This is a step in a different direction from my usual posts, I just thought a guide to choosing Auto Insurance might be usefull to some of my readers. Enjoy!
Even if you already have car insurance, it doesn’t hurt to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Just because you’ve been with an insurance company for a long time doesn’t always mean you’re paying the lowest car insurance rates possible. You could be stuck with an overpriced policy and not even know it. If you’re currently in the market for auto insurance, here are some things to consider as you choose your new policy:
Understand your current policy
The first thing to do when choosing auto insurance is to understand the policy you presently have. Look at how much you’re paying and why you’re paying it. Every year or six months (depending on your policy renewal schedule), your insurance company will send you a breakdown of your policy, showing exactly what your coverage entails.
Look at this breakdown so that you have a basis of comparison as you consider other auto insurance policies. Another reason to look over your current policy is so that you can pinpoint coverage you don’t need anymore. In some cases, it may no longer be necessary to have certain types of coverage. Many people have rental car insurance coverage included on their credit cards. If your credit card offers free rental car insurance, you might be able to drop it from your auto policy. Analyze your situation, and decide which coverage you can drop – and whether you might need more coverage in other areas.
Finally, understand the role your deductible plays in your insurance policy. The higher your deductible, the lower your car insurance rates. If you can afford to pay more out of pocket in the event of an accident, lowering your deductible will save your lots of money. (An emergency fund that can help you cover your deductible is often a good idea.)
What insurance companies look for
If you know what insurance companies look for in valued customers, you can take some steps to make yourself more attractive to insurers. It may mean that you have to wait a few months (or even a year or two) to become what insurers consider “lower risk” but it can save you money down the line. Here are some of things insurers look at when evaluating you:
• Your driving history: The fewer accidents and tickets you have on your driving history, the better. Some things will drop off your driving history after three years, and others can be fixed by attending special classes. However, the best policy is to drive defensively and obey traffic laws in order to avoid marks against you in terms of driving history.
• What type of car you drive: Some cars are more expensive to insure than others. A sports car is generally more expensive to insure than a minivan. Also, cars that have certain safety features and have a low-claims history will be cheaper to insure. If you’re in the market for a new car, ask your insurer.
• Credit rating: Insurers believe that responsible financial habits translate into better driving habits. Improve your credit score, and increase the chances of a lower premium.
Shopping around for car insurance
Once you have a good idea of what you already have, start shopping around. The first thing you should do is call your current auto insurance agent and talk about what you can do to lower your premiums. If you’re changing coverage or increasing your deductible, find out what your current insurance company is willing to offer and make a note of it. Give your current company a chance to provide you with a better deal.
After you have all the facts from current auto insurance company, look at what insures have to offer. Check out Web sites that offer online car insurance quotes and talk to other insurance companies. In addition to comparing coverage and prices, you should also ask about the following:
• Fees: Some insurance companies charge extra fees. If you write monthly checks, you may be charged a fee. You can avoid this by only writing paying in one lump sum. Other companies will arrange a monthly automatic debit of your premium for no fee. Decide which would work best for you.
• Discount programs: Insurance companies offer different discounts and incentives. Find out which may apply to you and how much of a discount you can get. For instance, AAA and AARP members might get a discount. If you have a teenager that gets good grades, you might be eligible for a good student discount. Other discounts might be available because of safety features your car has, multiple vehicles insured, or if you drive fewer miles than the average driver.
• Combined coverage: Another way to get a discount is to combine your auto insurance coverage with other types of coverage. You can usually get a discount on car and homeowners insurance if you buy from the same company.
• Other programs: Some insurance companies will refund a portion of your premiums paid if you go a certain amount of time without filing a claim. Others offer accident forgiveness – meaning they won’t increase your car insurance rates if you have an accident.
Once you have all of this information, you can compare coverage, prices and choose auto insurance that is likely to work best for your situation – and possibly save you some money.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Chuck Norris Facts..(not those bullshit jokes either.)
