Ctrl+v - your last copy
- Thread starter Jessica
- Start date
Users who are viewing this thread
-
967Replies
-
9KViews
-
0Participant count
-
Participants list
BreakfastSurreal
Well-Known Member
Re: Ctrl + V
My body is not perfect but it nurtured a baby and I'm proud of it! Too bad we dont look perfect, but every mark, every line, and every bit of skin represents our beautiful babies and what we have done for them. Having a baby is no easy task ,we are STRONG , we are BRAVE and we should be proud of ourselves . Put this as... your status if you are a proud mother! I love my babies!!!
HAHA that was from facebook
My body is not perfect but it nurtured a baby and I'm proud of it! Too bad we dont look perfect, but every mark, every line, and every bit of skin represents our beautiful babies and what we have done for them. Having a baby is no easy task ,we are STRONG , we are BRAVE and we should be proud of ourselves . Put this as... your status if you are a proud mother! I love my babies!!!
HAHA that was from facebook
KimmyCharmeleon
Well-Known Member
Re: Ctrl + V
Updated and adapted from the book "1,001 Things They Won't Tell You: An Insider's Guide to Spending, Saving, and Living Wisely" by Jonathan Dahl and the editors of SmartMoney.
1. "Our Engines Break Down All the Time."
In December 2009, engine problems caused the Regent's Seven Seas Voyager to skip a scheduled port stop in Antigua, and instead head straight to San Juan for the engine to be repaired. And a propulsion issue on Carnival's 2,124-passenger Legend ship last week affected its sailing speed, causing it to skip one of its scheduled stops.
More from SmartMoney.com:
• 3 Tips on Scoring a Low Airfare
• Bargain Cruise Packages Are Drying Up
• 10 Things Ski Resorts Won't Tell You"Engine and weather-related problems are very common," says Ross Klein, editor of CruiseJunkie.com and author of Paradise Lost at Sea: Rethinking Cruise Vacations. Savvy consumers also should look for "shoulder season" departures, just before or after holidays, and off-peak rates in various regions. A record Klein maintains on his web site shows that in 2007, roughly 5% of ships that had to cancel some or all port calls did so because of engine or mechanical problems. Those problems have become less frequent, however weather-related cancellations have become more common.
As many disappointed passengers realize too late, they have little recourse. According to Ron Murphy, managing director of the Federal Maritime Commission, "Almost all tickets allow cruise lines to change itineraries at their discretion."
2. "The Weather Might Mean Missed Stops."
Itineraries aren't always adhered to, and if the ship skips a port for a weather-related reason, they don't have to offer passengers a refund -- and they rarely do, says Neil Gorfain, chief executive of the Cruise Outlet, a cruise-only travel agency. If the entire cruise is canceled because of the weather, passengers are entitled to a full refund. But if a hurricane changes course midcruise, remuneration is rare -- you might just have to spend a little more time in the casino.
More from Yahoo! Finance:
• A Cookie Calling Card for Travelers
• Redeeming Rewards Miles
• Think Twice About Unlimited Calling Plans
Visit the Family & Home Center Although each cruise line addresses this issue differently, generally, if a ship misses a scheduled stop because of a mechanical problem, the line will issue some kind of onboard credit or refund. They're usually pretty generous and "you don't have to fight with them like you would with an airline," says Gorfain.
3. "This Ship Is a Health Hazard -- It's Just Crawling With Viruses."
Cruise ships are an ideal breeding ground for germs: thousands of people in close proximity, eating food made in the same kitchen, inhabiting enclosed spaces that just a few days before housed someone else. In December 2002, the norovirus made waves in the media after a series of outbreaks on Holland America, Disney and Carnival lines, in which hundreds of passengers were infected. The problem has not disappeared. Fifteen cruise ship outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (as defined by 3% or more of passengers having been diagnosed) were recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009, down from 23 in 2007.
