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    Fast Cars, Furious Writers: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Theoretically, the tenth movie in Universal Studios’ The Fast and the Furious franchise will be the last. Yeah, don’t believe that. As long as Vin Diesel is healthy and these things are profitable, Universal is going to keep churning them out. If putting a Fiero into space isn’t too absurd for The Fast and the Furious, nothing will kill the franchise.That reality leads to this episode of Car and Driver’s oh-so-wacky Window Shop. The challenge this time was to find a car to include in the next F&F film. Or the 30th or the 100th.Join the Zoom-addicted gang as they propose intriguing or stupid (or both) cars to be featured in a series about street racers who stole VCRs in the first film, and are now superheroes who can’t be harmed by mere physics.Leading the show is editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga who also sets the rules, the challenge and the budget. And who, despite those advantages, rarely wins. He’s joined by executive editor K.C. Colwell who has a beard, senior editor Elana Scherr who has the best fingernails, most-favored contributor Jonathon Ramsay who is kind of cuddly, and Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman who just won’t go away.There’s a budget. There are cars. Have some time to blow? Blow it this way.More Window ShoppingThis content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

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    Kia Telluride Is Less of a Steal for 2023

    Pricing for the 2023 Kia Telluride starts at $37,025 and ranges up to $54,120.X-Line and X-Pro packages are new to the lineup, with the latter adding all-terrain tires and a higher tow rating.The updated models will start arriving at dealerships this months, Kia says.The Kia Telluride’s refresh for the 2023 model year brings new features, fresh styling, and additional trim levels, but the updated SUV’s increased pricing means it’s not quite the amazing bargain it once was. The starting price for the base LX model rises $2300 to $37,025, and some trim levels are up by as much as $2900 compared with last year. Several versions of the three-row crossover now top $50,000, including the off-road-oriented X-Pro that’s new for 2023.The X-Pro upgrade, which costs $2395, is available only for the all-wheel-drive SX and SX-Prestige trim levels. It adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and increases the tow rating to 5500 pounds. The X-Pro also includes the increased ground clearance and styling tweaks of the more appearance-minded X-Line package that costs $2195 on the EX and $1395 on the SX and SX-Prestige.More on the TellurideFront-wheel drive is standard on all versions of the Telluride except for the $51,725 SX-Prestige, which comes with AWD. The S starts at $38,925, the EX at $42,625, and the SX at $46,825. All-wheel drive is a $2000 option on these trims. A 291-hp 3.8-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission remain standard across the board. New standard features for 2023 include a larger infotainment screen, a digital gauge cluster, and additional driver-assistance features.Kia says the 2023 Telluride will start arriving at dealerships this month.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

