#business fleet insurance

[car-rental-insurance-pty-ltd]

Top 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Insuring Your Fleet

Managing a fleet of vehicles comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the most crucial aspects is fleet insurance. It's not just about protecting your vehicles but also safeguarding your business from potential financial risks.

However, navigating the world of comprehensive business fleet insurance can be daunting, and many fleet managers end up making costly mistakes. In this post, we'll explore the top six mistakes to avoid when insuring your fleet, ensuring that you get the best coverage without breaking the bank.

Neglecting Regular Policy Reviews

One common mistake that fleet managers make is failing to review their fleet insurance policies regularly. Your business and operational needs can evolve over time, and your insurance coverage should reflect these changes.

By neglecting regular policy reviews, you may miss out on potential cost-saving opportunities or find yourself underinsured when you need coverage the most. Make it a point to review your fleet insurance policies at least once a year to ensure they align with your current requirements.

Overlooking Customised Coverage Options

Every fleet is unique, and so are its insurance needs. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is opting for a one-size-fits-all fleet insurance policy without considering customised coverage options. By overlooking tailored solutions, you may end up paying for coverage you don't need or facing gaps in protection where it matters the most.

Work closely with your insurance provider to explore customised fleet insurance options that address the specific risks and challenges associated with your fleet.

Failing to Shop Around

When it comes to fleet insurance, loyalty doesn't always pay off. Many fleet managers make the mistake of sticking with the same insurance provider year after year without exploring other options. Failing to shop around means you could be missing out on better rates or more comprehensive coverage from other insurers.

Take the time to compare quotes from multiple providers to ensure you're getting the best value for your fleet insurance needs.

Underestimating the Importance of Driver Training

While fleet insurance primarily focuses on protecting your vehicles, the behaviour of your drivers also plays a significant role in determining your insurance premiums. One common mistake is underestimating the importance of driver training and safety initiatives.

By investing in driver training programs and promoting safe driving practices, you can reduce the risk of accidents and claims, ultimately leading to lower fleet insurance premiums.

Ignoring Risk Management Strategies

Effective risk management is essential for minimising fleet insurance costs and ensuring the long-term sustainability of your business. However, many fleet managers make the mistake of ignoring risk management strategies altogether.

From implementing GPS tracking systems to regular vehicle maintenance and safety inspections, there are various measures you can take to mitigate risks and demonstrate to insurers that you're proactive about minimising claims.

Not Reviewing Claims History

Your claims history can have a significant impact on your fleet insurance premiums. Yet, many fleet managers overlook the importance of reviewing their claims history and taking steps to mitigate future risks based on past incidents.

By closely examining your claims history, you can identify patterns, pinpoint areas for improvement, and implement preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of future claims. Additionally, demonstrating a proactive approach to claims management can help negotiate better terms with insurers.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these six common mistakes can help you make informed decisions when it comes to fleet insurance. By regularly reviewing your policies, exploring customised coverage options, shopping around for the best rates, investing in driver training, implementing risk management strategies, and reviewing your claims history, you can ensure that your fleet is adequately protected without overspending on premiums.

Remember, fleet insurance isn't just about safeguarding your vehicles—it's about safeguarding your business.

[rentsure]

What is Business Fleet Insurance and How Does it Work?

In the bustling world of business, managing a fleet of vehicles is no small feat. Whether you operate a delivery service, a construction company, or any business reliant on transportation, safeguarding your fleet is paramount.

This is where business fleet insurance steps in, offering comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique needs of commercial vehicle operations.

Understanding Business Fleet Insurance

Business fleet insurance is a specialised type of insurance designed to cover multiple vehicles under a single policy. It provides protection for businesses that rely on a fleet of cars, vans, trucks, or other vehicles for their operations.

Unlike individual vehicle policies, which can be cumbersome to manage and potentially costlier, business fleet insurance streamlines the process by consolidating coverage for all vehicles under one umbrella policy.

How Does Business Fleet Insurance Work?

Comprehensive Coverage

One of the key advantages of business fleet insurance is its comprehensive nature. It typically includes coverage for various scenarios, such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and third-party liability.

This means that whether your vehicle is involved in a collision, damaged by a natural disaster, or targeted by thieves, your business is protected against financial losses.

Flexibility and Customisation

Every business is unique, and so are its fleet insurance needs. Business fleet insurance offers flexibility and customisation options to tailor coverage according to your specific requirements.

Whether you need coverage for a few vehicles or an entire fleet, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your business operations and budget.

Cost Efficiency

Managing individual insurance policies for each vehicle in your fleet can be costly and time-consuming. By opting for business fleet insurance, you can potentially save both time and money.

Insurers often offer discounted rates for fleet policies, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to protect their assets without breaking the bank.

Streamlined Administration

Dealing with multiple insurance policies can be a logistical headache. With business fleet insurance, administrative tasks are streamlined, simplifying the management process for businesses.

From renewals and claims processing to adding or removing vehicles from the policy, everything is centralised, saving you valuable time and resources.

Enhanced Risk Management

Running a fleet of vehicles comes with inherent risks. From accidents on the road to unforeseen incidents at job sites, there are numerous potential liabilities to consider.

Business fleet insurance not only provides financial protection but also helps businesses mitigate risks by promoting safe driving practices and implementing fleet management strategies.

Peace of Mind

Ultimately, business fleet insurance offers peace of mind for business owners and fleet managers. Knowing that your vehicles and assets are adequately protected allows you to focus on what matters most—running your business.

Whether you're navigating busy city streets or traversing rugged terrain, you can drive with confidence, knowing that you're covered by a comprehensive insurance policy.

Key Benefits for Businesses

Now, let's talk about the perks that make business fleet insurance a game-changer for savvy entrepreneurs:

Cost Efficiency: By bundling multiple vehicles under one policy, business fleet insurance often comes at a lower cost compared to individual vehicle insurance. This translates to significant savings for your business.

Simplified Management: Say goodbye to the hassle of tracking multiple policies and renewal dates. With business fleet insurance, you enjoy streamlined management, freeing up time and resources for other aspects of your business.

Tailored Coverage: Every business has unique needs and risks. With business fleet insurance, you can customise your coverage to suit your specific requirements, ensuring adequate protection for your fleet.

Enhanced Protection: From unforeseen accidents to unexpected setbacks, business fleet insurance provides a safety net that keeps your business moving forward, even in challenging times.

How to Get Started?

Now that you're sold on the benefits of business fleet insurance, it's time to take action. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started:

Assess Your Needs: Evaluate the size of your fleet, the types of vehicles you own, and the specific risks your business faces. This will help you determine the coverage levels you require.

Research Providers: Shop around and compare business fleet insurance providers to find one that offers coverage options, pricing, and customer service that align with your needs.

Request Quotes: Reach out to your shortlisted providers and request quotes for business fleet insurance. Be sure to provide accurate information about your fleet to get an accurate estimate.

Review Policy Details: Once you receive quotes, carefully review the policy details, including coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions. Make sure you fully understand what is and isn't covered.

Finalize Your Coverage: Once you've chosen a provider and policy that meets your needs, it's time to finalise your business fleet insurance coverage. Sign the paperwork, make your payment, and rest easy knowing your fleet is protected.

Regular Reviews: As your business evolves and your fleet grows, it's essential to review your business fleet insurance coverage periodically to ensure it still meets your needs. Stay proactive and make adjustments as necessary.

Final Thoughts

Investing in fleet insurance is a prudent decision for any business that relies on a fleet of vehicles to operate. By consolidating coverage, offering tailored policies, and providing cost-efficient solutions, business fleet insurance ensures that your vehicles are adequately protected against risks, allowing you to focus on running your business with confidence.

Whether you're a small business owner or manage a large corporate fleet, exploring business fleet insurance options can help you mitigate risks and safeguard your assets effectively. Take the time to research different insurers, compare policies, and choose the coverage that best aligns with your business needs and budget.

With the right business fleet insurance in place, you can navigate the roads ahead with peace of mind, knowing that your fleet is well-protected.

Source By : What is Business Fleet Insurance and How Does it Work?

