INSURANCE • BUSINESS • POLITICS • TECHNOLOGY
MAY 2020 • VOL 16 • ISSUE 5
Covid-19
IN THIS ISSUE MAY 2020 VOL 16 ISSUE 5
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10 Hidden Tricks You Didn’t Know Your Android Phone Could Do
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Surplus Line Broker Not An Insurer Claims Analysis By Zalma
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For Long Term Investors The Future Is Still Bright
Fuel Demand Destruction Reigns Supreme As Pump Prices Push Cheaper
Paycheck Protection Program - Denver Burdette
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California Commissioner Assumes Power To Re-write Insurance Contracts
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California Conman Convicted In $6 Million Ponzi Scheme
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<1% NYC Covid-19 Fatalities Had No Underlying Health Condition • Folks Believe Covid-19 Will Affect Election • Factors That Affect Severity of Covid-19
Covid-19 Have You Isolated From Your Marketplace? AdMax Has A Solution...
Georgia Suspects Arrested For Alleged Role In Food Poisoning Insurance Fraud
Georgia Adjuster Arrested For Hurricane Michael Insurance Fraud
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NASA Selects Blue Origin National Team To Return Humans To The Moon
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Report: Now Is Not The Time For Arbitrary & Artificial Calls For National Rate Decisions
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Judicial Watch Sues California To Stop Newsom’s Initiative To Provide $75M To Illegal Aliens
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Are We Committing Economic Suicide In Response To Covid-19?
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Biden’s Sex Assualt Scandal • Racist Rutgers Professor Spouts Poison • Vernon Jones (D-GA) Exposes Own Party • Tump Down On China
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Important: How (And Why) To Write A Press Release
PREFER TO READ OFFLINE? DOWNLOAD & VIEW PDF: HERE!
PAGE 8 - MATT TRESKOVICH:
Report: Pg 26
For Long Term Investors The Future Is Still Bright
Now Is Not The Time For Arbitrary & Artificial Calls For National Rate Decisions...
INSURANCE AND THE LAW PAGE SIX
PUBLISH YOUR OWN COMPANY INTERNET MAGAZINE!
HOW (AND WHY) TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE THAT ACTUALLY GETS PUBLISHED
PG 38 FEATURES 5 6 8 10
Kim Komando
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Breaking News
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Insider Advisor
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Back Issues
Barry Zalma Matt Treskovitch Advertise
Say What?
Page 6 New Zalma Claims Books Now Available! Story...
Cover Image: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
MAY 2020 INSURANCE - BUSINESS - POLITICS - TECHNOLOGY A Publication of AdMax Corp., Inc. Corporate Offices P.O. Box 31551 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33420 Ron Manera, Publisher/Senior Editor Join Me On Linkedin: HERE Follow Me On Instagram: @rj.0521 561.718.0745 • ron@insurmedia.com
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MAY 2020
TECHNOLOGY
10 HIDDEN TRICKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOUR ANDROID COULD DO
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Really Cool Tech Info - From Kim Komando
ver handed your phone to a friend to show them something on your screen, only to have it returned and find that they’ve accidentally toggled over to that cheesy meme page you were browsing? As embarrassing as that can be, it’s the least of your worries.
To turn on picturein-picture mode: • Navigate to your Android settings >> Apps & notifications >> Advanced >> Special access >> Picture-inpicture. • Tap YouTube. • Toggle on the option to Allow picture-in-picture.
What if they hand it back to you after infecting it with malware? Does your Android have a virus? How to find out and remove it.
2. Customize sounds and ringtones
You may think you know what your Android can do, but there are quite a few settings your phone offers just that because it offers picturethat you may not be familiar with. Let’s take a look at 10 in-picture mode to allow for features your Android has that multitasking. you may not know about. What type of multitasking, you ask? Well, you can Google the 1. Picture-in-picture mode best places for lunch takeout Do you want to become the king while on a video call or you can or queen of multitasking? Of entertain yourself with a YouTube course you do, and if you have video or six while waiting on an Android phone that’s running your Zoom meeting to start. The 8.0 Oreo and later, you can do multitasking world is your oyster. MAY 2020
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If you have an Android phone, you can completely customize your sounds, ringtones, independent volume settings, and vibration settings. You can also completely customize your sounds and ringtones so that they reflect more of your personality. (Or you can change them to remove some of the annoying pings and buzzes that come stock on your phone — whatever your preference).
See Kim Komando Pg 36 www/underwritersinsider.com
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CLAIMS & THE LAW
SURPLUS LINE BROKER NOT AN INSURER Expert Analysis & Commentary by Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE Introduction
Hiscox sued seeking declaratory relief to validate the rescission of No Action Available The Lloyd’s Policy (the Policy) the Policy. provided fire insurance coverage Against Surplus Line for the high value home owned by Broker for Breach of Suzan E. Taylor, in Garland County, Join Barry Zalma’s Blog: Arkansas. Taylor purchased http://www.zalma.com/blog Contract or Bad Faith fire insurance coverage from fter her house burned Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of to the ground and her London (the Insurer). Under the Taylor filed an amended thirdinsurer rescinded the terms of the Policy, the dwelling party complaint against Burns & policy Suzan E. Taylor sued the was insured for $2.6 million Wilcox, Ltd. among others. Taylor insurer and the surplus line and the personal property was alleged four causes of action broker who obtained insurance insured for $1.3 million. Hiscox against Burns & Wilcox: breach for her from certain underwriters Dedicated Corporate Member of contract, bad faith, improper at Lloyd’s, London. The broker, Limited (“Hiscox”) is the majority rescission, and negligence. On Burns & Wilcox moved to dismiss underwriter of Lloyd’s Syndicate March 18, 2020, Burns & Wilcox Taylor’s action in Hiscox Dedicated #33, the only syndicate subscribed filed a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss Corporate Member Limited v. to the Policy. and brief in support, contending Suzan E. Taylor v. The Society that Taylor has failed to plead facts Of Lloyd’s, The Corporation At After investigating the cause sufficient to establish her thirdLloyd’s, and Burns & Wilcox, Ltd., of the fire and taking Taylor’s party claims. NO. 6:18-CV-06100, United States examination under oath (EUO) the District Court Western District Of Policy was unilaterally rescinded Background Arkansas Hot Springs Division for alleged misrepresentations of material facts in the application. Taylor purchased a fire insurance (April 20, 2020)
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Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE, practiced law in California for more than 43 years as an insurance coverage and claims handling lawyer. He now limits his practice to service as an insurance consultant and expert witness specializing in insurance coverage, insurance claims handling, insurance bad faith and insurance fraud almost equally for insurers and policyholders. He also serves as an arbitrator or mediator for insurance related disputes. He founded Zalma Insurance Consultants in 2001 and serves as its only consultant. 6
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policy for her home from Smith & Company, an agency in Stuttgart, Arkansas. She completed her insurance application over the phone with one of Smith’s employees, Nicky Hodges. The Policy was procured through Burns & Wilcox as a surplus lines broker:
The Policy identified Burns & Wilcox as the “Correspondent” of the Underwriters. It expressly states, “The Correspondent is not an Insurer” and shall not “be liable
A Surplus Line broker is an intermediary between the person seeking insurance, that person’s agent, and the insurer. Under Surplus Line law the broker can provide a policy to the insured but may not be considered an insurer. “
She alleged Burns & Wilcox, through their agents, with Lloyd’s visited the burned property with fire inspectors and canines with hopes of finding evidence of arson. She further alleged Burns & Wilcox, asked a contractor to wear a wire to get “Ms. Taylor to admit that she burned her house down or engaged in insurance fraud.” After submitting to an EUO Underwriters advised Taylor it had discovered multiple material misrepresentations in her insurance application and that they rescinded the Policy based on for any loss or claim whatsoever.” the alleged misrepresentations. Under these terms, it is not possible for Taylor to state a claim Discussion for breach of contract or wrongful An insurance policy is a contract rescission against Burns & Wilcox, to which the standard provisions because Taylor cannot plead any of contract interpretation apply. fact demonstrating the existence To state a cause of action for of a contractual relationship. breach of contract, the complaint Accordingly, Taylor’s cause of needs to only assert the existence action for breach of contract of an enforceable contract against Burns & Wilcox should be between the plaintiff and dismissed with prejudice. defendant, the obligation of the defendant thereunder, a violation by the defendant, and damages resulting to the plaintiff from the breach.
