hog puzzle beta game
Lake House: Children of Silence
Long-forgotten memories bubble to the surface when the past invades the present in Lake House: Children of Silence! Located at the edge of a gloomy lake and shrouded in fog, the house at the center of this story has stood empty for 15 years. All that's left of the family that once lived there are their discarded belongings and home movies that reveal a terrible secret. Beckoned by what appears to be a ghost, a woman who lived there as a child and her fiancé return to the house to solve a mystery that begins with an old photograph and ends in a secret room. Guide the fiancé as he explores locations blanketed in mist and tries to rescue his bride-to-be from the grip of a masked stranger. Find hidden objects, solve puzzles and piece together a solution that will take you to a place darker than you can imagine. Only the clever will solve all of the riddles and only the strong in spirit will endure to the end!
Grim Tales: The Stone Queen
The family saga continues when your nephew Brandon encounters the mysterious Stone Queen in a lonely mountain town. She used to protect the miners here, but now she’s out for revenge! The mystery deepens as you explore her shimmering Stone Kingdom, hiding just beneath the town. You must discover the truth behind the queen’s anger and save both worlds before a greedy heart brings about their destruction. You’ll meet new friends, but you’ll also face new foes in Grim Tales: The Stone Queen, an intriguing Hidden-Object Puzzle Adventure game.
Exciting storyline
Amazing art
NY City Taxi The Simulation
Start your career as a taxi driver in the city of New York and carry your customers safely and in time to their final destination. Reliability and consistency will soon be rewarded.
And now a word from or sponsor...
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Dreamscapes: The Sandman Premium Edition
Young Laura was well protected from nightmares once her father gave her the Dreamcatcher. But after his sudden death the Dreamcatcher disappeared and Laura slipped into an endless nightmare. No one could wake her up. But you can try to save Laura! With the help of Professor Sanders and his machine take a dangerous journey to Laura’s ghastly dreams, dispel her awes, fight her fears, solve numerous riddles of Laura’s subconscious and find clues to her redemption. Collect all the pieces of the lost Dreamcatcher and help the girl return to the real world with this breathtaking point-and-click adventure game!
50 various locations to wander around
Incredible dream worlds to visit
2 game modes to enjoy
Dozens of achievements to get
Astonishing cutscenes in 3D
Maestro Music from the Void Collectors
The Maestro’s back in this exciting encore to Notes of Life! Eerie music fills the air in Vienna, where shadows terrorize people in the streets. Two musical prodigies have gone missing. Can you save them without striking a single false note? Solve the mystery of the Music from the Void as you play this Collector’s Edition version of the game, including a hefty bonus game and neat extras. As an added bonus, Collector’s Edition games count toward three stamps on your Monthly Game Club Punch Card!
Hours of bonus game play!
Concept art
Stunning wallpaper
Music soundtrack
unrar n play: RapidGator
Look for the Union Label (ObamaTax Schadenfreude Part Deux)
Politically astute readers already know that The ObamaTax had major Union backing, both financially and manpower-wise. Now that it's in full-swing, though, those same folks are experiencing a bit of buyer's remorse:
"Union leaders say many of the law's requirements will drive up the costs for their health-care plans and make unionized workers less competitive"
Ya think?
They're counting on their lower-paid member having access to the much-touted "subsidies" that promise to lower their net cost. But as Bob pointed out earlier today, these subsidies are often elusive, meaning that the very folks that The ObamaTax was ostensibly designed to help may feel its pinch the worst.
So what's a Union to do?
Ah, so glad you asked:
"A handful of unions say they already have examined whether it makes sense to shift workers off their current plans and onto private coverage subsidized by the government."
Here's a free clue, fellas: Yes, yes it does.
But the winner of the coveted "Rocket Surgeon Union Honcho" has to be John Wilhelm, the leader of Unite Here Health, who:
"recalls standing next to Barack Obama at a rally in Nevada when he was a 2008 presidential candidate.
"I heard him say, 'If you like your health plan, you can keep it,' " Mr. Wilhelm recalled. Mr. Wilhelm said he expects the administration will craft a solution so that employer health-care plans won't be hurt. "If I'm wrong, and the president does not intend to keep his word, I would have severe second thoughts about the law."
Might want to clean those specs, Mr W.
"Union leaders say many of the law's requirements will drive up the costs for their health-care plans and make unionized workers less competitive"
Ya think?
They're counting on their lower-paid member having access to the much-touted "subsidies" that promise to lower their net cost. But as Bob pointed out earlier today, these subsidies are often elusive, meaning that the very folks that The ObamaTax was ostensibly designed to help may feel its pinch the worst.
So what's a Union to do?
Ah, so glad you asked:
"A handful of unions say they already have examined whether it makes sense to shift workers off their current plans and onto private coverage subsidized by the government."
Here's a free clue, fellas: Yes, yes it does.
But the winner of the coveted "Rocket Surgeon Union Honcho" has to be John Wilhelm, the leader of Unite Here Health, who:
"recalls standing next to Barack Obama at a rally in Nevada when he was a 2008 presidential candidate.
"I heard him say, 'If you like your health plan, you can keep it,' " Mr. Wilhelm recalled. Mr. Wilhelm said he expects the administration will craft a solution so that employer health-care plans won't be hurt. "If I'm wrong, and the president does not intend to keep his word, I would have severe second thoughts about the law."
Might want to clean those specs, Mr W.
