Category 5 Workout Intensity (Activating The Force Fueling EXTREME Training Effort)

Have you ever had a workout where you were so feverishly driven and compelled, you felt you could, metaphorically, "burn a hole through steel"? Where the weights you used all workout long felt "light" in your hands; as if the force flowing through you that moved the weights totally out-matched the iron's "attempt" to overcome and exhaust you? And, it was as if your muscles were a conquest commanding extension of your will; they performed, and contracted, at a level seemingly beyond where they ever had before -- a consuming intensity within pushed the muscle you trained into an exertion threshold where you could actually f-e-e-l the deepest, underlying fibers being worked in a way you never had before...(and I mean never!).

Rep after rep, set after set, you were a dominance breakthrough machine; your heart felt like an invincible steel pump -- your nostrils and lungs remained on supercharged intake levels, feeding the machine the oxygen it needed for sustained conquest. And the degree of magnitude voltage conquest power pouring through your every fiber moved you to push yourself with an inhuman fierceness - and compulsion - that could only be labeled by the idea "more - More - M-O-R-E!"

Your heart and breathing rate have likely elevated somewhat just by reading what I've described so far. Why? Because you're emotionally identifying with an inner workout performance state I call Category 5 Intensity. It's a degree of inner force and power so compelling and feverishly conquest driven, it blasts you into sustained muscular exertion levels which compel literal mega-size and physical strength increases!

CATEGORY 5 INTENSITY

An Ultra-Success Producing Workout Force

The U.S. meteorological service categorizes hurricanes based upon their volume, power, and the wind speed their force generates and sustains. Category 5 monsters literally carry torrential rains, overpoweing wind speeds in excess of 150 mph, and an energy forcefulness, indeed, fierceness, that cannot be stopped, denied, or impeded by any manmade thing. It will tear through any environment it reigns upon, and will unleash its vehement fury in a comprehensive, terrain altering assault (seemingly a merciless assault from Hell). Literally, it will wreak its uncontestable havoc -- uprooting, overwhelming, and forcefully conquering every thing in its path.

It can, and will, generate its relentless torrent as it continues along its earth scarring procession. Nothing remains unaffected by its wrath; everything impacted by its brutal fierceness remains changed...literally forever!

Woah! Just take a moment to catch your breath and think - really think: How would your workout performance and muscular exertion/contraction levels change if you began generating intensity at the Category 5 level? What kind and degree of energy would you generate and sustain? What kind of muscular exertion levels would you induce and sustain? What kind of total, worked, maximum contractions would you incite - through the positive and negative aspects of each rep? What kind of mental toughness - and attitude forcefulness - would you mobilize and continue fueled by? Indeed...what degrees of physical increase, progress, and muscular growth do you sense you'd decisively stimulate?

I'll bet your heart rate, body temperature, and breathing rate just elevated somewhat again, as you just considered the impact you'd produce through generating Category 5 intensity. Imagine now what would happen when you actually start generating this workout voltage!

BUILDING, SURGING, MAGNIFYING, AMPLIFYING

Moving Yourself To Generate Category 5 Realm Workout Intensity

Uh, I'm assuming you're "interested" in how you can begin strengthening your inner training force to more extreme, and commanding levels? Ah; thought so. Let me, therefore, now give you a very detailed, advanced process enabling you to notably produce this, and generate it when you train.

[*Just recall, for a moment, the TV images you saw of hurricane Katrina's Category 5 intensity bending huge palm trees over to where they looked like little twigs ready to be snapped in half. Now, you'll get an even sharper sense of the command impact power Category 5 intensity wields. And, what would it look like if this force were your personal workout fuel? How about this: Set after set, rep after rep - with a gut wrenching compulsion - you're pushing, driving, striving -- feverishly exerting more intensely, more fiercely, indeed, more indomitably FEROCIOUSLY! Hey - can you handle it?! I think you CAN!!]

Mobilizing Category 5 Intensity Within You

[First, read through the following process in its entirety. Then, apply exactly as outlined.]

Step #1: Mentally/Physically Relaxing To Gain Subconscious Access

(perform this Step #1 in your home only!)

In an area where you're sure you won't be disturbed, lie comfortably upon your back on either your bed, the floor, or stretched out completely in an E-Z chair. Let your arms rest at your sides, palms facing downward, fingers loosely apart.

Next, remaining as still as possible, let your eyelids gently close, and take 3 l-o-n-g d-e-e-p breaths, inhaling through your nostrils, and easily exhaling through your mouth. And with each exhalation, mentally repeat the word "R-e-l-e-a-s-e".

Next, envision yourself slowly descending a staircase of 7 total steps. And as you descend each step, mentally repeat the word "D-o-w-n" to yourself, allowing every muscle and fiber within you to just easily let loose, and progressively relax with each successive step you descend.

When you've easily reached the bottom step #1, and feel the sensation of deep and soothing comfort, shift your awareness to perform Step #2:

Step #2: Accessing A Magnitude Intensity Workout Memory

(perform this Step #2 in your home only!)

Now, as you're mentally/physically relaxed, recall a workout where you know your performance (and effort) could only be labeled as "sustained conquest drive - as Mega exertion impact.

This will be easy for you as you recall the very last time you embodied feverish, driving power, and truly compelling fierceness and intensity during a workout:

o Perhaps it was during an arm workout where you were blasting your biceps on barbell preacher curls - to extreme pump and exertion degrees. You didn't just do 10 reps, you did 12. And it felt like your skin would pop. But you maintained the mental fury - the fierce, unwavering mental toughness - which over-rode any attempt of your body to stop you!

o Perhaps it was a leg workout where you cinched your belt one notch tighter than you normally do. And hung more weight on the bar than you usually would. And blasted out set after set of squats that left your legs feeling like max-engorged tree trunks; your lungs felt like bellows from hell, but because you sustained such fierceness of effort, it was a literal chore for you to walk out the gym to your car after your workout was done!

You know what this magnitude intensity workout was for you. Just allow your awareness to search your memory, and you will come to identify a target workout such as this from your past. At once you've mentally isolated this specific workout from your memory core:

o Imaginatively make the picture of this scenario brighter, more vivid and more distinct.

o Then, experiencing it as if it's playing out upon a large, white movie screen, imaginatively bring it closer, and closer toward you.

o And as you imaginatively bring it closer toward you, make it even brighter, more detailed, and more 3-dimensionally vivid.

o And then, imaginatively bring it even closer toward you -- so close, it's as if it's right in front of your face -- as if you can reach out and touch it -- as if this is your very reality then and there!

At this moment you should inwardly see, feel, sense and experience all related factors comprising this scenario - as if it were your very life in the current moment.

Step #3: Anchoring The Extreme Sensory Power Of Your Magnitude Intensity Workout

(perform this Step #3 in your home only!)

Now, instead of just "watching" this scenario of your magnitude intensity workout, imaginatively step into the picture, into your body ... and, feeling your extraordinary power and energy streaming masterfully through you:

1.) See exactly what you see as this mega-intensity workout force - becoming aware of how all things you see around you look to you.

2.) Then, thoroughly f-e-e-l exactly what you feel as this mega-intensity workout force.

3.) Then, project the exact facial expression you project when you are this mega-intensity workout force -- from the slant of your eyes, to the flare of your nostrils, to the curl and purse of your lips.

4.) Then, mentally say to yourself - using the exact words and voice tonality you use - exactly what you say to yourself when you inwardly communicate to yourself as the embodiment of this mega-intensity workout force.

5.) And, then purposefully b-r-e-a-t-h-e exactly the way you breathe when you are this mega-intensity workout force.

Next, as you're inwardly replicating all of #'s 1-5...clench your right fist hard, continuing to breathe exactly as the mega-intensity workout you does. And, holding your fist firmly clenched, choose a word, that to you, singularly represents you as this mega-intensity workout force.

For example, you might choose a word such as Power, Force, Dominate, or Zone, etc. Whatever word you choose, holding your right fist firmly clenched (and continuing to breathe as mega-workout intensity breathes), mentally exclaim your chosen key word 5 consecutive times with emphatic passion.

Next, hold this clenched fist/mega-workout intensity breathing state, for 20 full seconds. Then,

s-l-o-w-l-y un-clench your right fist, and just allow yourself to grow mentally/physically relaxed and at ease.

You've now established a magnitude intensity fueling anchor, whereby the act of clenching your right fist hard, breathing as you do when you are mega-workout intensity, and mentally exclaiming your key word will spontaneously trigger the specific energy connected to you generating ultra intensity (i.e., Category 5 Intensity) during a workout. And this energy (and command power state) will then come to freely surge through you!

This entire Step #1-3 anchoring process should take 10-15 minutes to perform. I suggest performing Step #'s 1-3 (as outlined) once per day - in your home only - for 5 consecutive days. This will ensure you establish the connection between clenching your right fist hard, breathing as you do when you are mega-workout intensity, and mentally exclaiming your key word, serving to activate, and wholly fill you with the nuclear emotional force existing during your peak performance workouts.

Each time you perform this Step #1-3 process, it will become easier to do and more decisive in the results it produces.

Anchoring Use Note

Once you've established the stimulus/response anchor between clenching your right fist hard, breathing as mega-workout intensity, and exclaiming your key word to activate and fill you with peak performance (Category 5) workout power, you do not have to go through this entire Step #1-3 process. Performing Step #'s 1-3 as outlined for 5 consecutive days, will ensure you develop the activation trigger which will foster maximum emotional power results (i.e., you'll be able to ignite the inner force which then literally fuels MEGA intensity exertion!)

Once you've decidedly established your mega-intensity workout anchor (which you effectively will within this 5 consecutive day period), you can then just go right into Step #4, using your anchor as outlined.

Step #4: Turning On The Power - Priming Yourself With The Affinity

Toward Maximum Exertion ...And Super Human Workout Performance!

[*I suggest you perform this step in your car after you've arrived at your gym, and have parked and turned your car off. This is your pre-workout priming stage - what you can look at as "Filling yourself with the feeling and purpose to then shock, and compel your muscles toward peak exertion...and growth!"]

So, in your car after you've parked at your gym and shut your car off, do the following:

Sit comfortably (in an upright, seated position), let your hands comfortably rest (palms downward) upon your thighs, let your eyelids gently close down, and allow your chin to comfortably rest upon your chest.

Next, take 3 long, deep breaths -- inhaling through your nostrils and exhaling easily through your month.

As you exhale your third breath, then fire your mega-intensity workout anchor: Clench your right fist hard, breathe the way you do as the embodiment of mega-workout intensity, and mentally exclaim your key word 3 consecutive times. This will serve to activate, and cause the feelings connected with your maximum intensity generation workouts to freely surge through you.

Next, continuing to hold your right fist firmly clenched, breathing as you do when you are mega-workout intensity, you'll now perform the final pre-priming stage "Ramping Up To Category 5 Intensity." And so, with your right fist firmly clenched, breathing as the embodiment of mega-workout intensity, imagine clearly you hear the sound of an 8 cylinder super charged, 1,000 horsepower race car engine shifting through its gears.

