text:
S&P: 45 months to clear shadow inventory
Changing default and liquidation rates in various regions prompted Standard & Poor's Ratings Services to reduce its projection of how many months it will take to clear the nation's shadow inventory. After reviewing third quarter default and liquidation rates, the agency noted signs of improvement. S&P estimates it will take 45 months to clear the excess stock. However, with constant changes to the foreclosure process, the number appears ever-shifting. Three months ago, for example, S&P said it would take 47 months to clear the shadow inventory, those properties not yet on market, but facing eventual resale. Diane Westerback, managing director of Standard & Poor's Global Surveillance Analytics, noted the volume of distressed non-agency residential mortgages remained high at $384 billion in quarter three, but has declined somewhat each quarter since mid-2010. "We believe this points to a continued drop in the amount of time it will take to clear this 'shadow inventory' over the next year assuming national liquidation rates do not decline abruptly," Westerback said. Still, industry professionals expect to see shadow inventory in the market for at least the next few years. Rick Sharga, executive vice president at Carrington Mortgage Holdings, recently told HousingWire that the raw data is not telling the whole story. He noted there has not been one quarter since 2005 where the market sold more REOs than the lenders took in. Write to Kerri Panchuk.


text:
The Azure Code Samples are currently available in English
Azure Storage: Getting Started with Azure Storage in PHP
Samples documenting basic operations with Azure Queue storage services in PHP.
Running this sample
This sample can be run using either the Azure Storage Emulator (Windows) or by using your Azure Storage account name and key. Please update the config.php file with the appropriate properties.
To run the sample using the Storage Emulator: 1. Download and install the Azure Storage Emulator https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/ 2. Start the emulator (once only) by pressing the Start button or the Windows key and searching for it by typing "Azure Storage Emulator". Select it from the list of applications to start it. 3. Run the project.
To run the sample using the Storage Service 1. Open the config.rb file and set the config setting IS_EMULATED to false. Also configure the settings ACCOUNT_NAME and ACCOUNT_KEY with the account name and account key from your subscription. See https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/storage-create-storage-account/ for more information 3.Set breakpoints and run the project.
Deploy this sample
Either fork the sample to a local folder or download the zip file from https://github.com/Azure-Samples/storage-queue-php-getting-started/
To get the source code of the SDK via git, type: git clone git://github.com/Azure-Samples/storage-queue-php-getting-started.git cd .\storage-queue-php-getting-started
Minimum Requirements
PHP 5.5 or above To install PHP, please go to http://php.net/
More information
- What is a Storage Account - http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/storage-whatis-account/
- Getting Started with Queues - https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/storage-php-how-to-use-queues/
- Queue Service Concepts - https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/azure/dd179353.aspx
- Queue Service REST API - https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/azure/dd179363.aspx
- Storage Emulator - http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/storage-use-emulator/

subset: commoncrawl


text:
York Kettlebell Purple/Grey 6kg
With modern contours and comfortable grip York has revolutionised a traditional weight product. York Kettlebells are built with a super wide base for stability and they are ideal for resistance training, core work, flexibility and cardio training. Every kettlebell comes with a coloured wall chart showing exercises.
- 6kg
Style number: 8036700
Save $4.50
$3.32 to $3.32
Available Now
Customer Rating
No reviews yet
Customer Reviews
CLICK AND COLLECT Collection from store not available for this product


text: OKAY...changed all the solenoids, valves and previously the sensors. It's still tripping on 170 oil temp. It seems now that circuit will not back off. I think something is broken inside the slide valve. It is trying to back off the coil energizes and everything it just doesn't. The Serial # is U96J37008 and the model # is RTAA0804XH01A3D0BFK. All the fans are working and pulling normal amps, the UCM is responding normally it just seems to me that it is the slide valve. I worked it back and forth and saw the difference in pressure at the cavity schrader going from 60 to 200 psi and then to 150 then to 60 again. I tried to service pump down but it just ran and timed out. Third day on this. Is this slide valve something I should tackle, replace the compressor or call in the factory techs?