[probablyasocialecologist]

After nearly 15 years, Uber claims it’s finally turned an annual profit. Between 2014 and 2023, the company set over $31 billion on fire in its quest to drive taxi companies out of business and build a global monopoly. It failed on both fronts, but in the meantime it built an organization that can wield significant power over transportation — and that’s exactly how it got to last week’s milestone. Uber turned a net profit of nearly $1.9 billion in 2023, but what few of the headlines will tell you is that over $1.6 billion of it came from unrealized gains from its holdings in companies like Aurora and Didi. Basically, the value of those shares are up, so on paper it looks like Uber’s core business made a lot more money than it actually did. Whether the companies are really worth that much is another question entirely — but that doesn’t matter to Uber. At least it’s not using the much more deceptive “adjusted EBITDA” metric it spent years getting the media to treat as an accurate picture of its finances. Don’t be fooled into thinking the supposed innovation Uber was meant to deliver is finally bearing fruit. The profit it’s reporting is purely due to exploitative business practices where the worker and consumer are squeezed to serve investors — and technology is the tool to do it. This is the moment CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has been working toward for years, and the plan he’s trying to implement to cement the company’s position should have us all concerned about the future of how we get around and how we work.

[...]

Uber didn’t become a global player in transportation because it wielded technology to more efficiently deliver services to the public. The tens of billions of dollars it lost over the past decade went into undercutting taxis on price and drawing drivers to its service — including some taxi drivers — by promising good wages, only to cut them once the competition posed by taxis had been eroded and consumers had gotten used to turning to the Uber app instead of calling or hailing a cab. As transport analyst Hubert Horan outlined, for-hire rides are not a service that can take advantage of economies of scale like a software or logistics company, meaning just because you deliver more rides doesn’t mean the per-ride cost gets significantly cheaper. Uber actually created a less cost-efficient model because it forces drivers to use their own vehicles and buy their own insurance instead of having a fleet of similar vehicles covered by fleet insurance. Plus, it has a ton of costs your average taxi company doesn’t: a high-paid tech workforce, expensive headquarters scattered around the world, and outrageously compensated executive management like Khosrowshahi, just to name a few. How did Uber cut costs then? By systematically going after the workers that deliver its service. More recently, it took advantage of the cost-of-living crisis to keep them on board in the same way it exploited workers left behind by the financial crisis in the years after its initial launch. Its only real innovation is finding new ways to exploit labor.

[kp777]

By Thom Hartmann

Common Dreams

March 31, 2023

The Republican Party's most dangerous grift today has been their embrace of the lie that America is not a democracy but instead is a theocratic republic that should be ruled exclusively by armed Christian white men. It's leading us straight into the jaws of fascism.

Nobody ever accused Republicans of not knowing how to make a buck or BS-ing somebody into voting for them. Lying to people for economic or political gain is the very definition of a grift.

Whenever there’s another mass- or school-shooting, Republican politicians hustle out fundraising emails about how “Democrats are coming to take your guns!” The result is a measurable and profitable spike in gun sales after every new slaughter of our families and children, followed by a fresh burst of campaign cash to GOP lawmakers.

But the GOP’s ability to exploit any opportunity that comes along — regardless of its impact on America or American citizens — goes way beyond just fundraising hustles.

When Jared Kushner was underwater and nearly bankrupt because he overpaid for 666 Fifth Avenue and needed a billion-dollar bailout to cover his mortgage, his buddies in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia and the UAE) blockaded American ally (and host to the Fifth Fleet) Qatar until that country relented and laundered the money to Jared through a Canadian investment company.

Just this week, after Trump deregulated toxic trains leading to a horrible crash and the contamination of East Palestine, Ohio, Steve Bannon — already charged with multiple fraud-related crimes and then pardoned by Trump — showed up this week to hustle $300+ water filters to the people of that town.

The grift is at the core of the GOP’s existence, and has been since Nixon blew up LBJ’s peace talks with the Vietnamese in 1968 and then took cash bribes from the Milk Lobby and Jimmy Hoffa in the White House while having his mafia-connected “plumbers” wiretap the DNC’s offices at the Watergate.

— Republicans successfully fought the ability of Medicare to negotiate drug prices for decades; in turn, Big Pharma pours millions into their campaign coffers and personal pockets (legalized by 5 Republicans on the Supreme Court).

— Republicans beat back Democratic efforts to stop insurance giants from ripping off seniors and our government with George W. Bush’s Medicare Advantage privatization scam; in turn, the insurance companies rain cash on them like an Indian monsoon.

— Republicans oppose any effort to replace fossil fuels with green energy sources that don’t destroy our environment; in turn, the fossil fuel industry jacked up the price of gasoline into the stratosphere just in time for the 2022 election (and you can expect them to try it again in 2024).

— Republicans stopped enforcement of a century’s worth of anti-trust laws in 1983, wiping out America’s small businesses and turning rural city centers into ghost towns while pushing profits and prices through the ceiling; in turn massive corporate PACs fund ads supporting Republican candidates every election cycle.

— Republicans authored legislation letting billionaires own thousands of newspapers, radio stations, and TV outlets; in turn the vast majority of those papers (now half of all local papers are owned by a handful of rightwing New York hedge funds) and stations all run daily news and editorials attacking Democrats and supporting the GOP.

— Republicans Trump and Pai killed net neutrality so giant tech companies can legally spy on you and me, recording every website we visit and selling that information for billions; in turn, major social media sites amplify rightwing voices while giant search engines stopped spidering progressive news sites.

Newspeak — George Orwell’s term for the grift where politicians use fancy phrases that mean the opposite of what people think they mean — has been the GOP’s go-to strategy for a half-century.

Richard Nixon, for example, promised to crack down on drugs, but instead used that as an excuse to crack down on anti-war liberals and Black people. Instead of an economic grift, it was a political grift.

As Nixon‘s right hand man, John Ehrlichman, told reporter Dan Baum:

“You want to know what this was really all about? The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and Black people. Do you understand what I’m saying? “We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or Black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and Blacks with heroin and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. “We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. “Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.“

The grift is a recurrent theme through Republican presidencies in the modern era.

Ronald Reagan told us if we just destroyed America’s unions and moved our manufacturing to China and Mexico, great job opportunities would fill the nation.

He followed that up by promising if we just cut taxes on the morbidly rich, prosperity would trickle-down to the rest of us.

Reagan even assured us that raising the Social Security retirement age to 67 and taxing Social Security benefits would mean seniors could retire with greater ease.

All, of course, were grifter’s lies. Republican presidents since Reagan have continued the tradition.

George W. Bush called his program to make it easier to clear-cut America’s forests and rip roads through wilderness areas the “Healthy Forests Initiative.”

His program to legalize more pollution from coal-fired power plants and immunize them from community lawsuits (leading to tens of thousands of additional lung- and heart-disease deaths in the years since) was named the “Clean Air Act.”

Bush’s scam to “strengthen” Medicare — “Medicare Advantage” — was a thinly disguised plan to privatize that program that is today draining Medicare’s coffers while making insurance executives richer than Midas.

Donald Trump told Americans he had the coronavirus pandemic under control while he was actually making the situation far worse: America had more deaths per capita from the disease than any other developed country in the world, with The Lancet estimating a half-million Americans died needlessly because of Trump’s grift.

Jared and Ivanka cashed in on their time in the White House to the tune of billions, while Trump squeezed hundreds of millions out of foreign governments, encouraging them to illegally pay him through rentals in his properties around the world.

Other Trump grifts — most leading to grateful industries or billionaires helping him and the GOP out — included:

— Making workplaces less safe — Boosting religious schools at the expense of public schools — Cutting relief for students defrauded by student loan sharks — Shrinking the safety net by cutting $60 billion out of food stamps — Forcing workers to put in overtime without getting paid extra for it — Pouring more pollution from fossil fuels into our fragile atmosphere — Gutting the EPA’s science operation — Rescinding rules that protected workers at federal contract sites — Dialing back car air pollution emissions standards — Reducing legal immigration of skilled workers into the US from “shithole countries” — Blocking regulation of toxic chemicals — Rolling back rules on banks, setting up the crisis of 2023 — Defenestrating rules against racially segregated housing

While Nixon was simply corrupt — a crook, to use his own term — in 1978 when five Republicans on the Supreme Court signed off on the Bellotti decision authored by Lewis Powell himself, giving corporations the legal right to bribe American politicians, the GOP went all in.

Ever since then, the GOP has purely been the party of billionaires and giant corporations, although their most successful political grift has been to throw an occasional bone to racists, gun-nuts, fascists, homophobes, and woman-haters to get votes.

