Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Car Insurance Explained: What Is a Deductible?

The terminology surrounding car insurance can be a bit confusing if you don`t know what they mean. One of the most important terms that you will come across is "deductible". Even if you don`t understand much else, this is one word that is absolutely vital to choosing your car insurance. Quite simply put, deductible is the amount you have to pay in case of an accident.

However, it`s more complicated than this and your car insurance strategy will depend greatly on how much you actually can afford to pay. How It Works The deductible is the amount you pay in case of an accident, before the insurance company. For example, if you have a deductible of $500 and the damage in an accident is $you would pay the first , 500, 1$500 and the insurance company would pay the remaining $if your deductible was , Likewise, 1$1, 000 and the damage was only $800, you would pay the whole thing. Deductible Affects Your Rates Car insurance requires that you pay a specific amount per month or year. This is your monthly rate and it usually won`t change within the year, unless you are in an accident. The amount you pay on a monthly basis will depend on how much deductible you wish to pay, or how much of the upfront costs you are willing to take care of in the event of an accident.

The most common amounts for deductibles in car insurance are $100, $250, $500, and $though different companies may offer other options, 000, 1. The higher the the lower your monthly rates will be, or the amount you pay in case of an accident, deductible. So, if you opt for the lowest deductible, $you, meaning the insurance company is liable for nearly all costs, 100`ll end up paying higher monthly rates. Which option you choose (high deductible/low rates or low deductible/high rates) will depend on what you can afford and also how often you expect to need your insurance. If you tend to have an accident of some sort every few months, you will likely want to pay the minimum amount and let the insurance company take on the majority of costs. For safer drivers who have an excellent driving record, it`s easiest to go with the higher deductible and pay lower rates instead.

Limitations Every insurance company has a limit to the amount they will pay. The rates you have each month will also affect without needing to pay too much per month, so you can decide how high you want to go for the best limit, this. The majority of drivers never need the highest limits. How does the limit affect your deductible? of course, you are responsible for paying the amount of your deductible, Well, but once the insurance company has paid up to the limit, you will have to pay any costs over that. To give you a quick example, let`s say your deductible is $500, the limit is $10, 000 and damages end up costing $12, You would pay the first $500. The insurance company would then pay their $10, 000 and you would be responsible for the remaining $1, Your car insurance doesn`t have to be confusing.

Take the time to go over the numbers and figure out what you would be able to afford out of pocket in case of an accident and how much you can afford to pay on a monthly basis. A little research can go a long way. It`s also helpful to speak with the car insurance agent who can give you a good idea of what the norm would be for your car`s age and your driving experience.

More articles:

Home Business

Best Teeth Whitener




Saturday, March 21, 2009

Questions You Should Ask Your New Massage Therapist

When you are selecting a new massage therapist, it is important that you ask them specific questions to ensure that they are qualified to provide their services. The practice of massage therapy is a very important one, however there is a seedy element that hides under the cover of massage services. Therefore, it is important to make certain that you are dealing with professionals who indeed offer their services as massage therapists.

The first question that you should ask a massage therapist is whether or not they are licensed or certified to operate as a practitioner. this is not necessarily a red flag, if they tell you that they are not licensed, However. Some states do not require massage therapists to become licensed or certified, so make sure to contact your state's licensing board and find out what the requirements are for a massage therapist. Once you know what the requirements are, ask the therapist if they have met those requirements. You should also ask to see their license or certificate if it is not openly displayed in his or her office. After you are satisfied with the massage therapist's certifications, you should ask the massage therapist how long they have been in practice. Additionally, you may want to ask for references from previous clients.

This is a great way to determine if the massage therapist will be a good fit for you. You may find that you simply prefer a therapist who has longer experience. This is perfectly fine. You are the one who will be receiving the massage. Therefore it is important that you feel 100% comfortable with the therapist. Once the massage therapist determines what your needs are, you will want to make sure that you discuss your options.