It wasn’t so long ago that the internet was on fire with Chuck Norris facts. The cancer curative power of his never seen tears, his ability to move the world during a push-up, his lethal silent ninja killing abilities. At the time you may have asked yourself “Why Chuck Norris?” Couldn’t these same jokes be made about Schwarzenegger, Van Damme, or Lundgren? The short answer is “No.” The long answer is “No. Chuck Norris is a real life bad ass, making some of these punchlines plausible.” Don’t believe me? Just wait.
March 10th, 2010, marked the 70th birthday of our man Chuck Norris, so first and foremost we want to say “Happy Birthday, Mr. Norris.” Always treat him with respect. Second, we want to tell you why this man is a badass of the highest level. Shall we?
1.Chuck Norris is part Cherokee Indian. You know, perhaps the most famed and respected group of native Warriors America ever saw? Some people pretend to have Cherokee blood, but Norris has it pumping through his veins for real.
2.Norris won the Professional Middleweight Karate tournament in 1968. And 1969. And 1970. And 1971. And 1972. And 1973. In 1969 he was also awarded Black Belt Magazine’s Fighter of the Year and Karate’s Triple Crown Award for most wins. He also holds the Golden Karate Lifetime Achievement Award.
3.Chuck Norris has a lifetime karate record of 183 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws.
4.Bruce Lee met Chuck Norris at a Karate expo, which lead to Norris appearing on screen to fight Bruce Lee in Return of the Dragon.
5.Chuck’s brother Weiland was killed in Vietnam in 1970, after which Norris dedicated the film Missing in Action to his memory. Norris would go on to make several films and sequels about a soldier going back to rescue his brothers in arms.
6.The Fictional Norris’s weapon of choice is often thought of as the Uzi – he wields it in Delta Force 2 and famously brandishes two in Invasion USA. Unlike other action stars who have come out against gun ownership despite prominently featuring them in films (Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone), Chuck Norris is an NRA member and supports the 2nd Amendment as an individual right – alongside fellow mustachioed actor, Tom Selleck.
7.Chuck Norris hasn’t lost a fight since 1968.
Unlike his contemporaries, Norris was a warrior who started acting, not an actor who started fighting. A real life dangerous man, his films provided us with plenty of ass-kicking action on screen. At age 70, not only could he kick your ass, but he’s probably a lot cooler than you too. Just in case you’re not convinced, here are a few select bonus facts.
•Wrote a letter to President Barrack Obama asking him to lead from the Center and use the Constitution as his guide.
•Is a syndicated columnist.
•One of very few foreigners to receive an 8th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
•Founded the World Combat League, a team based combat league.
•Has written at least four books.
•Has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
•Created a martial art style named Chun Kuk Do.
•Promoted Chuck Norris Action Jeans, jeans that won’t bind and allow you to get a full range of motion for face-kicking.
Chuck Norris is an awesome badass. Case Closed.
March 10th, 2010, marked the 70th birthday of our man Chuck Norris, so first and foremost we want to say “Happy Birthday, Mr. Norris.” Always treat him with respect. Second, we want to tell you why this man is a badass of the highest level. Shall we?
1.Chuck Norris is part Cherokee Indian. You know, perhaps the most famed and respected group of native Warriors America ever saw? Some people pretend to have Cherokee blood, but Norris has it pumping through his veins for real.
2.Norris won the Professional Middleweight Karate tournament in 1968. And 1969. And 1970. And 1971. And 1972. And 1973. In 1969 he was also awarded Black Belt Magazine’s Fighter of the Year and Karate’s Triple Crown Award for most wins. He also holds the Golden Karate Lifetime Achievement Award.
3.Chuck Norris has a lifetime karate record of 183 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws.
4.Bruce Lee met Chuck Norris at a Karate expo, which lead to Norris appearing on screen to fight Bruce Lee in Return of the Dragon.
5.Chuck’s brother Weiland was killed in Vietnam in 1970, after which Norris dedicated the film Missing in Action to his memory. Norris would go on to make several films and sequels about a soldier going back to rescue his brothers in arms.
