New Legislation Would Pad Health Insurance Coffers While ...

As part of the Affordable Care Act, health insurers must spend at least 80% of the money they earn from premiums on actually providing health care, with the remaining cash used to cover all administrative, advertising and payroll costs. Those insurers with plans that don't follow this ratio are soon supposed to start giving the extra money back in refunds and discounts. But new legislation introduced in the Senate this week could jeopardize this, while giving insurance companies even more money to stick in their dog pillows.

The bill, introduced by Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and co-sponsored by John Isakson of Georgia, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Nebraska's Ben Nelson, is intended "to preserve consumer and employer access to licensed independent insurance producers," by eliminating insurance broker commissions from the administrative overhead.

So under the current rules, an insurer that takes in $100 million dollars in premiums must spend $80 million on paying for health care and those broker commissions are included in the remaining $20 million.

But if this bill becomes law, those commissions ? let's just put a number of $3 million on them for this example ? would no longer be part of the equation. That would mean the insurer would only have to spend $77.6 million on health care but would now have $22.4 million to use for its own purposes.

The National Association of Insurance found that altering the rule to remove broker compensation will result in a loss of more than 60% of forthcoming rebates for consumers.

"In just a few short months insurers must pay back consumers for wasting their money on inefficient overhead and excessive profit. But this bill would just put that money back into the hands of insurance companies" said Lisa Swirsky, Policy Analyst with Consumers Union. "This is a giveaway to big insurance and a significant loss for consumers struggling to afford health insurance."

"The single biggest complaint we hear about health insurance is ever-increasing premiums," said Swirsky. "This bill erodes the biggest tool we have for reigning in insurance companies and fighting rising insurance costs."

Source: http://consumerist.com/2012/02/new-legislation-would-pad-health-insurance-coffers-while-jeopardizing-millions-in-refunds-to-consume.html

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Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network

Harken back to the days of Windows 95, and you may remember downloading a few shareware titles to your Compaq or Packard Bell courtesy of Tucows and its network of mirror sites. While the company is no longer of much relevance in the software arena, it's recently launched a mobile service called Ting that operates on Sprint's network, and like many of its competitors (think Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile), no contract is needed. That's not to suggest everything is the same, however, as unlike other carriers, Ting offers to reimburse you for your unused voice, text and data allotments -- think of it as rollover to your wallet. Curious to know more? We've laid out and explained the full spread of Ting's phones and plans after the break.

Continue reading Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network

Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/tucows-launches-ting-a-contract-free-mobile-service-on-sprints/

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Pet Food and Digestibility ? Eagle Hardware Farm & Ranch

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We are surrounded by choices these days as we set out to buy food for our pets. There are many different foods in many different price ranges, all claiming to be just what your pet needs. How do we know what is really best, especially when we do not have quite all the information?

Digestibility of a product is a critical piece of information that is currently not quantitatively stated on pet food bags because, as of yet, there is no centralized or standardized official testing procedure that results in comparable data that can be put on pet food bags. Digestibility is an indicator of how thoroughly a feed is processed and utilized by the animal that eats it, and it is affected not only by the quality of the food but by the health status of the animal eating it. For instance, an animal riddled with intestinal parasites will digest far less of its food than will a parasite-free animal, regardless of the quality of the food. Therefore, extensive digestibility trials with large numbers of animals are required to truly estimate the digestibility of a given feed.

Most of the values shown on a feed tag or bag are derived by chemical analysis of the feedstuff. Chemical analysis, however, does not address the palatability, digestibility, or biological availability of nutrients in a food. Thus it is unreliable for determining whether a food will provide an animal with sufficient nutrients needed for growth, performance, or lactation. For instance, protein analysis is based on the measure of nitrogen in a feedstuff, since nitrogen is a key element in protein. However, merely measuring nitrogen is not indicative of protein quality (meaning amino acid composition), and nitrogen is a component of many other biological compounds, such as amine sugars. The analysis for fat does not indicate what kind of fat it is, and the fiber analysis likewise does not indicate the source or digestibility of the fiber, only that it is there. Technically, it is possible to make a ?food? out of lawn fertilizer (nitrogen), motor oil (fat) and w ood chips (fiber) that will have the same protein, fat and fiber analysis as your favorite pet food! The tag would look great, but the feeding value would be horrible!

