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Moon Girl
Melody Swan, a fifteen year old teenager, leaves her family after an horrible accident. She's going to live with her father and half-sister Bella Swan. With their arrival, the two girls are sucked into a world they never thought existed. What happens when Bella finds out about the Cullens? What happens when they find out about Melody? And when is she getting her own happily ever after?
New here! my first fanfic! ^^Disclaimer: I don't have any intentions of copying Stephenie Meyer's Twilight and claiming it as COMPLETELY my own. I just like playing with her characters and the wonderfull scheme she created! This story is about Twilight but from another point of view and more characters. A few characters are OOC. I'm curious about any kind of reviews! Hope you enjoy!
1. News
Rating 5/5 Word Count 2279 Review this Chapter
"Melody! Melody! Wake up! Wake up!"
I grumbled, turned around and tried to hide my face under the pillow. Before I could even exhale a breath, the pillow was yanked from my head, followed by the bedding. Damn, it was cold.
"Come on, sleepy head! It's Christmas!"
Sometimes I wished my sister would just shut her mouth and leave me alone. But unfortunately, if she did, one of my other siblings would wake me anyway, so it was pointless to struggle against it. But since I didn't feel the need to get out yet, I stubbornly stayed in my bed, even though it was cold as fuck.
"Geez! Melody, I know you're awake! Get out of that bed!" I could hear in Skye's voice she was close to dragging me, so I slowly opened my eyes, staring daggers at her.
"Finally! Why are you still in bed? Everyone is up already. Even Nate!" she said, ignoring my glares. She raised her eyebrows and stood there, tapping her foot. I rolled my eyes.
"I'm just tired okay? I'll take a shower and then I'll be downstairs." I said in a small, sleepy voice. The real reason I didn't want to get out, was because today I had to tell my siblings I had to leave. This would be my last Christmas with them. For now.
We were with ten of us. My two sisters and brother, my brothers- and sister-in-law, my three cousins and me. I was only left over.
I picked some clothes from my closet and headed for the shower. I turned it on and stepped under the spray and after a few minutes, I felt more relaxed.
My oldest sister, Scarlett, married with Adam Bright a few years ago. They met in Medical School and both work at the local hospital. They have a son, Denim. He's thirteen years old and crazy about cars. Especially Volvo's.
Then we have my brother Nathan. He's the 'joker' of the family. Always making fun of his babysister - me - and enjoying his life. Three years ago, he got married to his longtime girlfriend Layla Kennedy. Their daughter, Faith , is twelve by now. She loves shoes. It's her obsession! Always buying new ones, it keeps going.
The second youngest is my sister Skye. If we couldn't find Skye in the dark, you should follow the lighting flashes from her camera. She captures every major moment in a picture. In college she met Chris Johnson. Their daughter Alana is eleven. She's very smart and shy, but very brave also.
My cousins always feel like brother and sisters to me. I'm just a few years older. They think it's funny to call me Auntie Melody ,though….
Suddenly, the water began running cold and I stepped out. I quickly dried my body and threw on a red shirt and my favorite jeans. I blew my hair dry, pulled it up in a pony tail and slowly, unwillingly, descended the stairs.
"There you are! It's about time, baby girl!" Nate beamed at me and jumped from his seat to give me a hug. I couldn't help but feel miserable, since I was going to tell them I had to leave. I swallowed the lump in my throat and followed him to the table. I plopped down in my seat and waited for the others to join us. My siblings greeted me with a vocal symphony of 'Merry Christmas' and we sat down for breakfast. We ate together in silence, just enjoying the fact to just be.
After breakfast we gathered in the living room to open presents.I got the most silly things, but it's about the idea. After presents we went outside for a snow fight. There never was much snow in Los Angeles, but this year, we were extremely lucky. Well, they were lucky; for me it was only risky. Like always, the happy banter of my family started. Normally I'd join them, but I was trying to find the nerve to tell the news…
'Something is wrong.' I looked up to see Scarlett studying me.
"Melody? Want to help me out for a minute?" Scar asked me. Of course she knew something was going on. I was very easy to read. Too easy.
I nodded ad followed her into the kitchen and waited for her to speak. I nervously stood there, in my red snowboots and Santa hat, leaning against the counter.
"Melody ,what's up? I know something is bothering you, please tell me?" she pleaded. I couldn't look her in the eye. I stared ahead of me instead. Slowly I inhaled a deep breath and ever so slowly, I exhaled it. I couldn't deny it anymore so I dropped the bomb.
"I have to leave. I'm going to Forks, living with Dad." I said in a soft raspy voice. My sister was silent for a moment. Carefully I looked up at her only to find her face deep in thought, but obviously blocking those thoughts from me.
I sighed before I answered her question. "I can't stand it anymore. I truly love you guys, I do! But…I can't….I feel…I don't want to be so lonely any more. Hanging out with the kids is cool but, it's different. And next to that, Mom told me once that it would be better for my…development so to speak. And the accident...the memories..they keep haunting me." my voice was harsh when I spoke of my mother, but I needed to clarify what I meant.
Then Scarlett's face softened." I already thought you felt lonely. And I think Mom," I could see my sister's pain, thinking about her, "is right, but we don't want to lose you! We love you! We all do! And it's fine by me you're going back, but you do understand you have to live with Bella, right?" her last sentence was a bit hopeless. Yep, I knew I was going to live with my Dad with Bella.
Bella was our half- sister. In the middle of my parents' relationship something had gone wrong, and my Father ended up marrying Renee Dwyer. Together they had gotten a child, Isabella. She's eightteen, three years older than I am. She's going to live in Forks as well, but her reason was because her mother wanted to travel with her new husband, whom was already her fifth.
"I know. Actually, I already talked to Dad, we already made a decision. I'm leaving next Saturday." I told her in a soft voice, feeling the tears welling in the corners of my eyes.
"Oh honey! Don't cry! It's okay. You'll be fine. Just promise we can visit and we can call the whole time you know?" she chuckled softly. I felt a rush of relief wash over me.
"Sure as hell, you can!" I said her giggling. She gave me a big-sister hug and spoke again.
"Now, we have to tell the others…Oh! And does Dad already know? That it's for sure, I mean?" She walked over to the doors to the backyard while speaking and I followed her.
"Dad already knows off course, he just wanted me to call him when I had told you. And Mom knows too.... She actually asked me if it was okay to text me once in a while." I said smiling a little. Scar just nodded, ignoring me mentioning Mom, and kept walking until we found the others. They noticed us and stopped their snow fight, waiting for Scarlett to speak. It was always funny when they did that, like Scar was some kind of leader or something, which she probably was, since she was the oldest. She took care of us when Mom couldn't. I was going to miss a mother figure in my life from now on.
"Hey Sweeties, listen up. Melody has some news to share. I'd like it if you let her speak first before you go arguing." she gave them a stern look and I already heard the curiosity in their minds. After her 'speech', she nodded at me, encouraging me to tell them. I took a deep breath and told my family the whole story, from why till when.
Later that evening, I already started to pack some stuff. I only needed to pack the things I brought over to Skye's, since me and my siblings were staying at their house for Christmas and winter-break. At home, where I live with Scarlett and Adam – correction, lived – I'd pack the rest.
I'd called my Father earlier and he was genuinely happy that I was going to live with him. He already told me that I didn't had to worry about my new bedroom – A woman in Forks ,apparently, was an interior designer for a living and she would design my room. I was surprised they even had an interior designer in Forks. Charlie - Bella and I prefer to call him that, even though he doesn't like it
- asked me which colors I liked and if I wanted carpeting or wooden flooring. I answered him that I liked royal blue, deep purple or hot pink, and that I'd like wooden flooring but that carpeting would fit me, too. The other things I left for the designer to figure. I also agreed with him to send my belongings by plane. It wouldn't be very easy to drag all of that.