text:
WASHINGTON (AP) — It was a powerful moment on the White House lawn when thousands of guests, the loved ones of slain crime victims among them, crowded in as President Bill Clinton signed a sweeping crime bill that was six years in the making and included a hotly disputed ban on assault weapons.
"Today, at last, the waiting ends," Clinton said on that day in 1994. "Today, the bickering stops, the era of excuses is over."
Two decades and so many gun tragedies later, the political fallout from that long-gone assault weapons ban still casts a long shadow over Washington.
Gun-control advocates are scrambling to regroup after losing soundly to the National Rifle Association on their best opportunity in years to tighten gun laws. There's no shortage of finger-pointing about what went wrong for them or theories about what to do next.
It was a grim-faced President Barack Obama who stood in the Rose Garden with a handful of family members of those slain at Newtown, Conn., after the Senate last week rejected background checks and other gun restrictions, including a new assault weapons ban.
"I see this as just round one," the president said, raw emotion in his voice. "Sooner or later, we are going to get this right."
But if the carnage at Newtown, the pleas of grieving family members and the persuasions of an engaged president weren't enough to push gun restrictions through Congress, the road ahead is sure to be difficult for those advocating tighter controls.
The NRA is powerful as ever and poised to stand firm for the long haul. Sentiment for stricter gun laws, which rose after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in December, has slipped somewhat in recent weeks. Obama's willingness to stick with the issue in a big way when he has immigration, budget and other pressing matters on his agenda is uncertain.
In the immediate aftermath of the latest votes, with legislative strategy up in the air, gun control advocates are pinning their best hopes on two broad paths forward:
—Trying to counter the NRA's impressive grass-roots network of nearly 5 million members by summoning more passion and energy from people who support restrictions such as an expansion of background checks for gun purchasers. Unless public demand for tougher gun laws "becomes a permanent fixture in politics to counterbalance the NRA, it's only going to be by luck and happenstance that gun control actually wins," said Dartmouth government professor Ron Shaiko, who has written extensively about the lobbying industry.
—Strengthening gun laws at the state level, where gun control advocates have had a number of significant victories in the months since Sandy Hook. "We're seeing leadership that is coming from the states, and we're going to be there to help that momentum and to make sure that momentum is felt here in this city, in Washington," said Mark Kelly, who founded a gun control group with his wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, after she was shot by a gunman in Arizona two years ago.
The NRA is digging in for a long fight and claiming public support naturally trends its way.
"There's a big misconception out there that gun rights are where they are because of the NRA," said NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam. "The reality is that majority of Americans support gun rights and support self-defense laws."
Polls paint a mixed picture.
In an Associated Press-GfK poll this month, 49 percent favored stricter gun laws, 10 percent wanted less-strict laws and 38 percent thought things should remain as they are. The poll found some slippage in support for stricter laws from earlier in the year.
On some measures, though, there is broad backing. Polls show 90 percent of those questioned support expanded background checks, for example.
Both sides agree there's an intensity gap on gun politics. Opponents of gun restrictions have been far more passionate about the matter and far more apt to vote solely on the issue, than those on the other side.
"It's where politics trumps policy," said Richard Feldman, head of the Independent Firearms Owners Association, which supported the background check bill.
Public interest in tighter gun controls has waxed and waned in relation to high-profile shootings over the years, said Shaiko, but "what is a constant in the equation is the NRA" — and skittish politicians know that.
Legislators "want to feel like they can take a position and not be harmed by it," Shaiko said.
Their wariness harks back to passage of the last assault weapons bill, in 1994.
After Congress approved the 10-year ban on 19 types of military-style assault weapons, some Democrats quickly came to believe that it contributed to their loss of the House a few months later. When the ban lapsed in 2004, congressional Democrats made no serious effort to renew it.
Harry Wilson, a Roanoke College professor and expert on gun politics, said the NRA's clout comes more from its motivated members who vote, than it does from the group's campaign contributions to help those who back the NRA agenda and defeat those who don't.
"If the NRA was only money and (leaders) Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox, nobody would care," Wilson said.
Obama entered his second term convinced of the need to marshal public support to push his agenda through Congress. After last week's loss on guns, he said people were "going to have to sustain some passion about this."
"You outnumber those who argued the other way," he said. "But they're better organized."
There are plenty of outside groups ready. They include a mayors' group financed by New York's Michael Bloomberg; Organizing for Action, the grass-roots organization that grew out of Obama's re-election campaign; and a variety of other gun control groups.
"You have a number of senators who calculated that the NRA was going to have staying power on this issue," said OFA executive director Jon Carson. "They were more afraid of them than going against the vast majority of their constituents. So our job is to make clear that we are going to keep activated and keep calling them out on this issue."
In that spirit, former White House chief of staff Bill Daley wrote a column in the Washington Post criticizing North Dakota's freshman senator and other Democrats who opposed the background check bill. The headline: "Heidi Heitkamp betrayed me on gun control."
Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said that while the voices of the Newtown families were powerful in the gun debate, "it can't stop there. This issue will change when it is about mothers and fathers protecting their children."
The specifics of what happens next in Congress remain murky.
With the Senate gun control drive aground, House Republican leaders seem unlikely even to hold votes on gun legislation.
Some Republicans have been working on related mental health legislation. But House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said last week that leaders have made no decisions beyond that. House conservatives have gotten at least 45 signatures on a letter urging Boehner to avoid a gun vote unless a bill has support from more than half of the House Republicans.
There are far more signs of life in the states.
Legislatures in Connecticut, Maryland and New York, all Democratic-leaning states, have passed sweeping laws, chiefly strengthening bans on assault weapons and regulating ammunition. California, where Democrats control the Legislature and governorship, is considering similar legislation.
Colorado, a political swing state with a strong tradition of gun ownership, last month enacted far-reaching legislation banning large capacity ammunition magazines and requiring background checks for private sales. The state was the site of one of 2012's horrific shootings, when a gunman sprayed bullets into a packed movie theater.
More states in the Northeast appear ready to act.
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, a Democrat, is considering signing a bill requiring background checks for private sales. Maine lawmakers are considering requiring background checks for gun-show sales. New Hampshire lawmakers are considering repealing a law giving armed citizens greater latitude in firing their weapons.
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois and Rhode Island are also considering gun restriction bills.
"It's unquestionable that the trend is toward strengthening state gun laws," said Laura Cutilletta of the gun-control advocacy group Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
To be sure, more states have enacted laws this year advancing the rights of gun owners.
But those moves, all in GOP-controlled states, have been smaller in scope, in large part because most states had already enacted watershed gun bills.
In Kansas and Nebraska, for example, Republican governors have signed bills granting reciprocity for concealed-carry permit holders from any state. A number of states acted to make concealed-carry permit records confidential, and to bar local government from limiting their use. North Dakota enacted a law expanding the list of places concealed guns are allowed.
Even gun rights advocates describe the measures as narrower, a sign some of them attribute to a rising level of resistance in the states and a contraction of the gun-rights influence.
"It was a very defensive year for the gun-rights movement," said Aaron Dorr, executive director of Iowa Gun Owners. Iowa Democrats blocked the advance of minor gun-rights legislation this year.
In Wisconsin, Republicans also were on defense, despite controlling the Legislature and the governorship, unable to enhance concealed-carry rights. They did block legislation requiring background checks for all gun sales, despite appeals from families of victims of one of the two mass shootings in the state last year.
In Arizona, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer was expected to veto legislation requiring municipalities to sell confiscated guns, instead of destroying them.
It's clear the fight, already expected at the federal level in 2014, will expand to include state elections.
"We're prepared," said Jeff Nass, president of WI-Force, a Wisconsin gun-rights group. "I think their loss nationally is going to bring it home to the states next year."
On the other side, Jeri Bonavia of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort said she expects groups such as Bloomberg's Mayor's Against Illegal Guns to spread into state races with advertising pressure that could diminish the NRA's impact.
"If they do, it neutralizes the NRA's pressure, and suddenly constituent voices matter more," Bonavia said.
Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Nedra Picker contributed to this report.
Follow Nancy Benac on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nbenac and Thomas Beaumont http://twitter.com/TomBeaumont


