http://www.thecornerstoneinsurance.com/blog/View Cornerstone Insurance Agency's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.thecornerstoneinsurance.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:d3eca5f1-90ec-4ada-9085-489539c8e766urn:uuid:8dd83ef5-a48c-42a7-8350-cbd82bdb2ee9&ldquo;The cocktail party at Kanaly Trust which was held Tuesday night for the BBB Board of Directors turned out very nice. Thanks to Sharon Pearson for hosting the event. We thoroughly enjoyed it!&rdquo;Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:50:29 -0600&ldquo;The cocktail party at Kanaly Trust which was held Tuesday night for the BBB Board of Directors turned out very nice. Thanks to Sharon Pearson for hosting the event. We thoroughly enjoyed it!&rdquo;urn:uuid:03a77b63-8797-4593-926d-84deda8dc31fNovember 4, 2011&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:40:36 -0500<p style="text-align: justify;">November 4, 2011&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Dear JFTR Supporter,</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Board of Directors is pleased to write this letter of appreciation to each and every volunteer, participant, and donor who supported <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jump For The Rose</span> throughout 2011. Building on the success of our inaugural year, we were able to provide camps at various skydiving facilities throughout the great state of Texas where young jumpers were able to learn about and improve their skills in formation skydiving.&nbsp;&nbsp; This wonderful charity is able to, not only increase awareness and raise money in support of the excellent services The Rose provides to women, but also motivate and teach others how to give back to those who are less fortunate through skydiving.&nbsp; <b><i>What a wonderful way to live up to our motto: </i></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i></i></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>&ldquo;Skydive~Have Fun~and Give Back&rdquo;!</i></b><b></b></p> <p style="margin: auto 0in 0pt;">"Besides being a fabulous fundraiser, this support means an awful lot of mammograms for an awful lot of women," said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and co-founder of&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rose</span>. The organization is dedicated to providing screening, diagnostics, treatment, and support to all women regardless of their ability to pay for services. For example, women with health insurance who undergo mammograms at <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rose</span> enable doctors to provide the same service for another woman who cannot pay. Since early diagnosis and treatment are key to treatment success, insured women who are screened and treated at <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rose</span> are literal lifesavers. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We hope that communities throughout the state will continue to embrace <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jump For The Rose&rsquo;s</span> mission and continue to help raise awareness for breast healthcare and funds for women to seek the services and treatment they need at <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Rose.</span>&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">JFTR</span> is thrilled with the opportunity to reach an even greater audience next year and to raise critical funding for the Rose&rsquo;s Empower Her Sponsorship Program.&nbsp; </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>We send out a heartfelt </i></b><b>Thank You</b><b><i> to each and every one of you who donated your time and money to <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jump For The Rose</span>.</i></b>&nbsp; <b><i>Stay in touch with us as we ramp up for an even more successful year of: &ldquo;Skydiving~Having Fun~ and Giving Back&rdquo; in 2012!</i></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i></i></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sincerely,</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">JFTR Board of Directors<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></p>urn:uuid:f3363e30-b2fa-4fe4-ab5c-185960b21bfbOn Sunday, 9-11-2011, jumpers from Skydive San Marcos made a&nbsp;memorial 9-11 skydive - the video of the&nbsp;jump was later played on-air on CNN!!!!&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you to&nbsp;everyone who came out to Skydive San Marcos&nbsp;last weekend for th...Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:55:49 -0500<span>On Sunday, 9-11-2011, jumpers from Skydive San Marcos made a&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRxjvjuFP_w"><strong><span>memorial 9-11 skydive</span></strong></a><span> - the video of the&nbsp;jump was later played on-air on CNN!!!!&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you to&nbsp;everyone who came out to Skydive San Marcos&nbsp;last weekend for the <em><strong>Jump For The Rose</strong></em> training camp!!&nbsp; We had great time and some very successful skydives!&nbsp; Special thanks to Rob, Leah and RD for organizing!&nbsp; Not only did we raise money for The Rose this past weekend but we also introduced some young jumpers to big-way formation skydiving :)<br /> </span>urn:uuid:b17f4a7f-705e-4bdd-8c9b-7b3f4aa7c99cAn Umbrella policy protects against liability lawsuits. In these days when people can win a huge lawsuit over being surprised that coffee is hot, serious liability protection is more important than ever. Without the proper coverage you could see your...Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:43:18 -0500<p><span>An Umbrella policy protects against liability lawsuits. In these days when people can win a huge lawsuit over being <em><strong>surprised that coffee is hot</strong></em>, serious liability protection is more important than ever. Without the proper coverage you could see your entire life&rsquo;s work evaporate in one gut-wrenching bang of a gavel.</span></p> <p><span>You may need a Personal Umbrella policy if you:</span></p> <ul> <li><span><strong>Own or drive a car.</strong> In one study by Gen Re (a Berkshire Hathaway company), serious auto accidents were almost 90% of total personal umbrella losses. In just one example, a driver talking on his cell phone crashed into a motorcycle, causing brain and organ damage to the motorcycle passenger, resulting in a settlement of $2.9 million.</span> </li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><strong>Own a rental property.</strong> Rental properties can be great sources of income, but they can also pose big exposures. In just one example, two children died in a fire after playing with matches at a rental property, resulting in a $1.1 million settlement.</span> </li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><strong>Own a dog.</strong> Texas is one of the more owner-friendly states and follows a &ldquo;one bite rule&rdquo; that means legal liability for a dog bite requires that a) the owner knew the dog had bitten someone previously or had the dangerous propensity to bite a person, b) the bite was caused by the negligence of the dog owner or handler, c) the bite was caused by a violation of a leash or other animal control law, or d) the injury was caused intentionally by the person handling the dog. Nevertheless, dog bite liability claims can be very severe, with one woman who suffered wounds from a dog bite receiving a verdict of $1.5 million.