text:
Laura Mushrush
Parsons, Kansas —
"Let's talk in the arena," he says, leading the way to a building that wouldn't be standing without his foresight many years ago.
Clear blue eyes scan the Fort Scott Community College campus as he slightly tips the brim of a black Stetson off snow white hair. Beside him walks his pride and joy — the same way she's been beside him since the day they met.
Gary "Harv" Harvey grew up on a ranch outside Beggs, Okla., where he was active in FFA. After graduating from high school in 1959, he headed to Oklahoma State University.
Harv spent the next five years getting a degree in animal science and ag education, while riding bareback horses and bulls for the school's rodeo team.
By 1964, he took a job as an ag teacher in Parker, Kan., and transfered to the newly built Prairie View High School in La Cygne, Kan.
"I had a lot of outstanding students and most of them were receiving scholarships to Oklahoma schools," he said.
In his 12-year-tenure, he helped build a successful ag program, including teaching a student who became the National FFA President and eventually governor of Kansas — Sam Brownback.
It would be years later when Brownback would ask Harv to endorse him in a political commercial, which resulted in a "Vote for Harv" campaign.
While teaching at Prairie View, Harv continued his rodeo career on weekends, and met Jackie Johnson of Marionville, Mo., a barrel racing sweetheart he married in 1968.
After the two wed, Jackie started taking classes at Fort Scott Community College (FSCC). Knowing that many of her husband's students were receiving out-of-state ag scholarships since FSCC didn't have an ag program, she brought it to the attention of Gene Todd, then dean of finance for FSCC.
"Gene contacted me and asked to come visit," Harv said. "He asked if I would be interested in coming to Fort Scott and starting an ag program."
Harv told Gene he would only come if FSCC let him have a livestock judging team and rodeo team, to bring students in on scholarships. By 1975 he started the ag program at the college, making sure his classes were certified to transfer to other universities.
"My first year was pretty skimpy on students because I only had a short time to recruit," he said. "But, I went to the high school rodeo finals and found some pretty talented young people."
Harv also managed to put together a livestock team from his graduating class at Prairie View the last year he taught.
"They had all accepted scholarships to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and after I took the job, they rescinded and decided to follow me," Harv explained. "That was my lifesaver."
Harv, a man who enjoys a good challenge, was soon to find out that building an ag program from the ground up wasn't going to be easy and he needed to find practice facilities and housing for his new students.
"I bought 40 acres and built a rodeo arena since my wife and I both competed in rodeo," he said. "Then I bought two trailer houses and put them by my barn. Almost all the kids lived at my house west of town."
Jackie, who was also on her husband's first rodeo team added, "We were like one big family because all the kids lived at our place."
Harv often had his rodeo team practicing at his arena and his livestock judgers practiced reasons in his yard.
"The neighbors would get curious and drive by," Harv laughed. "They'd call me up and say, 'Who's that crazy dude walking around your yard talking to himself? I saw another talking to a telephone pole."'
His team's hard work paid off and proved to be a successful first year. His rodeo team was second in the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and his livestock judging team was third in the nation.
Even after a rough start at their first livestock judging contest at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition, the team stuck it through.
The team was snowed in Chicago with no food and barely any money, and they were hungry.
"We'd been there for four days, roads were closed and it was Thanksgiving day. Everybody put their money together and we had $7 or $8."
Harv took their last dollars to the man at the hotel's front desk and explained the situation. The man gave the team a huge cheese ball and all the crackers they had for their Thanksgiving dinner.
"We sat around all day watching football and eating that cheese ball," Harv laughed.
Within the next six years FSCC's ag program gained enough recognition that Harv needed assistance. He turned to John Luthi, a member of the first FSCC Rodeo Team, to take the reins of the rodeo program. As the program continued to grow, so did an interest in the purchase of a school farm.
"We found a place at the north end of town with a nice barn and 80 acres. As we were working out a deal to buy the land, I had a friend who had put up an indoor arena," Harv said. "I got to thinking about the possibility of putting up an indoor arena instead of buying a school farm."
At the time, FSCC did not have a gymnasium for their basketball team or locker rooms for their football team.
"There were no athletic facilities at all, so I asked the president why we didn't build a multipurpose building. Half of it for physical education and half of it for rodeo, for the same amount it took to buy a school farm," explained Harv.
The president invited Harv to speak at the next board of trustees meeting to pitch his idea.
"I said I would be very satisfied with this school farm, it'd be just the ticket that we need," he stated. "But, I think I have something I'd like to present to you that would benefit the school as a whole — more than just the ag program."
The board of trustees liked the idea, and plans were soon made to build Arnold Arena, an athletic duplex.
Harv and Luthi put their teams to work on building the indoor arena and by 1982 FSCC was hosting it's first college rodeo in Arnold Arena.
"John Luthi and I were still welding on pens when the stock contractor arrived with the bulls," Harv added.
In 1996, after 22 years of dedication to FSCC, Harv retired. In that time he expanded the program to include a meats judging team and had grown an ag program large enough to support three teachers.
His success as a livestock judging coach resulted in winning every national contest at least once. Years of experience taught him how to handle individual students and push them to do their very best.
"A good teacher and coach figures out what it takes to motivate." he said. "Usually within a week or so I could figure out what motivated each individual."
Harv's principles and mentorship profoundly impacted students that came through his program. On Oct. 12, 2013, a group of his former students held "Harvey Fest" in Fort Scott to raise money for the Gary and Jackie Harvey Honorary Scholarship. More information about "Harvey Fest" can be found on the FSCC Aggies Under Harv Facebook page.
Harv's legacy and dedication is also going to be honored by FSCC. The Rodeo team is in the process of building a new practice facility and the foyer will be filled with Harv's memorabilia.
When asked about the most rewarding part of his career, Harv couldn't pick any certain thing because he had so many.
"It was a very rewarding career for me. I look back and I don't think I would have done anything any different," he concluded. £