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    Keeping Up with Change

    If you are anything like my mother, you keep tabs on our masthead. Unfamiliar with the term “masthead”? It is print speak for the list of people who work at a publication and their accompanying responsibilities. Take a look, and you may notice some new names. Allow me to update you on what we’ve been up to since February.One of the best vehicle evaluators I’ve ever known and the staffer who annually volunteers to drive the hairiest and quickest cars at our annual track event, Lightning Lap, 18-year C/D vet K.C. Colwell shifts from being deputy testing director to executive editor. You’ve seen his influence in his new role in the past few issues, as he loves big comparisons and instrumented tests of the latest cars. Colwell excels at staying cool even when receiving a last-minute phone call about the Pagazzini Fasterossa that is stuck in customs, leaving a six-page hole in the magazine. This sort of nightmare is a monthly occurrence, which is something I didn’t share with K.C. until he accepted the position.David Beard.Michael Simari|Car and DriverColwell’s move left a vacancy in the role of senior testing editor. Enter David Beard, whose byline is known by devotees of our testing content. In addition to having tested 800-plus cars over nearly 10 years with C/D, Beard is a natural problem solver who is always prepared for anything. On a comparison test to Death Valley, the Alfa Romeo Giulia threw a check-engine light—big surprise—and went into a limp mode after we used the remote-start feature on the key fob. As we tried to find the nearest Alfa dealer on our phones, Beard pulled an OBD-II scanner from his satchel, plugged it in, diagnosed the code, and reset the Alfa. In addition to curing Italian-car hiccups, there’s no problem C/D has thrown at him that he couldn’t solve. He also holds our records for quickest to 60 mph and the most skidpad g’s. We are counting on Beard to carry on the testing team’s pursuit of technical perfection.Joining Beard is Mike Sutton in his new role of technical editor. One of the most experienced and conscientious C/D staffers, Sutton brings many years of editing and writing experience to the testing team. A lover of performance cars and off-road trucks and SUVs in near-equal measure, Sutton owns an ’05 Pontiac GTO but is always quick to sign out our long-term Ram TRX and any Ford Raptor that passes through our office. In his 15 years at C/D, he’s learned how to strap the test gear to cars and finesse them to get the best possible times. Now he’ll be doing it like his job depends on it, because it does.In the past three years, Austin Irwin has done stints in the art department, the features department, and most recently the online buyer’s guide department. Yup, he’s our utility infielder, or maybe he’s going for a Car and Driver EGOT. An Upper Peninsula native who is impervious to Southeast Michigan winters, Irwin is blessed with a wit and smart attitude that spill over into his writing. A fan of ’80s Nissan 300ZXs—the squared-off ones with pop-up headlights—Irwin is resurrecting his own 1986 300ZX Turbo. Godspeed.Earlier this year, Eric Stafford joined the news department as a senior associate editor to help them stay on top of everything from new-car introductions to Ford’s swollen-lug-nut problem. Perpetually game to jump headfirst into tough assignments, Stafford appears to enjoy tackling major projects, which explains the ’97 Chevrolet Camaro SS parked behind the office. Few assignments are tougher or more important than helping new C/D staffers get up to speed on our particular ways, and we rely on his experience for just that.Frankie Cruz and Jack Fitzgerald.Michael Simari|Car and DriverSpeaking of new people, Jack Fitzgerald is fresh from earning his sheepskin at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in political science and journalism. As an associate news editor, he keeps up with the daily churn of the automotive world. His love of racing and Formula 1 is infectious, and that passion for all things automotive has fast-tracked his education in the ins and outs of testing and reviewing cars. First car? A tired 1997 Jeep Cherokee that is probably the dynamic opposite of Fitzgerald’s current favorite car, the Porsche Cayman GTS.To help our existing copy team keep our prose sparkling and free of mistakes, we added copy editor Meredith Conrow. She’s new to dissecting automotive writing but an avowed manual-transmission driver and advocate since cutting her teeth on a 1986 Mazda 323. Meredith’s dream car garage includes a Ford Mustang GT convertible, a Mini Cooper, and a Mazda Miata. Her biggest copy-editing annoyances? Split infinitives, a series without Oxford commas, and when people add apostrophes for plurals. I’d have to agree that all those things constitute gross misconduct, and I can’t wait to see her red pen all over the place. Matthew Skwarczek and Meredith Conrow.Michael Simari|Car and DriverFew things delight our C/D readers more than uncovering an error. Our last line of defense is our research editor, known colloquially as a fact checker. Matthew Skwarczek is our search engine minus the sponsored ads, false leads from Russia, and WebMD diagnoses—my itchy arm is cancer? Skwarczek is diligent, patient, willing to fix other people’s mistakes, and remarkably cool for someone occupying one of the most stressful positions on staff. All of these qualities make him the perfect Fiat 500 Abarth owner.If the magazine and website look cleaner and easier to read, you might thank deputy design director Nicole Lazarus (pictured at top, far right). After seven years working in the art department at Automobile Magazine, Lazarus spent 14 years making National Geographic beautiful, but we managed to lure her back since Nat Geo doesn’t use nearly enough spider graphs. If you really want to get to Lazarus, be sure to email your complaints about fonts, photos, and layouts in italicized Comic Sans.Which brings us to Frankie Cruz, our newest buyer’s guide editor. When Cruz pulled up to his interview dinner in a new Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, I donned a poker face, but I couldn’t contain my jaw when I learned that the Cadillac had replaced a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. He’s a C/D reader since childhood, and the other 10 cars Cruz has owned—multiple Chevy Cobalt SSs, a Subaru WRX STI S209—shows he absorbed what he read. We made him an immediate offer. His love of great driver’s cars will undoubtedly lead to more and more enthusiast-oriented assignments.Please congratulate K.C., Dave, Mike, Eric, and Austin and give a warm welcome to Jack, Meredith, Matthew, Nicole, and Frankie. We’re looking to hire a few more experienced and talented people in the coming months. If you think you’ve got the right stuff, check out careers.hearst.com for the latest opportunities. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