The CDC posts outbreaks on its web site. But this information accounts for only a portion of outbreaks worldwide because the CDC monitors only ships that include a U.S. port in their itinerary. Short of remaining ashore, the best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, the CDC says.
4. "Sure, We Can Take Care of Your Plane Reservations, but You'd Do a Whole Lot Better on Your Own."
Many cruise lines offer to book customers' airfare, with the guarantee that -- should there be a flight delay -- they'll hold the ship or fly them to the next port. But customers pay a premium for this security. Mike Cordelli, a manager of information systems in New York City, has been on a dozen cruises and says he has had the cruise line book his plane tickets about half the time, but only after checking other available fares. "You often don't get to choose a flight, you may end up with some fairly lousy connections, stuff like that," Cordelli says. On several occasions he has saved enough money by booking on his own to arrive in a port city a day early and spend the night in a hotel.
Booking airfare independently will be cheaper most of the time, says Gorfain. But when the cruise lines book it, they will oversee the flight. That means if there are weather delays and you miss the ship, the cruise, in tandem with the airline, will arrange to get passengers to the next port of call, he says.
5. "Think Everything's Included? Think Again."
In 2009, Carnival brought in 76% of its cruise-related revenue through fares. The source of the other 24%? According to the company's annual report, "on board and other." If this seems like a large percentage for an industry that often claims its packages are "all inclusive," that's because only the basics are covered in the price of most cruises. You get most food, entertainment and coffee. You have to pay up for alcohol, merchandise, spa services and pictures. "All of these things are optional, but it's hard not to spend money on a cruise because you are a captive audience," says Oivind Mathisen, editor of Cruise Industry News. One way to save on booze: Most vessels advertise daily drink specials. If you're traveling with children, find out if your ship offers "soda packages" that include unlimited soda during the cruise for about $30 for a week.
Another significant expense for passengers is tipping the staff. Many cruise lines have begun charging a fixed gratuity for restaurant and custodial service, set at an average of $10 per guest, per day. A Cruise Lines International Association spokesperson said the amount varies by cruise line, and that passengers can almost always alter the percentage on request.
6. "Our 'Gourmet' Food Is Anything But."
Cruise lines are quick to tout the "fine dining" available on their ships, but in most cases the label is a misnomer. Typically, the kitchen staff knows about how many entrées will be needed, so they prepare that much in advance and finish it when the diners arrive. This is obviously different from what a fine-dining restaurant does, where the dish is cooked to order. The cruise food may not be on par with "a five-star restaurant, but it's close to a four-star," says Gorfain. Some large ships often provide alternative, specialty restaurants that do cook to order, but this special treatment comes at a price -- one that isn't included in the cost of the cruise.
As Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010, explains, "It's economics. If you don't charge enough money for cruises, you have to lower the quality of the food and other aspects. It's a question of balance -- or go out of business." Ward says the smaller, reservations-only restaurants that cost extra on the major lines use premium ingredients, but they can charge up to an extra $30 per person per meal (plus wine). The bottom line: If eating well is important to you, be prepared to pay extra.
7. "We Make Money While You're Off the Ship, Too."
Most cruises offer "shopping lectures" before docking in a port and hand out store maps to passengers. This service is usually provided by one of two contractors: the PPI Group and Onboard Media. Both firms promote only stores that pay for ads and pass on a portion of that revenue to the cruise lines. The stores pay an advertising fee -- an arrangement disclosed to guests in writing.
Once a ship docks, passengers can either explore on their own or join a port excursion, in which they're shepherded via bus to beaches, historic landmarks and shopping areas. Excursions, which are not included in the cost of the cruise, are a "huge moneymaker" for cruise lines, according to Klein. "One of the biggest ways you can save money is to not get drawn into [them]," he says.
Cordelli echoes the advice. Although he says excursions are sometimes helpful, especially in non- English-speaking countries, he adds that "it makes little sense to pay the cruise line four or five times what a taxi would cost you to get to a beach on St. Thomas, for example."