Health Wonk Review - Waste, Warnings and the Future
Maggie Mahar hosts this week's roundup of wonky posts. Lots of material, well laid-out. Do stop by.
IRS to the Rescue
Employees can receive government tax credits to buy insurance for their families if the coverage their employers offer would cost more than 9.5 percent of their income, the IRS said today in final regulations. That calculation will be based on the cost of self-only coverage, not family coverage, which is more expensive and would give more people access to the credits.Bloomberg
So if you earn $50,000 (AGI) and you have a spouse and one child the government considers your employer based health insurance to be affordable as long as YOUR portion of the insurance does not exceed $4750 ($396 per month).
But if the cost to cover your family is another $1000 per month (definitely possible) your coverage is STILL affordable and "No subsidies for you!".
The IRS said in a proposed rule also issued today that most families in such a situation won’t have to pay a penalty to the government if they choose not to buy insurance.So, even though your coverage is not affordable you will not have to pay a penalty.
Suh-weet!
Truth AND Consequences
So, the ObamaTax Mandate is scheduled to take full effect in 11 short months.
Or is it?
"The Obama administration took new steps ... toward implementing the individual mandate ... downplaying the scope of the unpopular provision by stressing rules that allow exemptions from the requirement to purchase insurance."
Hmm, now where have we heard that before?
Oh yeah: ObamaWaiver Mania.
Aside from the fact that the mandate itself has no teeth (well, unless one is expecting a tax refund), what's the point?
Or, as HHS Secretary Shecantbeserious opines:
"The mandate penalty "applies only to the limited group of taxpayers who choose to spend a substantial period of time without coverage despite having ready access to affordable coverage"
Of course, since plans will be guaranteed issue, community rated and required to cover pre-existing conditions, wouldn't this apply to every policy? And if, according to their own calculations, fewer than 2% of us will have to pay any penalty, then what's the point?
And then there's this:
"Some families could get priced out of health insurance due to what's being called a [feature of the ObamaTax] ... families that can't afford the employer coverage that they are offered on the job will not be able to get financial assistance from the government to buy private health insurance on their own."
So they face a selectively enforced mandate that requires them to purchase insurance they can't afford but for which they're ineligible for subsidies. What could possibly go wrong?
Or is it?
"The Obama administration took new steps ... toward implementing the individual mandate ... downplaying the scope of the unpopular provision by stressing rules that allow exemptions from the requirement to purchase insurance."
Hmm, now where have we heard that before?
Oh yeah: ObamaWaiver Mania.
Aside from the fact that the mandate itself has no teeth (well, unless one is expecting a tax refund), what's the point?
Or, as HHS Secretary Shecantbeserious opines:
"The mandate penalty "applies only to the limited group of taxpayers who choose to spend a substantial period of time without coverage despite having ready access to affordable coverage"
Of course, since plans will be guaranteed issue, community rated and required to cover pre-existing conditions, wouldn't this apply to every policy? And if, according to their own calculations, fewer than 2% of us will have to pay any penalty, then what's the point?
And then there's this:
"Some families could get priced out of health insurance due to what's being called a [feature of the ObamaTax] ... families that can't afford the employer coverage that they are offered on the job will not be able to get financial assistance from the government to buy private health insurance on their own."
So they face a selectively enforced mandate that requires them to purchase insurance they can't afford but for which they're ineligible for subsidies. What could possibly go wrong?
Free money?
It's that time of year again: various tax services touting "maximum refund," sundry retailers with "suggestions" on how to spend those rebates, and the annual Flight of the W-2's as employers inform us how much we got paid last year.
Oh, and something new this year: Box 12.
"What the heck's a Box 12" you ask?
Thanks to The ObamaTax, it's how your employer informs you how much you paid for your health insurance last year.
"Now wait a gosh-darned minute there, Henry. I know how much I paid - I saw it coming out each week."
Um, no: that's how much you paid in addition to Box 12.
What, you thought your employer paid for any of your health insurance? Not paying attention, I see.
Bet you thought he paid those unemployment premiums and Social Security taxes, too. Now you know.
[Hat Tip: FoIB Holly R]
Oh, and something new this year: Box 12.
"What the heck's a Box 12" you ask?
Thanks to The ObamaTax, it's how your employer informs you how much you paid for your health insurance last year.
"Now wait a gosh-darned minute there, Henry. I know how much I paid - I saw it coming out each week."
Um, no: that's how much you paid in addition to Box 12.
What, you thought your employer paid for any of your health insurance? Not paying attention, I see.
Bet you thought he paid those unemployment premiums and Social Security taxes, too. Now you know.
[Hat Tip: FoIB Holly R]
Miner Wars 2081
MINER WARS 2081 - KaOs
Miner Wars 2081 is a 6DOF action-survival space-shooter simulation-game (lol) set in the year 2081 :D
The gameplay it self, is kinda cool, the game provides Team Death Match Online Game, Single Player, and Co-Op, you could mine, trade, or even battle other players! See the video provided for more info, you'll be amazed! ;)
The gameplay it self, is kinda cool, the game provides Team Death Match Online Game, Single Player, and Co-Op, you could mine, trade, or even battle other players! See the video provided for more info, you'll be amazed! ;)
NFO :
Download :
Size : 587MB
Single Link - 180upload - BillionUploads - Cyberlocker - Project-Free-Upload
Password : eagle3zio.blogspot.com
Password : eagle3zio.blogspot.com
Gameplay :
Is there no virtue among us?