text:
Your Options for Stamford Catering
Available for Stamford CT Catering, check out the Carl Anthony's Stamford Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner packages. We deliver for your party or event in Stamford.
Check out our appetizers menu to see our selection of Appetizers to bring to your next catered event in Stamford CT
Having an outing or picnic in Stamford, CT
Catering trays for Stamford CT events
Our bar service packages for on-site catering in Stamford CT, based on 50 Guest Minimum
Look no further for the best wood fired pizza or brick oven pizza available in Stamford, CT.
To place your Stamford CT catering order call 203.268.8486 or fill out the form at our Contact Us page - we are the caterer for Stamford, CT.


text:
Jeanne's Pokemon Adventures (Part 1)
Uuuuuuuuugh…Pokemon;. I kind of hate myself, but I went and got myself Pokemon LeafGreen, Emerald, Diamond, and My Pokemon Ranch. Take a moment to point and laugh at me — get it out of your systems.
My main goal in playing all of these soul-draining games is to fill up my ranch. I can't deny my (platonic) love of watching chibi Pokemon run around acting cute and blasting themselves out of the Poke Rocket (not a euphemism). Of course my ranch would not be complete without a Bulbasaur or twenty, which is why I had to get LeafGreen. I have not yet achieved my goal of getting Bulbasaur on my ranch — I have a fuckbillion hours of tedious level building before that dream is realized. Woe.
I share Sam's discomfort with capturing redundant Pokemon, but it's kind of unavoidable when trying to fill up the ranch to its limit of 999 Pokemon, or trying to get some of the ranch special events. At least I have an Edgeworth Mii to help wrangle the fifty thousand phallic Pokemon and fuchsia ballsack Pokemon I've got inhabiting the place.
But the best part of all? After reading about how rare it is to run into a shiny Pokemon in the wild, I managed to catch one in the first fifteen minutes of playing LeafGreen. Yeah, that's right — a shiny Rattata. Awesome. I might as well catch a piece of crap with glitter sprinkled on it. I commented to John that I need a a shiny Metapod, a shiny Magikarp, or a shiny Zubat to add to my shiny collection of win.
And then I caught a shiny Zubat in Diamond. Ha ha, Pokemon gods, very funny.
So do any of you have fantastic Pokemon ranches? Does Hayley insist on bringing you nothing but trash Pokemon? Do you have any amusingly pathetic stories of shiny Pokemon you've captured? Anyone have a shiny Metapod?
Tags: my pokémon ranch, pokémon, pokémon diamond, pokémon emerald, pokémon leafgreen


text:
Founded in 1986, Nashville Ballet has experienced steady artistic and financial growth to become the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee.
The ballet currently operates at a 34-week contract with a 22-member company of professionals, a second company of more than 30 members and a recently expanded performance season. In 2001, the company moved to the Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, a customized 31,000 square foot facility that serves as a home for our professional dancers, school students and administrative offices. Nashville Ballet is proud to own this facility and acknowledges the generous support of its Board of Directors as well as the community of Nashville in achieving this accomplishment.
Artistic Vision
Under the direction of Paul Vasterling, Artistic Director, Nashville Ballet's artistic vision is one of diversity. Nashville Ballet emphasizes training dancers in the classical aesthetic, as well as developing each individual dancer as an artist.
Mr. Vasterling's programming is designed to inspire and educate our audiences in addition to challenging and developing dancers. We acknowledge our classical tradition with such works as Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. These works enable the artistic staff to share the roots of the art form while continuing to challenge our dancers' classical technique.
We also feature contemporary repertory building off the strength of the dancers' technique, allowing them to stretch their movement limits. We incorporate works by modern masters such as George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp with new works by up and coming choreographers featured in our Emergence series.
Audiences and dancers alike enjoy live music at each of our performances. The Nashville Symphony accompanies all of Nashville Ballet's large-scale productions, and our contemporary series gives us the opportunity to work with many talented musicians in Nashville.
Nashville Ballet Company
The company of Nashville Ballet is comprised of dancers from around the country and world who contribute their individual talents and experiences to the stage. The diversity of the company can be seen in dancer tenures, ranging from the first season to the thirteenth.
Nashville Ballet dancers experience immeasurable growth working with a diverse mix of stagers and choreographers, many of whom create new works on the company.
Dancers also have opportunities to guest teach with School of Nashville Ballet and other Nashville-area schools, guest perform with other companies, pursue other artistic endeavors, run businesses and pursue higher education.
NB2, the official second company of Nashville Ballet, provides world-class training to dancers who wish to refine their classical technique, develop artistry, build strength and prepare for a career in a professional environment. Dancers must audition to be considered for NB2.
NB2 programs provide opportunities for dancers to learn and grow in their craft through:
• Performance opportunities
• Instruction from master teachers
• Customized strength training
• Resume guidance
• Audition preparation
• Choreography and teaching workshops
• Career guidance


