Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/274280136?client_source=feed&format=rss
once upon a time once upon a time adam shulman adam shulman peanut butter recall jason aldean Brigitte Nielsen
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Stocks soar on budget deal, but problems lurk
A trader works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The ?fiscal cliff? compromise, for all its chaos and controversy, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A trader works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The ?fiscal cliff? compromise, for all its chaos and controversy, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The ?fiscal cliff? compromise, for all its chaos and controversy, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The ?fiscal cliff? compromise, for all its chaos and controversy, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The ?fiscal cliff? compromise, for all its chaos and controversy, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
NEW YORK (AP) ? The "fiscal cliff" compromise, even with all its chaos, controversy and unresolved questions, was enough to ignite the stock market on Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year.
The Dow Jones industrial average careened more than 300 points higher, its biggest gain since December 2011. It's now just 5 percent below its record high close reached in October 2007. The Russell 2000, an index that tracks smaller companies, shot up to 873.42, the highest close in its history.
The reverie multiplied across the globe, with stock indexes throughout Europe and Asia leaping higher. A leading British index, the FTSE 100, closed above 6,000 for the first time since July 2011, at 6,027.37.
In the U.S., the rally was extraordinarily broad. For every stock that fell on the New York Stock Exchange, roughly 10 rose. All 30 stocks that make up the Dow rose, as did 94 percent of the stocks in the Standard & Poor's 500 index.
U.S. government bond prices dipped sharply as investors pulled money out of safe-harbor investments. And the VIX, the "fear index" that measures investors' expectations of future market volatility, plunged more than 18 percent to 14.68, the lowest close since October.
The very last week of each year and the first two days of the new year usually average out to a gain for U.S. stocks. But the size of this year's gains made it stand out.
The Dow has risen on the first day of the trading year for each of the past four years, from 2009 to 2012. The average gain was 171 points ? sizable, but still much smaller than Wednesday's leap of 308.41.
In the midst of the euphoria, many investors remained cautious. The deal that politicians hammered out merely postpones the country's budget reckoning, they said, rather than averting it.
"Washington negotiations remind me of the Beach Boys song, 'We'll have fun, fun, fun 'til her daddy takes the T-Bird away,'" Jack Ablin, chief investment officer of BMO Private Bank in Chicago, wrote in a note to clients.
"Nothing got solved," added T. Doug Dale, chief investment officer for Security Ballew Wealth Management in Jackson, Miss.
According to these and other market watchers, investors were celebrating Wednesday not because they love the budget deal that was cobbled together, but because they were grateful there was any deal at all.
"Most people think that no deal would have been worse than a bad deal," said Mark Lehmann, president of JMP Securities in San Francisco.
The House passed the budget bill late Tuesday night, a contentious exercise because many Republicans had wanted a deal that did more to cut government spending. The Senate had already approved the bill.
The late-night haggling was a product of lawmakers wanting to avert a sweeping set of government spending cuts and tax increases that kicked in Tuesday, the start of the new year, because there was no budget deal ready. The scenario came to be known as the fiscal cliff, because of the threat it posed to the fragile U.S. economic recovery.
The bill that passed Tuesday night ended the stalemate for now, but it leaves many questions unanswered.
The deal doesn't include any significant deficit-cutting agreement, meaning the country still doesn't have a long-term plan or even an agreement in principle on how to rein in spending. Big cuts to defense and domestic programs, which were slated to kick in with the new year, weren't worked out but instead were just delayed for two months. And the U.S. is still bumping up against its borrowing limit, or "debt ceiling."
"There's definitely another drama coming down the road," said Lehmann. "That's the March cliff."
The political bickering that's almost certain to persist could have another unwelcome effect: influencing ratings agencies to cut the U.S. government's credit score. That happened before, when Standard & Poor's cut its rating on U.S. government debt in August 2011, and the stock market plunged.
Even so, Wednesday's performance gave no hint of the dark clouds on the horizon.
The Dow enjoyed big gains throughout the day, up by more than 200 points within minutes of the opening bell. It swelled even bigger in the final half hour of trading, and closed up 2.4 percent to 13,412.55.
The Standard & Poor's 500 jumped 36.23, or 2.5 percent, to 1,462.42. The Nasdaq rose 92.75, or 3.1 percent, to 3,112.26.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose sharply, to 1.84 percent from 1.75 percent. Prices for oil and key metals were up. The price of copper, which can be a gauge of how investors feel about manufacturing, rose 2.3 percent. The Dow Jones transportation index rose to its highest point since July 2011.