Democrats at that time were largely funded by the unions, so it wasn’t until the 1990s, after Reagan had destroyed about half of America’s union jobs and gutted the unions’ ability to fund campaigns, that the Democratic Party under Bill Clinton was forced to make a big turn toward taking corporate cash.

Since Barack Obama showed how online fundraising could replace corporate cash, however, about half of the nation’s Democratic politicians have aligned with the Progressive Caucus and eschewed corporate money, returning much of the Party to its FDR and Great Society base.

The GOP, in contrast, has never wavered from lapping up corporate money in exchange for tax cuts, deregulation, and corporate socialism.

Their most dangerous grift today, though, has been their embrace of the lie that America is not a democracy but instead is a theocratic republic that should be ruled exclusively by armed Christian white men. It’s leading us straight into the jaws of fascism.

Bannon’s grift in East Palestine is the smallest of the small, after his being busted for a multi-million-dollar fraud in the “Build the Wall” scheme and others, but is still emblematic of the Republican strategy at governance.

When all you have to offer the people is a hustle, then at the very least, Republicans figure, you should be able to make a buck or gain/keep political power while doing it.

[lboogie1906]

Ambassador Charles R. Stith (August 29, 1949) is a businessman, diplomat, former educator, author, and politician. He is the Chairman of The Pula Group, LLC. He is the non-executive Chairman of the African Presidential Leadership Center. He established and directed Boston University’s African Presidential Center. He presented his Letter of Credence as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the US to the United Republic of Tanzania. He served as the Ambassador during the traumatic period after the bombing of the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam.

He received an appointment to the Faculty of the Boston University Department of International Relations and taught a course on Africa and Globalization. He retired from Boston University. He was on the Advisory Committee of the Office of the US Trade Representative and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Council of American Ambassadors. He is the author of For Such a Time as This: African Leadership Challenges and Political Religion. He is the Senior Editor of the annual African Leaders State of Africa Report and author of many articles, which have appeared in such publications as the African Business Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Denver Post, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Chicago Sun-Times.

He is a graduate of Baker University, the Gammon Theological Seminary, and Harvard University Divinity School (Th.M). He is the founder and former National President of the Organization for a New Equality.

He was one of the architects of the regulations redefining the Community Reinvestment Act.

Before heading ONE, he was the Senior Minister of the historic Union United Methodist Church in Boston. He was an appointee to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. He has served on the National Advisory Boards of FannieMae and Fleet InCity Bank, the editorial board of WCVB-TV, and the boards of West Insurance, Inc. and the Wang Center for Performing Arts, among others. He is the recipient of several honorary doctorates. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #omegapsiphi

[leos-soggy-wolf-nuts]

Green Flag: Leo x Kinda-self-insert Episode 1

I'm deciding to write these in many short bursts rather than in a few long stories. My need to write these is fleeting but powerful, like passion itself. Or that handjob in Carl's route.

Also, when I say "kinda-self-insert" I mean that the main character won't be me/my fursona, but he'll act generally the way I would in his situation. He's like if I was cooler.

This takes place a few years after Leo's good ending. Maybe...2019 or 2020 (the pandemic will not be included in this Echo AU.)

Final disclaimer: this is almost totally self-indulgent. Okay, thanks, enjoy.

Final final disclaimer: I don't know how car insurance works.

"Goddamnit." echoes through my bathroom as it dawns on me that I'm out of antler polish. It's snake oil, of course. I fidget with my glasses in frustration. Antlers don't need polish, it's just something that makes me feel better, like if I bring them into the realm of mundane self-care, they'll stop seeming so wild. That's what I don't like about the desert. All the heat and sunlight makes them awkwardly big. To me, anyway. Everyone else seems to like them.

Regardless, they clatter against the doorframe as I exit the bathroom to get my wallet and keys. My apartment is 3 rooms. The living room/kitchen, where I've lined up a few of my dirty novelty mugs on the coffee table, always just forgetting to take them to the sink. Then my bedroom, a windowless cave of iniquity, and finally the bathroom, which I keep comparatively nice and neat. My keys and wallet are on the dresser next to the front door, and I feel complete as they fill my pockets. More powerful. Like boarding a mech.

The Payton sun is...aggressive. I always fantasize about wearing leather jackets, right up until I exit my front door. I jog awkwardly to my car, un-relieved as I find each time that the inside has been cooked like a thanksgiving turkey. Wincing against the heat, I jam the key in the ignition as fast as possible to crank the AC, furrowing my brows as the engine stutters but won't go over the edge into a full start. This shit has been going on for weeks.

vp vp vp...vp vp vp...vp vp vrrMMMMMMM....

Fuck, finally. I've had to save up a little cash before going to the mechanic, and it seems like I'm bringing it just in time. It's never taken that many tries before.

Lo and behold, the AC isn't working either.

I ride slowly, with the windows down, through the busy main street of downtown Payton. My car creaks and sputters awkwardly as I reach the shop.

ALVAREZ AUTO REPAIR

I pull into their lot on a low incline, nearby a canine in a white t-shirt holding a clipboard. I open the door and step out, the hot air still cooler than the inside of my car. I drag my shoe idly across the asphalt. It's now I realize I don't know how this works.

"Hey, uh..." I say, my words hanging flaccid in the air. The canine continues facing his clipboard, but his eyes look up at me. He has a sort of...amused smirk on his face.

"Do you have insurance?" he asks me.

I think on it for a moment. "I do, yeah."

"Good."

CRASH!

I whip my head around and see the trunk of my car crumpled against the base of a tall street light.

"Fuck!" I shout. I didn't put the fucking car in Park. It rolled right down. The canine sauntered after me, grabbing a pen from his pocket and biting off the cap.

"Name?" he asked, voice slightly muffled with the cap still in his mouth.

"Lionel." I replied, exasperated, blood pumping as I watched smoke billow from my car. The canine shifted his stance, pulling the cap from his teeth.

"Do you have a last name?"

"Shit, sorry. Uh, C-E-I-R-W."

"Key-err-wuh?" he tried to pronounce. I laugh, despite the stress.

" 'Kayroo'. " I corrected. He nods, then takes a pensive breath.

"I think your car is broken."

I laugh again. "Oh really?"

He scribbled a little more on his paper, then clapped me on the shoulder. His paw is heavy, the type of weight I'd expect from someone resting a booted foot on my shoulder instead.

"I'll tell insurance it did that on its own. If they ask."

I turn to him, head on a tilt, keeping my antlers from hitting him.

"Thanks-" I pause, reading his name tag. "-Leo."

Shit, he's got a nice chest.

I clear my throat, pushing away the perverted thought before it becomes a problem. He smirks a little wider. "Of course. But I doubt you came here for the crash. What else is wrong?"

"Oh, it takes a while to start the ignition. And just today, the AC broke."

A sympathetic look crossed his expression.

"In this weather? Come on, let's get you inside the office."

I nod, and let him lead me there, my eyes wandering to his backside. Damn. I physically shake the thought away as he leads me into the shop's office. It's delightfully cool. Invoices, to-do lists, and part orders litter the sides of the desk and various bulletin boards, not to mention the file cabinet in the corner. Leo sits down behind the desk, and I sit across from him.

"So." he begins, "a slow start could be a bad battery, a problem with the starting circuit, a problem with the connection cables, a bad alternator, and a few other things. The point is... we'll have to keep it here for a little while."

I scratch the back of my neck. "Does Payton have like a, town car or whatever? So I could get to work?"

He taps his fingers on the desk. "What time do you go to work."

"8:30."

The wolf looks me up and down. It turns my face a little hot.

"I could give you a ride."

[handeaux]

Cincinnati’s Clean-Up Campaigns Remind Us That Our Ancestors Lived Like Pigs

If you had family in Cincinnati a century ago, I have bad news for you: They wallowed in garbage. It wasn’t entirely Grandma’s and Grandpa’s fault. The City of Cincinnati took a long time to figure out trash collection. Back around 1910, for example, the city sanitation wagons picked up only two kinds of refuse – ashes and garbage. Ashes were the remnants of the fuel burned in stoves and furnaces. Garbage had a very specific definition, as set forth in the 1909 Building Code:

“The word ‘garbage’ shall be held to include all refuse of animal, fish or vegetable matter which has been used for food for man, and all refuse animal, fish or vegetable matter which was intended to be so used.”