H-e-a-r the raw, rumbling, fever pitched force and power of this engine as it shifts from first to second, second to third, third to fourth...and then from fourth - all the way up - into 5th gear -- let the upward winding vehement fury of this engine's 5th gear mega-force power fill all of you (from head, to toe!)

H-e-a-r this engine's overpowering forcefulness, and allow this sound, sensation, and magnitude power fierceness to fill you to a full saturation point. When you experience this (and you will), then, mentally/silently exclaim your key word 3 times at peak exhortation levels. [*The force surging within you should now feel like you can tear an oak tree - barehanded - right out of the ground!]

Now, continuing to hold your right fist firmly clenched, go ahead and imaginatively perform a full set of one of the exercises you'll be doing in your upcoming workout. But this set is you the consummate embodiment of mega-intensity fierceness -- clearly mentally experience, and f-e-e-l yourself performing each rep so forcefully, purposefully, and with such concentrated power you sense even the deepest, underlying fibers of the muscle being forced to exert and contract...to the max!

Feel your heart pumping, your power surging, and total conquest commitment fueling every single rep. And, be sure you imaginatively finish every rep you intended to, sustaining perfect, isolated form.

Next, continuing to keep your fist firmly clenched, with your heart now imaginatively pounding and your breathing pronounced, look at the body part you just did a set for in one of the gym mirrors. And see - and f-e-e-l it - completely worked and fully engorged. Then, (still holding your right fist firmly clenched, and breathing as mega-intensity workout power) say to yourself, and mean it: "This is what I do, this is how I do it; I begin this way -- and I stay this way - every rep - starting Now!"

Then, just very slowly un-clench your fist, let your eyelids easily open, inhale deeply and grab your gym bag!

Step #5: Pre-Set Peak Performance Emotional Reinforcement

*Then, in the gym after you're totally sure you've fully, and appropriately warmed up, perform one set (for the muscle you'll be training) as you "normally" would, being sure to f-e-e-l the muscle you're training working during the positive, and negative phase of each rep. Next, do the following before you engage each successive set: Clench your right first hard, and purposefully mentally exclaim your key word once. Then, un-clench your fist, and proceed to purposefully engage your set.

This pre-set practice will continue to reinforce and sensitize your nervous system with the emotional fuel directly linked to you generating Category 5 Intensity.

[Doing this before each set will take you all of 3-4 seconds, hardly a high price to pay for keeping yourself predisposed toward training at growth compelling, mega-intensity levels!]

Closing Keys Which Help You Keep The Door Of

Mega-Intensity Workout Performance Wide Open

Consistency is important here. Be sure you engage each of Step #'s 1-5 exactly as I've outlined. And make your pre-workout, and pre-set priming actions (Step #'s 4 and 5) as much a part of your workout as you do creatine, aminos, and post-workout protein shakes.

The more you continue to apply this process, the more incredibly powerful the results will become for you. I know you'll come to experience inner power realms you never even knew you possessed!

The more power you exert, the higher the mountain you can climb. No more inconsistent workout levels. Now, you can turn on the power...and prime yourself for feverish effort and sustained exertion, every time you train!

Powerhouse self-help author, life transformation seminar leader, clinician, and national TV therapist, Pete Siegel is the country’s foremost sports and peak performance hypnotherapist. You can review his acclaimed PowerMind© national best selling life and mega-success building programs, including Building Super Confidence, Success Mind-Sets, Think & Grow BIG, Steppin'Up To Mega-Muscle And Power!, Living Invincibly Positive, and Winning At Life, at [http://www.incrediblechange.com]

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a few ways. Both will give you an aerobic workout but an elliptical trainer will work different muscle groups than a treadmill.

While both are excellent choices, they do have distinct differences. By knowing the difference, you can decide if an elliptical workout, the treadmill workout or even a combination of both works best for you.

Elliptical Workout

When comparing an elliptical workout to a treadmill workout the first thing you will notice is the elliptical trainer has much less impact. This low impact is especially good for people with joint, knee, lower back or hip problems.

An elliptical workout also works the upper and lower body simultaneously which makes your heart rate climb faster than with a treadmill workout. The elliptical trainer works your legs, back, shoulders, chest and your arms making it a total body workout.

Another great feature of an elliptical workout is you can add variety by pedaling backwards. This backward pedaling motion targets your lower body quadricep muscles.

Treadmill Workout

A treadmill workout can also give you an excellent aerobic workout and a lot of people still prefer it to an elliptical workout. If you prefer to run, jog or walk to exercise it's obviously a smarter choice.

If you are just beginning to workout or just don't want a total body workout a treadmill workout might be perfect. Most treadmills offer a different intensity level that you can increase as you get more fit.

A treadmill workout provides a different variety over an elliptical workout by allowing you to run, jog or walk on an incline. While it is a less intense workout, it is a great way to burn fat while promoting good cardiovascular health.

Even though treadmills remain the number one piece of fitness equipment sold today, elliptical trainers are quickly becoming very popular. With more and more health clubs adding more elliptical trainer machines, more people will try elliptical workouts.

Both elliptical workouts and treadmill workouts will build bone density, burn fat, promote good cardiovascular health and increase your energy level. The important thing is to workout on a regular basis whether it's at home or in a gym.

If you are looking to purchase a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, the bottom line is, you usually get what you pay for. There are great values especially online but it just makes sense to get quality equipment that will last.

Whether you prefer a treadmill workout or an elliptical workout choose the one that you feel is right for you. That way you will work out more often, lose more weight and be much healthier.

Copyright © 2005 Treadmill Info.com All Rights Reserved.

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for http://www.treadmill-info.com where you can find valuable information including ratings, reviews, articles and buying tips before you make the investment in quality fitness equipment. For more treadmill and fitness related articles go to: http://www.treadmill-info.com/articles_1.html

KY Farms for Sale

KY farms for sale are the perfect real estate for people who want rural living, but don't want to necessarily depend on the farm income as their primary or only source of income. The number of large farm operations is rapidly shrinking, but that doesn't mean farming is disappearing or becoming only big business. The larger farms are being replaced by smaller farms owned by families or retirees who want country living with a level of self-sufficiency.

When you look at listings of KY farms for sale, there are many small farms available for purchase. This happened because farm acreage from the once large farms has been divided and sold by families. Farming corporations have bought much of that land, but not the farmhouses. This led to a revolution in the real estate market. People began buying the farmhouses with small acreage attached with no intention of the farm producing the living income.

In KY, farms for sale include both large farms and small farms. On the small farms, the farmers grow small crops of some food product, or just lease the land to neighboring farmers. You may wonder why someone would buy land they don't want to use? By leasing the land to farmers, the property retains its agriculture status. This often equates to a tax break.

Just like there is a joke about "weekend warriors", there are weekend farmers. They work in the city or local community, and the farmhouse is merely a haven or a refuge. People with children are also moving to the country to get them away from city problems like crime, drugs and poor school systems. Small Kentucky farm living is instructional and interesting. KY farms for sale offer potential owners a chance to go back to clean living, clean air and residences with plenty of room.

Small KY farms for sale promise to have many advantages over crowded neighborhoods and postage stamp yards. On a small farm, you and the kids have plenty of space to play football, ride a bike, or learn to garden. Many KY farms for sale also include some livestock if the farm is functional at the time of the sale.

The best part is that since the farm is not the primary source of income, crop disasters do not affect the farm status or income base. Of course, there are also people who buy KY farms for sale as a weekend retreat. Country living can be an escape from the stress of living in an overcrowded city.

There are also large KY farms for sale. These are fully functional farms that produce significant income. These are working farms. Farms in Kentucky are not just for producing crops either. KY farms for sale include horse farms where horses are bred to be sold as riders or race, and deer farms.

You can buy KY farms for sale that are ideal for the hobby farmer or person just looking for a quiet home with lots of space. The face of farming has significantly changed over the last twenty years. That may be bad news for the family farms that have operated for generations, but it's good news for city dwellers or retirees looking for a quiet and well-kept small farm. Visit online listings of KY farms for sale and see for yourself the huge values that are available. But you better hurry because the secret is almost out - Kentucky is a great place to live!

Mark Williams is a licensed Realtor that specializes in farms of all kinds in Western Kentucky. If you're looking for that special hunting or farming tract go to Kentucky Land and Hunting Properties

Investing in Home Forclosures

It is Possible to Get a Great Deal on a Home? Foreclosures may be the answer:

If you've wanted to buy a home, but you are worried about whether or not you will have the funds available to do so, you should consider purchasing a home that is in the process of foreclosure. By doing this, you can purchase a home for a price that is way below the market value. Buying a home in foreclosure can save you a ton of money however you should really prepare yourself in some ways before you take a leap. There are certain steps you can take to do this.

Preparing to Purchase a Home Foreclosures:

Learning about the properties that will be put up for auction in your county is very helpful. You can simply visit the courthouse in your county and check out the Registry of Impending Foreclosure Sales. There are many other foreclosure homes listing services that are available to you as well. You've probably seen them advertised either on the internet, computer, or television. The prices normally run around $150 to $450 yearly.

Once you have a list of homes that will be put up for auction, you will want to find out more about the property. Now, this can be difficult because many foreclosure auctions will not allow you to check out the property before you bid. There will be information provided on the home, as far as the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and then you can check out the outside of the home. What kind of condition is it in? You should also find the recent tax assessments related to the property. Using this information, you are able to judge it side by side with other properties. Checking with realtors or having the home valued isn't a bad idea.

Once you've found a home that you'd like to bid on, you need to figure out your budget. Homes which are in the process of foreclosure will typically be 70 to 75 percent off of a home of comparison in the area. Check between the price of this house, and the price of a similar home in the area. Once you have found all of this information, use it and your own budget limitations to decide what you can pay for the property.

Make sure that financing is in place and that you can access it quickly after the conclusion of the auction. Many people get pre qualified and pre approved for a home loan based on the expected amount of money you want to spend on the purchase of the home. You will want to add around 10 percent for repair expenses. You don't know for certain what might need to be prepared, but having this amount ready to go just in case, is a great idea. By having these things ready to go, you will be a better bidder, and you don't stand the chance of losing the home you want so badly.

Brock is a fairly new investor in real estate focusing his efforts on investing in home foreclosures. His blog details all his adventures in purchasing forclosure houses, fixing them up, and reselling them for healthy profit margins. http://forclosurehomes.weebly.com

Top 25 Tips For Finding a Better Job

Is a job change in order? Peruse the 25 most effective ways to job hunt. If it's time for new beginnings, and if you're searching for a job, it's a good time to make sure your priorities are in check. Begin with some basic soul-searching, move to creative networking, and conclude with the foremost ways to investigate prospective companies. These are all sure strategies for getting a competitive edge in the job market. But finding a job means more than being competitive. In the bewildering new world of technology-online boards, career centers, and growing numbers of complex web sites-it also means knowing your way around. Here are 25 tips to learn how to maximize your time, your effectiveness, and your chances of success in your next career search!

