Alan Marz & Greeny Bear' Blog

NEW DOMAIN NAME

2009-03-08T23:17:00.002+08:00

www.alanmarz.com/blog

Tie(Time) Is Running out

2009-02-09T21:43:00.000+08:00

New Domain Name

2009-02-02T12:08:00.002+08:00

no more greenybear.blogspot.com

new new new and hot
www.blog.alanmarz.com

Youth Malaysia 09 : PWTC,Malaysia

2009-01-19T22:36:00.010+08:00

First of alL, sorry for the late update.My father's computer exploded.He send his computer in for repair. Last week i went to Youth Malaysia 09 with my father and his friend again.

What is YOUTH'09 all about?
YOUTH'09 is Malaysia’s largest youth lifestyle event. A 3 day festival that is held from the 9th-11th January at the Putra World Trade Centre that brings together youth communities from all over Malaysia for a range of exciting activities.

New Friend : Natasha

2009-01-05T16:05:00.005+08:00

Today I met my father's niece,Natasha.She is a cute little girl.She afraid of any kind of dolls or teddies inclue me,Greeny Bear.My father try to calm her down,after a few minutes she stop crying.
"I hate teddy bear"!Says Natasha
"Now I love teddy bear"Says Natasha
"I wanna hug Greeny Bear"Says Natasha
"I wanna hug him again!"Says Natasha

Smile :).

Ikea,Malaysia

2009-01-02T15:41:00.007+08:00

Happy New Year : The Curve,Malaysia

2009-01-01T12:37:00.009+08:00

Yesterday I went to The Curve to celebrate new year with my dad,his friends and strangersSpot me.Hehe
She's so hot,I love her!
This is my dad's old friend
Stranger.I think she's from Arab
Greeny Bear,Arabian Girl & Arabian Boy :)

This clown try to rape me yesterday.HAHA
He's my dad's friends,he's quite cute but not for me.HAHA
Oh my god,He's so cute but not for me also,cuz im not gay :)
Greeny Bear Love The Curve

Happy New Year Everyone!
A new year
A new chapter
Forget the bad
Cherish the good
Enjoy :)

My Biodata

2008-12-27T11:57:00.003+08:00

Name : Greeny Bear
Age : Below 1Week
Birthday : 21 December 2008
Birthplace : I don't know.But I think I was born in bear factory
Race : Bear
Sexuality : What is sexuality? *Blur*
Education : Alan Marz Kindergarden
Nationality : Malaysian?
Family : Alan Marz(Dad)
Fav Food : Chocolate
Fav Drink : Coke
Fav Music : Screamo,Hardcore & Happy Hardcore(seriously)
Fav Movie : Yogi Bear
Career : Chocolate Eater,Traveler & Maybe a Tour Guide
Hobby : Sleep,Eat,Shit & Travel With My Dad
Idol : My Dad(Alan Marz)
Blog : www.greenybear.blogspot.com

Everyday Use

2008-12-25T16:14:00.006+08:00

I use this to kill mosquito
I use this kill ban breath
I use this clean my foot
I use this to brighten my skin
I use this to clean my tooth
I use this to remove bad smell
I use this to clean up my face

I WILL WRITE SHORT DESCRIPTION LATER,I'M KINDA BUSY RIGHT NOW.SORRY

Sorry No Update For Today

2008-12-24T14:03:00.002+08:00

My New Friend,Oscar

2008-12-23T12:00:00.000+08:00

Hi today I would like to talk about my new friend,Oscar.He is a weird cute pink toy and he got two big eyes.I met him yesterday at my dad's house.He love to dance and do weird things

He can break dance.Wow that amazing.He listen to Rnb and Hip-Hop music.His favourite rapper is Tupac Shakur.