</span> </li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><strong>Use a computer or cell phone.</strong> In 2007 there were 106 lawsuits against people posting statements on the internet, and the number of these lawsuits has been increasing rapidly. Suits and claims from bullying related to cell phone texts and pictures are also becoming more common. Even if you win a case like this, defending against it without insurance to cover legal fees can be financially catastrophic.</span> </li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><strong>Want the best value in liability coverage.</strong> iMGA now offers excellent Personal Umbrella coverage with limits from $1 million to $5 million, underwritten by an A.M. Best A Rated A size XV insurance company. Limits that large can frequently be added for less than the liability cost just on a personal auto policy, and also includes coverage for exposures not included in the either auto or homeowners insurance policy.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span>If you are a Texan who would like this valuable protection - Cornerstone Insurance Agency 713-948-0707</span></p>urn:uuid:3ca97eda-8d02-463e-9481-d10df55bc263<img src='http://www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/Banner_Draft_ScreenPrint.jpg' align='left' /> October 8th &amp; 9th 2011 Come Jump For The Rose with us at Skydive Spaceland! Not only are we setting skydiving records (JFTR ladies hold the National Record for Sequential Skydiving and the Women's Texas State Record), we are raising money for a ...Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:21:40 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><img alt="" src="/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/Banner_Draft_ScreenPrint.jpg" /><br /> October 8th &amp; 9th 2011</span></p> <p><span>Come Jump For The Rose with us at Skydive Spaceland! Not only are we setting skydiving records (JFTR ladies hold the National Record for Sequential Skydiving and the Women's Texas State Record), we are raising money for a great cause and having a great time doing it!</span></p> <p><span>This is a fundraiser to support The Rose, a facility that helps those that don't have health insurance with mammograms and breast cancer treatments. They helped a fellow skydiver (actually, saved her life) and now it's time to give back (see Marian Spark's tell her story on Great Day Houston, September 19th). Your registration fee is a donation to The Rose and with your total collection of only $250, you are helping to save multiple lives! You may donate to Jump For The Rose (a 501c3 Charity) at our website through Paypal.</span></p> <p><span>Jumping starts first thing Saturday morning with The Women's Texas State Record, along with organized Bigways for the Men. Raffle tickets for cool skydive gear and other fun stuff will be for sale throughout the weekend and the Anvil Brothers will be cooking and providing live music Saturday night.&nbsp; </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="color: #bb0687;">______________________________<span style="font-size: 16px;">We Need Your Help</span>___________________________<br /> </span></strong>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Donations/Raffle Items: </span><a href="mailto:Kirsten003@yahoo.com"><span style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 13px;">Kirsten003@yahoo.com</span></a><span style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 13px;"> (Kirsten Hardmant)<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To Register: </span><a href="http://www.bigways.com"><span style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 13px;">www.bigways.com</span></a><br /> <span style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Like us' on Facebook at "Jump For The Rose"<br /> </span><strong><span style="color: #bb0687;">_________________________________________________________________________<br /> </span></strong><span style="color: #ffffff;">&nbsp;<br /> We look forward to seeing everybody there!<br /> </span><span style="color: #bb0687; font-size: 18px;"><strong>Skydive ~ Have Fun ~ Give Back<br /> </strong></span>&nbsp;<br /> </span><span style="color: #ffffff;">&nbsp;<br /> </span><a href="http://www.JumpForTheRose.com"><span style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 16px;">www.JumpForTheRose.com</span></a></p>urn:uuid:7059ca7b-5b1b-4c4c-a757-0a7caba42a22Houston Business Journal - by Deon Daugherty, Reporter Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 2:57pm CDT - Last Modified: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 6:41pm CDT Seem crowded in Houston these days? New data in a study by Rice University Rice University Latest f...Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:16:49 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/07/12/report-houston-growing-faster-than.html?surround=etf&amp;ana=e_article"><span>Houston Business Journal - by Deon Daugherty, Reporter</span></a><span> </span></b></p> <p><span>Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 2:57pm CDT - Last Modified: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 6:41pm CDT </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>Seem crowded in Houston these days? New data in a study by </span><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/tx/houston/rice_university/3225341/"><span>Rice University</span></a><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/"><span> </span></a><b><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/tx/houston/rice_university/3225341/"><span>Rice University</span></a></b><span> Latest from The Business Journals </span><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/07/28/study-iraq-not-prepared-to-meet.html"><span>Study: Iraq not prepared to meet global oil demand</span></a><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/blog/john-george/2011/07/drexel-in-effort-to-give-amputees.html"><span>Drexel in effort to give amputees brain control of prosthetics</span></a><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/07/27/rice-partners-in-national-121m.html"><span>Rice partners in national 1M supercomputing grid project</span></a><span> </span><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/#bizWatch-infoPopup"><span>Follow this company</span></a><span> backs up that feeling.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>Houston has added more people during the last decade than any of the nation&rsquo;s other 366 metropolitan areas, according to the analysis of the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census released Tuesday by Rice University&rsquo;s Kinder Institute for Urban Research.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>Although New York, Los Angeles and Chicago continue to top the nation&rsquo;s most populous cities, Houston grew by 1.23 million people in that 10-year period, more than any other U.S. city.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>Houston&rsquo;s growth alone represents more people than those who live in Buffalo, New Orleans and the combined population of the country&rsquo;s 14 smallest metropolitan areas.