Just Blogging

Lance Winslow asked:




If you are like me then you have lots of various insurance policies. Some are required by banks or lending institutions, others provide peace of mind from your worst fears. Unfortunately, even with all the coverage for all these various things, sometimes it is just not enough. This is why you need to discuss and umbrella insurance policy with your insurance agent, broker or independent insurance agent.

If you own a small business then you really need to consider an umbrella insurance policy and it might even save you money on your over all insurance costs. Indeed, it could even be a life saver in the event of some catastrophic event resulting in a huge lawsuit which might threaten to bankrupt your company and your family. These types of things can be prevented with proper insurance, no sense in becoming a statistic or a reason for someone else to get the type of insurance you should have gotten.

To help you examine all your various types of insurance policies you need to get an expert to look them over and audit what you currently have. Perhaps you might even end up making changes. Umbrella insurance policies can fill in any gaps and protect your assets and/or your small business. Sometimes an extra 1 million dollar umbrella policy is a lot cheaper than you think. It was for me and my business. Ask an expert insurance person about this, I did.

I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple; to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.

Bill Hayes Chilton asked:




The truth about the “most wonderful time of the year” is that it is also the most expensive time of the year. To make it wonderful, everyone needs Christmas money and plenty of it. There’s really no way around that.

Unfortunately, in this bad economy, not everyone may have the Christmas money they need, and are trying to seek it however they can. I know this, because I used to be another person in need of Christmas money.

To those who need Christmas money I have one simple suggestion. It is based on the premise that if you need Christmas money you probably don’t have a lot of time to invest towards it. Look to the internet to help you make some money.

The internet is the perfect resources for those who need Christmas money It is literally filled with endless opportunity to bag some extra cash.

Making money on the internet isn’t difficult. It’s just a new concept, that you may not yet be aware of. It is also entirely legitimate, and simple.

Making Christmas money on the internet can come in a variety of ways, but my personal favorite method is called “affiliate marketing”. It’s a simple procedure, and has proven to put lots and lots of cash in the pockets of college students who have some extra time to kill on the computer. You don’t need to know anything special about computers. If you can use Firefox or any other web browser, you’ve passed the qualification test. It is often as simple as pasting the link to a product page to a conversation on Google Groups, or somewhere similar. Each time someone buys the product you linked them too, you receive a commission as large as 75%. It is a terrific source of money, especially for individuals who need Christmas money desperately.

It is also a terrific time to get involved such profitable online endeavors, because the economy is placing seasonal jobs in high demand, and the Christmas season always means people are especially willing to buy the products you suggest to them.

The beauty of using the internet to make money is that it doesn’t take much time at all, and allows people to make tremendous amounts of money compared to how much they worked. It is commonly estimated that those who work at it for 1 hour per day, for several weeks, can easily be making $200/day consistently. For those who need money it’s an unparalleled system.

Those who are successful at making money on the internet aren’t the smartest people, but instead those who recognize the internet as a major source of lucrative potential and extra money for those who need it.

Stephanie Foster asked:




I can’t tell you how often I’ve had people ask me how they can earn some money online fast. It’s generally about some crisis in their lives, and they just need to earn some money, now!

While I’m not entirely unsympathetic to such needs, I do always mention to these people that very, very few people can manage that, and they are best off getting a regular job if things are so urgent. Or a second one if they already work.

It’s one of the ugly truths of working at home that it’s not so easy as many would claim to make a living. Some do earn money that quickly. More do not.

In a bad situation you should always go for the money you know you can get. That is, a job. And while jobs are somewhat harder to find right now than at other times in many areas, you generally can find something to do. Think about temp agencies, grocery stores, retail, fast food and restaurants if you need a job fairly quickly and earning something is more important than the exact type of job.

But if you need money really, really fast, a job isn’t the answer either.

A garage sale or selling things on eBay is a much better way to bring in some fast money. Almost everyone has some stuff they can sell. It may be hard to part with things you’ve had for years, but if that’s what it takes to get by, sometimes that is quite simply what you have to do.

Think of working at home as a long term strategy. It may pay off in the short run if you do everything right, but you are more likely to go through a significant learning curve. It may be years before you’re earning a living online.

Then again, it could be months. It depends on how well what you’re doing suits you and your customers, and how fast you learn. But don’t expect it to be one month to success.

