California Lemon Law - Know Your Consumer Right! Monday, August 30, 2010

What is California Lemon Law ?

California Lemon Law is a state granted consumer-right that safeguards consumers against purchases of faulty or defective (Lemon) products. Although the product may be anything, the California Lemon Law bears a special allegiance to faulty, malfunctioning automobiles.

Main-points of California Lemon Law

Also known as Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act, the California Lemon Law states that if a purchased vehicle turns out to be defective in the warranty period rendering it unfit for use or inflicts some serious injuries to the user, then the consumer has every right to ask for refund or replacement. The Lemon Law holds the manufacturer responsible for all the defects and problems in a Lemon Vehicle. Once the flaws are brought to the notice of the manufacturer, the manufacturer is bound to do the repair-works. In case the manufacturer fails to set the problem right even after some genuine attempts, the company must either replace the defective vehicle or refund the consumer's money.

The Law also empowers the customer to file a Lemon Lawsuit in any Court of Law if a manufacturer denies to comply with the repair / refund / replacement plea even after the snags in the automobile are detected and proved. Additionally, refund for expenses incurred on various heads like repairing charges, rental vehicle charges and even your lawyer's fees are secured under the California Lemon Law.

The same set of laws is applicable for leased vehicles as well.

Under What Circumstances Can Consumers Seek Protection Under The Lemon Law In Calfornia?

California Lemon Law permits buyers and renters of both new and used vehicles to demand for full refund or replacement when the vehicles are declared 'Lemons' - faulty and unfit for use. However, this declaration calls for the following proof:

- The defect is a manufacturing defect and is certainly not a result of mishandling.

- The vehicle has been repaired at least four times and still the defect persists. (In case of serious defects that can lead to injuries and death, the number of repair attempts has been lowered to two repairs).

- The defect is detected but is not set right within the period of 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever is earlier).

What The Consumers Need To Do?

The California Lemon Law truly protects the rights and interests of consumers. However, the customers need to attend specific requirements like:

- Abide by the instructions in the User's Manual while driving or handling the vehicle.

- Take the vehicle only to authorized service centers for all repair-works and servicing.

- California Lemon Law only recognizes a written complaint sent to the manufacturer as a formal legal notice. For added safety, you may send the complaint through certified mail.

- All the vehicle documents, all repair records, technical reports, etc. should be kept handy because lodging a complaint or filing a case calls for accurate proof.

Unless and until you fulfill all the above requirements, you will not be able to enjoy the benefits and protection offered by the California Lemon Law.

Summary of author: Kevin Bishop is a successful writer and publisher of legal issues, for more informative articles go to http://www.lemonlawmoney.com.

Home Owner and Car Insurance Quote Sunday, August 29, 2010

In the market for both a home owner insurance quote and a car insurance quote? Consider getting both quotes from the same insurance company.

You'll most likely have the same agent. Getting the same insurance agent for your home owner insurance policy and your car insurance policy means you'll only have to do direct business with one person. Plus, this person will know everything about both your home owner insurance policy and your car insurance policy. For example, if you have a question about your car insurance policy, or you call to make additions or subtractions to your home owner insurance policy, your insurance agent will be able to remind you that it's also time to renew the other policy.

You'll be familiar with the company. Being familiar with an insurance company, the way in which they do business, their policies, and their procedures is more beneficial than you realize. There are usually no surprises when you're familiar with the insurance company. Some insurance companies even offer discounts to policyholders who have been with their company for a certain period of time.

You'll save money. Most insurance companies offer discounts if you purchase more than one kind of insurance policy from their company. Who couldn't stand to save a bit of money, especially when it comes to insurance costs?

If you're looking for a car insurance quote and already have home owner insurance, check with your home owner insurance company about purchasing getting a car insurance policy quote from them, too. The same applies if you're looking for a home owner insurance policy quote. If you already have both kinds of insurance policies from different companies? Ask each company for a home owner insurance quote and car insurance quote, and then choose the best deal. And remember - always ask about the discounts you can get for a home owner insurance quote and a car insurance quote from the same company!

To get free quotes and learn more about insurance please visit the following recommended sites.

Home Owner and Car Insurance Quote
Health Insurance Quotes Maine
Car Insurance Quotes Nebraska

ZAP Alias 0-60 Acceleration, 60-0 Braking Test in #PIAXP Knockout Stage at MIS Saturday, August 28, 2010

The 0-60 acceleration and 60-0 braking test is pretty straight forward for the ZAP Alias in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Knockout Stage. The only problem is that Consumer Reports told Al Unser Jr. he was going 57 MPH when the Alias hit the sensor pad for the braking test. What does he do? The next time Al makes sure he's over 60 MPH by aiming for 70 MPH at the sensor pad and the Alias still stops before the cones.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk8gD96eDE0&hl=en

How Home Health Care Helps Families and Patients Thursday, August 26, 2010

Are you worn out caring for your elderly loved ones? Sometimes despite your best efforts it's just not possible to care for your loved ones by yourself anymore. A variety of different medical conditions, family obligations, and work can all contribute to making it very difficult to take care of your senior parents or elderly loved one by yourself. If you've been thinking about hiring home health care you should seriously consider it. Home health care really takes the burden of caring for your elderly loved ones off of your shoulders. It also gives your elderly loved ones better care than you can provide them in some cases.

Think about everything that you do for your elderly loved ones and all the little things that need to be done around the house everyday. Doing dishes, cooking meals, doing laundry, cleaning and other chores become very time consuming when you need to do them at your home and at the home of your senior parents or elderly loved ones. Wouldn't it be nice to have some help with the small tasks that take up so much time everyday? There's also the time spent making sure that your elderly loved ones are bathed, dressed, and physically cared for properly which can also be very time consuming every day.

Most seniors want to stay in their own homes as long as possible, and financial constraints might make a nursing home or assisted living facility an impossible option. But home health care is a good budget friendly alternative to an assisted living center or nursing home. Your loved ones can stay in their home surrounded by their familiar possessions and memories but you will have the peace of mind of knowing that they are being cared for in the best way possible. Home health care workers can also take care of scheduling medical appointments, getting your loved ones to exercise classes or physical therapy, shopping, and other tasks that can be very difficult to manage for family members that need to work or take care of their own families too.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring home health care workers to care for your elderly loved ones is that it gives you more quality time to spend with your loved ones. If their basic needs are being met by home health care worker then you can spend the time that you have with them playing games, watching TV, reading books, or just talking. The time that you have left with your elderly relatives is limited, do you want to spend it washing their dishes or talking to them about the family history and finding out more about their lives?

When you think about the value of spending more quality time with your loved ones, and getting more quality time to spend with your own family or time to spend working on your career, the cost of hiring home health care workers seems negligible doesn't it? Some things, like spending quality time with your loved ones, are worth more than money.

Article by Dave Morrow, Internet Marketer of http://www.eldercarecares.com. For over 20 years Eldercare has provided an affordable Home Health Care in Michigan alternative for individuals wishing to remain in their homes while enhancing their quality of life. Downriver's most trusted Senior Day Care provider can be of help in adding to the quality of life to those you love and care for. Serving the entire metropolitan southeast Michigan community

Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers: A Guide

Personal injuries caused by the negligent or careless act of others can often yield serious results. Personal injuries, if grave, can lead to serious physical disabilities, loss or damage of properties, and even death. In such circumstances, the victims depend upon the financial compensation awarded for the sufferings and the injuries. You might represent yourself and get compensated with some amount, but most often in grave situations, a personal injury lawyer is the best representative to help you in claiming well-deserved compensation not only for physical sufferings, but also for the emotional traumas.

With so many lawyers out there, it is not easy to find a lawyer who can suit your needs and guide you in the best direction. A lawyer with specialization and a proven track record in the field of personal injury cases and successful negotiations is the one who can help you to receive fair compensation. An experienced and expert personal injury lawyer can accurately assess the merits of a case, approximate its monetary value, and determine the best strategy for presenting the case.

