Project Management for Construction

July 19th, 2009 at 02:55pm Under Construction Law

Excellent project management for construction engagements is crucial for any new building or renovation, especially considering the growing complexity of major construction projects and construction-related laws. For these reasons, almost all positions opening up for construction management jobs require not only a specialized degree, but a good deal of experience in the industry.

Although it was not always the case, there are many universities that now offer construction management courses as well as degrees. In fact, there even a number of accredited online universities that offer project management for construction degrees. An online degree in construction management can be specialized in a number of ways and is one way to learn the essential skills you need to know for jobs in construction management that can be difficult to learn during internships or apprenticeships on-site.

Construction management jobs take on a variety of responsibilities. Oftentimes managers in these roles are ultimately responsible for every aspect of the construction project. This includes managing all employees and contractors, all equipment used and the project budget. That is why is important to choose a degree in

project management for construction that teaches you a broad skill-set.

Some of the degree coursework that can give you an edge in the job market includes training on the latest software programs and technologies used in the industry and classes on any of the following topics: building codes and standards, contract administration, accounting, financial management, value analysis and project control and management.

It is ideal if you can find a university that will help place its project management for construction students into internships or apprenticeships during the degree program. This will give you the chance to learn a little bit about every aspect of construction and how you can effectively manage the employees and contractors you will need to work with, including architects, civil engineers and day laborers. This type of hands-on experience is exactly what most employers are looking for, and can oftentimes lead to full-time positions once you have graduated with your degree.

Although project management for construction can be a challenging career path, there are many reasons that it is worth the effort. There are more and more project management for construction jobs being filled every year, and according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average salary for project management for construction positions averaged $63,500 in 2002. These great salaries are also often accompanied by health benefits, bonuses and the use of company-owned vehicles. All of these factors indicate it is a great career to aim for that can be just as rewarding as it is challenging.

Online Degrees in Construction Management

July 19th, 2009 at 08:55am Under Construction Law

Getting your online degree in construction management may be much easier than you think. If you are ready to enhance your career opportunities and are interested in construction management jobs, an online degree in construction management can be achieved on a very flexible schedule that works for you and your time commitments. You can take classes at night and on the weekends and complete tests online when it works for you – all in the comfort of your own home. You can even specialize your online degree in construction management by selecting construction management courses focused on topics like financial management, site planning, contract administration, cost estimating and engineering or architectural sciences.

Construction project management has become an increasingly popular career choice for those graduating from college today. This is partly because the industry has started to recognize how invaluable solid project management for construction sites is – especially considering the growing complexity of major construction projects and the many laws that must be taken into account. The people who are hired into construction management jobs are ultimately responsible for the entire project’s success or failure, which is why the not only requires a specialized degree, but also exceptional interpersonal communication and management skills.

Although these types of jobs can be complicated, they also have a fairly high level of compensation. A traditional or

online degree in construction management can help qualify you for positions that pay as much as $63,000 per year, which was the industry average for those jobs in 2002. When you couple that with on-the-job

construction management training, your earnings potential can increase dramatically as you move up the company ladder into higher-level positions. To help fast track your career, you could also search out a part-time apprenticeship or internship while you are still working toward your online degree in construction management.

If you are ready to start your search for the best undergraduate program offering an online degree in construction management, you can start by researching what online universities offer variations of the degree. One important piece of criteria is that the school you choose for your online degree in construction management must be an accredited online university. This essentially means the school has been evaluated by an independent committee to determine that the curriculum, staff, facilities and technology are up to current university standards. It also means that you should be able to easily transfer your credits to another university (if need be) and that all companies requiring a traditional or online degree in construction management for new hires will recognize your degree.

Construction Accident Lawyer Pennsylvania : Determine How to Go Forward With Your Case

July 19th, 2009 at 02:56am Under Construction Law

An accident can occur at any time, in any place, anywhere, therefore it is important to understand how and why accidents occur. There are an infinite amount of different types of accidents, therefore it is almost impossible to plan for and take care of all these different types of accidents. However what we can do is classify different accidents and take it from there. One of the most common and more risky types of accidents are construction accidents. The thing about construction accidents is that they can occur in any state no matter what laws are governing the process. Construction accidents occur when people are not adhering to safety standards. Safety standards are what governs the practices that construction workers can and cannot do and in what form. Also, equipment issues are of grave importance when it comes to construction accidents. Like in any profession if you do not have proper equipment you cannot do your job efficiently, correctly and safely. Safety and Equipment go hand in hand, without one you cannot have the other. If you have been harmed at your worksite, contact a construction accident lawyer in Pennsylvania.