So how do you really make sure you are buying a quality product? You can fairly easily determine palatability yourself. If your pet doesn?t like the food, it?s not very palatable, at least not to your pet. Digestibility and biological availability can be trickier, but not impossible, to determine. The two are interrelated, as more digestible feeds are made from higher quality ingredients that will provide more nutrients that can be readily absorbed and utilized by your pet. Stool size and consistency are major indicators of feed quality: large, soft stools, perhaps with mucus present, are indicative of poor-quality, poorly utilized ingredients that are resulting in a lot of waste. That which goes all the way through the animal is not available for utilization! Poor growth rates in young animals or weight loss in lactating animals is a clear sign that the feed is not meeting their needs, regardless of the nutrient analysis. Dull coats can be a sign in adult animals that they are not getting what they need. And if your pet needs to eat more of a given food in order to maintain its weight, that?s a sure sign that the food is not a very high quality feed.

Since higher quality feeds made from higher quality ingredients will generally cost more, price can sometimes be indicative of quality (certainly a high price tag can be put on a low quality feed, but seldom will a truly high-quality feed be offered at basement bargain prices). If you?ve always been a price tag shopper, consider this: If you pass up Feed A because it costs $23 for 40 pounds and buy Feed B at $20 for 40 pounds, but your pet must eat 25% more of Feed B in order to get the nutrients it needs, have you saved money? Let?s see. If your dog needs 1 pound/day of Feed A, that is 40 servings at 57.5 cents per serving. Your dog will need to eat 1.25 pounds of Diet B to get the same amount of nutrients, meaning you get only 32 servings from the bag, at a cost of 62.5 cents/serving. Not such a great deal after all! Checking feeding directions to determine estimated consumption can be of some help, but beware ? one cup of one food may not weigh the same as one cup of another food, so you may end up comparing apples and oranges when reading recommendations on bags. Weight is a better measure than volume when determining intake.

Reputation is another indicator of quality. Established pet food companies that conduct digestibility trials, as well as maintaining a customer service department to interact with consumers, are more likely to be putting out a quality product that they are happy to stand behind. If there isn?t an 800-number on the bag, then you can probably assume the company isn?t very interested in your comments. If they are not testing their feed but rather formulating based on calculated nutrient content (which is based on chemical analysis), then neither you nor they will really know how digestible it is until you feed it. PMI Nutrition conducts extensive digestibility trials on its pet food to ensure that you are getting the highest quality for your dollar.

Remember that nutrition is a complicated process involving not just the presence of nutrients but also their availability and digestibility and therefore their usefulness to the animal. Long-term subclinical nutritional deficiencies or imbalances due to lower quality foods can take a toll on the longevity and eventual quality of life of pets who may appear to be healthy on the outside. Don?t take shortcuts with your pet?s nutrition!

They give us so much?aren?t they worth the very best?

by Dr. Mikelle Roeder, Ph.D, P. A. S.

Source: http://www.eaglehardwarefarmandranch.com/news-updates/pet-food-and-digestibility-2012-02-1258

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Master's Degree in Speech Pathology

The field of speech pathology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders in persons of all ages. Earning a master's degree can lead to a career as a speech pathologist. Doctoral work is also an option.

Master's degree programs in speech pathology, sometimes offered as speech-language pathology or speech pathology and audiology, generally center curricula around theoretical and practical aspects of speech, language, voice, hearing, rhythm and swallowing disorders. Students may evaluate these disorders in both children and adults, gaining knowledge in diagnoses, processes and management of the disorders, including rehabilitation methods.

