Great Known and Unknown Martial Arts Masters Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Great Martial Artists

There are a number of great martial arts. Many of whom who even thou they may not be widely known by the world they are still at the top of their craft. These are men and women that have meet the challenge. These martial artists have what we call it. They are martial artist that have great levels of knowledge, great levels of skill, true passion for the martial arts and the ability to share their knowledge with others in ways that makes their students passionate about the martial arts. These are just a few of the great martial artist that I have had the honor to know and meet in my life time. These martial arts have training in the styles of karate, jujutsu, sword, sticks, blade and more. Even those so are no longer with us their spirits are still with us and they will live forever through their students and those of us that have been honored to have and have had the opportunity to train. These people also have black belt level students under them.

Master Kanryu Higashionna - Karate
Master Chogun Miyagi - Karate
Master Gogen Yamaguchi - Japanese Goju Karate
Late O Sensei, Master Morihei Uyeshiba - Aikido
Master Richard Kim - Karate
Sensei Mas Oyama - Karate
Shinan Antonio Pereira - Founder of the Mi-Yama Ryu Jujutsu system
Grand Master Peter G. Urban - Founder of American GoJu Ryu Karate
Grand Master Skipper - Founder Bermuda Karate Institute
Grand Master Sekwii Sha - Founder of Shanando Ryu
Master Frank Ruiz - Founder of Nesei Goju Ryu Karate
Master Earl Monroe - Nesei Goju Karate
Professor Florendo M. Vistacion - Founder of Vee-Jitsu & Vee Arnis Ryu,
Grand Master Reno N. Morales - Shijitsu - Jissen - Karate Jutsu
Hanshi Thomas Bennett - House of Goju Ryu Karate
Shinan Hector Negron - Founder of San Yama Bushi Jujutsu
Shihan Reginaldo Brown - Combat Jujutsu Combination Builders
Shihan David Colon - San Yama Bushi Jujutsu
Shihan Darlene DeFour - Harlem Jujutsu
Shihan Gary Gione - Elite Defensive Tactics
Sensei David Drawdy - Japanese Sword
Master Chris Columbo - Kumite Ryu Jujutsu
Shuseki Shihan William Oliver - Seido Karate
Professor Mose Powell - Founder of Sanuce Ryu Jujitsu
Grand Master John (Little John) Davis - Founder of Kumite Ryu Jujitsu
Grand Master Chaka Zulu - Founder of Zujitsu Ryu
Grand Master E.R. Spruiell - Scorpion System of Judo & Ju-Jitsu
Grand Master John Woodbury - Goju Karate
Hanshi Steven Malanoski - Founder of ShobuDo GoJu Jitsu Kai
Hanshi James Price - Founder of Martial Combative Dojo

The story of martial arts is one of determination, respect, and loyalty. It transcends race, culture, age and politics. Our society is a multimillion dollar culture driven high paid athletes, recording artists, movie stars etc., predominates and unconsciously defines for our youth what is considered a legacy. Honestly, we can all benefit in some way knowing about the martial arts and all the great martial artist. We do not know what the next day may bring. Grand Master Peter G. Urban said, "Today Is Now." With that in mind, "It starts today". You are never to old to start your martial arts training. All ages will benefit from martial arts.

There are many true legends living in our mist. Find them and do not wait for their passing to tell their story. They are the foundation of the present, and the inspiration for our future generations. Like some of these, artist listed, their effects positive, they are doers, rather than talkers. How do you know them? The real ones do not care where you place in their article or interviews on TV or in a magazine, web sites, instead they care about the meaning and the substance of the article. They care about their students and arts. These people work, have families, and struggle just like everyone else. Despite, their rise to a higher levels and show us the power and beauty of the martial arts, every day.

No one lives for ever and some people are born yet never really live. These people will live forever as they have shared their spirits and helped many. Martial arts is not about belts or ranks. Martial arts it is about training and inner growth and development.

By Zurriane Bennett

San Yama Bushi & Combination GoJu

School of Self Defense

http://www.sybcg.com

Contempt For Failure to Pay Child, Spousal, Family Support Monday, September 27, 2010

No child, spousal, or family support ordered by the Family Court is paid by the obligor parent or spouse, resulting in contempt of court at the time the support payment was due. A judgment or order made or entered pursuant to the California Family Code may be enforced by the Family Court by contempt in its discretion, under § 290 of the Family Code.

Each month of failure to pay in full, child, spousal, or family support when due constitutes a separate count or charge of contempt, for which punishment is imposed for each count proven, under § 1218.5(a) of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

The period or statute of limitations for commencing a contempt action based on failure to pay child, spousal, or family support is three (3) years from the date that the payment was due, under § 1218.5(b) thereof.