Every state has its own laws and rules, and only the local and experienced lawyers are completely aware of the all rules and regulations; accordingly they can best present your case. It's in your best interest to go for a well-experienced lawyer from the state where you have suffered injuries and where you are planning to file the litigation. For example, if you suffered personal injury in Michigan, the best course of action would be to look for a good local lawyer; only a personal injury lawyer in Michigan can provide you with the guidance and legal counsel to safeguard your rights and interests in case of injury in that state. As per the contingency plan of the state, you need to pay to the lawyer only when you have received your reimbursement. In Michigan, a personal lawyer takes care of all the requirements, right from the documentation to finding the best possible solution for securing the deserved compensation for you.

It is, therefore, important to choose a well-known and expert personal injury lawyer. You can get a list of personal lawyers in Michigan from Internet lawyer referral services or the yellow pages or from your friends, colleagues, and relatives.

Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers provides detailed information about Michigan personal injury lawyers, Michigan personal injury lawsuit funding, Michigan personal injury law firms, Michigan personal injury laws and more. Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers is the sister site of Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Info.

How Does Foreclosure Work? - Navigating the Process of Losing Your Home Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hundreds of thousands of homeowners are now asking, "How does foreclosure work?" The number of people who are losing their homes hasn't been so high since the Great Depression, and the number of new foreclosure filings continues to rise. There's a lot of information out there regarding the foreclosure process which can be somewhat confusing at times. Read on to find out the real facts, and how you can use this knowledge to help you come out on top of the situation.

Foreclosures don't happen overnight...

The first thing you should do if you've gotten a late notice from your lender is to relax. Foreclosures don't happen overnight. In fact, in some states the process is quite lengthy. Unless the sheriff's sale is tomorrow, you're not going to be out on the street with no time to prepare. You'll receive several late notices before foreclosure proceedings go into effect. Your bank wants you to become current on your loan, and those notices are your opportunity to do so, so don't ignore them.

Of course, not everyone is capable of getting current once they've gotten behind. Financial circumstances vary widely, and many people who are financially secure today find themselves broke the next. If you can't get current, see if your lender will move the missed payments to the end of the mortgage, so you won't have to pay them until the rest of the mortgage is nearly paid off. Most lenders are willing to work out some kind of payment arrangement with you when you first become delinquent. However, if your finances are such that you can't meet your payments at all, the foreclosure process will move to the next phase.

When a payment arrangement with you can't be worked out, lenders take steps to recover the house. Depending on your state, you may go through a judicial or a non-judicial foreclosure. The only real difference between the two is that a judicial foreclosure involves a court order, while the non-judicial version does not. As such, judicial foreclosures tend to take longer than non-judicial ones. The lender has to prove to the judge that you're in default of the mortgage and that they're entitled to repossess the house. In either type of foreclosure, public notice of an impending sale of your house must be made, but not every state requires that you be notified of the sale.

Depending on your state, either a judge or the lender will set a date for the sale of your home. This is usually done at auction to the highest bidder. If no one bids on the house, or if the bids are too low, the bank takes possession of the home. The whole process from the first late notice to the ultimate sale of the house can take anywhere from two months to a year or more, depending on your state. Some states also provide a redemption period after the sale in which you can still pay off the mortgage and reclaim your home.

If you've often wondered, "How does foreclosure work?," you now know the basics. If you're facing the loss of your home yourself, you should definitely look up the foreclosure laws in your state, so you can have an idea of how long you have to stop the process. One important thing to remember is that you own your home, not the bank. Even if you're behind on payments, you still own the home, and can pay it off or sell it at any point, up until the sale and sometimes after. Armed with this knowledge, you can often stop foreclosure and save your credit.

Unfortunately, foreclosures are at an all time high in America. To learn more about how foreclosure works, visit http://www.themoneypuzzle.com.

Cheap Auto Insurance in Michigan Tuesday, August 24, 2010

If you have been using the same auto insurance for years, now may be the time to switch. More and more companies are now offering cheap auto insurance in Michigan, and they can give you substantial discounts just for signing up.

Many websites are very helpful in generating quotes and comparing them for you - within 10 minutes or less. Simply subscribe to the mailing list (usually for free), fill out an uncomplicated form and you will already receive fresh quotes from Michigan's top auto insurance companies. You can also choose to receive quotes from national providers and agents that have offices in Michigan.

Choose a website that has comparative rating systems so you can instantly compare rates and never have to do the math yourself. Some sites even ask you for your specific insurance needs so that they can adjust the search results to companies relevant to you. Many Michigan auto insurance companies have very strong web presence, so you can expect them to be actively connected to these comparison directories. In most cases, you can already buy your Michigan auto insurance policy online, without being rerouted to another website.

When shopping for cheap auto insurance in Michigan, do no just look at the bottom line. Inexpensive auto insurance packages are sometimes inexpensive because all they offer is minimum coverage. In the Michigan, that means $20,000 for injury liability for one person in an accident, $40,000 for injury liability for all injuries in an accident, and $10,000 for liability for property damage in an accident. You should look at packages that may be slightly higher, but offer far bigger coverage. Such an insurance package can save you from financial burdens later on should you cause injury or property damage that is worth much more than the minimum coverage. The additional few hundred dollars that you use to buy your insurance now can go a long way.

With our many payment plans available we are able to customize an affordable payment option that fits your budget. Sumner Insurance provides full coverage homeowners and cheap auto insurance.

Cheap Auto Insurance provides detailed information on Cheap Auto Insurance, Cheap Auto Insurance For New Drivers, Cheap Auto Insurance Online, Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes and more. Cheap Auto Insurance is affiliated with Affordable Insurance Info [http://www.i-affordableinsurance.com].

Top Ten Tips For an Affordable Michigan Vacation Monday, August 23, 2010

If you are looking for affordable family vacation ideas, here are our top ten tips for Michigan vacation travel.

1. Be as flexible as possible. If you are willing to travel on any date, you can discover great savings on last-minute travel to top Michigan locations even during peak season.

2. Rent a Condo. It may seem to be more expensive than a hotel room, but if you have a kitchen, then you can avoid the cost of eating at restaurants!

3. Travel after Peak Season. Take advantage of lower rates by traveling in the fall. Michigan has some nice train excursions, color tours, harvest festivals, wagon rides, corn mazes and other things to do at affordable prices.

4. Visit off-the-beaten-path destinations. Some of the nicest places in Michigan are the some of the least known. Do a little research to find these wonderful places and spend a lot less.

5. Rent a Home. In some places you can rent a 4 bedroom cottage on a beach with a boat for a week for less than a weekend stay at a popular hotel.

6. Don't Drive Too Far. If you already live in Michigan, some of the most enjoyable places are probably right near you. Don't be afraid to stay close to home.

7. Try Camping. Why not put up a tent or rent a cabin rather than book a hotel room? Michigan campgrounds are some of the best anywhere.

8. Stay nearby. Don't stay in the priciest spot. Pick a nearby town. You will save on your accommodations and avoid the crowds.

9. Try luxury resorts. There are plenty of luxury vacation packages throughout Michigan to allow the whole family to enjoy luxury and save a little money! You might be surprised at just how affordable these resorts can be.

10. Use the Internet to find your affordable family vacation. You can often find the best bargains and the cheapest rates online.

To learn more about other great Michigan vacation ideas and insider travel tips, visit Michigan Vacation Destination at http://www.michigan-vacation-destination.com

Green dental office tour

Here is how we at our office attempt to have the least impact on our environment: 1 We use digital x-rays including scans of the entire jaw and individual teeth of the mouth. This reduces radiation by about 75% and reduces the caustic chemicals needed to process x-ray film that usually gets dumped down our drains and into the treatment facilities. Since we use digital x-ray sensors, potentially harmful lead lined film packets are also eliminated. 2. We are paperless and chartless meaning that there are no charts in our office. Our patients fill out necessary forms online or in the office on a tablet computer which completely eliminates paper. Digital photographs are taken which helps not only with communication, but the use of photo processing chemicals are not needed. 3. All of the batteries used in the office are rechargeable eliminating the waste of batteries. If they are needed to be disposed of they are recycled. 4 We have eliminated the use of mercury containing silver dental amalgam with tooth colored composite fillings and havent used these types of mercury fillings for over 10 years. We are in the process of installing an amalgam separator that eliminates the mercury from entering the waste water system. It has just been mandated in the state of Michigan that dental offices need these devices. (In my mind it is ironic that many dentists place amalgam in the mouth but the FDA has stated that it is potentially harmful.) These are a few of the ongoing changes that ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGtph4xzsAM&hl=en