text:
Food Allergy Families
Are you or a family member living with food allergies or limitations? Join us ... more
See All
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests
When we talked about it, Lily told me she felt itchy before she went on the playground but she "didnt want" to tell her teachers. I seriously wonder if my kid's shyness is going to get her killed one of these days. We decided she would use the sign language letter for "i" (for "itchy) to tell her teachers she was itchy, if she was uncomfortable talking to them. I really can't figure out any other way to help her communicate her needs - and she loves sign, so I'm going to make her use it.
On top of that, her allergist called today and said her blood test results were back and her milk allergy number went up even more in the last 8 months instead of going down like we'd hoped. All this means is she'll be allergic a while longer, but it is so discouraging.
I'm back to having heart palpatations about Kindergarten. The sleep sure was nice while it lasted, though.
I'm sorry the allergy number didn't go down, either. What a terrible day you are having.
Shame on that TA's for not taking it seriously. No wonder Lily doesn't want to tell them when she's having problems. Do you think there may have been times before that she's told them she was having issues, and they have just brushed her off?
I think I'd have marched DD back in front of the TA's and forced her to watch how bad it got. (Well, I probably wouldn't have, but it's makes me feel better to think about doing it!)
I think the sign language is a good idea. Do you think she would be comfortable telling a friend, and then having the friend tell the teacher? Do you think if she had a pre-written note, she would be able to hand that to the teacher if she needed to? I don't know, I'm just trying to help brainstorm....
I also wanted to share some thoughts about the thread from the 4/5 board. I hope you don't mind me posting here, but I thought it would be more appropriate here.
I'm very surprised by all the positive responses you got. I figured you would get some positive, but some negative, too. I wonder if they responses would have been different if it had been some sort of poll, and responses were anonymous. I don't want to be a downer, but I'm just too cynical, I guess. Were you surprised by the thread? It's just seems, in my experience, that not everyone is so willing to change their daily behaviors to accomodate someone else.
I think I read somewhere in the thread someone mention how important it was to get to know the family. I think then, it's much more likely to get a positive repsonse. Again, I'm cynical, but I think that's why you got so many positive responses on that board. We have all "known" each other for so long, people are more willing to accomodate each other. Another board, and my guess is that the responses would be different. (Maybe I still sting after a post I made on the Elementary board over a year ago. I need to learn to let things go!)
I think this post turned into more of a ramble. Sorry. Maybe I just need to change my attitude, and stop assuming the worst. I'm just curious what your thoughts are on the thread.
You must be sick to death of hearing about all of this...I am just trying to get a feel for what kind of reaction I might get, but it's too hard to judge form these boards. I'm obsessing over the whole thing and lucky you get to go along for the ride.
I remember reading that thread from the Elem boards. I was so pissed I had to stop reading. And my experience has made me just as jaded. I feel like every experience I have with people IRL leaves me more aggravated about the whole issue.
I may just post one day and say "forget it, I'm homeschooling". But we have time to try to sort it out, and I feel like I need to give it a chance. My DH thinks its a waste of time and loves the homeschool idea, but I'm as on the fence about that as I am everything else right now.
I don't want to sound like I'm trying to talk you into sending Lily to school and not homeschool. I'm just giving you my thought process on why we decided to send Emily to school. (Besides the fact that I, personally, don't think I could handle it. With your background, I'm sure you would be up for the challenge.)
It does get easier as they get older. Preschool, and even Kindergarten, are TOUGH. But, perschool especially. Lots of shared toys, lots of touching each other, hugging, snacks, etc. It's always an option to keep her home for Kindergarten, and start her to school later, like 1st grade.
Think, though, of how things are different when they are in elementary school. They are there all day, so no one else is sitting in their seats. There is no afternoon and morning classes. The same teacher is there all the time, and (hopefully) knows what is going on in her classroom throughout the day.
Sharing things goes way down. She would (probably) have her own pencils, crayons, glue, etc. They don't play with toys anymore that much. Their activities are much more structured, and really center around learning.
(Now, I must admit that for Emily, since she is half day, she doesn't have her own supplies. They all share in half day Kindergarten. In full day, they each have their own.)
I know that for certain activities, Emily's techer has provided her with something different. For example, if the class was working on shapes, Emily had a separate set of her own. I have told the teacher that I am willing to provide things, if needed, so that Emily can have something similar, if not exact that is safe.
I think, right now, you are at one of the very, very low points in dealing with food allergies. Preschool and allergies are HELL. They really are. I'm not saying that Kindergarten is a breeze, but it is so much more of a controlled environment that makes it head and shoulders above preschool.
As she gets older, I'm expecting it to become more and more controlled, and to get easier. Of course, this doesn't mean that next week I might not be complaining of some lame-brained thing that goes on in Kindergarten!
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Spotlight: Member Stories
More Members
Helpful Tips
- Chewy Flourless chocolate cookies Gluten Free
- Recipe: Vegan fruity oatmeal bars
- Milk - and egg- free chocolate cake
Helpful Resources
Related NewsThere was an error with this newsfeed
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems With Your Medications to the FDA
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
The opinions expressed in WebMD Communities are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Communities are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
Do not consider Communities as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
HI-Martha's Vineyard Reviews
- Info
- |
- Rates
- |
- Map & Directions
- |
- Reviews
- |
- Facilities
Reviews & Ratings Explained
The rating percentage is calculated from customers who booked within the last 12 months.
All ratings and reviews are based on the feedback and opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up-to-the-minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is.
Read our review guidelines »
Nice place to stay
- Novice Nomad
- Anonymous
- Couple, 41+
- (2 reviews)
Really enjoyed my stay here. Hostel was really well equipped, very clean, had a nice mix of people staying there and the staff were uber helpful and knowledgable which really helped me to get the most from my stay. The location of the hostel is a bit remote but you can get there via bus easy enough and it's location also has it's advantages when it comes to getting over to Minesha and having a bit of relaxing peace. I would definitely stay here again. Also they make pancakes in the morning :)
- Novice Nomad
- Anonymous
- England
- Male, 25-30
- (1 review)


text:
Sort by:
Climbing the Ladder of Success
A shop takes advantage of CNC multi-spindle technology to reduce cost per part while meeting customer's quality production needs.>
New CNC Multi-Spindle Designed for Form Tools
Advances in technology can be disruptive. However, some advances can provide new possibilities for existing methods and tools leading to leaps forward in efficiency and effectiveness.>
Here, Multi-Spindles are Alive and Well
While the nature of multi-spindle work has changed over time, the demand for parts produced using this technology remains strong for this Midwest contract manufacturer, which successfully blends older cam and new CNC multi-spindle machine technologi...>
Six are Good, Eight are Better
At the recently completed EMO Hannover, the multi-spindle builder Index, headquartered in Esslingen, Germany, unveiled its new eight-spindle, CNC automatic production lathe.>
A Multi-Spindle and Swiss Combination
At the recently completed EMO show in Hannover, Germany, the world's machine tool and metalworking industry put on the biggest exposition on earth.>
Manufacturer Stays True to 106-Year-Old Niche
Finding a niche and sticking to it sounds like common sense. Sometimes, however, companies get distracted, even bored, with a niche. That's never been a problem for the Fischer family.>
Beefed-Up Backworking on New CNC Multi-Spindle
This CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe includes a quillstock with six tool carriers and one counter spindle opposite the main six-spindle drum, allowing machining of complex workpieces in a single process.>
Making Locks Since Lincoln
For 150 years, padlock manufacturer Wilson Bohanan has done one thing and done it well. Spanning much of the Industrial Revolution, this company has survived and prospered by adapting to change both in product and process as evidenced by the company...>
Turning Toward The Future
This new machine tool represents the lastest in a new generation of CNC multi-spindle automatics. Its development was a clean sheet approach and the results are impressive.>
Seeing A Multi Through Different Eyes
Sometimes if you don't 'know' any better, applying technology in new ways simply makes sense. That's partly what helped drive this family-owned OEM to acquire its first, and so far only, multi-spindle to help it get a better handle on production and...>


text:
What's better than wine and good food? Enjoying the two under the moon right here in Ramona!
Residents can sip some wine under the moon at San Vicente's quarterly Wine Under the Moon event. Chef Ben Peterson will show off his skills in the kitchen with a five-course meal that will knock your socks off.
The classy night will be held in the San Vicente Room at the resort and wine will be carefully paired with each course.
Check out the attached PDF of the night's meal and enjoy a night under the moon with wine and good food!


text:
Question: Could One Email Steve Jobs? What was Steve Jobs's Email Address?
Answer: Steve Jobs's email addresses were firstname.lastname@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com and email@example.com.
You can send memories and condolences to Apple at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Did People Get Replies to Emails to Steve Jobs?
Steve Jobs did reply to customer, publisher and developer emails regularly.


text:
- Mobile site
- E-Newsletters
- News feed
- Find us on Twitter
Daily Echo on Twitter
Saints News on Twitter
Leisure news on Twitter
- Find us on Facebook
Echo on Facebook
Dover 2 Eastleigh 0 (From Daily Echo)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Eastleigh FC RSS Feed
Dover 2 Eastleigh 0
6:41pm Saturday 8th December 2012 in Eastleigh FC
Eastleigh's away misery continued with a 2-0 defeat at Dover.
Ben May scored both goals in the first half and was denied a hat-trick by Ross Flitney, who also saved from former Spitfires favourite Daryl McMahon.
Eastleigh's third successive away defeat sees them drop to 12th in Blue Square South.
Comments are closed on this article.


text:
San Luis Obispo County is maintaining its slow and steady fiscal improvement, but state and federal political fights continue to create uncertainty, the countys top administrator told the Board of Supervisors this week.
The key message is patience, and slow and steady, county Administrative Officer Dan Buckshi told the board Tuesday as part of a forecast for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Things are improving.
He said the county is in year five of its 7-year pain plan, instituted to keep the local government on steady ground. Buckshi and his predecessor, Jim Grant, as well as the current Board of Supervisors, have done their part, although not without cost.
Programs and services have been scaled back, Buckshi noted, but dramatic cuts have been avoided.
During this half-decade, the county has shrunk its workforce by 245 full-time employees, or 9 percent, and, in collaboration with its unions, has instituted such reforms as a two-tier pension system.
However, Buckshi also said that political intransigence in Washington and Sacramento, as well as the unknown fate of Gov. Jerry Browns November ballot proposal to raise taxes for state government, give smaller governments a case of the fiscal jitters.
The county government receives a substantial portion of its income from state and federal dollars, in part because it is carrying out laws and programs that the state and federal governments impose on it.
In Washington, the level of political polarization remains troubling, Buckshi wrote in his report. It appears the two major political parties are unwilling and unable to reach a middle ground. As a result, long-term economic solutions remain elusive.
He paid particular attention to what he called the new buzzword the fiscal cliff, which he described as a confluence of dire events threatening the nation if Republicans and Democrats in Congress do not work together before Jan. 1 to head them off.
Those events include expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts; expiration of extended unemployment benefits; expiration of a payroll tax holiday; and $1.3 trillion of automatic spending cuts, a process known as sequestration.
In and of themselves, any one of these events would negatively impact the economy; combined, they could be catastrophic, Buckshi wrote. He said there is a threat that the country could dive back into a very significant recession.
Unease about finances at the state level is just as problematic, Buckshi wrote. The states financial condition continues to be the single largest threat to the countys budget.
Despite these swords hanging over its head, the county is doing what it can, Buckshi said, and pointed to several positive signs that things are getting better. Transient occupancy taxes, a measure of tourism, are up, for example. And the housing market is improving, with median prices and volume both up.
Buckshis report, as well as a series of attachments going into detail, can be read at the countys website, under the Board of Supervisors agenda for Oct. 9.


