Friday, April 17, 2009

Plumbing Repair Advice from a Professional Contractor

If you've owned a home for over 20 years, there's a very good chance, that you've had a water pipe break, a drainpipe clogged, a toilet that wouldn't flush right, or a water leak that damaged part of the home. If you don't know, what you're looking for and you have no idea what damage can be done, over time, this could mean trouble for the homeowner.

Plumbing problems like these have been around and will be around for many years. Knowing what to do about them, how to repair them and what materials will be needed, can be found in plumbing repair manuals for books. How would you like to have a professional plumber to advise you on your plumbing repairs. What if I told you that you could have a plumbing professional on hand at all times. Is this something that you might be interested in.

Well I can't guarantee that, so let's forget about what I just said and go to the next best thing. Plumbing repair manuals are full of tips and advice that when needed can sometimes be priceless. If water is leaking from the ceiling in your home and you have no idea, where the water is coming from or how to stop it from leaking, any information could be priceless and I mean priceless.

Plumbers, usually charge over $100 an hour for emergency service. I've seen plumbers come to peoples homes, turn the water off to the house, stop the water from leaking and now it is no longer an emergency. The plumber quickly pulls out an invoice for the plumbing repairs and it could be over $1000, if you decide that this is ridiculous and choose not to pay it, the plumber can hand you a bill for stopping the water leak. Some of these bills are what I would consider quite ridiculous, for just shutting the water off.

You're not paying the plumber for the amount of time it took him, you're paying him for his knowledge. If you knew where to shut the water off, you wouldn't have an emergency situation and could contact a plumber during normal hours. This could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

With a simple home repair manual or a home plumbing book, you could prepare yourself for a situation like this and other plumbing problems. Most home repair manuals have general solutions and advice and can solve most of the problems around your home. If they can't solve all of the problems, they can probably save you from major catastrophes like a water leak.

Most of the time it's not the water leak that will cost the most money, it's the damage the water will do to your furniture, carpeting, wood flooring, walls or ceilings. A little information and preparation can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Home Plumbing Books

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Credit Cards For Students - What You Need

Your student is ready to go off to College and you want to make sure that financially they are set while away from home. The best method you feel is to get them a credit card that they can rely on for money instantly in an emergency. You know that once they get on campus many credit card offers will be made available and you are wondering just what type of card is the best for your child. The following are some things that you should consider when you help your young adult to get their first credit card.

• You want a card that offers 0% APR
• You want a card that waves yearly membership fees.
• You want a card that offers cash back or rewards.
• You want a card that needs no co-signer.
• You want a card that waves late fees for at least 30 days up to 90 days.
• You want a card that does not require security but can be obtained on the student's signature.
• You also want to make sure that your credit card that offers you cash rewards does not put time limits or point limits.

The proper credit card for your student should be a card that is easy to use, without having to worry if the student needs to go all over the place to find an ATM machine. You want to make sure that your student has financial coverage when they leave home for the first time.

As you find out what you want, make sure that you do your homework online to find out which one fits your needs. Once you find the one that works for you, use it to your advantage.

Find the best student credit cards and more of Tom's work all at FINDcollegecards.

Need a Lawyer? Four Tips to Finding the Right Lawyer

Although none of us ever hopes to be in the position of having to find a lawyer, life circumstances are such that all of us will probably need a lawyer at some point or another. When that time comes, will you know what to look for? If not, here are four tips that will point you in the right direction, whether you live in Indiana, New Mexico, or Georgia.


1. Find an Attorney Before You Need One.


That may sound counterintuitive, but the likelihood is great that, when you find that you need an attorney, you won't be in the best frame of mind to use your good judgment. If you've experienced a personal injury as the result of an automobile accident, for example, you may be in too much pain to go through the process of calling attorneys. Likewise, if you've been picked up on DUI charges, you need to have the confidence that the lawyer you choose is the right one. How do you find an attorney before you need one? Simply keep your ears open and ask around. If your neighbor had to hire a plumber and was happy with his work, you might ask her for his name and number and keep it handy in case you ever needed a plumber. The same holds true for attorney referrals. If someone you know is going through a legal proceeding and seems happy with his or her lawyer, ask for the lawyer's name and keep it handy.


2. Choose a Lawyer with Experience in Your Type of Case.


Just as you wouldn't hire a plumber to build you a new set of kitchen cabinets, you shouldn't retain an estate attorney to build your criminal defense. If you are dealing with drunk driving charges, make sure to select a lawyer who has had experience as a litigator. This could be someone who has worked for the district attorney's office or who has been a prosecuting attorney, as well as a lawyer who has extensive criminal defense experience. Likewise, if you are facing divorce proceedings and have to deal with issues like custody, child support, or even paternity, look for an attorney who has a family law practice area. Keep in mind, however, that many law firms have several, seemingly disparate practice areas. A law firm can be competent in several practice areas, either because they have associates at the firm who specialize in certain practice areas or because they work cooperatively with other firms who specialize in certain types of cases.


3. Discuss Fees Upfront.


Before you engage the services of an attorney, make sure you understand his fee structure. Many law firms charge exorbitant fees simply because they can. Look for a lawyer who charges reasonable fees for his services and for the services of his paralegals. Ideally, start with lawyers who offer a free initial consultation. This will give you the opportunity to assess his abilities and will give him the chance to determine whether or not he can be of assistance.


4. Select an Attorney Who is Available.


With many large law firms, you rarely get to speak with your attorney, and are often shuttled to a paralegal or legal secretary. The attorney you hire should be available to you, and you should be able to reach him (or receive a return call) within a reasonable amount of time. If your lawyer is too busy to return your call, you need to ask yourself if he's too busy to give his full attention to your legal issue.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Find the Right Lawyer or Majon's Law and Politics directory.

Will Bad Credit Loans Help in Fixing Your Credit Score?

Do you realize how important it is to stay off your credit floor and to pay your debts and credits on time? Unfortunately, many people do not seem to pay much importance to this matter until they see their credit scores go down the drain, and end up having a bad credit. Why do people get into a bad credit? Why do creditors and debtors resort to Bad Credit Loans? Will Bad Credit Loans help in fixing your credit score?

Bad Credit Loan is offered upon a debtors' inability to meet his monthly obligation in paying his or her current credit or loan. There are policies and guidelines imposed prior to the credit getting approved, and those terms must be followed. All or partial of the balance must be paid on or before the monthly due date. Failure to comply would incur late fees and charges that usually make the balance higher than the amount originally borrowed. Many debtors find it hard to cope with the payments and often it leads into bad credit. When it comes to this point, the credit management group comes in the picture, to take care of implementing some measures in order to collect the payment from debtors.

This is the stage wherein debt collectors start calling up the debtors as well as visit them to collect their payments. The creditors have their own special debt management group who offers the individual debtor to be in their debt management program. In the said program, debtors are given the chance to have their balances reduced as low as 50 percent, and for as long as they agree to a certain payment term. Although, if a debtor has a very bad credit score and credit history, they are likely to get only around 10 to 20 percent slash off their current balance. If a debtor agrees to the terms, both parties will then have another agreement that debtors must comply to, other wise legal actions will be imposed by the creditors.

But do you know that the situation gets even tougher for the creditors when it comes to a bad credit loan involving a company. Why? Because it is harder to collect credit dues from a company compared to an individual debtor. Creditors have less chances of collecting the target amount because most companies who are unable to pay their debts start filing bankruptcy which puts everything on hold freeing them from debt liabilities and the likes, leaving the creditors on a hanging status until such time the company gets to resolve their financial issues.

Find out how to fix your credit and workout all you bad credit problems at my website http://creditsecrets.cool-reviews.org/outstanding-bills.html

Could Someone Find the Fourth Amendment it Ran Away With a Tennessee DUI and Drug Search

Without getting into lengthy case law discussions, it is safe to say that the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is lost, either it ran away on it's own, or somebody took it, I don't think it ran away. Ok so where did it go, and really what was it anyway? Most people say to me, "they invaded my right to privacy" ok well if we want to be technical about this, some would say a literal interpretation of the Constitution, then there really is no right to privacy, you will not find that in Constititution. It is a right derived from the Fourth Amendment, but not really mentioned.

Ok so the right to privacy is old, right? No, it was born out of a case decided only a few decades ago. We started with a right to privacy, and since that time have continued to erode it. I have said before, it is generally understood that you have a lesser expectation of privacy in your car, so Tennessee DUI, Tennessee Drug searches of your car have less Constitutional protections for you, Why is that? The Supreme Court of the United States has said it is a balancing test between freedom from unreasonable searches, (IE privacy) and public safety. From this the gate swung open the erosion of the Fourth Amendment.

So your driving down I-24 in Tennessee heading to Chattanooga, you are pulled over by a White GMC Blazer type vehicle, and an officer approaches your car, he tells you that you have violated a traffic law in some way, maybe a Tennessee DUI violation or maybe tail light out, but then he asks you, Can I search your car? What does a traffic stop have to do with him searching your car? If your not intoxicated and their is no DUI charge, or you do have a tail light out and agree to ticket, and get it fixed, why should that be a reason to ask to search your car?