Telling my other siblings went easier then I had thought. I was afraid that they would prevent me from going, especially Nate. He was always Mr. I-take-care-for-my-little-sister-don't-mess-with-me, and he could be very convincing. He was angry and pretty upset, although he told me to go, because he knew it would be better for me to get away from the cuddling couples and grieving memories for a while. He actually didn't say that out loud, but it was perfectly clear for me.
I sat down on the bed letting my head fall in my hands, sighing deeply. Sure, I was glad to go live with Charlie, and I knew my brothers and sisters were going to visit me once in a while, so I wouldn't really miss them too much, but I was a little concerned about the 'Bella is going to be there too' thing.
Bella was Charlie's fourth daughter. There had been a time that my parents kind of divorced. I don't really understand the situation, but it was obvious that they weren't together any longer. My Dad married shotgun with Renee Dwyer, a whimsical woman from Phoenix. With her he had gotten Isabella Marie Swan. Less than a year after Bella´s birth, they divorced again. Renee hated Forks and wanted Charlie to go live with her in Arizona, but he didn´t want to leave, because of us. She didn't like his choice and left him the following day, and took Bella with her. I don't really know what happened after that. What I do know, is that my parents got back together and…made…me. So, here I am.
I let myself fall backwards against the mattress, rubbing my eyes roughly. The fact that I had to live with Bella kind of freaked me out. Okay, she was my half-sister, we were kind of look-a-like, but from the inside she was so much different than me. I didn't really like it to look like her, but I truly loathed it, that I automatically looked like Renee. It was creepy since she's definitely not my mother. And she never will be. Renee Dwyer is a selfish bitch. Always judging people, nagging people, always wanting to be the focus of interest. It makes me sick how she treats other people. And Bella was kind of the same, but yet still different. But I was sure she would change at some point. Renee, her mother, was always being sweet, shy and polite from the outside, but her thoughts told the opposite. Suddenly I feared that Bella and I had to share a bedroom. Yes, we got along, even though I knew she didn't like me that much, but still… Nah, I think Charlie would understand that we need our privacy, especially with me there.
"Baby Swan? Already done with packing? Want to join us? We're watching some movie." I opened my eyes, which I had closed during being lost in my thoughts, and saw Layla, my sister-in-law, standing in front of me, smiling shyly.
'I hope she joins us, Nate is pretty upset…' she turned her eyes towards me 'Melody please? Let us enjoy your presence for as long as we have you here.' She looked a little teary eyed. I knew I had hurt them, and I hated myself for it, but it was time to think about myself for once. I nodded at her and followed her downstairs. Together with my family, I made this Christmas perfect. I tried to push away the unpleasant thoughts and enjoyed the last few days in LA before I would leave northward.
I went shopping with my sisters and went to a baseball game with my brothers. My cousins wanted to bake cookies, cake and pie and I loved them for it. I was going to miss those little crazy kids. Even though I was their aunt, it felt more like we were siblings. Maybe that was because I was much younger than Skye, Nate and Scarlett, my real siblings. Hell, Scar was thirteen years older than me and her own son was two years younger than me. It made sense. I was in between my adult siblings and my not-yet teenage cousins. A weird situation. And I'm wondering, where do I belong, forever?
- Author
- Insomniax
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- 01 Oct 12
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- 02 Oct 12
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Every week, Inside Africa takes its viewers on a journey across Africa, exploring the true diversity and depth of different cultures, countries and regions. Follow host Errol Barnett on Twitter and Facebook.
(CNN) -- Crossing the road can be dangerous -- even if you're the largest land animal on the planet.
Thousands of elephants roam Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, a wildlife haven that's home to one of the highest elephant concentrations in Africa. Right next to the vast park lies Kasane, a small town situated on the banks of the Chobe river. Here, humans live side by side with large herds of migrating elephants that wander through the area in search of food and fresh water -- and this has created a lot of tension.
"The conflict here is about space," says Tempe Adams, a PhD candidate monitoring the movement of animals in Kasane as part of her work with conservation group Elephants Without Borders. "That's what it comes down to," she adds. "Allowing wildlife to have space to move through."
Adams's research is looking at the functionality of small-scale wildlife corridors within urban communities, examining whether they can be an effective way to avoid human-wildlife conflict before it happens. Using motion detection cameras, the researcher is monitoring eight different corridors in the area, some of which are as small as five meters wide.
One of the key points of the human-wildlife conflict in Kasane is a two-lane highway that cuts through the corridors the elephants use as they make their way to the Chobe river to drink and bathe.
"All the corridors I'm monitoring have to go past this road," explains Adams. "There are a high number of accidents each year," she adds, "generally in the evening when visual acuity is poor, which coincides with the busiest time for wildlife utilization."
As part of her study, Adams is looking at the frequency of car usage and whether that correlates to how the herds of elephants are moving through the area.
As it turns out, the majestic mammals are adapting to human behavior -- especially on weekends.
"It's amazing," she says. "There's a bar at each of the corridors they have to pass by. I was looking at the results and I could suddenly see there's this big drop in wildlife coming through on Friday and Saturday nights. I thought what's going on? It's so obvious ... animals are adapting to our habits -- and our drinking habits," adds Adams.
"It's amazing to think they know when it's going to be lots of people and rowdy and very busy and they just don't come at that time; or they'll come in later or come in when it's quieter."
Elephants Without Borders was recently tasked with leading what's being called the Great Elephant Census, a pan-African aerial survey aimed at securing more accurate data on the continent's elephant population.
But while the group is known for its extensive, cross-border research, it believes that urban small-scale corridors, the effectiveness of which is examined now for the first time, could be just as important.
"It's such a basic concept," explains Adams. "Just give wildlife the space to come in; they will use and the conflict will be reduced."
Kelly Landen, EWB program manager, says that in a human-dominated landscape, corridors provide safe passage for wildlife to access valuable resources like food and water. "If corridors aren't provided for or are blocked, then the wildlife will do what they must to get to those vital resources, as their survival depends on it -- even if it means having to forge through villages, homesteads and farms. And that creates human and wildlife conflict, in which both people and the wildlife suffer."
EWB says that currently if a passage is labeled a wildlife corridor it is designated on the town's land management and development plans, indicating that the area cannot be allocated for another use other than as an access route for wildlife.
However, the group is pushing for more stringent terminology and adapted legal rules to be applied to these passages. The overall plan is to have designated wildlife corridors in legislation, so as towns grow there are set paths for elephants to use and ultimately lessen the impact of their growing numbers.
"Elephants are extremely intelligent and have the capability to learn how to adapt to changes within their environment," says Landen. "So, as a town becomes more and more developed, they will look for new routes allowing them access to what they need -- as long as there are those access routes."
With around 130,000 African elephants, Botswana has the continent's largest elephant population. It is seen as the last stronghold of the magnificent mammals in the continent; while other countries rare facing declining populations, Botswana must deal with rising elephant numbers and their impact on local communities and the environment.
"That's the tragedy and the paradox of conservation in Botswana," says Mike Chase, founder of EWB. "Elephants have become a victim of their own success.
"Can this environment sustain 130,000 elephants, eight elephants per square kilometer that are chewing up 250 kilos of vegetation per day?" asks Chase. "Clearly not -- so we've got to create safe passages and corridors so that these elephants can move out of Botswana, release this bottleneck and repopulate areas such as southeast Angola and southwest Zambia, where elephants occur at very low densities and can be a magnet for eco-tourism."
Research has shown that the home ranges in northern Botswana are the largest ever recorded for African elephants, which are free to roam across Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola and Zambia. The EWB's findings helped create the world's largest wildlife preservation known as The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, or KAZA. This is an international conservation region in southern Africa, spanning 440,000 square kilometers across five countries. The initiative is protecting some of the wildlife corridors and habitats identified by EWB.
