When this Jaguar XF arrives in the States next year, no one will ask, “Is that the new Jag?” But the 2016 XF is entirely new, it just doesn’t look as new as it is. When the XF first debuted in late 2007, it broke Jaguar sedans away from the old-world aesthetic they’d been mining since the 1960s. Gone were the four round headlights, the lavish chrome, and the slavish devotion to the British firm’s heyday. It was the new Jaguar. We were so smitten by the XF’s design and dynamics that we put it on our 10Best list in 2009. As the first modern Jaguar you could drive without looking like you’d borrowed your great uncle’s car, its rejection of retro design made it possible for the rest of the Jaguar lineup to shake some of the design vestiges of the 1950s and ’60s. But as the XF enters its second generation, it has emerged looking a lot like its predecessor, which is now an old Jaguar. Even if it doesn’t advance Jaguar design like its predecessor, the 2016 XF is still a damn good sequel. Its shape retains the aggression you expect of a brand named after a predatory cat. The XF isn’t likely to become the avatar of the gray-haired, but rather the gray-templed. Despite looking like the old XF, no sheetmetal is shared. “A few screws are all that we kept,” says Mike Bradley, senior launch manager. Put old and new next to each other and the new car’s nose appears more blunt, the side glass more upright, and the tail longer. The added length is simply a visual trick, though, as the XF is about the same size as before. The new platform offers two inches of extra wheelbase, but the car is a fraction of an inch shorter overall and lower. In the wind tunnel, the new car’s body is more slippery, boasting a claimed 0.26 Cd to the old car’s 0.29. Aluminum Everywhere Look underneath the bodywork, and it’s likely you’ll be eyeing a piece of aluminum. The XF’s aging Ford architecture that dated back to the Lincoln LS and the baroque Jaguar S-type is dead and buried. Aside from the doors, the trunklid, and the rear floorpan, the XF’s architecture is made up of bonded and riveted aluminum castings, extrusions, and stampings. The new platform is shared with the smaller XE, but according to Jaguar, only 20 percent of the XF is shared with the XE. What we find curious is that the doors and trunklid are steel. Saving weight by making door skins and trunklids out of aluminum is a relatively easy and obvious way to shave pounds. So why are the doors and trunklid steel? “It’s done to improve weight distribution,” says Bradley. There is a bit more steel hidden away in the XF. For example, behind the stamped B-pillar is a high-strength-steel insert that bolsters rigidity and improves side-impact crashworthiness. A cast-magnesium crossbar hides behind the instrument panel and another cast-magnesium piece ties together the front structure. In all, the XF’s unibody is said to consist of 75 percent aluminum and be 28 percent more rigid. In all-wheel-drive V-6 guise, the car will weigh 265 pounds less than before, which would put it at about 4150 pounds. (The last supercharged AWD XF we weighed came in at 4385.) Powering Up When the XF goes on sale next year, the available engine will be the current XF’s 3.0-liter supercharged V-6. In base versions, the 60-degree V-6 again inhales from a twin-vortex supercharger, has its thirst slaked via direct fuel injection, and turns out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This model, dubbed the XF 35t, will start at $52,895, a price drop of about $5000 from last year’s V-6 XF. A 380-hp version of the same V-6 (as seen in the F-type) will be available, too. The extra power is due to zeros and ones and not any physical differences—the engine is mechanically identical to the 340-horse version. Jaguar didn’t reveal what the 380-hp option will cost in the 35t, but the sportier XF S with the higher-output six will start at $63,695. All-wheel drive will be optional. The rear-biased all-wheel-drive system is similar to its predecessor and can send power forward on demand, but the transfer case now has a chain drive instead of gears. Quiet operation is said to be the major advantage of the chain, but it’s also 16 percent lighter and 10 percent more efficient. Moving Out Over the road, the XF is quiet, even with the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel that Jaguar had us sample first. A cold start did make us think that it might be powered by a vibrating iPhone, but once warm and on the road its NVH lessened considerably. This diesel is part of Jaguar’s in-house-engineered Ingenium engine family. When the diesel arrives in the States in the middle of 2016, it will have 180 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque and may surpass 40 mpg on the highway. Jaguar hasn’t announced pricing for the diesel, but it did promise that it will start at less than $50,000. We also experienced the supercharged V-6s that will go on sale first. We drove both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions in the 380-hp tune. Equipped with a balance shaft, the V-6 doesn’t make much noise, even as it spins right past its 6000-rpm redline and hits its governor near 7000 rpm. There’s a mellow rumble from the engine but no supercharger whine. The eight-speed automatic transmission snaps off shifts quickly and with ease. In Jaguar’s estimation, an all-wheel-drive 380-hp V-6 will run from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds; we figure it’ll be a bit quicker. In our last test of a 340-hp 2015 XF with AWD, we managed a zero-to-60 time of 5.3 seconds. When asked about the possibility of V-8 versions, Jaguar reps smirked, but they aren’t ready to confirm anything. Some of what the XF shares with the new XE is in the chassis. The independent rear suspension, made mostly of aluminum, comes from the XE. In front, the double wishbone is an adapted version of what’s in the F-type. Two suspension setups will be offered, a standard version with conventional shocks and an optional one with electronic shocks that can adjust damping on their own or via driver input. The roads in Spain where we sampled the cars are glassy smooth, the country apparently having spent its last Euro on road construction, so it’s difficult to judge the ride quality. On these roads the XF is taut but never harsh. Body control is excellent and the XF drives smaller and feels lighter than the German cars in its class. The electric power steering comes across as light, but it imparts a sense of liveliness. While our European-market test cars were equipped with summer tires, American versions will get all-season rubber that likely will reduce grip and steering feel, but we’ll have to wait and see. It is theoretically possible to order summer tires for the XF, but Jaguar reps tell us it’ll be a special-order situation. Inside the Shell Like the exterior, the interior of the XF is a modernization of the themes established by its predecessor. The air vents still open like miniature garage doors; the gear selector is still a small dial that rises when you push the start button. In the center of the instrument panel is a large touch screen that features Jaguar’s latest infotainment system, InControl. On the standard version, phone, audio, and navigation functions, as well as the home screen, have a button for quick access. Once within the system though, there are no redundant controls, so you have to tap the screen to enter a point of interest into the navigation system or tune in a radio station. Response time is good, but it would take some getting used to before we were comfortable using it in traffic. Below the big touch screen are actual buttons that manage the climate-control system. We’d rather have volume and tuning knobs than HVAC buttons. Some audio functions can be controlled via the steering-wheel buttons, but we adjust the radio far more often than the climate control. An InTouch Pro system with greater functionality will be optional. The Pro version features a larger screen that doesn’t have buttons, but the main screen can be personalized so that the functions you use most are immediately accessible. Opting for InTouch Pro also replaces the mechanical gauges in the cluster with a large configurable TFT screen that can display a large map from the navigation system, and it can show several different gauges that mimic mechanical gauges. Switch the car to Dynamic mode and the speedo and tachometer trade places, with the tach taking center stage. In-car Wi-Fi will be available and the XF also will feature an app that allows the owner to monitor their car’s mileage, whereabouts, and fuel level. The app will also allow you to start the car, set the interior temperature, turn on the heated or cooled seats, and lock and unlock the doors. Tesla and other manufacturers have offered these capabilities for a couple of years, but they’re new to Jaguar. Without a formal comparison test, and without driving the finalized U.S. version, we’re not quite ready to lock in the XF’s position in the mid-size luxury-sedan segment. But we can say that the new XF feels more lithe, involving, and playful than the usual suspects from Germany (the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, and the Mercedes-Benz E-class). While it isn’t as aggressive as the sports-car-aping Cadillac CTS Vsport, and its primary controls lack the dogged alertness of the Cadillac’s, it’s not far off. It does have a more pleasing interior than the CTS, and the Jag's supercharged V-6 is smoother than, if not as powerful as, the American car’s twin-turbo six. But this is just the first version of the new XF. Sportier and more powerful versions are undoubtedly on the drawing board.