The average household also accumulated stacks of paper and piles of rags – no paper towels back then! – and the Rag Man hauled this stuff away for sale to the local paper mills.

That left several miscellaneous categories of rubbish or trash that no one had any interest in: broken bottles and crockery, old wooden barrels, scrap lumber, anything metallic like tin cans or buttons, bricks and stones, tree branches, and so on. All of this junk just piled up in the backyard or basement or both.

In the early 1900s, a few progressive organizations tried to organize city-wide clean-up campaigns to eliminate all the junk from residential backyards. In addition to aesthetic concerns, there was a strong financial incentive for hauling away this trash. Cincinnati’s fire-insurance underwriters applauded [Cincinnati Enquirer 5 January 1906] a report demonstrating that a 1905 clean-up effort had resulted in 200 fewer fires than were recorded in the previous year. Insurers actually lowered rates for the downtown businesses after clean-up campaigns and Captain Jack Conway of the Cincinnati Salvage Corps requested regular campaigns to remove trash:

“He advocates the ‘clean up’ campaign be continued with unabated vigor until all rubbish is removed from cellars, old waste from under benches, &c., which are the most prolific source of fires.”

The Cincinnati Woman’s Club led the charge in 1907 and talked Mayor Edward J. Dempsey into supporting a thorough spring cleaning for the downtown area. The mayor asked residents to haul all that backyard and basement debris out to the curb on one fine day in June. Problem was, all of the city’s street-cleaning wagons were already committed to hauling ashes and garbage that day. It was only when Mayor Dempsey talked the very reluctant Street Repair Department into donating their 40 wagons that the campaign was made possible. Even a fleet that large was not enough to handle the accumulated detritus. According to the Cincinnati Post [10 June 1907]:

“As the Cincinnati Street-cleaning Department has not enough teams and men to clean up all that district in one day, the Woman’s Club, for which the city is making the experiment, has appealed to all firms and corporations and all individuals having wagons and teams to assist in the work Wednesday, June 12. That is the day upon which all the hauling will be done.”

Annual “house cleaning days” gathered enough support to continue for several years, but the Woman’s Club had other initiatives to support and leadership for the campaign transferred to the Chamber of Commerce, which super-sized the operation. For the 1914 campaign, the Chamber set aside several weeks in the spring for the clean-up, followed by a city-wide inspection. The Chamber paid for 100,000 lapel buttons promoting the effort and printed 250,000 circulars informing residents how to participate.

The Chamber even coughed up a $25 prize for the best “Clean Up and Paint Up” song. The winning lyrics were composed by Dr. Stephen E. Slocum, professor of applied mathematics at the University of Cincinnati, whose words were set to music by Walter H. Aiken, director of music for the Cincinnati Public Schools. The local schools stepped up to promote the clean-up campaign, not only by distributing brochures and flyers, but by planting gardens in most of the city’s schoolyards.

In addition to aesthetics and fire safety, the 1914 campaign encouraged sanitary measures to stop the spread of flies. At a time when the majority of vehicles on Cincinnati’s roads were horse-drawn, manure piled up all through the city, supporting an infestation of flies unimaginable today.

After weeks of encouraging residents to tidy up their properties, the Chamber coordinated a city-wide inspection to document compliance and results. According to the annual report, some citizens were none to happy about having their domestic habits evaluated:

“There were some people with a misconception of the meaning of personal liberty who refused to allow inspection of their premises and some preferred not to aid in a general ‘clean up’ for fear it would be only spasmodic and not result in permanent good.”

Despite scattered opposition, the Chamber bragged that the 1914 campaign resulted in a $600,000 reduction in fire loss, from $1.3 million in 1913 to less than $800,000 in 1914. Nearly 8,000 wagonloads of trash were hauled out of residential areas. That success led to an even more ambitious campaign plan for 1915. In fact, the Chamber may have become a victim of its own success. A report suggests that few of the campaign’s ambitious goals were achieved in 1915, although the results were still impressive.

At the conclusion of the 1915 clean-up period, the Chamber coordinated city-wide inspections. More than 42,000 premises received a visit, with 30,000 earning a clean certification. The remaining 12,000 properties appalled the inspectors, who identified nearly 35,000 defects ranging from unsecured garbage and ash cans to obstructed fire escapes to overflowing privy vaults and unsanitary toilets to open manure piles.

More than 300 buildings were found in such deplorable condition that they were ordered razed. The city located nearly 1,300 illegally maintained backyard outhouses and ordered them replaced with flush toilets that could still be located in the backyard if preferred!

Thanks to the generosity of the Mabley & Carew Company, clean-up participants planted more than 84,000 trees on Cincinnati’s barren hillsides.

While congratulating itself on a job well done, the Chamber dinged the city administration for outdated and ineffective procedures for removing garbage and other refuse:

“The city has made no step forward for the disposal of its waste, except garbage, since its first log cabin was built in January 1789. As the population has increased, the dumps have grown in size and become nearer to built up residence sections. This has resulted in strenuous complaints from time to time, and the elimination of those dumps against which pressure has become too strong to be resisted by city officials.”

Alas, with the city administration still under the thumb of the Boss Cox machine, city officials could resist any level of public pressure without even breaking a sweat.

[mariacallous]

Small European states, such as Denmark, face daily the threat of an environmental Armageddon, as dozens of decrepit, single-hulled, barely insured Russian oil tankers wend their way through the narrowest of straits to the open seas. Often they don’t even have local pilots to help them navigate the treacherous waters, let alone proper paperwork, further raising the consequences of a disastrous oil spill.

What makes this traffic especially galling is that it is done illegally, in circumvention of near-universal sanctions, and in service of a criminal state whose oil exports serve to underwrite the extermination of a neighboring country. The United States and, most recently, the United Kingdom have sanctioned a handful of those tankers, but the trade continues. On paper, coastal states could—and might yet—take action to stop that trade. In practice, Russia is a very big country that brandishes nuclear threats with abandon. 

“The question is, what risk does that traffic pose? As a person living just down the hill from the strait, that of course poses an environmental risk if we have a problem,” said Kristina Siig, a Danish resident of the straits, and, as it happens, an expert on maritime law. 

What’s a state to do? On the one hand, international law gives coastal states the right to take action against ships that pose grave environmental risks, as the rusting Russian shadow fleet almost certainly does. There are several explicit articles in the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)—the global constitution of maritime law—that seem to offer coastal states a way to curb shipping that poses a serious risk to the environment.

On the other hand, commercial traffic through the Danish straits is sacrosanct under international law. If UNCLOS isn’t clear enough on that point, lawyers will happily point you to the 1857 Copenhagen Convention that guarantees the right of innocent passage through the Danish straits for commercial ships. 

The big problem is that Russian oil exports are not, in layman’s terms if not legalese, “innocent passage.” They are outlaw ships doing outlaw business and carrying dangerous cargo to boot. International law, and maritime law in particular, is rich in verbiage and caveats. What it is often short of, in Western eyes and practice, is common sense. Now, some countries are looking to take a more proactive approach to turn the letter of the law into a way to bring the lawless to heel.

In June, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that Denmark and some other Western countries are exploring ways to limit, if not entirely stop, the dangerous traffic of Russia’s shadow fleet through the one exit from the Baltic Sea, specifically by invoking some form of coastal state rights to prevent environmental harms. Parallel plans reportedly under development include ways to partially limit the unfettered passage of ships that don’t comply with international maritime regulations, from ship safety to oil-spill insurance; other plans would use the sanctioning power of the U.S. Treasury to put teeth in shadow fleet enforcement.

With local plans yet to fully materialize, Denmark did feel emboldened in late summer to put an end to Russian ships getting port service on their way out of the straits, backed by the latest European Union sanctions package that allowed those restrictions. 

And the United Kingdom in July announced a “call to action,” endorsed by 43 other states and the EU, that would use stricter enforcement of International Maritime Organization rules to check the shadow fleet’s depredations. Specifically, Britain wants “flag states,” the countries that officially register a ship and are responsible for its operation, to clean up their act and enforce safety and insurance rules. And it wants port states to crack down on illegal transfers of cargoes and dodgy insurance practices that deliberately evade the near-universal adherence to maritime norms.

