GOP assails Obama on foreign policy, defense

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., salutes before addressing the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., salutes before addressing the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) ? Republicans delivered a scathing indictment of President Barack Obama's national security policy, although the Democrat's aggressive approach has often been compared to that of his GOP predecessor, George W. Bush.

Defense and foreign policy, largely footnotes during the first two days of the Republican convention, were at the core of speeches by Sen. John McCain, Obama's presidential rival in 2008, and Condoleezza Rice, Bush's secretary of state. Neither uttered Obama's name Wednesday night in their prime-time remarks, but the target of their criticism was clear.

"For four years, we've drifted away from our proudest traditions of global leadership," McCain said. "We've let the challenges we face, both at home and abroad, become harder to solve."

He faulted Obama for projected cuts to defense spending, a timetable for withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan and an unwillingness to use more U.S. military force to stop the months of bloodshed in Syria. McCain drew the loudest applause when he criticized the government over suspected national security leaks.

Rice acknowledged the nation's weariness from the two long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that Bush started but said: "If we are not inspired to lead again, one of two things will happen: No one will lead and that will foster chaos, or others who do not share our values will fill the vacuum. ... We do not have a choice. We cannot be reluctant to lead ? and one cannot lead from behind."

Republicans have seized on the words "leading from behind," which an unnamed Obama adviser used in a New Yorker article, even though the idea is to empower others while avoiding the perception of unilateral U.S. action.

Rice recalled standing at her desk the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, and learning of the terrorist attacks. She made no mention of Osama bin Laden and Obama's order as commander in chief for the Navy SEAL operation that killed the terrorist leader.

"Our friends and allies must be able to trust us," she said. "From Israel to Poland to the Philippines to Colombia and across the world ? they must know that we are reliable and consistent and determined. ... Our military capability and technological advantage will be safe in Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan's hands."

National security has barely warranted a mention at the convention as jobs and the economy remain the dominant issues for the electorate. The short shrift also reflects a political reality of the past four years ? Republicans have made little headway in challenging Obama's aggressive security policies.

Obama has waged a secret campaign against al-Qaida in two countries ? one on the Arab Peninsula, the other on Africa's east coast. Navy SEALs took out bin Laden in Pakistan in May 2011 and armed drones have pursued al-Qaida terrorists within the country, degrading the group.

The U.S. military and allied forces aided rebels who overthrew Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi last year. Prodded by Congress, Obama has imposed tough sanctions on Iran amid recent hints of a cyberwar against Tehran. The president has ended the war in Iraq and taken steps to draw down U.S. forces in Afghanistan after more than a decade of fighting.

Romney insisted Wednesday that Obama has been less than forceful.

"For the past four years, President Obama has allowed our leadership to diminish," the Republican presidential candidate told the American Legion in a speech in Indianapolis. "In dealings with other nations, he has given trust where it is not earned, insult where it is not deserved and apology where it is not due."

Rice was pressed repeatedly during an interview on "CBS This Morning" to provide specific examples of where Obama has failed on foreign policy. She declined to offer any examples.

"It's a question about what a President Romney would do," she said. "There is no doubt that the United States' voice has been muted. When the United States' voice is muted, the world is a more dangerous place."

A group of Democrats countering the Republican line argued that the ticket of Romney and Paul Ryan is the least experienced on national security of any Republican presidential duo in decades.

National security "is a strength of President Obama's," said former Rep. Tim Roemer, D-Ind., who cited the "litany of achievements and accomplishments of the Obama administration," including the killing of bin Laden, the fall of Gadhafi and aid to Israel for the "Iron Dome" system to intercept shorter-range rockets that might be launched by Palestinian and Hezbollah militants.

"No wonder Republicans don't want to talk about national security when the president has a spotless record," Roemer said.

Republicans are convinced, however, that they can make political inroads with cuts in military spending even though they voted for the reductions last summer.

"The Obama administration is set to cut defense spending by nearly a trillion dollars. My administration will not," said Romney, a former Massachusetts governor.

In fact, some $500 billion in cuts are over 10 years and were part of the deficit-cutting plan that Obama and congressional Republicans backed in August 2011. Romney's running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, and McCain voted for the reductions.

If Congress fails to agree on another plan to slash the deficit, an additional $500 billion in cuts would kick in during January 2013.

Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, R-Calif., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said Wednesday that he'd "like to see the governor beat up on the president" over the looming cuts.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2012-08-30-GOP-National%20Security/id-9c0e1661892148aab554a5a535e78782

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Synergy Effect: Raspberry Keytones

There has been tremendous hype in the media surrounding raspberry ketones. ?Raspberry ketones have been in 'fat burner' products for years and only recently have been isolated and promoted independently as a weight loss supplement. ?There is some real science behind it that shows it may produce results but as with any supplement, check with your doctor because there can be side effects.
? ? ?Raspberry ketones encourage the breakdown or metabolism of fat and that is where its 'fat burner' reputation lies. ?It has a thermogenic effect that encourages breakdown of fat cells as well as possibly?mimicking?norepinephrine (which is the fight-or-flight hormone). ?So taking too much could be dangerous for those with high blood pressure or heart issues. ?It is also said to mimick the hormone, Adiponectin, wich helps in the regulation of sugar and fat in the blood. They say people who are naturally thin have higher levels of this hormone. ?It is said that extra body weight inhibits or reduces the ability of this hormone to function so your body behaves like it's 'fat' by storing more fat instead of burning it. ?Where as if you have adequate amounts/synthesis of adiponectin, your body will burn or release fat as opposed to automatically storing it. For some, their results are the proof that it works. ?Many claim that it was a miracle for them and helped them shed long lasting unwanted pounds (in conjunction with diet and exercise). ?And for many, with the guidance of their doctor, it may be a viable addition to a weight loss plan. ?The draw back is that so far, studies have not been done on humans so it is impossible to know all or any long-term or short-term affects. ?As with any supplement (vitamin, herbal, or otherwise), you should check with your doctor first-especially if you have any preexisting conditions. ?The safest way to shed unwanted pounds is not the easiest but it produces results beyond the physical. ?Diet and exercise. ?Exercise has been shown to increase?serotonin?("feel-good" hormone), decrease cortisol (stress hormone), increase BMR (metabolism), increases confidence, produces better sleep, and the list goes on and on. ?And you can't forget what a vital part diet is. ?The list of benefits (beyond weight loss) from eating a healthy, whole, varied, unprocessed diet is immeasurable. ?I know it takes longer and it can be harder, but I prefer the amazing added benefits of losing weight the safest natural way as opposed to finding weight loss in a bottle. ?All the hard work, effort, determination, and fortitude make the goal achieved that much sweeter!
~Joy

Source: http://synergy-effect.blogspot.com/2012/08/raspberry-keytones.html

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Nourishment With out Feel dissapointed about ... - Critical Care 2011

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Source: http://www.criticalcare2011.org/nourishment-with-out-feel-dissapointed-about-what-you-should-make-nourishment-pleasurable

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Did Todd Akin just cost GOP a US Senate takeover? (+video)

With the uproar over his comment on 'legitimate rape,' Missouri Rep. Todd Akin has likely hurt his chances at beating Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in November. Control of the Senate hangs in the balance ? and Akin is resisting calls to exit the race.

By Linda Feldmann,?Staff writer / August 20, 2012

Rep. Todd Akin (R) of Missouri speaks at the Missouri Farm Bureau candidate interview and endorsement meeting in Jefferson City, Mo., in this Aug. 10 photo. Akin, the GOP's Senate candidate in Missouri, is now under fire for saying women are not likely to become pregnant as a result of a 'legitimate rape.'

Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/AP

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Amid the uproar over Rep. Todd Akin?s comment on ?legitimate rape,? one question has risen to the top: Did the Missouri Senate candidate just take his party one step away from taking over the US Senate?

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Rep. Todd Akin's comments on "legitimate rape" have forced Republican party leaders, including Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, to suggest he quit the race for Senate in Missouri. Wyatt Andrews reports.

Congressman Akin is now damaged in his quest to beat the most vulnerable Democrat in the Senate, Claire McCaskill, and his party knows it. Several Republican senators have called on him to drop out of the race. The senator in charge of the GOP?s Senate election effort, John Cornyn of Texas, said in a statement that Akin should take 24 hours and ?carefully consider what is best for him, his family, the Republican Party, and the values that he cares about and has fought for throughout his career in public service."

The Cornyn statement suggested that Akin should quit the race, and raised doubts over whether the National Republican Senatorial Committee will invest money in the race if he remains a candidate.

In a radio interview Monday afternoon, Akin dug in his heels.

?To quote my friend John Paul Jones, I?ve not yet begun to fight,? Akin said on Mike Huckabee?s radio show.?

Akin is reportedly being encouraged to stay in the race by his wife, who is a close adviser, and his son, who is running his Senate campaign.

Akin has also received statements of support from two prominent anti-abortion leaders ? Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, and Marjorie Dannenfelser, head of the Susan B. Anthony List. This opposing view raises the specter of a division among Republicans on the eve of their convention over the place of the abortion issue in the campaign. Many Republican leaders want to keep the campaign focused on the economy, President Obama?s weak spot, and away from divisive social issues.

The furor over Akin began on Sunday, when he asserted in a TV interview that pregnancy from rape is ?really rare.? He was explaining his opposition to abortion with no exceptions.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/wkkuu-aGH2Y/Did-Todd-Akin-just-cost-GOP-a-US-Senate-takeover-video

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NewsDaily: Prudential top bidder for Hartford life insurance business ...