text: Unlike the Academy Awards, which allow for only one film to be submitted by any given country, at the Golden Globes it is possible for multiple films from the same nation to be recognized. Such was the case Thursday morning as the French films "Rust and Bone" and "The Intouchables" were both nominated. Also nominated was "Amour," made by the Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke, but which is French-language, set in Paris starring French actors and made with French co-financing. Rounding out the nominations were the Norwegian adventure "Kon-Tiki" and the Danish period romance "A Royal Affair."


text:
By Amanda Dyslin
---- — MANKATO — We're willing to go out on a limb here and say there are only two people in Mankato who have interviewed so many celebrities.
Two happening dudes — who make no money doing it — have for years been saying to each other, "Who would be somebody cool to talk to on the show this week?" And then oftentimes, whatever name pops out of their mouths, they make it happen.
Dustin Wilmes and Juston "Ton" Cline of "The Five Count" on 89.7 FM, the independent KMSU Radio station, have interviewed John C. Reilly, Jesse Ventura and "Weird Al" Yankovic, to name a few.
But some of the funnest shows (if you were a child of the '90s like they were) are the interviews with people mostly popular back in the day — Jaleel White (Steve Urkel), Michael Bower and Danny Cooksey (Donkeylips and Budnick of "Salute Your Shorts"), and even one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
This summer the two have compiled the most jam-packed roster of celeb interviews yet.
We talked with the fellas about how their idea for such a unique series of guest shows began and where they hope to take it from here.
Free Press: You're going on 10 years of doing "The Five Count" on KMSU. What's kept you excited to keep doing the show every week for that long?
Dustin Wilmes: It's still fun! The show has changed and evolved over the years, but at its core it's still just an opportunity to hang out with my buddy Ton, be obnoxious, play some cool music, and chat with some people we admire. I still look forward to it every week.
Juston Cline: I agree, it remains fun and interesting. Never in my life did I expect to be doing the things I have on the show and to have a pal to do it with is extra special.
FP: When you first started doing the show, was it your goal to be doing band and celebrity interviews? Or when and with whom did that begin?
DW: We did our first "celebrity interview" about six months after we started the show with an actor named Bill Moseley. He was in a lot of horror films and stuff we liked and was a real nice guy. We've always had interviews here and there, but we didn't start doing them on a regular basis until like four or five years ago. There's a never-ending list of people we would like to have on the show.
JC: Talking with Bill Moseley in the beginning was really cool but I never expected it to be the premise of the show. It just sort of went that way on its own.
FP: You seem to take a different approach to lining up these guests. Most media select people to interview who are of interest to the public right now (maybe they have a concert in Mankato coming up, or they just released an album or film). You seem to choose people from your past, whom you personally have an interest in talking to. Did you worry that would be a risk with your audience?
DW: We go through a lot of those same channels, too. We keep an eye on who is playing a show in the area, who has a book coming out, who just recorded an album, etc. Other times we just say, "Hey, I wonder what this person is up to now" and then try to find them.
Since we aren't presenting these interviews in a "news context" like a lot of other media outlets, we're able to pick and choose who we want to have on. We've had a pretty eclectic mix of guests over the years, so if you don't care for someone we have on one week, there's a chance you'll love the person we have on the next.
JC: We have followed that format to some degree but ultimately this is volunteer public radio and part of the fun in that is being able to do what you want on some levels. So we try to make sure we are talking to celebrities that are truly interesting to us.
FP: This summer seems to have been particularly packed with high-profile interviews. Who have been some of your favorites so far and why?
DW: Every year we always wonder how we'll top the year before. For me, we've had a lot of "bucket list" people this summer. "Weird Al" Yankovic, John C. Reilly, Les Claypool, Crispin Glover, Larry Graham, the list goes on and on.
I've been a huge fan of these people for years. I always become a bigger fan of someone when we have them on the show and they turn out to be cool and down-to-earth. Luckily, that's been the case across the board for the most part.
JC: It's pretty cool how often we end up in that conversation of, "How can we top that?!" But it just keeps happening.
For me this year talking with Bill Manspeaker of Green Jelly and Sean Yseult, formerly of White Zombie, was equally as awesome as all those big names.
FP: Looking back over nine years, who have been your overall favorites and why?
DW: Most of my favorites are people I loved growing up. Talking with Townsend Coleman, who did the voice of "Michelangelo" on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon, would've blown 10-year-old Dustin's mind.
Another one was our interview with Fred Wesley. This guy was the band leader for James Brown and George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic. He had a hand in some of the greatest music ever recorded.
We had Jesse "The Body" Ventura on a while back. I know not everyone is a fan of his, but it was his commentary during wrestling matches I watched as a kid that made me want to be an announcer. I could go on and on.
JC: Since we really do seek out people that we are fans of, the list can get pretty long. Tommy Shannon, bass player for Stevie Ray Vaughan in Double Trouble was a really big one for me. Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry, Mean Gene Okerlund, Matt "Dr." Fink of Prince and the Revolution and all the different funk musicians we have interviewed. It's really been amazing.
FP: KMSU is a small, independent radio station. How are you getting people like Weird Al to be on your show?
DW: It's a lot of phone calls and emails and finger-crossing. Lots of hit and miss, but luckily we've "hit" some pretty cool ones over the years.
The funny thing is "The Five Count" started out as this weird, late-night radio show that people stumbled upon by accident. Nearly 10 years later, after all the celebrities and contests and giveaways, we're still like that secret oddity KMSU keeps chained up in the attic. It's like that book "Flowers in the Attic," but funnier.
JC: I have been trying to get Chuck Norris on the phone for years but his publicist keeps telling me he's stuck in the forest some place defending his family. But I don't stop trying! (True story.)
FP: At your five-year anniversary mark, you said Little Richard, Randy "Macho Man" Savage and The Fat Boys were your dream guests. Has that changed?
DW: We actually did manage to get both the surviving Fat Boys on a couple years ago. Sadly, Randy "Macho Man" Savage passed away before we could get him on. We are still working on Little Richard.
JC: This list evolves as we keep making our own dreams come true. Sly Stallone, I'm looking in your direction.
FP: What's up next if people tune in during upcoming weeks?
DW: We are booked solid with interviews and other nonsense for the rest of 2013. We know people like to do things on their own terms these days, so you can always check out our shows in podcast-form on our website at www.thefivecount.com.
JC: We have all kinds of awesome lined up so just do yourself a favor and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or the YouTube channel. You will thank me later.
If You Listen What "The Five Count," with Dustin Wilmes and Juston "Ton" Cline When 10 p.m. to midnight Saturdays on KMSU 89.7 FM Call-ins are welcome at 800-456-7810. For more information and to live stream, visit www.thefivecount.com.


text:
Bold, Creative Solar Marketing Strategies
There is an art to solar marketing and communications. The art is in the execution and the strategy.
We develop social media strategies, memorable events, and guerrilla marketing campaigns exclusively for solar companies.
Our goal is to inspire prospects to remember your brand, develop long term solar brand relationships, and to take action.
- Social media strategies. Build solar leads and trusted brand relationships with a customized Solar Social Media Strategy for solar websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and online contests. We design programs that utilize residential or B-to-B social currency to amplify experiences and drive conversations about solar.
- Solar guerrilla marketing strategies. Get press-worthy attention from the media. We work with your staff to create an exciting event or publicity stunt that not only stands out, but also educates clients about your solar product or service. Such events increase organic growth through the media and breakthrough viral communications about your solar brand.
- Solar content marketing. Solar companies must show customers that they have authority. Define your solar voice. Using blogs, videos, newsletters, infographics, white papers, and other dynamic content, solar companies, UnThink Solar helps you show home owners, utilities, government entities, and solar financiers why you are solar experts, an industry thought leader, and solar problem solver.
- Speeches and presentations. Valenza/"Solar Fred" creates inspiring solar marketing presentations and key note addresses for solar industry corporate retreats, conventions, and VIP events. Activate your audience by giving them compelling social event experiences, encouraging solar and brand advocacy.


