text:
How can you make this day worth living? - 5 Postcard Set
M-C Turgeon's Inspired art & design
A colorful, unconventional gift for bloggers, geeks, hipsters and urbanites, teens, artists, designers, typography addicts, superstars, creatives, introverts, thinkers, movers and shakers.
Share the postcards, send the package as a gift, or showcase the entire collection in your home!
This listing is for 5 identical oversized 5 × 8.5 inch postcards, "How can you make this day worth living?".
Each postcards is printed on high quality 215 gsm glossy card stock, which is great for framing. The back side of each card is ready for your messages, and the package is nicely wrapped up in a clear cello.


text:
Melbourne to the Red Centre (OAMR)
If you really want to get Down Under and experience Australia's highlights without feeling rushed, you'll have to get off the big coaches. Explore Melbourne before hitting the Great Ocean Road and cutting through the outback to the Red Centre. Here you'll experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into Aboriginal culture. When it comes time to bed down, shake things up with a variety of unique accommodation—from safari tents to underground hostels and even a traditional sheep station.
Highlights: Marvelling at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, bedding down at a traditional sheep station, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru at sunset, exploring the Red Centre with a local guide
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
New Zealand—South Island Encompassed (ONSE)
Looking to tackle a bundle of different environments all in one go? New Zealand's South Island has what you need and then some. Action is the common thread throughout this trip that incorporates hiking, kayaking, biking, glacier treks and even bungee jumping across a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, glaciers and some of the most gorgeous coastline you'll ever see. This trip is exciting even when you're not moving; accommodations include an authentic bush camp and a wilderness lodge deep in the rainforest itself. Unique? You bet.
Highlights: Explore the trails of Abel Tasman National Park by foot, hike the Franz Josef Glacier Valley, get an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weave through the remote fiords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, bike while stopping to taste local wine.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Outback to the Top End - Adelaide to Darwin (OAAD)
You can't get Down Under through a bus window. If you're going to get off the tourist track, you'll have to shake things up a bit—that's why we've turned to trains, 4x4s, and buses for this itinerary. Starting in charming Adelaide, cut through the outback and explore the mysteries of Uluru. Follow your curiosity down the deserted tracks that make Australia so remote and spend 14 days discovering the natural beauty of one of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations.
Highlights: Bedding down at a traditional sheep station and outside under the outback sky, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, experiencing a night underground in Coober Pedy, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru, hiking the Red Centre, riding the route of Afghan cameleers on the Ghan Train, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kakadu National Park
Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
Melbourne to the Red Centre (OAMR) | 13 days | Yolo | Basic |
Promotions Available!
New Zealand—South Island Encompassed (ONSE) | 15 days | Yolo | Basic |
Promotions Available!
Outback to the Top End - Adelaide to Darwin (OAAD) | 14 days | Yolo | Basic |

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Love is currently at #15 in a couple of prospect rankings. The Pistons current record puts them drafting #21. He's not too far away from coming to Detroit, Buddahfan. NBADraft.net | Home
First of all it is not certain if Love will even leave the Bruins after this year He is strongly influenced by the Wizard of Westwood, who no doubt is telling him to stay and get his education. It would be great to see even one year of Love and Jrue together. If Love does go out I think he will go in the top 5. He is talented, tough and smart. He is also a decent size. I don't think that it is realistic to think that we will have a shot at him.
Current Rankings From Rivals.com Rivals.com College Basketball - Five-Star Tracker: Bayless stepping up
USC freshman O J Mayo is under investigation by the NCAA rules commmitee, because he received 'free" tickets from Carmello Anthony to attend the Laker-Nugget game on Monday. The NCAA needs to relax their rules here.. How do they expect collegians to learn about what goes on at the Staples Center unless they attend in person? If you live in LA, you would know that no poor student athlete can afford a ticket to see the Lakers. Sign Up
Kevin Love the best outlet passer since Bill Walton and Wes Unseld Here is a full court two handed alley-oop to Beasly YouTube - Kevin Love to Michael Beasly - Full Court Alley Oop! Here is a two handed outlet to Josh Shipp YouTube - Kevin Love Cross-Court Lob to Josh Shipp Here is a two handed out of bound half court outlet to Russell Westbook YouTube - Kevin Love outlet pass to Russell Westbrook Here is John Wooden commenting on Josh Love's outlet passes. YouTube - John Wooden on Kevin Love's outlet pass I can't find a video of it on the net, but last week he had a full court two handed chest pass to another Bruin against one of the Oregon schools, much like the pass to Beasley except it wasn't an alley-oop
Love really knows how to get it done. He's short, has ZERO athleticism, but he knows how to play BAS-KET-BALL, something GM's should start trying to take notice of instead of 40 times and vert leap tests.
I agree that he may not tall enough to play center in the NBA, but he will he will become a great NBA power forward, if he is too small to play center. But then you don't play defense with jumping ability but with foot movement (positioning) and strength, both of which he excels at. As far as is offense goes, even today he could pin down most of the NBA centers in the lower box on offense because of his strength and knowledge of how the game is played. zero athleticism? Like you said, athleticism is a heck of a lot more than being able to run like a cheetah and jump like a kangaroo. All of his skill translate 100% to the NBA game. 1. Strong 2. Smart 3. Excellent shooter inside and out 4. Excellent offensive moves 5. Tough, tough rebounder 6. Great passer, probably the best big man passer today in college or the NBA. 7. Total team player 8. Totally self-motivated, according to his father who played in the NBA and should know College Basketball Power Rankings
I have thought about that when watching him play and can definitely see the many similarities but it appears to me that his game is a more advanced than Bad Boy Bill's was in college. As I recall Bad Boy Bill was not that great when he was at Notre Dame. In three years at Notre Dame Bad Boy Bill averaged only 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. Bill Laimbeer Statistics - Basketball-Reference.com
And Love's numbers are double that. So logic says that if Laim was a 15&10 pro, Love should be a 30/20 pro....book 'em Denno.
Not by my logic. I just pointed out that in the only comparison we have which is college, unless you want to count their high school days, Love is vastly superior. How that will translate into the NBA I don't know. But I don't expect Love to play center in the NBA but power forward. Plus Love has a great offensive game in the paint, which Bad Boy Bill never did, even with us. Besides Love can dunk with relative ease and Bad Boy Bill couldn't jump over a dime in the road.


text:
For today's challenge, we'll focus on the design Principle of Dominance. From John Lovett's website: "Dominance gives a painting interest, counteracting confusion and monotony. Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis."
"Dominance is created by contrasting size, positioning, color, style, or shape. The focal point should dominate the design with scale and contrast without sacrificing the unity of the whole." from Wikipedia
Post your finished layouts in the General Message Board gallery.
Here's mine: Sunset
Page 1 of 1
Monday Challenge 12/17/12 Dominance
Posted 17 December 2012 - 04:26 PM
I was hoping you would continue your design series. There's always so much to learn!
Here's my layout.
Here's my layout.
Posted 18 December 2012 - 07:39 AM
I totally agree, this series on design has been fascinating... I could look it all up I guess but I like these little bite sized pieces!
Posted 27 December 2012 - 12:59 AM
I did this challenge a little tongue and cheek. The Principle of Dominance is a genetic term referring to how dominate genes are passed down to progeny. In short its why dominate genes are more visible from generation to generation. So I did my LO on the Mendel's Principle of Dominance.
Share this topic:
Page 1 of 1


text:
click photos to enlarge
Made in the image of the seminal J-200 "Super Jumbo," the biggest acoustic flat-top guitar of its day, the J-180 is designed to pump out plenty of volume while remaining crisp, clear and well-defined. To that end, Gibson partners a premium solid Sitka spruce top with solid maple back and sides, a tonewood combination that yields unparalleled punch and articulation, while remaining sweet and rich for more nuanced playing styles. Scalloped traditional J-180 X-bracing under the top, a graduated Tusq saddle and a genuine bone nut further ensure a lively, resonant instrument.
Taking all this masterful tone through your amplification system of choice is a Fishman Matrix VT preamp and piezo pickup system. Providing hassle-free amplified performance and accurate acoustic tone in a low-profile package, the Matrix VT system comprises the world's most popular under-saddle acoustic pickup along with active volume and tone controls in a soundhole-edge-mounted preamp that minimizes impact on the instrument's acoustic qualities. As you would expect, the Billie Joe Armstrong J-180 is equipped with a top-flight hardware set, including nickel Gotoh tuners with efficient 14:1 turns ratio, and a traditional "belly up" pin bridge made from East Indian rosewood.
And to make it all superbly playable, Gibson gives the 24-3/4"-scale mahogany neck a modified "V" profile to Armstrong's own specs, creating a feel that's extremely comfortable in the hand, with a 1.725" width at the nut for a roomy, un-cramped fingerboard. Each Billie Joe Armstrong J-180 comes with a black Gibson hardshell case with plush blue lining, an Owner's Manual, and Gibson Gold Warranty so you're covered on the road and at home.
Brand: | Gibson |
Model: | Billie Joe Armstrong J-180 |
Type: | Jumbo |
Finish Color: | Ebony |
Top Wood: | Sitka Spruce |
Bracing: | Traditional J-180 X-Braced Top |
Back & Sides Wood: | Maple |
Neck Wood: | 1-piece Mahogany |
Neck Shape: | Modified "V" Profile |
Fingerboard: | Indian Rosewood |
Fingerboard Radius: | 12" |
Fingerboard Inlays: | Mother of Pearl Graduated Stars |
Scale Length: | 24 3/4" |
Width at Nut: | 1.725" |
Nut Material: | Bone |
Frets: | 21 |
Binding: | Multi-ply Top, Single Ply Back Binding |
Rosette: | Traditional Double Ring |
Electronics: | Fishman VT |
Tuners: | Nickel Gotoh Tuners |
Bridge: | East Indian Rosewod Traditional Belly Up with Tusq Saddle |
Pickguard: | Traditional Double Tortoise J-180 Pick Guards highlighted by the top's natural woodgrain visible underneath each guard |
Case: | Gibson Standard Hardshell Case |
© 2011 - 2013 -- Wildwood Guitars