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Taylor cannot state a claim for wrongful rescission against Burns & Wilcox without first alleging the existence of an underlying contract with this defendant. Table of Contents
Thus, the wrongful rescission claim against it should be dismissed with prejudice.
Bad Faith Taylor offers inadequate factual allegations to plead that she entered an insurance contract with Burns & Wilcox. Taylor presents limited authority to suggest she can assert a bad faith claim against a non-insurer. Taylor does not cite binding authority recognizing bad faith as a cause of action that can be asserted against a party that is not her insurer. It would not be proper for the Court to expand the tort of bad faith in this manner. Burns & Wilcox’s motion to dismiss was granted in its entirety.
ZALMA OPINION An insurance broker is a person or entity that transacts insurance with but not on behalf of an insurer. They are not insurers. A Surplus Line broker is an intermediary between the person seeking insurance, that person’s agent, and the insurer. Under Surplus Line law the broker can provide a policy to the insured but may not be considered an insurer. It was overkill on the part of the insured to sue the broker when the policy, in clear and unambiguous language, explained Burns and Wilcox was not an insurer and liable for any claims. www/underwritersinsider.com
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ANALYSIS - FINANCIAL
“InvestmentZen”Credit: www.investmentzen.com
FOR LONG TERM INVESTORS THE FUTURE IS STILL BRIGHT
by Matthew A. Treskovich, CPA/PFS, MBA, CFP®, CMA
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he first quarter of 2020 was a time investors will not forget. Stocks began the year on a positive note, reaching all-time highs in January and again in February. Market gains were quickly given back as the coronavirus pandemic and oil price war came to the forefront. Stocks fell in the most rapid bear market in history, declining over 30% by mid-March, before 8
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In the short run, we expect the markets will continue to be volatile. The pandemic and containment measures have created uncertainty about the economy in the short run. For long term investors, the future is still bright.” Table of Contents
rebounding to end the quarter about 20% below the all-time highs. Times of market stress often bring extreme volatility to the financial markets. Daily moves of 3% to 5% or more have become common in recent weeks. Long-term investors know that these kinds of outsized moves across the market usually don’t reflect long-term fundamentals. During the early part of a market correction, market declines MAY 2020
We have the ingredients for a powerful economic recovery.
and bad news headlines often go hand-in-hand. The market’s inevitable turnaround always happens before the news becomes positive.
Look beyond the headlines As investors, it’s important to look beyond the immediate bad news. Policymakers have responded to the crisis with incredible speed. Headed into the 2008 crisis, it took the better part of a year for policymakers to acknowledge that a major problem was
building. In the current crisis, the Federal Reserve was quick to bring back the tools used during the Great Financial Crisis. The Fed has committed to use all possible measures to ensure the banking system continues to work efficiently. The Fed has also committed to making sure businesses have access to necessary credit. At the same time, Congress has unleashed the largest stimulus package in history. All of these add up to very powerful forces moving the economy forward.
The economy is contracting, but no one knows how severe the contraction will be, or how long it will last. We believe that a return to economic normalcy will happen faster than many anticipate. Consumer confidence has fallen sharply over the past month but remains far higher than it was during the 20082009 recession. Unemployment is sharply higher but is largely temporary. Employment should rebound rapidly once the widespread stay-at-home orders are lifted. Low oil prices are problematic for the energy sector right now, but consumers will ultimately benefit. See Treskovich Pg 25
About the author: M
att is the Chief Investment Officer of the firm of CPS Investment Advisors with 18 years of experience in financial services also serving as the CFO of an insurance brokerage. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis on accounting from the University of Phoenix, Matt is a CPA licensed in Florida and holds the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. Matt is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). and received a Certificate of Distinguished Performance from the IMA for achieving a CMA exam score in the top ten worldwide. In 2017, he was awarded an AICPA Standing Ovation for exemplary professional achievement in personal financial planning services. Treskovich also is certified as an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designee by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). He is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, former President of the Mid Florida Chapter and former Treasurer of the IMA Florida Council.
MAY 2020
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BUSINESS ATTORNEY • Mergers & Acquisition • Corporate Setup • Landlord Leases • Startups • Trade Secrets • Business Plans • Enterprise Development • Non-Compete Agreements
Phillip T. Crenshaw, PA
Legal Representation In Florida Member of Florida Bar (1971) Business Development Services Available In All Venues 1615 Forum Place Barristers Bldg. • Suite 500 W. Palm Beach • Florida 33401 561.439.6100 • Crenlaw.com MAY 2020
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Phillip T. Crenshaw, Esq.
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REPORT - AAA
No Immediate Impact to Pump Prices Expected with OPEC+ Historic Global Reduction Announcement
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he national gas price average has steadily declined for seven weeks, pushing the average cheaper by 61-cents to $1.86 today. During this timeframe (since late February), U.S. demand for
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gasoline has decreased 44% to 5 million b/d as gasoline inventories build across the country. “We are seeing fast and furious gasoline demand destruction. The latest data reveals demand levels not seen since spring of 1968,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Every U.S. region is seeing builds in gasoline inventories and crude storage, which is just driving pump prices even cheaper.” Table of Contents
On Sunday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus (OPEC+), led by Saudi Arabia, announced historic global crude productions cuts – nearly 10 million b/d in May and June. “While the production cut is historic, it’s likely to not have an immediate impact on pump prices given the ongoing impact the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on crude oil prices and gasoline demand,” added Casselano. MAY 2020
FUEL DEMAND DESTRUCTION REIGNS SUPREME AS PUMP PRICES PUSH CHEAPER
At $1.86, today’s national average is 6-cents less than last week, 44-cents cheaper than a month ago and nearly $1 less than a year ago.
QUICK STATS
The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Wisconsin ($1.30), Oklahoma ($1.40), Ohio ($1.46), Kentucky ($1.51), Michigan ($1.52), Arkansas ($1.53), Indiana ($1.54), Iowa ($1.55), Mississippi ($1.57) and Missouri ($1.58).
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly decreases are:
OIL MARKET DYNAMICS
Alaska (-19 cents), Idaho (-17 cents), Wisconsin (-13 cents), Iowa (-11 cents), South Dakota (-11 cents), Arkansas (-11 cents), Wyoming (-11 cents), Minnesota (-10 cents), Utah (-10 cents) and Oregon (-9 cents).
At the end of Thursday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $2.33 to settle at $22.76 per barrel. Crude prices were volatile last week, during the run-up to OPEC’s historic agreement with its allies, including Russia. The group met to discuss g l o b a l c r u d e production cuts of up to 9.7 million b/d for May and June 2020.
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Under the new production reduction agreement, OPEC and its allies expect total global oil cuts to amount to more than 20 million b/d or 20 percent of global supply. Effective May 1, the production cuts are expected to ease in June, but some restrictions will remain in place through April 2022. Crude prices will likely remain volatile this week, as the market assesses if the production cuts are sufficient to hold back growing global crude inventories as COVID-19 continues to push down demand. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
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ANALYSIS - TAX CONSIDERATIONS
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM By Denver Burdette
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• • • •
y friend at a local bank told me two weeks ago that the first tranche of funds for the PPP had been exhausted. Now of course, there is the second tranche becoming available. But the big challenge remains of getting funds to those who need it most. And just how long will this Tranche last?