The Supreme Court of the United States has said that pre-textual stops are ok, ie if you break a traffic law it is ok for the police to stop you, even though their real intent is to ask you about drugs. Should the police officer inform you that you have the right to say no to the search? If we protect the 5th Amendment with the Miranda warnings, why don't we protect the 4th Amendment with a warning that you have the right to say no?

Few people know that you have a right to say no to the search, but what if you say no? In short it works like this, the clock starts ticking, meaning if you say no, and the police are running your drivers license and writing you out your ticket, they can call for a drug sniffing dog, and if you are stopped by a large White Blazer type vehicle, chances are they have the drug dog in the back of their car, surprise.

Lets say there is no dog with the police when they pull you over, but they call for a drug dog from another officer who must drive to the scene, then the clock is ticking on what a reasonable time is that they can hold you for the traffic ticket they are writing you. If the courts decide it is unreasonable, then any evidence they find is supressed, however if the amount of time they hold you for a speeding ticket is 25 minutes and drug dog arrives, and makes a positivie hit on your car, probably the Tennessee Courts will not supress any evidence that the police find.
So the real question is this, Why should the police be allowed to ask to search your car when they only stop you for a traffic violation or a Tennessee DUI that is unfounded, and have no probable cause to believe that you are doing anything wrong?

If we carried probable cause to the next phase of a traffic stop to protect the Fourth Amendment, what would be wrong with that? To protect the Fourth Amendment like we do the Fifth with Miranda Warnings, all we would have to do is this, if it takes probable cause to believe you broke a traffic violation to pull you over, then why not require that there be probable cause to ask to search your car? It would simply be a two pronge test to protect the Fourth Amendment in regards to traffic stops. Add in a simple reading that you have the right to say no to a search, and the erosion of the Fourth Amendment might slow down.

Posted by Daniel L. McMurtry

http://www.Nashvilledui.info

Nashville DUI Lawyer, Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Daniel L. McMurtry, located in Nashville, Tennessee representing clients in Tennessee on Criminal Matters. Nashville Criminal Lawyer with jury trial experience in Tennessee and Mississippi. Mr. McMurtry can be found at, Nashvilledui.info

A No Annual Fee Credit Card

The world is filled with many credit cards out there and there's something for everyone. Everything from bad credit based cards to the black card designed for those who are willing to pay $500 a year for premium services. Today, let's take a look at how a no annual fee based credit card can help you in the long run and benefit you the most.

No fees - This one is obvious but it saves you money. Did you know that there are a lot of cards out there that have annual fees and people don't even know about it? This is why it's important to look at your application before you apply because with an annual fee, you're going to pay this amount no matter how much you use your card. In my opinion, it's not worth it 99% of the time.

Great rewards - A no annual fee card usually comes with great rewards. The reason it will come with great rewards is because these cards are geared toward those with great credit. If you have great credit, you're going to find that you're eligible for a lot of cards on the market. This is when you take the opportunity to find the card that best suits your needs.

Personally, I never sign up for a card that has an annual fee. It's never worth it to me and I just don't want to open up my bill one day and find that I have a $85 annual fee just sitting there that I have to pay. If you're looking at a regular card, you usually don't have to pay one but just to make sure, always do your homework.

Find no annual fee credit cards and more of Tom's work all at FINDlowcards.com.

The Basics of Suspended Licenses

Suspended Licenses

While you may think it is your right to operate a vehicle, it is - in fact - a privilege which can be given or taken away by the United States government at any time. If you commit a crime or fail to maintain your eligibility to drive a vehicle in some other way, your license will most likely be suspended. On a suspended license, you are not allowed to operate a vehicle for a set period of time which is determined by a court of law. Once the suspension period has passed you will have the right to apply to have your license reinstated. This will also involve the payment of reinstatement fees in addition to whatever fines or penalties were paid to cover the citations that initially invoked the suspension.

Revoked Licenses

If your license is revoked, you will need to apply for a new license once the revocation period expires. After the revocation period is over, you will have to follow the licensing process in full, including driving tests and written exams. This includes paying any fees that go along with a new license.

Driver's license suspensions and revocations will appear on your driving record and will, no doubt, affect your insurance premiums.

Ways You May Lose Your License

Listed below are some of the most common ways in which people lose their license:

- Lack of insurance: Every driver is required by law to be able to show proof of insurance if stopped or asked by a law enforcement official.

- DUI/DWI charges: Driving under the influence is unacceptable and will result in the loss of your driving privileges.

- Refusal of an alcohol or drug test: If you refuse to take an alcohol or drug test, law enforcement officials will suspend your license.

- Underage drinking: Drinking under the age of 21 is prohibited and will result in the suspension of your license.

This list is not exhaustive by any means. There are many ways in which you may lose your license. Contact your local DMV office to learn more about the issuing, suspension, and revocation of licenses.

A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you have had your license suspended or revoked in connection with a criminal charge, contact a criminal defense lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options. A skilled attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process to ensure that your rights are fully protected.

Joseph Devine

Alcohol Rehab - The Reasons Why Rehab Helps

The medical community considers Alcohol Rehab as a much needed for treatment for one of the most addictive and most abused substances - alcohol. There has been a growth in the number of people having problems with alcohol addiction as it is convenient for people of any age to purchase it.

Alcohol abuse is the chronic consumption and craving for alcohol. This greatly interferes with the person's social and economic function. One solution to this condition is for the patient to go to an alcohol rehab center, where these institutions work by treating and bringing back to normal the victims of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol and the Society

Alcohol consumption can cause different social problems including health problems, work problems, relationship problems as well as other social harms.

People who become alcoholics cannot stop craving for alcohol and would fail at their home and office obligations. They can get involved in dangerous activities such as drunk driving or encounter legal problems and cannot stop drinking even with the onset of personal, medical and official problems. Problems with alcohol are permanent; this is also due to the fact that drinking has become an important and ineffaceable part of the society and culture.

Preventive Measures

Problems like alcohol abuse can possibly be reduced with preventive measures. Public as well as private institutions have already established primary prevention and early detection programs in relation to pathology tests for excessive use of alcohol. The government is also tasked with handling psychological, medical and pharmacological treatments relating to diseases of alcohol abuse. They must provide assistance and rehabilitation to alcoholics and provide prevention programs.

Alcohol Rehab Centers

Common types of rehab centers are residential, inpatient, outpatient and short-term treatment centers. Residential type of centers provides a favorable and comforting environment along with constant help and supervision from the staff. Inpatient alcohol treatment helps patients live in different environments where they are observed and provided with extreme care at all times. Aside from medication, new means to adapt to situations and relapse prevention is also taught. A trained medical professional strictly supervises the patients' medications and lifestyles.

Some rehab centers can also provide patients with sober residence for them to overcome their addiction in a supportive and structured environment. These rehab centers provides programs including therapy, counseling, medication as well as through the day supervision.

Treatment Process

Because of the delicate treatment process, rehab centers are staffed by trained medical professional who can evaluate and handle acute alcohol withdrawal, treat nutritional deficiencies, detoxify and maintain abstinence on the patients.

After detoxification, treatment and management of alcohol withdrawal needs utmost supervision. Thiamine and folate are fed intravenously to avoid an eye disorder called the Wernicke Kosakoff syndrome and Benzodiazepines are used to treat seizures. This is why the process of recovering from withdrawal should never be hurried.

Soon as medical treatment is over, patient must then undertake a psychosocial rehabilitation. This process includes educating the patients' entire family, group or individual therapies and other useful programs. This step is critical to the long-term success of the patient.

There is no perfect alcohol rehab formula and the success of these treatments depends on finding the right program and methods that are included in the rehab process. Treatments could run for long-term and allow for periods of relapse, but what is important is never to give up and work patiently until complete abstinence is achieved.

For more insights and additional information about Alcohol Rehab as well as finding a wide range of rehab centers, support centers, and help guides, please visit our web site at http://www.rehab-alcohol-drug.com

Credit Bailout - What's Going to Happen to Consumers?

Forget about how it happened, or who is at fault. The fact is that currently the economy is in a bit of a mess, and ultimately we're all going to have to deal with it. One question on everyone's mind is, "What's going to happen with consumer credit?"

If the banks are worried about lending even to each other, how are they going to lend to you - the little guys and gals? What will happen when you want to finance a new car or refinance your home? What about getting credit for braces for your ten year old?

These are legitimate concerns for us all right now. And it's true that lenders will be much more cautious about loaning money to anyone. The answer is to make sure that your credit worthiness and financial health is as good as it possibly can be now, and to continue to do what you can to improve it over time.

First, make sure your credit is good, or do what you can to improve it. Check your credit reports and make certain they are completely accurate. Make certain that any negative credit is reported accurately, but that good credit history is reported accurately as well. If you find mistakes, you can write to both your creditor and to the reporting agency and request that they fix the faulty information. Then monitor your credit reports regularly.

Next, if you have accounts that are overdue or in collection, call those creditors and make arrangements to pay them back, and follow through with the agreements you've made. This is a step that some don't want to take because it's embarrassing and your creditors might treat you unkindly.