Mazda revealed the all-new Mazda CX-3 to the world at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new crossover SUV is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles to feature the full suite of the company’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology along with a stylish KODO – Soul of Motion design. With the global market launch set for Japan in spring 2015, the CX-3 is set to become a core member of Mazda’s model line-up. Click here for our detailed coverage of the LA Motor Show>>> European models will have a choice of three engines: the petrol SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre in two power versions and the new SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre clean diesel. Six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic and SKYACTIV-MT manual transmissions will be offered either in front-wheel drive format or with Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel drive system. The all-new Mazda CX-3 will feature Mazda’s latest i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems as well as superb passive protection from its lightweight yet stiff SKYACTIV-Body. Suited to the needs of a modern market, it also offers a generous infotainment package including the MZD Connect in-car connectivity system. The Mazda CX-3 will be on display throughout the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show along with the all-new Mazda MX-5, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the 2015 Mazda6, which are also making their debuts. The show is open to the public from 21-30 November. What do you think of the new Mazda CX-3 crossover SUV? Share your thoughts and opinions with us through comments below.

Hyundais, they’ve come a long way. From being the butt of jokes in the West, today’s Kia/Hyundai range of cars are winning accolades and topping sales charts across the world. On that note then, a ravishing concept from the Korean manufacturer appears. This is the Hyundai HCD-16 Vision G Coupe Concept, and has been unveiled at a media event at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art, before its public unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this weekend.

Vision G Coupe Concept


The Vision G is a large grand tourer, has a coupe bodystyle with a “slingshot-like” profile, seats four and features styling that is “purposefully understated”. Hyundai insists that the design has a “chivalrous” theme going around it, with the car not having to stylistically shout to get noticed and respected. The Vision G Concept was designed in California, US, with the design team led by Christopher Chapman.

Vision G Coupe Concept

The insides are sumptuously appointed, with quilted ivory leather upholstery, golden accents and fine wood overlays. When the driver approaches the Vision-G, the doors automatically open, as if by a valet. Hyundai calls the “valet door” feature. The HCD-16 in the nomenclature represents Hyundai California Design center, and the number 16 denoting the 16th concept to come out of that facility.

Vision G Coupe Concept

The Vision G is powered by Hyundai’s 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which produces 420 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 519 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Like the brand’s flagship Genesis sedan which also employs the same engine, the Vision G does away with conventional Hyundai badges, and gets winged Genesis badges, both inside and outside. The Vision G gives a fairly accurate representation of what a Genesis with two doors and more panache could look like.

It’s a bit of a mind bender this. You’re probably wondering what the hell is going on here. Well, the digital realm knows no boundaries, so one of India’s most popular cars in recent times just played the core of a premium brand’s entry level model in Photoshop. ‘Automotive Manipulator’ Theophilus Chin has imagined what a sub-Evoque, Range Rover SUV could look like; and he chose the Hyundai Creta as the base for what will essentially be Land Rover’s cheapest.

Most of the bodywork from the Creta has been shaved off, and digitally re grafted with Range Rover Sport elements; apart from the glasshouse and the roof. The front end is straight off the RR Sport, with a few tweaks to accommodate itself into the Creta’s volume. Range Rover or Land Rover branding above the grille would have sealed the deal. The rear view mirrors also come off a Range Rover, we believe.

Hyundai Creta Land Rover Render (2)

The sides also have a distinct Range Rover touch, with Evoque like wheel arch trim and a waistline that emanates from the front fender. A rear quarter window has been added, which gets a prominent kink at the bottom. New alloy wheels come off the new Discovery Sport. The back end of this automotive anomaly seems like the new Range Rover Sport rear ended into a Creta, while some wittiness has gone into making those Creta-Range Rover hybrid tail lamps. The roof rails and “shark fin” rear antenna are still retained from the Hyundai though.

A sub-Evoque Range Rover, if it happens at all, will draw swords against the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class It’ll be an interesting car, but won’t look anything like the renders above, which is just some good food for thought.

Hyundai has introduced an Audio Video Navigation System in the Elite i20 Asta (O) and i20 Active SX models. The system features a large 17.78cms (7”) Touch Screen with pre-loaded Maps, satellite-based voice guided navigation, rear camera display and other in-car entertainment and connectivity features.

The system comes with Bluetooth Connectivity that lets the user sync their phone with it and implement functions on screen including dialing, answering and sync their music. The built-in navigation features intuitive and suggestive keyboard allows the user to search locations and helps to reach their destination conveniently. It also imbibes pre-saved routes for easy access.

Using the multimedia’s touch screen and paired compatible Bluetooth mobile phone, one can browse contacts, place calls and even navigate to contacts’ addresses all without touching the phone.

The Buddh International Circuit makes a fitting location to thrash out Yamaha's potent new, twin-cylinder 300, the YZF-R3. The Japanese company shook the Indian sportsbike scene with its YZF-R15 a few years back, bringing with it a rich pool of bike technology at the time – fuel-injection, liquid-cooling, four valves per cylinder, a steel spar perimeter frame, six-speed gearbox and a lot more. The bike maker has already upped that game with the V2.0, making the R15 sharper, and adding premium bits including an alloy swingarm, which makes now the right time to introduce Indians to a whole new next level, the R3, a serious Ninja 300 challenger.


You can see the R3 lives up to its rich YZF lineage, looking racy, faired and ready to attack a race track. Where Honda's CBR bikes seem to look tamer today, the YZFs are getting sharper, sleeker and a touch wilder looking. The R3's steeply raked front fascia stares ahead with a macho, twin-light 'don't mess with me' air. The visor bubble is smartly integrated, easy to peer through and works well on track to provide excellent wind protection. Instrumentation is smart and modern with all essential information prominently displayed on a soothingly lit backdrop, and the R3 comes with all the high-quality feel you can take for granted on any Yamaha bike in India.

Grips offer top-notch, plush feel, and the switches, though little used at Buddh, are crisp, and smooth to operate. The levers are easy on your fingers and mirrors solid feeling, and easy to adjust. As with all track-focussed sportsbikes, the R3 comes with a forward biased riding position, that worked perfectly at the fast, flowing Buddh track but isn't overly aggressive for regular street use either.

Since the advent of democracy in 1976, Spanish politics has been dominated by the two largest parties: the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) socialist party and right-wing Partido Popular (PP) party. In the 2011 national, regional, and local elections, the PSOE—in power since 2004—was handed widespread defeats, giving the opposition right PP outright majorities in 8 of the 13 regions that were up for grabs, and, nationally, installing PP party leader Mariano Rajoy as prime minister.

The electorate soured on the austerity measures the PSOE had adopted to cope with the country's considerable economic problems—not the least of them the highest unemployment rate in the euro zone—but the PP government has taken many measures even further: It raised income taxes, introduced labor reforms that make it easier for employers to fire workers, weakened the system of collective bargaining (thus lowering wages), and reduced both the numbers and salaries of public-sector, public-health, and education employees. The months following the election turned the spotlight on the indignados—the “indignant ones”—who gathered in Occupy Wall Street–style protests against the cutbacks in major cities nationwide; demonstrations have continued sporadically since then.

An important element of PP policy is its opposition to any further devolution of powers to Spain’s autonomous regions, which are responsible for their own education, welfare, and health care budgets—and where chronic borrowing and overspending have contributed significantly to the nation’s economic crises. Rajoy’s determined centralism has only added fuel to separatist sentiments, especially in Catalonia, where parties advocating outright independence won the regional elections in late 2012. In 2013, the regional parliament set the date for an independence referendum in 2015, although this is unlikely to go ahead because it’s unconstitutional.