The massage therapist should be able to tell you ahead of time what type of treatment they recommend. They should provide you with a detailed assessment of what type of massage they will do, and let you know what type of oil they will use. If the therapist does not offer this information, you should have no qualms about asking. Communication is an essential component of a good relationship with a massage therapist. You should feel that your needs and preferences have been taken into consideration before you agree to let a massage therapist work on you. they associate the experience with relaxation, when one thinks of massage, Typically, tranquility, and a wonderful relief from stress. However, there are certain therapeutic massage techniques that apply more friction to deep muscle tissue and may leave you feeling sore or tender afterwards.

Your massage therapist should always let you know in advance if any technique that he or she is going to use has the potential of leaving your sore. A very important question to ask that many people often fail to realize is whether or not you should have your health care provider's approval before agreeing to a massage. Some physician may recommend that you abstain from massages due to certain medical conditions. You should always consult with your health care provider and let them know if you are considering a massage. In there is a good chance that your health insurance will cover it, if your doctor approves massage therapy for a needed health condition, fact.

More articles:

Finance

Hair Loss treatment




Monday, March 16, 2009

30 Client Referrals A Year: How To Get Them?

Referral
Referral
Referral
Referral
Referral
Referrals
Referrals
Referrals
Referrals
Referrals

Do you get all of the client referrals referrals you want or deserve? Most professionals don't because they're afraid. Afraid they'll hurt their client relationships. Afraid they won't cultivate any new business.

Or afraid they'll appear cheap or salesy. It's an imagined psychological line in the sand you're afraid of crossing with people. It's in a concept I teach called "D. V. ", or Damage Verge. You're frightened that by bringing up the word "referrals" you'll push your and create damage, cross that line, clients. Let me give you an example. Of an overwhelming 79 percent said they rely on referrals as their primary source of new business, 200 investment and insurance professionals surveyed earlier this year by my firm Strategic Impact, 5. Eighty-three percent of those professionals had at least 100 clients.

Yet the median number of referrals they received from their clients over a 12-month period was just 6 to 12! That means only about 10, on average, that% of their clients were generating referrals. That's horrible! And being passive causes it. If clients are your best source of new business then the figure indicates a tremendous problem. The question is why? My answer is Damage Verge: A psychological barrier where you imagine the worst possible thing will happen if you ask a client for a referral.

Before you can even think about how to bring the subject up, your brain kicks into warp speed and says, "I can't ask them for a referral. They might get mad at me. . feel upset. . be uncomfortable. . insert your excuse here. . or worst yet, they'll just say, 'No! '" What I'm referring to is nothing more than your conscious mind gets into the act, and you wrongly start envisioning that worst-case scenario coming to life. You see yourself offending asking the wrong way, being presumptuous, someone, feeling embarrassed, and finally ruining a prized relationship. Four ways to break through 1. Be more in tune to your client's communication style. The Damage Verge is different for every client and customer, depending on that person's communication style. Still other clients get instantly turned off, regardless of what you try to discuss with them.

Understanding your clients' varying styles of communication and receptiveness to your goal of building more business will go a long way in cultivating referrals. Know how to 'ask' for referrals. Nothing evokes more fear in professionals than the thought of sitting down with a client and "asking them" for referrals. So don't! That's right-don't ask for referrals. Focus on earning personal introductions from clients. The key is that you must test and confirm with every client that they are finding value in you and your work.

Use a monthly or quarterly review to touch base, lunch, meeting. I ask one simple, very powerful question: "Mrs. Client, tell me: How am I doing in my relationship with you? " The answer allows the referral door to swing wide open-or temporarily close tight. Either way, you've got a much better read on the relationship. Practice with your C-level clients, and then move up.

Practice on relationships where the stakes aren't so high. Take some of the pressure off yourself by building self-confidence and enthusiasm-and seeing results-with B-level and C-level clients. It's highly unlikely that you would ever offend someone who has confirmed your value. let it be a C-level client that wouldn, if you do upset someone, But't be irreplaceable if they should take their business elsewhere. Give clients a reason to share you with others. I believe in the 80/20 Rule when it comes to client referrals.

It says that 80 percent of your clients utilize only about 20 percent of the services you have to offer. One way to counter this is by bundling current services as "value-added" extras-this shows appreciation for your current client relationship while simultaneously giving your clients more reason to suggest your services to others. Remember, you want to introduce the subject of referrals with your clients without adversely affecting the relationship at all. You want to get near their damage verge, but you must never cross it. It's like stepping near thin ice-without ever falling through.

