Liability Insurance For Pets: A Great Help To Dog Owners

The number of people having pets has increased and majority of these have dogs as pets. There are many people who prefer dogs because it is considered as man's best friend. Some would want it to protect their property and home. For whatever reason, a dog is a very good animal to have as a pet especially when it is still a puppy. Through the years, the number of dog breeds has also increased and these breeds have different specialties which can be very helpful in different situations.

For most people in the urban areas they prefer to have dog breeds specifically for protecting their property. There are certain breeds that are more aggressive, although this can be very beneficial when protecting one's property this can also cause some areas of concern. With an aggressive dog you are prone to the dangers of it attacking other people without any reason at all. There would be instances wherein your dog would interpret the actions of people as a threat and would attack them. This can be a very big headache especially when the cost of medical treatment is on the rise. Without ample insurance coverage, you would be facing the problem of having to pay for the expenses for the treatment of the victim. Having the victim treated for injuries can be costly but manageable in some cases. But when the victim would file for damages and liability claims this can be very expensive. Having liability coverage for your pet dog is very important in such cases. This will help in the expenses when the victim would take the incident into court and fie for liabilities and damages.

Liability insurance can cover for the expenses associated with defending your case in court and can also pay for the amount that would be awarded by the court to the victim including the court fees. This can help you manage your finances in the event that your dog gets into this kind of situation. Aside from paying for the treatment of the victim, this can also pay for compensation to the family in the unfortunate event that the victim dies because of the injuries sustained from your dog. With liability insurance, you would not have to worry about the expenses associated with the actions of your dog. This will keep you financially secure even if you have to pay for liabilities and damages.

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Pet Insurance - What Is the Average Monthly Pet Insurance Premium?

One of the traps that pet owners fall into when they start investigating pet insurance is that their focus is often on the monthly or annual premium. I guess this is logical because they want to know "How much is this going to cost me?" That's a good question, but besides the monthly premium, the largest potential costs will be your out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim. The quality of the policy you purchase will determine your overall long-term costs.

I heard an interview recently that Bob Burg did with Tom Ziglar (Zig Ziglar's son). Tom told the story about when he was a child, Zig got him a bicycle at a local store for about $35. He said that before long, he had to replace the handle bars, wheels, tires, chains, etc. and it ended up being an expensive bike to own. He then got a Schwinn bicycle and he said that it lasted many years with just about the only maintenance being replacing the tires. Even though the Schwinn bike cost about twice what his first bike did, in the long run - it ended up costing much less.

The same could be said about pet insurance policies. You must do your due-diligence when researching companies and policies to make sure that in the long run, you'll minimize your out-of-pocket expenses when you file claims. When purchasing pet insurance, just like anything else, you usually get what you pay for. In fact, when you obtain a quote, some companies will recommend a policy for your pet. You should be careful about automatically accepting their recommendation because sometimes the policy they recommend will be one of their least expensive policies (lowest premium), but most expensive (out-of-pocket costs) especially if you have to file a large claim.

While most pet owners are focused on the premium, the cost that matters the most is your total out-of-pocket expense (including the premium) - especially if you have to file a large claim. This is where deficiencies in some pet insurance policies are magnified. Therefore, it is essential that pet owners use "what if" scenarios and calculate these potential out-of-pocket expenses in order to pick the best company and policy for their pet.

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Will Pet Insurance Cover Older Pets?

There is a misconception that pet insurance companies won't cover older pets. However, there are several companies that do so. The best way to find out which companies will cover your pet is to visit each company's website and obtain a quote. You'll usually find one of the following scenarios:

The company doesn't cover older pets The company will cover older pets with any of their policies. The company has a policy designed just for "senior" pets. Oftentimes this policy will have limited benefits (e.g. a lower annual maximum or higher co-pay) when compared to their policies for younger dogs. The company won't cover illnesses in older pets, but will offer to cover pets over a certain age for accidents only.

When you obtain a quote, the company will let you know if they will cover your pet and which policies your pet is eligible for. Ideally, you want to purchase a policy that covers both accidents and illnesses.

