Friday, April 30, 2010

Which Would You Rather Have, A Pet Dog Or A Pet Cat?





Which would rather have, a pet dog or a pet cat? If you have either one or both, could you please give us their names and a little description of their characteristics?



Tags: Dog, Cat. Pet, Playmate, Loyalty, Playfulness, Companion, Cuddly, Attraction, Member of The Family

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Insurance companies


Insurers to recoup Toyota recall crash claims

Insurance companies are gearing up to recoup from Toyota money they paid for claims in the crashes involving sudden acceleration, the subject of major safety recalls by the Japanese automaker. It could also mean money back for some drivers who paid deductibles.

At least six major insurers, including State Farm Insurance Cos., Allstate Corp. and Geico, have begun examining past claims involving the recalled vehicles, which number about 6 million in the U.S. and 8 million around the world. Insurers can request that Toyota pay them for the claim if a vehicle defect is proven to be a key factor in a crash, a long-standing industry practice known as subrogation.

Many insurers have begun notifying Toyota Motor Corp. that they will do just that.

"We're seeking to have them share in some of the financial liability, because part of it is their fault," said State Farm spokesman Phil Supple.

The move could repay some Toyota owners their out-of-pocket costs due to crashes but probably wouldn't have much of an impact on the premiums drivers pay. And it would mostly involve crashes in which people weren't seriously injured, because those cases frequently find their way into lawsuits.

Insurance companies typically refund deductibles - the amount a policyholder must pay before the insurance takes over - to their customers when they are repaid in such cases, officials of several companies said this week. None would release any financial estimates or the number of potential crashes, but given the sheer size of the Toyota recalls the liability could be in the millions of dollars.

State Farm has sought reimbursement from Toyota in cases where cars have sped out of control on their own at least as far back as 2007, according to a letter the company provided to federal regulators. The letter, dated Sept. 18, 2007, sought a formal Toyota investigation into a crash involving a 2005 Camry that surged forward at a stop sign and hit another car.

"We are aware of several complaints to your company of unexpected or sudden acceleration involving the Toyota Camry," the letter says. "Please accept this letter as notification of State Farm's rights of recovery for the damages we paid to both vehicle owners."

Toyota issued a limited floor mat recall in 2007, but it didn't cover the 2005 Camry at issue in the State Farm letter. In the past few months, the automaker has issued two unwanted acceleration recalls for several of its popular models, one to fix floor mats the company says can jam floor pedals and one to repair what it calls a problem with pedals that can stick. Prius hybrids have also been recalled for brake issues.

A Toyota statement declined comment on the insurers' attempt to recoup claims but added it was "a common practice in the automotive industry," which was echoed by Allstate spokesman Mike Siemienas.

"This is business as usual for Allstate," he said.

Experts say most insurers have agreements with automakers to negotiate a confidential settlement over defect-related claims - and automakers such as Toyota usually have insurance to cover most of the costs. Toyota declined to comment beyond its statement.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Chicago Auto Insurance

The Getting Chicago car insurance quotes is the first step in finding the right Chicago auto insurance, whether you live downtown, the gold coast, Lincoln park or in the heart of the west side of Chicago. Driving in Chicago can be exciting, especially when you drive down LakeShore drive in the summer, but the car insurance rates aren’t exciting. Then again it all depends on how much you have to pay for Chicago car insurance.

Commercial auto insurance Chicago companies as well as Chicago car insurance companies for individual drivers are in business to insure obviously, so if they aren’t insuring drivers they’re not making money.


The car insurance rates for Chicago drivers and drivers in other parts of the county fluctuates, but for the most part if you have a good driving record you should be able to get a fair rate. Of course living in a high crime area of the city will definitely play a factor in how much your car insurance will cost. You can try your luck by visiting or calling a local car insurance Chicago company. This approach may be favorable since a local insurance company may understand Chicago drivers better than a nationwide insurance company that primarily do their business online.

If your driving record isn’t perfect you can still find insurance quotes that are reasonable. The best way to accomplish this is over the internet. There are so many Chicago auto insurance companies competing for business and because of this consumers can be very selective in who they choose. Also some Chicago auto insurance companies have websites as well. You should be able to locate the local Chicago car insurance companies through a phone book search.

If they have a website it should be listed in their phone book advertisement. I only mentioned this because there are a lot of people who prefer to do business online than actually talking to someone over the phone.

And keep in mind that there are a majority of insurance companies that offer very good discounts if you insure more than once vehicle with them. This includes motorcycles, motor homes and boats. Even if you have home insurance that will also help with the rate. So when you contact these insurance companies, whether via the phone in person or over the web, inquire about their discounts to find out what is required to qualify for them. Illinois car insurance is mandatory by law, but it doesn’t have to cost you a lot. So go ahead and get started with free Chicago car insurance quotes, and you will see competitive rates from companies competing for your business.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Without charge Life Insurance Quotes

Without charge Life Insurance Quotes 4 All of You

Clients preparation to purchase life insurance is able to obtain free of charge life insurance quotes as of a variety of basis. Clients are able to move toward restricted managers of an insurance corporation for an approximation. Agents, too, are an alternative as they have right of entry to reporting alternatives of a variety of companies and determination not be incomplete to some one of them. Additional, demands for a quote online too make sure that the clients obtain without charge life insurance quotes. Present is no compulsion to purchase the policy following receiving a free life insurance quote.
In the direction of get a without charge life insurance quote online clients require to fill up an easy form. Following in receipt of the quotes, they can decide the most excellent suitable insurance reporting in excess of the Internet. This development keeps a lot of time, attempt and change as clients are able to match up to and differentiation a lot of products as of a lot of companies. Additional frequently than not, customers pay for deluxe reporting owing to be short of marketplace investigate which is time overwhelming and weighty.