Stay in the area where the relationship provides enough support for what you're saying-and don't overload it.

More articles:

Computers

Car Insurance

Loan




Sunday, March 15, 2009

Top 10 Bankruptcies Of The 20th Century

Bankrupt
Bankrupt
Bankrupt
Bankrupt
Bankrupt
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy

Celebrity bankruptcy has become so common that many now hire financial advisors to keep an eye on their bank accounts and stop them from overindulging on wild extravagances and unworkable business ventures. is immune to the perils of debt, no matter how famous or rich, Nobody. In that way the celebs are just like the rest of us, but they’re playing with much higher stakes. Donald Trump: billionaire entrepreneur Trump, currently worth approximately $3 billion, has certainly had his fair share of financial disasters. In 1992 the three casinos he then owned - the Taj burdened by more than , Castle and Plaza - went bankrupt, Mahal$1 billion in debt following the 1990-91 recession.

But he climbed back from the brink of personal bankruptcy and chronicled his return to billionaire status in the 1997 book ‘Trump: The Art of the Comeback. ’ Trump's casino empire went bankrupt again in Meat Loaf: rock star Meat Loaf spawned some of the largest selling albums of all in 1981, but things turned nasty for him when, time, he changed managers after discovering that his were stealing his money. They had all of Meat Loaf’s assets frozen and sued him for breach of contract. They also spread rumours that he was violent and had threatened people with guns, and a battle-worn Meat Loaf ended up declaring bankruptcy. In John Parr, Meat Loaf found a new writer, 1986, and started recording a new album. which proved to be a huge mistake, the producer put a dance beat underneath every song, Unfortunately, and Meat Loaf ended up going bankrupt for a second time. Anna Nicole Smith: Model/Actress and 1993 Playboy magazine ‘Playmate of the Year’ Tragic Anna Nicole Smith entered the limelight in 1994 she married 89-year-old oil business executive and billionaire J Howard Marshall, at the age of 26, when.

In 1996, Smith filed for bankruptcy in California as a result of a $850, 000 judgment against her for sexual harassment of an employee. The former model died from a drug overdose in February aged 20, five months after the death of her son Daniel, 2007, who had also overdosed on drugs. M. C. Hammer rock star M. C. Hammer of parachute pants and ‘Hammertime’ fame filed for personal bankruptcy in April 1996 as a result of dwindling album sales and a lavish lifestyle. He was $13 million in debt. After this rapid fall from grace, MC Hammer spent most of the late 1990s as a punch line in the music business. Nelly, in his year 2000 breakthrough hit ‘Country Grammar’, announced his intention to ‘blow 30 mill like I'm Hammer’ George Best: Manchester United Footballer Manchester United football legend George Best will always be remembered for his dazzling skill on the pitch, but it was the accompanying champagne and playboy lifestyle which ultimately led him to an early grave.

Best’s partying and decadence degenerated tragically into a prison sentence and, bankruptcy, alcoholism, eventually, a liver transplant. Following his death in November 2005 the News of the World published a picture of Best at his own along with what was reported to be his final message, showing him in his hospital bed, request: ‘Don't die like me’. Walt Disney: Oscar - winning film producer, animation &. Theme park pioneer Disney did not lose his riches once he had found them, but it was a major struggle to get there in the first place. As a young entrepreneur Walt Disney formed his first animation company in Kansas City in 1921 and made a deal with a distribution company in New York. Flushed with but his costs went up and then the distributor went bankrupt, Disney began to experiment with new storytelling techniques, success.

He was also forced to declare bankruptcy in 1923 and at one point could not pay his rent and was surviving on dog food. Gary Glitter: Glam Rock star Gary has had an unusual life, the King of Glam Rock, Glitter. After excessive drinking and drug taking in his earlier musical career, he was declared bankrupt in 1980. aka Paul Francis Gadd, Glitter, However, says he was only declared bankrupt because ‘somebody didn't fill in the right forms. ’ Just as he had begun to turn his life and in 1999 he was convicted for downloading 4, Glitter was confronted with allegations of paedophilia, around, 000 child pornography pictures and was listed as a sex offender. Glitter’s reputation was further tarnished when he was permanently evicted from Cambodia in 2002 for suspected child sexual abuse offences. Oskar Schindler: activist who saved over 1000 Jews from the Nazis In the 1930s, a young Oskar Schindler changed jobs several times.