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>Overall growth in Houston is based largely on the influx of immigrants moving directly into the southern and southwestern areas, Emerson said.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>&ldquo;This is the secret of Houston&rsquo;s phenomenal growth over the past decade. It comes not primarily from relocating or retiring Americans but from first-generation immigrants and from their children born in Houston,&rdquo; he said.</span></p>urn:uuid:6c343aaf-2e0b-449f-8135-2661627781fdWeather related losses in the US are already surpassing $15 billion this year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 3 times the annual average!&nbsp;&nbsp; The number of predicted tropical storms is also higher than average.&nbsp; In addition, a new hurricane weather...Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:55:32 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Weather related losses in the US are already surpassing $15 billion this year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 3 times the annual average!&nbsp;&nbsp; The number of predicted tropical storms is also higher than average.&nbsp; In addition, a new hurricane weather model was published this year showing an increase in inland wind damage.&nbsp; The current losses and the new model have underwriters&nbsp;taking another look at catastrophe-exposed commercial risks - and adjusting premiums.&nbsp; Reinsurers are also increasing their commercial rates.&nbsp; So be prepared - although commercial property rates have been fairly flat, they&nbsp;may&nbsp;increase&nbsp;5% to 10% and include&nbsp;tighter terms and conditions.</p>urn:uuid:85d89f9b-75ef-4748-bfc5-33ebe979b869Leah Blache is now a member of the Houston Better Business Bureau's Board of Directors! Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:54:08 -0500<span>Leah Blache is now a member of the Houston Better Business Bureau's Board of Directors! </span>urn:uuid:360db58e-1d72-4cc8-a5fc-e5150d8e23ecRetirement surge means talent crisis looms for energy sector Full article:Houston Business Journal; (Wooten, C) May 6, 2011 El Paso Corp. in Houston, is facing an exodus of seasoned talent in the next few years.&nbsp; In 2016, 40 percent of their emp...Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:10:07 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b>Retirement surge means talent crisis looms for energy sector</b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><i><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/05/06/retirement-surge-means-talent-crisis.html?surround=etf&amp;ana=e_article">Full article:Houston Business Journal; (Wooten, C) May 6, 2011</a></i></b><i></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/tx/houston/el_paso_corp/3224359/">El Paso Corp.</a> in Houston, is facing an exodus of seasoned talent in the next few years.&nbsp; In 2016, 40 percent of their employees will be eligible for retirement, a 15% increase, but not a unique number in the industry.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Recruitment goals for oil and gas companies are now 15 percent higher than in 2009, largely to fill the growing gap caused by retirements, according to a study by Houston-based oil services company <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/tx/houston/schlumberger_ltd/3225017/">Schlumberger Ltd.</a> (read more at <a href="http://bizj.us/b2e95">http://bizj.us/b2e95</a>).&nbsp; Companies are hiring workers from Asia, Russia and the former Soviet Republics in a stop-gap effort to satisfy demand.&nbsp; For young people in the industry, it means a job field open for advancement.<br /> <br /> Read more: <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/05/06/retirement-surge-means-talent-crisis.html?surround=etf&amp;ana=e_article#ixzz1PH2ySIvc">Retirement surge means talent crisis looms for energy sector | Houston Business Journal</a> </p>urn:uuid:bf8d9bed-a63b-48ca-be3c-8dbe21f8703cConstant Contact has been a great partner for handling our email campaigns and customer communications. We highly recommend thier services! Sign up with them now and mention Cornerstone Insurance Agency for a $30.00 credit to your new account! www.co...Tue, 31 May 2011 16:04:04 -0500Constant Contact has been a great partner for handling our email campaigns and customer communications. We highly recommend thier services! Sign up with them now and mention Cornerstone Insurance Agency for a $30.00 credit to your new account! <a href="http://www.constantcontact.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.constantcontact.com</a>urn:uuid:d16b37fc-8754-4caa-8bd3-e62daefea7c3<img src='http://assets.bizjournals.com/austin/news/HBJ-Capitol-Report*280.jpg' align='left' /> Houston Business Journal - by Vicky Garza, Legislative correspondent Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011, 2:49pm CDT The Texas House voted to continue Texas Department of Insurance functions, but not without making some changes that supporter...Tue, 24 May 2011 12:55:55 -0500<div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;border: medium none;"> <div class="headArticles"> <div class="articleType clearfix"> <h4 class="byline"><span style="color: #a5a5a5; font-size: 10px;">Houston Business Journal - by Vicky Garza, Legislative correspondent </span></h4> <span style="color: #a5a5a5;">Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011, 2:49pm CDT </span></div> <div class="related_content clearfix ct" ct="APT: Related Links"> <h4><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/05/12/texas-house-seeks-department-of.html?s=image_gallery"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;"><img alt="" style="border: 0px solid;" src="http://assets.bizjournals.com/austin/news/HBJ-Capitol-Report*280.jpg?v=1" /></span></a><span style="color: #a5a5a5;"> </span></h4> </div> </div> <div class="body"> <div class="articleContentWrapper clearfix"> <div class="articleContent clearfix"> <div class="articleContentMedia clearfix"> <div class="photoBy"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;"></span></div> <div class="mediaContainer bannerAd clearfix"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">The Texas House voted to continue Texas Department of Insurance functions, but not without making some changes that supporters say would improve transparency and accountability.</span></div> </div> <p><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">TDI is responsible for regulating insurance companies to ensure customers have access to competitive and fair insurance products. Officials also investigate insurance law violations.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">If passed, the bill would clarify regulating of certain rates under the file-and-use system, limit the insurance commissioner's time to complete rate increase reviews to 30 days and require TDI to make rate review procedures public.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">House Bill 1951 would also streamline the agency by abolishing 15 boards and committees, plus specify the relationship among the relating advisory committees.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">The GOP-dominated House considered more than 70 amendments to the bill on its second and third readings, rejecting many pro-consumer amendments presented by Democrats.