The difficult and heartbreaking public discussion continues over how to unravel the Newtown catastrophe and respond effectively. Everyone has ideas. Some of the ideas make sense to me, others do not, including the notion that increased regulation of mental health insurance benefits is a necessary part of the response.
More generally, politicians seem to think - and exhort the public to believe – that additional regulation or a new law is always the remedy for every problem. I think that mind-set needs examination.
Here’s an example of what I mean: In the Greater NY section of the WSJ this morning there’s an 18-paragraph article entitled “Conn. Ponders Mental Health.” [$link at this time] The article reports on progress of the state’s commission on mental health, appointed after Newtown. It observes that Connecticut “is moving toward sweeping changes” to its mental health laws including additional insurance mandates.
This movement is happening despite reported testimony of the chief psychiatrist at Hartford Hospital and a State Commission member, that because of privacy laws, it is impossible to ascertain whether the Newtown shooter was ever treated for mental illness and therefore “with nothing confirmed it is really impossible to say how changes in the mental health system could address his specific circumstances.”
As usual, telling information is buried at the end of the article. In the 16th paragraph we read: “Experts say the mental health parity laws [intended to force insurers to equalize benefits for mental health and physical health] aren’t adequately enforced.” In the 17th paragraph, an attorney notes that “we are supposed to have [mental health] parity, but it just doesn’t seem to play out in practice.” Is there any reason the public can expect that new laws or new regulations will be more strictly enforced? No. There is no reason.
Yet our politicians propose sweeping changes to mental health laws? Go figure.
In a better world, more of our so-called leaders would take the time to think rather than rush to enact even more laws that will be poorly-enforced and accomplish little (aside from attaching their names to bravely-titled, wordy, but ultimately worthless documents.)
So what’s to be done? I wish I knew. But I believe this is as true now as when it was first said more than 200 years ago:
“Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks-no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea”
--James Madison
More generally, politicians seem to think - and exhort the public to believe – that additional regulation or a new law is always the remedy for every problem. I think that mind-set needs examination.
Here’s an example of what I mean: In the Greater NY section of the WSJ this morning there’s an 18-paragraph article entitled “Conn. Ponders Mental Health.” [$link at this time] The article reports on progress of the state’s commission on mental health, appointed after Newtown. It observes that Connecticut “is moving toward sweeping changes” to its mental health laws including additional insurance mandates.
This movement is happening despite reported testimony of the chief psychiatrist at Hartford Hospital and a State Commission member, that because of privacy laws, it is impossible to ascertain whether the Newtown shooter was ever treated for mental illness and therefore “with nothing confirmed it is really impossible to say how changes in the mental health system could address his specific circumstances.”
As usual, telling information is buried at the end of the article. In the 16th paragraph we read: “Experts say the mental health parity laws [intended to force insurers to equalize benefits for mental health and physical health] aren’t adequately enforced.” In the 17th paragraph, an attorney notes that “we are supposed to have [mental health] parity, but it just doesn’t seem to play out in practice.” Is there any reason the public can expect that new laws or new regulations will be more strictly enforced? No. There is no reason.
Yet our politicians propose sweeping changes to mental health laws? Go figure.
In a better world, more of our so-called leaders would take the time to think rather than rush to enact even more laws that will be poorly-enforced and accomplish little (aside from attaching their names to bravely-titled, wordy, but ultimately worthless documents.)
So what’s to be done? I wish I knew. But I believe this is as true now as when it was first said more than 200 years ago:
“Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks-no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea”
--James Madison
Ch-ch-changes, HRA-style
The ObamaTax promises to touch just about anything and everything health insurance-related. A recent email informed us about the latest on The ObamaTax 's impact on Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs):
"The preamble to [The ObamaTax] distinguished between HRAs that are "integrated" with a group health plan and HRAs that are "stand-alone." ... The question has been whether a stand-alone HRA can be quilted with individual health insurance coverage (not employer-sponsored group coverage) to satisfy the requirements."
I turned to our on-call Alternative Benefits Guru, Lou G, who explained that "there have been employers who would provide an HRA benefit to their employees who are not covered by the group health plan (they have individual coverage, or coverage through a spouse, no coverage at all etc). The IRS is saying that this is no longer allowed.
In order to have an HRA you must be enrolled in the group health plan, the concept of a "stand alone" HRA will not be permitted."
In other words, if you're not on the group plan, you don't get access to those sweet, sweet HRA dollars. But remember: if you like your health plan, you can keep your health plan.
[Hat Tip: Angela F and FoIB Jeff M]
"The preamble to [The ObamaTax] distinguished between HRAs that are "integrated" with a group health plan and HRAs that are "stand-alone." ... The question has been whether a stand-alone HRA can be quilted with individual health insurance coverage (not employer-sponsored group coverage) to satisfy the requirements."
I turned to our on-call Alternative Benefits Guru, Lou G, who explained that "there have been employers who would provide an HRA benefit to their employees who are not covered by the group health plan (they have individual coverage, or coverage through a spouse, no coverage at all etc). The IRS is saying that this is no longer allowed.
In order to have an HRA you must be enrolled in the group health plan, the concept of a "stand alone" HRA will not be permitted."
In other words, if you're not on the group plan, you don't get access to those sweet, sweet HRA dollars. But remember: if you like your health plan, you can keep your health plan.