Chakkkk "Oscar here :)" ,says Oscar
He also can put his feet on his eyes.He's a good friend.I love Oscar!and he love me too

My Dad's House (Part 2)

2008-12-22T17:26:00.006+08:00

I slept while my dad online
I can't sleep.What to do if you can't sleep,If i were you,I'll read book or magazine,actually im not reading the magazine but i just had my first kiss with the girl inside the magazine,its a Seventeen Magazine!heheAfter reading book in my dad's room.I jumped to my dad's computer to see what he doing.He's chatting with his new girlfriend,maybe?hehe
After looking at computer screen for a long time,my eyes hurt!My dad gave me black glasses to protect my eyes.He love me so much,i love him tooooo!Actually,i feel cool when i'm wearing black glasses.HAHA

My Dad's House

2008-12-22T08:49:00.004+08:00

After Alan clean me up with water,im so wet,he hang me up to dry
I feel something in my throat.My dad gave me cough medicine
He got a lot of medicines.He will take care of me.I love my dad!
This is my friend,Abu I love taking picture with him.
When I miss my dad,I call him with my new phone,Nokia N73

Introduction

2008-12-21T22:20:00.001+08:00

Hello my name is Greeny Bear.I was found dirty and unpleasant condition by Alan(My Dad) in his house.He decides to clean me up so that i look clean.He promised me he'll keep me,wouldn't hurt me & brings me everywhere he goes. He just had his operation so i wont be able to go out with him in a while,but I shall always be waiting,maybe someday i will hangout with you?

COMING SOON-
I will celebrate New Year 2009 with my dad,Alan at The Curve,Damansara,Malaysia

Private Jet Charters

2008-01-09T22:52:00.000+08:00

Today it seems as though private jet charters are very popular. This fact is even true for those who are not rich. One of the good news I recently found out is that regular everyday working class people usually get better discounts.

One that note, do you know of any private jet charter service that is available to you?

Learning about this type of service can overwhelmed you due to the unlimited amount of information available to you. Well, hopefully this informative article will help you focus on the main points that will make it easy for you to book a private jet.

It is now possible that you can use a private jet charters service with easily and conveniently.
It really doesn't matter if you're traveling for business or pleasure, most of us will need to make travel arrangements. Lets face it, commercial flights are nice but it is not your only travel option.

How Easy Is It?

Depending on your choice of service, it could be as simple as a little negotiation to get you a great deal. Remember that the travel demand could be different during the year, so depending on time of travel you can save a ton of money.

A lot of private jet charter services display their current sales and discounts online. In addition to regularly checking the online websites of popular private jet charter services, you may also be able to sign up for email alerts.

The way how things are going for this industry, we could, very soon, see the day when more than half the flights booked on commercial airlines taken on private jets instead.

Credit : http://ezinearticles.com/?Private-Jet-Charters---Easy-to-Use&id=1737577

Cheaper Car Insurance

2008-01-09T22:38:00.000+08:00

Let's say it right up front. There is no really cheap car insurance. However, there is almost certainly insurance available that costs less — possibly significantly less — than you are paying now.

Car insurance is one of those annoying expenses in our lives that has no immediately apparent benefit, unlike the cost of a meal in a nice restaurant or the purchase of new music CD. State laws require it and we know deep down we should have it, but that doesn't make it easier to pay for it. Of course, it can bring some peace of mind knowing that we are protected financially if bad things happen. And there is nobody who denies being happy they have insurance when bad things do happen.

Given the fact, then, that insurance is necessary, how do we make sure we pay as little as possible for the coverage we need. Cheap car insurance is not difficult to find if you use the following tips.

Shop online for the cheapest car insurance rates
Car insurance companies charge different rates — differences of $1000 or more a year — for the same car, the same driver, and the same coverage. There are no "standard" insurance rates. Each insurance company sets its own risk-based rates, according to its own data and claim experience. Rates can change multiple times in a year.

Even if your current company had the cheapest rates a few months ago, the rates may have changed such that they are no longer the cheapest. So it pays to shop around and get free quotes from a number of insurance providers. Online car insurance quotes are quick, free, and easy to obtain, especially from online insurance company web sites such as Esurance.com.

It costs you nothing to switch to a different car insurance company that provides better rates and better meets your needs. If you switch, be sure to ask for a refund of any prepayment to your current company.

Auto insurance for teen drivers
Teenagers driving for the first time, especially boys, suffer the highest auto insurance rates of any other category of drivers. The reason, of course, is that, as a whole, this group represents the highest risk of accident claims.

We often get questions such as "What is the cheapest car insurance for teensagers?" or "Where can I find cheap car insurance for a 16 year old?"