UAW Autoworkers Confront Rep. Sen. Shelby (Part 3 of 3) Sunday, August 22, 2010

On December 8 2008, active and retired UAW members from across the US traveled to Washington DC to put a human face on the real issues underlying the future of the domestic auto industry, manufacturing, and the American working family. The workers marched, held a press conference, met with Democratic Congressman and author of Single-Payer Bill HR 676, John Conyers of Michigan, and confronted Republican Senator Richard Shelby on his views regarding unions, the value of domestic manufacturing, health care, green jobs, the double standards that exist between white-collar and blue-collar labor â especially with regards to the government's handling of the banking and automotive assistance plans â and more. After being informed at Shelby's office by Ashley Bowles that the Senator was not in that day, Bill Duhnke and Mark Oesterle of the Republican staff on the Banking Committee agreed to sit down with the workers to discuss the Senator's positions. Voice your opinion. Call, email, or stop by the offices of: Senator Bob Corker (R) Tennessee corker.senate.gov Senator Jim DeMint (R) South Carolina demint.senate.gov Senator Richard Shelby (R) Alabama shelby.senate.gov www.AutoWorkerCaravan.org http Downloadable Open Source version available here: www.archive.org NOTE: This is an initial rough cut of the raw video. Graphics with individuals' names, titles, and locals to follow.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKy0AWE0pDI&hl=en

Urban Wheel Awards 2006 Saturday, August 21, 2010

Detroit, Michigan. January 9, 2006. On Wheels Inc. salutes the very best in the automotive industry. Celebrity hosts and presenters include Sinbad, Bokeem Woodbine, Gina Hiraizumi and Vivica A. Fox.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHCMohWgxCE&hl=en

Personal Injury - What You Must Know About the Collateral Source Rule Friday, August 20, 2010

Sally is injured in a car accident. Her injuries make her unable to work. She receives substantial discounts from her health care providers and her remaining bills are paid by Medicaid.

At trial the insurance defense attorney hired by the at-fault driver wants to tell the jury about the discounts and Medicaid payments. Will the trial judge allow him to do so?

No, says the "collateral source rule." At least not if she lives in one of the states that still support the rule.

Collateral Source Rule Explained

The term "collateral" as used here means simply "additional." The at-fault driver or "tortfeasor" as the law calls him, is responsible for making the injured person whole. This includes making sure her medical bills are paid. Medicaid and the health insurance discounts are "additional sources" that have helped make Sally whole by paying her medical bills.

In the American legal system laws can be made by legislatures, administrative agencies, and by courts. The law created by courts is known as "common law." The collateral source rule was court created in 1854.

The essence of this rule is summarized in Black's Law Dictionary as follows:

"...if an injured person receives compensation for his injuries from a source wholly independent of the tortfeasor, the payment should not be deducted from the damages [monetary compensation] which he would otherwise collect from the tortfeasor. In other words, a defendant tortfeasor may not benefit from the fact that the plaintiff has received money from other sources as a result of the defendant's tort."

The collateral source rule is a "rule of evidence." This means that the injured person has the right to ask the judge to keep evidence of collateral source payments away from the jury.

The most common collateral sources are medical insurance, workers compensation, VA medical benefits, Medicaid and other government programs.

Medical Discounts

While some states have refused to give medical discounts the protection of the collateral source rule, the majority opinion is just the opposite. A majority of states permit a plaintiff to recover the amounts billed for medical care, even when those amounts are discounted by the health care provider pursuant to a contract with the injured person's health insurer.

States That Have Eliminated The Rule

Here is a list, as of the date of this article, of the fourteen states that have completely abolished the rule: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oregon.

The other 36 states have retained the rule in whole or in part. Even if you live in a state where the rule has been abolished or limited by the legislature, you should check on the current status as some state supreme courts have overruled the legislature and reinstated the rule.

Conclusion

If yours is one of the states that still has the collateral source rule in full or in part, you need to know about it and understand how it applies to your case.

Insurance companies will try to reduce your compensation by amounts which your health insurance has paid. Be alert, don't let them put the evidence in front of the jury.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for legal advice. Seek an opinion from an experienced injury attorney in your state of residence.

Rex Bush is founder of Bush Law Firm near Salt Lake City, Utah where he handles personal injury cases in Utah and throughout the United States. For more information on personal injury issues visit his website: Personal Injury Utah.

Founders Fest 2008

Founders Brewing Co. from Grand Rapids Michigan throws their first Founders Fest. A crazy party filled with music, food and BEER. Not just any beer, the BIG taste and top top-notch quality of Founders Beer.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MptKYljtFZ4&hl=en

Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers Wednesday, August 18, 2010

According to the 2003 annual report from the US Department of Health and Human Services, 10,403 physicians, 105 nurses and 1499 dentists from Michigan were involved in medical malpractice payments for the period 1990-2003.

Medicine is not an exact science. The causes of many diseases are still not known. Many drugs have harmful side effects. Medicine is a broad field that includes pharmaceuticals, health care provisions and nursing homes.

When the body is treated for any abnormality, things can go wrong at the drug-absorbing stage, during hospitalization and during recuperation. Pharmaceutical companies may be held responsible if the drug was responsible for any adverse effect, and health care providers held responsible if they made mistakes.

Medical malpractice is defined as a negligent act by a health-care provider that results in injury or death. A negligent act is one where no reasonable health-care provider would have done the same thing under the same circumstances. Negligence can include misdiagnosis of a disease, administering the wrong medication, or failure to inform a patient about the risks of a procedure or alternative treatments.

A lawyer should be consulted in order to determine these factors: liability, damages and cost to settle damages. Liability is about deciding if the health provider is responsible. To prove this, a testimony of an expert is required. The extent of damages has to be determined to decide whether the case is worth fighting.

The statute of limitations states that medical malpractice claims must be brought within a period of two years. This can be extended when the patient is a minor or when the effects of a malpractice are known later. Medical malpractice lawsuits take a long time to settle.

Attorneys take these cases on a contingency basis. The fees are a percentage of the claims.

Michigan Lawyers provides detailed information on Michigan Auto Accident Lawyers, Michigan Divorce Lawyers, Michigan Lawyers, Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers and more. Michigan Lawyers is affiliated with Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers Info.

Cooking with a Solar Oven

This oven just might take 1st place away from my vacuum sealer as far as favorite "kitchen" appliances. I like having back-up plans. How would I cook / bake if electricity became very expensive, or got rationed, or simply wasn't available for an extended period of time??? I could use our wood stove in the winter, but what about in the summer? Now, with this Sunoven, I have that covered. Now, to figure out how to keep the stock tank filled and thawed out without electricity. Still working on that one. But now I'm wondering if I could fit it with some reflective panels. : )



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PAq9XlGJhQ&hl=en

Stricter Restrictions Proposed For Convicted Internet Predators

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox recently threw support behind legislation intended to place tighter restrictions and more severe penalties on convicted Internet sex offenders. In August, lawmakers introduced three bills intended to fill in perceived gaps in Michigan's sex offender laws.

* The first bans registered Internet sex predators from social networks, such as Facebook, MySpace and Craigslist -- violations would result in felony charges.
* The second mandates that Internet child predators be catalogued in the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. A current hole in the system does not require Internet offenders to be registered -- this loophole was one of the influencing factors behind all three bills.
* The final bill would increase sentencing for possession and distribution of child pornography online.

Cox and other bill supporters cited arrests over the past few years to illustrate the vulnerability of children online. With so many social networks, community boards and instant messenger services, lawmakers are looking to address a problem that is only likely to increase with time.

While the second two bills seem fairly reasonable, given the loophole they seek to fill, the proposed social networking ban has raised eyebrows across Michigan.

There are worries that, if passed, the law could more easily be extended into other areas -- such as banning all convicted felons from participating in online communities. Others see it as a complete disregard for personal liberties, even in the case of a people who are convicted of Internet sex crimes.

There is also some question to as to whether "social networking site" is too vague a definition for banned Web sites. Even if the bills pass both the house and senate and are signed into law -- some feel that the issue will require further clarification down the line to be truly effective.

