Archive for April 2nd, 2008

The Importance of Travel Insurance

You’ve finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you’ve been planning. Now you’re wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?

Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.

Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations. You many find your policy won’t cover pre-existing conditions that may cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or an illness — not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there are still a myriad of gaps in the coverage provided.

You can find polices designed for almost any type of trip you may be planning, such as a single trip for hunting, backpacking, cruises, house rentals, and a host of others. But, the specific types and amounts of coverage you get depend on the policy you choose. It’s important to remember that you will only be covered for what is specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.

Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical, dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency evacuation, 24 hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to rented cars and business conflicts. There are many options that can be covered, but you will have to ask.

The premiums for the policies are generally 5% to 7% the cost of your trip, but fees will vary depending on the your medical history and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include coverage for children at no extra charge.

It is best not to buy your travel insurance from your tour operator. I’ve listed a few reasons why it may be better to purchase through an insurance company separately.

Most travel insurance policies offered by the operator are less flexible to your individual needs;

Provide a lower amount of coverage;

May only cover a portion of the trip;

Your coverage may be secondary and the insurance will only pay for what you own private health or homeowner’s insurance does not cover;

May duplicate coverage you already have;

In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.

Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable when it comes to understanding the details of various travel insurance policies and may overlook something that could be important to you or your family and few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but for the reasons listed above, you should really check around.

If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour operator, be sure to use a credit card. Depending on the policy of the credit card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential default of the operator.

When buying your policy from an insurance company:

Always get quotes from several companies

Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own

Can you waive the pre-existing condition exclusion

Ask if you are covered for cancellation due to a terrorist incident. Don’t count of the company to provide information

Ask any question you can dream up and

Do ask for suggestions

A good site to reference for multiple travel insurance quotes is InsureMyTrip.com. (I am not affiliated with this site in any way. I just like the site!) Enjoy your next trip and I hope the odds are with you and that you will never have to file a claim on your travel insurance policy.

(c)2004 Karen Zastudil

Karen is a graduate of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.

webmaster@womenatthesummit.com

Published in: Travel Resources | on April 2nd, 2008 | Comments Off

Imagination

Hold on to your hat, you are about to take an incredible ride!! If used properly, imagination is one of the greatest tools that you can use. In your imagination, anything is possible and there is absolutely nothing that cannot be imagined. The fantasy book authors, who have spent hours in fantasy places, creating every detail and every aspect, have imagined some of the greatest and wildest places in fiction. All kinds of characters,
people, and creatures have been created to inhabit these fictional places.

Whole kingdoms and whole planets have been invented for you to explore. Movies, plays, books, television shows, media events, stage shows, theme parks, dvds,
audio cassettes, board games, electronic games, puzzles,
toys, and sometimes a combination of several of these have
all been vividly imagined and created in every detail.
When you enter into these kingdoms through the
author’s guidance, you also explore them through your
imagination, so that no two experiences are exactly alike.

You can use your imagination for great adventures, great
encounters, fantastic stories, love stories, poetry,
building a special house or special property, designing or
inventing something that has never been done before, or
making something that already exists even better. From
the tiniest piece of intricate machinery, to the most
colossal awesome machine, it was first imagined in someone’s
mind. She or he believed in that vision enough to figure out how to make it a reality and then she or he worked diligently
until her or his imagination was taking place in the earthly realm.
Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, and electricity.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. Charles Drew
found a way to preserve and store blood, and he created
the world’s first blood bank.
Frederick McKinley Jones invented a way to add sound to
movies, which revolutionized the movie industry; he also
created cooling units for trucks and trains to keep food
cool in transportation. All through their own imagination
and work that went on before them. They imagined something in their minds first and they worked diligently to bring that imagination into the physical realm. They
were not deterred because it didn’t work the first or second
or even third time; the whole process, or the end product,
was pictured very clearly in their minds.

Harry Potter was a
character invented and nurtured in one woman’s mind, now she
has written several books about him and there have been
several movies created about that one character and all his adventures.
Imagination lets you fly above the trees and soar
out over the water. It allows you to go further than is possible or ever dreamed of before. You can talk with kings and queens, you can go into the past or the
future, you can speak in foreign languages, or you can
invent a language. You can create brand new colors,
you can go to another planet, or down under the water.

Your imagination can be bright, big, dark or
foreboding. Where there is light there is dark, where there is up there is down, male and female, good and evil.