THE ECONOMY
The introduction of the euro in January 2002 brought about a major change in Spain's economy, as shopkeepers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and real estate agents all rounded prices up in an attempt to make the most of the changeover from the old currency, and the country became markedly more expensive. This did little to harm Spain's immense tourism machine, at least until the recession began to take its toll in 2009. A weaker euro and an improvement in global economic conditions brought the hospitality industry bouncing back in 2012 and 2013; this reflected, in some measure, a return on the government's €1.5 billion loan to "de-seasonalize" the industry (reducing its dependence on the summer beach-bound holiday market) and expand both the eco-friendly and the upscale cultural components of the Spanish travel experience. With the economy staging a slow recovery (the economy shrank by some 1.2% in 2013), tourism remains a bright spot: Spain's 60-million-plus visitors contribute around 12% annually to the country's GDP.

RELIGION
The state-funded Catholic Church, closely tied to the right-wing PP and with the national Cadena Cope radio station as its voice, continues to hold considerable social and political influence in Spain, with members of secretive groups such as Opus Dei and the Legionarios de Cristo holding key government and industry positions.

Despite the church's influence, at street level Spain has become a secular country, as demonstrated by the fact that 70% of Spaniards supported the decidedly un-Catholic 2005 law allowing gay marriage. And although more than 75% of the population claims to be Catholic—attendance at Mass has been bolstered over the last decade by strongly Catholic South American and Eastern European immigrants—less than 20% go to church on a regular basis.

More than 1 million Muslims reside in Spain, making Islam the country's second-largest religion.

THE ARTS
Spain's devotion to the arts is clearly shown by the attention, both national and international, paid to its annual Principe de Asturias prize, where Prince Felipe hands out accolades to international high achievers such as Philip Roth and Annie Leibovitz, and to homegrown talent such as the golfer José María Olazábal and writer Antonio Muñoz Molina, who has taught at the City University of New York.

Film is at the forefront of the Spanish arts scene. Acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar notched another triumph in 2013 with his comic take on air travel in I’m So Excited!, starring Spanish leads Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz (who also teamed up with her husband, Javier Bardem, under the direction of Ridley Scott for The Counselor).

In contrast, Spanish music continues to be a rather local affair, though the summer festival scene, including the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim and WOMAD (World of Music and Dance), serves up top names to revelers who come from all over Europe to soak up music in the sun.

While authors such as Miguel Delibes, Rosa Montero, and Maruja Torres flourish in Spain, few break onto the international scene, with the exception of Arturo Pérez Reverte, whose books include Captain Alatriste and The Fencing Master, and Carlos Ruiz Zafón, author of the acclaimed Shadow of the Wind, The Angel’s Game, and Prisoner of Heaven. Spain's contribution to the fine arts is still dominated by three names: the Mallorca-born artist Miquel Barceló; the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, who died in 2002; and the Catalan abstract painter Antoni Tàpies, who died in 2012.

SPORTS
With Real Madrid and FC Barcelona firmly established as international brands, and La Liga recognized as one of the world's most exciting leagues, soccer remains the nation's favorite sport. The national soccer team, known as La Roja ("The Red One"), is the only team in the world to have won the European Cup twice and the World Cup in succession. La Roja was a serious contender for its second successive World Cup in summer 2014, but was eliminated early in the group stages. After fútbol, what rivets the Spanish fan's attention are cycling, tennis, basketball, and motorcycle racing. Alberto Contador, who won the 2012 Vuelta de España; Rafael Nadal, the first tennis player to hold Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hard court; brothers Pau and Marc Gasol, who play for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies respectively; and Marc Márquez who in 2013 was the youngest winner ever of MotoGP, are national heroes.

Iceland is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the planet. It is a land of dazzling white glaciers and black sands, blue hot springs, rugged lava fields, and green, green valleys. This North Atlantic island offers insight into the ferocious powers of nature, ranging from the still-warm lava from the 1973 Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) and the 2000 Mt. Hekla volcanic eruptions to the chilling splendor of the Vatnajökull Glacier.

Iceland was settled by Vikings with strong Celtic elements in the late 9th century. Tradition has it that the first Norse settlers arrived in AD 874, but there is some evidence that Irish monks landed even earlier. Icelanders today speak a language remarkably similar to the ancient Viking tongue in which the sagas were recorded in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Norse settlers brought to the island sturdy horses, robust cattle, and Celtic slaves. Perhaps Irish tales of the supernatural inspired Iceland's traditional lore of the huldufólk, or hidden people, said to reside in splendor in rocks, crags, caves, and lava tubes.

Iceland's near-universal literacy might be attributed to its long tradition of participatory democracy, dating from AD 930, when the first parliament met at  ingvellir. Icelandic tribal chiefs decided to join the Norwegian crown in the mid-13th century, and after many centuries under Norwegian, and later Danish, rule, Iceland finally gained full independence in 1944. Today Iceland is a modern Nordic—most find the term Scandinavian too limited—society with a well-developed social-welfare system and one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Iceland almost defies division into separate regions, thanks to its inlets and bays, thorough lacework of rivers, and complex coastline of fjords, all crowned by an unpopulated highland of glaciers and barrens. To divide the country into four compass directions is to oversimplify, but since the Icelandic national emblem (seen on the "tails" side of every local coin) depicts four legendary symbols—one for each corner of the country—the number is not totally arbitrary.

Reykjavík is the logical starting point for any visit to Iceland, before venturing out into the countryside, where rainbow-arched waterfalls cleave mountains with great spiked ridges and snowcapped peaks. You can climb mountains, ford rivers, watch birds, catch trout or salmon, even tend sheep and cattle at a typical Icelandic farm. The west is an expansive section of rugged fjords and lush valleys, starting just north of Reykjavík and extending all the way up to the extreme northwest. The north is a region of long, sometimes broad valleys and fingerlike peninsulas reaching toward the Arctic Circle. The east has fertile farmlands, the country's largest forest, and its share of smaller fjords. Iceland's south stretches from the lowest eastern fjords, essentially all the way west to the capital's outskirts. It encompasses rich piedmont farmland and wide, sandy coastal and glacial plains. Powerful rivers drain the area, carved with impressive waterfalls. The national parks of Skaftafell and  ingvellir are here, as well as the nation's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur.

If you’ve ever traveled on a commercial jet, you probably know to avoid picking the middle seat in a row of three. If you purchase a last-minute ticket or you didn’t select a seat before check-in, you might not have any other choice but to sit between two strangers on a long transcontinental flight, but assuming you do have your pick of where to sit, it’s worth spending a few minutes to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

An air carrier’s seat map may highlight certain rows as having additional legroom or a missing seat in front, but airlines typically leave out a few critical details that can mean the difference between a decent flight and a miserable one. Take the row just behind a bathroom for example, or one adjacent to the galley, where chatty flight attendants tend to gather between beverage services on a redeye. You don’t want to end up in either, but without some input from passengers who have traveled on the same aircraft type in the past, it can be tricky to know which seat to pick.

Sites like SeatExpert and TripAdvisor’s SeatGuru take the guesswork out of selecting an ideal seat. Both sites display similar results, but it’s worth dropping by both SeatExpert and SeatGuru before you pick a seat for any upcoming flight. SeatExpert lets you locate the aircraft type using your airline name, flight number, and date of departure, making the process a bit more straightforward for novice seat pickers. If you’re already familiar with your carrier’s fleet (you know a Boeing 737-900 from a 737-800, for example) SeatGuru is probably your best bet.

To get started with SeatExpert, enter your flight details and click “Find your Seat.” If all goes well, a detailed aircraft layout will pop up, with seats colored green (a good seat), yellow (less than ideal), orange (worth avoiding), and red (avoid at all costs). White seats are average, and if you end up there, you should be just fine. Naturally, you’ll have the best experience in a green seat, which typically offer more privacy or additional legroom. Red seats, at the other end of the spectrum, are often located near galleys or lavatories, and may lack a window, floor storage, and a normal amount of legroom.