text:
Founded, January 2006
12,610 members strong
(as of 7/26/2014)
Ron Bower, AC2C, administrator
1. Tribune is achieved when a Centurion makes contact and exchanges SKCC number and name with 50 different SKCC Centurions, Tribunes, or Senators, in any combination.
Note: For brevity, throughout the rest of this page the term Centurion refers to any member who holds a C, T, or S.
2. Both members in the QSO must be SKCC Centurions at the time of the QSO.
3. Contacts must be made using a straight key, bug, or side swipper. The SKCC Board of Directors can grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis to those with physical disabilities that prevent the use of such keys. To request an exemption, use the email-Board link under the Club Contacts section of the navigation column at left. Contacts may be made on any amateur band at any time, including WARC bands.
4. Only contacts made on or after 1 March 2007 count toward the SKCC Tribune Award. Neither the SKCC Club Call (K9SKC) nor any special-event call sign (such as K3Y) will be accepted for credit for contacts logged on or after 1 October 2008. However, you may use the FCC-assigned call of the station operator using either of those special call signs, provided that you have not previously used that operator on the Tribune application.
5. Any member used to achieve the Tribune Award may be used only once. If you work AC2C as a Centurion and AC2C becomes a Tribune, you cannot count AC2C again. Likewise, if AC2C later changes his call sign, he is still the same member and cannot be used again. Hint: Use SKCC numbers, as well as call signs, to verify that your application is free of duplicates.
6. An endorsement for contacting 50 Centurions on a single band is available. Basic Tribune award applications and initial band endorsements are processed by Ron Bower, AC2C.
7. Additional single-band and multi-band endorsements are available (see below).
The administrators process all applications on a PC. Thus, all data must be entered into a PC before processing can begin. It is strongly suggested that the Tribune Award Endorsements Application be used for this award. If for any reason you are unable to submit a computer-readable application, please contact the award administrator before submitting your application to discuss alternatives. You can use W5ZR's free SKCC QSO Tracker, available through the "Files and downloads" link in the left column. Or stand-alone applications are available in two versions: a Word file and an Excel file.
Russ Halbert, K0LUW, endorsement administrator
Endorsements for contacts with additional unique Centurions, beyond the initial 50, are available for individual bands as well as for the multi-band Tribune award. Endorsements are offered in increments of 50 up to Tribune x 10. Here are the rules for endorsement applications and the process for evaluating them:
1. The log must contain no fewer than the minimum number of QSOs the endorsement requires. Extra QSOs on the application can be useful, however, if some of the others are disqualified.
2. The date the applicant became a Centurion will be verified.
3. For each contact, the QSO date is compared with the applicant's and contact's Centurion dates. To count, the QSO date must be on or after both participants' Centurion Award date.
4. Any mismatch in information will be noted in the reply to applicants.
5. All call prefixes and suffixes recorded during QSOs -- i.e. /QRP, /8, /W, PJ5/, etc. -- must be removed before sending in an application. The prefixes are not part of the official call signs maintained in the membership data base.
6. If the log contains enough valid contacts for the endorsement, it will be issued.
Additional notes: We don't save past applications, so please use a form, such as the Excel form above, that will retain all of your previous Tribune and endorsement QSOs. This allows us to more easily check for duplicates or other errors. Occasionally, our updated checking procedures may catch an error in a section of the application already approved for a previous endorsement. Just replace the marked QSO with another contact with the same operator; most of us have had several contacts with the same member. Maintaining all QSOs on one form also makes it easier for you to check for duplicate entries as your list of QSOs grows. And as with the initial Tribune application, be sure to use SKCC numbers as well as calls when checking for dupes prior to submitting your form.
Lets make it FUN and keep it SIMPLE!!
All Questions and Submissions about/for this award and its endorsements should be sent to:
Ron Bower, AC2C, SKCC #2748T, email@example.com
Russ Halbert, K0LUW, SKCC #1702T, email@example.com
Good Luck!


text:
Choose your preferred language. We speak English and 41 other languages.
Most often used by people in the United States
All languages
Added to your selected list(s)
Removed from your selected list(s)
Saved to list
Save to a list
Quality Resort Chateau Canmore
Canmore, Canada
Quality Resort Chateau Canmore
1720 Bow Valley Trail, T1W 2X3 Canmore – Show map
Get instant confirmation with FREE cancellation on most rooms!
6 Reasons to Choose Quality Resort Chateau Canmore
Low rates
No booking fees • Save money! Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
41 properties in Canmore
Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
316 verified reviews
We verify all reviews from guests who have stayed at Quality Resort Chateau Canmore. Find out more.
We speak your language
Quality Resort Chateau Canmore's staff speaks: French, English, German
Booking is safe
When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
Ski Storage, Ski Passes Available
Tennis Court, Golf Course (within 2 miles), Skiing, Sauna, Fitness Center, Indoor Pool
Food & Drink
Restaurant, Bar
Free! WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Free! Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Room Service, Vending Machine (drinks), 24-Hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage, ATM on site, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Fax/Photocopying, Souvenir/Gift Shop
Newspapers, Safe, Non-smoking Rooms, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Heating, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Languages spoken
French, English, German
From 4:00 PM
Until 11:00 AM
My viewed hotels
Top 10 Questions
Can I make a reservation without a credit card?
How do I know if my reservation is confirmed?
Can I cancel or change my reservation through Booking.com?
What is my PIN code and what do I need it for?
Where can I find the hotel's phone number and/or email address?
How can I see how much a hotel room costs?
I am entering my credit card details. When will I be charged?
Does the hotel need a deposit or payment in advance?
We have children; can we get extra beds/cribs in the room?
How to Book
Where can I find the hotel's phone number and/or email address?
How can I see how much a hotel room costs?
Can I make a booking for tonight on your website?
How can I search only for hotels that are available for the period I want to stay?
Can I search for hotels by price?
Can I limit the search to show hotels in a specific district or near a landmark?
What is the location of the hotel?
How can I search for hotels that have rooms large enough for families?
How do I search for hotels with specific facilities, such as an indoor swimming pool?
Can I limit my search to hotels with facilities for people with a disability?
Room Types
We have children; can we get extra beds/cribs in the room?
What is the difference between a Double Room and a Twin Room?
What is a "non-refundable" or "free cancellation?"
Can I request an extra bed in my room and will there be an extra fee?
Are the prices shown on Booking.com per person or per room?
Are taxes included in the price?
Is breakfast included in the price?
Do I pay a reservation fee to Booking.com?
What does the crossed out rate mean next to my room type?
Does Booking.com offer any special consideration discounts, or discounts with airline or hotel loyalty cards?
Do I pay the full price for my child(ren)?
Can I use discount coupons (e.g. issued by magazines, stores, etc.)?
Credit Cards
Can I make a reservation without a credit card?
The hotel has charged my credit card--what should I do?
Can I use a debit card to complete my reservation?
Can I make a reservation for myself using someone else's credit card?
Why do I need to give my credit card details?
Which credit cards can I use to complete my booking?
Are my credit card details safe?
The credit card that I used to make a reservation is no longer valid. What should I do?
I am entering my credit card details. When will I be charged?
Does the hotel need a deposit or payment in advance?
Can I pay for my stay in advance?
Can I pay for my stay at the hotel with a different credit card than the one used to make the reservation?
Reservation Process
How can I make a special request? For example: a sea view, twin beds, room on a certain floor or dietary needs?
Can I book a hotel for day use?
How do I find out how many bedrooms are in an apartment/suite?
How can I make a group reservation?
Hotel Policies
I will be arriving earlier/later than the stated check-in time. Can I still check in?
How can I find a hotel's check-in/check-out times?
How do I get more information about the room or hotel facilities?
I want to check out after the stated check-out time. What should I do?
I want a smoking room, but I can only choose a non-smoking room. How can I request a smoking room?
How do I find out if a hotel allows pets?
How do I know if my reservation is confirmed?
What is my PIN code and what do I need it for?
I have booked a hotel but haven't received a confirmation by email. What should I do?
What is "My Booking" and how do I use it?
Are the facilities in the room that I have booked guaranteed?
I received an email from Booking.com claiming to be from the place where I booked my stay. Why did I receive this message?
Cancellation/Change of a Reservation
Can I cancel or change my reservation through Booking.com?
If I need to cancel my booking will I pay a cancellation fee?
Where can I find the cancellation policy of the hotel?
Can I cancel or change a Secret Deal or non-refundable booking?
How do I know if my booking has been canceled?
Extra Facilities
How do I know if the hotel has parking facilities and how can I reserve a space?
How can I find out if the hotel offers a shuttle service and how can I book it?
Can I store my bags at the hotel before check-in or after check-out?
How do I find out if a hotel has a certain facility, e.g. an elevator?
Falcon Crest LodgeIn the Rocky Mountains, this Canmore hotel features rooms with a kitchenette and a fireplace. Heated underground parking is provided. Free Wi-Fi is included. Banff is 16 miles away.
Score from 360 reviews Wonderful - 9.1/10
Ramada Inn & Suites CanmoreThis Alberta hotel offers mountains views and is within walking distance of the Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn. The Ramada Inn features a three-story water slide, indoor pool and rooms with cable TV.
Score from 483 reviews Very good - 8/10
Windtower Lodge & SuitesIn the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the year-round playground of Canmore, this hotel offers beautiful views of the mountains from all rooms. A daily hot breakfast buffet is provided.
Score from 438 reviews Very good - 8.1/10
Creekside Country InnThis Canmore guest house is at the bottom of Lady MacDonald Mountain, 5 km from Banff National Park. Mountain views, a daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi are offered. Banff town centre is 27 km away.
Score from 77 reviews Excellent - 8.9/10
We've negotiated with thousands of hotels to get the very best deals. We call them Secret Deals and they only last for a limited time.
You can get these deals for free by subscribing to our newsletters. You can even choose your favorite destinations to receive personalized deals.
Get started now by entering your email address. We'll instantly send you a link to our Deal Finder!
Don't worry – your email address is safe with us. We'll never share your private information and you can unsubscribe at any time.