Perhaps the fastest way to earn money online, if you have the skills, is to freelance. There are a number of sites, such as Guru, eLance and Shelancers where you can find work as a writer, website designer, graphic designer and so forth. It takes some time to get started, but once you have some clients things can go rather nicely. And if you provide a quality service you may get regular clients and word of mouth working for you.

Do not expect others to do all the legwork for you, however. I’ve had many people ask me if there’s such a thing as a real work at home job, when they’ve found me through my site that has a nice long list of jobs. If the resources are there in front of you, take advantage. If you need help figuring out what to do, ask for help and include your interests.

It takes a lot of self-motivation to succeed in any work at home endeavor, whether it be a job or a home business. Keep that in mind even when you ask for help. Your willingness to work should show from the start.

Gloria B. MacTaggart asked:




There are a lot of reasons behind the substance abuse problem in the U.S. but perhaps one of the most significant is the number of people who don’t think they have a problem or, if they do, don’t try to get help. The just-released results of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health disclose the details. It’s not hard to find an alcohol and drug addiction treatment center in the U.S. - there are thousands of them - but we’re obviously going to have to do a lot more than make help available if we want to solve the problem.

According to the survey, about 23 million Americans need help with alcohol or drug addiction or abuse. The drugs include street drugs and abused medical drugs that require a prescription. But 93.6% of the 23 million don’t even think they need treatment. In fact, less than 2% of the 23 million thought they needed help and tried to get it. That’s 380,000 of 23 million.

Obviously the biggest slice of the substance abuse pie by far is those who think what they’re doing is just fine.

Where does this attitude come from? There’s such widespread acceptance of drugs and alcohol in the country, it shouldn’t really come as a surprise. However, it’s quite possible that many of the people who said they don’t need help don’t really believe it - it’s just an attempt to justify their actions.

Regardless of their reasons for denying there’s a problem, I would think many others in their lives would disagree. And if they’re going to be helped, it’s going to be up to those others to make sure they get it. Their parents, spouses, family and friends are going to have to convince them otherwise and get them into an alcohol or drug addiction treatment center. It might be necessary to arrange an intervention; there are alcohol and drug addiction treatment centers that offer intervention as a service or you can go to someone who operates independently.

Whether the problem is with alcohol, street drugs or prescription drug addiction or abuse, you can get them straightened out in a good drug addiction treatment center, and you may save their lives - or the lives of others - by making sure that happens.

Pinky Mcbanon asked:




What is an NPI?

NPI or the National Provider Identification number is a 10-DIGIT unique numbers. It is a combination of intelligent numbers that does not carry information about the healthcare provider such as his provider type, specialty or in what state he is practicing. This unique identifier will eventually replace all of the provider’s insurance individual provider number issued by each insurance company that he participates with. But this will NOT replace the provider’s Tax ID Number which is required on claims submission.

NPI number once issued will remain permanent to the provider regardless of change in practice location, group practice or change of job.

NPI or the National Provider Identification number has been mandated by the Federal Government through HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. This must be obtained by health providers from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid (CMS). This mandates all covered entities effective May 23, 2007.

So Why Do I need an NPI?

It is a standard and unique identification number for all providers (this also eliminates all your individual insurance provider number); For electronic submission of claims on HIPAA standard transactions For HIPAA standard transaction on Benefits and Eligibility Inquiry For HIPAA standard transaction on Claims Status Inquiry For HIPAA standard transaction on Coordination of Benefits NPI is also required for the new HCFA 1500 08/05

Here’s the Scenario:

A Pain Management Physician’s group with one Physician Assistant and two Physical Therapists.

The Physician performs interventional pain management procedures in the following location:

POS (Place of Service): 11 (Office)

POS (Place of Service): 22 (Outpatient Hospital)

POS (Place of Service): 24 (Ambulatory Service Center)

What You Need:

Your Pain Management group/practice/company must have its own NPI number The Physician must have its own NPI number The Physician Assistant and the two Physical Therapists must have its own NPI number

When billing on HCFA 1500 08/05:

Rendering Physician: Item Box 24J must have the rendering provider’s NPI number (eg. the MD, PA or the PT)

Service Location: Item Box 32a Must have the group / practice / facility NPI number

eg. Pain No More Group’s NPI number (POS: 11) ASC Surgical Center (POS: 24) Great Care Hospital (POS: 22)

So if the provider for example performed an SI injection done in the outpatient hospital service location, your HCFA 1500 Item Box 32a must have the NPI number of the outpatient hospital. The same way if the procedure was perforemed at the ASC, you need the ASC’s NPI number on box 32a.