With the amount of land the east coast offers, the amount of construction follows. Even in the state of our economy, construction work is still being done to repair and refurbish older buildings that are not providing any value to its owners. Therefore construction workers are not only being subjected to poor safety standards and sub standard equipment, but they are also responsible for fixing another man’s mistakes. When refurbishing other construction sites, there are certain hazards present that are normally not there when starting on a new project. The state in which the existing structure is in can pose many threats to those working on the project. Issues such as a poor structure, inadequate framing, and lose hinges could make for a very dangerous work setting. If you have been harmed while refurbishing an existing structure, contact a construction accident lawyer in Pennsylvania as soon as possible.

When it comes to matters of safety, no one can be too careful. However if you tell this to the big shots in the construction industry they might look the other way. However, construction companies do vale reputation and they are not going to achieve credibility by not focusing on safety. Sometimes it is at the fault of a couple people who use incentives to make inspectors swing their way. This type of behavior is endangering the lives of everyone at the construction site. If you have been injured due to a lack of safety requirements, contact a construction accident lawyer in Pennsylvania. For they have the expertise and knowledge in dealing with large corporations and insurance companies. Construction accident lawyers in Pennsylvania are willing to discuss your case with you and determine how to go forward with your case. If you have incurred high medical bills, a loss of wages, or even emotional distress contact you may be able to file a claim gaining all of those expenses back.

Careers In Construction Management

July 18th, 2009 at 08:56pm Under Construction Law

What Is Construction Management?
Traditionally, construction involves the three-party, two-relationship model. The first is the owner designer relationship, in which the project owner appoints the designer who is usually an architect or an engineer, to plan and design the project. The second commences after the design is ready and is known as the owner contractor relationship. Here, the contractor is given the project to realize, based on his quotation of cost. Lately however, this model has undergone a radical change. The recent trend is to rely on construction management.
Construction managers divide all the construction activities into stages, budgeting time to meet construction deadlines. They evaluate the most cost-effective schedules for completion and are responsible for ensuring that all the work is completed on time.
Training And Education
Construction Management is also the study of construction, with regard to the managerial and technological aspects like construction management, construction science and construction risk. The most common and widely recognized format for construction management education is a baccalaureate or graduate degree. Other education may relate to on-the-job training and apprenticeship and higher education.
High school students who want to opt for a career in construction management, should study Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Accounting. Many colleges and universities offer master’s degrees in construction management and construction science. Someone who has a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field can also get a master’s degree in construction management. A student can obtain a master’s degree in finance or business administration, to improve career prospects. There are also industry associated sponsored training programs and two year dedicated programs.
Job Prospects
Excellent construction management employment opportunities are available, since the construction boom requires a number of qualified individuals. Also, the increasing complexity of construction projects is creating extra demand for these managers. New technology and laws, setting standards for materials, safety and environmental issues have complicated the construction process. This has raised the demand for trained managers in turn. Opportunities for advancement may vary, depending on the person’s performance and the size and type of the company. The person may also become an independent consultant, an expert witness, a dispute arbitrator or start their own construction management firm.
Conclusion
Construction managers must be flexible and effective. They must be good decision takers and possess the ability to well under pressure or with unexpected delays. A flair for simultaneous activity coordination, analysis and problem solving is necessary. Good communication skills and knowledge of the Spanish language are important. Construction managers have to be available “on call” at all times, to deal with onsite emergencies. Be prepared to work much more than a 40-hour week to meet established construction deadlines. The work is not dangerous, but construction managers must be cautious when on the construction site.
If you are an outdoor person, and are good with math and organization, then the field of construction management can be very satisfying and lucrative career choice.

Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyers are Being Flooded With Claims

July 18th, 2009 at 02:55pm Under Construction Law

Recently there has been a connection to the number of construction accidents and the declining economy. As the economy downgrades the number of construction accidents has been increasing. This makes perfect sense because as our investments go down the tubes, we are going to be taking in way less income. Therefore these companies who are losing profits are not going to be focusing on safety and equipment for their worksites. If construction sites are not properly equipped with the proper safety standards and equipment, there is a much higher risk for a construction accident to occur. Brooklyn construction accident lawyers are being flooded with inquires about construction accidents that have occurred. We the citizens must ensure that those who are not following the government’s regulations be reported. In doing this we are protecting from all that might negatively be affected by corporations lackadaisical attitude towards regulatory standards. If people do not come forward about the poor standards construction workers are dealing with no solution we ever be resolved. Also these instances will lead to injuries, in which it is crucial to contact a Brooklyn construction accident lawyer.

Construction workers bear the elements, extreme heat/cold, and dangerous working conditions 365 days of the year. Construction workers have to work on a project basis leaving them out and in work at the most inconvenient times. Construction workers risk their lives on a daily basis so that the community can benefit from the new structure that resulted. In order for construction workers to do their job properly their worksite must be up to date with all safety standards and equipment of superior quality. If these issues are not being complied with then construction workers have a much great risk of being in a Brooklyn construction accident. New York City has been growing exponentially in which Brooklyn construction accident lawyers are getting the first look. They have the experience in dealing with insurance companies and real estate firms. A Brooklyn construction accident lawyer has dealt with many types of construction accidents. Construction workers sometimes contact a Brooklyn construction accident lawyer months after the incident occurred. This can be a problem because some cases like these have a time contingency. If after a year you have not filed a Brooklyn construction accident with the courts, your case will be thrown out. This can be a difficult situation when medical bills and a loss of wages are piling up.

Future projects on the market are going to need a considerable amount of construction work. In order to preserve this relationship with construction workers, it is up to the managers of a site to provide the proper equipment and comply with safety standards. In doing this you are ensuring construction the utmost ability to complete their projects on time and in good standing. If you or a loved one has been in a construction accident, contact a Brooklyn construction accident immediately. The have the ability can stand u for you in a court of law and help you to gain crucial compensation.

The Different Ways To Create Website Design For Law Firm

July 18th, 2009 at 08:55am Under Construction Law

As people are quickly realizing, advertising on the internet is a great way to increase business. However, in order to utilize the internet, one must use one of the available options in order to get website design for law firm. The options range in price and in quality. There are many options available, and it is important for attorneys to use the option that will increase their visibility while still being affordable. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly by attorneys.
People can hire a professional service to do their website design for law firm. There are good things and bad things about choosing this route. On the positive side, they will probably get a professional looking product. However, on the bad side, this kind of service can be incredibly costly. It can, in fact, cost so much money that many small businesses are unable to choose this method. The internet is supposed to offer affordable advertising, and this is not affordable.
In order to save money, some businesses hire someone in the neighborhood to do their website design for law firm. Just as hiring a professional service, this has good things and bad things about it as well. On the good side is, of course, the money. The person in the neighborhood is probably not going to charge a high price. However, he is also not going to produce a professional product. That can be a problem for a company that is trying to attract new business. A poorly constructed page can turn away new clients very quickly.
Some people choose to create the pages on their own. While this might work for some, it is important that the person understand what goes into properly creating the pages. It is necessary for the pages to look professionally done, and if a company is only creating them on their own in order to save money, it will be obvious. It is important that a company does not do the page creation on their own unless they can make a quality product.
A fourth option is to find a service that offers templates. The templates can be of professional quality, and since they are already constructed, the attorney will not have to worry about the website design for law firm. Instead, he can just add information to the site that he wants the public to see. This can be a very user friendly and affordable option for attorneys who are looking to create an online presence. It is the most affordable option to get a professional looking page.
Lawyer Web Templates offers a wide variety of professional templates at an affordable price. They are all created by professionals for professionals. They are incredibly easy to use, so even attorneys who do not know how to create a page will be able to load information onto the template. The prices are competitive within the industry. They have twenty-four hour support to assist their customers. Users are able to launch their page within minutes of signing up. For more information, visit them online at lawyerwebtemplates.com.

Delay and Disruption in Construction Contracts, 3rd Edition – Bharatbook.com

July 18th, 2009 at 02:55am Under Construction Law

Bharatbook.com is proud to announce the new report “Delay and Disruption in Construction Contracts, 3rd Edition” (http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=1676).provides the…..

Delay and Disruption in Construction Contracts is a highly practical and helpful volume which gives you real and practical solutions to problems you are likely to face – whether as a construction industry professional or an adviser to the industry.

