THE BEST MAPLE SYRUP IN THE WORLD!

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May 072012

Several years ago I recall watching a television episode of the West Wing. The fictional character of the President was portrayed by the talented actor Martin Sheen whose character, Jed Bartlett hailed from the great state of New Hampshire. During one episode, the President’s team was planning a prayer breakfast. President Jed Bartlett noted that the maple syrup on the menu was from the State of Vermont. Since his character was from New Hampshire he insisted that the maple syrup be served also from New Hampshire. Margareth and I called several friends who live up in New England to see whether or not there really was any great maple syrup from New Hampshire.

I was pleasantly surprised at the number of maple syrup farms in New Hampshire and thanks to some friends in Manchester; we tried some really great choices. So I thought I would pass along the name of my favorite maple syrup farm located in Farmington New Hampshire that is sold under the name of Forty To One. Now I have absolutely no idea how that name came about, but they produce several different grades of maple syrup in different size containers and their web site has some great pictures of the farm as well as some great recipes.

My favorite use of course, is to add a small amount in the morning to my oatmeal. Of course when my boys come home, they are all addicted to the homemade bacon we get from the Forked River German Butcher Shop. We usually take thick cuts of bacon place them flat on a sheet pan and brush a small amount of the New Hampshire maple syrup on each slice of bacon and cook in the oven. When crisp it comes out of the oven like candy!

So, whether you like it on oatmeal or spreading it on bacon or having warm maple syrup on your pancakes in the morning give my friends up in New Hampshire a try you will not be disappointed! The best way to reach them is at their website:www.fortytoone.com

Buon Appetito

How to prevent it from snowing this year?

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Jan 032012

(OK, so today, I cheated. I copied my blog from Hauswirth & Sons Insurance and pasted it here. So, sue me.)

Rich Huswirth - No snow shoveling this winter!!!

It seems the weather has changed slightly from December of 2009 when we were plummeted with tons of snow. I know, because in that two week period duringn late December of 2009, I had the unfortunate occasion of falling twice on my left shoulder in the ice and snow.

This precipitated a visit to the hospital in the summer of 2010 to have my left shoulder muscles reattached to the bone. A procedure I would not suggest to anyone with a weak heart! So in December of 2010 when we started to see the little white stuff coming down, Margareth decided it was in my best interest to not let me go out and play. Instead, we relied on a contractor to come into our little driveway with his F-250 pickup truck and attached plow to remove the snow. However, in the process, he scraped into our brick pavers that are in our driveway (I guess you know where I’m going with this).

So this past fall, with Margareth’s approval, she allowed me to purchase a state-of-the-art snow blower. This baby is an absolute gem! It has headlights; it has heated handles so that when you are plowing your hands will stay warm. It has an electric starter, that only needs to be plugged in for a few minutes to get it going and then she hums beautifully. I spent over $1000 on this baby, and it sits in my garage smiling at me because it knows that now that I purchased it, it will not snow for the rest of this year.

I guess I should be thankful that Margareth let me buy this thing. As she has advised me however, that she will not let me operate it for fear that I will get hurt again. So in the remote chance that we do see some solid precipitation, there is a young man down the street who will gleefully come over to my home turn on this little puppy and plow to his hearts’ content in my yard and I will pay him for that privilege. I guess this is the price I pay for being over the age of 60!

Of course I still have the joy of knowing that I have a tool in my garage that I can use when my hands get cold, I simply plug this baby in, turn it on and warm my hands within minutes!

I was considering the purchase of a new Ford F-250 pickup truck with a plow kit, but with my luck I would change the entire weather pattern for North America.

Let’s all try to stay happy and healthy and warm this winter!

Satan and Stories that keep you up at night

News No Responses »

Nov 212011

Rich Hauswirth, Certified Insurance Counselor

It is really amazing how many people want to have their 15 minutes of fame and glory on CNN & FOX news. I mean, it used to be just the wack jobs who were on the Jerry Springer Show because the show had so many followers who wanted their time in the spotlight. Now with the networks craving for stories on 24/7 news shows they seem to have hired the complete cast of the Jerry Springer Show for the past decade.

