What is the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)?

History of the Fair Labor Standards Act

The Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA, was first past in 1938 to establish 44 hours as the absolute maximum workweek. One of its primary intentions upon inception was to combat child labor, therefore keeping minors from being legally able to engage in any workforce considered to be oppressive to children and youth. In the process of the act's development, however, minimum wage and the time-and-a-half requirement for overtime pay within applicable job situations became established as this federal law went into effect.

Over the past 76 years since the FLSA was first past, many amendments have been made to it. These have included the specific amount of minimum wage, explanations regarding the types of jobs eligible for the overtime pay set forth within the law, and changes to the maximum legal workweek. Other amendments have been designed to prevent age discrimination, to extend the law's benefits to employees of the U.S. government, and to protect migrant and agricultural laborers.

The Present State of the Fair Labor Standards Act

In addition to the minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor considerations that have been part of the FLSA since its beginnings, recordkeeping is now an essential aspect of upholding this law. An authorized government-endorsed poster must be displayed including all of the active FLSA requirements for employees to use for quick and easy reference.

As of July 24, 2009 the minimum wage mandated through an amendment to the FLSA is $7.25/hour. Individual states, however are entitled to choose their own rate of minimum wage. Nevertheless, if a particular employee is covered under both the federal and state minimum wage laws, then he or she is required to receive the greater amount between the federal and state minimum wage requirements.

Applicable employees must receive overtime pay for any workweek exceeding 40 hours. The time-and-a-half standard originally set in 1938 remains the minimum legal expectation for overtime pay today. However, there is no longer a limit on how many hours an eligible employee can work within a week, as was the case with the original act's limitation of 44 hours. The FLSA defines working hours as any time an employer requires his or her employees to be at a designated work site or whenever an employee is labeled as on duty through clocking in or other tool through which hours are tracked.

The child labor aspects of the law central to its original purpose are still in tact. The emphasis has shifted, however, with cultural changes over the past several decades. As such, the current weight is placed on the protection of minors' educational needs and the legal requirements therein. For a complete guide to all the current guidelines in place as a result of the FLSA, please click here.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicability of the Fair Labor Standards Act

The FLSA covers all employees engaged in the work of interstate commerce. This includes production, sales, transportation, and other involvement with work related to this manner of business. A company becomes subject to the FLSA when it fits one of three following categories.

The company's overall annual income reaches or exceeds $500,000.

The business is a hospital, school or other facility primarily purposed in health care or education.

The organization operates as an aspect of a larger public entity.

It must be realized, however, that some companies are subject to the minimum wage requirements while not themselves an organization covered by the entirety of the FLSA. As such, it is necessary for both employers and employees to be intimately familiar with the specific regulations and exemptions involved in the FLSA as outlined in the "Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act" linked above.

Employees defined as domestic service workers are eligible to receive all the benefits of the FLSA if their wages in 2010 were $1,700 or more or if they work eight hours or more each week. Employees who receive tips that exceed $30 per month are exempt from the standard minimum wage. Instead, employers must pay these workers a minimum of $2.13 on top of the tips obtained. Employees under the age of 20 likewise have a different minimum wage according to the FLSA than the general figure, though it is only in effect for the first 90 days of their employment. $4.25 is the minimum legal hourly wage for employees in such circumstances; after the initial 90 days of employment, their wages must increase to the standard $7.25 per hour.

Legal Services for Violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act

Employees who have experienced unfair treatment from their employers may work with an overtime attorney to help obtain the justice and compensation to which they are entitled. Vethan Law Firm specializes in representing clients who have been victims of FLSA violations. Vethan's overtime lawyers ensure that clients receive the payment they are entitled to according to the act and its individual implications within the state of Texas. They have significant documented success at combatting the common excuses given by employers for noncompliance to the FLSA. They are experts in every detail of the FLSA, therefore able to guide clients in understanding if they have been treated unfairly according to the act and if so, how to proceed in a manner that will result in the deserved compensation.

John West is a legal writer in Houston, Texas.

What Happens if You Are injured in a Public Bus Accident?

Bus accidents, while less frequent than smaller vehicle accidents, still happen. When they do, it can be mayhem all around because of the size and the number of people in the bus. That said, no one knows when accidents can happen. The only thing we know is what to do in the event of one.

Of all vehicle accidents; bus accidents tend to sustain the highest number of fatalities. This is further confirmed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) which says the statistics point to roughly a 37% fatality rate. This is not surprising given the lack of safety features like seatbelts in buses.

The following outlines the important things that we consider extremely useful and helpful in keeping you alive, and most importantly, helping you get the required treatment you need to get healthy and stay alive.

Determine Liability

This is the very first thing you need to do. What caused the accident? Who was at fault? Was it the driver or the other party? Did the other party suddenly cut in front of the bus, thus causing the driver to swerve suddenly resulting in a loss of control? Was the road too wet for traction? Alternatively, was the driver speeding in wet or snowy conditions?

Did the accident happen as a result of a lack of maintenance by the bus company? Did the bus company intentionally overlook some mechanical and electrical issues just to cut costs and save money? Was the accident caused by a jaywalker or an individual who wasn’t alert? Was it caused by an animal suddenly running across the road?

Did the driver suffer from a heart condition that could have impaired his driving? Was the driver too tired or was he suffering from sleep deprivation? Is it possible that he wandered off the road whilst dozing or lost concentration while at an intersection? There are so many questions that you need to ask to prove who was at fault. Starting with these will usually get you started and point you in the right direction.