text:
- About us
- Blogs
- Funding/Donations
- Challenges
- Chapters
- Papers
- Projects
- Code of Conduct
- Google SoC
- Recent posts
- Security Workshops
Pietro wrote a nice post about him finding Android malware while visiting the theatre. Thanks to Thug (thank you Angelo) and HoneyProxy, he was able to get some interesting details about their infrastructure. I was curious what kind of malware you find in a theatre, so I quickly looked at one of the samples that he mentioned: f6ad9ced69913916038f5bb94433848d. Read more »
Some people say "Reverse Engineering is an art". Well, this might be true if you consider stuff like mathematics as art. It is more an application of standard methods that evolve constantly. Actually, everybody can learn these methods and start to RE executables. With the RE-Google plugin for IDA Pro, even your granny can start reversing :) Read more »


text:
Amy Adams For Boy by Band of Outsiders
Amy, Get Your Gun! Amy Adams Plays Quirky Cowgirl For Band of Outsiders
Amy, Get Your Gun! Amy Adams Plays Quirky Cowgirl For Band of Outsiders
What better way to show off Boy. by Band of Outsiders' prairie-inspired Fall collection than with Amy Adams playing an irreverent cowgirl? Following in the footsteps of the label's other campaign darlings, like Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst, Adams channels Outsiders' quirky-cool for the Fall Polaroid shots, shooting off toy guns, playing gymnast, and drinking from a flask, all, of course, while showing off the pretty, Western-inspired prairie dresses and menswear-style suiting. It's not the Amy Adams we remember from Enchanted, but we kind of love the way she can improvise with a jungle gym and a herd of buffalo. Click on to see Amy work the lens for Scott Sternberg's latest Boy. by Band of Outsiders campaign, and be sure to click over to Boy. by Band of Outsiders' blog to see every snap.