text:
Miami Beach, Florida Vacations - Travel guide to Miami Beach, Florida accommodations and vacation packages. Visit Miami Beach, Florida for getaways and adventure travel. Plan your Miami Beach, Florida vacation today.
|Page:1 of 12
|Sort By:
Miami Beach, Florida Vacation Rentals - We are happy to offer you accommodation in Shelborne with 'the best location' next to Lincoln Road and only a couple of blocks to Ocean Drive in South Beach Miami Art Deco district that can create nic...
Miami Beach, Florida Vacation Rentals - Our properties are for luxury rentals on Mansions, Yachts, Jets, Cars, and Personal Services. Since 2004 Lavish Living, LLC. has provided a superior level of services to its clients....
Miami Beach, Florida Vacation Rentals - We offer a beautiful retreat for those looking for a little more than a normal rental. This is a gorgeous 7 bedroom and 8 bath home, located in a private area, with man-made beach....
Miami Beach, Florida, , Florida Vacation Rentals - This wonderful South Beach villa provides all the luxurious and privacy you will ever need, the property comprises of luxurious living space and features an Outdoor Swimming pool with Jacuzzi large en...
Miami Beach, Florida Shuttle Services - Most Dependable Guaranteed Miami Limo Service Transportation to and from South Florida's homes, hotels ports and airports. New cars, uniformed multilingual chauffeurs.
Sunny Isles, Florida Fitness & Weight Loss - WEIGHT LOSS VACATIONS MIAMI Losing weight is easy if you follow 3 basic steps. Here at weight loss control we will teach you how to lose weight and control your weight for total body fat reduction + or Online Coaching
Miami Beach, Florida Fishing Trips - Florida Sports: Fishing Trips
Miami Beach, Florida Sailing & Yacht Charters - Florida Active: Sailing & Yacht Charters
Miami Beach, Florida Scenic Cruises & Boat Tours - Florida Cruises: Scenic Cruises & Boat Tours
Miami Beach, Florida Sailing & Yacht Charters - The Advantaged is a luxury yacht service with extensive knowledge and experience in the charter industry. We have extended our impeccable service to yacht sales in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. We are one the oldest charter companies in S. Florida
|Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >


text:
With Super Bowl fever hitting the area, residents are getting ready for Sunday's big game with all the usual accoutrements: chips and dips, pretzels, meat and cheese platters and assorted drinks.
Every good meal needs dessert, though, and has concocted cakes and cookies with the colors of the New York Giants that will be sure to please your Super Bowl guests.
Large football cookies are available for $1.50 each, in small or large orders. The cookies are decorated with blue sprinkles and pink icing, and are large enough to satisfy the most salacious appetites.
For larger parties, the bakery offers a Giants football cake, decorated with blue icing and the words "Go Giants!" on the side. Cakes must be pre-ordered and are available for $17.95.
Other of the bakery's treats are available with football helmets or other decorations to set the mood at your party Sunday.
Andrew Galambos took over the Woodland Bakery in 2005, but the bakery has served the community since 1969. Gretchen Price of the bakery hosts a baking show on her YouTube channel called Crumb Boss, with new episodes weekly.


text:
The Legends Football League, which until recently was known as the Lingerie Football League, has announced the roster for the Atlanta Steam on its website. Also, former Arena Football League player Ray Norell is the head coach.
The roster includes 20 players. In the LFL, football is seven on seven, with no kickoffs, punts or field goals.
Do you plan to attend any Atlanta Steam games in Gwinnett? Do you know any of the players? Let us know in the comments below.
The Atlanta franchise will debut in the Gwinnett Arena on Saturday, April 13, against Omaha. Tickets are $15 to 75, according to information on the Gwinnett Arena events calendar. A second Steam game is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, against Cleveland.
to brand itself as more than a gimmick. Uniforms now are labeled as "performance wear." Also on the LFL website, power rankings had the Atlanta team as No. 9 in the 12-team league, although the Steam is a first-year team.
Subscribe to Barrow Patch's newsletters, follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook.


