tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77732059273906896642024-02-19T18:13:57.796-08:00... the human touchThe blog of CSE Insurance Group.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-42448710942291584792011-05-18T10:51:00.000-07:002011-05-18T10:53:08.503-07:00We've Moved!This blog is now hosted at <a href="http://cseinsurance.com/blog" target="_blank">http://cseinsurance.com/blog</a>. Please stop by!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-26046544663253653422011-05-11T07:05:00.000-07:002011-05-11T07:38:12.092-07:00Are Dog Bites A Problem In California? We Ask The ExpertsAccording to one of those (ahem) "other" insurance carriers, California leads the nation in dog bite claims. To further investigate this, our intrepid staff interviewed several leading experts in the field. Here's what they had to say:<table><tbody><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1mkSFbOVSDz95aBAI_vJQ6IBF2heuVJsU6M1FG0nYHaWgI0KSQ9oFfwSztRgeE7cHE9hk_agKcQ9PWmNjXRalNm13u6hxBrso18r48X14-dc-JxKQX4ZJmlbDx94-AyxI_WmcUTwkdg/s1600/snoopy_joe_cool.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1mkSFbOVSDz95aBAI_vJQ6IBF2heuVJsU6M1FG0nYHaWgI0KSQ9oFfwSztRgeE7cHE9hk_agKcQ9PWmNjXRalNm13u6hxBrso18r48X14-dc-JxKQX4ZJmlbDx94-AyxI_WmcUTwkdg/s400/snoopy_joe_cool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605461051110139474" border="0" /></a></td><td> </td><td>"Do I look like I'd bite someone?"</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdahms8RshL2ergRPH_Xdg38x6zI49GW5jwxazSyermXa1M4bh1PHdj95qk5QndJOEAZekJ0SSQrGspSadu4PoEI0ZZ-CRaWKxNjUkhk5nV9B7-FncYjWrMMT0WB107zgCfjDtuG1XHy8/s1600/goofy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdahms8RshL2ergRPH_Xdg38x6zI49GW5jwxazSyermXa1M4bh1PHdj95qk5QndJOEAZekJ0SSQrGspSadu4PoEI0ZZ-CRaWKxNjUkhk5nV9B7-FncYjWrMMT0WB107zgCfjDtuG1XHy8/s400/goofy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605462041168036338" /></a></td><td> </td><td>"Gawrsh! I would never do such a thing!"</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-jFnZESx2a3z3GTqGkv0fxxRheWiJOoMwa2pI95nZQoG5RT0TbzW9bpXuG8uZFuKLjcNurdv9RpanKk7XPTxCrzRv31eeT3G5HsXySLxDA_mJwK7qDip0gapY1CZVq5LX0gZ2gWJxko/s1600/renstimpy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-jFnZESx2a3z3GTqGkv0fxxRheWiJOoMwa2pI95nZQoG5RT0TbzW9bpXuG8uZFuKLjcNurdv9RpanKk7XPTxCrzRv31eeT3G5HsXySLxDA_mJwK7qDip0gapY1CZVq5LX0gZ2gWJxko/s400/renstimpy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605462904789748866" /></a></td><td> </td><td>"My pal Stimpy here will gladly tell you I could never bite someone! Isn't that right, Stimpy?" "Duh... that's right, Ren!"</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobAqY41y0Rya-JA_lUN4YJbnYJ-iLVTHzALVDT93vh2mTZgFpfW4ElQCBonxLl8_6uZS_pDAkq1PGhYCPpAFnSFW0xxDVJj-uatzUz6AVQ5ukkrR5hnqcf66I89I_PoxFVlXIsjOa7-M/s1600/pluto.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobAqY41y0Rya-JA_lUN4YJbnYJ-iLVTHzALVDT93vh2mTZgFpfW4ElQCBonxLl8_6uZS_pDAkq1PGhYCPpAFnSFW0xxDVJj-uatzUz6AVQ5ukkrR5hnqcf66I89I_PoxFVlXIsjOa7-M/s400/pluto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605463972471138306" /></a></td><td> </td><td>"Woof!" (We think that means "no biting for me.")</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibya6g5_zMMngSVOqLCZFqwwkEE7R5Zoxuihz_2mzCl4BQ47nKGCjX2AY2T_x079jXtBKbaaTFT2XR5b6M-SpMOoUcw-QlsMYChKaa3a-teKhli3Y0QZSNZ8TvZ7CsomuHtjb1B6zoJ2E/s1600/sandy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibya6g5_zMMngSVOqLCZFqwwkEE7R5Zoxuihz_2mzCl4BQ47nKGCjX2AY2T_x079jXtBKbaaTFT2XR5b6M-SpMOoUcw-QlsMYChKaa3a-teKhli3Y0QZSNZ8TvZ7CsomuHtjb1B6zoJ2E/s400/sandy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605465742532206242" /></a></td><td> </td><td>"Look -- if I haven't bit the kid after all she's dragged me into the past eighty-seven years, do you think I'm going to start now?"</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH53cFzhyphenhyphenXnoDyPZm7O-S729BzMjb82nqtYn4WaA32CrzoAVFOyeSLk2t9Wm3UBXq5AS2O5gUis2FnEfKoAUfzYaDCgKNKMN7yfsGqeL5LQwZykhK20wTgaAkOsT8z3a43Dm4jGJPBY8o/s1600/dug.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH53cFzhyphenhyphenXnoDyPZm7O-S729BzMjb82nqtYn4WaA32CrzoAVFOyeSLk2t9Wm3UBXq5AS2O5gUis2FnEfKoAUfzYaDCgKNKMN7yfsGqeL5LQwZykhK20wTgaAkOsT8z3a43Dm4jGJPBY8o/s400/dug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605466863694118978" /></a></td><td> </td><td>"Hi there! My name is Dug. I have just met you and I LOVE you! I am a good dog. I... SQUIRREL!"</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-51035218411236241082011-05-10T22:47:00.000-07:002011-05-11T07:01:14.187-07:00Legislation Enhancing Punitive Powers of California Insurance Commissioner Fails to Make its Way out of CommitteeA bill recently introduced in the California legislature that would have provided specific authority to the state Insurance Commissioner to order restitution as an element of any administrative enforcement action against an insurance company has failed to make it out of committee.<br /><br />The Insurance Brokers and Agents of the West (IBA West) had spoken out in opposition to the bill, stating it would have provided the commissioner with excessive power to punish any broker-agent or other insurance licensees whenever, in the commissioner's opinion, any violation of the state insurance code had taken place.<br /><br />According to the bill's sponsor Sen. Noreen Evans, whose district encompasses several counties in the northern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, the bill was needed due to the insurance commissioner in many cases presently lacking the specific authority necessary to order restitution or other financial compensation when violations of the state insurance code had been determined to have transpired.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-60274582679978188602011-05-06T09:30:00.000-07:002011-05-06T11:34:19.079-07:00Images from Yesterday's Cinco de Mayo Lunch<table><tbody><tr><td>Yesterday, the Fun Club held a Cinco de Mayo lunch in the Walnut Creek office. Below are some images from the event:</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2335.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Preparations are made for the event.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2338.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Matt and Nick add some decor.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2339.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Lest we forget what we're celebrating...</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2340.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">The spread is, well, spread.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2341.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">"Flowers and beads are one thing..." Sorry, had an Iron Butterfly flashback there.<br /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2342.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Matt makes his list and checks it twice.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2343.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Next, he reveals his hitherto secret desire to join a mariachi band.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2344.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Just what is on that iPad, anyway?.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2345.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Did we mention the Sharks are up three games to none over Detroit in the playoffs?</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2346.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Truth in advertising - a four foot long burrito <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> outrageous.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2347.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">The gang begins to chow down.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2348.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Rohin and Melissa are in attendance.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2350.