Over 25 years as an executive recruiter for the Home Building Industry.

Specialties: A Retained Executive Search Firm for the Home Building Industry.

 

January 1985 – Present (31 years 8 months)

 

Executive Search firm founded in 1985 at a time when the Home Building Industry was entering a decline from it’s heydays of the late seventies and early eighties. Armed with over 10 years of relationship-building experience with senior level managers in the Home Building Industry and knowledge of the cyclical nature and market dynamics of the sector, Frank acted on advice of friends in the real estate community to start Frank Owens Ltd.

 

Twenty years later, Frank’s 1985 theory that industry consolidation and securitization of the mortgage portifolios would combine to be a driving force in the country’s economic growth has proven true.

 

On the heels of the success of his search firm comes THE FRANK REPORTS, a compilation of housing permit activity for over 110 MSAs from 1960- 2008. This one-of-a-kind document is available along with other housing related reports at www.thefrankreports.com

 

Set in a rich rural landscape of gently rolling countryside, meandering rivers and pretty villages, the county is an attractive place with many areas of outstanding natural beauty.

 

Bedfordshire is great for walking, cycling and horse riding - along internationally known trails such as the Icknield Way, or short family oriented circular walks.

 

There are lots of attractions in the county, including stately homes, gardens, woodland walks nature reserves, country parks and world-famous animal parks.

 

Bedfordshire Tourist Information can be found in the Historic County town of Bedford, set on the banks of the River Great Ouse. The town has many fine buildings, the Bedfordshire Museum gives information on north Bedfordshire and the adjacent Cecil Higgins Art Gallery is well worth visiting. An attractive landscaped riverside walk stretches from one side of the town to the other, and many regattas and events take place on the river, which is navigable to the sea at the Wash.

 

Bedfordshire offers a wide range of family activities. Examples are: a day out to Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, or a visit to the unique Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, which contains many tree species planted in the plan of a medieval cathedral.

 

The town of Sandy is set against a backdrop of green hills, parkland and woodland, the area was once the centre for market gardening in the county. You might like to visit the RSPB nature reserve in Sandy, to walk the trails through 104 acres of woodland and heath land with formal and wildlife gardens, gift shop & picnic area.

 

Luton Central Library in St. George's Square, has a wide variety of tourist information. Luton is a lively place, perfect for entertainment and activities in and around Bedfordshire. Luton has its own airport, it is a vibrant multicultural town, it is over 1000 years old, and is a major regional cultural and economic centre.

 

If you are visiting Woburn, don't miss the Woburn Heritage Centre. A small museum is housed in the old church of St Mary's telling the history of Woburn village, past and present. Picture courtesy of www.visitbeds-luton.com The village is home of the famous Woburn Abbey which has been the home of the Russell Family, the Dukes of Bedford, for over 450 years. Woburn Safari Park is an ideal day out for families, who will enjoy the exciting drive through the reserves, where some of the world's most exciting animals roam.

 

For a fun day out why not take a leisurely canal boat cruise on one of the many inland waterways that criss-cross the area or play a round of golf at one of the counties many courses? Throughout the County there are some great places to eat out, many villages and hamlets offer a wide variety of pubs and inns, often serving home cooked meals using locally produced ingredients Bedfordshire has a variety of good shopping, attractions and sporting facilities for all ages.

 

            • The nature and severity of the accident.

            • Your company’s own policies.

            • Whether the accident involved property damage, injuries, or both.

 

However, certain steps are common to most claims investigations. We’ll review these steps here.

 

 

After you file your claim, a claims adjustor will be assigned to your case. The adjustor will review your policy to make sure that you are covered. He or she may contact you to ask for more details about the accident.

 

During the investigation, the adjustor may:

 

            • Request you send a copy of the police report for review.

            • Contact the other driver.

            • Talk to any listed witnesses to the accident.

            • Visit the accident scene.

            • Inspect your car for damages.

            • Take photos of your car.

            • Ask you to sign a medical release form in order to view your records.

            • Contact your medical providers for information regarding your injury expenses.

 

 

Your insurance company will cover your injuries and repairs until fault is determined and then will negotiate with the other driver's insurance company to decide who pays in the end.

The process of initial payment is “indemnification,” which means coverage for damages and losses.

If the other driver is found to be at fault, your insurance company will seek payment from his insurance company through the process of  “subrogation.”