6.The Fictional Norris’s weapon of choice is often thought of as the Uzi – he wields it in Delta Force 2 and famously brandishes two in Invasion USA. Unlike other action stars who have come out against gun ownership despite prominently featuring them in films (Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone), Chuck Norris is an NRA member and supports the 2nd Amendment as an individual right – alongside fellow mustachioed actor, Tom Selleck.
7.Chuck Norris hasn’t lost a fight since 1968.
Unlike his contemporaries, Norris was a warrior who started acting, not an actor who started fighting. A real life dangerous man, his films provided us with plenty of ass-kicking action on screen. At age 70, not only could he kick your ass, but he’s probably a lot cooler than you too. Just in case you’re not convinced, here are a few select bonus facts.
•Wrote a letter to President Barrack Obama asking him to lead from the Center and use the Constitution as his guide.
•Is a syndicated columnist.
•One of very few foreigners to receive an 8th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
•Founded the World Combat League, a team based combat league.
•Has written at least four books.
•Has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
•Created a martial art style named Chun Kuk Do.
•Promoted Chuck Norris Action Jeans, jeans that won’t bind and allow you to get a full range of motion for face-kicking.
Chuck Norris is an awesome badass. Case Closed.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
50 Cent Facts
Real Name: Curtis Jackson
Birthdate: 7/6/1976
Children: Marquise (c. 1997)
Fact: A former drug dealer from Queens, he has been shot 9 times. His signature item of clothing is a bulletproof vest.
Musical Styles: Gangsta Rap, Hardcore Rap, East Coast Rap
Unfortunately, 50 Cent's mom, Sabrina, was murdered when he was eight years old. She was a drug dealer.
50 Cent was raised in Queens by his grandparents.
He entered the "family business" and began selling crack cocaine when he was just twelve.
50 Cent's first arrest happened at his high school when he was busted in gym class for the hidden crack vials in his sneakers.
His crack operation grew to gross over $5,000 a day, but he saw rap as a way to get out of the game and performed rhymes at parties.
His big opportunity came in the form of the late Jam Master Jay, who signed 50 Cent to his JMJ label in 1996.
Of the late Jam Master Jay, 50 Cent says, "Jay taught me about bars, Jay taught me how to write hooks and what was the purpose. And Jay taught me how to write and make rap records. He made me want to really rap and do this."
After catching the attention of the Trackmasters, in 1999 50 Cent signed a deal with Columbia Records for $250,000.
In just over two weeks, he recorded thirty-six songs, some of which ended up on his Columbia debut LP Power of a Dollar, deemed by Blaze Magazine as a classic.
With the Columbia deal, he received a $65,000 advance. $50,000 went to Jam Master Jay and $10,000 went to an attorney.
This is what 50 Cent says he did with the remaining $5,000: "I bought crack cocaine with it. How else you gonna provide for yourself? I did thirty-six songs in eighteen days for Columbia. Then I had eight months go by with no work going on."
In the summer of 1999, his first single was released. It was the comedic, and now classic, single "How To Rob," which jokes about jacking the hottest music celebrities of that time, including Mariah Carey, Master P, Timbaland and Jay-Z.
Not everyone thought it was funny, though. Jay-Z, the late Big Pun, Sticky Fingaz and Ghostface Killah all replied to the song.
In defense of "How To Rob," 50 Cent says, "When robbery's not out of the question, it's kinda easy for a song like that to fall into your thought pattern. Bigger artists have bigger diamonds. Kids in the hood is looking at the TV, going, 'Damn it, look at that shit he got on!' Rappers have egos, so I was anticipating them being upset. But I didn't care, 'cause it had been a year since the deal with Columbia, and I'm still selling crack."
After a few of the lampooned celebrities complained, Columbia shelved the album.
In the spring of 2000, 50 Cent was shot in the face, hand and legs by a man with a nine millimeter at close range. He survived a total of nine bullets.
One of the bullets lodged in his lower gum. There's still a gaping wound where several of his rear teeth used to be.
The shooter has since moved on to the next life, but we're not sure why or how.