[Hat Tip: Angela F and FoIB Jeff M]
MiniMed Maelstrom [UPDATED]
It had appeared that so-called MiniMed (aka "limited benefit") plans would be (for the most part) exempt from ObamaTax requirements. The ObamaTax itself seems to say that, but it's not really that simple (these things rarely are):
"[HHS Secretary Shecantbeserious] said the agency PPACA regulations include a number of rules governing when an indemnity policy included in an employer benefits package falls outside the PPACA framework."
The problem isn't necessarily with the plans themselves, but how they're integrated (or not) with employer-sponsored plans. There must be a fairly visible (if virtual) "wall of separation" between the traditional group plan and any MiniMeds that are purchased, and there have to be completely separate accounting and payroll deduction processes, which of course add to the employer's admin costs.
The plan must also be an indemnity-only configuration; that is, it "must pay a fixed dollar amount per day (or per other period) of hospitalization or illness (for example, $100 per day) regardless of the amount of expenses incurred." The problem comes from whether these benefits are calculated "per claim" or "per period." So, for example, if the plan reimburses $40 for a doctor's office visit, rather than $40 per day that you had medical services performed, there's a problem. Since this describes the bulk of plans that I've seen, this could be a big issue for employers that offer both "regular" and "limited benefit" type plans.
What's not clear to me right now (and I'll update this post as appropriate) is whether these rules apply to plans purchased by individual outside an employer rubric. If so, this could be a real problem for a lot of MiniMed marketers.
UPDATE: Perusing the linked FAQ, I see MiniMeds ("indemnity plans") referenced only in the context of an employer-sponsored plan:
"Fixed indemnity coverage under a group health plan meeting the conditions outlined in the Departments' regulations(3) is an excepted benefit"
and
"The Departments' regulations provide that a hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance policy under a group health plan provides excepted benefits" [emphasis added]
By the way, I think this:
"When a policy pays on a per-service basis as opposed to on a per-period basis, it is in practice a form of health coverage instead of an income replacement policy. Accordingly, it does not meet the conditions for excepted benefits."
is pure hokum. In a just world, Ms Shecantbeserious and her minions would find themselves in deep doo-doo for overstepping their regulatory bounds.
Fat chance of that, of course.
"[HHS Secretary Shecantbeserious] said the agency PPACA regulations include a number of rules governing when an indemnity policy included in an employer benefits package falls outside the PPACA framework."
The problem isn't necessarily with the plans themselves, but how they're integrated (or not) with employer-sponsored plans. There must be a fairly visible (if virtual) "wall of separation" between the traditional group plan and any MiniMeds that are purchased, and there have to be completely separate accounting and payroll deduction processes, which of course add to the employer's admin costs.
The plan must also be an indemnity-only configuration; that is, it "must pay a fixed dollar amount per day (or per other period) of hospitalization or illness (for example, $100 per day) regardless of the amount of expenses incurred." The problem comes from whether these benefits are calculated "per claim" or "per period." So, for example, if the plan reimburses $40 for a doctor's office visit, rather than $40 per day that you had medical services performed, there's a problem. Since this describes the bulk of plans that I've seen, this could be a big issue for employers that offer both "regular" and "limited benefit" type plans.
What's not clear to me right now (and I'll update this post as appropriate) is whether these rules apply to plans purchased by individual outside an employer rubric. If so, this could be a real problem for a lot of MiniMed marketers.
UPDATE: Perusing the linked FAQ, I see MiniMeds ("indemnity plans") referenced only in the context of an employer-sponsored plan:
"Fixed indemnity coverage under a group health plan meeting the conditions outlined in the Departments' regulations(3) is an excepted benefit"
and
"The Departments' regulations provide that a hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance policy under a group health plan provides excepted benefits" [emphasis added]
By the way, I think this:
"When a policy pays on a per-service basis as opposed to on a per-period basis, it is in practice a form of health coverage instead of an income replacement policy. Accordingly, it does not meet the conditions for excepted benefits."
is pure hokum. In a just world, Ms Shecantbeserious and her minions would find themselves in deep doo-doo for overstepping their regulatory bounds.
Fat chance of that, of course.
Rolling Idols
Feel the onset of the doomsday. It has begun. Monster Nibiru, sent by evil divinities, swallowed some of the nature Elements, keeping them inside itself in captivity. And the track of time is lost due to broken and hidden by parts Mayan calendar. You get the chance to be the savior of the universe! Use the power of the nature and Mayan sorcery to defeat Nibiru and send it back to where it belongs!
Numerous upgrades
Stunning animation
Countless achievements to earn
Grave Mania: Pandemic Pandemonium
After containing the Great Undead Fever of 1948 across the West, Bonnie and Johnny Loca were ready to retire and take a well-earned vacation. That is, until they discovered that the zombie pandemic had spread overseas! Help them as they race across the continents to uncover the cause. Can you unmask the mastermind behind it all? The Locas really do put the fun back in funeral in Grave Mania: Pandemic Pandemonium, a hilarious Time Management game.
Travel to exotic locations!
Memorable characters will keep you laughing!
Thrilling Match-3 Chase scenes!
Pancreatic Cancer: Good News and Bad
It appears that a high-school student may have come up with an inexpensive, accurate and early method for detecting pancreatic cancer:
This is pretty important stuff: the disease kills over 95% of its victims, usually because it's difficult to detect in its early (more treatable) stages. Being able to catch it early on would be a real boon.
That's the good news.
The bad news, of course, is that The ObamaTax promises to severely limit additional research, let alone development of this new tech:
And since we're already seeing med-tech companies rapidly downsizing as a result of that tax, it's no sure thing that young Jack's new invention will ever see the light of day.