He also tried various business ventures, but soon went bankrupt because of the Great Depression. By the end of the war, Schindler had spent his entire fortune on bribes and black-market supplies for his Jewish workers. Virtually and eventually he emigrated to Argentina in 1948, Schindler did not prosper in post-war Germany, destitute, where he went bankrupt again. Returning to Germany in 1958, Schindler had a series of unsuccessful business ventures. He then settled down in West Germany and tried again - with help from a Jewish organisation - to establish a cement factory. went bankrupt in TLC, too, This: R&.

B/Hip-Hop/Pop group In 1994, not long before the release of the trio’s second album ‘CrazySexyCool’ (which was to sell over 11 million copies) band member Lisa Lopes was arrested on arson charges. In an alcohol-fuelled fit of burning his Atlanta mansion to the ground and vandalizing several of his cars, Lopes vented all the frustrations from her often-stormy relationship with Andre Rison, rage. In claiming debts of over 5 million dollars, TLC filed for bankruptcy, 1995, in part stemming from Lopes' insurance payments over the arson incident. Kim Basinger: Oscar - winning actress Extravagant Basinger found herself into trouble when she bought the town of Braselton, Georgia for $20 million. It was around the same time that she dropped out of the movie ‘Boxing Helena’ after expressing concern over nude scenes. Main Line Pictures sued the star of Batman and 9 1/2 Weeks for breach of contract, and the ensuing court case was of Hollywood proportions.

The producers' lawyers even tried to stop Basinger having children - as this would diminish the sum they might reclaim. Basinger filed for personal bankruptcy in 1993 and was forced to sell the town of Braselton.

More articles:

Internet Marketing

Car Insurance

Loan




Friday, March 13, 2009

Network Marketing for Abundance and Prosperity

1Step Systems
1Step Systems
1Step Systems
1Step Systems
1Step Systems
Acaiplus
Acaiplus
Acaiplus
Acaiplus
Acaiplus

My first job was as an Office Boy in a high-class jewelry store. I was age The year was I like to say that I've been selling ever since. I remember how proud I felt making my first sale at age It was an apprenticeship, but I didn't know it at the time.

After the Air Force and finishing college, I worked the next 10 years as a salesman and a systems analyst in banking and industry. The next ten years were spent in the insurance field where I eventually was a VP with my own general insurance agency. The last 25 years found me doing something that I really liked: Computers. Computers are still a hobby today. Eventually I became President &.

CEO of my own Internet service provider. I sold IamNet, Inc. 4 years ago and retired to Florida. My future is my responsibility. Being self-employed for the last 35 years and following my heart when choosing a career does not lend one to become wealthy. But where does it say that we are to wallow in retirement comfort? Working from home forever is cool when your joy and peace comes from the Lord.

In the last 48 months I've spent perhaps $learning and realizing my weaknesses, 000 on network marketing, 20. (So what else is new). Thus I find myself constantly studying to gain greater insight, as so many others have done. I hope to save you that effort and time. As a network marketer I believe in multiple networking businesses and creating your own web site. Be sure you have a hands-on true home business with astonishing professional marketing software. Why would a professional business man with an prospered and sold two successful businesses in his lifetime want to do such a simple thing?

Because it, having developed, BSBA's simple, it's fun, it's relaxing, and it's health and prosperity that matters. My physical strength is not what it used to be, but I've never felt better in my life selling health and wellness. Besides I thought it's just cool to have a real fun business on the Internet, and have it be easy to run. I'd like to give 80% of what I make away. At any age over 18, hands-on creative activity from home just makes sense. If that takes more discipline, then that's that.

Because is the determination of ones level of prosperity in life, in my opinion, discipline. Can you imagine a 20 year old doing what I'm now doing along with millions of other young people. The network marketing on-line is the wave of the future. Given the computer savvy, you do you need the discipline like I do. Now age 72, I know that the only person who is going to take care of ME and my family is God!

