I can’t wink to save my life. I always come off looking like I’m had a stroke or having an active seizure. My sister laughs everytime I attempt to do one.
They re-elected that incompetent fool back into office. This is what I mean by people VOTING for imcompetent and dysfunctional government representation. The people in her district thinks she’s just peachy keen fine…..it those other liburil people that need to go….ooy.
I hope so…….she should have gotten the heave ho back in 2010. I know someone who is from her district. It’s a wealthy district but they are not. They’re public workers and are very religious like most minnesotans. They believe her fake love for country and family. I would sure like to hear from her so-called adopted kids. I bet and pray they were in her home for a very short time.
FROM HUFFPO:
Final Tally Shows Obama First Since ’56 to Win 51% Twice
By Greg Giroux – Jan 3, 2013 11:47 AM ET
Eight weeks after the Nov. 6 presidential election, a revised vote count in New York shows that Barack Obama is the first president in more than five decades to win at least 51 percent of the vote twice.
State election officials submitted a final tally Dec. 31 that added about 400,000 votes, most of them from provisional ballots in the Democratic-stronghold of New York City that were counted late in part because of complications caused by superstorm Sandy.
Obama nationally won 65.9 million votes — or 51.1 percent of the vote — against Republican challenger Mitt Romney, who took 60.9 million votes and 47.2 percent of the total, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Obama is the first president to achieve that level of support in two elections since Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and the first Democrat to do so since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944.
So by 5 million and almost 4%. I remember the big talking point right after the elections was that he only won by 2 million and 2 points. If a Repuublican won by this margin all we would hear about is how that means super mandate and anything the GOP prez wants should be given to him because “THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.”
Now it is a squeaker without a mandate despite the size of the victory, the addition of both House and Senate Dems and the Dems receiving 1.5 million more votes for the House than the GOP.
Soon or later reality catches up with everyone. People can spin, and try to re-write history, all they can, but the fact remains that the majority of Americans elected President Obama twice. In 2008 he won over 69 million votes. In 2012 he won almost 66 million votes. Who knows what the votes might have been in 2012, in NY, NJ and CT if hurricane Sandy had not complicated the the ability to vote. Try as they may, right wingers, birthers, people in the media who hate and despise him, will never be able to delegitimize President Obama. I also think that based on his record of achievements future historians will look favorably on the Obama Era!
Ted Cruz is really, really right wing. He once spoke out against a UN environmental resolution saying it would outlaw golf courses and paved roads in the US.
Did I hear the market climbed 300 points after the nation avoided the so-called fiscal cliff? And the RWNJs said the “job creators” would be nervous with a tax hike for the rich. Hmmm.
Boehner was? Sigh! Now I know why I was off line for the middle of the day. I was playing ostrich in the hopes I wouldn’t have to face this. Who was runner-up, or were there even any other contenders?
I guess, but it’s pathetic that in a country like the U S the choice is between those two, neither of whom is capable or ‘qualified’ as per their actions.
I wanted to direct you all to a great website I found yesterday. It’s http://www.streamago.tv. It has several cool live streams, including BBC World, NHK World, TVEI, and others. Livestation lost the rights to broadcast BBC World in the US, so I went hunting for another source. And of course, there’s zahipedia.info.
LL and TOD’ers along with your excellent link there is also a free google chrome app called ” TV Chrome world, tv in your google Chrome browser” it puts an icon on your top browser and has links for about 80 countries and all kinds of categories including sports livestreams.
Everyone should be watching VP Biden swearing in senators. He loves it. He has a story for everything. He told a kid, “Spread your legs, you’re gonna be frisked.”
What a coincidence. I’m a grandma and I have “perfect blue eyes.” Over here, Joey! (Oops. Think I’ll stop thinking about the VP for a while! I’m outta control.)
Not necessarily. Insurance is based partly on how much you buy. If you’re leasing or financing, the finance company will demand a certain level of insurance, and that usually costs more than getting just the minimum. Now, for a used car, you do pay less in registration fees.
I guess Reid punted on filibuster reform, and the mediia could care less. Reid said he looks forward to working with McConell to get move things along more quickly.
Yeah right. Whatever!
Transocean Deepwater Inc. will pay $1.4 billion in civil and criminal penalties for its role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
Transocean, which owned the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf, agreed to a settlement by pleading guilty to violating the Clean Water Act and to negligence charges.
“This resolution of criminal allegations and civil claims against Transocean brings us one significant step closer to justice for the human, environmental and economic devastation wrought by the Deepwater Horizon disaster,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in a Thursday statement.
The firm will pay a record $1 billion in civil penalties under the Clean Water Act. Under the Restore Act, which Congress passed last year, about 80 percent of the civil fines must go to Gulf states to fund environmental and economic restoration.
It also agreed to pay another $400 million in criminal fees to settle negligence charges. Of that total, $150 million of it will go to reconstructing marine and wildlife ecosystems in the Gulf region.