First and foremost-take a personal inventory. Job hunting gives you the opportunity to go back to "square one" and inventory all over again what you are all about, what skills and knowledge you have acquired, and what you want to do. Who are you? What do you want out of life? A job? A career? Where are you going? Do you know how to get there? Have you been happy in your work/career/profession? What would you like to change? An inventory such as this is the best job hunting method ever devised because it focuses your view of your skills and talents as well as your inner desires. You begin your job hunt by first identifying your transferable, functional, skills. In fact, you are identifying the basic building blocks of your work.

Apply directly to an employer. Pick out the employers that interest you the most from any source available (web listings, yellow pages, newspaper ads, etc.), and obtain their address. Appear on their doorstep at your first opportunity with resume in hand. Even if you don't know anyone there, this job hunting method works almost half the time, if you are diligent and continue your pursuit over several weeks or months.


Ask relatives and friends about jobs where they work. Ask every relative and friend you have now or have ever had about vacancies they may know about where they work, or where anyone else works. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes an entire network to find a new job! If you tell everyone you know or meet that you are job hunting and that you would appreciate their help, you more than quadruple your chances of success.

Search hidden job markets. Networking is the "Hidden Job Market." Because every time you make contact with a person who is in direct line with your career interest, you set up the possibility that he or she will lead you to more people, or to the job you are seeking. People are connected to one another by an infinite number of pathways. Many of these pathways are available to you, but you must activate them to make them work to your advantage. Most of the available jobs are in the hidden job market. They aren't listed in the classifieds or placed with a headhunter. Find them through your network of contacts. This is your most valuable resource!

Ask a professor or old teacher for job-leads. No one knows your capabilities, dedication, and discipline better than a teacher or professor who had the opportunity to work with you in school. Since more people find their work through direct referral by other people than by any other way, this is a target audience you don't want to miss

Spend more hours each week on your job hunt. Finding a job is a job! Treat your job hunting just as you would a normal job and work a normal number of hours per week, at least 35, preferably 40 in the process. This will cut down dramatically on the length of time it takes you to find work. Did you know that the average person in the job market only spends 5 hours or less per week looking for work? With that statistic, it isn't surprising that it can be a long, tedious process. Improve your chances and demonstrate your discipline and determination. Devote Sundays to answering ads and planning your strategy for the next week. Don't spend precious weekday hours behind a computer. You need to be out there researching leads, networking, and interviewing. Work smarter for yourself!

Concentrate your job hunt on smaller companies. Most new jobs will come from smaller, growing companies, typically with fewer than 500 employees, not large, restructuring companies. Although larger employers are more visible, well known and aggressive in their search for employees, it is with the smaller companies that you may have the best chance of success in finding work. Pay particular attention to those companies that are expanding and on their way to prosperous growth...they are easier to approach, easier to contact important personnel, and less likely to screen you out.

See more employers each week. If you only visit six or seven employers a month in your job search (which is the average, by the way), you will prolong your search and delay your successful outcome. This is one reason why job hunting takes so long. If you need to see 45 employers to find a job, it only makes sense to see as many employers a week as possible. Determine to see no fewer than two employers per week at a minimum! Do this for as many months as your job-hunt lasts. Keep going until you find the kind of employer who wants to hire you! Looking for a job is a numbers game. The more contacts you make, the more interviews you'll get. The more interviews you have, the more offers you'll get.

Be prepared for phone interviews. Would you believe that over 50% of prospective candidates are disqualified after the first phone contact is made with them by an employer? In today's world, employers don't have time anymore to interview every possible applicant and are using phone calls as a less expensive, less time consuming way to weed out potentially unqualified candidates. The phone interview catches many people off guard. You might receive more than just one phone interview, and you have to pass them all. The interviewer usually makes up his or her mind within the first five minutes. The remainder of the time is spent just confirming first impressions.

Create a support group. It is easy to get discouraged, depressed and despondent (the three D's) in the job-hunt process. This can be one of the toughest and loneliest experiences in the world and the rejection you may have to face can be brutal, but it doesn't have to be. The key is in understanding that you are not alone. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people looking for work, and you can team up with one if you choose. Many job-hunting groups already exist, such as the local Chambers of Commerce and online support groups through the Internet. Find a partner, or a larger group, and support and encourage each other. The path to success is literally a phone call away.

Contact potential employers directly through professional associations. Professional associations provide excellent networks for your benefit. Almost all committed professionals are members of at least one or two professional networks. Usually membership includes a directory, which provides you with a direct networking resource for verbal contact and mail campaigns. Additionally, most professional associations hold regularly scheduled meetings, which provide further opportunities to mingle with your professional peers on an informal basis. Finally, professional associations all have newsletters that are a valuable resource for other trade publications, associations, and help wanted sections.

Post your resume online. In today's world there are numerous resume databases on the web. Job hunters can now tap into giant online databases when launching a search prior to interviewing. There are three primary ways to job search electronically or online: Joblines, Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), and the Internet. Many employers today have their employment opportunities accessible through a simple phone call. You can also use the advanced Resume Caster feature in ResumeMaker to post your resume to all of the top career centers on the web for thousands of hiring employers to review. You can also use the Job Finder feature to search from among more than 1 million online-listed job openings for a specific job title in the state you specify. The data is all there, waiting for you.

Promote yourself in unique ways. Promotion is creating an audience of potential employers and making them aware of your qualifications. There are many nontraditional ways to accomplish this task. For example, use electronic resume services to broadcast your resume. List yourself in appropriate trade association newsletters. Prepare 3 x 5 Rolodex cards that contain your name, address, and phone number on the front and your objective and skills from your resume on the back. Leave them behind wherever you go and give them to anyone who has reason to contact you later about a job.

Accept a temporary position or volunteer work. Be your own working advertisement by accepting a temporary position. This provides you with valuable experience, contacts, and references. Volunteer for organizations and activities with business sponsors and relationships that increases your visibility and personal contacts. Explore your possibilities and leave all options open. You never know which method may ultimately land you your ideal job.

Make cold-calls. Next to face-to-face meetings, the telephone is the most effective method available to find a job. Every call you make is an opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer, to pursue a new job opening, or to obtain a referral. Your technique in the initial telephone call can have a categorical impact on your chances to obtain what you want from the call. Complete at least 15 calls per day. You will be astonished at the results. Always be agreeable, gentle, and positive. Smile when you speak; the listener will hear it. Prepare a brief outline for each call and rehearse it. Create brief statements that outline how you can help your prospective employer accomplish their goals. Always, always, always ask for referrals.

Re-define your job hunt in terms of alternative possibilities. Successful job hunters always have alternative plans ready in the background and implement them at the first sign of difficulty. Prepare alternative ways of describing what you do, alternative avenues of job hunting, alternative leads and contact lists, alternative target organizations and employers to contact, alternative ways to approach prospective companies, and alternative plans to continue your job hunt through its successful completion. The jobs are out there-you just need to be sure you are using the right methods to look for them.

Seek career counseling or job hunting help online. Many service providers, through the Internet, are offering career counseling services, job hunting advice, and reference tools that you can turn to in your job hunt. Some of the best of these services are free, and the number is growing astronomically each year. Your first approach would be to visit the online career centers integrated with ResumeMaker and visit each site to determine what services they have to offer. There is a virtual community just waiting to hear from you.

Consider federal and local government sources. The federal government is a huge resource of potential job search information, available to you at little or no cost. Several Department of Labor publications, for example, can take you through your job search from beginning to end, and help with career counseling and industry research. Call your local employment office and take advantage of the services they offer.

Make sure you can survive financially between jobs. Budget for the time you will be looking for a job. It is always helpful if you can get an overall view of how your money will carry you through any work search or training you may need to take on. You will have enough worries and issues to deal with and do not want to have to be concerned about your finances.

Set and prioritize goals while job-hunting. You need to know what you want, or else you can't ask for it. There are literally thousands of jobs open around you. Determine what it is that you want, set your goals for achieving this, and prioritize the steps that you will ultimately need to take. The more specific you are about your goal, the better your chances of getting the job you want.

Zero in on a career position and research the market. Before you start meeting people, you need to know something about the industry or field you want to work in. The more you know, the better your conversations with prospective employers will be-and the more impressed they will be with you.

Interview others for information. Interview people whose occupations interest you. You can always find someone who has done something that at least approximates what you want to do. Find the names of such persons, and go see, phone, or write them. You will learn a great deal that is relevant to your dream.

Organize a job search campaign. Organize your job search campaign. Failing to do so is a common flaw in many people's job search strategy. Make a plan for your job search. This entails: planning and organizing your job strategy, setting up a base or operations center for your job hunt, preparing materials, and carrying out job search tactics.

Update your resume and be prepared. Update that resume! A resume is what nearly everyone you approach in your job search is going to ask for. Get your resume in top shape. Use a professional service or ResumeMaker to prepare a show-stopping resume!

Keep yourself dedicated, strong, positioned, and consistent. Job-hunting can certainly be one of life's most stressful experiences. You have more power to keep the pressures of job hunting under control, however, than you may think. The key is to focus your job search and stay strong, dedicated and consistent. One of the curious things about the human brain is that it focuses on only one thing at a time. So keep it focused on you-and finding a job!

http://globaljobcenter.com

Green Lighting - Kid-Friendly Solar Energy Info

Learning About Solar Energy From the Dept of Energy: It's a bit cloudy

Interest in solar energy as an energy source rises and sets along with the tax credits that fuel its growth. Because I am essentially a kid at heart, I visited the Energy Kid's Page of the Energy Information Administration to learn more.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA), created by Congress in 1977, is a statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy. "Our mission is to provide policy-neutral data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment."

The Energy Kid's Page starts off in a friendly manner in a way that even I could understand:

The sun has produced energy for billions of years. Solar energy is the sun's rays (solar radiation) that reach the earth.

Some of this solar energy is converted to heat, which is used to heat water and building interiors.

So far, so good.

Solar energy can be converted to electricity in two ways:

Photovoltaic (PV devices) or "solar cells" - change sunlight directly into electricity. PV systems are often used in remote locations that are not connected to the electric grid. They are also used to power watches, calculators, and lighted road signs.

Solar Power Plants - indirectly generate electricity when the heat from solar thermal collectors is used to heat a fluid which produces steam that is used to power generator. Out of the 15 known solar electric generating units operating in the United States at the end of 2006, 10 of these are in California, and 5 in Arizona. No statistics are being collected on solar plants that produce less than 1 megawatt of electricity, so there may be smaller solar plants in a number of other states.

