Commentary

Efficiency: ‘16 Toyota RAV4

With a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and two-row seating for five, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 offers a balance of fuel efficiency, cargo capacity and stylish design. Plus, the RAV4 is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Hybrid, SE, Limited, and Limited Hybrid.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2016 RAV4 gas models begins at $24,350. The MSRP for the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid is $28,370 for the XLE Hybrid and $33,610 for the Limited Hybrid.

Engine

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Four categories defined by MIPS correlate with four strategies SETMA defined in 2000-2005

This is a three-part series that examines SETMA’s work over the last 20 years and how it anticipated the categories of the MACRA and MIPS. While I personally like MACRA and MIPS, there are elements of its design that perpetuate past healthcare reform design flaws. This series examines those flaws and recommends means of resolving them.

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SETMA’s innovations over the past 20 years have prepared us for MACRA and MIPS

Sept. 20, SETMA’s provider training session focused on MACRA, the acronym for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, and MIPS, the acronym for the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System.

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Pick up that book, turn those pages

OK, OK, I know that many of you no longer actually pick up a book, open the covers, and turn the pages. I am familiar with Kindle, iPads, various other readers on the market, and my computer, but for me, although I have several devices, I still prefer the bound book. It doesn’t have to be a hardback or library edition. A good paperback will suffice, and a loaned or gifted copy is great, too. In fact, I have been thinking of ways to get our readers to share books they’ve already read with others.

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The luxury utility of the Lexus RX 350

Lexus created the blueprint for its luxury crossover utility vehicle more than 15 years ago with the launch of the original RX model in 1998. Today, Lexus continues its success in this segment with the 2016 RX 350, which has a starting MSRP of $43,020.

For 2016, a 3.5-liter direct-injection gasoline-powered V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque powers the RX 350 and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. (A hybrid model is also available.)

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Pet of the Week - Sasha

Sasha should really be named chatty Kathy. When you walk into the cat room at the shelter, Sasha is always the first to say hello. She just loves to have conversations with BAS staff and even chirps. She’s a young, beautiful tabby cat around 8 months old and has big bright yellow eyes. Take a look at her super long tail; it is rather bushy and has really cool stripes on it. Please stop by the shelter and fill out an adoption application. The cost to adopt her is $30, and she is fully vaccinated and ready to go home with you.

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Pet of the Week - Maximus

Maximus, a young male blue heeler approximately 1 1/2 years old, is available for adoption. He’s current on all his vaccinations and neutered. Blue heelers are working dogs, so he’ll need a big yard or, even better, a ranch or farm setting. Heelers are herding dogs, so homes with young children are not recommended. Maximus is alert and watchful and would be a great guardian for people and property.

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Honda’s redesigned mid-size truck, the 2017 Ridgeline

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the second generation of Honda’s midsize pickup truck, redesigned from the ground up. With a starting MSRP of $29,475, the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline comes in a total of seven trim levels, a choice of 2WD or AWD systems, and offers many new features.

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Kia's 2017 Sportage

The all-new 2017 Sportage, the fourth generation of Kia Motors America’s longest-running nameplate, features a contemporary exterior, spacious interior cabin and three distinct trim levels: LX, EX and SX Turbo.

Modern interior

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Pet of the Week - Mercedes

Lovely little Mercedes is what we call a pocket pitty. She is full-grown and only weighs 39 pounds. As you can see, her previous owners neglected to care for her skin. This condition, called demodex, is not contagious and is very easy to fix. We just know she is going to be a gorgeous young lady once her skin clears up. We think she would do best in a home with children 10 and up. She is a little particular about her doggie friends. She prefers, well ... dogs just like her!

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