Persist that you want to make reasonable repayment arrangements. Most will work with you. Some will even knock off some interest and late fees. This is also essential to re-establishing your good credit if it's battered, and it will make all the difference when you apply for a loan or a credit card in the future. It will take time, but you will begin to see improvement in your credit score.

Pay attention to your financial health and management practices. With the economy in upheaval, you will do well to be certain that you are taking care of business first, meaning that you are paying your bills on time and saving some money, too (in an institution that is insured). Your investments might be in a mess right now.

Seek out a very wise and trusted financial advisor to help you decide what to do next. And of course, as mentioned earlier, by all means protect your credit. Today and in the future, banks will still be willing to lend to those with good credit scores and who have demonstrated credit-worthiness.

These economic times are uncertain, but don't let that send you into a panic. You will be wise to take a deep breath and make sure you have your financial house in order and your credit as healthy as you can get it.

Take steps now to do all you can to protect your credit worthiness and to improve your credit, even if it's already considered good. That way, in spite of the lending crisis, you will be able to secure credit when you need it. Visit http://www.debtcredittips.com immediately to safeguard your financial health!

K9 Unit Coins - A Practical Example Of Civilian Use For Challenge Coins

Unit coins or Challenge Coins were originally created by the military to signify pride, honor, service, unity, morality and friendship among its members. it has now extended its reach to include law enforcement, police, fire departments and rescue units.

Unit coins are also called Military Coins, Challenge Coins, Army Coins, Marine Coins, Air Force Coins, Navy Coins, Coast Guard Coins, National Guard Coins and First Responder Coins.

A Unit Coin is a small coin or medallion that contains the emblem of the organization, company or club it represents.

K-9 unit coins - an example of Challenge Coins for civilian use

Throughout history, dogs have been used for military, civil and defense purposes. Law enforcement agencies and the military utilize canines in a number of ways. This includes patrol partners, apprehension assistants, trackers, scouts, drug, explosive, and accelerent detectors. These dogs along with their trainers provide crucial services for our society.

One prime example where canines were indispensable was in the 911 tragedy where 3000 people lost their lives in New York City. Canines were used extensively to rapidly find survivors. With their keen sense of smell they could surpass the smelling capacity of humans or the tools they used.

The K-9 challenge coin is displayed on the dog collar. It represents the source of pride, teamwork, and service provided to the community by the dogs.

K-9s are used to:

* search confined spaces and/or large open areas

* search for guns, money, clothing, drugs

* find hidden drugs

* track the scent of a suspect or missing person

* provide officer protection

Unit Coins can be customized to display a quote, symbol or slogan. It's uniqueness to your organization will instill a great sense of pride in its members.

Get a free quote by filling out the request form at: http://www.unitcoins.us/quote.shtml

Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource for creating and customizing your own K-9 Unit Coins.

When Is The Best Time To Use A Low Interest Credit Card?

The resident financial experts will tell you that there are times when one credit card is better than another. Cards offer different features and many are better suited to being used in one situation than in another - or, to be more precise, you'll get more benefit from using one over another in certain situations. One may offer the lowest interest rates, while another offers high cash back values on certain purchases and yet another may reward you with points that can be used to purchase merchandise and services from participating merchants. How do you know when it's best to use one over another?

When to use a low interest credit card

A low interest credit card lets you carry a balance on your account at a low rate of interest. The best time to use one of these is when you make a purchase that you expect to pay off over time. The time to whip out this type of card is to buy that new computer, pay for your holiday or cover an emergency purchase for which you can't pay in cash.

If you expect to pay off the full balance of your purchase in the same payment period, no matter how much it is, then the APR isn't as important. If you can pay the purchase off in the next billing period, you won't be paying interest on it any way. In that case, leave the low interest card in your wallet and pull out one that will offer you other benefits - like cash back.

What is the best card to use for daily expenses?

A low interest card seldom carries other benefits. The interest is considered to be benefit enough. As more and more local shops and convenience stores accept credit cards for your purchases, there are new ways to benefit from using your card. You can, for instance, pay for your groceries, shampoo and toiletries and your lunch with plastic, and reap the benefit of cash back or reward points. The trick is, though, that you must pay off your account balance at the end of each month, or you'll be paying interest on the food you ate last week - and that's not a productive use of your money. If you're disciplined enough to pay your accounts on time each month, then the best credit card to use for daily expenses is the one that offers the highest reward or cash back scheme. It may surprise you how much you'll earn back even at 1% cash back on your groceries for the year.

What about other special use credit cards?

Note that we left 'petrol station' out of the list of places to use your low interst credit cards above. That's because there are a number of credit cards out there that offer special savings schemes specifically for petrol. You can earn as much as 5% back on every purchase at the pump, making a petrol card the best to use for motoring expenses.

You can compare low interest credit cards and their benefits online, where you'll find all the best offers in the UK, research their benefits and apply online for the one that best suits you.

Jon Francis has been involved in various areas with the world of finance and has a keen eye for a bargin! He has an in-depth knowledge of low interest credit cards and now helps others get the best from credit cards. For more information visit "airaid.co.uk"

Four Tips to Establish and Build Corporate Credit Score - Paydex Score

Are you in the process of obtaining financing for your new business or your existing business? Before you start applying for loans make sure you have what the lenders are looking for. One of the most important elements for acquiring loans from the banks or commercial lenders for your company is corporate credit score or paydex score. If your business does not have established corporate credit, you need to start right away.

Paydex is a term used in business, for a numerical score granted by D&B to Business as a credit score for the promptness of their payments to creditors. This score is used by commercial lenders in a manner similar to the way the Fico score is used for individuals. A high paydex score is considered healthy for a business. You need to establish corporate credit so you can get small loans when you need it. Having separate business credit profile helps to limit your personal liability and protect your personal assets.

Here are some tips to establish and build corporate credit:

1. You need to have the right business structure. Sole proprietor will not be able to build business credit. Create a corporation or LLC.

2. Get an Employer Identification Number, also known as a federal tax ID, is similar to a social security number for your business.

3. Register with credit reporting agencies.

4. Get trade references and retail credit

How to establish corporate credit is a step by step process. Once you have established strong corporate credit profile for your company, you increase your chances of obtaining loans. A score of 80 or higher is excellent for your business. To get the best result you need to have strong corporate and personal credit. If you personal Fico score is poor you can start repairing it while building corporate credit score. As a smart business owner you need to build separate corporate credit. Instead of applying for loans in your personal name, start applying loan under your corporate name.

Before you make any decisions to start building your business credit on your own, get the help you need to understand the business credit process by ordering and downloading The Complete How to Build Corporate Credit Guide. This is a low cost, easy to read guide that will provide you with everything you need to establish and build business credit. The Guide will take you step by step through process to establish corporate credit. For more information about how to establish corporate credit, please visit us at: http://www.businesssecretz.com

How to Prevent Car Crashes

The majority of all car crashes that occur are preventable and only happen because of the carelessness or inexperience of the driver. Drivers under the age of 25 are shown to be far more likely to be involved in a car accident. Reasons suggests that this is because of the combination of inexperience, overconfidence, peer pressure, and showing off.

Measures to Prevent Accidents

Most of the serious accidents occur at night, and when there are passengers in the car along with the driver. Because of these statistics, the local governments have implemented certain measures to help reduce serious car crashes.

Local governments are enacting laws that restrict the driving freedom of young drivers because of the high probability of them getting into accidents. Certain measures, such as placing curfews on young drivers and not allowing new drivers to have passengers, are becoming common in every state in the United States.

Car Crash Prevention Technology

New cars today are now being equipped with machines that aid the driver to prevent car crashes. Today, devices like proximity detectors, that automatically detect how close you are traveling to the car in front of you and automatically adjust your car's acceleration to prevent you from getting closer than you can safely stop at your current speed, are being found in many luxury cars. Currently, these types of devices are too expensive to implement in normal cars.

The number one cause of car accidents is the consumption of alcohol by the driver. Sobriety devices are now being installed in cars of repeat drunk drivers under court order. These devices will force the driver to blow into a mouthpiece that will measure the amount of alcohol consumed. If they are above the legal limit to drive, the machine will lock the ignition preventing them from driving after they have been drinking.

Car Crash provides detailed information on Car Crash, Drunk Driving Car Crash, Fatal Car Crashes, Car Crash Articles and more. Car Crash is affiliated with Car Accident Lawsuits.

Marijuana and the Brain - Effects of Marijuana Use on the Body

The use of marijuana can impair short-term memory, verbal skills, judgment, distort perception, and impair driving performance.Heavy marijuana use impairs a persons ability to form memories, recall events, or shift attention from one thing to another.Users who have taken high doses of the drug may experience acute toxic psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and depersonalization (a loss of the sense of personal identity or self-recognition).