text:
How can you get everything done in a one-person business? When you look at corporations with separate departments for research and development, marketing, human resources, accounting, and more, it's hard to imagine that a freelancer could possibly fill all those functions alone. If you focus on ROI (return on investment) and implement a few time management strategies, though, it can be done.
The reality of a one-person business is that it can be messy– interruptions happen. If you have a time management plan and a few strategies in place, crises and interruptions won't derail your productivity. Take time to think through which of your activities gives you the highest ROI. Is it writing a new book? Teaching a workshop? Ghostwriting a full-length book for someone else? Working on your blog so that you can connect with your audience? Editing a manuscript? When you know which activities are most profitable, you can focus on them.
For most people, 20% of what you do in your business produces about 80% of your income, but it's hard to stay focused on the profitable 20%. The other 80%– bill paying, shipping, customer service, filing, and other administrative tasks–clamors for attention, and must be done. My personal system for getting things done could be described as a divide and conquer method of management in which I divide tasks by category, prioritize based on profitability, do the most important things first, and outsource things that are not directly income producing.
You can find a brief, informal overview of the system at my Do What Matters, Make it Pay blog. The post is a response to a fellow writer's question, so doesn't cover everything, but is a start. You can find it at http://doingwhatmatters.com/2012/02/how-get-all-done-oneperson-business.
Do you have any tips for time management that you'd like to add? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below.


text:
Obama at Kent State: Ohio Tweets
Obama will speak at the Memorial Athletic Convocation Center Wednesday afternoon and we'll be sharing your Tweets.
6:03 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Of course we can. If you are part of the 99%, this president has done far more than his predecessor did or his opponent would do to help your economic position. If you're part of the 1%, there is nothing this or any other president can do to seriously jeopardize your financial freedom.
Bridget Tooley
1:39 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Why in the world would he come during rush hours. Like the traffic is not bad enough already. Thanks Obama.
Barb O'Donnell
4:45 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
What has he done to make you so thrilled ?
Is it simply because he is a progressive black who gets into fist bumps?
Please don't vote.
Donald S
3:49 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
take another route? there are dozens of different ways to get from akron/canton/ suburbs
Blown away
9:59 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Mr. 99%. How so are you much better today than four years ago.
jiim may
10:08 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Obama must have left town, the smell is getting better
jiim may
10:11 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Is that obama on stage or curious george. They look like twins
Blown away
10:16 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Barack Obama said today the same things he said four years ago that he never fulfilled. Empty rhetoric!
Ohio has 7.1 % unemployment ONLY due to Governor Kasich Look at States like Ohio, Michigan,Indiana and Iowa. These States are run by Governors who know how to be fiscally responsible. Then look at States like Illinois and California..... both a train wreck heading for bankruptcy.
We are all Americans, we want the best for our families. neighbors and country. Ask yourself one thing before you vote. Ask if you, your family,community and country are better off today than four years ago. If your answer is No, the answer is clear.
Romney is the only one in this election that can give the 47%ers a chance , hope for change- A job-Self Esteem- A future.
Keith Best
7:53 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Chronic weak economy and rampant unemployment is the disease and whether you like them or not, Romney/ Ryan is the cure.
Eileen Fischer
1:26 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Every American no matter what party deserves being told the truth! This president and his administration has lied or covered up the Terror attack that killed four American Patriots! Then continued to lie for two weeks. They knew within 24 hours that it was a terror attack that was planed and executed with great skill. Do they think the American public are stupid? They really expected us to believe it was a spontaneous demonstration? If I were Carney, I'd quit my job before I told another lie for Obama! Obama has made Carney look like a fool along with Rice as they continued saying it was spontaneous over a movie. Anyone with common sense knew exactly what it was when it happened. Our own administration made things worse over there by insisting it was a movie clip, they only added fuel to an already burning bonfire. The familes of those killed deserve to know the truth as does every American. I would not believe another word this president or his administration says. They have proved they are liars!
Eileen Fischer
1:29 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Obama has admitted he can't Change it from within, so lets give him the chance to change it from the outside and give us some real hope!!
11:36 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Wrong on the economy, wrong on Benghazi, and wrong on the auto bailout... The time for real change is NOW!!
Romney/Ryan 2012
11:37 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Please don't let Obama sweep Benghazi under the rug...
Lets not forget those four who were left to be slaughtered in Benghazi... Do not reward Obama for this epic failure…
Every voter needs to read this excellent article... Very well worth your time...
These are pretty good as well:
Romney/Ryan 2012


text:
On 20/06/2013,
you requested for the version in force on 20/06/2013
incorporating all amendments published on or before 20/06/2013.
The closest version currently available is that of 01/06/2001.
—(1) Any person claiming any estate or interest in any land within Singapore may at any time apply to the High Court for an order that —
the register or any book or index kept at the Registry under this Act or the rules shall be rectified;
any entry may be made or interpolated in any such register, book or index;
any entry in such a register, book or index may be cancelled;
any certificate endorsed or given under this Act may be amended or cancelled;
any deed, probate, letters of administration, certificate or other document may be produced to the Registrar for the purpose of any registration, entry or cancellation; or
the priority by this Act granted to assurances or other instruments upon the registration thereof may be suspended in whole or in part during the continuance of any proceedings then pending in any court as to any assurances registered after the date of the order.
(2) An application referred to in subsection (1) shall be served on the Registrar of Titles where the application affects the proprietorship, description or area of any land comprised in a certificate of title issued under the Land Titles Act [Cap. 157].
(3) The court may either refuse such an application or, if satisfied of the justice of the case, may make such order in reference thereto and as to the costs thereof as in the opinion of the court is just and expedient.
(4) Any jurisdiction under this section may be exercised by any judge whether sitting in open court or in chambers.
(5) Any person aggrieved by an order made by the court under this section may appeal within the prescribed time in the same manner and with the same incidents in and with which orders made by the court in cases within its ordinary jurisdiction may be appealed from.
(6) Upon registration of an order made by the court under this section, any instrument, register, book or index kept at the Registry which is affected by the order of court shall be construed as if the amendments, rectifications, cancellations or endorsements ordered by the court had been made in the instrument, register, book or index and the Registrar shall, if so directed by the order of court, make the amendments, rectifications, cancellations or endorsements on the instrument, register, book or index unless it is not practicable for him to do so.
(7) The Registrar may require any person who has custody, possession or control of any instrument which is the subject of an order of court made under this section to produce that instrument to the Registrar for amendments, rectifications or endorsements to be made on the instrument or to cancel the instrument in accordance with the terms of that order of court; and if that person refuses or neglects to produce that instrument he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.


text:
1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spyder VIN # AR192737 This extremely rare and desirable example of one of Alfa Romeo's prettiest convertibles features an all... More
1965 Alfa Romeo 2600 Blue with Gray interior. The car has been with the same owner for 25 years. It runs great and could... More
1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring s/n AR*192760* Eng. No. AR00601*05555* Red with Black and Red Piping Italian automaker Alfa Romeo gained fame in the early... More
1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider Chassis No. AR*191215 Engine No. AR*00601*07462 Finished in a beautiful color combination with detailed undercarriage and engine bay, this highly desirable 2600... More
ALFA ROMEO: 1965 2600 Zagato, 1 of 105, new to Italy, rare, good car. Dan, 203-778-2601, CT.... More
ALFA ROMEO: 1964 2600 Spider, deep green exterior, tan cloth top, saddle interior, new paint, chrome, interior, well maintained, looks and drives excellent, call... More