Insurance costs for teens can easily be the highest of any other costs associated with owning and driving a car. Without a driving record and credit history, teens automatically get assigned the highest rates. In addition to the tips below, young drivers should work to minimize insurance rates by making good grades, taking driving courses, and avoiding high-powered sports cars. It is also cheaper to be listed as a driver on parents' policy than to get a separate policy.

Select vehicles with lower insurance costs
The car you drive can make the difference between cheap car insurance and expensive car insurance. Cars that cost the least, have the lowest repair costs, are in accidents less often, and are stolen less frequently are the least expensive to insure.

In general, the older the car, the less expensive the car, the safer the car, the less insurance will cost.

Insurance rates for expensive luxury cars are considerably higher than for economy compacts. Sports cars suffer from generally higher rates than family sedans. High performance cars in the hands of teenage drivers will cost a small fortune to insure. Frequently stolen vehicles such as the Cadillac Escalade cost more to insure than cars with less "thief appeal." Surprisingly, some older cars such 1990's vintage Honda Accords are frequently stolen for parts, and are more expensive to insure.

Here's a list of the cars that are least expensive to insure, and a list of those most expensive to insure.

Insurance rates are reduced for vehicles with extra safety equipment, such as stability control and side air bags.

When car shopping, ask your insurance company to quote you rates on each of the different models you are considering – or get your rates on the Internet.

Watch your credit score
Yes, many car insurance companies now use your credit score to set your rates. Studies show that people with low scores tend to submit more claims. People with low scores can pay as much as three times more than those with excellent scores. Therefore, it's wise to know your credit score before you shop for insurance.

Select coverage options that best meet your needs
Collision and comprehensive insurance coverage for your own vehicle pays for the cost of repairs or for the value of your vehicle in case it is totaled or stolen. You could consider dropping collision coverage when your vehicle has aged to the point that your annual collision premiums are significant when compared to the vehicle's replacement value. Be aware that, if you still have a loan on your vehicle, your loan company may require collision and comprehensive coverage.

In their quest for cheap car insurance, many teenage drivers often choose to do without collision and comprehensive coverage. However, this can be a huge mistake. Drivers who have struggled to save money for a car, or have taken out large loans, are devastated when they realize that there is no insurance coverage when their car is stolen or totaled in an accident. It happens all too frequently.

There's one good case for not buying full insurance. If you have enough cash savings that you would be willing to risk to pay for your car's repairs or replacement in the event of an accident, you could "self-insure" yourself and avoid the cost of collision and comprehensive coverage.

Most states have laws that dictate the minimum liability insurance coverage you must carry. In these days of sue-happy accident victims and high medical costs, it is good to have as much liability coverage as you can afford. Remember, if you get sued for an accident and your insurance is insufficient, you may find your personal assets in jeopardy. Financial ruin could be only one accident away.

Location is important
Auto insurance costs can be dramatically different depending on where you live. If you live in New York state, you pay the highest rates in the U.S..If you live and work in a heavily populated metropolitan area, you pay more than your cousin who lives in a nearby small town.

Should you have a choice in where you live, work, and drive — which many people do not — you can affect your car insurance cost by choosing the right location.

Gap protection
If your vehicle is totaled or stolen, your auto insurance is only going to pay the amount that the vehicle is worth, not what you still owe on a loan or lease. This point is misunderstood by many consumers. If you are "upside down" on a car loan or lease, you'll have to come up with the cash to pay off the remainder of the amount you owe. To prevent this situation, you need "gap" insurance.

Gap coverage is usually included in leases, but almost never for loans. Unfortunately, this type of insurance is a little hard to find. Some auto insurance companies offer it, some extended-warranty companies have it, and some dealers sell it. Fortunately, gap coverage is not very expensive and can be dropped as soon as you pay enough of your loan or lease to exit your "upside down" situation.

Avoid at-fault accidents
Pretty obvious, but one of the factors that contributes most significantly to high auto insurance rates is the at-fault accident history of a driver. Insurance companies typically raise rates after only a single accident, assuming that other accidents will follow. Since accident reports are shared between insurance companies, don't think you can avoid higher costs by switching companies. This might work in the short-term but it will soon catch up to you.

Choose a higher deductible
One of the easiest paths to cheap car insurance is to increase your deductible — the amount you're willing to pay out-of-pocket when you make a claim. For example, raising your deductible amount from $500 to $1000 can reduce your insurance costs by 30%. Just be sure that you would be able to afford the immediate cash expense in case of an accident.