When smoking marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream.Within a few minutes an individuals heart begins beating more rapidly, the bronchial passages relax and become enlarged, and blood vessels in the eyes expand.The heart rate may increase by 20 to 50 beats per minutes. In the brain, the THC connects to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells.These receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.The effects begin immediately and can last from 1 to 3 hours.The THC in the brain causes the user to feel euphoric, by stimulating the release of the chemical dopamine.A marijuana user may experience pleasant sensations, colors and sounds may appear to be more intense, and time seems to pass very slowly.The users mouth feels dry, and he or she may suddenly become very hungry and thirsty.The hands may tremble and grow cold.The euphoria passes after awhile and then the user may feel sleepy or depressed.Occasionally, marijuana use produces anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic.THC also disrupts coordination and balance by binding to receptors in the cerebellum and basal ganglia,the parts of the brain that regulate balance, posture, coordination of movement, and reaction time.

For a detailed article on Marijuana and the brain, see How Marijuana Use Effects the Body at: http://www.uatests.com/drug-information/effects-of-marijuana-use-on-the-body.html

0% APR Credit Cards - Are They As Good As They Sound?

A growing number of credit cards advertise a 0% APR feature. Essentially, this means you will not be charged interest on the balance you carry for an initial period of time. Not having to pay anything in interest sounds like a great deal, but is it too good to be true?

Not necessarily. The 0% APR credit card, when used correctly, can help you out. It can provide you with a short, interest-free loan. It can also help you pay off other credit card balances. To make it work for you, you'll need to understand what's all involved in a 0% APR credit card.

The 0% APR Period

APR is an abbreviation for "annual percentage rate." This is the interest rate that the credit card company charges on the balances you carry. It is expressed as a yearly rate.

The 0% APR means you will not have to pay interest on the account at first. The 0% APR usually lasts for a short time, ranging from six to twelve months. Some cards advertise a specific period, and others determine the time frame depending on your credit score.

What the 0% APR can be used for

In most cases, the 0% APR will be applied to new purchases. In some situations, you'll find that the credit card interest rate can also be used for balance transfers. Certain credit cards even offer 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers.

When the 0% APR applies to new purchases, you can buy items and then carry a balance for a few months. During that time, you will not be charged any interest. This gives you a small loan, free of interest. If you're planning on making a big purchase and then paying it off, the 0% APR on new purchases is a feature that lets you do just that.

For balance transfers, some cardholders find that the 0% APR period gives them a chance to pay off debt. Rather than struggling to pay the interest attached to a high balance each month, they can make payments specifically toward the principal amount. This works if you're trying to get rid of outstanding balances with high interest rates.

Other Features to Consider

While the 0% APR offer can be helpful, it does not last forever. Eventually, a regular interest rate will set in. You will then have to pay interest each month for any balance you carry. So check to see what the regular APR on the card before applying.

In addition to the 0% APR offer, most credit cards offer other benefits. They might include cash back, a rewards program, or a regular low interest rate. Be sure to look at these other benefits, as well as any other fees, before you apply.

In most cases, 0% APR credit cards really are as good as they sound. You will get an interest-free period that can help you out. Before filling out an application, however, you'll want to look at the fine print carefully, and make a decision based on all of the card's offerings. By doing that, you can be sure that the 0% APR credit card will work to your advantage.

Click Here to Find 0% APR Credit Card Offers.

Stephanie Andrews is a contributing editor of the website http://www.CreditCardCity.com, a credit card directory where you can apply for a new credit card with secure online applications. Visit now to compare all of the best online credit card offers.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

DUI Defense Strategies - Understanding Definitions of DUI and Common DUI Lawyer Defense Strategies

Before I commence this page of outstanding information, I want to emphasise that this page is for information intentions solely. I am by no means an attorney or a member of any Bar Association of any state. With that in mind, I have read a great deal about DUI (driving under the influence) laws across umpteen states. This post will concentrate on two components. The first being about DUI practices of law, the second element will centre on frequent legal strategies utilised by DUI defense attorneys.

DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence of alcohol. The acts also well-known as driving while intoxicated, drink-driving, drinking and driving, and drunk driving. In most states DUI can not only be defined as driving under the influence of alcohol but driving under the influence of other drugs. In a number of states DUI is also called DWI, which is an acronym for driving while intoxicated. These two acronyms are used depending on which state you are prosecuted in. What is essential to note about DUI is that it is not a soft moving violation or parking fine. It is a serious crime and is hence a criminal offense in all US states and in most countries worldwide.

In years past, a person would be charged with a DUI primarily based on a patrol officers observances of the charged person's driving symptoms. These driving symptoms include driving action such as weaving or swerving, racing or tailgating. A suspect would be pulled over, and subjected to a field sobriety test. This test could include walking on a white line heel-to-toe or standing on one leg for some time. These subjective observations by the arresting officer would be utilised to charge the person and later employed as evidence in a court of law. Now in the United States of America, police use a a good deal more scientific approach when charging and prosecuting with a DUI in a court of justice.

Today's methods are a scientific test for an individual's blood alcohol content (BAC). This test is now common in virtually all states in charging somebody for driving under the influence. Mainly this new standard objectively can find out if an individual was intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle. BAC is calculated as a simple percentage of alcohol in an individual by weight. Now, as it has been for a number of years, it is prohibited in the entire country to drive with a BAC that is 0.08% or higher. Now that BAC is the main element in most legal cases in establishing the soberness of an individual, the testing equipment is normally the keystone in rendering the proper BAC of a person. What I mean to say, is that defense lawyers ordinarily assault the validness of these exams if a known model of a screening device is used, that is not sound.

A DUI defense attorney knows what examining device at hand has a weak track record and usually employs this selective information to invalidate the BAC test, and have his defendant's case discharged.

The law enforcement agency will work under laws that prevent them from arresting you without a proper legal basis. They must observe the regulations so as to gain evidence against you. If they do not observe these rules when acquiring evidence, the evidence may not be used in court, even if the evidence proves that you are guilty. An excellent DUI defense lawyer will be either certified or understand the national Highway traffic safety administration standardized field sobriety test. If a defense attorney soundly knows this standardised exam then he will be able to break apart the way in which your DUI case was investigated by the arresting officer.

It may seem inconsequential but recalling the day of your arrest is also paramount to your defense strategy. Questions such as, what did you eat? Where were you going? Who were you with? May be asked by both your defense attorney and from the prosecution. These questions can support you of whether the chemical test outcome may be irregular.

The chemical exam may be incorrect and the instruments are only as good as the people who use them. There are three main types of breath tests utilised by most police force departments in the country. The Breathalyzer, The Intoxilyzer and The Intoximeter. The most popularly known of the three is the Breathalyzer, which is quite obsolete. Police now chiefly use the last mentioned two pieces of instruments. A frequent error when using these tests is "mouth alcohol contamination," or as some defense lawyers have called the belch defense. The instruments are supposed to test the amount alcohol in the air of the suspect's lungs.

However, before this air can be screened, it accrues through a person's mouth. If for example an individual burps before the test is administrated, the mouth can be comprised of undiluted alcohol from the stomach. This sample would therefore be contaminated and give a false reading. In training, Police Officers are to have an observance period of at least twenty minutes to verify that the individual did not drink a beverage, smoke, or burp, etcetera. This is where a satisfactory attorney can show that there was no observance period, by asking the accurate timing of varied tasks such as readying up the machine, talking with other police officers and readying up paperwork. This police officer would have to explain the exact length of time of the observance period.

As you can see there are a list of defense strategies, a DUI defense attorney can engage in to make sure your case is dropped or to find you not guilty of DWI. I hope this is a good primer on the definition and legal schemes that a defense lawyer might use in a court of law.

I find certain legal strategies interesting and hope you found the above strategies interesting as well. If you would like to read more DUI related defense strategies, checkout http://www.dui-defenseattorneys.com to get more information. Florida DUI Law is also interesting to read.

Credit Repair - Very Important

Good credit is very important and it is best to understand that very early in your adult life. When you begin with a relaxed attitude toward your credit and show no regard for protecting it you will suffer greatly down the road and end up needing help to try to reverse the damage done.

Bad credit repair is an important step in the right direction but it needs to be taken carefully. There are many ways to try to go about repairing your credit. You need to be sure that you get direction from the right people so you can make the best decisions. That way you will be sure to see the results you want in your credit report.

If you have credit problems and are looking to fix them you are in for a long undertaking. Some companies make promises that they can repair your credit in just a few short weeks. That is simply impossible. It takes time to repair damage done to your credit. There is no quick fix to this problem. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not trustworthy.

For any major purchases that you want to make in your life you need good credit. That is why credit repair is so important. It can be frustrating because it only takes a few simple mistakes to create credit problems but it is a long process to fix those problems. As difficult as it may be it is very important to try to repair your credit.

Where to Look When You Need Help

The advertisements are everywhere for companies willing to help you repair your credit. Many make huge promises that are impossible to keep. It is important to be selective. But there are many listings in the telephone book of companies willing to offer this service.

Television is also a great source of information. There are constantly ads on telephone for credit repair services. However, all of them really offer a good service. Some are only out to take your money. So you really need to do your research so you can make a good choice.

Every person's situation is different and each individual has to evaluate his personal needs to determine if this service is right for him. These services cost money and that money could be paid toward our past due balances. So it is important to think about your situation carefully before you decide what is best in your case.

Do you need reliable information about how to cancel credit card account? Visit http://www.debtopedia.com for more tips about consolidating credit cards and other credit card payoff information.