text:
Official Windows Phone Central app v3.0 is now available!
You may have noticed a lot of changes around here lately, whether it be our desktop and mobile websites, or on our forums, we've been rather busy. Of course, not to be outdone by all this change, it's time for our app to see an update, and it's a fairly major one at that.
So I present to you, the official Windows Phone Central app version 3.0, and the product of months and months of hard work, testing, private betas, and then lots more hard work!
The update is available to download right now from the Windows Phone Store here, but if you want to find out what's new, read on for a feature list. Video walkthrough will follow in a future article, so stay tuned.
Our headline feature this time around, and one that with no doubt has been the most frequently requested, is full forum integration. Swipe over to the browse section and tap the forum tile and you'll be welcomed to the new forum home screen (you could also tap and hold the forum tile if you want the option to pin it directly to your start screen - see above photo).
We've built this forum support from the ground up, based on the Tapatalk API and you'll find support for:
- Posting and editing entries
- Browsing the forums including sub forums
- Quick jumping around the forums (just tap the header when you're browsing)
- Viewing photos attached to posts
- Following links posted by other members
- Viewing profile information about users (just tap their tile when viewing a thread)
- Sending and receiving private messages
- Deep linking to forum posts from articles and vice versa
- Viewing recently participated and latest posts from the home screen
- Searching for a post within the forums
We've also made a few other changes you might appreciate:
- A new live tile to match the new site logo (rolling out soon to the website - this is a preview)
- New wallpapers featuring our new logo (available in 20 accent colors)
- Customisable themes for the app and live tile (try out a new Windows Phone 8 colour!)
- Improved YouTube video support with HD streaming even on mobile connections
- Rebranded with the new site logo
- Adjusted margins to bring more content to the front
- Added jump options to the comments section
- Fixed a multitude of bugs
- Made several optimisations to the app
- Reduced the app's installed footprint to less than 1MB
I'm quite sure I've forgotten something from that list but hopefully it's enough of a change to make you interested! We've also made all forum functionality available to free users, you guys will just see the same adverts you're used to.
Without a doubt this has been a very challenging few months for me but I hope you'll all feel it has been worth it! Of course, we always welcome your feedback in any form, so please comment, e-mail, post on the forums and generally get in touch!
There are 270 comments. Sign in to commentFW190D says:
About time, guys! Never liked the roundish approach.
masterchief1984 says:
Can't wait until I get my WP! Really want to see what the WP Store is like and what the os brings to the table.
karen phillips says:
Updated app yesterday. Wow! Still trying to work through everything. Well done. Lovely to use. Always pinned to start...thanks
Nakazul says:
Used the app for a day now and loving it. This app is still perfection, and as such, i love it. How ever, the wallpapers (beautiful) look a bit low in quality, sees pixels on my HTC Titan.
admatt says:
Excellent: Fast load speed. Beautiful clean and smooth metro interface. Great tile design, love the new news number. Whoever did this should be highly commended.
SillyBirds says:
Weird, ever since the update, the marketplace tells me there's an update available.
But clicking makes it disappear. Happened twice so far.
Aldoron says:
Comments section jump FTW :D
SMMinke says:
In a world where people rarely take the time to speak up when something is done well vs. When they want to complain, let me say "Well done, Excellent". You guys are rapidly becoming the model for how App-Development should work; You take the initiative for provide more value when you see the opportunity to do so, rather than waiting until the criticism of the lack of wanted features becomes overwhelming and results in a half-hearted upgrade. With every upgrade, the WPCentral app has become simpler, more beautiful, more intuitive, and more powerful. Those are the hallmarks of any truly great product and you guys should be proud of taking pride in your work-- something that we see way too little of in the App-Development world.
SMMinke says:
Also, loving the ability to have a different "tile accent color" versus the "in-app accent color". This allows me to have a tile on my start screen that is a different color than my other tiles (to show off the beauty of Windows Phone to others as those colors "pop" and stop everything from blending together). Then, within the app itself, I have "XBox-Green", which is s striking contrast with white text entry boxes and black background. Not sure if this is a new feature or if it's just "New to Me", but again-- well done guys.
SMMinke says:
Another potentially "new to me" feature is that while in the comments for an article where there are many comments, pulling up the 3-dot menu gives a "Jump to First" and "Jump to Last" option. If this was there before, sorry for missing it. It's so useful though that mentioning it again here is likely still valuable as a reminder for existing users and for our "new former iPhone and Android" users that should be getting involved here soon. ;-P
SMMinke says:
You make it easy to thank with such a great app and for taking the extra time to address comments here over your weekend. Enjoying it as I'm sure others will once they have a chance to look at it.
BlackRonin357 says:
For some reason I can't upgrade to the new hotness! Im on a HTC HD7
TyCleary says:
I really want to try this out! My Windows Phone 7, an LG Optimus, died shortly after the 7.5, Mango, release. I have been out in the cold this whole time. Looking through the window at all the nice apps you guys have. This will be an install, day one on my WP8 handset.
pmhgeneral says:
Thanks for a great app!! Could you add a button to go back to the beginning of articles like the one going to last article?
jaywinjv says:
its not available in the UK market. HTC Trophy.
jaywinjv says:
ok, got it after restarting my phone :)
vikrant6 says:
Awesome app just got better and better. loving the new logo and accent colurs. Great job guys!! :)
SMMinke says:
On the tile, I like the way it resembles the Windows Phone Platform. I'd like it more it is represented the "colors" people will associate with Windows Phone, so each piece of the tile would be a different "Windows Phone" color. And the "black hole" might be good to remove. Constructive criticism for an awesome app!


text:
Indoor Garden Design
For those who live in apartments, sometimes an indoor garden might be the only source of green plants they can expect to have. Although they will be short on space that does not mean they can not be beautiful.
Below are some photos of indoor vertical garden at AstraZeneca's office in Sweden by Michael Hellgren:
Indoor garden design of The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ljubljana, Slovenia designed by Sadar Vuga Architects:


text:
Thursday, August 2, 2012 - 12:20 PMBy Natasha RiebeCowichan Valley
A cyclist was being treated for injuries on Lane Rd. in Duncan after being hit by a truck near Morfield Rd. at about 10:40 a.m. Thursday.
BC Ambulance spokesperson Kelsie Carwithen said a helicopter was sent to the scene.
"A cyclist was experiencing critical injuries and was struck by a vehicle."
Listeners called SunFM news to say the RCMP are at the scene and have police tape blocking off the road at Morfield.
If you're driving that way, you may be asked to turn around.
Carwithen could not describe the extent of the cyclist's injuries.


text:
Bully Sticks and Dog Treats Catalog > Made in the USA > Lamb Treats for Dogs > All Natural Lamb Weasands
See other items in this category:
All Natural Lamb Weasands Made in the USA Lamb Weasand are all natural gullets from US free range lamb. They are twisted together to form the equivalent of a lamb jerky/chew. These are great for keeping teeth and gums healthy and clean. They are USDA approved and have no preservatives or chemicals added to them. The Weasands are packaged bulk in bags and are sure to please all sizes of dogs. We recommend this item as a chew for dogs 40lbs and less and more of a treat (jerky) for larger dogs. These chews are high in glucosamine which aids in joint health! |


text:
Club competitions
National team competitions
Nationality: LATBorn : 18.02.1982Place of birth: Rezekne (LAT) Height: 2.07mPosition: F
Career: Broceni Riga (Latvia-LBL, 1997-99), Buki Gulbene (Latvia-LBL, 1999-2000), Telit Trieste (Italy-Lega, 2000-01), Olimpija Ljublajna (Slovenia-1A, 2001-02), Skonto Riga (Latvia-LBL, 2002), Skonto Riga (Latvia-LBL, 2002-03), Azoty Tarnow (Poland-PLK, 2003), Huelva (Spain-LEB, 2003-04), CSF Sevilla (Spain-Liga ACB, 2004-05).
Back in 2000, Kaspars Cipruss was considered as maybe the best center in his age class. He was coming off an impressive performance at the junior European championship, averaging 15.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game... He was signed right away by Trieste in the Italian League but since then, he has bounced from one team to another failing to fulfill his potential... Olimpija Ljubljana offered him a contract in 2001 but he was quickly cut and came back for a short stint in Latvia. The same happened one year later... In 2003 CSF Sevilla loaned him to Huelva in the second division where he regained some confidence and playing time... Not enough apparently as he played a minor role in the ACB this year (2.1 pts, 2.3 rbds). Too bad for a center with a strong body and a good feel for rebounding.


text:
change text size
You are here:
Come and visit our stand at:
At RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, we work to ensure that children and young people with complex needs who are blind or partially sighted are able to maximise their potential for learning, independence and fulfilment. Our education, care and therapy teams offer a wealth of specialist expertise and can provide training, advice and support to professionals and organisations working in this field. Topics include:
Our developing outreach education service called 'Periscope' provides educational advice, guidance and practical support to pupils, parents and service providers locally and nationally.
You can find out about our publications, research, projects and more by going to our Effective Practice in RNIB schools and college website.
We have a programme of meetings, conferences and courses throughout the year (see list below under latest events). We can also provide bespoke training. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs.
We offer new, modern and fully accessible facilities with excellent on-site hospitality for meetings, training, conferences and events. Located in a pleasant residential area with excellent transport links (near M6, M42, M1 and M69 motorways) RNIB Pears Centre is easily accessible from many areas of the UK.
Find out more about Venue hire at RNIB Pears Centre.
A community festival taking place on Saturday 13 July at Ash Green recreational ground, Coventry. Including a market place, music and dance performances, sports and competitions.
Do you support children and young people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours? We are delighted to host an informal networking opportunity for local professionals. Date and time: Wednesday 12 June 2013, 6.30pm - 8.30pm (arrive from 6pm) Location: School hall, RNIB Pears Centre
This one-day course explores effective strategies for supporting children and young people with visual impairment and autism. Date and time: Wednesday 12 June 2013, 10am-3.30pm Venue: RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, Coventry
Join the new RNIB Coventry fundraising group in support of RNIB Pears Centre.
Themed sensory sessions for babies and children aged 0 to 5 years with a range of sensory, learning, physical, social and emotional needs.
Do you support learners with visual impairment and complex needs? Why not develop your specialist skills with Partners in Learning accredited training at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning. The next planned course will start in February 2013.
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Last updated: 7 May 2013
Help us provide specialist services for children and young people with complex needs and sight loss, at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning.
RNIB's events calendar lists events in your area and lets you add your own events. Action for Blind People's activity calendar details events taking place across the country.