The most common reason that pet owners consider getting pet insurance for an older pet is that they know older pets, like older people, eventually get one or more chronic conditions that will need management and treatment the rest of the pet's life. Examples of such diseases include arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushings Disease, etc. With treatment, some of these pets can live with a good quality of life for years, but cumulatively, the expense of monitoring and treating these conditions can mount up. Therefore, when you purchase a policy, you want to be sure that coverage for chronic conditions is included. Since some companies offer this coverage only as an add-on rider, you want to always select this coverage when obtaining your quote.

By the way, I've seen advice given that you don't need to purchase pet insurance for your younger pet who is healthy. While it is true that an older pet will likely have more problems that need medical attention, you can't always count on your younger pet not having significant and costly medical problems. Any problems your pet has had over the years might be considered pre-existing and not covered if you wait until your pet is older to seek pet insurance coverage. So, the best time to purchase pet insurance for your pet is when he or she is younger and healthy.

Therefore, an older pet is likely to have a history of previous illnesses which may be considered pre-existing by the insurance company when you apply for coverage. You will have to answer several questions about your pet's previous medical history and whether your pet has any known - about problems at the time of application. The insurance company may also request a copy of your pet's medical records from any veterinarian you've visited in the past. Some companies may require a physical examination and/or lab tests (at your expense) to see if any medical problems are uncovered that may be pre-existing. Once you determine which policies your older pet is eligible for, you can call and talk with a company representative about what they would require to insure your pet.

I would also recommend (even with younger pets too) that you request a medical history review whether the insurance company requires one or not and ask that they let you know on the front end (during the underwriting process) if there will be any exclusions due to pre-existing conditions. This is especially important when trying to obtain coverage for an older pet and could have an impact on whether you elect to insure your pet with that company or not. Usually, you will have an opportunity to cancel your policy and get a refund of your premium (if you haven't filed any claims yet) if you don't like the results of the review.

So, insuring an older pet is possible, but as you do your research, you need to pay special attention to these issues that are peculiar to insuring an older pet.

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Key Facts On Pet Insurance You Should Know

Getting pet insurance for your pet is not a waste of money. Good covers will have many features which include good rates, better terms and conditions and also good repayment plan. In line with these, good covers will ensure that you get to enjoy low deductions by the external parties like the government.

When picking a policy, it is good to find out if it covers the every aspect or only part of it. Some covers have been designed to offer insurance for only the current needs and leave out other parts like hereditary illness. It is advisable to work with policies that offer a general cover.

You should also check on the prices of the policies. Find out how they charge the different covers and what the packages entail. You should then be able to pick a cover that meets your budget line.

In line with these, ask about the deductibles that are included in the whole cover. Every cover has hidden costs that will be added to the monthly premium payment. It is advisable to understand these costs so that you may be able to calculate and know how much you are needed to pay.

Apart from checking on the pricing, make sure you also check if the policy considers any kind of problem or is only limited to a few risks. Many of the covers are general. However, some companies offer covers for only a single risk and leaves out the rest. Generally, for such, you will find the cost to be lower.

In addition, find out if the offered cover is limited to only a given period or is running until the pet passes on. Good covers will have a good lifespan running for more than ten years. In addition, they will have low premium charges as compared to the other policies.

To add on, some policies are designed to cover only one pet while others cover a given number of your pets. The latter has a high premium charged and will require a lot of documentations. Based on your need, you can choose the best to go for.

In looking for a good cover, check out for the various features that have been attached to the policies. Due to the high competition in the market, many of the insurance firms have resulted into offering good discounts and additional price cuts. Getting a firm that enjoys these options is simple and good. Ensure you take full advantage of it and make use of the offers in saving on the premiums.

In looking for the best cover for your pet, it is advisable that you carry out a good research on the available options. The firms have resorted to offer good detailed information about their offers over the net. In addition, you can carry out a good research by getting good referrals.

Good pet insurance will come in handy when facing high medical bills as a result of your pet getting ill. In looking for compensation, you can get an application form online. The filling process is simple and fast.

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How to Buy Pet Insurance for Your Cat

Pets are more than just animals that we feed and take care of. They are part of the family, are loved and given the best care that we can offer. From feeding them healthy food to grooming them, we smother them with tender loving care (TLC) because they deserve it even if they don't always reciprocate.

We don't mind because we love them just the same. Of course, cats are among the most favorite pets for many people. This is why cat health insurance is being offered to pet owners who want financial protection for themselves and top health care for their furry little family members.