“Highly recommended and essential reading for those dealing with contractual claims”

Tony Francis, Fenwick Elliott, Construction Industry Law Letter

“For anyone charged with the responsibility of determining the rights and liabilities of the parties with regard to delay and extensions of time, this book is essential reading”

Architects and Surveyors Institute Journal

Acknowledged internationally as the leading authority on delay and disruption

Provides an update to the practice of change management in construction and civil engineering contracts combined with the practice and law of proof of causation in delay and disruption related claims

This new edition has been extensively updated to include :

New and expanded sections on :

Acceleration

Time at large

Conditions precedent to entitlement

Contemporaneous analysis

SCL Protocol

Change management

Global claims

Identifying delay in the absence of a programme

The use analytical techniques in tort

Choosing a method of analysis float, concurrency, extensions of time, prolongation and disruption

Explains in detail the approach to :

Programming

Delay and disruption

Extensions of time and compensation for delay and disruption in the latest versions of a number of standard forms of contracts including:

FIDIC suite of Contracts

JCT 98, JCT Major Projects Form and JCT with Contractors Design Form

MF/1

I/Chem.E.

PFE change management supplements to the JCT standard forms

Comments on another forms used in other countries including those from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and USA

For more information kindly visit: http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=1676

Construction Journal Reports Mesothelioma Deaths to Peak by 2015

July 17th, 2009 at 08:55pm Under Construction Law

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
In a recent issue of Contract Journal, officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) predicted that there will be an increase of deaths related to mesothelioma, and the journal also predicted that those within the construction industry would largely be affected by mesothelioma and developing the cancer within the next several years.
The journal reported that of the several reasons construction workers die on the job include the following:
* falls from height
* moving or falling objects
* moving machinery
* slips and trips
* asbestos exposure
Of the mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths, the HSE reports that, “in 2006 there were 111 deaths from asbestosis and 2,056 from mesothelioma and the HSE expects deaths from mesothelioma to peak at some point between current levels and 2,450 at some time before 2015.”
An additional report from the HSE found that in the United Kingdom alone, there were approximately 4,000 deaths from mesothelioma each year, with a large portion of this number likely deriving from employees within the construction industry.
Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and asbestos dust. Derived from vermiculite, asbestos was a prized mineral because of its ability to be inexpensively reproduced and its fire-retardant characteristics.
The Occupation and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) describes asbestos in the construction industry as a “a group of naturally occurring, fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat, chemicals and electricity.” It was used, according to OSHA, as part of the following products within the construction industry:
* sprayed-on fireproofing
* pipe insulation
* drywall joint compounds
* roofing felts and shingles
* ceiling tiles
* fire-resistant drywall
* acoustical products
* cement pipe and sheet
* floor tiles
Asbestos and Construction
While OSHA has developed standards for the construction industry as per the Occupational Standards Safety Act of 1970, the industry remains unregulated to a degree. For example, a recent report from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) found that a standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) check in Florida revealed thousands of falsified documents for individuals employed to remove asbestos.
It is a legal requirement that individuals who are in charge of asbestos removal receive authentic certification for their employment. Although, illegally obtained social security numbers and forged documents were found.
Developing Mesothelioma Litigation
Individuals who have suffered from the debilitating condition of mesothelioma cancer could potentially qualify for a return of monetary compensation with the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit. Developing mesothelioma litigation may aid mesothelioma victims in receiving monetary compensation for their costly medical bills.

The Awareness of Metaphysical Laws and Principles Part 1

July 17th, 2009 at 08:56am Under Construction Law

INTRODUCTION

The upsurge of spiritual energies encircling our planet at this present time, has resulted in an awakening in humanity of the existence of higher realities. Whatever the cause of this spiritual conflagration in the hearts and minds of humanity may be, the effects of its pulsation are readily apparent in the interest taken by the general public in the many metaphysical arts and sciences that were once considered occult and mystical, studied and applied by only an elite few. This higher awareness is gaining momentum with the aid of scientific research and study that is being carried-out in various universities and colleges–researches based on the theories of hyperspace and quantum physics, and also in the field of parapsychic science. Various paradigms of the constitution of man and his occult anatomy as found in Eastern philosophy and Yoga are being discovered to contain elements of truth. Even the nature of the occult processes of death are now being studied through various methods already established by science, such as hypnotic-regression. The problem now facing the metaphysical teacher and practitioner is:

1) The integrating of present findings of science to traditional metaphysical knowledge so as to be able to convey spiritual truths and Cosmic Laws in a rational, logical and intelligent manner to the educated masses who are wary of traditional cultural values and knowledge that are out-worn or unscientifically presented, such as precepts of value that are sometimes wrongfully considered to be superstitions.