text:
Editor Ann C. Piasecki email@example.com
Mokena Police Department
-by vk11
New Lenox Police Department
Frankfort Police Department
good job
Will County Sheriff's Department Laraway Substation
Advertise on Patch and reach potential customers in your backyard and beyond. Click here for more information. Learn more »
If you want to help local causes, or your cause needs local help, your next click should be right here. Learn more »
New Lenox news, events, and deals sent to you daily and breaking news as it happens. See more options
You're now signed up!
Enter your tip here and it will be sent straight to Chuck Ingwersen, Denise Du Vernay, Guest Editor Bridgette Outten, Karen Sorensen, Ann C. Piasecki, and Amanda Luevano, New Lenox Patch's (incredibly grateful) editors.


text:
First WSIS+10 Review Event - February 2013
UNESCO hosted the 1st WSIS+10 Review meeting "Towards inclusive Knowledge Societies for Peace and Sustainable Development", Paris, 25-27 February 2013.
As the host of the WSIS+10 Review Event, UNESCO, together with its partners, addressed the major challenges in building Knowledge Societies for sustainable development. This first multi-stakeholder review event looked at the WSIS Action Lines' achievements, and analyzed recent developments as well as forecasts. Recommendations were also made to the post-2015 process.
Post-2015 Development Agenda
UN Group on the Information Society
UNESCO, together with other UN agencies, OECD and the World Bank, coordinates international ICT initiatives.During the WSIS Forum 2013 The United Nations Group on the Information Society (UNGIS), chaired by UNESCO, adopted the joint statement on the Post-2015 Development Agenda process in consultation with all 30 UNGIS members.
UNESCO at the IGF Azerbaijan
At the IGF Baku meeting held from 6 to 9 November 2012, Mr Jānis Kārkliņš, the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, made an opening speech.
UNESCO hosted the following meetings:
- 6 November, 14:30-16:00
WS 126 "EURid/UNESCO World Report on IDN Deployment 2012 – opportunities and challenges associated with IDNs and online multilingualism" - 6 November, 16:30 - 18:00
WS 203 "Information Ethics and Internet Governance - Identity, design and preservation" - 7 November, 9:00 - 10:30
WS 59 "Internet privacy and freedom of expression: UNESCO launches a global survey on legal frameworks" - 8 November, 14:30 - 16:00
UNESCO Open Forum "Digital preservation and multilingualism"
UNESCO at the WSIS Forum 2013
The 5th edition of WSIS Forum took place at ITU headquarters, in Geneva, Switzerland from 13 to 17 May 2013.
- C7 E-learning: ''Technology, Broadband and Education: Advancing the Education for All Agenda, Broadband Commission Report''
- C9 Media: ''Internet Universality: Conceptualizing evolving mediascape and updating strategies for post-2015''
- C3 Access, C7 E-science, C8 Cultural and language diversity, C10 Ethical dimensions of the Information Society: ''UNESCO's continued Action Line facilitation: Presenting action taken and listening to stakeholders''
- Plenary: WSIS+10 Visioning
Technology Broadband and Education: Advancing the Education for All Agenda
The outcome report of the Broadband Commission's Working Group on Education.


text:
May is Melanoma Awareness Month! Check out more information in this thread : http://www.etiquettehell.com/smf/index.php?topic=77387
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
I'd rather be disfigured than in constant pain. What a horrrible woman; any "disfigurement" she has is in her personality.Just recently, in fact, I was reading an etiquette book and saw "disfigured" on a list of words you don't use, in public, to describe a person, ever.
This is a very emotional one for me, but I'm going to share it anyway.
A former friend called my unborn child a bastard, to my face.
Quote from: CathyF on December 13, 2006, 04:09:56 PMA former friend called my unborn child a bastard, to my face. No wonder she's a former friend. Why on earth would someone do that?
2. Not only did one of BF's (female) coworkers corner him in the break room to ask if my breasts were real, she asked him if she could feel them!
The week before I went in for my reduction (yes!!!!!!) I had a married co-worker come into my office and ask me if I was really getting a reduction. I was a little put off by his question, but I replied that I was. He then begged me to let him see my breasts before the operation. The answer was not only "no!", but "get the h3ll out of my office!". He left the company shortly after that when he started showing pictures of his wife in the bathtub to the other male workers.
To MsMoonbunny: These people are talking about you like your chin drags the ground or something!!! For heaven's sakes it's scoliosis, not a third eye!! I'm sorry you went through that!


text:
No one's mother really dies
Very beautiful words of wisdom and food for thought are often printed in a funeral service bulletin or one of those little obituary brochures. Phydella Bunny Bertsch was the mother of our good friend,...
Posted on 5/20/13 at 1:50 PM
Vegetable lasagna: A great make-ahead dish
This "Vegetable" Lasagna is the best recipe that has ever crossed my path. No other lasagna I've made sets up like this one. My family eats meat, so I cheat in this recipe and add hamburger of the buffalo variety — raised by my nephew, Mike, in north central North Dakota.By Naomi Dunavan , April 24, 2013
IN THE SPIRIT: Grand Forks Youth for Christ names new leader
Sean Patterson stepped into the emcee's shoes when his church, Grace Baptist in Grand Forks, served as a viewing site for the "Stepping Up" simulcast. Thousands of men across the country watched it the day before the Super Bowl.By Naomi Dunavan , April 12, 2013
NAOMI DUNAVAN: Add zing to meatloaf with this secret ingredient
This recipe has one ingredient I've never seen before in meatloaf. The raves at the table that night told me I had hit the jackpot.By Naomi Dunavan , March 12, 2013
IN THE SPIRIT: Every game a blessing, every fan an energizer
The cross tattooed on Troy Huff's upper right arm is big and bold and beautiful just like the picture of Jesus tattooed on Shane Benton's upper left arm.By Naomi Dunavan , March 09, 2013
IN THE SPIRIT: Learning lessons written on wall of Mayo Clinic
Sometimes having to wait is annoying, but it recently paid off in a big way for me. I had time to reflect on someone's words of wisdom which left me clothed in peace and reassurance. Both of which I needed.By Naomi Dunavan , February 16, 2013
IN THE SPIRIT: Seeing the fruit makes Eunita yearn to do more
Never will she leave — permanently. Never will she forsake — her people — her mother country. It is for them that Eunita Odongo is temporarily away, learning in the United States what she can do — with her heart and hands — to improve the lives of people in her beloved Kenya.By Naomi Dunavan , January 12, 2013
IN THE SPIRIT: His life overflows with music, message
Even at the ripe young age of 7, the Rev. Bob Ludwig was dead serious about his piano lesson. So much so that he rolled out of bed to practice every morning from 6:30 to 7:30 before the school bus came to his country home near Culver, Ind.By Naomi Dunavan , December 08, 2012
IN THE SPIRIT: Trip to Norway provides heritage enlightenment
In a picturesque country setting within a triangle formed by the towns of East Grand Forks, Alvarado and Oslo, sits a 132-year-old house of worship known as Kongsvinger Lutheran Church.By Naomi Dunavan , November 10, 2012
IN THE SPIRIT: My sister, my friend, my mentor
The memory is as clear to me as if it's happening as we speak. The door opens and in walks someone who brightens my day like a beacon in the night. She has come from her upstairs classroom to wrap an arm around me and assure me that all is well. She is my one and only sister!By Naomi Dunavan , October 12, 2012
IN THE SPIRIT: From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee
For a homebody, I've been gone a lot lately. This year's travels began the end of March with a trip to West Virginia when I was invited by John Reitmeier to be there when he met his biological brother for the first time.By Naomi Dunavan , August 11, 2012
IN THE SPIRIT: Golden opportunities lead to golden celebration
We're speaking here of Holy Family Catholic School whose name became Holy Family-St. Mary's Catholic School in 2005 when St. Mary's School in downtown Grand Forks closed its doors and its students were welcomed into Holy Family School.By Naomi Dunavan , July 21, 2012
IN THE SPIRIT: Found: Long lost words of wisdom
For starters, I asked my grandchildren, Elyn and Ethan, if they knew the meaning of the word "multitude?" Two little heads shook from side to side. Ethan just completed first grade and Elyn third. I guess those words are yet to come for them.By Naomi Dunavan , June 08, 2012
IN THE SPIRIT: A 'bonus family' for John Reitmeier
Crookston man finds his biological family at age 60Anyone who knows John Reitmeier knows he's never lost for words. Otherwise known as the Cool Site Pick of the Day guy for 1310 KNOX radio, Reitmeier has quick and witty comebacks for everything, stemming from many years in radio. But on the evening of April 13, John was somewhat subdued as we neared a white house with a full-width front porch situated on a flower laden street in Charles Town. When John spoke it was softly. As our car pulled into the driveway, a man and his wife came down from the porch to welcome John. Over the past few months they had spoken on the phone several times and now, John, 60, and Michael Terry, 63, were meeting for the first time.
By Naomi Dunavan , April 27, 2012
IN THE SPIRIT: We shall gather at the farmyard, the beautiful, beautiful farmyard
Beginning with a potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. sharp on Sunday, Mark and DeeAnn will host a huge old fashioned country gospel music festival on the farm which is about 30 minutes out of Grand Forks. Directions in a minute!By Naomi Dunavan , August 13, 2011
IN THE SPIRIT: An around the world rosary
Praying it forwardOver the years some of his U.S. Army paraphernalia, like uniforms and boots, have disappeared. But for more than four decades, Jeff Bakke has hung on to something "pretty special to me," he said.
By Naomi Dunavan , June 11, 2011
View your ad here! Cost effective targeted advertising.
Contextual advertising starting as low as $79/month. This includes targeted ad delivery and search results!
Add your business to the Marketplace »


