Your Occupation and its Effect on Your Car Insurance Rate
Your occupation is a key factor in determining your car insurance premium. There are many factors that determine what professions have lower rates. Jobs that attract the most affordable rates do so for the flowing reasons:
Scientists, actors, artists, pilots and navigators are among the lowest. Scientists pay the lowest averaging around $900. The reason being is that scientists are considered as being very vigilant and pay close attention to detail in their work which transfers into excellent driving practices. On the average scientists are considered being safer drivers than most which results in lower auto insurance premiums.
Pilots and navigators are viewed to be a low risk as well because their jobs are heavily focused on safety and the security of others and they typically practice these habits while on the road because their driving records are a direct reflection on their profession. Those in the profession of the arts such as actors, artists and perfumers are included in the lower insurance premium bracket because many of them work in the city and are more than likely to use public transportation therefore reducing the time they spend driving. Retired people also fall into the low car insurance rates.
Occupations that carry expensive insurance rates involve jobs that are highly stressful. These are jobs that are known for the level of stress involved. In addition to being stressful they often involve jobs where people spend a great deal of time in their cars and jobs where people tend to talk on cell phones while driving. Some of the high insurance premium jobs are attorneys, lawyers, judges, executives and business owners. Each of these professions are highly stressful jobs that involve spending more time in their cars and talking frequently on their cell phones than the average driver. For example people who make deliveries in their cars and traveling salesmen are high risk. The business owner is the most expensive to insure. The average cost is around $1400 in car insurance premiums. Executives follow close behind with an average of around $1375. Lawyers and judges average around $1370.
It is easy to compare the different categories insurers use to determine what certain occupations rates will be. Whether it is fair or not is another matter, but insurers have found a connection between your occupation and the risk it involves. It can be confusing when making a decision on what type of insurance to buy for your vehicle, but if you comparison shop and seek advice you will be able to make informed decisions about what car insurance to purchase for your occupation.
Child Obesity in America
by
Lisa Arnold
In America childhood obesity is a serious problem. More and more children are becoming obese. Obesity increases the risks of certain illnesses such as diabetes and cancer. Many health experts claim it is becoming an epidemic in America.
One sad statistic is that American children who are obese will perhaps face a bleak future because it is extremely possible that they will have to combat obesity for the rest of their lives. But there are many ways to fight child obesity.
Parents of obese children have to step in and take charge. One of the first and most important things parents need to do is to stop taking their children to fast food restaurants and stop giving them money to buy unhealthy foods.
The vast majority of fast food commercials make eating junk foods look glamorous. This is when it becomes the parent’s job to find ways to warn their children of the health risks and to get them to eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of candy and potato chips.
Junk foods contain artificial toxins that are very harmful to the brain and body. The effects are often seen much later on in life when diseases like cancer and diabetes begin to ravage the body.
Parents should buy nutritional foods that are rich with vitamins. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great start. Other great foods for the body are nuts, seeds, fresh fish and skinless chicken. It is also a recommend that refined sugars are eliminated or severely cut down. And it is best to steam vegetables and bake chicken instead of frying them in heavy oils. Replacing soda pop with unsweetened juices and water is also an excellent way to help combat child obesity.
Another thing parents can do to help their child fight obesity is to get their child away from the TV, video games and the computer and encourage their child to exercise.
A great way for a child to get exercise is by playing sports such as basketball or tennis or by taking a walk with friends. Another thing parents can do is to enroll their child in an exercise program geared towards children which will make exercising more fun.
It is not easy to change life long habits, but it has to start somewhere and it should begin with the parent setting an example that their children will follow.
It is important to note that if a child is obese the parent should take them to see a doctor and/or a nutritionist first to find the best diet and exercise program suitable for their child’s needs.
Childhood obesity is caused by many things the following are a few of the more common causes: eating excessively, lack of exercise, heredity, and eating the wrong foods like fast foods and junk foods which do not contain any vitamins or nutritional value.
Parents can do many things to help their child fight obesity. Encouraging their child to eat healthy foods and to exercise are two of the most important things a parent can do to help their child fight obesity.
BENEFITS OF SOY MILK
Whole milk and soy milk are both excellent sources of protein and they both can be readily found with the addition of calcium, but drinking soymilk has many advantages over drinking whole milk such as the following:
Soy milk is high in protein and the higher the isoflavone content the more the protein will be in the soy milk. Many health experts believe that isoflavones reduce cholesterol and it helps to reduce the risk for certain cancers such as breast and prostate. Basically isoflavones are chemicals which are very similar to the hormone estrogen.
