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Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Uncovering Deceptive Tendencies in Language Models: A Simulated Company AI Assistant, published by Olli Järviniemi on May 6, 2024 on The AI Alignment Forum. Abstract: We study the tendency of AI systems to deceive by constructing a realistic simulation setting of a company AI assistant. The simulated company employees provide tasks for the assistant to complete, these tasks spanning writing assistance, information retrieval and programming. We then introduce situations where the model might be inclined to behave deceptively, while taking care to not instruct or otherwise pressure the model to do so. Across different scenarios, we find that Claude 3 Opus 1. complies with a task of mass-generating comments to influence public perception of the company, later deceiving humans about it having done so, 2. lies to auditors when asked questions, 3. strategically pretends to be less capable than it is during capability evaluations. Our work demonstrates that even models trained to be helpful, harmless and honest sometimes behave deceptively in realistic scenarios, without notable external pressure to do so. Link to the full paper: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2405.01576 O. J.: The paper should be quite accessible - the method used is simply careful prompting - and hence I won't discuss it much here. Couple of points I'm particularly excited about: 1. I think this work documents some of the most unforced examples of (strategic) deception from LLMs to date. 2. We find examples of Claude 3 Opus strategically pretending to be less capable than it is. 1. Not only claiming to be less capable, but acting that way, too! 2. Curiously, Opus is the only model we tested that did so. 3. I believe there is much low-hanging fruit in replicating and demonstrating misalignment in simulation environments. 1. The methods are lightweight -> low threshold for getting started 2. See Section 8.2 for a couple of ideas for future work Happy to discuss the work in the comments. Thanks for listening. To help us out with The Nonlinear Library or to learn more, please visit nonlinear.org.

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Approaching Human-Level Forecasting with Language Models, published by Fred Zhang on February 29, 2024 on The AI Alignment Forum. TL;DR: We present a retrieval-augmented LM system that nears the human crowd performance on judgemental forecasting. Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.18563 (Danny Halawi*, Fred Zhang*, Chen Yueh-Han*, and Jacob Steinhardt) Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/JacobSteinhardt/status/1763243868353622089 Abstract Forecasting future events is important for policy and decision-making. In this work, we study whether language models (LMs) can forecast at the level of competitive human forecasters. Towards this goal, we develop a retrieval-augmented LM system designed to automatically search for relevant information, generate forecasts, and aggregate predictions. To facilitate our study, we collect a large dataset of questions from competitive forecasting platforms. Under a test set published after the knowledge cut-offs of our LMs, we evaluate the end-to-end performance of our system against the aggregates of human forecasts. On average, the system nears the crowd aggregate of competitive forecasters and in some settings, surpasses it. Our work suggests that using LMs to forecast the future could provide accurate predictions at scale and help inform institutional decision-making. For safety motivations on automated forecasting, see Unsolved Problems in ML Safety (2021) for discussions. In the following, we summarize our main research findings. Current LMs are not naturally good at forecasting First, we find that LMs are not naturally good at forecasting when evaluated zero-shot (with no fine-tuning and no retrieval). On 914 test questions that were opened after June 1, 2023 (post the knowledge cut-offs of these models), most LMs get near chance performance. Here, all questions are binary, so random guessing gives a Brier score of 0.25. Averaging across all community predictions over time, the human crowd gets 0.149. We present the score of the best model of each series. Only GPT-4 and Claude-2 series beat random guessing (by a margin of >0.3), though still very far from human aggregates. System building Towards better automated forecasting, we build and optimize a retrieval-augmented LM pipeline for this task. It functions in 3 steps, mimicking the traditional forecasting procedure: Retrieval, which gathers relevant information from news sources. Here, we use LM to generate search queries given a question, use these queries to query a news corpus for articles, filter out irrelevant articles, and summarize the remaining. Reasoning, which weighs available data and makes a forecast. Here, we prompt base and fine-tuned GPT-4 models to generate forecasts and (verbal) reasonings. Aggregation, which ensembles individual forecasts into an aggregated prediction. We use trimmed mean to aggregate all the predictions. We optimize the system's hyperparameters and apply a self-supervised approach to fine-tune a base GPT-4 to obtain the fine-tuned LM. See Section 5 of the full paper for details. Data and models We use GPT-4-1106 and GPT-3.5 in our system, whose knowledge cut-offs are in April 2023 and September 2021. To optimize and evaluate the system, we collect a dataset of forecasting questions from 5 competitive forecasting platforms, including Metaculus, Good Judgment Open, INFER, Polymarket, and Manifold. The test set consists only of questions published after June 1st, 2023. Crucially, this is after the knowledge cut-off date of GPT-4 and GPT-3.5, preventing leakage from pre-training. The train and validation set contains questions before June 1st, 2023, used for hyperparameter search and fine-tuning a GPT-4 base model. Evaluation results For each question, we perform information retrieval at up to 5 different dates during the question's time span and e...

The day is here, and this is possibly the most I have ever researched for any one episode. We continue from Pt. 1 on the secret society known as The Parushim which included two Supreme Court Justices, & then get into some bizarre teachings about a Holy Serpent. Then, we take a step deeper into the early push for the modern state looking directly at quotes from leaders in the movement. From there, we get into events that took place at the beginning of its establishment, & still, we've only skimmed the surface. Just wait for Pt. 3!  Now, time to get down that hot, sandy rabbit hole, far beyond the mainstream!   Cheers, and Blessings   The Odd Man Out   Show Notes•   The Parushim «KALLEN invited no one to become a member until the candidate had given specific assurances regarding devotion and resolution to the Zionist cause, and each initiate had to undergo a rigorous analysis of his qualifications, loyalty, and willingness to take orders from the Order's Executive Council.» — Schmidt, Horace M. Kallen: Prophet of American Zionism (Brooklyn, NY: Carlson, 1995), 77.   BRANDEIS assumed the active leadership of the Provisional Executive Committee and HORACE KALLEN invited him to become an honorary member of the Parushim. BRANDEIS accepted, and began to assign the Parushim to carry out special «missions» for him. — Kallen to Brandeis, September 21st, 1914; Brandeis to Kallen, March 4th, 1915; Brandeis Papers, Zionist Archives, New York.   Professor Sarah Schmidt The Parushim https://ifamericansknew.org/history/parushim.html   Against Our Better Judgement Book by Allison Weir https://againstourbetterjudgment.com/   If Americans Knew- Allison Weir's Group https://ifamericansknew.org/   The Holy Serpent in Judaism Rabbi Laitman, in his Daily Kabbalah Lesson of the Zohar, stresses that: “...This snake comes as medication...an angel sent to us...we should be grateful to the serpent for its help...the serpent has a very important mission... “The Serpent is the Angel of Help.” (Full Quote) https://laitman.com/2010/02/the-serpent-is-the-angel-of-help/   "Adam named the serpent thereby, magnifying its unique essence, & was to use it for divine purpose. This is especially true of the Nachash for under Adam's subjugation it had a very sacred mission to perform. More than any other animal it was to be a partner with Adam in bringing the final Tikkum, a completion and transformation of all creation"   Is Tikkun Olam another version of New World Order, The Great Reset ect?   "Kabbalah with theoretical science can stimulate the redemption process." Joel David Bakst, The Secret Doctrine of Gaon Of Vilna Vol. 2 P.80   The Talmud, teaches that, “Serpents encircle the Righteous during their lives, attending to their needs and guiding their actions.” And The Talmud concludes that, “The Serpent is the great servant of man” (Sanhedrin 50b)   Rabbi Jacob ben Cohen declares outright, that, “The Messiah is a snake.”   "Just as Amalek represents the epitome of evil, so does the positive snake represent the epitome of good. Mashiach himself is referred to as "the holy snake," as alluded to by the phenomenon that the numerical value of Mashiach (358) is the same as that of the word for "snake" (nachash). In the Zohar it is told that when the holy snake, Mashiach, will kill the evil snake (overcome the fear of insanity), he will thereby merit to marry the Divine princess, to unite with the origin of the souls of Israel and so to bring redemption to the world."   "Dan shall be a snake on the way, a serpent on the path." (Mashiach, the epitome of the figure of the holy snake, will be a descendent of Judah, the son of David." https://www.inner.org/healing/healing35   The kosher serpent, & the restoration of all things. (Great Series On Kabbalah Teachings) https://youtu.be/PzVBVp2Xtyw   "The serpent, inspirer of disobedience, of insubordination and revolt, was cursed by the ancient Theocrats, although it was honored among initiates... to become like unto Divinity, such was the goal of the ancient mysteries... Today, the program of initiation has not changed." Oswald Wirth, Freemason, Creator of Tarot Cards   "The serpent is the universal symbol, & prototype of the Universal savior who redeems the world by giving creation the knowledge of itself, & the realization of good, & evil." Manly P. Hall, Rosicrucian, Freemason   "Man rose to Divine status by partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The serpent's advice to Eve was wiser than the recorded command of God." Lynn Perkins, Freemasonry, & The New Age   The 29th Degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is titled: Knight of The Brazen Serpent.   The Hidden History of Zionism (Book) https://archive.org/details/hiddenhistory_zionism   “If I were an Arab leader, I would never sign an agreement with Israel. It is normal; we have taken their country. It is true God promised it to us, but how could that interest them? Our God is not theirs. There has been Anti-Semitism, the Nazis, Hitler, Auschwitz, but was that their fault? They see but one thing: we have come and we have stolen their country. Why would they accept that?” 