Prudential top bidder for Hartford life insurance business: Bloomberg

---

Posted 2012/08/18 at 6:44 pm EDT

CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2012 (Reuters) ? Insurer Prudential Financial Inc. has emerged as the top bidder for the individual life insurance business of rival The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc, a sale that could be worth roughly $1 billion, Bloomberg reported on Saturday.

A possible deal between the No. 2 U.S. life insurer Prudential and The Hartford is still weeks away and could crumble, Bloomberg reported, citing two people with knowledge of the matter.

Under pressure from hedge fund manager and shareholder John Paulson, The Hartford said in March that it was shedding most of its life insurance-related businesses and focusing on property insurance.

At the end of July, it struck a deal to sell its Woodbury Financial Services brokerage unit to insurance giant American International Group Inc.

Among the other companies interested in The Hartford's life insurance business is Birmingham, Alabama-based Protective Life Corporation , Bloomberg reported.

Prudential and The Hartford declined to comment. Protective did not immediately return requests for comment.

(Reporting By Eric Johnson; Editing by Xavier Briand)

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Source: http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/bre87h0ad-us-prudential-deal/

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Statoil Encounters Oil in Geitungen

Statoil has made an oil discovery on at the Geitungen prospect, reported Det norske, a partner in Production License 265. Oil was encountered and a core sample was recovered.

Drilling operations are ongoing and the final results from the well are not yet available, Det norske said in a statement.

The Ocean Vanguard (mid-water semisub) is drilling exploratory well 16/2-12 to a total depth of 6,759 feet (2,060 meters) to prove the presence of oil-bearing Jurassic sandstones similar to the Johan Sverdrup discovery.

Statoil operates the field with a 40 percent stake; while Lundin holds 10 percent; Petoro holds 30 percent; and Det norske holds the remaining 20 percent.

With more than 10 years of journalism experience, Robin Dupre specializes in the offshore sector of the oil and gas industry. Email Robin at rdupre@rigzone.com.

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

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RigLogix can provide the information that you need about the offshore rig fleet, whether you need utilization and industry trends or detailed reports on future rig contracts. Subscribing to RigLogix will allow you to access dozens of prebuilt reports and build your own custom reports using hundreds of available data columns. For more information about a RigLogix subscription, visit www.riglogix.com.

Source: http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/120080/Statoil_Encounters_Oil_in_Geitungen?rss=true

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Syria: Clashes near airport in contested Aleppo

In this Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 photo, Syrian children line up to wait their turn to buy bread, outside a bakery shop in the town of Azaz on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria. Bread and other daily needs have become harder to come by in some areas in Syria. The U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said Thursday, Aug. 15, 2012, that the humanitarian situation has worsened amid the fighting and that some 2.5 million people in the country are in need of assistance. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)

In this Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 photo, Syrian children line up to wait their turn to buy bread, outside a bakery shop in the town of Azaz on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria. Bread and other daily needs have become harder to come by in some areas in Syria. The U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said Thursday, Aug. 15, 2012, that the humanitarian situation has worsened amid the fighting and that some 2.5 million people in the country are in need of assistance. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)

Syrian refugees wait outside a clinic at Zaatari Syrian refugee camp, in Mafraq, Jordan, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

In this Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 photo, a Syrian refugee family sit under a tree by the border with Turkey after they left their home, in the town of Azaz on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria. Thousands of Syrians who have been displaced by the country's civil are struggling to find safe shelter while shelling and airstrikes by government forces continue. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)

In this Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 photo, a Syrian elderly man walks past a destroyed building in the town of Azaz on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria. Thousands of Syrians who have been displaced by the country's civil are struggling to find safe shelter while shelling and airstrikes by government forces continue. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)

In this Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 photo, Syrians buy bread at a bakery shop in the town of Azaz on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria. Bread and other daily needs have become harder to come by in some areas in Syria. The U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said Thursday, Aug. 15, 2012, that the humanitarian situation has worsened amid the fighting and that some 2.5 million people in the country are in need of assistance. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)

BEIRUT (AP) ? Syrian forces battled rebels near the airport in war-battered Aleppo, Syria's state media said Friday, in the first official acknowledgment that fighting has reached the doorstep of the strategic site in the country's largest city.

Rebel footholds in Aleppo have been the target of weeks of Syrian shelling and air attacks as part of wider offensives by President Bashar Assad's regime. Rebels have been driven from some areas, but the report of clashes near the airport suggests the battles could be shifting to new fronts.

Syria's official SANA news agency said "armed terrorist groups" ? the regime's phrase for rebels ? had been pushed out from areas on both sides of the airport, which is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Aleppo's historical center.

The report did not make it clear whether the fighting was closer to the international airport or the adjacent military airfield, a hub for air strike missions on rebel sites in the north.

Aleppo carries major symbolic and strategic value. It's the hub of northern Syria and close to rebel-held territory and critical supply corridors to the Turkish border.

Rebels have sought control of the ancient center, dominated by a medieval Crusader castle. That would deal an embarrassing blow to the regime's claim that its overwhelming firepower can halt opposition advances.