After the shooting Columbia got really nervous and dropped 50 Cent like a hot potato.
According to 50 Cent, beef started with Ja Rule and Murder Inc. when Ja Rule was robbed by a neighborhood acquaintance of 50 Cent's.
In response to this robbery 50 Cent had this to say: "Put it like this, if you grew up where I grew up, you gonna know people who rob people." When asked about the ongoing beef with Ja Rule, 50 Cent says, "He's pop. What makes him envy me is, I can sell records the way he would like to sell records. People don't wanna hear that story from him. He jumping around on TV too long in the rain with Mary J. Blige."
He was allegedly stabbed during a recording-studio scuffle with Ja Rule's posse.
That's not a dimple on 50 Cent's left cheek. It's a bullet wound.
After Columbia released him, 50 Cent started selling his music straight to bootleggers.
Many or the covers of his bootleg CDs feature 50 Cent brandishing some sort of firearm.
These bootlegs gained him many fans, including Eminem, who, on a Los Angeles radio show, declared 50 Cent his favorite rapper.
After a label bidding war, 50 Cent signed with Eminem's Shady/ Aftermath for a reported amount of $1 million.
His first single for Aftermath, "Wanksta," first appeared on the 8 Mile soundtrack.
50 Cent once said that Ja Rule was the inspiration for "Wanksta."
50 first received mainstream press in November 2002, when police questioned him in the days following the murder of Jam Master Jay.
A three man security detail isn't enough to protect 50 Cent. He wears a bullet-proof vest religiously, as does both members of his G-Unit crew.
50 Cent's SUV is also bulletproof... and bombproof.
Birthdate: 7/6/1976
Children: Marquise (c. 1997)
Fact: A former drug dealer from Queens, he has been shot 9 times. His signature item of clothing is a bulletproof vest.
Musical Styles: Gangsta Rap, Hardcore Rap, East Coast Rap
Unfortunately, 50 Cent's mom, Sabrina, was murdered when he was eight years old. She was a drug dealer.
50 Cent was raised in Queens by his grandparents.
He entered the "family business" and began selling crack cocaine when he was just twelve.
50 Cent's first arrest happened at his high school when he was busted in gym class for the hidden crack vials in his sneakers.
His crack operation grew to gross over $5,000 a day, but he saw rap as a way to get out of the game and performed rhymes at parties.
His big opportunity came in the form of the late Jam Master Jay, who signed 50 Cent to his JMJ label in 1996.
Of the late Jam Master Jay, 50 Cent says, "Jay taught me about bars, Jay taught me how to write hooks and what was the purpose. And Jay taught me how to write and make rap records. He made me want to really rap and do this."
After catching the attention of the Trackmasters, in 1999 50 Cent signed a deal with Columbia Records for $250,000.
In just over two weeks, he recorded thirty-six songs, some of which ended up on his Columbia debut LP Power of a Dollar, deemed by Blaze Magazine as a classic.
With the Columbia deal, he received a $65,000 advance. $50,000 went to Jam Master Jay and $10,000 went to an attorney.
This is what 50 Cent says he did with the remaining $5,000: "I bought crack cocaine with it. How else you gonna provide for yourself? I did thirty-six songs in eighteen days for Columbia. Then I had eight months go by with no work going on."
In the summer of 1999, his first single was released. It was the comedic, and now classic, single "How To Rob," which jokes about jacking the hottest music celebrities of that time, including Mariah Carey, Master P, Timbaland and Jay-Z.
Not everyone thought it was funny, though. Jay-Z, the late Big Pun, Sticky Fingaz and Ghostface Killah all replied to the song.
In defense of "How To Rob," 50 Cent says, "When robbery's not out of the question, it's kinda easy for a song like that to fall into your thought pattern. Bigger artists have bigger diamonds. Kids in the hood is looking at the TV, going, 'Damn it, look at that shit he got on!' Rappers have egos, so I was anticipating them being upset. But I didn't care, 'cause it had been a year since the deal with Columbia, and I'm still selling crack."