The isoflavones in soy milk also help with the prevention of osteoporosis which is a disease that causes bones to become brittle. Soymilk helps to protect the body’s bones by impeding the breakage of bones and with enhancing the ability of the body to rebuild stronger bones.
Soy milk is derived from beans and because of this it has higher fiber content than whole milk. Soy milk does contain fat, but it is lower in saturated fat than whole milk, and it does not contain bad cholesterol. Also some soymilk comes in different delicious flavors such as vanilla or chocolate.
The amount of calcium in soy milk is about a quarter of what we get in whole milk, and this is why some companies are adding calcium to their soy milk products, but
calcium is easily obtainable from other sources such as almonds, many beans, cheese, yogurt, sardines, and green leafy vegetables such as kale and collard greens. In addition to calcium, soy milk is also fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients such as vitamin B1, B2, B6, and E and minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
Soy milk has long been a common alternative for people who are unable to drink whole milk due to lactose intolerance, but more and more people are making the choice to drink soy milk because of the many health benefits.
HEALTH INSURANCE
by
Lisa Arnold
More and more people are finding it difficult to obtain and keep sufficient health insurance at a cost they can afford. Learning about the various plans is the best way to ensure you are getting the best coverage.
Health insurance is important because if you do not have health insurance, the high cost of medical bills will be solely your responsibility. Health insurance will help protect you against the high cost of medical care.
Most people obtain their health insurance policy through their employers and in most cases the employer helps pay for the health insurance.
These plans usually offer reduced rates. Health insurance can also be purchased by the individuals. This type of insurance typically costs more than health insurance which comes from an employer.
There is also insurance provided by the government such as Medicare and Medicaid which requires that certain qualifications be met before being considered for it.
It is important that you know what options are available to you. There are many different types of health benefit plans and you need to know the difference in them to make the right choice. The more information you obtain, the better informed decision you can make about your health care plan.
You health insurance should cover the basic cost of hospital services including food, nursing, medications, a semi-private room, emergency room, intensive care, ambulance service, X-rays and tests done in the lab.
It is also important to make sure your insurance plan covers the following:
· The cost of surgery should be included in your insurance plan which includes surgeons, assistant surgeons, anesthesiologists, and outpatient surgery
· The cost of outpatient care should also be in your plan
· The majority of doctor bills either in full or in part should be included in your plan as well
· Your plan should also include part of the cost of your prescription drugs
· Your plan should also cover most of the cost of secondary expenses such as physical therapy and oxygen.
· Also your plan should cover deductibles and you should find out what those deductibles are
When making decisions about your health care plan it is very wise to make sure that your insurance provider is licensed and is knowledgeable about a variety of different types of health insurance plans. And your agent should represent multiple companies. An agent that knows about all types of plans will be much more able to present a wider range of options to you.
It is also very important to note that the most expensive insurance is not always the best plan. The quality of health insurance varies and you should consider the quality of health care when deciding the options available to you.
Business Loans by Lisa Arnold
Business loans can be obtained from banks as well as from government institutions. In order to get a bank loan a solid business plan must be presented and should include details of the business. The business plan also needs to show that the business loans are low-risk.
Banks are very particular about giving business loans, so the reason for business loans must be made very clear. Banks want to know the reason for applying for business loans and when they will be repaid.
Banks will check the character of those applying for business loans, and they look at the capital which makes up the business loans. Banks also want to see what kind of collateral will be put up for acquiring business loans.
Banks also look at the credit history of those seeking business loans. It must be at least 680 for consideration. If the business is stable financially and if the business is making progress banks will not have any reasons to refuse business loans.
Business loans are either short term or long term. Short term business loans are for the purchasing of assets and inventory for the business. When the inventory is sold the debt will be paid off. Long term loans are made to obtain property and for business expansions. And they are also used for purchasing equipment needed to operate the business. Generally long term business loans are paid off in installments.
Sometimes banks will refuse business loans if the criteria are not met. If this occurs it becomes the perfect time to consider seeking a Small Business Administration loan because SBA loans give loans not only for purchase of property, machinery and equipment, but they also pay off previous debts and the criteria for obtaining a SBA loan is not as strict as it is for business loans.