Still, others feel that the general area of Internet sex crimes is still to hazy to pass such heavy restrictions. When is the line crossed and how is that line defined? Outside of soliciting, some argue that child pornography can be accidently accessed during the course of otherwise legal activities.

While the proposed legislation is certainly an attempt to reach in and provide some clarity in a somewhat opaque legal area, it seems obvious that the issue is nowhere near settled. Critics of the Attorney General have claimed the bill endorsements are nothing but a loud attempt to garner public support before a 2010 run for governor.

Still, these proposed bills are in keeping with past initiatives backed by the Attorney General, including the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative. Michigan's "CSI" program is a recent program, meant to educate children from kindergarten through eighth grade on potential online dangers and safe practices. To date, some 400,000 Michigan schoolchildren have participated in the program.

A. Scott Grabel & Associates
The Michigan sex crime lawyer of A. Scott Grabel & Associates has the experience, knowledge, and resources to vigorously defend those individuals accused of and/or charged with sex crimes offenses throughout the entire State of Michigan. Our attorneys take a proactive approach in defending against sex offense prosecutions because it is often the case that these charges are able to be completely dismissed or greatly reduced. The lawyers at Grabel & Associates are committed to providing the most aggressive and effective defense to an individual's sex crime charges and devotes their entire practice exclusively to criminal defense in the State of Michigan.

All About The Michigan Custody Attorney

The American family law is complex, and if you're ever embroiled in a case such as divorce or child custody, you have no other option but to hire a good Michigan custody attorney. A family lawyer, or a family attorney, is a legal professional who is qualified to represent you in a court or assist you with an out-of-court settlement.

In most American states, a child custody lawyer has to necessarily complete law school and pass the bar exams before taking up practice, but in states such as California, lawyers can pass the bar and practice law without completing law school. But in most cases, lawyers would have completed three years of law school and passed the bar exams.

There are many legal firms practicing law, and the idea is to choose a good firm that can represent your point of view exactly the way you want it. You can choose your lawyer from those who are into general practice, or from those who specialize in certain legal matters. Some lawyers run a one-man show, some work in a partnership, while some are employed in law firms.

What does a Michigan custody attorney do?

It is the duty of every custody lawyer to protect his client's right within the framework of the law. Here are the primary functions of a lawyer:

1. Legal consultation: A lawyer is an expert in legal matters; naturally, his first job is to interpret and analyze legal provisions and explain them to his client - he also has to recommend a course of action based on his interpretations. When it comes to family law, most clients bombard their lawyers with questions. The lawyer has to answer these questions in an objective way and help his clients reconcile their expectations with legal provisions.

2. Legal work: Lawyers execute all the legal work and here is an illustrative list of their services: (i) fact investigation; (ii) referring to prior decisions that can have an impact on the current case; (iii) being familiar with new laws and advising clients accordingly; (iv) writing legal documents; (v) representing clients in a court, questioning witnesses, raising objections to questionable evidence, etc.; and (vi) handling the documentation work with the court.

All this legal work needs an intricate knowledge of the law and strict adherence to court procedures. You may sometimes feel that you can argue out your case yourself because the law seems simple enough if taken on face value, but the law is very tricky and it will do you a world of good if you assign your case to a Michigan custody attorney.

3. Negotiations: Most family cases are settled out-of-court, and hence your lawyer must be an expert negotiator. Family cases where child custody is involved are very sensitive and can break down at the slightest provocation; hence, the negotiations have to be expertly carried out. When lawyers negotiate on your behalf, they take the blame. Plus, if you are not a good negotiator, or for some reason are in a weak bargaining position, it is the lawyer who will come to your rescue with his negotiation tactics.

4. Navigating you through the legal maze: A lawyer literally takes his client by his hands and leads him through a very complex legal maze, also known as the legal system. The professionals who are part of family courts form a very small, niche community - lawyers know custody judges and court procedures like the back of their hand. This knowledge makes lawyers and judges more comfortable in dealing with each other. Lawyers also know how a judge ticks and they present the arguments in such a way that it reconciles with the judge's thought process, which the lawyer knows because he's been dealing with the judge for many years!

Custody judges too can figure out how a certain lawyer works, because of their long association with them. If the judge is of the opinion that the Michigan custody attorney is credible, he will listen to him and even give him an extended chance to prove his arguments.

Winning custody of your children shouldn't be as difficult as it is. There are easy to follow and simple to learn programs available to you that will help you gain the upper hand and win your custody case. Don't simply listen to the advice of your lawyer because it may not be enough. Take the extra steps, learn the right strategies, and you'll gain the knowledge to win the case and take custody of your children. Learn about these incredible resources here: http://www.child-custody-strategies.com

Learning Basic Accounting Principles Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Accounting has been defined as, accounting professor at the University of Michigan, William A. Paton as having a basic function: 'facilitating the administration of economic activity. This function has two closely related phases: 1) measurement and predispose to economic data, and 2) communicate the results of this process to interested parties.

As an example, a company's accountants periodically measure the profit and loss for a month, quarter or fiscal year and publish these results in a profit and loss statement is called a statement. These statements include items such as accounts receivable (what was owed to the company) and accounts payable (what the company owe). It can also be quite complicated with subjects like retained earnings and accelerated depreciation. This at higher levels of accounting and organization.

Much of accounting but also deals with basic accounting. This is the process that records every transaction, every bill paid, every dime owed, every dollar and cent spent and accumulated.

However, the owners of the company, which may be individual owners or millions of shareholders are more concerned with summaries of these transactions, contained in the financial statement. The financial statement summarizes a company's assets. A value of an asset is what it costs when it was acquired. The financial statement also records what the sources of the assets were. Some assets are in loans that have to be returned. The benefits are also an asset of the company.

In what is called double entry bookkeeping, the liabilities are also summarized. Obviously, a company wants to show a greater amount of assets to offset liabilities and profitability. The management of these two elements is the essence of accounting. There is a system for doing this, not every company or individual can devise their own systems of accounting, the result would be chaos!

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Before They Were Pop Stars Monday, August 16, 2010

Everyone - from pop stars to Popeye - has a past, a past that can't be changed. While many of us know the past of certain pop stars - we all know that Michael Jackson used to be in the Jackson Five, we all know that Justin Timberlake used to be in the Mickey Mouse Club, and we all know that Britney Spears used to have hair - there are also pop stars with pasts that are not common knowledge. Though none of the following pop stars have pasts worthy of blackmail, they do have an interesting tidbit or two.

Jennifer Lopez: Now known as J-Lo or Jenny from the Block, Jennifer Lopez began her career performing at stage musicals. She also had a role in the 1986 movie My Little Girl. In 1990, one of her bigger breaks came when she was cast as a Fly Girl for the show In Living Color. This was when JLo - and her ass(ets) - sauntered into the spotlight.

Madonna: Before gaining her crown as the "Queen of Pop," Madonna went to the University of Michigan to study dance. She eventually moved on to New York to study with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company and then onto Paris to perform in a disco revue. When she got back to the US, she joined rock groups and coupled her dancing with her singing. From her Michigan/New York/Paris background, does it strike anyone else as strange that Madonna sometimes has a British accent?

Whitney Houston: In her youth, Whitney Houston and her vocal group served as backup singers for Aretha Franklin. She also served as a fashion model and continued backup singing for Lou Rawls and Chaka Khan. Going from a backup to center stage (Melinda Doolittle, eat your heart out), she signed with Arista Records when she was 19. It's fair to say that her cousin, Dionne Warwick of Psychic Friends Network fame, probably saw all of Whitney's enormous success coming.

Paula Abdul - More known for her stint as a judge on American Idol than her singing talents, Paula Abdul - straight up, I'll tell ya - did have a career as a pop star. But, before she was a star herself, she just worked with them. This dancer turned Los Angeles Laker Girl began choreographing for huge names in the music business when she was only twenty years old. Paula's clients included The Jacksons, George Michael, Debbie Gibson, INXS, the Pointer Sisters, and Dolly Parton. We also suspect that she taught the animated cat from her "Opposites Attract" video a few moves.

Prince: Before he was famous, Prince was just a boy growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His preoccupation with music started at an early age: he began piano at 7 and was a virtual veteran of the guitar and drums by the time his teenage years approached. At the age of 14, he joined a local band and is credited with helping several other local bands make their marks. With innate musical talents and originality, at the height of his success Prince became a household name, er sorry, a household symbol.