Too bad, that.
Shareholder Equity
Shareholder equity is a term very familiar to business owners and citizens that own stock. Quite simply, shareholder equity represents the net value of a company divided by the number of shareholders.
If you own stock in McDonalds (MCD) the shareholder equity is roughly $14 trillion which translates in to about $94 per share. McDonalds is a simple business based on delivering a consistent product to their customer base.
It is also a profitable business.
Profit is a dirty word to some but profit provides jobs and funds retirement for employees and . . . shareholders.
The United States also has shareholders in a manner of speaking. Just like McDonald's shareholders, U.S. citizens have a financial stake in the stability of the country.
The balance sheet of the U.S. doesn't look anything like the balance sheet of McDonalds. For the most part the U.S. government is devoid of any assets unless you want to count all those buildings and implements of destruction.
But the U.S. does have debt.
Lot's of it.
About $16 trillion worth.
The shareholders, those responsible for funding the government, are now called taxpayers. You can't sell your share to anyone but you can pass it on to your children and grandchildren when you die. You can also pass it on to your spouse.
According to recent figures, if you are a taxpayer, your share of the federal debt is roughly $194,000 (CNS figures).
This does not include unfunded debt which is about 5x the accrued debt. But let's not worry about that for now.
What does all this have to do with health insurance?
More than you may think.
If all goes as planned, in January of 2014 citizens will be able to purchase health insurance through state and federal run exchanges. Many think this is a great thing for citizens and a windfall for health insurance carriers.
But if it is so great for the carriers, why are so many closing down their operations or indicating they will not participate in these exchanges? What could be better than a bunch of folks with money in hand (taxpayer subsidies) ready to buy health insurance? Even better, everyone is REQUIRED to have health insurance.
The folks in DC don't understand basic human psychology.
When something is free or heavily discounted it loses its' value and is subject to abuse. Consider free and government subsidized housing. How long do these places last before they are run down and in a state of disrepair?
Many doctors refuse to treat Medicaid patients. In part because of the low government reimbursement but also because of the attitude of many of their Medicaid patients.
Why is the government in the Medicaid business and not the insurance carriers?
Insurance carriers have shareholders who expect the carrier to participate in markets that are profitable. The government taxpayers (shareholders) really don't care if the government makes a profit or not and most of them don't know or comprehend the magnitude of their share of the national debt.
If you own a house and are still making mortgage payments you get a statement every year that shows how much you owe and how much you have paid on your loan during the prior year.
But the U.S. government doesn't do that. They don't send you a statement showing how much you have paid in taxes and how much you owe on the national debt.
Perhaps they should.
So why are carriers running away from the exchanges?
For the same reason they have no interest in sharing the risk of Medicaid patients. If health insurance carriers thought they could make a profit by offering insurance on the exchanges you would have to lock the door and beat them off with a stick.
But they are not clamoring to get in. They are running away. And the U.S. shareholders should be afraid.
Very afraid.
Because their share of the national debt is about to go up.
But of course they will never get a statement, so most will never know. But they will see their paychecks shrink.
And their shareholder equity rise . . . which is not a good thing.
If you own stock in McDonalds (MCD) the shareholder equity is roughly $14 trillion which translates in to about $94 per share. McDonalds is a simple business based on delivering a consistent product to their customer base.
It is also a profitable business.
Profit is a dirty word to some but profit provides jobs and funds retirement for employees and . . . shareholders.
The United States also has shareholders in a manner of speaking. Just like McDonald's shareholders, U.S. citizens have a financial stake in the stability of the country.
The balance sheet of the U.S. doesn't look anything like the balance sheet of McDonalds. For the most part the U.S. government is devoid of any assets unless you want to count all those buildings and implements of destruction.
Lot's of it.
About $16 trillion worth.
The shareholders, those responsible for funding the government, are now called taxpayers. You can't sell your share to anyone but you can pass it on to your children and grandchildren when you die. You can also pass it on to your spouse.
According to recent figures, if you are a taxpayer, your share of the federal debt is roughly $194,000 (CNS figures).
This does not include unfunded debt which is about 5x the accrued debt. But let's not worry about that for now.
What does all this have to do with health insurance?
More than you may think.
If all goes as planned, in January of 2014 citizens will be able to purchase health insurance through state and federal run exchanges. Many think this is a great thing for citizens and a windfall for health insurance carriers.
But if it is so great for the carriers, why are so many closing down their operations or indicating they will not participate in these exchanges? What could be better than a bunch of folks with money in hand (taxpayer subsidies) ready to buy health insurance? Even better, everyone is REQUIRED to have health insurance.
The folks in DC don't understand basic human psychology.
When something is free or heavily discounted it loses its' value and is subject to abuse. Consider free and government subsidized housing. How long do these places last before they are run down and in a state of disrepair?
Many doctors refuse to treat Medicaid patients. In part because of the low government reimbursement but also because of the attitude of many of their Medicaid patients.
Why is the government in the Medicaid business and not the insurance carriers?
Insurance carriers have shareholders who expect the carrier to participate in markets that are profitable. The government taxpayers (shareholders) really don't care if the government makes a profit or not and most of them don't know or comprehend the magnitude of their share of the national debt.
If you own a house and are still making mortgage payments you get a statement every year that shows how much you owe and how much you have paid on your loan during the prior year.
But the U.S. government doesn't do that. They don't send you a statement showing how much you have paid in taxes and how much you owe on the national debt.
Perhaps they should.
So why are carriers running away from the exchanges?