David Ben-Gurion (the first Israeli Prime Minister): Quoted by Nahum Goldmann in Le Paraddoxe Juif (The Jewish Paradox), pp121.   "Jewish villages were built in the place of Arab villages. You do not even know the names of these Arab villages, and I do not blame you, because these geography books no longer exist; not only do the books not exist, the Arab villages are not there either. Nahalal arose in the place of Mahalul, Gevat - in the place of Jibta, Sarid - in the place of Haneifs and Kefar Yehoshua - in the place of Tell Shaman. There is not one place built in this country that did not have a former Arab population." ~ Moshe Dayan, Israeli Defense Minister   “Between ourselves it must be clear that there is no room for both peoples together in this country. We shall not achieve our goal if the Arabs are in this small country. There is no other way than to transfer the Arabs from here to neighboring countries – all of them. Not one village, not one tribe should be left.” Joseph Weitz, head of the Jewish Agency's Colonization Department in 1940. From “A Solution to the Refugee Problem” Joseph Weitz, Davar, September 29, 1967, cited in Uri Davis and Norton Mevinsky, eds., Documents from Israel, 1967-1973, p.21.   Extras Benjamin Freedman Speech https://archive.org/details/benjamin-h.-freedman-speech-unedited-version-1961   Rabbi Michael Laitman's Website Posts Article of Rabbi Openly Promoting A Communist Society (Tikkum Olam?) See Section 3: Principles Of A Future Society http://www.kabbalah.info/eng/layout/set/trans_page/content/view/full/3811   See Bottom Of Page https://laitman.com/2009/01/restoring-ancient-babylon/   A must listen/watch! Kabbalah Secrets w/ DeAnne Loper On A Minute To Midnite https://youtu.be/ojIdgaoq_EY   DeAnna Loper's Website Great Source In Kabbalah, & Judaism's Teachings https://www.kabbalahsecretschristiansneedtoknow.com/?m=1   Biden, I'm a Zionist https://youtu.be/dbn4i7_CFIM   “If we are going to admit claims on conquest thousands of years ago, the whole world will have to be turned upside down.” Lord Sydenham, Hansard, House of Lords, 21 June 1922.   Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.  Titus 1:14    Odd Man Out Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theoddmanout       ACR- My Podcasting Family Visit the home of The Oddcast at "Alternate Current Radio, and check out all their other great shows including, Boiler Room, and be sure to subscribe to their Social Media to get updates on all the fantastic talk, and music shows. https://alternatecurrentradio.com/           
 Check out the ACR video: "Shilling For Sanity" https://youtu.be/TyQv1JL78Eg     

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From Code 7700: Fatigue. Fatigue refers to a physiological state in which there is a decreased capacity to perform cognitive tasks and an increased variability in performance as a function of time on task. Fatigue is also associated with tiredness, weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, depression, lack of motivation, and sleepiness. Sleep Inertia. Sleep inertia (also termed sleep drunkenness) refers to a period of impaired performance and reduced vigilance following awakening from the regular sleep episode or nap. This impairment may be severe, last from minutes to hours, and be accompanied by micro-sleep episodes. Window of Circadian Low (WOCL). Individuals living on a regular 24-hour routine with sleep at night have two periods of maximum sleepiness, also known as “WOCLs.” One occurs at night, roughly from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., a time when physiological sleepiness is greatest and performance capabilities are lowest. The other is in the afternoon, roughly from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sleep-Related Processes [AC 120-100, ¶7.] Sleep Regulation. The drive for sleep increases over time since the last sleep period and with any cumulative deficit in sleep relative to the average 8-hour day requirement. As a consequence, the sleep drive is at its lowest point in the morning, upon awakening, and as the day progresses, the drive to sleep increases and the ability to sustain attention and engage in cognitive activities decreases. Once sleep begins, this drive gradually decreases until awakening. Elevated Sleep Drive. For the average person, the daily upswing in alertness produced by the circadian system tends to offset the decrease in alertness produced by depletion of the sleep regulatory process. The result is roughly constant reaction time and lapses during the first 16 hours of the day 85. After about 16 hours of continuous wakefulness, most adults begin to notice reductions in the speed of performance and in alertness levels 87. However, a prior history of insufficient sleep quantity and quality can magnify the changes in behavior and alertness. Desynchronization. The timing of sleep and wakefulness of most humans, under natural conditions, is consistent with the circadian control of the sleep cycle and all other circadian-controlled rhythms. However, people working in a developed society override their internal biological clock and attempt to sleep at times that are not always consistent with the biological drive to sleep. For example, when individuals travel rapidly across time zones or work the night shift, the sleep/wake cycle is out of phase with the biological rhythms controlled by the circadian clock. This can adversely affect both alertness while awake and at work, and the ability to achieve restorative sleep. Sleep Inertia. This sleep-related process causes a temporary degradation in performance immediately after awakening. The degradation or loss of alertness is dependent on depth of sleep at the time of awakening. The degradation dissipates, after awakening, on a time scale ranging from minutes to a few hours. Sleep inertia causes a feeling of drowsiness or lethargy and can be measured as a noticeable change in reaction time and potential for lapses in attention. The duration and severity of sleep inertia is related to the depth of sleep at the time of awakening. It tends to be greater after short sleep periods of an hour or two, when the need for sleep is not fully satisfied, or after sleep when the person is carrying a large sleep debt from prior sleep restrictions 10. Fatigue Factors   Figure: Window of circadian low, from Duty/Rest Guidelines for Business Aviation, §1.0. [Duty/Rest Guidelines for Business Aviation, §1.0] 1.1 Sleep Sleep is a vital physiological need. Sleep is necessary to maintain alertness and performance, positive mood, and overall health and well-being. Each individual has a basic sleep requirement that sustains optimal levels of performance and physiological alertness during wakefulness. On average, an adult requires eight hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. It has been shown in laboratory studies that loss of as little as two hours of sleep will induce fatigue and degrade subsequent waking performance and alertness. Over successive days, sleep loss — any amount less than is required — will accrue into a cumulative sleep deficit commonly referred to as a "sleep debt." The physiological need for sleep created by sleep loss can be reversed only by sleep. Recovery from acute sleep loss takes one or two consecutive extended sleep periods. These extended sleep periods will be even longer if a person is suffering from a cumulative sleep debt. An individual who has obtained ample recovery sleep will be better prepared to perform after long hours awake or while working nonstandard schedules than a person who is operating with a sleep debt. 1.2 Recovery Periods Recovery from acute or cumulative sleep loss is critical when a person is challenged with non-standard schedules that include extended periods of wakefulness (e.g., extended duty periods) or circadian disruption (scheduled sleep/wake periods that are misaligned with the body's circadian rhythm, described in Section 1.3). Recovery is necessary to reduce the accumulated effects of fatigue and enable an individual to perform assigned duties fully rested. Further, recovery periods should allow for recuperative sleep opportunities of an appropriate number of hours and, in some cases, an appropriate number of successive days (as noted in Section 1.1). Placement of recovery sleep periods is crucial and can be especially challenging when schedules include changing time zones because individuals may experience circadian misalignment. Westward travel is often associated with waking up too early in relation to the local time zone, and eastward travel is associated with delay in falling asleep in relation to the local time zone. (See Section 1.3 for further discussion.) Another challenge an individual may experience when planning recovery rest is adaptation to time zone shifts (jet lag), as discussed in Section 1.3. Many operational factors impact the scheduling of recovery periods, and a simple rule may not fully account for the role that individual differences play in recovery. It is known that meeting daily sleep requirements and using restorative breaks promote optimal performance and alertness. Frequent recovery periods reduce cumulative fatigue more effectively than less frequent ones. For example, weekly recovery periods are more likely to relieve acute fatigue than monthly recovery periods. Consequently, guidelines that ensure a minimum number of days off per week are necessary for minimizing cumulative fatigue effects over longer periods of time (e.g., month, year). Time-of-Day and Circadian Physiology Time-of-day or circadian effects are important considerations in determining 24-hour operational requirements because circadian rhythms do not adjust rapidly