The Importance of Credit Ratings

Credit is crucial in United States society. Credit keeps the economy and society afloat. People use credit for a number of reasons. They may want to buy a home; they may need to buy a car; they may have to a rent a car or home. For all of these things, credit is used, as people take out loans to make purchases. But not everyone can get a loan. Some people are judged to be risky to be given loans; it is believed that may not or may not be able to pay them back.

But how are people deemed worthy or unworthy of a receiving loans? The answer lies in the credit score. Credit scores are numbers that indicate how likely an individual who receives credit (a loan, say) is likely to pay that back. The higher the credit score, the more likely a person is to receive credit. Credit are scored are calculated by one of three credit rating companies. The companies look at information such as: has an individual paid her credit card bills on time? Has an individual met all of the payment on a lease?

Clearly, since a score determines a person's likelihood of getting credit, it is important. With a poor credit score, an individual will have a hard time getting loans from the bank. As a result, someone with a low score will have a difficult time purchasing a home or starting a business with a loan. Banks do not want to lend money to someone whom they believe will not likely pay it back. Furthermore, if banks do decide to give a loan to someone with a poor credit score, the terms of the loan will be very unfavorable to the person getting the loan. The loan will have a very high interest rate, for example.

Another reason a good credit score is important is because it can affect whether someone gets a job or not. For a wide variety of jobs, many employers check credit scores when hiring employees. Employers check credit scores for a number of reasons. They reveal how responsible an individual is; someone who has a high credit score pays all of his bills on time, while someone with a low credit score likely does not. Moreover, credit scores can reveal whether someone can handle money well.

Credit scores are very important because credit is important and because credit scores reveal information about a person. People should do their best to ensure that they have as high a credit score as possible, and they should ensure that no one attempts to damage their credit scores. For more information about credit scores and their importance, contact the Milwaukee personal injury attorneys of Habush, Habush, & Rottier S.C by going to their website.

Joseph Devine

What Happened to CNN's Dynamic Reporter Richard Quest?

CNN reporter Richard Quest, the British boisterous raspy voiced business traveler expert was the great cup of coffee to drink in. When experiencing jet lag after flying 8-15 hours from the United States the night before, this human coffee bean could help you get out the door to your first meeting with your eyes wide open. Covering everything from how to overcome technical challenges with your black berry or lap top, featuring strange but useful gadgets , to keeping your love relationship alive during those times when one was thousands of miles away from home, Quest had the answer or showed you how. The dare devil he was, he would demonstrate adventure after adventure proving once and for all that the business traveler is one who lives a life of fun. He dared the business traveler to go beyond the norm, the mundane and experience new heights when on the road while getting your work done. However, his latest dare devil adventure well, went too far!

On April of this year, it was widely reported in the media that Quest was arrested in Central Park for loitering after hours and criminal possession of a controlled substance. He admitted that he some crystal meth in his pocket and later it was reported by the New York Post that Quest had a rope tied around his neck that was tied to his genitals. Police reported that he had a sex toy in his boot. What ever Quest was up to, it was surely something in the realm of the business freakazoid.

Quest agreed with the judge to undergo drug rehabilitation. CNN is obviously embarrassed and probably pissed off at the disgraced reporter. The question is what went wrong? Quest joins the list of others such as former sports announcer and Inside Edition reporter Pat O'Brien and his dirty voice mails he left while in a drunken state telling friends from his cell phone book that he craved for hookers and drugs. Gary Collins was arrested for drunk driving. Remember in 1998 when sportscaster Marv Albert fell from grace as the one of Dons of the sports casting world with his sex scandal? He was accused of biting his ex-girlfriend in the back when he threw on the bed for sex.

What could be going wrong with these men and so many others in the media spotlight is perhaps the loss of something very basic - A LOSS OF SELF. Journalist and famed writers Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hunter S. Thompson who all had an insatiable appetites for alcohol and drugs did their best work drunk and high, but both Hemingway and Thompson died horrific deaths committing suicide; Hemingway used his favorite shotgun to do the do. Thompson shot himself in the head while talking to his wife on the phone.

The loss of self is hard to imagine when one has the world at his or her feet. Rising to the pinnacle of fame in various life genres, being excused from all sorts of bad behaviors becomes the norm. No accountability is registered by the individual at the top nor by the people who watch and sometimes glorify them for being in the spotlight. The loss of self goes even deeper than that. The loss of self happens sometimes because the person never developed a sense of self when rising to the top. The focus of the person was always on the externalities - achieving fame and fortune and one of the greatest aphrodisiac POWER! Power for the person who loses self becomes defined out of one's frailties, weaknesses and secret or dark struggles often born from childhood or from a traumatic experience. Hemingway's mother Grace Hall, dressed him as a little girl in his youth. He never forgave her for this.

Unresolved issues with a loss sense of self is something that we are witnessing on a frequent basis. More than being media voyeurs reviewing the lives of movie stars, singers, professional and college athletes, politics and business executives we don't stop to think that perhaps the tragic and humiliating experiences these people are having could in some way be small reflections of our own lives. Some of you reading this might say, "I am not a freak, take drugs or are out of control." You may not be. You may never be. However, the lives of the successful, rich and famous can still be teachers for us to view our lives from a cliff looking down making sure as we experience life; particularly success we don't decide to jump off the cliff thinking angels will catch us because we tempted fate in some way shape or form. Perhaps there is pain in our own lives we have not reconciled or healed from. So we hide it. Digging a six foot grave hoping we could bury our pain forever? Guess what it comes back from the dead haunting us in the most craziest ways - ways we would not have ever imagined.

Richard Quest began to test his fate when he started the dance with drugs and who knows possibly other addictions. Maybe his childhood has a dark deep secret he never came to terms with or healed from -instead he might have just buried his pain in his own grave, and he began to defensively focus on his success. His crazy style he developed was a nice distraction to the real Richard Quest. Maybe he battled these demons until his success made it so easy to succumb to false pain killers? The success of Ernest Hemingway and others made it easier for him to drink himself into subconsciousness.

It is truly sad when men and women like this fall from their pinnacle, but as they fall, they become faint memories unless of course they write books or get recognition. We never stop to think about what was really going on with the sad and lonely. The bottom line is that at their lowest point these men in this piece have or had death wishes - literally and figuratively. Their loss of self and outlandish behaviors and lifestyles were cries for help. But no one was ever listening or really cared.

Can You Be Sued For Credit Card Debts - Advice About Being Sued For Debt

The answer to whether you can be sued for credit card debts has to be that you can, but the decision to sue or not depends on many things.Bear in mind that what the card company want is to get their money, so they will only sue if they think that is the course of action that is most likely to achieve this end.

Whether they decide to sue you for the credit card debts will depend on things like how much you owe and how far you have fallen behind with your repayments.The fact that any legal advice and action will cost them money means that they are not likely to go down this path unless the gain is going to outweigh the cost.

Other factors that the card company will consider are how long you have been at your current address, whether you have a steady job and how old you are.These are the sort of things that will affect how likely they think you are to disappear to avoid the debt.If you look fairly settled and young enough to work for some time to come, you are a better bet for paying them back in the long term, so they might do a deal.

If you have your credit card in a joint name the company are probably going to try chasing the other cardholder as their first option, because if this works it is a lot easier and cheaper than suing you.

Can You Be Sued For Credit Card Debts:

Yes You Can - But That Is Not Necessarily The End Of The World

Leaving aside the legal action for a moment, most debt problems should be tackled in the same sort of way, by working out your exact financial situation and negotiating an affordable deal with your creditors.This is too big a subject to go into in this article, but is always the best solution as it does not involve borrowing more money or paying a company for a commercial debt solution which primarily benefits them.

Credit cards are a form of Secondary Debt, meaning that the immediate consequences of non-payment are less serious than those which could result in losing your home, imprisonment or having your possessions seized.A credit card company that you owe money to are perfectly entitled to take legal action against you, which is likely to result in the court ordering you to pay off the debt at a rate they decide, which ought to be within your means.

Can You Be Sued For Credit Card Debts:

The Legal Process
If you receive a Default Notice from the company you owe money to, then you need to seek legal advice because they can then take you to court.You may well be advised to apply for a Time Order from the court, which can have the benefit of limiting the interest and penalties on your debt and setting a lower repayment amount.

To get a Time Order you need to send a letter to the company you owe money to and make an offer to pay them an amount you can afford.You case will be made stronger if you can include a Personal Financial Statement to show your exact financial situation.If the company turn down your offer of payment you need to approach the County Court to apply for the Time Order.The court will then decide whether your offer of payment was for an appropriate amount or not.

If the company refuse your offer ofpayment you can go ahead and make the payments you have offered anyway, then it is up to them to decide whether to take you to court of not.If they decide to take action then you will need to apply for a Time Order at that point, but in this situation the court fee will be paid by the card company, not you.

If no application for a Time Order is made, the credit card company make what is known as a Money Only Claim through the County Court.If their claim goes through, this will result in a County Court Judgment against your name.