Business Credit Lines by Lisa Arnold Business credit lines are ideal for many businesses that require capital. And they offer flexible financing. If a business needs extra money to operate or expand their business over time then business credit lines are ideal. Business credit lines are powerful tools to help successfully manage finances which allows for access to cash when needed. Business credit lines can also be used to help maintain cash flow. Typically business credit lines are extended to businesses that have a proven track record. Business credit lines may be secured or unsecured. Usually it is required that a small annual fee is paid to cover management costs. Many business owners prefer business credit lines over standard loans because of the following advantages: · Business credit lines aid with evening out cash flow. For example, if a business normally purchases seasonal inventory that will not sell for a length of time business credit lines are a great option. · Business credit lines are also ideal for when emergency funds are needed, but they should be used wisely because business credit lines are not the answer for low funds. · Business credit lines can be used for almost anything including upgrades for software, marketing, equipment purchases and much more. Business credit lines are designed to meet the financial needs of a business. There are many ways to get business credit lines. Generally, they are obtained from banks, credit unions or a SBA. Banks are the most common way to obtain business credit lines because the credit history is already known.
PRICE'S CREEK LIGHTHOUSE
By
Lisa Arnold
The brick beacon is all that remains of the unique pre-Civil War lighthouse called Price's Creek lighthouse, which is located along the banks of the Cape Fear River. The lighthouse is located in Southport, NC, and it is one of Southport's treasured landmarks. Almost every local has a story to share about the only remaining of eight authorized lighthouses by Congress in 1848. For years, merchants and mariners lobbied for lights to mark the passageway along the Cape Fear River. Congress approved the building of eight lighthouses to illuminate the 25-mile stretch of the Cape Fear River between Oak Island and Wilmington. Price's Creek Lighthouse was contracted to be 20 feet high with three feet thick walls.
It was the last to be built and it was completed in 1849. It was constructed entirely out of bricks brought over from England. Originally, it had eight lamps and eight fourteen inch reflectors. There were two beacons standing next to each other at this site: a 20-foot circular brick structure and a wooden structure on top of a keeper's brick house. The first assigned keeper was Samuel C. Mason, but he never took the position. John Bell became the first actual keeper.
During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers used Price's Creek lighthouse as a signal station. The beacons were a means of communication between Fort Fisher and Fort Caswell. In the hands of the Confederate States Signal Corps, the beacons served military and civilian blockade-runners. They used the beacons as a means of navigating the river and for identifying shore batteries. The wooden tower located on top of the keeper's brick house suffered heavy damage during the war and eventually disintegrated over time. Years later after destruction of the keeper's house, the bricks were used to build a home in Southport.
Confederates completely destroyed seven of the eight lighthouses when they lost control of the Cape Fear River. Price's Creek lighthouse is the only one, which survived complete destruction, but it was heavily damaged and was never operable again. Confederates hoped the destruction of the lighthouses would impede the advance of the Union soldiers and prevent them from safely navigating the river.
Price's Creek lighthouse sits on private property, which is not accessible to the public. The best way to view it is on the top level of the ferry between Fort Fischer and Southport as it approaches Southport landing.
The land housing the Price's Creek lighthouse is owned by AMD. AMD stands for Archer's Daniel Midland Corporation. The grounds are sealed off and the small structure cannot be seen from most vantage points. There have been several efforts to get AMD to restore Price's Creek lighthouse but so far, they have refused to do so. This is a dishonor because it is an important and intriguing part of history.
Despite there not being any foreseeable efforts to restore Price's Creek lighthouse, it remains as a steady reminder of days long ago. It is also the last remaining evidence of the once bustling trade route along the Cape Fear River to Wilmington.
Whether Price's Creek lighthouse is restored or not, there is one fact, which cannot be disputed, it is a historic memento, which will forever have a place in history and in Southport.
Writer’s Block Cures for All Types of Writing
by
Lisa Arnold
Unfortunately, from time to time, many writers suffer from a lack of ideas. This happens to me more times than I care to admit to. Over my fifteen plus years as a writer, I have found that reading, listening and purge writing cures most aspects of writer’s block.
One word can spark an idea. I remember hearing the word “river rock” while watching a home decorating show and from this one word spun a poem, which is currently being considered for publication in a national magazine.
2007 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament
Lisa Arnold
This year’s exhilarating tournament event will be held once again in the world-class Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia. This event seems to be growing in popularity. Last year it drew impressive crowds totaling over 210,000 in attendance. Enthusiasm for the tournament seems to be on pace this year.
This explosive and exciting four day event takes place March 8 and ends on the11th. It will have all the elements of basketball, exuberant, triumph and defeat. From the opening tip-off to the last game winning shot, this tournament promises not to disappoint. Do not wait. Get your tickets from your ticket brokers today.