The gains persisted despite small reminders that there are still serious problems punctuating the world economy, like middling growth in the U.S. and the still-unsolved European debt crisis. The government reported that U.S. builders spent less on construction projects in November, the first decline in eight months. And the president of debt-wracked Cyprus said he'd refuse to sell government-owned companies, a provision that the country's bailout deal says it must at least consider.
Among stocks making big moves, Zipcar shot up 48 percent, rising $3.94 to $12.18, after the company said it would sell itself to Avis. Avis rose 5 percent, up 95 cents to $20.77.
Marriott rose 4 percent, up $1.52 to $38.79, after SunTrust analysts upgraded the stock to "buy." Headphone maker Skullcandy dropped 13 percent, losing 99 cents to $6.80, after Jefferies analysts downgraded it to "underperform."
Associated PressDavid Boudia David Rakoff Bourne Legacy Chad Johnson London 2012 Soccer dwight howard Olympics closing ceremony
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
When Employers' Health Plans Disappear, Workers Often Have Few ...
For some people, the promise of employer-provided health insurance is reason enough to take a job or stay put in one. But unexpected events -- a corporate bankruptcy or sale, for example -- can undermine the security of on-the-job coverage and leave both employees and retirees with few affordable options.
Starting in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will make it easier for people who lose their job-based coverage to get comprehensive health insurance at a price they can afford through the state-based health insurance exchanges.
For Robin Hunt, however, 2014 seems like a long way off. Diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, Hunt, 57, had been insured through her husband's employer, a construction company near their home in Tyler, Tex. The couple finds their plan very expensive: They pay a premium of $240 a week to cover both of them, and they have a $5,000 deductible.
Last year, Hunt caught viral pneumonia; they are still paying off the out-of-pocket expenses from that illness. But the plan helps Hunt cover the cost of follow-up care and pay for several medications, including Arimidex, a drug that helps reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of her breast cancer.
In December, the Hunts learned that their premium would rise to $400 a week. Then they got even worse news: The company said it couldn't find enough people to sign up for the plan among the firm's 50 employees and their family members, and so coverage would end on Dec. 31.
Hunt fears that with her cancer history, buying a plan on the individual market will be impossible. "I don't know what I'm going to do or where I'm going to turn," she said in an interview. "I shudder not to have insurance for the first time in my life."
Under a 1996 federal law known as HIPAA, people who lose their group coverage and don't have other health insurance options may be eligible for guaranteed individual coverage in a state-designated plan without facing preexisting condition exclusions.?
Similarly, some states require that some people who lose their group coverage be offered a "conversion policy" that lets them convert their group coverage into an individual plan. But benefits in these plans may not be as good as those in the group plan, and their prices may be high, experts say.
"In most states, there's no limit on how much more a HIPAA policy can cost than a regular plan," says Cheryl Fish-Parcham, deputy director of health policy at Families USA, a consumer advocacy group. "The plans often only include high-risk people, and rates are high."
The couple is not eligible to retain their insurance through COBRA, a federal law that allows workers at companies with 20 or more workers to pay the full price of their employer-sponsored coverage for 18 months after they are laid off or leave their job. In Hunt's case, her husband is remaining in his job but the health plan is being discontinued. So there is no job loss and no health plan to continue with, even if they wished to buy it.
Other types of corporate changes can also spell trouble for employee health insurance plans.
For example, if a company is reorganizing under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code and plans to continue operating, the health-care plan may change but often continues to operate, says Tom Billet, a senior consultant at human resources consultant Towers Watson.
But if a company is liquidating under Chapter 7, laid-off workers may be in a tougher spot. COBRA is not helpful because there's no longer a company health plan to buy. If that happens, they may be eligible for guaranteed coverage on the individual market, as Hunt was.
In situations where one company buys another, "there's a whole spectrum of possibilities," says Bruce Richards, chief health-care actuary for human resources consultant Mercer. The acquiring company may continue the same health coverage that employees at the acquired company had, at least for a time, or it may merge the new employees into the acquiring company's health plans. "It could be better or worse than their current employer's plan," Richards says.
Although active employees face uncertainty when a company changes hands or goes through bankruptcy, retiree health coverage may be particularly vulnerable, experts say.
Retirees who are 65 or older can rely on Medicare and a Medicare supplemental plan to fill in coverage previously provided by their retiree medical plan. Retirees younger than 65 are not so lucky. "Early retirees are in the worst spot possible if there's a bankruptcy," Richards says. Chances are, "their benefit plan will be terminated." If a company is sold, retiree benefits may or may not change, say experts.
"In general, a company continues the retiree coverage for those that are in the plan," Richards says. However, "that doesn't mean that at some point they can't terminate it."