For the same reason they have no interest in sharing the risk of Medicaid patients. If health insurance carriers thought they could make a profit by offering insurance on the exchanges you would have to lock the door and beat them off with a stick.
But they are not clamoring to get in. They are running away. And the U.S. shareholders should be afraid.
Very afraid.
Because their share of the national debt is about to go up.
But of course they will never get a statement, so most will never know. But they will see their paychecks shrink.
And their shareholder equity rise . . . which is not a good thing.
Cannon Fire!
FoIB (and Cato Institute director of health policy studies) Michael Cannon fires another volley across the bow of ObamaTax advocates:
Unfortunate Agent Tricks - An Update
Oy, where to begin? One supposes that the beginning would be a good place:
"[Insurance agent] Mark String Sr pleaded not guilty to 59 counts of promotion of prostitution"
Generally speaking, this would not be auspicious. And, of course, it wasn't.
Now fast-forward a few months, and we learn about the latest "doings" in The Pine Tree State:
"The defense and the judge aren't happy with delays in the trial of the business partner in a prostitution scandal ... Prosecutors aren't happy, either, after the judge dismissed nearly four dozen charges."
And the jurors - sequestered for days on end - aren't exactly happy campers, either. Proceedings screeched to a halt late last week when Justice Nancy Mills "dismissed 46 of 59 counts" against Mr Strong. The latter, by the way, vehemently denies any untoward sexual contact between himself and Ms Zumba (or Zoomba - I've heard it both ways).
We'll continue to stay on top of the story as best we can.
"[Insurance agent] Mark String Sr pleaded not guilty to 59 counts of promotion of prostitution"
Generally speaking, this would not be auspicious. And, of course, it wasn't.
Now fast-forward a few months, and we learn about the latest "doings" in The Pine Tree State:
"The defense and the judge aren't happy with delays in the trial of the business partner in a prostitution scandal ... Prosecutors aren't happy, either, after the judge dismissed nearly four dozen charges."
And the jurors - sequestered for days on end - aren't exactly happy campers, either. Proceedings screeched to a halt late last week when Justice Nancy Mills "dismissed 46 of 59 counts" against Mr Strong. The latter, by the way, vehemently denies any untoward sexual contact between himself and Ms Zumba (or Zoomba - I've heard it both ways).
We'll continue to stay on top of the story as best we can.
Oh, Pew!
Bob noted this morning that folks who choose to engage in risky behavior (smoking, over-eating, etc) end up paying more for health insurance. But as (presumably responsible) adults are we doing enough to mitigate those very risks?
FoIB Holly R tips us to this Pew Research graphic, according to which we're making some strides:
FoIB Holly R tips us to this Pew Research graphic, according to which we're making some strides:
Frankly, though, I have to call BS on at least some of this. My guess is that what's really happening is that "60% of US adults CLAIM they track..."
And, of course, "tracking" doesn't necessarily lead to "doing something about it."
And, of course, "tracking" doesn't necessarily lead to "doing something about it."
Death Cab for Fatty
Annual health care costs are roughly $96 billion for smokers and $147 billion for the obese, the government says. These costs accompany sometimes heroic attempts to prolong lives, including surgery, chemotherapy and other measures.But despite these rescue attempts, smokers tend to die 10 years earlier on average, and the obese die five to 12 years prematurely, according to various researchers' estimates.
Deadbeats pay more when they borrow money. Careless and dangerous drivers pay more for health insurance.
Why shouldn't those with unhealthy lifestyles pay more for health insurance?
Smoking has the most obvious impact. Studies have increasingly shown harm to nonsmokers who are unlucky enough to work or live around heavy smokers. And several studies have shown heart attacks and asthma attack rates fell in counties or cities that adopted big smoking bans.The libertarian in me says we don't need more laws that impact personal freedom, but the capitalist side says that tobacco use is a choice and most obese people became overweight because of personal choice to overeat.
When you make a conscious choice to take on risky behavior you should expect to pay the price.
Ace Combat Assault Horizon Enhanced Edition
ACA HORIZON - ENHANCED EDITION - FLT
Exclusive for PC : Improved graphics (resolution up to 1900×1200) ; online play up to 16 players and a huge bonus content pack
Steel carnage destruction – Incredible detail and visual reaction for every explosive attack (aircraft are shredded to pieces, enemy troops annihilated, buildings shattered, machines bleed)
Entirely new aircraft to pilot – Experience split-second maneuvering and positioning, pinpoint targeting, hovering attacks and other gameplay diversity through the introduction of the Attack Helicopter, Door Gunner and more
Revolutionary Close-range Assault system – Delivering high-speed acrobatics, dizzying one-on-one encounters, satisfying visceral low-attitude and high-flying death from above
Download (Repack KaOs) :
Host : BillionUploads
Total Size : 5GB
Total Size : 5GB
http://adf.ly/IQIR4 - 900MB
http://adf.ly/IQIR5 - 900MB
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Password : eagle3zio.blogspot.com
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Via Baidu (7 Parts @1GB) - http://adf.ly/I62T8
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To Start Download..Crack Only :
RAR Password : eagle3zio.blogspot.com
Trailer :
Some amazing conversion work on the OOP resin kit
Holy Buh-Jezus! Take a look at what Warchild40k did with one of the limited edition 15mm scale resin kits.
Keep in mind this was a solid block of resin, that is a hell of a lot of work. I just love the use of the votive candle lights to make the stacks flicker. Very creative!