text:
Car Forums / Ford / Ford F-150
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Meet your fellow owners in our Owners Clubs
2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues
I have a 2011 F 150 with electric power steering issues. I have come across others who are having the same problem. The issue is what feels like a loose joint in the steering shaft. Some people refer to it as popping. It feels like a loose ball joint would feel. I have had it to a local Ford dealer and they essentially "blew me off." They can find nothing when they put it on a lift and do a visual. It is something that would require more than that. It does not occur when you are making turns. It is when you are driving straight, especially when you hit small bumps in a row. I am concerned about the safety of it. The truck has 10,000 miles. It seems to occur more with higher temperatures. I have filed a report with NHTSA.gov and they have responded back that they are looking into it. The only way anything will come of it is that other people have filed a report with the same problem.
I have a brand new 2012 with the exact same issue. The truck has a whopping 400 miles on it. I live in AZ and in the mornings it feels OK, but in the afternoons when it gets hotter, it gets worse. I thought I was crazy because it made no sense. I have taken it in to Ford and gotten no where. It feels like a chatter or popping in the steering wheel. It is over smaller imperfections and does not feel suspension related because it has nothing to do with larger bumps. Have you had the problem since new? Any info you can provide would be great to address with Ford. I love my truck when it is parked, but when I drive it, it makes me nuts. Thanks.......0
I thought that this problem applied to the 2011 model because that was the first year of the electric power steering. I have thought of trading mine for a 2012, but that won't be happening now. I have also taken mine to a Ford dealer to find the problem. They test drove it and could not find a problem. A test drive around the block is not going to produce the problem. They said that they put it up on the rack and could find nothing wrong. You would have to go into the steering shaft to find the problem. The service advisor "blew me off" by saying that I was not used to electric power steering, referred to as epas. I told him that I knew the difference between the ease of the power steering and the problem I had. I have contacted two other dealers to see if they have dealt with the problem and they say no. I have filed a written complaint with NHTSA.gov. If there are enough complaints, they will force a recall. If you go to F150online.com and type in electric power steering problem, you will find others with the same problem. I don't think I can stand to drive this truck over a long period of time with this problem. I, too, like mine other than this, but this is a ridiculous problem. The reason they are not coming up with an answer is that they are not having to pay out enough warranty claims. You will find of the aforementioned site that they have replaced parts in the steering, but in some of the follow-up the problem came back. Let me know if you come up with a dealer finding a solution.0
I finally found someone to listen in Phoenix. I have a great tech that looked/drove the vehicle and has a 2 part approach he is going to try. First, he is going to replace the lower steering linkage. It may not be expanding/contracting properly in the heat. If this does not fix the problem, then he is going to replace the steering rack. Apparently, as best as I can understand, the steering rack is a computer that may be affected by the heat. I will post back if one or the other fixes the problem. Parts are a week out. I, like you, cannot drive it much longer with the current condition.0
Thanks for getting back to me. Please let me know what you find out. We live in Michigan and Tennessee. I can't get anyone in Nashville to work with me, but I have a dealer in Michigan who will listen to me. I intend to bring a copy of your message and any follow-up to him when we are back in August. I have called him and asked him about it; he was not familiar with the problem. However, he said that he would work with me and get it fixed. I have been looking at Dodge trucks as an alternative, but I don't want to leave Ford if I don't have to do it.0
I have noticed that not just a few of the new EPS designs will go in "derated" mode, not "full" assist, if the power semiconductor devices begin to approach the point of overheating.
It sounds as if Ford may be using a slightly different technique to prevent EPS overheating, converting from a tightly closed-loop servo system, continuous, "finite" assist, to more of a "Bang-Bang" servo technique.
A "Bang-Bang" servo system will not provide power assist until the difference between the desired stearing position differs from the actual position by a specified, wider amount.
Porsche seems to think that an electro-hydraulic system is a better answer, a small electrically driven hydraulic pump.0
They replaced part of the steering shaft. It did not fix the problem. They are doing the EPAS unit this week. Will keep you posted. The tech drove the truck after the steering shaft was replaced in the heat of the day and confirmed the problem. It was shaking the steering wheel and making the usual clunking noise. It is 100% heat related. We had a few cooler days with overcast skies and the truck drove perfectly on those days..........0
Thanks very much for the update. I have been watching this thread to see what they had to do.0
Sorry to hi-jack this thread, but I urgently need information on Ford electric power steering failure modes.
2013 Escape FWD 2.0: Dramatic torque steer at launch, but more serious, at ~ 40 MPH WOT kickdown. Huge amount of correction required to keep the vehicle in one lane. I'm required to constantly input alternating left-right-left major corrections.
It also has very poor on-center feel.
1) Any suspected causes?
2) I like to find schematics of the control system ... where's a good place to look?
FWIW, One of my reference popints is my 2011 Ford Edge, which also has electric power steering, but negligible torque steer.
Both the Escape and Edge are claimed to have "Torque Steering Composition"0
KCRam Mt. Arlington NJPosts: 3,516Likely not going to get much help here in the Pickups board for those crossovers. Us4e the "Browse by Vehicle" entries to the right to get to the Escape and Edge forums where you may get faster assistance.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons/Vans+Minivans Host0
I've been to the Escape forum & will try the Edge forum.
My hopes here are for a technician, or other person with technical knowledge, who can provide me with guidance toward a source of diagnostics of Ford electrical power steering. Or schematics of the Ford electrical & electronic components in the system.0
Have you made any headway on your epas problem? When you say shaking, is the
shaking a thing that you feel in the steering system through the steering wheel or is the steering wheel visibly shaking?0
The truck has been at the dealer for a total of around 10 days (keep in mind it only has 900 miles on it). They have done three repairs so far: 1. changed intermediate steering shaft - did nothing. 2. Changed out the EPAS unit. 3. Lubed the entire steering shaft/system. They did the last two items at the same time. The result is that it is better, but not totally fixed. It makes the same clunking through the steering wheel, but not with such force. I do not know exactly how to describe it, but it almost feels like the steering pops down and then back up with a hallow feeling. If it was an older vehicle, I would say it feels like a bad ball joint, but it does not happen only when I hit bumps and is heat related as mentioned before. It is totally random. The people I am dealing with here have been great, but do not know what to do. They have confirmed the issue, but are now waiting for me to meet with the regional engineer next week. Unfortunately, I am afraid the truck will make a liar out of me when we drive it. I am going to look for a way out of the truck as it has already taken up way too much of my time. Too bad, because otherwise I really like it.0
Yaw sensor is loose (internally?) or needs to be replaced.0
Where is the sensor located? What does it look like? What does it sense ... what components send it signals?0
Yaw sensor will be floor mounted somewhere near the center of "rotation" of the vehicle. Senses if the vehicle line of travel, motion, is in line with the direction set by the stearing.
For instance if the rear tends to come about, skid, oversteer, the stability system will momentarily brake the front wheel on the outside of the skid/oversteer. Newer systems with EPS will also BIAS the steering effort AGAINST the driver exacerbating the situation. Sorta forcing you into a counter-steer effort.
Some systems react so quickly the driver has no opportunity to recognize what just happened, in the indicator light extingusihes too quickly.
IN you case a loose or failing yaw sensor might cause a reaction's onset and finsh so quickly....0
You describe it well. That is exactly what I have, just as I thought. If yours can't be repaired, I am thinking why should I try. I may just get rid of it, if I can. I will wait and see how you come out. I understand your concern about the problem not showing up when the regional engineer looks at it. I think that he probably won't be too anxious to find the problem. Otherwise, it would be what to do about it if the repairs have not resulted in a "fix." What you and I don't know is how many other situations they have had. They have had recalls with the Focus and the Explorer on their epas. If you have looked at the thread this week, there was one person who was having problems with the steering on his Escape. Grant it, they are different problems than you and I and others are having, but they have major problems with their electric power steering.0
Given what I know now, this is what I would do in your situation. First, do not waste your time with the intermediate shaft. For reference, if you look under the hood, this is the piece of the steering shaft that has the blue circular small damper (I think) on it. Replacing this did nothing. My gut is telling me that it was not the EPAS in my case either. That was a complete part change out and reprogram. If the EPAS was the problem, then replacing it would have completely solved the problem. In my case, it is better, but not solved. That leaves lubing the whole steering system. This is the only thing they did that I could see making things better but not totally fixing the problem. Maybe, when it gets hot, some steering components expand. With not enough lubrication, maybe something was happening. Just a guess. This is the easiest repair as well. No parts and they should be able to do it while you wait. Also, unlike my truck, they won't have to tear down the front end of yours. However, keep in mind that my truck is not fixed, it is better. But, if you have been able to tolerate yours for 11k, than this may make you happy. My truck was bad enough that it distracted me the whole time I was driving. Now, it only bugs me on occasion.0
Would you let me know where you are on your EPAS repair? Thanks.0
They put a second EPAS unit in last week. It again improved the truck, but did not fix it. Today, it actually seemed to be getting worse again. I have been working with the regional engineer and Ford is aware of a problem. I have no solution. I am shopping for a new truck........ I would push for a new EPAS unit and see what happens. Maybe you will get lucky.0
Like you, mine is affected by the heat. When we had temperatures in excess of 100 degrees this summer, you could really feel it. It has cooled here in recent days and I am not feeling it as I did. I purchased the truck March, 2011. I did not notice it for those warmer months then. Then came winter and I did not feel it. I am sure it was because of the cold weather. Please know that it has really annoyed me, but I did not have it for several months. If you don't mind, let me know what kind of truck you get. I have looked at the 2012 Dodge Ram with the Hemi several times. They are offering great deals here on the Dodge. I just don't like the shallower bed. I like the deep Ford bed.0
What has become of your EPAS problem?0
They have replaced the EPAS a total of three times. The truck has been out of service over 3 weeks. The EPAS will be tight and pop free for 3 to 5 days and then loosen up and start popping again all at once. Ford is aware of the problem, we are not alone. However, they do not consider it a safety issue and therefor are not overly concerned. It currently meets lemon law requirements here, but Ford will not voluntarily buy it back. I can sue, live with it, or get rid of it. I am looking to unload it. It is a verified problem, but the dealer here has no idea how to fix it and neither does Ford. They just want to change the EPAS again. The dealer here has been good to work with, but the Ford regional manager that has been on my case is awful. Time for me to move on.......0
firepower Posts: 1I own a 2012 F150 with 2,800 miles, and I have had the same "clunk" in my steering on warm days. I video taped a noise coming from the steering box while the truck was parked and cold. If you go to YouTube and search for "2012 F150 steering noise" it will come up. Here is something interesting. After a 400 mi. drive in 90 degree weather, I parked and let it cool down a little, opened the hood, grabbed the upper end of the steering shaft and was able to re-create the "pop" by pulling laterally on the shaft. It felt like there was movement at the bushing/collar at the firewall. With milder weather at home, I have not been able to re-create this popping. I am confident that there will be a fix for this.0
Thank you for the posting. You have gone further than any of us in identifying the problem. The video was very helpful. When I talk with my dealer, I can show him the youtube video. As you can see from the postings of brtruck, he has tried everything. He has found a mechanic who has really tried to find a repair. Unlike his experience, the dealer here in Nashville "blew me off." He said that I was not used to electric power steering. I told him that was not the case at all; that it had nothing to do with the feel of epas. As you can see from brtruck, they don't know how to repair it. By the way, my truck is a 2011 with 13,000 miles.0