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    2023 Mercedes-Benz Lineup Overview: AMG C-Classes, New EQ EVs, and More

    Following its redesign last year, the C-class sedan gets the AMG treatment for 2023. The new C43 four-door trades its predecessor’s 385-hp twin-turbo V-6 for a 402-hp turbo 2.0-liter four. Its 48-volt hybrid system powers a 13-hp starter-generator and an electric motor within the turbo, which combats lag. The upcoming C63, which is a 2024 model, trades its V-8 for a 671-hp plug-in-hybrid version of this powertrain. The previous-gen coupe and convertible live on as the Benz-badged C300 and AMG-fettled C43 and C63.New ModelsThe GLC-class is freshly redesigned for 2023. For now, it comes strictly as a 255-hp four-cylinder GLC300, though a more powerful AMG variant and a plug-in-hybrid powertrain are also due to join the lineup.The fastback GLC Coupe is as yet untouched by the redesign, though a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is now standard across the line.On the electric front, the new EQB now marks Benz’s entry point for EVs. It comes with a 66.5-kWh battery and 225 horsepower at the 300 4Matic level or 288 horses in the 350 4Matic. The EQB250+ is the least powerful (188 horses) but has the longest range. A trio of new models rounds out the growing lineup of EVs: the EQE sedan, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV.Mercedes-Benz EQBMercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz EQS SUVMercedes-BenzWhile Mercedes has revealed little about the EQE SUV, we know more about the new EQS SUV. Like the flagship EQS hatchback, the SUV has a 107.8-kWh battery and comes in rear-drive 355-hp EQS450+ and all-wheel-drive EQS450 4Matic guise, as well as in 536-hp EQS580 4Matic form. A third row of seats is optional. Sportier AMG and ultra-luxe Maybach models are sure to come.The Metris van sunsets after 2023, but the bigger Sprinter gets a number of mechanical revisions, including a new turbo-diesel four-cylinder in 168-hp and 208-hp states of tune. They replace last year’s less powerful four- and six-cylinder diesels. The 188-hp gas-fed turbo four sticks around. A nine-speed automatic transmission steps in for the old seven-speed unit. Rear-drive remains standard, but a new all-wheel-drive system capable of splitting torque evenly between the axles replaces last year’s rear-biased setup.This year also is the last for the E-class’s 603-hp E63 S sedan and wagon; the noir-inspired, matte-gray E63 S Final Edition marks the occasion.In G-class news: A 585-hp twin-turbo V-8 powers the G63 4×4². Like the G550 4×4² before it, this model sports flared fenders, a light bar, and a set of portal axles that add more than four inches of ground clearance. Changes to the rest of Mercedes’s extensive model line are minimal, with the CLA-class, GLA-class, and GLB-class carrying over unchanged. The CLS-class, GLE-class, GLS-class, S-class, SL-class, and GT 4-Door all receive minor adjustments to color palettes and trim and feature content. The 800-plus-hp GT 4-Door hybrid is still a year away, and the two-door GT is dead, but we expect it to return as a hardtop companion to the SL droptop. Lastly, the long-delayed, F1-inspired, 1000-plus-hp AMG One supercar will finally be delivered to overseas customers in late 2022.Future MercedesThis content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

