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The Wildest One-Off: A Giant Mustang Truck with Ram Features
2024-12-10
The car industry is a realm of endless creativity and innovation. Among the plethora of one-of-a-kind creations, one particular vehicle stands out. This is the Rammus, a remarkable combination that merges the bodies of a 2015 Ford Mustang with a Ram pickup truck. The result is a gigantic convertible that resembles a sports coupe from the 1920s, captivating the hearts of many.

Uniting Two Titans for a Stunning Visual

Design and Construction

The Rammus was discovered and shared on Instagram by pro car photographer Larry Chen. Commissioned by Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, this machine is a sight to behold. Riding on the Ram's chassis, it retains the upper portions of the Mustang's body but sits significantly higher off the ground. The comically large fender flares house giant whitewall tires, and two fender-mounted spares add to its unique charm. The elongated hood gives the vehicle an imposing look, and the overall proportions are well-balanced, despite the cavernous engine bay that only appears about 40-percent full. There are even little metal locating poles on either end of the front bumper to assist the driver in positioning the nose, indicating meticulous planning.

Under the hood, a 6.4-liter naturally aspirated Hemi V-8 engine and an automatic transmission power this beast. The Rammus retains the Ram's four-wheel drive system, and according to Chen, it drives like a truck. Inside, the interior is all Mustang, with the exception of the steering wheel and column-mounted gear selector, which seem to have been taken directly from the Ram donor truck. This seamless blend of two different vehicle platforms creates a one-of-a-kind driving experience.

Performance and Handling

While the Rammus may not be as fast as some of the record-holding Mustangs, its performance is still impressive. The four-wheel drive system provides excellent traction, allowing it to handle various terrains with ease. The large tires and high ground clearance give it a commanding presence on the road, making it a head-turner wherever it goes. Although it drives like a truck in terms of handling, the Rammus offers a unique driving experience that combines the best of both worlds.

The engine's power is sufficient to propel the Rammus forward with authority. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, ensuring a seamless driving experience. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating through city streets, the Rammus commands attention and turns heads. Its unique design and performance characteristics make it a true standout in the car world.

Visual Appeal and Impact

The Rammus is not just a vehicle; it's a work of art. Its combination of the Mustang and Ram bodies creates a visually stunning masterpiece that is hard to ignore. The 1920s sports coupe-inspired design gives it a timeless appeal, while the modern elements such as the large tires and fender flares add a touch of modernity. Every detail of the Rammus has been carefully considered, from the metal locating poles to the unique paint job, making it a true eye-catcher.

For some people, the visual impact of the Rammus is what matters most. It stands out from the crowd and makes a statement wherever it is parked. Whether at a car show or on the street, the Rammus commands attention and leaves a lasting impression. Its uniqueness makes it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

After Landmark Hospital Report, Vermont Lawmakers Aim for Health Reforms
2024-12-10
Sen. Ginny Lyons D-Chittenden Southeast plays a crucial role as the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare chair. In February 2024, she questioned Green Mountain Care Board Chair Owen Foster and Secretary of Human Services Jenney Samuelson about a consultant's report recommending sweeping changes to the state's health care system. This report, issued by Oliver Wyman in September, proposed a broad redesign including hospital consolidations and investments in rural areas.

Key Challenges and Proposed Reforms

Vermont's aging population has made its health care system increasingly unsustainable. Private health insurance premiums are among the highest and fastest-growing in the country, and many hospitals and clinics operate at a loss. Appointments for primary and specialty care are scarce. The consultant's report offered a series of recommendations to address these issues.

Lawmakers are now working on legislation to simplify the approval process for new health care facilities, which is notoriously costly and time-consuming. Sen. Lyons is leading this effort with another senator. She also plans to examine the compatibility of hospitals' and clinics' electronic medical records systems and may introduce a bill to start the discussion.

Rep. Lori Houghton, the outgoing chair of the House Health Care Committee, mentioned that emergency medical services will be a focus in the upcoming session. Some reforms are already in process, such as those signed by Gov. Phil Scott last spring. However, there is still more work to be done to make the transformation quicker.

Hospital and Health System Perspectives

Devon Green, a lobbyist for the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, supports many of the proposals from Lyons and Houghton. She emphasized that hospitals are already making changes in response to the report and want to work in partnership with other healthcare providers and state leaders.

Despite the efforts, not all of the consultancy's recommendations are being considered. Some proposals, such as limiting hospital billing and ending certain procedures, are outside the Legislature's purview or would lead to intense battles.

Regulatory and Cost Considerations

Sen. Lyons also wants to reexamine health care regulation in the state, echoing a bill she backed in the 2024 session. She believes there is a need to address regulatory gaps and clarify who is in charge of what. As the cost of health care continues to rise, lawmakers need to assess the effectiveness of earlier initiatives.

Houghton agreed that there is little the Legislature can do in the short term to make care and insurance more affordable. However, a concerted effort is needed to understand how existing programs are working and make necessary adjustments.

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OSF HealthCare Names Longtime Employee as Next CEO in 2026
2024-12-10
In a significant announcement on Tuesday, OSF HealthCare revealed that its chief executive officer, Bob Sehring, will be retiring in April 2026. This marks a crucial moment in the organization's history as it prepares for a new leadership era. Under Sehring's leadership, OSF HealthCare has achieved remarkable feats, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape.

Honoring Bob Sehring's Contributions

OSF HealthCare Ministries chairperson Sister Agnes Joseph Williams expressed deep gratitude for Sehring's extraordinary contributions. "Under his leadership, our Ministry has reached remarkable milestones. Through strategic growth via mergers and acquisitions, we now serve 17 communities with hospitals. Last year, we provided care to over 1 million patients, demonstrating unwavering strength during the pandemic and its aftermath. Our oncology services have advanced significantly, with the opening of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria earlier this year. And his unwavering commitment to rural healthcare has been truly inspiring," she said.Sehring joined OSF in 2002 as vice president for business support services for OSF HealthPlans, Inc. and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2004. His leadership journey continued with appointments as chief Ministry Services officer in 2013 and chief executive officer of the Central Region in 2015. Finally, he became the CEO in 2017. "Serving the sacred Ministry of OSF HealthCare has been a profound blessing in my life. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis have always served as a guiding light, ensuring we strive to serve every person with the utmost care and love. I have full confidence that Michelle will lead the Ministry with a focus on providing compassionate and advanced care to our communities in the years to come," Sehring said.

Michelle Conger's Ascent to Leadership

Michelle Conger will assume the role of OSF HealthCare president in January 2025 and succeed Sehring as CEO upon his retirement. Her impact on the Ministry has been extensive, leading strategic and innovative approaches to keep OSF at the forefront of healthcare delivery. "Her leadership and dedication to operational excellence will ensure the continued success of our Ministry," Williams added.Conger began her career at OSF in 1993 in a clinical capacity and as a Six Sigma Black Belt at Peoria's OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center. Since 2010, she has been the chief strategy officer, and since 2018, she has served as the chief executive officer of OSF OnCall Digital Health. "I am truly honored for the trust the Sisters and Bob are placing in me as the next CEO. OSF HealthCare has thrived under Bob's leadership, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to advance healthcare for the communities we serve. As healthcare continues to evolve, we will prioritize ensuring OSF is a leader in meeting the expectations of our patients and advancing clinical excellence," Conger said.See photos:Inside OSF’s new Cancer Institute in Peoria
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