Civilians, meanwhile, have been increasingly caught in the crossfire. At dawn Thursday, shells fired by the Syrian military hit a bread line outside a bakery in Aleppo, killing at least 10 people, activists said.

"Those who think that the Syrian Arab army will be defeated are dreaming," said Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Moallem in a state TV interview late Thursday.

The core of Assad's military and political power appears to remain in place, but major cracks have emerged in the wider reaches of his regime. They include high-level military and political defections and the ability of rebel guerrillas to stage bombings and abductions in the heart of the capital, Damascus.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who visited Syria's neighbors Jordan and Lebanon this week, told France's Europe-1 radio Friday that he was told "there will be new defections on a large scale." He gave no other details.

Fabius also defended France's refusal to send weapons to the Syrian rebels, despite their appeals for military help. He claimed rebel backers Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others are sending arms to the rebels ? although there has been no evidence of sharply enhanced military firepower by the anti-Assad forces.

"We Europeans decided on an arms embargo," he said. "We are not going to contradict our own positions."

In Damascus, U.N. officials in Syria were starting to close down their military observer mission after failed international attempts to broker a cease-fire. The U.N. plans to keep a small liaison office to support any future peace efforts to end the more than 17-month civil war, which activists say has left more than 20,000 people dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

The U.N.'s assistant secretary-general for peacekeeping, Edmond Mulet, said both sides have "chosen the path of war."

In Lebanon, tensions from Syria have slipped over into the volatile patchwork of factions backing the rebels and others firmly behind Assad's regime, such as Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

A powerful Shiite Muslim clan in Lebanon claims to hold more than 20 Syrian nationals and a Turk in retaliation for the seizure of a family member by rebels in Syria this week. The clan said Thursday it was calling off "military operations" and would halt abductions for now.

Another captive was taken by unknown gunmen. Police officials said a Turkish truck driver, Abdel Basit Erslan, was seized as he was driving in the Beirut suburb of Choueifat. The officials said it was unclear who was behind the abduction Thursday night.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-08-17-Syria/id-86d1c33070c0428a816612387ba8454b

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Cablevision set to offer NFL Network, RedZone Channel after finally striking a deal

It certainly took a lot longer than we expected it to, but it's here at last: Cablevision and the National Football League have finally struck a viewing deal -- a multi-year agreement, no less. Earlier today, the aforementioned TV provider announced it will start offering the well-known NFL Network and RedZone Channel to its Optimum TV customers starting tomorrow, with both channels being available in standard definition and, of course, high-def as well. Naturally, Cablevision users will have to be subscribed to the proper IO package in order to get the action included in these channels, but something tells us you won't mind upgrading your bundle if need be. The official word from the cable company's in the PR below, and now you have something else to look forward to tomorrow.

Continue reading Cablevision set to offer NFL Network, RedZone Channel after finally striking a deal

Filed under: Home Entertainment

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Silver Considering Coney Island, Willets Point As Casino Destinations

(credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) ? A powerful New York lawmaker could be placing his bets on a Coney Island casino.

State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is reportedly considering the historic site for a betting place.

The idea has the backing of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

WCBS 880?s Peter Haskell reports

Willets Point in Queens is also being eyed as a possible casino destination.

Silver reportedly prefers the locations in Queens and Brooklyn over a location in Manhattan, like the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg insisted Monday that he?s never been a fan of gambling.

?I think history shows that wherever casinos are built the local communities, in spite of all the talk, very seldom benefit,? Bloomberg said.

The Daily News reported Bloomberg was leaning toward Willets Point over Coney Island as a gambling site but the mayor shot down the report.

?As God as my witness, I?ve never heard anybody ever suggest either one, and nobody?s certainly asked me,? Bloomberg said.

The mayor has said he understands the need to find new revenues, but isn?t convinced gambling is the answer.

However, if gambling is legalized, he?d certainly like the city to share in the revenues.

?If we?re going to have it, I think New York City should have it, and we should be able to get revenue for our needs, here,? Bloomberg said.

WCBS 880?s Alex Silverman reports

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Legislature took the first step earlier this year on getting a constitutional amendment to bring legalized casino gambling to New York.

The details are still being worked out but a public referendum in November 2013 will let the people have their say on whether New York should have full casino gambling.

New York could get as many as seven casinos if the plan goes through.

Would you like to get a casino in your neighborhood? Sound off below?

Source: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/08/13/silver-considering-coney-island-willets-point-as-casino-destinations/

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Law Office of Brodsky & Smith, LLC Announces Investigation of ...

BALA CYNWYD, Pa., Aug. 11, 2012 ? /PRNewswire/ ??Law office of Brodsky Smith, LLC announces that it is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of Robbins Myers, Inc. (?Robbins Myers? or the ?Company?) (NYSE: RBN) relating to the proposed acquisition by National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NYSE: NOV).