Cheers!
Mark
Keep in mind this was a solid block of resin, that is a hell of a lot of work. I just love the use of the votive candle lights to make the stacks flicker. Very creative!
Cheers!
Mark
CURB STOMP
Just a bit of eye candy.
I was working on box art for the Mortis and thought I would render out this amusing scene ;)
The Mortis braces itself on a nearby building while using its scythe arm to provide further stability and commences to administer a good old fashioned curb stomp. Repeatedly smashing the light mech into the broken pavement.
The commander of the light mech must have really pissed off the pilot of the Mortis to provoke such a brutal response.
I was working on box art for the Mortis and thought I would render out this amusing scene ;)
The Mortis braces itself on a nearby building while using its scythe arm to provide further stability and commences to administer a good old fashioned curb stomp. Repeatedly smashing the light mech into the broken pavement.
The commander of the light mech must have really pissed off the pilot of the Mortis to provoke such a brutal response.
Amaranthine Voyage The Tree of Life Collectors
During your career as an archaeologist, you firmly believed that the Tree of Life was simply a myth. However, once you uncover a magical artifact, you open brand new worlds of possibility. You're whisked away to a lush world that is slowly being poisoned by a mysterious dark force. Your artifact is the key to restoring this beautiful world, but dark forces stand in your way. Protect the artifact and save this dying world in Amaranthine Voyage: The Tree of Life, a thrilling Hidden-Object Puzzle Adventure game.
Bonus gameplay
Integrated Strategy Guide
Downloadable soundtrack and art
Exclusive behind the scenes video
Re-playable mini-games and hidden-object scenes
Nightmare Adventures: The Turning Thorn
Two weeks after the events of Nightmare Adventures: The Witch's Prison, Kiera Vale finds herself drawn back into a web of occult sciences, mysterious dark entities, and government secrets -- woven by the agency known as A.R.C.A.N.E.. Kiera is happy to receive the call, but soon after her arrival finds that things are not at all how she remembers them to be. What are these agents hiding, and why didn't they tell her the whole story? What is the true nature of the Blackwater "Witch"? Why is Dr. Thorn's young daughter locked up in a containment cell? From the top secret labs in the depths of A.R.C.A.N.E.'s headquarters to the distant spires of alien worlds, Ms. Vale will seek answers, solve cryptic puzzles, banish evil otherdimensional creatures, and perhaps even make a new friend over a game of Piggy Princess along the way, in Nightmare Adventures: The Turning Thorn.
unrar n play: RapidGator
Seven Seas Solitaire
Your bride-to-be has gone missing, and you’ve been framed for her kidnapping! As a retired naval officer, you now must scour the seven seas to solve the mystery and bring her home. Match cards and fire cannonballs to clear the levels and gather the clues and tools you need to find your darling Elaine. Do you have the skills and the courage to conquer the ocean’s dangers and become a captain of legend?
Gripping story
Build your own hide-away
Buy over 20 power ups
Old Version: UploadedNet
unrar n play: RapidGator
Royal Defense
The castle needs a hero – hordes of trolls are surrounding it! Build towers, save money, learn spells, and keep the enemy away! Follow the exciting story of the dwarven kingdom's eternal struggle against the troll hordes, who want only to crush the dwarves and claim their territory. To defeat these monstrous hordes, you must construct defensive towers and units and learn to wield powerful spells. Tap anywhere you like for a handy pop-up menu listing all the units and structures that can be built in each location. Tap existing structures to see how you can upgrade your forces with powerful improvements! All your towers and units have specific stats: Damage, Fire rate, Damage radius, Damage type, as well as various other features, such as Enemy Slowdown and Damage Over Time. Each level also brings new units and structures to help you fight the troll menace. You’ll never be lacking for new and exciting ways of decimating those nasty trolls!
40 Levels
12 Tower & Structure Types
Extensive Magic System
Spirits of Mystery: The Dark Minotaur
In the dark of night, an elusive figure breaks in to the royal menagerie and steals four magic animals, your childhood companions and dearest friends. It is up to you to save them! Take the journey to discover more about the Dark Minotaur who threatens the magical world. Can you save them in time?
Beautiful art style
Find the stolen animals!
Another One (or Two) Bites the Dust
About those Obamacare health insurance exchanges . . .
As we get closer to the starting date it seems more carriers are getting cold feet, or at least indicating a very limited interest in playing the Obamacare game.
If this trend continues, and it will, no doubt the regime will blame the insurance carriers, Republicans and Bush.
As we get closer to the starting date it seems more carriers are getting cold feet, or at least indicating a very limited interest in playing the Obamacare game.
“Aetna has already declared that they do not believe their future is selling health insurance coverage in an environment where margins and profits are regulated by an 85% medical loss ratio. They believe their revenues and earnings growth will be from the sale of their intellectual and system assets to the ACOs and exchanges and from offshore opportunities. Cigna has expressed similar strategies.”AIS
If this trend continues, and it will, no doubt the regime will blame the insurance carriers, Republicans and Bush.
A very expensive butt
No, not that kind; this kind:
"Millions of smokers could be priced out of health insurance because of tobacco penalties in [The ObamaTax] ... allows health insurers to charge smokers buying individual policies up to 50 percent higher premiums"
This is hysterically funny.
First, since health insurance plans will be guaranteed issue, pre-existing conditions covered almost immediately, and insurers are essentially prohibited from cancelling for anything short of failing to pay the premium, what possible penalty could there be for lying on the enrollment form?