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Lining up!</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2351.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">The Fun Club crew, hard at work.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2359.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Serving up the chow!</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2371.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Mike gets in the spirit of the holiday.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2372.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Lisa flashes her smile.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2374.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Angie rocks the sombrero.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2375.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">We're all a little concerned about Mary...</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2376.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Lauren <span style="font-weight: bold;">LOVES</span> having her picture taken.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2377.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Joel informs he don't need no steenkin' badge.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2378.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Dave smiles despite his Flyers being down 3-0 in the playoffs.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2379.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Xavier gets in the spirit of the day, setting aside how Cinco de Mayo commemorates the defeat of the French army in 1862.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2380.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Smile, Ken...</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2381.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Jerusalem can make any look look cool.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2382.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Bob, on the other hand...</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2383.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">C'mon, Jim, it's not that bad.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2384.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Melissa strikes a pose.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2385.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">You didn't know this came with working here, did you Melissa?<br /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2386.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Maria grins and bears it.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2387.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Elizabeth's thrilled. No, really.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2388.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Maria wonders when this clown with the camera will leave.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2389.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Larry's in the spirit!<br /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2390.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Linda gives us a grin.</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2391.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">Carol shows how everyone enjoyed the lunch...</td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/IMG_2392.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">... and we do mean everyone!<br /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-48610268768249434552011-05-05T08:46:00.000-07:002011-05-05T09:18:02.116-07:00Possible New Gasoline Tax?Although not yet law, nor introduced as a bill before Congress, the <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/159397-obama-floats-plan-to-tax-cars-by-the-mile" target="_blank">draft of a bill by the Obama administration</a> is raising eyebrows due to it proposing a new gas tax based on the amount of mileage driven.<br /><br />The proposal states that a new Federal office, namely the Surface Transportation Revenue Alternatives Office, be established within the existing Federal Highway Administration. The new office would be charged with studying how a mileage-based user fee (i.e. tax) system could be established, including the technical aspects of how to track the mileage of all motor vehicles driven in the United States.<br /><br />A total of $295 million would be allocated to the office over five years.<br /><br />The draft bill follows a <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/151765-cbo-says-taxing-drivers-based-on-miles-driven-a-real-option-for-raising-revenues" target="_blank">report by the Congressional Budget Office</a> issued in March which suggested tracking, reporting and taxing total vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Whether such a tax would be in addition to, or in lieu of, existing Federal gasoline taxes is not mentioned in either the report or the draft bill.<br /><br />Presently, there is a Federal tax of 18.4 cents on each gallon of gasoline sold. In <a href="http://www.californiagasprices.com/Tax_Info.aspx" target="_blank">California</a>, there is an additional tax of eighteen cents per gallon plus a 6% state sales tax, 1.25% county sales tax, any additional sales taxes levied locally and a 1.2 cents per gallon state UST (underground storage tank) fee.<br /><br />A spokesperson for the Obama administration has stated the proposed bill is in draft form, and has been neither approved nor reviewed by the administration.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-1459732261985315202011-05-04T12:49:00.000-07:002011-05-04T13:27:56.845-07:00Insuring Star Wars DayToday is <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Star Wars</span> Day, this stemming from a play on "may the force be with you" being changed into "May the fourth be with you." Either that, or it was invented by someone who started celebrating Cinco de Mayo a little early. In either case, it's <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Star Wars</span> Day.<br /><br />There are few films more deeply ingrained in the pop culture psyche than <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Star Wars</span>. Granted, it's "only" the fourth highest grossing film of all time in the United States and not even in the top ten worldwide, although <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace</span> is fourth highest. Yet its place is far, far higher than films that have earned more money, such as <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Titanic</span>. No matter how many times you watch it, the boat sinks. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Star Wars</span>? A whole lot more at play, especially when the small fry espy one of the multitude of Star Wars Lego sets currently available.<br /><br />Given how <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Star Wars</span> features a whole lot of people and places either blowing up, ending up at the wrong end of a blaster or getting sliced and diced by light sabers, the natural temptation is to think insurance is probably the last thing on the minds of assorted humans, aliens, Wookies, robots and whatever Yoda is. Ah, but you'd be surprised. Our intrepid team of researchers has uncovered some actual correspondence samples from an insurance agency a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...<br /><br /><blockquote>To: Luke Skywalker<br /><br />Sir:<br /><br />Thank you for updating your claim about damage to your X-Wing Fighter. While we were at first reluctant to accept this claim due to you, by your own admission, parking your vehicle in an unsafe area to hereafter be referred to as "the swamp," we now understand your vehicle has been moved to a safer location. However, we must caution you that the moving company used, one "Yoda," is not authorized by our firm and you will have to pay any damages resulting from the move yourself. Also, please be aware that "the force" is not an approved method for vehicle relocation. Going forward, please call one of our authorized tow services.