Under the terms of the transaction, Robbins Myers shareholders will receive only $60.00 per share in cash for each share of Robbins Myers stock they own. The investigation concerns possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law by the Board of Directors of Robbins Myers for not acting in the Company?s shareholders? best interests in connection with the sale process to NOV. The transaction may undervalue the Company as, for example, an analyst has set a target price for Robbins Myers stock at $65.00 per share.?

If you own shares of Robbins Myers stock and wish to discuss the legal ramifications of the proposed transaction, or have any questions, you may e-mail or call the law office of Brodsky Smith, LLC who will, without obligation or cost to you, attempt to answer your questions.? You may contact Jason L. Brodsky, Esquire or Evan J. Smith, Esquire at Brodsky Smith, LLC, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 602, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, by e-mail at investorrelations@brodsky-smith.com visiting http://brodsky-smith.com/465-rbn-robbins?myers-inc.html, or by calling toll free 877-LEGAL-90.

SOURCE Brodsky Smith, LLC

Article source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/11/4716406/law-office-of-brodsky-smith-llc.html

Source: http://lawyernet.co/law-office-of-brodsky-smith-llc-announces-investigation-of-robbins-myers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=law-office-of-brodsky-smith-llc-announces-investigation-of-robbins-myers

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Health care law's tax hikes are coming: Who pays?

FILE - This June 28, 2012 file photo shows people who waited in line overnight to hear the Supreme Court on a landmark case on health care hold their belongings as they make their way into the court in Washington. Who gets whacked by thumped by higher taxes in President Barack Obama's health care law? The wealthiest 2 percent of Americans take the biggest hit, starting next year. The pain also will be shared by some who aren't so well off _ people swept up in a hodgepodge of smaller tax changes that will help finance health coverage for millions in need. For the vast majority of people, however, the health care law won't mean sending more money to the IRS. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - This June 28, 2012 file photo shows people who waited in line overnight to hear the Supreme Court on a landmark case on health care hold their belongings as they make their way into the court in Washington. Who gets whacked by thumped by higher taxes in President Barack Obama's health care law? The wealthiest 2 percent of Americans take the biggest hit, starting next year. The pain also will be shared by some who aren't so well off _ people swept up in a hodgepodge of smaller tax changes that will help finance health coverage for millions in need. For the vast majority of people, however, the health care law won't mean sending more money to the IRS. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in Pueblo, Colo. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leaves a finance event on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Who gets thumped by higher taxes in President Barack Obama's health care law? The wealthiest 2 percent of Americans will take the biggest hit, starting next year. And the pain will be shared by some who aren't so well off ? people swept up in a hodgepodge of smaller tax changes that will help finance health coverage for millions in need.

For the vast majority of people, however, the health care law won't mean sending more money to the IRS.

And roughly 20 million people eventually will benefit from tax credits that start in 2014 to help them pay insurance premiums.

The tax increases ? plus a mandate that nearly everyone have health coverage ? are helping make the law an election-year scorcher. Obama is campaigning on the benefits for the uninsured, women and young adults. His rival, Mitt Romney, and Republican lawmakers are vowing to repeal "Obamacare," saying some health care reforms are needed but not at this cost.

Lots of the noise is about the financial consequences for people who decline to get coverage and businesses that don't offer their workers an adequate health plan. Some 4 million individuals without insurance are expected to pay about $55 billion over eight years, according to the Congressional Budget Office's estimates. Employers could be dinged an estimated $106 billion for failing to meet the mandate, which starts in 2014.

But that mandate money, whether it's called taxes or penalties, is overwhelmed by other taxes, fees and shrunken tax breaks in the law. These other levies could top $675 billion over the next 10 years, under the CBO's projections of how much revenue the government would lose if the law were repealed.

The biggest chunk is in new taxes on the nation's top 2 percent of earners ? some $318 billion over a decade.

Other major taxes are aimed at the health care industry, and some of that cost is sure to be passed along to consumers as higher prices.

A rundown of the most significant tax changes ? and who pays:

___

THE 2 PERCENT

Who pays: About 2.5 million households ? individuals making more than $200,000 per year, couples $250,000.

How much: A 0.9 percent Medicare tax on wages above those threshold amounts; an additional 3.8 percent tax on investment income. Should raise $318 billion over 10 years.

The lowdown: Together these are the biggest tax increase in the health care law.

For those wealthy enough to owe it, the 3.8 percent investment tax comes on top of the existing 15 percent capital gains rate, which is set to rise to 20 percent next year unless Congress acts.

Over the years, more and more people will be caught by the new taxes, because the adjusted gross income level that triggers them doesn't rise with inflation.

But fears that the investment tax will land on most folks' home sales seem overblown ? few sellers will be affected. A couple's profit ? not sales price ? of up to $500,000 from the house they've been living in is exempt from taxes; only gains above that amount are taxed.