"Despite all the despair and loss of hope, there's a glimmer of opportunity here in the KAZA area, where elephants are repopulating ancestral homelands where they were evicted from 30 years ago," says Chase.
"KAZA is really the last hope for elephants," he adds. "This romance of elephants moving from the coastal plains of Cape Town, through Victoria Falls, across the Zambezi river to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro -- I yearn for that; I see that in elephants and KAZA provides for conservation at a scale at which these species evolved."
This is a grand vision for these great giants -- reestablishing their footprint across the continent.
Source: cnn.com

subset: commoncrawl


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The annual July 'Camp Independence' is just one of the ways Project Independence supports individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Project Independence is 'Raiing Awareness & Creating Resources Families Living with Autism'.
Autism Support - ProjectIndependence.org
'a uniquely different family'
"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be Enjoyable."
Pin EnjoyHi5Autism on Pinterest!
Hi5! We are still just as excited about our 5 year old as the day when the doctor pronounced,"You're Pregnant!" Yep, we're still jumping for joy,and so is he! We are sharing our joy,disappointments,successes and challenges as a family with a child touched by AUTISM-a neurological condition considered a developmental disability.If you care to share, please do.Join us on Google Blogger/Reader/Buzz/orkut,hi5, digg,Facebook,Twitter,Yahoo!Buzz,YouTube,MySpace, holiday WordPress.ENJOY!KBJCosse'Family
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Monday, July 2, 2012
Project Independence
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Dan Marino and Jim Kelly both grew up in Pittsburgh, became college football stars, first-round picks in the 1983 NFL draft and Pro Football Hall of Famers. Now as Kelly battles cancer, Marino is in his corner.
Marino told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News that he visited Kelly in the hospital and found a tough guy who's fighting for his life.
"It's hard to even understand what he's going through," Marino said. "Jim is a dear friend. You just wish the best for him. He's a tough guy, you know? He's at a point in his life that — he's won a lot of football games and whatever — he's in the fight for his life. He'll win."
Jim's wife, Jill Kelly, posted a photo of Marino along with Kelly's University of Miami coach Howard Schnellenberger and former Bills General Manager Bill Polian during a hospital visit. The picture shows the toll that chemotherapy has taken on Kelly, who shaved his head after he began to lose his hair and has lost weight.
"You're so used to seeing Jim as a strong man," Marino said. "But he's going to get better. All we can do is pray for him and hope for the best."
All football fans are wishing Kelly the best.


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As the Gnatterbox encourages, I would just like to say hello to everyone. I have been most inspired by many of your articles since looking through some of the website in the last week. I have been a narrow gauge modeller for 34 years (the gives away my age, but hey-ho) in 009 scale only, with several static and exhibition layouts, most recently "The Whitsend Tramway" and "Nibley Knoll". I am also a member of the Norfolk & Suffolk Narrow Gauge Modellers. I always strive to get a degree of realism, but usually on fictitious lines, and there is always an element of the "Twee", and I always choose steam.
It's time for me to try a new scale, and I can think of no better than Gn15. I have ordered a loco and wagon kit to dip my toe into the water and try to grasp the new "size".
Though I realise there many types of model and prototypes, I would be grateful for any tips with Gn15 you good people can give me as I have a lot of research to do, - looking forward to it though! I am particularly concerned about minimum radii with short 4-wheeled locos and stock on 16.5mm track (I must buy some!) as a new Gn15 exhibition layout will be using a continuous run. I would also like any pointers towards scale people, loco drivers, and any other manufacturers of stock other than Smallbrook or Pepper 7, which I have picked up on, using this amazing site.


text: Version 02.04 Page Content Version 02.05Version 02.04Version 02.03Version 02.02 Related Resources [4] CS Defaults v. 020440 Dated 2011-12-05CSv2 Valid Invalid & Obsolete Code Tables v. 02.04.40 2011-12-05NAACCRv12 Valid Invalid v. 02.04.40 2011-12-05 Related Resources [3] Collaborative Stage Version 02.03 to Collaborative Stage Version 02.04 Conversion SpecificationsCSv2 version 02.03 to CSv2 version 02.04 Conversion Specifications Spreadsheet Related Resources [2] Release Notes for v02.04CS Manuals, Parts I and Part II PDF VersionCS Manuals, Parts I and Part II HTML HelpCollaborative Stage TablesCollaborative Stage Library (DLL)Implementation InformationGeneral Information and Testing FilesRelease Announcement for V02.04 Related Resources [1] Implementation Guide for Registries and Vendors About this Release CSv2 version 020440 must be used to code all cases diagnosed on or after January 1, 2012. Once version 020440 is implemented in a registry, it should be used to code all newly abstracted cases diagnosed from 2004 forward. (2004 was the first year for which Collaborative Stage was collected.) Therefore, the item CS Version Input Original [NAACCR item number 2935] must be 020440 or greater for cases diagnosed in 2012 or abstracted using version 020440. Once version 020440 is implemented in a registry, and existing CS data have been converted according to specifications provided, all cases with CS data coded in prior versions should have all output stage fields re-derived using the algorithm of the new version 020440. Therefore, all cases with CS data will be expected to have CS Version Derived [NAACCR item number 2936] of 020440 after implementation and conversion. Software Collaborative Stage Data Collection System version 020404 was authorized to correct typographical errors, to resolve problems afecting stage output, and to address other issues as time permitted. The code changes in v02.04 are much smaller in number and review requirements are fewer than were the changes for v.02.03. The last two digits of the version number are 40 because lower numbers have been designated to mark cases undergoing conversion to version 020404. Instructions for applying the version numbers are provided in the conversion documentation and Implementation Guide portions of the release materials. Collaborative Stage Data Collection System version 020404 was authorized to correct typographical errors, to resolve problems afecting stage output, and to address other issues as time permitted. The code changes in v02.04 are much smaller in number and review requirements are fewer than were the changes for v.02.03. The contents of the zip file include the following in separate folders: Release Notes for v02.04 CS Manuals, Parts I and Part II PDF Version CS Manuals, Parts I and Part II HTML Help Collaborative Stage Tables Collaborative Stage Library (DLL) Implementation Information General Information and Testing Files Release Announcement for V02.04 Implementation If you have not yet implemented CS version 02.00.01 (released in January 2010), 02.01.00 (released in February 2010), 02.02.00 (released in April 2010), or 020302 (released December 2010) you must do so before implementing this new release. All conversion specifications and implementation instructions published for the initial version 2 releases must be followed prior to conversion to v020440. An Implementation Guide has been provided which documents the steps required to implement v02.04: Collaborative Stage Implementation Guide for Registries and Vendors CDC has provided Northcon12 and a DLL that will perform the conversions and derivations from CS version 02.0x to CS version 02.04. Conversion A data conversion will be required to implement v02.04.The set of conversion documents listed below, along with the Implementation Guide above, provides the information required for the conversion of cases from version 02.03 to version 02.04. Please note that all case data must be converted to v02.03 before applying these conversion specifications to v02.04. Collaborative Stage Version 02.03 to Collaborative Stage Version 02.04 Conversion Specifications CSv2 version 02.03 to CSv2 version 02.04 Conversion Specifications Spreadsheet Program to Convert from Collaborative Stage Version 02.03 to 02.04 CDC provides a conversion program and function library to convert data from NAACCR 12.1 to NAACCR 12.2. The conversion of Collaborative Stage (CS) data field-by-field from version 02.03.xx to 02.04.xx is embedded in the program. The program, Northcon122.exe, uses a new Windows Dynamic Link Library function library (DLL), nconv122.dll, to do its work. Instructions for using the DLL and a sample program are included in the setup package. Download