Mariah Carey: Possessing one of the best sets of vocal chords in the history of music, Mariah Carey can thank, in part, her genetics: her mother was an opera singer and a vocal coach. Carey began to perform as a child and, after moving to New York, recorded a demo tape. This tape landed in the hands of Tommy Mottola, a Columbia Records executive and Mariah's future husband. Her fans received her well: she enjoyed enormous pop success and then, then there was Glitter.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://iturbocharge.com. Possessing an infatuation with pop culture – and a gift for stalking – she keeps up on the latest news of the musical world.

Big and Beautiful Michigan Perfect for ATV Riding Sunday, August 15, 2010

For ATV freaks out there, Michigan can be described in two words and twelve letters....B. I.G. and B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

The state of Michigan is well known for the many different ATV tracks and trails there and the numbers continue to add up every year. the endless number of ATV trails and tracks is one of the reasons why we, at ATV4kids.com, is in love with Michigan. From snow-capped mountain ranges to beside-the-lake ATV trails, you can literally find anything your ATV-obsessed heart desires. We kid you not. Camping or fishing, racing or hunting, take your pick.

Baja MX Track is one of the best ATV tracks in Michigan...hell, in the world!
The Baja MX ATV track is located in Millington, Michigan and this ATV track features a sandy terrain and offers loads of places to entertain those who are not keen on riding their ATVs. On top of that, there are many camping accessories store there for you to choose from, so, if the kids love Baja MX Track as much as we do and you folks decide to take a wink there for the night, no problem whatsoever.
Contact Baja MX ATV track: 8663, Birch Run Rd., Millington, MI 48746; Telephone: (989)871-3356 or email them at ride@bajamx.com; Website: http://www.bajamx.com

Dutch Sportpark MX a wonderful ATV track for the whole family
If your kids and spouse is not so into ATV riding and you don't want them to spoil the whole trip for you, Dutch Sportpark MX is just the place to go. The Dutch Sportpark MX is located in Kalamazoo right outside of Bloomingdale, so, after the trip, you can still take the time to visit the metropolitan city and the wifey can go for the much-desired shopping trip...plus, there wouldn't be any nagging in the car on the way back. The kids are going to have a ball in this ATV park too because there is a concession playground there which comes complete with swings, sandboxes and Cartoon Network characters that your kids will love. The ATV park opens from 4pm till midnight on Fridays, 7am till midnight on Saturdays and 7am on Sundays.

To contact them, write to Dutch Sport Park, 13566, CR 665, Bloomingdale, MI, 49026; Telephone: (616)683-4418; Website: http://www.dutchsportparkmx.com

For those who prefer ATV trails to ATV tracks, if you've not tried the Devil's Lake Route, this is the time to do so
You'll experience one of the most scenic ATV trail journey ever as you cruise through the short ten-mile ATV route in Alpena, Michigan. The ATV trail is usually crowded with dirt bikers and ATVers who regularly use it to train or have some family fun.

To contact Devil's Lake Route: Telephone: (989)732-3541; Website with info: http://www.fishweb.com/recreation/orv/index.html

Marsha Maung is an ATV enthusiast enthusiastically promoting ATV riding as a sport and family activity! She runs and is one of the staff for one of the hottest and fastest-growing ATV sites right now...http://www.atv4kids.com.

Scientific American Frontiers: The Hidden Prejudice

Scientific American Frontiers Host, Alan Alda, speaks with Dr. Mahzarin R. Banaji (Harvard University) and Dr. Brian Nosek (University of Virginia) on how the subconscious mind can influence decision making. They discuss several experiments that use the "Implicit Association Test" (IAT) to reveal hidden gender and racial biases. Additional Research Information Updated (05/15/2009): Scientific American: The Implicit Prejudice www.sciam.com Project Implicit® www.projectimplicit.net Copies of Technical Research Papers can be obtained at: projectimplicit.net The Test implicit.harvard.edu Harvard Science: Prejudices we won't admit tinyurl.com WashingtonPost.com: See No Bias www.washingtonpost.com University of Washington: The Unconscious Roots of Racism uwnews.org University of Washington: Prejudice affects 90 to 95 percent of people uwnews.washington.edu University of Michigan Health System: Your Child & Television www.med.umich.edu The Media Awareness Network: Kids & Racial Stereotypes www.media-awareness.ca Gladwell.com: The Second Mind (Blink) www.gladwell.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RSVz6VEybk&hl=en

Affordable Homes For Michigan Families: Michigan Modular Home Builders

With real state prices sky rocketing the atmosphere, many families in Michigan are looking for more affordable options to get their own house like modular homes.

Modular home builder Michigan represent around the 8% of house sales in the last two years in the state of Michigan. Other states where the demand of modular homes is increasing are North Carolina and New York.

Michigan modular home builders construct this type of houses in many parts at a factory. How come in a factory? Factories provide a secure environment against harsh climate conditions and acts of vandalism during the construction.

These houses are getting built much faster, and therefore, their prices are going down. A home builder is the one in charge of the construction of these homes. First of all floor plans and options have to be approved to pass then to a Michigan-approved third party inspection agency has to review the plans if they meet the Michigan code for building and monitors the manufacturing and building of the house. In addition to this, home builders are expanding their offers by giving you the possibility to have a customized house instead of the typical factory design house.

Once the modular home is finished, their parts and sections are shipped to the place where it is going to be assembled on flatbed trucks. The basic construction doe not take more then one day and the finishing just take a couple of weeks. The complete process, from the move-in order lasts 3 months, while the building of a normal house can take half a year at least.

A Michigan new home builder can save up to 25% when purchasing a modular home, which represent of course a very meaningful saving for the average Michigan family.

Find out more on modular home builders [http://www.michiganmodularhomebuilders.com/michigan-new-home-builder.html] at our site: [http://www.michiganmodularhomebuilders.com]

Garland's Fire -Michigan Travel Television

Fire visited Garland for the second time in its history. Here GM Barry Owen chats with Michigan Travel's Don Wyckoff about the blaze. MT



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1hQ5Phod5w&hl=en

Michigan Automotive Franchise | Bumperdoc Franchises Saturday, August 14, 2010

Doyou want to take part of the best franchise opportunity? Take part in the multi-billion dollar auto reconditioning industry. Bumperdoc has the automotive franchise you're searching for. Bumperdoc Auto Reconditioning Centers are the new pioneers of automotive franchises offering same day bumper repair, rapid auto body repair, paintless dent removal,auto detailing, window tinting and much more. Dave Stall "The Car Guy", host of RPM TODAY/ESPN RADIO and KUSI NEWS in San Diego, endorses the Bumperdoc franchise system stating that it is one of the top automotive franchise opportunities around. Dave has been a body shop manager, service manager and now in the media industry (radio/television) for over 30 years. "I have seen a lot of companies and systems, Bumperdoc is truly number one when it comes to auto reconditioning." Bumperdoc is one of the top franchise models around. For more franchise information on Bumperdoc franchises visit www.automotivereconditioningfranchise.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXuoWaKHNno&hl=en

Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers

According to the 2003 annual report from the US Department of Health and Human Services, 10,403 physicians, 105 nurses and 1499 dentists from Michigan were involved in medical malpractice payments for the period 1990-2003.

Medicine is not an exact science. The causes of many diseases are still not known. Many drugs have harmful side effects. Medicine is a broad field that includes pharmaceuticals, health care provisions and nursing homes.

When the body is treated for any abnormality, things can go wrong at the drug-absorbing stage, during hospitalization and during recuperation. Pharmaceutical companies may be held responsible if the drug was responsible for any adverse effect, and health care providers held responsible if they made mistakes.

Medical malpractice is defined as a negligent act by a health-care provider that results in injury or death. A negligent act is one where no reasonable health-care provider would have done the same thing under the same circumstances. Negligence can include misdiagnosis of a disease, administering the wrong medication, or failure to inform a patient about the risks of a procedure or alternative treatments.

A lawyer should be consulted in order to determine these factors: liability, damages and cost to settle damages. Liability is about deciding if the health provider is responsible. To prove this, a testimony of an expert is required. The extent of damages has to be determined to decide whether the case is worth fighting.

