Key Democratic and Republican lawmakers are ready to push through passage of a White House-backed compromise measure to extend income tax cuts for all and continue unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless. The $900 billion proposal would also extend existing tax breaks for alternative fuels, energy efficient home upgrades and the purchase of hybrid automobiles. Source Link
After years of living longer, a new report says average life expectancy for Americans is inching downward, but experts say it too soon to tell if it’s a trend. The average American lives 77.8 years. Heart disease and cancer remain the top two causes of death, but chronic respiratory diseases like emphysema have now surpassed stroke as the number-three killer of Americans. Source Link
If you’re looking for an iPad as a holiday gift, you may want to hold off a few months to get the latest model. Reports say that Apple’s suppliers are being told to be ready to start shipping the next generation iPad by the end of February. The new iPad is expected to add a camera for video chat. a clearer display screen and compatibility with a variety of cell phone providers. Source Link