text:
About Us
Our Agency
The Leavitt Group
Agency Map
Insurance Glossary
Products & Services
Commercial Insurance
Personal Insurance
Group Benefits
Industry Programs
Insurance Newsletters
Request Quotes
Customer Service
Questions & Change Requests
Make a Payment
Contact Us
Commercial Insurance
Personal Insurance
Group Benefits
Industry Programs
Insurance Newsletters
Commercial Newsletter
view all
Protecting Against Cyber Risk & Developing a Data Breach Response Strategy (Spring 2013)
The best defense against loss from a data breach is to do all you can to prevent a breach from occurring in the first place.
Even small companies can be a target of data thieves. The primary causes of data breaches have been identified as employee error, contractor error, lost or stolen equipment (laptops, smart phones, storage media), and procedural mistakes.
Data outsourcing and sharing also create a risk. In a survey by Ponemon Institute, more than 85 percent of companies indicated they share customer and employee data with third parties for activities such as billing, payroll, employee benefits, web hosting, and other information technology services. Of those organizations that outsource data, over 60 percent do not require third parties to cover the costs associated with a data breach in their contracts.
Typical business insurance policies often do not provide adequate coverage for cyber risk. There are cyber insurance programs available to help cover the costs of responding to data breaches and providing services to affected individuals. To learn more about what options are available, contact your Leavitt Group insurance consultant. Let them know of any e-commerce activity you do as well as what kind and whose information you store on your network. Include information on subcontractors who manage any of your e-commerce activity or who help in running or maintaining your computer network.
businessinsurance.com, insurancejournal.com
A recent survey of risk managers revealed the following:
Over 70 percent were not purchasing a cyber insurance policy for their organization.
Two-thirds believed their internal controls were adequate or that they didn't have a significant data exposure.
Fewer than half conduct regular "penetration tests" to evaluate the adequacy of their network.
More than 40 percent indicated they purchased a cyber limit of between $1 million and $5 million; however, the median cost of cyber crimes to an organization is about $5.9 million.
Reference: insurancejournal.com
Recent surveys have found that more than half of small and midsize businesses in the United States have experienced at least one data breach. Among those who have experienced this problem, only one-third have actually notified their customers when the breach occurred. Failure to act in a timely and effective manner in the event of a data breach can harm your business's reputation and, in many states, put you at risk for legal penalties. Every business should have a plan in place on how to respond if sensitive information on customers and employees is compromised.
Here are a few suggestions for developing a data breach response strategy:
Develop a data breach notification policy. This policy is written for your customers and tells them how your organization will notify them if a data breach occurs.
Train staff to be able to recognize breaches. All employees should be able to identify a potential data breach and know how to report the incident.
Notify financial institutions. Contact the bank that manages your credit card processing if financial information (such as credit card numbers) is compromised.
Seek assistance from an attorney or risk consulting company as soon as you become aware of a possible data breach. These professionals can help you identify which laws might be involved and whether you need to alert customers or the government.
Notify affected customers in the way you said you would in your "data breach notification policy." It is important that you do this as soon as appropriate based on the situation. Having your customers find out about the data breach from another source will not help your customer relations or your reputation.
In a survey by Ponemon Institute in 2012, customers indicated how they would expect an organization to respond after a data breach. They revealed the following:
Breach notifications should be easy to understand, well-written, and concise. Do not include so much legal language that it becomes difficult to understand. Present all of the facts in a way the average person can understand.
Let people know what your organization is doing to protect them from financial damage.
Explain the risks and offer advice. Provide information on what steps your customer should take to protect themselves.
Offer financial help. Many experts recommend offering credit monitoring services to breach victims.
Developing and implementing an effective data breach response strategy will enable your organization to fulfill your responsibility to protect the personal information your customers and employees have entrusted you with.
Reference: bbb.org, ponemon.org, businessinsurance.com
The coverages discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only. The terms and conditions of your specific policy may differ from those described.
Please consult the provisions of your policy for the terms, conditions, and exclusions that apply to your coverage.
Preparing Your Business for Disaster (Winter 2012)
By Andrea Roundy, Leavitt Group
Though we cannot prevent some disasters from occurring and affecting our businesses, we can implement measures to increase our resilience to these disasters and improve our ability to recover from such events. Here are a few suggestions for preparing your business for disaster:
Establish a recovery team that includes a primary and back-up crisis manager. Make sure all members of the team understand their role in the recovery process.
Identify critical business functions along with the resources, personnel, and actions required to restore these functions during a disaster recovery.
Locate an alternative location where you can operate your business should disaster make your current location temporarily uninhabitable. Identify a location as an emergency command center for recovery efforts.
Outline a plan to communicate with your employees, vendors, suppliers, key customers, and the media.
Make a copy of your disaster recovery plan (including employee, customer, and supplier contact information) and store it in an offsite location.
In addition to the above recommendations, contact your Leavitt Group insurance consultant to review your current insurance coverage to make sure it is adequate for various types of disasters. For more details on preparing your business for disaster, visit preparemybusiness.org.
Statistics show that 90 percent* of businesses fail within a year following a disaster unless they are able to resume operations within the first five days after the disaster occurs. While the majority of large businesses have disaster recovery plans in place, many small to medium companies do not.
There are numerous resources available to aid a business in preparing for such events. These include preparemybusiness.org, disastersafety.org, and fema.gov.
*Source: preparemybusiness.org
By Andrea Roundy, Leavitt Group
Businesses that are set up to recover quickly from disaster will benefit by getting back in business sooner, restoring their income, getting their employees back to work more quickly, and continuing to provide the goods and services their community has come to rely on and enjoy. Though we all hope to not have to deal with the stress a disaster can bring, here are a few tips for business recovery should the need arise:
Safety First.
Following a disaster, make it a priority to keep people and property safe from further loss. Report power and gas line damage as soon as possible. Before allowing employees and customers to re-enter the property, it is important to ensure the building is safe. Make arrangements for a contractor or structural engineer to inspect your building and identify the extent of the damages. If the building is deemed unsafe for occupancy, make arrangements to work from a different location until repairs can be made.
Report Your Losses.
It is important that you get in contact with your insurance agent as quickly as possible to report your losses. Be prepared to provide details regarding how, where, and when the loss or damage occurred. If possible, it is helpful to have your policy number available when you call.
Evaluate Damages.
Beyond the initial general description you provide to your insurance agent, it is important to make note of all damages as you conduct a more thorough investigation of your property. Keep track of all damages you find, including those to the building structure (roofing, siding, and windows), property, signage, equipment, product inventory, and raw materials. Taking photos or videos will be helpful in documenting specific details.
Prevent Further Damage with Temporary Repairs.
Taking time to make temporary repairs can be helpful in protecting your property from further damage. Prevent weather-related damage by covering holes in the roof and boarding up broken windows. Block off areas of the building that are completely unusable. If moving to a temporary location, notify your customers and suppliers of the change of address to prevent unnecessary traffic around damaged property.
Start Cleaning Up.
The clean-up efforts you employ will depend on the nature and extent of the damages that have occurred. Your insurance company may recommend you hire a professional cleaning service. However, regardless of who does the work, clean-up efforts should be handled in a way that prevents further damage or injury from occurring. If you and your employees are handling the job, use eye protection, gloves, hardhats, and dust masks/respirators. Sanitation systems and gas and power lines should be restored as quickly as possible – contact the appropriate companies for each of these items to be repaired.
Reference: disastersafety.org
The coverages discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only. The terms and conditions of your specific policy may differ from those described.
Please consult the provisions of your policy for the terms, conditions, and exclusions that apply to your coverage.
Workers Compensation and Ergonomics in the Workplace (Fall 2012)
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most widespread occupational health hazard facing our nation. Nearly one-third of workers compensation claims are due to insufficient ergonomic protection. You can reduce the incidence of workers compensation claims with proper management of ergonomic risk factors in your workplace.
Common ergonomic risk factors include working conditions that involve:
Hand movements that are repetitive, forceful, or prolonged
Frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects
Maintaining awkward postures for extended periods of time
Vibration and cold temperatures may add risk to the above conditions. The level of risk associated with any of these conditions depends on their intensity and how long and often workers are exposed to them.
The benefits of an ergonomically-correct workplace include high productivity, decreased risk of illness and injury, and increased satisfaction among employees. In addition, over exertion and fatigue can be reduced.
Ergonomic risks and solutions vary by industry. To learn more about guidelines specific to your industry, please visit
Reducing and controlling ergonomic exposures is a proactive way to protect your workforce and control workers compensations costs.
1. Management Commitment and Employee Involvement
Management commitment provides the organizational resources and motivating force necessary to deal effectively with ergonomic hazards. Employee involvement is essential for identifying hazards and for developing and implementing an effective way to eliminate these hazards.
2. Worksite Analysis
Conduct a worksite analysis to identify existing hazards and conditions, operations that create hazards, and areas where hazards may develop. In addition, review injury and illness records to identify patterns of traumas or strains that may indicate workplace conditions or practices that need improvement.
3. Hazard Prevention and Control
Once ergonomic hazards are identified through the worksite analysis, measures should be designed to prevent or control these hazards.