text:
Join us for a FREE Webinar – 3 Times to Choose From
ClaimSmentor sponsor Legacy Claims is hosting 3 FREE Citizens of FL Certification WebinarsJanuary 21, 2013
We now have 10 additional openings for registrants for our ClaimSmentor Fundamentals of Property Claims course starting 5/8/12May 6, 2012
We had previously closed registration for our ten part series online LIVE of our ClaimSmentor Fundamentals of Property Claims Adjusting course which starts up May 8, 2012 and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from May 8, 2012 through Jnne 14, 2012 (off Memorial Day week).
We have now moved our class to a new software program which will allow to now accept 10 additional registrants for the course if you missed the deadline.
All class info and registration information was in this prior blog along with a link to our 125 question self assessment test to see if you can benefit from this class on this link:
We can accept 10 more registrations with a new deadline of 2pm ET Monday May 7, 2012 to register.
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance is hosting a seminar June 15, 2012 in Dallas, TX for Trucking, Railroad, and Transportation Claims Adjusters and AttorneysApril 18, 2012
What a great conference coming up June 15, 2012 in Dallas, TX hosted by the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance for the transportation claims industry. The cost is a most reasonable $49.00 for claims members who register (see their Membership tab) and CE is unusally provided at their training events and show CE and CLE is pending at this time.
For complete details on this important conference and training in the transportation industry, view here.
To view all other conferences and Training Session Opportunities, view here.
I just can't say enough GREAT things about this organization and it's leader, Adam Potter.
Global Risk Solutions is offering the claims adjuster USAA CERTIFICATION this weekApril 16, 2012
I ran across the following ad on CADO today indicating Global Risk Solutions is offering the USAA Adjuster Certification class this week 4/18/12 and 4/19/12 in New Orleans, LA. Here is a copy of the ad:
Global Risk Solutions, Inc. ('GRS') a Florida based insurance claims management is hosting the 2012 USAA Certification Test in New Orleans, LA on 4/18 and 4/19. We will be holding a full 8 hour Xactimate 27 Refresher Course on 4/18. Those that register this week will be invited to take weekly Xactimate 27 Webinars to strengthen your skills prior to the certification. To qualify for this course you must have at least 3 years of Property Adjusting or Related Experience. If you have any questions regarding experience please give us a call 786.512.3645. Ex-Military please email email@example.com your name, number, email and years of experience to register for free.
Keeping up to date with estimating platforms in the Property Claim industry- Symbility and MSB Merge/ Farmers and OH windpool now using SymbilityJanuary 31, 2012
I firmly believe adjusters and claim managers need to stay current with changes in the Property and Casualty Claims industry and this week's hot topic is announcements from Symbility and Bloomberg news that Farmers and the Ohio Windpool are now going to be using Symbility software. You can view both news releases on the following links:
Here is the news release over at Bloomberg news as well:
To top off those news releases, today we received a news release from Property360.com announcing that MSB (Integriclaim) and Symbility are merging their software firms. I especially appreciate the fact their CEO's are hosting a webinar on February 2, 2012 to explain the merger of their two software firms. I'm glad I got my registration in before they reach capacity.
I love Symbility claims software and always used to use the demo of an estimate, scope notes, diagrams and photos in our Fundamentals of Claims class in our estimate reconciliation class with new adjusters. Unfortunately, the last I looked that demo was no longer up on their site.
The concern from an independent adjuster standpoint with Symbility was that they were charged on a per claim basis. This is wonderful on daily claims when an independent receives a limited number of claims per month. Is when they did not like the concept of the per file fee was when working catastrophe losses as even at $5.00 per claim if they received 100 catastrophe claims that would be a $500.00 per month expense which is much greater than the monthly fees charged by Xactware for Xactimate software.
It will be interesting to see how well this Symbility software will be accepted by carriers as it is the insurance company who dictates which estimate software the independent adjusting firms must use in estimate preparation.
There are many discussions going on over at Linkedin on this hot topic.
Here is the link for more information and to register for the 2/2/12 Webinar:
2012 Independent Adjuster Carrier Catastrophe Certification Workshops- Contact Eberls Claims Service for InformationJanuary 30, 2012
I am frequently asked for the location and dates of upcoming Property and Auto carrier certification classes with carrier certifications as one of the top requests.
I highly recommend any independent adjuster seeking specific dates and locations contact Eberls Claims Service who is a highly regarded independent adjusting firm. I know they have a training headquarters in Dallas and provide excellent courses for Xactimate Training by one of the handful of people who are actually a Certified Xactimate trainer by Xactware (Jennifer Whitaker).
I have many adjusters who are on their rosters who highly recommend Eberls. I have also supervised Eberl's adjusters for many years when performing as a National Catastrophe manager for State Farm as well as a Field Team Manager so I feel very confident recommending them.
They can fill you in on the experience requirements, dates of upcoming carrier certification exam dates.
Email Tina Lehman at Eberls at firstname.lastname@example.com to submit your resume and request information should you be looking for a Carrier Certification or other assignments as Eberls is also a Citizens of Florida adjusting firm and I have no doubt respresent many other carriers providing you with an excellent opportunity to receive assignments given your experience level and professionalism meets their needs.
ClaimSmentor Welcomes Wardlaw Claims as our newest Sponsor- Wardlaw Claims Conference info February 2012January 24, 2012
Special thanks go out to Wardlaw Claims who has joined ClaimSmentor as our newest sponsor. Watch for additional upcoming informationabout all of the training and job opportunities they offer but for now we wish to share a link to their upcoming claim conference to be held February 13 through February 17, 2012 in Waco, TX.
For complete claim conference details and registration, you can view them on their site here.
The 2012 National Flood Insurance Claims Adjuster Workshops are now up-Schedule yours today!January 20, 2012
NFIP has the claims adjuster workshops now up for your registration purposes for the required 2012 NFIP Claims Adjuster Flood Certification workshops. Here's the link: click here
Enjoy this excellent article by John Postava of Simsol estimating software " Avoiding Property Adjusting Blunders "November 21, 2011
I was fortunate to run across this excellent article today at PropertyCasualty360.com written by the head of Simsol estimating software, John Postava, which I highly recommend for property claims adjusters regarding estimating blunders to avoid when writing estimates on property losses. Excellent job John!
We hope you enjoy this article and share it with your claims associates in the property claims industry:
#in #claims #insurance #adjusters #simsol
Claim Handling Guidelines by State- Excellent ReferenceOctober 8, 2011
Below find an excellent link over at Property Casualty 360 (formerly located through Claims Magazine which is now part of Property Casualty 360) which provides claim handling guidelines by state. An excellent reference for independent adjusters going on catastrophe duty out of state!
January 2012 Windstorm Network Conference- Orlando, FL/ Also put to rest the rumor that attendee majority were public adjusters- see statsSeptember 22, 2011
The 2012 Windstorm Network Conference will be held in January 2012 in Orlando, FL from January 30, 2012 through February 2, 2012.
While researching the 2011 conference and attendees due to an upcoming opportunity to speak on behalf of ClaimSmentor to the 2012 network, I came across a most interesting blog entry putting to rest rumors even I had heard that the Windstorm network attendees are public adjusters in the majority of cases.
This article on the actual statistics put out by Attorney Chip Merlin, current Windstorm Network President, dispells these rumors and shows that attendees are 4 to 1 dominated by independent claims personnel and staff claims personnel. I hope you find this article interesting when considering both sponsorship opportunities as well as attendance participation. All in all, I find it an outstanding networking opportunity for all parties concerned in wind topics which are important for all of us in the Property and Casualty claims industry:
Here is also the link for the January 2012 Membership and Conference Registration:
Membership- Click here
Conference Registration- Click here
We are hosting a live online class at ClaimSmentor for Additional Living Expense claims June 13, 2011 and June 16, 2011June 6, 2011
An interesting article found on the Huffington Post news regarding the huge increase in people displaced in 2010 from natural disasters as well as what we are witnessing across our nation has lead to an increased number of requests for Addtional Living Expense training for new residential property claims adjusters.
We are hosting a two night class live online at ClaimSmentor Monday June 13, 2011 and Thursday June 16, 2011 from 6-9pm CST.
This course will cover Additional Living expense claim handling, Homeowner policy provisions for ALE, and training on an ALE worksheet used by the majority of insurance carriers. There will be pre-class reading assignments so I must have registrants information and email by Saturday June 11, 2011.
For more information to register, email firstname.lastname@example.com and we'll send complete details.
Join the PLRB Eastern Conference in Baltimore,MD June 22-23, 2011June 1, 2011
Here is the link to the upcoming PLRB Eastern Conference to be held in Baltimore, MD June 22-23, 2011.
I am always most impressed with the exhibitors who attend the PLRB conferences as an outstanding next working opportunity for adjusting firms, adjusters, and insurance companies alike. It is just unfortunate that independent adjusters can't attend at a lower rate as many staff adjusters and claims managers can attend free due to their employer's membership in PLRB as you'll see on the registration links.
For all CE information, registration forms, and exhibitor information, you can view it on this link:
TASIU- Texas Gulf Coast Insurance Fraud Seminar and Vendor Expo- May 2011 in Cypress, TexasJanuary 25, 2011
The following Linkedin post looks like a fantastic opportunity for our members in Texas to obtain adjuster CE credits while at the same time obtain some much needed fraud insurance investigation training:
Register now for the TASIU 2011 Gulf Coast Insurance Fraud Seminar & Vendor Expo (May 5, 2011)
It's time again for the TASIU Gulf Coast Insurance Fraud Seminar & Vendor Expo. This year it will be held at the Northwest Forest Conference Center in Cypress, TX (www.northwestforest.com), just 30 minutes from downtown Houston.
May 4th Evening Welcome Reception
May 5th Seminar (8 hours CE) and Vendor Expo
Why you should attend…
- Stay current on emerging fraud trends and schemes in Texas,
- Develop and improve your insurance fraud investigative skills,
- Maintain, strengthen and expand your antifraud peer network.
The one-day, antifraud educational seminar will offer two breakout sessions per time block, consisting of a diverse selection of fraud topics taught by industry experts. Attendees can earn eight (8) hours of TDI adjuster, TCLEOSE and CIFI CE credit. Stay tuned for our list of antifraud speakers and topics.
Interested in attending?
With representatives from a wide variety of claim and investigation support services, the TASIU Vendor Expo is truly a one-stop-shop. Please be sure to visit with each of our antifraud partners to learn more about the services they offer.
Interested in vendor booth space or sponsorship?
ClaimSmentor newest Sponsor- Action Catastrophe Team to host Citizens of Florida Daily and Catastrophe Team 2011 Certification ClassesJanuary 20, 2011
Thanks to Tom Nowalowski, President and owner of Action Catastrophe Team who I have known and worked with during the major 4 in 04 hurricane season is our latest sponsor on ClaimSmentor. Special thanks to him for supporting our online e-mentoring program at ClaimSmentor and for sharing his class schedule with our members.
Tom does have one request that you go to their website linked above and fill out the adjuster information sheet which is required to register for their free Citizens of Florida 2011 classes which are listed below:
Council on Litigation Management 2011 Training Classes- Free to Adjusters- CE credits applyDecember 31, 2010
ClaimSmentor strongly supports the Council on Litigation Management for the claims industry. Their mission as stated on their website is foster cooperation and education in the claim industry.
They offer a vast array of FREE adjuster CE classes covering hot topics in the claims industry. If you are an adjusting firm or an insurance carrier, you can schedule classes through them and they provide the instructors and handle the CE.
Here is a link to all available courses based on adjuster skill level:
To view their calendar of already scheduled classes you can attend in locations nationwide, here is the link:
The Claims Litigation and Management organziation is hosting their annual conference in March 2011 in New Orleans, LA. For a complete list of the class schedules and conference details, here is the link:
Please be sure to let Adam Potter and others you speak with when you schedule to attend these events or to host a class for your adjusters that you learned about it from ClaimSmentor!
Welcome to Haag Education- our newest sponsor on ClaimSmentor! Big discount for our members for 2011 on their classes!December 29, 2010
Welcome to Haag Education sponsored by Haag Engineering ( a well respected engineering firm used by numerous major carriers.
Haag offers numerous field training programs for staff and indpendent adjusters. To view all courses offerings, go to www.haageducation.com.
Most importantly, we have secured a $75.00 discount off of the tuition cost of the Certified Roof Inspector classes for 2011. If you plan to take that course, be sure to email me at email@example.com for the ClaimSmentor discount code.
Thank you Haag Education- we look forward to working with you throughout 2011 and thank you for your sponsorship of our e-mentoring program at ClaimSmentor!
Xactware released Xactimate 27 Training Booklet/ Also has great discount on Xactimate 25 Training BookApril 30, 2010
We are excited to have Xactware as a renewal sponsor at ClaimSmentor!
We are even happier to let our members know that Xactware has released an Xactimate 27 training manual at a very reasonable price for adjusters. What a great tool to have with you on the road for those late nights entering estimates after scoping catastrophe losses all day!
They also have their Xactimate 25 training booklet now discounted to $15.00!
Please be sure to use this link:
so they know you heard about it through ClaimSmentor postings! We'd sure appreciate it.
Adjuster looks back on Career at 55! The things I still ponder about the Claims IndustryMarch 19, 2010
Absolutely shocking and still letting it sink in! I turned the big 55 earlier this month and still reeling from the realization that I have spent my entire adult life in the insurance industry. The days when I would look at my annual benefits statements which showed I could retire in 2010 are now long ago but I would always laugh it off that March 2010 would never arrive…and here it is!
I entered the insurance business in 1973, newly married and a grand 17 years old! I had no clue that I was embarking on a life in insurance and claims…but I did know it was employment with the only major employer back in Murfreesboro, TN where we moved as my husband was being released after completion of his four years as a navy corpsman and he wanted to attend college in his home town.
What a change life was leaving home in FL, a military brat, a daughter of a Navy Commander and one of eight children to a working adult with no massive family constantly around! The thought of attending college never entered my mind at the time! Work life in the insurance industry was always changing so I never found it boring as I changed positions through promotional opportunities regularly and moved about 7 times to various cities as mobility used to be a fixed requirement to move into management positions.