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">HB 1951 is part of the Sunset process &mdash; a review that every state agency must undergo every 12 years to determine whether it is still needed.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">TDI was last scheduled for review in 2009, but the legislature was not able to tackle the bill in time. The department was extended for another two years and is set to expire on Sept. 1 if HB 1951 is not passed.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">With a final vote of 101-40, the legislation now moves to the Senate for approval</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #a5a5a5;">Read more: </span><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/05/12/texas-house-seeks-department-of.html?ed=2011-05-12&amp;s=article_du#ixzz1NIFc0YKk" style="color: #003399;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">Texas House seeks Department of Insurance transparency | Houston Business Journal</span></a><span style="color: #a5a5a5;"> </span></div>urn:uuid:ba666f8c-7baf-4134-9a93-82b709816c41Floods? That's what disaster assistance is for, right? Wrong - Disaster assistance is only available&nbsp;when the President declares a disaster.&nbsp; Federal disaster assistance is USUALLY A LOAN that you must PAY BACK WITH INTEREST. For a $50,000...Fri, 20 May 2011 15:32:21 -0500<p><span><strong>Floods? That's what disaster assistance is for, right?<br /> <br /> </strong>Wrong - Disaster assistance is only available&nbsp;when the President declares a disaster.&nbsp; Federal disaster assistance is<strong> USUALLY A LOAN</strong> that you must <strong>PAY BACK WITH INTEREST</strong>. For a $50,000 loan at 4% interest, your monthly payment would be around $240 a <em>month</em> ($2,880 per year) for 30 years, in addition to your mortgage loan that you still owe on the damaged property. <strong>Plus you would need to buy and maintain flood insurance for the life of the loan</strong>.</span></p> <p><span>Flood Insurance is affordable! The average premium for flood insurance coverage&nbsp;is <strong>less than $570 a <em>year</em></strong> (even less outside of high risk zones). Plus, when you submit a flood insurance claim, you are compensated for all covered losses whether or not a disaster has been declared - and you do not have to pay it back. <br /> <br /> There is a standard 30-day waiting period for new policies unless purchased during a home closing.&nbsp; There are also restrictions for selling or changing policies while a named storm is in the Gulf of Mexico.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> For more information, call your Cornerstone Agent at: 713-948-0707<br /> or visit&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/"><span>FloodSmart.gov</span></a><span> <br /> </span></p>urn:uuid:6b02aeb4-6d6d-47cd-9ced-028bbce65af7<img src='http://www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/BBB_Award_2011_Leah_small.jpg' align='left' />Better Business Bureau Recognizes Cornerstone Insurance Agency with Winner of Distinction Award &nbsp; Cornerstone Insurance Agency&nbsp;received the Winner of Distinction Award&nbsp;at the Better Business Bureau Awards for Excellence luncheon held ...Fri, 06 May 2011 13:54:46 -0500<p><b><span style="color: #bfbfbf; font-size: 18px;">Better Business Bureau Recognizes<img alt="" style="width: 130px; float: right; height: 248px;" src="/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/BBB_Award_2011_Leah_small.jpg" /><br /> </span></b><span style="color: #bfbfbf; font-size: 18px;"><b>Cornerstone Insurance Agency with <br /> </b><b>Winner of Distinction Award</b></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Cornerstone Insurance Agency&nbsp;received the Winner of Distinction Award&nbsp;at the Better Business Bureau Awards for Excellence luncheon held Wednesday, May 4 at the InterContinental Houston near the Galleria.&nbsp; This was&nbsp;Cornerstone Insurance&nbsp;Agency's&nbsp;1st&nbsp;time to be recognized by the BBB for service excellence.</span></p> <p><span></span></p> <p><span>The BBB Awards for Excellence recognizes businesses and non-profits for their achievements and commitment to overall excellence and quality in the workplace.&nbsp; Proceeds from the event help fund the BBB Education Foundation which educates consumers about scams and fraudulent business practices in the Greater Houston area.</span></p> <p><span></span></p> <p><span>When asked what it means to&nbsp;Cornerstone Insurance&nbsp;Agency's&nbsp;to receive this recognition, Leah Blache, Owner, states &ldquo;We work hard to provide top notch service to our customers and clients and it is an honor to be recognized for our efforts.&rdquo;</span></p>urn:uuid:18cbc26a-0dfb-4af3-9405-27ca8ff25cf37 Flood Insurance Myths Myth #1: Hurricanes, not floods, are the No. 1 natural disaster and cause the biggest economic losses in the United States. Hurricanes grab the headlines, but because floods happen in virtually every part of the country, they...Thu, 05 May 2011 12:52:50 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #548dd4; font-size: 18px;">7 Flood Insurance Myths</span></b></p> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"></h3> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #548dd4;">Myth #1: Hurricanes, not floods, are the No. 1 natural disaster and cause the biggest economic losses in the United States.</span></h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Hurricanes grab the headlines, but because <a href="http://gis1.msc.fema.gov/Website/newstore/viewer.htm" target="_blank">floods happen</a> in virtually every part of the country, they cause more losses than any other type of natural disaster.&nbsp; What <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/what_causes_flooding.jsp" target="_blank">causes</a> floods?</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Rising rivers * Storms * Early snowmelts * Manmade problems from the construction of roads, shopping malls, homes, and industrial complexes * Hurricanes</p> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #548dd4;">Myth #2: Everyone who lives in a flood zone has to buy flood insurance.</span></h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Nope. You must buy <a href="http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fq_genhm.shtm#hm1" target="_blank">flood insurance</a> only if you meet all three of these criteria:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">You buy a home in a special flood hazard area where there&rsquo;s a 1% chance of flooding in any year. </span></li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">Your community participates in the </span><a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">National Flood Insurance Program</span></a><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">.</span> </li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">You buy your home using a loan from a federally insured financial institution, or a Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-guaranteed loan. </span></li> </ul> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"></h3> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #548dd4;">Myth #3: Flood insurance is always expensive.</span></h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is sometimes expensive and sometimes cheap, depending on how much your home and its contents are worth.