to change. In fact, the rhythms of many physiological functions adjust at different rates. There is a 24-hour biological "clock" in the human brain, as in other organisms, that regulates 24-hour patterns of body functions. This clock controls not only sleep and wakefulness alternating in parallel with the environmental light/dark cycle, but also the oscillatory nature of most physiological, psychological and behavioral functions. The wide range of body functions controlled by the clock includes body temperature, hormone secretion, digestion, physical and mental performance, mood and many others. On a 24-hour basis, these functions fluctuate in a regular pattern with a high level at one time of day and a low level at another time. The clock's circadian (circa meaning "around," dies meaning "day") pattern of wakefulness and sleep programs the human body for wakefulness during the day and sleep at night. This circadian system repeats this pattern on a daily basis. Certain hours of the 24-hour cycle — that is, roughly 0200 to 0600 (for individuals adapted to a usual day-wake/night-sleep schedule), called the window of circadian low (WOCL) — are identified as a time when the body is programmed to sleep, and during which alertness and performance are degraded. There is a second, less pronounced, period of reduced alertness between 1500 and 1700. The body is also programmed for two periods of enhanced alertness and performance, and these periods are estimated to occur roughly between 0900 and 1100 and again between 2100 and 2300. Non-standard schedules interrupt daily wake and sleep patterns, resulting in internal circadian disruption. For example, an individual working during the night is maintaining wakefulness in direct opposition to physiological programming to be asleep. Physiological, psychological and behavior al functions are set by the circadian system to a low status during the WOCL and a person cannot compensate by being awake and active. Conversely, the same individual sleeping during the day is in direct opposition to physiological programming to be awake. The circadian system provides a high level of functioning during the day that counteracts the drive to sleep. Circadian disruption also occurs with jet lag. When the biological clock is not aligned with the external environment's time cues, desynchronization occurs both in relation to the external environment and among the various internal physiological functions. Such circadian disruptions can lead to acute sleep loss, sleep debt, decrements in performance and alertness, and various health problems (e.g., gastrointestinal). Scientists agree there is no simple equation to determine the rate of circadian adjustment in any one individual. Numerous factors play a role, such as number of time zones crossed, direction of travel, amount and timing of light exposure, morning/evening types, and long sleepers vs. short sleepers. While one study in the 1970s on non-pilot volunteers suggests that when adjusting to eastbound travel, circadian rhythms adjust at a rate of 1.0 hour per day and when traveling westbound, the adjustment rate is 1.5 hours per day, this has not been confirmed with additional scientific study. 1.4 Continuous Waking Hours Extended wakefulness and prolonged periods of continuous performance or vigilance on a task will result in sleepiness and fatigue. Across duty periods, these effects can accumulate further. One way to minimize the accumulation of these effects is to limit the length of a duty period (i.e., the continuous hours of wakefulness during operations). Acute effects can be addressed through daily duty limits, and cumulative effects can be minimized by weekly limits. More scientific evidence is available to support guidelines for acute limits than for determining specific cumulative limits. Nevertheless, cumulative limits (weekly and beyond) remain an accepted operational approach for minimizing accumulation of fatigue effects. 1.5 Individual Differences There are considerable individual differences in the magnitude of fatigue effects on performance, physiological alertness and subjective reports of fatigue. These differences extend to the effects of sleep loss, night work, required sleep and recovery time for an individual. Individuals vary from one another in sleep requirement, overall health, age and other factors. Individuals' fatigue level can also vary from day to day based on their participation in activities that contribute to fatigue while on duty and prior to a duty period. In this regard, long-duration commutes immediately before a duty period are of concern. Scientists agree that increased workload amplifies the performance degradation produced by extended hours of wakefulness and adverse circadian phase (that is, being awake during the WOCL). And individuals respond differently to the effects of workload. In aviation, workload factors can include the number of flight segments, time on task, airport characteristics, weather conditions, aircraft capabilities and other environmental conditions. Sources of Pilot Fatigue [Caldwell, pg. 6] Both long-haul and short-haul pilots commonly associate fatigue with scheduling issues Night flights (operating at circadian low point) Multiple time-zone crossings (jet lag) Early wake ups (truncated sleep) Time pressure (increased workload) Multiple flight legs (extended work periods) Consecutive duty periods without sufficient recovery time (chronic sleep loss) Symptoms of Pilot Fatigue [Caldwell, pg. 9] Accuracy and timing degrade Lower standards of performance become acceptable Attentional resources are difficult to divide A tendency toward preservation develops The ability to integrate information is lost Everything becomes more difficult to perform Social interactions decline The ability to logically reason is impaired Attention wanes Attitude and mood deteriorates Involuntary lapses into sleep begin to occur Effects of Pilot Fatigue   Figure: In-cockpit nodding off episodes, from Caldwell, pg. 16. [Caldwell, pg. 16.] A study of night flights undertaken in the 1980's revealed numerous instances of nodding off in the cockpit In the early morning hours, the frequency of such lapses increased tenfold Note than many of these occur well after sunrise! [Caldwell, pg. 18.] Standardized laboratory tests show decrements in pilots' attention, reaction time, and accuracy Fatigue-induced mood changes compromise crew resource management Flight simulation and in-flight studies show deteriorations in fundamental flight skills And the group effects fail to highlight the full extent of impairments experienced by some pilots

In an ideal world, you have a great relationship with each of your clients. First you connect, then the two of you have a great consultation and they are ready to sign an agreement for your highest-priced service package. You quickly execute the agreement, services are completed, all payments are made on time, and this new client becomes one of your best referral sources. Unfortunately, it doesn't always go according to this plan. Sometimes a client is late with a payment. How to handle a late-paying client is one of the most common questions I get. For many entrepreneurs, it's unusual and takes them completely by surprise when it does happen. In this episode, I talk about how to handle late client payments and discuss the issue from two perspectives. First, can you proactively try to avoid late payments? Second, if you do have a late payment, what steps should you follow to rectify the situation? Please subscribe if you haven't already. And if you like the show, I'd love it if you'd give it a review wherever you listen to podcasts!   In this episode: [02:57] - Danielle discusses a few ways to protect yourself against late payments in your client agreements. [03:55] - Asking for a deposit is fairly standard, but those working on an hourly basis often don't think they can do this. [06:20] - What if you're not the one issuing the contract? [07:12] - Even with a perfect agreement, you still may get late payments from time to time. Check these areas of your contract. [08:21] - Touch base with your client after reviewing the terms of your agreement. [09:03] - You'll want to keep communication very friendly at this early stage. [10:12] - What is a reasonable amount of time to wait for a reply? [10:30] - If you haven't heard back after a reasonable amount of time, then escalate your outreach in these ways. [11:30] - Danielle discusses how to handle everyone's least favorite step: making a phone call. [12:04] - Send one final email if you still get no response. Danielle offers some sample language you can use. [13:10] - What should you do if your final email also gets you nowhere? [14:03] - Ensure that you're compliant with collection laws. See Section 807 of the FDCPA. [15:03] - When all else fails, you need to decide whether to use a collection agency or file a lawsuit. [15:46] - Danielle gives one final caveat before deciding to file a lawsuit. [16:01] - Executing a judgment obtained in a lawsuit can be cumbersome and not worth it unless you feel the sum of money justifies it. [16:32] - Use these action steps to protect yourself against late payments and handle them when a client misses a payment.   Links & Resources: Boomerang for Gmail Yesware Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Section 807) Businessese Businessese on Facebook Businessese on Instagram Liss Legal Liss Legal on Instagram

Hey-o. Grant told a story today that made us wonder... Have YOU ever woken up DURING a surgery?!? TODAY ON THE SHOW: Rich's new coffee machine has him WIRED! Questions for Kyle! WAR OF THE ROSES! We have movies to watch to make you successful and SO.much.MORE!!