Excerpt of tax info from ADP based on Fiscal Cliff Deal (if they do your company’s payroll, you probably got something similiar)
Tax Changes Affecting 2013 Payrolls – What You Need to Know
The House and Senate have passed H.R. 8, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), which includes several changes to tax laws affecting payroll and employment tax administration in 2013. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law within 24 hours.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: How will my payroll taxes be calculated today?
A: ADP will continue to use 2012 Federal Tax Tables. The 2013 tables will be implemented shortly after President Obama signs the bill.
Q: I heard the IRS already released the new 2013 tax table – why isn’t that being used?
A: Those tables do not reflect the rates recently included in the legislation approved by Congress.
Q: Will the employee Social Security rate be changed?
A: Yes, the employee Social Security rate has increased to 6.2%.
Q: Will the employee Medicare rate be affected?
A: Yes, Medicare Tax will increase by 0.9% for all employees earning over $200,000.
Q: How can I get more information on the tax changes for 2013?
A: Please visit and subscribe to ADP’s “Eye on Washington” web page, located at http://www.adp.com/regulatorynews for the latest updates.
Please see below for changes included in the 2013 legislation.
Income Tax Withholding Rates: The American Taxpayer Relief Act effectively maintains the reduced income tax rates adopted in 2001 and 2003 for individuals earning up to $400,000 and families earning less than $450,000. Income above those levels will be taxed at 39.6%, up from 35%. The expanded 15% bracket for joint filers, commonly referred to as the marriage penalty relief, has also been extended.
These tax rates have been extended permanently for wages paid after December 31, 2012.
Employee Social Security Tax Rate Returns to 6.2%: The reduced 4.2% rate for employee Social Security taxes that was in effect for 2011 and 2012 has expired. The employee Social Security tax rate will return to 6.2% for 2013 wages up to the taxable wage limit of $113,700. Consequently, employees’ net pay under the taxable wage limit will decrease accordingly. The maximum Social Security tax that an employee would pay will be $7,049.40 for 2013.
The Employer Social Security tax rate is unaffected, and remains 6.2% of Social Security taxable wages paid.
[Lots of info, so I’m splitting this into two posts]
Transition to 2013 Withholding Calculations: Some 2013 payrolls were already produced prior to the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, and some payrolls produced shortly after enactment may be calculated using 2012 income tax withholding rates. This is permitted under recent IRS guidance, which instructs employers to implement 2013 withholding rates no later than February 15, 2013, and to “use 2012 withholding tables until you implement the 2013 withholding tables.”
However, because the American Taxpayer Relief Act generally restored the income tax rates in effect in 2012, any 2013 payrolls processed prior to enactment are expected to be correct, with the exception of individuals earning annualized amounts over $400,000, as explained above. There may be minor withholding differences due to inflation adjustments in the 2013 withholding tables issued by the IRS.
Revised withholding calculations will be implemented by ADP upon issuance of further guidance from the IRS, and effective for payrolls processed after implementation.
Supplemental Wage Withholding Rate: Because the withholding rate for “supplemental wages,” such as bonuses under $1 million, was not dependent on issuance of IRS withholding tables, ADP implemented the withholding rate of 28% that was statutorily in effect for supplemental wages paid in 2013. For supplemental wage payments over $1 million in a year after 12/31/2012, the withholding rate was increased from 35% to 39.6%. These changes were implemented by ADP and automatically applied to 2013 payrolls.
Revised withholding calculations will be implemented by ADP upon issuance of further guidance from the IRS, and effective for payrolls processed after implementation.
Additional Medicare Tax for Earnings over $200,000: Although not affected by the ATRA, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act established a new “Additional Medicare Tax” of 0.9% which also goes into effect in 2013. The new Additional Medicare Tax applies to single individuals earning over $200,000 and married couples filing jointly who earn over $250,000. However, employers must withhold the Additional Medicare Tax from all workers, regardless of marital status, on wages exceeding $200,000. Thus, the employee Medicare tax rate, normally 1.45%, will rise to 2.35% on earnings over $200,000, regardless of filing status. The employer Medicare tax rate remains 1.45%. There is no taxable wage limit for Medicare taxes. For additional information on the Additional Medicare Tax, please see our previous Eye on Washington here. http://www.adp.com/tools-and-resources/legislative-updates/archive/irs-issues-guidance-on-additional-medicare-tax.aspx
Parity for Exclusion from Income for Employer-Provided Mass Transit and Parking Benefits: Prior to 2012, employers could withhold up to $230 a month on a pre-tax basis for mass transit benefits for workers. The amount decreased to $125 on January 1, 2012, while a similar provision for parking expenses increased to $240. Parity for pre-tax treatment of employer-provided mass transit and parking benefits was retroactively extended by the ATRA from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.
Other Provisions of Interest to Employers:
• The ATRA will retroactively extend the employer wage credit for differential wage payments to employees who are active military reservists, from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.