</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">It can cost as little as $129 a year for $20,000 of rebuilding coverage and $8,000 in contents in a low-risk area. </span></li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">It can cost up to $6,000 a year if you buy the highest possible coverage of $250,000 and live in a high-risk area. </span></li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">It could cost $472 for $35,000 in damage coverage in a high-risk area.</span> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Premiums vary a lot based on where you live. If you want to buy $250,000 of building coverage and $100,000 of contents coverage, <a href="http://www.houselogic.com/articles/cost-flood-insurance-worth-it/">you&rsquo;d pay</a> about:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">$6,000 in a high-risk coastal area</span> </li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">$2,700 in a high-risk inland area</span> </li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a5a5a5;">$400 a year in a low-to-moderate-risk inland area.</span> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #548dd4;">Myth #4: Taxpayers are footing the bill for federal flood insurance.</span></h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">The NFIP doesn&rsquo;t spend any tax dollars. The government sets the <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/choose_your_policy/policy_rates.jsp" target="_blank">premium rates</a> high enough to cover flood insurance claims and operating expenses in an average historical loss year. The program can borrow money from the U.S. Treasury when losses are heavy, but has to pay those loans back with interest.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #548dd4;">Myth #5: Companies sell flood insurance, so we don't need government to compete.</span></h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Private flood insurance isn&rsquo;t available for homes valued at less than $1 million and only four companies offer flood insurance to home owners with <a href="http://www.fema.gov/nfipInsurance/search.do;jsessionid=41092537E453D03F3319218F7565CFEB.Worker2Public2?action=Init" target="_blank">high-value property</a>, according to a Government Accountability Office study. The National Flood Insurance Program is the only program offering low- and middle-income home owners flood insurance. If it disappeared, those home owners wouldn&rsquo;t have another option.</p> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"></h3> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #548dd4;">Myth #6: I don't own a beach house. People who do use flood insurance most.</span></h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Many people associate beachfront property with flooding, but more than 98% of the properties insured through the National Flood Insurance Program are inland. Most beach areas are off limits to the National Flood Insurance Program because the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/coasbar.html" target="_blank">Coastal Barrier Resources Act</a> bans federal support of beachfront development.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #548dd4;">Myth #7: The flood insurance program subsidizes beachfront home owners.</span></h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">Five of the top 12 states with the most number of years in which claims exceeded premiums are in the Midwest. Many of the states hardest hit by <a href="http://www.houselogic.com/articles/what-do-first-24-hours-after-flood/">floods</a> are nowhere near the beach:</p> <p>Illinois * Kansas * Missouri * Ohio&nbsp;* South Dakota * West Virginia</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">In the few coastal areas where the National Flood Insurance Program is allowed, the number of flood insurance policies issued represents only 2% of all NFIP policies.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">Original Article By: </span></em><a href="http://www.houselogic.com/authors/Dona_DeZube/"><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">Dona DeZube</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: 10px;"> :&nbsp; Published: March 23, 2011</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">Read more: </span></em><a href="http://www.houselogic.com/articles/7-flood-insurance-myths/#ixzz1LUz3eVzw"><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">http://www.houselogic.com/articles/7-flood-insurance-myths/#ixzz1LUz3eVzw</span></em></a><br /> <span style="font-size: 10px;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p>urn:uuid:a31a74f4-8b26-4d4c-906d-1a02bcfbe8bdProgressive's Snapshot of You Sweepstakes Progressive is have a weekly (through June 4, 2011) contest to promote thier new "Snapshot" product.&nbsp; Follow the link below to sumbit your snapshot and enter the weekly drawing.&nbsp; While your there, ...Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:16:14 -0500<span><em><span style="font-size: 24px;">Progressive's Snapshot of You Sweepstakes<br /> </span></em><br /> </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">Progressive is have a weekly (through June 4, 2011) contest to promote thier new "Snapshot" product.&nbsp; Follow the link below to sumbit your snapshot and enter the weekly drawing.&nbsp; While your there, take a look at&nbsp; Progressive's Snapshot program!&nbsp; You could be saving on your car insurance based on how you drive!&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Submit a&nbsp;photo of yourself to win in the <em><strong>Snapshot of You Sweepstakes</strong></em> - you could win one of&nbsp;65 cool prizes;&nbsp;like a Motorola Xoom&trade;, Samsung Netbook or Canon PowerShot&trade; digital camera<br /> <br /> </span><a href="http://re.driveinsurance.com/?we0325373163+H1"><strong><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">http://pgrs.in/snapshotofyou</span></b></strong></a>urn:uuid:fa65660a-06fe-4fe2-a12e-14c8184ad048<img src='http://www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/ap_texas_wildfires_dm_110420_wg.jpg' align='left' />With the wild fires in Texas now ravaging more than 1.8 millions acres, Governor Rick Perry has asked citizens of all faiths to 'pray for rain'.&nbsp; He has even proclaimed Friday, April 22-24 as Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas.&nbsp; ...Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:27:13 -0500<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">With the wild fires in Texas now ravaging more than 1.8 millions acres, Governor Rick Perry has asked citizens of all faiths to 'pray for rain'.&nbsp; He has even proclaimed Friday, April 22-24 as </span><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas</strong>.&nbsp; </span><a href="http://governor.state.tx.us/"><span style="color: #ffffff;">http://governor.state.tx.us/</span></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" width="540" height="221" style="width: 466px; height: 264px;" src="/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/ap_texas_wildfires_dm_110420_wg.jpg" /></p> <p></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:75764ba0-f26e-40fc-a615-21eb9593b846An insurance company must provide PIP coverage in any and all policies issued in the State of Texas.