CNA reports strong second-quarter growth

CNA Financial Corp. on Monday reported net income of $272 million in the second quarter of 2017, up 30.1% from the same period a year ago.

Oak Hill Capital Partners to invest in EPIC

Private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Management has agreed to acquire all of The Carlyle Group’s stake in EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, giving Oak Hill a controlling equity position in the brokerage.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Château de St.-Cosme (Wine Spectator)

Louis Barruol’s Château de St.-Cosme leads the way in Gigondas

Pokémon Go creators catch class action lawsuit after festival failure

Pokémon Go diehards didn’t get anywhere with the popular game app at last week’s Pokémon Go Fest in Chicago, and about a dozen fans are suing the creators, according to media reports.

Retail boosts Hiscox’s first-half profit

(Reuters) — Lloyd’s of London underwriter Hiscox Ltd. reported a 12.5% rise in first-half pretax profit, driven by its retail business and a benign reinsurance claims environment.

Wells Fargo sues insurance unit bidder over exec poaching

(Reuters) — Alliant is using confidential information obtained during a failed bid for Wells Fargo Insurance Services to poach top sales executives, according to a lawsuit.

Facebook and Google Policing the Web Will Do More Harm Than Good

Opinion: A new German law could curtail free speech on social media sites.

What Google’s New Autoplay Experiment Means for the Future of Search

The search giant gives users another reason to try out the competition

Reader Review: “The Almost Sisters”

by SharonM: Set in a small southern town in Alabama, ‘The Almost Sisters’ is a timely contemporary piece about friendships, family secrets and bi-racial relationships.

The narrator Leia Birch Briggs is a successful writer/artist in the graphic novel industry who, after discovering some life changing news, decides that a visit to her grandmother in Birchville is long overdue. Things do not go quite as planned as her grandmother, suffering from a degenerative disease, has been displaying some unusually outrageous behaviour. Instead of announcing that she will be continuing the Birch’s family lineage Leia finds herself taking care of her grandmother.

I loved the fun, quirkiness of Joshilyn Jackson’s writing style, and depictions of her characters, all of whom have real presence, warm endearing qualities, and were totally believable. I especially loved the multi-sisterly connections, in particular the endearing relationship between the towns oldest residents, Leia’s grandmother Miss Birchie and her lifelong friend and companion, Wattie.

Leia’s relationships with her half-sister Rachel and thirteen year old niece Lavender are equally as compelling, as is the relationship between Violence and Violet, characters from Leia’s comic novel whom she uses to mirror and work through, to an extent, her own disappointments and frustrations that life heaps on her.

‘The Almost Sisters’ is an intriguing, story with a touch of a southern gothic feel, about the prejudices and complexities of bi-racial families, and relationships in the modern day ‘Second South’; of multi-sisterhood bonds; and witnessing the heartbreaking slow deterioration and loss of a loved one to a degenerative disease. Even though it raises some serious issues it is gently done without becoming sentimental or preachy, and It is ultimately an uplifting story of family loyalty, love and forgiveness.

This is my first encounter with Joshilyn Jackson and one which felt destined to receive a 4 star rating until the ending which didn’t quite work for me. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am now looking forward to reading her earlier novels, in particular ‘God’s In Alabama’.

Highly recommended and would make a perfect book group choice and summer read.

Memorable scenes: Leia’s drunken one night stand with ‘African American Batman’ from the Comic Convention…fabulously hilarious!

Google and Facebook Still Reign Over Digital Advertising

It’s all about the money, and the money’s all about the ads.

Google, Microsoft among firms urging court to back gay workers

(Reuters) — Dozens of companies, including Google, Microsoft, CBS and Viacom, urged a federal appeals court on Monday to rule that a law banning sex discrimination in the workplace offers protections to gay employees.

Carnival rides shut down after deadly accident

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health ordered all Fire Ball rides to shut down statewide following a tragedy at an amusement park in Ohio while officials conduct inspections for safety, according to an announcement released Thursday.

Wells Fargo charged car loan customers for unwanted insurance, will refund $80 million

Wells Fargo disclosed that it may have pushed thousands of car buyers into loan defaults by charging them for unwanted insurance. The firm said it may pay as much as $80 million to affected clients.

The BI Top 10

Market developments were the focus of this week’s most popular stories, with Chubb and Marsh in the lead.