After a few of the lampooned celebrities complained, Columbia shelved the album.
In the spring of 2000, 50 Cent was shot in the face, hand and legs by a man with a nine millimeter at close range. He survived a total of nine bullets.
One of the bullets lodged in his lower gum. There's still a gaping wound where several of his rear teeth used to be.
The shooter has since moved on to the next life, but we're not sure why or how.
After the shooting Columbia got really nervous and dropped 50 Cent like a hot potato.
According to 50 Cent, beef started with Ja Rule and Murder Inc. when Ja Rule was robbed by a neighborhood acquaintance of 50 Cent's.
In response to this robbery 50 Cent had this to say: "Put it like this, if you grew up where I grew up, you gonna know people who rob people." When asked about the ongoing beef with Ja Rule, 50 Cent says, "He's pop. What makes him envy me is, I can sell records the way he would like to sell records. People don't wanna hear that story from him. He jumping around on TV too long in the rain with Mary J. Blige."
He was allegedly stabbed during a recording-studio scuffle with Ja Rule's posse.
That's not a dimple on 50 Cent's left cheek. It's a bullet wound.
After Columbia released him, 50 Cent started selling his music straight to bootleggers.
Many or the covers of his bootleg CDs feature 50 Cent brandishing some sort of firearm.
These bootlegs gained him many fans, including Eminem, who, on a Los Angeles radio show, declared 50 Cent his favorite rapper.
After a label bidding war, 50 Cent signed with Eminem's Shady/ Aftermath for a reported amount of $1 million.
His first single for Aftermath, "Wanksta," first appeared on the 8 Mile soundtrack.
50 Cent once said that Ja Rule was the inspiration for "Wanksta."
50 first received mainstream press in November 2002, when police questioned him in the days following the murder of Jam Master Jay.
A three man security detail isn't enough to protect 50 Cent. He wears a bullet-proof vest religiously, as does both members of his G-Unit crew.
50 Cent's SUV is also bulletproof... and bombproof.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
5 weird facts about Hitler
•Hitler had only one testicle. This one is interesting, considering most would say Hitler had fairly large gonads. Guess it was all just a show to make up for what he was actually missing. I had a difficult time figuring out how he only came to have 1 and it seems he may have been injured during WWI and had to have it removed. Seems they amputated his conscience along with it.
•Hitler dated, and got down with, his niece. Yes, it’s true. Geli was the daughter of Hitler’s half-sister. She was 23 at the time she committed suicide. Oh, wait. That might have been murder. But since the evidence pointed to Hitler, well, no charges were brought
•Hitler was one kinky Fuhrer. It is highly suspected that Hitler had unusual desires in the bedroom. Specifically, being urinated and defecated on. While this may sound like a joke, it’s been cited as probable by well-regarded historians. Believe it or not!
•Hitler’s first love was a girl he thought to be Jewish. This could explain it all, couldn’t it? When Hitler was 16 years old he fell for a girl named Stefanie Isak. He was obsessed. As you can imagine, it didn’t work out. Adolph used to fantasize about throwing himself off a bridge in despair – and killing her too. How romantic.
•Hitler invented the concept of the blow-up doll. Again, not a joke. Hitler wanted his soldiers to be able to have their needs met without getting involved with foreign women. So... he ordered plastic bodied femmes be created for them. Blonde hair, white skin, large breasts and lips, and whose, uh, stuff, would "feel absolutely real".
•Hitler dated, and got down with, his niece. Yes, it’s true. Geli was the daughter of Hitler’s half-sister. She was 23 at the time she committed suicide. Oh, wait. That might have been murder. But since the evidence pointed to Hitler, well, no charges were brought
•Hitler was one kinky Fuhrer. It is highly suspected that Hitler had unusual desires in the bedroom. Specifically, being urinated and defecated on. While this may sound like a joke, it’s been cited as probable by well-regarded historians. Believe it or not!