When Margareth and I are getting ready for work, I may watch 15 minutes of news, followed by 30 minutes of Bloomberg Business report and because we’re over 60, we watch the Weather Channel. Seems like a rite of passage after age 60 to do that. But lately, the whole news cycle seems to be going crazy and fixates on the likes of the Casey Anthony Trial and who testified today and on what subject. Let alone the 7-10 days of retrospective reporting on the conclusions of the jury. This story being followed up by the trial of Michael Jackson’s medical doctor. Gearing up next will be the sex scandal at Penn State, followed in March 2012 with the Supreme Court case of the American People vs. Obama-Care. And, let us not forget the GOP Primaries too!

However, I will predict the next biggie on the news will be the plight of the man in Georgia who was fired from his job for refusing to wear the number “666” on his clothing.

Billy Hyatt is a devout Christian and those of us who have read or do continue to read the Bible know that number (666) from the Book of Revelation as the ‘sign of the devil’. Good ‘ol Billy refused to wear the number on his clothing.

You see his factory had a total of 666 accident free days and management asked all plant workers to wear this sticker. Faced with wearing the number or taking a three day suspension without pay he took the three day suspension. Upon returning to work, the company then fired him. Opra, Jerry Springer, Judge Judy, Nancy Grace watch out! This man will be making be headlines shortly as GOOD will be battling EVIL in the next big court case. The best part of the story is looking at the CBS News Web site. The news article about poor Billy Hyatt was sponsored by three high profile law firms specializing in….work related law suits. This should be one really good law suit!

From the “Ya’ll ain’t going to believe it” Department!

Flood Insurance, News No Responses »

Sep 212011

It just seems that every now and then we come across items that just blow my mind into the degree of being ludicrous! As in “come on, you’re kidding, right”. There are just so many of them these days that I keep shaking my head and asking myself when is reality going to set in.

This goes for everything from daily living to my own personal universe called the “insurance world” to one of my absolute favorites: the American Political System.

To start with, the newest one that came before me is the new court case of Italy vs. six Italian scientists who failed to properly predict the 2009 earthquake that destroyed the city of L’Aquila and killed 309 people. These scientists made the statement (which seems fair by the way) that it was not possible to predict whether a quake would occur. The Italian prosecutor told the reporters before the trial that “We simply want justice”. They are seeking to put these evil doers behind bars for up to 15 years.

Memo to self: Do not pursue a career to become a geophysicist! If these guys get convicted, do you really believe that young people will ever want to go into this field? And for that matter, if this trial takes off and these people get convicted, I’m putting The Weather Channel on notice right now that I’m filing multiple law suits against each and every meteorologist on their staff for being at the very minimum 70% wrong all the time.

Next in Line: A comment on CNN that states the House Speaker Boehner continues to have a strained relationship with President Obama. Ya think? Can’t we call it like it is? President Obama is trying to get re-elected and Speaker John Boehner is trying to stop that from happening. Period. Who’s caught in the middle? WE ARE, the citizens of the country.

Case in point, the new fiasco regarding the National Flood Insurance Program. Like the title says, it covers damage due to….FLOOD. But, After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the resulting damage along the gulf coast, we find that many property owners did not carry any flood insurance. Home owners sued saying it was not flood that caused the damage but it was wind that caused the damage and it should be covered under their home insurance policy that would cover wind but does exclude flood. Congress is now wrestling with the flood insurance program which is set to expire on September 30^th. Several legislators want to include provisions in the National Flood Program for windstorm coverage as well as for flood damage. The program is already several BILLION in the red and now we are thinking of expanding the program? Where are we going to get the money people? And how long do you think it will it take the insurance industry to drop wind coverage from their policies and stick the wind coverage problem with the Federal Government. A situation which will cause havoc in the insurance world!

You just can’t make this stuff up

Be Red Cross Ready!

Disaster Planning No Responses »

Jul 192011

Rich Hauswirth- It's good to be ready for a disaster!

Every now and then I find a web site that peaks my interest far more than the trash on CNN or Bloomberg News. Recently, I found a site called “Be Red Cross Ready”.

This web site is a great tutorial on how to be ready in the event of a disaster. And Lord only knows that we have had more than our share of disasters in this country alone just in 2011.

In my case, you have to know that we check the weather patterns and the NOAA web site each week to see where there may be a storm that might hit the Middle Atlantic States, especially the Jersey Shore. Both at our office and our home, we have a disaster plan in the event a storm hits our region. Our goal will always be to be able to “keep the doors open” at Hauswirth & Sons Insurance in the event of a disaster.