4. Written Program
Develop a written program that establishes clear goals for dealing with ergonomic issues specific to your organization as well as objectives to meet those goals.
5. Regular Program Review and Evaluation
Managers, supervisors, and employees should be involved regularly in reviewing the progress of your ergonomic program, reevaluating goals and objectives, and discussing any necessary changes.
Furnish workstations with adjustable assembly tables that allow workers to raise or lower the table to suit their height.
Adjust position of computer monitors and keyboards to eliminate awkward postures and unnecessary twisting.
Redesign workstations to eliminate the need to twist and bend to reach for parts.
Add foot rests to workstations so workers can change position while standing.
Provide fatigue mats for workers who stand to perform their work duties.
Replace heavy steel die parts with light-weight aluminum, reducing overall weight and making the die much easier to handle.
Implement a bulk rack system with miniature rollers and guided slots for cartons, allowing boxes to be slid into position with considerably less effort.
Avoiding Heat Illness at Work (Summer 2012)
Though we often think of heat illnesses being a threat for employees who work outdoors, heat-related health problems can also occur among employees in indoor environments. The risk of developing these problems can be reduced and even prevented by keeping the work environment cool and employing safe work practices.
Here are a few suggestions for engineering controls and safe work practices that can reduce workers' exposure to heat:
Install and maintain adequate air conditioning and cooling fans.
Increase general ventilation to help circulate cooler air.
Ensure points of high heat production or moisture have local exhaust ventilation.
Install reflective shields to redirect radiant heat and make sure hot surfaces
(such as furnace walls) are insulated.
Watch for and eliminate all steam leaks.
Establish an emergency plan that details how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and appropriate treatment methods.
Make sure employees are familiar with the plan.
Acclimatize workers to warmer work conditions by gradually increasing workloads and allowing more frequent breaks during the first week of work.
Provide plenty of drinking water close to the work area and encourage employees to drink water frequently throughout the day.
If possible, schedule heavier work for cooler times of the day and rotate job functions to minimize overexertion and exposure to heat.
When appropriate to the job situation, provide personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators, insulated gloves, and impermeable clothing).
With the arrival of summer, it is important to be aware of the threat of heat-related illnesses. As with other safety threats in the workplace, heat-related illnesses can be prevented, but it is also important to be aware of the symptoms and first-aid measures to take if necessary. The following is a brief outline of the symptoms and recommended first aid treatment for heat-related illnesses.
Heat rash
is the most common heat-related problem in the workplace. It appears as clusters of red bumps on the skin, most often on the neck, upper chest, and folds of skin. If affected by heat rash, the employee should keep the affected area dry and try to work in a cooler, less-humid environment.
Heat cramps
are muscle spasms and pain, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. A worker who is experiencing heat cramps should rest in a shady, cool area and drink plenty of water. The worker should rest for a few hours before returning to strenuous work activity. Medical attention is advised if the cramps do not go away.
Heat exhaustion
symptoms include cool, moist skin and heavy sweating as well as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, light headedness, weakness, thirst, irritability, and fast heartbeat. This is serious enough that if a worker experiences heat exhaustion they should not return to work for the remainder of the day. The affected worker should sit or lie down in a cool, shady area and drink plenty of water. The worker can also be cooled by using cold compresses or ice packs.
If the signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve within 60 minutes, the worker should be taken to a clinic or emergency room for evaluation and treatment.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency – call 911 immediately.
Symptoms may include confusion, fainting, seizures, and a very high body temperature. The individual may be sweating excessively or their skin may be red, hot, and dry. While waiting for medical help move the worker to a cool area and give them fluids – preferably water. Loosen their clothing and remove outer clothing. If available, apply ice packs, cool compresses, or ice. Do not leave them alone while waiting for help.
To keep your employees safe, remind them to do the following:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Rest in the shade periodically to stay cool.
Report heat symptoms early.
Prolonging treatment may worsen the condition.
Reference: OSHA.gov
Personal Newsletter
view all
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Life insurance can help your loved ones meet their expenses and maintain their standard of living in the event of your untimely death. The following are a few things to consider as you determine the amount and type of coverage to purchase.
How much money will your family need to cover the lack of your income? Are you close to retirement, or are you providing for a young family? The coverage you will need is tied to the amount of income you would need to replace in the event of a premature death.
What debts do you have that your family will need to pay? These may include a mortgage, automobile loans, student loans, credit cards, and so on. Remember to take into account funeral expenses as well.
What specific expenses would you like to cover for your family in the future (general living expenses, college, weddings, etc.)?
Will your family need to replace your annual income, or will your spouse's income be sufficient for their needs?
At the very least, purchase enough coverage to pay your debts and funeral expenses.
Make sure the policy you are purchasing has premiums you can afford long term. You are better off purchasing a smaller policy with lower premiums you can fit into your budget. If you purchase a policy with premiums beyond your capacity to pay, you risk letting the policy lapse due to missed payments.
Contact your Leavitt Group insurance consultant for further guidance on determining the amount and type of life insurance that is right for you.
Reference: www.iii.org
Life Insurance: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
By Renae Goodwin, Leavitt Group
In determining whether or not you need life insurance, ask yourself: "If I died today, is there anyone who would be impacted financially? How would my plans for the future be carried out? How would my responsibilities be fulfilled
The fundamental purpose of life insurance is to provide money to those who rely on you financially when you die. This could be your immediate family, an aging parent, or your business partner.
If a need exists, the most critical step is determining an appropriate death benefit amount. When assessing the amount of life insurance you need, consider factors such as final expenses, mortgage payoff or rent, credit card debt, automobile loans, college tuition, and continued income for dependents. Keep in mind that as your family grows and changes, you may need to reevaluate the amount of your death benefit amount.
The decisions involved with purchasing a life insurance policy can be intimidating. Your insurance advisor can help make the process easier by offering advice, performing a needs analysis, and explaining coverage options and costs.
Term or Permanent (Whole Life)
There are two basic types of life insurance: term and permanent (or whole life) insurance. Term insurance offers protection only for a specified period of time. The death benefit is paid only if a loss occurs during the term. Term policies do not build up any "cash value" aside from the death benefit itself.
With term insurance, premiums are initially lower than for permanent insurance, allowing the policy owner to buy higher face amounts at a younger age, when the need for protection is greatest. It is a good option for covering specific needs that will eventually disappear, such as a mortgage or other loans, to help prevent the loans from becoming a financial burden to the survivors.
New families often purchase term insurance and convert to permanent insurance later. Premiums may be higher with the renewed or converted policy.
Permanent insurance (also known as whole life insurance) provides lifelong protection until maturity, usually until the insured is age 95 or older. It provides a cash value in addition to a death benefit. Permanent insurance is a good choice if you want long-term coverage with a predictable premium and a way to accumulate cash funds for emergency needs or opportunities. You may be able to borrow money against the policy to meet financial commitments, such as college expenses or purchasing a home. If loans remain unpaid at the time of the insured's death, the insurance company deducts the loan balance, plus interest accrued, from the death benefit proceeds. Remember, however, that life insurance is designed to provide protection. Additional benefits, such as borrowing money from your policy, are secondary considerations.
Automobile Accidents: Defensive Driving & Reducing Travel Risks (Winter 2013)
Our hope is that you never have to deal with an automobile accident. However, in the event that you do, we want you to be informed of actions you should take to protect yourself and others at the scene. The following is a list of recommendations you should follow if you are involved in an accident.
Remain Calm.
Arguing, venting, or losing your temper will not help the situation.
Call 911 to report the accident.
Do not leave the scene of the accident.
If safe to do so, move your vehicle out of harm's way to prevent further damage or accidents. If your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on the hazard lights and close all of the doors.
Do not discuss the specifics of the accident with anyone other than the police, your employer (if you were driving while on the job), and your insurance representative.
Do not admit fault or accept blame.
Gather information about what happened.
Note the road and weather conditions as well as the location. Provide as much detail as time and circumstances will allow. Do not wait to perform this step! Memories fade quickly and your immediate recollection of events could prove to be critical in handling your claim.
Photograph the accident scene (multiple angles, from a distance, and up close).
Gather information from anyone involved, including names, contact information, license plate numbers and insurance information.
Obtain names and phone numbers of witnesses.
Be courteous and consistent in your version of the accident.
Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.
Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent.
Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent (at 55 mph) of driving the length of an entire football field.
Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.
Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
Source: Distraction.gov
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 90 percent of all vehicle accidents occur due to driver error. You can avoid being part of this statistic by implementing defensive driving techniques. Defensive driving goes beyond following basic traffic laws and simply knowing how to operate a vehicle. It involves making safe and well-informed decisions as well as actually anticipating dangerous situations before they occur. Here are a few tips for driving defensively:
Focus on driving.
Avoid activities such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, and personal grooming. Staying focused will help you to see potential problems in time to properly respond to or avoid them.
Stay alert.