Hospitality industry … to include hotels, bars, and restaurants Manufacturing Automobile Dealers Construction Engineering & Architecture
opportunity for many businesses that are held in an S Corp or an LLC that own commercial property.
The CARES act passed on March 30 of this year modified a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that will provide major relief Among those most hardest hit, to business owners that qualify. restaurants that remain open are In an S Corp or LLC, the profits still struggling to stay afloat. and losses flow through to the owner(s) personal income tax National hotel chains that have return. Now with the modification not been ordered to close are of TCJA, net operating losses can experiencing occupancy rates of now be carried back 5 years. Covid-19 seems to have had the less than 5%. most negative impact on the For businesses that have a cost following industries: But in all the tragedy that segregation study completed (at is Covid-19, there looms an no upfront cost with our firm),
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bout the author: Denver has been a resident of south Florida
since 1973. He and his wife Karen moved to Wellington in 1994 and continue to call the western community their home. Denver has served as a member of the following groups: Talk of the Town Toastmasters (board member), Palms West Chamber of Commerce, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Wellington, LeTip business networking group (membership chair) and West Palm Beach Business Referral Club. From 1987 to 2010, Denver’s insurance agency served the insurance and financial services needs of south Florida high net worth retirees. Denver and his wife have been part time real estate investors since the early 2000’s and are still active today in purchasing as well as brokering non performing real estate loans. Vacant land is also part of their investment focus. Denver and D.H. Burdette & Associates, Inc. are independent advisors for Stryde Solutions, LLC of Fenton, Mi. He is currently 1 of 500 advisors nationwide for Stryde that focus on helping business owners increase cash flow, improve their bottom line, and ultimately increase the value of their business. Since 2004 Stryde and it’s advisors have identified over $4 billion in benefits for business clients.
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can now potentially go back and recoup some or all of personal income taxes paid as far back as the 2014 tax year. Cost segregation is an engineering based study to reclassify certain components of your property for the purpose of accelerating depreciation. Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Typically commercial property owners would take depreciation on a straight line basis of 27.5 yrs to 39 yrs. depending on the property type. We know certain components aren’t going to last that long. Granted that the PPP and EIDL programs will provide a much needed relief to those who have suffered loss of income due to the virus. But I would encourage everyone to not discount any opportunity to save that business that you’ve poured your blood, sweat and tears into over the years. Some of those who qualify to carry net operating losses back 5 years via the results of cost segregation MAY 2020
study completion are now receiving significant tax refunds from the IRS. Our preliminary review for some business owner clients is revealing six figure refunds just by taking advantage of this opportunity that has opened up as a result of Covid-19. We are still observing social distancing. However, I am still speaking with prospects daily and doing screen share presentations online to determine their eligibility to benefit from just one of the services we offer to help business owners increase cash flow and improve profitability. The call is free, the demonstration is free. The only cost is 15 minutes of your time to possibly save your business. All services are contingency based, our clients pay nothing upfront and our research is free of charge if we can’t provide a financial benefit.
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SIGN UP YOURSELF OR ANY ASSOCIATE AT THIS LINK
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D.H. Burdette & Associates, Inc. and affiliated companies are not authorized to provide tax advice. Our objective is to work with our clients and their tax advisors with the end goal of enhancing profitability for that business.
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NEWS
CALIFORNIA’S COMMISSIONER LARA ASSUMES POWER TO REWRITE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND EXTENDS AUTO INSURANCE COVERAGE TO DELIVERY DRIVERS FOR CALIFORNIA’S “ESSENTIAL” BUSINESSES Commissioner’s action ensures food, medication, other essential goods can continue to be delivered during COVID-19 pandemic
automobile policy issued to a California essential business, temporary delivery drivers may be inadvertently uninsured as they carry out their job duties. Today’s action ensures that businesses can continue to provide essential goods to residents and families
at their homes and that delivery workers are protected at all times so that they may continue their work critical to public health and safety. “This is an unprecedented time so we must take unprecedented action to help Californians comply
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OS ANGELES, Calif. – With restaurants and businesses expanding deliveries to comply with “shelter in place” rules, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today urged insurance companies to extend auto insurance coverage for drivers who are using their personal vehicles to fulfill deliveries for California’s essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because personal automobile policies do not typically provide coverage for vehicles used for commercial purposes and some drivers may not be covered under their employer’s commercial
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Mr. Zalma recently published on Amazon.com with links at the Zalma Books site with the following volumes:
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with public health ‘shelter in place’ orders,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “Delivery drivers are performing essential services to help our seniors and families, and this action will protect them while on the roads.” Under today’s Notice, insurance companies should not deny a claim under a personal auto policy solely because the driver was providing delivery service on behalf of a California essential business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Notice applies to 16 categories of “essential critical infrastructure workers” identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 19, including those who deliver food, medication, and other essential goods. The Department is also requesting insurance companies to extend delivery coverage for motorcycle and bicycle riders, and allow essential businesses to retroactively add drivers to their commercial automobile policies beginning on March 19, 2020.
Editor’s Note: Commissioner Lara did not expound on which legal theory or state statute gives the him the authority to unilaterally rewrite the provisions of any insurance contract. MAY 2020
CALIFORNIA CONMAN CONVICTED IN $6 MILLION PONZI SCHEME 49 victims scammed over a five-year period
growing project on the Alpine property.
AN DIEGO, Calif. — Former life insurance agent Christopher Dougherty, 47, pleaded guilty to three counts of securities fraud, three counts of grand theft, and a sentencing enhancement after running a $6 million Ponzi scheme that scammed 49 victims -- 31 of whom were 65 years or older at the time of the fraudulent investments.
Dougherty shuffled money around in classic Ponzi fashion, paying “profits” to investors with funds received from recent investors. In addition, Dougherty used investor funds for personal expenses, including home remodeling, travel, college tuition, and large cash withdrawals. The Ponzi scheme collapsed when investors began to demand their money and Dougherty could not pay it back.
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Dougherty agreed to a 12year state prison sentence, and sentencing is set for April 24, 2020. “Dougherty ruthlessly took advantage of his clients’ trust in order to steal their life savings, causing unfathomable harm,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
Investigators identified many of the investors when Dougherty filed bankruptcy in federal court in October 2018, but found additional victims when investigators began looking more closely at Dougherty’s financial records. Some of the victims met Dougherty when various San Diego and Imperial County school Dougherty offered private districts designated him as an investments in various companies investment advisor for employees. he owned. One of the investment Dougherty leveraged a reservoir opportunities Dougherty pitched of trust he had developed with was a 100-acre “organic” cattle long-standing clients, convincing ranch in Alpine. While the farm was them to cash out established, real, it did not actually generate conventional investments and profits for investors. Dougherty move their money to his fraudulent also promoted a marijuana investments. Table of Contents
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THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS these being age 65 or from going to school over accounting for 2664 affect the health of of the 3109 unknown older people who have underlying health conditions? How does preventing people from going to work affect the ia the New York health of older City websiteâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; You people who have can find this link: underlying health Covid-19 Daily Data conditions? And Summary: Deaths (PDF, updated May 3) And you cases = 85.69% of the how does preventing can download this pdf of unknown cases How does children and healthy children adults from leaving home the daily death report: preventing covid-19-dailydata-summarydeaths-05032020-1 Here is what you pull up on the confirmed New York City cases of Coronavirus. NYC Covid-19 Deaths Among Confirmed Cases Observation: Of the 13319 people that have reportedly died with Covid-19 in New York City only 81 had no underlying conditions, which is less than 1% [=0.61%] There are 3109 cases where the underlying condition was unknown with the majority of
Less than 1% of New York City Coronavirus Fatalities (0.61%) had NO Underlying Health Condition
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THE INSIDE TRACK - BREAKING NEWS move the country toward a “contact tracing” system will be herd immunity? None of inplace in the event anyone is the procedures currently diagnosed with the disease. in place make sense. This article was sourced 2/3rds of Americans from The Gateway Pundit
NASCAR Back On Track Image Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NASCAR_practice.jpg
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n May 17, NASCAR will restart it’s season with a Cup Series Race At Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. Seven state races across top three series are planned with the Dallington kickoff. According to Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president in a news release, “NASCAR will return in an environment that will ensure the safety of our competitors, officials and all those in the local
Expect Presidential Election Will Be Disrupted by Covid-19
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ccording to PEW Research: “With just over six months until Election Day, two-thirds of Americans (67%) – including 80% of Democrats and Democraticleaning independents and half of Republicans and Republican leaners – say it is very or somewhat likely that the coronavirus outbreak will significantly disrupt people’s ability to vote in the presidential election.”