“There is no doubt that Russia is flagrantly breaking the law, so if the allies are working together to ratchet up the legal response, that is entirely understandable,” said Harold Koh, a professor at Yale Law School and a former legal advisor to the U.S. State Department.

But it’s not clear that even the black letter of maritime law that gives coastal states rights against environmental threats would be enough to curtail Russia’s shadow fleet, said Siig, who is a professor of maritime law at the University of Southern Denmark. Forcing compliance with insurance rules, for instance, could add burdens to Russia’s makeshift fleet but likely wouldn’t stop it. And any effort to plug the straits would run into equally valid legal protections, long defended by Denmark, of free passage through those very same waters.

“I see this as more of a diplomatic problem than a strict legal problem,” she said. “If you want to stop Russian oil from coming through the straits, forget it.”

Legal fig leaves aside, Russia would not be happy.

“This would be a legal charade, and seen as such,” said Sergey Vakulenko, an energy expert at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center and a former Russian oil executive. He said even a legalistic effort to restrict traffic through the straits would undermine international law and potentially be seen as a blockade—a potential act of war—by Russia.

Or as Siig puts it: Even if Denmark and some allies were to muster the legal arguments to go after that illicit trade, Russia remains as physically close as it was during the atomic-frightened years of the Cold War.

“If you are going to poke a bear, do it with a very long stick,” she said.

The search for legal remedies to bad actors isn’t limited to shadow fleets, or even to Russia. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and others for some war crimes already; the West has tied itself in knots to justify first the freeze, and now a partial seizure, of Russia’s huge overseas central bank reserves. The Philippines took China to court over its maritime depredations years ago and won handily. 

But maritime law is such an important battlefield because the seas and oceans are so central to the modern world.

Take the undersea cables and pipelines that form the central nervous system of the global economy. That sprawling infrastructure is a particular target for Russia, which when not attacking those structures directly or indirectly is mapping them out for the future. NATO, the CIA, MI6, and others are growing more concerned by the day about the vulnerability of European infrastructure in particular to Russian sabotage.

But the 40-year-old constitution of the sea has little to say about protecting now-vital assets. The only parties that have jurisdiction if something goes wrong—if a Chinese ship damages a crucial energy pipeline between two European states, say—are the wrongdoers themselves; coastal states have no clear legal remedies as yet. The flag state that is legally responsible for a ship, whether a true maritime nation like the United Kingdom or a black-flag state for rent like Gabon, is the one with jurisdiction over such incidents.

International legal experts have spent years trying to update the dated provisions on UNCLOS, which has plenty to say about the environment, to create a new regime that will address broader concerns about protecting vital maritime areas. Other suggestions include a more expansive definition of the UNCLOS term “marine environment” to protect against more than just pollution. But although that might work to cover damaged oil pipelines, it would hardly apply to severed data cables. 

Legal scholars are working to identify what kind of tools, from existing provisions of UNCLOS to the rules about self-defense from attack, might apply to protect those assets from the kind of hybrid warfare that is now endemic upon, and under, the seas.

“The Law of the Sea Convention did not foresee such a manipulation of the law, and outright sabotage of objects of critical infrastructure, such as submarine cables and pipelines,” said Alexander Lott of the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea at the Arctic University of Norway, who literally wrote the book on maritime law and hybrid warfare.

With formal updates to the sprawling UNCLOS unlikely—the massive treaty took a decade to finish its third negotiation and become law, and further amendments now would be a legal morass—one alternative might be new customary law, rather than a revised treaty. 

Denmark itself stretched legal imagination to create exclusion zones around the damaged Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic. New customary law could gain legal force, said Jacques Hartmann, an international law expert at the University of Dundee and a former legal advisor to the Danish Foreign Ministry, “if enough states came out and said, ‘Subsea infrastructure is part of our national security.’ Whether or not there is the political will to do so is less clear.”

Other scholars reach for different potential legal remedies for what is, essentially, piratical behavior. For centuries, states have known how to combat piracy, even if they have often had trouble defining just what a pirate is at any given time. The British Admiralty historically embraced expansive definitions of piracy and its national prerogatives to protect what it saw as its vital maritime interests, noted Daniel Skeffington in the Naval Review. Some scholars are starting to suggest that an updated definition of piracy might be a way to combat severed cables (if not severed thumbs), as the United States sought to do back in the 19th century to protect telegraph lines.

The piracy provisions of international maritime law, said Hartmann, were “drafted at a time when piracy was a historical crime.” But piracy evolved in the very years UNCLOS was drafted and even after. The international community found another way to codify action against air pirates and later more traditional maritime pirates; many of those same international understandings underpinned the global fight against terrorism, which he suggested is a useful template for understanding and combating the new type of threat.

“Every once in a while, it becomes clear having a free-for-all area of lawlessness is not that useful,” Hartmann said.

But if it is hard to even define the kind of gray-zone tactics increasingly used by states like Russia, it is even harder to pinpoint ironclad legal remedies. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying.

“Hybrid warfare tends to target the gray zones of the legal system. It is reliant on the very indeterminacies rooted in the law, so there is no silver bullet to fight it,” Lott said. “But victims need to be more assertive in enforcing their laws,” even if there is not a single “specific and crystal-clear legal basis for any particular action they might take.”

The reticence with which Western states approach the possible weaponization of international law is deep-rooted. International law was conceived in Latin and is practiced in English. Western states by and large seek to uphold the girders of the international system they built and from which they benefit (except when pointedly attacking bits of it, such as the ICC, or refusing to join its biggest groupings altogether, such as UNCLOS).

Big revisionist states don’t have those reservations. Russia has trampled not only the spirit of international law but the letter as well, not just with shadow fleets and sabotage, or war crimes various; when scholars point to piratical behavior and talk about taking a gloves-off approach to wrongdoers at sea, they often cite Russia’s own illegal actions, such as the 2018 detention of Ukrainian sailors in the Black Sea before the latest war even began. 

China’s Foreign Ministry explicitly makes the weaponization of international law to advance Beijing’s interests a centerpiece of its foreign policy, continuing a centurylong legal tradition meant to undo “unequal treaties” by turning the West’s preferred tool against it. That explains much of China’s legally baseless and indisputably dangerous behavior over the last decade-plus in waters such as the South China Sea. (China’s own vision of a modern navy includes a very muscular approach to maritime law and ocean governance.)

When it comes to specific remedies for specific problems, such as plugging the one exit Russia’s illicit oil fleet has from the closed waters of the Baltic, those philosophical constraints end up hamstringing policy. Denmark and other coastal states are leery about actively using even defensible chapter and verse of international law to protect their coasts not just out of fear of Russian reprisals, but because undermining even one brick of the edifice of international law could boomerang.

“Freedom of navigation, and the whole of maritime commerce, is reliant on the straits regime” that allows free passage, Lott said. “If they were to do anything to clearly violate the regime, then they would essentially shoot themselves in the foot and provide arguments for other states that might not be interested in freedom of navigation, and this would create a tremendous headache for Western states. This is what explains the hesitant behavior.”

But that is what makes the nascent green shoots of Western weaponization of law to combat particular bad actors so encouraging. Seen as less a straitjacket than a ripcord, international law, properly applied and politically supported, could go some way toward turning the black letter of the law into a useful tool to chase black flags from the sea.

“The trick is to find the more nuanced approach,” Lott concluded, “to use legal measures without undermining the legal principles.”