</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>To: Darth Vader<br /><br />Sir:<br /><br />We are denying your claim for damages to your vehicle, hereafter referred to as "death star." While we understand the vehicle is a total loss, and can appreciate the hardships this may present, our adjuster informs us that a known design flaw was present in the vehicle and was not properly addressed. In the future, please ensure all vehicles in your possession are both properly designed and equipped with current safety devices, as you being the sole survivor of the accident can hardly be described as an acceptable risk.</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>To: Princess Leia<br /><br />Madam:<br /><br />Please find enclosed a check for $417.38 to cover the after-deductible cost of garment repair due to, as stated on the claim, "Wookie hair removal." While we are happy to settle this claim on your behalf, we advise you to invest in some form of less easily shed-upon material.</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>To: Han Solo<br /><br />Sir:<br /><br />Thank you for your recent inquiry. We regret to inform you that we do not presently offer insurance for high-risk individuals such as smugglers. Should you ever change professions into something more pastoral, such as entering into a personal relationship with a princess or searching for archeological treasure, please contact us as we will be more than happy to put together a policy that meets your needs.</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>To: George Lucas<br /><br />Sir:<br /><br />Jar Jar Binks? <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Really?!!</span></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-23697385213962139942011-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:002011-05-02T11:45:45.394-07:00Driver Ed at McQueen HighWe're well into our <a href="http://www.cseinsurance.com/scholarship/">2011 youth scholarship contest</a>. With two weeks left to go -- last date an entry can be postmarked is Friday, May 13 -- we've received fifty-nine entries, with doubtless many more to come. The more, the better!<br /><br />The overall quality of entries thus far has been excellent; it's going to be very difficult selecting the winners, as there are many worthy entries. However, one entry to date has stood out. Not due to the essay's content, which for the record is one of the better ones received. No, it's due to the school name.<br /><br />McQueen High School.<br /><br />This immediately conjures up two distinct images of what a driver instruction course there could look like...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Turn Right to Go Left 101.</span> This course will emphasize the fundamentals of dirt track racing, along with the need to have a good team behind you. You will also experience firsthand what proper towing technique feels like courtesy of special quest instructor Mater. Extra credit will be offered for students assisting with road repair.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Street Driving Skills 101.</span> This course will be held off-campus on the streets of San Francisco. Students will learn necessary skills such as how to jump their vehicle off of a hill, bob & weave through intersections and drive at <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">very</span> close proximity to the car next to you. Also, a demonstration on the dangers of improper stopping methods at gas stations will be offered. Students are advised to bring their own car, as it is doubtful their parents will appreciate the shape the family vehicle will be in once the course is completed. Green Mustang preferred.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-63694464844151146082011-04-28T13:20:00.000-07:002011-04-28T14:21:48.559-07:00How Not To Handle Rising PricesAs you've no doubt noticed, the price of gasoline has soared recently. We're now beginning to see the trickle-down effects of this in other areas. Comparing prices from this time last year to now:<br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><li>A loaf of bread costs on average seventeen cents more.</li><br /><br /><li>A gallon of milk costs on average thirty-one cents more.</li><br /><br /><li>Twelve ounces of ground coffee from Starbucks? A dollar more.</li><br /><br /><li>A half-gallon of orange juice costs on average sixteen cents more.</li><br /><br /><li>A pound of ground beef costs on average forty-seven cents more.</li><br /><br /><li>A five-pound sack of potatoes costs on average thirty-eight cents more.</li><br /><br /><li>A pound of chicken breasts costs on average thirty-nine cents more.</li><br /></li></ul>It adds up fast. And for the record, nationwide a gallon of gas costs on average $1.03 more than at this time last week. In California it's $1.12 and nine-tenths.<br /><br />Since not eating isn't an option, and since unlike the federal government's actions simply printing money isn't legal, the question becomes how to handle this additional strain on our individual budgets. Most of us can trim back here or there. But when you depend on your car for the job, making driving less not possible, you cut elsewhere. You don't go to that movie. You don't buy that new outfit. You skip that ballgame.<br /><br />You don't get that insurance coverage.<br /><br />It's easy to say "well, you're an insurance company; of course you're going to tell people not to skimp on their insurance." Which is true insofar as we are an insurance company. However, let's take a moment to look at who actually pays the cost for inadequate insurance, or none at all.<br /><br />Let's say you're in a car accident in California. You have insurance. The other person doesn't, even though the law says it's mandatory. Hopefully you have UM (Uninsured Motorist) coverage as part of your auto policy. If not, good luck getting any kind of compensation, be it for repairing or if need be replacing your car. As well as repairing you and/or your passengers. No insurance carried by anyone can handle replacement of same.<br /><br />Next, take a look at your bank account. Can you afford to replace your residence, and everything in it, out of pocket? If so, congratulations. If you're like the other 99 44/100% of us, the answer is no. Might want to think twice before low-balling yourself on coverage.<br /><br />Yes, times are tough and money's too tight to mention. However, in trying to budget things so you don't come up short, don't short yourself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-52132143656275941832011-04-25T13:19:00.000-07:002011-04-25T13:30:49.995-07:00A Visit From The Board Of Directors (Part Three)Following the greetings and introductory remarks, a meet-and-greet session took place where CSE employees mingled with the Board of Directors members. Special thanks to Vicki George for providing many of the photos below:<table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="800"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/IMG_4552.JPG" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/IMG_4560.JPG" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/IMG_4540.JPG" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/IMG_4529.JPG" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20095.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20081.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20084.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20089.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20092.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20098.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-30919181282100131842011-04-20T15:45:00.000-07:002011-04-25T13:44:50.903-07:00A Visit From The Board of Directors (Part Two)<table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="800"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20039.