New Covid-19 Symptom: Skin Rashes community. We thank local, state and federal officials and medical experts, as well as everyone in the industry, for the unprecedented support in our return to racing, and we look forward to joining our passionate fans in watching cars return to the track.” Masks will be required on the field and
MAY 2020
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ew reports suggest that skin rashes on people with the coronavirus are being reported in several countries. Rashes can appear as small red spots, large flat or even raised lesions. Some appear “hive-like” while the
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skin appears to resemble frostbitten toes. Doctors are not certain of the rashes are a direct result of the virus or the body’s immune reaction to the virus.
Factors That Determine Severity of Covid-19 Infection • Age: 8 of 10 infected with the virus are 65 and older • Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 are 3.7 X more likely to be a severe infection • Heart Disease Hypertension: Those with pre-existing heart ailments experience worse complications - plus CV infection may cause heart damage in healthy hearts • Smoking: Smokers are more prone to severe infections & experience a higher risk of pneumonia than nonsmokers • Blood Type: Type A Group (A-positive, A-negative and AB-positive, AB-negative) higher risk of contraction then non-Type A Groups • Obesity: Higher risk of infection, greater severity • Genetic Factors: Genes that affect ACE2 receptors and genes that determine immune response.
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Feel Isolated From The Marketplace? No Trade Fairs? Field Rep Working From Home? It’s no time for your agents, prospects or members to forget about your company or organization.
It’s Time To Get Creative!
Think About This...
Every organization would love to publish their own magazine to their clients, customers, members or prospects, but the cost of production, printing and shipping is often cost-prohibitive. Internet publishing makes the project affordable via an online, private label magazine in a more powerful, yet natural way, to reach out and touch your list as often as twice a week. Your organization’s magazine will be filled with compelling content, important information on your products or service and, the best part, revenue producing advertising covering all or part of the cost of your magazine! 20
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MAY 2020
Carriers, MGAs, Vendors and Associations: Twice A Week: Reach Out And Touch
• Your • Your • Your • Your • Your
MAY 2020
Agents Clients Customers Members Prospects
A Private-Label Online Magazine For Your Company or Organization May Be The Most Cost Effective Tool Ever Created For Doing So. Proposals are free and easy!
Request More Information Or A Proposal HERE!
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21
NEWS
GEORGIA SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED ROLE IN FOOD POISONING INSURANCE FRAUD RING
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TLANTA – Special Agents with the Criminal Investigations Division at the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office recently assisted with the arrest of Mikala Flonnoy, 28, on April 21 and Alicia Nelson, 27, on April 23. Both suspects are facing one count of Insurance Fraud as well as one count of Forgery in the First Degree. The suspects were taken to the Cobb County Jail and have both since bonded out, which occurred on their respective date of arrest.
The individuals would state they ordered chicken dishes, but found shrimp in their food, leading to an allergic reaction. They would then file false insurance claims and submit false medical records and medical billing statements to obtain money from insurance companies or medical treatment that was not What started as sought.
an investigation into two subjects expanded into what was discovered to be a ring of individuals allegedly using the guise of a food allergy complaint at local restaurants throughout six Georgia Counties to defraud medical insurance companies.”
What started as an investigation into two subjects expanded into what was discovered to be a ring of individuals allegedly using the guise of a food allergy complaint at local restaurants throughout six Georgia Counties to defraud medical insurance companies. 22
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The medical records and medical billing statements were allegedly falsified and altered to reflect the name of the suspects, their date of birth, and multiple different medical facilities.
“Altogether, the suspects in this ring were paid nearly $25,000 for these alleged false claims,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “Other suspects in Cobb, Spalding, Clayton, Gwinnett, Clarke, and Banks Counties are also indicated in the scheme.” Table of Contents
Insurance fraud is a felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 10 years, or by a fine of up to $10,000.00, or both. To report suspected insurance fraud, contact the Georgia Department of Insurance at 800-656-2298. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.
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MAY 2020
GEORGIA ADJUSTER ARRESTED FOR HURRICANE MICHAEL INSURANCE FRAUD
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TLANTA – Today, Special Agents with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office arrested Steven Eric Chastain, 58, of Canton, Georgia. Chastain was wanted for two counts of Theft by Conversion for events that occurred in Dougherty County following Hurricane Michael.
The owner of said business hired Steven Eric Chastain, owner of Nationwide Public Adjusters, to handle his claim.
Throughout the course of handling the claim, Chastain is accused of taking multiple checks for the sum of roughly $217,000 from the insurance company without sending them to his A local Albany, Georgia business client. suffered significant damage as a result of Hurricane Michael in “This man is accused of taking complete advantage of his client October of 2018. MAY 2020
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in a time when they desperately needed someone to rely on. These types of acts will not be tolerated in this state,” said Insurance Commissioner John F. King. “I am very proud of my investigators who put many hours into this case and I would like to thank the Atlanta Police Department for helping us transport this individual. We expect additional charges to be brought forth against him as well.”
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NEWS - TECH
NASA SELECTS BLUE ORIGIN NATIONAL TEAM TO RETURN HUMANS TO THE MOON
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oday the Blue Origin National Team, which includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Draper, was selected by NASA to begin to develop the Artemis Human Landing System.
Using existing and in development technologies provides the head start needed to meet NASA’s goal of landing at the South Pole of the Moon. Lockheed Martin’s Ascent Element is based on Orion; Northrop Grumman’s Transfer Element is based on Cygnus; and Blue Origin’s Descent Element is based on the Blue Moon lander and BE-7 engine, which has been in development for several years.
“NASA’s Artemis program will be the next major milestone in the history of human space flight, and we’re honored to be a part of it,” said Bob Smith, CEO, Blue Origin. “Our National Team brings The Blue Origin National Team crewed lander on the surface of t unparalleled heritage, passion and innovation that will enable spaceship, which maximizes Americans to return to the lunar common training and operations.” surface and inspire another generation. It’s time to go back to “Lockheed Martin is honored to the Moon, this time to stay.” be partnered with Blue Origin “Putting humans back on the and this National Team as we lunar surface is an inspiring goal begin a moment in history for our nation,” said Blake Larson, that the world will point corporate vice president and The Artemis astronauts to for generations,” said president of Northrop Grumman will descend to the surface Rick Ambrose, executive Space Systems. “We are proud and ascend off the surface vice president, Lockheed to support this team and NASA Martin Space.“The Artemis with our decades of experience, inside an advanced crewed astronauts will descend to comprehensive capabilities, and ascent element. The best way to the surface and ascend our proven space systems, as we accomplish this safely and quickly off the surface inside an return to the Moon.” is to leverage NASA’s investment advanced crewed ascent in Orion, an existing human-rated element. The best way “Draper’s extensive portfolio and to accomplish this safely heritage in human exploration deep space spaceship, which and quickly is to leverage avionics is reinforced by current maximizes common training and NASA’s investment work on Lockheed Martin’s Orion, operations.” in Orion, an existing NASA’s SLS, Northrop Grumman’s human-rated deep space Cygnus and Blue Origin’s engine, 24
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New Glenn and Blue Moon programs,” said Seamus Tuohy, Principal Director of Space Systems, Draper. “We are prepared for this united team to return humans to the Moon, just as Draper did with Apollo.” Each National Team partner brings industryleading solutions:
• B l u e Origin, as prime contrac tor, leads program management, s y s t e m s engineering, safety and m i s s i o n assurance, the Moon. CR: Blue Origin and mission engineering and operations; and develops the Descent Element. • Lockheed Martin develops the reusable Ascent Element vehicle and leads crewed flight operations and training. • Northrop Grumman develops the Transfer Element vehicle that delivers the landing system into low lunar orbit for final descent. • Draper leads descent guidance and provides flight avionics. • The National Team looks forward to embarking on the next steps with NASA and continuing progress to return to the Moon – this time to stay. - Gradatim Ferociter
Rent This Space! Want Your 1/3 Page Message To Hit Over 120,000 Industry E-Mails Per Month For As Little As $129.00? View Rate Card Here! Request More Info Here!