Gallagher reports higher quarterly revenue, continues buying spree

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. reported higher revenue amid solid organic growth as it continues to actively engage in acquisitions.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Malmont (Wine Spectator)

After Domaine de Cabasse, Nicolas Haeni develops his Malmont project

Artificial hip whistleblower suit reinstated

A federal appeals court has reinstated a claim in a whistleblower suit that an artificial hip manufacturer “palmed off” a defective artificial hip on “unsuspecting” doctors.

First Shift: Wells Fargo to refund $80M to car buyers

Wells Fargo to compensate borrowers for unneeded insurance; Marchionne reacts to alleged conspiracy; Shipping cars and cannabis; Audi braces for earnings hit; Ford’s ‘golden noses.’

Wells Fargo to refund $80 million to car loan customers

Wells Fargo said it would reimburse about $80 million to 570,000 customers who may have been charged wrongly due to issues related to auto collateral protection insurance.

Ally Financial chased margin, not volume, in Q2

Ally Financial’s results took a hit in the second quarter from several factors, starting with lower originations, as the lender continued its strategy to pass up volume in favor of higher margins.

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos Guns for Title of World’s Richest Person. Here’s How He Spends His Cash

How do Bezos’ spending habits compare with Bill Gates’?

XL Catlin profit skyrockets

Xl Group Ltd. reported a nearly sixfold increase in its net income for the second quarter of 2017, driven by lower catastrophe losses and higher net income from affiliates.

Halliburton to pay $29.2 million to settle U.S. charges on Angola

(Reuters) — Oil company Halliburton Co. will pay $29.2 million to settle civil charges it violated federal anti-bribery rules related to books, record-keeping and internal accounting controls while doing business in Angola.

Marsh & McLennan revenue up 3.3% in second quarter

Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. on Thursday reported second-quarter 2017 revenue of $3.49 billion, up 3.3% over a year ago.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Domaine Fontbonau (Wine Spectator)

Bordeaux star Frédéric Engerer’s Domaine Fontbonau is a passion project

Jardine Lloyd Thompson reports first-half revenue growth

Revenue for the first half of 2017 at Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group P.L.C. rose 11% to £689.9 million ($896.7 million) compared with the last year’s first half, the brokerage said.

Fat burning full body workout

 

Burn fat, build muscle and lean lean lean with this efficient 30-minute full body workout courtesy of trainer, Amber Bloom. 

 

This full body workout takes just 30 minutes to complete and requires minimal equipment – so it can really be done absolutely anywhere! This training session will target your upper body, lower body and abs, while still incorporating some cardio to keep the heart rate high.

Each set has three exercises to be performed one after the other, followed by one minute of cardio (one round). Repeat each set three times before moving on to the next set. Take a one-minute break in-between each set (or between each round for beginners). As with any exercise, warm-up and cool down is always recommended.  

P.S: No skipping rope? No problem! Just jump in place, mimicking the movement.

 

Model: Amber Blom
Photographer: James Patrick

 

Set One

This first set focuses on your upper-body. You may want to choose a lighter weight since you will performing a high number of reps, or you can always drop the weight down as your muscles fatigue.

Repeat this set three times. Rest for one minute before moving on to the next set.

Bicep curl x 15 reps 

Make sure to keep your elbows in by your side, your hips tucked under and your core tight. Start with the weights fully extended down, then curl them up, squeezing at the top. Release the weight down to the starting position (resist the momentum and control them all the way down). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Military press x 15 reps 

Start with the dumbbells under your chin, then rotate them out and up to an overhead press. Bring them down below your chin and that’s one rep.  Make sure not to arch your back as you press them up – always keep your core tight.

 

 

Push-up x 15 reps

The beauty of push-ups is that they can be modified to accommodate your fitness level.  You can do tricep push-ups, wide push-ups or push-ups on your knees (I like to do a mix).

 

 

Cardio

Jump rope for 60 seconds.  You can do alternating single leg jumps, jumps using both feet or any other combination you like.  This cardio burst between each set keeps your heart rate up and the calories burning! 

 

 

 

---

 

 

Set two

This second set of exercises focuses on your lower-body. You may want to use a heavier weight for this set.

Repeat this set three times. Rest for one minute before moving on to the last set.

Deadlifts x 15 reps. 