If the card company lodge a claim against you, you will be sent a form to complete by the Court.Make sure you seek legal advice if this happens.What the County Court Judgement will do is set in place a plan for the repayment of the debt, and it is very important that you stick to this.The court should take into account your financial situation, so the repayment amounts ought to be affordable.

Can You Be Sued For Credit Card Debts:

When Things Can Get More Serious

Once there is a County Court Judgment against you, your situation changes to one with potentially more serious consequences.The payments set by the court must be maintained, otherwise the court can allow the card company to send bailiffs to take possession of your possessions.

Another possible consequence of court action could be the decision to implement an Attachment of Earnings, which allows the deduction of money direct from your wages.The consequences of not co-operating with such a requirement include imprisonment.

The other possible consequence that you really want to avoid is the setting up of a Charging Order.This secures what you owe against your home, so if you then default on your payments your home could be sold off to get the money you owe.

Can You Be Sued For Credit Card Debts:

Conclusions

As you have seen, you can be sued for credit card debts and other types of credit debt, but if you make an effort to tackle it the situation does not need to be too serious.Even if you are taken to court, the result will almost certainly be a payment plan which should be affordable, and you MUST stick to this.When it does start getting more serious is if you go to court and then do not adhere to what the court orders you to do.

Having court action against you is of course stressful and undesirable, and best avoided.If you have serious credit card debt problems there are definitely ways to tackle it, so don't ignore it, seek advice.

K D Garrow has worked as a senior manager for the last twenty years, with responsibility for significant financial control. His extensive knowledge of financial matters has been used to provide free and unbiased advice on Ways To Pay Off Debt on his website. The main aim of the site is to show how to get out of debt without spending or borrowing money.

His considerable experience of health and safety law as it relates to managing work premises is put to good use in his other website, which offers a guide to Fire Risk Assessment, and many other health and safety related matters.

How to Find Arrest Records - Discover Simple Steps to Be a Detective at Home

Do you have a weird feeling about your neighbor? want to check up on an employee? Or maybe you want to see if that college "mishap" is behind you? For whatever the reason, finding arrest records online is easier than ever before. In today's culture, we're used to having all information available us instantaneously over the internet. Finding online public records is no different. The days hiring people to dig up obscure records is over. You can now easily obtain arrest records in the comfort of your own home.

Before you go about trying to find arrest records, first be sure you have the name and vital information of the person you're looking up. You will definitely need his or her first/last name. Some other information, like birth date might be helpful. Your next step is to get in touch with the correction center for the town that he/she might have been arrested and find the arrest records.

If this turns up nothing, try utilizing your detective work on the internet. Using Google or Yahoo to search for the persons name is a good start as is searching on any online local publications (i.e., local newspaper, police blog, etc.). You can go directly to the county center or city court and find arrest records.

If this sounds too difficult or time consuming, there are other routes you can take to find arrest records. While all of the above methods are free, you can pay someone an hourly rate to do the work for you. Alternatively, one of the most popular options is to pay a small fee (usually less than $20) to gain instant access to an online database of arrest records. Whatever method you choose, your peace of mind should be a top priority.

One of the best websites, to find arrest records is through CivilDetective.com. They have a comprehensive database of over 300 million records and allow you to make sure that you can find arrest records you're looking for before you pay

The Need to Look at Your Credit Report

Everyone needs to know exactly what is on his or her credit report. Even if you have never been late with a payment in your life you need to know what your credit report reflects that reality. Mistakes happen every day, and mistakes on your credit report can dramatically affect your life.

The good news is that it is easy for anyone to correct errors on their credit report and avoid the headaches that these errors can cause.

It is a fact of life. Most adults in North America suffer from a blemish or two on their credit report. These few items could be all that prevents you from getting a better job, buying your dream home, or obtaining new credit when you need it the most.

According to an article in the Toronto Sun, business editor, Linda Leatherdale states that Canadian consumers owe an amazing $900 billion or 107% of their disposable income. U.S. consumers owe a staggering $8.4 trillion or 112% of their disposable income.

Bad credit is embarrassing, humiliating, and depressing because many people believe that a bad credit report is indicative of a person's worth and value as a human being. But even if the problems being reported are true there are still some legitimate ways you can improve your credit report.

People with bad credit are not "deadbeats." Everyone wants to be able to pay their bills. People typically maintain a good credit rating until some unforeseen circumstance like a layoff, medical problem, or divorce prevents them from making a few payments in a timely manner.

Everyone struggles long and hard to pay the bills on time, but sometimes the money coming in does not quite keep up with what needs to get paid. When you're in this situation you have to carefully choose your priorities. If things get really bad, sadly enough, bankruptcy might become an attractive alternative.

If it comes down to a decision between putting food on the table and paying the credit card bill, the clear choice for most people is to look after their family first. You can bet that even those hard-nosed, self-righteous collection agents who call and hound you to pay their bill would do the same. All their talk about how they pay their bills and expect everyone else to do the same, is just a psychological ploy intended to intimidate you. The reality is that most people are only a few pay cheques away from financial catastrophe and these telephone collectors are no different from anyone else.

By knowing, and exercising your rights, you will be well on your way to rebuilding or maintaining your credit. You will have the confidence and ability to regain your financial strength and freedom. Rebuilding a good credit record requires honesty, integrity, persistence, and vigilance from this point forward. Don't worry about the past. You cannot change it. Focus on changing your future. Improving and maintaining a good credit record will reward you and your family with a real sense of empowerment and financial freedom.

About the author: Tony Reed is the author of "The need to look at your credit report", please visit his website Credit report & credit repair for more information.

This article is free for republishing as long as you leave the article title, author name, body and resource box intact (means NO changes) with the links made active.

Utah Legislature Debates Cell Phone Ban

Commuters often multitask while driving around town, whether it's eating a quick lunch, glancing at a map, or putting on makeup. These activities can cause dangerous distractions to drivers. Among the most common forms of distraction for multitasking drivers is cellular phone use.

As cell phones have become more of necessity in society, drivers are talking on their phones to catch up with family, hear about a friend's day, or find out if the big business contract went through. Cell phone use is common form of distraction among drivers. With advances in technology, drivers are not only talking on the phone, but also texting and emailing while behind the wheel. Studies and research are surfacing that examine the dangers of cell phone use.

According to research performed by the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis, 6% of traffic accidents nationwide are the result of cell phone use. This equates to 330,000 injuries and 2,600 deaths annually. While many drivers switch to hands-free cell phones in an attempt to driver more safely, research conducted at the University of Utah show absolutely no difference in concentration levels between drivers using hands-free cell phone and drivers using hand-held cell phones.

Text-messaging poses even more of a danger than simply talking on the cell phone. Nearly 50% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 text-message while driving. This is extremely dangerous. Studies show that the steering control of a driver who is text-messaging is reduced by 90%. Furthermore, the reaction time of someone texting while driving is reduced 35%, three times more than a drunk driver's reduced reaction time of 12%.

In Utah, certain legislators are proposing cell phone bans. Representative Phil Riesen is submitting a strict bill that would outlaw all cell phone use while driving, including hands-free headsets, text-messaging, and emailing. His bill makes exceptions for emergency situations and two-way radios. A recent survey conducted by the Salt Lake Tribune found that 80% of Utah residents favor a cell phone ban.

Despite research showing the dangers of cell phone use and overwhelming citizen support for a legislative ban, some Utah lawmakers are opposed to such a bill. Opponents of the bill suggest that such a law would infringe on civil liberties. Other opponents point out that laws already exist which penalize distracted driving.

In what will likely be a heated debate, Utah legislators will soon be deciding the fate of multitasking drivers across the state. Regardless of the legislature's decision, we would all benefit from turning our cell phones off before we get behind the wheel.

Kenneth L. Christensen founded The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, a personal injury law firm in Salt Lake City, Utah. He specializes in car accident, dog bites, wrongful death and serious injury cases. Learn more about Mr. Christensen at http://www.utahpersonalinjurylawfirm.com and http://www.utahaccidentlawfirm.com

Repairing Credit After Charge Offs

Repairing your credit after charge offs can be a challenge. You must actively seek to repair your credit. Waiting for charge offs to fall off your credit report is not a wise choice. Charge offs can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years by law.

Paying a charge off will not remove it from your credit report. In fact, it will still hurt your credit scores for 7 years. However, it is easier to have a paid charge off removed from your credit report by disputing it than it is to have an unpaid charge off removed. Which brings me to one of the best and most popular ways to have charge offs removed from your credit report.

Disputing Charge Offs

Did you know that you can dispute negative items on your credit report? It's true; in fact, it's your federal right under the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act). You can dispute charge offs, collection accounts, tax liens, bankruptcies, judgments, repossessions, foreclosures, personal information, etc. Anything placed on your credit report can be disputed.

Consumer Reporting Agencies

So, how do you dispute items on your credit report? By contacting the consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus). You can write them, call them, or even dispute negative items online. The best way to do it is by writing them. You can also call them if you know what you're doing, but it's advisable to never dispute items online.

The Investigation

Once you dispute charge offs and other negative items on your credit report, the credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate the account. They supposedly contact the information provider (the creditor, collection agency or court house) to let them know that you are disputing what they are reporting.