Everything has a dimension and substance in your
imagination. Try it yourself and see
where it takes you. Allow yourself a rich and
active imagination. But don’t get stuck in the
fearsome side of your imagination; if you created it in
your mind you can un-create it too, and you can create
good and positive protectors in your mind to take care
of you. You can create a new picture in your mind to
replace a piece of imagination that may have scared you.
You can change the focus and change the outcome all with
a thought. You don’t have to settle for the same thing in
your mind all the time; you can change your thoughts
at any time. You can create the life that you imagine,
right now, with your thoughts and actions. Every new
thought can progress you towards your dreams.

The world is wide open for you, my dear. Just imagine
what you can do, where you can go, who you can meet, and
then enjoy the journey.

Katheryn Hoban - EzineArticles Expert Author

Yoga Kat–aka Katheryn Hoban is a yoga teacher with twelve years experience. She teaches children’s yoga ages 3-6, and 7-12 and Adults privately in NJ. She is the author the book DAUGHTER BELOVED which will come out next year. She has created a children’s affirmation CD (ages 3-6) and an affirmation CD for adults. Yoga Kat is available for speaking or writing and can be reached at katscoolcorner@yahoo.com or 201 970-9340

Published in: Tips For Self Improvement | on April 2nd, 2008 | Comments Off

Muscle Building Home Workouts

With work, family obligations and an odd night-out everyday, it’s probably hard for you to find time to get to the gym on regular basis. That’s why it’s always a great idea to have a back-up workout option that you can do with minimal equipment. In the following workout, the only piece of equipment you need is a chair and half an hour of free time. For each exercise, perform 2 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions (reps).

Home Workouts!

1) The Plank: Place both feet on the seat of the chair and form a ‘table’ with your body by placing your elbows on the floor in front of the chair (you may wish to put down a towel if you are on a hard floor). Make sure your back isn’t arched and that your whole body forms a straight line. Keep your core muscles tight and hold this position for up to one minute.

Benefits: This total body exercise will work your core muscles as well as your upper body.

2) Pushups: Get into same position as for the plank, but instead as of balancing on your elbows, place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart. Then, begin to perform a pushup, keeping your feet on the chair. Be sure not to let your back arch while performing this exercise.

Benefits: Your chest muscles will be targeted.

3) One-Legged Squats: Stand a few feet in front of the chair, facing away from it. Place one leg behind you on the seat of the chair and find your balance. Slowly lower your hips as far as you can go, using the muscles in your standing leg. Once at the bottom, carefully rise up again to complete one rep.

Benefits: This is another great action for targeting your gluteus maximus muscle, as well as your hamstrings and quadriceps. Due to nature of this exercise, you will also work on your balance.

Random Tip:Maintain the starting stance and bring both forearms half way up, keeping them parallel to the floor. The fists should be pointed upwards. Just curl the fist up and down several times in a controlled move of the small wrist joint. Make sure to keep the wrist in line with the forearm.

Must Read: Arms Muscle Building Workouts at http://www.weightloss-health.com/arm_muscle_building.htm

4) Triceps Dips: Sit on the chair with your arms at your sides and your palms resting on the edge of the seat. Next, walk your body out from the chair so you are only holding on by your palms. Slowly move your body down, using your triceps to lower yourself and rise up again.

Benefits: You will feel a good burn in the back of your arms (triceps). For an added challenge, you can also put your feet on the seat of another chair or on an exercise ball.

5) Front Raises: Stand up and hold onto the two front legs of the chair with a sturdy grasp. Slowly raise the chair straight out in front of you, from below the waist to your shoulder level and back down again. When you hold the chair right up, hold the position for 15 seconds.

Benefits: This exercise will help you target your frontal deltoids as well as your biceps. It is a form of strength training.

No Excuses: So, when you are pressed for time next, don’t just give up on your workout. With some imagination, you can create your own workout at home using common household objects that will stimulate your body in new ways, thus preventing you from reaching a plateau.

Even if time isn’t a factor and you could have made it to the gym, it’s never a bad idea to take a few sessions away, both to give you a psychological break, as well as to give your body some time away from the customary movements.

Ensure you are using proper form to avoid injuries. Take a day off in between each workout so you don’t risk overtraining.