• The Work Opportunity Tax Credit will be retroactively extended from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.
• The Act will extend through 2013 the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Work Opportunity Tax Credits; a Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring qualified veterans.
• The exclusion for employer provided adoption assistance is made permanent by the Act.
• The expanded exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance will be made permanent, permitting up to $5,250 per year to be excluded from income and employment taxes, including undergraduate and graduate education.
• The ATRA includes other provisions as well (please revisit the site for ongoing updates and additional information).
Now this may seem a little silly, but it was good to see a Kennedy in Congress again. But then, I was in college when JFK was elected, and this is continuity for me, and I like their politics.
I do too carolyn. I am a Kennedy-ite; I was 10 when JFK was elected, and I must have been a smart little thing because I knew even at that age that it was a good thing and he was a good man for the middle class and the poor (and we were really probably at the top of the poor class – we were not destitute but we had very little money).
Both my husband and I agree—-we’re in Illinois—–he is not the same person. I give him credit for coming back as far as he has—he suffered a devastating stroke, which they kept hidden for a long time, by the way. But just as with a lawyer friend who suffered a stroke at a young age and eventually returned to work, the essence of the person is missing. They are not the same.
Coming face-to-face with your own mortality will do that to you. One minute you’re awake then you crash. When you wake up it’s a whole new world. Things don’t work like they use to but you come, very quickly, to the place where the alternative was death.
Maybe Senator Kirk is a possibility to switch parties. He and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) seem to be very good friends. Not that Manchin is a good Democrat.
I would like to echo both Chi and Dudette! Yardarm, you bring so much love, wit, pragmatism, but above all abundant joy and zest for life, to this place. Between you and Dudette, you keep TOD pulsating with music that reminds us that celebrating life is more important than some of our petty passing squabbles. I hope you continue to be blessed with health, a sharp mind, and zest for life.
I agree. He sure doesn’t look the same and wonder if he struggles beyond the physical. I am so sorry this happened and hope he gets well. Like so many of the GOP sadly nothing matters unless it affects them.
Patronizing Texas Republican speaking to Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton should be asked to sit down and shut up. She can handle herself, but he was a ghastly homegrown good old boy, straight out of the cast of The (Southern) Walking Dead.
Does anyone subscribe to the Washington Spectator newsletter? I just received an offer with a conner statement by Bill Moyers. Leaning towards subscribing. Welcome your insight.
i applaud her individuality and spunk, but i don’t think this is appropriate attire for an elected official in high office. more formal clothing is a sign of respect for the work performed by the united states congress, in my opinion.
Reminds me of fashion designer, Betsey Johnson….however, I beg to disagree on the appropriate attire part. I see plenty of conservatively dressed people (Michelle Bachmann, Marsha Blackburn,come to mind) that I think have such lack of respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the citizens they are supposed to represent. I’ll take Rosa ANYTIME, wearing ANYTHING she sees fit…zany or otherwise 🙂 Just my pov….
If she were British, they would just nod and say….’oh, she’s a little eccentric” and that would be that. The British treasure their eccentrics in a way we don’t. She obviously marches to her own drummer sartorially, but she does good work for her people. That’s the measure of the woman.
Her outfit reminds me of the outfits and colors some of the young people wore in the late sixties and in the seventies, including myself. I was a wild child running around on the UGA campus at that time in my history, wearing my tie-died tops, multi-colored dresses, bell bottoms, and ‘fro.
Thanks so much, bob, for all the work you continue to do on the gun issue. I think it’s one of the most important issues of our time, if not the most important. It’s an insanity crying out for attention.
‘ Connecticut police are investigating a possible case of police impersonation after a man pulled a woman over and told her she was beautiful.
The woman was driving on an interstate in the town of South Windsor around 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve when a black Chevy Impala turned on flashing red and blue lights behind the windshield, police said.
The woman stopped and a man approached her car and requested her license and registration.
He asked a few questions, told the woman she was beautiful, then gave her back her papers, returned to his car, then continued to follow her onto Route 5 and Sullivan Avenue, police said. ‘
That’s scary, since your name and address are listed on your license. Who knows what he was up to? And why was Mitt never investigated for doing something very similar, on multiple occasions? This campaign was a farce, on the part of the media and their dereliction of duty.
i really like how the article cautioned women about being in a situation like this, and gave information about getting help. this is serious, and yet with myth, it was considered a silly issue.
#2 says “through a combination of increased tax rates and reduced tax benefits.” I take that to mean while the rates didn’t increase on those making over $400K, they lost some tax deductions or exemptions.
Happy New Year again from Trinidad. Can someone help me with a quick and easy way to access earlier threads. I feel like looking at some threads from the Convention – DNC – in early September and some from election day on November 6.
Hi, Soca Sweet! If you look on the right side of these posts, closer to the top, you’ll see the ” House Rules” right under that are the last 10 posts. Go there 🙂 Hope that helped!