•Hitler’s first love was a girl he thought to be Jewish. This could explain it all, couldn’t it? When Hitler was 16 years old he fell for a girl named Stefanie Isak. He was obsessed. As you can imagine, it didn’t work out. Adolph used to fantasize about throwing himself off a bridge in despair – and killing her too. How romantic.
•Hitler invented the concept of the blow-up doll. Again, not a joke. Hitler wanted his soldiers to be able to have their needs met without getting involved with foreign women. So... he ordered plastic bodied femmes be created for them. Blonde hair, white skin, large breasts and lips, and whose, uh, stuff, would "feel absolutely real".
Random Shit about Eminem
Birth Name: Marshall Bruce Mathers III
Birthdate: October 17, 1972
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
Occupations: Actor, Musician
Quote: "Don't do drugs, don't have unprotected sex, don't be violent. Leave that to me."
Claim to Fame: Hit debut album, The Slim Shady LP (1999)
Significant Other(s):
Wife: Kimberly Mathers; high school sweethearts; Eminem filed for divorce August 2000; reconciled December 2000; Kim filed for divorce a few months later; divorce final October 2001
Family:
Mother: Debbie R. Mathers-Briggs; sued Eminem for $12 million for defamation, settled for $25,000
Daughter: Hailie Jade; born December 25, 1995; mother, Kim Mathers
Awards:
1999: MTV Video Music Award: Best New Artist, "My Name Is"
1999: Grammy: Rap Solo Performance, "My Name Is"
1999: Grammy: Best Rap Album, The Slim Shady LP
2003: Grammy: Best Rap Album, The Eminem Show
2003: Grammy: Best Short Form Music Video, "Without Me"
2003: Teen Choice Award: Choice Movie Actor-Dramatic/Action Adventure, 8 Mile
2003: Teen Choice Award: Choice Movie Breakout Star, 8 Mile
2003: MTV Movie Award: Best Male Performance, 8 Mile
2003: MTV Movie Award: Breakthrough Male Performance, 8 Mile
2003: Broadcast Film Critics Association Award: Best Song, Lose Yourself
2003: Oscar: Best Music, Original Song, Lose Yourself
2004: ASCAP Award: Most Performed Song from a Motion Picture, Lose Yourself
Factoids:
Raised in a Detroit ghetto
Discovered by Dr. Dre after calling into a radio station and rapping on the air
Education:
Lincoln High School, Warren, Michigan
Birthdate: October 17, 1972
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
Occupations: Actor, Musician
Quote: "Don't do drugs, don't have unprotected sex, don't be violent. Leave that to me."
Claim to Fame: Hit debut album, The Slim Shady LP (1999)
Significant Other(s):
Wife: Kimberly Mathers; high school sweethearts; Eminem filed for divorce August 2000; reconciled December 2000; Kim filed for divorce a few months later; divorce final October 2001
Family:
Mother: Debbie R. Mathers-Briggs; sued Eminem for $12 million for defamation, settled for $25,000
Daughter: Hailie Jade; born December 25, 1995; mother, Kim Mathers
Awards:
1999: MTV Video Music Award: Best New Artist, "My Name Is"
1999: Grammy: Rap Solo Performance, "My Name Is"
1999: Grammy: Best Rap Album, The Slim Shady LP
2003: Grammy: Best Rap Album, The Eminem Show
2003: Grammy: Best Short Form Music Video, "Without Me"
2003: Teen Choice Award: Choice Movie Actor-Dramatic/Action Adventure, 8 Mile
2003: Teen Choice Award: Choice Movie Breakout Star, 8 Mile
2003: MTV Movie Award: Best Male Performance, 8 Mile
2003: MTV Movie Award: Breakthrough Male Performance, 8 Mile
2003: Broadcast Film Critics Association Award: Best Song, Lose Yourself
2003: Oscar: Best Music, Original Song, Lose Yourself
2004: ASCAP Award: Most Performed Song from a Motion Picture, Lose Yourself
Factoids:
Raised in a Detroit ghetto
Discovered by Dr. Dre after calling into a radio station and rapping on the air
Education:
Lincoln High School, Warren, Michigan
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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