#Auto insurance in Houston

[dwi-lawyer-houston]

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance in Houston, Texas?

Getting a DUI in Houston can have a significant impact on your insurance rates. This article from The Butler Law Firm explains the duration and effects on your premiums and coverage. If you're facing a DUI, it’s crucial to know how to manage these financial consequences. Learn more about protecting yourself and minimizing costs.

Read the full article here: https://medium.com/@thehoustondwilawyer/how-long-does-a-dui-affect-your-insurance-in-houston-texas-7f4e67f7ad83 #HoustonDUI #InsuranceRates #DWILawyer #TexasLaw

[houston-dwi-lawyer]

Auto Insurance & DWI Convictions: An Expensive Mix

If you’re facing criminal charges for DWI in Houston, the long term implications can extend beyond your stints at the courthouse. An often underestimated repercussion of a DWI conviction is the significant spike in auto insurance rates. Let’s review how and why this occurs. In Texas, a DWI conviction is serious business. Texas Penal Code Section 49.04 defines a DWI offense as when a person is���

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[coochiequeens]

Maybe now that the people with the money to buy babies are being scammed even IVF proponents will admit that there needs to be regulations in the Buy a Baby Business

Dominique Side, the owner of Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, poses in 2023 at Vegan Fashion Week in Los Angeles.

(Gilbert Flores / WWD via Getty Images)

By Matt Hamilton Staff Writer June 30, 2024 

They scrimped, and they saved. Some asked family and friends to pitch in. Others took out loans for tens of thousands of dollars.

Their goal was twofold: To raise the small fortune necessary to pay for a surrogate mother. And to realize a dream previously impossible — having a child of their own.

Hundreds of people across California, the U.S. and around the globe put their money, sometimes $50,000 or more, into the hands of a Texas-based escrow company so the funds could be held in trust and doled out to a surrogate for healthcare costs, insurance and compensation.

But this month, expectant parents and their surrogates learned the money they had set aside at Houston-based Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, or SEAM, is inaccessible and likely gone.

“We want answers,” said Chris Kettmann of Fair Oaks, Calif., a suburb of Sacramento. “Is there recourse to get the money back? If not, what can we do?”

Chris Kettmann and his wife with their ultrasound in an undated photo. (Chris Kettmann)

Kettmann, 33, said he and his wife had about $45,000 in their escrow account, money owed to their surrogate mother, who is pregnant with their baby boy and due in October. “We don’t know enough to say what happened,” he said. “We just know there’s something crazy going on.”

Police in Houston have opened a wide-reaching investigation. Christina Garza, a spokeswoman for the FBI’s Houston field office, confirmed last week that the agency also is investigating SEAM. The FBI has developed a public portal for SEAM clients to report their account information and how much money they believe they are owed. Garza, however, cautioned that the inquiry was in its early stages and said, “We’re trying to compile as much information as possible.”

A married same-sex couple in Washington, D.C., says they are out $55,000. A Los Feliz couple said they demanded their $40,111 be returned and believe it is gone. Arielle Mitton, an L.A. native who recently moved to Bellingham, Wash., can recite the amount that she and her husband are missing down to the cent: $37,721.44.

“I assumed naively that an escrow account was a safe thing,” said Mitton, whose surrogate mother in Indiana is pregnant with their daughter and is due to deliver on Christmas Eve.

Mitton has joined hundreds of affected parents and surrogates in a private Facebook group that has become a forum for venting, grieving, exchanging information and trying to answer the overriding questions: What happened here? And where did all their money go?

Scrutiny has centered on the sole owner of SEAM, Dominique Side, who has told customers that she had once been a surrogate. The 44-year-old billed herself as an entrepreneur of multimillion dollar businesses in the Houston area, including a vegan grocery store, a nonprofit school, a vegan music studio, and the surrogacy escrow outfit. She walked the red carpet in L.A. for vegan fashion events and ran a concierge service for those seeking a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

“One common thread runs through all my businesses: each is based firmly on a foundation of compassion — for others, for myself and for the planet,” she told a Houston publication in 2022.

Side did not respond to calls or written questions. Emails to Side triggered an auto-response that doubled as a press statement. Citing the “active investigation by federal authorities,” Side wrote in the email, “Under the advice of counsel, I am not permitted to respond to any inquiries regarding the investigation.”

On Thursday, Side and SEAM were hit by a lawsuit from a merchant cash-advance lender, the third such lawsuit this year. Merchant cash advance lenders provide small businesses with quick infusions of money at high fees akin to interest rates of 50% to 100%.

A judge in Texas also froze all of the company’s accounts along with Side’s other businesses after a SEAM client, Marieke Slik, sued over her “vanished” $28,000.

Calling herself a “victim of a scam,” Slik alleged that Side and her company had lured her and others “into a fiduciary relationship in order to steal their escrow funds,” according to her lawsuit, which was filed in Texas. “The Defendants have left hundreds of surrogates throughout the country — who are pregnant with a child that does not belong to them — with no way to pay for necessary prenatal care.”

Sides’ actions, according to the lawsuit, “are nothing short of evil.”

Struggling parents

Many surrogacies often involve LGBTQ+ couples who want children, or older couples for whom childbearing is no longer a viable possibility.

For others, the road to surrogacy is one of heartbreak and tragedy.

The married woman in Los Feliz said she had had multiple miscarriages. She was recently pregnant but gave birth in the second trimester. The newborn died at Cedars-Sinai in his parents’ arms.

The couple turned to surrogacy after exhausting all other options. They selected a surrogate mother, completed the necessary contract — which often requires using an escrow firm — and put more than $40,000 into the account, a portion of the overall cost. But their embryo had yet to be transferred into the surrogate mother.