You can also use the calendar on the right side, just below “Blog Stats”.
Click on the month name below the calendar to go to previous months, then if you know the day that you want to focus on, click the date in the calendar and you’ll go to the first posting for that day.
Obama White House.gov
Yes it is!
Chips, you are now responsible for a heart attack.
🙂 Sorry Bill!!!! Deep breaths, DEEP breaths!!
BTW…THERE IS A GIRL IN PLAINFIELD, INDIANA WHO COULD BE MICHELLE’S TWIN…SHE EVEN HAS THE SAME FACIAL EXPRESSIONS…IT’S AMAZING!
Thanks Admiral. Good lookin’ out. I’m about to spaz-out!
Oi, no spazzing out Shipmate, if I try that body-surfing on dry land again later I will need you completely non-spazzed.
Don’t worry. The condition is temporary. 😀
You are a cruel woman. I was actually on the verge of getting some work done.
Computer screen sprayed. Again. I’m weepin’ here Japa!!!!
I can’t wink to save my life. I always come off looking like I’m had a stroke or having an active seizure. My sister laughs everytime I attempt to do one.
You’ve cracked me up Lamh, we need to get you winking lessons – RIGHT NOW!!!! 😆
LOL!
Go Yardarm!!! Congrats!!
Irie! Irie! Irie!
????
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irie
Thanks for the enlightenment. Learning is good.
🙂
:lol:!
OMG, I love this picture! What a day, indeed!
Congrats on first, dear yardarm!!
Elizabeth Warren will be a fantastic Senator, thrilled to see her there.
Yes, she will!!! Woooooooot!
you KNOW it! 😀
The crazy is real.
In other news, Boehner is crying again.
They re-elected that incompetent fool back into office. This is what I mean by people VOTING for imcompetent and dysfunctional government representation. The people in her district thinks she’s just peachy keen fine…..it those other liburil people that need to go….ooy.
and jojo those guys in the 6th were so close to getting Graves in (Democrat) I’m betting she’ll get the heave ho in 2014.
I hope so…….she should have gotten the heave ho back in 2010. I know someone who is from her district. It’s a wealthy district but they are not. They’re public workers and are very religious like most minnesotans. They believe her fake love for country and family. I would sure like to hear from her so-called adopted kids. I bet and pray they were in her home for a very short time.
I hear yez. Here’s to her ousting in ’14! -clink-
The following quote is what the doctor ordered:
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
It was as if Einstein knew Michele Bachman
How cute…new Senator Chris Murphy’s -D CT little baby is taking the oath too….
What a sweetie.
At 39 years of age he could have a big future.
And he’s cute.
Now what does that have to do with anything?
I thought I was allowed to have 1 superficial comment a day. Chips?
Have as many as you like. You’re in good company! 🙂
That’s right dudette. 🙂 I’m not paying Yardarm any mind. LOL!
Pardon moi.
FROM HUFFPO:
Final Tally Shows Obama First Since ’56 to Win 51% Twice
By Greg Giroux – Jan 3, 2013 11:47 AM ET
Eight weeks after the Nov. 6 presidential election, a revised vote count in New York shows that Barack Obama is the first president in more than five decades to win at least 51 percent of the vote twice.
State election officials submitted a final tally Dec. 31 that added about 400,000 votes, most of them from provisional ballots in the Democratic-stronghold of New York City that were counted late in part because of complications caused by superstorm Sandy.
Obama nationally won 65.9 million votes — or 51.1 percent of the vote — against Republican challenger Mitt Romney, who took 60.9 million votes and 47.2 percent of the total, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Obama is the first president to achieve that level of support in two elections since Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and the first Democrat to do so since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944.
So by 5 million and almost 4%. I remember the big talking point right after the elections was that he only won by 2 million and 2 points. If a Repuublican won by this margin all we would hear about is how that means super mandate and anything the GOP prez wants should be given to him because “THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.”
Now it is a squeaker without a mandate despite the size of the victory, the addition of both House and Senate Dems and the Dems receiving 1.5 million more votes for the House than the GOP.
But Chuck Todd keep telling us that we weren’t excited about voting for POTUS, not like the Republicans were for Mitt.
Soon or later reality catches up with everyone. People can spin, and try to re-write history, all they can, but the fact remains that the majority of Americans elected President Obama twice. In 2008 he won over 69 million votes. In 2012 he won almost 66 million votes. Who knows what the votes might have been in 2012, in NY, NJ and CT if hurricane Sandy had not complicated the the ability to vote. Try as they may, right wingers, birthers, people in the media who hate and despise him, will never be able to delegitimize President Obama. I also think that based on his record of achievements future historians will look favorably on the Obama Era!
Yo! Y’all! hard to keep up with you lately! Hugs all around! Aloha! 😆
Hi Pamela!
{{{Pamela!}}}
Ted Cruz is really, really right wing. He once spoke out against a UN environmental resolution saying it would outlaw golf courses and paved roads in the US.