But I'm the one that needs the discipline to prosper. Are you ready to have such change happen for you, because this is all about you. The skills needed to help others are available and we have an education system where we can practice and learn the secrets right on the Internet. was the secret that I missed nor learned in the past, that I rejected as a child, Discipline. Such secrets mean you will prosper and growth via the Internet. See "The Secret" for starters.

It's all about the law of attraction. Never complain but rather be a prolific encourager. We must be disciplined to the task and you must always be positive, the big secret that I missed in life. It's now time for us to step out with the right have a vision, with the right stuff, people, and really desire to succeed. It's now time to create a healthy and prosperous life with a new reality!

Outside of our selves, I've also learned two things: One, we must have a powerful automated professional marketing system using the Internet. And teaching and support system, within that system one must have a strong training, two. Some folks attempt this for and that was my mistake, as I did, themselves. May it not be yours! Listen to your sponsors.

Have you thought about how important it is when marketing on the Internet to have something where you have an exceptional product with your own unique input. This is called nitch marketing! The niche idea allows you to focus on growth, BOTH personal and financial. A niche makes it easier to attract attention. A nitch market must have an item that is consumable and easily renewable.

There is a craze today for healthy living and weight loss. The practice of preventative medicine is on the rise. Rain forest are being cultivated, renewed and financial progress is gaining a foothold in third world countries. Asian and South American people groups are learning how to market to consumer nations. All this is coming to pass because of the power to market over the Internet through people to people marketing.

It's all in place. All we have to do is invest in follow the system, step-up, yourself, and be teachable and willing to learn. Like any business of your dedication, hard work, own, and having fun is how it is. Yours truly old selling ways just don't work in this modern Internet but it, and learning to change has not been easy, age's been worth the effort. We never had such a huge marketplace with such great support and a powerful niche marketing systems until now.

No more selling, just concentrate on relationships and helping others! Now I can practice the freedom that God gives to be the over-comer and to prosper as He intends. It's good to use the renewable resources that he has provided and proven over the centuries for your abundance and prosperity. It's all good.

More articles: car insurance quotes

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Toenail Fungus Cure - The Best Remedies

Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus

Over 30 million people worldwide suffer from some sort of nail or nail fungus. The statistics are alarming to say the least. Nail and toe nail fungus can be as suttle as a yellowing or discoloring of the nail or toenail and as serious as the complete loss feet or both, deformity of one or more nails on the hands, of. Not too the infection can be excruciatingly painful that could result in a visit to a doctor, if left unattended, mention.

Caught early however, those who suffer a mild case of nail or foot fungus infections can treat the affected condition using a natural topical solution. Those suffering with nail or toe nail fungus may not see their condition extend beyond a mild people have reported having the condition for more than 10yrs without it becoming too serious, in some cases, case. Other people have reported that their condition is nothing more than an ugly discoloration of the nail or No matter how serious your case may be, more of the nuisance than anything, toenail, it is usually accompanied by discoloring of the especially on the feet, crusty and bumpy in appearance and a discharge of a smelly odor, nail. Nail fungus usually spreads from one nail to another and may be passed on to family members etc, friends, others, so it's not something that should be ignored. There are many so called miracle cures and home remedies available and this information is readily available all over the Internet. Don't be fooled into thinking that any of the home treatments work because most of the time they don't and you will be very disappointed in the end when you see no results.

Taking the time to educate yourself is one of the best steps you can take in finding a cure. No two cures are alike, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another but the important thing is to start your treatment early and not later. Nail or foot fungus is very curable, but it takes allot of time and patience to completely eliminate. Don't start a treatment then decide not to follow though. Doing so will spell failure and you will be very disappointed once again thinking that your treatment failed when in fact you did not take the time to apply a topical as directed. There are no overnight cures and you may not even see results in 2 week or even Patience is a virtue in this case.

Should i consult my doctor? The answer to that question is quite obvious. If your having trouble as is the case with a nail fungus infection or your condition seems serious, unable to put your shoes on, walking, by all means do so. Be aware however that you may be placed on a medication such as Limasil which incidentally has been linked to liver damage and other unknown causes. This alone is enough to scare many people.