When: 2013

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ARTIFICIAL-SUN WORSHIPPERS

Who pays: The 28 million people who visit tanning booths and beds each year ? most of them women under 30, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

How much: A 10 percent tax on the price of tanning. Expected to raise $1.5 billion over 10 years.

The lowdown: Tanning salons were singled out because of wide agreement among medical experts that baking under ultraviolet lights increases the risk of skin cancer.

When: Took effect in 2010.

___

THE "CADILLACS" OF COVERAGE

Who pays: Insurance companies or businesses that provide plans with premiums of more than $10,200 per person or $27,500 per family, not including dental or vision coverage. Employees covered by these so-called "Cadillac" benefits probably will feel the pinch.

How much: 40 percent excise tax on any amount of premium that exceeds the threshold. Expected to raise $111 billion over five years.

The lowdown: The majority of health plans aren't affected because they don't cost enough: Workplace family coverage now averages about $15,000, including the portion paid by the employer, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation's survey. But some middle-class workers, especially those with strong union contracts, have health plans that exceed the threshold. Also hit are corporate bigwigs whose employer-paid plans cover virtually all expenses and lots of perks, akin to tax-free income.

Some employees will pay more for their share of insurance costs because the tax will get passed along to them. In other cases, businesses will trim benefits to bring their plans under the tax cutoff. Economists predict that many of the affected workers will get higher pay as a trade-off ? but those raises would be subject to income tax.

The tax will affect more workers as time goes by. It's indexed for inflation, but rising health care prices will probably outpace that.

When: 2018

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BUSINESSES SET TO BOOM

Who pays: Insurers, drug companies, medical device makers. And some of their customers.

How much: More than $165 billion over 10 years

The lowdown: New taxes and fees target businesses expected to profit as more Americans get insurance. The companies will pass along these expenses as higher prices when they can. Companies that make or import brand-name prescription drugs paid a total of $2.5 billion in 2011, the first year for their fees.

Insurance companies will share in paying an annual fee that starts at $8 billion for the first year.

Companies that make medical equipment sold chiefly through doctors and hospitals, such as pacemakers, artificial hips and coronary stents, will pay a 2.3 percent excise tax on their sales, expected to total $1.7 billion in its first year. The device makers are lobbying for repeal, arguing that some small companies will have to lay off workers and reduce research spending.

When: Began last year for drug companies; starts in 2013 for device makers, 2014 for insurance companies.

___

THRIFTY SAVERS

Who pays: People who set aside tax-free savings to pay for health care.

How much: About $33 billion over 10 years

The lowdown: The law limits annual contributions to medical Flexible Spending Accounts to $2,500; there was no government limit before. Many employers had allowed $5,000 in the accounts, and some even more. But the average contribution was only $1,400 per year, so relatively few workers will be affected. Four in 10 employees have jobs that give them the chance to sign up for these accounts.

Last year, people with FSAs and similar accounts lost the ability to spend the money on over-the-counter medicines not prescribed by doctors.

Also, the penalty increased from 10 percent to 20 percent for money withdrawn for non-medical reasons from Health Savings Accounts, which people use to help pay high insurance deductibles.

When: Contribution limit begins in 2013.

___

TAXPAYERS WHO TAKE WRITE-OFFS

Who pays: People with big medical or dental bills who itemize deductions.

How much: Almost $19 billion over 10 years. Currently, taxpayers have to spend more than 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income on medical care to qualify for a deduction. The threshold will rise to 10 percent. So a household with income of $50,000 would have to spend $5,000 on health care before deducting amounts above that.

The lowdown: Most Americans don't have enough out-of-pocket expenses, those not paid by insurance, to meet even the lower threshold.

When: 2013 (delayed until 2017 for taxpayers age 65 or over)

___

Follow Connie Cass on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/ConnieCass

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2012-08-09-US-Health-Care-Taxes/id-4be72a12054844ccb4b5a7156e731588

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Automotive job fair to be held Thursday | oanow.com

By: Staff Report | Opelika-Auburn News
Published: August 08, 2012 Updated: August 08, 2012 - 10:45 PM

Allegiance Staffing will hold a job fair Thursday for local automotive manufacturers at the Goodwill Career Center in Opelika.

Local tier 1 automotive manufacturers are looking to fill positions in assembly, machine operation, material handling and quality control.

Seth Parker, manager of the Opelika branch of Allegiance Staffing, said the manufacturers want to fill about 50 positions. He said he couldn?t disclose the names of the manufacturers.

For those hired, benefits are available on the first day of work and include medical, dental, vision, term life and short-term disability.

If You Go

What: Job Fair

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday

Where: Goodwill Career Center, 3740 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika

More information: Call the Goodwill Career Center at 334-745-6029

Source: http://www2.oanow.com/news/2012/aug/08/automotive-job-fair-be-held-thursday-ar-4305206/

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Premium Domain Names: Are They Worth the Cost? | WealthyDragon

This is a guest post by Kristen Bradley, a specialist for ClickableNames.com

As the business environment evolves and technology advances, business owners are looking for ever more creative ways to bring in new customers.