What Really Happens?

What really happens is they send out an electronic notice to the creditor or collection agency asking if they agree or disagree with your claim. For public records, they simply run it against the database. They don't even really check it out with the courthouse as they're supposed to.

The credit bureaus interpretation of what they are supposed to do under federal law is much different than that of consumer advocates and credit attorneys. However, the FTC will usually not step in until there are complaints and even law suits.

Right now, the credit system is very unfair for consumers. Use the laws as leverage to make the fight for your credit a little fairer.

If you would like to know how I raised my credit scores over 200 points by removing charge offs and other negative items from my credit report, read my story at AAACreditGuide.com - the credit repair authority site.

DUI and Sobriety Checkpoints

Although many Americans are subjected to random checks for DUI at sobriety checkpoints each year, there is a great controversy over the constitutionality of these checks. Aside from the fact that DUI checkpoints use a huge amount of police resources and seem to be all but an exercise in futility, DUI checkpoints also seem to violate the Fourth Amendment. Opponents of sobriety checkpoints have argued they constitute unreasonable search and seizure, and are therefore unconstitutional.

The argument against checkpoints went all the way to the Supreme Court. In 1990, the Court ruled that DUI checkpoints probably were an infringement on Fourth Amendment rights, but that this detail was minor. The Supreme Court found that getting drunk drivers off the road and eliminating potential public safety risks was more important that the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

However, in order for these to be legal, the Court set forth some guidelines for law enforcement. These guidelines generally include:

  • Plans for DUI checkpoints must be made by supervising officers and vehicles must only be stopped according to a pre-set pattern. Officers may not decide on the fly to set up a roadblock and pick and choose which drivers to screen.
  • The location of DUI checkpoints is to be determined by policymakers, based on DUI statistics, and public and officer safety must be of primary importance.
  • DUI checkpoints are to be held for limited periods, to maximize effectiveness and limit intrusiveness. Drivers are to be detained for the least amount of time possible to complete the DUI screening.
  • Drivers must be alerted about police roadblocks by visible warning lights and signs. Law enforcement is also required to publish in advance the times and locations DUI checkpoints will be held.

Despite the Supreme Court ruling and guidelines, some states still consider DUI checkpoints unconstitutional. Drivers are not stopped at sobriety checkpoints in Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin or Wyoming.

In any state, drivers who are stopped at sobriety checkpoints and arrested for suspicion of DUI should speak with a DUI lawyer to determine if the arrest was constitutional.

The penalties for a DUI conviction, even if it is your first, can haunt you for the rest of your life. If you've been charged with a DUI - or even better, before you've been charged - know your rights. Your rights can help protect you and your record. The most important, and possibly the most powerful, is the right to a DUI attorney.

Steps to Improve Your Credit Rating (Part 2)

Lenders like stability

This is shown in a number of ways, for example being with the same bank, employer and at the same address for a few years. Basically, the more stable your current situation is, the higher your credit score will be.

For instance, homeowners are more likely to score higher than those who rent. If your home has a landline it's always best to put this down on applications over any mobile number, as this helps with security checks.

Also, the longer you have been with a particular employer the better, and those that are self-employed may find it harder to get approved, even with a large income.

Get closure

Contrary to popular belief, keeping multiple disused credit accounts open is not always a good move, especially if you're trying to boost your credit score.

All this shows prospective lenders is that you could run up a lot of potential debt, which obviously might make them reluctant to open up further more lines of credit.

It is important to note too, that simply cutting up a card doesn't close the account, it merely prevents you from using it. Also, even after a phone call to the lender, requesting closure of the account, it will usually be left open for a short while. It is a good idea to give them a call again in a few months time to confirm the account's closure.

Building/rebuilding your history

First-time applicants are likely to find it quite difficult to get accepted for any lower-rate credit deals. This is because of their lack of credit history.

One of the things about credit scoring is that it aims to predict what you will do with any new credit, based on your past habits.

Therefore, if you are new to the world of credit, then there is no way of predicting how you will use it. For this reason, many first-time applicants will find themselves lumbered with higher interest rates.

It's best to continue with any high-rate card or loan offered for up to a year, making sure you spend a little - and always make repayments in full, to avoid any ludicrous interest charges.

Once you have done this and have built some (hopefully positive) history you shouldn't have any problem applying for lower-rate products.

This method can also be used to repair bad credit history.

Don't miss any repayments

Although it's always recommended to make more than just the minimum monthly repayment, if you are struggling to meet repayments, it's always best to pay at least the minimum than to pay nothing.

Doing otherwise, even just the once, can seriously damage your credit rating.

If you are continually struggling to meet monthly repayments then it is usually a good idea to call the appropriate lenders. They may be able to arrange an alternative repayment schedule.

Liam is a UK based financial author, currently focusing on secured loans If you are being denied credit, such as secured loans, then chances are its becuase of your credit rating. Following the steps outlined in this article should help increase your credit rating, an thus the chances of getting approved any secured loans application.

Drink Driving - Maximum Penalty - Death - Kill Or Be Killed

Drink Driving - People who under the influence of alcohol believe that they can control or handle a vehicle while inebriated are taking a big risk. Think about it, there are just as many automobile accidents with sober drivers, so what chance has a drunken dimwit got while intoxicated. Leave the car keys at home if you are going out for a couple pints. You will enjoy the evening better - not having to worry about taking chances. Risks are normally taken by the drunkard - purely because they are afraid to leave their car behind in the pub car park - fearing it may be stolen or vandalised. A good idea is to leave it in the garage. Drink driving - not a match made in heaven and believe it or not - this is where many an innocent pedestrian or driver has ended up (Heaven)

The latest updates on drink driving offences committed this Christmas totalled to a number of 225 but news updates said that fewer motorists were apprehended for driving under the influence of drink or drugs. A car is classed as an exhibit i.e. murder weapon if driven by a drunk.

Think before you drink and drive because of the devastating consequences that occur if control of the vehicle is lost. Drink driving - kills, maims and comes with a prison sentence if found driving over the legal amount of alcohol consumption.
Motorists who risk having a pint or two of lager or couple of whiskeys and get behind the steering wheel of car could pay for it for the rest of their lives. If you are convicted of drink driving: then you go on file i.e. having a criminal record. Banned from driving on the roads, and your insurance premium will go through the roof.

The current legal limit is: 35 microgram's of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; 80 milligram's of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood; 107 milligram's of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. If you have been apprehended - for causing death by careless driving while under the influence of - booze or drugs, the maximum penalty imposed is 10 years in prison and unlimited fine and a ban for up to two years. So you see offences as such can change your whole life and that of close members of your family - and not forgetting the family of the innocent road victim you killed that lies on the mortuary slab. Sorry will not bring them back.

Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink. The maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment plus a fine of 5000 and a ban for at least 12 months, this ban triples to three years if you have been convicted twice in 10 years. Remember that after you blow into the bag i.e. breathalyzer, the result (reading) will decipher how long you are going to prison - for drink driving.

If you refuse to provide a urine specimen or blood sample then this carries a maximum penalty of 6 months imprisonment plus a fine of 5000 and a ban for at least 12 months. So it makes sense to let common sense prevail i.e. leave the car at home and you can drink your self into a state of oblivion. The mind boggles getting into a state as such (Drunken Stupor) i.e. not knowing if you enjoyed your self the night before or more importantly did you kill someone when drink driving.

Drink driving kills whether your the driver or not. Be careful crossing the road.

Motoring Issues
Had an accident Cosmetic Surgery

Low Interest Rate Credit Cards Today

If you're in the market to find a low interest rate credit card today, I'm going to show you the types that you can look out for and how you can capitalize on each one of them. Each category will all depend on your credit score. Obviously, a higher credit score means greater rewards and a lower credit score means next to nothing.

Bad credit cards - These types of cards are notorious for having higher rates. These rates can be anywhere from 20 to as much as 30%! This can put a huge damper on your wallet. Finding a card with a low rate in this category is tough but I'd say anything around 15% is great.

Reward credit cards - These are the cards designed for those with good credit. Since you're not a high risk, you get great rewards. I've seen cards with 0% for life but there restrictions (these are hard to find today) to rates as high as 20%. With a reward card, you're going to have a lot more luck finding a low APR. Do your searching and I'd say if you can get into the single digits, you'll have yourself a deal.

Business cards - If you own a business, you may find that you can't get your card paid off in full each and every month and that's okay because you're not alone! Since a business card will vary on your credit score and history, these rates can be low and high, it's up to you to do your homework.

With so many categories and types out there, go out and compare at least 5 cards. Research each one of them and find one that works for you.

Find low rate credit cards and more of Tom's work all at FINDlowcards.com.

Background Check For Police Officers

Being a police officer is not that easy. You will undergo different training. You will undergo to a very strict disciplinary action. It will take you take a lot of patience in your studies because you will tackle many things in your course of studies. As you finish your studies of course, you are going to apply as a cop in your place. And being a cop is not that easy.

When a person wants to be a cop, everything about him will be investigated. Even the smallest detail of your life will be checked. They will conduct a background check and it will include your full legal name, legal age, your past and present residence, any ticket to any traffic violation, military and any criminal record.