Without charge life insurance quotes be by the side of period not accessible with a lot of restricted agents and advisers. Owing the present market situation, a lot of dealers and agent cannot maintain the charge of handing out without charge quotes. Present strength is a little fee for dispensation the quote demand in case the agent or manager is not capable to attract the charge of creates the quote.

Without charge life insurance quotes so as to be presented online are, review cautiously through the insurance managers, who then post an approximation to the clients. Online life insurance quote is a huge way for clients, to appear for reasonably priced exposure alternatives for their life insurance strategy, as of the soothe of their houses or place of works. The greatest obsession concerning receiving an online life insurance quote is that it; agree to clients to generously discover the entire market with no any compulsions. Additional, clients can demand for as a lot of quotes as they desire and it resolve not be charged at all.

To demand for a life insurance quote the clients want not be in ideal fitness. In attendance are a variety of kinds of policies obtainable that guarantee that all kinds of clients can find a strategy as per their requirements.

Further Functions of Sunglasses

While non-tinted glasses are very rarely worn without the practical purpose of correcting eyesight or protecting one's eyes, sunglasses have become popular for several further reasons, and are sometimes worn even indoors or at night.

Sunglasses can be worn to hide one's eyes. They can make eye contact impossible, which can be intimidating to those not wearing sunglasses; the avoided eye contact can also demonstrate the wearer's detachment which is considered to be cool in some circles. Eye contact can be avoided even more effectively by using mirrored sunglasses. Sunglasses can also be used to hide emotions; this can range from hiding blinking to hiding weeping and its resulting red eyes. In all cases, hiding one's eyes has implications for nonverbal communication.

Fashion trends can be another reason for wearing sunglasses, and especially when we speak about the biggest names in designer eyewear. Sunglasses of particular shapes may be in vogue as a fashion accessory. Fashion trends can also draw on the cool image of sunglasses.

People may also wear sunglasses to hide an abnormal appearance of their eyes. This can be true for people with severe visual impairment, such as the blind, who may wear sunglasses to avoid making others uncomfortable. The assumption is that it may be more comfortable for another person not to see the hidden eyes rather than see abnormal eyes or eyes which seem to look in the wrong direction. People may also wear sunglasses to hide dilated or contracted pupils, bloodshot eyes due to drug use, or recent physical abuse.

Culture and Attractions of Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a city in Palm Beach County, Florida. In terms of both population and land area, Boca Raton is the largest city between West Palm Beach and Pompano Beach, Broward County.

Boca Raton is known for its affluent social community and high income demographic. Boca Raton has a large Jewish and South American population, which includes a large demographic from Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

Two amusement parks were vanished from Boca Raton: Africa U.S.A. (1953-1961) and Ancient America (1953-1959). Africa U.S.A. was a wild animal park in which the tourists rode a "Jeep Safari Train" through the park. There were no fences separating the animals from the tourists on the "Jeep Safari Train". It is now the Camino Gardens subdivision one mile west of the Boca Raton Hotel. Ancient America was built surrounding a real Indian burial mound. Today, the mound is still visible within the Boca Marina & Yacht Club neighborhood on U.S. 1 near Yamato Road.

Boca Raton is home to the Caldwell Theatre Company, the longest-running professional theater in South Florida, celebrating its 34th season in the recently inaugurated Count de Hoernle Theatre on South Federal Highway.

The city is blessed with nice beaches along its eastern shore, notably Red Reef Park, where snorkeling from the shore can bring a visitor to a living reef without the expense of renting a boat. Also located at the 20 acre park is Gumbo Limbo, an Environmental Education Center.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Life Insurance Quote

Life insurance quote – Probably the most important quote in your life ever

The importance of having a life insurance quote in your kitty is probably something no 1 would want to emphasize, until he or she really feels the need for it. This is the problem with having a life insurance quote, or if we could say, a pre-conceived problem that only has more pitfalls than benefits.

After all, a life insurance quote is probably the first step for you to go ahead pro-actively and buy a life insurance plan. Now, don’t ask us why a life insurance plan is handy or will prove to be handy! We believe enough information is already around you in newspapers and on the Internet educating you to the significance of holding a life insurance quote!
But despite all of this, not a lot of people are equally eager in buying a life insurance quote! For them getting a life insurance quote is probably less important than getting a quote for their Porsche or a new home by the lakeside. Sure these things could give you a sense of pleasure, but a life insurance quote does a lot of magic in its own way. Of all reasons, here is one reason why you shouldn’t delay getting a life insurance quote – It allows you to have a life insurance quote, which will be extremely handy when you need it!