SeatGuru includes additional info, such as a list of in-flight amenities and reviews from people who have traveled on that aircraft type, along with green, yellow, and red color-coding for great, poor, and terrible seats. You’ll find a bit more detail with select seats as well — for example, the seat map for United’s 787-800 (Dreamliner) makes it clear that seat 27L has restricted legroom, a tiny window, and a tray table in the armrest, giving you less space to sit. 16L, meanwhile, has heaps of extra legroom thanks to its bulkhead position behind the business-class cabin, though you won’t have space to store belongings below the seat in front.

Airlines have caught on to the demand for better seats, of course, labeling preferred rows as “Economy Plus” or “Main Cabin Extra” and charging a premium for a more spacious seat. Oftentimes these roomier rows are located in the front near the restrooms and baby basinet locations, however, so even though an airline may charge the same premium for two seats with comparable legroom, you may still have a better (or worse) experience in one location than another. Just as you might not get a better return when you blindly purchase a higher fare or a more expensive bottle of wine, the same applies to pricier seats.

Some seats are better than others in premium cabins as well. Just as you do in coach, you’ll want to avoid seats near the lavatory or galley while seated in business or first class. An expensive flat-bed seat will only go so far when the flight attendants are clanging dishes and silverware after the meal service or blabbering away on an overnight flight. If you want to have the best experience, be sure to review your aircraft seating plan thoroughly before you board the plane, and keep an eye on the seat map after you check in—passengers may change flights or get upgraded to first class, opening up better seats just before departure.

There are travelers and there are “super travelers,” the savvy ones who are constantly booking new flights and always on the go. These are the frequent flyers who use priority lanes, know exactly which seat to book on each type of aircraft, and essentially feel at home in an airport. For those already at that level, or anyone aspiring to get there, this list will help you reach that super status.

GLOBAL WI-FI: XCOM GLOBAL
Xcom Global

When traveling internationally, it’s easy to rack up cell phone charges. Instead of paying your wireless carrier to use data while overseas, Xcom Global will rent you a personal wireless hotspot that conveniently fits in your pocket or bag. You can order online, and the personal device is shipped directly to your home or business along with a prepaid return label. Rates are reasonable, and the device will provide hours of Internet access and save you on cell phone bills in the long term.

EXTRA BATTERY LIFE: JACKERY
Jackery

Cell phones and personal tablets have become part of our daily routines, and one of the worst feelings is when your device dies. With a wide range of battery backups, frequent travelers need something that won’t lose charge after one or two uses. Jackery offers that and comes in different sizes and styles. The extra weight in your carryon will be worth recharging multiple times.

SKIP THE LINES: GLOBAL ENTRY


When flying international, coming home is usually a strenuous process, as the lines can be long and tedious. With a fast application and interview process, Global Entry provides travelers with a speedier re-entry into the country with a quick scan and no lines.

LOUNGE IT UP: PRIORITY PASS
Priority Pass

The airport doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the purchase of Priority Pass, you can gain access to hundreds of lounges in airports around the world. It doesn’t matter what airline or frequent flyer program you are associated with, Priority Pass will provide you entrance, and with a convenient app for smart phones that offers all the possible options in each airport, it saves time and allows for that extra relaxation period before your flight.

WORK ABOVE THE CLOUDS: GOGO INFLIGHT PASS
Gogo Inflight Pass

Flying domestic? There is no excuse for not working while flying with Gogo Inflight Internet. You can save some money by purchasing a monthly or yearly package, so each time the plane reaches a cruising altitude, you can simply log in and start surfing, working, or playing.

HASSLE FREE LUGGAGE: LUGGAGE FREE
Luggage Free

If you are traveling to multiple destinations for extended periods of time, don’t drag your luggage around with you from place to place. Luggage Free will pick up your bags from your hotel and have them waiting for you at your final destination, saving time and alleviating the stress of baggage claims.

THE PERFECT PACK: BRENTHAVEN PACK
Brenthaven Broadmore

Go ahead and leave your laptop in your bag. This Brenthaven Broadmore backpack is TSA approved and when unzipped, lies flat like a tray. You just have to undo one zipper, and the scanner’s X-ray can see right through the material, allowing you to leave everything inside the bag. The multiple storage compartments and ample space permit heavy-duty packing and storing all of your gadgets.

UNPLUG: SOL REPUBLIC
Sol Republic headphones

There’s nothing worse than being confined by your headphone wires. Wireless headphones powered by Bluetooth are a great option when traveling, and they filter out all the distracting airplane noise. Sol Republic wireless headphones have a play time of approximately thirteen hours and can be taken apart easily for convenient carryon storage.

PACK IN STYLE: BRIGGS & RILEY/HOOK & ALBERT
Hook & Albert garment weekender

Super travelers know investing in good luggage is worth the price. The three-piece hard-shell Torq line by Briggs & Riley comes with a lifetime performance guarantee and is extremely lightweight while still providing that extra comfort of knowing your personal belongings are safely secured. For quick trips, the perfect weekender is a necessity. The Hook & Albert garment weekender is not only stylish, but it’s also beyond practical. The weekender unzips and unfolds into a garment bag with strategically placed compartments for easy storage.



TREAT YOURSELF: MALIN + GOETZ
Malin + Goetz travel kit

Flying can leave you looking and feeling exhausted. During your flight, take some time to wash your face or lather up on lotion. Malin + Goetz offers a starter kit and many other travel-sized products in their line. Their high quality products are used in the best hotels all around the world.

Lexus has made a break with the rest of the conventional car industry by dispensing with old-technology wheels and creating a hoverboard, similar to the one ridden by Michael J Fox’s character Marty McFly in Back to the Future 2. The Japanese car brand – the premium division of Toyota – has always been proud of its use of advances in automotive technology, such as its reliance on hybrid engines, but it has gone one step further with this latest innovation. It has worked with experts in super-conductive technology to create what it claims is one of the most advanced hoverboards yet invented. The concept is the latest project in a campaign called Amazing in Motion, which is designed to demonstrate the company’s commitment to pursuing new possibilities in advanced design and technology. The team working on the project has combined magnetic levitation technology with liquid nitrogen-cooled superconductors and permanent magnets: together, these give the hoverboard frictionless movement of a kind that had previously been thought the preserve of science fiction. Although a totally different kind of transportation, Lexus asserts that the hoverboard does in fact share design cues with the brand’s current model line-up, including its signature spindle grille. It also says that some of the same materials used in its cars are part of the hoverboard, from some of its latest technology to natural elements such as bamboo. Mark Templin, executive vice-president of Lexus International, said: “At Lexus we constantly challenge ourselves and our partners to push the boundaries of what is possible. “That determination, combined with our passion and expertise for design and innovation, is what led us to take on the hoverboard project. “It’s the perfect example of the amazing things that can be achieved when you combine technology, design and imagination.” The hoverboard prototype is being tested in Barcelona in the coming weeks prior to the campaign’s launch this summer.