The statute of limitations states that medical malpractice claims must be brought within a period of two years. This can be extended when the patient is a minor or when the effects of a malpractice are known later. Medical malpractice lawsuits take a long time to settle.

Attorneys take these cases on a contingency basis. The fees are a percentage of the claims.

Michigan Lawyers provides detailed information on Michigan Auto Accident Lawyers, Michigan Divorce Lawyers, Michigan Lawyers, Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers and more. Michigan Lawyers is affiliated with Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers Info.

Understanding Wrongful Death Cases Friday, August 13, 2010

When someone dies due to negligence or carelessness it is usually called a wrongful death. This is a highly upsetting issue because it also usually means that the person should still be alive. This tends to lead to legal or court cases brought by the family or dependents of the deceased, and the most successful cases are brought by qualified Miami wrongful death attorneys.

There are a wide range of legal definitions and laws about such issues, and this is one of the main reasons that an experienced Miami wrongful death will be necessary. They will be able to make recommendations and suggestions to those who are making the case, and they will be able to explain who can or cannot legally demand compensation.

For example, it might be possible only for the spouse and children of the deceased to seek financial compensation, or it could include everyone who was financially or emotionally dependent upon the person as well.

Why should a Miami wrongful death attorney be necessary at all? Sadly, there are many times when insurance companies, or the people responsible for the death, refuse to accept responsibility for the event. Although there are no criminal charges associated with the death, many organizations and individuals want to avoid the hefty payments often awarded to the dependents. A good Miami wrongful death attorney can then enter into negotiations with any hesitant groups to ensure that a realistic settlement is provided. This is essential and significant because one of the most common tactics used by those with financial responsibility is to offer incredibly low payments or settlements, or even none at all. This can all be avoided by hiring an attorney who has experience and familiarity with such behaviors.

It is also a good idea to seek out an attorney who is deeply familiar with court system of the area. They should know the judges and the other attorneys most often involved in hearing the cases, because this ensures that they will be able to give their clients the most valuable advice possible. A potential client can simply ask about any such experience, or about the number of cases they have won in the past year, and about the way they will be handled if the attorney fails to get a settlement. These are valid and reasonable questions and if the attorney hesitates to answer them it is a sign to look elsewhere for support.

David Benenfeld, Esquire has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1994. He specializes personal injury law in the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida area. Visit InjuryLawService.com for more information on a personal injury lawyer, auto accident attorney or Workers' Compensation lawyer.

Michigan Law Schools - How to Find & Get Into a Great Law School in Michigan Thursday, August 12, 2010

There are six great law schools in the State of Michigan. These include the Ave Maria School of Law in Ann Arbor, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in Detroit, the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, the Michigan State University College of Law in East Lansing, the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing, and Wayne State University Law School in Detroit.

Of course, not all Michigan law schools are alike, and in choosing a Michigan law school - as you would with any school - you should make sure that you are making the correct choice for YOU. Unfortunately, far to many prospective law students fall into the trap of letting magazines and artificial law school rankings make the choice for them. If you were to do that, you might focus on the University of Michigan Law School, which admittedly enjoys an outstanding national reputation, to the exclusion of several other excellent law schools in Michigan or elsewhere.

One of the things I try and emphasize to students trying to select a law school is that you get a very similar education no matter where you go. The "elite" schools will never admit that, but its true. Moreover, having been a practicing lawyer now for almost 10 years, I assure you that where you went to law school will very quickly become virtually meaningless to your employers and colleagues. I've known great lawyers and terrible lawyers who went to great schools - and I've known great lawyers and terrible lawyers who went to no-name night schools.

Therefore, if you've decided you want to go to law school in Michigan, you should carefully analyze which of the excellent choices will be the best law school for you. If your aim to get a high-paying job in Manhattan immediately after graduation, the University of Michigan Law School is probably a place you should target. On the other hand, if you're looking to set up a local practice on of the smaller local schools may be your best choice.

Although the substance of what you will learn is largely the same at every school, the environment is definitely not. That's why, if you've decided you want to go to a Michigan Law School, you should visit every school you're considering to get a feel for the campus and physical surroundings. You should also speak with some students to see what they have to say about the atmosphere. Some law schools are definitely more friendly that others.

No two Michigan law schools are created alike, just as no two law students are created alike. Finding a good match should be your top priority. You're going to spend three years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars - regardless of which Michigan law school you select - and you should do everything possible to make sure its not a miserable investment.

When I was choosing which law school to attend I spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars researching and in many cases visiting the eleven schools that made my final list. In the end, I didn't choose the highest ranked or most prestigious school I got into, but I did choose the best law school for me. And I made the right choice.

This is just one of the many topics I discuss in my ebook Covert Tactics for Getting Into the Law School of Your Choice and in the Covert Tactics Law School Newsletter, both of which are available at my website.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

H. Jefferson, Jr. is an expert on on law school admission, having applied to and been admitted by 11 of the top law schools in the United States. To learn more about the the techniques and strategies you can use to get into the law school of your choice, visit http://www.coverttactics.com

Charlevoix, Michigan Is A Great Northern Michigan Vacation Destination

At the heart of Northern Michigan's vacation wonderland lays Charlevoix, Michigan. The unrivaled beauty and charm of this classic resort town makes it the crown jewel of northern Michigan vacation destinations. Perched on a narrow isthmus of land stretching between Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake provides a magical appeal that has attracted guests for more than 100 years, and makes Charlevoix an excellent area for year round family fun.

The main street in Charlevoix is only four blocks long, but you'll want to leave plenty of time to stroll from one end to the other. The number and quality of art galleries, clothing boutiques and gourmet restaurants is certain to bring several stops along the way. And that doesn't even count the number of candy stores, fudge shops and ice cream parlors that are impossible to resist. And don't forget to look for the number of Earl Young built "Mushroom" or "Hobbit" houses scattered around the edges of the town.

Blue water, white sand, gleaming yachts in one of the world's most beautiful harbors - that's just the beginning of what makes Charlevoix so captivating. Elegant Victorian homes, white picket fences and vibrant petunias accent the gracious atmosphere. Many wonderful parks on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan provide the perfect place to sit back and simply while away the time. Many of Northern Michigan's most renowned golf courses, providing beautiful views and exciting challenges for all levels from beginner to expert lie within a few miles of Charlevoix.

From its many arts and crafts markets, to the classic car shows, to the famous Venetian Festival in July and Applefest in October, there is almost always something fun and exciting going on in Charlevoix for the Northern Michigan vacationer. Just plan your Northern Michigan vacation early... these hugely popular summer fairs cause most Charlevoix hotels, condos, and other rentals to be fully booked in many cases a year a head of time.

Charlevoix's central location makes it the perfect choice for exploring all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Almost everything in northern Michigan, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge, Leelanau Peninsula and the Leelanau Sands Casino, Sleeping Bear Dunes, wineries, and many of the Midwest's best downhill ski resorts, including Boyne Highland's and Boyne Mountain (and don't forget Boyne Mountain's fabulous new Avalanche Bay Indoor Water park), Shanty Creek and Schuss Mountain, Nubs Nob, and much more are all within an easy hour drive. This area is also renowned for its magnificent colored leaf tours every fall. There are also numerous cross country ski trails and snowmobiling trails in the immediate Charlevoix area.

And bikers, joggers, hikers and skaters, don't forget the Little Traverse Wheelway bicycle path that cuts right across the front of the Charlevoix Country Club. This 29 mile long paved path runs from Charlevoix all the way to Harbor Springs. Just north of the Charlevoix Country Club, the trail offers a unique 3/4 mile long boardwalk bridging a wetland area rich with wildlife. The trail includes several beautiful stretches directly along the Lake Michigan shoreline, perfect for finding Petoskey Stones, and includes two parks that are perfect for a picnic or scenic resting spot.

All this and more awaits you in Charlevoix, where your Northern Michigan vacation memories will be treasured for years to come.

Check out this beautiful Condo in the Charlevoix Country Club for your next Northern Michigan Vacation Rental [http://northern-michigan-vacation-rental.com]. Article written and distributed by Steve Cancel by Secure Link.

Cheap Car Insurance in Michigan

According to Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Growth, there are a plethora of ways to obtain cheap car insurance in Michigan - most of which apply to any car insurance company in Michigan from which you choose to purchase your cheap car insurance.