[Since plans are guaranteed issue, they're not applications]
But wait, it gets better:
"[G]overnment tax credits that will be available to help pay premiums cannot be used to offset the cost of penalties for smokers."
So again, why would anyone disclose tobacco use?
But wait, it gets even better:
"For a 55-year-old smoker, the penalty could reach nearly $4,250 a year."
That's in addition to the underlying premium, which is already inflated due to - you guessed it - guaranteed issue and community rating requirements. A very realistic annual premium, then, would be north of $10,000. But thepenalty tax for going bare is a fraction of that. So again, why would this poor smoker even bother to purchase insurance until the very last minute?
The mind boggles.
"Millions of smokers could be priced out of health insurance because of tobacco penalties in [The ObamaTax] ... allows health insurers to charge smokers buying individual policies up to 50 percent higher premiums"
This is hysterically funny.
First, since health insurance plans will be guaranteed issue, pre-existing conditions covered almost immediately, and insurers are essentially prohibited from cancelling for anything short of failing to pay the premium, what possible penalty could there be for lying on the enrollment form?
[Since plans are guaranteed issue, they're not applications]
But wait, it gets better:
"[G]overnment tax credits that will be available to help pay premiums cannot be used to offset the cost of penalties for smokers."
So again, why would anyone disclose tobacco use?
But wait, it gets even better:
"For a 55-year-old smoker, the penalty could reach nearly $4,250 a year."
That's in addition to the underlying premium, which is already inflated due to - you guessed it - guaranteed issue and community rating requirements. A very realistic annual premium, then, would be north of $10,000. But the
The mind boggles.
DmC - Devil May Cry
DmC - Devil May Cry - RELOADED
Minnimum System Requirement :
OS:Windows Vista(R)/XP, Windows 7, Windows 8
Processor:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo 2.4 Ghz or better, AMD Athlon(TM) X2 2.8 Ghz or better
Memory:2 GB RAM
Graphics:NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) 8800GTS or better, ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3850 or better
DirectX®:9.0c
Hard Drive:9 GB HD space
Features:
“Rebellion”: Dante’s trusted sword, given by his father Sparda, provides a great mix of combos and attacks, great for sending enemies skyward.
“Ebony & Ivory”: These guns are good for keeping enemies at bay, maintaining combos and juggling enemies in the air.
“Arbiter”: a demonic axe that can deliver massive blows and break through enemy shields.
“Osiris”: an angelic scythe with fast attacks and great for crowd control.
“Eryx”: powerful demonic gauntlets that pack enough punch to parry even the strongest attacks and juggle the heaviest enemies.
DLC Pack :
Download : http://adf.ly/ITOdK
RAR Password : eagle3zio.blogspot.com
How To Install :
How To Install :
Extract, Copy Everything, Paste it to C:\Program Files (x86)\DmC Devil may Cry
When asked to Overwrite, choose Yes
When asked to Overwrite, choose Yes
How To Download :
Click "Download Or Watch" Then, Unchecklist The Words Below The Arrow, Then, Click The Arrow..
Click "Download Or Watch" Then, Unchecklist The Words Below The Arrow, Then, Click The Arrow..
Download (Full Version) :
Total Size - 7.8GB
Single Link : http://adf.ly/M4ooS OR http://adf.ly/M4or7
Split Files : Uploaded | Mirror : http://adf.ly/Hux10 | BillionUploads | Maknyos
Password : eagle3zio
Password : eagle3zio
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Total Size - 5GB
Billion Upload : http://adfoc.us/7466417786714
Put Locker : http://adfoc.us/7466417818496
Site Password : eagle3zio
Site Password : eagle3zio
RAR Password : www.blackboxrepack.com
NFO (for BB) :
Download (Repack KaOs) :
Total Size - 3.93GB
Password : eagle3zio.blogspot.com
NFO (for KaOs) :
Download (Repack k.a.c.t.u.s) :
Language: English
Release type: Rip (rip other languages)
Release quality: Lossless (100% video & audio quality)
Size: 5.16 GB (4.31 GB + 856 MB)
Size require for installation: 10 GB
Install time: ~ 15 mins
Crack: RELOADED
DLC: Costume Pack
FShare : DVD1 - DVD2
BillionUploads : | DVD1 : Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 | DVD2 : http://adf.ly/IDqrG
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RAR Password : http://kactus-repack.blogspot.com
Crack Only :
Putlocker - http://adf.ly/Hx70G
Direct Link - http://adf.ly/Hx76W
RAR Password : eagle3zio.blogspot.com
Motor Town: Soul of the Machine
A young journalist, desperate for a big story, accepts an intriguing assignment: Hunt down an eccentric inventor who hasn't spoken to anyone in years and interview him about his latest gadget. The writer gets more than she bargained for when she arrives at her destination and finds the living have abandoned the town and left the spirits of the dead to roam its streets. As she begins her investigation, she learns of the inventor's plans to create cars with souls, and of the rich entrepreneur who funded his research but might have had secretly evil motives.
With a shadowy figure that looks like black smoke leading her on, the journalist explores the eerie depths of Motor Town in search of the full story. As her guide, you'll search vintage cars and rundown factories for clues, perform tasks for ghosts, and solve an array of ingenious puzzles. With the fate of many souls and the life of the inventor on the line, you must not delay!
34 eerie locations
Ten hidden object scenes
21 min-bending mini-games
Learning-as-you-play tutorial
Unlimited hints and tips
unrar n play: RapidGator
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