from the CDC-NPCR Web page Additional Support Files CS Defaults v. 020440 Dated 2011-12-05 An Excel spreadsheet which provides the default values for the CSv0204 data fields for Death Certificate Only (DCO) cases originally coded under CS v02.04.40. The spreadsheet is organized by schema and is for cases which have a behavior code of 3. Instructions are included. CS Defaults version 020440 Dated 2011_12_05 CSv2 Valid Invalid & Obsolete Code Tables v. 02.04.40 2011-12-05 Valid, Invalid, and Obsolete Codes Tables: Excel Spreadsheets are provided which show schema-specific valid and invalid values for each field for CS version 02.04.40. An Excel spreadsheet is also included which contains the obsolete codes for version 02.04.40. Please note that the obsolete spreadsheet has a table for each obsolete code type and one of all obsolete codes combined. These three spreadsheets are not mutually exclusive since the obsolete codes are also contained in the valid code list.CSv2_Valid_Invalid_&_Obsolete_Code_Tables_v020440.2011_12_05 NAACCRv12 Valid Invalid v. 02.04.40 2011-12-05 Test Cases for the Algorithm: Vendors have expressed an interest in obtaining test records which have a known behavior when the CS algorithm is run on them. Two sets of random test cases, one for valid CS codes (valid.NAACCRv12.in.v020440.txt) and one set with one and only one CS invalid code (invalid.NAACCRv12.in.v020440.txt) in each record were generated from the XML files. These input files (.in.) are in NAACCR v12 format (LRECL = 3339) and only contain the CS input fields and other fields necessary for the DLL to successfully run. On the input file, the record is un-staged, i.e., all derived CS fields are blank. These files can be used as input to the corresponding version of the CS algorithm (v020440). The output files (.out.) contain the staging results generated by the CSv2 algorithm. When staging the Valid "in" file, no errors should be generated by the algorithm. When staging the Invalid "in" file, one specific error message should be generated per data record. Please note that each record of the invalid "out" file contains the first 200 characters of the error message generated by the CSv2 algorithm. The error message has been written to column 1236 (Reserved 05). NAACCRv12_Valid_Invalid_v020440_2011_12_05


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Few individuals or organizations have been as influential as Mitt Romney and Bain Capital in worsening our runaway healthcare costs, causing unnecessary suffering, or accelerating our government's long-term deficit problem. Their highly leveraged investment strategy puts healthcare companies under enormous pressure to increase revenue. They often respond by overbilling — or worse, by encouraging unnecessary medical treatments that can include anything from non-invasive tests to heart surgery.
I spent many years working in healthcare economics: running health service companies, projecting health plan costs for governments and employers, and analyzing healthcare investments. I've reviewed hospital bills in detail and seen shocking things: Thousands of dollars for bandages and gauze during a surgery; a 12,000-percent markup on ointments; a $250 charge for the lightbulb in a projector the hospital claimed was used during surgery.
I've seen hucksters put red filters over an ordinary flashlight, call it an "infrared" healing device, and charge insurance companies or hapless patients for their use. And I've seen hundreds of cases of human tragedy brought on by unnecessary surgeries performed solely for money. I can't say I was always on the side of the angels, but I can say this: Before Bain, I had never seen behavior that was as consistently bad as we're seeing today.
Mitt Romney and Bain Capital paved the way for other investors in healthcare. Their greed has caused explosive growth in a cost and overtreatment spiral that's threatening Medicare, our healthcare system, and arguably — us.
The Important Part
Consider the story of Bain Capital and Duane Reade. Bain purchased the drugstore chain and hired a CEO who was later convicted of investor fraud, while the chain itself was selling out-of-date drugs and baby formula to its customers.
Duane Reade's story is not unlike that of Damon International, whose Bain-anointed CEO was convicted for tricking doctors into ordering unnecessary procedures and billing them (ironically enough) to Medicare. Apparently Romney and Bain had an eye for healthcare talent: an evil eye.
But even that isn't the biggest part of the story. This is: Mitt Romney and Bain Capital were among the first to to engage in the kinds of highly leveraged buyouts of private healthcare companies that pressures them to overtreat patients and overbill payers just to satisfy their investors.
Let's add another name to the list of predatory Romney companies: Dade International. No laws were broken in the management of this medical equipment company, although Bain and Romney certainly milked bankruptcy laws for all they were worth.
Most of the publicity around the Dade acquisition centers around Romney and Bain's management: the loss of 1,700 jobs, the cuts to 401(k) and other benefit plans, the ruthless bilking of the company for massive fees to Bain — which was essentially Romney & Co. –overpaying for work they assigned to themselves, and using investors' money to do it.
Here's the other side of the Dade International deal: Romney and Bain borrowed massively to acquire Dade with other people's money. In order to show returns for their investors, Dade had to grow quickly and aggressively. So Romney & Co. directed Dade to borrow even more so it could acquire some of its competitors.
Eventually Romney and Bain pressured Dade to borrow even more so that it could buy them out. It eventually did, a few months after the February 1999 date that Romney told ABC News marked his retirement as Bain CEO. But papers filed with the SEC continued to list him as both CEO and sole shareholder for nearly three years. If those statements are false it could be grounds for fraud charges, since it is illegal to knowingly file false information with the SEC. If they're true, Romney remained closely involved with the Dade deal.
Whatever the truth, by Romney's own admission he was still Bain's owner. That means he profited from Dade either way.
Deeply in debt, the company wound up in bankruptcy before being sold at fire sale prices to the German company Siemens. Maybe bankruptcy could have been avoided if Dade's management had been willing to act as the CEOs of Duane Reade and Damon International did. The Dade International story certainly shows what kind of pressure they were under.
Romney & Co. got millions, while Dade International's creditors got pennies on the dollar. Some of them supplied other medical equipment companies, and they undoubtedly raised their prices to make up for the loss.
Who eventually paid for that? Private insurers, Medicare — everyone but Romney & Co.
True Blood
Ya gotta make your numbers.
Bain Capital also purchased CRC Health Group, a chain of drug treatment facilities that has been implicated in a series of wrongful deaths. Journalist Art Levine learned that CRC, under financial pressure from yet another leveraged Bain buyout, has been implicated in a number of cases of abuse and neglect. CRC puts underpaid and undertrained staffers in charge of clients in crisis — sometimes with fatal results.
Levine writes: "Bain had already extracted nearly $20 million in management-related fees from the chain, although Bain investors haven't cashed in yet through dividends or an IPO. Bain's purchase, a leveraged buyout, also saddled CRC with massive debt of well over $600 million."
Senior executives at companies owned by people like Romney and Bain learn that quickly. They're tasked with growing their companies quickly and aggressively so they can pay back enormous loans (which include those large and undeserved fees to Romney & Co.) and show a profit for Bain's investors.
That's why CRC cut corners. That's why executives at Duane Reade cooked the books while selling expired drugs and baby formula. That's why executives at Damon International tricked doctors into performing unnecessary blood tests in order to scam Medicare.
If some people get hurt, or suffer through unnecessary surgeries, that's regrettable — but on the other hand, it's good for the bottom line. If a few laws get broken in the process, that's not to be condoned but hey, that's human nature. The truth is that Bain-style capitalism encourages all the worst excesses of our healthcare system.
Heart Attackers
That's why Hospital Corporation of America, which Bain Capital purchased in 2006, ignored reports that cardiac surgeons were performing unnecessary surgeries in its hospitals, grilled staff about how much these surgeries were adding to the bottom line — and then suspended medical privileges for the physician who reported the problem. As the New York Times notes, "Many doctors interviewed at various HCA facilities said they had felt increased pressure to focus on profits under the private equity ownership."