Because there are so many pet health insurance policies to choose from, it can become pretty confusing when deciding which one to get. Here are a few tips to hopefully lessen the confusion and help you choose the best plan for your Cat.

For starters, it is important for you to understand exactly what is included in the cat pet insurance plan before signing on the dotted line. It should be fairly simple because pet insurance works in a similar fashion as insurance for humans. There are deductibles and premiums that vary depending on the health, age and physical condition of your cat. Your monthly premium depends on the level of coverage you choose for your cat.

Determine the type of plan for the cat pet insurance that you want to get. Some insurance plans will include everything from vaccines, routine health checks and major surgeries. Others cat insurance plans only include the major things and leave out other smaller expenses. Make sure you know what is included in your plan before you buy so there are no surprises and leave out the items you won't need to help keep your premium at a manageable level.

Customize the plan to the needs of your cat. If your pet is an indoor cat, there are cat health insurance options designed specifically for indoor cats. Other plans are available with options for outdoor cats. Why pay for services when your cat will probably never ever end up using them?

Because pets are a part of the family, it makes perfect sense that they have the best medical attention from a skilled Vet when and if they need it. Choose your cat health insurance with care so you and your cat can experience the many benefits that owning pet insurance has to offer.

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Are You Insured? Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance

More and more people are disassociating themselves from the "dog owner" label and are instead embracing the role of pet parent. We are realizing that dogs are not mere objects to own but members of our family and therefore should be treated with as much care and respect as you would your own kids. Birthdays, holidays, family vacations and even the occasional spa day or restaurant outing are some of the events in which including the family dog isn't so unheard of anymore.

As a cherished member of the family, it's important to keep your dog happy, healthy, and well adjusted. Proper obedience training, biologically appropriate nutrition, and regular visits to your veterinarian are all important ways we can help ensure our dogs get the best opportunity to live a long and happy life.

When it comes to your dog's health, it's always a good idea to be prepared for anything; because you never know when an accident will happen or you or your pet will run into a medical emergency. Make sure to keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand with all the items necessary to keep both you and your family safe... including your dog! You should keep a first aid kit on hand in your home, in the car, at work and even when you're traveling with your pets.

Health Insurance Not Just for People Anymore

Another way to be prepared in case your dog is injured in an accident or contracts an illness is to have a pet insurance policy. Health insurance is not just for people anymore. Pet parents now have the opportunity to purchase insurance for their dogs to help offset healthcare costs down the road.

Similar to health insurance for people, pet insurance can cover everything from routine checkups, emergency procedures, alternative therapies and even genetic conditions (depending on the plan).

Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance

So why would you want to get health insurance for your dog? Well the benefits of pet insurance are many: • Pet insurance can help cover costs associated with routine care, accidents, illness, medications, and immunizations (depending on the plan). • Some policies will cover prescription foods or alternative therapy such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathic, or hydrotherapy. • Many plans are customizable so you can add or remove coverage as needed. • Most companies offer a 30 money-back guarantee if you decided to cancel and don't use the insurance within the 30 day window. While there are many people that swear by having insurance for their pets, there are some critics out there that aren't as convinced. The main arguments against pet insurance are: • Some policies don't cover pre-existing conditions and have strict guidelines on what is considered a "pre-existing condition". • Some companies have age-limits set within their plans. This means that older pets may have reduced coverage or worse, they may not even qualify to be covered. • Some plans require that you seek care from an in-network veterinarian in order to qualify for insurance reimbursement. • Some plans charge a penalty if you cancel your plan early so be aware of this.

Questions to Ask When Shopping Around

There are many different companies out there that now offer pet insurance. Before you make a decision, it's a good idea to do some homework to make sure the plan is right for you and your dog.

Here are some questions you should ask: 1. "Can I choose my own vet or do they have to be part of your in-plan network?"

2. "Do you cover:" Genetic conditions (hereditary/congenital)? Alternative therapies (chiropractic, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, etc.)? Pre-existing conditions? Breeding, whelping, pregnancy? Prescription drugs or food?

3. "How is reimbursement calculated?" (Actual vet bill vs. average rate for service)

4. "Can I customize my plan such as choosing my own deductible or adding/removing benefits?"

5. "Are there policy payout limits? If so, what are they and are they based on per incident, annual, or lifetime basis?"