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Making money is so difficult. The Moral Lesson of the story of the awful Markle and Harry. by u/ElectricalAd9212

Making money is so difficult. The Moral Lesson of the story of the awful Markle and Harry. Making money is so hard and difficult. If you are in a regular job, the responsibilities pile up. Your rent, mortgage, insurance, petrol, food, energy bills everything. That is before you even think of spending money on your own pleasure, to enjoy life. And before you even think of being able to save money, for a rainy day.Making money is hard but keeping money is even harderMy uncle is a self made millionaire, started his business in the 1990s. He lives like a well to do person, but not like royalty. He has a nice house in a suburb, not a mansion. He drives a Mercedes, not a fleet of Bentleys and Ferraris. He has an Omega watch, not a collection of gold Rolexes. His one extravagance is taking his family on luxury holidays a few times a year.My uncle has spent his life teaching his kids the value of hard work and money.He's an example of how intergenerational wealth that lasts beyond your own pleasures has to be achieved by ruthless focus and discipline.Money can disappear so fast. It is so easy to lose money. In the blink of an eye, in a period of weakness and extravagance.Harry was born with every advantage anyone could ever have. Leave aside the status as a Prince. Materially he would never have to worry about anything. He would have a home, mortgage free, of some kind, inside a palace. He had a huge inheritance worth millions. He could have invested his money in a career of some kind. He squandered it all because of the narcissistic entitlement and sociopathy of his wife.They could have had a comfortable life with his inheritance, and judicious work they did. Without any mortgage worries. Instead, they wanted to have a billionaire life, without having or deserving billions.They will become like a moral parable, like the old fairy tales about weaknesses and flaws in moral character that leads to ruinationEven if you are famous and rich by celebrity, unless you have a real, true talent, something to monetise consistently, you cannot be as prosperous as the billionaires you aspire to be.Their laziness and arrogance is spectacular, it is breathtaking.Their expectation that they could be private jet rich elite, by doing nothing other than spitting on and hating the royal family for money is like something out of the Bible as a lesson in how human greed is an evil to be warned of.​ post link: https://ift.tt/so8GKLF author: ElectricalAd9212 submitted: November 04, 2023 at 01:57PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[car-rental-insurance-pty-ltd]

How Business Fleet Insurance Can Safeguard Your Assets

Protecting your business assets is crucial for long-term success and stability. As a business owner, you have invested significant time, effort, and money into building your fleet of vehicles. These assets are essential for the smooth operation of your business, whether it's delivering goods to customers, transporting employees, or providing services on-site.

However, accidents can happen at any time, and they can have a devastating impact on your business. From vehicle collisions and theft to damage caused by natural disasters, the financial losses can be significant. That's where comprehensive business fleet insurance solutions comes in.

Benefits of business fleet insurance

Business fleet insurance offers a range of benefits that can help safeguard your assets and protect your business from potential financial ruin. Here are some key advantages:

Comprehensive coverage

Business fleet insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your vehicles, drivers, and cargo. It typically includes liability coverage, which protects you in case of accidents where you are at fault, as well as coverage for damage to your vehicles and theft. Some policies may also offer coverage for medical expenses, legal fees, and damage caused by natural disasters.

Legal compliance

Operating a fleet of vehicles without insurance is not only risky but also illegal in most jurisdictions. Business fleet insurance ensures that you meet legal requirements and avoid potential fines or penalties. It also helps protect your company's reputation by demonstrating your commitment to safety and responsibility.

Peace of mind

Knowing that your fleet is adequately protected can provide you with peace of mind. You can focus on running your business without worrying about the financial consequences of accidents or other unforeseen events. With the right insurance policy, you can minimise disruptions and get your business back on track quickly.

Cost savings

While business fleet insurance comes at a cost, it can actually save you money in the long run. Without insurance, you would be responsible for covering the full costs of repairs, medical expenses, and legal fees in case of accidents or damage. These expenses can quickly add up and put a strain on your finances. With insurance, you pay regular premiums, which are often more manageable and predictable than unexpectedly large expenses.

Types of coverage offered by business fleet insurance

Business fleet insurance policies typically offer a range of coverage options to meet the unique needs of your business. Here are some common types of coverage you can expect:

Liability coverage

Liability coverage protects you in case of accidents where you are at fault. It helps cover the costs of property damage, medical expenses, legal fees, and other related expenses. Without liability coverage, you could be held personally liable for these costs, which can be financially devastating.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage provides protection for damage to your vehicles caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects. It covers the costs of repairs or replacement, allowing you to get your vehicles back on the road quickly.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage offers protection for damage to your vehicles caused by events other than collisions. This includes theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and more. With comprehensive coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicles are protected against a wide range of potential risks.

Cargo coverage

If your business involves transporting goods or equipment, cargo coverage is essential. It protects the value of your cargo in case of damage or theft during transit. This coverage ensures that your business doesn't suffer financial losses due to damage or loss of valuable cargo.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides protection in case you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have sufficient insurance coverage. It helps cover your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other related costs in such situations.

Factors to consider when choosing a business fleet insurance policy

Choosing the right business fleet insurance policy requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

Size of your fleet

The size of your fleet will influence the type and level of coverage you need. A larger fleet may require higher liability limits and additional coverage options to adequately protect your assets.

Types of vehicles

The types of vehicles in your fleet can also impact your insurance needs. Different vehicles have different risks associated with them, and your policy should reflect that. For example, if you have specialised vehicles or high-value vehicles, you may need additional coverage options to protect them adequately.

Driver history

The driving history of your employees can affect your insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider factors such as driving records, age, and experience when determining rates. It's essential to have clear policies in place regarding driver qualifications and safety training to minimise risks and keep insurance costs in check.

Deductibles and premiums

Deductibles and premiums play a significant role in the overall cost of your insurance policy. Higher deductibles can help lower your premiums but may also increase your out-of-pocket expenses in case of a claim. Finding the right balance between deductibles and premiums is crucial to managing your insurance costs effectively.

Insurance provider reputation

Choosing a reputable insurance provider is essential to ensure that you receive quality coverage and responsive claims handling. Research different insurance companies read customer reviews, and seek recommendations from other business owners before making a decision.

How to assess your fleet insurance needs

Assessing your fleet insurance needs requires a thorough evaluation of your business operations, risks, and budget. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

Evaluate your fleet size and types of vehicles: Determine the number of vehicles in your fleet and the specific risks associated with each type of vehicle.

Identify potential risks: Consider the potential risks your fleet faces, such as accidents, theft, natural disasters, and damage during transit.

Assess your budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on insurance premiums and deductibles without compromising your overall financial stability.

Consider your legal obligations: Research the legal requirements for fleet insurance in your jurisdiction and ensure that your policy meets those requirements.

Evaluate your existing coverage: If you already have fleet insurance, review your current policy to identify any gaps or areas where you may need additional coverage.

Consult with an insurance professional: Seek advice from an experienced insurance professional who can help you understand your options and tailor a policy to meet your specific needs.

Conclusion:

Investing in Fleet Insurance Services is a smart decision that can provide you with peace of mind and protect your assets in case of accidents, theft, or damage. By choosing the right coverage options, assessing your insurance needs, and implementing risk management strategies, you can minimise financial losses and keep your business running smoothly.

[vibinwiththefrogs]

Everytime we have a car repair that's out of the ordinary I end up spiralling so badly about car culture and public transport. Like we've had a car since 2018 and have probably put $20,000 into it by now in repairs, routine oil changes and check ups, and insurance. Not even counting gas.

And I just gotta keep on putting up with this money sink transportation the rest of my life because there's no public transport here and there probably won't be for a long time because of capitalism and disdain for the poor and truck culture and what not. There's a state college here and yet no public transport or any kind, no one on campus can get groceries even without a vehicle because it's dangerous and too far away to the nearest grocery store. And it's the same for the town over, state college town with no public transport. And same for another town over. I've known people who starved over spring break because the school dining hall closed and they couldn't get food due to money or transport.

And that's just college students, who knows the hardships people in town face when their vehicles breakdown, or when they're homeless and everything is miles apart, and so on.

And like I've been to Japan, I've been to S. Korea, I've been to New York, I've been to Chicago and I lived in northern Illinois. And I know it doesn't need to be this way. But so much money in this god forsaken country just gets circled back to the rich, business interests, police, or war, so I'm so so so pessimistic about it all. It makes me so upset.

But also, I just remembered. A city nearby is introducing public transport. But you know what it is? A fleet of taxi style vans. Not disability accessible may I add. So I guess I can't say nothing is happening but also they chose the worst possible option that holds the least amount of people. I guess a bus is too much to ask for.

[drillingadelaide11]

Adelaide's Drilling Specialists: Willunga Earthmoving Delivers

Willunga Earthmoving: Your Top Choice for Drilling in Adelaide

When it comes to expert drilling services in Adelaide, Willunga Earthmoving stands as your go-to source. As a family-owned and operated business with over 25 years of experience, we’ve honed our skills and expertise to provide drilling solutions for projects of all sizes.

At Willunga Earthmoving, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for earthmoving services, including drilling and hole-boring. Our experienced team understands the unique demands of drilling in the Adelaide area. We offer specialised equipment and a dedicated approach to ensure your drilling project is completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.