Workers and early retirees alike will have more options in 2014 when the state-based health insurance exchanges begin selling comprehensive coverage to people who don't have access to health insurance elsewhere. Those with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for premium tax credits to help defray the cost.
At that point, even if workers are eligible to continue on their employer's plan under COBRA, they may not want to, experts say. Under COBRA, people have to pay 100 percent of the premium, plus a 2 percent administrative fee, in many cases.
Buying coverage instead on the exchanges would probably be a better deal. "You're unemployed; your income just dropped," says Paul Fronstin, director of the health research and education program at the Employee Benefit Research Institute. "If you go onto the exchange and buy coverage, you might be eligible for a subsidy."
As for Robin Hunt, she says she may remain uninsured. In the meantime, she's been applying for any job that might offer health insurance, but so far without success.
Please send comments or ideas for future topics for the Insuring Your Health column to questions@kaiserhealthnews.org.
All original KHN material ? articles, graphics and videos ? can be used for free, if you credit us and link to us. Learn more
acc tournament big ten tournament big east tournament 2012 solar storm solar flares spanx aurora borealis
Vacation Rental Property Owners And Pet Friendly Properties
Within the Vacation Rental property sector there are many market segments. Many vacation rental providers ignore them and simply treat the market as a whole. An attitude of ?here is a property, rent it?. In theory that is ok, but when everyone is doing it, you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. If you are lucky enough to have an amazing property then it may speak for itself but those who are trying to rent an ?average apartment or condo? may need to try harder.
All over the world human beings have one thing in common, their love of pets. Of course this does not apply to everyone but many, many people own at least one. They provide pleasure, security and many other rewards but most pet owners also accept the responsibility that goes with them. When they go on holiday they need to do something with their pet(s).
For some, that might mean leaving their pet in a suitable establishment. Many exist for cats and dogs but even that does not suit everyone. Some people simply do not want to be separated from their pet and where they go ?they go?. Dog ownership in different countries varies. In Spain there are huge numbers of dog owners with small breeds. Their dogs travel with them, most travel domestically so air travel is no barrier. Refusing pets in Spain will close the door to many bookings.
This can be good or bad news depending on the property owner. There is furniture, carpets, rugs, linen etc to think about and the idea of someones fluffy pooch leaving its hair everywhere might seem bonkers. But for others who may have furnished their property in a more practical manner there is an opportunity.
Pet friendly properties are no different than non-pet friendly ones with respect to ?type? of property. It is more of an attitude and thought about practical considerations. Anyone?s property can be pet friendly you just need to give it some thought. Basics like suitable drinking dishes for a cat or dog. Welcome packs can include a tin of cat or dog food. Cat litter tray and cat litter. Plastic bags so that owners can clear up excrement from outside areas. How about providing a dog or cat bed? Maybe include information in your ?information pack? about good walks for dogs and also contact details for the local vet as well as the local doctor. The more care you provide for the pet the more likely the same guest will return again.
Make sure you tell people. Good vacation rental agents will have their websites and computer systems setup so that pet friendly properties are clearly identified. This is not just a ?yes or no? setting. It should include the size of pet. There is a big difference between a small dog and a big one.
Size matters especially with dogs. You must specify in advance the size of dog you will accept and make sure that you include in your terms and conditions, relevant information relating to compensation for damages caused by a pet. Check insurance terms and conditions too. When a small terrier jumps on a sofa not a lot happens. It is slightly different when an old english sheepdog does the same.
Length of stay is important too. If someone is going to stay for a month or even two (very common in southern Europe) then their pet can become a big issue. To put them in kennels will cost a lot of money and it is for a long time. You can charge a premium for accepting a pet so this is not a ?cost? issue.
Community rules need checking before you take the plunge. Does the community permit pets? Some do not. This maybe a rental property but the same rules usually apply to guests as well as to the property owner.
More savvy vacation rental agents will include pet friendly sections on their websites or even specialised mini-websites with only their pet-friendly properties. Find one covering your area and see if they have any specific requirements.
Don?t forget pets are not just cats and dogs. Occasionally parrots, hamsters, snakes and reptiles will travel with the family on holiday. For some a pet is just like a child and they will move heaven and earth for them.
So if you want to stand out from the crowd consider pets and make your property ?pet friendly?. You may find it already is and you just need to tell people.
michigan primary results olympia snowe davey jones dead monsanto boston weather dr seuss birthday jennifer garner
New laws ban employers from Facebook logins
14 hrs.
With the start of the new year, some?states are just saying no?to employer snooping of employees' Facebook?accounts, with laws that prohibit bosses from being able to obtain your Facebook?login and password, as well as from getting?those for your?other social networking?accounts.