Random Tip: Take a high protein diet during your workout days. Give adequate rest to your body also. For more on protein rich food, click here

Must Read: Kick start your Home Gym with right equipment and exercise at http://www.weightloss-health.com/home%20gym%20exercise%20equipment.htm

Jasdeep Singh - EzineArticles Expert Author

About the Author:

Jasdeep: for http://www.weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Check out highly discounted Muscle Building Equipments and a chance to go through free muscle building articles directory at Free Muscle Building Articles (Tips/Workouts) Directory

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Published in: Fitness + Training | on April 2nd, 2008 | Comments Off

Puppy Behavior and Training

Puppy training can be a trying time. The key to this time is to really remember that all puppy behavior is normal. They like to mouth, jump, bark, dig and piddle wherever they are. They aren’t doing it to annoy you, they are just doing what they have learned so far. It is our job to train them not to do these things.

Think of it as teaching your child to read. You wouldn’t punish your child for not knowing the alphabet if they have never seen it before right? So we don’t need to punish our puppies for things we haven’t taught them. Here, we will talk about normal puppy behavior and ways to encourage them to try something new. Remember - Behavior that is followed by something the dog likes will increase! puppy training should be a lot of fun!

Puppy behavior
Jumping: There are two ways to solve this - first, stand on their leash. Second, teach them to sit. By teaching sit we are removing the desire to jump.

Mouthing: See this full article on puppy mouthing.

Pulling: This one is easy. Just stop walking! If you never go anywhere when the dog pulls, he will quickly learn. Offer a small treat when he is by your side and talk in a happy voice to encourage him.

The key to training any behavior is to be 100% consistent in your efforts. Often times it will get worse before it gets better but it will go away if you are consistent.

Puppy dog training
Try enrolling in a puppy kindergarten near you. This will really help with socialization and early puppy dog training. Find a dog trainer near you.

Housebreaking puppies

Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play, chew, drink, eat or sleep. Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty). Pick them up and carry them outside. When they go potty, tell them “good potty” and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into the habit of going potty, then playing. Many puppies will want to go outside just to play if you let them off leash first.

What if my puppy has an accident?
He will. Do not punish your puppy though. If you catch your puppy in the act then clap your hands or pick them up - this will make your puppy stop going. Get him outside FAST and let him finish up out there. Reward him for going outside. Clean up the mess with natures miracle which will remove the odor completely.

Do NOT rub their nose in it, swat them with a newspaper, or isolate your puppy. It will only teach them to not go in front of you.

If your puppy is going frequently in the house you are probably not supervising them enough. Watch and learn their cues. If you feel you are watching and your puppy isn’t getting it you can always have them checked for a Urinary tract infection.

If your puppy piddles when you greet them, this could be submissive urination. This would be a problem that is usually cured by ignoring the behavior and letting your puppy calm down before touching them when you first see them.

This article not only applies to puppies, but it is how you should train a dog of any age. If you can’t supervise your dog, please put them in a crate to help curb accidents. Remember, dogs go where they go most!

This can be a trying time, so have patience and you will get through it.

About the Author

Amy Dunphy is the owner of The Dog Trainer Search. Amy is a professional dog trainer and offers articles, tips and advice through her website.

Published in: Pets | on April 2nd, 2008 | Comments Off

How To Become a Freelance Grant Writer

What is a freelance grant writer? These individuals have a lot of power in their hands. When they work for companies, they are essentially trying to help gain free money for that company to help the company expand, do research, or to stay in business. These individuals will use a detailed knowledge of the environment to create the best piece of work they can. Freelance grant writers hold a lot of people’s jobs within their hands.

For those looking to become a grant writer, there are a wide range of choices out there. For example, you can get jobs within the medical fields where you help to write to raise money for medical research. Here, you could be showing the importance of why the research is vital to creating a vaccine or to developing a cure. Or, you may be working with a company developing new technology to expand. In any case, most people who hold these jobs will need experience and a lot of training and schooling to prepare quality work that delivers these companies the results they need.

The chances of employment in these fields is good. As more and more companies expand, more and more writers also are needed. But, while there are vacancies in the field, it is difficult to find a great job right off the bat. Instead, individuals will start with writing of lower importance and work up to writing for the ‘big guys’. It is through experience that you can learn the methods needed to succeed. Still, it is essential to keep striving for the next level up as you fill your portfolio with impressive work.

The field is expected to grow as more and more companies strive for the grant money that they each believe should be theirs. You will help determine if it will be or if it will go to another company.

Visit http://www.FreelanceWritingResource.com for more Articles, Resources, News and Advice about Freelance Writing Jobs.

Copyright © 2005 FreelanceWritingResource.com. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Published in: Publishing Hub | on April 2nd, 2008 | Comments Off