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FOR LONG TERM INVESTORS THE FUTURE IS STILL BRIGHT All these ingredients add up to the possibility of a significant economic recovery later in the year. In the short run, we expect the markets will continue to be volatile. The pandemic and containment measures have created uncertainty about the economy in the short run. For long term investors, the future is still bright. Matthew Treskovich is the Chief Investment Officer for CPS Investment Advisors. He can be reached at 863-688-1725 or email Matt@CPAlliance.com.
free insider subscription! sign up yourself or any associate at this link
HERE
NEWS
NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR ARBITRARY AND ARTIFICIAL CALLS FOR NATIONAL RATE DECISIONS and businesses—providing decline in the frequency of crashes additional time to make could be offset by the increasing payments; costs of technology in vehicle parts, auto body repair, medical care, and lawsuit abuse. The free • Waiving insurance premium late fees for families, market and competition will make individuals, and businesses; adjustments if regulators allow ASHINGTON, D.C. — the market to work.” David A. Sampson, • Pausing cancellation of president and CEO of “Regulators and insurers are coverage for personal and the American Property Casualty working to strike the right commercial lines due to Insurance Association (APCIA) balance on expanding temporary non-payment and policy issued the following statement: expiration, which includes arrangements to provide personal auto, commercial immediate relief for those “The Consumer Federation of policyholders impacted by COVID. auto, homeowners, business America used misguided logic Now is not the time for arbitrary owners, renters, boat, and their public relations pitch and artificial calls for national motorcycle, condo, mobile misses the mark on many angles. rate decisions. We urge all home, personal umbrella, and Insurance rates are responsive to stakeholders to support flexibility landlord. changes in the number and costs in the marketplace. of claims. Rates are continuously • Suspending personal auto adjusted at each policyholder’s “There are a number of ways exclusions for restaurant renewal. It is also important that auto insurers are currently employees who are to understand that rates are helping customers manage costs. transitioning to meal delivery established using multiple years’ During this extraordinary crisis, services using their personal data, which means they adjust companies are voluntarily offering auto policy as coverage; gradually, in both an upward and arrangements for: downward direction. If there is a • Adding more online account sustained decline in number and • Refunds and discounts for and claims services for cost of insurance claims, rates will policyholders; drivers who are logging less be adjusted. miles during shelter-in-place • Shifting more resources to orders; “The CFA does not mention that the cost of claims also has been • Flexible payment solutions increasing. That means that a See National Rate Decisions Page 43 for families, individuals,
APCIA says regulators and insurers are working to provide relief to policyholders
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NEWS
JUDICIAL WATCH SUES CALIFORNIA TO STOP NEWSOM’S INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE $75M IN CASH BENEFITS TO ILLEGAL ALIENS
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ashington, DC) – Judicial Watch announced itfiled a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California County of Los Angeles on behalf of two California taxpayers, Robin Crest and Howard Myers, asking the court to stop the state from expending $75 million of taxpayer funds to provide direct cash assistance to unlawfully present aliens (Crest et al. v. Newsom et al. (No. 20STCV16321)). The lawsuit alleges California Governor Gavin Newsom overstepped his authority and violated federal law when, without affirmative state legislative approval, he took executive action to create the “Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants Project” and provide cash benefits to illegal aliens who otherwise are ineligible for state or federal insurance or other benefits due to their unlawful presence in the United States. On April 15, 2020, Governor Newsom announced his new executive initiative to provide direct assistance in the form of MAY 2020
cash benefits to illegal aliens. The initiative, known as the “Disaster Relief Fund” or the “Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants Project,” would spend $75 million to provide direct cash payments to illegal aliens and cost an estimated additional $4.8 million to administer. Governor Newsom’s executive initiative would provide onetime cash benefits of $500 per adult / $1,000 per household to 150,000 unlawfully present aliens in California. These benefits are not provided to U.S. citizens residing in the state.
The lawsuit alleges that the California State Legislature has not enacted any law that affirmatively provides that unlawfully present aliens are eligible for the $75 million of cash public benefits announced by Newsom.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin California “from providing $75 million of taxpayer funds to unlawfully present aliens in violation of federal law and expending an estimated additional $4.8 million of taxpayer funds as well as additional taxpayer-financed Under federal immigration law, resources on the administration 8 U.S.C. § 1621(a), unlawfully of those payments.” present aliens generally are ineligible for State or local “Governor Newsom has no public benefits. Section 1621(d) legal authority on his own to requires a state legislature spend state taxpayer money for to enact a state law which cash payments to illegal aliens,” affirmatively provides for such said Judicial Watch President benefits for illegal aliens: Tom Fitton. “The coronavirus A State may provide that an alien challenge doesn’t give who is not lawfully present in the politicians a pass to violate the United States is eligible for any law. If California politicians want State or local public benefit … to give cash payments to illegal only through the enactment of a aliens, they must be accountable State law … which affirmatively and transparent, and, as federal provides for such eligibility. law requires, pass a law to do so.” Table of Contents
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“The Final Authority on Everything!”
Are We Committing Economic Suicide In Response To Covid-19?
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ur agency is principally focused on restaurant coverage and new business has dropped to zip since the onset of Covid-19. Several existing accounts are receiving cancellation warnings on premium financed policies. If the country can’t get back to normal soon, we are all in trouble. Your take? G.W. Pittsburgh, PA
health concerns, it is obvious that health concerns have taken priority over economic concerns, at least for now, with the IMF predicting a -3% global shrinkage in 2020. This is far worse than the global financial crisis of 2008-9 which only resulted in a shrinkage of -0.1%. may be even worse, in fact we may be committing economic Many feel that policy makers suicide. Actual suicides are also have a one dimensional up, along with bankruptcies, unemployment, view of the pandemic, as if massive the only bad thing that can mortgage defaults, lease happen is viral infection. The defaults, domestic violence, economic consequences of drug abuse and crime in imbalanced policy decisions general.
There is little doubt this Covid-19 pandemic and the associated lock down of the economy has resulted in the worst economic downturn since the great depression. In the delicate balance between the economy and 28
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Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) - https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidpacey1975/15192212097
WARNING!
The Advisor has been known to be politically incorrect and may send certain Millennials scurrying to their safe space. Please read at your own risk.
ADVISOR
This country is currently experiencing a massive split on lock down vs reopening oddly a split almost entirely along party lines even though there is little obvious political component to the issue. Republicans/Conservatives are strongly in favor of a quick reopening, even manning large protests across the country against what they see as arbitrary and economically destructive closings while Democrats/Liberals as a group seem to welcome the increase in government authoritarianism and control.
re-open. Unemployed folks are relying on food banks to feed their families. The economic crisis worsens every day.