That's how the game is played. Depending on the number and type of hospitals available, the impact of suspending a doctor's privileges can range from inconvenient to devastating. And it certainly sends a message: It lets other doctors know there's a price to be paid for disclosing problems. And it tells employees, and the world, how degraded the corporate culture has become.
Those who rage about mythical government "death panels" fall silent when it's reported that hospital executives tell doctors how to practice medicine: "One emergency room doctor who worked at an HCA Florida hospital said doctors had been told they had targets to hit," for example, in deciding which patients' conditions were true emergencies and which were not.
As the Times notes, "The financial performance has been so impressive that HCA has become a model for the industry."
And people wonder why we have a medical cost problem in this country.
Deficit Drivers, Medicare Killers
How bad is that cost problem? See for yourself:
We pay much more than any other developed nation for healthcare, even though they cover all their citizens and we don't. Our rate of inflation is much higher, too. Why? Because from hospitals to drugstores, and from diagnostic companies to physician practices, we have far more for-profit healthcare providers than they do. And when people like Mitt Romney and Bain Capital get involved, they're almost forced to overbill and overtreat.
By contrast, government-run health insurance systems won't tolerate predatory providers. Our health insurers just mark up the cost and keep getting richer. The better ones may push back a little, just for a competitive edge, but they have no initiative to fight the entire system. That's how they make their money.
What's more, for all the talk about deficit reduction, nobody's talking about this: Our long-term deficit problem is Medicare. Period.
Source: Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
How do we fix it? Like this:
By having the same kind of system that other countries have: one that puts limits on runaway Bain-style greed.
Culture of Greed
HCA had already paid $1.7 billion in fines for Medicare fraud before these latest charges surfaced, starting with $600 million in fines paid for multiple counts of fraud while founding CEO Rick Scott was at the helm.
New and deliberate violations at HCA would prove that, as a former assistant US Attorney told the Times "a defendant, already caught once defrauding the government, has apparently not changed its corporate culture."
Rick Scott is now the Republican governor of Florida.
Cost-cutting at CRC? Unnecessary surgeries at HCA? Fraudulent billing of Medicare? Expired baby formula at Duane Reade? That's the real Romneycare.
As for the Democrats, President Obama has staked his healthcare policy on the efficient management of cost and utilization. This makes his presidency financially less advantageous to predator providers than the likes of Romney and Scott. Instead his policies are poised to greatly increase membership in private health insurance plans, which may explain why an executive like the CEO of Aetna is banking on his re-election by doubling down on acquisitions.
No wonder Mitt Romney's Republicans want to turn Medicare into a voucher system. That would end a government-run program whose oversight has been one of our few protections against the predations of their for-profit companies. Letting the Republicans shut down Medicare would be like letting Al Capone shut down the police department.
We're told to expect an "adult conversation" about Medicare and our runaway healthcare costs. Don't bet your life on it.


text:
June 14th – June 16th Midwest Baseball Championships – 5+ Game Guarantee $295(limited time pricing) + 2 new game balls/game. We'll start on Thursday if more than 10 teams register.
You can register online in this website using your credit card, Paypal, or checking account, we use Paypal merchant services to process your credit card and electronic checking account payment. You can also send in your payment and contact information to BombSquad Baseball 1818 #E Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33765.
When registering online, please include your team;s name in the "Business Name" section or "Order Notes" during the online checkout.


text:
Maile Broccoli-Hickey
Our Fellows
Maile Broccoli-Hickey
2007 Global Fellow
Founder of English at Work
Maile Broccoli-Hickey 2007 Global Fellow
Establish English language classes for low-income immigrants at their workplaces, eliminating the lengthy waiting list period common to traditional ESL programs and forging partnerships between employers and their employees.
Maile Broccoli-Hickey has been involved in immigrant services in Houston and Austin for over 13 years. During that time, she has worked as an English instructor, translator/interpreter, program manager, and advocate. Maile is a graduate of the LBJ School of Public Affairs where her research focused on adult language acquisition and immigrant rights. She draws equally on the education she received as a secretary, food service, and factory employee in her work supporting Texas' immigrant community. Maile founded English at Work while waiting tables at Guero's Taco Bar in 2005.
- 2007 Fellow
- Global Fellow
- Poverty Alleviation & Economic Development
- Education
- North America
- United States
Bold Idea and summary information may only be accurate as of the awarding of the Fellowship. Echoing Green attempts to maintain current Experience information, but for their most recent status it may be best to contact the Fellow directly.
|Jacob Schramm
|College Summit, Inc.
|Tsechu Dolma
|Mountain Resiliency Project
|Aziz Alghunaim
|Vanessa Garrison
|Ajaita Shah
|Frontier Markets
|Katrina Spade


text:
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A reporter would like to talk to you; please reach out to [email protected] by 7/25 for more details.
Meet your fellow owners in our Owners Clubs
Chevrolet Sonic
Why is this not on the boards in either Sedans or Hatchback?
Well, there here! I saw the first one the other day at a soccer match. Time to add to discussion boards.
Well, there here! I saw the first one the other day at a soccer match. Time to add to discussion boards.
Yes, definitely! My local dealer got their first Sonic this week, so I stopped in to take a look. It was on the showfloor--white LT sedan with gray interior, list $17.3k, automatic with Cruise-plus package (includes Bluetooth and remote start). Pretty good looking, even in basic white. The front with the aggressive quad headlamps was sharp. Driving position was good with height-adjustable seat and telescopic steering column. Gauges were a little weird, with a big round tach on the left and what I assume is a digital readout for speed in a square binnacle to the left. A bit too much "Look at me, I'm trying to be different!" for my taste, but I'm sure some folks will like it. Center controls were similar to those on other recent GM vehicles, but did not have the smoothness of those on, say, the Cruze (especially the HVAC knobs). But interior looked fine for the price point, with nicely textured seats. Signs of cost cutting included the hard plastic armrests on the doors and lack of a center console (although there was a driver's right armrest).
Rear seat had just enough room in the sit-behind test for reasonable comfort for short trips. I could have used a little more thigh support, but it wasn't bad. Good foot room, as I had the driver's seat set pretty high. No center armrest in back... that's getting pretty rare in this class now.
Trunk seemed roomy enough and I was glad to see a spare tire under the floor--and I didn't see a charge for it, so it must be standard. Good move by Chevy.
Powertrain was the 1.8L Ecotech plus 6AT. I was a bit surprised to see this combo was rated only 25/35 mpg. I thought with a car lighter than the Cruze the numbers might be higher. They don't compare well to the 30/40 of the Accent and new Rio, which also have 138 hp and a 6AT.
I liked what I saw enough to give it a test drive once units are available for a drive, but just based on what I've seen so far I'd have to give the Accent the advantage for the better fuel economy, nicer looking dash (especially with the piano black trim), bigger alloys (16" vs 15"), a little better rear seat leg room, slightly better styling, and longer warranty. The Sonic has to its advantage OnStar, available remote start, excellent head room in back, and a spare tire. I'll be interested to check out the Sonic wagon when it's available.0
A reporter seeks to interview California residents who are currently considering a new Chevy sedan (Cruze, Malibu, Sonic) or who recently bought one. Please email [email protected] by Friday, October 14, 2011 and indicate your city of residence, your daytime phone number, the Chevy sedan of interest and the car model you currently drive.
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A reporter is interested in talking with owners of a 2012 Chevy Sonic who are also parents. If you are interested in commenting on your experience, please reply to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 4, 2011 and include your city and state of residence, the model year of your vehicle and the age of your child/ren.