“Nothing is clear,” she said, explaining that she and her husband demanded their funds weeks ago. “Obviously that fell on deaf ears — we didn’t get our money back,” she said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because their extended family remains unaware of their attempt at using a surrogate.

“I’d love to carry this child,” she said, and “not spend any money on a surrogate. There’s a level of that, where you feel so terribly sad. You feel sad about the money, but you feel sad about the situation.”

‘Something really bad has happened’

For intended parents and surrogates, trouble emerged around late May, when surrogates did not receive their usual payments.

Arielle Mitton gives surrogate mother Tena Doan’s belly a kiss. Doan is carrying Mitton’s baby.  (Arielle Mitton)

In early June, Tena Doan — a 42-year-old surrogate mother in Indiana — said she noticed her bank account balance was lower than expected and realized her monthly payment and allowance had not come through. Her surrogacy agency told her that banking issues at SEAM had delayed the arrival of the money.

“I said, ‘No problem, they’ll get it fixed,’” Doan recalled, figuring that banking issues happen. When she logged into SEAM’s portal, she saw that the money listed as due her was still there.

Then came a June 12 email from Side claiming that fraudulent charges had prompted Capitol One to freeze SEAM’s account.

“Some payments were able to go through before the accounts were frozen,” Side wrote in the email. She stated that new bank accounts were established and promised service would be restored.

Two days later, however, Side sent another email indicating that “all operations have been placed on hold” due to legal action.

Doan said that the email stopped her in her tracks.

“That’s when we were like, ‘Oh s—, this is not good. Something really bad has happened,’” Doan recalled. “From there, it’s been a whirlwind.”

Mitton — the mother of the child that Doan is carrying — was at home more than 2,000 miles west.

“The first few days, I barely slept, I was nauseous from all the emotional aspects and had vertigo,” Mitton remembered.

She contacted the FBI, Houston police, the Texas attorney general. Mitton even emailed the CEO of Capital One, questioning how the money could apparently vanish.

Tena Doan, left, and Arielle Mitton. (Arielle Mitton)

Both Doan and Mitton joined the Facebook group and realized they were part of a club they never wanted membership in: those affected by SEAM’s financial collapse.

An informal poll among members suggested that about $10 million was unaccounted for. Parents and surrogates from across the country and around the world have traded information in the Facebook group about current police investigations and become sleuths themselves.

They’ve pored over Side’s various businesses — the Vgn Bae Music Studio, and Nikki Green, a luxury vegan fashion line. They’ve also mined her social media accounts.

A recent post on Side’s Instagram page VgnBaeDom, which has since been deleted, recounted her birthday week in June: Side said she flew to L.A., enjoyed a vegan dinner at the upscale Culver City vegan restaurant Shojin, dined at Crossroads Kitchen and Craig’s — both frequent celebrity hotspots — enjoyed a “full day of spa and cabana” at the Four Seasons, before doing fittings at Celine, the luxury French fashion house.

“The week this was going down was also her birthday week,” said Mitton, who recalled thinking, “She’s probably spending our escrow money there.”

Signs of financial difficulty SEAM was first registered in Texas in 2014. Testimonials from 2017 onward show glowing reviews, and one parent told The Times he had used SEAM for their first child without issue.

Lawsuits from cash advance lenders filed against SEAM and Side in New York this year indicate mounting financial trouble in recent months.

So-called merchant cash-advance lenders send sums of money to distressed businesses, often with a rapid turnaround, and, in exchange, a business lets the lender withdraw a portion of future receipts directly from the business’ bank account to pay off the debt. Cash-advance lenders often insist they aren’t lenders and that cash advances against future revenue aren’t technically loans — but New York’s former attorney general had lambasted the industry for predatory debt-collection practices.

In January, Side received an unspecified sum from Pearl Delta Funding and agreed to pay back $69,500. But she defaulted the next month, prompting the lender to sue her in New York in March. (Pearl Delta’s attorney did not respond to an email seeking comment.)

On May 6, Side secured $650,000 from Dynasty Capital and agreed to pay $975,000, or 150% of the amount borrowed, according to court records.

Under the agreement, the lender was allowed to debit $12,500 per day from SEAM’s account until the full amount was paid back. On May 31, Dynasty Capital said in court papers, SEAM “breached the agreement” and either failed to put revenue into the business account or diverted it elsewhere, leaving Dynasty unable to recoup its money.

Dynasty Capital sued Side, SEAM and her various businesses on June 18. Dynasty’s lawyer declined to comment.

On May 29, Side obtained $100,000 from Arsenal Funding and agreed to allow Arsenal to deduct 1.25% of SEAM’s daily revenue from its business bank account until $149,000 was paid off.

Arsenal sued Side and SEAM last week after Side stopped making payments on June 21 and defaulted, according to the lawsuit filed in New York, which demands about $190,000 to cover the outstanding debt and fees.

To secure the loan from Arsenal, Side had to disclose her largest revenue sources. She listed three companies, all in Southern California: US Harvest Babies Surrogacy in the City of Industry; Mle & Mlang International Surrogacy in L.A.; and a Shady Grove Fertility office in Solana Beach.

But there is reason to doubt the accuracy of what Side told the lender. In a statement, Shady Grove said it had no financial relationship with Side or SEAM and did not refer patients to the company, explaining that “some patients may have independently engaged with SEAM.”

Further, the name that Side had listed as her contact has never been an employee of Shady Grove, according to a person familiar with the company’s operations. And the address she listed for Shady Grove is a small branch in the San Diego area that’s been open for only a few months; Shady Grove is headquartered in Maryland and has 49 locations nationwide.