 

 

Typically, you have several options when it comes to getting repairs for your vehicle:

 

            • Using an approved body shop. Your adjuster may request that you take your car to one of your car insurance company’s approved body shops for an estimate.

            • Getting quotes. The adjuster may ask you to go to several shops of your choice and obtain quotes to compare.

            • Choosing your own repair shop. You can get the repairs done at any location you choose; however, you may have to pay the difference between that shop's estimate and the amount the insurer determines is a fair price.

 

 

If your claim includes medical expenses from injuries from the accident, your claims adjuster will need to see evidence of your medical bills.

He or she may request that you sign a waiver to grant permission for your car insurance company to access your medical records. Before signing this document, you may wish to speak to a personal injury attorney about whether signing it is in your best interest. Once she has access to your records, information in your medical history may be used to lower your claim.

 

 

You will need to provide as much information as you can to get the best possible settlement. The adjuster will ask for your recollection of the events.

In addition, you may need to submit the following to your car insurance company.

 

            • Policy number (can be found on your insurance card).

            • Date of the accident.

            • Location of the accident.

            • Description of how the accident occurred.

            • Name and insurance information for the other party involved.

            • Name of the police department involved and the police report number (if applicable).

 

 

During the investigation phase, the adjuster reviews the case. Your rep may review the following information:

 

            • Amount of property damage.

            • Police reports.

            • DMV accident report.

 

 

One of the roles of your insurance adjuster is to determine fault. In most states, a driver does not need to be 0% or 100% at fault.

Your adjuster may decide that you are partially at fault (e.g., 70% responsible for the accident). If you are 70% responsible and the other driver is 30% responsible, your company may pay 70% of the settlement and the other driver’s car insurance company may pay the remaining 30%.

In some cases, the settlement is entirely paid by the car insurance company of the driver who has the majority of fault. Speak to your auto insurance agent to learn more.

 

 

While reviewing claims, the claims adjuster may look at evidence such as:

 

            • Medical records.

            • Bills.

            • Evidence of property damage.

            • Proof of wage loss

 

 

The adjuster will investigate the claimant (you). In addition to reviewing your claims history, car insurance companies are also likely to look you up online.

They may go to Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites to make sure that you are not lying. For example, if you are claiming car damage for an accident Tuesday morning, and you post a picture of you with your car intact on Wednesday, your company will recognize the fraud.

Your car insurance company has a special investigations unit (SIU) to investigate suspected fraud. You can protect yourself on social media by:

 

            • Setting your privacy settings so that only approved people can look at your photos.

            • Avoiding posting photos or anything about your accident online.

            • Not filing a fraudulent claim.

 

 

If you are unhappy with the settlement offer, you have some options:

 

            • Take the claim to the adjuster’s supervisor.

            • Mediation.

            • Arbitration.

            • Small claims court.

            • Hiring an attorney.

 

Whether you're buying a used vehicle for yourself or a loved one, a vehicle history report is a valuable way to peer into your potential automobile's past and prevent the purchase of an unsafe or unsavory vehicle.

 

If you're not familiar with the term, a vehicle history report, also known as a VIN check or VIN lookup, is a summary of valuable details that include:

 

            • Title information.

            • Accident history.

            • Fire or flood damage.

            • Other potential hidden problems.

 

By using your the unique vehicle identification number (VIN) associated with that automobile, you can access vital car history details on a VIN number lookup.

 

 

Vehicle history reports are a compilation of public- and private-record information. VIN lookup vendors access data from a number of sources, including:

 

            • State motor vehicle title agencies.

            • Car manufacturers.

            • Repair shops.

            • Junk or salvage yards.

            • Auto recyclers.

            • Insurance companies.

 

The bulk of information collected by VIN check vendors typically comes directly from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) operated by the U.S. Department of Justice. The businesses and organizations mentioned above report their information to the NMVTIS.

 

 

You can expect NMVTIS-approved VIN number lookup to include the following:

 

            • Title information, including:

                        o Current state of title/registration.

                        o Previous title history.

                                    - This information sheds light on a car's ownership and protects consumers from purchasing a stolen vehicle.

            • Odometer reading.

                        o This helps prevent fraud and protects customers from buying a car for more than it's actually worth.

            • Brand history.

                        o These descriptive labels relate to the status of a car (i.e. junk, salvage, flood damaged, etc.) and are applied by state motor vehicle titling agencies.