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td>President and CEO Pierre Bize welcomes everyone. Thierry Derez stands nearby.</td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20040.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td>Patrice Forget (R) smiles as Pierre continues with the welcoming comments.</td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20046.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td>Pierre presents Thierry with a clock commemorating the years of partnership between CSE and COVEA.</td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20052.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td>Dominique Salvy says hello.</td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11%20055.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td>Thierry thanks everyone for the reception.</td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-84940675451189119562011-04-19T14:55:00.000-07:002011-04-21T15:23:36.895-07:00A Visit From The Board Of Directors (Part One)Recently, we were visited by our Board of Directors, for whom we had a reception. We have a number of photos to share with you from the event. Here are but a few:<table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="800"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td><br /><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/027.jpg" /><br /></td><br /></tr><br /><tr><td>What would a reception be without cake?</td></tr><br /><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11 031.jpg"></td></tr><br /><tr><td>The employees gather to the left...</td></tr><br /><tr><td><img src="http://www.cseinsurance.com/images/blogphotos/4.14.11 034.jpg"></td></tr><br /><tr><td>... and to the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />More tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-27989847262146844692011-04-13T13:33:00.000-07:002011-04-13T14:23:18.037-07:00Using "Cars" to teach about driver safety and other valuable lessonsAs you're probably growing ever more aware of, especially if you have a young son who's prone to going through the toy department at Target, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Cars 2</span> will be hitting theaters in June. Since Pixar is apparently genetically incapable of making a bad film, it goes to reason that the continued adventures of Lightning McQueen, Mater and others will be something both kids and adults will enjoy. However, I'm not here to promote the movie; there is no doubt Disney will do just fine in that area. Instead, a few illustrations from the original movie that can be used to both teach driver safety, as well as an appreciation for what the automobile has brought to American culture, are suggested.<br /><br />It's never too early to start teaching kids the fundamentals of driver safety. While no one is advocating putting a six year old behind the wheel of the family car and letting them have at it, planting seeds is always worth the effort. In the movie, Doc Hudson challenges Lightning McQueen to a race on dirt. Lightning McQueen, overconfident in his abilities, takes off at the start of the race... and then runs off the course when he attempts to turn left and skids out of control. Doc Hudson mocks Lightning McQueen as he tells him that on a slick surface, such as a dirt track, in order to turn to the left you have to steer to the right. This creates a controlled skid. Which will most likely mean little to a six year old, but ten years from now when they find themselves hydroplaning on a rain-soaked freeway knowing what to do not solely from a half-slept through drivers education course, but through a beloved cartoon, can be a lifesaver. (As an aside, should you have a teen in the house having them watch this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZAZ_xu0DCg&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">six-minute cartoon starring Goofy</a> will most likely have a greater impact on their driving than any number of lectures.)<br /><br />The other lesson one can take from <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Cars</span> comes later on in the movie when Lightning McQueen, mostly through the efforts of Sally, learns about the freeway that used to go by the town of Radiator Springs before a super highway was built that bypassed the town. Take a moment to share with your children what this is referring to, namely Route 66. While to today's kids a car ride without DVDs to watch is as foreign as, well, Route 66 itself, much of <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Cars</span> is devoted to Lightning McQueen discovering the past he never knew existed. Take the opportunity this offers to teach your children how to value and cherish what the past has to offer, when you can bringing in people who lived during the middle part of the last century to tell the stories first hand. For the musically inclined, picking up a copy of the <a href="http://thelostdogs.com/store/" target="_blank">CD <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Old Angel</span> by a band named the Lost Dogs</a> which plays a musical style generally referred to as Americana can also help. It's also available on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-angel/id379186276" target="_blank">iTunes</a>.<br /><br />It's not as hard as it may appear to teach about driving safety and the place the automobile has in American culture. Give it a spin. Without spinning out, of course.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-68820724042365409052011-04-12T16:19:00.000-07:002011-04-12T16:31:05.567-07:00Both Sides Of The StoryIt's far too easy in this world to generalize, compartmentalize and stereotype others. A prime example of this is the ongoing debate about public employees.<br /><br />In the face of those who attempt to portray all government workers as irresponsible and sponging off the taxpayer's money comes this stinging retort from the wife of a federal law enforcement professional:<br /><br /><blockquote>Do you remember the last time you were zapped while scaling an electric fence chasing a criminal illegal alien because you needed to deport him? Oh, you’ve never done that? Well, my husband has. Where did you spend Christmas ’05? My husband spent his working a double shift. Yes, he got paid overtime. Many in the private sector get overtime for that too.<br /><br />I also have a loved one who works as a social worker for the state. She worked her way through college for the masters degree required to do her job. She lives in a lovely mobile home park not far from here, but we don’t get to see her much. She’s very busy.<br /><br />(T)he fight for smaller government has led to many using a ridiculously broad brush on federal employees (and public school teachers and law enforcement), and I just can’t be any part of it. Mainly because every time I read this stuff feels like getting slapped in the face.<br /><br />I take comfort in my caviar and luxury car’s soft Corinthian leather. Just kidding. My car doesn’t have leather seats, but it does have 130,000 miles and a squeak that’s getting louder and louder.</blockquote><br /><br />It's always good to hear both sides of the story.<br /><br /><div style="text-align:center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LcNwob_njTY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-82338167951266888822011-04-08T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-08T09:59:47.232-07:00A Former Scholarship Winner SharesAs our 2011 Youth Scholarship contest rolls along, we'd like to take a moment and look back to last year's contest. More specifically, at one of the winners who recently send us a thank-you card including this note:<br /><br /><blockquote>Thank you so much for making my dreams possible. My first two quarters at San Luis Obispo have been absolutely wonderful and could not be possible without your contribution. The money you have generously donated has been used for various architecture projects, for books, and for general fees on campus. As an architect major, I have worked on dozens of projects. Some pictures of my most successful projects are included.