2) To present new ways of teaching and healing in an efficacious and holistic manner.

3) To personally prepare the metaphysician’s own mind, body, and soul that s/he may effectively heal the dis-eased psycho-somatic principles of humanity.

4) To present metaphysical truths that would stimulate and awaken the innate divinity of those interested persons, thus fostering spiritual growth in contradistinction to the development of religious fervor, bigotry, zealousness, and fanaticism. The precept of universalism falls upon the shoulders of metaphysicians to educate the masses.

The four points above should be the main goal of metaphysics. Too often we see so-called metaphysical counselors degenerating into psycho-deceivers and rapists, into street fortune tellers and psychic readers who present sensational readings to appease the lower selves of their clients. Such a manner of counseling causes a dependency to others on the part of the client. As a result, spiritual growth is stunted for both the client and the counselor; for the counselor is responsible for what he teaches. Most people seem to believe that psychic ability indicates a high spiritual development. This is one of the erroneous beliefs concerning metaphysics that has to be rectified. A psychic person may not be spiritual, neither does a spiritually-evolved person to a certain degree have to be psychic. Low forms of psychicism may be atavistic, an indication of soul-regression, for certain animals have shown to be sensitive to psychic impressions. Psychic abilities may deceive a person and others into thinking that one is an “old soul.” There is an element of pride in this and is a spiritual pitfall. Like the medical profession that upholds the ethical code of Harpocrates, the metaphysician should conform to the divine moral principles that resides in his innermost being, and not deceive anyone, himself included, as to the puerile over-concern over one’s soul status or spiritual standing.

In this dawning of the Aquarian Age, every person is to be their own priest and healer. This should be kept in mind by those who are seeking to be shepherds of men. Like Socrates, counselors should be adept in awakening the inner intelligence of those who come to his sanctum for advice by mystical, metaphysical and psychological means, and not simply repeating scriptural verses or platitudes parrot-like for their clients to swallow. People may reiterate verbally the wisdom of others, and yet in their lives we see nothing–no divinity expressing through them. To practice what we preach is a trite saying, but a true one nevertheless.

Metaphysical and spiritual teachers should strive to connect every person who calls at his door to the person’s own Inner Light, to the person’s own innate wisdom or Buddhic Mind. We should all take responsibility for our own spiritual unfoldment. Self-reliance and self-motivation are factors that indicate the maturing of the soul. It is of vital importance to educate people the lesson of non-dependency upon the unreal, that which is false, the non-self, upon externals, and upon the fallible human intellect.

Awareness of higher realms is not synonymous to the ability to function in those states. Before one can operate one’s microcosmic components in higher dimensions and apply the laws governing any field of evolution, the laws of those states must be understood; the occult nature of man must be known and developed. For without the understanding of such, wisdom and power lies dormant. The Universe operates through Cosmic Laws and creative principles. By knowing and understanding these laws, it is possible for the human mind/will to apply and direct these laws so as to manifest perfection in mind, body, and soul. Cosmic energies may be harnessed by knowing its source, nature, and how it operates in the universe; and by duplicating the processes of creation in our individual lives, we raise our creative level and output that eventually manifests in abundance, prosperity, peace, health, love and fulfillment. A high level of awareness creates strong, constructive survivors out of us. It stimulates in us a profound interest in the abstract, in the first causes of mundane manifestations of circumstances, conditions and states that fill our lives.

An intellectual understanding of the Cosmos and its laws, and Reality, is insufficient, however. At a certain point of one’s probing into Reality, the intellect has to be transcended and a higher faculty of the soul brought into activity. It is incumbent upon the metaphysical counselor to unfold divine qualities such as wisdom, love, power, and intelligence that he may be an effective instrument in the hands of the Divine Being.

Laws of Nature belonging to any realm of existence are natural. It is only by non-awareness and non-apprehension of those laws that we call them “super-natural.” Nature manifests as a whole spectrum of energies, and only an infinitesimal part of it is perceptible to man’s senses. By expanding one’s consciousness by daily attunement with the Divine Mind, one gradually realizes the interrelationship of all manifestations, which in reality is of one essence. This awareness assists us to get into touch with the immaculate being of other people, and from such a level of awareness it is possible to aid them to improve their lives in a beneficial manner.