Here is a piece of shocker for some of you, who just don’t seem to be interested in getting life insurance quotes – The more you delay, the more you have to pay. This means one thing – If you would have applied for a life insurance quote when you were 30, as opposed to when you would have done when 40, you would probably pay some hundred dollars less in premiums! Not only that, such life insurance quotes also help you getting a decent amount of cover for your life too!

Looking at all the variables and dynamics associated with a life insurance quote, it is fair in saying that you could compare it with driving on the roads. We hear, “Start early, reach safely.” Probably, the same analogy applies to a life insurance quote too! Take a life insurance quote on a life insurance quote early, and you will probably be able to reach your financial goals in a sound manner.

The idea behind taking a life insurance quote is not just to keep your life insured, but also give you a sense of peace when you go about your daily activities. You, now don’t have to be bothered by a possible eventuality, which could knock you down.

Personal Loans





Now that credit is very tight and money supply is very low, it is best to look for a competent and well respected financial loan lenders. When a particular loan lender has been identified, one can make a much sought after personal loan.

If a person has regular work and have a regular payday check every 15th and 30th day of the month, he can always avail of a
payday loan to compensate whatever is lacking in his personal funds to cover much needed expenses. One can be assured of an instant approval for any kind of loan.



Tags: Personal Loan, Financial Loan Lenders, Personal Loan, Payday Loan, Instant Approval, Money, Safe and Secure, Feel Safe, Rest Easy

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Monday, April 26, 2010

Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Guide

If you look for the cheap auto insurance, you may be confused by the kinds of choices that are available. There are wide variety of auto insurance include full coverage auto insurance. You need to learn it well before taking a choice. Considering several aspects of the insurance is a great idea to avoid the mistake. When you have understood about the basics, you are ready to choose the perfect auto insurance plan for your needs. About the full coverage auto insurance, do you understand it exactly? It may the type of insurance that gives you a comprehensive coverage, personally and in every aspect.

For example, medical costs coverage is usually optional with some insurances policies. If you have a full coverage auto insurance policy, you and your passenger can have medical cost coverage when get injured in an accident.

In full coverage auto insurance policy, liability also can be covered. If you are at fault in an accident which causes damage, the coverage will enable your policy to guarantee the reparation cost of the damage. That is why you should have liability coverage in your auto insurance to keep you always be in the safer side with auto insurance.

The premium that you have to pay and the policy period can depend on the insurance company, your age and your gender. The age of your car also determines whether you should take full coverage auto insurance or not. If your vehicle is an old one on its last legs, it is no need to take full coverage auto insurance, as you will end up paying a higher premium. You may pay more premium than the current market value of your vehicle. Newer car or any vehicle, are better covered with cheap full coverage auto insurance policies. There are other comprehensive policies that can cover from cases of vandalism or arson too, though it seldom purchased by people.

To get more information about full coverage auto insurance, you can also check out the various online resources. Do not avoid from getting in touch with insurance agents, as they can give you good information about full coverage auto insurance.

Compare Auto Insurance Prices provides detailed information on Compare Auto Insurance Prices, Auto Insurance Compare Prices and more.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Getting Impressed by Hyundai Cars

Hyundai is a group of companies founded by Jung Ju-yung in South Korea. The first Hyundai Company was founded in 1947 as a construction company. Some of the best-known Hyundai divisions are Hyundai Motor Company, the world's fourth largest automaker and one of the Big Asian Four (with Toyota, Honda and Nissan), and Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world's largest shipbuilder.

The Korean automaker has been impressing audiences around the globe for almost forty years. In Korean, Hyundai means "modernity" and the designer quality of the affordable vehicles lives up to the name. Even though the producer is not as experienced as the European ones, the vehicles have very good chances in order to be successful at a higher level and to jump even more in popularity. But what makes Hyundai cars so impressive? Even if we speak about Accent, Azera, Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson, Genesis or Entourage, the swift style, rich design and reliability is what makes these cars becoming more and more prominent.

But what if you want to customize your car in order to fit perfectly with your attitude? There you can find a lot of exceptional quality Hyundai accessories to use, like grills, dash kits, spoilers, headlights, wheels, body kits, seats, tires and many more. In other words, everything can be accomplished. And after the customization, your Hyundai will definitely garner instant attention around your area.

Rembetika Music Clubs in Athens

They say the nightlife of Athens rivals with that of New York, London and Paris and maybe surpass those cities. But one thing is for certain: you won't find more restaurants, bars, and clubs in a smaller area than you will in Athens with the majority of the nightlife being in central areas like Psiri, Plaka, and Thission. And if you want to get a real taste of Greece, you have to look for a place with good traditional food and rembetika music.

Rembetika music is the music of the Greek underground. It originated in the hashish dens of Pireaus and Thessaloniki with the forced immigration of 2 million Greek refugees from Minor Asia. And then it evolved into Greek popular music.

Many places close in Athens when the weather gets warm but Stoa Athanaton in the Central Market of Athens is one of the best places to hear authentic rembetika. Also the Platia Iroon Taverna in Psiri has 3 guys who just hang out and jam at night. In the daytime go to Kapni Karea Cafe which is between Metropolis and Ermou Streets on a little alley near the small church of Kapni Karea. Here you will find good music in the afternoon.