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opine1 Posts: 1You mention you are glad to see a spare tire under the floor in the trunk and then go on to say you have to give the Accent the advantage for the better fuel economy. The reason the Accent has better fuel economy is because the weight of the car is lower because....wait for it....there is NO spare tire. I haven't seen the Sonic in person yet but look forward to checking it out. You may never need a spare tire; however, in that one instance where the "inflation kit" is useless because the tire is not viable I will go for the spare in the trunk and the slightly lower gas mileage every time.0
I know where I can pick up a temporary spare tire for an Accent pretty easily. But not so easy to change the Sonic to get better FE.
Do you really think the Accent's lack of a spare tire is a big reason for its FE advantage? Really? I don't.
From what I've seen of the Sonic, and big brother Cruze, if I went Chevy I'd pay a few more bucks and get the Cruze. The Eco 6MT looks especially interesting to me.0
I saw a Sonic Hatchback today...pretty cool.
The only thing I didn't like is the fact that you have to bring the front seats way up front to lower the back seats and the back seats don't slide back...no rails.
Once the seats down, good cargo space but the seats don't lower "flat" that turned me off a bit, there's a little slope. To me, that's a "no no".0
James Healey had a generally positive review of the Sonic LTZ hatchback today. He didn't like the instrument cluster and thought the car should have been more tossable, but admitted he might have had different expectations for the car.
I'm not a fan of the instrument cluster either, but then I don't ride a motorcycle--which is apparently what inspired the display.
One thing that surprised me a bit was the price: $18.7k for the tested car, with a stick shift. You can get a nice compact with a stick for that money or not much more, including the Cruze, Elantra, Focus, and even the new Mazda3 with Skyactiv. Probably the LTZ has more options than those cars for that money though.0
Here in the Northwest the Sonics are just now starting to show up. I have only seen a few on the street but they are distinctive. I check local Chevrolet dealers inventories and they are still very low. Some dealers have none, the larger dealers may have up to 3. I am sure inventories will get better along with pricing as the months go on. Be patient if you plan to buy. Wait for inventories to rise dealers are more willing to bargain. Simple economics of supply and demand. I too am anxiously awaiting a test drive. I want to test drive what i plan to buy, an LTZ sedan in black with the 1.8 automatic.0
garv214 Posts: 162The Chevrolet dealerships in the SF Bay Area are starting to get the Sonics in as well. I test drove a LT 1.4 litre hatchback with a 6 speed manual. It was a hoot to drive. The instrument cluster is definitely different. I wonder how well it will age. At the end of the day, however, I ended up buying the Cruze because the rear seat was more accomodating (I have 3 kids, 2 of which are still in car seats for another 2-3 years), my step-daughter would have been miserable sandwiched in-between her brother and sister's car seats in the back...
Back in my single days, I would have seriously considered it...
I agree that the Sonic will eventually need to compete with the Fit, Mazda2, Ford Fiesta... once the inventory supplies grow (although a couple of the dealers are showing screamer ads with a modest $100-200 discount currently...).
It's encouraging to see Ford and Chevrolet offering decent small cars again.0
A reporter is interested in talking with parents who own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze Eco, Honda Civic Hybrid, Chevy Sonic, Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius V. If you are interested in commenting on your experience, please reply to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 30, 2011 and include your city and state of residence, the model year of your vehicle and the age of your child/ren.0
windgrace Posts: 84Hello, all!
To make a long convoluted story short(ish), my sister's 06 Civic hasn't been a stellar example of Honda reliability. We've had to do several costly repairs, including brakes that are wearing out very fast, tires wearing out too fast (apparently there's something with control arms but the vehicle is out of warranty so the TSB is useless), replacing window motors...you name it. My mom is thinking about trading the vehicle in and buying a new car. New because then we have warranty and the cost of a decent used vehicle is ridiculously high, we might as well buy new and not have to worry about a history report. In that case my sister would get my 2010 Corolla and my mom would pitch in the rest to buy me a new vehicle.
I come from a family that owns Japanese vehicles for their "reliability." We have had a Sienna and Civic that beg to differ (although our Legacy and my Corolla have been great). With some of the new competitive offerings from GM, Hyundai, Kia and Ford I'm thinking about maybe branching out with this car purchase.
Just in general, how do people feel about their Chevrolet, Hyundai or Kia products as of late? Ford seems to have come a long way, but I remember growing up with a Taurus that was LITERALLY Fixed Or Repaired Daily so a Fiesta is gonna be a hard sell on me. Do people think the long-term reliability we've associated with Toyota is there in the new Sonic, Accent, or Rio? Or should I stick with a Yaris? I'm just trying to figure out which would be the best place to put my $ towards when it comes to resale value and overall true-cost-to-own. The Sonic and Accent are both really compelling. The Accent has gotten very good reviews for it's ride and mpg, and I really like the design of the Sonic and they both are pretty well priced.0
My opinion, based on owning 3 Hyundais over the past 11 years and watching the auto marketplace closely, is that you don't need to worry about subpar reliability from Hyundai. So buy the car you like the best. If that's the Accent, OK. Kia has trailed Hyundai in improving reliability but they too have improved greatly in the past 10 years, and Kia shares major components including powertrains with Hyundai. Plus both include the long warranties in case there are problems.
As for Chevy, I haven't owned one for many years but have been impressed with their recent products including the Cruze and Equinox. Haven't driven the Sonic yet but looking it over at the dealership and reading reviews it appears to be a huge leap over the Aveo. I would have no qualms about buying a Chevy if I find one I like better than competitors. I have my eye on the Cruze to consider for my next car. For a small hatch, I prefer the Accent or, for more bucks, the Focus based on what I've seen to date. But I haven't seen the new Impreza hatch yet. Of course the Focus and Impreza are a class above the Sonic, Accent, Rio5, Yaris. In that class you should drive the Fit also--the base Fit is a very good value for the money IMO, and if you need lots of cargo space in a small package it's hard to beat. Resale value is very good, although fuel economy is not as good as some other small hatches.0
intrimazz Posts: 1My husband and I are in the market for a new car and have test driven the base Ford Fiesta Hatch and the base Honda FIT so far. We were spoiled by our 2005 Pontiac Vibe w Sun & Sound package so as a result, we have been underwhelmed by both thus far. Sat in the Yaris and didn't even bother going for a drive as I hated it instantly. We are hoping the highest trim on the Sonic will impress us. Will update when I get the call as no dealers in the NJ Bergen County area have one thus far. I was told one would be coming in by this weekend. :shades:0
mick1 Posts: 84Today is Feb 18. I'm going to buy/not buy a sonic based on your test drive and opinions. Could you please do it before the end of the month. Thanks!0
micweb Posts: 1,617I received a "top off" on my GM Card account and the amount allowed on the Sonic made it very attractive to me.
I first test drove a Sonic Hatchback automatic in November or so, and was very impressed by three factors:
1. Feeling of solidity - didn't feel light or flimsy.
2. Good acceleration without having to rev the engine too high or use too much throttle (a responsive automatic that was gearing for a good driving experience - it would shift at appropriate rpm and throw nice downshifts without having to floor the pedal - helped a lot).
3. Very quiet - the bane of most small cars I have owned is their higher than average noise levels. I don't think I should have to drive a large car to drive at reasonably comfortable noise levels.
I have been looking for a good, small, high mpg 4 door since last year. Top contenders on my list were the Kia Soul Base stick shift (after the upgrade to the incredibly better 1.6 direct injection engine this year, and move to a 6 speed manual transmission with decent clutch action and surprisingly precise shifter action); the Honda Fit (which FINALLY got body colored outside mirrors this year, a stealth "roof strength" upgrade that got it IIHS "Top Pick" selection for the first time, and _reportedly_ better sound proofing); the Ford Fiesta; and the Sonic.