An all-new version of the Volkswagen California camper van has been announced Volkswagen has announced the all-new version of its California camper van. The new California is based on the new Volkswagen Transporter and gets the more efficient engine line-up, improved equipment, a new infotainment platform and the option of adaptive suspension for the first time. It is unique in being the only factory-produced camper van on the market and more than 100,000 have found homes since the model was introduced in 1988. As before, California comes in two versions although the naming conventions have changed. The California Beach remains as an entry-level product with just a basic furniture set that converts into a bed and a pop-up elevating roof. The higher spec California SE is replaced by the California Ocean, which features a full kitchen, 42-litre fridge and automatic elevating roof. Volkswagen claim efficiency improvements of up to 15%. Engines available for the new range are set to include the 2.0TDi in a range of outputs, starting at 100bhp, and likely to include 148bhp and 177bhp versions. A 2.0TSI version will also be offered with outputs up to 200bhp. Four-wheel drive and DSG automatic versions are also to be offered. The Transporter T6 also features a Driver Alert system which detects behaviour consistent with tiredness and recommends taking a break. Brake Assist registers the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and helps ensure the most efficient braking possible is applied and the Post-Collision Braking System helps ensure safety in the event of an accident by slowing the vehicle down to prevent follow up accidents. UK prices and final specifications for the California have not yet been announced.

A boom in cycling and an accompanying rise in cyclists getting killed and injured on our roads mean we all have to be more careful when driving near them Success on the road and track by the nation’s cycling greats – along with the increased costs of public and private transport – has seen the number of cyclists on Britain’s roads explode in the last few years. Indeed, figures from the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) show that the number of cyclists on our roads has increased every year since 2008. At the same time – and perhaps not surprisingly, especially considering the voluntary (and, therefore, patchy) implementation of Bikeability, the successor to the old cycling proficiency test – road collisions involving the death or serious injury of cyclists have also increased in recent years. All drivers, but particularly those in busy or built-up areas, therefore need to be alert to the presence of cyclists and mindful of how they use the road. The Guild of Experienced Motorists (GEM) is promoting five useful tips for drivers for sharing the road with cyclists that could help create a safer environment on the road for them. First, good observation is a key skill at all times, but especially at junctions. This, combined with patience, will help ensure safer journeys for drivers and cyclists. And as drivers, we should always attempt to defuse tension, not increase it. Next, don’t get stressed when a cyclist performs a risky or illegal manoeuvre – and don’t attempt to rebuke someone whose riding behaviour offends you. It’s also not a good idea to assume that if one cyclist does something dangerous, then all cyclists do it. You should also bear in mind that cyclists are entitled to the full lane of a road, not just the extreme left part: they need to make their way around hazards such as potholes or drains, so anticipate this and give them the space they need to stay safe. It’s also important to give cyclists plenty of space when passing them – ideally as much space as you would give when overtaking another car. Try to avoid squeezing past or starting to overtake when you can’t see far enough ahead to know you can complete it safely – just as you would any other manoeuvre.

What is a hydrogen car? How much do they cost? How far can I drive one? We’ve got all the answers. What is a hydrogen car? Hydrogen cars use a fuel-cell system that generates electricity from a chemical reaction, which powers a motor to drive the wheels. They act and drive just like a normal car, but are much quieter and more refined. Hydrogen cars are still in their infancy, with only a few manufacturers adopting the new technology at this early stage. However, hydrogen is the simplest and most common element in the universe – and with zero tailpipe emissions (aside from heat and water), it makes absolute sense for cars of the future to run on this abundant natural gas. However, there are drawbacks – not least the price. The Toyota FCV – due on sale in September this year – is set to cost more than £40,000, and with no confirmed government incentives you’d have to be seriously committed to the cause to ever consider buying one. The Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, available to order now does benefit from a funding grant per vehicle, but the base price of around £53,000 is still very high. In comparison, electric-car buyers currently benefit from a £5,000 plug-in car grant – significantly reducing the initial purchase price. How far can I drive a hydrogen car? The only production-ready hydrogen-fuelled car in the UK is the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, which the manufacturer claims can travel up to 369 miles without stopping to top up. Refuelling is as simple as it is for conventional petrol or diesel cars – although the tiny number of hydrogen filling stations limits driving range for now. Other hydrogen fuel-cell cars have a longer real-world range, but haven’t been approved for production. The Toyota FCV for example, can cover 434 miles on a single tank. General Motors (the company that sells Vauxhalls in the UK) has invested in hydrogen-fuelled cars, too. The GM HydroGen4 is an SUV said to be capable of 200 miles between fill-ups, and should go on sale in the US next year. How much does hydrogen cost? A kilogramme of hydrogen currently retails for around £4. However, a suitably equipped car should be able to travel much further on a kilo of hydrogen than it can on a litre of petrol or diesel. Figures released by ITM Power, a leading British electrolyser company, show that hydrogen works out at roughly half the price per mile of diesel. Should I buy a hydrogen car? Currently, the only production-ready hydrogen-fuelled car is the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell and it’s available to order now from Hyundai directly. The first six have already been delivered to their new owners, but this was more of a trial than a full launch. Hyundai monitored how the cars performed ahead of the model’s rollout. The Toyota FCV is another hydrogen-fuelled car expected in the next 12 months. It initially appeared at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, and is expected to be on sale in Japan by April 2015. A European launch is expected in September 2015. Where can I buy hydrogen? Unfortunately, you might struggle to run a hydrogen car in the UK right now. There are currently around 14 operational hydrogen filling stations in the country, and the network is slowly growing. There are three in London – three more should be in place by the end of 2015 – and one in the Outer Hebrides islands in Scotland. However, northern England and most of Scotland remains a black spot, as there are no filling stations – planned or otherwise – between Sheffield and Aberdeen. So, should you buy a hydrogen car? The simple answer is no – not yet. But as the infrastructure improves over the next few years and they become easier refuel, hydrogen cars will become a much more feasible option in the UK. Share

So Chris Evans has signed a three-year deal to present Top Gear. Should fans of the show be celebrating tonight? Or just the Ferrari PR team, given Evans’s famed love of all cars bearing the Prancing Horse? I must confess I’m still scarred by Evans’ insistence, while writing a car review for a national newspaper last year, that the Toyota Aygo was “appalling” and then just a few weeks later calling the Peugeot 108 – a car that’s nearly identical in all but styling – “scrumptious”. But tonight I’m reminding myself – repeatedly – that to use that as evidence to suggest he knows nothing about cars would be wrong. As fans will know, Evans has spent a large fortune buying up cars over the years, notably Ferraris and, even more notably, record-breakingly expensive ones. He also makes a point of using his cars, both by handing them over for people to drive for charitable purposes and because he loves them. I won’t be the first car hack tonight to claim to know someone who knows someone who knows Evans, and the word is that he spends more time lusting after great cars than almost anyone else on the planet, and that he delights in making sure they’re all driven, rather than stored as investments. What’s more, if you see him at Goodwood, the British Grand Prix, or Car Fest, you’ll soon realise that the infectious enthusiasm that has long been his trademark is off the Richter Scale when he’s surrounded by his four-wheeled friends. So much though his 108/Aygo confusion grates, all the signs are that he’s a car guy through and through – at least as far as the top end of the market is concerned. For fans of Top Gear, that must be a good thing, even if it doesn’t guarantee success in his new career. In truth, it’s what happens next that really matters. Given the BBC revealed tonight that filming of the new Top Gear will start within weeks, it’s fair to assume that there will be a drip-feed of details on Evans’ co-presenters, although it’s also interesting to note that they’ve already broken the ‘three musketeer’ format by announcing Evans alone. The chemistry between these presenters will be critical. So will Evans’s commitment to the cause; a famous workaholic he may be, but combining Radio 2 duty with Top Gear and more is a huge task. And then there’s the format: Evans and his paymasters must surely know that doing the same as what went before is a one-way ticket to paling in comparison. Today’s announcement is but a small step for the rebuilding of Top Gear. For now, though, we should enjoy the speculation and anticipate the end result. I’m not certain that it’ll be good, but I am sure that today’s appointment guarantees that I’ll be tuning in to find out.