text:
Simonalexberube brauchte ein neues Button oder Icon Design und hat einen Wettbewerb auf 99designs gestartet.
Aus 150 Designs von 32 Designern wurde eine Gewinner gewählt.
Relax Melodies
iLBSoft is small company founded in Montreal in 2009 by two software engineers. Dedicated to the development of iPhone apps, iLBSoft focuses on putting maximum quality and functionalities in its existing and future products to satisfy their growing list of global users.
With already more than 1.5 million download, the app is a professionally designed and developed program that provides the ultimate relaxation and sleep help. Since everyone is different, users are able fine tune the melodies to resonate with what they most need. Users have reportedly found Relax Melodies a great boon not only for releasing tension and getting a great night's sleep but also for meditating and soothing babies.
We are looking for an icon that really represents relaxation, but that is also attractive and get the customer to take a look to our app.
We changed our app icon in the last update and we had many comments about it. The old icon was more appreciated, but we think it didn't have a professional look. Check the attached files for our old and new icons.
We also want something that stands out from competition. Here is some examples of competitors:
We have a free and pay version, so we need the icon in two versions with two different colors. We also need the free and pay icons for the iPad version that includes the "HD" caption somewhere in the icon.
Also, we need different sizes for the icon depending of the platform. We want an optimized icon layout for each size, not just a direct re-size. Here is the sizes needed for each platform:
iPad (with HD caption in the icon)