I severely "handicapped" the Sonic, despite its quality interior, excellent feature set, great engine (tops in its class in overall power - torque/hp), due to its newness and my rule of thumb of allowing at least one year for a new model to "settle in." The Fiesta got demerits for sluggish acceleration (unless you really revvd the engine up). The Honda is perenially pricey - not based on comparable MSRP's, but on the general lack of "sales" and "discounts." I've never owned a Kia but shopped them and Hyundai for years and been generally disappointed by the showrooms (but that has improved a lot over the past 3 years).
In terms of pure drivability the Fit is tops. The clutch action is superb, the shifter action superb, the gearing is set relatively low in top gear so there is a lot of "apparent" acceleration on the freeway (the others require a downshift or two to match it, but are not lacking in raw ability after the downshift). It is the most agile, but also the "lightest" feeling car on the freeway - almost disturbingly light feeling. Also, in past years, one of the noisiest. Despite these negatives, I was gearing up to buy a Fit until the GM Card offer came in the mail.
I went ahead and purchased a sedan in the very basic LS1 trim - this means manual mirrors and manual window cranks. Since the mirrors are "set and forget" items for me, and I don't roll down my windows (I open the door to pay at take-out, but I rarely go to take-out!), I was willing to compromise this one last time - a compromise that wasn't too hard to accept, since Chevy also includes a lot of "goodies" - On Star with turn-by-turn navigation; Sirius XM on my slightly upgraded stereo; a pretty full digital information center with MPG, miles to empty, compass, clock, timer; front floor mats; automatic headlamps; daytime running lights; and keyless entry, together with customization options on door locking, radio settings, beep on lock, etc.
Getting knee airbags for me and my front seat passenger was huge, since it's no fun to contemplate knee injuries in a crash. Also, REAR side torso airbags, very rare in any class, assure my kids a much better level of safety (it also has the head side airbags or curtain airbags which protect the head).
My first impressions so far? A grown up small car, very closely matching the dimensions and envelope of a Mark III and Mark IV Jetta (the Golf and Jetta have meanwhile marched up almost a full size). Very good for smaller (stature) families - I'm 5'8" and there is tons of room for the passenger behind me in the rear seat. The rear floor is fairly flat almost all the way across, unlike my slightly wider Rabbit ('09) which had a console in the middle.
Only noted negative so far (setting aside the lack of power windows and mirrors)? The lack of a middle rear seat position headrest. It would have been nice to see GM copy-cat the '04 Golfs and Jettas even more faithfully, with 3-across headrests (there ARE 3 shoulder belts).
Best positive? Regular gas in a very powerful engine!0
Did you recently purchase a compact or subcompact at least in part because it had very good fuel efficiency as gas prices continue to climb? A reporter is interested in speaking with you. Please send a brief description of your experience and contact information to [email protected] by Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
Need help navigating? [email protected] - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews0
Karen_S Posts: 5,092A reporter is looking to hear from a driver of a Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Chevy Cruze or Chevy Sonic who previously drove a compact from a Japanese automaker, such as the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. If you currently drive a Focus, Fiesta, Cruze or Sonic, and are willing to share your story with a reporter, please email [email protected] no later than the end of business Tuesday, March 6, 2012 with your daytime contact information.0
I'm looking forward to buying a 2012 Sonic LT (not the turbo type) and I have a couple of questions regarding this car.
Could someone explain to me the differences between hp and torque?
Which of those are more important?
This is the use I will do with the car...
I work at home and will use it to do errands around town but once a year my wife and I always take a long road trip minimum mileage one way 1,400 miles, either (north-south) crossing the Appalachians Mountains or (east-west) crossing the Rockies (more challenging) the car being loaded with luggage and 1 cooler (but will never pull a trailer).
Will this car be a good choice for us with it's hp and torque.
Do it have enough hp or torque for my usage?0
I highly recommend getting the 1.4L Turbo engine. Torque is "twisting power" and is felt more off the line when you get a car rolling. Horsepower is energy output (to me) at a specific level. The key is often where in the power-band (RPMs) that an engine makes usable torque and horsepower.
The 1.4L Turbo engine produces much more usable torque at low RPMs and is a better engine than the 1.8L. Mountain driving with a load will push the 1.8L engine to it's limits. Go with a Sonic LT w/turbo.0
bpizzuti Posts: 2,743Did they make it available with the automatic yet?0
Yes, the 1.4L Turbo is available with an automatic except on base LS models where the 1.8L is the only engine choice.0
I also thought that the turbo was available only with the "standard" transmission only.
Great! Turbo with an automatic transmission.
Might be be the one, then I could get more torque to load it and go on my trips and face those mountains.0
sonic_owner Posts: 2Did anyone know that the person sitting in the front passenger seat has to be more then 103lbs or the air bag will not activate? I did not, I found out when my 94lb wife sat there and it did not go on. I inquired with Chevy and there answer was that is the way we designed it. I own a Traverse and the air bag goes on when she sits in that car. I am not sure if I would have purchased the car knowing that.0
You have bad information and should contact Chevrolet Customer Service. Many 10 to 12 year old children, and some teenagers, would have no airbag protection if that was true.
I had a Malibu a few years ago that would activate it's passenger airbag around 60 lbs. I know this because a heavy box would cause the "Fasten Seat Chime" to activate with the airbag "on" light at that weight.
Some vehicles are set up differently and can be adjusted by the dealership. Until you get it resolved, try having your wife fasten her seat prior to starting the vehicle. That may activate the passenger airbag in the interim.0
Reminds me of one of my Dad's car in the 70's
My Dad had bought a brand new Cadillac Fleetwood and after a couple of weeks a foul smell was coming out of somewhere but could find the source of it. Went to the dealer many times and the dealer always sprayed deodorant in the car. Great...but the smell came back.
My friend had a german sheppard and I told my Dad "Let the dog do his stuff like we see in the movies". The dog was always going back to the front passenger's door. My Dad went to the dealer and told them to take the door panel off and check...sure enough, there was a paper bag with what seemed to be a sandwich and an orange.
It was a big ball of mold stuck on the door panel.
The problem was settled and found by a "dog" that we nicknamed "G.M." afterwards.0
I got a Sonic rental on a two-day trip last week and got to put about 100 miles on it. It was a sedan, didn't catch the trim level but it seemed pretty well equipped including alloys.
The driving position was comfortable, with a firm seat. Controls and displays were good for an economy car, with smooth and simple rotary HVAC controls and a meaty wheel that looked like the one used in the Cruze. I actually liked the digital display for speed etc., which I thought was gimmicky the first time I saw it. Interior materials seemed good for the price, although I would have liked padded armrests. Not much padding at all inside, including the dash.
The car seemed solid and hefty, and the ride was fairly quiet most of the time--got a little loud over expansion strips on the highway. The ride was pretty smooth for a subcompact, but the suspension had trouble masking out things like tar patches. The engine felt smooth and quiet, to the point I did something I hadn't done for quite awhile--I restarted the car... while it was running I mean. :blush: The 6AT shifted smoothly, but seemed to mute the power from the engine, which should have been enough to move the car out smartly... it was just OK. The steering had a vague feeling and I kept having to correct it in order to keep the car from wandering.
I checked out the back seat and was able to squeeze in behind the driver's seat without much trouble. (I am 5'9-1/2".) It would be OK for an hour or two but that's it. Par for the course for this class--better than some (like Fiesta), not as good as others (like Versa). Hard plastic armrests back there also, and no center armrest.
I didn't use the trunk much but it seemed pretty roomy for a small car, with its high trunk lid.