While the U.S. entered this crisis with the strongest, most robust economy in history, it is now on life support with our federal government printing money and issuing notes in order to inject at least $3 trillion into the economy via disaster relief payments, SBA loans, paycheck protection and federal unemployment. We are creating our own economic mud slide which threatens to bury not only us, but future Thousands of businesses have generations under mountains closed, many of which will never of debt. MAY 2020
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The Advisor believes we must move now to reopen the economy and continue only those common sense restrictions likely to actually prevent the spread of the virus. Arbitrary prohibitions, such as those mandated by the now infamous, arrogant and supremely annoying Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (Dem), sued by her own legislature for overreaching closures and mandates, (e.g., no travel between 2nd homes, ok in kayak but not motorboat, canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy seeds to plant in backyard, etc) must be halted immediately if we are to save the engine of our economy. www/underwritersinsider.com
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NOTABLE QUOTABLES IN THE NEWS - WITH COMMENTARY
SAY WHAT?
taxpayers, answer Tara Reade, stop speaking through your manager. You are a creep. You know it. We know it. I know it. Tara definitely knows it. #DropOutBiden.”
Believe All Women...
An April 26th tweet from far-left activist and t happened all at once. The gym actor Rose Mcgowan advising Biden that “You bag — I don’t know where it went, are a creep,” after allegations of sexual assualt I handed it to him, it was gone, and by accuser Tara Reade. then his hands were on me and underneath Rutgers University Professor my clothes. He went down my skirt but Goes Full Left Lunacy on Twitter then up inside it. And he penetrated --- each and every me with his fingers. Trump supporter. You [When she pulled absolutely did this. You are back] she said Biden to blame,” were included among her told her, “‘C’mon man, profanity-laced comments – posted I heard you liked me.’” on Twitter this week by Brittney For me, it was like Cooper, an associate professor everything shattered in the Department of Women’s, in that moment.” Gender and Sexuality Studies at
I
F
Rutgers University. “Not only do white conservatives not care about Black life but my most cynical negative read of the white supremacists among them is that they welcome this mass winnowing of Black folks in order to slow demographic shifts and shore up political power.” I said what I meant. And I curse cuz I’m grown,” Rose McGowan Sounds Off she ranted on in a series of tweets adding, “I et me guess? Michelle Obama] have tenure. Rutgers won’t be firing me for is endorsing you? Answer your tweets.”
Former Joe Biden staffer Tara Reade speaking on Katie Halper’s podcast describing an alleged sexual assualt by Biden in 1993. After a prolonged silence, Biden finally flatly denied the claim but refused to unseal documents at the University of Delaware that may contain evidence of the assualt or a subsequent complaint arising from the assualt.
L
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the Democrat Party for his stance and “putting his country in front of his party.” Jones initally resigned from the Democrat Party in reaction to criticism, but then retracted his “I will Ok Joe, We’re Marking Your Words... resignation: not allow the Democrats to bully me into ark my words, I think he is submission.” Watch the video here. gonna try to kick back the Trump Comes Down On China election somehow, come up with some rationale why it can’t be held.” hey knew they had a problem, I think they were embarrassed Presidential candidate Joe Biden during a by the problem. Very embarrassed. Thursday evening virtual fundraiser claiming without fact or reason that President Trump ill The case could be made, they said, ‘hey, look attempt to delay the November election and this is going to have a huge impact on China, inspiring the Wall Street Journal to remark, “it and we might as well let the rest of the world must be time for the presumptive Democratic [share it].” What they really treated the world nominee to make fact-free allegations of badly on: they stopped people going into an authoritarian Trump plot to destroy the China, but they didn’t stop people going into the USA and all over the world. Personally, I republic.” think they made a horrible mistake and they didn’t want to admit it.” Georgia Democrat Congressman $34,706 is the cost of sending a student to Rutgers for one year to be taught by this ridiculous and ardently racist tenured professor Brittany Cooper. What a stain on Rutgers University it is to have this person on staff, spreading her racist poison to America’s youth.
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T
Vernon Jones Exposes Own His Party
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s a lifelong Democrat and black man, it pains me to admit this. But I’ve come to a realization: the Democrat Party doesn’t give a damn about us. They’ve become more concerned a out putting illegals first and Americans last.” A tweet from Georgia Representative Vernon Jones (D) who went on to say that President Donald Trump has shown “both leadership and results” for Black Americans. He has taken an extraordinary amount of heat from
MAY 2020
President Donald J. Trump speaking in a Fox News town hall at the Lincoln Memorial with harsh words on China’s culpability for the coronavirus pandemic. It has become increasingly clear that China quashed early attempts by it’s own medical professionals, some of whom where silenced, others presumed murdered, to expose and halt the spread of their homegrown covoid-19.
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BACK ISSUES
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BACK ISSUES
MAY 2020
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REPORT: GUARDIAN AD LITEM
ONE LIFE + YOUR VOICE = HOPE Volunteers Needed! Can You Help?
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abriel Hernandez and Thomas Valva have much in common including both being eight years old. Both were loved by many and were described as “angelic”, “sweet-natured”, and “quiet”. They, unfor tunately, share something darker and more disturbing; both boys endured years of sustained abuse – to the point of death – at the hands of the adults they trusted most.
appointed special advocates who represent in court the best interests of child victims of abuse, abandonment, and neglect.
communicating with the child in their placement, at school, at extra-curricular events, and in the community giving them unparalleled insight into the child’s life allowing for true best interest advocacy.
If after reading this you want to serve as a Guardian ad Litem, remember that this differs from most volunteer opportunities because of the level of commitment News stories and television In Palm Beach County, there required. Ask yourself if you are documentaries all share the are approximately 1,600 ready to serve as a proverbial shortfalls in the system that led children involved in abuse and life insurance policy for a child to their untimely passing. It is sad abandonment cases with a victim of abuse. If your answer and it is inexcusable, and we are monthly average of 79 children is ‘yes’, your first step is to call left to wonder, “Are there saviors removed, for their own safety, Volunteer Recruiter, Christie and protectors for children like from their families. The 650 child Geltz at 561.355.6224. Gabriel and Thomas?” Thankfully, advocacy volunteers of the local the answer is a resounding YES Guardian ad Litem serve as the Safety is of the utmost so candidates and in Palm Beach County we eyes and ears of the court system. importance, are subject to extensive prerefer to them as Guardians ad Litem (GAL) – volunteer court They are active participants screening including an interview, in the child’s life, visiting and 34
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background check, and fingerprints. Once approved, you will participate in a combination of online and in-person training sessions to prepare you for your role before being appointed by the court. Though most volunteers dedicate fewer than 10 hours per month posttraining, the impact for the child can be life-altering. Not everyone is cut out to be a Guardian ad Litem, and that is perfectly alright as there are
many other opportunities for service. If you want to serve in another capacity or would like to partner with the program through their nonprofit, Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, call 561.408.7779.
(GAL) or Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Join a nationwide movement of over 93,000 volunteers intent on improving the lives of children around the country. Visit https:// nationalcasagal.org/our-work/ programs/ to find out how to volunteer in your area.
You don’t live in Palm Beach County? Don’t despair. While this article is written from the “No one can do everything, but perspective of Palm Beach everyone can do something.” County, there are NATIONWIDE opportunities to serve as -Max Lucado either a Guardian ad Litem
You can make a difference to children in foster care! Every Foster Child Deserves
an ADVOCATE
Every Child Deserves
561-355-6224
a HOME
EVERYONE Can Do Something to Help Children! Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Child Advocates are
needed for the many children entering the foster care system.
Could you open your heart and your home to provide
love and stability for a neglected and abandoned child?
Share your time, talent, treasure: Donate your time for
events, talent in the office, or your treasure to help a child!