6. "Do you exclude dogs that are fed raw food diets from your coverage?"

7. "Are there any multi-pet rates, military discounts or any other offers available?"

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Pet Insurance: Little Known Features and Types of Coverage You May Not Know About

In a perfect world everything runs smoothly from day to day, there are no accidents, disappointments or things to worry about beyond deciding what color sock you'll wear with your shirt tomorrow. Unfortunately this perfect world only exists in places like the Wiggles show, on a cruise or at an all-inclusive resort, providing the weather is good.

Switching back to where most of us spend our time in the real world, things are not all bad and most of the time life is okay but accidents do happen, disappointments arise to show their ugly head and worry tends to extend beyond the perfect world of TV.

That's why people invented things like cat pet insurance. It's for happy cat owners who would like to remain happy cat owners. If you're not a cat owner then there is no reason to read any further unless you know a cat owner and you're reading this for them. In any case, let's proceed.

Besides getting the basic coverage for accidents and visits to the vet, there are other types of coverage you may not have considered that may be important to you.

Here is a list of a few lesser known pet insurance features and types of coverage that you may like to consider asking about for your policy. We're not recommending you get all of these features. Instead select the coverage and features that will benefit you the most and fits best with your particular needs.

Little Known Types of Pet Insurance Coverage and Features.

Animal Bites.

Getting bitten is not on the top of my list and I'm sure it's not on the top of your Cat's list either. But if you have one or more outdoor cats there is the risk of them being attacked by another animal. Indoor Cats are at a much lower risk, unless you also own a nasty gerbil or two.

Seriously, residential areas offer less of a danger from wild animals but if you live in a highly wooded or desert area you may want to consider the everyday dangers your cats have to deal with when stepping out the door.

If you feel the risk is significant for your cat, look for coverage of bite wounds, lacerations and the like. Treatment can run into hundreds if not thousands of dollars so ensuring you have the coverage for this type of incident is a smart move.

Car Accidents.

We know your Cat doesn't drive, but if they are injured in a car accident are they properly covered for treatment? If your Cat frequently travels in the car with you check with your Car insurance to see if they offer any special riders for pets. Even if your Cat doesn't get into the car with you very often it's something worth taking the time to look into just to be on the safe side.

Does your policy have a wellness plan?

A wellness plan is an essential part of any pet insurance policy. It's designed to cover things like physical exams, vaccinations and other regular check-ups. Older pets can be excluded for pre-existing conditions. Getting a policy for your pet when they are young will lessen the chance of any health problems being excluded.

Get coverage the day you buy it.

Some pet insurance companies will make you wait up to 30 days before certain aspects of you policy are covered. Try to get a pet insurance policy that begins the same day you buy it and has no needless delays associated with it.

Is your Cat covered when their away from Home?

If you take you cat with you when you go places make sure your policy covers them when they are away from their home. If your cat normally stays home when you go out then it's nothing to worry about although keep in mind that some insurance companies will slip in an exclusion that will not provide benefits for your cat when they are physically away from the premises.

Cancellation penalties.

If you decide to cancel your policy for what ever reason, there should be no penalties at all to worry about. In fact it would be a good idea to make sure the pet insurance company you're planning to use doesn't have something as ridiculous as a cancellation penalty.

While you're at it see if they offer the ability to put your policy on hold for a certain period of time as well as reduce or increase the coverage or make any other changes with a simple phone call.

Find out if any breed-specific illnesses are covered for your Cat.

If the breed of your Cat has hereditary, pre-existing or breed-specific conditions they may not be covered and this may be the coverage you need the most. Check with the pet insurance company to see if they offer coverage and what percentage they will cover. Also check if treatments as well as prescriptions are included in the coverage.

Ask about any limits on coverage.

Some policies will place a cap or maximum amount on certain items that are covered in the policy. These caps can be for each treatment, for a health issue or for a maximum amount for the year. It's worth asking about any maximums in advance so you know you'll have the coverage when you need it. Otherwise you may find yourself paying for something you thought was covered.

Can you use your own Vet.

Some pet insurance companies have a specific list of Vets throughout the country that you can use. Other companies will let you choose the Vet you would like to use. Check to make sure your Vet is supported by the policy you're interested in. If not then ask if you can use your Vet. If the answer is no and you don't want to switch to one of the insurance companies Vets then find another policy that will let you use the Vet you want.