The adverse affects of fungal mediation is still very unclear and many would much rather deal with their condition without a prescription then to actually start one. Limasil and other prescription treatments can take upwards of 6 months and cost thousands of dollars. Even then, there are no guaranteesand your condition could recur. The other problem being, millions of people have no health insurance. Recently, those statistics show that over 26 million Americans alone have no insurance whatsoever. No insurance means expensive treatments, treatments that many people can't afford.

So what are the alternatives to prescription drugs? oils and vitamins can usually clear up the affected area but it does take time, a good topical that contains all naturals herbs, Well, usually 2 to 3 months, and can take even longer. As the fungus dies the new nail begins to appear and we all know how slowly nails grow. As the new nail appears it will look smooth and disease free. Treatment should continue until the entire nail has been replaced with the new nail. One of the misconceptions about a nail and foot fungus is that it can't be spread from one person to another. Actually, that is not the case.

It is very easy to get a nail fungus infection and it's common among those who have sweaty swimming pools, share bathrooms, feet, showers and locker rooms. Also people who do a lot of standing and are on their feet athletes and dancers are prone to infection, as in the case of runners, frequently. Individual who have a history of athlete's e, have manicure and pedicure in places where dirty nail files and in use or where unsanitary conditions exists, foot. g. salons. These types of places are perfect mediums to harbor fungus spores. Senior citizens, who are about sixty five years old and above and people who have diabetes and other forms of circulatory diseases are also prone to all types of nail fungus. Nail fungus cure: What ever treatment you choose, make sure that it includes natural ingredients such as Tree Tea Oils and vitamin E. Other ingredients such as Clove oil and Lemon grass oil add soothing relief.

When searching for a treatment, be sure that your product contains two or more of these ingredients on the label. And most importantly, don't skip on your application. If the label says apply 3 times a day then make sure you do so. Important nail and foot fungus tips: Try wearing natural cotton socks. It allows the feet to breathe.

Do not share towels or wash cloths with others. You may spread or collect spores. Wear breathable shoes if you're on your feet allot. Ladies, do not use nail polish to hide your discolored toenails. Do not use nail polish until the disease is completely gone.

File the infected nail thin so that a local topical can penetrate the nail more effectively. Caution in even while showering where many other do, wear flip flops in showers and always wear protective footwear when walking around in locker rooms, Gyms. Reduce your intake of sugary foods. Some people suggest reducing sugar consumption which will make your body less capable of hosting fungi.

More articles: Loan

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Hanging Of Ray Williams - Part 1: The Dilemma

Ray Williams
Ray Williams
Ray Williams
Ray Williams
Ray Williams
HIH
HIH
HIH
HIH
HIH


September 28, 2004 was a historic day for me. Ray Williams came to me for advice! Ray never comes to me for advice.

Why would he? The former CEO of HIH insurance - once one of the largest insurance companies in the Southern hemisphere. What possible wisdom could I have to pass on to him? Me asking Ray for advice - that happened all the time! Every time I needed to know how to manage our church or how to handle a staff member or how to balance a budget, I'd be on the blower to Ray. And the man always came through for me!

Perhaps it would be helpful at this point to insert a brief comment about how I developed this sort of relationship with Ray. By unhappy coincidence, my dear father died in March 2001 - the same month that Ray's went into liquidation, HIH Insurance, company. Prior to March 2001, Ray wouldn't have been able to play the role of fatherly advisor to me even if he had wanted to. He had been a generous supporter of our Youth Centre at one stage, but had never had the time to really get involved. All that changed after March he was pouring most of his time into voluntary work - driving the bus at the retirement home where his mother lived and doing the cleaning at his son, and by the time we re-established contact, 2001's tennis club.

It didn't take long before we had him on the team at every fund-raiser we put on for our Youth Centre. And somewhere in that period between March 2001 and September to be a dearly-loved friend and father-figure, Ray made a transition from being a much-appreciated volunteer and supporter, 2004. I should have been chuffed that he wanted my advice on something. But I wasn't pleased at all. I was scared. Ray had sounded rather fragile when I had spoken to him on the phone the night before, and Ray never normally lets things get him down. What could it be?