I’ve never been so happy to leave Texas. We do have “Diaper Dave” Vitter, but still
Poor baby……she so used to seeing and being around the crazy gop.
I was watching that…
I think it was Cruz that make the remark about Joe being a Democrat, not Joe
And the market dropped 35 points after Boehner was reelected as Speaker. Not that there is any correlation.
Did I hear the market climbed 300 points after the nation avoided the so-called fiscal cliff? And the RWNJs said the “job creators” would be nervous with a tax hike for the rich. Hmmm.
Boehner was? Sigh! Now I know why I was off line for the middle of the day. I was playing ostrich in the hopes I wouldn’t have to face this. Who was runner-up, or were there even any other contenders?
I think I’d rather him than Cantor.
I guess, but it’s pathetic that in a country like the U S the choice is between those two, neither of whom is capable or ‘qualified’ as per their actions.
1st
Day late and a dollar short. But good try.
Ooops…John Boehner made me do this.
That’s how “Fox” sees things…..when the markets drop, it’s all Obama’s fault.
#Arithmetic 🙄
😆
I have a Law Degree in arithmetic for your info. 🙂
Speechless here after watching the Dear Speaker Boehner cry me a river of crocodile’s tears.
I recovered my mood at this picture of Elizabeth Warren. Thank you Chips.
Good West Coast morning, TODers!
I wanted to direct you all to a great website I found yesterday. It’s http://www.streamago.tv. It has several cool live streams, including BBC World, NHK World, TVEI, and others. Livestation lost the rights to broadcast BBC World in the US, so I went hunting for another source. And of course, there’s zahipedia.info.
Oooh, excellent, thank you LL!!!
Thanks LL for the info. 🙂
Yay! Thanks LL!
thx LL
LL and TOD’ers along with your excellent link there is also a free google chrome app called ” TV Chrome world, tv in your google Chrome browser” it puts an icon on your top browser and has links for about 80 countries and all kinds of categories including sports livestreams.
wow – I’m checking that out when I get home tonight too! Thanks LP!
Everyone should be watching VP Biden swearing in senators. He loves it. He has a story for everything. He told a kid, “Spread your legs, you’re gonna be frisked.”
http://www.c-span.org/Events/Senate-Convenes-First-Session-of-the-113th-Congress/10737436963-2/
Absolutely hilarious!!! 😆
Awesome!
Fist bumps all around! YEA! We fought hard for that one!!
Just stopped in to say hi and see if I can post againg
Yes you can Marsha 😉
VP Biden is loving this. He’s just so nice. Everyone is comfortable around him.
What a coincidence. I’m a grandma and I have “perfect blue eyes.” Over here, Joey! (Oops. Think I’ll stop thinking about the VP for a while! I’m outta control.)
I think I saw Mrs. Rusty, and she is rusty too! Same orange. Maybe bad water at their house. Or a bad tanning bed.
A family that drinks together stays together.
Mrs. Rusty.. LMAO!
+ 2
Dotster, you are a HOOT!!!!!! 😆
That’s my Senator – Welcome Senator Baldwin!
WHY DID THEY HAVE TO VOTE FOR BOEHNER…COULD HAVE SAVED MONEY BY ELECTING AN EMPTY BARSTOOL AS PROXY…DOES THE SAME AMOUNT OF WORK!
I want one like that.
Its only $5 bucks just click on above link, there are about 75 items including Obama 44 socks!
It’s hard to choose- so much good stuff at very reasonable prices (except for the $7K medallion set)! 🙂
Do you pay more in car insurance for a new car than for a used car?
Not necessarily. Insurance is based partly on how much you buy. If you’re leasing or financing, the finance company will demand a certain level of insurance, and that usually costs more than getting just the minimum. Now, for a used car, you do pay less in registration fees.
I guess Reid punted on filibuster reform, and the mediia could care less. Reid said he looks forward to working with McConell to get move things along more quickly.
Yeah right. Whatever!
My understanding is that the Senate is in recess, so that he can bring it up when he has the votes. It will be close.
https://twitter.com/DaRiverZkind/status/286922152249290752
Awwww… the shirt’s cute too!
Transocean Deepwater Inc. will pay $1.4 billion in civil and criminal penalties for its role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
Transocean, which owned the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf, agreed to a settlement by pleading guilty to violating the Clean Water Act and to negligence charges.
“This resolution of criminal allegations and civil claims against Transocean brings us one significant step closer to justice for the human, environmental and economic devastation wrought by the Deepwater Horizon disaster,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in a Thursday statement.
The firm will pay a record $1 billion in civil penalties under the Clean Water Act. Under the Restore Act, which Congress passed last year, about 80 percent of the civil fines must go to Gulf states to fund environmental and economic restoration.
It also agreed to pay another $400 million in criminal fees to settle negligence charges. Of that total, $150 million of it will go to reconstructing marine and wildlife ecosystems in the Gulf region.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/275425-transocean-to-pay-14-billion-in-fines-for-2010-gulf-spill
Waving to all TODers …
Waving back, Bobfr!