<br /><br />I am having a wonderful time at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. All of my classes are incredible and I love going to class every day. Thank you for making it all possible and allowing me to pursue my dreams as an aspiring architect. Thank you so much for making my dreams possible.</blockquote><br />So what has our winner from last year been accomplishing? Quite a bit, actually. Here are the photos of some of his projects, with his description:<br /><br /><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;">A simple compositional project made from wire placed on a base.<br><br></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/Untitled-2.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr><tr><td>A basswood model using the same ideas of the wire project.<br><br></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/Untitled-3.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr><tr><td>A remodeling project of Hartford Pier, a pier located in Avila Beach. This bridge was designed as a lookout point out to the ocean that separates itself from the chaotic and busy pier deck. The primary focus of this project was on craft along with the design aspect.<br><br></td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/blog/Untitled-4.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr><tr><td>Known as paraSITE, this is the most involving and experimental project to date. Made of over 130 pounds of steel, with over 80 pounds suspended on the two points, one at the box and the other at the wall. This taught me how to use many of the tools that CAED had at its disposal such as a complete welding shop, metal shop and wood shop. I have learned how to use many of the various saws and sanders, metal shears and spot welders, and the welder and plasma cutter. These lifelong skills could only have been obtained through your contribution.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />It's good to have this reminder of how helping the children of the people who serve the people yields positive returns for everyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-7822482037394448232011-04-07T08:59:00.000-07:002011-04-07T09:07:16.395-07:00If Shakespeare Wrote The Annual ReportWe've just finished work on our annual report. For those among you who have never read one, an annual report is a summary of the preceding year, filled with facts and figures detailing how everything went for the business in question.<br /><br />By nature, annual reports are usually rather dry reads, as people read them to get technically correct data about a company as opposed to seeking to be wowed with florid prose. However, while putting this year's edition together, a thought did come to mind:<br /><br />What if, in-between plays and sonnets, Shakespeare decided to pick up some freelance work by writing an annual report for one of the insurance companies of his day -- yes, there were insurance providers doing business in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries-- and in the course of doing so becoming confused as to the assignment's nature and therefore wrote it as a play?<br /><br />Let's see how this might have worked out…<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">SCENE: Morning in the town. Enter ACTUARIUS, UNDERWRITICUS, CLAIMSICUS and MARKETUS.</span><br /><br />MARKETUS:<br /><br />Gentlemen! I greet you with the excitement of the new day.<br />For lo, the sun doth rise brightly in the eastern sky;<br />Scattering its beams across hills and valleys<br />As they brush away the slumber from eyes across the land.<br />We must seize this grand opportunity provided by Nature itself<br />To travel across hill, dale and if need be Chip;<br />Proclaiming how our fine products and service<br />Bring comfort and renewal to all<br />Even as the fiery globe now above us warms and soothes.<br /><br />UNDERWRITICUS:<br /><br />Do not make haste to so travel.<br />We must proceed with caution most diligent,<br />For not all in this land are of fine nature.<br />Nay, some are of a scurrilous peculiarity,<br />Seeking compensation for losses not their own,<br />Or of a time so firmly rooted in the distant past<br />Whatever grievance they might have suffered<br />Has long since been erased by time's incessant march.<br /><br />CLAIMSICUS:<br /><br />Thou kiddeth not.<br /><br />ACTUARIUS:<br /><br />I too urge caution.<br />For whilst I am in the midst of my work,<br />We know not what compensation from the people<br />Is correct exchange for the protection we extend.<br /><br />MARKETUS:<br /><br />Upon my word, you three<br />Erect such barriers of reticence<br />You truly drain the light right out of the sky.<br /><br />UNDERWRITICUS:<br /><br />Better to drain the sky<br />Than draw from the reinsurance fund.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Enter ITICUS.</span><br /><br />ITICUS:<br /><br />Underwriticus, Claimicus and Actuarius, my good men!<br />Fret not over the plans of Marketus.<br />For I have provided him such tools and implements of exquisite nature<br />As to soothe any fears of overreach.<br />You have my most solemn word<br />That naught will spin out of control.<br /><br />UNDERWRITICUS, CLAIMSICUS and ACTUARIUS:<br /><br />Thy pun is most unforgivable.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Enter AGENTICUS.</span><br /><br />AGENTICUS:<br /><br />Gentlemen!<br />What have thee to offer me<br />With which I can entice the people who serveth the people<br />To entrust me with their trust?<br /><br />MARKETUS:<br /><br />We provide products most fair;<br />Protection for their domicile and carriage.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Enter COMMERCIALICUS.</span><br /><br />COMMERCIALICUS:<br /><br />And place of business<br />Or apartment or townhouse complex!<br /><br />AGENTICUS:<br /><br />What?<br /><br />COMMERCIALICUS:<br /><br />Uh… I'll explain in a few hundred years.<br /><br />MARKETUS:<br /><br />As was being said,<br />We offer service and comfort<br />Great of value yet small of price.<br />Should ever thy customers suffer<br />The slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune,<br />Swift will be the hand of care we provide<br />To right that which has been made wrong.<br /><br />AGENTICUS:<br /><br />Verily thou hath inspired me!<br />Go forth I shall<br />To sell thy wares,<br />For you are most favored among all such businesses<br />And offer such goodness.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Enter AMBESTICUS and WARDICUS.</span><br /><br />AMBESTICUS and WARDICUS:<br /><br />We concur.<br /><br />ALL:<br /><br />Huzzah!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-20668934220905278432011-04-06T08:54:00.000-07:002011-04-06T09:36:14.215-07:00Tax TruthsFor most of us, April 15th is a day filled with dread. Why? It's the deadline for filling out and sending in your federal income tax papers.<br /><br />Exactly why it has never been set up that in lieu of withholding and all the assorted financial gymnastics that take place when it comes to income tax a set percentage is taken out of your paycheck and that's the end of it has oft been discussed. There's no doubt a perfectly good reason, although other than keeping a lot of people on the government payroll while working for the Internal Revenue System quite possibly has something to do with the matter. However, we're getting off track here; back to the significance of April 15th. More precisely, two days after April 15th.<br /><br />If you live and work in California, should you take your yearly salary starting January 1st and pay every penny of it as tax until you had paid all of the taxes you will owe during the year, April 17th would be the first day of the year you would actually start keeping what you earned. Another way to look at it is this: if you were to be paid every day of a non-leap year -- 365 days -- everything you earned in 106 of those days would be taken away from you in the form of one tax or another. In Arizona and Nevada the first day you's start keeping what you earned would be April 3rd, while in Utah it would be April 11th.