Contempt proceedings are initiated in California by completing and filing Judicial Council Form FL-410, Order To Show Cause and Affidavit For Contempt, and the required Judicial Council attachment, depending on the kind of underlying order issued.

Elements Of Contempt And

Burdens And Standards Of Proofs:

§ 1209.5 of the California Code of Civil Procedure states the elements of civil contempt based on failure to comply with a child support order as follows:

(1) valid underlying support order of a court of competent jurisdiction;

(2) obligor's (contemner's) knowledge of the order through:

(a) proof that the order was made, filed and served on the obligor parent; or

(b) proof that the obligor parent was present in court at the time the order was pronounced; and

(3) noncompliance of the support order, as prima facie evidence of a contempt of court.

These three (3) elements are also stated in In re Ivey (2000) 85 CA9th 793, 803, 102 CR 447, which further held that:

"If the petitioner proves those elements beyond a reasonable doubt the violation is established. He or she need go no further. To prevail on the affirmative defense of inability to comply with the support order, the contemnor (or contemner) must prove such inability by a preponderance of the evidence."

Ability to pay by the alleged obligor (contemner) was not considered an element of contempt because "the failure to pay constituting the contempt occurred shortly after the determination of ability to pay had been made (in the underlying orders)," in In re Ivey, supra, involving a father's failure to pay the mother's pendente lite attorney and expert fees in a criminal contempt action.

Thus, while the proponent (petitioner) of the contempt has the burden of proving the elements of contempt beyond a reasonable doubt (a criminal case standard of proof), the alleged contemner has the burden of proving inability to comply as an affirmative defense by a preponderance of the evidence (a civil case standard of proof).

Types Of Contempt Proceedings

And Sentences Imposed:

Contempt proceedings may be civil or criminal in nature. Civil contempt is governed by §§ 1209-1222 of the California Code of Civil Procedure; while criminal contempt for violation of penal statutes is prosecuted as a crime, under § 166 of the California Penal Code.

Contempt proceedings are considered "civil" in nature, if the contempt judgment coersively subjects the obligor or contemner to imprisonment only until he or she complies with the act(s) ordered by the court. So, a "civil" contemner may be incarcerated indefinitely pending compliance of the contempt order, under § 1218(c) of the California Code of Civil Procedure. But the civil contemner has the "ability to purge" by performing the act(s) ordered.

The lack of "ability to purge" characterizes contempt proceedings as "criminal" in nature. It is punitive, rather than coercive. And a criminal contempt judgment subjects the obligor or contemner to a sentence of fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or imprisonment not exceeding five (5) days or both for each count of contempt.

Thus, the potentially indefinite incarceration resulting from a civil contempt judgment arguably renders it more onerous, even more punitive than criminal contempt, under certain circumstances.

But the parties and even the court may not know what type of contempt proceedings they are in, until the particular judgment is pronounced or issued by the court.

The complexities and uncertainties of outcomes of contempt proceedings have relegated contempt as a tactical tool for exacting settlement from the defaulting parent or spouse.

Atty Roman P. Mosqueda is a graduate from Michigan Law School with both a Doctorate of Law and LLM. The Law Offices of Roman P. Mosqueda are a full service law firm that handles all types of cases such as divorce, immigration, bankruptcy, personal injury, and more. Call (213) 252 - 9481 for a free consultation today!

Offices are located at:
Los Angeles: 3055 Wilshire Blvd Suite 425., Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213)252-9481
Riverside: 3797 Tenth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
(951)683-6615
Long Beach: 1043 E.Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813
(562)218-8600

Visit http://www.MosquedaLaw.com for more free articles written by Attorney Mosqueda and more information about his offices.

Commercial Loan Application - An Overview Friday, September 24, 2010

What should you expect during the commercial loan application process? Below is an overview of what to expect and what to be careful of when you begin the process.

The commercial loan application general starts off with a general discussion of what the borrower is trying to accomplish and what potential loan options the commercial lender or broker can provide. Rates are often quoted as well at this point.

Assuming there is a decent match between the two sides the lender or broker will want to get documentation to further formalize the commercial loan application. Typically the lender will want to see three years worth of tax returns, both personal and business, year to date financials such as a profit and loss statement and balance sheet.

Also lenders will need to get a better idea of what the borrower's credit score is and will often ask for a borrowers authorization to pull credit. A business debt summary is often required as well if the business (on owner occupied transactions) has a substantial amount of business debt. The debt summary will include a list of the terms, amortization, rates etc on this various debt.

Often the lender will want the borrower to fill out an actual commercial loan application to make sure they have all of the details correct. Its normally 5- 10 pages long and is a major inconvenience for all involved - but necessary. Once all of the documentation is put together underwriting is ready to sit down and review the total commercial loan application.