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    Yezdi Roadking 250cc Restored, Looks Stunning – Old Vs Modified

    The motorcycle has a 250cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine with an integrated gear shifter / kick starter and dual exhaustsYezdi Old To New ModificationThe logical successor of Yezdi Oilking, Roadking was or is one of the most iconic motorcycles India ever witnessed. It was produced by Ideal Jawa Ltd, based out of Mysuru, Karnataka. Yezdi Roadking was in production since 1978 and with low demand, production ended in 1996.Towards the end of its life cycle, Yezdi Roadking had secured a permanent spot in the heart of its owners. With the dawn of 4-stroke era, 2-stroke motorcycles saw their demise. New replaces old. But that doesn’t hold true for everyone. There are people who go to great lengths to restore the motorcycle that plays with their heartstrings. Let’s take a look at one such person that got his Yezdi Roadking restored with many efforts.Yezdi Roadking RestoredOwner of this restored motorcycle is a cousin of YouTuber Mundodi Vlogs. He explains all the hassles that were involved in this process. He further explains how availability of parts quality is extremely scarce as production stopped decades ago. This robs the joy of restoring such classics.He detailed the painstaking processes involving multiple tinkering and metalworking jobs. Most of its body parts had rusted. The part that took the most hit due to rust was its fuel tank. Take a look at the walkaround video of Yezdi Roadking restored below.[embedded content][embedded content]It adversely affected its carburetor and fueling as well. Before restoration, this bike was DOA as its electrical harness was feasted upon by rats. The rake of the steering has been reduced which reduced the overall length and wheelbase too.The brakes were completely jammed and both front and rear suspensions were not functioning. With everything sorted out, the parts were restored to their original condition. Yezdi Roadking restored looks like it came right out of the factory and is real eye candy for classic bike enthusiasts.Specs & FeaturesYezdi Roadking is based on a single cradle chassis with square tubing instead of round. This chassis was believed to be very balanced, stable and agile. It has a racing heritage to it too. Yezdi Roadking is based on CZ 250 which was ridden by Jaroslav Falta who secured runner-up spot in 1974 Motocross World Championship. This bike won several Indian road races and rallies as well.Restored Yezdi RoadkingIt is powered by a 250cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine with a dual exhaust setup. It was considered to be technologically advanced as it featured a semi-automatic clutch and Jawa / CZ’s trademark gear shifter / kick starter. Even with a 16L fuel tank, Yezdi Roadking only weighed 144 kg wet. Transmitting the engine’s power to the wheels is a 4-speed gearbox.Parts availability and good workmanship are what is dragging the restoration industry down. Parts of certain classic 2-stroke motorcycles are not readily available unlike Yamaha RX 100, which is still supported by the company. Speaking of RX 100, Yamaha has announced its comeback in the near future. Yezdi currently sells Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure. Do you think Classic Legends should revive the Roadking name? More

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    Hero Vida V1 Electric Scooter Launch Price Rs 1.45 L – 165 Kms Range, 2 Variants