File Claims for Medical Treatment

Once you get yourself or are checked into the hospital by the EMTs. You or a close family member should start filing for your insurance claims if you have any. It does not matter that the accident is minor or severe. Just make sure that you get a physical within 48 hours after the accident.

This is because going to the hospital after 72 hours will impact your payout negatively. So, make sure you have a clear detail of everything you remember that happened before during and after the accident.

Admittedly, this might be a bit difficult if you suffered a moderate to severe accident. However, whatever you can remember should go in a detailed report. Please note that the claims process is different when the driver's employer is the government.

Suing the Driver and Bus Company

To do this, you would need to get in touch with a seasoned and experienced personal injury and bus accident lawyer. This has to be specific because there are various rules regarding public transport that he will be familiar with. He’ll be able to give you a realistic outlook and possible results based on his experience with such accidents.

If the bus is run by the state government, then the whole thing will take a different turn and can be pretty complicated. Whatever you do, don’t do this alone. Let the lawyers advise you accordingly and take care of any issues that might arise from taking the insurance companies to court if they fail to compensate you adequately.

When not writing, Oscar King works for the Florida Department of Transportation, and has dealt with a number of these sorts of accidents. When they do happen, he usually refers people to Orlando Attorney David Heil for the best consultation and legal reprsentation.

July 29, 2014 is a HOLIDAY in the Philippines

Proclamation No. 826. Declaring Tuesday, 29 July 2014, as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid'l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).

Please be guided.

4 Tips for Getting Compensation for Soft Tissue Damage After an Accident

Soft tissue damage like a whiplash or a sprain is very common among car accident victims. However, unlike other types of injuries involving broken bones, damaged organs and torn ligaments, some soft tissue injuries like whiplash can be quite difficult to prove to your insurance providers or in a court of law. This can often impact your compensation or payout. But, armed with the right information, you can get maximum payout for any soft tissue damages you might have sustained in a car accident.

Take All Preliminary Steps
 Admittedly, getting the other party’s details is the last thing on your mind when you’re injured in a car accident. However, if you’re conscious and able to do so, this is extremely important. Try and get their contact phone number, insurance details, and vehicle plate number, before going to the hospital or leaving.
If it’s necessary, contact the police (usually necessary anyway in most car collisions), then get immediate medical help regardless of whether you feel any pain or not. Some soft tissue injuries do not show up until later. Then, take note of all expenses and costs incurred during the period of treatment.

Consult With a Personal Injury and Car Accident Attorney
This might seem unimportant or even unnecessary at the time, but you’ll find that it’s an excellent decision when you’re suddenly out of pocket by thousands of dollars and wondering how you can get it all back.
Compensation from the insurance provider is meant to help you get back to where you were financially before the accident. And the best way to go about it and get speedy results is by consulting a lawyer. Taking this preemptive step, particularly when you’ve just started seeking medical help, can and will help you in recovering all the money spent on your treatment.

Gather All Documents and Evidence
If you have spent any money or have evidence that points to the fact that you have some serious soft tissue injury, or any other evidence that you think will help your case, get that information together before or during the consultation with your lawyer. You will also want to include a demand letter among the evidence that you gather. Often times, insurance adjusters will try to readjust your claims with the excuse that it’s possible you already had a pre-existing condition or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you say they are. This demand letter will include the details of the accident, the impact of the injury on your work and personal life, present treatments you’re getting and possible future treatments if there will be any.

The demand letter should contain every single important detail you can recall. If you have a video recording or pictures of the accident scene, you should include them along with your demand letter. This is what you’ll present as evidence when you file your compensation claims.

Attempt Settlement Negotiations
Usually, with enough evidence and proof, the defender will probably decide to settle out of court. Just make sure that the settlement covers everything you need it to, this is where your lawyer comes in. He’ll be able to properly assess the offer and advise you accordingly.

If your lawyer says the settlement is appropriate, and you feel it is reasonable, you might want to take it. However, if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, then you will probably need to take the case to court.

If you decide to file personal injury lawsuit, make sure you get a highly experienced personal injury attorney. This will really help your case in court and will be instrumental to helping you get the best compensation payout possible.

Sources:
http://www.all-about-car-accidents.com/resources/auto-accident/car-accident-claims/writing-a-demand-letter-a-car-accident-insura

Oscar King is a recent graduate from FSU School of Law and is presently employed as a personal injury lawyer in the Tallahassee area. Originally from Melbourne, he recommends those seeking personal injury care in that area consult with the Law Offices of David R. Heil if they should need legal consultation after an accident.

5 Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Filing for Divorce

The emotions are boiling over and you’re at your wits end. Maybe you’re emotionless because you’ve already given up on the situation.

Whatever the emotion, or lack thereof, the realities of filing a divorce are a little different – they must be looked at rationally. I fully understand how difficult this may be, given the nature of the problem, but asking yourself a few vital questions prior to filing for divorce will save you from further headaches in the future.

Going after what makes you happy and never settling for things that act against your character are two very important ideals. But unfortunately, the world does not always support ideals and you must make decisions that sacrifice (or at least bend) some of your principles. Hopefully, these five questions will help you with your dilemma.

Questions to Consider

Have You Thought About the Consequences? – Assuming that the divorce is not due to abusive treatment or unfaithfulness, have you really thought about what this decision will do to others? If you have a family or struggle alone financially, you may want to really think about whether the divorce is rational or just emotions getting in the way. All marriages have fighting, but asking the true questions of love and commitment may be needed if you have other real-world obligations.