Precision Drilling and Hole Boring Services in Adelaide

Drilling and hole-boring are essential components of many construction projects, and we understand their significance. Willunga Earthmoving provides specialised drilling and hole boring services in Adelaide, catering to residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

Our drilling services include: Foundation Drilling: We have the equipment and expertise for precision foundation drilling to secure the base of your structures. Piling Holes: Whether it’s for building foundations or retaining walls, we bore accurate piling holes to ensure stability and structural integrity. Soil Sampling: Our drilling services also cover soil sampling, which is crucial for geotechnical assessments and environmental studies. Limited Access Drilling: We can handle drilling in challenging, limited access sites, which means that no project is too complicated for us.

Benefits of Choosing Willunga Earthmoving for Drilling Services in Adelaide

Selecting Willunga Earthmoving for your drilling and hole boring needs in Adelaide brings numerous advantages to your project:

Experienced team : Our team comprises highly skilled experts with years of experience in drilling, ensuring the highest work standards. We have over 25 years of experience as a licensed general builder. Versatile equipment: We maintain a diverse fleet of drilling equipment capable of tackling various drilling challenges, from foundation drilling to limited access sites. Competitive rates: We offer our drilling services at competitive rates, aiming to provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Safety focus: Safety is our utmost priority. Our operators are fully qualified and licensed, and we adhere to industry safety standards to ensure a secure work environment. Compliance and insurance: Willunga Earthmoving is fully insured and compliant with current industry standards, providing peace of mind for you and your project. Tailored solutions: We recognise that every drilling project is unique. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and provide tailored solutions for your project’s success.

For More Information:-

Website:- https://willungaearthmoving.com.au/drilling-adelaide/ Address:- Willunga, Adelaide- Australia Email:- admin@dmhsa.com.au Contact :- 0405 256 938

[outpost51]

hi happy blorbo day pls tell me about the big beeboo crime lizard pls pls pls

[cracks knuckles]

For the uninitiated, Baxog “Bax” en-Dagha is the Syndicate’s current Big Boss. Emphasis on big. Bax is unnecessarily large at 8’6 and he’s built like an armored tank. He’s fast on land, he’s fast in the water, and if you give him a good enough ship (and you will give him that fucking ship, baspe) he’s fast in the air, too. He doesn’t just run Eir Terminal, he owns the damn thing, so like. Good luck with fuel prices and not getting robbed and or stabbed if you haven’t kowtowed enough. BIG fan of gourmet cooking. Downside to this: he’s a marine ix’ai. Which means if he can buy it, catch it, or kill it, he’ll eat it. He draws the line at large sapients most of the time — really hard to enjoy a meal you have to pry out of armor but he will absolutely chow down on an uknuk to make an example.

GREAT fucking chef tho. Might feed you one of your crewmates. Just don’t ask what you’re eating, it’ll be fine, I’m sure Jerry is fine.

So, how does an ix'ai from a prominent bloodline with a long history of bold, brilliant military officers and highly successful business owners end up one of the galaxy's most feared criminal overlords?

Mommy issues. Ambition.

His childhood was pretty great — his dad, Zydeg, is the Admiral of the Black Fleet, his mom, Sresi, is the CEO of Tallox Defense Solutions, and he grew up in a big house with four little sisters (Odis, Dagne, Betrig, and Sada) and a beautiful cliffside view of the Tonyes Ocean. When their chores were all done for the day, he and his sisters would often go sailing, cliffdiving, or swimming with their cousins. He graduated at the top of his class at Eastern Ridge State School, maintained his sparkling reputation throughout mandatory service, and quickly cemented his spot as the family’s golden child. When he was 25, his mother decided to open a new branch of Tallox in another quadrant. Naturally, Bax expected Sresi to place him in charge, especially since he’d been her second-in-command for the main headquarters.

Nope. Dagne. Bax had plenty of charisma, sure, and he was quick as a whip, but charisma and book smarts only got someone so far in the business world. Dagne, though? Mumsie’s little bluescale was cunning. Cutthroat. Vicious. Bax was too much like his uncle (her brother, Kenos) — he let the opportunities come to him, rather than making them for himself. Fine. Mumsie knew her children best. He took his forehead kiss with a strained smile, and dropped it.

Just kidding, it ate him alive. He didn’t sleep for days. He was second-fucking-best. To his third-born baby sister, no less.

He’d show her. He’d show all of them that he wasn’t just a layabout lounging on his laurels.

Bax decided to start his own business. But he couldn’t ask his parents for the startup funds, that would defeat the purpose, and he had limited funds of his own, so what was a poor lizard to do?

Steal. Duh.

So he did. Well… sort of. Is it technically stealing if it was the GEA agent that fell for his charms, diverted the shipment of confiscated weaponry to Bax’s warehouse, quit his job, sold his home to fund the startup for which he was definitely going to be a partner, and ultimately got shot behind the warehouse and sunk into the Tonyes?

Charisma only got so far in the business world, Bax’s big beefy ass.

Bax bought a piece of shit deep-space mining station with the life insurance money. Hey, he’s not all bad — he named it after Eir… something-or-another. The man had a last name that Bax definitely remembers. Anyway, he used the sales of that first shipment to pay for the heavy, heavy renovations Eir Terminal needed. It was 70% rust and 20% prayers at that point, it — oh, the other 10%?

That’s somewhere out in deep space, it’s the amount of mass that was vaporized when the reactor blew. It’s fine, Bax has a high resistance to radiation and the meter read well below that threshold — it’s since been mostly cleaned up, nothing to worry about! Maybe make sure your own meter’s hardware is up to date and don’t eat or drink anywhere it clicks too much.

Where were we? Right, renovations proceeded smoothly, with Bax funding each step of the way shipment-by-shipment — it wasn’t the most efficient way, no, but it got the job done within a year. Then came the next step: sustainability.

Of the business, that is. Eir Terminal is out in space, there aren’t any trees to kill in outer space, so as far as Bax was concerned, the environments of the galaxy were someone else’s problem. But, there was also no wind or sunlight or water out in space either, so fuel was needed to keep the lights on, and fuel costed credits. He gathered his “board of directors” — which, at the time, consisted of his uncle Kenos, Besh Starhopper, an uknuk engineer he’d become fond of, and Čimte, the tamerron he won in a game of cards — to come up with something that could make the station pay for itself.

Kenos, ever the brilliant entertainer, suggested a nightclub to start, and partition out the rest of the space they weren’t using for docking and storage to other restaurants, bars, et cetera.

Eir Terminal was paying for itself twice over within a galactic standard year.

So, when Baxog returned home to Ehek for the next big gathering — the anniversary of the ceasefire between the zal and the ix’ai — it was with his head held high, a spring in his step, and Čimte on his hip (she likes to be tall). He was ready to be the prodigal son again, Mumsie’s favorite, rub his profit margin right in Dagne’s little face —

The welcome he received wasn’t anything like the welcome he expected. Sresi’s first words to her son weren’t “welcome home” or “we missed you” or “I’m so sorry I put your sister in charge of the second branch when it should have been you.” No, the first thing out of her mouth was: “I hope that thing has had its shots.”

That thing was his darling little princess and the second friend he’d ever made rather than bought. That thing was his rock when the business wasn’t doing so well at the beginning, while they were still waiting on the advertising to draw people in. Did Čimte have legal rights as a person anywhere in the galaxy? No. But it didn’t make her any less sapient, and it certainly didn’t warrant vitriol so blatant it made her flinch.

Odis once had a short fling with another student she met in her night classes — an uknuk whose name Bax had never learned — when she was twenty. They never intended for it to be anything serious, but the girl missed being around a big family after so long in the dormitories, so Odis invited her to one of their gatherings. Rather than introduce her as a friend, which likely would have gone over much better, Odis introduced her to their mother as her girlfriend, emphasizing that they were keeping it casual for both her companion’s sake as well as their mother’s.

“And it better stay that way,” Sresi had replied.

Odis never had her brother’s spine, but she still had one, and fired back: “What if it doesn’t?”

Their mother, ever the cutthroat who refused to be bested in her own house, scoffed. “I raised you to have higher standards,” she said, and Odis… deflated. Her friend left, and she hadn’t brought anyone home since.

Fuck that.

“This thing,” Bax gritted out, “is my companion, Čimte, and I’d appreciate her being treated as such.”