Neither Harvest Babies or Mlan responded to requests for comment.

Side told Arsenal that she was the 100% owner of SEAM and projected an average monthly revenue of $2.78 million, according to a copy of the financial agreement that Arsenal included with its lawsuit.

Lori Hood, a Houston-based attorney who is representing Slik — the client who sued Side this month in Texas — said she was confounded by SEAM’s financial practices. She said the lawsuit from Dynasty Capital indicated that escrow money was used to secure the $650,000 cash payment.

“How do you put up escrow funds as collateral?” said Hood. “That’s my first indication that something’s desperately wrong. You don’t recognize escrow funds as revenue.”

Second, Hood said, SEAM’s tax records that she’s reviewed also showed revenue of “millions of dollars.”

“Did her company make millions of dollars, or is she putting into the tax returns that the escrow money was her revenue?” Hood asked.

To press their client’s lawsuit against SEAM, Hood and her law partner, Marianne Robak, petitioned a judge to freeze all of SEAM’s accounts at Capital One along with other accounts owned or controlled by Side.

“The evidence shows that SEAM’s escrow account with Capital One ... has no funds available,” notes the request for a restraining order to freeze all accounts. “SEAM is insolvent.”

In the filing, Hood also accused SEAM of diverting money into accounts in the name of Life Escrow LLC, a company registered last year to Side’s business partner, Anthony Hall, who is also a defendant in the suit filed by Slik.

Side’s “actions appear to be to avoid having to face the clients she defrauded. It appears she had absconded,” states the restraining order, which a Harris County, Texas, judge signed off on June 21.

Reached by phone on Thursday, Hall said he “had no connection with SEAM,” adding, “I wish I had answers.” Hall said he was a business partner of Side in the vegan music studio, Vgn Bae Studios, adding, “Everything was great until it wasn’t.”

Hall said he did not know if Side had an attorney and said that he was speaking only for himself.

“She’s not gonna respond,” he said of Side. “I’m defending myself. I don’t know what they have going on.”

Pregnancies don’t wait

For Hood and hundreds of surrogate mothers and parents, questions mount.

“I won’t cast blame on any of the parents. They did everything they were supposed to do,” Hood said.

Time is short, however, for ongoing pregnancies and those couples who hope to have a surrogate receive an embryo soon.

Kettmann, from the Sacramento area, said their surrogate mother is 22 weeks pregnant. Of the $57,000 they put into SEAM, he said, $45,000 is missing. The rest had already been distributed to the surrogate.

“It’s a scramble,” he said. He and his wife had some money saved for additional expenses, which they’ve used to cover the June payment that never arrived from SEAM. He’s now fundraising from family and friends.

“We told her we’ll do everything we can to keep her up to date on payments,” he said, “but [we’re] asking her to be patient.”

Mitton and her surrogate mother, Doan, have started collecting donations through GoFundMe and plan to extend the payment terms two years, rather than having all the money sent to Doan shortly after delivery.

“I’m growing a healthy baby girl for them,” Doan said, “and that’s all that matters.”

[veterangaragedoorwesthouston]

Garage Door Opener Repair: Troubleshooting Common Issues and Finding Reliable Solutions

Introduction: A malfunctioning garage door opener can quickly turn into a major inconvenience, disrupting your daily routine and compromising the security of your home. Whether it's a noisy operation, failure to open or close, or any other problem, getting your garage door opener repaire promptly is essential. In this blog post, we'll explore the common issues faced by homeowners and provide valuable insights into troubleshooting and finding reliable solutions for garage door opener repair. As experts in the field, Veteran Garage Door Repair is here to guide you through this process and help you restore the functionality of your garage door opener.

Understanding the Importance of a Well-Functioning Garage Door Opener

Enhancing convenience and security

Protecting your vehicle and belongings

Increasing property value

Common Garage Door Opener Issues: 2.1. Unresponsive Remote Control

Battery replacement

Reprogramming the remote control

Seeking professional assistance

2.2. Noisy Operation

Lubricating moving parts

Tightening loose hardware

Replacing worn-out components

2.3. Failure to Open or Close

Checking the power source

Examining the safety sensors

Adjusting the travel limit settings

2.4. Inconsistent Operation

Inspecting the wiring connections

Resetting the opener unit

Calibrating the force settings

Troubleshooting Tips for Garage Door Opener Repair: 3.1. Conduct a Visual Inspection

Look for loose or damaged components

Inspect the tracks and rollers

Check the opener's motor and wiring

3.2. Test the Safety Features

Ensure the safety sensors are properly aligned

Test the auto-reverse function

3.3. Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts

Remove debris from the tracks

Lubricate the rollers, hinges, and springs

The Importance of Professional Garage Door Opener Repair:

Expertise and experience

Timely diagnosis and effective solutions

Safety considerations

Choosing a Reliable Garage Door Repair Service:

Experience and reputation

Licensed and insured technicians

Transparent pricing and warranty

Conclusion: When faced with a malfunctioning garage door opener, it's important to address the issue promptly to avoid inconvenience and ensure the security of your home. By understanding the common problems and following the troubleshooting tips provided in this blog post, you can attempt to fix minor issues yourself. However, for more complex problems or if you're unsure about the repair process, it's advisable to seek the assistance of a professional garage door repair service like Veteran Garage Door Repair. Their experienced technicians can diagnose the problem accurately and provide reliable solutions, restoring the functionality of your garage door opener efficiently and safely. Don't let a faulty garage door opener disrupt your life—take action and get it repaired today!