My middle finger is str8 up!
Excerpt of tax info from ADP based on Fiscal Cliff Deal (if they do your company’s payroll, you probably got something similiar)
Tax Changes Affecting 2013 Payrolls – What You Need to Know
The House and Senate have passed H.R. 8, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), which includes several changes to tax laws affecting payroll and employment tax administration in 2013. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law within 24 hours.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: How will my payroll taxes be calculated today?
A: ADP will continue to use 2012 Federal Tax Tables. The 2013 tables will be implemented shortly after President Obama signs the bill.
Q: I heard the IRS already released the new 2013 tax table – why isn’t that being used?
A: Those tables do not reflect the rates recently included in the legislation approved by Congress.
Q: Will the employee Social Security rate be changed?
A: Yes, the employee Social Security rate has increased to 6.2%.
Q: Will the employee Medicare rate be affected?
A: Yes, Medicare Tax will increase by 0.9% for all employees earning over $200,000.
Q: How can I get more information on the tax changes for 2013?
A: Please visit and subscribe to ADP’s “Eye on Washington” web page, located at http://www.adp.com/regulatorynews for the latest updates.
Please see below for changes included in the 2013 legislation.
Income Tax Withholding Rates: The American Taxpayer Relief Act effectively maintains the reduced income tax rates adopted in 2001 and 2003 for individuals earning up to $400,000 and families earning less than $450,000. Income above those levels will be taxed at 39.6%, up from 35%. The expanded 15% bracket for joint filers, commonly referred to as the marriage penalty relief, has also been extended.
These tax rates have been extended permanently for wages paid after December 31, 2012.
Employee Social Security Tax Rate Returns to 6.2%: The reduced 4.2% rate for employee Social Security taxes that was in effect for 2011 and 2012 has expired. The employee Social Security tax rate will return to 6.2% for 2013 wages up to the taxable wage limit of $113,700. Consequently, employees’ net pay under the taxable wage limit will decrease accordingly. The maximum Social Security tax that an employee would pay will be $7,049.40 for 2013.
The Employer Social Security tax rate is unaffected, and remains 6.2% of Social Security taxable wages paid.
[Lots of info, so I’m splitting this into two posts]
More from ADP:
Transition to 2013 Withholding Calculations: Some 2013 payrolls were already produced prior to the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, and some payrolls produced shortly after enactment may be calculated using 2012 income tax withholding rates. This is permitted under recent IRS guidance, which instructs employers to implement 2013 withholding rates no later than February 15, 2013, and to “use 2012 withholding tables until you implement the 2013 withholding tables.”
However, because the American Taxpayer Relief Act generally restored the income tax rates in effect in 2012, any 2013 payrolls processed prior to enactment are expected to be correct, with the exception of individuals earning annualized amounts over $400,000, as explained above. There may be minor withholding differences due to inflation adjustments in the 2013 withholding tables issued by the IRS.
Revised withholding calculations will be implemented by ADP upon issuance of further guidance from the IRS, and effective for payrolls processed after implementation.
Supplemental Wage Withholding Rate: Because the withholding rate for “supplemental wages,” such as bonuses under $1 million, was not dependent on issuance of IRS withholding tables, ADP implemented the withholding rate of 28% that was statutorily in effect for supplemental wages paid in 2013. For supplemental wage payments over $1 million in a year after 12/31/2012, the withholding rate was increased from 35% to 39.6%. These changes were implemented by ADP and automatically applied to 2013 payrolls.
Revised withholding calculations will be implemented by ADP upon issuance of further guidance from the IRS, and effective for payrolls processed after implementation.
Additional Medicare Tax for Earnings over $200,000: Although not affected by the ATRA, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act established a new “Additional Medicare Tax” of 0.9% which also goes into effect in 2013. The new Additional Medicare Tax applies to single individuals earning over $200,000 and married couples filing jointly who earn over $250,000. However, employers must withhold the Additional Medicare Tax from all workers, regardless of marital status, on wages exceeding $200,000. Thus, the employee Medicare tax rate, normally 1.45%, will rise to 2.35% on earnings over $200,000, regardless of filing status. The employer Medicare tax rate remains 1.45%. There is no taxable wage limit for Medicare taxes. For additional information on the Additional Medicare Tax, please see our previous Eye on Washington here. http://www.adp.com/tools-and-resources/legislative-updates/archive/irs-issues-guidance-on-additional-medicare-tax.aspx
Parity for Exclusion from Income for Employer-Provided Mass Transit and Parking Benefits: Prior to 2012, employers could withhold up to $230 a month on a pre-tax basis for mass transit benefits for workers. The amount decreased to $125 on January 1, 2012, while a similar provision for parking expenses increased to $240. Parity for pre-tax treatment of employer-provided mass transit and parking benefits was retroactively extended by the ATRA from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.