            • Total loss history

                        o This term is usually given to a car after severe damage. Knowing the total loss history can protect you from a vehicle that may be unsafe.

            • Salvage history.

                        o This indicates the car was repaired after severe damage, which can also prevent the purchase of a potentially unsafe vehicle.

 

While the NMVTIS reports are thorough, a more detailed car history report from another vendor may include:

 

            • Vehicle repair and maintenance history.

            • Open recalls.

            • Information on multiple owners.

 

 

It's important to keep in mind that VIN number checks are not issued by any government agency, so they can range in both price and details.

 

Some VIN lookup vendors offer basic information on free VIN checks, or free vehicle history reports, that could be useful before you dive deep into the specifics of your potential vehicle—such as a free “lemon" check to find out if there were any manufacturer buybacks or lemon records on the car.

 

For recalls, lemon information, and other broad car history details about a particular make or model, you can always search online or check car manufacturers' websites.

 

If you are concerned about your financial security, it is a wise idea to go for maid insurance. This will help you to stay away from hassle during unexpected medical and accidental coverage. On the other hand, maid insurance will assist you to build trust and confidence within the mind of your maid as well. Main insurance doesn’t come only with financial benefits. When your maid knows that she is insured, she would happily work for you and your loved ones. This creates a positive impression about you on her mind. As a result, she would tend to fulfill all her responsibilities without any hassle. The maid insurance you purchase can offer reimbursements and compensation in case of hospitalization or accident. You will also be able to compensate the losses that can happen when the maid does not work because of her personal reasons. Therefore, it is something that every home owner with maids should consider about.

 

 

 

With this Maid Insurance plan, we guarantee you will be more than a responsible employer. This Maid Insurance plan not only protects you and your family, but your domestic helper as well. With this plan comes a comprehensive range of benefits, which is more than just equipped to provide protection for any mandatory or unexpected costs:

 

-Hospitalization

-Global Personal Accident

-Re-hiring Expenses

-Maid’s Assets

-Ambulance Charges

-More benefits for accident incurred in insured’s residence

-Treatment by traditional Chinese doctor

-Medical Expenses

-Day Surgery

-Dread Disease

-Pre and post hospitalization costs

-Maid’s Liability 

 

The Downtown Sports & Entertainment District is a planned development to be located on the block to the north of Amway Center. Plans for the estimated $200 million mixed-use development include a 250 room hotel, an office building, multi-family residential components and an exciting array of dining and retail establishments.

The Orlando Magic retained SC Advisors to provide due diligence and pre development services for the project. SCA played a key role in the purchase of the necessary land, securing municipal approvals and coordinating the site planning and conceptual design process. SCA was pleased to continue its relationship with the Orlando Magic after serving as the Developer's Representative for the award-winning Amway Center. ecure

However, you can conduct a proper exhaust control to reduce the effects of exhaust fumes from combustion engines. A good exhaust control can help you realize its huge importance as well as the benefits included in its entire process. Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group aims to elucidate how important proper exhaust control is to every individual, especially to car owners, through this article. To begin with, this specific action could lessen noise levels.

 

In order to reduce noise pollution, you need to have the proper design and installation of an exhaust pipe system. Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group can help you accomplish this with lesser trouble. There will also be an increase in noise levels if the exhaust pipe of your car is broken.

A proper exhaust control also makes passengers free from the direct exhaust. There's a reason why car exhausts were designed at the tail end of a car or raised high up - it is to keep exhaust fumes away from the passengers, or to support its escape into the atmosphere. You should contact Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group or your trusted car service provider to identify any clogging or leaks in your car to guarantee a more peaceful ride.

 

A better engine performance is also attainable with a good exhaust control. A defective exhaust pipe could result in reduced power and performance since it decreases the ability of the engine to maximize its burning capability. There will also be a large percentage of lost in an engine's power if there’s an inefficient disposal of the waste gases from the combustion process.

 

And finally, fuel consumption becomes more effective with a good exhaust control since proper burning is required to increase the effectiveness of fuel consumption. Moreover, a defective exhaust system can reduce car mileage.

 

You're not just polluting the environment with a defective exhaust pipe system, but you're also burning your hard-earned money. Every individual should be responsible for controlling the quantity and quality of exhaust fumes to protect the environment of our home planet.