For this exercise, hinge at the hips with a slight bend in the knee. Stand up and squeeze the glutes. You should be able to feel the glutes and hamstrings on each rep. Keep your shoulders rolled back throughout the exercise.

 

 

 

 

Squat jumps x 15 reps

Start in a squat position. Jump up, extending the arms to your sides, before returning to a squat position. That’s one rep. Make sure form is not compromised on this exercise: your knees should not fall inward when you squat. 

 

 

 

Alternating walking lunge with glute squeeze x 15 reps per leg

To perform this exercise, extend one leg out in front in a lunge position. As you stand up, raise the back leg and squeeze the glutes. Lunge forward with the opposite leg and repeat on that side. You should complete 30 lunges in total (15 on each side).

 

 

 

 

---

 

Set Three

This set is all about your abs and core.

Repeat this set three times.

Russian twist x 15 reps per side

This exercise hits the oblique muscles. Find a comfortable seated position with your feet elevated off the ground. You may have your legs bent for more stability or extended if you’re more advanced. Hold each end of the dumbbell in your hands and twist your body to one side then the opposite.  Complete 15 reps per side.

 

 

 

 

Glute bridge x 15 reps

Lay on your back with a dumbbell on your abdomen.  To perform this exercise, raise your hip bones up as high as they can, squeezing the glutes.  Lower your body back to the ground. This is one rep. Ensure your knees don’t fall in or out as you perform this exercise.  

 

 

One minute plank

This exercise helps cinch in the waist and stabilise the core. Rest your elbows and forearms on the ground, raising your hips to form a straight line from your neck to your ankles. The key to this exercise is to squeeze all your muscles! Think about your glutes, your core, your quads – they should all be activated. As you fatigue, it’s common to sag the lower back; resist this by squeezing all your muscles. And yes, it’s normal for your muscles to shake.

 

 

 

 

{nomultithumb} 

Reader Review: “All the Ugly and Wonderful Things”

by Cloggie Downunder (Thirroul): All The Ugly And Wonderful Things is the first novel by American author, Bryn Greenwood. Eight-year-old Wavonna Lee Quinn has seen more than her share of ugly things in her short life. Her father is a drug dealer with a meth lab just down the hill from the farmhouse where she lives with her mother. Valerie Quinn is drug-addled and self-absorbed, and Wavy spends her days trying to live something like a normal life while protecting her baby brother, Donal from Val's psychotic fluctuations.

In her life there are few wonderful things; one of those is lying in the nearby meadow looking up at the stars and naming the constellations. Which is what Wavy is doing when Jesse Joe Kellen, a mechanic on an errand for her father, comes riding along on his 1956 Panhead. Seeing ths blond angel at the side of the road causes Kellen to skid, wreck the bike and injure himself in the process. Wavy overcomes her usual reserve to help him.

From this accidental meeting, an unlikely friendship develops between these two. With her family's lifestyle, Wavy is exposed to violence, drugs and indiscriminate sex, so she has learned to keep a low profile, to eschew attachment to possessions, to trust no one. But Kellen, despite his appearance, despite his criminal history, despite his age (he's thirteen years older than her), earns her trust. In fact, he's the only person in her life who cares enough to see her nourished, schooled and protected from harm. But when Wavy reaches her teens, and the relationship changes tenor, it attracts unwelcome attention with tragic consequences.

Greenwood uses multiple narrators to present her story, and these give many points of view, but from Kellen and Wavy's perspectives, the relationship can be seen as genuine and pure. Greenwood portrays her characters skilfully, and she conveys the sense of time and place and the prevalent social attitudes with consummate ease. Her descriptive prose is often exquisite. This is a tale that is likely to polarise readers, emotional and thought-provoking. A brilliant debut.

Axis profit down on property losses, Ogden rate change

Axis Capital Holdings reported lower net income but higher revenue in the second quarter of 2017 as it contended with a higher frequency of property losses and an adverse change in a key U.K. discount rate.

U.S. House votes to kill CFPB rule barring mandatory arbitration in lending disputes

The House voted 231 to 190 along strict party lines to kill a CFPB rule barring financial institutions from forcing customers to agree to take future disputes to arbitration.

The Tech Skills Gap Will Test Foxconn’s New Wisconsin Factory

Three thousand new manufacturing jobs in America is great news, if people are trained to do the work.