One gem of a rembetika club that few people know about is in the neighborhood of Kypseli, right off Fokionos Negri, a pedestrian avenue that starts from Patission Street. The name of the club is Karabani and features Giannis Lempesis and his excellent group. Lempesis is an old style rembetika singer and bouzouki player, having a dozen or so music albums. He used to play with famous old stars like Poli Panou and Ioanna Georgakopoulou. The club is open on Fridays and Saturdays nights with the music beginning around 11pm. It’s easy to find the club if you walk up Fokionos Negri from Patission, just after the old market on the right.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

A Penny For Your Thoughts






A Penny For Your Thoughts. Right now, at this very moment that you are reading this post, what is in your mind? Could you share it with us. If you're thinking about this post, just share with us your latest thoughts before you read this post.



Tags: Penny For Your Thoughts, Thoughts, Rambling, Focus, Chores, Problems, Ideas, Plans, Family, Friends, Recreation, Sports, TV, Computer, Blog, Internet, Video Games, Yesterday, Tomorrow, Sometime, Reverie, Dreams, Fears, Apprehension, Hope

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Friday, April 23, 2010

Health Insurance

WHile you know it’s important to have high quality Minnesota health insurance, you don’t want to pay exorbitant fees. WHile you know it’s important to have high quality Minnesota health insurance, you don’t want to pay exorbitant fees. By knowing what you are looking for in MN health insurance, you don’t have to pay too much. Here are some great ways to save money on your Minnesota medical insurance!

If you really want to save on Minnesota health insurance rates, then make sure to take some time to shop around. This is a critical step towards saving money on your health insurance. Our Minnesota insurance broker site, or any similar one, will let you have several quotes to review in minutes. By making online comparisons you can expect to get the most competitive pricing offered on MN health insurance policies from a variety of different companies. The bottom line is that it is less expensive for an insurance company to have you be their client from online source than from a brick and mortar insurance office.


This is the fastest way to save money on your health insurance policy. After you have several quotes you can then figure out what type of health coverage offers the highest quality care. See if doctors in the plan are doctors you visit. It’s important to consider not only what the policy costs but also the quality of the doctors and the care you will receive.

A fast way to start your search for a low cost health insurance policy is right here at Minnesota Insurance Broker. In a couple of minutes you can have free top quality insurance quotes. To start choosing the health insurance policy that is perfect for you, compare insurance rates online now!

Lockers






Students are very active in academics or sports activities in school. They have books and other school items that they bring to school so that they need lockers to put their things and not carry them around all the time. They need school lockers for their school equipments to be stored and gym lockers to store their sports equipments and P.E. uniforms.

There are different types of lockers and the most economical of these are wood lockers. It is best to canvas around to look for lockers for sale.

Let the students have fun while studying and engaging in sports activities in school by storing their valuables in a safe place like a locker.


Tags: Locker, School Lockers, Gym Lockers, Wood Lockers, Lockers For Sale, School, Gym, Sports Activities, Fun

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Closed community self insurance

Some communities prefer to create virtual insurance amongst themselves by other means than contractual risk transfer, which assigns explicit numerical values to risk. A number of religious groups, including the Amish and some Muslim groups, depend on support provided by their communities when disasters strike.

The risk presented by any given person is assumed collectively by the community who all bear the cost of rebuilding lost property and supporting people whose needs are suddenly greater after a loss of some kind. In supportive communities where others can be trusted to follow community leaders, this tacit form of insurance can work. In this manner the community can even out the extreme differences in insurability that exist among its members. Some further justification is also provided by invoking the moral hazard of explicit insurance contracts.

In the United Kingdom, The Crown (which, for practical purposes, meant the Civil service) did not insure property such as government buildings. If a government building was damaged, the cost of repair would be met from public funds because, in the long run, this was cheaper than paying insurance premiums. Since many UK government buildings have been sold to property companies, and rented back, this arrangement is now less common and may have disappeared altogether.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Insurance patents

The New assurance products can now be protected from copying with a business method patent in the United States.

A recent example of a new insurance product that is patented is Usage Based auto insurance. Early versions were independently invented and patented by a major U.S. auto insurance company, Progressive Auto Insurance (U.S. Patent 5,797,134) and a Spanish independent inventor, Salvador Minguijon Perez (EP patent 0700009).

Many independent inventors are in favor of patenting new insurance products since it gives them protection from big companies when they bring their new insurance products to market. Independent inventors account for 70% of the new U.S. patent applications in this area.

Many insurance executives are opposed to patenting insurance products because it creates a new risk for them. The Hartford insurance company, for example, recently had to pay $80 million to an independent inventor, Bancorp Services, in order to settle a patent infringement and theft of trade secret lawsuit for a type of corporate owned life insurance product invented and patented by Bancorp.