Drivers in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea could soon face legal action as the Council moves to prosecute drivers for excessive noise. Supercars could soon face prosecution in parts of London as local councils move to ban excessive noise. Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council has this week launched a consultation to introduce new measures to tackle what it calls “the problem of supercars” in and around the Knightsbridge area. Known locally as a hotspot for supercar traffic, residents are complaining about excessive noise levels and anti-social behaviour. As part of its consultation, the council says it will be looking to address “the issue of high-performance cars speeding in the streets, drivers revving engines and vehicles causing obstructions.” To tackle the problem, the council is looking to introduce a Public Space Protection Order for the area, which would allow restrictions to be imposed and drivers to be prosecuted for breaking them. Fixed penalty notices of up to £100 could be handed down to drivers. Under the new rules, drivers could be prosecuted for revving their engines, speeding, demonstrating “sudden or rapid acceleration,” driving in convoy, racing, leaving the engine turned on in a stationary vehicle, performing stuns, sounding horns (when deemed to be causing a public nuisance), playing loud music, using threatening or intimidating behaviour or causing an obstruction. Speaking to Autocar, the head of Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council Nick Paget-Brown said: “It will need to be enforced jointly by the Police and by the Council’s Noise Nuisance Department. We want to send a clear message to these drivers that we would prefer them not to come into the area with their supercars.” If approved, the Public Space Protection Order would remain in place for three years, but could be extended further. The order can be imposed under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act introduced in the UK last year. Councillor Tim Ahern, Cabinet Member for Environment, Environmental Health and Leisure, said: “I know there has been a lot of coverage of expensive cars racing around Knightsbridge and also parking up and revving their engines. We want to take steps to discourage these drivers from their antisocial behaviour.” Blog – Is London’s supercar crackdown a good idea? Local resident and councillor Quentin Marshall told The Sunday Telegraph: “The noise goes on all day but it is worse in the evenings and at night. It used to be limited to the summer, but now it is becoming pretty much all year round. We are just trying to stop these people who are abusing the rules and using their cars to make a very loud noise.” Writing in The Guardian, Paget-Brown said: “We’re not killjoys. I know the joy of taking my wheels for a ride on a summer’s evening – but my Honda Jazz and Elgar CD are barely audible even at the kerbside. “McLarens, Ferraris, Bugattis and Lamborghinis are a very different story. “Over the past few years, Knightsbridge has become a magnet for a number of young men, mostly from the Middle East, who drive supercars. It’s a sort of competitive peacocking really and routes and behaviours have quickly evolved – including speeding, causing obstruction and, worst of all, engine revving.” Paget-Brown later clarified that the make of the car was less important than the noise it was capable of generating: “It’s not the make of the car, it’s the level of noise it generates,” he said. “The message needs to be that if you’ve got a car that makes a loud noise and that part of the attraction of your car is in revving the engine, then don’t bring it into this area of London. “Anybody who has a car which is not capable of being driven quietly should be very careful before they bring it into the area.” Paget-Brown also hinted that other London boroughs “will be looking closely” at the scheme, suggesting that if it is successful the new order could be adopted in other parts of the capital. Some owners have fought back, however, saying the Council shouldn’t group all supercar owners together. Speaking to SWLondoner, one local resident and Lamborghini Aventador owner – who hasn’t been named – said: “It may be an extravagance but it’s one I’ve worked hard to achieve and it’s wrong to group all luxury sports car owners together as anti-social nuisances or hedonistic men going through a mid-life crisis.” “Yes loud engines are part of the fun of one of these cars but I have always been considerate with mine.” Youtuber Smee150 regularly documents the influx of supercars onto London’s streets during the summer season, as can be seen in his video below.

21st Century Insurance 21st Century Insurance reviews 21st Century has been providing drivers with coverage since 1958. It is a member of the Farmers Insurance Group, which currently provides over 20,000,000 policies to individuals in all 50 states. Get a Quote Read 132 Reviews Esurance Esurance reviews Esurance is an online auto insurance company that is backed by AllState. It provides consumers with tools for claim resolution as well as the ability to sign up for, renew or change insurance policies through the Internet. Get a Quote Read 489 Reviews Travelers Auto Insurance Travelers Auto Insurance reviews Travelers Insurance has been in business for over 150 years. In 2009, it founded a political advocacy group to get the fairest coverage laws for American drivers in addition to its auto insurance options for various drivers. Get a Quote Read 37 Reviews Progressive Insurance Progressive Insurance reviews Progressive has been providing consumers with auto insurance since 1937 and is known for its insurance rate comparison tool. This company offers several types of auto insurance, and focuses only on this type of insurance. Get a Quote Read 1075 Reviews GEICO GEICO reviews When people think of GEICO, they think of their mascot. However, it's also an insurance company that offers comprehensive insurance at relatively low prices. GEICO offers a variety of insurance in addition to auto insurance. Get Featured Quote Read 1079 Reviews State Farm Auto Insurance State Farm Auto Insurance reviews State Farm is the biggest auto insurer in the U.S. and is a top 50 Fortune 500 company. It was founded in 1922 by a farmer, and for nearly a century has tried to bring a sense of neighborliness into the insurance business. Get Featured Quote Read 1036 Reviews Allstate Auto Insurance Allstate Auto Insurance reviews AllState became a publicly held insurance company in 1993, though it's been around since the 1930s. It is dedicated to hiring women and minorities in addition to providing appropriate insurance for people from all walks of life. Get Featured Quote Read 554 Reviews USAA Auto Insurance USAA Auto Insurance reviews USAA offers insurance to veterans and current military personnel. It has been in business since 1922 and strives to give military personnel and families coverage to meet their special needs, including auto insurance coverage. Get Featured Quote Read 481 Reviews Nationwide Insurance - Auto Nationwide Insurance - Auto reviews Nationwide first came onto the insurance scene in 1925. Its early funding came from nine farm bureaus, and it continues to receive agricultural support today. It has grown from a local to national company in the last 100 years. Get Featured Quote Read 297 Reviews Liberty Mutual - Auto Liberty Mutual - Auto reviews Liberty Mutual is one of the oldest insurers in the U.S. Today, it is the third largest publicly held U.S. insurance company. They offer a variety of comprehensive insurance packages, including auto and homeowners insurance. Get Featured Quote Read 268 Reviews Page 1 of 5 Next ConsumerAffairs Research Team     The ConsumerAffairs Research Team believes everyone deserves to make smart decisions. We aim to provide readers with the most up-to-date information available about today's consumer products and services. Featured in: top What features matter most? What’s covered? The amount of coverage you need varies from state to state. If you are a cautious person, you might opt for a more expensive policy with better coverage. If you have a lot of assets, experts recommend that you get enough liability coverage to protect them; otherwise the other party involved in an accident could have attorneys go after your assets as well. Read the policy: Carefully examine the insurance policy to understand exactly what is covered and make the right adjustments to suit your unique situation. Limits: Pay attention to the limits set by the insurance policy. In some cases, there will be a maximum payout, which may not be as high as you’re looking for. Are there exceptions? Sometimes policies will have exceptions and you’ll end up paying out of pocket for an accident or repair that you thought would be covered. Other driver’s don’t have insurance: If you get into a collision with an uninsured driver, you’ll have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket and sue for damages. Car theft: Insurance policies don’t always cover car theft. Damage from natural accidents: Some insurers don’t cover collisions with animals, tornados, earthquakes, damage from falling objects, etc. Mechanics and replacement parts Some insurers will push you to use shops in a direct-repair program or use cheaper replacement parts rather than the original equipment manufacturer. Are service providers reputable?: Check the fine print of the policy to see if the insurer has control over which service providers and parts are used for repairs. Can you choose a service provider?: Choosing your own mechanic is the best case scenario, but they aren’t always covered by insurance policies. What if the replacement part breaks?: Find out how the insurer handles faulty repairs and how quickly they will take care of it. Cost The cost of auto insurance is a big factor in most people’s decision about which policy to choose. Premium: The premium is the monthly or yearly price that you pay for your insurance plan. Deductible: Deductibles are the amount of money you are required to pay before your insurance company starts to pay out. The lower your deductible, the higher your premium. Coverage factors: Depending on what level of coverage you opt for, the cost of your insurance will vary. Your past driving record, credit rating and level of coverage will all affect how much your policy costs. Optional coverage In addition to basic auto insurance, there are optional coverages available for drivers with different needs. Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays for the expenses to repair your car. If you drive an older car that isn’t worth much money, it may not be worth it to pay for collision insurance. Comprehensive coverage: This covers things that could happen to your car that might not be covered by standard insurance, such as weather damage, running into an animal or other factors. It’s a good idea to opt for comprehensive coverage if you can afford it, but it can get costly so if you drive an inexpensive car it’s probably not worth it. Uninsured motorist protection: This protects drivers in the event that they get into an accident with a person who isn’t insured but is to blame for the accident. It will cover damages to the car and injury in the event that another driver is unable to pay out. Insurance company ratings An insurance company’s reputation is important. Good companies should have a quick response time, be adept at handling claims and have excellent customer service. Reviews and complaints: Check the reviews and ratings on an insurance company before purchasing a policy. Be aware of any complaints that have been filed. Handling claims: How long does it take for the company to handle a claim? Do you have to pay out of pocket first or do they cover the expenses immediately?