 

This has a number of advantages:

 

• It gives us the freedom to select first-class managers from the global investment market to manage our funds on behalf of our clients

• It enables us to change any of these managers at short notice if we have lost confidence in them, without any charges, or tax, or inconvenience to our clients

• It offers our clients a real opportunity to diversify their investments by spreading their money across funds managed by different managers with different styles

 

With Christmas just days away, people are using their smartphones and other devices to get a handle on their last-minute shopping. Hackers are on the hunt as well, looking to steal personal information from easy targets.

 

“People just need to have their radar up, so that when they’re trying to get their perfect gift to grandma’s house in time for Christmas day, they’re not clicking on things they shouldn’t,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance.

 

Here are some other tips for staying safe this holiday season.

 

 

Make sure your phone’s operating system and all the apps you use to shop are up to date. That way you’ll have the fixes for any recently discovered security problems.

 

You should also enable multi-factor authentication in the settings on your important accounts. This is a security measure that requires you to enter a temporary code in addition to your password when signing in; services often text this code to your phone. It complicates life for hackers should they somehow manage to get your password.

 

Improvements in credit card fraud detection have pushed hackers to focus on stealing legitimate login credentials, so adding an extra layer of protection to these accounts is a must, says John Dickson with the cybersecurity firm Denim Group.

 

And while some cybersecurity experts question the value of changing your password frequently, Dickson says it’s not a bad idea this time of year.

 

“If you had a New Year’s resolution to change your passwords, move that up by about four weeks, because this is fraudster season,” Dickson says.

 

 

Nobody likes to dip into their mobile-data plan, but you might want to set aside a few gigabytes for holiday shopping.

 

Signing on to free Wi-Fi at a store or coffee shop can be risky. Hackers could be lurking on the networks, ready to use that connection to steal credit-card numbers or other personal information. If using free Wi-Fi, at least wait till you get home to check your bank account balances, Kaiser said.

 

 

Phishing spikes during the holiday season. Emails that offer great deals on holiday gifts or donation pitches from charities could actually be attempts to steal your credit card or login information. Another popular trick: Fake emails supposedly sent by online retailers or shipping companies.

 

Don’t click on links in these emails, as they may lead you to a fake website that looks legitimate. Instead, type in the company’s website directly.

 

 

Shoppers need to keep a close eye on their accounts. The easiest way to do this is to use the same credit card for all of your holiday shopping. Avoid debit cards — running up a credit card balance is one thing and can be challenged; draining your life’s savings is another.

 

Use different passwords for your various shopping accounts. That way if one is compromised, it’s less likely that the others will fall to hackers as well.

 

 

Websites that advertise hot deals on popular or hard-to-find gifts are probably scams. So are those touting free or deeply discounted gift cards. Stick with e-commerce sites you know are real. Don’t click on web ads.

 

And if something advertised on a website or social media looks too good to be true, it probably is, said Brian Reed, chief marketing officer for ZeroFox, a cybersecurity firm that focuses on social media.

 

Instead of getting a great deal on a North Face jacket or a free iPhone, shoppers are getting their money and personal information stolen.

 

Also avoid apps that promise to generate gift card codes for various retailers, Reed said. The apps can harm your device. And, if you manage to use a code, you’re committing fraud.

 

 

Internet-connected gadgets — whether they be a “smart” thermostat, baby monitor or a talking toy — will be under many trees this year.

 

But the lack of security built into many of these devices is becoming an issue. Experts worry that they could be used to breach a home or business network and let hackers access another device that holds private information.

 

There’s no way to tell from its box how secure any given gadget is, but an online search could fill you in on previously reported problems.

 

Default passwords should be changed right away, if possible. Do some research to understand exactly what personal information the device is collecting and where it’s being stored or sent.

 

Down the road, make sure your smart devices get their security updates. That includes your wireless router. If it’s an older model, you’re probably going to need to get them from the manufacturer’s website. Newer models often send updates through apps.

 

And if your router is really old and not getting updates, you might want to add that to your gift list.

 

“If that’s your gateway and it’s not secure, then you’re allowing people to get into all of the devices connected to it,” Kaiser said.

Iat Hong of Macau, Bo Zheng of Changsha, China, and Chin Hung of Macau were charged in an indictment filed in Manhattan federal court with conspiracy, insider trading, wire fraud and computer intrusion.

 

Prosecutors said the men made more than $4 million by placing trades in at least five company stocks based on inside information from unnamed law firms, including about deals involving Intel Corp and Pitney Bowes Inc.

 

The men listed themselves in brokerage records as working at information technology companies, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said in a related civil lawsuit.