text:
Ahoy, Critterfolk!
New entry Dec 07
Critter Notices
Critters is 23!
Yes, 23 years ago Critters was born. Wow! Thanks so much to all of you, who've made it such a resounding success!
Critters no longer accepting European Union members :(It's with a heavy heart that I have to announce Critters can no longer accept people in the European Union as members. This is a result of the "GDPR" privacy laws going into effect. I'm a big fan of privacy, and applaud the general idea behind the GDPR, but the way it's implemented forces me to close the door to EU writers. [read more why...]
Books from Critters!
Check out Books by Critters for books by your fellow Critterfolk, as well as my list of recommended books for writers.
The Sigil TrilogyIf you're looking for an amazing, WOW! science fiction story, check out THE SIGIL TRILOGY. This is — literally — one of the best science fiction novels I've ever read.
New Book from a Critter Member**NOW IN PRINT EDITION TOO!** Awesome new book, HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SPECULATIVE FICTION OPENINGS, from a Critter member whose unearthed a shard of The Secret to becoming a pro writer. Really good piece of work. "...if you're at all concerned about story openings, you'd be nuts not to read what Qualkinbush has to say." —Wil McCarthy, author of BLOOM and THE COLLAPSIUM
P&E Has a New Caretaker!
I'm very happy to announce that P&E has been handed off to a new caretaker! Check out the site for news and such. Hurrah!
I'm being interviewed live on public radio for Critters 20th birthday. For those who want to listen, it's on the 10am (Mountain time) show on Thursday, 11/19/16, on Colorado Public Radio - www.cpr.org has streaming on the site or it's 90.1 FM in the Denver area. [Interview is done, you can listen on the site]
Free Web Sites
Free web sites for authors (and others) are available at www.nyx.net.
ReAnimus Acquires Advent!
ReAnimus Press is pleased to announce the acquisition of the legendary Advent Publishers! Advent is now a subsidiary of ReAnimus Press, and we will continue to publish Advent's titles under the Advent name. Advent was founded in 1956 by Earl Kemp and others, and has published the likes of James Blish, Hal Clement, Robert Heinlein, Damon Knight, E.E. "Doc" Smith, and many others. Advent's high quality titles have won and been finalists for several Hugo Awards, such as The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy and Heinlein's Children. Watch this space for ebook and print editions of all of Advent's current titles!
Network speeding up
I'm switching the connection over to a new, shiny 10X faster network because of all the load. There might be bits of downtime as your boxes learn new addresses and things. Should be brief. Let me know of any prolonged outages you see.
Preditors & Editors Changeover
With the very sad passing of Dave Kuzminski, who ran P&E, I've taken over the P&E duties. Lots of what I hope are improvements; check it out at pred-ed.com.
Critters Server
is Dying has been Replaced
See important details here in my blog. Let me know if you find anything that isn't working right. (Manuscripts are now available for this week, FYI.)
Book Recommendation
THE SIGIL TRILOGY: The universe is dying from within... "Great stuff... Really enjoyed it." — SFWA Grandmaster Michael Moorcock
Announcing ReAnimus Press
If you need help making ebooks from manuscripts or print copies—or finding great stuff to read—look no further! An ebook publisher started by your very own Critter Captain. (And with a 12% Affiliate program.) [More]
Formatting for Critters
Please follow these guidelines when submitting manuscripts to Critters for critiquing. Failing to do so may result in either your ms. being rejected until it meets them -- or suffering the email wrath of Critter readers who have to struggle with it. And yes, people will rag on you for failing to meet these most minimal of criteria!
Some tips for how to meet these (actually very simple) guidelines are at the bottom.
Manuscript Format:
- Headers: Please send me the header details as found
in the rules. This allows me to automatically
file new submissions. Failure to include these will get your ms. bounced
back to you. (Also, don't bother including your postal address, as I'll
delete it.)
- Format: plain text (aka "ASCII" or "DOS" text).
Tips how to accomplish this are
and here is info
on how to set various mail programs to send it out right.
[No "Rich Text Format", no word processor files, no HTML, just
ordinary, boring, plain text.]
I strongly prefer the text in the
message itself (not encoded as an attachment); if it arrives encoded
somehow, you'll get the manuscript bounced back.
- Line width: 70 characters per line. No more. Wrap words, do not
truncate lines in the middle of a word. Do not use "right justify," use
"ragged right" margins.
[This is so it will be easily readable on both a terminal screen and on
the web page, which is often narrower than a terminal screen.]
- Spacing: Single space. [With the one exception noted below about paragraphs. Double spacing is hard to read on-line.]
- Paragraphs: Either indent each paragraph five spaces (no less, and no more
than ten) -or- use a blank line (double space) between paragraphs
with no indent. (Without clear paragraph indicators, it ends up as a giant lump and, history shows, nearly nobody will read it.)
- Underlining/Bolding: The common net convention is to use
_underscores for italics_ and *asterisks for bolding*, like so. If you
have a whole paragraph to emphasize, just insert a note like: [start italics]
... paragraph(s) ... [end italics]
- Proofreading: Yes! Do it! Your submission to Critters should be
proofread just as if you were submitting to Asimov's, F&SF, Analog, etc.
Proofread for both typos and grammos. Some tiny number of mistakes is
ok, but sloppy work will earn you a bunch of nasty critiques. Critters are here
to critique your work, not proofread it. Many members will either
ignore your manuscript (if they're feeling kind) or flame you badly. Beware!
- Page numbering: None. Just text, text, text. [Page numbers, headers,
etc. are just confusing when seen on a screen.]
- Genre: Identify in your email to me what genre (SF/F/H/M/T/....) your ms. is.
For that you'll want to consult
the master list of genre codes.
If you don't pick a valid one, the minions will choke and probably randomly pick one without reading it. :-) [You don't
have to be perfect on your designation -- there's no hard rule about what
distinguishes SF from F from H, so just take a stab at it;
see the FAQ for some tips on picking a genre.
But I need
such a designation since it determines who receives your ms. You can pick
only one, not "SF/F".] The only other genre-related content note
would be to bear in mind that Critters does have a few minors as members.
Given that, and the CDA (Communications Decency Act) in general, please
do not submit pornographic/erotic material (nothing worse than you'd
find in Asimov's, Analog, F&SF, etc.).
- Kind of Critique: At the front. If you want a specific kind of critique,
such as focusing on characterization, or plot, or internal logic, etc., say
so in a note at the front.
- Other Author's Notes: At the end. [Some people like to read the
story before seeing your comments, such as what you think is wrong with it,
etc. I always put a note at the top saying your notes are, if any, found at
the end -- so please put them there to save me the hassle of moving them.]
- Email: Send your ms. as the only data in the email message -- i.e.,
don't send it with any critiques. One manuscript per email, and one email
per manuscript (check with me first before splitting a submission into
multiple email messages). I have commands to file messages, and
doubling up makes more work for me (and makes me very grumpy).
Subject: of "submission" is helpful. You can
submit your ms. text file via the web page that is linked on the
manuscripts page (the one behind the password page).
Critique Format:
- One critique per email message
(send to email@example.com).
Or use the
web form to submit critiques.
- Put the manuscript number in the email Subject: header as "#99" or whatever
number it is (with the "#").
- Edit out -- delete -- as much of the original manuscript as you can; if you
want to comment on a certain passage, remove all the text up to that point.
Leave only minimal context. (Some people like to print these, and don't
want N copies of the story -- wastes paper, and makes the comments hard to
find.) Mark the author's text with ">" in front of their lines, and
add your comments below, per standard Internet email reply format, namely:
> Tracy hesistated. > "I don't think so." [author's original text] Sorry, Pat, this line didn't work for me. [critter's comments about it]
- Remember to be tactful. Critique the story, not the author. If you
want to shred something, be polite about it. Mention the good and the bad.
Suggest alternatives for the bad. Be as specific in your comments as you can.
See these articles for more on Critters diplomacy.
- Same plain/ASCII/DOS text and 70 character line width as described above for manuscripts under "Format" and "Line width". If you're having trouble saving out in the right format or getting it to me, you should send your critiques via this web page.