    Vida V1 electric scooter will mark Hero MotoCorp’s maiden step into 2W EV territoryHero Vida V1 Electric ScooterHero MotoCorp is known for its budget commuter motorcycles. With models like Splendor, Hero MotoCorp has gone from strength to strength to compete at the highest level. In this journey, Hero MotoCorp has become the highest-selling motorcycle brand in the country.With its roots set deep in ICE commuters, the Indian manufacturer is now foraying into EV territory with the Vida V1 electric scooter. After the legalities with Hero Electric ended in favour of Hero MotoCorp, Vida electric 2W vehicles can now be marketed with the word “Hero”.Hero Vida V1 Electric ScooterWith strategic partnerships with Gogoro and Ather Energy, Hero MotoCorp promises to offer sound and a potent electric scooter. Named Hero Vida v1, it is an attractive offering that is priced at Rs. 1,45,000 for V1 Plus and Rs. 1,59,000 (ex-sh) for V1 Pro. Booking can be done at a token amount of Rs. 2499.Hero Vida V1 Electric ScooterRight off the bat, Hero Vida V1 looks striking. Hero has stuck to traditional scooter proportions and has distanced itself from futuristic designs. It is a good thing as it helps the motorcycle to blend in with other scooters. Easy on the eyes, we would say. It gets LED side turn indicators housed in the headlight cowl. While the headlight is placed lower down in its apron.Hero Vida V1 Electric ScooterA large squarish touchscreen takes the place of an instrument cluster and looks modern and futuristic at the same time. Hero claims that it is a “smartphone on wheels” and promises a worry-free ride. Touchscreen is 7″ in size which is on par with rivals like Ola S1 series and Ather 450X. Vida V1 also gets cruise control for ease of use and gets keyless functionality as well.Hero Vida V1 Electric ScooterHero MotoCorp is offering Vida V1 in two variants namely Vida V1 Pro and Vida V1 Plus. Pro is the top-spec variant and claims 165 km (IDC) of range on a single charge from a 3.94 kWh battery while accelerating from 0 to 40 km/h in 3.2 seconds. Vida V1 Plus promises 143 km (IDC) of range on a single charge from a 3.44 kWh battery while accelerating from 0 to 40 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is capped at 80 km/h for both variants. Both V1 Pro and V1 Plus can be charged at a rate of 1.2 km/minute.Vida V1 comes with riding modes namely Eco, Ride and Sport. Hero also promises 100+ combinations of custom modes. Hero Vida V1 gets navigation, charging slot booking and promises seamless smartphone connectivity. For the first time in the industry, 100+ combinations to prioritize range when needed and performance, when needed. It also gets two-way throttle enabling reverse mode as well. Boot space is 26L.Hero Vida V1 electric scooter launch price Rs 1.45 lakhBookings open from 10th Oct, 2022. Deliveries start from Dec 2022. Launch is in phases. First phase launch cities are Jaipur, Delhi and Bangalore. pic.twitter.com/vtWC9UkHW7— RushLane (@rushlane) October 7, 2022Specs & featuresOther features offered with Vida V1 are SoS connectivity if needed. At this event, Hero launched the omnichannel Vida platform along with its electric scooters. Offered with it are Vida services which promise to ensure smoother ownership. Also launched is Vida charging network. Hero Vida V1 gets a removable battery which is tested for multiple tests like drop, crush, nail penetration and more. Vida V1’s BMS passes 570 tests and is a lifetime adaptive learning architecture that enhances battery longevity. Hero Vida V1 also gets a Limp Home mode as well.Hero Vida V1 prices start at Rs. 1,45,000 for V1 Plus and Rs. 1,59,000 for V1 Pro (ex-sh). The company offers attractive financing options and also offers buyback plans with up to 70% assured value. Test rides can be done for up to 3 days. Hero Vida V1 series electric scooters will rival TVS iQube, Ola S1 and S1 Pro, Ather 450X, Simple One and Bajaj Chetak among many.The VIDA V1 comes with standard five-year warranty for 50,000 kms. The batteries are covered by a warranty valid for three years or up to 30,000 kilometers. VIDA V1 Plus is available in three exciting colors – Matte White, Matte Sports Red and Gloss Black while VIDA V1 Pro comes in four colors, including these three and Matte Abrax Orange. More

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    What Are Audi's Designers Thinking?