I spent my first few months as a mail and file clerk at the lowest possible level and quickly got promoted to a Fire company accounts receivable clerk when the carrier got tired of watching me drag a stool around to reach in the top file drawers! They actually began requiring new file clerks be atleast 5 ft tall to avoid their worry I would hit my head on the corner of the top file drawer!
I spent eight years in accounts receivable working my way up the ranks to a team lead. I can't begin to say what a valuable experience it was coming up through the ranks as I learned to handle complaints from policyholders if premium payments were misapplied (yes we really did open each envelop individually and stamp the back of each check and balance deposits- how ancient is that compared to today's machinery and PO Boxes!). During the last of my stint in accounting, I handled agency correspondence on premium payment issues, endorsements, and the greatest part was learning to respect agency and the power they held with the executive office! You quickly learn "if the agent ain't happy" ain't no one happy which served me well in my later career in claims.
I never thought "gee I want to be a claims rep when I grow up". I went into claims kicking and screaming due to my fear of roof climbing but thankful to still have a stable job when they merged the homeowners accounting group with the auto accounting department. I had no idea I would absolutely fall in love with claims where I spent the next 20 years as first an inside adjuster for 2 years, a field adjuster, a reinspector, an in office supervisor, then finally promoted to my first field claim operation managing adjusters and estimators with adjusters scattered throughout 3 cities. I was proud to later be selected to relocate to FL for the first "claim central" operation then later selected as a national catastrophe team manager where I ended my staff career after 4 years traveling nationally following storms. 28 years was amazing and always interesting having climbed through 16 job classes to reach my final position as a Team Manager. Burn out after 4 years on the road over 80% of each year is putting it mildly but it didn't take me but 2 years to realize I truly missed the excitement of working the next storm and the comraderie that goes along with working with people who enjoyed it too.
Was it easy to stay with one employer? Was it easy to move from the lowest clerical job classification through to a Claims Team Manager? You bet it wasn't! Did I ever consider leaving? No….sure didn't. It actually never crossed my mind! I came from a family where my dad joined the Navy as the lowest seaman and worked his way up the ranks to retire 35 or 36 years later as a Commander in the Navy with 8 kids to boot! How he ever did that I'll never know with 8 children, constant deployments, and attending college for his BS and Masters Degree at night. That is what we knew and I applied the same theory as my dad to my career. I went to college over 15 years at night school, did my IIA and AIC designations through www.aicpcu.org and have completed 9 parts of what was the 10 part course in the CPCU program. Why I can't force myself to take and finish that last part of CPCU on accounting and statistics to secure the full designation is beyond me but something that escapes my interest at 55!
Would I do it all over again? You bet I would. Claims has kept me gainfully employed over the years as staff and later in the independent industry. The last 5 years I've been caught up in the ClaimSmentor mentoring program I founded where we train independents. It came about due to the struggles I constantly saw with new independent adjusters having no clue what was needed once they were licensed and really no place to turn for some guidance while they were waiting to get their foot in the door with a reputable adjusting firm. We are now approaching 1,200 members which includes 74 adjusting firm owners and head managers so I am very proud of the accomplishment that the synergy of our group has achieved when so many others told us we were wasting our time even trying!
In today's world, I am just fascinated with the claims industry and the constant changes but the more I learn, the more I do wonder….why we do what we do, the way we do it, and how I can contribute to make the claims industry a better place for those of us who have dedicated our life to the industry and a better place for the policyholders who suffer when we don't complete our jobs properly.
Here is just of few of my random thoughts as I contemplate the claims industry at 55 after gosh over 37 years now in this industry:
1) Does the fact we tend to call an insurance contract a "policy" lead to some of the confusion for a policyholder that "all" things are covered? I know from a layman's terms ,for example, if my parents set a policy that I had to be in by 10pm as a teenager that I could easily pry them into letting me stay out later if it was for something special. Had I signed a contract however, I would understand that can't be changed as I agreed to the written terms. Just a thought….
2) Why don't carrier employees get discounts on insurance premiums? I always found that strange!
3) The purpose of insurance is indemnity or to restore a person to whole after suffering a loss. I think of that as stability for policyholders. Thus, I have always found it strange that especially since about 1995 a claims career feels anything but stable for employees as carriers reorganize, downsize, move from field to in office claim handling…etc. I rarely have a conversation with any experienced adjusters anymore who are not considering leaving the industry as the pay is reduced, the requirements more stringent, the legal environment overwhelming, and for independent adjusters- ever more licensing and certification requirements but that is another issue all together!
4) I ponder how insurance companies can collect premiums but in some cases be 100% dependent on independent adjusters to handle their catastrophe claims. It is not because they cannot handle it that I wonder but because carrier employees tend to treat independents as the red headed step child of the industry but that is a step above their stereo type for public adjusters. It just does not seem responsible to me. In fact, in any other business, if you took money for a service and did not provide it…well you can figure out the results of that easily enough! So why is this allowed to go on with insurance carriers? It doesn't matter how many rosters the carrier maintains or how many adjusting firms they have contracts with. The fact is, they have made no committment to independent adjusters all year long so they have no idea which assignment if any that independents will take. They need to improve the relationship for all concerned.
5) I still constantly ponder what the independent adjusters can do to overcome the non payment and delay issues getting paid for claims they handle. I receive calls daily from adjusters individually and in groups who still have fee bills outstanding from Ike. I do not know of any other group of employees who would receive a deployment call and head out to live on the road in catastrophe conditions with no consideration whatsoever for their living provisions when no hotels are to be found (staff adjusters have housing provided/ independent adjusters who serve carriers do not) and asked to go months before they see the first dime in payment for their work. This applies to inside adjusters working on a fixed daily rate as well. A major FL carrier tells even them to expect 6 weeks for their first paycheck even if on a daily rate which makes no sense. Not only should a carrier staff up for storm adjusters but they need to staff appropriately during storms for support help such as payments like expense checks and for independent fee bills so they can survive. Today, independents tell the new folks to plan to have a minimum of $10,000 for living expense quarters, gas, transportation, and office supplies before they will ever see their first storm payment check. Regarding the non payment by unscrupulous adjusting firms ( the few that are that give them all a black eye), how can the state insurance departments not control this issue? We have folks that are turned down regularly by insurance departments and attorney general offices who tell them they can't help them (especially if they worked for an out of state adjusting firm). We need to help these folks by having the appropriate authorities regulate the industry much better.
6) Why did carriers begin making pretty files much more important than prompt service to policyholders? It drives me nuts every time I hear the word "Sketch". Just check the classifieds on claim adjuster forums and see the hundreds firms are charging for them to learn "sketch". Listen folks, in my opinion, I just haven't been able to accept the fact that a computer sketch of a house floor plan and diagram does one thing to help settle a claim. We used hand drawn diagrams with measurements for years. It would actually shock you what these new computer programs are doing to reduce the number of file closures adjusters can close today versus what they were able to before all of the "pretty" file standards were created. I do more than understand alot of it was generated due to the increase in claims litigation and the discovery of file material but I do not see that many of these things are doing anything to resolve customer service issues. During Katrina, many extremely experienced contractors who could easily complete an estimate walked out due to the difficulty to adapt to all of the electronic claim systems….and that was beside the fact they couldn't get power or rooms with high speed internet to even upload the photos to the files. I just wish we would keep the emphasis on the customer not the technical systems. In many claim environments and training sessions, you don't even hear the customer mentioned anymore because there is just not enough time in the day to cover all the technical system issues.
7) It seems an unusual number of staff and independent adjusters are flipping their license for a public adjuster license. It sure seems strange to me from the standpoint that regulation of public adjusters gets tougher by the day but each time I've asked former co-workers who flipped they did because they could no longer tolerate what they were seeing by inexperienced people not only adjusting claims but managing claims at the carriers whether they were independent or staff. People I never thought I'd hear considering it are. I can't say I didn't at one point too because I understand what they see, I understand their frustrations with our industry. I just took a different route and formed ClaimSmentor to help but I can assure you there are many times it is overwhelming when there is so much need for improvement for the independent training and regulations on how they are treated and paid. Just when I get overwhelmed with trying to make a difference, an email pops up from a trainee thanking me for helping them learn about the industry or thanking us for helping them find a reputable adjusting firm they matched up with. ClaimSmentor wasn't opened because I thought I was smarter than the average bear but because I did think by gathering good folks together who were very proficient in the independent claims industry we could all learn from each other. I learn new things from our members with every post they make whether it be a need for training in an area I didn't know existed or learn from some great members with construction backgrounds about better estimating techniques. I hope there will be interest one day in the next few years for someone to carry on the mentoring project as my husband and I are looking forward to retiring when we can.
8 ) Something that has always seemed strange to me is that contractor licensing is so very well regulated yet we as adjusters with no contractors licensing are the be all end all of estimate creation and decision making when it comes to what it takes to repair a home following a disaster. Sure we can handle the routine estimating on most losses but I know I sure couldn't get in there and rebuild some of the homes I've estimated in my career. Fortunately, my employer did pay for us to attend a 3 week contractors school at Vale Technical where I learned alot as well as continuing education at all levels of my career. I was much more confident in estimating when I did it regularly but looking back I always wonder. The younger adjusters today seem so very confident and have much more access to online training but we all know- there is nothing like working a trade. Fortunately, viewing hundreds of resumes annually, we have so many contractors obtaining adjusters licensing. It is pretty standard thinking these days that it is easier to train them on policy than to train someone with no construction estimating who is good at policy. I'll be the first to admit when I was in my early twenties I fell through a ceiling or two while climbing in an attic, fell though a mobile home floor when it was soaked by the fire department, and many other war stories due to my lack of knowledge in construction and what effects fire/water do to building components. I think that is why I understand trainee adjusters so well and have so much empathy for their training needs because I was there at one time. I just can't help but wonder why there is not atleast a minimum training regulation by insurance departments on construction training before one can be deemed a "property" adjuster! The current trend is for experienced adjusters to scope and estimate the damages and work with an inside less experienced adjuster who does the contents and additional living expense and settle the building estimate with the insured. A very funny conversation overhead a few months ago by one of our members was an inside adjuster calling the field adjuster and telling them to take the crown molding out of their estimate as "mold" isn't covered under the policy. This is just one example of the frustrations experienced adjusters are feeling today with the current claim environments. Imagine how policyholders who might hear such a ridiculous statement must feel with their carrier's claim service. No wonder PA's are so successful today in obtaining more recovery dollars if this is widespread in our industry!
I could go on an on but it's 2 am. I have a moderator on ClaimSmentor who started a discussion this week on why so many folks over 50 are changing careers and becoming newly licensed adjusters. I think much of the reason is the down turn in the construction industry and I am sure they are thankful to make a career transition. The problem is as I show in the 125 question self assessment test on this blog is that there is so much more to handling claims than just knowing construction. Claims is a world of it's own with it's own procedures and many coverages beyond the building loss itself. Hopefully, I can get our moderator to do a guest blog for us addressing his concerns which he says go far beyond just the physical demands of entering this field at 50 or above.
Thanks for letting me ponder out loud and looking back at quite a lengthy career in claims. If I could change anything at all it might be taking the route of SIU- Special Investigations unit as I thoroughly enjoyed detailed investigations much more than jumping ladders doing roof inspections ( or crawling under off grade houses looking for signs of long term water damage!) but it's been quite a ride!
If you missed our prior blog with the 125 question self assessment test, here is the link:
If you missed our prior blog with our published article " Luck- where preparation meets opportunity", here is the link:
http://www.claimseducationmagazine.com/pdfs/CEM_Winter_08_v1.pdf found on page 8
Bringing up a prior blog- 125 Question Self Assessment Test- Are you ready to work claims?March 4, 2010
We again are receiving many new resumes as we approach hail and hurricane season from newly licensed adjusters.
Here is a prior blog we wrote in February of 2009 with a 125 question self assessment test. I highly recommend new adjusters take this test to see if they truly are prepared to work claims. If nothing else, it will give you an idea regarding how much more there is to learn before you accept claims!
Watch for our posting shortly announcing our 2010 Fundamentals of Claims online class to be hosted at ClaimSmentor in April 2010 if you'd like training on each and every one of these topics before storm season and new assignments come in.
**Update 3/20/2010- Thanks to the Merlin law firm for acknowledging this self assessment test in their blog here:


text:
The Guardian :
Gay rights laws in America have evolved to allow — but in some cases ban — rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people on a range of issues, including marriage, hospital visitation, adoption, housing, employment and school bullying. The handling of gay rights issues vary by state and follow trends by region.
Read the whole story at The Guardian
Same-sex marriage U.S. equally divided: poll
Day of US voting tackles gay marriage, key senator
Biden's backing of gay marriage pressures Obama
Gay rights in the US, state by state
Where does Bruning stand on gay rights ordinance? He won't say


text:
Lowri from Papervine is sharing a tutorial for her popular minibook: 52 reasons I Love You. The book is make from a deck of cards. Click here to go to the tutorial.
By Francine Clouden
3 Comments so far
CJ on
January 21, 2012 9:14 am
I have tried over & over to get to the "52 Reason…. card tutorial", but all I get is a blank page.Any ideas? Thank you.
Francine Clouden on
January 22, 2012 12:12 pm
I'm not sure whay that is happening as the link works for me. Try this one http://papervinenz.blogspot.com/2012/01/52-reasons-i-love-you-cards-tutorial.html
Tutorial | 52 Reasons I Love You Gift Book for Valentine's Day · Scrapbooking | CraftGossip.com on
January 21, 2013 7:00 am
[...] this project looks familiar, it's because I have posted about it twice before. But I wanted to share that Lowri McNabb has now posted full instructions on how to make [...]