The factors to help you get cheap car insurance in Michigan range from past, present, and future actions by you as a driver in Michigan.

Past

You may be eligible for a long-term policyholder discount if you have been with the same cam insurance company for a specific period of time. If you haven't had any traffic violations or accidents for a specific period of time, you may also get a cheap car insurance rate in Michigan. Also, if you have a degree past high school, or have maintained a certain grade point average for a specific period of time, you may be offered discounts on your Michigan car insurance.

Present

If you belong to an approved organization, currently have a good credit score and credit history, have no youthful drivers on your policy, pay higher deductibles, and have only purchased the minimum collision coverage, you're likely to get cheap car insurance in Michigan. Other factors include your age and income. Drivers over the age of 65, and drivers of low-income families, are eligible for cheap car insurance in Michigan, too.

Future

If none of the above applies to you, there are changes you can make to get cheap car insurance in Michigan. Consider combining your car insurance policy with an insurance company from which you purchase another insurance policy, such as your homeowner's insurance policy, or insure more than one vehicle on the same car insurance policy. Practice safer driving, take a driver education course, and work on repairing your credit score. Making sure your car is as safe as possible and always wearing your seatbelt are additional ways to get cheap car insurance in Michigan.

To get free quotes and learn more about insurance please visit the following recommended sites.

Get Cheap Car Insurance in Michigan
Click Here for Free home insurance quotes for those in Texas
Low rate home insurance in Wyoming

Improv A2 Ann Arbor Art Fair Freeze 2008

Our first mission was a freeze scene at the 2008 Ann Arbor Art Fair.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbA7Z8M5Vu0&hl=en

MICHIGAN MASTERS at the KRESGE ART MUSEUM Tuesday, August 10, 2010

May 2 July 31, 2009 This exhibition brings together works by 30 artists deemed the most exciting and inventive of the thousands active in the state today. Best of the vetted best, artworks included in the exhibit stimulate, challenge and reward viewers. Curator April Kingsley surveyed the wealth of artistic expression across the state to assemble this ambitious show, which concentrates on artists who have practiced their craft for decades. Many have taught in university art departments and art schools across the state and exhibit and are collected across the country. In addition to the art on view in the museum, three sculptures on MSU's south campus are part of the show.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS0Sg-xfIp4&hl=en

Understanding Michigan Auto Accident Claims and The Basics of Michigan's No-Fault Laws

The laws that govern Michigan automobile accidents are long and complex. Often, the terms used by car accident insurance agents and lawyers are confusing. Two important terms you should know:

1. First-Party Benefits


2. Third-Party Benefits

Michigan is a No-Fault State. This means that your own Michigan car accident insurance company pays most of the economic losses you suffer in an automobile accident, regardless of who was at fault. These economic benefits are called First-Party Benefits.

Third-Party Benefits usually cover non-economic losses, including damages for pain and suffering. Both of these types of benefits are described in detail below.

Michigan First-Party Basics

The Michigan law defining First-Party Benefits states: First-party benefits are payable to anyone who suffers an injury arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle.

The following analysis looks at:

• Who has to pay your Michigan No-Fault Benefits?


• What are the specific benefits you may be entitled to receive after a Michigan auto accident?

Michigan First-Party Order of Priority

Although your own insurance is first in line to pay in a Michigan automobile accident, there are times when an uninsured individual is an innocent passenger in a motor vehicle. In these circumstances, determining who is responsible to pay Michigan No-Fault Benefits can be complex.

Driver or Passenger Order of Priority

• 1st priority is your own insurance policy, if none then...


• 2nd priority is to the insurance company of a resident relative (i.e. spouse, parent, or sibling), if none then...


• 3rd priority is to the insurer of the owner of the vehicle occupied, if none then...


• 4th priority is to the insurer of the driver of the vehicle occupied, if none then...


• 5th priority is to the State of Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

Pedestrian Order of Priority

• 1st priority is to your own insurance, if none then...


• 2nd priority is to the insurance company of a resident relative (i.e. spouse, parent, or sibling), if none then...


• 3rd priority is to the insurer of the owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...


• 4th priority is to the insurer of the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...


• 5th priority is to the State of Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

Motorcycle Order of Priority

A different order for receiving benefits exists if you were on a motorcycle when the accident happened, because motorcycles are not considered "motor vehicles" under Michigan law. In a motorcycle/auto collision, the priority would be as follows:

• 1st priority is to the insurer of the owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...


• 2nd priority is to the insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...


• 3rd priority is to the motor vehicle insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident, if none then...


• 4th priority is to the motor vehicle insurer of the owner of the motorcycle involved in the accident, if none then...


• 5th priority is to the State of Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

The Michigan Assigned Claims Facility

The Michigan Assigned Claims Facility is a State Agency with the power to assign an auto accident insurance company to provide benefits, if an injured victim cannot obtain benefits from other sources. Remember that uninsured drivers, operating vehicle they own, do not qualify for Michigan Assigned Claim Facility assistance. To apply for Assigned Claims Benefits, call the Michigan Assigned Claim Facility directly at 517-322-1875.

Specific Michigan First-Party Benefits

The First-Party No-Fault Benefits that you claim from your own insurance company include:

Medical Bills for Life

Michigan motor vehicle accident law requires that medical coverage continue for life, or for as long as you need treatment for injuries suffered in the accident.

There are many complicated factors to getting your medical bills paid, if you are in a Michigan motor vehicle accident. We recommend that you contact our office about your rights.

To qualify for medical expense reimbursement, a bill must be reasonable (in cost and necessity) and the bill must be actually incurred. Michigan law does not provide for guaranteed pre-payment of bills due to a motor vehicle accident. Sometimes, an auto accident insurance company will try to escape its responsibility, by questioning the need to a medical test or procedure, which your physician ordered, or by disputing the amount of the medical bill.

Insurance companies in Michigan provide two types of medical coverage in the event of an automobile accident:

1. Uncoordinated benefits


2. Coordinated benefits

Your insurance policy states which type of benefits you should receive. An uncoordinated policy pays benefits, regardless of the presence of other health insurance. A coordinated policy requires your other health insurance to pay first, and your automobile insurance to pay amounts that your primary insurer does not cover.

It is common for a primary health insurance policy and a motor vehicle insurance policy to contain contradictory language about which one has the first obligation to pay medical bills. Meanwhile, the motor vehicle insurance company may escape its obligation to pay a bill, if it did not receive it within one year of the date that you got the medical treatment.

Wage Loss

Michigan No-Fault Law allows an injured individual to receive 85% of his or her lost wages, if a doctor found the victim disabled from work due to injuries suffered in a car accident. This benefit cannot exceed a period of 3 years. The wage loss benefit is set at 85%, rather than 100%, of lost earnings because the benefit is tax-free. The law also sets a monthly cap on the amount of lost wages that the insurance company must reimburse.

Attendant Care

Michigan auto accident law requires the no-fault insurance company to pay for attendant care (also known as nursing services) for an injured victim who needs supervision or assistance while recovering at home. Sometimes, a physician determines that a person with severe injury needs around-the-clock supervision. A caregiver who is a member of the victim's family is entitled to attendant care reimbursement. Although the law does not set a specific hourly rate for the caregiver, the reimbursement should reflect the type and complexity of the services that the injured person receives. Frequently, insurance companies unreasonably and unlawfully refuse to pay for adequate attendant care.

Replacement Services

This term refers to reimbursement for services that you would have performed on your own, if you were not injured in an accident. If you paid or promised to pay for household services, chores, errands, etc., which you usually accomplished on your own, then you may be entitled to reimbursement for these expenses. A physician needs to provide a written statement that you are unable to do these tasks on your own. In addition, your insurance company may require documentation of who performed which services. Michigan law states that an auto accident insurance company is obligated to reimburse up to $20 per day for replacement services and that these benefits last for up to three years.

Mileage Reimbursement

Often, proper medical treatment, tests, and physical therapy require an injured person to travel long distances. Michigan No-Fault Law provides for the reimbursement for mileage traveled to and from this medical care.