8. "Our Insurance? You're Better Off
Updated and adapted from the book "1,001 Things They Won't Tell You: An Insider's Guide to Spending, Saving, and Living Wisely" by Jonathan Dahl and the editors of SmartMoney.
1. "Our Engines Break Down All the Time."
In December 2009, engine problems caused the Regent's Seven Seas Voyager to skip a scheduled port stop in Antigua, and instead head straight to San Juan for the engine to be repaired. And a propulsion issue on Carnival's 2,124-passenger Legend ship last week affected its sailing speed, causing it to skip one of its scheduled stops.
More from SmartMoney.com:
• 3 Tips on Scoring a Low Airfare
• Bargain Cruise Packages Are Drying Up
• 10 Things Ski Resorts Won't Tell You"Engine and weather-related problems are very common," says Ross Klein, editor of CruiseJunkie.com and author of Paradise Lost at Sea: Rethinking Cruise Vacations. Savvy consumers also should look for "shoulder season" departures, just before or after holidays, and off-peak rates in various regions. A record Klein maintains on his web site shows that in 2007, roughly 5% of ships that had to cancel some or all port calls did so because of engine or mechanical problems. Those problems have become less frequent, however weather-related cancellations have become more common.
As many disappointed passengers realize too late, they have little recourse. According to Ron Murphy, managing director of the Federal Maritime Commission, "Almost all tickets allow cruise lines to change itineraries at their discretion."
2. "The Weather Might Mean Missed Stops."
Itineraries aren't always adhered to, and if the ship skips a port for a weather-related reason, they don't have to offer passengers a refund -- and they rarely do, says Neil Gorfain, chief executive of the Cruise Outlet, a cruise-only travel agency. If the entire cruise is canceled because of the weather, passengers are entitled to a full refund. But if a hurricane changes course midcruise, remuneration is rare -- you might just have to spend a little more time in the casino.
More from Yahoo! Finance:
• A Cookie Calling Card for Travelers
• Redeeming Rewards Miles
• Think Twice About Unlimited Calling Plans
Visit the Family & Home Center Although each cruise line addresses this issue differently, generally, if a ship misses a scheduled stop because of a mechanical problem, the line will issue some kind of onboard credit or refund. They're usually pretty generous and "you don't have to fight with them like you would with an airline," says Gorfain.
3. "This Ship Is a Health Hazard -- It's Just Crawling With Viruses."
Cruise ships are an ideal breeding ground for germs: thousands of people in close proximity, eating food made in the same kitchen, inhabiting enclosed spaces that just a few days before housed someone else. In December 2002, the norovirus made waves in the media after a series of outbreaks on Holland America, Disney and Carnival lines, in which hundreds of passengers were infected. The problem has not disappeared. Fifteen cruise ship outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (as defined by 3% or more of passengers having been diagnosed) were recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009, down from 23 in 2007.
The CDC posts outbreaks on its web site. But this information accounts for only a portion of outbreaks worldwide because the CDC monitors only ships that include a U.S. port in their itinerary. Short of remaining ashore, the best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, the CDC says.
4. "Sure, We Can Take Care of Your Plane Reservations, but You'd Do a Whole Lot Better on Your Own."
Many cruise lines offer to book customers' airfare, with the guarantee that -- should there be a flight delay -- they'll hold the ship or fly them to the next port. But customers pay a premium for this security. Mike Cordelli, a manager of information systems in New York City, has been on a dozen cruises and says he has had the cruise line book his plane tickets about half the time, but only after checking other available fares. "You often don't get to choose a flight, you may end up with some fairly lousy connections, stuff like that," Cordelli says. On several occasions he has saved enough money by booking on his own to arrive in a port city a day early and spend the night in a hotel.
Booking airfare independently will be cheaper most of the time, says Gorfain. But when the cruise lines book it, they will oversee the flight. That means if there are weather delays and you miss the ship, the cruise, in tandem with the airline, will arrange to get passengers to the next port of call, he says.
5. "Think Everything's Included? Think Again."