Other Provisions of Interest to Employers:
• The ATRA will retroactively extend the employer wage credit for differential wage payments to employees who are active military reservists, from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.
• The Work Opportunity Tax Credit will be retroactively extended from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.
• The Act will extend through 2013 the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Work Opportunity Tax Credits; a Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring qualified veterans.
• The exclusion for employer provided adoption assistance is made permanent by the Act.
• The expanded exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance will be made permanent, permitting up to $5,250 per year to be excluded from income and employment taxes, including undergraduate and graduate education.
• The ATRA includes other provisions as well (please revisit the site for ongoing updates and additional information).
Now this may seem a little silly, but it was good to see a Kennedy in Congress again. But then, I was in college when JFK was elected, and this is continuity for me, and I like their politics.
I do too carolyn. I am a Kennedy-ite; I was 10 when JFK was elected, and I must have been a smart little thing because I knew even at that age that it was a good thing and he was a good man for the middle class and the poor (and we were really probably at the top of the poor class – we were not destitute but we had very little money).
Senator Kirk (R-IL) is in bad shape walking up the stairs of the Capitol.
Both my husband and I agree—-we’re in Illinois—–he is not the same person. I give him credit for coming back as far as he has—he suffered a devastating stroke, which they kept hidden for a long time, by the way. But just as with a lawyer friend who suffered a stroke at a young age and eventually returned to work, the essence of the person is missing. They are not the same.
Coming face-to-face with your own mortality will do that to you. One minute you’re awake then you crash. When you wake up it’s a whole new world. Things don’t work like they use to but you come, very quickly, to the place where the alternative was death.
Maybe Senator Kirk is a possibility to switch parties. He and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) seem to be very good friends. Not that Manchin is a good Democrat.
Take care of yourself Yardarm…
We are so grateful to still have you after what was a very harrowing experience…
God bless and continue to protect you…
Thank you. He has so far.
I’d like to echo Chi. You are a true survivor. So glad you’re here with us, friend.
I would like to echo both Chi and Dudette! Yardarm, you bring so much love, wit, pragmatism, but above all abundant joy and zest for life, to this place. Between you and Dudette, you keep TOD pulsating with music that reminds us that celebrating life is more important than some of our petty passing squabbles. I hope you continue to be blessed with health, a sharp mind, and zest for life.
I agree. He sure doesn’t look the same and wonder if he struggles beyond the physical. I am so sorry this happened and hope he gets well. Like so many of the GOP sadly nothing matters unless it affects them.
Patronizing Texas Republican speaking to Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton should be asked to sit down and shut up. She can handle herself, but he was a ghastly homegrown good old boy, straight out of the cast of The (Southern) Walking Dead.
Hmmm hey check this out you guys. Looks like a “resolution” is being put forth. although it is not legislation.
Lamar Alexander objected when Merkley tried to put up his Resoluction
hmm. Dang I wish could be watching this. I am such a geek.
Bobby McFerrin ~ Freedom Is A Voice
You go gurlfren! you’re on a roll today.
Thank you Sailor!
OT
Does anyone subscribe to the Washington Spectator newsletter? I just received an offer with a conner statement by Bill Moyers. Leaning towards subscribing. Welcome your insight.
THIS IS A GOOD ONE JOHN!…EXCELLENT AS A MATTER OF FACT!
Amen!
Bravo John Fugelsang! That’s the way shame these hypocrites! Thank Dudette for sharing the tweet.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro is getting a bit more wild with her wardrobe these days!
http://bit.ly/VlssIR
i applaud her individuality and spunk, but i don’t think this is appropriate attire for an elected official in high office. more formal clothing is a sign of respect for the work performed by the united states congress, in my opinion.
Reminds me of fashion designer, Betsey Johnson….however, I beg to disagree on the appropriate attire part. I see plenty of conservatively dressed people (Michelle Bachmann, Marsha Blackburn,come to mind) that I think have such lack of respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the citizens they are supposed to represent. I’ll take Rosa ANYTIME, wearing ANYTHING she sees fit…zany or otherwise 🙂 Just my pov….
excellent point about the conservative women.
She’s so Junya Watanabe…
You don’t get a sense she’s doing this for kicks Aloha Su…
I know what you mean about formal wardrobe and all, but I think this is really who she is and how she’s always dressed…
Good for her! A bold artistic soul. A maverick! Go Rosa, do your thing!
Where did she put her broom?
If she were British, they would just nod and say….’oh, she’s a little eccentric” and that would be that. The British treasure their eccentrics in a way we don’t. She obviously marches to her own drummer sartorially, but she does good work for her people. That’s the measure of the woman.
Yes, she’s a great rep, always on the right side of the issues.
Yep, salt of the earth!
All well and good but it doesn’t answer the question. There are good ones and bad ones. 😀
Mean man!