Check your profile often
Contact your auto insurance company and make sure your personal and family's driving profiles are accurate, and that you are getting all the discounts to which you are entitled (see Auto Insurance Discounts). Your driving record, marriage status, age, commute distance, and home address can affect your insurance costs. Your credit history can also have an affect with some companies. Multiple-car discounts are available, as are discounts for vehicle safety features, anti-theft devices, having home insurance with the same company, and even for getting good grades in school.

Avoid making small claims
Making small claims with your insurance company can trigger rate increases. Certainly, if the cost of repairing minor accident damage is less than your deductible, don't file a claim. Even if the cost is moderately higher, consider the cost of a possible rate increase compared to simply paying the cost yourself.

Check insurance company ratings
Cheap car insurance is not so cheap when the insurance company is difficult to deal with, is not responsive to your needs, and doesn't pay fairly. Therefore, take care in choosing your company on criteria other than premium cost.

JD Power, a national research company, publishes a rating of auto insurance companies that can be helpful in selecting auto insurance companies. Some of the companies in the rating only do business in certain states. Furthermore, the evaluations do not include rate comparisons.

Get your own rate quotes
Insurance companies and brokers provide free online rate quotes that allow you to easily compare costs and coverage. The advantage of a broker is that they work with multiple companies and their services are free. We suggest the following companies:

Netquote is a free insurance shopping service that allows you to compare rates from major national carriers such as SafeCo, The Hartford, Progressive, Allstate, Farmers, and more by simply filling out one online form. By matching your profile with multiple insurance companies, their detailed application form ensures you will receive only quotes that best fit your particular situation. Quotes are 100% free.

Esurance is one of the most recognized car insurance companies due to their clever TV commercials. They are a relatively new company, formed in 1998, but have since become one of the fastest growing insurance companies in the country. They are innovative, value their customers, and work hard to provide excellent service. Get a quote from them to find out for yourself. Get free auto insurance quotes.

GEICO is one of the well-known top four car insurance companies in the country with low prices and the top ranked customer service web site of all. You not only get free quotes but you can file claims, view estimates and photographs, contact your adjuster, and get payment status. They also explain exactly how they process a claim, what to do if you're in an accident, and where to find a repair shop near you. A great web site!

InsureMe is an established and popular company, having been around since 1993. They have a network of thousands of participating insurance agents and companies across the United States, including in your neighborhood. Once you complete their online form, they match your profile to as many as five companies, who will provide you free rate quotes that you can compare and choose from. Remember, you are not obligated to accept any of the offers.

Be careful where you buy
Beware of car insurance companies that offer unrealistic low rates for high-risk drivers. Such companies can charge cheap rates because they don't pay claims. Affordable rates are one thing; getting paid when you have an accident is quite another. Be sure to research any such company before you make a decision about cheap car insurance.

Zero Interest Credit Cards

2008-01-01T23:52:00.000+08:00

It's a no-brainer to know that you can save a boat-load of money if you have the right credit card. The problem is finding one and finding the right one that's best for you. There are so many choices now when choosing a credit card and zero interest credit cards are a very popular choice. This will be the best card for you if you don't pay off your card each month but carry a balance. Here are some of the top 0% interest cards there are:

American Express

APR 13.49%-18.99%
0% Introductory APR for up to 12 months.
Fixed 3.99% on balances transferred for 12 months. $25 AmEx gift card issued for every $2.500 spent.
Liberal one-month grace period for payments.
No fees for late payments
No fees for cash advances
No fees for over-limit charges
Free credit report with credit score every year

Visa Classic

APR 7.5% to 9.5%
0% on balance transfers for 6 months; 7.5% to 9.5% after six months
11.5% to 13.5% APR on balances for convenience checks or cash advances, but there is a 5% transaction fee
No cash advance fee

Visa Platinum

APR 7.25%
Default penalty APR is only 15.25% and cash-advance APR is only 11.25% with a 3% transaction fee.
Balance transfer APR is 7.25%

Visa Platinum Travel Rewards

0% for six months on balance transfers
No transfer fee
8.95% APR

Credit card benefits change frequently. The rates and benefits that these four cards offer are the best that are available to you right now. Knowing this information will help you narrow your search for the credit card that will help you save money and give you the most benefits. Each of these companies has many different cards so be sure you don't sign up for the first one you see, but find the exact credit card with these benefits.