In Closing.

This list should give you some new ideas to add to whatever 'must have' list you've got going before setting out to find the optimum pet insurance policy for your cat. While you're hunting around, take some time and review each policy very carefully.

Finding a policy with the features you want at a price you can afford will make you and your cat very happy.

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Why You Should Consider Pet Insurance For Your Pet

Common accidents that will cost a human little amount to spend can cost as high as triple the amount where dogs are concerned. Examples like if your dog is hit by a car, diabetes, dog with kennel cough, allergies and so on can cost the pet owner as high as $3,500 to $4,000 which is huge unless you earn more than enough at the end of the month.

Pet insurance is therefore important for every pet owner in order to take of the stress of paying high veterinary bills whenever there is an accident. Pet insurance can be compared to any other type of insurance because they mostly have the same concepts the only difference is about this type of insurance covering your pet. When you insure your pet, there is always a sense of comfort and re- assurance that you have because you know your pet is safe even if an unexpected accident happens. Preparing yourself ahead for any accidents that might arise in the future is important because you might have enough money today not to bother yourself about pet insurance but you might not have it tomorrow.

When considering pet insurance, you should make sure you have the best options to choose from to help you in making your final decision. The insurance company also considers factors like;

• The age of your pet; mostly if your pet is younger, premiums are lower compared to older dogs.

• Your pet breed; some pet breeds are easy to attract diseases and others do not. This is also considered.

• Where you live; if your neighborhood has the tendency on increasing infections or diseases on your bet or if you live in a noisy or busy area where your pet can get hit by a car at any given time is also considered.

• Also, medical records of your pet are very important to the insurance company, here they want to make sure they know what they are going in for before any agreements are made.

• Your income and financial standings

There are different types of pet insurance coverage and all these policies vary in price so you are allowed to choose which one or policy suits your budget for your pet. Giving your pet great care can be of benefit to both you and your family which is why pet insurance is important. Think of a plan or policy that you believe can offer more for your pet when the need arises.

You can also decide to compare price quotes from various insurance companies and their policies to come down to a conclusion.

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Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox

With the exception of such staples as curry, steak and ale pie or, god forbid, the doner kebab, beer and fine cuisine have tended to have a difficult relationship. Despite the arrival of microbrews and fruit beers, grain remains very much grape's poor relation, with few top restaurants boasting of their beer list.

Now, however, grain has found its champion in Maxim 'Beer Chef' Richard Fox. The Food and Beer Cook Book is an unashamedly unpretentious collection of recipes and informative titbits designed to convince us that beer deserves a place in every kitchen, above and beyond that of chef's lubricant.

Fox's love of beer emerges from the start, guiding us energetically through the various types, matching beers to meals and even giving a quick rundown on beer tasting. Throughout, it's clear that his recipes are as much about celebrating the beverage in all its forms as they are about the food itself.

As Fox himself says, 'cooking at home is more about the event...than about fancy food', and that's reflected in his choice of dishes. Many are established favourites such as the club sandwich, Welsh rarebit and eggs Benedict, while every recipe uses beer either for flavour or to simplify preparation.

Fox assumes that his reader will have all the culinary aptitude of the stereotypical male, keeping recipes simple to the point of brutality and focusing on ingredients and flavours rather than technique. The club sandwich is made with pigeon and caramelised onions -- 'top tasting, beer soaking, footie friendly fodder of the highest order' -- while canapés include mini Yorkshire puddings with venison and raspberry beer sauce, with a side order of idiot-proof instructions.

The Food and Beer Cook Book includes suggestions for both formal and informal occasions, ranging from a romantic dinner à deux to supplies for TV marathons. Ladies horrified by the idea of confronting one of Fox's creations at their next candlelit rendezvous can take comfort in dishes such as fruit salad with strawberry beer crème fraiche, and inside-out hot dogs with BBQ sauce look likely to keep plainer appetites topped up.

As you've probably guessed, this isn't a book for the aspiring Gordon Ramsay. For those more Can't Cook, Won't Cook than Masterchef, however, it may prove just the thing to remove that kitchen phobia. Cheers!