What about the Children? – Many people in modern society claim that you’re not truly married until you have kids. Children are a blessing, but also provide another layer of commitment on the part of adults – both to each other and the new family. When kids are involved, other lives are at stake in your decisions. Ask yourself, “Who will care for the kids?” Many marriages actually stay together because of children, which could be a blessing or a curse, depending on the real problems of the adult relationship. Identifying these problems is crucial to deciding whether to stay together or divorce. Will the child be better off with two separated parents or a potentially dysfunctional family?

Are We Financially Capable of Divorce? – Finances are considered the number one reason for divorces or continual family problems. Ironically, they are also one of the biggest reasons why adults stay together. Joint incomes and tax filings favor marriages in the United States and people find living together as a married couple is more affordable and manageable. In fact, many older Americans (maybe previously divorced) will marry a friend or long-term girlfriend purely for the financial benefits of not being alone. Rationalize the real reason for your divorce and conclude whether you’re divorcing for happiness or because of recent arguments.

It’s a Long, Long Road to Normality – Not only are there emotional rollercoasters associated with divorces, but other issues will also come into play. Temporary orders may be made for custody and financial support, but eventually a lawyer needs to be hired and custody courts will decide who obtains custody of the child and what the financial break-ups may be. After going through this process, many couples decide to stay together because they know the ramifications of their decisions. In fact, courts have a “cooling-off” period built in because of amount of couples who reconsider their decision.

Living Conditions and Ownership – Particularly with families that split responsibility for financial obligations, have joint bank accounts, and co-sign loans or mortgages, divorcing is not simply “putting pen to paper.” There are processes that must be handled during busy schedules that could carry on for long periods of time. Both parties will be responsible for the debt obligations and mortgage payments, and joint bank accounts must be closed to secure cash for both parties.

Every problem has a solution in the world, it’s just that some of them are harder to solve than others.  Ask yourself if you’re willing to solve it and what the possible consequences are for finding a solution.

How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace

Prevention is often the most cost-effective approach to solving a potential problem. Many businesses don’t worry about safety procedures until it’s too late and a lawsuit is in the works – some companies actually assess the risk of injury or death and do noting as a result.

I feel that ensuring the safety of your workers and customers is paramount for the longevity of a company or organization because of the intangible costs if an accident occurs. Rather than the traditional, “If this happens, it will cost this much,” many safety professionals believe that productivity loss, potential business loss, and image degradation are also in the mix after an accident occurs within your company.

Take BP for example – when the spill occurred, BP’s stock plunged into the depths of the abyss, along with the oil. The company spent years attempting to re-invigorate its image after shattering it in the Gulf of Mexico. Wildlife, employees, managers, and shareholders were all affected by the lack of control and prevention.

In the case of slip and fall, which is one of the most prominent forms of worker injury and death, prevention is often the key to success.

How to Prepare

Fall protection – This practice is mandated by OSHA in situations where workers are elevated or suspended in the air above six feet. When working on a platform, even if the worker slips and falls, fall protection will ensure the safety of the worker while help arrives.

If you’re in construction and have workers on rooftops laying materials, anchor points and continual hooking areas are needed as workers span the distance of the roof-line. Without proper fall protection, a simple slip and fall could cost someone their life.

Good Housekeeping Practices – Ensure that training allows workers to identify slippery, wet areas and deal with issues on the spot. Most accidents occur when people fail to take responsibility for a situation and leave dangerous areas untreated. Poor housekeeping or pre-shift and post-shift checklist practices for slippery areas can cause a buildup of hazardous materials within a factory or workplace floor. Ensure that your staff is organized and oversee quality control on a daily basis for best practices.

Provide Safety Shoes – Most safety shoes are slip-resistant and have great traction abilities. Offering these shoes to your employees is essential to the prevention of slip and fall accidents. Even with superior training and housekeeping practices, sudden accidents may occur. Protective footwear will lower the chances of a worker falling due to an unknown spill or wet surface.

Proper Labeling – If the floor is wet, label the area with a barrier or sign clear from all angles. This will help alert workers of potential danger and allow avoidances within the workplace.

Eliminate Obstructed Views – About 65% of all falls occur on flat surfaces, at the same eye level of the worker. These falls do not have fall protection because the worker is not elevated, but nonetheless, major injuries can occur from tripping or slipping on flat surfaces. Keep all areas of employee movement throughout the workplace accessible and unobstructed. Objects in the middle of the floor can trip employees if they are not aware of their surroundings during operations. In addition to removing obstructed views, ensure proper lighting is available to workers, especially if the site is remote and widespread.

This article was written by Matthew Hall.  Matt is currently a law student at Stetson Law in Sanford, FL.  When Matt is not busy studying for is law classes, he enjoys researching and writing articles on various topics of law.  Matt has recently been authoring articles on behalf of Heil-Law, the premier medical malpractice attorney in Central, FL.  If you would like to read more of Matt's work, you can visit him on Google+.

How To Get Your Security Deposit Back

At the end of a tenancy period, the main prerogative of the departing tenant is to ensure their security deposit return. The money will have been held in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme, to protect it until such time an agreement has been reached between landlord and tenant, when the money will then be refunded.

How can you do this?

A good place to start is before you move in. Look up the rental company and landlord details as well as property details. Make sure you are dealing with a genuine partner. Some landlords have bad reputations and you will be able to find this out online.