Individuals may participate in clinical practicums or externships, obtaining experience at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes or schools. Some programs expect students to write a thesis, while most programs require students to take comprehensive exams before graduation. Attending programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) can be beneficial down the road when looking to meet state licensing standards.

Education Prerequisites

Some programs require students to have previous educational background in mathematics and sciences. It's also suggested that applicants have a bachelor's degree in communication sciences, though it's not required.

Course Topics

Throughout a speech pathology program, students may gain knowledge in human development, communicative behaviors, therapeutic management, current research and ethical guidelines. Students may become proficient in topics such as:

• Disorders in fluency
• Adult neurological disorders
• Dysphagia
• Voice disorders
• Phonology
• Genetic disorders
• Dysarthria
• Aphasia

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field was expected to grow 19% from 2008-2018. Elementary and secondary schools employ more speech-language pathologists than any other industry. The BLS reported a median salary of $66,920 for this position, as of May 2010.

Continuing Education

Individuals wishing to become speech pathologists must follow the regulations established by the state in which they plan to practice; as of 2009, according to the BLS, 47 states had some kind of established regulations. Meeting the requirements needed to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology credential awarded by ASHA usually meets or goes beyond state standards. Earning a master's degree from an accredited school fulfills ASHA requirements, along with completion of a fellowship and passage of the Praxis Series exam. Students may also choose to pursue doctoral work. Doctorate programs usually involve candidacy exams and additional research, but they train individuals as academic researchers and scholars.

Source: http://education-portal.com/articles/Masters_Degree_in_Speech_Pathology.html

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Sky will launch an internet based TV service in the UK in the first half of 2012

UK pay TV service Sky has just announced its quarterly results, and despite adding 100,000 subscribers as well as notching its "highest ever first-half adjusted operating profit" it will launch a new internet TV service, available to anyone in the country with a broadband connection. Check out the press release after the break for a few more details. Sky describes the new service as being aimed at the 13 million UK households who don't currently subscribe to pay TV, with access available via "PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, games console or connected TV." Initially, the service will offer Sky Movies on demand joined by sports and entertainment options later, with access based on either monthly unlimited subscription or "pay-as-you-go" pricing.

...developing

Continue reading Sky will launch an internet based TV service in the UK in the first half of 2012

Sky will launch an internet based TV service in the UK in the first half of 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/sky-will-launch-an-internet-based-tv-service-in-the-uk-in-the-fi/

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"Hang Out" with Gizmodo and President Obama! [Obama]

Tonight's the big night—you don't have to be a Washington fat cat or DC insider to get some face time with the Commander in Chief. Barack Obama is hosting a "cool" Google+ hangout, and we're covering it live. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Zi4z8N9KfRU/hang-out-with-gizmodo-and-president-obama

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Major GOP 'super PAC' raised $51 million in 2011 (AP)

WASHINGTON ? American Crossroads, the Republican "super" political committee that plans to play a major role in this year's presidential campaign, raised more than $51 million along with its nonprofit arm last year, The Associated Press has learned.

The figures from Crossroads ? the group backed by former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove ? were among the first financial reports being made public Tuesday, the deadline for super PACs and presidential candidates to file financial reports with federal election officials.

While most recent public attention has focused on groups spending major sums for negative TV ads assailing GOP presidential primary rivals Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, Tuesday's figures are a sign of even greater spending to come in the general election battle between the Republican nominee and Democratic President Barack Obama.

Other super PACs required to disclose their donors Tuesday include Restore Our Future, the Romney-leaning PAC that has contributed to a deluge of ads hammering Gingrich, and Winning Our Future, the Gingrich-supportive group that has been critical of Romney's time at a venture capital firm. Both super PACs are run in part by former advisers to the candidates.