With childlike wonder, I pressed further, wanting to learn how energy-efficient, renewable solar energy can help reduce fossil-fuel-generated electricity (half of which comes from burning coal, which in turn creates the 104 tons of mercury annually we have the pleasure of breathing, drinking, and eating).

So I dug into the Photovoltaic Section. Without warning or proper disclosure, The Energy Kid's Page sent me back to college for my PhD in electronics. (Guys: Seriously, do you really think your Kid Page is kid-friendly?!)

With quick googling, I found an online university and enrolled, studied night and day for four entire weeks, got my PhD, and now am delighted to give you this kid-friendly explanation of solar energy.

We'll shine a light on photovoltaic energy and the three types of solar power plants.

Photovoltaic Energy

Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. A photovoltaic cell, commonly called a solar cell or PV, is the technology used to convert solar energy directly into electrical power. The solar cell is a nonmechanical device usually made from silicon alloys.

Sunlight has photons. Photons have energy. The solar cell gets slammed by photons and absorbs some of them. Others bounce right off like basketballs or pass through like ghosts.The absorbed photons knock electrons out of place. Electrons are the stuff that electricity is made of. The electrons bubble up to the surface of the solar cell.This movement to the surface creates an imbalance. When you hook up a wire from the solar cell to an outside battery, you create a path that the electrons will follow.That flow into the battery is electricity.

A single photovoltaic cell will power your calculator and your curiosity, but not much more. At 1 or 2 watts, you need hook up a bunch together to get some real juice flowing. This is called an array, and can include as many cells as you can afford. Definitely a case of the more you spend, the more you save.

Don't Stick It Where The Sun Don't Shine

Sunlight is constant - the clouds and fog are not. Climate conditions significantly effect the amount of solar energy received by a photovoltaic array and, in turn, its performance. Most current technology photovoltaic modules are about 10 percent efficient in converting sunlight. Further research is being conducted to raise this efficiency to 20 percent.

AC/DC: Conversion

The battery collects direct current (DC). You need alternate current (AC) flowing through your light fixtures. Solid state devices called inverters convert DC power to AC. Problem solved.

Photovoltaic Energy Recap: photovoltaic or solar cells absorb the slings and arrows of outrageous photons from the Sun, which shove electrons to the surface of the cells, where you store them by having them flow through a wire into a battery. You break out your inverter to make that battery energy usable. But at 10% efficiency, they suck big time in consistently poorly lit areas, such as Sweden during November to January when they're nearly blacked out and lighting their way with seal blubber candles and Ikea accent lamps.

Next up, kids (and I'll keep it friendly):

Solar Thermal Power Plants

Solar thermal power plants use the sun's rays to heat a fluid, which is put into water and turns it into steam. The steam propels a turbine that powers a conventional generator that creates electricity. Solar thermal power generation works essentially the same as generation from fossil fuels except that instead of using steam produced from the combustion of fossil fuels, the steam is produced by the heat collected from sunlight. Solar thermal technologies use concentrator systems due to the high temperatures needed to heat the fluid.

In short, they replace fossil fuels with solar energy to run turbines which create electricity.

The three main types of solar-thermal power systems are:


parabolic troughs

solar dish, and

solar power tower

Parabolic Troughs

The most common type of solar plant, the parabolic trough is used in the largest solar power facility in the world located in the Mojave Desert at Kramer Junction, California. This facility has operated since the 1980's and accounts for the majority of solar electricity produced by the electric power sector today.

A parabola is U-shaped. The parabolic trough is like a magnifying glass: it takes sunlight and focuses it on a spot to heat it up. That spot is on a tower, surrounded by all the parabolic troughs. It heats the spot up to 400 degrees Celsius. The parabola can follow the Sun's movement during the day in order to get the most sunlight.

The spot that is heated up is filled with fluid. This fluid flows to heat up water and create steam. The steam propels a turbine that powers a conventional generator that creates electricity. The fluid cools down a bit and is returned to the spot on the tower to be reheated to 400 degrees.

The plant is usually designed to operate at full rated power using solar energy alone, given sufficient solar energy. However, all plants are hybrid solar/fossil plants that have a fossil-fired capability that can be used to supplement the solar output during periods of low solar energy. This defeats the purposes of generating renewable energy, but I guess the scientists know what they're doing.

Solar Dishes

A solar dish/engine system utilizes concentrating solar collectors that track the sun on two axes, concentrating the energy at the focal point of the dish (the box-like thing sticking out from the center of it) because it is always pointed at the sun.

The solar dish's concentration ratio is much higher that the solar trough, typically over 2,000, with a working fluid temperature over 750 degrees Celsius. The power-generating equipment used with a solar dish can be mounted at the focal point of the dish, making it well suited for remote operations or, as with the parabolic trough, the energy may be collected from a number of installations and converted to electricity at a central point.

The engine in a solar dish/engine system converts heat to mechanical power by compressing the working fluid when it is cold, heating the compressed working fluid, and then expanding the fluid through a turbine or with a piston to produce work. The engine is coupled to an electric generator to convert the mechanical power to electric power.

Solar Power Tower

A solar power tower or central receiver generates electricity from sunlight by focusing concentrated solar energy on a tower-mounted heat exchanger (receiver).

This system uses hundreds to thousands of flat sun-tracking mirrors called heliostats to reflect and concentrate the sun's energy onto a central receiver tower. The energy can be concentrated as much as 1,500 times that of the energy coming in from the sun. Energy losses from thermal-energy transport are minimized as solar energy is being directly transferred by reflection from the heliostats to a single receiver, rather than being moved through a transfer medium to one central location, as with parabolic troughs. Power towers must be large to be economical. This is a promising technology for large-scale grid-connected power plants. Though power towers are in the early stages of development compared with parabolic trough technology, a number of test facilities have been constructed around the world.

What We Learned Today

We learned that solar energy can be used to heat water and interiors.

Next, we learned that solar energy can be converted to electricity using photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants. The photovoltaic cells take in photons, which shove aside electrons. The electrons, seeking a new home, journey in mass across a wire to their new land called Battery. Solar thermal power plants work by focusing sunlight to heat a fluid, and that fluid turns water into steam, which runs a turbine, and that turbine is the engine to run an electric generator.

And most important, we learned that, no matter what you label something, such as being designed for kids, that does not make it so. I think we need to call in the Department of Commerce to enforce the Truth-in-Labeling Act with the Department of Energy's Energy Kid's Page, one of the most kid-unfriendly websites known as mankind. And I'm going downtown right now to file a claim for reimbursement of my expensive online tuition for the PhD I had to get just to understand this Energy Kid's Page.

And now I would like to offer you free access to powerful info on energy efficiency that's easy to read and cuts through all this "green" information clutter -- so you can literally start making positive changes today.

You can access it now by going to: [http://www.a19.com/pub/articles]

From Cinnamon Alvarez: Founder, A19 -- woman-owned green manufacturer of hand-made ceramic lighting fixtures

A Step by Step Guide to Pet Friendly Real Estate

Step One: Finding an Agent

When it comes to shopping for a Real Estate Professional, there are many places to start. As of December 2006, there were over 2 million Real Estate Agents across the United States. With approximately 75% of people turning to the Internet to start their Real Estate Search, you go to your favorite search engine and depending on your search results you have to sort through the clutter of hundreds or thousands of Real Estate Websites. All the Web sites start looking the same and you quickly become bored or even frustrated. So how do you sort through the confusion to choose an Agent that's right for you and understands your specific Pet Friendly needs?

Getting to know the specialties of a Pet Friendly Real Estate Agent is an important, but sometimes a difficult thing to do. This all comes down to the Agent's ability to set themselves apart in the competitive Real Estate market and be the expert in their area of specialization. There are few "Pet Friendly" Agents in today's market that are marketing themselves in the most effective way. It is even more difficult to find a Pet Friendly Agent who specializes in your town or city.

If pets are an important factor in your Real Estate decisions you need to find a Resource that is dedicated just to Pets and Pet Friendly Real Estate. http://www.PetRealtyNetwork.com is a good example of a Pet Friendly Real Estate Website - dedicated to Pet Friendly Real Estate and Pet Friendly Real Estate Agents. You can meet other Pet Friendly Agents in your town, across town, or even across the Country and even obtain information about other Pet Resources such as relocating with your pet or submitting your pet's photo.

Step Two: Selling a Pet Friendly Property

When preparing a Pet Friendly property for sale, you have a big task ahead of you. It is important to make any property for sale as attractive as possible, but a Pet Friendly property can have a few more challenges. Pet hair has a tendency to find the deepest nooks and crannies in a home and if a home has a distinct pet odors, potential buyers may skip on the property. Your Pet Friendly Agent may suggest a few simple everyday maintenance chores that that can add to the appeal of your property.

o Vacuuming and cleaning your carpets and even your furniture on a regular basis will remove pet hair and dander and is a quick and simple step to keep your home looking neat. To reduce the amount of hair to be vacuumed, make a habit of brushing your pet regularly, which will also keep your pet's coat healthy.

o Keep up on your 'Doggy Duty', which means keeping your yard clean at all times! To a potential buyer a dirty yard could equate with a dirty home.

o Keeping litter boxes clean and covered. Cat urine is a very distinct and difficult smell to eliminate. Keep the litter box in a well ventilated area, clean the litter box often, and consider an odor-reducing kitty litter.

o Have a plan for open houses or scheduled showings of your home. Some people are terrified of animals or even allergic. It is best to remove the pet from your home during a showing or an open house. If that is not possible, or would be stressful for your pet, consider keeping your pet in a crate or ask a friend or relative to pet sit.

o De-clutter your home, including pet toys, pet beds and crates and pet photos. Remember that even if you are Pet Friendly, a potential buyer may not be.

Step Three: Buying a Pet Friendly Property

You can expect your Pet Friendly Agent to be the Pet Friendly Real Estate expert. That means being knowledgeable about everything about a Property from the fenced yard to the local pet parks and Veterinary clinics. After all, you are not just looking for a home is suitable for you but for your whole family - pets included. A Pet Friendly Agent will start by asking you some initial qualifying questions: Are you a dog owner, cat owner, horse or farm owner? The following are examples of a few other topics you can expect that your Pet Friendly Agent will discuss with you:

o Pet Restrictions. You will commonly find pet restrictions in condominiums or deed-restricted neighborhoods. It is critical that you and your Pet Friendly Agent know ahead of time what those restrictions are, if any. They may include the number of pets, size of pet, breed restrictions (even for mixed breeds!) or parking restrictions for horse trailers.

o Veterinary Clinics, Specialty and Emergency Hospitals. In the event of an emergency, it is critical to be close to a 24 hour Emergency Hospital. Luckily, an increasing number of Emergency Hospitals also double as Specialty Hospitals. With the advancement of Veterinary Medicine, you can now provide the very best care for your pet if he or she requires specialty or emergency care and the convenience of a local Hospital may mean life or death for your pet.

o Pet Amenities. The everyday conveniences of safe walking or horse trails, stables, doggy pick-up stations, grooming and boarding facilities, and fenced in exercise areas are great examples of what makes an ordinary property a Pet Friendly property.

o Evacuation. If the potential property you are interested in purchasing is in a natural disaster Evacuation zone, would you have an Evacuation plan for your pets? Evacuation involves a great deal of preparation, especially for horses, and there is usually little notice of an impending disaster. You must be willing to prepare a solid Evacuation plan in place to ensure the safety of your pets.