&nbsp; This coverage is automatic unless the named insured rejects the coverage in writing.&nbsp; The state statute requires that the minimum for PIP ...Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:46:21 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>An insurance company must provide PIP coverage in any and all policies issued in the State of Texas.&nbsp; This coverage is automatic unless the named insured rejects the coverage in writing.&nbsp; The state statute requires that the minimum for PIP coverage b $2500.&nbsp; There is not a maximum required by law.&nbsp; </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>PIP provides payments of all reasonable expenses that arise from an accident for:</span></p> <p><span>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Necessary medical care<br /> &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lost income for wage earner<br /> &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reimbursement for reasonable expenses for essential services ordinarily performed by the injured person.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>An example would be the reimbursement to an injured personal for having to pay for maid service because the injuries prevented him/her from doing the work.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>PIP benefits are payable without regard to the fault of a person seeking coverage.&nbsp; Also, PIP is always payable without regard to whether or not there is other insurance to cover the loss.&nbsp; In other words, double recovery is allowed.</span></p>urn:uuid:8207c8e6-4790-4d17-a8f0-ff717207b67a<img src='http://www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/PinkCheckCollage.jpg' align='left' />On October 2-3, 2010, in a unique way to kick off October&rsquo;s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 39 female skydivers converged in the sky over Skydive Spaceland to raise awareness and money &nbsp;for The Rose, Houston area's leading non-profit breast...Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:43:03 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #ffffff;">On October 2-3, 2010, in a unique way to kick off October&rsquo;s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 39 female skydivers converged in the sky over Skydive Spaceland to raise awareness and money &nbsp;for <strong>The Rose</strong>, Houston area's leading non-profit breast cancer organization. These talented, strong philanthropic women set two skydiving records; Texas State Record (largest all female formation) and a National Record (largest all female sequential).<br /> <br /> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; color: #ffffff;">This year they will set the bar even higher!&nbsp; The next&nbsp;<strong>Jump for The Rose</strong> event will be <br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 13px;">October 2011 at Skydive Spaceland</span></strong> in Rosharon, Texas <br /> (</span><a href="http://www.SkydiveSpaceLand.com"><span style="font-family: georgia; color: #ffffff;">www.SkydiveSpaceLand.com</span></a><span style="color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">).&nbsp; Everyone is welcome!</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> For Registration, Donations and Official Announcements&nbsp;please visit:&nbsp; </span><a href="http://www.JumpForTheRose.com"><span style="color: #ffffff;">www.JumpForTheRose.com</span></a><span style="color: #ffffff;">&nbsp;<br /> For Volunteer sign-up, photo &amp; story sharing&nbsp;and latest buzz friend us:&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/JumpForTheRose"><span style="color: #ffffff;">http://www.facebook.com/JumpForTheRose</span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="" width="468" height="430" style="width: 353px; height: 335px;" src="/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/PinkCheckCollage.jpg" /></span></p>urn:uuid:3fd82787-4cb3-4a06-bc56-676a6050238b<img src='http://www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/Leah_Al_small.jpg' align='left' />Al Saylor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&...Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:03:45 -0500Al Saylor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leah Blach<br /> Mortgage Banker&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cornerstone Insurance Agency<br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.TheCornerstoneInsurance.com/Leah_Al_small.jpg" /><br /> Downtown Houston Texas<br /> Women's Council of Realtorsurn:uuid:2d96b91c-174d-47b6-b652-001bbd693fa8!Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:08:31 -0500!urn:uuid:2ea1438a-9d42-4e0e-8a27-fd28ebc941b6Setting goals is only the first step toward success. Achieving those goals is a matter of hard work, timing, and a certain amount of luck. Here are four essentials for generating the results you want: Don&rsquo;t confuse goals with dreams. Dream...Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:03:47 -0500<p>Setting goals is only the first step toward success. Achieving those goals is a matter of hard work, timing, and a certain amount of luck. Here are four essentials for generating the results you want:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li><strong>Don&rsquo;t confuse goals with dreams.</strong> Dreams are vague and lack urgency. Goals lay down incremental, necessary checkpoints to your ultimate success. Your dream may be &ldquo;Working as CEO of a large company by age 50,&rdquo; but the immediate goal that gets you started could be &ldquo;Lead my department, above all other departments, in productivity this month.&rdquo; </li> <li><strong>Build your confidence.</strong> Accomplishing short-term goals will help you develop the sense that you&rsquo;re really accomplishing something. The stronger your sense of accomplishment, the more successful you&rsquo;ll be at tackling the larger goals. </li> <li><strong>Give yourself rewards.</strong> The reward doesn&rsquo;t have to be large, but it&rsquo;s important to celebrate small victories along the way. </li> <li><strong>Stick with one goal.</strong> It&rsquo;s easy to get sidetracked as you&rsquo;re heading toward the finish line. Focus on completing one goal before you place your energies elsewhere, or you&rsquo;ll end up with a sad surplus of half-completed goals. </li> <li><b>Be Flexible</b>.&nbsp; It is important to stay on track but don&rsquo;t let road blocks or time delays stop you.&nbsp; Be ready and expect to have to adjust your strategy and even your expectations. </li> </ul>urn:uuid:701ab701-59bd-4d3e-83b4-774092e9bd4c&nbsp;Preserve Protect &amp; Defend Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) Warning signs have appeared on Capitol Hill about mortgage interest deductibility.&nbsp; You can shape legislation by being heard early and with strong conviction.&nbsp; This is on...Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:34:27 -0500<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">&nbsp;<b>Preserve Protect &amp; Defend Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)</b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Warning signs have appeared on Capitol Hill about mortgage interest deductibility.&nbsp; You can shape legislation by being heard early and with strong conviction.&nbsp; This is one of those times! Congress needs to hear from you!