Our purpose in this paper is to present some of the important points of Cosmic Law and principles that the metaphysical counselor should be familiar and fully grounded with, thus increasing his effectiveness in his ministry. In Christian Tradition, it is believed that St. Peter holds the keys to the portal of heaven. “Peter” means “rock,” which in a philosophical and esoteric sense, signifies something fundamental, a foundation, a basis. Therefore, spiritually interpreted, Peter and the keys simply mean the fundamental laws and principles that when applied, opens our awareness to the spiritual heavenly state of our primordial consciousness. Higher metaphysical awareness can only be acquired when the fundamental laws of the Cosmos are sought, understood, and applied. There should be a sincerity of purpose in the heart of the metaphysician, for without it divine attunement would be difficult. This lack of divine attunement manifests in a poor expression of one’s ministry. The metaphysician must be attracted to the human soul and its manifold qualities; its struggles, its pain, its sorrows, its aspiration toward Truth and the Light, and its endeavour to acquiring freedom from mortal limitation and delusion. Such an interest unfolds one of the most important divine attributes in man–compassion. The true metaphysician is a mystic and an occultist, a magician, a philosopher, priest, scientist, and a humanitarian. All true servants of the Divine Being and humanity are Bodhisattvas. As a public servant, the metaphysician should live-up to this image–by expressing his innate Buddha-Mind in the world of men. This he should do so if he is to avoid being a metaphysician in name only.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

In this chapter we will present two themes which we feel are the basis of metaphysical thought and awareness, and possessing the potentiality of spiritual application. To the metaphysician, they are the keys that unlock the door to myriad possibilities in healing and counseling. We will not overburden this section discussing the many excellent books and literature on the subject, we will, however, quote a few passages to support our notions and assertions. In the following chapter we shall present several principles and laws as related to those two themes that could be expressed as “relative and Absolute Reality.”

Awareness of the Mind and its Relationship to Mundane Reality

Metaphysics is the study of true perception; the knowing of the First Cause that brought the universe into being and the ontological processes that manifests life in the physical dimension; it is the personal awareness of the causes that creates one’s reality, the causes that are beyond the physical and material plane. The word “Reality,” of the above heading here refers to one’s mortal experiences in the samsaric, relative worlds and not to the Absolute. What one experiences in life is determined by the attitudes, thoughts, beliefs, opinions and feelings one revolves in one’s psyche. They are the cause of our fortune or misfortune. Our mind is an expression of the Divine Mind of the Universe, and thus, functions in a microcosmic manner and in the world as a creator. The mind creates in the world of form whatever lies within its consciousness, and more subtly but forcefully, whatever lurks in its subconsciousness. How we use our mind in filling these lower streams of the Divine Consciousness causes the many circumstances in life that we find ourselves experiencing. By creating our inner reality, we manifest our external reality–the outer is but a reflection of the inner. Animal breeds after their kind, so do our thoughts and feelings. For instance, poverty thoughts create poverty while sickly thoughts manifest sicknesses. Negative thoughts expresses outwardly as negative words and actions, and they usually rebound back to us as negative feedback from all those around us. What is true for the negative is also true for the positive polarity. This is the law of “like attracts like” in operation within the psychological and psychospiritual being of man. It is in this wise that we create and are responsible for our own heaven and hell on earth. We are creators and not mere creatures. The Aquarian Gospel puts it this way:

God never made a heaven for man; he never made a hell; we are creators and we make our own.” (33:9)

Living in hell-like circumstances and states is is the result of one’s ignorance and misapplication of the laws of the mind. Our mind is a two-edged sword that either “slays” the Real by its misperception or able to cut-through the unreal by its power of discrimination between the true and the false. Man was given the “freewill” to choose either one. Correcting one’s inner state–one’s attitudes, and belief-framework by positive, uplifting, constructive and lofty thoughts cause, spiritually speaking, the manifestation of heaven in one’s mundane experiences. Heaven is actually one’s way of perceiving things. We may see things as they are, or as they appear to be. Appearances are deceptive, a veil of Maya upon the senses. Hindu philosophy knows the world to be a play of the mind–Krishna’s leela. True perception is the de-hypnotizing of the mind of its false conceptions and ideas based upon opinions and not facts–that it may see beyond the veil–that it may cognize and recognize one’s true nature as the New Jerusalem.