Startups’ Cryptocurrency Fundraising Loophole Gets a Regulatory Reality Check

Raising money for your company by selling crypto coins just got more complicated—that’s a good thing

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Domaine de Mourchon (Wine Spectator)

Domaine de Mourchon’s Côtes du Rhône-Villages bottlings overdeliver

Our Minds Have Been Hijacked by Our Phones. Tristan Harris Wants to Rescue Them

The founder of a nonprofit aimed at stopping tech companies from “hijacking our minds” says internet users must rise up and reclaim their humanity.

FM Global makes management moves in EMEA, Asia-Pacific

FM Global on Wednesday said it has appointed veteran executives to newly created positions in its Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa divisions.

Retaliation lawsuit reinstated against L’Oréal

Stating a terminated attorney’s retaliation charge against L’Oréal USA Inc. is “more than skin deep” a federal appeals court has reinstated litigation against the beauty products company, in a divided opinion.

UK to apply banker accountability rules to wider financial sector

(Reuters) — Britain’s markets watchdog has proposed rolling out banker accountability rules to other parts of the financial sector a decade after taxpayer bailouts and market rigging scandals saw only a few individuals punished.

GM Financial plans leasing cutback

GM Financial will dial back on leasing in the second half to reduce exposure to future losses on residual values, parent General Motors says. The move is based on an industry forecast that used-car values will drop as supplies of used cars rise.

#8203;

An absence of bad news on lease residuals helped Ford Credit boost financial results in the second quarter, parent Ford Motor Co. said.

Berkley profit stable in second quarter of 2017

W.R. Berkley Corp. reported flat net income and a decline in net premiums for the second quarter of 2017 in what the insurer described as a competitive environment.

A lender has just reversed its funding decision. Now what?

After a lender approves funding and the vehicle has been delivered, the lender sometimes reverses its decision to fund the deal. If dealerships react quickly, they may be able to relieve the problem.

House votes to kill consumer lawsuit rule

(Reuters) — The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to erase a new rule that lets bank and credit card customers band together in lawsuits.

Repealing Net Neutrality is Easy. Replacing It Will Be Hard

The next fight over the future of the open internet will fall to the U.S. Congress.

Authenticom gains in suit against Reynolds, CDK

A court ruled that Reynolds and Reynolds and CDK must allow Authenticom access to dealership data even as it sues the two for antitrust.

Asbury Automotive exits its used-only operations

Asbury Automotive is closing its remaining Q auto stand-alone used-car stores to redirect investments that will deliver better returns.

Who will order car subscriptions?

Vehicle subscription services are emerging as a new slice of the car-sharing market, and industry leaders are still trying to figure out which model will work best.

Google Keeps Employees Confused During Wage Gap Investigation, Says Fed

A lawyer for the Department of Labor says, “Google’s response to the judge’s order appears to be a deliberate effort to confuse the media and their own employees.”

Hyperbole in 3-D printer description not fraud, court affirms

Puffery is not fraud, says a federal appeals court in upholding dismissal of a securities fraud action over a 3-D printer’s quality.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Mounir Saouma (Wine Spectator)

Mounir Saouma’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvées are unlike anything else out there

EPA targeted in lawsuit over chemical regulation delay

A group of 11 state attorneys general have sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for delaying a regulation designed to prevent chemical accidents such as the West, Texas, fertilizer disaster that killed 15 people.

San Quentin’s Web Design Shop Gives Inmates a Future-Ready Fresh Start

A new program helps inmates learn to code, and earn a decent wage.

Chubb unit on the hook for email spoofing loss

A cloud-based services firm has prevailed in a coverage dispute with a Chubb Ltd. unit in a case in which the company lost $4.8 million because of spoof emails.

Construction crane safety jumps to forefront after fatal incident

The construction industry is increasingly focused on crane safety after a collapsing crane killed a pedestrian and injured three others in Lower Manhattan last year.

The Rise of AI Is Forcing Google and Microsoft to Become Chipmakers

The race to build up artificial intelligence is driving software companies to roll their own silicon.

Google Fights Against Canada’s Order to Change Global Search Results

The tech giant filed an injunction arguing a ruling from the Canadian Supreme Court requiring Google to remove search results globally violates US free speech laws.