Being an alert driver allows you to respond quickly to potential problems – such as a child running out into the street or a driver slamming on their brakes in front of you. Your judgment and response time can be adversely affected by simple daydreaming as well as from doziness or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including over-the-counter and prescription drugs). Take responsibility by getting adequate rest and refraining from substances that will affect your ability to respond in a timely manner.
Maintain an appropriate speed.
Following the posted speed limit is fine while road conditions are clear; however, it is up to you to ensure your speed matches conditions. Slow down to maintain control of your vehicle, particularly if the road surface is wet or if other risky conditions are present.
Be aware of other people on the road.
You will be less likely to be caught off guard if you pay attention to other roadway users and anticipate their actions. Paying attention and anticipating what other drivers may do will help you to adjust accordingly. Don't assume other drivers will see and accommodate your vehicle – anticipate the worse-case scenario and be prepared to respond.
Maintain a safe following distance.
Keep at least three to four seconds of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you – increase this distance in bad weather. Maintaining a safe distance helps give you adequate time to brake to a stop if necessary to
avoid a collision.
Don't be overconfident.
It isn't just teen drivers or elderly individuals who are at fault of becoming distracted behind the wheel. It is easy for someone who has had a lot of experience driving to become overconfident in their abilities and to allow their driving skills to become sloppy. No matter how much driving experience you have, you could be the cause of a traffic accident by allowing yourself to become distracted behind the wheel with activities that can wait until you reach your destination.
Practicing these safe driving strategies will improve your ability to respond to the dangers around you and help you avoid putting your fate in the hands of other drivers.
The coverages discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only. The terms and conditions of your specific policy may differ from those described.
Please consult the provisions of your policy for the terms, conditions, and exclusions that apply to your coverage.
Smoke Alarms and Maintaining a Fire-Safe Home (Fall 2012)
Maintaining a Fire-Safe Home
As the weather cools down with the arrival of fall, the risk of residential fires goes up. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires, accounting for 14 percent of all residential fires across the nation. In many cases, these tragic events can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions.
The following recommendations have been made by the United States Fire Administration (USFA):
Hire a qualified professional to clean and inspect your furnace, chimneys, and other heating equipment on an annual basis.
Only use heating equipment that has been approved by a recognized testing laboratory.
Maintain adequate space around all heating equipment. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heat sources.
When using space heaters, plug them directly into electrical outlets rather than using extension cords or power strips.
Install carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors in your home. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for placement of these alarms, and replace the batteries at least once per year.
An estimated 50,100 heating fires in residential buildings occur each year in the United States.
Heating is the second leading cause of all home fires; the leading cause of home fires is cooking.
Fires confined to chimneys, flues, or fuel burners account for 87 percent of home fires.
Thirty percent of nonconfined heating fires occur because the heat source is too close to combustibles.
This month's newsletter discusses ways you can protect your family and home from the devastation of fire.
Smoke Alarms:
Protecting your family and home from fire
Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you are sleeping or awake, smoke alarms are constantly on the alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.
In order for smoke alarms to do their job, it is important that they are properly installed and maintained. The following tips are available through the United States Fire Administration (USFA):
Smoke Alarm Installation:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
Because many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, the USFA recommends installing smoke alarms inside and outside of sleeping areas.
Smoke and deadly gases rise, so it is important to install smoke alarms at the proper level to ensure the earliest warning possible.
Hardwired smoke alarms should be installed by a qualified electrician.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance:
Test the alarm monthly.
Replace the batteries once per year.*
Replace the entire smoke alarm unit once every 8 to 10 years.*
Never Disable a Smoke Alarm
A smoke alarm is just doing its job if it sounds while you are cooking or taking a hot shower with a lot of steam. Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake. Rather than removing the battery, here are a few tips for silencing the alarm:
Open a window or door and press the "hush" button.
Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air.
If the alarm is not hard-wired, move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.
Smoke alarms will only work when they are properly installed and maintained. A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. Always follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions.
you cannot (and should not) replace lithium batteries. If your smoke alarm is powered by this type of battery, the entire unit should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a home fire.
For more information on fire safety and prevention, visit www.usfa.fema.gov
Reference: www.usfa.fema.gov
Benefits Newsletter
view all
Group Disability Insurance
Income Protection for Employees with Group Disability Insurance
Do you offer disability insurance to your employees as part of your group benefits plan? If not, is this a coverage you have considered including? It is important to know the basics of disability insurance and how you can help your employees protect themselves financially should a disability occur.
What is Disability Insurance?
Disability income insurance is a type of health insurance that is intended to protect an employee from loss of income if they are unable to work for an extended period of time due to a disabling injury or illness. Payments are usually made on a weekly or monthly basis for a specified amount of time during the length of the individual's disability. This is a type of insurance employers can offer in their group benefits plan for employees. Disability insurance does not provide coverage for work-related injuries and accidents that are covered by workers compensation.
Why Offer Disability Insurance?
The Social Security Administration estimates just over 25 percent of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled before age 67. This is a significant number of individuals who are at risk of losing their income due to disability.
Disability insurance is actually one of the more affordable benefits you can provide for your employees. Including this coverage in your group benefits policy adds value to your benefits plan, which could help improve employee retention.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability
Short-term disability insurance usually has a waiting period of 7 to 14 days before benefits take effect, and benefits pay out typically until long-term disability coverage begins or until the person is no longer disabled, whichever comes first. This can be employer paid or employers can provide this type of coverage as a voluntary benefit for their employees, which means the employee pays the full premium amount.
Long-term disability insurance has a longer waiting period. Often the this type of policy takes effect after an employee has been out of work for 90 days or sometimes up to 6 months depending on how the policy is written. This coverage continues for a specific amount of time that is indicated in the policy or until either the individual returns to work, passes away, or becomes eligible for social security benefits, whichever comes first. Typically, employers provide this type of coverage as a group policy for their employees with the employer paying the premium.
Educating Your Employees
In a survey conducted by the Opinion Research Corp, more than half of the respondents indicated they do not understand group disability insurance. This extends to employees not even knowing if they are covered by a group disability insurance policy provided by their employer. In fact, 65 percent of employees indicated they believe they are covered by employer-sponsored coverage, yet only 32 percent of working Americans actually have access to long-term disability coverage through their employer (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
It is important for employers to educate employees on this coverage. Make sure they are aware whether or not you are providing group disability insurance and what they need to do to be covered under your policy. If you don't offer disability insurance, inform your employees and encourage them to purchase their own coverage in order to protect their income. You might consider offering a voluntary disability program if you aren't providing a group disability plan. There is no cost for you to offer this option, but it gives your employees the opportunity to purchase it on their own if they desire the coverage.
Many workers think they are safer than they really are. They are underestimating their risk of disability and too often don't think about protecting their income. Encourage your employees to take steps to protect themselves financially by purchasing disability coverage (either through the policy you provide or through a policy they purchase on their own) and to build up adequate savings to sustain themselves should a disability occur.
As your group benefits insurance consultant, we can provide you with different options for a group disability insurance plan as well as options for coverage through voluntary benefits. We can also assist you in communicating the value of the plan to your employees and helping them understand situations when coverage can be applied.
: www.ebn.benefitsnews.com, www.DisabilityCanHappen.org
In addition to preparing financially, there are steps you and your employees can take to lower the risk of a disability taking place. The Council for Disability Awareness recommends these healthy lifestyle choices to help lower the risk of a disability occurring:
Be safety conscious and avoid high risk behaviors, including substance abuse
Consume alcohol in moderation or not at all
Get effective treatment if affected by chronic health conditions
Get regular checkups and age-appropriate cancer screenings
Maintain a healthy body weight
Maintain a healthy stress level
Quit smoking
Take care of your back
Take care of your mental and emotional health
Accidents are not usually the causing factor behind disabilities. The majority of long-term disability cases are due to health issues such as cancer, back injuries, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Most disability cases are not work related so they are not covered by workers compensation.
A majority of Americans are not prepared – either they don't have disability insurance and/or enough emergency savings to last more than 30 months.
The average long-term disability claim is just over 31 months.
Reference: www.DisabilityCanHappen.org
Measuring ROI for Wellness Programs and Advanced Wellness Initiatives
You can achieve a positive return on investment with your wellness program by setting clear goals and demanding results. In order to do this, you will need to start with clear data regarding the health of your employee population. Analyze your group's illnesses, patterns, and health problems and identify the areas that need improvement. Then set wellness program goals based on these issues.
Decrease in unplanned absences
Decrease in number of
emergency room visits
Decrease in claims costs
for heart disease
Increase in number of employees participating in a weight or diabetes self-management course