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Address - 7050 Lakeview Haven Dr #136, Houston, TX 77095

Website - https://veterangaragedoor.com/veteran-garage-door-repair-in-west-houston-texas/

[newstfionline]

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Irreparable (ABC News) Auto repair prices are up and outpacing the overall rate of inflation considerably, with government data showing motor vehicle repair prices up 23 percent over the course of the past year. The cause is a combination of a shortage of workers—the industry will be 642,000 workers short of capacity by 2024—and an inconsistent supply of auto parts. There are also fewer car repair stops still in business: In 2016 there were 225 vehicles on the road for every service bay, a level that in 2021 rose to 246 cars and trucks for every bay.

Jaded with education, more Americans are skipping college (AP) When he looked to the future, Grayson Hart always saw a college degree. He was a good student at a good high school. He wanted to be an actor, or maybe a teacher. Growing up, he believed college was the only route to a good job, stability and a happy life. The pandemic changed his mind. A year after high school, Hart is directing a youth theater program in Jackson, Tennessee. He got into every college he applied to but turned them all down. Cost was a big factor, but a year of remote learning also gave him the time and confidence to forge his own path. Hart is among hundreds of thousands of young people who came of age during the pandemic but didn’t go to college. Many have turned to hourly jobs or careers that don’t require a degree, while others have been deterred by high tuition and the prospect of student debt. Nationwide, undergraduate college enrollment dropped 8% from 2019 to 2022.

Bank’s failure shakes companies worldwide (AP) It was called Silicon Valley Bank, but its collapse is causing shockwaves around the world. From winemakers in California to startups across the Atlantic Ocean, companies are scrambling to figure out how to manage their finances after their bank suddenly shut down Friday. The meltdown means distress not only for businesses but also for all their workers whose paychecks may get tied up in the chaos. U.S. customers with less than $250,000 in the bank can count on insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. But many companies had millions (and in at least one case billions) of dollars that are now frozen or gone, and have no idea how to meet payroll. Silicon Valley Bank worked with startups, and many “are terrified,” according to one depositor.

Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow (AP) More than 9,000 California residents were under evacuation orders Friday as a new atmospheric river brought heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, swelling rivers and creeks and flooding several major highways and small rural communities. In Santa Cruz County, a creek bloated by rain destroyed a portion of Main Street in Soquel, a town of 10,000 people, isolating several neighborhoods. In the San Francisco Bay Area, flooding blocked portions of several major highways, including Interstate 580 in Oakland, disrupting travel. The storm marked the state’s 10th atmospheric river of the winter, storms that have brought enormous amounts of rain and snow to the state and helped lessen the drought conditions that had dragged on for three years.

Matamoros victims found, but 550 Americans are still missing in Mexico (Washington Post) Lisa Torres was glued to her phone, watching news reports on the kidnapping last week of four Americans in the Mexican city of Matamoros. She lived in the Houston suburbs, hundreds of miles away, but knew well the pain of having a relative snatched on the other side of the border. Her son, Robert, was just 21 when he vanished in 2017. More than 550 Americans are reported as missing in Mexico, a little-known facet of a broader tragedy that has honeycombed this country with mass graves. Soaring violence and government dysfunction have fueled a crisis that’s left at least 112,150 people missing, according to government records here. Americans make up a small part of that ghastly toll. And they are a tiny percentage of the millions of U.S. citizens who travel to Mexico every year for tourism, work and family visits. But just as there’s been an uproar in Mexico over the government’s all-out effort to find the four Americans, compared with its far more limited search for its own abducted citizens, relatives of the Americans still missing are asking why their loved ones haven’t been a higher priority for Washington.

Chile’s president shakes up Cabinet, replaces five ministers (AP) President Gabriel Boric shook up his Cabinet on Friday, replacing five of his 24 ministers on the eve of beginning his second year in power, announcing the change two days after Chile’s lawmakers rejected a proposed tax overhaul for financing most of his government program. It was the second time Boric has carried out a major Cabinet reshuffle. The previous overhaul came in September when 62% of voters rejected a new constitution that had been championed by the president. The Cabinet reshuffle came after an unexpected defeat Wednesday for Boric as Congress rejected a tax package that would have helped the president fund his progressive social agenda. Rodrigo Espinoza, director of the School of Management at Diego Portales University, said one of the difficulties Boric now faces is that “a significant part of his program will no longer have financing.”

German Officials Had Gotten Tip About Jehovah’s Witness Gunman (NYT) Weeks before a gunman opened fire on his former congregation at a Jehovah’s Witness hall in northern Germany, the authorities got a tip that he “harbored a special rage” toward religious groups, officials said Friday. But when they checked on him, they said, they determined they did not have grounds to seize his weapons. The gunman killed six people, including a pregnant woman, before turning his weapon on himself as police stormed the building in Hamburg on Thursday in what the authorities called “the worst such mass shooting incident of this dimension” to affect the city. Eight people were wounded, four of them severely. In keeping with German privacy laws, the police identified the gunman only as Philipp F., a 35-year-old German who, according to the authorities, had been a member of the congregation until a year and a half ago, “but apparently did not leave on good terms,” said Thomas Radszuweit, the head of state security in Hamburg. Mass shootings are extremely rare in Germany, where regulations limit who can own a weapon, and make training and testing compulsory before a gun can be purchased. Fully automatic weapons are considered “weapons of war” and are illegal.

Female and nonbinary swimmers can go topless in public pools, Berlin says (Washington Post) Berlin’s authorities want to make it very clear: Women are free to swim topless in municipal pools, as are those who identify as nonbinary, if that’s what they want. Topless swimming in public pools wasn’t forbidden in the German capital anyway, but a woman recently lodged a complaint alleging discrimination after a pool prevented her from swimming without covering her chest, a restriction that wasn’t applied to the male swimmers. The city and its public pools operator will now ensure that men and women are treated equally when it comes to swimming topless, the Berlin state government said in a press release Thursday. Germans “are generally quite relaxed about” nudity, Keon West, a professor of social psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, who has conducted studies into nakedness and body image, previously told The Washington Post. Nudity, also known as “free body culture,” is not seen as sexual.