 

Hong, 26, was arrested on Sunday in Hong Kong, while Hung, 50, and Zheng, 30, are not in custody, prosecutors said. Defense lawyers could not be immediately identified.

 

The case is the latest U.S. insider trading prosecution to involve hacking, and follows warnings by U.S. officials that law firms could become prime targets for hackers.

 

"This case of cyber meets securities fraud should serve as a wake-up call for law firms around the world: you are and will be targets of cyber hacking, because you have information valuable to would-be criminals," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in Manhattan said.

 

Prosecutors said that beginning in April 2014, the trio obtained inside information by hacking two U.S. law firms and targeting the email accounts of law firm partners working on mergers and acquisitions.

 

Prosecutors did not identify the two law firms, or five others they said the defendants targeted.

 

But one matched the description of New York-based Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, which represented Pitney Bowes in its 2015 acquisition of Borderfree Inc, one of the mergers in question.

 

The indictment said that by using a law firm employee's credentials, the defendants installed malware on the firm's servers to access emails from lawyers, including a partner responsible for the Pitney deal.

 

Cravath declined to comment. In March, Cravath confirmed discovering a "limited breach" of its systems in 2015.

 

Prosecutors also accused the defendants of trading on information stolen from a law firm representing Intel on the chipmaker's acquisition of Altera Inc in 2015.

 

Intel's merger counsel on the deal was New York-based Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. The law firm declined to comment.

 

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she was aware of the reports about the case but knew nothing about it.

 

The case is U.S. v. Hong et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-cr-360.

 

We provide the capital needed for industry and society to grow and prosper. Our unique synergy of technical and financial services will be a driver for growth in Japan and throughout Asia.

 

We make the most of our extensive networks to provide high-value-added services, timely information, original financial products and financing solutions.

 

 

We offer a range of asset management options from Japanese and foreign stocks, securities, and trust funds tailored to our client's needs.

 

 

With timely and insightful investment advice and tailored financial instruments, we achieve solid returns even in tough economic times.

 

 

Our local knowledge and extensive networks ensure our clients get accurate investment information first.

 

 

We develop strategic financial packages and provide attentive long-term support to ensure positive outcomes.

 

 

KOKUSAI KOGYO CO., LTD.

ASNAL CORPORATION CO., LTD.

Toyo Sekkei CO., LTD.

EONEX CO., LTD.

RISUISHA CO., LTD.

KOKUSAI BUNKAZAI CO., LTD.

RYUKYU KOKUSAI KOGYO CO., LTD.

TDS Co., Ltd.

 

 

JAG Energy Co., Ltd.

JAG Power Engineering Co., Ltd.

JAG Investment Management Co., Ltd.

Miyazaki Solar Way Co., Ltd.

JAG Seabell Co., Ltd.

KOKUSAI BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.

KHC Ltd.

KATSUMI JYUTAKU CO., LTD.

DAIWA-KENSETSU CO., LTD.

AKASHI-JYUKEN CO., LTD.

PAL CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.

Labo Co., Ltd.

 

 

Japan Asia Securities Co., Ltd.

Okinawa Securities Limited

Japan Asia Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Japan Asia Financial Service Co., Ltd.

Japan Asia Research Institute Limited

Japan Asia FAS Limited.

 

 

KOKUSAI ASIA PTE. LTD.

KOKUSAI CHINA LIMITED

KOKUSAI BEIJING LIMITED

KOKUSAI VIETNAM

KOKUSAI LAND (VIETNAM) LIMITED

KOKUSAI INDONESIA

KOKUSAI EUROPE GmbH

Name of Representative: Tetsuo Yamashita, Chairman and CEO

 (TSE (Tokyo Stock Exchange) First Section (code: 3751))

Contact Information: Kazunobu Watanabe, Director

Tel: (03) 4476 8000 (Main Switchboard)

 

Please be advised that the Company has decided at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on May 19, 2016, to submit the “Partial Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation” matter to the ordinary general meeting of the shareholders scheduled to be held on June 23, 2016 as follows.

 

1. Reasons for the Amendments:

(1) Purpose is added to build sustainable cities of the future green community, and to respond to the expansion and diversification of our business.

(2) The number of directors is changed from 7 or less to 11 or less in order to strengthen the management structure and corporate governance of the Company in preparation of future business expansion.