561-355-6224 • info@SpeakUpForKidsPBC.org • www.speakupforkidspbc.org/advocate-home MAY 2020
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TECH: KIM KOMANDO Continued From Page 5
KIM KOMANDO
do is tap the icon until you see Ring. This is completely optional, though.
To customize volume settings:
To use split-screen mode on your Android phone:
• •
• Launch the first app that you want to use in split-screen multitasking and then enter the Recent apps screen. • From there: • Swipe up from the Home bar in Android 10 by using gestures, or: • Swipe up from the Pill button by using 2-button navigation, or: • Tap the Recents button if using 3-button navigation. • Toggle over to the app you want to see at the top of your split-screen display. • Tap the Kebab menu within the Recents app switcher or hold the app icon to pull up the mini menu. • Tap Split-screen. • From there, you can open the secondary app from the recent app view, or you can pick an app from your home screen or app drawer.
And, if you want to add the “Baby • Shark” ringtone or the “Rocky” theme song to your phone or adjust your other settings, it’s actually pretty easy to do.
To customize sounds: • • • • • • • • •
Open your phone’s Settings app. Tap Sound >> Advanced >> Default notification sound. Choose a sound. Tap Save. To customize ringtones: Open your phone’s Settings app. Tap Sound >> Phone ringtone. Pick a ringtone. Tap Save.
To customize vibration settings: • •
•
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Press a Volume button. On the right, above the slider, you’ll see an icon. Tap it until you see: • Vibrate • Mute If you want to unmute or turn off vibrate, all you have to The Underwriter’s Insider
window open while scanning a work document for answers to your coworker’s inquiries.
Press a Volume button. At the right, tap Settings, or: • If you don’t see Settings, go to the steps for older Android versions. Slide the volume levels to where you want them. This includes: • Media volume: Music, videos, games, other media • Call volume: Volume of the other person during a call • Ring volume: Phone calls, notifications • Alarm volume
3. Split-screen Have you ever tried to copy and paste from one app to another on your phone but failed miserably? Well, you can remedy that — and other issues — by employing the split-screen mode on your Android phone. This mode will allow you to not only copy and paste from one app or screen to another with ease, but will also allow you to keep an eye on your work Slack channel while watching some super educational (and totally work-related) YouTube videos. Or, it will allow you to keep your chat Table of Contents
4. Focus Mode If you’re struggling to focus on certain tasks due to the allure of your incoming messages or other distractions, you can use the in Focus mode to become more productive. If you’re unfamiliar with Focus mode, it’s a Digital Wellbeing tool that helps you get MAY 2020
back on track to productivity by temporarily pausing apps that may be distracting you.
them. It’s a quick process, though, and shouldn’t add much time.
•
To turn on App Shortcuts:
For example, if you have a fiery • game of Candy Crush that you can’t put down but you really need to get back on top of some • work emails that have been sitting in your inbox for far too long, you can use Focus mode to • force your hand away from the game.
To set your phone to Focus mode: • •
• •
Open Settings from the app drawer or home screen. Scroll down to the Digital Wellbeing section >> Digital Wellbeing & parental controls >> Focus mode. Choose the apps that you want to pause. Tap Turn on now to enable Focus mode.
5. Access app shortcuts If you are a regular user of certain apps and like to pick up where you left off, you can use App Shortcuts to do just that. And, using this mode will not only allow you to access your primary actions straight from the launcher, but it will also allow you to pin the shortcuts to the home screen. The one downside is only certain apps will allow shortcuts, so you’ll have to figure out which ones will allow you to set them to shortcuts by parsing through MAY 2020
Choose the apps you regularly use and want to • create shortcuts for. Touch and hold the app and then lift your finger. If the app • has Shortcuts, you’ll see a list. Touch and hold the Shortcut • and then slide the Shortcut to where you want it.
6. Live captioning
on the screen. If you don’t see the icon, go to Settings >> Sound >> Live Caption and make sure the Live Caption in volume control option is toggled on. Tap and drag the Caption box and place it anywhere you’d like on the screen. To turn on Live Captioning for all content: Go to Settings >> Sound >> Live Caption and toggle on Live Caption at the top of the screen. This will set your phone to automatically offer captions every time speech is detected.
Have you ever wished that your phone would offer live captioning, much like your television does? Well, you’re in 7. Family Link luck. Chances are your Android You can easily control your kid’s screen time by using Family Link. phone does offer this. This setting allows you to set That’s right. You can finally stop time limits for phone use and set blaring podcasts at top volume a bedtime for supervised devices to hear them in a loud coffee so that your child’s phone won’t shop, and you can stop annoying be usable after a certain hour. your friends with those Facebook videos you watch on the regular You can also lock their device by by using the Live Captioning using Family Link, so they can’t sneak it to the dinner table or mode instead. into homework time to distract them. You can manage the apps To turn on Live Captioning they use and download, too for specific content: — all without touching their • Find the Video, Podcast, or phones. Family Link is used and Other Content that you want controlled remotely from your to caption and start playing phone, so you won’t have to pry it. the device out of their hands to • Press the volume up or down set any of these limits. button, which should bring up the Caption icon below the volume controls. • Tap the Caption icon to make See Kim Komando Page 42 the Live Caption box appear Table of Contents
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOW (AND WHY) TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE By Ron Manera, Senior Editor
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he most overlooked source of free promotion for small to medium-sized companies? Press Releases. Those little info blurbs that strengthen your brand and inform your market can be powerful tools if employed effectively. With a press release, your company can inform the world of a new hire, promotions, a key person retiring, a new product, a merger or acquisition, a new office or a thousand other events positive and timely. But even more important: Getting your company name out in front of tens of thousands of your prospects and customers, (even competitors) often, and at little or no cost. As an editor of a couple of insurance industry specific journals, I am on the receiving end of dozens of press releases daily - all wishing a free ride in one of my next issues. I welcome press releases because they often provide valuable content to my readers. Because of space and relevancy limitations, I can’t run them all. As a matter of fact, only a small percentage of the PRs I review
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make it into the magazines. How do I decide what to run? I look first for relevancy. Is the information in the press release something likely to be interesting or valuable to my subscribers? I can discard 80% of the PRs I review simply because the content is not focused on my audience. Next, I look for length, style and format. Will the original PR take up two pages requiring radical editing for size? Can I easily move the content into my publication without extensive reformatting? Are there bulleted paragraphs or multiple hyperlinks to contend with? I look for a news-style press release. When I receive a PR that is 80% promotional and 20% news, I’m likely to pass it up. I don’t charge for news - I do charge for advertising.
Up The Odds Your Press Release Will Be Printed And Effective
I
suspect most editors rely on criteria much like mine when reviewing incoming press releases for publication. Table of Contents
Here are eight tips to increase your odds of actually making it to the show: 1. Give me a compelling headline! Hint: Write your headline last after you review your entire PR. A good headline will not only get my attention, but that of my readers. 2. Don’t open with “ABC Company announced today...” because the PR may not appear for another 30 days. Include the actual date. 3. Keep your copy succinct! 375-450 words max. That’s an entire page, so you have plenty of room to cover your subject. I’m not going to give you more space - so if you run long, you are asking me to trim your copy and you may not like what I remove. 4. Learn to write like a journalist: Who, What, When, Why & Where. List those 5 categories out on a worksheet and work from it as you script your PR. To the ultimate reader, it should not read as if it were written by your marketing department but as if we sent a reporter out to cover your news story. MAY 2020
Image Credit: Creative Commons
While larger operations use paid services like Businesswire, PRweb, PRNewsire and others to distribute their press releases, smaller companies can maintain a list of media outlets that make more sense for their target market. I review PRs from the big distribution houses all the time - but I am more likely to notice one emailed directly to me.