Six states???California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and?New Jersey???passed such?laws, with Michigan's being the most recent. It was signed into law Friday by Gov. Rick Snyder, and took effect immediately.
Michigan's?law also "penalizes educational institutions for dismissing or failing to admit a student who does not provide passwords and other account information used to access private Internet and email accounts, including social networks like Facebook and Twitter," according to Reuters.
California and Illinois' laws take effect Jan. 1, and extends the employer?ban to job applicants.?California and Delaware are going another step farther, "prohibiting higher education?institutions from requiring students to disclose social media passwords or account information," according to the?National Conference of State Legislatures.
California's law also applies the social media password snooping ban to public employers, not just private ones.?
Last spring, Maryland became the first state to prohibit employer access to social media accounts, spurred by the frightening tale of Robert Collins,?a state Department of of Public Safety and Correctional Services worker who was told he had to turn over his Facebook password if he wanted to be reinstated to his job?after he returned from a leave of absence.
The ACLU of Maryland took up his cause, posting?a YouTube video?of his story.?As NBC News' Helen A.S. Popkin wrote at that time, "employers and colleges demanding Facebook passwords or other inappropriate access to social network profiles gained national attention" after?NBC News'?Bob Sullivan first broke the storyof the not-uncommon practice.?
Meanwhile, in Texas last month,?a state Senate bill,?S.B. 118, was introduced that would make it illegal for an employer to require or ask for access to employees' and job applicants' personal accounts "through electronic communication devices."
For a detailed look at where various states stand on this issue, check the National Conference of State Legislatures' site.
As the organization noted, 14?states "introduced?legislation?in 2012 that would restrict employers from requesting access to social networking usernames and passwords of applicants, students or employees."
But some of those states are not very far along, from Massachusetts, where a bill was filed last March, ?but little else done;?to?Missouri, where a similar bill was introduced, sent to a committee last April and hasn't been heard from since.
Check out Technology, GadgetBox, Digital?Life and InGame on?Facebook,?and on?Twitter, follow Suzanne Choney.
goog Sylvia Kristel st louis cardinals Steelers Schedule tory burch Al Smith Dinner Herman Melville Books
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
FS: iPhone 4s Verizon 16GB Black
OK I had to start another thread because I think I found a laptop to buy so the phone is back up for cash sale but until I purchase the laptop I am still open to hear laptop trade offers. If you have a laptop and want to trade please search for my other post in this section to see what I am looking for.
The iPhone is very clean with no scratches or scuffs and is currently activated and working on Verizon so it has a clean ESN
The iPhone is Black 16GB comes in original box with all accessories including charger, iPhone cable, headphones and manuals
I am throwing in 2 New White rubber cases and 2 New black rubber cases and 1 Otter Box Defender used without the belt clip
I am currently looking to break even on the laptop I am looking to buy so current asking price is $225 + S&H
I don't want to mess with unlocking, jail breaking or anything else, I will leave that up to the buyer
Heatware: mypartsguy I have an 800+ rating with Paypal and my account is Verified Premier
Source: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1736945&goto=newpost
new york knicks president day lin j.r. smith espn jeremy lin sleigh bells meek
Best Latino Athletes of 2012: Lionel Messi, Ryan Lochte, Danell Leyva And More Shinning Stars
This year was marked by the 2012 London Olympics, where Latino athletes were some of the most successful players bringing glory in the shape of gold, silver and bronze medals.
Athletes like swimmer Ryan Lochte and gymnast Danell Leyva, both of Cuban descent, as well as Puerto Rican-American football player, Victor Cruz, and Venezuelan baseball player Pablo Sandoval, shone in their respective sports, becoming icons in the process.
But perhaps the most epic stories came from Latin America, where the Mexican national soccer team was able to dominate their Brazilian counterpart in the Olympic soccer finals, winning their first Olympic gold in the history of the team. Lionel Messi also established himself as one of the greatest sports figures in history, breaking records by leading the Spanish Barcelona soccer team ?Bar?a? to multiple victories.
And let's not forget the powerful knockout by Juan Manuel Marquez, which was enough to send legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao to the ring floor in a memorable match in Las Vegas, Nevada that left many astonished.
Check out these and more outstanding Latino athletes in 2012 above.
"; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed(this, html, undefined, 'top', {fp_intersects:1, timeout_remove:2000,ignore_arrow: true, width:236, add_xy:coords, class_name: 'clear-overlay'}); });
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/31/best-latino-athletes-2012_n_2389226.html
hornets prince johan friso windows 8 logo anguilla gone with the wind michael jordan checkers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)