**The Food and Beer Cook Book is published by Sentinel Press**

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox   

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox

With the exception of such staples as curry, steak and ale pie or, god forbid, the doner kebab, beer and fine cuisine have tended to have a difficult relationship. Despite the arrival of microbrews and fruit beers, grain remains very much grape's poor relation, with few top restaurants boasting of their beer list.

Now, however, grain has found its champion in Maxim 'Beer Chef' Richard Fox. The Food and Beer Cook Book is an unashamedly unpretentious collection of recipes and informative titbits designed to convince us that beer deserves a place in every kitchen, above and beyond that of chef's lubricant.

Fox's love of beer emerges from the start, guiding us energetically through the various types, matching beers to meals and even giving a quick rundown on beer tasting. Throughout, it's clear that his recipes are as much about celebrating the beverage in all its forms as they are about the food itself.

As Fox himself says, 'cooking at home is more about the event...than about fancy food', and that's reflected in his choice of dishes. Many are established favourites such as the club sandwich, Welsh rarebit and eggs Benedict, while every recipe uses beer either for flavour or to simplify preparation.

Fox assumes that his reader will have all the culinary aptitude of the stereotypical male, keeping recipes simple to the point of brutality and focusing on ingredients and flavours rather than technique. The club sandwich is made with pigeon and caramelised onions -- 'top tasting, beer soaking, footie friendly fodder of the highest order' -- while canapés include mini Yorkshire puddings with venison and raspberry beer sauce, with a side order of idiot-proof instructions.

The Food and Beer Cook Book includes suggestions for both formal and informal occasions, ranging from a romantic dinner à deux to supplies for TV marathons. Ladies horrified by the idea of confronting one of Fox's creations at their next candlelit rendezvous can take comfort in dishes such as fruit salad with strawberry beer crème fraiche, and inside-out hot dogs with BBQ sauce look likely to keep plainer appetites topped up.

As you've probably guessed, this isn't a book for the aspiring Gordon Ramsay. For those more Can't Cook, Won't Cook than Masterchef, however, it may prove just the thing to remove that kitchen phobia. Cheers!

**The Food and Beer Cook Book is published by Sentinel Press**

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox   

The Man In My Basement-Book Review

"The Man in My Basement" by Walter Mosley

"The Man in My Basement" is almost a writer's version of a symphony. Its theme is quiet and subtly played, but it draws you into its music by changing out the rhythms into making a man's most mundane existence extraordinary.

The two main characters could not be more vastly diverse. Charles Blakey lives in the home and on the property his family has owned for generations. He's recently lost his job and he's behind on his mortgage payments. The other man, Anniston Bennet appears to be a man of means who wants to rent out the Blakey basement for the summer at a fee "that it would make it more than worth your while". The money would be more than welcome, but as with any offer that comes out of the thin air, there are strange provisions that go along with it. At first the offer is dismissed, but then re-visited for financial reasons and the one man's rescue.

As the story opens further, the plot thickens by letting the reader find out strange personality quirks on both men. One reveals that he's a closet thief and possible drunk with not much in the way of taking care of himself or the people in his life. The other turns out to be a complete sham, hiding his cultural background and the fact that he is indeed a ruthless killer, who is now beginning to have regrets about his life.

Like a fine symphony, you know this rather simple story must end. Due to the events that take place, you also know that it will be rather dirge-like in its completion, yet you keep reading. The end, like a melody is not surprise, yet it was an interesting piece of orchestration.

Carine is a journalist and writing coach with many different journalistic areas of interest. She has had items published in major magazines, websites and newspapers. To read more of Carine's work, log onto: http://www.Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox   

Ten Commitments for Men by Tom Massey: Book Review

Tom Massey, who is a long time corporate leadership trainer, has produced a truly excellent book on how to navigate through life with commitments to high standards, integrity, enthusiasm, and good health. His ten points offer a road map based on wisdom and experience, his and others. The book is well written and organized, at the same time being an enjoyable read.

As a retired Chief of Police and the author of my own book, Leading beyond Tradition, it was my responsibility to provide the employees and citizens with such a map for their safety and work experience, as well as the quality of life for the community. I have taught leadership extensively in the public and private sectors and recognize there is, at best, inconsistency in what leadership actually is and how to make it work in today's world. Leadership is about people and Mr. Massey clearly recognizes those principles that constitute success.