Russia’s hypersonic missile attack on Ukraine highlights Western vulnerability (Washington Post) Russia fired a half-dozen of its rare Kinzhal hypersonic missiles at Ukraine on Thursday, as part of a broader barrage that killed six people and that the Russian Defense Ministry described as revenge for an incursion into western Russia last week by a far-right Russian nationalist group fighting on Ukraine’s side in the war. Russia’s use of the hypersonic missiles—“Kinzhal” means dagger in Russian—renewed alarm over the Kremlin’s sophisticated arsenal, and it highlighted that Putin possesses difficult-to-intercept, nuclear-capable weapons that the United States and its allies do not yet have. Hypersonic missiles are highly maneuverable weapons that travel at speeds above Mach 5, or more than five times the speed of sound, making them extremely hard to intercept. The United States and China are also developing hypersonic weapons. After Russia used them in Ukraine for the first time in March last year, President Biden called the missiles “almost unstoppable.” Russia has other nuclear-capable hypersonic weapons, but its flaunting of the Kinzhal in battle adds to the pressure on Washington as a hypersonic arms race heats up, one in which Washington has catching up to do, with both Russia and China.

Hong Kong activists behind Tiananmen vigil jailed for months (AP) Three former organizers of Hong Kong’s annual vigil in remembrance of victims of China’s 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protests were jailed Saturday for four and a half months for failing to provide authorities with information on the group in accordance with a national security law. The now-defunct alliance was best known for organizing candlelight vigils in Hong Kong on the anniversary of the 1989 Chinese military’s crushing of Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests, but it was voted to disband in 2021 under the shadow of the Beijing-imposed national security law. Before its disbandment, police had sought details about its operations and finances in connection with alleged links to democracy groups overseas, accusing it of being a foreign agent. But the group refused to cooperate, arguing the police did not have a right to ask for its information because it was not a foreign agent and the authorities did not provide sufficient justification. In her mitigation, one member said the alliance was not a foreign agent and that nothing had emerged that proved otherwise, so sentencing them was about punishing people for defending the truth. “Sir, sentence us for our insubordination if you must, but when the exercise of power is based on lies, being insubordinate is the only way to be human,” she said.

South Korea proposes a 69-hour workweek, up from an already long 52 (Washington Post) South Korea’s conservative government has proposed increasing the legal cap on weekly work hours from 52 to 69, triggering backlash from the opposition and wage-earners who fear the plan will ruin work-life balance in a country already well known for workaholism. South Koreans already toil more than many of their overseas counterparts. They work an average of 1,915 hours per year, compared with 1,791 hours for Americans and 1,490 hours for the French, who have a 35-hour workweek, according to figures from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The OECD average is 1,716 hours. The proposal has sparked a backlash from workers who fear it will give employers legal grounds to encourage grueling hours on busy weeks.

Saudi deal with Iran worries Israel (AP) News of the rapprochement between long-time regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran sent shock waves through the Middle East on Saturday and dealt a symbolic blow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has made the threat posed by Tehran a public diplomacy priority and personal crusade. Saudi Arabia’s decision to engage with its regional rival has left Israel largely alone as it leads the charge for diplomatic isolation of Iran and threats of a unilateral military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. The UAE also resumed formal relations with Iran last year. “It’s a blow to Israel’s notion and efforts in recent years to try to form an anti-Iran bloc in the region,” said Yoel Guzansky, an expert on the Persian Gulf at the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israeli think tank. “If you see the Middle East as a zero-sum game, which Israel and Iran do, a diplomatic win for Iran is very bad news for Israel.”

[allaboutinsuranceandtitletx]

With a focus on personalized service, All About Insurance helps clients navigate the complexities of insurance, ensuring clients have the right protection at competitive rates. Our insurance agency serves Houston and the surrounding areas, including Beaumont, Channelview, Rosenberg, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Sheldon, League City, Baytown, and throughout Texas.

[lboogie1906]

Thasunda Brown Duckett (July 22, 1973) is a businesswoman who serves as the president and CEO of TIAA. She is a former CEO of Chase Consumer Banking and a member of the board of directors of Nike.

She was born in Rochester, New York. She moved to Texas with her parents, where she graduated from Sam Houston High School. She attended the University of Houston, receiving a BS in Finance and Marketing. She enrolled at Baylor University, where she earned an MBA.

She was a Director of Emerging Markets at Fannie Mae, where she led the implementation of national strategies designed to increase homeownership among Black and Hispanic Americans.

She became the CEO of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, making her the fourth Black woman in history to serve as a Fortune 500 CEO and one of two female Black American CEOs to lead a Fortune 500 company. She is married with 4 children.

She was the CEO of Chase Auto Finance, one of the leading US providers of auto financing, and National Retail Sales Executive for Chase Mortgage Banking, where she managed 4,000 mortgage bankers.

She founded and chairs The Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation to continue the legacy of her parents.