Was he dying? Was someone in his family seriously ill? When Ray came to the door, that fragility that I'd heard in his voice was showing on his face. 'Are you alright? ', I asked. 'Are you sick? ' 'Oh no, I'm fine', he said. 'It's just the legal stuff that's getting to me'. I knew it must be pretty serious. 'They're ready to plea bargain with me', Ray explained, as he sat down in my office, 'and I don't know what to do? 'I had heard about plea bargaining on American cop or something like that, where some no-good hoodlum dobs in his boss in exchange for getting a shorter sentence, shows. Ray explained how the system worked in Australia. Not surprisingly, it is a little more subtle. Apparently they never actually use the term 'plea bargaining' or openly 'bargain' at all.

Apparently the lawyers from opposing camps just chat whimsically about 'where they might draw a line' if such-and-such were to happen. It's a sort of Clayton's bargaining process - the bargain you make where no one can ever prove that you made a bargain. Ray told me the bargain they'd offered him. 'They've told me that if I plead guilty to three relatively minor charges, that they'll stop pursuing me on all other matters. ''OK. That sounds pretty encouraging', I said. I knew they'd been compiling an enormous list of charges to bring against Ray - charges that ranged from the uninformed to the completely ridiculous, so far as I could see. some of them were bound to stick, the prosecutors seemed to operate on the principal that if they threw a lot of accusations at him, Nonetheless. My favourite old philosophical adage holds true of course, that ten leaking buckets hold exactly the same amount of water as does one leaking bucket - ie. no water at all.

Even and given that these characters needed to justify the amount of public money that had been spent on pursuing Ray, the multi-bucket approach carries a certain emotive force, so, this also made it appear as if they'd been earning their fat salaries. Ray had gone silent. I prodded him again. 'So what's the problem. They've offered to drop most of the charges in return for finding you guilty on a couple of little ones. It sounds to me like they've recognised that they haven't really got much against you. That's a good thing, isn't it? ''Yes', said Ray, 'but the problem is. these things that they want me to plead guilty to.

I didn't do them! 'Ah! So there's the rub! Ray went on to explain, 'if the charges were simply that I'd been negligent or had overlooked something that I shouldn't have but these charges say that I , I think I could live with that, overlooked'deliberately misled people' and that I 'knowingly withheld information', and David. 'I didn't! If I had known some of these things, there's no way I would have held back the information. I didn't know these things! But now they're telling me that unless I confess to the charges, I will go to gaol! 'The overall picture was pretty ugly. Allow me to summarise: What was put to Ray was that if he confessed to the three little and he would probably not have to spend any time in gaol, the whole legal inquisition would be over by Christmas, crimes. that if he did not confess to the three little crimes, he was told in no uncertain terms, Conversely, the legal team would pursue him with everything that they that it would cost him between two and three million dollars more in legal fees, that the case would drag on for another two to three years, had, and that he would certainly end up in gaol at the end of it all!

Now I'm not privy to Ray's personal financial affairs, but I do know that he lost everything when HIH collapsed. There was no way that he could afford to fight the legal battle for another two or three I wonder if he could have lasted emotionally, and even if he did have the financial resources, years. They seemed to have him over a barrel, but Ray couldn't bring himself to accept the inevitable conclusion. I didn't want to accept it either. 'Now is not the time to sell your soul, is it Ray? ', I said. 'No', he said, 'and I know I couldn't carry through with it anyway. Even if I did sign something I, saying that I confessed to these things, now'd get up before the court and somebody would look me in the eye and ask 'Did you deliberately withhold this information? ' and I'd break down. I'd say 'no, I didn't. ' I wouldn't be able to carry it through.

I've got to keep fighting. But how can I? 'Apparently one senior legal guy had said to Ray, 'Look mate, I'd confess to raping my own mother if it would keep me out of gaol. ' Ray had been unimpressed, but he was in a dilemma. This is the way our legal system works. I've seen it operate like this before - grinding good people down until they can't fight any more. Truth is not the issue. Neither is guilt or innocence.

It's a war between two and was being scapegoated to assauge the public thirst for vengeance, and Ray had got on the wrong side of the Government and the media, parties. What hope did he have?

More articles: Auto Loans