It is at this point that the bank will make its initial decision on whether to fund or pass. If they decide to fund to the next step a Letter of Intent aka Term Sheet will be issued, which highlights all of the major terms such as proposed rate, amortization, prepayment penalties, etc.

It is also important to point out that it is at this junction the funding bank will ask for a good faith deposit assuming the borrower is agreeable with the deal. Borrowers should be careful if brokers or lesser known banks ask for large deposits if they haven't yet reviewed the file. That is a big red flag.

A small application fee is one thing; a $5,000 deposit asked for by a broker is another.

What's a normal good faith deposit? The bank will normally want to have in hand enough to cover the outside third party reports such as the appraisal and environmental. The total is normally around $5,000 for general use properties with loan amounts less than $3,000,000. These deposits can be much higher on special use properties, for example hotels where the appraisal normally runs $10,000 or more.

Once the borrower signs off on the LOI and sends in the Good Faith deposit the commercial loan application segment is officially over and the deal is official in process.

Jeff Rauth is President of Commercial Finance Advisors, Inc out of Birmingham, Michigan. He has a STORE for commercial loan brokers. Contracts, spreadsheets, books, etc. Products starting at $4.95! Check it out commercial real estate loans or small commercial loans or commercial loan rates

Personal Injury Law at Michigan Thursday, September 23, 2010

PERSONAL INJURY

The term 'personal injury' is described as any harm caused to a person, such as a broken bone, a cut, a bruise , truck or auto accident, a broken ankle from slipping on a side walk, to spastic paralysis caused through any medical negligence.

A personal injury occurs when someone suffered from some form of injury, either physical or psychological, as the result of an accident or medical malpractice.

A personal injury, physical or psychological, can have long or short term effects. Injury or disease resulting from someone's else negligence is often a very traumatic and worrying experience. You may feel vulnerable and unsure of your own rights and responsibilities, during this difficult time.
Any type of bodily injury as a result of an attack, negligence, or accident can also be categorized as the same, and you can file a lawsuit to recover damages from whoever is responsible for your injuries.

Any type of bodily injury as a result of an attack, negligence, or accident can also be categorized as the same, and you can file a lawsuit to recover damages from whoever is responsible for your injuries.

Personal injury accidents are on the rise. It's estimated that every year more than 90,000 people in the United States die due to personal injuries and even more are injured, but must live with the painful effects of their injury for many years.

Claim For Personal injury

If a person have suffered by a personal injury of any kind, due to incidental or negligence of other party then in that case one have legal or civil right to claim for the injury and track back their life as soon as possible. Making a claim is still a legal procedure and there is far more involved than just filling in a form and then getting the compensated money a few weeks later. Depending on the type of case there are many restrictions and pitfalls to making a claim. The key is to get a solicitor that has experience in your type of claim, that way they can advise you of everything you need to know prior to even starting a case. Figuring out how much your accident injuries are worth, is a critical aspect of any personal injury claim, and it's the part of a claim that is most difficult to determine.

Personal injury claims can be complicated and time-consuming, but with the help of specialist solicitors, the process can be made much more simple and quick. The most common type of personal injury claims are road traffic accidents, accidents at work, tripping accidents, assault claims, accidents in the home, defective product accidents and holiday accidents.

However, many families don't realize that they may be due just compensation under the law for their injuries. Other families are grieving in the midst of a loss and don't realize they may also be due just compensation for the personal injury accident that took their loved one from them.

If you or a member of your family has been the victim of a personal injury accident, you need experienced, competent, and reliable personal injury lawyers. If your family resides in or across Michigan, Hirsch law firm is the First and best option for your personal injury case.

There are two components to any personal injury case, damages and liability.

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court by negotiating with the defendants insurance company. If a negotiation cannot be reached in this manner, a Compliant of Law must be filed in civil court, most often in the States circuit court in the county in which the injury occurred.

When making a personal injury claim, there are statutes of limitation set to define the time between when an injury occurs and when the claim can be filed. These statues vary from state to state and may be different depending on the type of injury involved.

If you want any free advice on any of your personal injury cases or wants to hire an attorney for your case do contact Hirsch law firm http://www.jonhirschlaw.com

Lucy Orta - Body Architecture

Brought to you by UM School of Art & Design. Thursday, December 10, 2009 Trained as a fashion designer but working as an artist since the 1990s, Lucy Orta created architectures with soul. —objects that evoke the need for change, poetically prefiguring reality and suggesting alternative life styles. She has produced numerous interventions and actions, putting on stage crucial themes of the contemporary world: community, social exclusion, dwelling, mobility, sustainable development and recycling. With support from the UM Museum of Art (UMMA), the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), and the Chelsea River Gallery. art-design.umich.edu



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7C2DU6vUeE&hl=en

Best Workout For New Treadmill Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Pat King answers question from Fay in Michigan about treadmill workout.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJyQpyy4RAs&hl=en

Understanding Michigan Auto Accident Claims and The Basics of Michigan's No-Fault Laws Sunday, September 12, 2010

Image : http://www.flickr.com

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.