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from social media manager Bethany Carter. She says:“How do you deal with overwhelm? Are there some strategies you can recommend other than taking time off?I am a self-employed social media manager and I also have a side project sharing sensory and messy play ideas for babies and toddlers (Pumpkin Play).I am Mum to an almost 2 year-old who is in childcare 2.5 days a week, and I catch up on work most evenings until around midnight once he's in bed. I love what I do and I don't want to change it, but sometimes I feel like I really need a break and it's more stressful to take one than to plough on through.Being a social media manager makes taking holidays reeeeeeeally challenging, and when I do take time off I always end up having even more work when I return. ALSO whenever I tell my clients I am taking a break, I can guarantee that's when they'll demand more of my attention — it's as though me taking time off has reminded them to check in more often.Friends in employment are forever telling me to 'just take a break' or 'have some time off' but it's not as easy as that is it? I feel like I'm on a high speed train and it's a wonderful and exciting ride, but occasionally I'd like it to stop and let me off for a bit!Thanks in advance — a happy, fulfilled, but exhausted DIFTK-er. Beth"The Maternity Action article that Frankie mentions in this episode is here: https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/keeping-in-touch-days/ See Section 3 'Maternity Allowance and KIT days for employed and self-employed women'.What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••This episode is supported by the lovely people at Crunch, an online accounting service that supports freelancers, small businesses, and practically anyone who’s self-employed. Quote “DIFTK” to get 10% off their packages.•••Bethany Carter's websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from social media manager and copywriter Emma Victoria Stokes. She says:“As a freelancer — how do you take maternity leave with retainer clients still on board?And how long do the majority of freelancers have for maternity leave? I’m thinking about only taking 3 or 4 months ‘off’ as not sure if I’ll cope with financially but also organisationally with retainer clients.”The Maternity Action article that Frankie mentions in this episode is here: https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/keeping-in-touch-days/ See Section 3 'Maternity Allowance and KIT days for employed and self-employed women'.What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.•••This episode is supported by the lovely people at Crunch, an online accounting service that supports freelancers, small businesses, and practically anyone who’s self-employed. Quote “DIFTK” to get 10% off their packages.•••Emma Victoria Stokes' websiteFrankie Tortora's websiteSteve Folland's websiteSteve's podcast - Being FreelanceDoing It For The Kids websiteDIFTK Facebook CommunityDIFTK InstagramDIFTK TwitterSupport DIFTK on Ko-Fi

Most Americans suffer from a severe case of portion distortion. We are no longer in tune with our body's hunger and satisfaction signals. Instead, our eating is governed by the clock, by the situation, by the availability of food, or the swings of our mood - and we stop when we are stuffed, or the food is gone. TempleCare12 helps you create or reinforce healthy and whole habits during crazy-busy or otherwise challenging times, and this 8th day encourages you to tune in to your God-given portion control mechanism and stop eating when satisfied. Note: The days of the program build upon each other, so I encourage you to follow the sequence.  Download the TempleCare12 Overview - use this free guide and tool for planning and tracking Episode 012: Program Introduction and Day 1 - Plank It Out Episode 013: Day 2 Veggies Rule Episode 014: Day 3 The Bread of Life Episode 015: Day 4 Made to Move Episode 016: Day 5 Feed Your Mind Episode 017: Day 6 Drink Up Episode 018: Day 7 Rest Now on to Day 8. Listen in for details... Resources Referenced in this Episode: For more help in this area, see my book "Put Your Faith Where Your Fork Is: Science-Based, Faith-Empowered Approaches to Healthy Weight Management. See Section 3 - Value the Blessing of Food with specific attention to Chapter 8 - Experience Food. Don't have this resource? Click here to pick up a signed copy. Explore more: Subscribe to the Faith Applied podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android so you can receive every episode automatically. About this Podcast The Faith Applied podcast is hosted by Nettye Johnson. This podcast supports purpose driven believers who want balance and better. Each episode contains truthful and transparent discussions about faith, mind/body wellness, purpose or productivity with the intent that together we’ll learn better, and do better, so we can live better. Check out Nettye’s other offerings and services to help you at http://nettyejohnson.com

Jeff and Chris are joined in the studio by The Smoking Tire's own Zack Klapman. We talk about the new Clarion Builds Acura NSX, driving the latest Camaro SS, and that Zack and Jeff are going back to Drift School.Also, Jeff and his family bought a new car. Tune in, listen up, and find out what that is on this episode of the Hooniverse Podcast

Jeff and Chris are joined in the studio by The Smoking Tire's own Zack Klapman. We talk about the new Clarion Builds Acura NSX, driving the latest Camaro SS, and that Zack and Jeff are going back to Drift School.Also, Jeff and his family bought a new car. Tune in, listen up, and find out what that is on this episode of the Hooniverse Podcast --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hooniverse/support

Episode 113 - Racing on a Budget What’s up everyone, welcome to the High Sierra 4x4 Podcast!! This is the best off road podcast on the internet!! I’m your host Greg Bakken and hanging out with me today is the awe inspiring fullsize guy Jeff Bakken and the mini me Forrest we are here to share our passion for off roading with you!! Episode 113!! This podcast episode is brought to you by Northridge4x4.com the best online store in the industry for your 4x4 parts HIGHSIERRA4X4 - 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48. What's up Jeff? What’s up Forrest? What’s up Greg? Announcements: Main Topic: Racecar on a budget Want to race in the limited classes of ULTRA4 Racing? Smittybilt Everyman Challenge and 4500-4800 races throughout the season are our limited classes! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help make it happen! 1.Make sure your vehicle meets our tech rules and you have proper safety equipment. There are three classes racing in the EMC which runs on a modified course the day before KOH itself. Classes are Stock (4600), Modified (4500) and Legend (4800). You do not need to pre-qualify for the EMC but your vehicle must meet the tech and safety requirements outlined here: http://ultra4racing.com/racers/rulebook/. See Section 6.3 for Stock, Section 6.4 for Modified, and Section 6.4.11 for Legend. 2. Create a driver profile at www.ultra4racing.com/races and register. You have a couple of options when registering for the race, specifically whether to commit to signing up for an entire Regional Series as well as KOH or not. If you choose to sign up for a Series as well as KOH, you will receive significant savings throughout the year compared to those who enter race by race. See the race entry pages for more information. The race registration process is straight forward, but should you get stuck, we have created these step-by-step registration instructions. If you already registered to race with ULTRA4 before, please use the same login and password. If you have any questions registering, please email Shannon Welch at Shannon@ultra4racing.com 3. Pay for your race The address to send checks to and online payment options are all available once you have registered online and signed up for the event. 4. Sign up for USAC Insurance All drivers and co-drivers MUST have either annual or single use USAC insurance purchased. Pre-purchasing your USAC insurance online saves tons of time on site. Costs are still being determined and will be emailed to already registered drivers once they are known. 5. Be prepared for additional mandatory costs At KOH there will be additional mandatory costs (including USAC insurance mentioned above) including but not limited to: IRC trackers, pit crew bands, tech fee (included in an annual USAC membership, or charged separate if not paying for an annual USAC membership). Payment and pricing for these costs will be emailed to you as they are known. 6. Show up and race! See you soon. Pending you had a 10K budget, how would you build your rig? Greg: Forest: Jeff: Listener Feedback: Send us your questions and comments!!! podcast@highsierra4x4.com Thread of the Week Rubicon and Fordyce Events and Happenings: Moonlight Madness poker run Weekend of june 24, 25 and 26 2016 Outro: HIGHSIERRA4X4 - 10% off and free shipping on orders over $70 to the lower 48 podcast@highsierra4x4.com www.highsierra4x4com/podcast www.facebook.com/highsierra4x4 www.highsierra4x4.com

For this episode, I read the entire Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The following is a resource for finding information within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. My goal was to highlight the portions of the bill that will most directly affect our lives and put them into plain, understandable English. I'd also like for you to be able to find the text that makes these rules within the bill. The easiest way to search within a bill is by section number. You'll have to read a bit to find exactly what you're looking for, but this outline will tell you which section you can find the different provisions in. Anything "in quotes" is exact text from the bill. There are two versions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) you can read. This version is 906 pages. This version is 2,409 pages (the margins and the font are bigger). If you are going to attempt to read the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, you must know that Title X amends the first nine titles and The Reconciliation Act amended the whole bill. This means that the law is often not what the text says. Here is a section by section summary of the changes made by Title 10 and the Reconciliation Act. This document was provided to the United States Senate for clarification. TITLE I: "QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS Subtitle A: "Immediate Improvements in Health Care Coverage for All Americans" Section 1001: Rules on health insurance minimums that became effective immediately Insurance company can't drop you when you get sick, unless you committed fraud Health insurance plans have to provide - at no extra charge: All of the preventatives services on this list Immunizations Preventative care screenings for kids Kids can stay on their parent's insurance plans until their 26th birthday Insurance companies must cover at least 60% of medical payments The health insurance companies need to provide customers with a summary of benefits, which can only be 4 pages long with a minimum of 12-pt font and must include limitations, co-payments, deductibles, and percentage of medical costs covered by the insurance company. If they fail to provide the summary, the health insurer has to pay $1,000 for each customer who didn't receive it Employers are not allowed to only offer coverage to their high-paid employees Section 1001 as changed by amendment (See Section 10101): No lifetime limits or "unreasonable annual limits" on the value of benefits for any customer They can place limits on things that are not essential health benefits Gun ownership health dangers must be ignored: Prevention programs can not collect information related to the presence of guns or ammunition in someone's home Premium rates can not be affected by the presence of a gun in someone's home Medical Loss Ratio Health insurance companies covering large groups must spend 85% of your premiums on you, or they have to issue a rebate check. Health insurance companies covering people in the individual market or small groups through exchanges have to spend 80% of your premiums on you or issue a rebate check. Hospitals must publish a list of standard charges for their services. Health insurance companies have to let you go to any primary care doctor that you choose and who can accept you The insurance company must have an appeals process for customers and must continue coverage while claims are in appeals If you get treatment in an out-of-network emergency room, your health insurance has to pay for those services. Health insurance companies can't require prior approval for emergency services. Health insurance companies can not require advance approval to go to get gynecological services. Section 1003: Premium Increase Reviews The Federal government and the States will review annual premium increases. States can recommend that a health insurance company be excluded from the exchange for unjustified premium increases. Subtitle B: "Immediate