<br /><br />There are states with even higher tax burdens than California. The first day working for themselves for anyone living in New York is April 25th. In New Jersey, it's April 30th. The, uh, "champion" in this category is Connecticut. The first day its residents keep what they earn? May 3rd.<br /><br />Ah, but it gets better.<br /><br />If the above formula was applied to paying what the government actually spends, the first day we would keep what we earn would be May 24th.<br /><br />Makes you wonder about where it's all going, doesn't it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-64081987864271715912011-03-31T08:35:00.000-07:002011-03-31T09:08:14.817-07:00How Not To Handle Criticism<p>Everyone who works in a service industry, such as insurance, will at some point in time work with the public. After all, they are the ones who ultimately pay our salaries by purchasing the services or goods we as a company offer. Even if you're not in a position where you directly deal with the public on a routine basis, such as customer service, you need to have the proper people skills so as to follow the old axiom: don't mess with the meal ticket.</p><p>Sooner or later, you're going to face criticism of your work. It's easier said than done to simply shrug it off if you know you're doing the right thing the right way. However, it is a necessary skill to have if you're going to last for very long.</p><p>The above comes to mind when contemplating one Jacqueline Howett. She is an author who recently released his first full-length book titled The Greek <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Seaman</span>.</p><p>Now, something everyone who puts a piece of work out there, be it creative or work process-oriented, has to accept is that others have the right to criticize their work. You take it for what it's worth. Some people offer a critique out of sincerity, while others do so out of spite and/or malice. In either case, it comes with the territory.</p><p>What's the one thing you never do in the face of criticism?</p><p>Have a public meltdown.</p><p>Which brings us back to Ms. Howett.</p><p>A review of her book was posted on a blog devoted to such things. In the review was this:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>If you read The Greek Seaman from the start until you click next page for the last time I think you’ll find the story compelling and interesting. The culture shock felt by the newlywed bride, Katy, who finds herself far from her native England, living on a cargo ship with her seaman husband Don is a good story in itself. Katy adapting to this all male environment with a crew of mixed nationality, most non-English speaking, is compelling. Whether Katy and Don will survive the criminal conspiracies the ship owner and captain have planned is yet another conflict that should keep a reader in suspense to the end.</p><p>However, odds of making that final click are slim. One reason is the spelling and grammar errors, which come so quickly that, especially in the first several chapters, it’s difficult to get into the book without being jarred back to reality as you attempt unraveling what the author meant. At times, you’ll be engrossed in the story when you’ll run across a flowery description of the emotions Katy is feeling about her situation or her husband. These are numerous and sometimes very good. Chances are one of these sections originally pulled you so deeply into Katy’s world. Then you’ll run into one that doesn’t work and get derailed again. Reading shouldn’t be that hard.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Shortly after this was posted, Ms. Howett responded. Repeatedly. A sample below:</p><p></p><blockquote>My writing is just fine!<br /><br /><br />You did not download the fresh copy.... you did not. No way!<br /><br />As to annoymous<br /><br />Al was given the option of a free copy from smashwords the following day to download in any format he preffered.<br /><br /><br />Look AL, I'm not in the mood for playing snake with you, what I read above has no flaws. My writing is fine. You were told to download a new copy for format problems the very next day while they were free at Smashwords, so you could choose any format you wanted to read it in and if their were any spelling mistakes they were corrected. Simply remove this review as it is in error with you not downloading the fresh copy i insisted. Why review my book after being told to do this, and more annoying why have you never ever responded to any of my e-mails?<br /><br />And please follow up now from e-mail.<br />This is not only discusting and unprofessional on your part, but you really don't fool me AL.<br /><br />Who are you any way? Really who are you?<br />What do we know about you?<br /><br />You never downloaded another copy you liar!<br />You never ever returned to me an e-mail<br /><br />Besides if you want to throw crap at authors you should first ask their permission if they want it stuck up on the internet via e-mail. That debate is high among authors.<br /><br />Your the target not me!<br />Now get this review off here! </blockquote><br /><p></p><p>The reviewer responded with very detailed, gracious comments pointing out the errors he was referencing.</p><p>To which Ms. Howett responded with language that cannot be repeated here.</p><p>I'm thinking she most likely isn't improving sales with this approach.</p><p>P.S. Here is the book's description as written by the author:</p><p></p><blockquote>What is an eighteen year old doing traveling on a massive merchant ship anyways, hadn't she gone to Greece on tour in a ballet as a dancer? These are questions Katy asks herself while traveling the high seas with Don, her chief officer who she marries. However, little do they know, a smuggling ring is also on board for this ride, on a blue diamond exchange, and when explosions and threats to sink the ship also happen, they must try to save themselves. True story.</blockquote><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-67606735132563095562011-03-30T14:09:00.000-07:002011-03-30T14:20:11.350-07:00What Not To Do When Writing<p>We're currently finishing up our annual report. It recaps the events of 2010, providing numbers and details about what took place at CSE this past calendar year.</p>Given that accuracy is of utmost importance when detailing company activities, the report has been read and re-read by several pairs of eyes, making sure no factual errors slip through. It's also being proofread to make sure no errors of the written word variety make their way to the printed report.<br /><br />Like, for example, not including proper punctuation...<br /><br /><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://testv1.cseinsurance.com/images/typo.jpg" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-55053395974100373772011-03-23T13:30:00.000-07:002011-03-23T14:07:45.274-07:00Going the Extra MileOne of our traditions here at CSE is whenever disaster strikes, we move swiftly and directly to help our insureds who have been touched by tragedy. In recent years, whenever firestorms rampaged through southern California the top people from our company were there when the embers were still warm, finding our customers and handing them checks to get them started on the road to recovery. We're proud of that.<br /><br />However, when it comes to going above and beyond the norm in the face of disaster, one man has recently set the bar about as high as it can go. His name is Hideaki Akaiwa.<br /><br />It was just a few days ago; March 11th to be exact. Mr. Akaiwa was at his office working away on a Friday afternoon. Everything seemed normal.<br /><br />It wasn't.<br /><br />You see, Mr. Akaiwa lives in Ishinomaki, Japan. A port city in the north-eastern part of the country.<br /><br />Where the 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck.<br /><br />Making things worse, a half-hour later the tsunami hit Ishinomaki, washing away cars and buildings like they were autumn leaves floating down the gutter after the rain, completely devastating the entire city. Mr. Akaiwa, having made it to higher ground outside the city, watched helplessly as the torrent of water ripped through Ishinomaki, crushing and sweeping along everything in its path.<br /><br />Somewhere in the midst of this destruction and horror was Mr. Akaiwa's wife.<br /><br />To which he reacted in a manner that makes Chuck Norris look like Barney the dinosaur.<br /><br />Somewhere, somehow he managed to find some scuba gear. The news stories about it don't say exactly where.<br /><br />Once outfitted, Mr. Akaiwa made it down from where he had been, out of the tsunami's path...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">... and dove into it.</span><br /><br />Sometimes wading and sometimes swimming, Mr. Akaiwa dodged the broken glass, broken timbers, cars, houses, and most everything else imaginable that was floating in the water. Which was hardly still; it continued to violently rush through the city.<br /><br />Didn't matter. He was going to find his wife.<br /><br />Eventually, through sheer tenacity and determination he made his way to what was left of his house, which although still standing was almost totally submerged. He forced his way in and found his wife, alive but trapped on the upper level with barely enough room to breathe. She couldn't have lasted much longer. Mr. Akaiwa would have none of that. He managed to get her free and out of the house.<br /><br />However, they were hardly safe.<br /><br />The water was still rushing. It was getting dark. The couple would have to fight their way through the destruction. With only one underwater breathing apparatus they'd need to share.<br /><br />After all they'd been through, you think they'd let minor annoyances like that stop them?<br /><br />They made it back to dry land.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">And the story doesn't end there.</span><br /><br />Mr. Akaiwa was still missing his elderly mother.<br /><br />For four days he searched through the shelters that had been hastily thrown together. Nothing. The search and rescue teams were doing the best they could, but the water was still so deep in what was left of Ishinomaki progress was extremely difficult at best.<br /><br />So, Mr. Akaiwa did what by now came naturally.<br /><br />He put the scuba gear back on and dove into the water.<br /><br />Yes, he found her. Like his wife had been, she was alive but trapped in the upper level of her house.<br /><br />Yes, he got her out safely.<br /><br />And yes, even with his wife and mother now safe Mr. Akaiwa is still diving into the water, looking for survivors.<br /><br />Now <span style="font-weight: bold;">that </span>is going the extra mile.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-18796023854322289022011-03-16T12:47:00.000-07:002011-03-16T13:10:25.488-07:00Is Order Breaking Down In Japan?One of the facts often commented on by Western observers of the Japan earthquake and tsunami's aftermath is how even in the midst of unimaginable destruction and horror, there has been no rift in the country's orderly society. Victims wait patiently in line for food and water. There has been no looting whatsoever. People have remained calm.<br /><br />Most people, anyway.<br /><br />Reports by Japanese users of Twitter have started to surface concerning outbreaks of unruly behavior. A rough translation is as follows: "Mad rush for food. Fighting over scraps. Devastation after riot. Marauding gangs."<br /><br />The tweets continue, "Is this the reality of Japan? Do not look! DO NOT LOOK!"<br /><br />Now, photos have appeared in conjunction with the tweets, confirming these ugly truths. Please be forewarned the photos are not for the faint of heart. In order to protect the innocent from these images, I have placed them well below.<br /><br />If you have the courage to look, scroll down...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mad rush for food!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.diecast-dude.com/cse/rushfood.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Fighting over scraps!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.diecast-dude.com/cse/fightoverfood.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Devastation after riot!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.diecast-dude.com/cse/afterriot.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Marauding gangs!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.diecast-dude.com/cse/gangs_0.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br />And before you ask, <a href="http://makikoitoh.com/journal/marauding-mobs-japan-earthquake">yes, this is actually going around Japan on Twitter</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-27096356636781097862011-03-15T13:41:00.000-07:002011-03-15T14:14:42.658-07:00Last Night I Had The Strangest DreamIt's difficult to find something to smile about these days, as every hour brings a fresh batch of bad news. The destruction wrought by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Bloody civil war in Libya. A family brutally murdered as they slept in Israel. No sources of comedy in any of these.<br /><br />Yet it is at times such as these we most need humor, something to laugh over or at the least bring a smile. Humor is our great defense, the thing that provides momentary escape and relief from the news that otherwise can crush our spirit. There are so many desperately unfunny situations in life. We should seize the opportunity for laughter whenever we can.<br /><br />And so, I'd like to share a dream I had last night.<br /><br /><br />I was here at the office. It was late in the evening, and I needed to get from one spot to another. So, I went out into the hallway, which became increasingly more maze-like as I was trying to find my way to wherever it was I was going (don't remember that part).<br /><br />Somehow I ended up in a large, pyramid-shaped freight elevator that was made out of aluminum. I rode the elevator from the ninth floor to the basement, where I exited the elevator and found myself walking... the same maze-like hallways I had been trying to navigate before I entered the elevator.<br /><br />After a while, it occurred to me that I was no longer in the office, but was in fact aboard the starship <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enterprise</span> of Star Trek fame. It was the one from <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Star Trek: The Next Generation</span>. I saw various crew members scurrying about, and eventually made my way to what looked like a large cavern filled with partying crew members and aliens encouraging them to party some more.<br /><br />I then realized the aliens were in fact drugging the crew members in order to make them their slaves. Obviously it was my duty to save them, but I saw I was the only non-drugged person on board other than the aliens.<br /><br />I managed to escape the cavern and made my way back through the ship, eventually entering a room that was an exact duplicate of the server room here in the office. I said aloud (in the dream), "Where am I going to find someone who's innocent and pure, and can't be tempted by the aliens, to help me take back the ship?"<br /><br />In walked Winnie the Pooh.<br /><br />Together with Pooh, we realized that phasers were useless against the aliens and we needed to find some other weapon. Finally we did: a pistol from the 1800s that when fired at an alien would turn them into...<br /><br />... Lego blocks. Which also freed any crew member they had poisoned.<br /><br />And so, Pooh and I took back the starship <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enterprise</span>.<br /><br /><br />Hope this helped bring a smile.