In 2009, Carnival brought in 76% of its cruise-related revenue through fares. The source of the other 24%? According to the company's annual report, "on board and other." If this seems like a large percentage for an industry that often claims its packages are "all inclusive," that's because only the basics are covered in the price of most cruises. You get most food, entertainment and coffee. You have to pay up for alcohol, merchandise, spa services and pictures. "All of these things are optional, but it's hard not to spend money on a cruise because you are a captive audience," says Oivind Mathisen, editor of Cruise Industry News. One way to save on booze: Most vessels advertise daily drink specials. If you're traveling with children, find out if your ship offers "soda packages" that include unlimited soda during the cruise for about $30 for a week.
Another significant expense for passengers is tipping the staff. Many cruise lines have begun charging a fixed gratuity for restaurant and custodial service, set at an average of $10 per guest, per day. A Cruise Lines International Association spokesperson said the amount varies by cruise line, and that passengers can almost always alter the percentage on request.
6. "Our 'Gourmet' Food Is Anything But."
Cruise lines are quick to tout the "fine dining" available on their ships, but in most cases the label is a misnomer. Typically, the kitchen staff knows about how many entrées will be needed, so they prepare that much in advance and finish it when the diners arrive. This is obviously different from what a fine-dining restaurant does, where the dish is cooked to order. The cruise food may not be on par with "a five-star restaurant, but it's close to a four-star," says Gorfain. Some large ships often provide alternative, specialty restaurants that do cook to order, but this special treatment comes at a price -- one that isn't included in the cost of the cruise.
As Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010, explains, "It's economics. If you don't charge enough money for cruises, you have to lower the quality of the food and other aspects. It's a question of balance -- or go out of business." Ward says the smaller, reservations-only restaurants that cost extra on the major lines use premium ingredients, but they can charge up to an extra $30 per person per meal (plus wine). The bottom line: If eating well is important to you, be prepared to pay extra.
7. "We Make Money While You're Off the Ship, Too."
Most cruises offer "shopping lectures" before docking in a port and hand out store maps to passengers. This service is usually provided by one of two contractors: the PPI Group and Onboard Media. Both firms promote only stores that pay for ads and pass on a portion of that revenue to the cruise lines. The stores pay an advertising fee -- an arrangement disclosed to guests in writing.
Once a ship docks, passengers can either explore on their own or join a port excursion, in which they're shepherded via bus to beaches, historic landmarks and shopping areas. Excursions, which are not included in the cost of the cruise, are a "huge moneymaker" for cruise lines, according to Klein. "One of the biggest ways you can save money is to not get drawn into [them]," he says.
Cordelli echoes the advice. Although he says excursions are sometimes helpful, especially in non- English-speaking countries, he adds that "it makes little sense to pay the cruise line four or five times what a taxi would cost you to get to a beach on St. Thomas, for example."
8. "Our Insurance? You're Better Off
Re: Ctrl + V
"Our Ads Might Say Champagne and Caviar, but Expect Beer and Pretzels."New cruise lines are sprouting up all the time, many of which cater to niche interests. But be careful: You may not get the experience you expect, so it's important to choose a cruise that fits your style.
Check out dress code information on cruise line's web site, as well as unbiased sites like Expedia and CruiseCritic. Each ship review on CruiseCritic.com has a section on dress code that lets people know how many formal outfits to bring and what the everyday attire is like onboard. Dress varies by ship and also by destination. For instance, nobody gets too dolled up in steamy French Polynesia, says a spokeswoman from CruiseCritic.com.
Don't be too surprised if what you thought would be a sophisticated experience turns out to be a more casual one. Even high-end cruise lines are downscaling their dress code standards. Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced in October 2009 that it was revising its dress code "in favor of a less formal policy" because of guest feedback. While those gu
"Our Ads Might Say Champagne and Caviar, but Expect Beer and Pretzels."New cruise lines are sprouting up all the time, many of which cater to niche interests. But be careful: You may not get the experience you expect, so it's important to choose a cruise that fits your style.
