Day: March 12, 2009

The “f” word gets religion – turns its “slabberator” on, sets dial to “next generation” while Xactware does 360

The current plan is to transfer the system of record from the CSC maintained legacy system to the newly-developed NFIP IT Systems with the March 2009 data cycle that takes place in April 2009. However, we are continuing to conduct testing on the system to assure ourselves that it will be able to match the capability of the legacy system. The legacy system will continue to be available until such time as the appropriate FEMA offices sign off on the new system.

That kind of religion. What some would describe as a come-to-Jesus, not the FEMA’s-gone-Baptist kind.  Nonetheless, the Bulletin issued February 17, 2009 by the acting Federal Insurance Administrator did bring to mind turn your radio on – or, in the case of FEMA, turn your “slabberator” on.  Trust me on the lyrics, the song I found on YouTube was not the listen into the gloryland chorus version of turn your radio on (and some things are just better left alone).nfip-adjuster-consolev2

The WYO Clearinghouse sent out a little taste of joy awaitin’ in a June 2008 memorandum about plans for the EZclaim adjuster console of the NextGen system – way too long ago for most to recognize it was a customized version of the slabberator.

Usually, such a come-to-Jesus experience means old friends are left behind; however, with FEMA, when the might hosts of heaven sing, everyone can have a glory share. Continue reading “The “f” word gets religion – turns its “slabberator” on, sets dial to “next generation” while Xactware does 360″

Jim Brown sends hint to Gov Jindal: You bombed now get back to work.

Thursday, March 12th, 2009
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

HEY BOBBY JINDAL

IT’S INDIA NOT IOWA!

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s recent “speech to the nation” was panned by both Democrats and Republicans alike. It would not be fair to say that his national career has crashed and burned, but it certainly makes sense for him to put this agenda on the back burner. It may prove to be a wake-up call for Jindal to get back home and deal with a growing litany of financially related problems all over the state.

When signs of a recession first surfaced, some prognosticators were predicting that Louisiana would not suffer the financial downturn that has spread nationwide. But today, Louisiana’s downward spiral mirrors what is happening in many states all over the country. Louisiana presently has one of the highest rates of mortgages that are both overdue and in default in the US. And job losses, particularly in North Louisiana, continue to mount. As Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret said last week, “Louisiana is heavily invested in industries that are shrinking.”

So where does Gov. Jindal look to find ways for new job growth and more financial infusion into the Louisiana economy? It would be naïve to think that existing industries outside the state would seriously consider expanding to Louisiana, or for that matter any other state due to the present downturn in the economy. Jindal does have an ace up his sleeve. A chit if you will that is available to him alone, and to no other governor in the country.

Here’s a hint. President Obama’s new pick as Secretary of the Department of Commerce is former Washington State Gov. Gary Locke. He is the first Chinese-American governor and was overwhelmingly successful in attracting both Chinese investment dollars and business export opportunities for numerous Washington State companies. Washington is the only state in America that has a trade surplus with China. The Chinese do more trade with the state of Washington in any state in America. Continue reading “Jim Brown sends hint to Gov Jindal: You bombed now get back to work.”

State Regulated Insurers Come Groveling to Uncle Sam for Help

What’ll you do when you get lonely
And nobody’s waiting by your side?
You’ve been running and hiding much too long.
You know it’s just your foolish pride.

From the Wall Street Journal (subscription required):

A dozen life insurers have pending applications for aid from the government’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program, and the industry is expecting an answer to its request for a bank-style bailout in the coming weeks. The government so far hasn’t said whether insurers will be eligible for the program.

Life insurers have taken a beating in recent weeks. The Dow Jones Wilshire U.S. Life Insurance Index has fallen 59% since the beginning of the year, leaving it down 82% since its May 2007 all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost 21% year to date, off 51% since its October 2007 record.

Denial is a terrible thing and it appears either the WSJ reporters were suffering the affliction or they were fed a line of BS and didn’t check it as the story continues: Continue reading “State Regulated Insurers Come Groveling to Uncle Sam for Help”