There are twelve teams in this eleven game, four day tournament. The teams set to take center stage are Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
The teams are playing exciting and competitive basketball and this tournament is certain not to disappoint fans. If you love basketball, you must attend one or more of these games live to become a witness to the thrill of hotly contested games or the thrill of the slam dunk!
You will not want to miss a second of this exhilarating thrill ride up close live and in person. Be there to hear the roaring screams and passionate cheers. Do not miss a chance to root for your favorite teams up close in person. Share the love and passion for the game of basketball with other fans live and in person.
You will not want to miss a second of the action as these great teams compete. Be there for every game as the teams battle it out to see who will take home the title. Treat yourself to the thrill of a lifetime.
Contact your ticket brokers and reserve your seat today!
The Pittsburgh Pirates: History, Heart and Persistence
by
Lisa Arnold
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball team based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League. They are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball.
The Pirates are a team steeped in history. They are six-time World Series Champions. Professional baseball began in Pittsburgh in 1876. After years of struggling in the minor leagues, the Pittsburgh Pirates were the first AA team to leave the minor league and join the more reputable National League in 1887.
In addition, the first broadcast ever of a Major League Baseball game was on the radio. The game was between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates won that game.
Much is said about the Pittsburgh Pirates, but one thing which remains consistent is their ability to continue to play with heart even during troubled times. For the past fourteen years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have had the longest losing streak in baseball history.
In 2001 with hopes to better the team, new management was brought in and the Pirates opened a new baseball only stadium. It is often referred to as being one of the best parks in baseball. At times ticket sales dwindled, but with the new ballpark ticket sales have improved and are now coveted among loyal fans.
The Pirates have gone through extensive over hauling and are rebuilding. It will take time for them to bring their team back to contention level, but their persistence is beginning to pay off.
Recently the Pittsburgh Pirates have had some impressive wins and have moved out of last place in their division. The Pirates have trouble competing in the tough National League Central Division, but they do manage to stay in games mainly due to their strong pitching.
Management and the fans are certain that this season will be a turnaround for the Pittsburgh Pirates and many experts believe this to be true as well. They have a solid roster including some great young pitchers and are on their way to becoming a force in the National League once again.
CONSIDER ONLINE MARKETS FOR YOUR WRITING
by
Lisa Arnold
If your work is continuously rejected or if you never hear back from print publishers, perhaps you would like to consider submitting your work to online publications. They are a great way to get your writing noticed and gain publishing credits for your resume.
Also online publishers are generally more open to publishing first time and new writers. It is an excellent way to test how your writing will be received. My first publication was online and it lead to a succession of publications that continues today.
Some online magazines pay writers for their work. Unfortunately, the pay tends to be somewhat lower than most print magazines. However, there are some exceptions out there. Many online ezines or magazines have solid reputations and are becoming valid publishing markets. However, many are not, so be cautious in your search for markets online.
Before submitting online, always make sure to follow their guidelines the same, as you would print publications. If they do not list their guidelines, send them an email and request their submission guidelines.
The following is a fictitious example of a simple and effective cover letter:
When addressing an editor try to use the editor’s name if provided. If the editor’s name is not available, it is acceptable to use Dear Editor, Dear Fiction or Poetry Editor.
Dear Editor:
I have been writing short fiction and poetry for over fifteen years. My work has been published in various online and print publications including Poetry Magazine, Rose and Thorn and Story Quarterly.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your name here
Link to your writing portfolio and/or writing site here, if you have either
In addition, unless otherwise specified, it is a good idea to include a biological statement. Keep your bio short and to the point. List your education, occupation, memberships related to writing, current/forthcoming projects, where your work was previously published and where you reside. In addition, most editors like bios to be written in the third person.
Teresa Edwards is a freelance published poet and short story writer. In 1998, she received a Bachelors Degree in English from UCLA. White Pine Press published her first book of poetry in 2000. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in various publications including The Atlantic, Poetry Magazine, Chicago Reader and The New Yorker. Her second collection of poetry entitled “A Poet’s Passion” will be released in early 2008. Terry is a member of the Author’s Guild. Currently, she is at work on a collection of short stories among other projects. She resides in Florida with her two cats.
Kevin Jones is an accomplished writer. His articles have appeared in his local newspaper. His poetry has been published online in The New Zinger. His first short story is currently under consideration for publication by The Morpo Review. When Kevin is not hard at work writing, he works as a computer programmer. Currently, he is at work on several writing projects. He resides in New Hampshire with his wife and children.
As with any listing online, it is a good idea to check to make sure the market you are interested in is still in existence. You can send an email or check the site.