Naw. Just funnin’. It just seems odd that we decry what our youngster are wearing and THIS. Fine example, eh?
Sunday Best is a reality show on BET. It’s really good too, singers compete for a Gospel contract. I encourage everyone on this site to watch it.
Her outfit reminds me of the outfits and colors some of the young people wore in the late sixties and in the seventies, including myself. I was a wild child running around on the UGA campus at that time in my history, wearing my tie-died tops, multi-colored dresses, bell bottoms, and ‘fro.
From C-SPAN
Nine House Republicans voted for someone other than Rep. Boehner to be Speaker of the House for the 113th Congress:
Rep. Justin Amash, MI, voted for Rep. Raul Labrador, R-ID.
Rep. Jim Bridenstine, OK, voted for Rep. Eric Cantor, R-VA.
Rep. Paul Broun, GA, voted for former Rep. Allen West, R-FL.
Rep. Louie Gohmert, TX, voted for former Rep. Allen West, R-FL.
Rep. Tim Huelskamp, KS, voted for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-OH.
Rep. Walter Jones, NC, voted for former GAO Comptroller David Walker.
Rep. Thomas Massie, KY, voted for Rep. Justin Amash, R-MI.
Rep. Steve Pearce, NM, voted for Rep. Eric Cantor, R-VA.
Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fl, voted for Rep. Eric Cantor, R-VA.
Rep. Steve Stockman, R-TX, voted present.
Sounds like a mess. Cantor only got three votes? Amash votes for someone else, and then someone votes for Amash.
A little sumpin when you’re not busy, ha!
http://www.songstube.net/
Total coolness! Thank you!
It should keep you busy for a microsecond plus or minus a minute or two! ha!
Woo-hoo– go Rosa. She sez, “Here I am world”. God love her.
With ya!
The new freshed-face 113th Congress. I love Ms Warren’s sicere expression.
Thanks so much, bob, for all the work you continue to do on the gun issue. I think it’s one of the most important issues of our time, if not the most important. It’s an insanity crying out for attention.
Update on Sandy relief and Filibuster reform-
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/275499-senate-recesses-until-friday-in-anticipation-of-house-action-on-sandy-bill
Fingers crossed.
so now that myth isn’t running for president:
‘ Connecticut police are investigating a possible case of police impersonation after a man pulled a woman over and told her she was beautiful.
The woman was driving on an interstate in the town of South Windsor around 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve when a black Chevy Impala turned on flashing red and blue lights behind the windshield, police said.
The woman stopped and a man approached her car and requested her license and registration.
He asked a few questions, told the woman she was beautiful, then gave her back her papers, returned to his car, then continued to follow her onto Route 5 and Sullivan Avenue, police said. ‘
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/03/16327443-police-impersonator-pulls-over-woman-tells-her-shes-beautiful?lite
That’s scary, since your name and address are listed on your license. Who knows what he was up to? And why was Mitt never investigated for doing something very similar, on multiple occasions? This campaign was a farce, on the part of the media and their dereliction of duty.
i really like how the article cautioned women about being in a situation like this, and gave information about getting help. this is serious, and yet with myth, it was considered a silly issue.
This is a great, fun feature article and retrospective at WH.gov. Thank you, Dudette.
You’re very welcom,e meta!
It’s odd that they haven’t fixed the mistake in #2. It still says $250,000 instead of $400,000.
Good catch forus! Tweeted them.
#2 says “through a combination of increased tax rates and reduced tax benefits.” I take that to mean while the rates didn’t increase on those making over $400K, they lost some tax deductions or exemptions.
Queen ~ It’s A Beautiful Day
Hi Folks,
Happy New Year again from Trinidad. Can someone help me with a quick and easy way to access earlier threads. I feel like looking at some threads from the Convention – DNC – in early September and some from election day on November 6.
Thank you in advance.
Hi,
Just type ” The Obama Diary September 1 2012 in google.
Enjoy
Hi, Soca Sweet! If you look on the right side of these posts, closer to the top, you’ll see the ” House Rules” right under that are the last 10 posts. Go there 🙂 Hope that helped!
OH! Never mind…listen to Linda 🙂 I didn’t catch the rest of the question….duh!
You can also use the calendar on the right side, just below “Blog Stats”.
Click on the month name below the calendar to go to previous months, then if you know the day that you want to focus on, click the date in the calendar and you’ll go to the first posting for that day.
Chris Murphy’s little son taking the oath with dad
How adorable….I watched it live
PBO on the fiscal cliff deal…
He’s so smart. And cool. And nice.
Best President EVAH!
Sorry, it’s from that Huffy place
Awesome sauce!!
Thank you very much Dudette, Desertflower and Linda. Hope the New Year has been good to you all so far.
New post!
https://theobamadiary.com/2013/01/03/the-one-and-only-joe/
13 unlucky? Dow over 13,000. 113th Congress, year 2013, we’ll see.
HOLY SMOKES, VP Joe was in total goofball form today!!
yo