 

2. Details of the Amendments:

(1) The details of the amendments are set out below:

 

Current Articles of Incorporation Proposed Amendment

 

Article 1 (Text omitted)

 

Article 2 (Objectives)

1. (1) to (8) (Text omitted) (9) The business of the development, construction, supervision, operation, maintenance and administration of renewable energy facilities; (10) to (19) (Text omitted) (Newly set) (20) to (21) (Text omitted)

 

2. to 5. (Text omitted)

Article 3 to 18 (Text omitted)

Article 19 (Number of Directors)

The number of directors of the Company shall be seven (7) or less.

 

Article 20 to 50 (Text omitted)

 

Article 1 (Unchanged)

 

Article 2 (Objectives)

1. (1) to (8) (Unchanged) (9) The business of the development, construction, supervision, operation, maintenance, administration, sale and purchase of renewable energy facilities; (10) to (19) (Unchanged) (20) The business of management, sale and purchase of forests; (21) to (22) (Unchanged)

2. to 5. (Unchanged)

 

Article 3 to 18 (Unchanged)

 

Article 19 (Number of Directors)

The number of directors of the Company shall be eleven (11) or less.

 

Articles 20 to 50 (Unchanged)

 

(2) Schedule regarding the Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company

 

Date of the general meeting of the shareholders for the Articles of Incorporation amendment: Thursday, June 23, 2016

 

Scheduled effective date of the Articles of Incorporation amendment: Thursday, June 23, 2016

 

Eastern Alliance Insurance Group is a member of the ProAssurance family of companies.

 

In its 2008 rating rationale, A.M. Best recognized Eastern Alliance's "strong operational results, excellent capitalization and diversified organizational structure." The rationale also highlighted the company’s "five-year average combined ratio, which remains well below the workers' compensation average."

 

We're specialists.

We focus on doing one thing and doing that one thing well: providing superior workers' compensation products and services to businesses and organizations. Since 1997, we have built a strong reputation for being a "best in class" provider of workers' compensation products and services. We've achieved this position by creating supportive relationships and providing our employees and clients with the tools and resources they need to win with integrity.

 

Taking care of your car has been the priority of the company since its foundation. It offers dependable car services such as brake checks, MOTs, and free seasonal checks, and as a family-run company, it also offers its customers a good help in finding the tyres for their cars. 

 

If you’re planning to renew the tyres of your vehicle, Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group could be of much help in deciding which tyre suits your car the most. There are also elements that could greatly contribute to your decision, and they include size, climate and how you drive. 

 

The wall of the tyre includes crucial information about the tyre such as its size, section width, aspect ratio or profile, radius, load capacity and speed rating. Knowing this, you may also identify the date and place it was made. 

 

Circumstances that could affect the life of your tyre might involve: driving in inner city conditions as opposed to motorways or the mileage per annum is either high or low. Based on your given requirements, Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group could assist you in choosing the right tyre while taking into account other details like if you’re driving in a sportier manner since it could also affect the life of your tyre. 

 

If you have a particular requirement or need more help in finding the right tyre for your car, please call the local depot of Tyre&Auto Southbourne Group who is always ready to answer any of your questions regarding your car and who will be more than glad to help you. You can also visit them today and discuss all your car-related concerns to them.

Updated OSHA recordkeeping requirements take effect on January 1, 2015. Do you know how these changes impact you?

 

• OSHA will continue to require employers to notify OSHA when a fatality occurs in the workplace, within 8 hours after the employer learns about the event. This rule applies regardless of establishment size or industry exemption.

• All employers, regardless of establishment size or industry exemption, will also be required to report any work-related inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye, within 24 hours after the employer learns about the event.

• There is a revised list of low-hazard industries not required to maintain injury and illness records, unless specifically asked to do so. Some industries are newly exempt from the recordkeeping requirements. Other industries previously not required to keep injury and illness records will now be required to do so.

 

Review the new list to determine your recordkeeping status!

 

• https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014/records.html

 

Download the OSHA Recordkeeping Fact Sheet:

 

• https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014/OSHA3746.pdf

 

 

Report any injuries to your supervisor or safety manager as soon as they occur. Even if you think you may not need medical treatment, it is always important to notify your employer of all injuries as soon as they occur. You may think it will get better over the weekend, or with rest, however it is still very important for you to notify your employer of any work related injury or accident. The sooner we know about your injury, the sooner we can implement a proactive plan to help you return to wellness.