The “on-line” education available from the Red Cross can help you to become better prepared on what to do if a coastal storm hits our area. Check it out please, follow the interactive video content and review the three basic steps that can help your family to be ready to respond to a disaster or life threatening emergency.

As their web site says: You never know how many people your actions may help or how many lives you may change.

Sony is hacked yet Again?

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Jul 072011

Rich Hauswirth says "Sony Hacked Again?"

Yes, you heard it right, and as far as I can read in a technical journal that was given to me, they challenged the hackers to try to do it. That’s how sure they were the hackers could not get in but did.

I would like to suggest a little tip that may help you in the event your information is ever stolen from one of these sources. If you are going to purchase merchandise or services on-line, even over a secured site (the one with the padlock on the bottom and the HTTPS on top, do it with a separate credit card other than your main credit card.

What I mean is this: I have a separate credit card with a $1,000 credit limit. I do not want one with a higher balance. And if in the event that my credit card number is stolen, the maximum amount the thief can ever get would be $1,000. Period!

I’m Not a Terrorist, Really!

News, Uncategorized No Responses »

Jul 052011

: Rich Hauswirth loves his Casio Watch!

My first run in with the airport security folks was in January, 2002 at the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. I was heading home from a conference, it was 6AM on a Sunday morning and all I had on my mind was a cup of coffee.

Back then the security folks were all local retiree’s along with a back up of Arizona State Troopers plus an armed National Guardsman. With no one in front of me I thought I would sail through security; man was I wrong. The security geezer told me I had to go along with a “strip search” while standing in line. I refused. Told him if he wanted me to drop my drawers, I wanted some privacy. So he started shouting at me and before I could say a word, the Guardsman had his M-16 pointed at my head. The State Trooper stood there laughing hysterically. I asked for his assistance and he told them all to stand down.

When I went to grab my briefcase, a 70+ year old security woman took possession of it and told me to follow her. She had been instructed on how to use her new explosive residue “sniffer” and when I saw the time that would take and experiencing caffeine withdrawal, I asked her to please move it along. Yup, she too began screaming at me, the State Trooper was now howling in laughter and GI-Joe again pointed his M-16 at me.

When the Trooper eventually stopped laughing, he politely told me these were difficult times and that I should be more patient. I told him that bald, fat middle aged men make lousy terrorists! We just can’t run anymore. And so for the last 10+ years, like everyone else, I have endured the never ending security screenings and pat-downs!

The newest wrinkle to this nonsense is a government report just released by personnel at Guantanamo Bay. In essence it says, experts in the field of anti-terrorism have proven that a wrist watch (which I happen to wear) a $10 Casio, may indicate “that wearer has been trained in explosives handling and bomb making by al-Quida in Afghanistan.” They have studied the detainee’s that were captured and at least 1/3 do have connections to explosives training or have been identified as an explosives expert.

Does anyone remember when flying used to be FUN? Now I’ll have to leave my $10 Casio at home!

New Jersey Cracking Down on Unregistered Home Improvement Contractors

Home Owner Insurance No Responses »

Jun 012011

Make sure your contractor is insured!

In 2010, there were more than 1,400 consumer complaints regarding “crooked” contractors. Attorney General, Paula T. Dow said, “Each year, dishonest or shoddy contractors rip off consumers for thousands of dollars. New Jersey’s registration law helps consumers know they’re working with a properly insured and registered business, before they sign a contract or make a down payment”. The registration law the Attorney General is referring to is the Home Improvement Contractor’s Registration Act & Home Improvement Contractor Regulations. This requires Home Improvement Contractors to register their business with the state so their insurance coverage and any complaints against them can be monitored.

Since the number of complaints is growing; New Jersey decided to crack down on these contractors to make sure they were registered by completing random inspections at Home Improvement Stores. Since initiation in March, a total of $133,500 in civil penalties has been accessed. When an unregistered contractor is discovered, they are given 30 days to comply with registration law; otherwise, they face up to a $10,000 fine for the first offense.

ADVICE FOR YOU, THE NEW JERSEY CONSUMER!

Before hiring a contractor, demand a copy of the contractor’s liability and workers compensation insurance
Contact the insurer to learn whether or not his/her insurance policy is still valid
If you are still not sure this person is legit, contact the State Division of Consumer Affairs at 973-273-8090 to confirm the person is a registered home improvement contractor

And most important, if you feel you have been cheated or scammed by a business, you can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling 1-800-242-5846

I also wrote an article about dealing with contractors on home renovations, be sure to click here to read it in it’s entirety!