The whole family was silent save for his father and uncle Kenos cackling somewhere over by the bar — “That’s my boy!” Zydeg shouted, and the party resumed.

He never got an apology, but Sresi at least stopped scowling every time Čimte sat on the furniture. When it finally came time to regale his mother and Dagne with his business venture — Dagne had been doing much better. Tallox opened a third branch under her direction. They’d acquired new permits and government contracts.

He returned to Eir Terminal without his praise — but not without a few bottles of liquor from his mother’s secret stash in the basement. He had a plan, and he’d need the good booze to pull it off. She owed him for making Čimte sad, anyway.

Step one: Through one of his uncle’s contacts, Bax managed to secure a meeting with the sitting head of the Syndicate, Darro Galot.

Step two: Naturally, Darro arrived with an entourage. Kenos was more than happy to distract them with drinks and dancers.

Step three: Make Darro an offer he couldn’t refuse. No, not with credits, that wasn’t showy enough. He needed his reputation to get back to his mother, and a boring business deal wouldn’t get people talking.

Have I mentioned tamerron are functionally fluffy, four-armed organic railguns?

Step four: Inform the entourage that the Syndicate is under new management. Where’s Mr. Galot? He’ll join us for dinner. :)

Step five: Cook dinner. Give Čimte so many samples. She needs to replenish her energy.

Step six: Serve dinner. Receive many compliments. Enjoy expensive, ill-gotten liquor.

Step seven: Wait for entourage to ask about Darro again. “He was supposed to be here for dinner.” And he was! :) Very pleased his obnoxious cologne cooked off.

Congratulations on your new reign of terror, big guy!

Oh, you thought I was kidding about the — no, that’s. That’s definitely. A thing. Anyway, Dagne couldn’t top that one. The prodigal son returns!

Since then, he’s been pretty laissez-faire! Loves fooling around, who isn’t his type, spends the latter half of his day at his nightclub chatting up patrons and the former half Doing mob Business crimes. Very open to bribes and trading favors for favors, both carnal and financial. HATES owing anybody, god forbid you save his life or some shit, now he’s gotta buy you a planet and a private chef immediately. He’ll repay a favor before the other half is even done, though — now you owe him, and you don’t wanna owe Bax. :) He collects bones interest.

[londonremovalcompanyuk]

Exploring the Closest Removal Company near me

Moving homes can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience, especially in a city as vibrant and bustling as London. With its maze of streets, diverse neighbourhoods, and busy traffic, finding the right removal company nearby can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition to your new abode. As a Londoner myself, I understand the importance of convenience and reliability when it comes to such services. So, let's embark on a journey to explore the closest London removal companies near you, ensuring your relocation is as stress-free as possible.

One of the primary considerations when selecting a removal company is proximity. Londoners value efficiency, and having a removal company nearby can save valuable time and streamline the moving process. Fortunately, London is teeming with removal companies, ranging from local family-run businesses to larger-scale operations. Utilising online platforms and directories tailored to your area can help identify the closest options available.

However, proximity alone should not dictate your choice. It's essential to delve deeper into each company's offerings and reputation to ensure a seamless moving experience. Look for testimonials and reviews from past customers to gauge their satisfaction levels. Additionally, consider factors such as pricing, services offered, and insurance coverage to make an informed decision.

While researching, keep an eye out for London Removal Company that offers bespoke services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require assistance with packing, furniture assembly, or storage solutions, opting for a company that provides comprehensive services can alleviate much of the moving day stress. Moreover, enquire about their fleet of vehicles and equipment to ensure they can accommodate your belongings safely and efficiently.

As you narrow down your options, don't hesitate to reach out to each company for a personalised quote. Many reputable removal companies offer free consultations and transparent pricing structures, allowing you to compare costs and make budget-conscious decisions. Remember to inquire about any hidden fees or additional charges to avoid surprises on moving day.

Beyond convenience and affordability, prioritise reliability and professionalism when selecting a removal company. Moving homes is a significant life event, and entrusting your belongings to a reputable company can provide peace of mind amidst the chaos. Look for accreditations and affiliations within the industry, as well as adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Furthermore, consider the level of customer service provided by each company. A friendly and responsive team can make all the difference in ensuring a positive moving experience. From your initial enquiry to the final delivery of your belongings, choose a removal company that prioritises customer satisfaction and communication.

While exploring the closest removal companies near you, don't overlook the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Opting for a company that implements eco-friendly practices, such as recycling materials and reducing carbon emissions, can align with your values and contribute to a greener future. Many removal companies now offer environmentally conscious options, so be sure to inquire about their sustainability efforts.

In conclusion, navigating the bustling streets of London requires careful planning and consideration, especially when it comes to selecting international moving company near me. By prioritising proximity, reliability, and professionalism, you can ensure a seamless transition to your new home. Remember to research each company thoroughly, request personalised quotes, and prioritise customer service and sustainability. With the right removal company by your side, you can embark on your new chapter in London with confidence and ease.

[lmdmax]

Enhancing Fleet Safety with Driver Behavior Monitoring

Introduction:

In the intricate world of fleet management, ensuring the safety of your fleet and drivers is not just a good idea; it’s an absolute necessity. As road conditions become increasingly intricate and uncertain, fleet managers must step up to actively promote safe driving practices. One solution that’s gaining widespread recognition is driver behavior monitoring, paired with proactive coaching to ensure both safety and compliance. In this article, we will delve into the critical significance of fleet safety, delve deeper into the mechanics of driver behavior monitoring, and thoroughly explore the myriad benefits it brings to the forefront.

The Importance of Fleet Safety:

Fleet safety is not merely about adhering to regulations and avoiding accidents — it’s about protecting your drivers, who are the bedrock of your operations. When drivers practice safe driving, it’s not just a win for safety; it’s also a win for your finances. Safe driving practices lead to fewer accidents, lower fuel consumption, decreased vehicle maintenance costs, and reduced insurance premiums. Prioritizing fleet safety isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it’s a strategic decision that directly contributes to your business’s overall success.

Understanding Driver Behavior Monitoring:

Driver behavior monitoring involves using advanced technology to gather real-time data on driver actions while they’re navigating the roads. Let’s zoom in on LMDMax, a user-friendly performance app that sheds light on various driver behaviors, including speeding, aggressive braking, rapid acceleration, and seatbelt usage. By consistently monitoring these behaviors, fleet managers can swiftly identify risky habits and take corrective actions to cultivate a safer driving environment.

Promoting Safer Driving with LMDMax:

LMDMax’s performance app features a robust driver behavior monitoring component aimed at elevating fleet safety. Here’s a closer look at its functionalities:

Real-Time DA Monitoring: The LMDMax solution offers real-time tracking of driver behavior, enabling fleet managers to receive instantaneous alerts about risky actions on the road.

Driver Performance Reports: Access in-depth reports detailing individual driver behavior, enabling the identification of patterns and trends that warrant attention. These insightful reports facilitate recognizing top-performing drivers and implementing targeted training for those in need of improvement.

Driver Coaching and Incentives: Utilize the wealth of driver behavior data to design coaching programs that promote safe driving practices. Acknowledge and reward drivers consistently showcasing safe behavior, thereby fostering a safety-focused culture within your fleet.

Benefits of Driver Behavior Monitoring:

Embracing driver behavior monitoring brings about a plethora of advantages:

Accident Prevention: Swift identification and rectification of risky behaviors substantially decrease the chances of accidents, resulting in an overall enhancement of fleet safety.

Cost Savings: The adoption of secure driving practices translates to reduced fuel consumption and minimized vehicle maintenance costs, resulting in substantial savings for your fleet.

Compliance and Liability Management: Proactively implementing safety measures underscores your commitment to adhering to regulations and mitigating potential liability risks.

Driver Retention and Morale: Prioritizing fleet safety communicates to drivers that their well-being holds a prime position, leading to elevated driver satisfaction and retention rates.

Conclusion:

Driver behavior monitoring is a powerful tool to enhance fleet safety and create a culture of responsible driving. With LMDMax, you can proactively monitor driver behaviors, address safety concerns, and create a safer environment for your fleet and drivers. By making fleet safety a priority, you not only protect your assets but also boost operational efficiency and build a positive industry reputation. Elevate your fleet’s performance by gaining a deep understanding of driver behaviors and holding them accountable.

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