from a company officer. I 5. Important! Don’t often include company make your PR into an logos when they are made advertisement. First, it will available. lesson the chance I include 8. About (Your Company) your piece, (remember, I It’s good to include a short charge for advertising) but “About ABC Company” at just as important, it will lack the end of your PR. Keep it credibility to the readers if it short and within the word just looks like a puff piece. limit for the entire piece. It’s okay to sound enthused Include contact info for about the topic and your “further information.” company, but the ideal PR 9. Make certain to place a will look as if your company copy of each PR on your made the news because of company website under some newsworthy event. your NEWS tab. The practice 6. Give me at least one quote, will make your site more e.g. “Frank’s extensive relevant to search engines experience in restaurant and more valuable to risks will bring a new depth visitors. to our commercial insurance department,” said John ow that you’ve created Smith, CEO... the perfect press 7. If appropriate, include release, where should an image, especially if you send it? the PR involves personnel or a mention or quote
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In the insurance business, include every trade journal that covers your region. If you are introducing a new restaurant program, for example, you may wish to include some of the trade journals in that industry. If you are a local retail agent, by all means include local print media, especially neighborhood newsletters or city-wide newspapers. Build your list in a spreadsheet database so you can one-click mail-merge a personalized copy to each media outlet. Make it a habit! Find the best copywriter in your office and assign them the task of churning out one press release each month. You’ll be building your brand and status within your industry. Where to send at TUI? Send directly to me, Ron Manera at ron@insurmedia.com.
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BECOME A CERTIFIED EXPERT IN CORPORATE PROPERTY INSURANCE AND A CERTIFIED EXPERT IN CORPORATE LIABILITY INSURANCE Now available from Illumeo and Barry Zalma!
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veryone involved in insurance – either as an insurer or as an insured – requires excellence in claims handling. Businesses need to deal with insurers who have an excellence in claimshandling mandate. Insurers who wish to profit need an excellence in property and/or liability claims-handling program. Everyone in business needs an insurer who has an excellence in property or liability claims-handling program in effect. Two comprehensive programs enabling insurance professionals to become Certified Expert in Corporate Property Insurance and/ or Certified Experts in Corporate Liability Insurance are available from Illumeo.com and https://www.illumeo.com/curriculum/certifiedexpert-corporate-property-insurance and https://www.illumeo.com/ curriculum/certified-expert-corporate-liability-insurance. The programs are complete courses of study providing education and training to allow insurance professionals, after completing the individual classes, to become a Certified Expert. The programs cover everything an employee, an officer, or a director of a corporation needs to know about the need to acquire proper insurance and to resolve any claim presented by the corporation to the insurer. Major topics of study include, but are not limited to: the importance of insurance; how to acquire insurance and understand an insurance policy; the methods used by insurers to investigate claims; the various types of insurance that corporations need; the duties and obligations of a public adjuster; and how The full curriculum of the courses and other courses from Barry Zalma are available at http:// www.ilumeo.com by entering in the search bar the word “zalma.”
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NEW INSURANCE CLAIMS BOOKS BY BARRY ZALMA The Making of an Insurance Claims Professional
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t is the insurance claims person - the adjuster - who meets with the person insured and works to keep the promises made by the insurance policy. The adjuster cannot, however, help the insurer keep the promises made unless he or she understands insurance, insurance claims, the types of claims presented and the law surrounding insurance and insurance claims. For the minimal cost of a paperback or Kindle book every insurer can place in the hands of their claims people information that will help them become professional, well trained, thoroughly educated claims professionals who are able to read and understand every insurance policy so that he or she is able to keep the promises made by the insurance policy. Read about these and many more insurance books by Barry Zalma at http://zalma.com/zalma-books/
• Construction Defects and Insurance • Zalma on Insurance Claims • Zalma on Insurance Claims Volume 101 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 102 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 103 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 104
• Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 105 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 106 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 107 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 108 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 109 • Zalma on Insurance Claims Part 110
VISIT ZALMA BOOKS NOW!
MAY 2020
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TECH: KIM KOMANDO Continued From Page 37
10 HIDDEN TRCKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOUR ANDROID COULD DO
your screen (if you don’t already have these enabled). To do this: • • •
•
Open Settings >> System >> About Phone. Scroll down to Build and then tap Build 7 times. Go back to the previous screen, and select Developer Options. Turn on enable Developer Options.
Once that is done:
To enable Family Link: • • • • •
Open the Family Link app. Select your child. Tap Location card >> Set Up. Turn on the settings required to see your child’s location. 8. Screen recording
There are tons of reasons you may want to record your screen from time to time. Maybe you want to record a friend’s Snapchat video or capture a cute TikTok video but you can’t figure out how to download it. Well, you can record it with the screen recording option. All you have to do is set your phone up to record your screen by using the Developer Options.
To set Developer Options: You’ll need to enable Developer Options before you can record 42
The Underwriter’s Insider
set your phone to send priority notifications, which are overridden in the mute notifications setting.
•
Open the Developer Options menu and Select Feature Flags.
To set your phone to enable screen recording: •
•
Look for settings_ screenrecord_long_press in the Developer Options menu. Enable this setting.
To start a new recording: • •
Press and hold the Power button. A menu will pop up. Tap and hold Screenshot on that menu and choose Start Recording to begin recording.
9. Set priority notifications
You can also choose which notifications you want to prioritize to send to the top of the list. This is especially helpful if your phone is constantly pinging with notifications but you don’t want to mute any of them. It will allow you to prioritize the order in which your notifications are listed on your phone by tossing the more important ones to the top of the list.
To choose which notifications you’d like to treat as priority notifications: First, you’ll need to set your phone to Priority Mode. You can do this via the volume buttons. All you have to do is move the volume up or down (pro tip: don’t try this when music is playing or it won’t work) and then tap Priority on the box that appears. You’ll have the option to use Priority Mode until you choose to switch it off, or you can choose to set it for a certain amount of time. Set it for whichever mode you prefer. Once Priority Mode is turned on:
• If you’re dealing with notification fatigue from your apps constantly • sending you new notifications, you may be tempted to mute them. If you do this, you can still Table of Contents
Open your phone’s Settings >> Sound & notification. Tap Do not disturb >> Priority only allows you to set your notifications to mute, other than the ones you prioritize. MAY 2020
10. Pin the screen when loaning it If you want to show a nosy friend or family member something that’s happening on your screen but don’t want them to have the option to scroll through other open apps or windows, you can pin the screen on your phone pretty easily. It will help cut down on awkward situations or accidental clicks — and it’s especially handy for parents who lend their phones to children and have them returned with 8,000 open browser tabs full of ads.
To turn on screen pinning on your Android phone: •
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NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR ARBITRARY AND ARTIFICIAL CALLS FOR NATIONAL RATE DECISIONS
anti-fraud and cyber security units, in recognition of the bad actors who will prey on victims during times of crisis; and
Open your phone’s Settings app and tap Security or Security & location >> Advanced >> • Adopting new technologies Screen pinning. and remote solutions to • Turn on Screen pinning. minimize any interruptions in service, collision repair, After turning on screen pinning: and claims handling, such as using virtual inspection • Toggle over to the screen you technology to complete want to pin and swipe up to damage inspections. the middle of your screen. This should open your Overview “Those individuals going through screen. extraordinary life circumstances • Tap the app’s icon at the top of should call their insurer to the image and then tap Pin. discuss their options. Today, 21 • Your screen won’t un-pin states have additional consumer without your PIN, pattern, or protection laws to address password once this is activated. insurance scores that could be These helpful Android tricks will let impacted by changes in credit you get the most out of your device scores. In addition, some insurers with a few simple changes to your have pioneered pay-as-you-go settings. Now, don’t you wish you auto insurance through new knew them earlier? technology solutions.” MAY 2020
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.
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HERE www/underwritersinsider.com
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