The Difference between Critical Illness and Disability Insurance

May 29th, 2008 at 2:52 pm (Internet Insurance)

While not a life insurance product, I think it is worth mentioning about the other two more popular types of insurance. Instead of paying a death benefit, critical illness insurance and disability insurance pay a living benefit.

Critical illness (CI) insurance was developed by a South African doctor in the early 1980’s after he was alarmed that while many of his patients had standard life insurance, it was of no use to them if they had a heart attack and survived. Critical illness insurance will pay a lump sum benefit should you be diagnosed with a serious illness or condition and survive a set time frame (usually one month). The big three conditions are heart attack, stroke and cancer - but some insurance companies add additional 18 - 20 conditions under their plans (leukemia, severe burns, loss of limbs…). CI application forms are very similar to their life insurance counterparts, the biggest difference being that a far greater weight is placed on you immediate family’s health history. The insurance company needs to know if there is a history of heart attack or other diseases to determine your eligibility for this type of insurance.

It is vitally important to read and understand the definitions of all of these illnesses, as some of them can be very technical. Also you will have additional riders (add-ons), that you can select when you sign up for this type of insurance - the most popular being the ‘return of premium’ rider (ROP). If you select the return of premium rider, you will be able to have all (or a portion) of your premiums refunded to you, if you have not collected on the policy over a specific timeframe.

Disability insurance will pay a monthly benefit while you are disabled and cannot work or perform your regular duties. This type of insurance while not complicated does have a tremendous amount variation. Firstly the monthly benefit that is paid to you generally cannot exceed 66% of your current salary; you will need to wait a specific waiting period before you collect the benefit, the benefit can last for two or five years or until you reach age 65. All of these factors will determine how much you monthly premiums will cost.

There will be additional riders (add-ons) that you will need to consider at the time of application. You can select a return of premium rider (as described above), a future needs rider (you have the option to get more money as you age and salary increases), a cost of living rider (the benefit is increased with inflation), an own occupation rider (you cannot perform your job - but can you work elsewhere?).

As you can see there are plenty of variations with both of these types of insurance and you should discuss the availability and other factors with your broker.

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Potty Training - Not for the Faint of Heart

May 29th, 2008 at 2:50 pm (Kids)

If you’ve determined that your child is ready for potty training, it’s time to take the plunge. It’s not easy, but don’t despair, your child will master potty training some time before kindergarten. It’s important to make sure you’re ready, too, because potty training requires a lot of commitment on the part of the Mom.

First, you need to make potty training a project. If your child is really ready, and you make the commitment to focus on it, many children can be trained in about a week. But, you’ve got to stay on top of it to make it go quickly. Here are some tips to help you out.

Use the timer

Tell your child that when the bell rings, it’s time to race to the potty. Then set the timer for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, race to the potty with the child and see if she can go. If not, set the timer for another 20 minutes and try again. As you determine the right interval, you can wait longer between alarms, but 20 minute intervals is a good place to start. Not only does this make a game for you and your toddler, it ensures that you won’t forget to ask if she needs to potty. Success breeds success here. If she can go for a long time without wetting her diaper, it will encourage her to remember. But, at first, you’ve got to remember.

Offer rewards

Offer some sort of reward every time your child goes in the potty. Double it if she tells you she needs to go and then actually goes. Every success should be wildly celebrated. We do our happy dance, sing our song and get stickers, each and every time.

Let the little one go naked

This tactic works best for those without carpet. Your child will really get the picture about how potty training works if he has an accident while wearing nothing on his bottom. It can be messy, but you’ll probably find that it really speeds up the process. It seems to work especially well with girls, as they really don’t like the feeling of wetness.

The most important aspect of potty training is diligence. There are lots of tools that can help you, like books and dolls with their own potty. But the number one factor in succeeding quickly is simply making potty training a priority, so get prepared. Plan ahead of time to make this week “potty training week” and then stick to the plan. Stay home as much as possible to make training easier. Before you know it, you’ll be kissing those diapers goodbye!