Northern Michigan Vacations

This past year I turned 50, and with this milestone I became a bit more reflective of my past. I began thinking about the childhood days of the Northern Michigan family vacations with my brothers and parents. Back then there was genuine excitement dealing with the fact that we would be going away, even if it was just a simple trip north to go camping. I have been to destinations all around the country and witnessed some fantastic sites but something has always pulled me back to these simple trips north.

I currently live in the Detroit area and it is on a yearly basis that my wife and I take a vacation making the trek north up I-75 and across US-2 to visit her parents. These are the same places I had visited as a child, and maybe now I can begin to make sense out of why this has always been special. It is hard to put your finger on just one thing that separates activities up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula from life at home. How can a person choose between the first inhale of Lake Superior air, biking for hours, sunsets that saturate the skyline or wordless hours of contentedness spent in Adirondack chairs smoking cigars.

Yet for all of northern Michigan's abundant treasures, something has to be said for realizing that all of the daily necessities from home become unnecessary up there while on vacation. Alarm clocks, blackberries, cell phones, tending to physical appearance, and diets and alcohol consumption limits become somewhat meaningless.

Whatever the particular fondness, it is safe to say that the northern Michigan state of mind can not be replicated back home. So it is a kind of ode to my own rational way of thinking that here are my latest reasons why I am now becoming fond of this trip all over again, and possibly why I felt so good about the vacation as a child.

o Appetites abound because everything tastes better cooked up there, especially the homemade pasties which I only have once a year.

o Riding a bike and experiencing the joy of the rolling hills and winding turns knowing that with every last aching pedal up the hills the reward comes in the glide down.

o Falling asleep after watching old movies, which somehow seem better then the current releases even with the lack of High Definition special effects.

o Being the only human being on the beach after bathing in the lake.

o Sitting on the porch looking at a sky so clear you feel as if you are in a planetarium.

o Fishing in the early morning, even if it does not really matter if the fish are biting or not

Unfortunately, the experience only lasts for a few days, and then the reality of the real world sets in again, but for the short period of time, I think I remember why my past and my present meet up once a year, and how good the feeling is to experience this once again.

Earl Campbell

Dogs and Homeowners Insurance - How to Find Breed Friendly Home Insurance Saturday, September 11, 2010

How will having a dog affect your homeowners insurance rates? What kind of dogs will cause your home insurance rates to increase or even possibly cause you to be ineligible for coverage? Is it possible to find cheap homeowners insurance even with a dog?Across the U.S. owners of certain breeds of dogs are being told by homeowners insurance carriers that they need to give up their dogs or risk having their homeowners insurance policy canceled or not renewed at the end of their contract period.

In most states it is also legal for homeowners insurance companies to charge higher premiums based on the breed of the dog. While there is no standard list of 'high risk' dogs among different insurance carriers, some of the breeds that are most often targeted are Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, Huskies, Malamutes, Chow Chows, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards.

With one third of all homeowners liability insurance claims being filed as a result of dog bites, insurance carriers are becoming increasingly reluctant to insure owners who have breeds that statistics have shown to cause the most personal injury. In 2006 insurers spent 35.14 million to cover the costs of dog bites alone.

STATISTICS CONCERNING DOG BITES

- Of all childhood hospital emergency room visits, dog bites rank second as the most common cause of injuries.

- 60% of all dog bites involve children. This includes the family dog as well as dogs not known to the child.

- Annually, the number of Americans that suffer dog bites exceeds 4.7 million.

- Rottweilers and Pit Bulls account for over 50% of all dog attacks. (A male dog is 80% more likely to bite than a female dog.)

- Surveys show that about 40% of households own a dog or dogs, and that the majority of dog bites occur in or near the house where the dog lives.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO FIND AMONG VARIOUS HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COMPANIES IF I'M AN OWNER OF A 'DANGEROUS BREED'?

Some home insurers will have a list of breeds and cross breeds that are banned from coverage and you will not be able to get a homeowners policy from them as long as you own that breed of dog. This is their policy regardless of how long you've owned the dog or how sweet its temperament.