 

 

Your employer will report the injury to Eastern Alliance Insurance Group by filing a claim, and your claim will be assigned a claim number. Your employer will give you the claim number as well as a Work Status Report form to take to the doctor or hospital. The claim representative will be in contact with you to go over the details of the claim, as well as any benefit information. Keep your claim number and claim representative’s contact information in an easily accessible place, such as your wallet.

 

 

Your employer will advise you if they have a list of doctors that you are required to treat with (sometimes referred to as a "medical panel"). When you go for medical treatment, give the provider your employer’s information, your claim number, and the insurance carrier's information.

 

There is no co-payment or deductible for you to pay. Sometimes providers may not have your claim information so they will bill the patient. If you are receiving a bill at home, it is probably a sign that your claim representative has not received the bill. If you receive any invoices at home, you can call the billing department listed on your bill and give them your claim information, or you can send the bill to your claim representative. Make sure to write your claim number on any correspondence that you send to us.

 

 

Your provider will determine if there is a need for any additional follow up treatment or prescription medications indicated, as well as if you are given any type of restrictions for work. Provide them with the Work Status report for completion. This is proof of any type of restrictions or disability that you are given. Give this to your employer and ask them to make a copy for you. They should send a copy of this to the claim representative assigned to your claim. After each following appointment, you should get your work status.

For more than 15 years, Eastern’s alternative insurance, also known as “captive” insurance, has helped employers and organizations of all types maintain better control over insurance costs and outcomes, while offering the opportunity to share in underwriting profits and investment income.

 

Eastern’s Inova provides security and stability by virtue of its Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC) structure. An SPC is a single legal entity comprised of individual “protected cells.” As a captive owner, your assets and liabilities reside securely within your cell, providing your organization with a secure, stable environment.

 

Inova’s vertically integrated, fully bundled, specialty carrier approach provides a totally unified, easy-to-understand captive option. A true leader in the alternative insurance arena, Inova’s Eastern Re was the first SPC to be assigned a financial strength rating by A.M. Best Company. On August 13, 2014, A.M. Best Company reaffirmed Eastern Re’s A (Excellent) financial strength rating. Inova’s Eastern Re was also the first Segregated Portfolio Company to be authorized by the Cayman Island Monetary Authority in 1998.

Lexus has announced a new string of 'Intersect by Lexus' luxury spaces where people can experience the brand "without getting behind a steering wheel". The first such space is opening this month in Tokyo's Aoyama district, and the new design-orientated building will include a café, shops, an automotive exhibition space and more.

 

The Tokyo brand is split into two levels. The first floor contains a café serving world-renowned coffee, and what Lexus calls the Garage--an exhibition space for car culture and lifestyles. On the next floor Tokyo visitors will find a Crafted for Lexus shop--"a collection of lifestyle items produced by brand companies that harmonize with Lexus’ philosophies", apparently--and a library lounge serving modern-Tokyo-themed foods.

 

It’s part of the brand's new Amazing In Motion philosophy, taking everything that Lexus stands for as a brand and applying it to a wider sphere. Amazing In Motion kicked off earlier this year with a design event in New York City, where it unveiled plans for a Lexus magazine called Beyond By Lexus, as well as its plans for the Intersect By Lexus stores. Following Tokyo, similar stores in New York City and Dubai are planned, each of which will express the design, art, fashion, culture, movies, music and technology of its local environment.

 

"Intersect By Lexus seeks to be a comfortable and inspiring space for interaction among people and between people and cars,” explained Mark Templin, executive vice president of Lexus International.

 

Sounds interesting--but we'll probably just stick to the cars, thanks...

 

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which Suga was determined to showcase in the LS. Suga conveyed his vision to a color designer, who worked with a skilled fabric artisan from Kyoto and, together, they developed Hand Pleats, a special fabric pleat with a three-dimensional pattern that’s both pleasing to the eye and touch.

 

“The pattern in this fabric has the ability to change its expression, depending on whether it is struck by daytime sunlight or illuminated by interior lighting at night,” says Suga. “The result is a comfortable space that envelops the driver and passengers in elegance.”

 

Glass has rarely been used as an interior door-trim piece, but like the origami-inspired pleated fabric, a special kiriko-cut glass piece gives the LS instant distinctiveness and a level of artistry never before seen in an automobile. Through repeated trial and error, craftsmen created a high-quality piece of glass that appears beautiful and delicate but is in fact incredibly strong, thanks to advanced glass-reinforcement technology.