The ten commitments Mr. Massey lists and describes are really what it takes to not only lead, but live your life to its fullest with honor and dignity. The criticality of each commitment cannot be overemphasized, and by combining all ten the practitioner lives the behaviors and models them to everyone. It has been demonstrated that people who associate with negative people themselves become negative and cynical. One's attitude is a choice, solely that of the individual, and the commitments in Mr. Massey's book are the guide to follow. While they are nothing new, they are what is necessary. Every successful person over the ages has believed in and practiced these commitments.

It has been said that once a person stops learning, they languish in the past, while one who commits to continuous learning and improvement stays current and able to live well and contribute at a higher level. The anecdotes provided in Mr. Massey's book are relevant and aligned with delivering his message. This is a book that should be read by everyone. It should be part of every home library, public library, and educational institution. These are the principles that made us great, made us what we are. We need to know them, understand them, and live by them.

Thank you Mr. Massey, for remembering them and bringing them home once again.

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox   

The Man In My Basement-Book Review

"The Man in My Basement" by Walter Mosley

"The Man in My Basement" is almost a writer's version of a symphony. Its theme is quiet and subtly played, but it draws you into its music by changing out the rhythms into making a man's most mundane existence extraordinary.

The two main characters could not be more vastly diverse. Charles Blakey lives in the home and on the property his family has owned for generations. He's recently lost his job and he's behind on his mortgage payments. The other man, Anniston Bennet appears to be a man of means who wants to rent out the Blakey basement for the summer at a fee "that it would make it more than worth your while". The money would be more than welcome, but as with any offer that comes out of the thin air, there are strange provisions that go along with it. At first the offer is dismissed, but then re-visited for financial reasons and the one man's rescue.

As the story opens further, the plot thickens by letting the reader find out strange personality quirks on both men. One reveals that he's a closet thief and possible drunk with not much in the way of taking care of himself or the people in his life. The other turns out to be a complete sham, hiding his cultural background and the fact that he is indeed a ruthless killer, who is now beginning to have regrets about his life.

Like a fine symphony, you know this rather simple story must end. Due to the events that take place, you also know that it will be rather dirge-like in its completion, yet you keep reading. The end, like a melody is not surprise, yet it was an interesting piece of orchestration.

Carine is a journalist and writing coach with many different journalistic areas of interest. She has had items published in major magazines, websites and newspapers. To read more of Carine's work, log onto: http://www.Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox   

Review of "The Game," by Neil Strauss

A story about a guy who knows next to nothing about girls, then not only meets a secret society of pick-up artists who teach him how to score loads of beautiful women, but also becomes THE master pick-up artist himself, who both his students and his teachers go to for tips on how to deal and score with women. Sounds great, doesn't it? The best part about it is, It's true, and documented in Neil Strauss' excellent book, "The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pick-up Artists."

If you've ever heard of Neil Strauss before, this book provides a fascinating account of what made him Syle, his seduction society pseudonym. And if you have never heard of him, this book will make you WANT to know who he is. Not only does he provide a fascinating look into the many methods of gaining women's attention--and phone numbers, and panties--but describes in detail the crazy characters who make up this "society of pick-up artists", as well.

What's great about this book, as opposed to all the other ones out there for horny guys wanting to get laid, is the way it's set up. It's not a lesson-by-lesson tome detailing "forbidden" methods of "tricking" women into going to bed with you. It's actually more of one man's personal account of the frustrations and victories of dealing with women. You learn your lessons, as Strauss learns his own. It's a description of one man's journey from master loser, to master seductor. And you can benefit from the knowledge Strauss shares, first-hand, in thrilling detail.

It all starts with Strauss' account of growing up "far from attractive," and far from satisfied with his sex life. All it took to change that was a call from a book editor, asking Strauss to take the mysterious "Layguide" that existed on the Internet, and turn it into a "coherent how-to book". Though hesitant at first, Strauss finds himself curious--and you the reader curious, as well. While investigating this patchwork of notes on how to get busy, he finds himself delving into a world he--nor the majority of people out there-hardly knew existed...and becoming one of the biggest parts of it. As he writes, "If the layguide had never crossed my path, I, like most men, would never have evolved in my thinking about the opposite sex." But thanks to discovering it, Style began his journey of transformation from single loser to a guy commanding thousands for his seduction services and advice.