Actions to Preserve and Expand Coverage" Section 1101: Creates the "high risk health insurance pool program" to cover people with pre-existing conditions until January 1, 2014 Could only be run by non-profit private insurers or States Insurer had to cover at least 65% of customer's medical costs Could vary premiums based on age no more than a 4:1 ratio Only open to United States citizens or lawful residents who had no health insurance for the 6 months prior to enrollment Provided $5 billion (this money ran out & the government stopped accepting new applicants on February 15, 2013 - the House Republicans would have added money only if the Public Health fund were defunded, as explained in episode CD026) High risk pool ends on January 1, 2014 and customers will then buy their insurance on the exchanges, when health insurers will not be allowed to deny them coverage anymore Section 1102: Reimbursement for employers who give health coverage to "early retirees" Employers who provide health insurance to people over 55 years old but under 65 (when Medicare kicks in) will be reimbursed for a portion of that expense. Payments will be 80% of the amount over $15,000 up to $90,000. Payments must be used for health care expenses & can not be used as general revenue or count as income. Provided $5 billion for this program Program ends on January 1, 2014, when everyone can buy insurance on the exchanges Section 1104: Orders the Secretary of Health & Human Services to develop "uniform standards" for health information electronic data entry The rules will be for communication between hospitals/doctors and the health insurance companies. Allows for the creation of "machine readable identification cards" Penalty fee will be assessed beginning on April 1, 2014 for health insurance companies that don't comply Fee is $1 per customer covered until they've completed the electronic information requirements. The fee is imposed for each day the plan is not in compliance. The fee is increased annually and capped at $20 per customer or $40 per customer if the insurance company purposely provides false or incomplete information. Penalty fees are paid to the Treasury Department and are due November 1 of each year starting in 2014. Subtitle C: "Quality Health Insurance Coverage for All Americans" Section 1201: Health Insurance Market Reforms Health insurance companies can not exclude someone for having a pre-existing condition This law became effective for children starting six months after the Affordable Care Act was signed Premium rates are allowed to vary based on the following factors only: The number of people covered by the plan (individual or family) Location Age, but the rate can not vary more than a 3:1 ratio for adults Tobacco use, but the rate can not vary more than a 1.5:1 ratio Health insurance companies must accept every employer or individual customer who applies for coverage during their open enrollment periods. Health insurance companies can not deny a customer coverage due to health status, mental or physical illnesses, history of claims, medical history, genetic information, domestic violence history, disability, or any other health-related factor. Health insurance companies also have to renew your insurance policy Health insurance companies can offer rebates or premium discounts as a reward to customers' participation in wellness programs including: Reimbursement for fitness center memberships A disease testing program that does not base the reward on outcomes Waiving co-payments or deductibles for preventative care visits (prenatal care & well-baby visits) Reimbursement for programs that help people quit smoking, regardless of whether or not they can actually quit A reward for attending health education seminars Waiting periods can not be longer than 90 days This does not apply to the individual market  (added by Section 10103) Section 1201 as changed by amendment (See Section 10103) Health insurance companies can't deny coverage for approved clinical trials for treatment of cancer or another life-threatening disease. Section 1251: Grandfathered health care plans Nothing in the Affordable Care Act forces an individual to cancel the coverage they currently have. Grandfathered plans are exempt from the provisions of Subtitle A and Subtitle C, except for the provisions specifically listed below. New employees and their families can be enrolled in health plans that existed before the Affordable Care Act was enacted. Section 1251 as changed by amendment (See Section 10103) Grandfathered plans must provide the easily understood summary of benefits from Section 1001 to their customers. Grandfathered plans must issue rebate checks under the Medical Loss Ratio just like new plans Health insurance companies covering large groups must spend 85% of your premiums on you, or they have to issue a rebate check. Health insurance companies covering people in the individual market or small groups through exchanges have to spend 80% of your premiums on you or issue a rebate check. Section 1251 as changed by the Reconciliation Act (See Public Law 111-152) Grandfathered plans are prohibited from enforcing waiting periods over 30 days. Grandfathered plans are prohibited from enforcing lifetime or annual limits to coverage (group plans only). Grandfathered plans can not drop you when you get sick. Grandfathered plans will also have to cover children until their 26th birthday. Grandfathered plans can not refuse an employee with pre-existing conditions. Subtitle D: "Available Coverage Choices for All Americans" Section 1302: Essential Health Benefits Requirements Essential health benefits to be included in all "qualified health plans": Ambulances Emergency room services Hospitalizations Maternity and newborn care Mental health Substance abuse treatment Behavioral health treatment Prescription drugs Rehabilitation services and devices Laboratory services Preventative care Chronic disease management Pediatric care, including dental and vision Health insurance companies are allowed to cover more than these minimums Coverage for emergency services  can not require prior authorization Health insurance companies can't limit coverage because the ambulance took you to an out-of-network emergency room Out of pocket expense caps In 2014, an individual can not be charged more than $5,000/year for out-of-pocket expenses (not including premiums); after that, it can be increased by the same percentage as premium increases. Deductibles for employer-paid plans are capped at $2,000/year for individuals or $4,000/year for family plans. After 2014, these numbers can be increased by the same percentage as premium increases. Out-of-pocket caps do not include amounts for non-network providers or non-covered services Levels of Coverage Bronze: Covers 60% of medical costs Silver: Covers 70% of medical costs Gold: Covers 80% of medical costs Platinum: Covers 90% of medical costs Catastrophic Coverage available only on the individual market Plan provides no benefits until the person has spent the $5,000/year out-of-pocket limit (or whatever the limit is for that year, adjusted for inflation) Available only to people under 30 years old Available only if a monthly premium would exceed 8% of that person's income Section 1303 as changed by amendment (See Section 10104): Abortion Rules States can prohibit abortions from being offered by health insurance plans offered through the exchange. States must pass a law to do this. Health insurance plans do not need to include abortions. No Federal funds can be used to pay for abortions. No hospital or doctor's office can be discriminated against by insurance companies for not providing abortions. Section 1311: Health Insurance Exchanges States will be given Federal grants to set up their own health insurance exchanges, which are websites where people will compare and purchase their insurance plans. Grants will stop being awarded on January 1, 2015. Exchanges will include an "enrollee" satisfaction system for plans covering more than 500 people. Secretary must determine yearly open enrollment periods Stand-alone dental plans will be allowed on the exchanges. States are allowed to require more benefits than the Federal government requires, but must make up cost to individuals for extra costs if they're eligible for a tax credit. By 2015, exchanges must be self-sustaining and can charge user fees. Exchanges have to publish all payments required by the Exchange & the administrative costs. Interstate and regional exchanges are allowed. Creates "navigator" positions They will inform the public on the health plans, help people enroll, and help people understand their tax credits. Navigators are not allowed be employees of the health insurance industry Section 1311 as changed by amendments (See Section 10104) Health insurance companies need to publicly disclose - in plain language - information on claims payment policies, enrollment, denials, out-of-network charges, and customer rights. Section 1312: Health Insurance Eligibility & Members of Congress All customers in with a company's individual plan will be considered part of a one risk pool. All customers enrolled as employees of small businesses will be considered part of one risk pool. The individual and small business pools may be merged if the State determines it appropriate. Starting in 2017, States can permit large employers (over 101 employees) to offer insurance through the Exchange. Health insurance companies can offer insurance outside of the Exchanges. Only United States citizens and lawfully present foreigners will be allowed to purchase health insurance on the Exchange. Prisoners will not be eligible to buy insurance on Exchanges while they're still incarcerated The Federal Government can only offer health plans to members of Congress that are offered through an Exchange. Section 1312 as changed by amendment (See Section 10104) Agents and brokers are allowed to enroll employers and individuals in health insurance plans and help them apply for tax credits and out-of-pocket reductions. Section 1321: States Must Create Exchanges or Federal Government Will Do It For Them Department of Health and Human Services will provide an exchange for a State if the State will not have it's own operational by January 1, 2014. Section 1322: Grants for Creation of Non-Profit, Member-Run Health Insurance Companies The goal is to have at least one non-profit, member-run health insurance company in each State offer insurance on the individual and small business exchanges. If a State doesn't have a non-profit, member-run option, they will be loaned money to create one or to have one from elsewhere expand into their State. The loan must be repaid within 15 years (added by Section 10104) The non-profit, member-run health insurance companies are not allowed to use Federal funds for marketing. A health insurance company will not count as a non-profit, member-run insurance company unless "any profits made by the organization are required to be used to lower premiums, to improve benefits, or for other programs intended to improve the quality of health care delivered to its members." Non-profit, member-run health insurance companies will be tax exempt. Section 1323: Optional State Public Option (Killed by amendment: See Section 10104) States are allowed to offer a public option, labeled "community health insurance", but they are not required to. Section 1331: States Can Buy Insurance for Low-Income People Who Don't Qualify for Medicaid or Medicare To qualify for this program, if offered by your State: Must be a resident of the offering State Must be under 65 years old Your income needs to be between 133%-200% of the poverty level Section 1332: Waiver for States That Develop A Better System States that develop a system that covers as much and costs the same or less than the Federal system can apply for a waiver. If granted, they can enact their own system. The new system could begin on January 1, 2017. Section 1333: Allows Health Insurance Plans to Be Sold To Multiple States Health insurance companies would have to be licensed in all the States where its plans are sold. Health insurance companies would have to "clearly notify consumers that the policy may not be subject to all the laws and regulations of the State in which the purchaser resides." Plans sold in multiple states - "health care choice compacts"- can begin on January 1, 2016. Section 1334 as added by amendment (See Section 10104): National Health Insurance Plans The Director of the Office of Personnel Management will contract with at least two insurance companies to offer insurance to the individual and small group markets in every state. At least one of these companies must be non-profit. Plans need to be licensed in each State where they offer coverage. States can require health insurance companies to offer additional benefits but must pay the additional cost. The multi-state insurance plans will be nationwide within four years. Section 1341: Insurance Companies Will Have Insurance for "High-Risk" Customers for First 3 Years Subtitle E: "Affordable Coverage Choices for All Americans" Section 1401 as amended by Section 1001 of the Reconciliation