Sarah is a 41 year old wife and mother of two boys and one girl. She spent many years as a manager in the corporate world, and gave it up to be a stay at home mom.

Go to http://www.infantresources.com now and get her incredible baby minicourse - absolutely free.

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Our Children’s Story

May 29th, 2008 at 2:29 pm (Pets and Other Animals)

One we must regrettably share with our children for they most certainly will find out on their own.

PREFACE:

We hope they learn from our foibles stemming from ignorance, apathy and politics. It is, but for our egos, that we have not yet come close to resolving this society’s issues of animal abuse and neglect towards the animals of which we share this planet. The noblest of efforts have little affects when unaccompanied by true results.

The Legacy We Leave Them

We followed the large national groups. For 25 years they promised to solve these problems, if only we would send them money. We did. Nearly $2 Billion each year. In turn, they spent 90 cents from every dollar on high salaries, new cars, luxury items and still ask for more. The ultimate goals were not as important as their individual agendas and egos that keep them in business. Our own apathy was killing all these animals.

We hated other animal protection organizations, never spoke to them, but readily spoke ”about” them. Never shared ideas. For political reasons we were confident it was ”for our own good”./ Therefore we have no comprehensive program to present to the public or bring to the schools. Our noble attempts quelled by politics ignorance and greed. But our egos were left in tact. Now, sadly we must leave it all to you.

Remember these things: Work Together. Do Not separate your ideas. Yours may or may not be better than others. Without communication, how will you know? Take One Step AT A Time. Be organized and focus. For decades we’ve shoved thousands of problems and possible solutions to the public. No unity or clear plan. Too confusing. We looked stupid. We have but few accomplishments.

POLITICS: IT is in every aspect of our lives. It is the largest hurdle to overcome if we hope to save the animals. Don’t let your goals be compromised by ego, emotions, envy or anger like we did. Your egos and feelings may get hurt. BIG DEAL!!! The animals continue to die. Move on. THIS IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!! But certainly more adult than we could handle. Politics has no place here. It must be taught through humane education in schools.

The animal problems have plagued us for years and we’ve turned a blind eye to the fact it’s OUR problem to solve. Do not allow the large animal protection groups to continue unchecked. Go confidently in the direction that will bring results. don’t be afraid to ”think outside the box”. It scares people. Let them be scared. Humans fear change. They are weak in spirit and ideas. You will lead them in the long run.

Don’t expect too much from humans. They are limited. Their egos are not. You will experience failures. Keep moving forward. Without them you learn nothing. The successes you will have will be monumental. If you set out to solve a problem, do it with integrity, honesty, fortitude and determination. Sorry we didn’t have those qualities. Be smarter than we. Give voice to the animals.

Randy Warner has done 22 years of Dalmatian Rescue saving over 2,500 Dalmatians. He has also begun to give humane education programs to schools and authored a series of books on issues surrounding humane education, character development and the importance of voting.

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The Cool School Experience

May 29th, 2008 at 12:02 pm (Education Portal)

When considering the number of high tech features used to run an online college, it is no wonder online learning is considered the cool school experience. While the use of email and forums are commonly used to keep in touch with instructors and promote discussion on subjects, the use of instant messenger and webcam allow students to feel less isolated during the education process. Students can view lectures with the webcam and chat room features allow students to have dialogue with classmate all across the globe. Questions pertaining to assignments and current subjects can be answered by an instructor and students alike.

Many students of online learning find their cool school experience stems from the autonomy that comes with being able to earn a degree sooner than most onsite colleges. The opportunity to take learning into one’s own hands means a student can go over the material as many times as necessary. There will be no worry of falling behind or trying to keep up. This can be exceptionally helpful when a concept proves difficult and needs time to sink in. The majority of online learning formats and their high tech features follow super simple, innovative, and easy to navigate arrangements.