Step Four: Moving Day

You have found your perfect agent, sold or purchased your Pet Friendly Property, and now it is time to pack up and move. Whether you are moving across town, across country or from another country - you have a big task ahead of you. Preparation is key to a successful move, keeping your pet's safety in mind:

o Identification. Rule #1 in moving with your pet is properly identifying your pet with an identification tag and sturdy collar. Make sure your pet's tag includes your destination location and telephone number and a mobile number, so you can be reached easily. Your prior address or telephone number will be useless if you have already moved.

o Medications, Food, and Veterinary Records. Keep a current copy of your pet's vaccinations in a convenient location and not packed away in the moving truck. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your destination, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Keep at least one week's worth of food and medication in case of emergency.

o Crates and Containment Systems. There are many different types of travel crates on the market, and many are lightweight and collapsible just for traveling purposes. Make sure your pet is familiar with the crate you will be using for transportation by gradually introducing him to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is sturdy enough for stress-chewers or he could make an escape.

o Traveling by car It is best to travel with your dog in a crate, but if your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a restraining harness. For your safety as well as theirs, it is ALWAYS best to transport cats in a well-ventilated carrier. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck, or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to being injured, harmed or stolen. Plan ahead by searching for pet friendly hotels to find overnight lodging during your move, and have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand for Doggy Duty.

o Keeping your pet secure. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep your pet in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom on moving day with a PETS INSIDE sign on the door to keep off-limits to friends and professional movers.

o Air Travel. If traveling by air, first check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you have prepared your pet to be safe and secure during the trip. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

o Preparing your new home. Keep in mind that your pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. To reduce the chance of escaping due to fear, or pure excitement to explore the new territory, prepare all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one including food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls.

Molly Pavolino and The Pet Realty Network? Team have a combination of over 20 years of Real Estate experience in the United States, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Europe and expertise in the Pet industry and can therefore offer a unique perspective about Pets, Real Estate, and everything in between.

Home Loans - Online Services And Resources To Help You

Interest rates on home loans are at the lowest they've been in many years. Now is a great time to take advantage of home loan financial services and resources available online. With a little education online you can get some of the best loans available on the Internet. It is well worth the time and effort to research loans online to save yourself thousands of dollars.

Online home loan services and resources can help you get linked up to hundreds of home loan lenders. These services and lenders can help find the best home loan for your financial situation. The best home loan can change very quickly, so it is a good idea to find a good licensed home loan broker to help with your needs.

First time home buyers can get help with home loans from FHA in purchasing a new home. You might pay a slightly higher interest rate for the home loan, but you do not have to come up with a large down payment with FHA loans.

Home loan services and resources online can help you decide whether or not to have a long term or short term home loan. You may want a 15 year loan instead of a 30 year loan if you can afford higher loan payments. These services and resources can also provide you with information and ideas on many different options available to you for your financial situation.

Take time to shop online for the best home loan brokers and you can save yourself time and money. They have the skill and experience to get you the best home loan rates available. Home loan brokers have the knowledge required to get you the best rate discounts and incentives for your financial credit rating. With your FICO credit score, they will know which lenders can get you the lowest and best home loan rates in today's home loan market. It is a good idea to know what your credit is like before shopping for a home loan.

Important Home Loan Definitions

Amortization Period - The number of years it will take to pay back a home loan in full.

Conventional Mortgage - A mortgage home loan that does not exceed 75% of the lesser of the appraised value. A mortgage that exceeds this limit must be insured.

Equity - Home equity is the difference between the price for which a property could be sold and the total debts owed on the property.

Mortgagee - The lender.

Mortgagor - The borrower.

Refinance - To arrange a new mortgage for an increased amount. The old mortgage is paid off from the new home loan.

Term - The duration of a mortgage agreement.

Many Internet resources, tools and information can save yourself valuable time and money on finding a home loan. If you're looking to buy a new home and getting a home loan, shopping online may be the best way to go. You will know you have made a wise financial decision by educating yourself on the home loan process and options available to you. With a simple Google search you can have instant access to hundreds of home loan lenders that are competing for your business. In the end, this will help you get the best deal by shopping online for a home loan.

Copyright 2005 Dean Shainin

Dean Shainin is a consultant specializing in home loans, strategies for loan financing, home equity loans, and consolidation loan information. To see a list of recommended loan companies, tools, resources, free quotes and information, visit this site: Home Loans

Moving Guide: Moving with Pets

Americans and their loved pets move on average every seven years. If you have a pet or pets, remember that they also experience stress, particularly from moving. In many cases, moving can be even more stressful on pets, as the home is their habitat. Pets can also become very frightened when faced with unfamiliar situations. Careful organization and planning can make the moving process easier and less stressful for both you and your pet. Our guide offers tips and advice to help you and your pet through this process.

Pet travel warning

o Never move a sick pet - the move may aggravate his symptoms and be dangerous to his health.

o The Animal Welfare Act makes it illegal to transport puppies and kittens less than eight weeks old by air.

o Pets cannot be moved on a moving van with your household belongings.

o Pets are generally not allowed on trains or buses, unless they're guide-dogs accompanying blind or otherwise impaired persons.

o Book a direct flight if you are traveling by plane. If your pet is traveling in freight he may be sitting outside with the freight for a long period of time between flights and as the freight is being moved from plane to plane. If the weather is either too hot or too cold your pet will suffer. An insulated crate will certainly help this situation if it cannot be avoided.

Air Transport

You may transport your pet by air either accompanying you or as air freight. Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. Remember, not all airlines accept pets for transportation, so be sure to inquire when you are making your travel arrangements. Also be sure to check about charges and insurance charges for transporting your pet.

It is important that you book your air travel as early as possible. Airlines that accept pets for transportation will have specific regulations and guidelines regardless of whether the pets are accompanied or unaccompanied. For example, you may be required to be at the airport several hours in advance of the flight to check your pet in and your pet may need a special crate. The airline may be able to provide to you a crate for the trip, or you may have to purchase one from the airline.

The airline will have guidelines on the crate types allowed and your local pet supply company will be able to sell you the required crate. You pet should be able to stand and turn around with ease and there should be adequate ventilation. The bottom of the crate should be padded with newspaper or other absorbent material. Add a favorite toy on move day to give a sense of security. Try to get your pet accustomed to the crate at home before the big day.

On move day, feed and water your pet at least 5 hrs before the flight departure time and water again at least 2 hours before departure. Remember to administer any medication or veterinarian-recommended tranquilizers before departure. When you arrive at the airport, exercise your pet and check that you have provided all the necessary information to airline staff regarding your name, correct new address and alternate contact name in case of emergency.

Some airlines allow passengers to bring pets into the cabin with them, provided they fall within a specific size range and stay in a carrier for the duration of the flight.

By road - In a motor vehicle

Unless you are planning a very short road trip, do not feed or water your pet for a couple of hours before leaving. You may decide to put your pet in a crate during the road trip, but be sure he is able to stand and turn around with ease and that there is adequate ventilation. The bottom of the crate should be padded with newspaper, towels or other absorbent and cushioning material. Adding a favorite toy will help give a sense of security. Exercise your pet regularly during the road trip, but always use a leash because your furry friend can easily get lost or hit by a car if he wanders off.

Do not let your pet hang his head out the window while the car is moving. While many dogs love to do this, it can cause sore eyes, ears or throat. And, never let the windows down so far that your pet can jump out.

Warning

Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer or in a cold car in the winter. Temperatures inside a car with closed windows escalate dramatically when it's parked in the sun. Even if it's pleasant outside, it takes only a few moments to reach over 100 degrees inside the car - which can be fatal for small occupants. If you absolutely have to leave your pet briefly, and the day is hot, park in the shade, lock the car doors and crack the windows open several inches to provide cross-ventilation. Check on him regularly. If the day is very hot, it is best not to leave your pet in the car at all.

Pet's travel bag

Don't forget to pack a travel bag for your pet! Following is a list of items you may wish to include;

o Food and can opener

o Food and water dishes

o Any medication your pets needs

o Treats

o Favorite toys

o Leash

o Grooming brush

o Bags to clean up after your pet

o Newspapers

o Cleaner and paper towel

Whatever mode of transport you use for your pet, make sure you are in compliance with state and local regulations for animals in your destination city, along with current copies of.

o ID tags

o Health records

Pets ID tags

The state where you are moving may have different laws regarding animals and their entry across state lines. It is important that you understand the requirements so that you can comply with them, so contact the state veterinarian for specific information. It is not uncommon for pets to need an entry permit in order to enter a new state. As well, in many towns and cities the number of pets per household may be limited. You will be required to obtain a local license for your pet within a certain deadline, such as 30 days, so find out what it is. You don't want to pay a fine for not keeping your pet's license current!

Health

You may need to obtain a health certificate for your pet from a licensed veterinarian and this can be used in the event it is required for entry to your new home state. The Department of Agriculture may request to see the health cert at your destination airport or could even be patrolling the highways if you are driving. A health cert is generally valid for 10 days, so be sure to have the inspection scheduled just before you move. The veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination of your pet and check that he is current with all inoculations.

Dogs

Whether traveling by air or by car, moving can be even more stressful for a dog than for a human, although some dogs adapt better than others. Hold off on packing your dog's bedding and toys until the last moment so that he can be comforted by the presence of familiar things. If you're traveling a long way, avoid feeding your dog for 12 hours before the journey in order to prevent travel sickness. If you know your dog suffers from travel sickness, ask your veterinary surgeon about medication.

If you plan on flying to your new home, do your best to book a direct flight. If your dog has to be transported by freight and the flight is not direct he may have to sit out in the hot or cold weather as the freight is boarded to the new flight. Check with the airlines for details. If your dog is small enough, he may be able to travel in the passenger cabin with you. He will need a special pet carrier, which you can purchase at your local pet store. Ask the airline what crate specifications they require.

If traveling by car, have your dog's nails cut to avoid damage to the upholstery. Carry an adequate supply of plastic bags and use these to clean up after your pet at any rest stops you use. Never let your dog hang his head out the window of a car when it' s moving. Even though most dogs love to do this, it can cause sore eyes, ears or throat.

Never leave your pet alone in a car, especially in hot weather. The temperature inside the car can quickly rise to an unbearable level, even on what feels like a pleasant afternoon.

Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to get your dog back in to his routine of eating and exercise. If you have moved to an apartment building and your pet dog was used to having a yard to play in, you'll need to be extra considerate. Walk your dog more frequently, at least until he gets used to his new living situation. Be patient and make allowances for indoor "accidents." Don't punish your pooch, as this may make the problem worse. Clean the mess to remove the soil and smell. Once your dog has settled in, the accidents should stop. Use positive reinforcement to teach him where he needs to go. Always praise him when he relieves himself in the correct place.

One way to help your dog settle in more quickly is to create a comfortable sleeping area for him. If your new home has a yard, check the fencing to make sure that it is secure, of sufficient height and 'hole-free' before letting your dog run loose. If your dog is able to escape, exercise him on a lead until you are able to make the necessary improvements.

Cats

It's commonly accepted that cats get very attached to places and typically hate to move. Cats get particularly comfortable with routine, and don't like their environment to change. This can make moving especially difficult for humans and their cats.

In the days leading up to your move, try to keep your pet's routine as normal as possible. It is best to crate your cat during the moving process, and it may be helpful to ask a friend or family member to keep an eye him.

If you are traveling by air, you may need to purchase an airline-approved carrier for you cat. You airline should be able to provide you with all the details. If you are traveling by car you may also want to use a crate or carrier so your cat cannot roam about the car, or escape through an open window or door.

Once you are in your new location, be careful to keep your cat indoors until he becomes comfortable in his new surroundings. Do not allow your cat outdoors, because he may try to return to you old home ... and that's obviously dangerous for him, especially if you've moved far away. Supervised outings are advised until your pet gets used to your new home. You can use a long leash on your cat and connect it to a stake in the ground, allowing your pet to wander the length of the leash for the first few days. Let your cat explore all the rooms of the house and be sure to check that outside doors and windows are closed before you begin.

Birds and Small Pets

Of all pets, birds are probably the most sensitive to changes in temperature and environment. Your pet bird can be moved in the cage in which it lives. When you are moving with your pet bird, be sure to use a cover for the cage. This can keep the bird calm and protect it from drafts. Place the cage in a shallow box to collect any gravel, feathers or droppings that may spill during transit. Remove any containers of food and water before moving the cage to avoid spills en route. Do feed and water your bird at its regular times, as birds, like all small animals, can become dehydrated very quickly in warm weather.

Some states require a health cert for birds entering the state. The USDA may inspect this cert either at the airport or during routine roadway inspections. Have your pet bird inspected by your veterinarian prior to traveling. Some health certificates are valid for a brief period of time. Ten 10 days is a common window for a health certificate.

Horses

There are several ways to transport horses. Your horse can be transported by air freight, by towing a trailer or by hiring a specialized horse transporting company. The horse transport company can use either air or road to transport horses.

By Air

Many airlines accept horses as air freight. In general, they will only transport horses on direct flights. You will be required to have a stall constructed to the airline's specifications, and you will need to ensure your horse has the necessary health checks completed prior to moving to your new home state. Remember that requirements vary by state, and airlines will request a health certificate. The USDA may also be at the destination airport conducting inspections and may request to see the health certificate.

By Road

Depending on the distance you need to travel, towing your horse in a trailer behind your car or truck may be an option. If you do not own a trailer, you may consider renting one, but you'll want to be sure you're experienced enough to safely load and trailer your horse. You can also pack tack and feed in the trailer.

If your trip requires overnight stays you will need to book stables en route for your horse. These stables will require a health certificates appropriate to horses only, and if they do not you probably don't want to board your horse there. Your veterinarian should be aware of the applicable laws of the different states and will be able to provide you with the necessary health certificates. (Contact information regarding states entry requirements is at the end of this guide.)

If you are unable to find a stable or lodgings for your horse in close proximity to your hotel, inquire whether the hotel will allow you to keep the trailer in the parking lot overnight. In inclement weather this is not advisable. Feed and water your horse per the normal routine and clean out the stall when you have an overnight stop.

Reptiles

Most states have strict government regulations regarding the entry of reptiles. See the states regulatory contact list at the end of this guide to find out what you need to do before moving your reptile from state to state.

As a general rule, the carrier that a reptile is transported in needs to be kept moist. Place the reptile in a cloth bag and fasten the top of the bag, making sure to leave the reptile enough room to move about, then place the bag in the shipping container. Use foam peanuts for cushioning and place damp paper or cloth in the shipper to keep the environment moist. Make sure there are air holes in the shipper for ventilation. If you are traveling overnight with your reptile you may need to place him in the tub of your hotel room at night for a nice long soak. Check if the hotel allows pets first.

Do not ship reptiles in excessively hot or cold weather, as their shipping container may be left outside for periods of time, leading to stress and possibly death.

Snakes must be handled with extra care, especially if they are venomous. Most airlines require double crating for snakes, which means putting the snake in one crate and then placing this crate in another, larger crate. Adequate ventilation is a must. The airline may provide you with stickers to put on all sides of the crate and you will need to write the type of snake on this label. You should also write on the sticker whether the snake is venomous or not.

**Warning

Remember to keep the surroundings of all reptiles moist, but not wet. Placing a damp cloth inside the container is one of the best ways to keep your reptile's environment appropriately moist during transit.

Fish

Fish are notoriously difficult to move safely from one location to another, but it can be done effectively and efficiently with some planning. It is advisable to sell or give away as many fish as you can before you move to help ease the burden. However if this is not an option, this guide will help you understand what you need to do.

Depending on the size of your aquarium, and the number and type of fish you have, it may be easier to separate them into a several smaller tanks. If the aquarium is 5 gallons or less it may be just as easy to move the entire aquarium. Place some cellophane over the top of the aquarium and remove all heaters and aerators. Place the container in a cooler box or Styrofoam container to regulate the temperature and keep it constant for up to 48 hours. Be sure to open the cellophane every four to five hours to change and refresh the air. This option may be the best for tropical fish, which don't do well in smaller containers with overcrowding or sudden changes in water and temperature.

Never leave the container in the car overnight, as the temperature changes may be too drastic for the fish. If you plan to be traveling to your destination for a couple of days with your fish it is advisable to purchase a portable aerator to keep the water well oxygenated. Always pack your aquarium last in the moving truck so that you can unload it quickly at your destination.

If you separate your fish into smaller containers or fish bags, you should try to use the aquarium water in order to keep the environment as constant as possible. In the event you do not have enough water for all the smaller containers, add fresh or saltwater appropriate to the type of fish. It is advisable to allow each container of water to settle for a few hours after filling. If you have only a small number of fish and are moving a short driving distance, you can move the fish to their new location by using plastic bags half-filled with water and half-filled with air. As a general guideline, each fish should have at least 1-2 gallons of water. To maintain the temperature, place the bags in an insulated container or Styrofoam container.

Most fish can go without food for a couple of days without any problems, but it is important to add healing agents to the water, as the fish may become bruised en route. This is not uncommon and you can purchase healing agents at your local pet supply store.

When you arrive at your destination set up the aquarium as quickly as possible. You may need to treat the water to neutralize any chemicals; your local pet store can advise you of any treatments the local water may need.

Turn the aerator on for a while, and then add slowly and gently add the fish to the tank one at a time. Wait until the water settles, and feed them as usual.

New Community

PLEASE, PLEASE be responsible when you move and check beforehand with your new community to find out if pets are allowed. Some apartment and condominium complexes may not allow pets, and you certainly don't want to find that out on moving day.

Some of the most common reasons that people leave their pets with shelters are "we are moving "and "my landlord doesn't allow pets." Remember, pets do not know why their owners are leaving them behind, so do your homework beforehand to save all that heartbreak. Consider your options carefully, as pets should be considered a lifetime commitment. If you are absolutely unable to take your pet with you, you owe it to this creature to find him a good home.

State and local regulations

You need to make sure that your pet has some sort of easily read ID attached to its body. For dogs and cats this can be a collar, while a tag around the leg is appropriate for birds. The ID tag should have your pet's name, destination address, your name and telephone number. It is also a good idea to have an alternate's name and number on the tags in the event that somebody finds your lost pet and is unable to get in touch with you. You should also have rabies tags for your pet; depending on the state where you live this will most likely be a requirement. For air travel, your pet may be required to wear special travel tags, which the airline will provide.

For more guides, visit: BananaMoving.Com. Find and compare moving companies, get free moving quotes. BananaMoving.com provides a one stop shop for all your moving and storage needs.

Bad Credit Home Equity Loans - Tips and Advice

A bad credit rating can often be the difference between getting a loan approved or rejected. Poor credit can affect many aspects of your life including your financial side. People who are looking to get low credit loans will have a difficult time unless they have some equity in their home. Bad credit home equity loans are available for people who have a poor credit rating.

Home equity loans are secured loans that use the equity in your home as collateral for your loan. These loans also offer lower interest rates to people who have a poor credit rating. These home equity loans offer better interest rates than unsecured loans. Lenders have less risk giving approving these loans because they can foreclose your home if you don't repay the loan.

People who are looking for a way to consolidate their existing debt should consider applying for a bad credit home equity loan. You can put your entire high interest debts into a single low interest payment. This will help you save money every month with the lower interest rate. Poor credit debt consolidation is very popular for people who are looking to get out of their debt.

If you are looking to get bad credit home equity loans use the internet to look up different lenders. The internet is vast resource that has many different lenders who are willing to give these loans to people who have equity in their home. Do your homework and get at least 3 different comprehensive quotes to ensure that you get the best rate for your loan.

Bad Credit Equity Loans are available for people who own their own home. If you are interested in getting a Home Equity Loan you should go online to look at the different lenders available.

Fire Insurance Under Indian Insurance Law

A contract of Insurance comes into being when a person seeking insurance protection enters into a contract with the insurer to indemnify him against loss of property by or incidental to fire and or lightening, explosion, etc. This is primarily a contract and hence as is governed by the general law of contract. However, it has certain special features as insurance transactions, such as utmost faith, insurable interest, indemnity, subrogation and contribution, etc. these principles are common in all insurance contracts and are governed by special principles of law.

FIRE INSURANCE:

According to S. 2(6A), "fire insurance business" means the business of effecting, otherwise than incidentally to some other class of insurance business, contracts of insurance against loss by or incidental to fire or other occurrence, customarily included among the risks insured against in fire insurance business.

According to Halsbury, it is a contract of insurance by which the insurer agrees for consideration to indemnify the assured up to a certain extent and subject to certain terms and conditions against loss or damage by fire, which may happen to the property of the assured during a specific period.

Thus, fire insurance is a contract whereby the person, seeking insurance protection, enters into a contract with the insurer to indemnify him against loss of property by or incidental to fire or lightning, explosion etc. This policy is designed to insure one's property and other items from loss occurring due to complete or partial damage by fire.

In its strict sense, a fire insurance contract is one:

1. Whose principle object is insurance against loss or damage occasioned by fire.

2. The extent of insurer's liability being limited by the sum assured and not necessarily by the extent of loss or damage sustained by the insured: and

3. The insurer having no interest in the safety or destruction of the insured property apart from the liability undertaken under the contract.