Name of Referring/Ordering Provider: Item Box 17b Referring Provider’s NPI number is placed here (this NPI number replaces UPIN after May 2007)

**It is now a good idea to start gathering NPI numbers for all your referring/ordering physicians NPI number for your new patients.

Billing Provider: Item Box 33a eg. Your Pain Management Group’s NPI number

So Who are Affected with NPI? All Physicians and other medical practitioners, such as dentists, physical therapists, ophthalmologists, clinical psychologists, licensed social workers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, chiropractors, pharmacists and all medical specialists, etc.

Medical Practice Groups HealthCare Provider Organizations/Companies/Service Locations DME (durable medical equipment) vendors Hospitals, nursing homes and other institutional providers Pharmacies All Health Plans (all HIPAA-covered entities) *** Small Health Plans has until May of 2008 to adopt NPI.

For your information: The Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) mandates that all providers must submit claims by electronic submission. Certain criterias must be met if you want to submit claims by paper only or both paper and by electronic. If you qualify and allowed to file paper claims, you may use the new CMS 1500 08/05 claim form. You must begin submitting the NPI number along with your legacy number as of January 2, 2007.

May 23, 2007 is the deadline for NPI! Don’t waste time!

Apply for your NPI now. There will be transition for sure. Avoid the possibility of interrupting your claims payments from payers. Review your medical practice billing system, contact a clearing house or a billing service provider or vendors to discuss NPI implementation.

Grace Lennington asked:




Whether it was your favorite china platter, crystal dish, or just an old cherished baking bowl, it can be distressing to lose any dish that held sentimental value or was part of a special set. Once it’s gone, it’s gone…right? Think again. The advent and continuing advance of the internet have given rise to a large global marketplace in which you can find just about anything, including flatware, crystal, and china replacements. Read on to find out how.

Check the Retailers

If you bought the piece originally, check with the retailer it was purchased from (whether at the store, in a catalog, or online) to see if they still carry the line. If so, you should be able to order an identical piece.

Check with the Manufacturer

If you do not know where the piece was purchased, try to find out as much about the retailer as you can; check the original packaging (if you have it) to find a company name, toll free number, or website address. Often the name of the manufacturer will be on the back of the dish. From there you can write, call, or e-mail the manufacturing company to see if they still produce the specific piece or pattern you had.

Are there Collectors?

You may be surprised to find the item or pattern you are trying to replace has attracted collectors; in fact, there may even be a group or association which you can find by just searching online. Someone may just have the piece you need and be willing to give it to you.

China Replacement Services

These days, there are a myriad of companies that specialize in flatware, crystal, and china replacement services. Many times, they will be able to identify your pattern or piece simply by just looking at it. With thousands of items and different patterns, these services can be extremely successful in replacing your dish quickly.

Begin a Search

Estate sales, thrift stores, and flea markets are great places to scavenge for rare and discontinued pieces. It may be a long shot, but you never know what treasures you may find!

Cassandra Ingraham asked:




It may be too late for this tax year, but one of the best, legal and rewarding tax write-offs is starting a home business.

The IRS will give you 3 out of 5 years to make a profit before they start asking you if your business venture is a hobby. But until then, you can put your best foot forward, and who knows, you may be a complete success story within a short period of time. The really good news is, every dime spent on starting a new home business is tax deductible. But wait, don’t quit your day job yet.

Put forth a real effort and find a business that you will be happy with. Do what you love and eventually, you can expect profits if your small company is operated efficiently. Don’t sweat the small stuff, in the beginning, however, a business license might be in order and a resell license, depending on what type of business you start.

Expenditures

Pay for as many expenditures with a check or by credit card, so that you generate a traceable ledger of expenses. Try not to worry about letting up a bookkeeping system until after you start to make money - then you will have a reason to concern yourself with an accounting system.

Be sure to save ALL of your receipts and log in all the miles you drive for business. It is necessary to log down the beginning mileage, date and destination. That way, should the IRS have question, you will have answers.

