and handed it over.

“We will box up all personal items in your desk and in the car and overnight it to you. Should I send it to your current address or somewhere in BigVille?"

Brian said "current," a tear welling in his eye.

The receptionist called him a cab.

Brian sat in front of the station office building, crying, until his cab arrived.

—

Brian tried to get another on-air job in our town but I don’t think that he ever got anything. I have no idea where he is or what he is doing.

His former on-air partner is still working on-air, doing afternoons on a different station.

We replaced Brian’s show with a better show. The ratings recovered.

The car promotion moved to afternoons. The afternoon drive deejay gratefully drove the dealer demo car around for three months.

(source) (story by radioburner9988)

[berniesrevolution]

IN THESE TIMES

UNDER ORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, THE DEATH OF A HOMELESS WOMAN TRYING TO CROSS A ROAD IN ARIZONA WOULD BARELY AROUSE NOTICE. 

After all, about 16 pedestrians are killed every day on U.S. roads, and Arizona is one of the deadliest states.

But the March 18 death of Elaine Herzberg, 49, in Tempe, was an international news event. Herzberg—or “Miss Elle,” as she was known in Tempe’s homeless community—was struck by a Volvo SUV steered by Uber’s self-driving car technology.

She was the first pedestrian killed by a self-driving car.

Until recently, self-driving cars were an abstraction, a dreamy, far-off idea. Now they are literally crashing into us. Twenty-four U.S. cities are either running autonomous vehicle (AV) test programs or have committed to doing so, according to the Bloomberg Aspen Initiative on Cities and Autonomous Vehicles. Uber is one of more than a dozen firms racing to bring the technology to the market; some experts believe AVs could fully replace human-driven cars by 2040.

AVs are already influencing public policy. This spring, the Koch brothers’ group Americans for Prosperity helped defeat a $5.4 billion mass transit initiative in Nashville, in part by suggesting AVs would make such transit obsolete. In short, we are on the precipice of a major technological change, one that reshapes the way we live and travel in ways we can’t yet fully grasp.

In an oft-cited thought experiment, Robin Chase, co-founder of the car-sharing company Zipcar, offered two scenarios for how the self-driving revolution could unfold. She calls them “heaven” and “hell.”

In “heaven,” drawing on and expanding Chase’s vision, AVs usher in a new age of personal and civic well-being. Traffic deaths are eliminated; an 8-year-old child can bike to school in a major city without fear. As outdoor activity becomes safe and popular, public health outcomes improve. Urban dwellers rely on shared AVs and expanded public transit to get around and are largely freed from the financial burden of individual car ownership. Cities repair some of the damage done in the highway era. Massive surface parking lots are no longer needed, for example, and that space is repurposed for parks or desperately needed affordable housing. In a boon for the climate, AVs run on zero-carbon electricity. While some workers lose their jobs in the transition—such as bus drivers, truckers and delivery people—social policies like universal basic income help ensure a safety net.

In “hell,” however, AVs further entrench Americans’ already dysfunctional relationship with cars. Social isolation, congestion and inequality increase. Less concerned about long commutes, people sprawl across the countryside, eliminating farmland and establishing elite and exclusive communities far from the masses. The total number of miles driven increases exponentially, along with urban congestion. AV owners order their empty cars to cruise the city all day to avoid paying for parking. Buses are mired in heavy traffic or simply discontinued as public support for them erodes, leaving lower-income people stranded. The transition to AVs doesn’t coincide with a transition away from internal combustion engines. Passenger cars and trucks, already the source of roughly 15 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, increase their footprint dramatically, broiling the planet.

Right now, it’s unclear which direction we’re headed. But we are at an inflection point. The auto industry is pushing Congress to greenlight not only the testing of self-driving cars, but also sale to the public, currently lobbying a handful of Democratic holdouts in the Senate on a bill that would do just that. What’s lacking is what’s needed most: public oversight.

(An advertisement circa 1878 depicts a runaway car, playing on early fears and skepticism of the automobile. The ad proved prescient, as cars would enable sprawl that has eaten into farmland across the country.)

THE NEW MOTORDOM

According to University of Virginia historian Peter Norton, who studies the early automotive era, we’re on the brink of the most sweeping technological change in transportation since the transition from the horse and carriage to the car about a century ago.

We’re just starting to fully recognize what was lost in that transition: Huge portions of downtowns turned over to parking lots; thriving communities cut through by highways; the death of legacy transit like streetcars; white flight and urban depopulation. The auto revolution even caused political polarization, as suburbanization created increasingly homogenous communities with increasingly divergent interests.

The popular myth is that Americans in the early 20th century immediately embraced cars. But Norton argues that the American “love affair with the automobile,” as the auto industry presents it, was carefully manufactured. The introduction of cars into cities was met at first with skepticism, even horror. The public was aghast when hundreds of people—disproportionately children—were run over and killed in streets where just a few years earlier they had been free to roam and play. The front page of the New York Times in 1924 pictured a car with a human skull mounted on the hood. “Nation Roused Against Motor Killings,” read the headline.

In response, car companies and other auto interests—a set of forces that Norton calls “motordom”—launched a lobbying and publicity blitz. One key battle was the struggle for a resource that remains hotly contested: street space.

Streets had been gathering places where merchants sold goods and children played. Urbanites were reluctant to cede this territory to noisy, dangerous and noxious cars.

A turning point came when motordom introduced the term “jaywalker,” branding pedestrians as intruders in the rightful domain of drivers. In 1921, for example, auto clubs recruited Boy Scouts to distribute cards to pedestrians in Hartford, Conn., that explained “jay walking” and instructed them how to properly cross the street. In 1952, a more explicit card distributed in Cincinnati read “I am a jaywalker” and gave the recipient a choice of hospitals to be delivered to when she was struck.

There was continued resistance from engineers, planners and ordinary citizens, most notably New York City’s Jane Jacobs, the mother of contemporary urban planning, who fought expressways and advocated for mixed-use public space. But many urban planners, such as Jacobs’ nemesis Robert Moses, enthusiastically embraced the redesign of cities around cars. Zoning rules were overhauled to require a minimum number of parking spaces for most new development. Black and brown neighborhoods were torn down to make way for highways.

Norton sees echoes of motordom in the sunny depictions of an AV future. Ford’s website, for example, presents a “City of Tomorrow” with an enormous highway right through a city center. Norton points to a joint 2010 presentation by SAIC (a Chinese car manufacturer) and GM in Shanghai. The companies, he says, offered a vision of total auto dependence, imagining a world where “the minute you leave the door you’re in a pod of some kind looking at screens the whole time, and you never see anybody doing anything else.”

Tech and car companies developing self-driving vehicles, including Uber, Waymo, Ford and Volvo, established a lobbying group called the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets in 2016. They hired the former head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, David Strickland, to lead the effort. The group has lobbied Congress—so far successfully—to keep collision data secret.

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