One way some are trying to do this is by buying premium domain names to strengthen their branding on the internet.

Purchasing a strategic domain name can significantly increase the business coming through your website, as long as your product or service is consistent and of high-quality.

With web traffic at an all-time high, and growing, it is more critical than ever to gain whatever edge you can to make your business easier to find online.

What Are Premium Domain Names?

New businesses and small businesses are increasingly likely to find it difficult to purchase an ideal domain name, because the majority of simple, common names are already owned.

This leaves them with fewer options ? domain names that may not serve the company well when it comes to establishing a strong brand and web presence.

Premium domain names are domains that have been registered previously, but are now up for sale.

As an example, a new company named Sunshine may find that the only names available are long or more-difficult-to-remember ones like sunshineshoppingonline.com.

Instead, the company can opt to pay for a premium name that better suits their business.

Pros and Cons of Premium Names

The positives of premium names generally outweigh the negatives.

A carefully chosen premium domain name should be easier to remember.

It?s also likely to result in consumers finding the business more easily through the search engines and online directories, because the relevance of the domain name is one of the many signals the search engines use when they?re returning sites in the search results.

Being easier to remember, and easier to find, will boost web traffic and, as a result, increase business and revenue.

The major downside is the cost, which can be high relative to previously unregistered names and, depending on its history, the prominence and commercial intent of the name itself.

However, many businesses have found it to be a worthwhile long-term investment, based on their products, services and business model.

As more businesses enter the marketplace, creating a more competitive environment in which to attract customers, it is essential for a business wanting to utilise the power of the web to make itself as visible as possible.

And purchasing premium domain names is becoming an increasingly popular way to achieve this, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on the Internet

Having a prominent internet presence can make or break some businesses, and premium names are one of the key tools businesses are using to gain an edge.

Kristen Bradley is a specialist for ClickableNames.com, a leading website which locates and acquires domain names for professionals around the world.

Filed in: Internet Marketing Resources

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Source: http://www.wealthydragon.com/2012/08/06/premium-domain-name-benefit-business/

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Business Consulting | The electronic banking card and payments ...

The problems that can plague the bankcard industry easily as too much money, not enough information and summarizes little supervision. There is a lot of money sell merchant accounts be made especially if traders know little and nowhere to turn for unbiased advice. Recently the media coverage surrounding the card owner Bill of rights and the consumer discount and fee transparency has tightened public vote even more change. One of the most competitive financial industry is without a doubt the electronic banking card and payments and competition breeds excellent marketing and sales organizations. Dealer service companies are not slackers, if it comes to a new angle, which help sell more merchant accounts to detect. If their agents more accounts merchant account consultant rather can login by calling itself as a seller, it is hardly a difficult decision.

Exposure of the population expanded around the bankcard industry, are consultants online merchant account and appear even at your local networking events. The question is whether this new tide of payment are consultants just seller type a new title or if they are legitimate professionals, which helps to combat the abuses against merchants born from lack of support and impartial information.

So lets assume for a second that most companies touting itself are merchant account, that consultants are indeed seller. To be a bona-fide consultant, a professional needs something or someone to check their credentials.

As the independent pay consultants are? I often many of its informative web sites almost every day. Why can not the average dealer these professionals always the best merchant account? Well, they can, if they want to pay the service fee. Not surprisingly, not an other charge cards % u2013 is intended pun only for many merchants and small business owners.

What are your options do not have the time or the desire, an expert in the field of the electronic bankcard if you looking for a merchant account, but do you have? They could pay a bona-fide consultant, but they are expensive and a bit overkill for the average trader. Will find ready qualified merchant service provider, you through the sales process to educate, but it is difficult to know whether what you say is accurate. Here are some tips so that you the real merchant account say consultants and really knowledgeable sales staff that is, to sell more accounts give just a new title.

Check references and marketing material. For lesser-known outfits you should check references, questions about memberships in professional associations and even to inquire whether the consultant has had all works published about their industry.

Ask whether they each merchant service providers are connected and, if so, how they are compensated for their recommendations. If you find a consultant, joined with one or only a few merchant service provider or a provider, which clearly resembles them more than others, there is a good chance that she will be biased.

Beware of pressure. A consultant is not purpose to sell something. You are committed, to evaluate your needs and their knowledge and expertise with the best processing solution for your needs recommend. If pressure were a consultant to you towards a specific provider or processing method without thoroughly justify their position, you suspicious and their motives into question.

Next, I will cover a few tips that are really competent, their wallets different consultative seller and more interested in the size of you helps.

Watch out for high pressure sales tactics. A major difference between old school sales techniques and a consultative approach is the amount of pressure by the seller. A seller with a consultative sale will educate approach, as they sell; It is not for a specific solution to pressure.