Once you have identified the health problems that are specific to your employees, design your wellness program to target these specific issues. With this targeted approach, you will see a change in the health costs related to these problems and ultimately a positive return on investment for the program.
Reference: ebn.benefitnews.com
About 40 percent of all deaths in the U.S. are premature and are attributed to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and habits (i.e. inadequate exercise, poor diet, use of tobacco, and misuse of alcohol and drugs.)
Individuals who live a healthy lifestyle typically live about six to nine years longer than those who don't.
Studies have found that workplace wellness programs that focus on helping employees make lifestyle changes are effective in reducing health costs and absenteeism.
Reference: wellnessintheworkplace.net
Having healthy employees means lower health care costs for employers and business owners. An employee wellness program can help improve the health of your employees; however, to be effective, it must motivate employees to change their habits and lifestyles. The following are a few suggestions for implementing advanced wellness initiatives to secure long-term health results.
Personalized and Health-Related Incentives
Incentives should be tailored to fit the person and should motivate individuals to make long-term lifestyle changes. Cash is a common incentive used in wellness programs; however, it doesn't necessarily drive long-term engagement in a healthy lifestyle. A more effective strategy would include a combination of elements:
Encourage employees to set attainable goals (i.e. reducing body mass index (BMI) by 10 to 15 percent in one year).
Provide support for reaching goals (i.e. free access to a weight management plan such as Weight Watchers).
Provide rewards and recognition when goals have been achieved
The goal is to inspire behavior changes by providing tools and support that effectively help an employee reach attainable goals.
Health Risk Management
Historically, many wellness programs have been based on the idea that providing information on unhealthy behaviors to employees (via newsletters or websites) would motivate them to make changes and improvements to their lifestyles for better health. However, information alone is not enough to make a difference.
The concept of employee health risk management goes beyond simply providing information. It actually helps employees manage their health risks. A wellness program centered on this idea will enable employers to identify the risks that are driving their health care expenses and devote attention to minimizing those risks.
Employee health risk management utilizes health risk assessments to identify risks that could contribute to poor employee health and higher health care costs. It also utilizes biometric health screenings for early prevention of some health risks. Health risk management ties consequences to actions. For example, employees who join a gym and use it at least three times per week might be offered reduced health insurance premiums, or an annual bonus could be given to employees who agree to regular cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.
Spending with a Purpose
The cap on wellness incentives is currently 20 percent of an employee's total health insurance premium cost. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) increases this cap to 30 percent by 2014 (and to 50 percent for tobacco cessation wellness programs). With increasing funds being driven towards wellness programs, it is important to make sure those funds are spent with the purpose of improving employee health in the long run. This will help improve the return on investment of your wellness program.
By incorporating goal-driven incentives, support for reaching goals, and health risk management techniques, your wellness program will yield a healthier workforce and show improved return on investment.
Reference: ebn.benefitnews.com
The coverages discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only. The terms and conditions of your specific policy may differ from those described.
Please consult the provisions of your policy for the terms, conditions, and exclusions that apply to your coverage.
Employee Benefits: Improving Plan Success and Adding Variety with Voluntary Products (Winter 2012)
Employee benefits can help contribute to increased employee loyalty to your organization. However, in order for benefits to help build loyalty, these benefits must be well communicated and well understood among employees. Here are a few suggestions for utilizing effective communication to improve the success of your benefits program:
Develop a communications strategy and get it in writing.
Identify the goals you wish to accomplish and make sure your strategy works towards meeting those goals.
Establish a reasonable communications budget.
Identify how the funds in the budget should be used to meet the goals of the communications strategy.
Trim communication costs by reducing or eliminating the use of traditional print and postal delivery methods
and utilize less costly methods such as social media, podcasts, video, and email. Using a variety of venues will also help you to reach your employees more effectively as many of them may have different preferred methods of communication.
Utilize communication venues that are already in place
such as an internal company website or newsletter.
Communicate year round with your employees.
Don't wait until open enrollment to start telling your employees about all of the great features of your health plan. Establish a set schedule that lasts throughout the year with the goal of informing and reminding employees about the plan. Frequent communication can also be helpful in motivating employees to participate in your company wellness program.
Reference: ebn.benefitsnews.com
Studies indicate that employees have a positive perception of voluntary benefit programs:
More than half of employees (52 percent) are interested in being able to choose and pay for voluntary benefit options.
About 66 percent of employees indicate that voluntary benefits increases the overall value of their benefits.
This newsletter includes information on voluntary benefits. If you are looking for a low-cost, easily administered benefits option to supplement your current program, voluntary benefits might be right for you.
Reference: ebn.benefitsnews.com
Voluntary benefit plans are one way you can add variety to your benefits program without increasing the cost to your company. Offering voluntary benefits gives you as the employer the ability to offer your employees some degree of choice and customization. Voluntary benefits are employee-paid products that include a variety of health and non-health type options.
Voluntary benefit plans actually date back to as early as the 1950s when they were known as payroll deduction or salary-savings plans. Though they have been around for a while, they are increasing in popularity with recent changes in the benefits environment. In addition, as more insurance companies enter the market for voluntary benefits, there are improved technologies and enhanced products, resulting in better offerings at a lower cost.
Voluntary benefits are available through employer-sponsored plans. Employers are able to leverage group purchasing power to provide these products and services to their employees at rates the employees wouldn't be able to access individually. Voluntary benefits are a great tool for attracting new employee talent and retaining current employees. Amid cost cutting measures and cutbacks in company-paid health care, voluntary benefits provide employers an option for rounding out employee benefits options.
Employees who sign up for voluntary benefits usually pay for 100 percent of the premium through payroll deduction. Most employers do not contribute to the cost of the coverage.
These products are affordable and are popular benefits your employees can take advantage of any time throughout the year, not just when they are sick. To learn more about voluntary benefits, please contact your Leavitt Group insurance consultant.
voluntary benefits
Life insurance – this is often cited as one of the most popular voluntary benefit options
Critical illness
Cancer insurance
Accident insurance
Hospital plan
Short-term and long-term disability
Health-related discount products which don't require medical underwriting, including dental, vision, hearing, tele-medicine, pharmacy, vitamins, lab and imaging services, and diabetic supplies
Non-health-related discount products such as pet care, legal access, travel services, roadside assistance, identity theft protection, and mortgage programs
References: ebn.benefitsnews.com, voluntary.com
Life Insurance Basics and Ways to EnhanceYour Group Life Insurance Plan (Fall 2012)
There are many ways to enhance your group life insurance plan to better meet end-of-life needs for your employees. Making these options available for your employees can provide peace of mind for them and their loved ones. Some of the products and services available include the following:
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D
– offers insurance protection when a covered accident results in loss of life, speech, hearing, sight, or in paralysis. This coverage can be made available as part of the company-paid basic coverage, employee-paid coverage, or both.
Will preparation services
make will preparation simple for your employees. Often these services are available for your employees to utilize online, making it easy and convenient for them to complete their will.
Estate planning and resolutions services
gives beneficiaries access to legal assistance to discuss matters involved with settling the insured's will and estate. Additional estate planning services are often available for a fee through various insurance companies.
These products and services differ depending on the insurance company and plan you choose. Contact your Leavitt Group insurance consultant to learn more about what options will best fit the needs of your organization.
The primary purpose of life insurance is to offer financial protection to your dependents in the event of your death. An untimely death can leave loved ones with the burden of paying numerous expenses. Life insurance helps alleviate this burden by paying money directly to your beneficiaries. It can help cover your family's daily living expenses and help them maintain their standard of living. It can be used to fund child care and education and to pay off outstanding household debts including credit cards, automobile loans, and mortgages.
Rates vary depending on the type of coverage you choose and the length of time you wish to be covered. In addition, rates are typically lower the younger and healthier you are when you purchase the policy. The types of life insurance policies vary, offering individuals the ability to choose a policy that best fits their needs and life circumstances. There are two main types of life insurance: term life insurance and permanent life insurance.
The following is an outline of these two types of coverage:
Term Life Insurance
Primarily used for temporary coverage.
Typically purchased for a specific amount of time, generally one, five, 10, 20, or 30 years.
Premiums are usually less expensive than permanent life insurance.
Can be renewed at the end of the term; however, you must re-qualify for coverage based upon your current age and health conditions. The premiums on the renewal policy will most likely be higher due to increase in age of the insured.
Benefits from a term life policy are paid to the beneficiaries only if the insured dies within the specified period of time for which the policy was written.
Does not build cash value.
Permanent Life Insurance
Sometimes referred to as "whole life insurance."
Offers financial protection in case of an untimely death but also serves as a financial investment.
Premiums contribute to the cash value of your policy and can be used to help pay for college expenses, estate planning, or retirement.*
Cash value increases each year and is tax deferred.
Premiums are generally more expensive than term insurance; however, premiums will not increase over time.
Guaranteed death benefit payout: since the policy is effective for the entire length of your life, your beneficiaries are guaranteed a payment regardless of when you pass away.
Proceeds are generally income-tax free to your beneficiaries.
No need for renewal -- coverage lasts for your entire life.