Read your tenancy agreement carefully, to make sure you are familiar with all the terms you will agree to. If you disagree with anything, then be clear about the changes you want made before you agree.

Read through the inventory you are provided; make sure it is accurate ad clear. Make sure that the statements of conditions of the property are right. you don’t want to end up paying for damage you didn’t cause. It can help to take photos of the condition of the property before you move in.
Make sure any amendments you want to make to the agreement or inventory are agreed by the landlord. Make sure they sign the documents once the changes are made.

Living in your rented property

Honesty is the best policy here. If anything in your rented property isn’t working properly or breaks, tell your landlord straight away so they can arrange its repair or replacement. This needs to happen to make sure you are not blamed for damage you didn’t cause.

It is also really important to keep your rented property in a good condition at all times, to avoid questioning of your standard of care later on. Make sure you keep everything clean, and clean up any spillages as soon as possible to avoid stains. It can be worth finding paint to match your walls in case you mark the walls. Repairing this yourself will eliminate the probability of you being charged for it at the end of your tenancy.

Often when you move in to a rented place, you will be required to pay a cleaning deposit. If not, the property will be professionally cleaned and you will be required to pay for a professional cleaner when your tenancy comes to an end. This can also help to rectify any problems that might mean you lose your security deposit.

What is most important?

It is wise to try to adhere to the agreements you made in your tenancy agreement at all times. This will reduce the chance of you being charged for damage later on.

You should also maintain clear communication with your landlord, and endeavour to keep records of all communication you make for the avoidance of doubt at the end of your tenancy, and to serve you in the event of a tenancy deposit dispute.

Make sure you get help today, get in touch with Piglord.

Here is information if you are considering private renting in the UK.

Cheryl Chapman is a legal writer for various solicitors on the web. You can find her on Google plus here

Motorbikes, Accidents, and Compensation Claims

At Carry on Biking, we love motorbikes! We specialise in representing riders who have been involved in an accident because we are bikers ourselves, and we understand why you are making a claim.

Why make a compensation claim?

We want to pursue your claim according to what you want.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident?
Was it the fault of another road user?
Was the road poorly maintained and the cause of your accident?
Was it due to negligence?

Whatever the cause after an accident some riders feel the need to seek compensation as a way to move on or to get over the event. We understand this, and we want to help. You may feel angry, and want the person responsible to be held accountable for their actions. If your accident is the result of someone else’s negligence, we want to help you.

Of course some riders make the claim to compensate for the financial implications of the accident. Loss of earnings, necessary private medical care and rehabilitation therapy programmes, sometimes even costly lifestyle adjustments that have had to be made to accommodate long term physical disability sustained in the accident.

If the injuries you have suffered are severe and life changing, there is of course a huge impact on emotional and psychological wellbeing. This may need treatment. This may even leave you with lifelong mental health issues. We want to listen to you, to what happened, to why you want to make a claim. We understand why you need to do this.

By pursuing genuine claims for compensation, we are proud to be contributing to the improvement of motor biking conditions in the UK. Maximising your recovery of compensation is our absolute priority. We will do so with understanding and years of expertise in this specialist field. This is hard enough for you. We want to share the burden.

Do I have a case to claim for compensation?
Have you been unable to work and earn because of injuries in an accident?
Have you had to seek costly medical care?
Have you had to make any adjustments to your home to accommodate any longer term disabilities caused by the accident?

Have you suffered financial implications as a result of the accident?

If the answer is yes, contact us at Carry on Biking. We know about bikes, we know about riding them and we know about the threats posed to riders on the road. We know about the law around motorcycling. Because we know all of this, we are able to assess very quickly whether or not you have a legitimate claim to make for compensation. If you do we are happy to work with you on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, because we are confident you deserve compensation.

An accident can mean more than just the physical trauma. It can mean longer term difficulties and financial hardship. We understand how difficult this is for you, and we want to lessen the stress involved in making a compensation claim. We want to do the heavy lifting for you.

Here is a site to help bikers compare insurance to get the exact one they need for their bike.

Terry Farley is a writer that works in the Legal market in the UK. You can follow other posts by Terry over here on Google Plus.

What do you need to know about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

Being hounded by debt collectors is a common thing: so common in fact that there are businesses that make millions off of promising clients that they can stop the collection calls. However, did you know there are actually laws and regulations that dictate when a collection agency may call you, and when they are required to stop? Back in 1977, congress passed a law that is known as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that regulates the debt collection industry and protects you against unfair, misleading, and other debt collection practices that go from simply unethical to downright criminal. It also provides provisions that TECHNICALLY require them to stop calling you except to inform you that they will no longer be calling you or that they are pursuing legal action against you (with this second part also falling under certain regulations).

What They Can’t Do:

The FDCP prohibits specific activities that debt collectors may use to try and extract a debt from a debtor. Such practices include threats, use of obscenities, falsely claiming to be attorneys or government representatives, discuss the debt with anybody other than yourself or your attorney (if you have retained one), publish a list of those who refuse to pay the debt, and much more. The bottom line of it is that a debt collector is legally barred from lying in order to collect a debt, and legal threats are ESPECIALLY frowned upon (unless they actually intend to carry them out and are legally permitted to do so).

They also aren’t permitted to garnish your wages without a court order: furthermore, threats to garnish your wages without a court order are also illegal, so keep that in mind. Now, keep in mind that a legal threat backed up by a court order is absolutely permitted, but without that court order their threat constitutes a violation of the act.