You should know a seller of the industry feel safe. You need an expert to say, if a seller just by only, or if they really know what theyre talking about. There is a high turnover of the seller in the payment industry and many sellers more than an introductory course on the basics of credit card processing hit the road with little. These sellers tend to keep subject of superficial and things explain very quickly. If you are not feeling that a seller has a true knowledge of what you say, look elsewhere.

Ask for experience and references. Industry changes the payments almost daily in a number of ways. New technology and processing are often published methods, legislation, that changes could affect, how much do you pay for processing. Your seller will be your Advisor should you choose to use their processing services and they should know enough about the industry to keep you up to date. Find a seller who has experience in the industry.

As a matter of privacy, references are sometimes hard to get in the manufacturing industry. Carefully Unsteter statements and dismissive tone. A good example of this behavior has to do with a monthly minimum of merchant account. Has always been a hard sell monthly minimum, because providers use to cover cost and merchants feel how they pay for nothing are. Many traders acceptance twitch and move with the sales process.

If you notice that a salesperson move quickly through what appears to be an important point, or if they are overly dismissive, ask for a detailed explanation. Payment processing is an increasingly complicated and important aspect of the business. The answer, you need all the help that you can get, and sometimes is a merchant account consultant. When a bona-fide consultant not in the cards, the search for a sales representative who is ready, take time, to work with you learn to educate you about your company and you. Online comparison services such as CardFellow.com are an another great middle of the road option. Pages like this can help you to find the representatives of the Advisory by reviews and multiple offers.

Source: http://www.siouxfallsscore136.org/the-electronic-banking-card-and-payments-one-is-without-a-doubt-the.html

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Video Game Consoles - Then and Now ~ www.popgive.com

Mega64 has published a video clip 'New Consoles, Then and Now'. They generally sums up the video games industry and console rumors out of your past as well as current. The one thing is sure, they simply don't make video game consoles like they used to.

Video Of The Day

Source: http://www.popgive.com/2012/08/video-game-consoles-then-and-now.html

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Codes of conduct and the legal system - Transparency International

The third post in our series on codes of conduct examines different legal traditions, and the impact these have on countries implementing a code of conduct. What do the Bangladeshi and US legal systems have in common, as compared to those of France and Germany? Read on to find out.

You can also read the first and second posts in this series.

Continental vs. common law: What?s in a name?

Whether a country uses a continental (civil) or common law system can lead to differences in the design and implementation of a code of conduct. It may also raise questions as to whether a specific standalone code is needed, or whether related laws ? such as those for conflicts of interest or asset declarations by public officials ? are sufficient. This post explores some of these questions in more detail.

Common law

In common law countries, the three branches of government (typically executive, legislature and judiciary) can take actions that carry the weight of a law ? without having to formally pass a legislative act. Consequently, the actions and expectations for public servants are defined in various documents, including ?soft law? sources like codes of conduct.

The decision to adopt a code of conduct may serve to address issues related to ethics and on-the-job behaviour of public officials that are not explicitly covered or codified by existing laws.

Overall, common law countries are seen as being more flexible at adopting measures, such as those related to public officials? conduct, when they are needed. Common law countries include Australia, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Continental law

In contrast, continental law countries rely on legislation as their legal reference point. Continental law countries tend to define with greater precision the legal status of officials and the conditions of public service. Many of the legal regulations in a continental law country that address the conduct of public officials are related to situations of conflicts of interest.

Consequently, the added value of having a standalone code of conduct is often questioned in continental law countries. Instead, codes of conduct may be adopted as internal documents, explaining what behaviour is desired and what is contrary to duty. They also may be promoted as a tool for providing guidance to public sector staff when existing ?hard laws? on the books are not sufficient or do not have clear guidelines on ethics for public officials.

Continental law countries include France and Germany along with many states in Latin America and Eastern Europe. These countries can also be called civil or Roman law countries.

Do codes have a legal basis?

Whether in a common or continental law country, codes of conduct may or may not be based on law.

Codes can be established by an act of a legislature (such as in the Philippines) or by the order of the executive (such as in South Korea).

However, only codes of conduct recognised under the law ? rather than adopted as a voluntary initiative ? tend to foster compliance and be enforceable. When legally passing codes of conduct, it is important to ensure that there are no discrepancies between the code and other existing laws.

In recent years, there has been a gradual shift in both continental and common law countries towards the legal adoption of codes of conduct for public officials. Domestic and international anti-corruption initiatives have helped with this shift. For example in 1996, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials, recommending that member states use it as a tool to guide their own efforts against corruption. This has been followed by international conventions, such as by the UN (2005, article 8 ) and the African Union (2006, article 7), that call for signatory countries to adopt codes of conduct for public servants.

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About Craig Fagan

Craig Fagan is Senior Policy Coordinator at Transparency International.

Source: http://blog.transparency.org/2012/08/03/codes-of-conduct-and-the-legal-system-ideas-and-implications/

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