From the “ya’ll ain’t going to believe this” department!

News No Responses »

May 272011

Rich Hauswirth - Hard at work on my trusty antique typewriter

Part of my job as an insurance consultant is to routinely read about pending claims here in New Jersey as well as around the USA. Gives you a feel for how an insurance company will handle a specific claim or whether or not they will deny the claim entirely.

So today’s best pick is from our friends at the United Press International who reported on a Florida man who pricked his finger on a rose he purchased at the local Winn-Dixie Store in Lake Mary Florida.

The man is claiming he has experienced pain, suffering and disfigurement, etc from the thorn on the rose. He’s seeking $15,000 for his troubles. The beauty here is that UPI has a reader comment section on their news web site. One reader commented that the injured party is a local landscape contractor…obviously not a very good one if he does not know roses have thorns?

The other one came today from then great State of Pennsylvania where a lady was texting on her smart phone while walking in an enclosed mall. Seems she was not paying attention and walked right into a center mall fountain, she got out, soaking wet and somewhat embarrassed! The problem here is the mall security guards saw this and copied the surveillance tape and posted it on you-tube.

I’m sure the mall will definitely see a law suit on that one. Oops!

So you don’t like the smell of pigs?

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May 102011

Rich Hauswirth - I love my bacon!

Every now and then you have to find some humor in this world and today I found it in Clinton, Missouri a town of about 8,000 people in what could only be described as a farming community.

So 12 people sued a firm that raises hogs in the community saying they don’t like the smell. Now I will agree that I do not know who came first, the hog farmer or the residents. I will also agree that some people will be offended by the smell of a farm, but now we sue them? And a jury awarded these 12 folks $1,950,000? Really?

Now we have a local attorney from Kansas City who asked for $1 million for each plaintiff, I guess the cost of air conditioning is expensive in Clinton but in addition he wants the farmer to pay his clients “punitive damages”, but the jury said no way. The story came from the AP and gave me a good chuckle this morning when I read it.

It also appears that the judge instructed the jury that 9 of the 12 jurors had to agree that “odors, flies or other emissions” had to “substantially impair” the plaintiffs’ use of their properties before they could award damages.

The good news is that in order to have the farmer responsible for “punitive damages”, the farmer had to show an “evil motive” or “reckless indifference.” I guess there are very few people in Clinton, Missouri that like bacon.

Time for Me to Let Off a Little Steam… Again!

Flood Insurance, News No Responses »

Apr 042011

One of the main reasons for a personal blog called “Rich Hauswirth Uncensored” was to be able to say certain things that my wife and business partner, Margareth, will not let me say in the company newsletter or blog.

So, like it or not, I want to rant, rave and vent for five minutes. If you do not care for what I write about, then go watch Fox News of CNN and see if that stuff doesn’t get your blood boiling.

For all that I have written on the subject, for all that our government has written on the subject of flood insurance, so few people are even thinking about the subject let alone buying it. OK, think about how many floods we have had in non-flood areas in the last few months alone. Try the northern areas of Australia, billions in damages. How about New York or the New Jersey northern areas and now Japan where the damages will also be beyond comprehension.

And yet FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency released a report the other day that showed most people continue to ignore the risks associated with flooding and do not purchase coverage for floods. Check out the FEMA Press release by clicking here.

Folks this is no joke, we have had a severe winter and will continue to have above average rain and winter storms. The changes to our weather patterns are not fiction they are most definitely FACT. Every expert I read about or talk to through our insurance industry has admitted that we will in fact have more severe summer storms and more severe winter weather.

Your home insurance policy will NOT COVER FLOOD. You must buy it separately. Flood insurance is available to homes and businesses even if you are NOT in a flood hazard area.

The worst thing Margareth and I hate to hear is “I didn’t know that I wasn’t covered”. Please give us a call, we’re here to help. 877-329-3261

The Best Investment I Ever Made!

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Jan 232011

Rich Hauswirth

I’m sure you are waiting for me to say that the best investment I have ever made was a life insurance policy or an annuity. You would be wrong! No, it’s not a stock, bond, gold or CD either.

In my humble opinion, the best investment I have ever made was to join the ranks of thousands of small investors who became a member of the American Association of Individual Investors. AAII is a nonprofit organization that arms individual investors with the education and tools they need to build wealth. From stock investing to financial planning and retirement funding, AAII can covers all your investment educational needs.