Check out dress code information on cruise line's web site, as well as unbiased sites like Expedia and CruiseCritic. Each ship review on CruiseCritic.com has a section on dress code that lets people know how many formal outfits to bring and what the everyday attire is like onboard. Dress varies by ship and also by destination. For instance, nobody gets too dolled up in steamy French Polynesia, says a spokeswoman from CruiseCritic.com.
Don't be too surprised if what you thought would be a sophisticated experience turns out to be a more casual one. Even high-end cruise lines are downscaling their dress code standards. Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced in October 2009 that it was revising its dress code "in favor of a less formal policy" because of guest feedback. While those gu
Re: Ctrl + V
10. "Our Ship Is Fancy, but Don't Expect Service to Match."
Although the ships themselves have gotten nicer, cutbacks in the number of staff is noticeable. With prices relatively stable over the last several years, costs for food, labor and fuel have risen. This forces cruise lines to cut expenses in some areas -- and service is a common target.
Cruises are keeping their ships full but trimming staff, so don't be surprised if your waiter is a little busier than usual. "I remember there used to always be a white-gloved steward to escort you to your cabin. You don't see that anymore," says Pete Peterson, a cruise travel specialist. "But in all fairness, it's not their fault. It's the economy."
10. "Our Ship Is Fancy, but Don't Expect Service to Match."
Although the ships themselves have gotten nicer, cutbacks in the number of staff is noticeable. With prices relatively stable over the last several years, costs for food, labor and fuel have risen. This forces cruise lines to cut expenses in some areas -- and service is a common target.
Cruises are keeping their ships full but trimming staff, so don't be surprised if your waiter is a little busier than usual. "I remember there used to always be a white-gloved steward to escort you to your cabin. You don't see that anymore," says Pete Peterson, a cruise travel specialist. "But in all fairness, it's not their fault. It's the economy."
Re: Ctrl + V
8. "Our Insurance? You're Better Off Looking Elsewhere."
When traveling abroad, comprehensive medical insurance is a must. Unfortunately, coverage varies greatly from policy to policy: Some plans cover international trips of limited length, while others (like Medicare and Medicaid) provide little or no overseas coverage. Passengers can buy supplementary insurance through their cruise line, but such policies have holes. "As soon as you step off the ship [independent of an excursion], you're no longer covered," Ward says. An outside policy makes more sense and is often less expensive. Ward advises a policy specifically designed for cruises and warns, "Make sure it includes emergency evacuation insurance," in case of a serious medical problem.
Web sites like InsureMyTrip.com allow users to compare plans that are often better and cheaper than those offered by cruise lines. For example, at press time, Holland America's medical coverage, included in one of its Cancellation Protection Plans, has a $10,000 illness and $50,000 emergency evacuation maximum, and averages around $160 per passenger (depending on the fare). By contrast, the CSA Travel Protection Plan covers trip cancellation and provides $250,000 in illness coverage and $1,000,000 in evacuation expenses for just over $70. The bottom line: It's worth your time to shop around.
9. "Our Ads Might Say Champagne and Caviar, but Expect Beer and Pretzels."
New cruise lines are sprouting up all the time, many of which cater to niche interests. But be careful: You may not get the experience you expect, so it's important to choose a cruise that fits your style.
Check out dress code information on cruise line's web site, as well as unbiased sites like Expedia and CruiseCritic. Each ship review on CruiseCritic.com has a section on dress code that lets people know how many formal outfits to bring and what the everyday attire is like onboard. Dress varies by ship and also by destination. For instance, nobody gets too dolled up in steamy French Polynesia, says a spokeswoman from CruiseCritic.com.
Don't be too surprised if what you thought would be a sophisticated experience turns out to be a more casual one. Even high-end cruise lines are downscaling their dress code standards. Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced in October 2009 that it was revising its dress code "in favor of a less formal policy" because of guest feedback. While those guidelines call for "evening casual" during evening hours -- no jeans, T-shirts or baseball caps -- some cruise lines "have a hard time enforcing their own rules," says Gorfain, because they don't want to offend any passengers.