Act: Tax Credits Taxpayers Making Between 100% - 400% of the Poverty Level Get Tax Credits To Pay for Premiums The tax credit is for the amount the health insurance plan exceeds a percentage of a person's income, based on the poverty level. The premium used for calculation is the second-lowest silver plan in the individual market where the taxpayer lives. Section 1402: Out-of-Pocket Limits Reduced Only applies to people who have purchased Silver Level coverage on an Exchange The standard out-of-pocket limits ($5,950 for individuals and $11,900 for families) would be reduced for people making under 400% of the poverty level. Reduction Levels: People making 100%-200% of the poverty level will have their limit reduced by 2/3. People making 201%-300% of the poverty level will have their limit reduced by 1/2. People making 301%-400% of the poverty level will have their limit reduced by 1/3. No health insurance company will ever pay more than 94% of medical costs (increased by Section 1001 of the Reconciliation Act). The Federal Government will pay the health insurance companies for the amount they reduce out-of-pocket limits Illegal immigrants are not eligible. *Tax Credit / Premium Calculator Section 1411: How Government Will Determine Eligibility & Grant Individual Exemptions People or employers who disregard regulations and provide false information are subject to a $25,000 fine. People or employers who purposefully provide false information are subject to a $250,000 fine. No property can be taken away if the person or company doesn't pay the penalty. Section 1412: Advance Payment of Tax Credits and Out-of-Pocket Reductions Premium tax credits can be claimed in advance to help pay for premiums. Section 1415: Premium Tax Credits Don't Count As Income Section 1421 as changed by amendment (See Section 10105): Small Business Tax Credit Eligible employers must: Have fewer than 25 employees and Pay average annual wages of less than $50,000/year. Pay at least 50% of total premiums. Eligible employers who purchase coverage through the State exchange can get a tax credit of up to 50% of their health insurance costs. Tax-exempt eligible employers can get a tax credit of up to 35% of their health insurance costs. Subtitle F: "Shared Responsibility for Health Care" Section 1501 as changed by amendment (See Section 10106): The Individual Mandate Individuals must ensure that they and their dependents have health coverage every month starting in 2014. If individuals fail to get themselves and their dependents covered, they will pay a penalty for each month they and their dependents were uncovered. (see Section 1002 of the Reconciliation Act) The penalty in 2014 will be $95 or 1% of income, whichever is higher The penalty in 2015 will be $325 or 2% of income, whichever is higher The penalty in 2016 and after will be $695 or 2.5% of income, whichever is higher. Penalties are capped at the cost of the national average for a bronze plan premium. Exemptions are allowed: For people in an exempt religious sect For members of a health care sharing ministry For Native Americans For people below 100% of the poverty level who can't afford available health insurance options People who have a coverage gap of less than three months (if the gap goes longer than three months, they get no exemption for any of that time) People who have proven to the Department of Health and Human Services that they have an extraordinary hardship. You can not be criminally prosecuted, thrown in jail, or have your property taken away if you fail to pay the penalty. Section 1502: Health Insurance Companies Will Report Your Coverage Status to the Government Every year, the Treasury Department will send notices to people who didn't get coverage telling them what is available to them on their State's exchange. Section 1503: Automatic Enrollment for Workers with Large Employers Companies with over 200 employees will automatically enroll their new full-time employees in one of the health plans they offer. Employees are allowed to opt out of their employer provided coverage. Section 1512: Workers Must Be Informed of Better Options If a company's health insurance plan doesn't cover at least 60% of medical expenses, the worker might be eligible for premium tax credits and out-of-pocket limit reductions. Companies need to inform their workers about the exchanges and provide a description of the exchange's services. Section 1513 as amended by Section 1003 the Reconciliation Act: Employers With Over 50 Employees Starting January 1, 2014, they must offer their employees health insurance. If one or more of their employees received tax credits or an out-of-pocket limit reduction on the exchange, the employer will be fined $2,000 per full-time employee. They will not have to pay the penalty for the first 30 full-time employees. If the employer offers health insurance but the employee claims tax credits and/or out-of-pocket limit reductions on the exchange, the employer will be charged either $3,000 per employee receiving tax credits or $2,000 per full-time employee minus the first 30 employees, whichever is less. Employers can not have waiting periods for health coverage of over 60 days. (Eliminated by the Reconciliation Act) Fines are not tax deductible. Seasonal workers - that work less than 120 days per year -do not count as full-time employees. Section 1514: Large Employers Must Report Your Coverage Status to Government Section 1553: No One Can Discriminate Against Anyone Else For Not Providing Doctor Assisted Suicide Section 1558: Protection For Employees Employers may not fire or discriminate against any worker who reports, testifies, or helps the government prosecute an employer that has violated the Affordable Care Act. Section 1560: Hawaii Can Keep Its Health Care System Section 1563: CBO Estimates The Affordable Care Act Will Reduce Budget Deficits TITLE II: "ROLE OF PUBLIC PROGRAMS" Subtitle A: Improved Access to Medicaid Section 2001 as amended by Section 10201: Medicaid for Poor People Starting in 2014, anyone making under 133% of the Federal Poverty Level will be eligible for Medicaid's health benefits. Medicaid's health benefits will include the essential benefits required of all health insurance plans on exchanges, prescription drugs, and mental health services. The Federal Government will pay States for the new Medicaid expenses at the following rates (changed by Section 1201 of the Reconciliation Act): 100% for 2014-2016 95% for 2017 93% for 2019 90% for ever *The June 28, 2012 Supreme Court ruling effectively made the Medicaid expansion optional for the States. The result is that unfortunate souls making under 133% of the Federal Poverty Level and living in States that have turned down the Federal Government money will not have health care coverage. Via: The Advisory Board Company Section 2004 as amended by Section 10201: Medicaid for Foster Children Beginning in 2014, States must cover former foster children in their Medicaid programs Subtitle B: "Enhanced Support For the Children's Health Insurance Program" Section 2101: Federal Financing of Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Federal Government will increase its contribution to States' CHIP programs by 23%, funding up to 100%. Subtitle C: "Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Simplification" Section 2201: Electronic Enrollment By January 1, 2014, States must create websites that allow individuals to apply and enroll in Medicaid and CHIP States that fail to create the website will lose their Federal Medicaid money. Section 2202: Hospital Enrollment in Medicaid Allows hospitals to determine whether a person qualifies for Medicaid based on preliminary information in order to provide them with medical assistance. Subtitle D: "Improvements to Medicaid Services" Section 2301: Free-Standing Birth Centers Requires Medicaid cover services from free-standing birth centers. Section 2303: Family Planning Services States can, but don't have to, provide family planning services as part of Medicaid. Subtitle E: "New Options for States to Provide Long-Term Services and Supports" Section 2401: At Home Services Option Allows States to cover at home services - the kind that would usually be offered in an institution - to people under 150% of the poverty level. Subtitle F: "Medicaid Prescription Drug Coverage" Section 2501: Prescription Drug Rebates Increases rebates for prescription drugs up to 100% of the cost of the drug. Section 2502: Additional Drugs Covered Drugs to help quit smoking, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines will be covered by Medicaid starting on January 1, 2014. Subtitle G: "Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments" Section 2551: Payment Reductions Reduces Federal payments to certain hospitals. Subtitle H: "Improved Coordination for Dual Eligible Beneficiaries" Section 2602: Medicaid and Medicare Coordination Creates a Federal Coordinated Health Care Office to coordinate the benefits of individuals who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. Subtitle I: "Improving the Quality of Medicaid for Patients and Providers" Section 2703: Care for Medicaid Patients with Chronic Conditions Gives States the option to create teams of health professionals to manage care for Medicaid patients with chronic conditions. Chronic conditions include: Mental health disorders Substance abuse issues Asthma Diabetes Heart Disease Obesity Subtitle K: "Protections for American Indians and Alaska Natives" Section 2901: No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Certain Indians Indians at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level will not have to pay out-of-pocket costs for insurance they get through a state exchange TITLE III: IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF HEALTH CARE Subtitle A: "Transforming the Health Care Delivery System" Section 3001: Links Hospital Payments to Performance Starting in 2013, a percentage of hospital payments will be tied to performance in treating common high-cost conditions (cardiac issues, surgeries, pneumonia, etc.) Section 3007: New System for Physician Payments Secretary of Health and Human Services must create a new budget-neutral payment system that will adjust Medicare payments to physicians based on the quality of care they deliver. New system will be phased in over two years beginning in 2015. Section 3008: Penalties for Poor Performance Hospitals in the top 25th percentile for rates of diseases caught inside the hospital will have a payment penalty through Medicare. Section 3011: National Strategy Secretary of Health and Human Services has to establish our national strategy to improve health care delivery and overall population health. Section 3025: Readmissions Reduction Ties Medicare payments to hospitals with the hospitals percentage of potentially preventable readmissions to the hospital. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will make readmission rates for certain conditions at every hospital available to the public. Subtitle B: "Improving Medicare for Patients and Providers" Section 3112: Eliminates "Medicare Improvement Fund" Saves over $22 billion Rest of Subtitle creates new systems and changes the way Medicare charges paid for by the government. Subtitle C: "Provisions Related to Part C" Section 3201: Limited Medicare Advantage Payments (Killed by Section 1102 of the Reconciliation Act) Section 3202: Prevents Private Medicare Advantage Plans from Overcharging Prohibits private Medicare Advantage plans from charging more for basic Medicare services than actual Medicare charges. Medicare Advantage plans that offer extra benefits must prioritize reductions in out-of-pocket expenses and preventative care over their extra goodies. Section 3204: Seniors Can Return to Actual Medicare Seniors will be allowed to unenroll in their Medicare Advantage plans and return to real Medicare from January 1-March 15 of every year. Section 3209: Medicare Advantage Plan Denial Allowed Secretary of Health and Human Services now has the authority to prohibit Medicare Advantage plans that significantly increase cost to customers or decrease benefits offered to seniors. Subtitle D: "Medicare Part D Improvements for Prescription Drug Plans and MA-PD Plans" Section 3301: Donut Hole Discount Program Medicare Part D private insurance plans pay 75% of drug costs up until $2,970 is spent and then start paying 95% once the senior has spent $4,750. Between $2,960 and $4,750, the insurance company pays nothing. This window is known as the "coverage gap" or "donut hole". This section requires drug manufacturers provide a 50% discount for brand name drugs for seniors while paying out-of-pocket for drugs in the coverage gap. Even though they only pay 50% of cost, the full price of the drug will count as paid so that they get out of the coverage gap sooner. The Secretary of Health and Human Services was put in charge of implementation. Section 1101 of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act Provides a $250 rebate to seniors who enter the "coverage gap""donut hole". Closes the Medicare Part D "coverage gap" "donut hole" by 2020. Section 3308: Reduces Medicare