&nbsp; Homeowners have already taken a big hit and losing the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) on your taxes will only cause more injury.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Associations such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are asking realtors and homeowners to write their local representatives to cosponsor the bi-partisan House resolution H.Res25.&nbsp; The H.Res25 resolution affirms the value and importance of the Mortgage Interest Deduction.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Economic recovery is not possible without a vibrant housing market!</span></p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-auL0CrtEs4&amp;feature=player_embedded"><span style="color: #8db3e2;">Ron Phipps&nbsp; YouTube Video</span></a><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #ffffff;">Summary of NAR statement</span></p>urn:uuid:f6ca31b6-339b-4517-acff-c6c298af8e16A "Super Moon" will rise in the east at sunset on Saturday evening. This unusually large full moon -- known as a super "perigee moon" -- will be the biggest in almost 20 years, according to NASA. "The last full moon so big and close to Earth occurre...Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:56:45 -0500<span style="color: #d7e3bc;">A "Super Moon" will rise in the east at sunset on Saturday evening. This unusually large full moon -- known as a super "perigee moon" -- will be the biggest in almost 20 years, according to NASA. </span> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">"The last full moon so big and close to Earth occurred in March of 1983," says Geoff Chester of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. "I'd say it's worth a look."</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">Why the "Super Moon" label? "A 'Super Moon' is a situation when the moon is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit than on average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as a full moon," says James Garvin, chief scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">It's so close because the moon's orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle, but an ellipse, according to Weather Channel meteorologist Tim Ballisty.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">When the Moon's orbit takes it the farthest away from Earth, the moon is at its "apogee," Ballisty says. When it makes its closest approach, the moon is at its "perigee."</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">So not only it be a full moon Saturday, but it will also be at its perigee. This month's perigee will put the moon about 8% closer to Earth than usual, and about 2% closer to Earth than the average lunar perigee.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">The best time to look at the full moon is when it's near the horizon. That is when illusion mixes with reality to produce a truly stunning view, NASA reports. Low-hanging moons look unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">According to NASA and NOAA, although a perigee moon brings with it extra-high "perigean tides," it's nothing to worry about. In most places, lunar gravity at perigee pulls tide waters only about an inch or so higher than usual. Local geography can amplify the effect to about six inches.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">Don't be concerned about other natural disasters, either: The Super Moon of March 1983, for instance, passed without incident. And an almost-Super Moon in December 2008 also proved harmless.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">"The effects on Earth from a supermoon are minor," says NASA's Garvin, "and according to the most detailed studies by terrestrial seismologists and volcanologists, the combination of the moon being at its closest to Earth in its orbit, and being in its 'full moon' configuration (relative to the Earth and sun), should not affect the internal energy balance of the Earth, since there are lunar tides every day."</span></p> <p><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">At its closest on Saturday night, the moon will pass by Earth at a distance of about 221,567 miles.<br /> <br /> </span><a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2011/03/super-moon-saturday-night-full-moon-nasa-/1"><span style="color: #d7e3bc;">re-post from USA Today online</span></a></p>urn:uuid:8d287ebb-fc58-4e51-8c8f-2feedf596c8b1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasol...Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:54:19 -0600<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.&nbsp; Service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode.&nbsp; The trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. Pump on low mode, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.<br /> <br /> 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up; most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.</span></p>urn:uuid:20b81c96-a748-46fa-be69-f9738a460b40Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for the arrest of two men accused robbing Texas insurance offices at gunpoint. Authorities are asking the public to help them identify two men who allegedly robbed an insurance office in northwest Harris County at...Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:04:13 -0600<span style="color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for the arrest of two men accused robbing Texas insurance offices at gunpoint.<br /> </span><br /> Authorities are asking the public to help them identify two men who allegedly robbed an insurance office in northwest <location value="LU/us.tx.harris" idsrc="xmltag.org" />Harris County at gunpoint last month and who are suspected of robbing another one a few days later in southwest <location value="LU/us.tx.houstn" idsrc="xmltag.org" />Houston. </span> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The first heist occurred at the <org />Fred Loya Insurance office at 10928 W. FM 1960 near <location />Jones Road about <chron />1 p.m.<chron />Feb. 17, officials said. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Authorities said they believe the same two men robbed another Fred Loya office at 6407 Hillcroft near <location />Sand Point Drive about <chron />1:35 p.m.<chron />Feb. 19. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">In the earlier robbery, the two men walked into the office and one of the men pulled out a gun, pointed it at the three workers in the office and demanded cash. He then forced the employees into a back room at gun point and ordered them to give him their personal property. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The other man rummaged through the office. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Then the men left with an undisclosed amount of cash and the victims' possessions. They were seen in a vehicle described only as white. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The office's surveillance camera recorded images of the men. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">One of the men is between 20 years old and 30 years old. He is about 5 feet 6 inches tall and has a medium build. He wore a white polo short, green camouflage pants and a white cap. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The other man is described as in his 20s, about 5 feet 4 inches tall and skinny. He wore a blue denim jacket with the letters "S C" in black on the front, blue jeans and a cap. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Anyone with information about the robberies is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or on-line at </span><a href="http://www.crime-stoppers.org/"><span style="color: #ffffff;">www.crime-stoppers.org</span></a><span style="color: #ffffff;">. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 and tips to CRIMES. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Crime Stoppers will pay up to <money />$5,000 for any information that leads to the men being charged or arrested. </span></p>urn:uuid:95d687ea-0cbd-4cb8-ae2d-73f44cbc965c It is common for businesses that provide professional advice to carry E&amp;O (Errors and Omissions) insurance.&nbsp; But, what about the rest of us?&nbsp; Protecting your business from a lawsuit is more complex than just having liability coverage.&...Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:53:20 -0600<span style="color: #000000;"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #95b3d7;">It is common for businesses that provide professional advice to carry E&amp;O (Errors and Omissions) insurance.&nbsp; But, what about the rest of us?&nbsp; Protecting your business from a lawsuit is more complex than just having liability coverage.&nbsp; Good business practices can help prevent messy, expensive litigation.&nbsp; By <em>thinking defensively</em> you can provide&nbsp;yourself and your employees with guidelines that help prevent mistakes&nbsp;from becoming lawsuits.&nbsp; E&amp;O insurance providers require clients to create and follow a company standard in order to mitigate or prevent loss.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Here are just a few 'good business practices' that can prevent claims in any line of business:<br /> <br /> * Maintain a defensive, PROFESSIONAL attitude<br /> * Always request a 2nd opinion and have a witness present<br /> * Prepare for possible court cases (reserves, coverage, and professional advice)<br /> * Carefully store files and telephone logs, maintain ex-employees contact information</span></p> <br /> </span>urn:uuid:a454a418-e133-4a89-8ed9-d642da1fa25aInsurance regulators have taken over administrative oversight of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, following an investigation that found the insurer failed to report payments to adjusters for work they never completed. The Texas Department o...Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:58:10 -0600<p class="Text-TextBody HoustonText" id="id2423329"><a href="http://topics.chron.com/topics/Insurance" s_oc="null"><strong>Insurance</strong></a> regulators have taken over administrative oversight of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, following an investigation that found the insurer failed to report payments to adjusters for work they never completed.</p> <p class="Text-TextBody HoustonText" id="id2423336">The <a href="http://topics.chron.com/topics/Texas_Department_of_Insurance" s_oc="null"><strong>Texas Department of Insurance</strong></a> has determined that the state-created but privately run insurer "is in a condition that makes its continuation in business hazardous to the public or to its policyholders, as it appears that its management does not have the experience, competence or trustworthiness to operate TWIA in a safe and sound manner" according to a letter by Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin.</p> <p class="Text-TextBody HoustonText" id="id2416536">Geeslin noted the association knew it had paid outside <a href="http://topics.chron.com/topics/Claims_adjuster" s_oc="null"><strong>claims adjusters</strong></a> for work they never did, paid claims based on those adjuster's reports, and failed to report it to the state's fraud unit. The association also failed to address other issues found by the deparment, such as accounting, personnel and communications concerns, according to the letter.</p> <p class="Text-TextBody HoustonText" id="id2416544">The association, which sells wind coverage to owners of hurricane-vulnerable homes who can't buy it elsewhere, has grown in recent years as private insurers have limited selling coverage along the coast.</p> <p class="Text-TextBody HoustonText" id="id2423342">TWIA must now submit all personnel decisions and expenditures to the insurance department for prior approval, as well as develop a plan to ensure better communication with its board of directors. TWIA must also give the department complete authority to examine and monitor its operations, including books, records, and other documents<br /> <br /> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7450039.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+houstonchronicle%2Fbusiness+%28chron.com+-+Business%29">Chron.com</a></p>urn:uuid:4f0030f6-1116-4dd0-adcc-f90c08e8c9d0 Houston home sales were up in January &mdash; the first local increase since June 2010 when sales activity from the homebuyer tax credit ended.&nbsp; Total property sales also rose, to 3,413 sales last month from 3,118 sales in January 2010 &mdash; ...Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:03:40 -0600<div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;border: medium none;"> <p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Houston home sales were up in January &mdash; the first local increase since June 2010 when sales activity from the homebuyer tax credit ended.&nbsp; Total property sales also rose, to 3,413 sales last month from 3,118 sales in January 2010 &mdash; an increase of 9.5 percent.</span></p> <div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;border: medium none;"> <div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;border: medium none;"><span style="color: #ffffff;">The average price for a single-family home rose in January to $196,879 &mdash; the highest price ever recorded in a January in Houston!<br /> <br /> Read more: </span><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/02/15/houston-home-sales-make-first-gains-in.html?ana=e_vert#ixzz1Ec7jtHxV" style="color: #003399;"><span style="color: #ffffff;">Houston home sales make first gains in 7 months | Houston Business Journal</span></a><span style="color: #ffffff;"> </span></div> <br /> </div> &nbsp;</div>urn:uuid:4c5cda3a-a458-46b6-aabd-959c35b0c906Cornerstone Insurance Agency's new website is online and&nbsp;we are very excited about the new site!&nbsp; It will allow visitors to request quotes for every type of product we sell, print common forms we use in the office, link to payment screens f...Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:23:14 -0600<span style="color: #eeece1;">Cornerstone Insurance Agency's new website is online and&nbsp;we are very excited about the new site!&nbsp; It will allow visitors to request quotes for every type of product we sell, print common forms we use in the office, link to payment screens for many of our insurers, link to informative sites, and read about&nbsp;Cornerstone and Cornerstone's employees.&nbsp; Come on over and visit us!&nbsp; Comments and suggestions are&nbsp;always welcome!!! (</span><a href="http://www.thecornerstoneinsurance.com"><span style="color: #eeece1;">www.thecornerstoneinsurance.com</span></a><span style="color: #eeece1;">)</span>