Some insurance carriers will consider dogs on a case by case basis and not automatically ban insuring a dog based on its breed. Their homeowners insurance questionnaire may include questions such as, "Has your dog bitten anyone?" or "Has your dog been trained to bite or attack?" Also, the issue of whether a dog was provoked into biting or attacking may be taken into consideration. If in the past a dog has had an incident of attacking someone unprovoked, most insurers will not offer coverage and in many cases not renew a policy.

Some insurers will offer liability insurance coverage but require higher premiums if you are the owner of a 'high risk' dog. With liability claims sky rocketing in the area of injuries incurred by dog bites and by "dangerous breeds", insurers have increased their premiums to offset the cost in much the same way as homeowners are being required to pay higher premiums in areas where wind has caused so much damage.

Some home insurers will require those seeking a homeowners policy with them to sign a liability waiver for dog bites. All of which means that if the homeowner desires liability coverage for his dog he will have to purchase a separate policy, and of course, that means more money paid out in premiums.

WHAT IS GOING ON IN LEGISLATION CONCERNING "DANGEROUS DOGS"? Laws on dangerous dogs and homeowners insurance differ from state to state. In the state of Illinois Bill, H184 established a definition for "dangerous dogs' and 'vicious' dogs. It also outlines certain requirements for owning these dogs and lays out the penalties for violating these standards. In addition, all dogs are now required to be vaccinated against rabies. Inside the bill H184, certain jurisdiction was also given to county governments that they did not formerly have. This bill now allows counties to require micro chipping dogs, and they are also given the power to require animal and litter registration fees.

In Palos Heights, a city in Cook County, Illinois a micro chipping requirement was put into place. The City Council approved an ordinance that not only required owners with dogs classified as "dangerous" to micro chip their dogs, but in addition they are required to take out a $100,000 liability insurance policy for their pet. Under their definition, a "dangerous dog is one that "Exhibits extremely aggressive menacing behavior toward humans or domestic pets and must be confined to prevent injury or death to human or pets." As a result of this definition, 'dangerous dogs "must be kept in their home or in a secure enclosure. Outside trips are banned, unless a veterinary visit needs to be made. A muzzle is also a requirement for the dog to visit the vet.

On the insurance end, legislation is pending that would prohibit insurers form canceling or denying coverage based solely on the breed of a dog. Several others states, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington also have similar legislation in the works. Michigan and Pennsylvania already have a law in place that makes it illegal for homeowner insurance companies to deny coverage based on breed.

HOW DO I FIND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE TO COVER MY DOG?

Call around. This will take some diligence on your part, but there are still some insurance carriers that offer coverage on a case to case basis and do not discriminate against a breed. These would seem to hold to the American Kennel Association position of "Punish the deed, not the breed." Shopping around is key to finding cheap homeowners insurance.

If your dog has completed some kind of obedience training program, make that documentation available to the insurers. If your dog has not participated in an obedience program, as if that would help you obtain liability insurance or even give you a better rate.

Finally, if your dog has less than a stellar dog history, you might have to purchase a separate liability policy to cover your dog.

Whatever you decide to do - be sure that you shop around and compare homeowners insurance quotes from multiple companies. Shopping around is key to not only find the coverage for your pet and home that you need but also to save money in the process.

Get started finding cheap homeowners insurance today!

State Smoking Bans - Good Or Bad For Business? Friday, September 10, 2010

Recently business owners in many parts of the country are alarmed as they learn that their state has passed a law banning smoking in public places. Typically, these are restaurants, bars, sporting arenas, bowling alleys and similar pubic places. Disputes consistently arise over the advantages and disadvantages that this legislation causes businesses. Many of their best customers smoke while patronizing their businesses.

Typically when a state passes legislation to ban smoking in public areas, the business owners are given a designated period of time (i.e. 90 days, 1 year, etc.). Most recently, Pennsylvania passed a law prohibiting smoking in public places and gave a 90-day notice before all restaurants, bowling alleys, etc. must make their businesses smoke-free.

Pennsylvania's new law is a compromise bill, allowing some bars, private clubs, and casinos to maintain their right to allow smoking. This exception allows smokers to continue lighting up while gathering with friends at certain public locations.

Politicians responsible for bills preventing smoking in public places claim to be taking measures to protect public health. Not only will smoking bans discourage smoking altogether, but it will protect innocent, non-smoking bystanders from the unwanted health risks of second-hand smoke. A person is responsible for their own health when they choose to light up a cigar or cigarette, but it is not their right to endanger the health of others. Without smoking bans, non-smokers' only choice in avoiding smoke may be to avoid public places altogether. Smoking bans free people to venture into public places without worrying about the health risks from outside sources.

Other reasons politicians may promote such a bill is to reduce health care costs. In an age where health coverage is expensive and sometimes not available for all, it is important to reduce the risks that can be controlled.