How You Can Stop Collection Calls:

In addition to the act containing provisions that forbid debt collectors from calling at inconvenient hours (between 9 in the evening and 8 in the morning), there are also ways to prevent them from calling within that time frame. For example: if you verbally or through writing inform them that you are not permitted to receive calls at work (and tell them when you are working), then they will be required to stop calling you at work. Attempting to contact your employer for any other purpose other than to obtain your contact information constitutes a violation of the act as well.

Furthermore, if you provide them with a written letter indicating that they are to stop calling you all together, then they are required to stop calling and may only contact you to inform you they will no longer be contacting you or that they are pursuing legal action. In this case it is highly advised to send the letter by certified mail and pay for a “return receipt” so you can verify the letter was received – at that point they may no longer contact you. You can also stop them if you dispute the validity of the debt, at which point they would be required to supply documentation validating the debt and cannot contact you again until such documentation has been provided.

How You Can Handle Law Breakers:

Now, going through this list, you might discover a debt collector has done one or more of these things to you. Sadly, in spite of the law, some debt collectors choose to ignore the law and employ illegal practices in their attempts to collect. Thankfully, there is recourse: you may file a law suit against the collector for any damages received from their attempts to collect. Even if you didn’t suffer damages, the judge may reward you up to $1000 dollars and require the collector reimburse you for attorney’s fees and court costs. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, your state Attorney General’s office, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

It is important to note that even if a collector is found in violation of the law that this does not invalidate the debt, you will still be required to pay IF it is a valid debt. However, if you do suffer damages and pursue legal action the court ruling could be enough to cover the debt in full, but do not count on it as without proof of actual damages it would fall under the discretion of the judge in question.

Conclusion:

The FDCP is a valuable tool protecting the rights of consumers from unfair practices utilized by debt collectors. While the Federal Trade Commission still reports tens of thousands of complaints filed in a given year, the fact remains the protection exists, and there is recourse to handle those collectors who go too far. By knowing your rights under the law, and handling things in a rational manner, you can make the law work for you, and make the process of paying back valid debts or erasing invalid ones a far calmer and less stress inducing ordeal.

Sources:

Federal Trade Commision: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-debt-collection

http://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-text

Cornell Law: http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fair_debt_collection_practices_act

This article was written by Brennen Kliffmueller.  Brennen is studying law at UCF in Orlando, FL and also works as a legal analyst when he is not studying. In addition to working as an analyst, Brennen enjoys researching various law topics and creating engaging content for the law office of Scott D. Owens.  You can read more of Brennen's work on his Google+ page. 

Property Listing in Davao City

If you're looking for property listings in Davao City to find condominiums or subdivision lots for sale, you can go to http://www.davaorealestateproperty.com. They have listings for the following developers: Damosa Fairlane, Delta Residences, One Oasis by Filinvest, and Alveo.

Davao Real Estate Property makes searching easier. You can use their quick search app and look for properties in different categories such as condominiums, lots, house and lot, houses for assume, and houses ready for occupancy.You can also refine your search if you wish to look for luxury homes or search using price range from low, medium, to high.

If you wish to sell your own property, you can submit your listing in their website under Sell Your Property tab. You will be asked to input the selling price, choose a category under where your property belongs, and you will also be asked to upload digital files (photocopy) of the Certificate of Title, Tax Declaration, Vicinity Map, Sketch Plan, and a description of your property.

It is safe to deal with Davao Real Estate Property because you are transacting with a licensed real estate broker who has a wide experience in property selling.

12 Luxurious Office Facilities

We all know what a standard office looks like. Unfortunately many offices are extremely dull and not very inspiring. However, a few companies around the world have tried to shake up what we think of as an office. Companies such as Red Bull, Google, Facebook and Nike and other less well known brands have completely reinvented the traditional office space. If you could design the perfect office, what facilities would it have?

Many of us are used to the standard kitchen, meeting rooms and boring office furniture. However, there are lots of little luxuries that can really enhance an office and make it a nicer place to be. You probably won’t find an office with all of these things but you can probably campaign for at least one or two luxurious facilities. Some office spaces that you can rent come with some excellent added extras. Here are 12 luxurious that would make any office a better place to work.

1. Gym

One of the best ways to improve your concentration and give your body and mind a break is by doing exercise. A good workout can make you feel really refreshed and much more focused. For this reason, many companies try to either get a gym on their office premises or give staff free membership to a nearby gym. Having a gym at your office instantly makes it feel more luxurious. It will also encourage you to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle.

2. Open Space

According to office space specialists Pera Business Park "Open spaces may not sound like a luxury but when you are cooped up all day in an office they are essential." It’s important to have a space to go to where you can clear your head and get some space. Ideally this would be an outside space such as gardens or a courtyard, or simply an inside space where people can go for a break or some time to think.

3. Sofas And Beds

Some office chairs can be very uncomfortable. It’s nice to be able to crash on a sofa during your breaks and really sit back and relax. Sitting on a sofa in a different room also gives you a much needed break from your desk environment. A few companies have even gone to the effort to provide employees with beds for their breaks and when they need to work long hours.

4. Hot Drink Machines

Lots of offices have kitchens where staff can make their own drinks. However, having a hot drinks machine does makes things easier. If you haven’t got one just explain to your boss how much time everyone wastes making their own drinks throughout the day.

5. Games Room

After a really stressful day what better way to unwind than having a bit of fun in your office games room. Get a pool table, dart board and foosball table for your office. Having a laugh and playing games can also boost morale and it’s a good team building activity.