Subsidy for High-Income Seniors Section 3311: Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Complaint System Secretary of Health and Human Services will create a system so that seniors can submit complaints about the private Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D drug plans Subtitle E: "Ensuring Medicare Sustainablity" Section 3401: Changes Payment Structures for Medicare Payments Section 3402: Freezes Premiums for High Income Seniors at 2010 Levels until 2019 Section 3403: Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) Creates a 15 member board to propose ways to reduce the growth of Medicare spending. The board's recommendations will not go into effect during years that the Medicare growth rate is under control. The board will make non-binding recommendations during years when the Medicare growth rate is under control (added by Section 10320). The board is not allowed to propose anything that rations care, raises taxes, raises premiums for actual Medicare, increases out-of-pocket expenses for seniors, or reduces benefits. The board's suggestions will take effect unless Congress enacts alternative legislation that achieves the same level of  savings. Subtitle F: "Health Care Quality Improvements" Provides funding for a variety of programs. Subtitle G: "Protecting and Improving Guaranteed Medicare Benefits" Section 3601: Nothing in This Law Can Cut Medicare Benefits Section 3602: Nothing in This Law Can Cut Medicare Advantage Benefits TITLE IV: PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASE AND IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH Subtitle A: "Modernizing Disease Prevention and Public Health Systems" Section 4002: Prevention and Public Health Fund Will provide $2 billion a year (starting in 2015) for public health programs that include research, health screenings, and immunizations. Subtitle B: "Increasing Access to Clinical Preventative Services" Section 4103: Free Wellness Plan for Medicare Seniors Seniors will get a physical their first year on Medicare and risk assessments every year following without having to pay a co-pay or deductible. Section 4107: Help to Quit Smoking for Pregnant Women on Medicaid States must provide counseling and products to help pregnant woman on Medicaid quit smoking with no out-of-pocket costs. Subtitle C: "Creating Healthier Communities" Section 4205: Nutrition Labeling at Chain Restaurants Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations have to provide the number of calories (or a calorie range for combo meals) on menus, boards, and drive-thru boards. Upon request by a customer, they must be able to provide calories from fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein. Section 4207: Break Time for Nursing Mothers Employers must allow nursing mothers break time to milk themselves. The employers do not have to pay the mothers for that time. Employers with under 50 employees are exempt. Subtitle D: "Support for Prevention and Public Health Innovation" Funds research and other programs. TITLE V: HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE Subtitle A: "Purpose and Definitions" Subtitle B: "Innovations in the Health Care Workforce" Creates a commission and provides grants. Subtitle C: "Increasing the Supply of the Health Care Workforce" Section 5201: Federally Funded Medical Student Loans Federal government will help pay medical student loans if the student agrees to practice as a primary care physician for 10 years. Decreases the penalty for students who don't comply. Section 5202: Increases Student Loan Amounts for Nursing Students Section 5203: Federal Government Loan Payback for Pediatric Medicine Students If the student agrees to work full-time providing pediatric services, the Federal government will help pay their student loans up to $35,000 a year. Section 5204: Federal Government Service in Return For Loan Repayment If a medical student agrees to work for the government for 3 years or longer, the government will pay up to $35,000 of that student's loans. Subtitle D: "Enhancing Health Care Workforce Education and Training" Subtitle E: "Supporting the Existing Health Care Workforce" Subtitle F: "Strengthening Primary Care and Other Workforce Improvements" Subtitle G: "Improving Access to Health Care Services" Section 5601: Provides Funding for Community Health Centers TITLE VI: TRANSPARENCY AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY Subtitle A: "Physician Ownership and Other Transparency" Section 6001: New For-Profit Doctor-Owned Hospitals Can Not Participate in Medicare Section 6002: Reporting on Industry Payments to Doctors Starting on March 31, 2013, pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers must report any kind of payments that they make to doctors. Manufacturers must report any ownership or investment relationships their doctor customers have with the company. Penalties for not reporting Between $1,000 an $10,000 for each payment that was not reported, capped at $150,000. If the manufacturer knowingly failed to report a payment, the penalty is $10,000-$100,000 for each payment that was not reported, capped at $1,000,000. The payment information reported on by manufacturers must be posted on a searchable website by September 30, 2013 (this has been delayed one year). Section 6004: Reports on Prescription Drug Samples Drug manufacturers and distributors must report the identity and quantity of drug samples requested and distributed every year. Section 6005: Pharmacy Reports Pharmacies need to report on their generic drug dispensing rate, rebates, discounts, and price concessions. Subtitle B: "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement" Section 6103: Nursing Home Comparison Website The Department of Health and Human Services will operate a website that will allow customers to compare nursing homes by providing staffing data, certifications, complaints, and criminal violations. Section 6105: Creates a Standard Complaint Form Section 6111: Penalties Reduced for Self Reporting Secretary of Health and Human Services will be allowed to reduce penalties by 50% for facilities that report their own violations Subtitle C: "Nationwide Program for National and State Background Checks on Direct Patient Access Employees of Long Term Care Facilities and Providers" Section 6201: Background Checks Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish a system for doing background checks that include fingerprints on employees of long term care facilities. Subtitle D: "Patient Centered Outcomes Research" Subtitle E: "Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP Program Integrity Provisions" Section 6401: Provider Screenings Secretary of Health and Human Services must establish procedures for screening providers and suppliers for Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP All screening will include license checks Secretary can impose additional screenings including fingerprinting, background checks, and random visits. Providers and suppliers will have to report shady affiliations, suspended payments, if they're excluded from other Federal programs, and/or if they've had their billing privileges revoked. There will be an application fee of $200 for individual doctors and $500 for institutions every five years. Section 6404: Medicare Claims Must be Made Within 12 Months Section 6407: Physicians Must Have Face-to-Face Meeting With Patient Before Certifying Home Services Section 6411: Recovery Audit Contractors Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish contracts with auditors who will identify under and overpayments and collect overpayments for Medicaid services. The Secretary is required to include Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. Subtitle F: "Additional Medicaid Program Integrity Provisions" Section 6501: Medicaid Termination States must terminate a Medicaid program if they were kicked out of Medicare or another State's Medicaid program. Section 6502: Medicaid Exclusions Medicaid must exclude an individual or company that owns or manages something that: Has unpaid overpayments Is suspended or excluded from participation Is affiliated with someone who is suspended or excluded from participation Section 6505: No Payments Can Go Outside of the United States Subtitle G: "Additional Program Integrity Provisions" Section 6601: Prohibits False Statements Insurance company employees can be prosecuted and sentenced up to 10 years in prison and fined if they lie about the plan's financial solvency, benefits, or regulatory status. Subtitle H: "Elder Justice Act" TITLE VII: IMPROVING ACCESS TO INNOVATIVE MEDICAL THERAPIES Subtitle A: "Biologics Price Comparison" Subtitle B: "More Affordable Medicines for Children and Underserved Communities" TITLE VIII: "CLASS ACT"(Repealed) TITLE IX: "REVENUE PROVISIONS" Section 9001 as amended by Section 1401 of the Reconciliation Act: Excise Tax on High-Cost Employer Paid Insurance Plans Starting in 2018, there will be a on insurance companies for any health plan that costs more than $10,200 for single coverage and $27,500 for family coverage. The tax is 40% of the amount of the premium above $10,200 and $27,500. The tax begins at $11,850 for individuals and $30,950 for families for plans covering people over 55 and in high risk professions. The tax does not apply to plans sold on the individual market; it only applies to employer paid plans. The tax does not apply to stand alone dental or vision plans. Section 9002: Employer-Paid Health Benefits Will be Included on W-2 Forms Section 9008 as amended by Section 1404 of the Reconciliation Act: Pharmaceutical Industry Fee A fee of at least $2.8 billion a year will be divided by market share and paid by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Section 9009 as amended by Section 1405 of the Reconciliation Act: The Medical Device Tax There will be a 2.3% deductible tax on the sale of medical devices to be paid by the manufacturer or importer. The tax is not applied to items sold directly to the public such as eyeglasses, contacts, etc. Section 9010 as amended by Section 1406 of the Reconciliation Act: Tax on Health Insurance Companies A non-deductible fee will be divided amongst all health insurance companies based on market share every year. The fee will not apply to insurance companies that make less than $50 million in net premiums. The fee will not apply to government or employers. Non-profits who get more than 80% of their money from government programs are exempt. The fee is: $8 billion in 2014 $11.3 billion in 2015-2016 $13.9 billion in 2017 $14.3 billion in 2018 2019 and beyond: The previous year's fee increased by the rate of premium growth Section 9012: Eliminate Incentives For Employers to Enroll in Medicare Part D Section 9013: Raises Threshold for Medical Expenses Deduction Increases from 7.5% to 10% Individuals over 65 can claim the deduction at 7.5% until 2016 Section 9014 as changed by amendment (See Section 10906): Tax on Wealthy Increases the hospital insurance tax on people earning over $200,000 a year individually or $250,000 married couples filing together by 0.9%. Section 9014 as changed by Section 1402 of the Reconciliation Act: Tax on Wealthy Wall Street Income The hospital insurance tax will include a 3.8% tax on income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and certain rents on people earning over $200,000 a year individually or $250,000 married couples filing together. Section 9017 as changed by amendment (See Section 10907): Tax on Elective Medical Procedures Indoor Tanning There will be a 5% tax on elective cosmetic surgery There will be a 10% tax on indoor tanning services. TITLE X: STRENGTHENING QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS Buried in Section 10104: Dismissal of Fraud Cases Changes Section 3730(e) of title 31, United States Code which determines how we prosecuted people who commit fraud, by eliminating this paragraph: In it's place, they put this: Section 10108: Free Choice Vouchers If a worker's health insurance contribution through their employer will be between 8%-9.8%, their employer has to offer them a voucher that will pay the employee's share if the worker would like to pick their own plan on the exchange. Section 10330: Update Computer Data Systems for Medicare and Medicaid Secretary of Health and Human Services must make a plan and determine the budget for modernizing the computer and data systems for Medicare and Medicaid Additional Provisions from The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act Section 1103: Stops Medicare Advantage Excessive Profits Medicare Advantage plans must spend 85% of their revenue on medical costs rather than profit and overhead. Additional Information: Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Music: Begging for Change - Healthcare Blues by Peter Alexander Is Obamacare Enough? Without Single-Payer, Patchwork US Healthcare Leaves Millions Uninsured, Democracy Now, October 7, 2013. Treasury Department Memo (describes why the large employer reporting requirements are delayed for a year), July 2, 2013. Obamacare Medical Loss Ratio Saved $1.5 Billion in 2011, Insurance Journal, December 5, 2012.