Third-Party Auto No-Fault Law Basics

Under Michigan auto law, while First-Party Benefits cover most economic losses, Third-Party Benefits provide damages for pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, death, and wage loss in excess of 3 years. In Michigan, a Third-Party legal claim is filed against the at-fault driver in the motor vehicle accident. With the exception of excess wage loss, the damages sought in a Third-Party case are non-economic in nature. To prevail in a claim against a careless driver for non-economic damages in Michigan, the injured auto accident victim must show that he or she suffered a "threshold injury." Michigan law defines this as:

• A serious impairment of an important body function, serious disfigurement or scarring, or death.

It is very common for insurance company adjusters to assert that an injury is not a "serious impairment of a body function." However, if you have an objectively documented injury to an important part of your body, and this affects your life, then you should talk with an experienced Michigan auto accident lawyer dedicated to helping Michigan auto injury victims.

Attorney Marya Sieminski joined the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in 2003. She is admitted to practice law in Michigan state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University Law School. Marya has worked as a trial lawyer for 10 years and exclusively represented victims in personal injury litigation and in workers compensation claims. She also was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Michigan Workers Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee.

The Law Offices of Samuel I. Bernstein, our Michigan auto accident and personal injury law firm, has championed the cause of seriously injured Michigan auto accident victims for three generations.

Michigan Has New Tattoo Law

When it comes to tattooing there really are not that many laws that have to be followed, except for the health aspect of the tattooing business. But other than that if you have you business license and meet all health standards in your area you are good to go. It seems that Michigan has started to crack down on the local tattoo parlors all around town. Before the begging of 2009 it was up to the 83 counties to decided what kind of regulations the tattoo parlors had to follow. Some counties required that the business had to have a business license as well as the artist that were working there. Some counties didn't require any of those. But Michigan has decided that it is in the better interest of every person in the state that is getting tattooed that the tattoo parlor should have a business license. It also means that the tattoo parlor is going to be inspected by the health department on a regular basis. The whole reason the state decided to implement this new law is to get rid of people tattooing out of their house and getting the not so great, don't know what they are doing tattoo artists off the streets.

It is probably in your best interest to make sure the tattoo parlor you are using or plan on using follows all the laws. Look for a business license on the wall and make sure you see an autoclave (the machine that cleans all the tattoo equipment) Also never get a tattoo from someone if you do not see them open the new needle in front of you!!!

Your Tattoo Friend

Ashley

Ashley enjoys writing on her Tattoo themed blog at http://infinitetattoos.wordpress.com please stop by and drop a comment.

For more information and access to over 15,000 tattoo designs online, check out Ashley's sponsor at http://InfiniteTattoos.com

University of Michigan Food Allergy Program

University of Michigan Health System Food Allergy Program



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qPLmcSC_XI&hl=en

A Boost For Your Business Sunday, August 8, 2010

Running a business- a daunting task indeed. It's one that you cannot undergo without having all the right tools at your disposal. A CMMS program is one of those things you need especially when it's a big company with a lot of assets we are talking about. Think of a CMMS or EAM as it is sometimes referred to as the oil that makes the business machine run. It's necessary for your business if fluidity is what you are looking for.

Why is a management system necessary? Well it's the new age of computers so one would understand why it's a program. To appreciate the necessity, picture a large factory or facility that relies on manual input for everything. Can you even begin to comprehend the work of remembering every warranty date, tracking maintenance of every asset especially with the spare parts, making schedules for personnel and tracking every little problem? Even on a literary aspect, it is a lot of work. Computerized maintenance management software takes it all up and simplifies it by an overwhelming degree.

For a company large enough to command market appreciation, a network based CMMS is the best. Usually, the system is demanding in terms of server space, and a web-based one may not live to the task, especially if this internet server company has a lot of clients. Sure, a LAN based EAM software may create the need to hire a few IT guys for operation and maintenance, but it's the better decision in the end. Factoring in the expense of buying the accompanying hardware and the CMMS itself, you should be sure that it is a profitable venture in the long run. That's because a CMMS can be budget intensive especially if it has heightened levels of complexity. For a small business with a few assets, a simple one with a web-based server would suffice.

A tool with CMMS that is quickly becoming popular is the CBM feature. It is highly essential especially when you want your assets to always be at their best. The condition based maintenance tool can come integrated in your Enterprise Asset Management software. It closely monitors assets by recording any vibrations or noises that may be outside the bracket of normal. The temperature is also closely regulated, together with fuel levels as another maintenance measure. The CBM feature can be highly sophisticated, especially if the CMMS is too.

It's no debate that a CMMS can be a boost to your business. From the aforementioned details, anyone would attest to the importance of a CMMS program in an asset-rich company. As a cost-cutting measure, it would be one of the best. One way is by preventive maintenance, or in other words, taking care of the problem before it actually arises. You are therefore saved on the costs of maintenance since no breakdowns happen. Considering the grown popularity of CMMS programs, many companies have invested in developing them. But as usual, there are some that have unearthed the secrets to effective CMMS programming, and Ashcom is one of these. Their products are beyond reproach.

Ashcom Technologies provides knowledge-based business solutions to clients through a multitude of strategies and tools. In the process, clients receive a sustainable competitive advantage through the implementation of proactive strategies & technologies. CMMS plays a large role in this process.

3917 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor MI 48108
Phone: 1800-366-0793

Spinal Cord Injury

Between 400,000 and 500,000 Americans have a suffered spinal cord injury.

Some spinal cord injuries, like spina bifida and Friedreich's ataxia, come from inherited conditions. Polio was another significant cause, prior to the discovery of the Salk vaccine.

However, the most likely cause of spinal cord injury is physical trauma. In many cases, severe damage to the spinal cord results from another person's negligent conduct. If this happened to you or a member of your family, protect your legal rights by consulting an attorney immediately.

Anatomy of a Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord, along with the brain, makes up the central nervous system. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down to about the waist. A column of protective bones, known as vertebrae, surrounds this bundle of nerves.

A spinal cord injury is defined as damage to the spinal cord, which causes a loss of function to the body. Frequently, this loss of function is total or partial paralysis and/or a lack of physical sensation.

It is possible to suffer a serious injury, such as a ruptured disc, and not damage the spinal cord. Thus, broken vertebrae in the neck or back (i.e. a broken back) may be less serious than injury to the spinal cord itself.

When a spinal cord injury does occur, the extent of injury often relates directly to the level on the spinal cord where the trauma occurred. Injury to the cervical portion of the cord, the area associated with the neck, often results in quadriplegia, the total paralysis of the arms and legs. If the injury occurs to the mid-section of the spinal column or thoracic region, the result is paraplegia, the paralysis of the lower body. Lower spinal column or lumbar region injury can cause paralysis of the legs or loss of sensation and/or some loss of lower mobility.

Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

There still is no cure for spinal cord injuries, although modern research continues to provide hope for future treatments. The most encouraging recent breakthroughs are medications administered shortly after injury, which reduce the spinal cord swelling and lessen the severity of injury. Most of these medications are steroid-based. One of the most common is called methylprednisolone.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

• Approximately 10,000 new spinal cord injuries are reported in the United States every year. Many of these injuries result from the unintentional, but improper, actions of others. In legal terms, this is "negligent conduct."


• Young males have a statistically greater chance of sustaining a spinal cord injury. Over 80% of the new traumatic spinal cord injuries in this country happen to males between the ages of 16 and 30.


• Approximately 36% of traumatic spinal cord injuries resulted from automobile accidents.


• 21% of traumatic spinal cord injuries are linked to falls.


• About 29% result from violence, including gunshot wounds.


• About 85% of spinal cord injury victims who survive the first day after injury are still alive ten years later.

The Financial Impact of Injuries

The cost of a serious injury can be catastrophic. This is an extreme hardship when the injuries make work impossible and rent, gas, and medical bills start to accumulate. Our law firm will help you recover these costs from the insurance company or the at-fault party. If you or a loved one suffered a serious accident involving a spinal cord injury, talk with an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer.

Attorney Marya Sieminski joined the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in 2003. She is admitted to practice law in Michigan state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University Law School. Marya has worked as a trial lawyer for 10 years and exclusively represented victims in personal injury litigation and in workers compensation claims. She also was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Michigan Workers Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee.

The Law Offices of Samuel I. Bernstein, our Michigan personal injury law firm, has championed the cause of seriously injured Michigan victims for three generations.