6. Ergonomic Furniture

Ergonomic furniture doesn’t exactly sound exciting but in reality it can really enhance your working day. Everyone gets aches and pains from sitting at a desk all day, and a lot of the time it’s because we don’t have the right equipment. Ergonomic furniture improves your posture by encouraging you to sit properly. It keeps you in the optimum position for working.

7. Refreshments

Having an enticing selection of refreshments handy is definitely a luxury in any office. It’s great to be able to have a few snacks and refreshing drinks available to keep you going through long meetings and challenging days. You will also stay healthier and have more energy if you eat properly and stay hydrated throughout the day.

8. Massage Chairs

There is nothing better than sitting on a soothing massage chair and taking a few moments to switch off. Let the massage chair eradicate your stresses and strains and leave you feeling much more relaxed. Lots of people would love to have a luxurious massage chair in their office.

9. Swimming Pool

Not many offices around the world have a pool for employees to enjoy. Some offices that have a gym or health centre attached might also have a pool. Swimming is a brilliant way to stay fit but it can also be very therapeutic and relaxing. Head down to the pool on your lunch break and feel revitalised and ready to tackle your work.

10. Video Games

Sometimes we just need some time to escape from the office, but it can be really difficult to switch off. Going into a dedicated video games room and playing your favourite video game is an excellent way to distract your mind. Spending 10 or 15 minutes playing a videogame could help you to relax and even make you more productive when you get back to work. A few companies have realised having video games can  help to improve staff morale.

11. Bar

Having a bar in your office is definitely a luxury. You can go there for a few quiet drinks to unwind at the end of the day or to be sociable with your colleagues. You can also entertain clients and hold company socials in your very own staff bar.

12. Televisions

Lots of offices have televisions and flat screens but most of the time they are used to give presentations or during meetings. Try and get a television installed in a dedicated chill out room for staff where you can catch up on your favourite programmes or watch the news during your breaks.

This not enough why not try 70+ cool office ideas here http://www.lifeintheoffice.co.uk/70-cool-office-design-ideas-resources-inspiration-800

The Pros of Buying Commercial Southport Property

There are many different reasons why investors arrive at the crossroads when it is time to decide whether to buy a commercial Southport property. It is usually a signal that business is doing well and there are great plans on the horizon for expansion of the company. It can also be time to take the business to another level. Expansion means that the capacity of the business to generate revenue or output can be increased. Also, the business has the capacity to accommodate more employees.

Larger businesses usually have a barrage of employees and a team that can easily and effortlessly go through the process of acquiring commercial property. They can find the right people to assist them to do so. Small to medium sized businesses may not have these resources and so are sometimes apprehensive about the buying process.

There is no need to be apprehensive about buying commercial property. Once you have examined your options carefully and decide that buying is the best option for you, then it is time to move full speed ahead. Buying property can result in several advantages for the smart investor.

As a business owner, you will no longer be subject to the whims and fancies of a landlord or subject to increases in rent. It is no longer your job to be paying off someone else’s mortgage with your rent. Your monthly payments will all go towards reducing and eliminating your own debt and are even tax deductible. All increases in the value of the property will directly benefit you and your business.

People often have the perception that it is cheaper to pay rent than it is to pay a mortgage. You may be very surprised to find that the amount you are presently paying for rent would be very close to the amount you could be paying as your mortgage. The hurdle for most would be buyers is not the monthly mortgage payments, but the initial outlay of cash, the deposit.

There are options that are available should you encounter difficulty in paying your mortgage. If you have additional space, subject to the terms of your mortgage you have the option of becoming a landlord yourself. Rent out any extra or unused space in your building. You can also look at the option of refinancing your mortgage.

Owning your commercial property gives you the ability and the flexibility to customise your space to best suit the needs of your business. You will no longer have to be guided by the rules or stipulations of a landlord. You can do what is best for the efficiency and increased productivity of your establishment.

Once you have decided to buy, look around to determine the best kind of premises to facilitate what you do. Location and space are important features to look for. You need sufficient space for your activities. The location can make or break your company.

To look at the different locations of commercial Southport property visit NetMovers.

Sam Jones writes for Netmovers Commercial & Residential Departments. You can find him on Google Plus here.

All About Cycling in London

The main roads in London are more often than not extremely busy, congested, host heavy, fast moving traffic and remain a serious point of concern amongst both politicians and the general public. Despite measures to combat the dangers these conditions pose, cycling accidents London has become renowned for are on the increase. Many London roads are lined with guard rail; however fatalities have occurred when cyclists have been forced against the barrier.

The London Cycling Boom

Since the dawn of the 21st century, London has experienced growth in cycling. The number of journeys made by bike doubled between 2000 and 2012, and looks set to grow further, as more of the population take to their bikes in an effort to stay fit, reduce pollution and reduce commute time.

In January 2013, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, appointed London a Cycling Commissioner, a revolutionary move made to increase the popularity of cycling as a mode of transport and to make the roads safer. In 2013 Transport for London produced the Central London Grid, a map of cycle routes across London. This was well received by the cycling population in and around London.

Cyclist Fatalities in London

Despite these measures, November 2013 saw a tragic spate of cyclist fatalities. This of course, prompted widespread speculation as to the effectiveness of the Central London Grid and the quality of the measures introduced by the Cycling Commissioner. Protests were held calling for the swift implementation of safety improvements for cyclists, and for the media to join in the movement to make London’s roads safer for cyclists. ‘Operation Safeway’ was rolled out; 2500 traffic police officers were stationed across London at major road junctions. Their role was to issue fixed penalty notices to people using the roads in contravention of road traffic laws. They also gave advice to road users, focusing on vulnerable users and advising them of safe codes of conduct.