A group of college professors from The University of Chicago started this non-profit organization in 1978 to teach the very basics of investing to the general public. They do not promote any particular investments or techniques of analysis. They are simply giving investment education. They publish a monthly magazine which is available in print as well as on-line at their web site (www.aaii.com).

I especially like the fact that they are dedicating more of their articles towards those of us who are “nearing” retirement or who have recently retired. Planning and diversification seem to be near and dear to my heart these days when you begin to ask the “big” question…”Do I have enough to retire?” On my Hauswirth & Sons web site we also have some good articles about personal insurance changes you should make once retired, it’s worth reading!

AAII was not set up to be a registered investment adviser but more for the Do-It-Yourself type investor, like myself. Many folks who do not have the time or inclination should seek professional advice for sure and while this is not our field of expertise at Hauswirth & Sons, we can guide you to the right professional financial planner to give you the best possible advice.

Basic Membership in AAII is $29/year and if you plan to stay a member for any length of time, you can do like I did and become a “lifetime” member for $290. By the way, I joined AAII in 1980. Like I said….Best Investment I have Ever Made!

Risks of Shoveling Snow Stressed in New Study

News No Responses »

Jan 112011

The Wall Street Journal reported today that U.S. hospitals treat on average about 11,500 injuries a year related to shoveling snow, according to a study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine that analyzed data from 100 emergency departments from 1990 to 2006.

The study, the first national survey of snow-shoveling injuries, said the activity places extraordinary demands on the cardiovascular system and can raise heart rates above recommended upper limits after only two minutes. Freezing temperatures also constrict peripheral blood vessels, further stressing the heart. Two-thirds of shoveling injuries occurred in men, and 15% of injuries were in children under 18 years old. More than half of injuries resulted from acute musculoskeletal exertion, 20% from slips and falls, and nearly 7% from cardiac problems, such as heart attack.

We have a major storm heading up the east coast tonight and tomorrow. Best to be very careful in how you handle the work and to take plenty of breaks while cleaning up your driveway and sidewalks.

A Great Story to Start Off the New Year!

Health Insurance, News, Restaurant Insurance No Responses »

Jan 032011

A Miami doctor has sued Hillstone Restaurant Group, parent of the Houston’s chain, after a bad experience

with an artichoke. Arturo Carvajal claims he suffered distress after eating the vegetable, because he was unfamiliar with artichokes and his server did not instruct him on the proper way to consume it. You might say, “he ate the WHOLE THING”. The lawsuit alleges negligence and seeks unspecified damages.

In May 2009, Carvajal, who has a family practice in Hollywood, Fla., ate at Houston’s in North Miami Beach. He ordered the grilled artichokes special, which is a vegetable he has “never seen nor heard of previously,” Caravajal claimed in the suit.

The suit alleges that the server “failed to explain the proper method of consuming an artichoke” including that the “outside portion of the leaf should not be eaten; rather, only the inside portion of the leaf was safely digestible.”

Carajal stated that he suffered severe abdominal pain and discomfort, and went to the hospital where an “exploratory laparotomy” revealed artichoke leaves lodged in his bowel. He lists “disability, disfigurement, mental anguish” and “loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life” as a result of eating the entire artichoke.

The article appeared this morning on CNN. So as you might imagine, several people have e-mailed CNN asking why the good doctor didn’t ask how to consume the food item while others have indicated they are happy he didn’t order a lobster.

At Hauswirth & Sons Insurance, we make a market in writing restaurant insurance and yes, this would be covered under a restaurant insurance policy. I’m sure the good doctor has been the butt of many jokes and has most likely lost his appetite for artichokes.

THE BEST MAPLE SYRUP IN THE WORLD!

How to prevent it from snowing this year?

Satan and Stories that keep you up at night

From the “Ya’ll ain’t going to believe it” Department!

Be Red Cross Ready!

Sony is hacked yet Again?

I’m Not a Terrorist, Really!

New Jersey Cracking Down on Unregistered Home Improvement Contractors

From the “ya’ll ain’t going to believe this” department!

So you don’t like the smell of pigs?

Time for Me to Let Off a Little Steam… Again!

The Best Investment I Ever Made!

Risks of Shoveling Snow Stressed in New Study

A Great Story to Start Off the New Year!

Richard Hauswirth

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