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-91063186576753981722011-03-14T13:09:00.000-07:002011-03-14T13:30:41.333-07:00California Budget Stalemate ContinuesAs reported by the Sacramento Bee, negotiations between Governor Jerry Brown and Republican legislators on the state's budget woes have ended without an agreement being reached.<div><br /></div><div>State Sen. Tom Harman (R - Huntington Beach) commented that the sticking points included Brown's insistence that the proposed maintaining of what will otherwise shortly expire tax hikes enacted by the previous administration be for a five year period. The Republicans proposed an eighteen-month extension. Other issues included the Republicans wishing to place additional measures on the special election asking voters to extend the tax hikes, which will be submitted to the people in an election on either June 7 or June 14 of this year, that would impose a hard cap on state spending and modify the pension plans of current state workers.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is expected that Brown's next move in regard to the state budget will be discussions with the "Big Four," a nickname for the Democratic and Republican heads of the State Senate and Assembly. As the Democrats hold a solid majority in both houses, and as per a voter-approved measure in the last election it takes only a majority to pass the budget, the negotiations with Republicans either by themselves or in conjunction with Democratic legislators are little more than a courtesy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Referring back to the election, there are reports that as a means to cut expenses incurred by a special election the entirety of the election will be conducted by mailed-in ballots, with no polling places being used or set up. This remains unconfirmed.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-39559530211804274492011-03-10T21:49:00.000-08:002011-03-11T14:03:09.186-08:00Wouldn't Cracking A Joke Have Been Easier?You remember high school, right? Granted, for some of us high school was so long ago that whenever the kids ask if it's true that in biology instead of dissecting a frog we used a wooly mammoth. But we still remember.<br /><br />Given that high school is populated by teenagers, and the primary interest of teenagers is... well, other teenagers, a fair amount of doing whatever is deemed necessary to impress and/or get the attention of members of the opposite sex occupies time during high school years. Even at East High School, where no one is over a size 4. (<span style="text-decoration: underline;">High School Musical</span> reference there.)<br /><br />Usually, attempts to get attention and curry favor with whoever the one true great and eternal love of a young lad or lassie's life is this week -- stop by next week to meet the next one true great and eternal love as they change often -- are restricted to familiar gestures: athletic or academic prowess, attempts to be witty with occasional forays into glibness and sometimes a dip into suave sophistication provided your acne medication is holding out. That said, sometimes a teen decides to go the extra mile to impress fellow teens.<br /><br />Or the extra 200 feet.<br /><br />By jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge and living to tell about it:<br /><br /><p></p><blockquote><p>Frederic Lecouturier, 55, said he was surfing under the bridge when he saw the boy drop into the waves.</p> <p>"I thought, 'Well, he's going to die,' and then it was a miracle when he popped up alive," said Lecouturier, of San Rafael. "I paddled out there, and he told me he jumped 'for kicks.'</p><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br />Read more: <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/10/BA101I8RMI.DTL#ixzz1GKbhmkNv">http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/10/BA101I8RMI.DTL#ixzz1GKbhmkNv</a></div></blockquote><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-28187036652420519442011-03-08T19:19:00.000-08:002011-03-11T12:40:16.382-08:00Wrong WayThe current furor in Wisconsin over state government efforts to eliminate its deficit by placing strict limits on state employee unions is generating a public image unfortunately lacking in reality on both sides of the argument. Let's focus on the teachers portion of the debate.<div><br /></div><div>It has become fashionable in some circles to either universally praise or condemn public teachers. Those who shower nothing but accolades paint a picture of every teacher being a shining paragon of virtue and noble sacrifice, while holders of negative opinions consider teachers one and all to be tax-sucking sloths interested in nothing but their tenure and pension plan. Neither viewpoint is anywhere close to reality. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's discard the clichés about teachers and look at the truth. As is the case with any group of workers, there are good ones and bad ones. That said, there are far, far more good teachers than bad out there. They genuinely care about their students. They do their best to teach them well. They make a positive difference in people's lives. And they do not deserve to be tarred with the same brush presently being wielded against those who give every impression of having no interest in anything other than making a living off the public dime.</div><div><br /></div><div>We live in economically troubled times, in which it is more important than ever for all levels of government to maintain tight controls on their spending. This includes the cost of labor, namely salaries and benefits. That said, lumping all members of any given profession together with those who consider public temper tantrums an acceptable form of behavior is extremely short-sighted. Don't let the few doing it the wrong way lead you into you yourself doing things the wrong way by incorrectly labeling the many.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7773205927390689664.post-42498288013412818302011-03-03T21:01:00.000-08:002011-03-11T12:19:23.955-08:00What Can iPad 2 Do For You?Now that the announcement has been made and the numbers are known, what can be gained by buying the iPad 2 when it comes out next Friday, especially by current iPad owners?<div><br /></div><div>Answer: plenty.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the thinner and lighter aspects are nice, the most important improvements in the iPad 2 over the original lie under the hood. The beefed-up processor will result in a huge performance boost, both in running applications and anything involving video. The iPad is already the most ergonomically-friendly device on the market, one that makes the old joke about how people will always rather curl up with a good book since curling up with a good computer doesn't work as well utterly obsolete. Now, the iPad is even more comfortable and easy to curl up with; more personable. Yes, technology that's personable. It's not only possible. It's here.</div><div><br /></div><div>All well and good, one might think. But what about for business? Here the iPad 2 also shines. In addition to being able to better run existing business apps, such as the excellent mini-office suite Quickoffice and Apple's own word processing, spreadsheet and slideshow presentation software, the addition of forward and back-facing cameras will make the iPad 2 a valuable field tool. If you pick up either the AT&T or Verizon wireless model, using the available data plans will mean you can do field reports from anywhere there is a signal. We've already seen what apps such as CSE's own claims app can do for iPhone and Android users. With the far greater capacity of the iPad 2, even more superb apps for the insurance industry are now possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, don't forget that in a matter of days a free GoToMyPC client for the iPad will be available. Now, you can enjoy the comfort and freedom of an iPad while being able to tap into your regular computer whenever necessary.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what can iPad 2 do for you? A lot. It will be well worth the investment.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0