LAW GOVERNING FIRE INSURANCE

There is no statutory enactment governing fire insurance, as in the case of marine insurance which is regulated by the Indian Marine Insurance Act, 1963. the Indian Insurance Act, 1938 mainly dealt with regulation of insurance business as such and not with any general or special principles of the law relating fire of other insurance contracts. So also the General Insurance Business (Nationalization) Act, 1872. in the absence of any legislative enactment on the subject , the courts in India have in dealing with the topic of fire insurance have relied so far on judicial decisions of Courts and opinions of English Jurists.

In determining the value of property damaged or destroyed by fire for the purpose of indemnity under a policy of fire insurance, it was the value of the property to the insured, which was to be measured. Prima facie that value was measured by reference of the market value of the property before and after the loss. However such method of assessment was not applicable in cases where the market value did not represent the real value of the property to the insured, as where the property was used by the insured as a home or, for carrying business. In such cases, the measure of indemnity was the cost of reinstatement. In the case of Lucas v. New Zealand Insurance Co. Ltd.[1] where the insured property was purchased and held as an income-producing investment, and therefore the court held that the proper measure of indemnity for damage to the property by fire was the cost of reinstatement.

INSURABLE INTEREST

A person who is so interested in a property as to have benefit from its existence and prejudice by its destruction is said to have insurable interest in that property. Such a person can insure the property against fire.

The interest in the property must exist both at the inception as well as at the time of loss. If it does not exist at the commencement of the contract it cannot be the subject-matter of the insurance and if it does not exist at the time of the loss, he suffers no loss and needs no indemnity. Thus, where he sells the insured property and it is damaged by fire thereafter, he suffers no loss.

RISKS COVERED UNDER FIRE INSURANCE POLICY

The date of conclusion of a contract of insurance is issuance of the policy is different from the acceptance or assumption of risk. Section 64-VB only lays down broadly that the insurer cannot assume risk prior to the date of receipt of premium. Rule 58 of the Insurance Rules, 1939 speaks about advance payment of premiums in view of sub section (!) of Section 64 VB which enables the insurer to assume the risk from the date onwards. If the proposer did not desire a particular date, it was possible for the proposer to negotiate with insurer about that term. Precisely, therefore the Apex Court has said that final acceptance is that of the assured or the insurer depends simply on the way in which negotiations for insurance have progressed. Though the following are risks which seem to have covered Fire Insurance Policy but are not totally covered under the Policy. Some of contentious areas are as follows:

FIRE: Destruction or damage to the property insured by its own fermentation, natural heating or spontaneous combustion or its undergoing any heating or drying process cannot be treated as damage due to fire. For e.g., paints or chemicals in a factory undergoing heat treatment and consequently damaged by fire is not covered. Further, burning of property insured by order of any Public Authority is excluded from the scope of cover.

LIGHTNING : Lightning may result in fire damage or other types of damage, such as a roof broken by a falling chimney struck by lightning or cracks in a building due to a lightning strike. Both fire and other types of damages caused by lightning are covered by the policy.

AIRCRAFT DAMAGE: The loss or damage to property (by fire or otherwise) directly caused by aircraft and other aerial devices and/ or articles dropped there from is covered. However, destruction or damage resulting from pressure waves caused by aircraft traveling at supersonic speed is excluded from the scope of the policy.

RIOTS, STRIKES, MALICIOUS AND TERRORISM DAMAGES: The act of any person taking part along with others in any disturbance of public peace (other than war, invasion, mutiny, civil commotion etc.) is construed to be a riot, strike or a terrorist activity. Unlawful action would not be covered under the policy.

STORM, CYCLONE, TYPHOON, TEMPEST, HURRICANE, TORNADO, FLOOD and INUNDATION: Storm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Tornado and Hurricane are all various types of violent natural disturbances that are accompanied by thunder or strong winds or heavy rainfall. Flood or Inundation occurs when the water rises to an abnormal level. Flood or inundation should not only be understood in the common sense of the terms, i.e., flood in river or lakes, but also accumulation of water due to choked drains would be deemed to be flood.

IMPACT DAMAGE: Impact by any Rail/ Road vehicle or animal by direct contact with the insured property is covered. However, such vehicles or animals should not belong to or owned by the insured or any occupier of the premises or their employees while acting in the course of their employment.

SUBSIDENCE AND LANDSLIDE INCULUDING ROCKSIDE: Destruction or damage caused by Subsidence of part of the site on which the property stands or Landslide/ Rockslide is covered. While Subsidence means sinking of land or building to a lower level, Landslide means sliding down of land usually on a hill.

However, normal cracking, settlement or bedding down of new structures; settlement or movement of made up ground; coastal or river erosion; defective design or workmanship or use of defective materials; and demolition, construction, structural alterations or repair of any property or ground-works or excavations, are not covered.

BURSTING AND/OR OVERFLOWING OF WATER TANKS, APPARATUS AND PIPES: Loss or damage to property by water or otherwise on account of bursting or accidental overflowing of water tanks, apparatus and pipes is covered.

MISSILE TESTING OPERATIONS: Destruction or damage, due to impact or otherwise from trajectory/ projectiles in connection with missile testing operations by the Insured or anyone else, is covered.

LEAKAGE FROM AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER INSTALLATIONS: Damage, caused by water accidentally discharged or leaked out from automatic sprinkler installations in the insured's premises, is covered. However, such destruction or damage caused by repairs or alterations to the buildings or premises; repairs removal or extension of the sprinkler installation; and defects in construction known to the insured, are not covered.

BUSH FIRE: This covers damage caused by burning, whether accidental or otherwise, of bush and jungles and the clearing of lands by fire, but excludes destruction or damage, caused by Forest Fire.

RISKS NOT COVERED BY FIRE INSURANCE POLICY

Claims not maintainable/ covered under this policy are as follows:

o Theft during or after the occurrence of any insured risks

o War or nuclear perils

o Electrical breakdowns

o Ordered burning by a public authority

o Subterranean fire

o Loss or damage to bullion, precious stones, curios (value more than Rs.10000), plans, drawings, money, securities, cheque books, computer records except if they are categorically included.

o Loss or damage to property moved to a different location (except machinery and equipment for cleaning, repairs or renovation for more than 60 days).

CHARACTERICTICS OF FIRE INSURANCE CONTRACT

A fire insurance contract has the following characteristics namely:

(a) Fire insurance is a personal contract

A fire insurance contract does not ensure the safety of the insured property. Its purpose is to see that the insured does not suffer loss by reason of his interest in the insured property. Hence, if his connection with the insured property ceases by being transferred to another person, the contract of insurance also comes to an end. It is not so connected with the subject matter of the insurance as to pass automatically to the new owner to whom the subject is transferred. The contract of fire insurance is thus a mere a personal contract between the insured and the insurer for the payment of money. It can be validly assigned to another only with the consent of the insurer.

(b) It is entire and indivisible contract.

Where the insurance is of a binding and its contents of stock and machinery, the contract is expressly agreed to be divisible. Thus , where the insured is guilty of breach of duty towards the insurer in respect of one subject matters covered by the policy , the insurer can avoid the contract as a whole and not only in respect of that particular subject mater , unless the right is restricted by the terms of the policy.

(c) Cause of fire is immaterial

In insuring against fire, the insured wishes to protect him from any loss or detriment which he may suffer upon the occurrence of a fire, however it may be caused. So long as the loss is due to fire within the meaning of the policy, it is immaterial what the cause of fire is, generally. Thus , whether it was because the fire was lighted improperly or was lighted properly but negligently attended to thereafter or whether the fire was caused on account of the negligence of the insured or his servants or strangers is immaterial and the insurer is liable to indemnify the insured. In the absence of fraud, the proximate cause of the loss only is to be looked to.

The cause of the fire however becomes material to be investigated

(1). Where the fire is occasioned not by the negligence of, but by the willful

(2) Where the fire is due is to cause falling with the exception in the contract.

LIMITATION OF TIME

Indemnity insurance was an agreement by the insurer to confer on the insured a contractual right, which prima facie, came into existence immediately when the loss was suffered by the happening of an event insured against, to be put by the insurer into the same position in which the accused would have had the event not occurred but in no better position. There was a primary liability, i.e. to indemnify, and a secondary liability i.e. to put the insured in his pre-loss position, either by paying him a specifying amount or it might be in some other manner. But the fact that the insurer had an option as to the way in which he would put the insured into pre-loss position did not mean that he was not liable to indemnify him in one way or another, immediately the loss occurred. The primary liability arises on the happening of the event insured against. So, the time ran from the date of the loss and not from the date on which the policy was avoided and any suit filed after that time limit would be barred by limitation.[2]

WHO MAY INSURE AGAINST FIRE?

Only those who have insurable interest in a property can take fire insurance thereon. The following are among the class of persons who have been held to possess insurable interest in, property and can insure such property:

1. Owners of property, whether sole, or joint owner, or partner in the firm owning the property. It is not necessary that they should possession also. Thus a lesser and a lessee can both insure it jointly or severely.

2. The vender and purchaser have both rights to insure. The vendor's interest continues until the conveyance is completed and even thereafter, if he has an unpaid vendor's lien over it.

3. The mortgagor and mortgagee have both distinct interests in the mortgaged property and can insure, per Lord Esher M.R."The mortgagee does not claim his interest through the mortgagor , but by virtue of the mortgage which has given him an interest distinct from that of the mortgagor"[3]

4. Trustees are legal owners and beneficiaries the beneficial owners of trust property and each can insure it.

5. Bailees such as carriers, pawnbrokers or warehouse men are responsible for there safety of the property entrusted to them and so can insure it.

PERSON NOT ENTITLED TO INSURE

One who has no insurable interest in a property cannot insure it. For example:

1. An unsecured creditor cannot insure his debtor's property, because his right is only against the debtor personally. He can, however, insure the debtor's life.

2. A shareholder in a company cannot insure the property of the company as he has no insurable interest in any asset of the company even if he is the sole shareholder. As was the case of Macaura v. Northen Assurance Co.[4] Macaura. Because neither as a simple creditor nor as a shareholder had he any insurable interest in it.

CONCEPT OF UTMOST FAITH

As all contracts of insurance are contracts of utmost good faith, the proposer for fire insurance is also under a positive duty to make a full disclosure of all material facts and not to make any misrepresentations or misdescreptions thereof during the negotiations for obtaining the policy. This duty of utmost good faith applies equally to the insurer and the insured. There must be complete good faith on the part of the assured. This duty to observe utmost good faith is ensured b requiring the proposer to declare that the statements in the proposal form are true, that they shall be the basis of the contract and that any incorrect or false statement therein shall avoid the policy. The insurer can then rely on them to assess the risk and to fix appropriate premium and accept the risk or decline it.