For decades, mesothelioma, a life-threatening disease that can affect the lungs, abdomen, and several other major organs, has been linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos.Typically, mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while working at a job site that used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In many cases, the manufacturers of asbestos and ACMs knew of the hidden dangers and risks of asbestos, yet failed to inform the public, as asbestos was an extremely profitable mineral. Because of the hinderance of information, workers who developed health issues from asbestos exposure may be eligible for financial compensation to cover expenses such as lost wages, medical bills, emotional suffering, physical pain, and more. If you suffer from an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma attorney in your area. What Does a Mesothelioma Law Firm Do? Mesothelioma law firms are different from any other type of law firm. Whereas other law firms may specialize in specific areas such as car accidents or nursing home abuse, mesothelioma law firms focus primarily on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It’s not recommended to retain legal representation from a general practice law firm or even a personal injury law firm that specializes in a wide array of injury cases. You’ll need an attorney who specifically specializes in mesothelioma cases, as these types of lawsuits are extremely intricate and require vast, in-depth understanding of asbestos exposure and diseases. Attorneys in a mesothelioma law firm have the knowledge and experience regarding federal and state laws concerning asbestos use and its history in the workforce. They also have sharp investigative skills and are able to dig deep to uncover when and where companies and/or other entities exposed workers to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma law firms are comprised of educated attorneys who understand the legal process involving courts, trials, settlements, and appeals. Moreover, an experienced malignant mesothelioma law firm understands that the victim is already suffering enough because of the medical and financial problems associated with asbestos-related diseases. As a result, the law firm will handle most everything regarding the lawsuit, including fighting for the legal rights of the client, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical history, litigations, and more. A dedicated mesothelioma law firm also understands the severe emotional impact that living with mesothelioma brings, not only to victims, but to family members and loved ones as well. An experienced mesothelioma law firm takes this into account and helps ease the minds of victims and their loved ones throughout this enduring process. What to Look for When Hiring an Asbestos Law Firm Unfortunately, not all mesothelioma law firms are the same. While some may have several years of experience, other law firms are relatively new to the area of mesothelioma. In addition, some law firms may concentrate on other areas of law besides mesothelioma while another law firm may solely focus on asbestos cases. Aside from using your good judgement when determining which law firm you should use, there are several factors you should consider: The law firm should have experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases. The law firm should be extremely knowledgeable in asbestos laws and prior cases. Look for a law firm that focuses solely on asbestos-related cases. Look for law firms with a stellar reputation in handling asbestos cases. The law firm should not only understand asbestos laws, but should also have extensive knowledge of medical problems associated with asbestos diseases. The law firm should always keep you updated on what’s going on in your case. Although attorneys are busy people, they should be accessible. You should always get an initial consultation at no charge before deciding on a mesothelioma law firm. Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to retain a mesothelioma law firm that promises you that you will win your case no matter what. Although statistics show that the majority mesothelioma victims do go on to win their lawsuits, there are a variety of factors involved, and no case is guaranteed. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will help you to understand your chances and what is involved, but will never assure that your case is 100% guaranteed. Making Things Easier Although leading mesothelioma law firms do the majority of work for your case, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and make things easier so that the process gets rolling faster. First, make sure to gather your medical documents, including when and where you were diagnosed, and bring this information to your initial meeting. This will allow the law firm to determine if your case can be taken on. Next, be prepared to provide the law firm with your work history and information including the full company name, address, phone number, your job role, and how long you worked there. Finally, start keeping track of all expenses used pertaining to your disease. For example, always keep a copy of medical bills, hospital visits, mileage used to get to appointments, medical supplies, and anything other expense you paid out due to your illness. How a Mesothelioma Law Firm Can Personally Help You When first getting started, victims usually have a plethora of unanswered questions regarding asbestos and their rights. A mesothelioma law firm should be able to provide you with following information: Evidence Related to Your Exposure: Once you provide the law firm with your work information, they should be able to investigate and determine how asbestos was used at your workplace. In some cases, they may already have the information available. If You Truly Have an Asbestos Claim: Mesothelioma law firms understand what’s needed in order to have a true asbestos claim. With this knowledge, they are able to determine how strong your case is and what the estimated chances are that you’ll win. Most attorneys make sure they’re confident in your case before taking it on. Be wary of any attorney who promises to take your case without knowing any of the details or an attorney who claims they can get you an exact amount of compensation before reviewing your case. Your Case Worth: If the law firm decides you have an asbestos case, they will then be able to come up with an average figure of how much your case is worth. This is including past expenses, daily expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, physical suffering, future expenses, and much more. Keep in mind, however, that there is no set formula as to how much your award amount may be. The aforementioned factors, along with other details, such as if your former company has a trust fund set up or not, will also come into play. Who Exactly is Responsible: It can be difficult for the average person to determine who exactly is responsible for exposing victims to asbestos. For example, companies can move, go out of business, hide, suppress relevant information, and change ownerships. In some cases, your former company is responsible, the manufacturer of the asbestos products may be responsible, or supervisors and/or owners may be responsible. In other instances, there may be just one sole responsible entity, yet in a different case, there may be several responsible parties. Remember that part of an experienced mesothelioma law firm’s job is to research, seek out, and determine the entity or responsible parties that are liable for your exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma Law Firm Fees Mesothelioma law firms may have different fees as well as different payment options. However, an experienced and caring law firm understands that victims of asbestos-related diseases more than likely have enough financial burden in dealing with their illness, and are unable to afford up-front fees for legal representation. As a result, many law firms work on what’s known as a contingency fee basis, meaning that the law firm only gets paid when you get paid. If the law firm doesn’t win your case, they don’t receive compensation either in most instances. The good news, however, is that a law firm has to be confident enough in your case to take it on, meaning there is a good chance that if your case is picked up, it will be successful. Law firm fees are percentages taken out of your total settlement or verdict amount, and again, the percentage amount will vary depending upon the law firm. Make sure you understand how the fees and percentages work with your law firm beforehand so that there will be no confusion later on. If a law firm doesn’t provide a contingency fee basis, there is a good chance that they don’t have to financial resources to successfully prove your case. Keep in mind that you’ll want a law firm that has the financial capability to take on your case on a contingency fee basis. Attorneys without the resources to handle your case usually can’t provide you with the best representation. An ideal rule of thumb is to ask up-front about how the fees work so that there are no surprises later on. Attorneys with your best interest in mind will have no problems answering any questions you have regarding fees and prices. Frequently Asked Mesothelioma Law Firm Questions Do I have to go to court? This is one of the most commonly asked questions, which is understandable, as most people who are dealing with an asbestos-related illness generally do not want to spend time in a court room. Generally, you will not have to go to court. Most mesothelioma lawsuits are taken care of via settlements. In some instances, however, if the defense doesn’t agree on a settlement or if you don’t agree on a settlement, you may have to go to trial, which requires going to court. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will help you through every step of the way, and if you are too ill to attend, arrangements can be made to record your testimony beforehand. What if I don’t know which company exposed me to asbestos? As previously mentioned, part of a mesothelioma law firm’s job is to uncover the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure. The culpable parties are typically manufacturers who supplied asbestos to job sites, which can range from one company to many. I have workers’ compensation benefits. Can a mesothelioma law firm still help me even if I have other compensation benefits? Other compensation benefits, such as workers’ compensation or VA benefits, doesn’t disqualify you from seeking compensation from the companies who exposed you to asbestos. A mesothelioma law firm can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Additional Tips to Remember When searching for a mesothelioma law firm, you shouldn’t narrow your search down to your local community only. There’s a chance that your case may be filed out of state. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer should have no problems flying to your city to meet with you, given that they are out of state. Although the law firm should be able to give you an average figure that you may receive, giving an exact amount is impossible. Any mesothelioma law firm that guarantees you an exact amount should be considered untrustworthy. A mesothelioma should be able to handle not only mesothelioma cases for survivors, but wrongful death cases involving asbestos exposure. Help With Finding an Experienced Asbestos Law Firm