Credit : http://ezinearticles.com/?Zero-Interest-Credit-Cards-Not-So-Hard-to-Find!&id=1771387

Secured Loans?

2008-01-01T23:48:00.000+08:00

Secured loans are those loans that are protected by an asset or collateral of some sort. The item purchased, such as a home or a car, can be used as collateral, and a lien can be placed on such purchases. The finance company or bank will hold the deed or title until the loan has been paid in full, including interest and all applicable fees. Other items such as stocks, bonds, or personal property can be put up to secure a loan as well.

Secured loans are usually the best way to obtain large amounts of money quickly. A lender is not likely to loan a large amount without more than your word that the money will be repaid. Putting your home or other property on the line is a fairly safe guarantee that you will do everything in your power to repay the loan.

Secured loans are not just for new purchases either. Secured loans can also be home equity loans or home equity lines of credit or even second mortgages. Such loans are based on the amount of home equity, or the value of your home minus the amount still owed. Your home is used as collateral and failure to make timely payments can result in losing your home.

Other types of secured loans include debt consolidation loans where a home or personal property is used as collateral. Instead of having many --usually high interest-- payments to make each month, money is loaned to pay the original lenders off, and the borrower then only has to repay the one loan. This is not only more convenient but it will also save a lot of money over time, since interest rates for secured loans are lower. A debt consolidation loan usually offers a lower monthly payment as well.

On the other hand, unsecured loans are the opposite of secured loans and include things like credit card purchases, education loans, or bank notes, which usually demand higher interest rates than secured loans, because they are not backed by collateral. Lenders take more of a risk by making such a loan, with no property to hold onto in case of default, which is why the interest rates are considerably higher. If you have been turned down for unsecured credit, you may still be able to obtain secured loans, as long as you have something of value or if the purchase you wish to make can be used as collateral.

Credit : http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-secured-loans.htm

Acne

2008-01-01T22:42:00.001+08:00

It is hard to believe that though we live in the age of computer technology where cloning of humans has become possible, it is still difficult to find effective acne solutions. Before we get into the solutions, let's take a look at what acne is first.

What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition where the sebaceous glands produce excess oil which clogs the skin pores. The oiliness attracts grime and dead cells resulting in an excellent environment for harmful bacteria to multiply. When this happens pus formation follows and you get an acne outburst. Most acne solutions are designed to reduce and eliminate the pus formation; very few acne solutions, if at all, work as preventive measures.

The scientific name for this condition is acne vulgaris, and this affects about 20 million people in USA alone. This means that at least about 20 millions people out there in the world are looking for acne solutions.

What causes acne?
The absence of foolproof acne solutions results from the fact that there is no real cause for acne formation. It is believed that hormones influence the onset and development since acne normally erupts during puberty and worsens through adolescence. Sometimes however, the trigger for acne is food allergy, while in other cases yeast overgrowth is blamed for the condition.

This is why before you adopt any advertised over the counter (OTC) medication, you should consult with a doctor. Unless you get to the root of the problem and identify what is the cause of your acne formation, the acne solutions you use might not give you the desired results.

What are the best acne solutions for you?
As you can see there are no standard acne solutions that can be prescribed for one and all. Each case is different and therefore the treatment which is adopted needs to be tailor-made to your skin condition. The best acne solutions are often the simplest ones inspired by nature. This does not mean that you shift focus from chemical products to herbal ones. Rather, you should take a serious look at homemade remedies which can be made at home from fresh and genuine ingredients. There are plenty of herbs that can help in fighting and curing acne completely. A consultation with your local certified herbologist might get you started in this area.

Side by side with the acne solution you choose, ensure that you maintain a disciplined life. You need to have at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night; and no, weekend sleep marathons do not balance the lack of sleep during the week days. The key to best acne solutions lies in a healthy diet, relaxed mind and moderately exercised body. Pay attention to your water intake. In most cases, the acne condition is aggravated by dehydration of the skin. You need to drink about 2 liters of water every day.

Avoid cosmetics as much as possible. Use only natural (homemade) beauty aids. Ensure that you clean your face thoroughly at night and have a cleansing facial at least once a month. Used together these measures give you the most effective acne treatment you can ever find.

Critical illness Insurance

2008-01-01T22:12:00.002+08:00

life insurance with critical illness

Critical illness insurance or critical illness cover is an insurance product, where the insurer is contracted to typically make a lump sum cash payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses listed in the insurance policy.

The policy may also be structured to pay out regular income and the payout may also be on the policyholder undergoing a surgical procedure, for example, having a heart bypass operation.

The policy may require the policyholder to survive a minimum number of days (the survival period) from when the illness was first diagnosed. The survival period used varies from company to company, however, 28 days and 30 days are the most common survival periods used.

The contract terms contain specific rules that define when a diagnosis of a critical illness is considered valid. It may state that the diagnosis need be made by a physician who specialises in that illness or condition, or it may name specific tests, e.g. EKG changes of a myocardial infarction, that confirm the diagnosis.

In some markets, however, the definition of a claim for many of the diseases and conditions have become standardised, thus all insurers would use the same claims definition. The standardisation of the claims definitions may serve many purposes including increased clarity of cover for policyholders and greater comparability of policies from different life offices. For example, in the UK the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued a Statement of Best Practise which includes a number of standard definitions for common critical illnesses.

Credit : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_illness_insurance

Life Insurance

2008-01-01T22:02:00.002+08:00

Critical Illness Insurance And Life Insurance Cover For Better And For Worse.
By Rachel Lane .

There are three main types of insurance cover you can buy to protect yourself and your family: life insurance, private medical insurance and critical illness insurance. If you want your financial health to be completely bionic then you could choose all three types of insurance, but if your family finances are more restricted, it might be better to insure yourself with critical illness insurance and life insurance. Critical illness insurance should not be confused with private medical insurance or even income protection insurance and itâ€™s important that you do a full evaluation of your needs before you pursue the different insurance options.

The purpose of critical illness cover (CIC) is to fill a gap that is left by traditional life insurance policies, which will only provide a pay-out on the death of the policy holder. CIC provides a tax free lump sum following the diagnosis of one of a number of life-threatening illnesses or certain types of surgery. The sorts of situations usually covered include the diagnosis of cancer, a stroke, a heart attack, the loss of a limb and many other serious disabilities.

Critical illness insurance policies are typically sold to cover mortgage repayments and are often sold alongside a life insurance package to ensure the borrower can repay the loan in all circumstances. It is worth noting that if a combined life insurance and critical illness cover package is taken out, then it would not be unusual for an insurer to pay out for only one of the events. Therefore if the policy holder suffers a critical illness and then dies at a later date, there will only be one pay-out â€“ for the initial illness. It is essential whenever you take out a policy that you make sure it covers all of your needs and those of your family. Donâ€™t estimate how much cover you may actually need. You will additionally need to consider the period

for which you want critical illness cover, such as a set number of years to cover the mortgage or no fixed period at all, so you can maintain the policy as long as you need it.

The critical illness insurance market has come under increasing pressure in recent years, as the number of claims has soared, survival rates increased and medical science has made it far easier to detect serious conditions much earlier. These factors have prompted some serious questions about the viability of critical illness cover, particularly guaranteed products.

For the majority of people, the most important benefit of critical illness insurance is to protect their mortgage and most mortgage protection policies allow you to include life insurance and critical illness cover. If you already have life insurance in place, you can buy an additional, separate critical illness insurance policy.

Resources:
http://www.abi.org.uk/ The Association of British Insurers
http://www.moneynet.co.uk/insurance/index.shtml Consumer Insurance Comparison Research
http://www.moneynet.co.uk/home-car-travel-insurance-guide/index.shtml Insurance Guide

Disclaimer:
I am not a financial expert. Read my article, but do your own research. No lawsuits here please.About The Author: Rachel writes for the personal finance blog Cashzilla â€“ personalfinanosaurus â€“ licensed to roar. Rachel spends her not-so-free time researching and writing personal finance articles, but she gets through it with Smarties and Fruit Pastilles. To read more about Rachel and Cashzilla visit http://www.cashzilla.co.uk

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to life insurance that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our term life insurance website.

Structured Settlements

2008-01-01T16:11:00.001+08:00

What Is a Structured Settlement?
Sometimes when a plaintiff settles a case for a large sum of money, the defendant, the plaintiff's attorney, or a financial planner consulted in association with the settlement, will propose paying the settlement in installments over time rather than in a single lump sum. When a settlement is paid in this manner it is called a "structured settlement". Often the structured settlement will be created through the purchase of one or more annuities, which guarantee the future payments.

A structured settlement can provide for payment in pretty much any schedule the parties choose. For example, the settlement may be paid in annual installments over a number of years, or it may be paid in periodic lump sums every few years.
Benefits of a Structured Settlement

One significant advantage of a structured settlement is tax avoidance. With appropriate set-up, a structured settlement may significantly reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations as a result of the settlement, and may in some cases be tax-free.

A structured settlement can protect a plaintiff from having settlement funds dissipated, when they are necessary to pay for future care or needs. Sometimes a structured settlement can help protect a plaintiff from himself - some people simply aren't good with money, or can't say no to relatives who want to "share the wealth", and even a large settlement can be rapidly exhausted. Minors may benefit from a structured settlement as well, such as a settlement which provides for certain costs during their youth, an additional disbursement to pay for college or other educational expenses, and then one or more disbursements in adulthood. An injured person who has long-term special needs may benefit from having periodic lump sums with which to purchase medical equipment or modified vehicles.

In some situations, it will be better for a severely disabled plaintiff to set up a special needs trust, rather than entering into a lump sum or structured settlement. Any plaintiff who is receiving, or expects to receive, Medicaid or other public assistance, or the guardian or conservator entering into a settlement on behalf of a disabled ward, should consult with a disabilities financial planner about their situation before choosing any particular settlement option or structure.
Potential Disadvantages of Structured Settlements

Some people who enter into structured settlements feel trapped by the periodic payments. They may wish to purchase a new home, or other expensive item, yet be unable to muster the resources because they can't borrow against future payments under their settlement.

Some people will do better by accepting a lump sum settlement, and investing it themselves. Many standard investments will give a greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements.
Selling a Structured Settlement

If you have a structured settlement, you may have been approached by a company interested in purchasing your settlement, or may be curious about selling your settlement in return for a lump sum buyout. About two thirds of states have enacted laws which restict the sale of structured settlements, and tax-free structured settlements are also subject to federal restrictions on their sale to a third party. Also, some insurance companies will not assign or transfer annuities to third parties, to discourage the sale of structured settlements. As a consequence, depending upon where you live and the terms of your annuities, it may not be possible for you to sell your settlement.

Keep in mind that companies which buy structured settlements intend to profit from their purchase, and sometimes their offers may seem quite low. You may benefit from approaching more than one company in relation to the sale of your settlement, to make sure that you obtain the highest payoff. You also want to be sure that the company which wants to buy your settlement is established, well-funded, and reputable - you don't want a fly-by-night outfit to obtain the rights to your annuities but to disappear or go bankrupt before paying you the buyout money. You may have to go to court to get a judge to approve the buyout. It is usually a good idea to consult with a lawyer before entering into an agreement to sell your settlement.
Special Considerations

Any person entering into a structured settlement should be on guard for potential exploitation in relation to the settlement:

Excessive Commissions - Annuities can be highly profitable for insurance companies, and they often carry very large commissions. It is important to ensure that the commissions charged in setting up a structured settlement don't consume an inappropriate percentage of its principal.

Overstated Value - Sometimes, after negotiating a particular settlement figure, the defense will overstate the value of a structured settlement. As a result the plaintiff, in accepting the settlement, in fact obtains a significantly lower dollar value than was agreed upon. Some defendants have nominally paid the full amount of the settlement, knowing that they would later obtain significant rebates from the annuity companies they used. Plaintiffs should consider compariing the fees and commissions charged for similar settlement packages by a variety of insurance companies, to make sure that they are in fact getting full value. A plaintiff may wish to make it a condition of the settlement that the defendant will actually pay the full value of the settlement in setting up the structured settlement, and that any rebates received by the defendant for annuities included in the settlement be payable to the plaintiff.

Self-Dealing - There have been cases where the plaintiff's lawyer is also in the insurance business, and sets up a structured settlement on behalf of a client without disclosing that the attorney is purchasing the annuities from his own business, or is pocketing a large commission on the annuities. Similarly, there have been situations where the plaintiff's attorney has referred the client to a particular financial planner to set up a structured settlement, without disclosing that the financial planner will be paying the attorney a referral fee in relation to the client's account. Make sure that you know what financial interest, if any, your lawyer has in relation to any financial services sold or recommended by the lawyer.

Life Expectancy - It is unfortunate, but many people who receive large personal injury or workers' compensation settlements will have a shortened life expectancy as a result of their injuries. It is important to consider life expectancy in association with any structured settlement, and to consider whether it is appropriate to enter into an annuity where payments will cease upon death. Sometimes it will make sense to insist upon an annuity that pays a minimum number of payments, or one that will pay a balance into the plaintiff's estate, such that the value of the settlement is not lost to an insurance company upon the plaintiff's untimely death.

Using Multiple Insurance Companies - For larger settlements, it often makes sense to purchase annuities for a structured settlement from several different companies, dividing the settlement between those companies. This can provide you with protection in the event that a company that issued annuities for your settlement package goes into bankruptcy - even in the event that one of the companies defaults in part or in full on your settlement payments, you would still receive full payment from the other companies.

Credit : http://www.expertlaw.com/library/personal_injury/structured_settlement.html

Mesothelioma

2007-12-29T21:15:00.002+08:00

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

1. What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

2. What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

3. How common is mesothelioma?

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.

4. What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

5. Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

6. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

7. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

8. How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

* Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

* Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

* Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

9. Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI's Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.

People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/publications on the Internet.

Credit : http://www.cancer.gov/

99 High Paying Keywords

2007-12-29T20:20:00.000+08:00

Incorporating high paying keywords into your site is critical to maximizing your income. Who has the time to figure it all out? How much are you willing to pay for this type of information? The secret is out: Here are 99 keywords you can use with payouts averaging $2-$100 per click:
99 High Paying Keywords

1. Structured settlements

2. Mesothelioma

3. Acne

4. Life Insurance

5. Death Insurance

6. Bextra

7. Asbestos

8. Car Insurance

9. Dental Plans

10. Private Jets

11. Debt Consolidation

12. Credit Cards

13. Rewards Cards

14. Equity Loans

15. Equity Line Credit

16. Loans

17. Mortgages

18. Pay Day Loans

19. Cash Advance

20. Bankruptcy

21. Reduce Debt

22. Refinance

23. Jet Charter

24. Vioxx

25. Wrongful death

26. Legal Advice

27. Taxes

28. Investing

29. Bonds

30. Online Trading

31. IRA Rollover

32. Refinance Quotes

33. Adult Education

34. Distance Learning

35. Alcohol Treatment

36. Rehab

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38. Spyware

39. Cell Phone Plans

40. Calling Cards

41. VOIP

42. Weight Loss

43. Canadian Pharmacy

44. Depression

45. Spam Filter

46. Lasik

47. Facelift

48. Teeth Whitening

49. Annuity

50. Anti Virus Protection

51. Adult Diaper

52. Free Credit Report

53. Credit Score

54. Satellite

55. Anti Spam Software

56. Dedicated Hosting

57. Domain Name

58. Need Money

59. Bachelor Degree

60. Master Degree

61. Doctorate Degree

62. Work at Home

63. Quick Book

64. Extra Money

65. Eloan

66. Malpractice Lawyer

67. Lenox China

68. Cancer

69. Payperclick

70. Personal Injury Attorney

71. Lexington Law

72. Video Conferencing

73. Transfer Money

74. Windstar Cruise

75. Casinos Online

76. Term Life

77. Online Banking

78. Borrow Money

79. Low Interest Credit Cards

80. Personal Domain Name

81. Cellular Phone Rental

82. Internet Broker

83. Trans Union

84. Cheap Hosting

85. University Degrees Online

86. Online Marketing

87. Consolidate

88. Helpdesk Software

89. Web Host

90. Homeowner's Insurance

91. Yellow Page Advertising

92. Travel Insurance

93. Register Domain

94. Credit Counseling

95. Email Hosting

96. Business Credit

97. Consumer Credit

98. Blue Cross

99. Laptop Computer

Actual payouts vary depending on whose PPC program you belong to and on the amount that has been bid per click by advertisers. Still, the savvy web administrator will take good care to incorporate some of these key words and reap results higher than they ever expected.

99 High Paying Keywords