While some smokers are angered by bans, others understand the reasons and are willing to comply. One smoker implied that since he must go outside to smoke at home, he might as well go outside to smoke when he's in public.

Often business owners are apprehensive that these laws will hinder business. Others take such bans in stride by helping their consumers adjust to new laws by restricting smoking privileges before laws go into effect. Still other entrepreneurs are bothered by a feeling of being discriminated against due to bans in certain establishments while not others. Jim Mitchell, restaurant owner in Pittsburgh commented, "All I've ever asked for was a level playing field, but what that Legislature [PA Smoking Ban Bill] has done is said that smoking is unhealthy in my establishment but it's not unhealthy in casinos, clubs and small restaurants, and it just shows that public health takes a backseat to money."1

Store owners are understandably disturbed by the presence of smoking bans, but oftentimes, to their surprise, business actually increases due to these prohibitions. Restaurants and bars in Massachusetts saw sales rise in the first six months following their ban in July of 2004. Additionally, a study by the Harvard School of Public Health tested 27 bars and restaurants to find that, "Dangerous, cancer-causing toxins plummeted by 93 percent once cigarettes, cigars, and pipes were banished."2 The Boston Globe reports that, "An increasing body of evidence also suggests that what's good for the health of workers and patrons may also boost the bottom line of businesses."2 Rise in business is attributed to people gathering in bars for food and enjoying sitting at the bar without concern about whether someone will be sitting with them smoking.

While restaurants seem to benefit from smoking bans, other businesses, as predicted, suffer. Bowling alleys are one type of business that seem to take a hit. Hundreds of league bowlers have quit, causing several thousands of dollars of losses for bowling alley owners.

Most likely, there will continue to be some dissension about laws prohibiting smoking in public areas. Overall, the health benefits heavily outweigh any monetary losses suffered by business owners, and many businesses benefit from the bans as well. Over half of the states in the nation now have at least some kind of prohibition against smoking in public establishments.

What is your state's smoking regulation?

Smoking banned in restaurants:
- Georgia
- Idaho

Smoking banned in non-hospitality workplaces:
- South Dakota

Smoking banned in bars and restaurants:
- New Hampshire

Smoking banned in restaurants and non-hospitality workplaces:
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee

Smoking banned in restaurants, bars, and non-hospitality workplaces:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington

No statewide smoking ban:
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming

Paul Galla

1 http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/health/16475782/detail.html

2 http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/04/04/restaurants_bars_gain_business_under_smoke_ban/

Paul Galla, President

No-Smoking-Signs.com

Michigan Car Insurance Quotes And The Minimum Requirements Tuesday, September 7, 2010

If you need a Michigan car insurance quote but you're not sure what to quote on, here are a few tips to get the right quotes and save money. This includes the minimum state requirements for auto insurance.

By law, Michigan requires that you purchase no-fault car insurance if you own a vehicle. According to Michigan's official state Web site, they have the most comprehensive no-fault auto insurance system in the country.

With this system, vehicle owners and their families are provided with unlimited medical and rehabilitation benefits, wage loss benefits and $20 per day for replacement services for up to three years if injured in an auto accident -- no matter who was at fault.

The minimum parts of a no-fault policy that must be carried on your vehicle are:

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, which pays necessary medical costs if you are injured in an accident.

Property Protection, or PPI, which pays up to $1 million for damages your car does in Michigan to other property.

Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance, also known as BI/PD. This pays for defense costs and damages if you are found liable in an accident. The minimum limits you must purchase are:

Bodily Injury -- $20,000 per person who is hurt or killed in an accident, and $40,000 per accident if several people are hurt or killed.

Property Damage -- $10,000 for property damage in another state.

You can also increase your limits to provide more financial protection, and add optional coverages such as Uninsured Motorist and Comprehensive.

Since car insurance companies in Michigan charge different rates from company to company, one of the best ways to save money is to get several quotes. Provide the same information and request the same coverages for each quote in order to get the most accurate comparison.

Scott Lunt is a freelance writer with over 15 years experience writing about car insurance. You can compare Michigan car insurance quotes and quotes for all other states, plus find more tips on saving on car, home, life, health and long-term care insurance at LowerYourInsurance.com. The site also includes a handy worksheet to help you when shopping for car insurance.

Michigan Pike Fishing - How To Get The Best Game Sunday, September 5, 2010

The state of Michigan can be described as having been blessed with the best of nature's beauty and so attracts tourists and fishermen from all over the world. Over 50 percent of Michigan is afforested and boasts of over 10,000 lakes that are best suited for fishing all species of game - at least fresh water species. Even when it comes to ice fishing Michigan has the best locations to offer anglers from the world over because most of the rivers and lakes freeze over in the winter months.

Among the many species of fish that are found the most popular is perhaps the Pike. The Northern Pike is found abundantly in the lakes of Michigan, however, when it comes to catching one you are up against the most cunning and elusive species of fish in the world. This is what makes fishing fir Pike one of the favorite pastimes of every angler worth his tackle no matter where the reins from in the world.

Though these fish will not be found in every lake in Michigan there are found in most of the lakes and a little research will prove fruitful in locating this elusive Piscean. Anglers demand for this fish is such that the authorities have started breeding and stocking the lakes with Pike just to keep the fishing tourist traffic coming as this is huge revenue for the state. This is also why there are regulations about the size of a fish you can remove from the lake. So, caution is advised, if you are caught with an extra small Pike you are likely to be fined and repeated misdemeanors will get you rapped on across your knuckles and called a naughty boy - you may even be made to stand in the corner of a jail cell if you are extra bad.

The best place to fish for Pike is in the lakes of Munuscong Bay, in Chippewa County - perhaps the best place to get some of the best bites. Many good trophies have been caught and mounted here. Then there is Drummond Island where you can get some very good specimens of Yellow Perch, Whitefish and Walleye.

The other locations that you can go fishing and are guaranteed to find a spot that is not crowded include:
- Mackinac County
- The Big Manistique Lake
- South Manistique Lake
- The Au Train Lake
- Munising Bay Little Bay de Noc
- Horseshoe Lake
- Big Shag Lake

It is best to try out the smaller lakes as these are little known lakes and are also good for ice fishing as these small water bodies freeze up faster in the winter than the larger lakes. They also have a greater variety of fish that are eager to bite and make an anglers day. So, come to Michigan and ask around, if you don't already know your way around. You are sure to find the perfect spot to make your fishing excision a memorable one.

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Scarlett Middle School "HABITS OF MIND" Mosaics Saturday, September 4, 2010

This is the (short) story of 6th graders who are now 7th graders making 16 2' X 2' mosaics representing the sixteen HABITS OF MIND at Scarlett Middle School in Ann Arbor, Michigan



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZGxo-dE3hs&hl=en

MGA Flammability and Materials Testing

MGA has a wide range of flammability and flammability-related tests for materials research, quality control and industry and regulatory requirements. Our Expertise can assist you with all of your testing needs.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AspY0Ye7GM&hl=en

Payroll Michigan, Unique Aspects of Michigan Payroll Law and Practice Friday, September 3, 2010

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The Michigan State Agency that oversees the collection and reporting of State income taxes deducted from payroll checks is:

Department of Treasury

Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes Div.

Treasury Bldg.

430 W. Allegan St.

Lansing, MI 48922

(517) 636-4730

http://www.michigan.gov/treasury

Michigan requires that you use Michigan form "MI-W4, Employee's Michigan Withholding Exemption Certificate" instead of a Federal W-4 Form for Michigan State Income Tax Withholding.

Not all states allow salary reductions made under Section 125 cafeteria plans or 401(k) to be treated in the same manner as the IRS code allows. In Michigan cafeteria plans are not taxable for income tax calculation; taxable for unemployment insurance purposes. 401(k) plan deferrals are not taxable for income taxes; taxable for unemployment purposes.

In Michigan supplemental wages are taxed at a 3.9% flat rate.

You must file your Michigan state W-2s by magnetic media if you are have at least 250 employees and are required to file your federal W-2s by magnetic media.

The Michigan State Unemployment Insurance Agency is:

Bureau of Workers and Unemployment

Compensation

Cadillac Place

3024 W. Grand Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48202

(800) 638-3994

http://www.michigan.gov/

The State of Michigan taxable wage base for unemployment purposes is wages up to $9000.00.

Michigan has optional reporting of quarterly wages on magnetic media.

Unemployment records must be retained in Michigan for a minimum period of six years. This information generally includes: name; social security number; dates of hire, rehire and termination; wages by period; payroll pay periods and pay dates; date and circumstances of termination.

The Michigan State Agency charged with enforcing the state wage and hour laws is:

Department of Consumer and Industry Services

Bureau of Safety and Regulation

Wage and Hour Division

7150 Harris Dr., Box 30643

Lansing, MI 48909-8143

(517) 322-1825

[http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0],1607,7-154-11407---,00.html

The minimum wage in Michigan is $5.15 per hour.

The general provision in Michigan concerning paying overtime in a non-FLSA covered employer is one and one half times regular rate after 40-hour week.

Michigan State new hire reporting requirements are that every employer must report every new hire and rehire. The employer must report the federally required elements of:

• Employee's name


• Employee's address


• Employee's social security number


• Employer's name


• Employers address


• Employer's Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This information must be reported within 20 days of the hiring or rehiring.
The information can be sent as a W4 or equivalent by mail, fax or electronically.
There is no penalty for a late report in Michigan.

The Michigan new hire-reporting agency can be reached at 800-524-9846 or on the web at http://www.newhire-usa.com/mi/.

Michigan does not allow compulsory direct deposit

Michigan requires the following information on an employee's pay stub:

• Gross and Net Earnings


• straight time and overtime pay


• pay periods


• hours worked


• itemized deductions

Michigan requires that employee be paid semimonthly; monthly if wages paid by 1st of next month; weekly or biweekly if paydays regularly scheduled.

Michigan requires that the lag time between the end of the pay period and the payment of wages earned from 1st-15th, pay by 1st of next month; 16th-end of month, pay by 15th of next month; 14 days after pay period for weekly or biweekly paydays to the employee.

Michigan payroll law requires that involuntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay immediately, or as soon as amount due is determined and that voluntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay when amount is determined.

Deceased employee's wages must be paid when normally due to employee's written designee; if none, surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings (in that order).

Escheat laws in Michigan require that unclaimed wages be paid over to the state after one year if more than $50.

The employer is further required in Michigan to keep a record of the wages abandoned and turned over to the state for a period of 10 years.

Michigan payroll law mandates no more than $2.50 may be used as a tip credit.

In the Michigan payroll law there is no provision covering required rest or meal periods.

Michigan statute requires that wage and hour records be kept for a period of not less than three years. These records will normally consist of at least the information required under FLSA.

The Michigan agency charged with enforcing Child Support Orders and laws is:

Office of Child Support

Michigan Family Independence Agency

235 S. Grand Ave., Ste. 1406

Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 373-7570

http://www.michigan.gov/dhs

Michigan has the following provisions for child support deductions:

• When to start Withholding? 7 days after service.
  


• When to send Payment? Within 3 days of Payday.
  


• When to send Termination Notice? "Promptly"
  


• Maximum Administrative Fee? no provision
  


• Withholding Limits? Federal Rules under CCPA.
  

Please note that this article is not updated for changes that can and will happen from time to time.

Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll, accounting and tax business for 30 years, the last fifteen in private practice. Mr. Read is the author of “How to Start a New Business”.

For Professional Payroll services at a Budget Price go to http://www.PayrollonaBudget.com a Paperless Payroll Company.

Go to http://www.CustomPayroll.com For a full service payroll service bureau with CPA's on staff.

See an excerpt of Mr. Read’s interviews from William Shatners “Heartbeat of America” television show on the websites linked above.

Top 10 MBA - Blueprint For a Successful Business School Application Thursday, September 2, 2010

You can apply to join any MBA program. However, the most ambitious applicants all want to get into the top MBA programs. Any individual who wants to become a graduate of one of the best institutions has been working towards this goal for years. This process starts as a student in high school and then college. By the time you are ready to apply you already have a job that you are successful at. For many an MBA program at Harvard, Michigan, Stanford, Wharton or Kellog is their final push to get the career they have always dreamed of. If you are ready to apply it means you have all the necessary credentials. Based on this you most certainly do deserve to get the best out of life. However, you are going to have to compete with the best of the best to secure your place.

The one thing all successful people know is to use every opportunity to help them on their way. This is the sensible attitude if you are determined to get what you want. You've come such a long way already it would be a mistake not to gather as much information and advice as possible to give you the best chance possible. If you go about making applications to the best MBA programs the right way it will take time and effort. The more good advice you can get the better. Usually the best advice will come from those who have already been through the system in order to become MBA graduates.

Top 10 MBA Tips:

You must begin putting your application together far in advance

Ask at least two appropriate people to review the application

Ask for advice if there are any weak areas in any part of your application

Always be the person you are and don't try to copy anyone else

Make sure your application is on time, but don't rush; rather check again before submitting

Never underestimate the importance of recommendations

Have balanced recommenders - one for prestige and one who really knows you

Being put on the wait list does not mean you aren't accepted

Know why you are choosing a specific school

To get into a top program you must have excellent GMAT scores because an application to an MBA program is such a lot of work it makes sense to get a good result. If you are making more than one application this is a procedure that will require extra time. Seeking the help of those who have been through it will prove to be invaluable. Even those who were unsuccessful will be able to give you some really good advice, even if it's to be aware of what doesn't work. The advantages of having top names like Harvard, Stanford and Kellog behind your name will make it all worthwhile. The future will consist of the best employment and access to the highest earning power. The most cutting edge companies are always on the lookout for the best talent, and they all come from the best MBA programs.

William "Josh" Hohman offers a free copy of his successful MBA recommendation letter to Stanford. Get your free copy & learn more about Top 10 MBA today.