She serves on the boards of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Sesame Workshop, National Medal of Honor Museum, Economic Club of New York, University of Houston Board of Visitors, and Dean’s Advisory Board for Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Jack and Jill of America. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #deltasigmatheta

[citynewsglobe]

[ad_1] Automotive accidents not solely are scary experiences however can also lead to extreme accidents and trigger the victims to undergo each bodily and financially.It's at such moments when people want to understand how you can strategy insurance coverage claims.In case you are a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian concerned in an auto accident, it's essential to grasp your rights and the authorized course of to say auto accident accidents. Keep in mind that it's best to at all times take assist of a good automobile accident lawyer in Houston, TX to get most compensation in your losses. What Are The Primary Steps Included in Insurance coverage Claims for Automotive Accidents?  Reporting the Accident: The very first thing it's best to do after the accident is to contact your insurance coverage firm and notify it of the accident. Many insurance coverage insurance policies demand speedy notification of accidents, so don't wait to contact an insurer. Gathering Proof: To extend your probabilities of successful the insurance coverage declare, it's best to accumulate as a lot proof as you possibly can. This will likely embody footage of the accident scene, automobiles concerned, and the accidents you suffered, together with testimonies and police paperwork. Searching for Medical Consideration: Some accidents, similar to whiplash, might not present any signs instantly after the accident, and because of this, it is very important search medical recommendation after a automobile accident.There are circumstances the place signs might not be seen, and for those who delay therapy, the situation might deteriorate. Submitting Your Declare:  After accumulating proof and getting medical consideration, you might be left with the duty of claiming out of your insurer. This normally includes filling out a declare kind given by your insurer and sending it again with any related supporting paperwork. Assessing Legal responsibility:  Normally, the query of fault in an car accident is clear-cut. Nevertheless, in some circumstances, legal responsibility might be contested, therefore inflicting delays or outright denial of insurance coverage claims. The insurance coverage firm will look into the accident and set up whether or not you might be at fault or not relying on the proof that they might discover. Furthermore, you additionally have to have a good automobile accident lawyer from Mokaram Regulation Agency by your aspect.  Negotiating a Settlement: As soon as legal responsibility has been decided, your insurance coverage firm will consider your losses and give you a settlement. To just be sure you are getting a most settlement for the losses, it's best to take the assistance of a great automobile accident lawyer. This will likely embody medical prices, lack of property, misplaced earnings, and ache and struggling.What are the challenges within the strategy of claiming insurance coverage? Disputed Legal responsibility:Maybe one of many key points in automobile accident insurance coverage claims is the institution of fault. Some insurance coverage might attempt to show that it was not their consumer who was at fault for the accident and this may occasionally trigger delays or denial of the claims. A automobile accident lawyer can help in accumulating proof like eyewitness accounts, footage, and even skilled testimony to find out who's at fault for the accident.Pre-existing Accidents:Insurance coverage corporations can also try and deny the extent of your accidents by saying they existed earlier than the accident or they weren't brought on by the accident. One ought to at all times attempt to get medical consideration as quickly as potential after the automobile accident and doc all of 1’s accidents and medical therapy so as to show to the insurance coverage firm that the accidents weren't pre-existing.Lowball Settlement Gives:Some insurance coverage corporations might attempt to get away with giving lowball settlement affords so as to keep away from paying an excessive amount of.

 It's best to totally look at any settlement provide and take into consideration the variety of your accidents and the full quantity of your losses, like medical payments, automobile restore, misplaced earnings, and struggling. Don't be afraid to cut price with the insurance coverage firm and even sue them for those who really feel that you're not being compensated sufficient.Statute of Limitations: Each state has outlined a time period inside which a private damage swimsuit after a automobile accident will be filed in court docket, generally known as the statute of limitation. There's a time restrict for suing the negligent get together – it's best to pursue your declare on time.Ideas You Ought to Observe Throughout The Insurance coverage Claims Course ofBe Sincere and Correct: When coping with your insurance coverage firm, just be sure you disclose all related details about the accident and accidents actually and exactly. Additionally it is vital to keep away from exaggerating and fabricating info as this may harm your credibility.Know Your Protection: It is very important learn and perceive the insurance coverage coverage and know the protection limits and any exceptions to the protection. This may allow you to perceive what advantages you might be eligible for and stop any sudden outcomes throughout the claims course of. [ad_2] Supply hyperlink

[allaboutinsuranceandtitletx]

All About Insurance is a trusted insurance company. We offer an extensive selection of insurance bonds, such as contractor, business service, permit, surety, auto title, and more! We serve Spring, The Woodlands, Humble, Conroe, Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.

[locksmithsofhouston]

Locksmith Houston

We are the affordable mobile locksmith in your area, providing 24/7 service with quick, low cost and effective locksmith care! From the day we started providing service our goal was clear, to excel and exceed the standards of excellence for locksmiths! When looking for dependable residential, automotive and commercial locksmiths our skilled services will leave you satisfied! Master Lock Security Door Locks Home Security Keyless Entry Commercial Door Locks Open Car Door Car Locksmith Key Cutting Car Ignition Repair Transponder Keys (346) 437-2016 6306 Fairbanks North Houston Rd, Houston, TX, 77040 Mon to Sun from 08:00AM to 07:00PM

[selectedbenefits]

Navigating Security Your Local Insurance Agency Near Me

In an ever-changing world, the need for financial security and protection has become paramount. Whether it's safeguarding your home, ensuring your health, or securing your vehicle, the right insurance coverage can make all the difference. Amidst the myriad of insurance options available, having a reliable local insurance agency near you can offer personalized service and a sense of community assurance.

Local insurance agencies play a crucial role in connecting individuals and businesses with insurance solutions tailored to their specific needs. These agencies act as intermediaries between clients and insurance providers, offering expert advice, personalized service, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the community they serve.

One of the primary advantages of opting for a local insurance agency is the accessibility and convenience it brings. When searching for "insurance agency near me," you're likely to find a professional team ready to assist you with a face-to-face conversation. This personal touch allows for a more thorough understanding of your individual circumstances, enabling the insurance agent to recommend coverage that aligns with your requirements.