There are currently about 150 new patent applications on insurance inventions filed per year in the United States. The rate at which patents have issued has steadily risen from 15 in 2002 to 44 in 2006. [21]

Inventors can now have their insurance U.S. patent applications reviewed by the public in the Peer to Patent program.[22] The first insurance patent application to be posted was US2009005522 “Risk assessment company”. It was posted on March 6, 2009. This patent application describes a method for increasing the ease of changing insurance companies.[23]

Monday, April 19, 2010

Having a Successful Trade Show Exhibit

A trade show exhibit consists of the physical screens or banners used to fill a temporary stall or booth at a trade fair or convention. The displays can vary in size, cost and complexity, but all are designed to visually represent a specific interest. Companies typically rent exhibit space from show organizers and then, design trade show exhibits to attract the attention of visitors and attendees at the trade show. Trade show displays usually use bold images and catch phrases, in an attempt to lure attendees to their exhibit space, so that they can give a sales pitch or hand out brochures. Table covers are also used to display the logo of a company. Usually, a table top display is just like an exhibit, except that it fits on the top of a table. Other displays used are directors chairs because the logos can be silk screened onto them.

As you probably guessed, the key to great trade show exhibits is marketing. Since marketing is an inexact science that leaves room for errors, you have to learn to avoid mistakes and increase your chances for a successful trade show exhibit.

In order to make the trade shows a powerful dimension in your company's overall marketing operation, there must be total alignment between the strategic marketing and your exhibit marketing plan. Knowing and understanding exactly what you wish to achieve, will help you to increase the market share of your company, or when you want to introduce new products into existing markets, or even when you promote your newly launched products.

Trade shows require a lot of work and effort to be successful. But in the end, your trade show success is dependent on how much effort you put into it.

Basic Things about Coffee

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted seeds, commonly called coffee beans, of the coffee plant. They are seeds of coffee cherries that grow on trees in over 70 countries. Green coffee is one of the most traded agricultural commodities in the world. Due to its caffeine content, coffee can have a stimulating effect in humans. Today, coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide.

The energizing effect of the coffee bean plant is thought to have been discovered in Yemen in Arabia and in the northeast region of Ethiopia, and the cultivation of coffee first expanded in the Arab world. The earliest credible evidence of coffee drinking appears in the middle of the fifteenth century, in the Sufi monasteries of Yemen in southern Arabia. From the Muslim world, coffee spread to Italy, then to the rest of Europe, to Indonesia, and to the Americas. Coffee has played an important role in many societies throughout history. In Africa and Yemen, it was used in religious ceremonies. As a result, the Ethiopian Church banned its secular consumption, a ban in effect until the reign of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia. It was banned in Ottoman Turkey during the 17th century for political reasons, and was associated with rebellious political activities in Europe.

Coffee berries, which contain the coffee seed, or "bean", are produced by several species of small evergreen bush of the genus Coffea. The two most commonly grown are the highly regarded Coffea arabica, and the 'robusta' form of the hardier Coffea canephora. The latter is resistant to the devastating coffee leaf. Both are cultivated primarily in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor. They are then ground and brewed to create coffee. Coffee can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways.

Sources: 1

Local Insurance







I have often wondered what will happen in the future and how best I can provide security for my loved ones. As I see the world economy barely lifting off the ground after a worldwide economic depression a few years ago, I can't help but be apprehensive about the future of most businesses as businessmen ponder the unstable state of economy. One of the best solutions to allay our fears and have a security both for our businesses and our family is to secure a comprehensive and credible business insurance policy. We have to review the circumstances that led to the downfall of many businesses and the cases of bankruptcies filed. We can see that in almost all cases of business downfall and corporate or individual bankruptcies, the parties concerned failed to provide for their future by securing a much needed and adequate insurance coverage.

Insurance coverages need not be national in scope. It can also be localized and thus provide a better focal point for insurance coverage. If your business is located in the State of California for example, you can seek a well accepted and highly respected insurance firm for business insurance in California. This will give you a sense of direction and peace of mind while you do your business in bustling California where you can get all the information and insurance assistance from the California Department of Insurance. Then you can really sit back and relax and see your investment unfold because you have comprehensive and foolproof security.


Tags: Insurance, Business Insurance Policy, Business Insurance in California, California Department of Insurance, Security, Economy, Insurance Coverage, Business, Investment, Comprehensive Security

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Friday, April 16, 2010

What Was The Most Exciting And Memorable Circus Act You Ever Watched In Your Life?






What was the most exciting and memorable circus act you ever watched in your life? Could please share it with us?



Tags: Circus, Carnival, Flying Trapeze, Lion Tamer, Clowns, Bearded Lady, Human Cannonball, Parade of Horses, Motorcycle Daredevil Acts, Magics, Enchanters, Dwarfs, Walking On Tightrope, Bicycle Riding On Tightrope, Fire Eating Act, Sword Swallowing Act, Levitation, Fun, Laughter, Greatest Show On Earth

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The insurance industry and rent seeking

Certain insurance products and practices have been described as rent seeking by critics. That is, some insurance products or practices are useful primarily because of legal benefits, such as reducing taxes, as opposed to providing protection against risks of adverse events. Under United States tax law, for example, most owners of variable annuities and variable life insurance can invest their premium payments in the stock market and defer or eliminate paying any taxes on their investments until withdrawals are made.

Sometimes this tax deferral is the only reason people use these products. Another example is the legal infrastructure which allows life insurance to be held in an irrevocable trust which is used to pay an estate tax while the proceeds themselves are immune from the estate tax.