Southern Rhône Vintage Preview: Chêne Bleu (Wine Spectator)

Testing the limits of Grenache at Chêne Bleu

Meadowbrook names underwriting chief

Court reinstates termination suit against employer

A federal appeals court has reinstated litigation filed by a former sales and marketing director of a resort management company who was terminated three months into a one-year contract.

Arbitrator may have exceeded authority in sex discrimination case: Court

An arbitrator may have overstepped her authority in certifying a class that included class members who have not opted in, in an eight-year-old sex discrimination case against Sterling Jewelers Inc., says a federal appeals court in overturning a lower court ruling.

Mister Softee takes hard line on franchisees

The telltale jingle of Mister Softee might go silent along Wildwood, New Jersey’s famed boardwalk.

Calabria Rocks: Is Cirò Italy’s Next Big Wine? (Wine Spectator)

Can Cirò be Italy’s next big thing? A new generation is on the move

Supreme Court ruling leads to offensive trademark requests

(Reuters) — A small group of companies and individuals are looking to register racially charged words and symbols for their products, based on a U.S. Supreme Court decision on trademarks last month.

Hail, pummeled cars loom over US insurance results

Reader Review: “News of the World”

by Ruth H (Sebring, FL): What an amazing story. Could not put it down! Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd takes on a captured 10 year old girl for a most dangerous trip in 1870 through Texas. Could not imagine how difficult this must have been. Author Paulette Jiles has written so descriptively that one would imagine being right there. So enjoyed this book.

More Women Are Learning Computer Science! Now, About Those Jobs…

Hey, some bonafide good news!

Trump Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci Disagrees With Most Trump Policies

Anthony Scaramucci’s new job is to sell Trump’s policies to the American people. Too bad he disagrees with so many of them himself.

Markel unit prevails in leased-warehouse fire dispute with owner

A Markel Corp. unit was not negligent in failing to provide adequate insurance for the owner of a leased warehouse that was subsequently heavily damaged in a fire.

Remembering Barolo’s Domenico Clerico (Wine Spectator)

Remembering Barolo’s Domenico Clerico

Rats! Chipotle woes continue

New characters were introduced this week in Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.’s saga of food safety.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Domaine St.-Préfert (Wine Spectator)

Isabel Ferrando of Domaine St.-Préfert has been a model of quality and consistency

The BI Top 10

Executive moves at Chubb, Lockton and Marsh, along with a ruling on a $43 million amputation case, topped this week’s most popular stories.

MasterCard says $18 billion British class action lawsuit blocked

(Reuters) — A £14 billion ($18 billion) class action lawsuit against Mastercard Inc. for allegedly overcharging more than 45 million people in Britain over a 16-year period was blocked from proceeding by a judge.

Beazley to grow specialty lines as rating pressure continues

Home Interior Inspirations eBook

Are you thinking of an extreme home makeover? Our eBook provides tips to help improve your home’s look both inside and out.

IBM’s Watson Won Jeopardy! But Can It Win the New AI Biz?

The game show was a cinch compared to saving Big Blue’s ailing business.

Chubb names property manager with North America commercial insurance

Michelle McLaughlin has been named executive vice president and property manager for Chubb Ltd.’s North America commercial insurance division, succeeding Edward Radzinski, who is retiring.

Trump’s 2020 Campaign Has Already Paid Out $600K—to Trump

This permanent campaign appears to be pretty good for Trump’s bottom line.

Qualcomm’s _Game of Thrones_-Like Legal Battles Keep Getting Worse

Everything should be going great for the microchip powerhouse. Here’s why they’re not.

Markel names construction practice lead

Markel Global Insurance on Thursday said John Ferguson has been named a director of its U.S. excess casualty team to lead its retail construction practice.

Insurtech funding soars in second quarter

Insurtech funding surged to $985 million in the second quarter, a 248% increase over the first quarter fueled by a spike in transactions and big investments in startups.

Reader Review: “Cruel Beautiful World”

by Becky H (Chicago): Lucy, 16 and naive, runs away with her High School teacher. Their life together in an isolated, and isolating, rural area is not what Lucy expected. Lucy is portrayed sympathetically. The reader gets to know her intimately through her thoughts and actions. William, the teacher, is not so well known. His back story is presented in back flashes. His life with Lucy is seen only through her eyes. Lucy's sister, a minor but very important character, never gives up searching for her sister. The reader is constantly aware that “this will not end well”, but the actual ending is dramatic and terrifying. You will remember this book for a long time.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Henri Bonneau & Fils (Wine Spectator)

Henri Bonneau’s son Marcel takes the reins in the wake of his father’s death

Congressional Republicans unveil bills to bar class action rules

Generali sells Colombia business to Talanx

Wells Fargo auto originations drop 45% on tighter loan criteria

Wells Fargo’s auto originations plummeted 45 percent to $4.5 billion in the second quarter, reflecting the lender’s tightened underwriting criteria.