Beyond accessibility, local insurance agencies often have a finger on the pulse of the community. They are aware of the specific risks and challenges that individuals and businesses in the area may face. This local knowledge can be invaluable in crafting insurance policies that provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring you are protected against the unique risks prevalent in your community.

Moreover, building a relationship with a local insurance agency fosters trust. Knowing that you can walk into their office and speak directly to a familiar face when you have questions or concerns can be a significant comfort. This level of personalized service is often harder to achieve with larger, national insurance providers.

When you choose a local insurance agency, you are not just buying a policy; you are investing in a relationship. The insurance professionals at these agencies take the time to understand your evolving needs and life circumstances. This ongoing relationship allows them to adjust your coverage accordingly, ensuring you are adequately protected as your life evolves.

Additionally, local insurance agencies may offer a wide range of insurance products, including home insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, and business insurance. This one-stop-shop approach simplifies the process for clients, who can manage multiple policies under one roof. This convenience not only saves time but also ensures a cohesive and comprehensive insurance strategy.

As you explore the options for an "insurance agency near me," consider the benefits of supporting a local business. Choosing a local agency contributes to the economic health of your community, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. Local insurance agencies are invested in the well-being of the community they serve, often participating in local events, charities, and initiatives to give back.

when searching for insurance solutions, don't overlook the advantages of choosing a local insurance agency near you. Beyond the convenience and accessibility, these agencies offer a personalized touch, community understanding, and a commitment to building lasting relationships. In a world where uncertainties abound, having a trusted local insurance partner can make all the difference in navigating the path to financial security and peace of mind.

For more info:-

houston group health insurance for business

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[arizonainsurance]

Texas Insurance Services - Home Auto Boat RV Business Professional Liability Commercial Trucking Oil & Gas Workers Comp Insurance

Did you know Arizona Insurance Company provides personal and business insurance in Texas? We offer insurance services throughout Texas and 5 other states. We provide personal insurance, homeowners, auto, boat, RV, motorcycle and life insurance coverage. We also provide commercial business insurance, general business insurance, professional liability insurance, workers comp insurance and commercial trucking and transportation insurance including oil and gas trucking insurance. Give Arizona Insurance Company a call if you are looking for insurance in Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, El Paso, and Arlington, TX.

[collisioncar]

collision repair near me in Houston

To find collision repair services near you in Houston, follow these steps:

Online Search:

Use search engines like Google or Bing and enter keywords such as "collision repair near me" or "auto body shop in Houston." The search results will provide a list of nearby repair facilities.

Online Directories:

Explore online directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, or Angie's List to find collision repair shops in Houston. These platforms often include reviews and ratings from previous customers.

Ask for Recommendations:

Seek recommendations from friends, family, colleagues, or local automotive forums. Personal referrals can provide insights into the quality of service offered by specific repair shops.

Insurance Provider:

Contact your insurance provider and inquire about their preferred or recommended collision repair shops in Houston. Some insurers have partnerships with specific facilities.

Visit Local Auto Dealerships:

Check with local car dealerships, as they may have recommendations for reputable collision repair services. Dealerships often collaborate with trusted repair shops.

Check Online Reviews:

Read online reviews and testimonials about different collision repair shops in Houston. This can give you an idea of the experiences other customers have had with a particular facility.

Visit Repair Shops:

Visit potential collision repair shops in person to assess their facilities, meet the staff, and discuss your repair needs. This allows you to gauge the professionalism and expertise of the technicians.

Verify Certifications:

Ensure that the collision repair shop and its technicians are certified by relevant industry organizations. Certifications, such as those from I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair), indicate a commitment to quality workmanship.

Get Multiple Estimates:

Obtain estimates from several collision repair shops to compare prices and services. Be wary of significantly lower estimates, as they may compromise the quality of repairs.

By combining online resources, recommendations, and on-site visits, you can find a reliable collision repair shop in Houston to address your automotive repair needs.

[sarvandboatstorage]

Discover the Convenience of Uhaul Rental in San Antonio: Your Ultimate Moving Solution.

Moving brings enough stress without adding challenges of how to transport your belongings. When relocating in San Antonio, Uhaul rental trucks and services simplify the process. With an extensive fleet, moving equipment and supplies, flexible rental options and helpful staff, Uhaul takes the hassle out of moving across town or across Texas. Discover why Uhaul is San Antonio’s ultimate moving and self-storage solution.

Choose from a Huge Selection of Truck Sizes

Uhaul offers an unmatched range of moving vehicles for every situation. Find cargo vans, pickup trucks, 10-foot trucks ideal for studio moves, 15-foot models for 1-2 bedrooms, vehicles up to 26 feet for larger homes and supplies. Extras like auto transport trailers, motorcycle trailers and tow hitches are available to move specialized items. You can even rent moving vans for extra storage space. The extensive fleet ensures you rent an ideal size for your needs.

Rent for In-Town and One-Way Moves

Two convenient rental options exist – in-town moves with pickup and drop-off at the same location, and one-way moves between cities. One-way rentals allow you to load up in San Antonio and drop off at your destination city like Austin, Dallas or Houston. Wherever you’re moving in Texas, Uhaul has you covered. No need to return the truck for added driving.

Choose from Multiple Convenient Locations

With over a dozen rental locations across San Antonio, you can find a pickup spot nearby. Locations across the metro area from Stone Oak to Alamo Heights ensure convenience. Look for high-traffic stores that allow easy pickup such as U-Haul Moving & Storage of Alamo Heights near the airport and U-Haul Moving & Storage of San Pedro in north central San Antonio. Find a pickup location on your route.