 

“This special ornamentation piece boasts the best of both worlds in terms of an industrial product that is also a work of art,” says Suga. “The look and feel of this glass trim piece, like the hand-pleated fabric, transforms depending on the viewing angle and time of day.”

 

1. Moody Gardens is a non-profit educational destination with tons of fun things to do with your family. The main attractions are the three pyramids which house an aquarium, rain forest, and a discovery center. The aquarium has a ton of sea life, a penguin exhibit, and a shark tunnel. The discovery pyramid hosts interactive exhibits with a children’s museum format. The rain forest pyramid, my favorite is home to free roaming birds, butterflies, and monkeys in addition to other animals like an ocelot, snakes, and lizards in more zoo-like habitats.

 

2. Schlitterbahn Galveston, TX is a super fun waterpark that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Schlitterbahn opened their first waterpark in 1966 and has been named a top waterpark 15 straight years. It is sure to please all of your little water lovers.

 

3. If museums are your thing, then Galveston has you covered. From the Lone Star Flight Museum to Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast, you are sure to find something to please everyone.

 

4. Ride the Ferry. The ferry is free to ride, and you can walk or drive on. If you are staying in Galveston, you can park at the terminal, ride across to Bolivar Peninsula and then ride back. The kids can feed the sea gulls off the back of the boat or stand and look for dolphins.

 

5. Go fishing. Have you seen those commercials with the little kids that say “take me fishing”? How sweet are those? Super sweet. Well in Galveston you can do just that. Take your kids fishing. There are several piers which you can fish from or you can charter a boat for a bigger adventure. Either way it is sure to be a ton o’ fun.

 

6. Due to the rich history of Galveston, TX, several tours operate on the Island. From ghosts and cemeteries to historic buildings and art. You can walk, ride, or take a boat to several points of interest with either a guide or you can take it all in yourself with a self-guided tour.

 

7. Visit the Strand. The Strand is the Galveston historic district. There are tours and museums, carriage rides and shopping. December brings “Dickens on the Strand”, which is an historic Christmas reenactment where everyone dresses in period clothes and carols and does other fun stuff.

 

8. While walking the strand, be sure to stop in at La Kings Confectionary. La King’s is a throwback to the old soda shops where you could sip on handmade milkshakes or indulge in homemade chocolates. They also make saltwater taffy in a ton of different flavors.

 

9. Of course there is always the beach. I’ll be the first to admit that our beaches are not the best in the world, but they are still fun. And let’s be honest: Do kids really care what a beach look like? They just want wind and waves. We’ve got both.

 

10. Pleasure Pier is a fairly new attraction in Galveston. There are amusement park rides, games, restaurants, and shops. It is fun for all ages.

 

With mild temperatures, Galveston Island can be enjoyed year round. So, come to Texas where “it’s always island time.” See you there!

 

Here are some fun group activities to check out:

 

Escape the Island at 910 21st St. is a live escape room experience where people can work together, find clues and solve puzzles in order to escape from a themed room in 60 minutes. It requires out of the box thinking, observational skills and teamwork to beat the clock. Everyone contributes to the process with the variety of skills and background that they bring. It is fast paced and demanding but great fun when the "aha" moments that lead to progress prove to be correct. Come join the fun and book your escape room today. Remember, in order to Escape the Island.....you must first escape the room. For more details, call (832) 221-8080.

 

Galveston is home to many affordable museums that highlight science as well as Galveston's unique history. A pirate museum, Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast recently opened on The Strand. Downtown is also home to the Galveston Railroad Museum, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, Texas Seaport Museum and the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. Be sure to check out The Bryan Museum not far downtown Galveston. These museums range in price from $2 to $8. The Rosenberg Library Museum on Sealy Street is free!

 

La King's Confectionery is your connection to a bygone era, dating back to the 1920s when James H King began learning the candymaking art as an apprentice at the St. Regis Confectionery in Houston. La King's features a 1920s soda fountain, serving malts, shakes, ice cream sodas, sundaes, splits and floats.

 

La King's master candymaker will delight you with his old-time specialties – peanut brittle, divinity, pecan pralines, hand-dipped chocolates, fudges, and famous salt water taffy made right before your eyes on antique equipment. They make more than 40 candies from traditional recipes, just waiting for you! La King’s is located at 2323 Strand. For more information, call 409-762-6100.