8. "Our Insurance? You're Better Off Looking Elsewhere."
When traveling abroad, comprehensive medical insurance is a must. Unfortunately, coverage varies greatly from policy to policy: Some plans cover international trips of limited length, while others (like Medicare and Medicaid) provide little or no overseas coverage. Passengers can buy supplementary insurance through their cruise line, but such policies have holes. "As soon as you step off the ship [independent of an excursion], you're no longer covered," Ward says. An outside policy makes more sense and is often less expensive. Ward advises a policy specifically designed for cruises and warns, "Make sure it includes emergency evacuation insurance," in case of a serious medical problem.
Web sites like InsureMyTrip.com allow users to compare plans that are often better and cheaper than those offered by cruise lines. For example, at press time, Holland America's medical coverage, included in one of its Cancellation Protection Plans, has a $10,000 illness and $50,000 emergency evacuation maximum, and averages around $160 per passenger (depending on the fare). By contrast, the CSA Travel Protection Plan covers trip cancellation and provides $250,000 in illness coverage and $1,000,000 in evacuation expenses for just over $70. The bottom line: It's worth your time to shop around.
9. "Our Ads Might Say Champagne and Caviar, but Expect Beer and Pretzels."
New cruise lines are sprouting up all the time, many of which cater to niche interests. But be careful: You may not get the experience you expect, so it's important to choose a cruise that fits your style.
Check out dress code information on cruise line's web site, as well as unbiased sites like Expedia and CruiseCritic. Each ship review on CruiseCritic.com has a section on dress code that lets people know how many formal outfits to bring and what the everyday attire is like onboard. Dress varies by ship and also by destination. For instance, nobody gets too dolled up in steamy French Polynesia, says a spokeswoman from CruiseCritic.com.
Don't be too surprised if what you thought would be a sophisticated experience turns out to be a more casual one. Even high-end cruise lines are downscaling their dress code standards. Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced in October 2009 that it was revising its dress code "in favor of a less formal policy" because of guest feedback. While those guidelines call for "evening casual" during evening hours -- no jeans, T-shirts or baseball caps -- some cruise lines "have a hard time enforcing their own rules," says Gorfain, because they don't want to offend any passengers.
Re: Ctrl + V
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama is expected to publish his healthcare plan as early as Sunday or Monday, combining features of the two Democratic bills passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, congressional aides and healthcare advocates said on Friday.
The administration's bill will aim to jump-start the stalled healthcare overhaul and comes just days ahead of a planned televised White House summit with congressional Republicans, who are calling on Democrats to scrap the bills and start over with a far less sweeping proposal.
Democrats are struggling to push healthcare legislation over the finish line in the face of sagging public support and solid Republican opposition bolstered by recent election victories in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey.
The legislation the White House will post on its website is expected to reflect common ground negotiated over the past several weeks by House and Senate Democratic leaders.
Those agreements are likely to be combined as a privileged budget reconciliation bill, which only needs a simple 51-vote majority to pass the 100-member Senate instead of the 60-vote supermajority that has become routine in the Senate and gives Republicans power to block the healthcare bill.
"I believe that's the path we are going to take," a senior congressional Democratic aide said.
But it is not clear, even to congressional Democrats, what the White House will include in its legislation and whether Obama will try to add proposals aimed at attracting at least some Republican support.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have not signed off on any final agreement, several Democratic aides have said.
"We are still waiting for the president to present to Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi his plan," a Democratic leadership aide told Reuters.
Valerie Jarrett, one of Obama's closest advisers, said the president would post his draft healthcare bill on the Internet in "the next couple of days."
"The president is going to craft what he thinks is a good bill. It's not going to be a perfect bill but it's going to be a good bill," she said at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
FACE-OFF WITH REPUBLICANS
A move to use the budget reconciliation process would fuel Republican opposition even as Obama has called for more bipartisanship in the process.