The PHR is a tool that you can use to collect, track and share past and current information about your health or the health of someone in your care. Sometimes this information can save you the money and inconvenience of repeating routine medical tests. Even when routine procedures do need to be repeated, your PHR can give medical care providers more insight into your personal health story. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for making decisions about your health. A PHR can help you accomplish that. Important points to know about a Personal Health Record: You should always have access to your complete health information. Information in your PHR should be accurate, reliable, and complete. You should have control over how your health information is accessed, used, and disclosed. A PHR may be separate from and does not normally replace the legal medical record of any provider. Medical records and your personal health record (PHR) are not the same thing. Medical records contain information about your health compiled and maintained by each of your healthcare providers. A PHR is information about your health compiled and maintained by you. The difference is in how you use your PHR to improve the quality of your healthcare. Take an active role in monitoring your health and healthcare by creating your own PHR. PHRs are an inevitable and critical step in the evolution of health information management (HIM). The book “The Personal Health Record” assists new users of PHRs in getting started, addressing current PHR trends and processes. What Does Your PHR Contain? The specific content of your health record depends on the type of healthcare you have received. Listed below are documents common to most health records and additional documents that accompany hospital stays or surgery. Reports Common to Most Health Records: Identification Sheet – A form originated at the time of registration or admission. This form lists your name, address, telephone number, insurance, and policy number. Problem List – A list of significant illnesses and operations. Medication Record – A list of medicines prescribed or given to you. History and Physical – A document that describes any major illnesses and surgeries you have had, any significant family history of disease, your health habits, and current medications. It also states what the physician found when he or she examined you. Progress Notes – Notes made by the doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers caring for you that reflect your response to treatment, their observations and plans for continued treatment. Consultation – An opinion about your condition made by a physician other than your primary care physician. Sometimes a consultation is performed because your physician would like the advice and counsel of another physician. Physician’s Orders – Your physician’s directions to other members of the healthcare team regarding your medications, tests, diets, and treatments. Imaging and X-ray Reports – Describe the findings of x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, and scans. The actual films are maintained in the radiology or imaging departments or on a computer. Lab Reports – Describe the results of tests conducted on body fluids. Common examples include a throat culture, urinalysis, cholesterol level, and complete blood count (CBC). Surprisingly, your health record does not usually contain your blood type. Blood typing is not part of routine lab work. Immunization Record – A form documenting immunizations given for disease such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and the flu. Parents should maintain a copy of their children’s immunization records with other important papers. Consent and Authorization Forms – Copies of consents for admission, treatment, surgery, and release of information. Additional Reports Common to Hospital Stays or Surgery: Operative Report – A document that describes surgery performed and gives the names of surgeons and assistants. Pathology Report – Describes tissue removed during an operation and the diagnosis based on examination of that tissue. Discharge Summary – A concise summary of a hospital stay, including the reason for admission, significant findings from tests, procedures performed, therapies provided, response to treatment, condition at discharge, and instructions for medications, activity, diet, and follow-up care. Your records may contain some or all of the documents above. Depending upon your illness or injury, you may use the services of the emergency room, intensive care unit, a physical therapist, or home health nurse. Often these specialized services have unique evaluation, measurement, and progress reports wich you may also find in your health record.

FLEXIBLE POLICY RIDERS: Lincoln Financial life insurance provides ample opportunities to closely tailor a term life or universal life policy to your individual coverage needs. Long-term care and disability income riders provide benefits should you develop a long-term illness or get injured on the job. An accidental death rider offers your family special benefits in the event of your sudden death. If you're interested in extending your policy coverage to a loved one, Lincoln Financial offers a rider just for that purpose. You can even get an accelerated benefit rider that covers your medical costs and nursing home bills in the event of a terminal illness. MULTIPLE TERM AND UNIVERSAL LIFE OPTIONS: Lincoln Financial's term life policies are available for periods as short as one year and as long as 20 years, and many of these policies are eligible for conversion to universal life policies. Both standard and variable universal policies are also available, in addition to a specialized universal policy designed to combine standard universal benefits with long-term care coverage. On top of these policy options, you can select from a variety of additional coverages, including survivorship and joint coverage options, a mortgage life option, and a return of premium option. SOLID POLICY FEATURES: With Lincoln Financial's interest rate guarantee, you can rely on a certain minimum rate of return on a cash value policy, which is especially valuable if predictability is a main concern. You also have the opportunity to choose the level of death benefit while retaining the flexibility to adjust your policy if your needs change over time. Other popular policy features include no-exam term conversions, a level premiums guarantee, and access to the cash value of your policy. Though Lincoln Financial is missing several features offered by some competitors in the market, including a dividend option with paid-up additions, the company still rates quite well in this category. THE BAD WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE NOT AVAILABLE: A key omission in Lincoln Financial's policy lineup, whole life policies are designed to provide predictability with consistent premiums and a guaranteed accumulation of value. These policies make a great option if you have solid long-term goals and want to lock in a policy that you can count on to meet those goals. Universal life policies, which Lincoln Financial does offer, are primarily designed to provide flexible premium payments, though this flexibility comes at the cost of a guaranteed accumulation of cash value. Universal policies are ideal if you want to be able to respond effectively to future changes in your life and your goals. If you're looking for the kind of predictability a whole life policy can provide, Lincoln Financial won't be able to meet your needs, which is pretty disappointing given its success in other areas of life insurance. POOR ONLINE TOOLS AND RESOURCES: Highly valuable features like online quote tools and beginner's guides are nowhere to be found on the Lincoln Financial website. Even more, the relatively basic resources that are available do not offer enough information to help you make sound policy decisions. Instead, each simple policy description provides a link to policy brochures packed with details likely to be too complex for most non-expert shoppers. To be fair, Lincoln Financial clearly prefers that potential clients contact a company representative for personalized service in all these areas. That said, if you're a hands-on shopper who wants to learn about life insurance and work out your policy options independently, Lincoln Financial won't be able to deliver. LIMITED PAYMENT OPTIONS: Lincoln Financial requires all premium payments to be made by personal check, either by mail or by electronic funds transfer, which is a direct transfer from your bank account. In this way, Lincoln Financial probably seems a bit old-fashioned especially if you're accustomed to paying online or via telephone. That said, this is a relatively minor criticism and is probably not going to be a deciding factor for many shoppers.