Access After Hours for Added Flexibility

Uhaul offers extended rental hours at many locations for after-hours pickups. Instead of taking time off work, you can start loading in the evening. Many locations allow online reservations for after-hours pickups so keys are ready. With extended access, you can load on your timeline.

Buy All Your Moving Supplies in One Place

Uhaul makes it easy to equip your move by offering all the essential supplies at rental locations. Choose from specialty moving boxes, padding and packaging materials, heavy-duty tape, rope and tie-downs, furniture covers, appliance dollies and more. Load up on supplies when you pick up your truck. No need to make multiple stops before your move. Uhaul is a one-stop shop.

Get Equipment to Ease the Labor

Moving heavy furniture and large appliances requires the right equipment. At Uhaul, you can rent convenient add-ons to reduce strain. Furniture dollies make sliding heavy pieces easy. Appliance hand trucks allow you to secure and tilt items to roll with ease. Ramp trailers assist with rolling items up into the truck. Order equipment in advance online for faster pickup. Save your back and make loading a breeze.

Hire Affordable Moving Help

For an easy move, consider Uhaul’s moving help services. Experienced movers arrive with the proper equipment to load your truck safely and efficiently. Based on load/unload time and number of movers needed, costs are affordable – especially for valuable time savings. Customize the service level needed so you get just the right amount of help.

Insure Your Belongings During Transport

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN DURING MOVES. With Uhaul’s Safemove insurance options, you get peace of mind that your belongings are protected during transit. Safemove provides replacement value protection if items are damaged. Different coverage levels are available. Add this affordable protection in case the unexpected occurs.

Track Your Rental with Online Accounts

Managing your move is simple with Uhaul’s online account tools. Reserve a truck, purchase insurance and customize features all on your dashboard. Add eMove email notifications for updates on your rental status, pre-checkout reminders and equipment availability. The online accounts make reserving, adjusting and checking in quick and convenient.

Return Hassle-Free with Contactless Checkout

Uhaul simplifies returns with touchless, expedited checkouts. Use online accounts to check in your rental digitally in advance. Instantly receive your final invoice by email. Drop the keys in a secure box and go. No waiting in line simplifies the hectic moving process.

Access Clean, Well-Maintained Vehicles

Nothing slows down a move like equipment issues with dirty or faulty rental trucks. Uhaul maintains their fleet proactively so vehicles operate smoothly. Trucks are cleaned between each use. Choose from late-model vehicles with features like auto transmissions, power steering, ramps and lift gates. Their focus on quality vehicles ensures reliable transportation.

Find On-Site Storage Units at Some Locations

Many Uhaul rental spots also offer self-storage units, making it ultra-convenient to store belongings you don’t want to move right away. Units come in climate controlled or traditional drive-up styles. Sizes range from closet-like 5x5 units to expansive 10x20 spaces for extra room. Extended access hours allow move-in any time of day. Ask rental agents about storage options near your pickup location.

Relax with responsive Roadside Assistance

In the unlikely event your rental truck has mechanical problems enroute, Uhaul roadside assistance is available 24/7. Their ASE-certified team can troubleshoot most issues by phone or dispatch a tow truck if needed. With quick assistance available, you can focus on your move rather than worrying about breakdowns.

For a smooth, simplified moving experience in San Antonio and across Texas, choose Uhaul. With an unrivaled selection of rental trucks and moving equipment, flexible scheduling and supportive services like moving help and insurance, Uhaul has you covered. Move stress-free and safely with the local moving experts.

[allaboutinsuranceandtitletx]

Facts About Certification of Title Bond in Houston and Conroe, TX

Owning a vehicle is commonplace. It is essential to check the ownership of the vehicle being resold. Having the title is a must that cannot be avoided. Unfortunately, the title may be missing in some cases, with the buyer not insisting on it or the owner being deceased. It is time to opt for a certification of title bond in Houston and Conroe, TX, to ensure legalities when driving such a car. The process is easier than going through the complexities of applying for a duplicate title with the DMV. ​ Yes! The vehicle owner must know the associated facts before attempting to get a specific surety bond for the car. Interestingly, this type of bond can prove ownership of the vehicle when the original title goes missing or is incomplete. The bonded title is recognized as a duplicate title for a limited period. Thereafter, it may transition into a regular title when the original cannot be traced even after making the required effort. The transition occurs after the lapse of a specific period.

It is also important to remember that the applicant must guarantee that the information provided is accurate. Any instance of misrepresentation will result in a legal claim against the bondholder. The claimants may include lien holders or legal previous owners in the instance of theft.

Need for a bonded title It is normal for the new owner of a used vehicle to be curious about a bonded title. Well, it is essential to know that this is a type of surety bond that helps protect a party that may be penalized for illegal possession or sale of the vehicle without the customary title. The bonded title can become indispensable in the following circumstances:

· After buying a vehicle without the requisite title · When the available title is incomplete and lacks vital information, such as the name of the present owner · The vehicle sold without title is an antique or classic automobile that is not manufactured anymore · The original title is lost or misplaced before the buyer can update the name and other particulars in the title Holding a certification of title bond makes it possible for the existing vehicle owner to buy auto insurance coverage

Expenses The next question concerns the expenses involved. It is important to note that the cost of a bonded title can be several times the vehicle's value. Fortunately, the bondholders have to pay the premium when no claims are made. The premium for certification of title bonds is quite affordable and may be as low as $100.

Bidding for a government project may require a business bond in Houston and Conroe, TX, to win the contract successfully. Government organizations usually make the bond a prerequisite to ensure proper completion of the project. The bond enables them to be protected from losses due to any failures of the contractor.