"If the president is sincere about moving forward in a bipartisan fashion, he must take the reconciliation process -- which will be used to jam through legislation that a majority of Americans do not want -- off the table," said Representative Eric Cantor, the second-ranking House Republican.
The Obama face-off with Republicans will give Democrats an opportunity to try to sell their plan to the public and explain why a sweeping, comprehensive proposal is needed instead of the go slow, step-by-step approach advocated by Republicans.
At a campaign event on Friday for Reid in Nevada, Obama blasted Republicans for opposing his healthcare overhaul. "The Republicans say that they've got a better way of doing it. So, I want them to put it on the table," he said.
"We're going to move forward the Democratic proposal -- we hope the Republicans have one too," Obama said. "And we'll sit down and let's hammer it out. We'll go section by section. America can't solve our economic problems unless we tackle some of these structural problems."
Healthcare advocacy groups are looking to the White House proposal and next Thursday's summit to shore up public support, and Democratic votes, in the push to get comprehensive legislation to Obama this year.
"As soon as the president and (congressional Democratic) leadership are totally together on substance and a strategy, I think the votes will be there," said Ron Pollack, who heads the Families USA healthcare advocacy group.
The administration, congressional Democrats and advocacy groups have been turning up the rhetorical heat on health insurers that have in recent weeks announced huge premium increases against the backdrop of sizable profits and growing numbers of uninsured people.
"The premium increases are a powerful reminder that the healthcare problems are not going away," said David Kendall, a senior health policy advisor at centrist think tank Third Way.
(Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington and Jim Finkle in Cambridge, Massachusetts)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama is expected to publish his healthcare plan as early as Sunday or Monday, combining features of the two Democratic bills passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, congressional aides and healthcare advocates said on Friday.
The administration's bill will aim to jump-start the stalled healthcare overhaul and comes just days ahead of a planned televised White House summit with congressional Republicans, who are calling on Democrats to scrap the bills and start over with a far less sweeping proposal.
Democrats are struggling to push healthcare legislation over the finish line in the face of sagging public support and solid Republican opposition bolstered by recent election victories in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey.
The legislation the White House will post on its website is expected to reflect common ground negotiated over the past several weeks by House and Senate Democratic leaders.
Those agreements are likely to be combined as a privileged budget reconciliation bill, which only needs a simple 51-vote majority to pass the 100-member Senate instead of the 60-vote supermajority that has become routine in the Senate and gives Republicans power to block the healthcare bill.
"I believe that's the path we are going to take," a senior congressional Democratic aide said.
But it is not clear, even to congressional Democrats, what the White House will include in its legislation and whether Obama will try to add proposals aimed at attracting at least some Republican support.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have not signed off on any final agreement, several Democratic aides have said.
"We are still waiting for the president to present to Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi his plan," a Democratic leadership aide told Reuters.
Valerie Jarrett, one of Obama's closest advisers, said the president would post his draft healthcare bill on the Internet in "the next couple of days."
"The president is going to craft what he thinks is a good bill. It's not going to be a perfect bill but it's going to be a good bill," she said at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
FACE-OFF WITH REPUBLICANS
A move to use the budget reconciliation process would fuel Republican opposition even as Obama has called for more bipartisanship in the process.
"If the president is sincere about moving forward in a bipartisan fashion, he must take the reconciliation process -- which will be used to jam through legislation that a majority of Americans do not want -- off the table," said Representative Eric Cantor, the second-ranking House Republican.
The Obama face-off with Republicans will give Democrats an opportunity to try to sell their plan to the public and explain why a sweeping, comprehensive proposal is needed instead of the go slow, step-by-step approach advocated by Republicans.
At a campaign event on Friday for Reid in Nevada, Obama blasted Republicans for opposing his healthcare overhaul. "The Republicans say that they've got a better way of doing it. So, I want them to put it on the table," he said.
"We're going to move forward the Democratic proposal -- we hope the Republicans have one too," Obama said. "And we'll sit down and let's hammer it out. We'll go section by section. America can't solve our economic problems unless we tackle some of these structural problems."
Healthcare advocacy groups are looking to the White House proposal and next Thursday's summit to shore up public support, and Democratic votes, in the push to get comprehensive legislation to Obama this year.
"As soon as the president and (congressional Democratic) leadership are totally together on substance and a strategy, I think the votes will be there," said Ron Pollack, who heads the Families USA healthcare advocacy group.
The administration, congressional Democrats and advocacy groups have been turning up the rhetorical heat on health insurers that have in recent weeks announced huge premium increases against the backdrop of sizable profits and growing numbers of uninsured people.
"The premium increases are a powerful reminder that the healthcare problems are not going away," said David Kendall, a senior health policy advisor at centrist think tank Third Way.
(Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington and Jim Finkle in Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Re: Ctrl + V
Pittsburgh police say a robbery suspect shot and killed by a Zone 4 police officer tried to fire his weapon.
Ryan Davis, 20, of Lawrenceville, allegedly tried to rob a doctor near Schenley High School late Wednesday night.
Pittsburgh police officer Janine Triolo was the first to arrive at the scene and tried to arrest him, but she was apparently beaten during a physical altercation with Davis.
"She had no obligation to be there. She responded as back-up and actually arrived first because she was close," Fraternal Order of Police President Dan O'Hara said Thursday.
Investigators formally interviewed Triolo in the hospital following her surgery. She told them she had no choice but to fire those fatal rounds.
Triolo cornered Davis near Schenley High School and managed to cuff one of his hands but then he turned on her, beating her severely and likely tried to shoot her.
"What made the weapon not fire is what we don't know, but we do know that there was an attempt to use the weapon on two occasions," Pittsburgh Police Assistant Chief Maurita Bryant said.
The suspect allegedly tried to use the gun on the robbery victim and on Officer Triolo.
With the latest surge of violence against police, officials say they know it could have ended differently.
"With the blessing of God, we are very fortunate that we aren't attending another officer's funeral," Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper said.
Police also say they have surveillance video they say proves Davis was in the area late Wednesday night and they have matched his footprints in the snow.
Triolo had surgery on her hand Friday and is expected to remain in the hospital for a few more days.
In addition to her hand, she suffered injuries to her face, including a broken nose and eye socket.
Pittsburgh police say a robbery suspect shot and killed by a Zone 4 police officer tried to fire his weapon.
Ryan Davis, 20, of Lawrenceville, allegedly tried to rob a doctor near Schenley High School late Wednesday night.
Pittsburgh police officer Janine Triolo was the first to arrive at the scene and tried to arrest him, but she was apparently beaten during a physical altercation with Davis.
"She had no obligation to be there. She responded as back-up and actually arrived first because she was close," Fraternal Order of Police President Dan O'Hara said Thursday.
Investigators formally interviewed Triolo in the hospital following her surgery. She told them she had no choice but to fire those fatal rounds.
Triolo cornered Davis near Schenley High School and managed to cuff one of his hands but then he turned on her, beating her severely and likely tried to shoot her.
"What made the weapon not fire is what we don't know, but we do know that there was an attempt to use the weapon on two occasions," Pittsburgh Police Assistant Chief Maurita Bryant said.
The suspect allegedly tried to use the gun on the robbery victim and on Officer Triolo.
With the latest surge of violence against police, officials say they know it could have ended differently.
"With the blessing of God, we are very fortunate that we aren't attending another officer's funeral," Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper said.
Police also say they have surveillance video they say proves Davis was in the area late Wednesday night and they have matched his footprints in the snow.
Triolo had surgery on her hand Friday and is expected to remain in the hospital for a few more days.
In addition to her hand, she suffered injuries to her face, including a broken nose and eye socket.
78,875Threads
2,185,392Messages
4,959Members