In response to the deaths, Boris Johnson stated in a radio interview that cyclists were in some respects to blame for improper use of the roads, endangering themselves by not adhering to the rules of the road. This caused outcry and the assertion that he was deflecting responsibility he bore to London, to improve the conditions for cyclists.

London, Bikes and Convenience

Full size bikes are prohibited on London’s public transport, during peak travel times; likewise on National Rail Services. Outside of these times however, it is possible and indeed much practiced for cyclists to dismount and complete their journey via public transport.

Cycle lanes have been introduced to many London roads, although remain inconsistent depending on location. Some of them have raised curbs, others painted white lines on the road surface. Paths have also been designated specifically to accommodate cyclists, alongside rivers, through parks and common areas, and these stipulate their own usage rules.

Guard rails have also been installed on various London roads, although fatalities have occurred during peak times when a cyclist has been crushed against the barrier put in place to protect them.

Carry on Cycling can help you with your claim, get in touch today.

Sarah Mcarthy is a writer for Carry on Cycling. You can find her on Google Plus here.

International Legal Studies Externship Clinic

Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia Community Legal  Education Initiative (BABSEA CLE) has opened an externship program and is now accepting applications.

International Legal Studies Externship Clinic offers interns a "hands-on" opportunity to make a real contribution helping people achieve access to justice in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia while being involved in a remarkable experience of living and working in the Southeast Asia region.

The 2014 International Legal Studies Externship Clinic is now accepting applications for the following periods:

Beginning May 26, 2014 and running through August 8, 2014*

Early application deadline: January 15, 2014**

Application deadline: March 21, 2014

Beginning December 1, 2014 and running through January 23, 2015*

Early application deadline: August 1, 2014***

Application deadline: September 30, 2014

*Dates may be flexible depending on the needs of the intern, BABSEA CLE and our partners who we work with.

**To be considered for early application for May - August 2014, a non-refundable $200 deposit must be sent along with a completed application. Please note that early applicants will receive a $200 discount from the total clinic cost.

***To be considered for early application for December 2014 - January 2015, a non-refundable $200 deposit must be sent along with a completed application. Please note that early applicants will receive a $150 discount from the total clinic cost.

Many interns are law and legal studies related students but the clinic is not limited to students studying in this field and is open to non-law students, people who have already graduated, and many who are professionally working.

Participation in the clinic is by competitive application. Applicants are invited to indicate their preference for a full time internship in Thailand or participate in a split internship between Thailand and another externship placement country. Please note that while such requests for split or full time placements are considered, placement options are not guaranteed and BABSEA CLE will make the final placement decision.

Clinic Costs:

USD $2,800 May 26, 2014 & running through August 8,  2014

USD $2,350 December 1, 2014 & running through January 23,  2015

For more information about this program, please visit.this link: http://www.babseacle.org/articles/babsea-cle-legal-studies-international-externship-clinic-application-details-and-deadlines/.

2014 Bar Bulletin No. 1

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has issued 2014 Bar Bulletin No. 1: Syllabus for 2014 Bar Examinations.

• Political Law
• Labor Law
• Civil Law
• Taxation
• Mercantile Law
• Criminal Law
• Remedial Law
• Legal and Judicial Ethics

Boxing Scholarships in the Age of Recreational Boxing

A four-year college degree does not need to be in process in order for individuals to seek out and receive a scholarship. According to allpro, scholarships exist for almost any vocational trade, any personal or professional certification, new business developments, and even for paying down personal debt! Many of us have heard at some point that millions of scholarship dollars go unclaimed each year. However, the follow up question is always, "Well, where do I find them?" Scholarships exist everywhere and for various reasons. Individuals interested in pursuing sports that are typically considered recreational don't always need to pay out of pocket for their specialized training sessions and other required advancement classes. Boxing, is a prime example. Below are a list of scholarships for those interested in pursuing boxing and a brief description about them:

1. The USA Boxing Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship typically has a deadline of mid-September. In the past, the foundation has awarded two trade school awards of $2,000 each; 7 undergraduate awards for $3,000 each; and 2 graduate level awards for $2,500 each. Check out the website at www.teamusa.org for more information.

2. The United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association

The Ira Mitzner scholarship is a 10,000 scholarship provided to a student in honor of Mr. Mitzner who shows their love and dedication to the sport. Although, it is one scholarship granted, it is a major scholarship that is widely recognized and highly regarded by the association and its club member organizations. For more details go to www.collegeboxing.org

3. The Thomas "Sarge" Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship offered by the US Amateur boxing foundation provides scholarships that are not restricted to an individual seeking a four-year degree. 11 scholarships are given to eligible applicants. The foundation awards two awards of $2,000 for trade school applicants, seven awards of $3,000 for undergraduate program applicants and two awards of $2,500 for graduate school applicants. The deadline for this scholarship is also typically the middle of September of each year. For more information connect to the website at www.boxingfoundation.org

4. The American Association for the Improvement of Boxing

There are two different types of scholarships offered through this association. One is geared towards the high school senior who is looking to attend college and the other is targeted towards those current or former amateur boxers who are interested in attending college. This scholarship for current or former amateurs provides an award of up to 8,000. Check out the association website at www.aaib.org for more information.  