Glossary

* 'Combined ratio' = loss ratio + expense ratio + commission ratio. Loss ratio is calculated by dividing the amount of losses (sometimes including loss adjustment expenses) by the amount of earned premium. Expense ratio is calculated by dividing the amount of operational expenses by the amount of written premium. A lower number indicates a better return on the amount of capital placed at risk by an insurer.
* 'SSA' = subscriber savings account.
* 'AIF' = attorney in fact.
* 'Premium" = payment to an insurance company for a service. This word is a marketing term to replace "price".

Monday, April 12, 2010

Life insurance


Life insurance provides a monetary benefit to a decedent's family or other designated beneficiary, and may specifically provide for income to an insured person's family, burial, funeral and the other final expenses. Life insurance policies often allow the option of having the proceeds paid to the beneficiary either in a lump sum cash payment or an annuity.

Annuities provide a stream of payments and are generally classified as insurance because they are issued by insurance companies and regulated as insurance and require the same kinds of actuarial and investment management expertise that life insurance requires. Annuities and pensions that pay a benefit for life are sometimes regarded as insurance against the possibility that a retiree will outlive his or her financial resources. In that sense, they are the complement of life insurance and, from an underwriting perspective, are the mirror image of life insurance.

Certain life insurance contracts accumulate cash values, which may be taken by the insured if the policy is surrendered or which may be borrowed against. Some policies, such as annuities and endowment policies, are financial instruments to accumulate or liquidate wealth when it is needed.

In many countries, such as the U.S. and the UK, the tax law provides that the interest on this cash value is not taxable under certain circumstances. This leads to widespread use of life insurance as a tax-efficient method of saving as well as protection in the event of early death.

In U.S., the tax on interest income on life insurance policies and annuities is generally deferred. However, in some cases the benefit derived from tax deferral may be offset by a low return. This depends upon the insuring company, the type of policy and other variables (mortality, market return, etc.). Moreover, other income tax saving vehicles (e.g., IRAs, 401(k) plans, Roth IRAs) may be better alternatives for value accumulation.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Did You Ever Have Any Supernatural Experience In Your Life?




          Did you ever have any supernatural experience in your life, one that you could never forget for the rest 
of your life?  Could you please share it with us?



Tags: Supernatural, Eerie, Mystery, Ghost, Poltergeist, Familiar Spirit, Elemental, Recurrent Dream, Astral Travel, Out Of Body Experience, UFO, Sightings, Seance, Visions, Nightmares, DeJa Vu, Soulmate, Trance

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion 

Save Money using Discount Codes

Discount vouchers and discount codes can save you money on all sorts of things. All kinds of retailers use coupon codes, discounts vouchers and discount codes to encourage people to buy their goods and services. You can save money on everything, from flights & cruises to jewellery & accessories, or even to toys &games. With the money you save you could open up a regular savings account, you could pay a bit more off your credit card or overpay your mortgage. It all makes good financial sense.
What is a discount code? A discount code is a word or collection of numbers and letters than can be used to save money on products and services at many retailers online. They are distributed by stores such as Play.com, Comet or Halfords as a way of encouraging the customers to spend their money with them. At the checkout of the site, there can be found the box called "discount code" or "promotional code", where the discount or voucher codes are inputted in order to obtain the respective discount.

The Discount Blog is one of the blogs that saves you money by revealing the latest discount codes, money off vouchers, hot offers and promotional coupons for many online retailers. Even if we speak about Comet Voucher Codes, Dell Voucher Codes, Avon Voucher Codes, Halfords or Sainsburys coupons, it is a good method to save some money when you buy various products.

Lesvos: More than Just another Greek Island

Lesvos is blessed with beautiful beaches, traditional villages, more varieties of birds and wildflowers than anywhere in Europe, pine forests, medieval castles, scenic harbors with cafes and seafood restaurants, museums, hotels of every class and category, and some of the warmest, friendliest people in Greece. Lesvos has been the favorite location for artists, writers and romantics. Its natural attractions include a petrified forest, some unique hot springs, and health spas.

Lesvos' wonderful landscapes can be seen by donkey or horseback, cycling, jeep, or by foot. If you prefer to be on water you can find yachts for charter. The numerous festivals held throughout the island, are enjoyed and celebrated in their traditional ways, with the locals displaying their flair for dancing, drinking and eating. If you come to Lesvos in the Spring, you will be rewarded with one of the most incredible displays of wildflowers and wild birds you will ever see. Lesvos is a main stop in the migration routes for European birds coming from Africa and has an amazing variety of local birds.

Lesvos is easily reachable by ferry or jet from Athens, not to mention charter flights from many European cities. You can fly directly from the USA to Lesvos with a change of planes in Athens or an overnight stay if you like. You can also get flights from the US and just about anywhere else in the world through Athens to Lesvos. The cost of a holiday in Lesvos is a fraction of the cost of the more popular Greek islands and mainland destinations. It's a large island with lots to see.

A week's stay here is recommended. Two is better and even after a month you will still not have seen it all. From the fantastic beach town of Skala Eressos to the progressive yet traditional village of Molyvos whose ancient walls were once besieged by Achilles himself, Lesvos is simply amazing in it's archaeology, scenery and lifestyle.

Flags of the U.S. states

The flags of the U.S. states exhibit a wide variety of regional influences and local histories, as well as widely different styles and design principles. Modern state flags date from the 1890s when states wanted to have distinctive symbols at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Most state flags were designed and adopted between 1893 and World War I.