Part 3 of the continuing resolution followed by a history of Trailblazer and ThinThread, the NSA's spying programs. *Forward to 28:20 to hear the Trailblazer vs. Thinthread (NSA spying) story* H.R. 933: Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013 B= Billion M= Million DIVISION E: VETERANS Title I—Department of Defense Construction (TOTAL: $10.6 B) $1.7 B: Army construction available until 2017 for "acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military installations, facilities, and real property… and host nation support" $1.5 B: Navy & Marine construction available until 2017 $323 M: Air Force construction available until 2017 $3.5 B: Defense-wide construction available until 2017 Includes $27 M for a new NATO headquarters $614 M: Army National Guard construction available until 2017 $42 M: Air National Guard construction available until 2017 $306 M: Army Reserve construction available until 2017 $50 M: Navy Reserve construction available until 2017 $11 M: Air Force Reserve construction available until 2017 $254 M: NATO construction of military facilities and installations available indefinitely $535 M: Army family housing, available until 2017 See Section 8058 (DoD Division) $480 M: Navy & Marines housing, available until 2017 $582 M: Air Force housing, available until 2017 $54 M: Defense-wide housing, available until 2017 $151 M: For chemical destruction, available until 2017 $536 M: Base closures, available indefinitely Section 101 No cost-plus contracts over $25,000 except in Alaska Section 105 No money can be used to buy land for more than it's worth except When it's negotiated by the Attorney General The value is less than $25,000 Defense Secretary says it's cool Section 109 No money can be used to pay property taxes in foreign nations Section 111 No money can be used for contracts over $500,000 for projects in Japan, a NATO member country, or a country bordering the Arabian Sea unless the contract goes to a US company or a partnership including US companies Section 126 No money can be used to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in Colorado Title II—Department of Veterans Affairs (TOTAL VETERANS BENEFITS: $127.5 B) $60.5 B: Veteran's benefits $12 B: Readjustment benefits $55 B: Veteran's medical care $2 B: Overseas Veterans Benefits Administration employee mail $3 B + reimbursements: IT upgrades Title III—Related agencies Title IV—Overseas contingency operations Title V—General provisions Section 503 No money can be used by the executive branch for any media productions designed to support or defeat Congressional legislation, except for media for a presentation to Congress itself. Section 509 No porn allowed. Section 511 No transfers out of Guantanamo Bay. Section 512 No first class travel for the executive branch. Section 513 Can't use illegal immigrants for construction work. Section 514 Can't contract with a corporation that's been convicted of a felony unless "agency" says it's cool Section 515 Can't contract with a corporation with unpaid taxes unless agency say's it's cool DIVISION F—ENERGY, FINANCIAL SERVICES, ENVIRONMENT, QUALITY OF LIFE, CONGRESS, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION Title I—General Provisions Keeping the 2012 appropriations for the following departments (public law 112-74) Department of the Interior Department of Energy Department of Treasury District of Columbia Environmental Protection Agency Department of Labor Department of Health and Human Services Department of Education Legislative Branch Department of State Department of Transportation Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 1104 None of these departments can start or resume a project that wasn't authorized during 2012 Section 1109 Extra money for: $40 M: Disabled coal miners $106 B: Medicaid grants to states $1 B: Child support enforcement $2 B: Foster care $19 B: Social Security Title II—Energy and Water Development Section 1203 1.8 B: Renewable energy and energy efficiency Section 1205 $7.5 B: Nuclear weapons activities Section 1206 Extra $110 M for "domestic uranium enrichment, research, development, and demonstration." Title III—Financial Services and General Government Title IV—Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Section 1401 Decrease Bureau of Land Management from $962 M to $951 M $0 for BLM construction $2.2 B: National Park Service $726 M: Wildland fire management Section 1405: Environmental Protection Agency (Total: $8 B) $785 M: Science and Technology $2.6 B: Environment Programs and Management $1.1 B: Hazardous Substance Superfund (lowered by $40 M) $3.5 B: State and Tribal Assistance Grants Section 1408 $1.5 B: Forest Service $2 B: Forest Service Wildland fire management Section 1412 Defunds the Presidio Trust fund, which helped turn a military installation into a part in San Francisco Section 1416 (Amendment 29 by James Inhofe… agreed to by unanimous consent) Prohibits EPA from enforcing an oil spill rule on farms for the next 6 months Farm means "a facility on a tract of land devoted to the production of crops or raising of animals, including fish, which produced and sold, or normally would have produced and sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products during a year." Compliance deadline is May 10, 2013 "Facilities' includes oil transportation pipelines. The rule forces facilities (NOT OIL COMPANIES) to: The oil spill prevention plan which EPA is prohibited from enforcing would have had to include: Quantity and type of oil that could be spilled Map of areas that would be affected by a spill Written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials required to control and remove spilled oil Emergency response plan Get the plan certified by an engineer Put up containment and diversionary structures Report spills over 1,000 barrels Report multiple spills over 42 barrels that happened in the same 12 month period, including the cause of the failure Title V—Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Section 1502 $3.1 B: Unemployment insurance Section 1510 $2.3 B: Child Care block grant Section 1511 $33.5 M: Head Start Title VI—Legislative Branch Section 1601 $193,400 to Irene Hirano, widow of Senator Daniel K. Inouye Section 1605 $61 M: Fix the Capitol Dome Title VII—Department of State, Foreign Oper-ations, and Related Programs Section 1701 $2 B: International peacekeeping activities Section 1703 $3.1 B: International security assistance Section 1707 $1.2 B: Embassy security upgrades Title VIII—Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Section 1805 $2 B: Homeless grants DIVISION G—OTHER MATTERS Section 3001: Additional cuts Division A: 2.513% sequester cut Division B: 1.877% sequester cut Section 3002 Sequester lives Monsanto Protection Act Section 735 of Division A (Department of Agriculture) Section 411 of the Plant Protection Act prohibits regulated plant "pests", like weeds, that are somehow considered harmful if allowed to be freely grown in the United States. Anyone is allowed to petition to have a plant removed from the regulated list. If the Secretary of Agriculture chooses to regulate a plant that was previously unregulated, this bill says the Secretary "shall" "immediately grant temporary permits" which will authorize the movement, introduction, continued cultivation, or commercialization, while the petition is evaluated. Section 735 was slipped into the bill by Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri who has been given lots of money by Monsanto and other agribusiness giants. Exxon-Mobil Pipeline Spill in Mayflower Arkansas A pipeline capable of carrying 90,000 barrels of tar-sands oil per day burst near Mayflower, Arkansas, forcing the evacuation of 22 homes. FYI: The proposed Keystone XL pipeline would carry 800,000 barrels of tar-sands oil from Canada to the Texas coast. Trailblazer vs. ThinThread Read this article by Tom Sherrock of The Nation... or listen to the podcast :) Video of former AT&T engineer turned whistleblower Mark Klein on Countdown with Keith Olbermann Video of former Deputy Attorney General James Comey testifying to the Senate in 2007 regarding the Bush Administration's attempt reauthorize their illegal spying program.