It is well known to mystics, and documented by psychic researchers, that the subconscious mind radiates or broadcasts thoughts and feelings. Thoughts are patterns of energy-waves that tend to actualize or concretize in the world of form. Our minds, at a subconscious, psychic level, have the power to create sub-atomic particles from the Universal Substance. Whatever we conceive and generate in our minds, whether expressed or repressed, we influence our outer and inner environment–and thus, indirectly speaking, to us personally. It is for this reason that in order to create abundance, peace, health, and contentment in our lives and in the lives of others, the first step that we have to take is in the amelioration of the nature of our thoughts. Aside from improving one’s life, lofty thoughts also stimulate the higher chakras, or psychic centers. Prince Gautama who became the Buddha, discerned this truth and incorporated it into his teachings, in order to relieve the state of suffering in humanity and to set their feet firmly onto the path of spiritual integration. “Right Thinking” as taught by the enlightened prince, is one of the steps in the Buddhistic Eightfold-Path.

How one creates one’s reality is a theme in many of the channeled teachings that is being conveyed to us at our present area. This is, however, but an echo of the ancient sages and their teachings.”New Age” truths are but fragments of the eternal Wisdom that was taught by them. There is, as the Solomonic saying goes, “nothing new under the sun.” Understanding how we create our reality is one of the points that the metaphysician should be familiar with. It is one of the basic teachings that has to be inculcated in the minds of men, for the correct apprehension of this principle has the power of transforming a person’s life.

The metaphysician has to awaken a sense of responsibility in his clients, that they take control over their world. Many people believe that they are weak and powerless to change things directly or indirectly. This may or may not be true; however, one still has the freedom to choose one’s response and attitude toward things; and more important, one has the power of putting the right causes into motion in the realm o the mind that will indirectly change and influence conditions and events. Such an awareness should be instilled into the minds of people that they begin to live harmoniously, for when the source and cause of abundance are known and applied, less tension will there be in the struggle for survival. The laws of the jungle will be replaced with the Law of Love. Instead of competition there will be cooperation. There will eventually be more time and energy for higher pursuits. Without a higher awareness of life, man wastes and squanders his time and resources on trivial matters, and this causes one’s evolution to stagnate.

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

Legal Tips for California Construction Contractors

July 17th, 2009 at 02:55am Under Construction Law

California construction contractors are in a profession that constantly remains in high demand. Because of the variety of projects that come their way and the often large scale makeup of many of them, it’s important that contractors have the proper contractor legal representation and are fully apprised of their rights. Here are some legal tips for California construction contractors. 1. Hire the best contractor legal representation you can afford: This is not an area to scrimp and save money. Your legal representation is what will often get you out of sticky situations. Therefore, make the investment in a knowledgeable attorney that knows how to win when necessary and keep you educated on the process. 2. Maintain a full understanding of both your rights and responsibilities: As a California construction contractor, you have certain rights in terms of the work you do as well as responsibilities. For example, when beginning projects, it is your right to present a budget and timeline to the client which you think is reasonable and fair. They may or may not accept it, but you must bid according to what you actually think you can do. It is your responsibility as a construction contractor to stick with the budget and timeline you agreed upon and not try to gouge the client out of more money or time if unnecessary. You need to have a full understanding of what the law says are your rights and responsibilities in your chosen profession. 3. If a legal quagmire presents itself, seek the advice of your personal counsel quickly: Don’t try to work it out yourself; that will likely only make the situation worse. Instead, write down an account of what happened and immediately seek contractor legal representation. In most instances, they will advise you on your legal rights, but may also give you tips on how to diffuse the situation without taking it to court. 4. Get everything in writing and notarized, with copies to your attorney: This is for record-keeping purposes and ensures that in the event that you need a legal representation, you have written forms of backup. These tips will not only ensure that you understand your contractor rights, but also help to keep you out of legal messes. Maintain close contact with your attorney and be sure that they are completely familiar with your business and the overall contractor industry. For this reason, it’s best to go with a lawyer that specializes in this field as they will be well versed in case law. Moreover, make sure your lawyer knows to work closely with your union representation, if that is an option available to you in your area.