Business Deductions

For next year, you will file your business expenses and income using Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship) If you have a Partnership, Joint Venture, etc. you will need to use Form 1065

Your basic deductions can include cost of advertising, marketing, auto expenses, commission and fees that you pay to others, contract labor, insurance for the business and fees for legal and professional services.

You will also be able to deduct office expenses, repairs and maintenance, supplies, taxes and licenses, travel, meals and entertainment and wages to employees. Your cell phone bill more then likely will be deductible, your ISP cost, cost for the design and upkeep of your web site, learning materials, training cost and other cost associated with your business.

Additional Deductions

Should you make a profit, then you can elect to take deduction for - Expenses for business use of your home - Form 8829. (Be sure to speak with your tax professional before using your home as a business expense write-off)

Form 8829 will ask you for the total square footage of your home and how many square feet are used for business. The tax software will then compute the percentage use for business and will calculate the total cost for the upkeep of your home accordingly. (It is wise to have your tax professional help you with these forms)

If your small and new business generates a lost - this will go on your Form 1040, and will show up as a lost (negative number) This lost lowers the amount of monies that “you” will be taxed on.

And who knows, there might be a large profit, if it looks like you are going to make a profit for the year, contact your tax professional and let them know. They can generate a payment coupon where you can pay self-employment taxes to help eliminate tax pains (liability) for the coming tax year. This is a problem, you want to have. It’s a good problem.

Have fun with your new venture, keep good records, pay Uncle Sam his fair share and increase your income and your write-offs.

PeterHaliday asked:


Forms of Communication

Each communication type can be classified on the basis of the various methods, processes, channel and style used for it.

On The Basis of Communication Channel

The process of communication involves encoding and sending of a message by the sender and transmission of the same via a communication channel for being received by the receiver who is responsible for decoding and processing of the transmitted information and replying back via a communication channel.

• Verbal Communication: This can be further differentiated into oral and written communication. Oral communication lays emphasis on speaking words which are utilized for face-to-face, on-the-phone, voice chat or Internet communication. The effectiveness of these words depends upon pitch, speed, voice modulation, clarity and volume of speaking.
  
  

Written communication includes communication by email or snail mail. The writing style, grammar, language precision, grammar and vocabulary used are important facets of written communication. Pictorial representations, paintings, photographs, signboards, sketch and symbolic communication also falls under this category. Humans have used this for recording history through cave writing dating back to more than a million years.

• Body Language: This includes communication through a person’s body language through the body movements, postures and hand gestures. ****** expressions play an important part in conveying the intensity of the communication. Emotions can be independently conveyed through a hug, a smile or hand gestures such as a handshake. Accurate reading of a person’s body language helps in indicating whether they are angry, upset, stressed out, nervous, relaxed, happy, tired or sad.
  
  

On The Basis Of Purpose Served

• Restrained Communication: This kind of communication occurs in a predefined formal format with a straightforward, precise and stringent tone attached to it, for communicating in a corporate environment. The communication style is very official in these cases involving meetings, corporate letters, written memos and official conferences.
  
  





• Unrestrained Communication: This includes cases of free communication being employed by people for creating an informal rapport with one another. This communication type is not bounded by the limits of time, subjects or place and is devoid of any rigid guidelines and rules to be followed while communicating. The foremost requirement in this kind of communication is that the involved parties must properly understand each other.
  
  

On The Basis Of Technology

• Electronic or Digital Communication: This includes communication through modern technological tools like computers, faxes, satellite television, telephone, radio, cellular phone and e-mail. These technologies have helped mankind in fulfilling its quest for efficient communication.

Communication is an integral part of the lives of every human being. The technological advances in the field of communication have provided us with wonderful resources and tools leading to the enhancement of our lives aided by convenient communication. Amongst all the above communication forms, face-to-face communication is probably the best communication type. It helps in keeping the emotions, thoughts and feelings intact between two human beings and make accurate perceptions about each other which is a rather difficult task in modern technological methods because of the absence of humanness in them.

Effective communication is not just about speaking correctly, but its also about respecting others’ opinions.  Learn how did people communicate in the past and what are the top communication strategies to improve your presence in this present World.

Get to learn about different types of communication and how to improve your communication skills at http://www.communication-type.com/