The American Crossroads PAC has about $15.6 million cash on hand, according to its recent report from October through December 2011, representing only part of the money it has in the bank to spend on defeating Obama. Financial details from Crossroads GPS ? the nonprofit arm ? are unclear because it doesn't have to disclose its donors under IRS rules, although Crossroads GPS was responsible for most of the groups' fundraising haul.

The Crossroads war chests underscore the extraordinary impact super PACs could have on this year's race for the White House. In GOP primaries so far, groups working for or against presidential candidates have spent roughly $25 million on TV ads ? about half the nearly $53 million spent on advertising so far to influence voters in the early weeks of the race.

Crossroads' financial reports, which the AP obtained ahead of the Federal Election Commission, identify wealthy donors who had given contributions reaching as high as seven figures by the end of 2011. Among the largest contributors is Dallas businessman Harold Simmons, who gave the group $5 million last November and whose holding company, Contran Corp., donated an additional $2 million.

Simmons is a major donor to GOP and conservative causes who pumped as much as $4 million into the "swift boat" campaign that helped sink Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry in 2004. Simmons, an early supporter of Texas Gov. Rick Perry's presidential run, also was a fundraising "bundler" putting donations together for Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Other super PACs have already had a major effect this primary season. One group, for instance, effectively saved Newt Gingrich's candidacy, while another tore into him in Florida and elsewhere. At the minimum, the groups' spending is a precursor to the general election ? when super PACs aligned with both Republicans and Obama plan to dole out even larger sums.

These groups are the products of a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that removed restrictions on corporate and union spending in federal elections. The groups can't directly coordinate with the candidates they support, but many are staffed with former campaign workers who have an intimate knowledge of a favored candidate's strategy.

Since this summer, the groups have spent tens of millions on ads in key GOP primary states like Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida. The PACs have also unleashed millions on expenses typically reserved for campaigns, including direct mailings, phone calls and get-out-the-vote efforts.

Few groups are likely to be as influential as American Crossroads, which plans to raise hundreds of millions of dollars this election cycle and enlists support from high-profile GOP figures such as former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.

Crossroads' financial reports show other large donors such as Joseph W. Craft III, a Tulsa businessman whose Alliance Holdings, a major coal producer, gave $425,000. Other contributions include: $500,000 from Dallas-based Crow Holdings; $250,000 from Chicago philanthropist and GOP supporter Janet Duchossois, and $100,000 from Sam Zell, a Chicago real estate billionaire whose Tribune media company is now in bankruptcy.

Outside spending by individuals isn't new. Liberal-leaning billionaire George Soros gave more than $20 million to help groups supportive of Kerry ? these groups were known as "527" organizations ? and his 2004 White House bid. But the high court's Citizens United ruling essentially gave a green light to individuals who want to pump unlimited sums into outside groups that would in turn support candidates.

The Obama campaign on Tuesday disclosed a list of 61 people who raised at least half a million dollars for the president's re-election efforts. Among them are movie producers Jeffrey Katzenberg and Harvey Weinstein and embattled former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, whose $70,000 in contributions from himself and his wife were refunded by the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

A handful of other financial filings began trickling in to the Federal Election Commission Tuesday afternoon, including those from the Gingrich campaign. It said the former House speaker raised $10 million during the fourth quarter, in addition to $5 million this month. Those totals are separate from super PAC money being spent on his behalf by outside groups.

Perry, the Texas governor who was an early star in the Republican primaries, raised an anemic $2.9 million this past quarter, compared with $17.2 million within the first two months of his entering the race last summer. The Jon Huntsman-leaning Our Destiny super PAC raised about $2.8 million ? with more than $1.8 million coming from his father, Jon Huntsman Sr.

Endorse Liberty, a group supportive of libertarian-leaning Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, said it raised $3.9 million for online advertising in key primary states.

___

Associated Press writers Stephen Braun and Jim Kuhnhenn contributed to this report.

____

Follow Jack Gillum at http://twitter.com/jackgillum

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/gop/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120131/ap_on_el_pr/us_campaign_money

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