The questions in the proposal form for a fire policy are so framed as to get all information which is material to the insurer to know in order to assess the risk and fix the premium, that is, all material facts. Thus the proposer is required too give information relating to:

o The proposer's name and address and occupation

o The description of the subject matter to be insured sufficient for the purpose of identifying it including,

o A description of the locality where it is situated

o How the property is being used, whether for any manufacturing purpose or hazardous trade.etc

o Whether it has already been insured

o And also ant personal insurance history including the claims if any made buy the proposer, etc.

Apart from questions in the proposal form, the proposer should disclose whether questioned or not-

1. Any information which would indicate the risk of fire to be above normal;

2. Any fact which would indicate that the insurer's liability may be more than normal can be expected such as existence of valuable manuscripts or documents, etc, and

3. Any information bearing upon the more; hazard involved.

The proposer is not obliged to disclose-

1. Information which the insurer may be presumed to know in the ordinary course of his business as an insurer;

2. Facts which tend to show that the risk is lesser than otherwise;

3. Facts as to which information is waived by the insurer; and

4. Facts which need not disclosed in view of a policy condition.

Thus, assured is under a solemn obligation to make full disclosure of material facts which may be relevant for the insurer to take into account while deciding whether the proposal should be accepted or not. While making a disclosure of the relevant facts, the

DOCTRINE OF PROXIMATE CAUSE

Where more perils than one act simultaneously or successively, it will be difficult to assess the relative effect of each peril or pick out one of these as the actual cause of the loss. In such cases, the doctrine of proximate cause helps to determine the actual cause of the loss.

Proximate cause was defined in Pawsey v. Scottish Union and National Ins. Co.,[5]as "the active, effective cause that sets in motion a train of events which brings about a result without the intervention of any force started and working actively from a new and independent source." It is dominant and effective cause even though it is not the nearest in time. It is therefore necessary when a loss occurs to investigate and ascertain what is the proximate cause of the loss in order to determine whether the insurer is liable for the loss.

PROXIMATE CAUSE OF DAMAGE

A fire policy covers risks where damage is caused by way of fire. The fire may be caused by lightening, by explosion or implosion. It may be result of riot, strike or on account of any, malicious act. However these factors must ultimately lead to a fire and the fire must be the proximate cause of damage. Therefore, a loss caused by theft of property by militants would not be covered by the fire policy. The view that the loss was covered under the malicious act clause and therefore .the insurer was liable to meet the claim is untenable, because unless and until fire is the proximate cause f damage, no claim under a fire policy would be maintainable.[6]

PROCEDURE FOR TAKING A FIRE INSURANCE POLICY

The steps involved for taking a fire insurance policy are mentioned below:

1. Selection of the Insurance Company:

There are many companies that offer fire insurance against unforeseen events. The individual or the company must take care in the selection of an insurance company. The judgment should rest on factors like goodwill, and long term standing in the market. The insurance companies can either be approached directly or through agents, some of them who are appointed by the company itself.

2. Submission of the Proposal Form:

The individual or the business owner must submit a completed prescribed proposal form with the necessary details to the insurance company for proper consideration and subsequent approval. The information in the Proposal Form should be given in good faith and must be accompanied by documents that verify the actual worth of the property or goods that are to be insured. Most of the companies have their own personalized Proposal Forms wherein the exact information has to be provided.

3. Survey of the Property/ Consideration:

Once the duly filled Proposal Form is submitted to the insurance company, it makes an "on the spot" survey of the property or the goods that are the subject matter of the insurance. This is usually done by the investigators, or the surveyors, who are appointed by the company and they need to report back to them after a thorough research and survey. This is imperative to assess the risk involved and calculate the rate of premium.

4. Acceptance of the Proposal:

Once the detailed and comprehensive report is submitted to the insurance company by the surveyors and related officers, the former makes a thorough perusal of the Proposal Form and the report. If the company is satisfied that their is no lacuna or foul play or fraud involved, it formally "accepts" the Proposal Form and directs the insured to pay the first premium to the company. It is to be noted that the insurance policy commences after the payment and the acceptance of the premium by the insured and the company, respectively. The Insurance Company issues a Cover Note after the acceptance of the first premium.

PROCEDURE ON RECEIPT OF NOTICE OF LOSS

On receipt of the notice of loss, the insurer requires the insured to furnish details pertaining to the loss in a claim from relating to the following information-

1. Circumstances and cause of the fire;

2. Occupancy and situation of the premises in which the fire occurred;

3. Insured's interest in the insured property; that is capacity in which the insured claims and whether any others are interested in the property;

4. Other insurances on the property;

5. Value of each item of the property at the time of loss together with proofs thereof , and value of the salvage ,if any; and

6. Amount claimed

Furnishing such information relating to the claim is also a condition precedent to the liability of the insurer. The above information will enable the insurer to verify whether-

(1) The policy is in force;

(2) The peril causing the loss is an insured peril;

(3) The property damaged or lost is the insured property.

Rules for calculation of value of property

The value of the insured property is-

1) Its value at the time of loss, and

2) At the place of loss, and

3) Its real or intrinsic value without any regard for its sentimental vale. Loss of prospective profit or other consequential loss is not to be taken into account.

FILING OF CLAIMS

How a claim arises?

After a contract of fire insurance has come into existence, a claim may arise by the operation of one or more insured perils on an unsecured property. There may in addition one or more uninsured perils also operating simultaneously or in succession of the property. In order that the claim should be valid the following conditions must be fulfilled:

1. The occurrence should take place due to the operation of an insured peril or where both insured and other perils operated , the dominant or efficient cause of the loss must have been an insured peril;

2. The operation of the peril must not come within the scope of the policy exceptions;

3. The event must have caused loss or damage of the insured property;

4. The occurrence must be during the currency of the policy;

5. The insured must have fulfilled all the policy conditions and should also comply with requirements to be fulfilled after the claim had arisen.

MATERIAL FACTS IN FIRE INSURANCE: PREVIOUS CONVICTION OF THE ACCUSED

The criminal record of an assured could affect the moral hazard, which insurers had to assess, and the non-disclosure of a serious criminal offence like robbery by the plaintiff would a material non-disclosure.

INSURED'S DUTY ON OUTBREAK OF FIRE, IMPLIED DUTY

On the outbreak of a fire the insured is under an implied duty to observe good faith towards the insurers and the in pursuance of it the insured must do his best to avert or minimize the loss. For this purpose he must (1) take all reasonable measures to put out the fire or prevent its spread, and (2) assist the fire brigade and others in their attempts to do so at any rate not come in their way.

With this object the insured property may be removed to a place of safety. Any loss or damage the insured property may sustain in the course of attempts to combat the fire or during its removal to a place of safety etc., will be deemed to be loss proximately caused by the fire.

If the insured fails in his duty willfully and thereby increases the burden of the insurer, the insured will be deprived of his right to revive any indemnity under the policy.[7]

INSURER'S RIGHTS ON THE OUTBREAK OF FIRE

(A) Implied Rights

Corresponding to the insured's duties the insurers have rights by the law, in view of the liability they have undertaken to indemnify the insured. Thus the insurers have a right to-

o Take reasonable measures to extinguish the fire and to minimize the loss to property, and

o For that purpose, to enter upon and take possession of the property.

The insurers will be liable to make good all the damage the property may sustain during the steps taken to put out the fire and as long as it in their possession, because all that is considered the natural and direct consequence of the fire; it has therefore been held in the case of Ahmedbhoy Habibhoy v. Bombay Fire Marine Ins. Co [8] that the extent of the damage flowing from the insured peril must be assessed when the insurer gives back and not as at the time when the peril ceased.

(B) Loss caused by steps taken to avert the risk

Damage sustained due to action taken to avoid an insured risk was not a consequence of that risk and was not recoverable unless the insured risk had begun to operate. In the case of Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co. Ltd v. Canadian General Electric Co. Ltd., [9] the Canadian Supreme Court held that "the loss was caused by the fire fighters' mistaken belief that their action was necessary to avert an explosion , and the loss was not recoverable under the insurance policy, which covered only damage caused by fire explosion., and the loss was not recoverable under the insurance policy, which covered only damage caused by fire or explosion."

(C) Express rights

Condition 5- in order to protect their rights well insurers have prescribed for better rights expressly in this condition according to which on the happening of any destruction or damage the insurer and every person authorized by the insurer may enter, take or keep possession of the building or premises where the damage has happened or require it to be delivered to them and deal with it for all reasonable purposes like examining, arranging, removing or sell or dispose off the same for the account of whom it may concern.

When and how a claim is made?

In the event of a fire loss covered under the fire insurance policy, the Insured shall immediately give notice thereof to the insurance company. Within 15 days of the occurrence of such loss, the Insured should submit a claim in writing, giving the details of damages and their estimated values. Details of other insurances on the same property should also be declared.

The Insured should procure and produce, at his own expense, any document like plans, account books, investigation reports etc. on demand by the insurance company.

HOW INSURANCE MAY CEASE?

Insurance under a fire policy may cease in any of the following circumstances, namely:

(1) Insurer avoiding the policy by reason of the insured making misrepresentation, misdescription or non-disclosure of any material particular;

(2) If there is a fall or displacement of any insured building range or structure or part thereof , then on the expiry of seven days wherefrom, except where the fall or displacement was due to the action of any insured peril; notwithstanding this, the insurance may be revived on revised terms if express notice is given to the company as soon as the occurrence takes place;

(3) The insurance may be terminated at any tie at the request of the insured and at the option of the company on 15 days notice to the insured

CONCLUSION

Tangible property is exposed to numerous risks like fire, floods, explosions, earthquake, riot and war, etc. and insurance protection can be had against most of these risks severally or in combination. The form in which the cover is expressed is numerous and varied. Fire insurance in its strict sense is concerned with giving protection against fire and fire only. So while granting a fire insurance policy all the requisites need be fulfilled. The insured are under a moral and legal obligation to be at utmost good faith and should be telling true facts and not just fake grounds only with the greed to recover money. Further all insurance policies help in the development of a Developing nation. Hence insurance companies have a burden to help the insured when the insured are in trouble.

REFERENCE:

1. (1983) VR 698 (Supreme Court of Vienna)

2. Callaghan v. Dominion Insurance Co. Ltd. (1997) 2 Lloyd's Rep. 541 (QBD)

3. Small v. U.K Marine Insurance Association (1897) 2 QB 311

4. (1925) AC 619

5. (1907) Case.

6. National Insurance Company v. Ashok Kumar Barariio

7. Devlin v. Queen Insurance Co, (1882) 46 UCR 611.

8. (1912) 40 IA 10 PC

9. (1981) 123 DLR (3d) 513 (Supreme Court of Canada)

Books Referred:

1. The Economics of Fire Protection by Ganapathy Ramachandran

2. Modern Insurance Law, by John Birds

3. The Handbook of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act and Regulations with Allied Laws ,by Nagar