text:
"The one where Ian tells Jose that Scott Snyder and Jock's Detective Comics #871 is his pick for the BEST COMIC of 2010!"
We hope you have as much fun listening as we did making this podcast!
'Tis The Season To Tell It Like It Is… And Insideman Ian MacMillan and Comic Retailer/Webmaster/Vlogger & Blogger Extraordinaire Jose Melendez prescribe a MASSIVE LUMP OF COAL as a "present" for the ill-advised, ill-conceived and illogical REBOOT of Buffy the Vampire Slayer– the EXACT same film being promoted by a slew of powerful filmmakers who have decided it's "A-OK" to proceed WITHOUT the participation of Buffy's Creator and Guiding Master, Joss Whedon.
Not satisfied with simply sampling that cold, pitiful bowl of winter gruel, The Boys then turn their attention to Dan Slott's second "solo" issue of Amazing Spider-man– Issue #649. Unfortunately, things are much worse than were initially anticipated and look to be going downhill fast. Listen in SORROW as Peter Parker REGRESSES back to his bumbling, immature, lying persona of 20+ years ago! Sadly, this is the among the book's LEAST offenses. WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS NUMEROUS RANTS & CAN BE ADDICTIVE TO PEOPLE WHO ENJOY ACTIVE INTELLIGENT DISCOURSE ON COMICS.
NEXT UP: Batwoman #0. KATE KANE is one of Jose's favorite characters from the Batman Family. Find out if Issue #0 meets ALREADY HIGH expectations or defeats Mr. Melendez INSIDE the PODCAST! Cringe in fear as Ian– ever in need of realism– takes the writers to task for one of the silliest time snafus to ever appear in Modern Comics.
SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST, Jose and Ian serve up a HEALTHY EXAMINATION of ONE of 2010's BEST COMICS (if not the ABSOLUTE BEST): Writer Scott Snyder and Artist Jock's Detective Comics #871.
Already SOLD OUT and SLATED FOR A 2ND PRINT, sit back with a smooth cup of Apple Cider and warm the cockles of your heart as you discover that, in fact, these TWO COMIC BOOK GRINCHES BOTH REALLY DO HAVE HEARTS… As long as they are DISCUSSING QUALITY COMIC BOOKS written and drawn by TALENTED, CONSCIENTIOUS CREATORS, that is.
It is a discussion you do NOT want to miss… As you'll learn more about WHAT MAKES A GOOD COMIC than you EVER thought possible– and in just a few minutes!
Psst… THE BOYS also hint of MASSIVE WEBSITE CHANGES TO COME WITH THE NEW YEAR… (They're such TEASES!)
ALL in ALL… A JAM PACKED HOUR (PLUS a few more BONUS minutes!) sure to INFLAME & INSPIRE. You'll laugh, You'll cry… But BEST of all, you'll FEEL LIKE A COMIC FAN!
Hosted by Jose Melendez and Insideman, the Inveterate Media Junkies Podcast is a no-holds barred straight-forward examination and opinion forum concentrating on virtually ALL forms of media and pop culture, including: Comic Books, Television, Film & Music.
If you click on the NEW "Inveterate Media Junkies Podcast #4" PODCAST PLAYER above, you should be able to listen to the full podcast IMMEDIATELY.
You can also download and/or just listen to this LATEST PODCAST on the DEDICATED IMJ PODCAST PAGE at Podbean.com… Where you can also listen and/or download ALL of the PREVIOUS PODCASTS from the Inveterate Media Junkies Podcast Vaults!
And later, look for Enhanced Video versions of this Podcast at the
Inveterate Media Junkies YouTube Channel


text:
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following closure to recreational and commercial fishing in northeast St. Bernard Parish effective immediately today, May 28. This closure is a result of confirmed reports of oil in the vicinity.
The closure effects the waters extending north of Martin Island on the eastern shore of the Biloxi Marsh at 29 degrees 57 minutes 29.6 seconds north latitude; thence northward to Isle au Pitre at 30 degrees 09 minutes 20.5 seconds north latitude from the double rig line westward to 89 degrees 17 minutes 10 seconds west longitude.
Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the Department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.
Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.
LDWF continues to work closely with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to conduct coast-wide sampling of fish, crabs and shrimp, to ensure all seafood harvested from the Gulf is a safe, quality product.
All other closures remain in place.
For more information related to the oil spill, visit http://www.emergency.louisiana.gov. Connect with us on www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and on Twitter @GOHSEP. View photos in from the state's response efforts at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep.
For more information please contact Laura Deslatte at firstname.lastname@example.com or 225.765.2335 or 225.610.2363


text:
The Beach Boys reunion may have come to an end recently, but the band's 50th anniversary celebration is still rolling as Capitol Records releases a new hits collections and 12 remastered versions of the group's classic records on Tuesday, Oct. 9.
The studio albums, which have been digitally remastered by longtime Beach Boys producer Mark Linett, are being released on CD and digital formats and feature mono and stereo mixes, the label said in statement.
The reissued albums are: "Surfin' U.S.A.", "Surfer Girl", "Little Deuce Coupe", "Shut Down, Volume 2", "All Summer Long", "The Beach Boys Today!", "Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)", "Beach Boys Party!", "Pet Sounds", "Smiley Smile", "Sunflower" (stereo mix only) and "Surf's Up" (stereo mix only).
Also dropping is a career-spanning 2CD box and digital collection, "Greatest Hits: 50 Big Ones," which includes seven band member postcards.
The releases come on the heels of a recent statement from Beach Boys lead singer Mike Love that he and Bruce Johnston will tour smaller markets without fellow Beach Boys members Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and David Marks. Wilson, who was disappointed by the decision, responded with a statement of his own today.
"What's confusing is that by Mike not wanting or letting Al, David and me tour with the band, it sort of feels like we're being fired," Wilson wrote in a letter published by the Los Angeles Times.
After years of legal spats and separations, the quintet reunited for a highly-anticipated 50-plus-date tour and a new studio album, "That's Why God Made The Radio," this year.
—Scott Gargan, Hearst Newspapers