Along the way, he discovers a host of crazy characters and all their "unique" (to say the least!) methods: Mystery and the Mystery Method; Tyler Durden and Papa, and Real Social Dynamics; David DeAngelo and Double Your Dating; Ross Jeffries and Neurolinguistic Programming. There's also a range of guys with interesting pseudonyms of their own: Thundercat, Jlaix, Herbal, Jughead. It's hard not to laugh as you come across some of these crazy characters and their interesting methods of creating attraction: 3-second ATCs, going "kino", negging. It's funny enough to hear what these methods are; learning about what they are as revealed by the various characters, makes the book often hysterical.

What I find best about "The Game" is the way it's described as a journey. As I've said before in my posts, life really is a journey, and so is the whole process of becoming a better lover. Style's way of teaching us his lessons isn't academic, point-by-point lessons. It's through describing his growth, and letting you grow (and laugh, and groan) with him. If you want to learn what IOIs, 3-sets, negs, ATCs, and peacocking all are, you don't have to play "The Game". Just read it!

For more information on Neil Strauss and "The Game," check out:

http://www.000relationships.com/towomen/articles/neil-strauss-the-game.php

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox   

Review of "The Game," by Neil Strauss

A story about a guy who knows next to nothing about girls, then not only meets a secret society of pick-up artists who teach him how to score loads of beautiful women, but also becomes THE master pick-up artist himself, who both his students and his teachers go to for tips on how to deal and score with women. Sounds great, doesn't it? The best part about it is, It's true, and documented in Neil Strauss' excellent book, "The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pick-up Artists."

If you've ever heard of Neil Strauss before, this book provides a fascinating account of what made him Syle, his seduction society pseudonym. And if you have never heard of him, this book will make you WANT to know who he is. Not only does he provide a fascinating look into the many methods of gaining women's attention--and phone numbers, and panties--but describes in detail the crazy characters who make up this "society of pick-up artists", as well.

What's great about this book, as opposed to all the other ones out there for horny guys wanting to get laid, is the way it's set up. It's not a lesson-by-lesson tome detailing "forbidden" methods of "tricking" women into going to bed with you. It's actually more of one man's personal account of the frustrations and victories of dealing with women. You learn your lessons, as Strauss learns his own. It's a description of one man's journey from master loser, to master seductor. And you can benefit from the knowledge Strauss shares, first-hand, in thrilling detail.

It all starts with Strauss' account of growing up "far from attractive," and far from satisfied with his sex life. All it took to change that was a call from a book editor, asking Strauss to take the mysterious "Layguide" that existed on the Internet, and turn it into a "coherent how-to book". Though hesitant at first, Strauss finds himself curious--and you the reader curious, as well. While investigating this patchwork of notes on how to get busy, he finds himself delving into a world he--nor the majority of people out there-hardly knew existed...and becoming one of the biggest parts of it. As he writes, "If the layguide had never crossed my path, I, like most men, would never have evolved in my thinking about the opposite sex." But thanks to discovering it, Style began his journey of transformation from single loser to a guy commanding thousands for his seduction services and advice.

Along the way, he discovers a host of crazy characters and all their "unique" (to say the least!) methods: Mystery and the Mystery Method; Tyler Durden and Papa, and Real Social Dynamics; David DeAngelo and Double Your Dating; Ross Jeffries and Neurolinguistic Programming. There's also a range of guys with interesting pseudonyms of their own: Thundercat, Jlaix, Herbal, Jughead. It's hard not to laugh as you come across some of these crazy characters and their interesting methods of creating attraction: 3-second ATCs, going "kino", negging. It's funny enough to hear what these methods are; learning about what they are as revealed by the various characters, makes the book often hysterical.

What I find best about "The Game" is the way it's described as a journey. As I've said before in my posts, life really is a journey, and so is the whole process of becoming a better lover. Style's way of teaching us his lessons isn't academic, point-by-point lessons. It's through describing his growth, and letting you grow (and laugh, and groan) with him. If you want to learn what IOIs, 3-sets, negs, ATCs, and peacocking all are, you don't have to play "The Game". Just read it!

For more information on Neil Strauss and "The Game," check out:

http://www.000relationships.com/towomen/articles/neil-strauss-the-game.php

Essential Reads for Men: 'The Food and Beer Cook Book' by Richard Fox