All in all, a huge improvement over the Aveo (RIP) and not a bad rental car if I can't get my usual free upgrade. But I wouldn't buy one. Steering is too vague, and rear seat room not as much as I need. I'd rather spend a few more bucks and get a compact car, or spend the same or less bucks and get a nicer car, slightly used.0
maxx4me Posts: 1,340>>>The Inside Line editors are looking for Sonic owners who have odor problems>>>
he, he, he..... I thought you wanted Sonic owners to admit to personal hygiene issues. So it is the car that smells, not the drivers? :P0
marywilkerson Posts: 1nice thread. very interesting. thanks for sharing this information.
team ina and clarke broome
who is the local seo king0
lamronh49 Posts: 86There are multiple reasons for better or worse MPG.
A donut spare tire weighs perhaps 30 lbs. That's not sufficient to make an MPG difference.
Junkyard studies indicate that about 97% of cars there have never had the spare down. That's why the trend to donuts and then to cans of fix-a-flat.
A spare is a total waste. Until you're on the side of the road and need it.0


text:
The Sun Advanced Lights Out Manager (ALOM) 1.6 Administration Guide contains information about the Sun Advanced Lights Out Manager system controller. This controller enables you to remotely manage and administer host servers. You should be an experienced system administrator with a knowledge of UNIX® commands.
Chapter 1 introduces Sun Advanced Lights Out Manager.
Chapter 2 provides security guidelines.
Chapter 3 tells you how to customize the software for your server using ALOM.
Chapter 4 introduces some common tasks that are easily done with ALOM.
Chapter 5 explains the ALOM command-line interface (CLI).
Chapter 6 details configuration variables you can use to change ALOM behavior.
Chapter 7 discusses the scadm utility, which is part of the Solaris Operating System, and can be used to perform many ALOM tasks while logged in to the server.
Chapter 8 briefly identifies elements of OpenBoot PROM you may use to support ALOM.
Appendix A identifies the diagnostics and how they may be used to troubleshoot problems with ALOM.
Appendix B gives information on the ALOM watchdog timer feature.
Glossary is a list of abbreviations and their definitions used in this document.
This document might not contain information about basic UNIX® commands and procedures such as shutting down the system, booting the system, and configuring devices. Refer to the following for this information:
The names of commands, files, and directories; on-screen computer output
What you type, when contrasted with on-screen computer output
Book titles, new words or terms, words to be emphasized. Replace command-line variables with real names or values.
Read Chapter 6 in the User's Guide.
These are called class options.
You must be superuser to do this.
The Sun Advanced Lights Out Manager (ALOM) 1.6 documentation is available at:
You can find the Solaris Operating System (OS) documentation at http://docs.sun.com or the Solaris documentation package included with the Solaris OS.
README for Advanced Lights Out Manager 1.6 Firmware for Sun Fire V445 Servers
Online and with relevant code at ALOM 1.6 software download site
README for Advanced Lights Out Manager 1.6 Firmware for Other Sun Fire and Netra Servers
Online and with relevant code at ALOM 1.6 software download site
For more information about how ALOM works with your host server, refer to the other documentation that came with your host server.
The latest man pages for the scadm(1M) command can be found in the Solaris 10 Reference Manual Collection for the Solaris 10 6/06 OS release.
Sun is not responsible for the availability of third-party web sites mentioned in this document. Sun does not endorse and is not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products, or other materials that are available on or through such sites or resources. Sun will not be responsible or liable for any actual or alleged damage or loss caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services that are available on or through such sites or resources.
Sun is interested in improving its documentation and welcomes your comments and suggestions. You can submit your comments by going to:
Please include the title and part number of your document with your feedback:
Sun Advanced Lights Out Manager (ALOM) 1.6 Administration Guide, part number 819-2445-11
Copyright © 2006, Sun Microsystems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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Pregnancy and the Flu
Over 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year from complications of influenza (the flu). Research has shown that pregnant women are at increased risk for serious complications of the flu. Since the best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated before flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks postpartum be vaccinated.
A number of factors make pregnant women more likely to have complications associated with the flu. For instance, pregnant women's hearts are working harder, they have decreased lung capacity, and their immunity may be compromised.
Pregnant women who get the flu are at greater risk for serious illness and even death. If you experience flu symptoms (fever over 101ºF or 38.3°C, chills, sweating, muscle aches, headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat), call your doctor. With proper care, serious complications can be prevented.
Is the Flu Shot Safe During Pregnancy?
Studies have shown that flu shots are not associated with adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes including loss of pregnancy, preterm birth, or birth defects.
The CDC has approved the use of the flu shot for pregnant women. The flu shot contains an inactivated flu virus. However, the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which contains live, weakened flu viruses, is not approved for pregnant women. So if you are pregnant, make sure you get a flu shot, not the nasal spray vaccine.
Getting a Flu Vaccine
Since the flu season in North America can begin as early as October and last as late as May, October is the best time to get a flu shot, but you can still get vaccinated any time during the flu season, if you have not been sick with the flu yet. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during this year's flu season, talk to your doctor in advance about getting a flu shot. It's important to note that, in some years, there is not always enough vaccine for everyone who needs one, especially early in the season. However, the CDC and state public health departments prioritize vaccinating pregnant women.
Once vaccinated, you most likely will have no serious problems. However, complications may occur. Minor side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site; low-grade fever; and aches. More serious complications, such as severe allergic reactions, may occur on rare occasions.
It is estimated that an average of 1 to 2 hospitalizations could be prevented each year for every 1,000 pregnant women who get the flu vaccine.
- Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
- Review Date: 01/2016 -
- Update Date: 03/28/2014 -


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I have a thing. A colour thing. I'm sure I've mentioned it before. It's a visceral reaction to all things pigmented. Much like when around someone you love you want to shower them with hugs and pet their hair (if I've ever petted your hair absent-mindedly now you know why), with colours I want to roll around in them. You know, like a dog does with mud, or a cat does with catnip or like the poet Rumi did with God. It's usually red and majorelle blue. Occasionally it's terracotta and magenta. The other day it was something green.
My friend Emily and I had made nocino. It was a fun afternoon inspired by chancing upon some early baby black walnuts (which, for the record, are no longer early, and if you act swiftly you might still catch them). She'd tasted it and loved it; I had not. But given their abundance, my undying love of cooking with wild things, and despite my skepticism over something so vile smelling could eventually taste good, we jumped in. Which is where the green comes in.
Lovely readers, this stuff is stunning. Within a few hours of mixing the ingredients together, the jars, if set along a window sill, will cast a shade of green so unearthly upon your space that you too will want to roll around in it until all that's left is an alien-coloured splotch on the tablecloth. I restrained myself and stared instead, for hours on end.
We're supposed to wait at least 6 months to taste it, so I'll be sure to come back and tell you guys how it is (possibly tugging along a hangover while I'm at it). But in the meantime, if you'd like to make it too, here's what to do:
Go and find some black walnut trees, and gather as many of the little baby fruits as you can. (for information on how to find and ID black walnuts see Butter's lovely post on it HERE)
Pick up a big bottle of vodka, some sugar, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla.
Clean out some big mason jars.
And then in 6 months, when the nights are drawing long, and a chill has set in, we can all gather in a big interweb living room by an ifire and have a nocino party. Sound good? Thought so...
From David Lebovitz
Per every 30 green walnuts, quartered
1 litre vodka
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
10 cloves
1/2 vanilla bean
1 lemon zest (use a potato peeler)
Put all the dry ingredients in a big jar, and pour the vodka over the top. Shake (once the lid is on), then set aside. You're supposed to shake it every day, but according to Emily, it's nicer if you only shake it every few days. And you don't have to twist my arm to remember to do less. Leave it in a cool dark place for 2 months, then strain and bottle. It'll be ready to drink after 6 months, though I've heard that the older it gets, the nicer it gets...


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To the editor:
It has now been a year since my first column with the LaFollette Press. People say time flies when you're having fun, but I think we're a forgetful bunch.
I'm not good at saying good-byes.
It's partly because I've said my fair share of farewells in life. None are ever easy.
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