Police background check is a thorough investigation of your record. They will investigate your past for them to be sure that you are right to be a cop. You must prepare to discuss different issues and answer all the question that may be asked to you because this is may be a test for your honesty and reliability as a cop.

Because of the new technologies that are invented now, we can investigate through online websites. Just be careful of the websites that you are going to choose in conducting a background check. It is better to ask your friends or associates if they have in mind of any reputable company that is performing such investigation. For all we want is an honest and responsible cop because safety of the public is what we are considering.

Written By: Maella Ayson for SherlockRecords

Driver's License Hearings

Let's say you've been pulled over for drunk driving (also known as OWI, for Operating While Intoxicated) in the state of Wisconsin. Some people may consider this a minor charge, especially when compared to more serious crimes, but in fact there are serious legal consequences if you are convicted. Even if you are a responsible driver, it is good to know what to expect in this situation, as police officers do make mistakes and you want your rights to be protected.

If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, or if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is found to be over.08, your license will be taken from you on the spot. At that point, you will have about two weeks to request a driver's license hearing. (In the meantime, you will be issued a temporary driver's license.) If you do not request a hearing, your license will be automatically suspended after a certain period of time.

Let's say you have chosen to request a hearing. This is a good move, as it is your only chance to possibly have the charges dropped, or at least attain an occupational driver's license. An ODL will allow you to continue driving to work, school, and other necessary locations. Without one, you may have great difficulty meeting your life obligations.

There are important things to keep in mind before, during, and after a hearing. Let's review some of them:

1. Speak with an attorney. You may have the perfect defense in mind, but there are likely important details about the law that you do not know about. Even if you are a lawyer yourself, it is difficult to be objective and professional about your own case. A good attorney can offer invaluable legal advice.

2. Be on time for your hearing. Better yet, be a few minutes early. This will show the judge that you are reliable, mature, and serious about protecting your rights. If you miss your hearing entirely, your license may be suspended.

3. Dress appropriately for court. Wearing jeans or sneakers will make you look as if you do not really care about the proceedings. Men should wear suits, while women should wear blouses and skirts, or suits.

4. If you are granted an ODL, be sure to file the necessarily paperwork as soon as you can. Your license will not be handed to you automatically; you will need to fill out certain forms before it will be mailed to you.

For more information about driver's license hearings, contact Milwaukee OWI defense attorneys Kohler & Hart.

Joseph Devine

You Don't Have to Pay For Credit Repair

The first step to repairing your credit is to immediately start building good credit for yourself. Be determined to pay everything on time, no late payments, and no missed payments. It is important to know what your credit looks like and what you need to do to make it better. You don't want to put off repairing your credit. You need to do it now and do it right.

The first thing you have to do is to bring your income/debt ratio to a level that you manage. Once you have done that you are ready to begin repairing damage done in the past.

Sometimes if you are willing and able to bring your account current creditors will be willing to forgive past mistakes by removing bad reports from your credit. This is a step in the right direction to repairing your credit whether you use a credit repair service or not.

It is most likely that you will have to pay a credit repair service to help you repair your credit. It may be worth it just to approach your creditors directly to see if they are willing to work with you.

Know What Your Options Are

The truth is that anything a credit repair service can do you can do as well. They are going to call your creditors and try to negotiate. You can do that yourself. It will take courage. It is not easy calling many creditors and asking them to give you a break. But if you are serious about your approach, and are firm with the offer you present to them you might be amazed at the positive results you get.

You are not the only one who has had problems and had to try to negotiate with their creditors. Chances are there are many people who have negotiated with the same creditors you will be calling. Check on line to see if you can read about there experiences. They may give you information about your creditors that will be helpful in your negotiations with your creditors. The more you know the more prepared you will be to negotiate.

Tackling the task of repairing your credit yourself will educate you a lot on your credit, your creditors, and your options. That is knowledge that you or others you know can benefit from now and in times to come.

Can cancelling a credit card save you money on your debts? Get the inside scoop on the Debtopedia website at http://www.Debtopedia.com where you can get a free copy of my report Secrets Of Credit Card Debt

Let Go of Your Past

People have a difficult time letting go of the past because they are held back by unfinished business. They may regret choices they have made or feel guilty about past actions. As long as guilt and regret are not resolved, it is difficult to move forward.

The Regret Epidemic

Regret is an emotion that feels similar to depression or sadness. It also feels like guilt, but it isn't the same thing. Sometimes a wave of regret seems to come out of nowhere. You might become aware of it when you lose something or someone, or when you meet someone from your past. It is a common feeling in our culture for several reasons.

1. We have too many choices. Since we have so many options, there are many more opportunities to regret the paths we didn't take.

Example: When Linda was a senior at a major university, she interviewed with over 30 companies on campus. She was offered jobs in five different cities and had a difficult time choosing. In the end, she moved to Los Angeles and began an executive training program in a large company. A few years later, she began to wonder whether she had made the wrong choice. She thought she might have been better off in Kansas City, which had been her second choice. The regret leaves her feeling stuck and dissatisfied.

2. Endless possibilities. Another factor causing many of us to feel regret is that in the American culture, there is a belief that life has no limits. Our culture has an insatiable appetite for new experiences, adventure, and newness. When faced with the reality that certain things will not work out or change, we find it hard to accept.

Example: Karen has turned 45. She has never married and has no children. She has always believed that "There is always tomorrow" and "I have plenty of time to make my mark." But now, realizing that she may never be a mother and probably won't be the CEO of her company, she is feeling like life has passed her by.

3. No rules. Along with all of these options, our lives have become confusing because there are few guidelines for what choices we should make.

Example: Most women who have children struggle with the choices of what role employment should play in their lives, and many women feel like they made the wrong choice. Options include staying home with the children, working full-time at a demanding profession, or choosing a less demanding or part-time job.

Example: Many people feel compelled to continue on the ladder of success as long as they are being rewarded for it. When work becomes demanding and is no longer fun, it is hard to turn down promotions and pay increases in favor of less demanding, more satisfying work. People feel locked in to their career tracks and don't know how to get off the treadmill.

4. We value self-sufficiency. Our American culture has always valued independence. Somehow, we all get the message that it is better if we achieve our goals on our own, without the help of anyone else. The problem is that when we cannot accept support from others, we become isolated. Living a completely self-sufficient life violates the basic human need for affiliation.

Example: Matt's mother, Sarah, is 75. She is a widow and lives alone in an apartment in New York City. Matt left New York after finishing college and now lives in Florida. Sarah's friends are gradually moving to Florida, too. Matt has urged Sarah to move to a nearby condominium, and has even taken her to see a few of them. She resists, saying that she doesn't want to be a burden.

Meanwhile, Sarah is becoming increasingly isolated and depressed. She sits in her New York apartment and remembers the sunny condo she saw in Miami a few years back. She is filled with regret but won't change her mind. She feels like she has no choice but to remain independent and self-sufficient.

5. Instant gratification. Many people escape the pressures of daily life through drugs and alcohol. There are messages everywhere suggesting that we use alcohol and drugs to relax, escape, have fun, and be sexy. When this becomes a lifestyle, it often results in consequences that one can only regret: drunk driving, accidents, death and injury, relationship problems, poor attendance at work, or being fired.

6. Constant comparisons. When we compare our lives with others, it's easy to feel regret. Most of us expect ourselves to have it all together. We learn to act as if we are in control and compare ourselves with our friends, coworkers, neighbors, and the characters on television. When we don't look as good as they do, we feel like failures. We have a list of "shoulds" inside our heads-things we expect ourselves to be able
to do.

Guilt

Guilt is usually the result of aggressive acts, wishes, and thoughts. It usually results from violating a rule-either our own or someone else's.

What to Do about Unfinished Business

If you want to move past the things in the past that are keeping you stuck-your unfinished business-you will need to acknowledge them and tell the truth about them. You don't necessarily have to take any action; sometimes just writing or talking about it is enough to lessen its impact. You can write about it in a private journal or talk about it with a trusted friend or counselor. Here are some places to look for your unfinished business:

1. Risks I should have taken
2. People I treated badly
3. People who treated me badly
4. Something I did to someone
5. Not doing something I should have done
6. Messes I need to clean up (literally and metaphorically)
7. Things I should throw away
8. Things I want to buy for my home
9. Things I want to buy for myself
10. Things I need but haven't allowed myself to have
11. Projects I've started but have not finished
12. Projects I want to start
13. Things I want to change
14. Things I want to stop doing
15. Things I want to be
16. Things I want to have
17. Experiences I want to have
18. Things I want to say
19. Feelings I have not expressed
20. Secrets I don't want to keep any longer

Garrett Coan, MSW, LCSW is Founder and Director of the Center for Creative Counseling, a team of expert and licensed therapists and coaches providing phone and internet counseling services to clients throughout the United States and worldwide. A full library of articles from this author are available at http://www.stressmanagementboutique.com/Article_Library.html To arrange a no-obligation, complimentary consultation, call 1-877-95-UGROW (1-877-958-4769) or visit them on the Web at http://www.creativecounselors.com