State flags are a great way to show you love the place where you come from. A flag can be used for various purposes: for businesses on an outdoor or indoor flagpole, or for example a college from California can hoist its state flag high above the campus for all to see, or even home grown businesses can use a state flag to show that it is American made.

On the other side, military flags are a great tribute to a soldier. A very good gift idea for any veteran in your family can be a flag to commemorate their service to the Army, Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, the Air Force, the U.S. Coast Guard etc.

In conclusion, if you need US flags for a ceremony, a patriotic celebration, or just to display them in or around your home, visit the United States Flag online store and you will find plenty of options.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Insurance Financing Vehicles

* The fraternal insurance is provided on a cooperative basis by fraternal benefit societies or other social organizations.

* No-fault insurance is a type of insurance policy (typically automobile insurance) where insureds are indemnified by their own insurer regardless of fault in the incident.

* Protected Self-Insurance is an alternative risk financing mechanism in which an organization retains the mathematically calculated cost of risk within the organization and transfers the catastrophic risk with specific and aggregate limits to an insurer so the maximum total cost of the program is known. A properly designed and underwritten Protected Self-Insurance Program reduces and stabilizes the cost of insurance and provides valuable risk management information.

* Retrospectively Rated Insurance is a method of establishing a premium on large commercial accounts. The final premium is based on the insured's actual loss experience during the policy term, sometimes subject to a minimum and maximum premium, with the final premium determined by a formula. Under this plan, the current year's premium is based partially (or wholly) on the current year's losses, although the premium adjustments may take months or years beyond the current year's expiration date. The rating formula is guaranteed in the insurance contract. Formula: retrospective premium = converted loss + basic premium × tax multiplier. Numerous variations of this formula have been developed and are in use.
* Formal self insurance is the deliberate decision to pay for otherwise insurable losses out of one's own money. This can be done on a formal basis by establishing a separate fund into which funds are deposited on a periodic basis, or by simply forgoing the purchase of available insurance and paying out-of-pocket. Self insurance is usually used to pay for high-frequency, low-severity losses. Such losses, if covered by conventional insurance, mean having to pay a premium that includes loadings for the company's general expenses, cost of putting the policy on the books, acquisition expenses, premium taxes, and contingencies. While this is true for all insurance, for small, frequent losses the transaction costs may exceed the benefit of volatility reduction that insurance otherwise affords.

* Reinsurance is a type of insurance purchased by insurance companies or self-insured employers to protect against unexpected losses. Financial reinsurance is a form of reinsurance that is primarily used for capital management rather than to transfer insurance risk.

* Social insurance can be many things to many people in many countries. But a summary of its essence is that it is a collection of insurance coverages (including components of life insurance, disability income insurance, unemployment insurance, health insurance, and others), plus retirement savings, that requires participation by all citizens. By forcing everyone in society to be a policyholder and pay premiums, it ensures that everyone can become a claimant when or if he/she needs to. Along the way this inevitably becomes related to other concepts such as the justice system and the welfare state. This is a large, complicated topic that engenders tremendous debate, which can be further studied in the following articles (and others):

o National Insurance
o Social safety net
o Social security
o Social Security debate (United States)
o Social Security (United States)
o Social welfare provision
* Stop-loss insurance provides protection against catastrophic or unpredictable losses. It is purchased by organizations who do not want to assume 100% of the liability for losses arising from the plans. Under a stop-loss policy, the insurance company becomes liable for losses that exceed certain limits called deductibles.

Closed community self-insurance

Some communities prefer to create virtual insurance amongst themselves by other means than contractual risk transfer, which assigns explicit numerical values to risk. A number of religious groups, including the Amish and some Muslim groups, depend on support provided by their communities when disasters strike. The risk presented by any given person is assumed collectively by the community who all bear the cost of rebuilding lost property and supporting people whose needs are suddenly greater after a loss of some kind. In supportive communities where others can be trusted to follow community leaders, this tacit form of insurance can work. In this manner the community can even out the extreme differences in insurability that exist among its members. Some further justification is also provided by invoking the moral hazard of explicit insurance contracts.

In the United Kingdom, The Crown (which, for practical purposes, meant the Civil service) did not insure property such as government buildings. If a government building was damaged, the cost of repair would be met from public funds because, in the long run, this was cheaper than paying insurance premiums. Since many UK government buildings have been sold to property companies, and rented back, this arrangement is now less common and may have disappeared altogether.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Discover Aquitaine

Aquitaine is one of the 26 regions of France, in the south-western part of metropolitan France, along the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountain range on the border with Spain. In the Middle Ages it was a kingdom and later a duchy, with boundaries considerably larger than the modern ones.

The region is most famous for its fabulous beaches and superb wine. It was named by the Romans who were extremely happy to discover so many rivers flowing through the land. England, as well as the Romans, once ruled this area of France. If you are searching for a property for sale in south-west France, then this region has to be at the top of your list. If you are looking just for a holiday destination, then Aquitaine is the right choice whether you want to play a round or two of golf, or if you intend just to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

Most regions of France are famous for the good food and wine. This region benefits from truly great food and wine. Bordeaux is a major wine producing area, known all over the world. But also, you can find a natural inland sea with the largest beach in the whole Europe in Aquitaine. The regions such as Dordogne, Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne are probably familiar for you, but maybe the most famous place within this region is Bordeaux.