Although, boxing scholarships are not as common, there are still some out there. The decline took effect when colleges stopped having their own boxing teams. However, locating a few boxing scholarship is just a matter of searching below all those unclaimed scholarships and getting down to the one you are most interested in going after. It is also important to sometimes contact the organizations and associations directly to inquire about scholarships that may not be listed on their sites. These organizations may also have new scholarship opportunities that are not yet publicly listed. Going the  extra mile in researching within networks that are already connected to the boxing world are ideal for maximizing the best options in securing a scholarship.

Student Loan Consolidation

Now that you have been accepted to college and have secured the loans to make your academic dream a reality, it’s time to…start worrying?

One minute you are an eager, hopeful freshman experiencing a whole new world and the next minute, you are a college graduate looking for a job. Oh, and swimming in student loan debt. And, don’t forget working two jobs just to make ends meet.

Can we just rewind to the eager, hopeful freshman and start over?

Along with that framed college degree often comes a lifetime of financial stress. Instead of losing sleep and swallowing antacids, there are options to help young people get out of student loan purgatory.

Student loan consolidation provides a chance to lower monthly payments and ensure that they are made in a timely manner. Not only does this free people up to actually answer their phones and go to the mailbox without fear, student loan consolidation helps to improve a person’s credit.

Poor credit when you’re young can leave a permanent scar on your financial future. Here is a look at some of the steps to take if you are struggling with student loans and want to free up creditors to pursue someone else:

Talk to your creditors
If student loan payments are becoming a monthly challenge, try talking to your creditors about the situation. People in debt often make the mistake of not answering the phone or ignoring letters from creditors regarding their loans.

Instead of sticking your head in the financial sand, try calling your creditors and explaining your student loan payment challenges. Calling creditors may not solve your problem, but it might. You never know until you make the call.

Creditors will sometimes move payment dates or try to find other payment relief measures to help borrowers. After all, a lending institution would rather have some form of payment than to have to write off a loan because of default.

Consider student loan consolidation
When your monthly payments are becoming such a burden that you are having difficulty making them, student loan consolidation is a viable option.

Student loan consolidation can eliminate multiple payments and can result in one monthly payment that is more manageable. If you have Federal student loans, contact www.studentloans.gov to find out about your student loan consolidation options.

For private loans, student loan consolidation should start with a search of lending institutions that offer this service. Not all banks offer student loan consolidation, so find institutions that do and contact them to shop for the best deal.

Every bank handles student loan consolidation differently. Be sure to ask questions like these before pursuing student loan consolidation from a private bank:

• What kind of interest rates do you offer for student loan consolidation?
• Are there any fees associated with student loan consolidation?
• Are there minimum credit score requirements for student loan consolidation?
• Is my college eligible for consolidation with your bank?
• What types of repayment terms do you offer for consolidation?

Many young people struggle to meet their student loan payments immediately after college before they are able to find a job. Others encounter unforeseeable hardships that make it difficult to pay back student loans.

To learn more about your options, explore student loan consolidation with CommonBond.

Laws that Govern Legal PR in the UK

The laws that govern legal PR in the UK are very similar in nature to the laws that govern most professional organisations and entities. They address issues such as fair play, morality, ethical behaviour, and the level of professional standards that should be adhered to at all times. The basis of these laws is embodied in the time honoured principles of integrity, competence, and confidentiality.

These customs and practices have been used to ensure the highest levels of business conduct in the legal public relations fraternity for many years. They describe not only the best practices and procedures, but provide an outline and guideline for the conduct of all its members under penalty of law.

Public relations practitioners are governed by the same principles of law that address the rest of society. They can be charged and convicted in a court of law for illegal activities. If their actions support, lead, or contribute to them on issues such as libel, slander, and defamation of character. In looking out for the best interests of those they represent, legal PR’s must also respect the legal rights of other members of the public.

Statements that are false in nature and result in the ridicule, hatred, contempt, and damage to an individual’s reputation can be construed as defamation. Once it is spoken, it constitutes slander and the written form libel. The law makes no distinction between the mediums used for defamation. Whether it occurs in the broadcast or print media.

In the case of libel, the wisest course of action is to always double check your facts and always accompany statements, opinions, and pronouncements with the facts that can support your stance. PR practitioners are entitled to their own opinions. They can voice their opinions just as any other member of the society. However, when making pronouncements of opinion, responsible behaviour dictates that they should always be highlighted and noted that they are the opinions of the author.

Other important areas of laws that govern legal PR in the UK have to do with copyright laws and trademark laws. Material that is copyrighted needs the permission of the author for its use. Copyright laws govern the use of copyrighted materials and protects work that the firm produces by copyrighting it. This prevents unauthorized use of the firm’s work. For example, press releases, publications, and other materials, which includes music, films, and photos.

Trademarks are used to protect images and names by registering them. It is very important to avoid any hint of impropriety when dealing with products that are trademarked. This is also an important tool for PR practitioners in the legal fraternity who spend so much time building and cultivating images and perceptions. Trademarks should be used wisely and judiciously to protect the hard earned reputation of firms. Trademarks are an important aspect of the laws that govern legal PR in the UK.

Visit Blackletter PR to receive advice on creating your next legal ad campaign.

Check out The Drum for updated information on media and marketing.

Jeremy Peters is a writer who specialises in Legal PR. Working for Black Letter PR and other clients. You can find him on Google Plus. Please add him to your circles.