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Drinks for Lounge Lizards Series #1416: Alize Martini

May 28th, 2008 at 9:27 pm (Cuisine)

A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Alize Martini, with Alize® liqueur and vodka.

Category: Cocktails – Short drinks

Ingredients: 2 1/2 oz Alize® liqueur
1 oz vodka

How to: Mix in a martini glass.

Glassware: Cocktail Glass

What’s in it for you?

(per 3.5 oz serving)

Calories (kcal)
Energy (kj)
Fats
Carbohydrates
Protein

327
1371
0 g
27.5 g
0 g

Fiber
Sugars
Cholesterol
Sodium
Alcohol

0 g
27.3 g
-
0 mg
22.7 g

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Popcorn Machines - An Introduction

May 28th, 2008 at 9:23 pm (Ads + Plugs)

Does the size of your popcorn machine matter?

The short answer is ‘yes’. The long answer is that it all depends on the number of people you intend to serve with your popcorn machine. For small families or groups, a 4 ounce (110 grams) capacity popcorn machine may be fine. But if you are going to be entertaining a larger group, you may want to buy a six ounce (180 gram) or eight ounce (220 gram) capacity popcorn machine to avoid making multiple batches. Keep in mind that even with a big popcorn machine, you can make small amounts when ever you feel like it.

How long does popcorn take to cook in a popcorn machine?

This depends on the type of popcorn machine you have, but once your machine has heated up (on the stove for stove tops, or by plugging into the mains for electric machines) the popcorn will only take 3-4 minutes to cook. Once you have the oil in the machine, and it is correctly heated, it’s a good idea to test with a few kernels. As soon as these pop, put in the rest and close the lid. Then it is up to the popcorn machine to do the rest - simple as that. You will start to hear popping pretty soon. Stove top popcorn machines cook popcorn more quickly than electric machines, but we are only taking a minute or two. Read the manufacturer’s guidance on this point, and always follow the particular instructions given. You’ll soon hear things getting rather exited in your popcorn machine and then the popping will start to slow around the 3-4 four minute mark. Then you are done. Enjoy.

What oil should you use to cook popcorn?

The key point to make here is that the oil you use will affect the taste of your popcorn, so choosing the right one to suit your taste is important. A big favourite with many is coconut oil because it burns the cleanest, and, arguably, tastes the best. However, the health conscious may wish to opt for canola oil (which has lower fat and cholesterol). Other oils available are sunflower, peanut and soy. Under no circumstances should you use vegetable oil: it will not appreciate the heat and will in all likelihood catch on fire! The only way you are really going to know which oil is best for you is to try them all and see.

What assembly is required with popcorn machines?

None, unless you buy a cart. Popcorn machine units are pre-assembled, but the carts will not be. If you don’t buy a cart, then an electric machine can just sit on any flat surface. Stove tops obviously sit on the stove when in use. The hottest part of an electric popcorn machine is the kettle, which is always at the top of the machine. The base of an electric popcorn machine remains cool enough to sit on any flat surface. With stove tops the heat comes from the cooker and so the base will be the hottest part of the machine — all pretty obvious really.

Why are hard-coat anodized aluminum ‘kettles’ considered the best?

There are two issues here: heat transfer and ease of cleaning. Aluminum gives the best heat transfer to the popcorn which gives a better result. Once the aluminum is anodized is has a smooth, easy to clean surface, and it is very hard-wearing.

How do I clean a popcorn machine?

You can clean popcorn machine surfaces using standard dish cleaning products and water. Let the machine cool then wipe it with a damp cloth. Stove tops can be cleaned just like any other cooking pan. With electric popcorn machines you’ll find that after a while your ‘kettle’ will blacken through carbonization, and when this happens you will need to use a special cleaning kit (ask your supplier for one). Under no circumstances should you submerge an electric popcorn machine in any type of liquid because its electrical components will short out, as may you if you still have the thing plugged in!

Why does popcorn explode?

Now we come to the interesting science of the matter. A popcorn kernel is made up of hard starch with a small amount of water locked inside. As the temperature around the kernel rises, the water inside the kernel turns to steam and expands. The pressure inside the kernel rises until the kernel can no longer hold in the steam and it explodes. Popcorn kernels will dry out with age, so make sure that your kernels are fresh so that they go off with the required pop. Never store your kernels in a refrigerator or freezer, since this will dry them out. Neither should you store them in a moist place, since they will become chewy. The moisture level needs to be just right to get a good pop and the right taste. The best place to keep your kernels is in a sealed container at room temperature — below 90F. Don’t expect your kernels to have a shelf life of more than 12-18 months.

© Stephen Turner 2006. Stephen Turner has set up an information and resource website Popcorn Machine. You’ll find loads of popcorn machine information, advice, articles, features, discussion and specially chosen links to other popcorn machine websites for products and services. Please take a look. Stephen would also welcome your feedback on the site. Click on the contact link on the site. This article may be reproduced in its original form provided this ‘author resource paragraph’ is displayed below the article.

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Buying Children’s Clothing Online

May 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pm (Ads + Plugs)

Buying children’s clothing from the internet is becoming more and more common. Not only is online shopping convenient, but it also offers an advantage over traditional shopping because of the wide variety of clothes that are readily available at your finger tips. From new designer jeans to used vintage dresses, you’ll be able to find every type of clothing style imaginable on the internet.

If you’re looking for name-brand apparel, you’ll discover that the web site’s of most major department stores sell children’s clothing. If you visit the sites of large retailers such as JCPenney, Sears, Marshall Fields, Target or Wal-Mart, you’ll be able to browse for much of the same clothes that’s offered at their physical locations. These internet sites also offer special clearance and sale items, just like you’ll find while shopping the traditional way.

Convenience and variety are both good reasons to shop for children’s apparel online, but discount prices is what draws many people to the internet. From the comfort of your own home, you can easily comparison shop for children’s clothing from two, three, or even ten retailers if you so choose. In addition to saving money by finding the lowest priced clothing, you’ll also save money on gas and the wear and tear on your vehicle.

Another nice feature of ordering online is that many retailers provide a way of tracking your shipment as soon as the purchase is made–from the time it leaves the warehouse until it reaches your front door. You’ll know the location of your package while in transit and when the expected delivery date is. Depending on the retailer and any running promotions, you may even be able to receive free shipping on your order or a free upgrade to next-day delivery.

As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, it seems that our schedules are becoming more hectic all the time. This results in less time for our families, friends and ourselves. Shopping online for the children in our lives allows us to save some of this valuable time, while saving money as well. It also adds another much needed convenience that we can all benefit from.

John Purdy operates a web site featuring some of the internet’s top childrens clothing stores. For a wide selection of quality children’s apparel at affordable prices, visit his site today at: http://www.childrens-clothing-stores.com

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WWW Taking Chances: an Introduction

May 28th, 2008 at 2:33 pm (Gambling Fortunes, This & That)

The nuisance of calling on a offline betting hall makes it advisable not to go there unless you can’t avoid it. There’s no pressure for anyone to leave your familiar desk to have a go at online games of chance because you can access it easily from your bedroom assuming you own a laptop or pc and access to the internet. Nevertheless, do bear in mind that there are a good number of rules which you positively should be with about online games of chance, particularly so if you are a neophyte in this area.

Top venue casinos on line games available through this link.

The topmost thing which your knowing internet plunger definitely would chase out is an online games of chance site of the kind which promotes the best winning odds. Take care the online games of chance site is connected to a reputable auditing company so as to inspect their quoted casino games’ payouts in a monthly manner. You definitely must be sure to ensure the online roulette site is verifiably licensed, such as by checking up on the government operating permit on site. Should you be unable to locate any government operating permit on that online roulette site, don’t ever attempt any card playing with that Web page.

Beyond, further advice would obviously be to place a wager first in insignificant amounts in place of expending big money instantly. First thing, check the integrity and status of the online roulette outfit prior to running any severe hazard, particularly so that of losing your money! Finally, here is another notable fact about virtual roulette. It is bound to be to bear in mind always that online casino betting should be about pleasurable enjoyment and not about big dollars. Casino wagering is not a chore, but a pastime which can help you become joyful and living enjoyable. So simply having followed all these cues, set out and cede to the wonders of online roulette… :)

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The Top 10 Reasons to Own a Pet

May 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm (House Of Lifestyle)

Americans love their pets, but do they ever think about “why?”

1. A pet teaches you responsibility.

2. You can get lots of exercise by walking your pet.

3. If you get lonely, you have a friend to play with.

4. You can save a pet’s life by adopting one from a shelter.

5. The pet needs a friend.

6. A pet always greets you at the door even when you’ve had a
bad day.

7. When your Mom makes a terrible dinner, your pet can clean it
up.

8. A pet can guard your house.

9. A pet can make a boring car trip much more fun.

10. The pet will love you, no matter what!

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The British Sikh Army

May 28th, 2008 at 12:29 pm (Politics)

Britain has a proud tradition of valiant armed forces and a capable military which has managed to defend these isles effectively for hundreds of years. British Military achievement is well known throughout the world and the bravery and versatility of its soldiers, seamen and airmen is unquestioned and forever stamped in history.

Today as we look at the VE Day Celebrations there is an abundance of information in the media that provides an insight into what life would have been like in those troubled times. It is right that we remember them, the fallen, and the living whose numbers dwindle with every passing year. To them we owe our freedom as they fought for this land and often lost their lives so that we might remain a free country.

However, whilst each country has a right to blow its own trumpet and remember the heroic gestures, hardships and victories that made this nation what it is today, we should also remember the massive sacrifice given by others from nations further afield.

The Sikhs sacrificed a great deal for this country. During the Anglo-Sikh wars of 1845 - 1849 the British had been so impressed by the Khalsa Army they decided to enlist many battalions of Sikh forces. The former Sikh enemy became so loyal that in 1857 when most of the Indian Army revolted, the Sikhs remained totally supportive and fought side by side with the British Army. Subsequently, the Punjab became the recruiting ground for the British. This staunch and loyal Sikh support was to show itself again during the great wars.

During the First World War Sikhs joined the ranks of the British Army in great numbers. They fought in the trenches of Germany and at Gallipoli where thousands of Sikhs fought and died. The British Indian Army was made of nearly 20% Sikhs, despite the fact that Sikhs account for only 2% of the population in India.

During the Second World War this action was repeated. Even though there was now a quest for Indian Independence the British Indian Army grew from 189,000 at the start of the war to over 2.5 million through voluntary recruitment and a large proportion of those were Sikh. At no other time in history has a foreign army this large been voluntarily mobilised to fight for a foreign land as if it were their own country. The significance of this should not be underestimated.

In 1944, Sikh Soldiers halted the advance of the Japanese in Burma and prevented them from invading India. Four VC’s were awarded in this campaign.

As the British Empire came to a close many Sikhs were encouraged to settle in the UK. Their loyalty, hard work ethics and historic connection with the British should be remembered. Many Sikh families in Birmingham are direct descendents of those who put so much into this country.

Of course, there were also millions of Russians who died in the Second World War. One might argue that the Russians won the war and that without them things would have been significantly different. Then of course there are the 100,000 Gurkhas who fought in World War I and the 40 battalions of Gurkhas in the Second World War. What of the Polish who valiantly fought during the Battle of Britain and those from other nations who out of Patriotism and loyalty, came from oversees to enlist, and often die, in order that we might enjoy our freedom today.

http://www.birminghamuk.com the Community Website where everyone is welcome. Please drop by sometime.

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