As I said above, if you are looking for a memorable golf holiday, or you’re simply looking for rest on your holiday with your family, then Aquitaine is an excellent choice.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Exercise Equipment Supplier





Have you ever wondered how you can always exercise and keep yourself trim on a regular basis? You can exercise in the comfort and privacy of your own private gym in your house. All you need is a reliable Tunturi treadmill. With the growing stress and burden of everyday living, putting a lot of strain on our bodies, we need a thorough workout to expend our accumulated energy and stress through the use of a reliable Tunturi elliptical. There are so many gyms and places where we can regularly exercise but nothing beats exercising in the comfort of your own home with your own gym equipments . We can seek information on exercise equipment through a reputable exercise equipment supplier. We can have the kind of body that we always wanted- slim, husky and full of life. The only solution is to eat the proper nutritious food at the right quantity (no overeating please) and to exercise regularly on a regular or daily basis. And we can enjoy a long, healthy and fruitful life. Now, you can have that body you so desired all your life. Instead of just envying those beautiful and svelte figures of famous movie stars, athletes and fashion models, you too can have that ideal and well proportioned body you have dreamed all your life. HAPPY EXERCISING!


Physical - Olivia Newton John




Tags: Physical, Exercise, Exercise Equipment Supplier, Trim, Comfort And Privacy of Home, Tunturi Treadmill, Tunturi Elliptical, Efitoloy, Information on Exercise Equipment, Stress, Thorough Workout, Accumulated Body Fats, Slim, Healthy, Full of Life, Nutritious Food, Exercise Regularly, Healthy and Fruitful Life, Beautiful and Svelte Figures, Movie Stars, Athletes, Fashion Models, Ideal and Proportioned Body


Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion

Country Music and Politics

There is a long history of the connection between music and politics, particularly political expression in music. This expression can use anti-establishment or protest themes, including anti-war songs, although pro-establishment ideas are also used, for example in national anthems, patriotic songs, and political campaigns. Many of these types of songs could be described as topical songs. Unlike many other types of music, political music is not usually ambiguous, and is used to portray a specific political message. While the political message in political music is apparent, it is usually in the political context of the time it was made, which makes understanding the historical events and time that inspired the music essential to fully understanding the message in the music. Since political music is meant to be heard by the people, it is often meant to be popular.

American country music contains numerous images of "traditional" life, family life, religious life, as well as patriotic themes. Songs such as Merle Haggard's "The Fightin' Side of Me", and "Okie from Muskogee" are patriotic songs which contain an "us versus them" mentality directed at the counterculture "hippies" and the anti-war crowd. In more recent years, Haggard has become critical of "the establishment", and even disagreed with the Iraq War. Other country musicians, such as Charlie Daniels, openly supported George W. Bush, the Iraq War, and Conservative politics in general. When Natalie Maines, lead singer of the Dixie Chicks, made negative comments about George W. Bush and publicly spoke out against the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, boycotts by country music radio stations and death threats hindered the band's continued success. In 2006, with Maines still acting as lead singer, the Dixie Chicks released a "comeback" album, Taking the Long Way. The album subsequently won five Grammys.

Golf Experience

Golf is a precision club-and-ball sport, in which competing players, using many types of clubs, attempt to hit balls into each hole on a golf course while employing the fewest number of strokes. Golf is one of the few ball games that do not require a standardized playing area. Instead, the game is played on golf "courses", each of which features a unique design, although courses typically consist of either nine or 18 holes. Golf is defined, in the rules of golf, as "playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules." Golf competition is generally played for the lowest number of strokes by an individual, known simply as stroke play, or the lowest score on the most individual holes during a complete round by an individual or team, known as match play.

A golf course consists of a series of holes, each with a teeing area that is set off by two markers showing the bounds of the legal tee area, fairway, rough and other hazards, and the putting green surrounded by the fringe with the pin and cup. Different levels of grass are varied to increase difficulty, or to allow for putting in the case of the green. While many holes are designed with a direct line-of-sight from the tee-off point to the green, some of the holes may bend, either to the left or to the right. This is called a "dogleg", in reference to a dog's knee. The hole is called a "dogleg left" if the hole angles leftwards and vice versa; sometimes, a hole's direction can bend twice and is called a "double dogleg". A typical golf course consists of 18 holes but nine hole courses are common and can be played twice through for 18 holes.

Early Scottish golf courses were primarily laid out on links land, soil covered sand dunes directly inland from beaches. This gave rise to the term golf links, particularly applied to seaside courses and those built on naturally sandy soil inland.

Sources: 1

Saturday, April 3, 2010

What Was The Most Memorable And Colorful Experience You Had When You Were In High School Or College?





What was the most memorable and colorful experience you had when you were in high school or college? Could you please share it with us?


High School Life - Sharon Cuneta




Tags: High School, High School Life, First Love, Crush, First Date, First Kiss, Infatuation , Hero Worship, Dreams, Brokenhearted, Shattered Dreams, Friendship, Friends Forever, Best Friend Forever, Shared Dreams, Quest, Adventures, Hopes, Reality, World

Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion