Speaking up about vehicle safety

If you think there's no use in complaining, think again. Consumer complaints about vehicle safety have sparked a number of auto recalls that have helped keep American roads safe.

How many complaints does it take to initiate a recall investigation? There is no set number. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every consumer complaint counts.

The NHTSA is perhaps most recognized for its "5-star government crash test ratings." However, the agency also oversees and manages the recall of defective vehicles. While most recalls are initiated by manufacturers, NHTSA-influenced or - initiated recalls typically result in a greater number of individual vehicles being recalled each year.

To encourage consumer input, the agency uses every available avenue. Efforts to get unsafe vehicles off the road are fueled by calls to the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline, complaints sent by mail, and reports filed via the Web site at www. safercar. gov. Visitors to the site can fill out an online complaint form, at their convenience, and with relative ease of use.

Every phone call, Internet report or complaint letter to NHTSA is carefully reviewed by vehicle safety experts and the complaint is posted (with names and personal identifiers removed to protect privacy) on the agency Web site.

The agency's technical staff members continuously monitor all complaints to determine trends and next steps. As soon as a trend is suspected and the issue poses a potential safety risk, the agency opens an official recall investigation, with the ultimate goal of saving lives caused by motor vehicle failure and crashes. It could be your vehicle safety complaint that signals agency engineers to open an investigation.

The group says that people having problems with their vehicles that they think are safety related shouldn't hesitate to complain. Direct input from consumers is invaluable to the agency's ability to fulfill its mission and improve service when it matters most: when lives are at stake.

Learning to succeed on your own terms

What three things do the world's most successful people share in common? They have their own definition of success, they know the personality qualities that drive them, and they've seized their defining moments.

That's the idea in a new book that examines the personality traits of successful people across the globe. The book's authors say the lessons learned can help people succeed in their careers and in life.

Written by Herb Greenberg and Patrick Sweeney-who have advised more than 25,000 companies in the areas of hiring, employee development, team building and organizational development-"Succeed on Your Own Terms" (McGraw-Hill, $21.95) offers readers practical tips and advice.

The book provides an in-depth look at more than four dozen talented individuals who have made their marks in business, politics, sports, the arts and global affairs. It also offers readers the chance to complete a free, in-depth personality profile (worth over $200) to help focus their energies on specific fields or goals. According to the book, successful people know that:

• Real success comes from recognizing, understanding, developing and concentrating on one's strengths. According to Paul Schulte, the youngest U. S. Olympic wheelchair basketball player at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, that means "focussing on what you have, rather than what you don't have."

• Being self-aware means not letting the outside world define you and knowing what motivates you. For instance, Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to climb Mount Everest, says, "Success is the achievement of whatever it is that you set out to do. And it's up to you to decide what that is. It can't be determined by anyone else."

• Being willing to risk means being all right with the possibilities. Senator Barbara Boxer says she doesn't always succeed if that only means accomplishing what she wants. "I can feel successful just moving my agenda forward," she explains.

• When you love what you do, people can sense it in your presence.

Reading the book's success stories will help people gain a new perspective-one that can be useful when striving for success in their own lives.

How-to-lube-your-mountain-bike-293

How To Lube Your Mountain Bike

A mountain bike is a lot of fun although it does

require some maintenance. You should always lube

your bike 15 hours or so before riding, as quick

jobs right before you take off normally doesn't

get everything lubed. Some lube jobs will last

for more rides, although if things get loud or

shifting gets sticky, it's time to lube.

Here is how to lube your bike:

1. The chain

Apply a generous amount of mountain bike lube to

your chain as you move the pedals around backwards.

It also helps to find a spot to steady your hand

such as the frame while you move the pedals around

and around. Make sure you watch out for the cranks

and chain rings as they move around.

2. Front Deraileur

On the front defaileur, lube the pivots. Use a

spot of lube everywhere you can see movement when

you move the shift lever.

3. Rear deraileur

Just like the front deraileur, lube the pivots.

4. Pedals

There are some types of clipless pedals that will

need to have the release mechanism lubed. You

should only lube this mechanism if you have this

type of pedal.

5. Everything into motion

Pedal around, shift your gears, and bounce your

bike around. If you hear anything squeak, there's

a moving part there are it should be lubed

immediately.

6. Wipe it all clean

Once you've lubed everything and wiped it all

around, simply wipe it all back off. Use a rag

to wipe away all the lube you used, including all

the lube off the chain. Wiping it away will leave

the lube in between the parts but clean it away

from everywhere it isn't needed. This will keep

your bike from collecting dirt while you ride.

(word count 293)

PPPPP

Increasing inner peace by reducing your stress

Peace-making is a healing process and it begins with me, but it does not end there. - Gene Knudsen Hoffman

There is a great need for peace in the world today. Most people would recognize that on a global level as all over the world, wars are raging and every day more people are becoming caught up in the violent turn of events, but how about on a local or individual level? Do you need more peace in your life? I think many people would answer yes to that question. As the quote above illustrates, creating peace in your life is actually a healing process. It involves healing the hurting, malfunctioning parts of our bodies, minds, and souls and creating a new pattern of behavior which results in an overall sense of wellbeing and a smoothly functioning physical body.

This healing process has an impact on every facet of your being and on those around you. I believe that is what Hoffman meant when she said “it does not end there”. Creating peace within ourselves can’t help but bleed into our relationships with loved ones, into our community, and even out into the world. So, the question then is “How do I create Peace?”. If it was easy to attain wouldn’t we already be creating it daily? Good question, but not an easy answer. Unfortunately, there are many beliefs in the human mind that seem to nudge the potential for peace out of the picture. We impart so many pressures on ourselves, creating stress and erasing all possibility for the inner peace we all seem to desire. One way to stop the cycle of peace-destroying behavior is to practice regular intentional stress reduction.

While there are many ways to reduce stress like meditation, yoga, and massage, one of the most powerful modalities is called Quantum Biofeedback. This is a technologically advanced interface developed out of traditional biofeedback that uses a device called the SCIO/EPFX. It is an effective tool for reducing the stress that daily life brings as well as the stress that self-imposed pressures can place on our mind, body, and soul. The SCIO/EPFX uses energetic therapy to eradicate the effects that stress has on our body’s natural healing functions. When that stress is gone, the body and mind function more efficiently and the healing process that brings about a feeling of inner peace is more likely to take place. Less stress also means that with proper intention by the conscious mind, those harmful beliefs that created the disharmony in the first place can be rewritten.

In addition to Quantum Biofeedback, another tool that can bring about a greater feeling of inner peace is called The Peace Program. This is another stress reduction tool, like the SCIO/EPFX, that delivers energetic balancing frequencies from a distance to the client all day every day. It works similarly to prayer, but is not restricted by any one religion or belief system. Instead it combines many of the official prayer frequencies recognized by many religions around the world as well as other stress reduction frequencies to create a calming therapeutic mix. The program works on a monthly subscription basis so all one has to do is provide some information in order to be calibrated into the system and then they, their loved ones, and even their pets can enjoy the 24/7 benefits.

As you’ve read above, the rewards of stress reduction can be incredible – imagine increased health, better relationships with those around you, and of course, a greater feeling of inner peace. The two options given above, as well as many others, are available to you today if only you take the time to do your research and give them a try. The gift you will be giving yourself is great and the lessons you will learn are life-changing. And remember, the road to inner peace starts with you, but does not end there. So, find the tool that’s right for you and choose to make a difference today in your own life and in the life of your neighbors around the world.

Furniture style bar stool designs

Furniture bar stools are just like any other recliners or sofa chairs. At their core they are still bar stools with swivel action seats and bar stool style legs, although these bar stools have far more uses than your ordinary run of the mill bar stool. For those of you who would have one of these stylish and elegant bar stools in your home, you will find that they would go well in your living room or entertainment room. These furniture bar stools are also exceptionally comfortable when used as a counter stool in your kitchen.

Now if you are in the market for furniture bar stools there are a number of places to go to find them. You could in all probability find an extensive range at a local furniture store; this is of course if you live in or around a big city or town that boast such stores. The number 2 option is to check out the local gaming and billiard room factories. The third option is by far the best option all round, shop online; the selection of furniture bar stools available to you is truly astounding. Applying this method of shopping will not only save you a lot of time and hassle but comes with an added bonus you need never have to even get out of your pj’s.

Outside the straightforward conveniences of shopping online, the amount of bar stool designs you will find on the internet is incredible. There are numerous websites that feature nothing but bar stools. Some of the best bar stool site have quite literally 100’s of bar stools to choose from. You are sure to find the style of stool that will suit you.

If you are after discounted or cheap bar stools then it would be advisable to check out some of the best bar stool sites that always have keen prices and discounts like marios-bar. com or ebay. There are a lot of quality bargains to be found if just take time to investigate the options available to you.

If you want to find 2nd hand bar stools, but you don’t want to shop online because you don’t feel like its your cup of tea, check out your local newspaper's garage, car boot and yard sale announcements. Look for estate sales and auctions in particular, and get there early because all the best furniture always goes fast at such events.

Asset protection

WHAT IS ASSET PROTECTION?

By: Steven Rich, MBA

Marketing Manager for

Panama Offshore Legal Serevices

Everyone should be afraid of being sued with so many lawsuits being filed now days around the world.

You might think that you may never be sued.

How wrong you are!

Let's first take a look at how easy it is to be sued now days. One of the first dangers is being indirectly involved with a lawsuit.

THE DANGERS OF JOINT & SEVERAL LIABILITY

This is a legal concept whereby an individual could be sued as a second or third defendant without having been directly involved with the original injury to the plaintiff.

Here are some examples of how you can be sued for Joint and Several Liability:

1. Your business partner commits theft, fraud, or a personal injury in the course of conducting business.

2. Your spouse is accused of theft, fraud, or a personal injury and the plaintiff sues the entire marital community (including you).

3. You render assistance to someone who was injured by another person and the plaintiff sues you along with the person who actually committed the injury.

4. A friend or relative borrows your car and gets into an accident. As the car's owner you get sued along with the driver.

5. Your company gets sued for sex discrimination committed by one of your employees and you get named as a defendant because it's your company.

6. Your real estate investment partnership, joint venture, or company gets sued by the federal or a state government because toxic waste is discovered on the property.

7. The IRS, or Revenue agency sues your partnership, joint venture, or company for tax evasion.

There are many more examples I could provide. The main thing is that you can be sued and become jointly and severally liable for an injury to someone without having been personally negligent. All that is necessary is that you were connected in some way. If you are dragged into a lawsuit and the other defendants are without assets or insurance, you may end up being held liable for the full amount of the judgment!

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

Many lawyers recommend you purchase at least $1 Million insurance for each of your businesses, homes, land, cars, motorcycles, and boats you own.

This will cost you $ thousands in premiums every year depending on how large a deductible (which you'll pay to the plaintiff) you are willing to afford.

But, is that really enough?

$ MILLIONS CAN BE AT STAKE

Let's take a look at how large some of these lawsuit judgments can be.

There is a book entitled, The Professional Asset Protection Manual by Florida attorney Mark Warda (Galt Press) which lists some of the recent outrageous jury awards in the United States.

For example:

$84.5 million for children drowned and brain damaged in a swimming pool.

$49 million for a stillborn baby.

$41 million for a misdiagnosis of abdominal pain.

$5.87 million for sponsoring a party where a guest later caused an auto accident.

$986,000 to a woman who lost her “psychic powers” after a CAT scan.

$300,000 for slapping a daughter twice on the face.

$75,000 for spraying perfume on a person without permission.

$60,000 for cursing, which caused “emotional distress”.

Here are some other recent examples:

$12.7 million for a mistake in medication administered by a nurse.

$12 million to a doctor for failing to take a blood test for a rare disorder.

$7 million to a laborer who lost a limb at work on a construction job.

$160,000 to an employee who was “goosed” by fellow employees.

Don't forget the widely publicized $2.7 million award to Stella Liebeck (for her injuries from spilling some hot McDonald's coffee between her legs while driving).

In addition to the court award, you must pay

$ Thousands to your defense attorney!

Don't forget the many hours you will spend meeting with your attorney, answering written questions (interrogatories) from the plaintiff's attorney, attending depositions where the plaintiff's attorney will grill you, attending court hearings (motions), and the trial itself.

Add all of the time and expense to the psychological and physical stress you will endear.

Just because I am using examples from the United States, citizens of Canada, Europe, Russia, Central & South America, and even communist China are being sued for similar injuries.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

The best solution is to strip yourself of all assets and become what is known as "judgment proof" amongst the personal injury trial lawyers.

Most lawyers charge their clients no direct fee for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as a "contingent" fee. It means that the lawyer will collect no fee unless he wins the lawsuit and can collect the court awarded judgment amount.

Before a lawsuit is filed, a careful lawyer will research the defendant's ability to pay a court judgment. If the defendant is "judgment proof" meaning he has no insurance, no ownership of assets that can be seized to pay off a court judgment; the lawyer will not want to sue that defendant. That's because the lawyer will spend all of his time and money pursuing a lawsuit with no hope of ever getting paid.

So, how can you make yourself Judgment Proof?

OFFSHORE CORPORATIONS, TRUSTS & PRIVATE INTEREST FOUNDATIONS

Owning a corporation set up in your own country may provide a little protection. However, a domestic corporation can be sued as well. In addition, your shares in a corporation are assets in which a judgment creditor can seize.

OFFSHORE CORPORATION: A better solution is to set up a corporation outside of your country (offshore). An Offshore Corporation can own real estate and vehicles in your country. For even better protection, set up different Offshore Corporations so each owns one of your major assets. For instance, one corporation owns your cars, another owns one piece of real estate, and another owns different real estate. As the old saying goes: "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket."

Therefore, use Offshore Corporations to purchase your homes, office buildings, apartments, condos, raw land, and vehicles. The corporations then rent them back to you. Now you are no longer the owner of these assets. They are owned by Offshore Corporations. You are merely a tenant.

Remember this, it is important that you sign a written lease agreement (preferably in front of a Notary Public) for these properties and duly Record them with the correct state or government agency requiring you to do so. For instance, a notarized Lease Agreement properly describing the real property must be filed with the appropriate county, state, or provincial government office.

Now you have written proof that you are not the owner of the real properties and vehicles which you are using.

Also, remember to always pay your rent. If you have a written rental agreement which you violate by refusing to pay rent, it can be declared a sham by the courts. All of the rent you pay will be deposited into your Offshore Corporation's foreign bank account.

As for cash, deposit as much money into the Offshore Corporation's foreign bank account as you can. These cash assets will also be protected from any court judgment against you.

ONE WEAKNESS: While an Offshore Corporation can legally own and rent your assets back to you, there is still one weakness when it comes to Asset Protection. The corporation's shares may be in your name, or if they are in a form called "Bearer's Shares", they are still in your control. The IRS and most countries' Revenue agencies require you to disclose any ownership in foreign corporations and bank accounts. In addition, a court could order such disclosures in a lawsuit.

You can avoid this weakness by having all of the Offshore Corporation's shares held by either an Offshore Trust or a Private Interest Foundation. Then you can truthfully tell the IRS, Revenue and courts that you do not have ownership in any foreign corporations or bank accounts.

IMPORTANT: Before you set up Offshore Corporations and transfer assets to them, here is one more important fact. You must transfer your assets before you get into legal trouble or become exposed to a lawsuit.

FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE: This is a legal term for someone who tries to hide assets from creditors knowing that a lawsuit has or will be filed against him. It is an attempt to illegally hide assets. Such assets will not be protected from a court judgment.

If assets are transferred before any act which arises into a lawsuit occurs, those assets will be protected. In other words, create your Offshore Corporations now and transfer ownership of your assets to them before you get into trouble.

CONCLUSION

Asset Protection is necessary in today's lawsuit crazy world.

While the steps we have summarized for you above may seem difficult and complex, they really are not. That's because using experts who know how to set up Offshore Corporations, Trusts and/or Private Interest Foundations will make this easy for you.

Protect Your Ass(ets) and feel better for the future!

© COPYRIGHT, 2006

Steven Rich, MBA

All Rights Reserved

Getting the best credit card deals

Searching for credit card deals can really work to your advantage if you are looking for a new credit card. If you search for credit card deals, you may stumble upon a good credit card deal that offers a lot of benefits to the credit card user.

It is always important to remember that when you apply for a credit card, you shouldn't just apply to any credit card companies. You should always remember that your credit score should be considered in order for you to have a good credit rating in the future. You may not know it but applying for a new credit card should be considered carefully.

When searching for a credit card, you should look for these credit card deals in order to get that benefit you've always wanted:

-New Cardholder Incentives

A new cardholder incentive will work to your benefit well. Some credit card companies that offer this kind of deal will allow you to make purchases without interest at an extended period of time. With this benefit, you can make purchases without worrying about the interest rate. Some credit card companies offer this kind of benefit for up to 60 days while some offer this benefit for up to six months or even longer. With this kind of benefit, you, as a cardholder, can save a lot of money on interest while quickly paying the purchase off.

-Rewards

Another great deal you should look for is the rewards program that some credit card companies give to their credit card holders. Rewards program vary from company to company but pretty much works the same way. This kind of deal works when a cardholder uses their credit card frequently. The more a credit card holder uses their card, the more points they accumulate. The points can be converted into cash back, flight points, and other prizes. If you use your credit card frequently, this kind of deal is for you.

-Interest Rates

This is what most people look at first when they apply for a credit card. A good credit card deal should include a low interest rate. Most credit cards have 22% interest rates. So, if you can get a credit card deal with an interest rate lower than 22% then you are on your way on getting a good credit card deal.

-Annual Fees

Annual fees are also something you should look for when you are looking for a good credit card deal. High annual fees are definitely not worth your time. If you can get a credit card with a low annual fee along with other great deals mentioned, you should go for it. Low annual fees should be specially considered if you keep your credit cards for emergency purposes only. You don't want to pay for that extra fee if you don't frequently use your credit card.

Finding a credit card with good deals isn't always easy. This is why you should try hard looking for one that has at least two of the deals mentioned above. Try to consider where you use your credit card and determine which credit card deals are best suited for you.

By doing this, you can protect your credit rating and at the same time, save lots of money on charges that you don't have any use from. Get a credit card with great deals.