    With the shift away from internal-combustion engines to electrification and the march toward automated and autonomous vehicles, we’re in the most transformative moment in automotive history. Audi is one of the earliest adopters of new technology, and as engineering evolves, so does design. Rather than creating radically different designs for its initial e-tron EV offerings, Audi opts for more traditional styling that creates a bridge between the past and future, but that’s only the first step.We sat down with Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s chief development officer, and head of design Marc Lichte in Audi’s Malibu, California, Design Loft to hear their thoughts on Audi’s next steps.As Lichte points out, having design studios in both California and Beijing allows designers to draw inspiration from Audi’s most important markets. There are different sensibilities related to each, but appearances must still remain unmistakably Audi. As he describes it, “A Coke bottle is recognizable anywhere in the world, but the tastes vary slightly depending on the region.”With the advent of EV architecture’s “skateboard” chassis, designers have newfound freedom with fewer of the constraints found with internal-combustion drivelines. That’s not to say battles between designers and engineers are a thing of the past. Hoffman quips that there are still discussions on millimeter scales, usually in regard to vehicle height.Design technology is also evolving. Upon entering the Malibu Design Loft, there’s no scent of clay or markers. Everything is now digital and incorporates 3D VR modeling for a more seamless and efficient workflow that spans continents. As a result, Audi has been creating concepts at a rapid pace. Reinventing the SUV?Audi christened the Design Loft last year with a rollout of the Skysphere variable-wheelbase concept. The “sphere” nomenclature refers to the interior space, which receives priority over exterior styling at first. China responded with the Urbansphere minivan-esque vehicle, which gives us a glimpse of how automated driving will affect interiors since the driver will be freed from driving duties. Audi’s Activesphere concept is coming in early 2023.AudiNext up is the forthcoming Activesphere concept, which Lichte says will integrate automated driving and represent the next big step in Audi’s design direction. He hints that even the definition of an SUV will evolve as vehicles will have reduced ride heights to maximize aerodynamic efficiencies. His enthusiasm for this next concept is palpable, and we’re admittedly excited to see how Audi adapts and evolves to this changing landscape. One thing is certain: the future will look very different.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

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    Ford Raises F-150 Lightning Prices Yet Again amid Supply-Chain Nightmare

    Ford confirmed to Car and Driver that the F-150 Lightning will see an additional price hike for the 2023 model year.The base Pro model will now start at $53,769, including the $1795 destination fee, while the top Platinum model will reach north of $97,000.Ford says the price increase is the result of supply chain issues and higher material costs, likely for the metals used to make the electric truck’s battery.UPDATE 10/6/22, 4:45 pm: Ford announced the official pricing figures for the 2023 Lightning, with the Pro starting at $53,769 and the top Platinum trim going for $98,669. The XLT now opens at $61,269, with the Extended Range version reaching $82,769. The Lariat now costs $76,269, with the Lariat Extended Range priced at $87,769.Ford is yet again jacking up the price of the F-150 Lightning. The electric pickup truck saw a substantial price increase in August for the 2023 model year, but now the cost to purchase a Lightning has risen even higher, as first reported by CNBC. The base Lightning Pro, which originally started at $41,769 for the 2022 model year, will now start north of $50,000. John Roe|Car and DriverFord wouldn’t specify the new prices. However, CNBC reported today that the Pro model will start at $51,974, although that is believed not to include the $1795 destination fee. The approximately $5000 increase is expected to affect the entire range, putting the top-dog Platinum trim over $97,000. More Ford NewsIn a statement to Car and Driver, Ford confirmed the price hike, attributing the changes to “ongoing supply-chain constraints, rising material costs, and other market factors.” The coronavirus pandemic, and subsequent supply chain complications, saw the prices of raw materials skyrocket, including cobalt, nickel, and lithium that are used extensively in electric vehicles’ batteries. Supply-chain disruptions are exacerbating the problem, with Ford estimating it will log around $1 billion in unexpected supplier costs in the third quarter. Several automakers have boosted prices, including General Motors, Lucid Motors, Tesla, and Rivian. Ford also added $3000 to $8100, depending on the trim level, to the Mustang Mach-E’s price in August. Ford said that customers who have already ordered the truck and are awaiting delivery, as well as commercial and government order holders, will not be subject to the price increase. This means the new price will only apply to new orders of the Lightning, and Ford also said that the company will “continue to monitor pricing across the model year,” leaving open the possibility of a decrease should raw material costs drop and supply-chain issues get ironed out, although we wouldn’t recommend holding out hope. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More