Reinsurance premiums down in Bermuda

Insurers with substantial Bermuda-based operations are seeing declines in the reinsurance share of their business and on their return on equity performance as a group, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings Inc.

The best FandI managers have a knack for people

FandI is a people person job. It may sometimes hide under the guise of being a numbers profession, but most effective FandI managers succeed because they are good with people.

Lloyd’s firm buys US reinsurance agency

US appeals court voids Libor convictions of ex-Rabobank traders

(Reuters) — A federal appeals court has overturned the convictions of two former London traders in what had been the U.S. Department of Justice’s first criminal trial stemming from the worldwide probe into the manipulation of Libor.

Safeway to pay $3 million to resolve US drug probe

(Reuters) — Safeway has agreed to pay $3 million to resolve claims the U.S. supermarket chain failed to promptly report missing or stolen drugs including opioid medications at its pharmacies.

Buyers facing fewer scripted FandI pitches

Word tracks, once a standard in the FandI industry, may be falling by the wayside, and for good reason, according to a recent survey and FandI experts.

Republican senator hopes to kill class action rule within weeks

(Reuters) — Congress could act within weeks to kill a new rule that bars financial companies from blocking consumers who wish to file class action lawsuits, according to Republican Sen. Tom Cotton..

AI Could Revolutionize War as Much as Nukes

Artificial intelligence could make the US military more powerful—and also more vulnerable

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Château de Beaucastel (Wine Spectator)

Château de Beaucastel stars in Famille Perrin’s 2016 vintage lineup

Will CFPB’s ban on arbitration clauses stand?

Industry players hope the CFPB’s new arbitration rule will never take effect, and they may be right. But it’s also unlikely to disappear immediately.

Chubb names Lee Farrow executive vice president, life science lead

Chubb Ltd. on Tuesday said it has named Lee Farrow executive vice president and life sciences industry practice leader for North America, effective immediately.

Willis Towers Watson unveils virtual actuarial workspace

Willis Towers Watson P.L.C. has launched vPlace, a virtual, actuarial workspace that brings the brokerage’s insurance software to the cloud.

Ron Lockton takes over as CEO of Lockton

Glenn Spencer, who has served as president and CEO of Lockton for about a year, has resigned effective immediately for personal reasons, the brokerage said Tuesday.

Brown & Brown reports quarterly revenue gain of 4.4%

Brown & Brown Inc. on Tuesday reported second-quarter 2017 revenue of $466.3 million, up 4.4% from the prior-year period.

Get The Most Out Of Your BBQ This Summer

Planning on hosting a barbecue with friends or family? Take a look at our tips which may help you get the most of your barbecue this summer.

Marsh recruits Goldman Sachs risk manager

Marsh L.L.C. named former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. risk manager Alex deLaricheliere to lead its U.S. banking and capital markets practice, the brokerage announced Tuesday.

Natural catastrophe losses down in first half of 2017

Global natural catastrophe economic losses totaled $41 billion in the first half of 2017, $19.5 billion of which were insured, according to data released by Munich Reinsurance Co.

Amazon Bursts Blue Apron’s Bubble, as the Market Checks Tech’s Hype

As Amazon launches a Blue Apron competitor, and Snap’s stock plummets, a bubble is deflating.

Financial institution class actions could spike with rule change

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule issued last week that precludes class action waivers in arbitration agreements in many consumer financial services contracts is expected to lead to an increase in class action litigation.

Donald Trump Jr. emails spotlight electronic communication image risks

In response to news stories regarding his meeting with Russian officials, President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., elected to release the text of controversial emails himself via Twitter after being informed by the New York Times that they had received and were planning to publish the emails.

Kotlin: the Upstart Coding Language Conquering Silicon Valley

The story behind the new language making coders smile

A Son’s Race to Give His Dying Father Artificial Immortality

Elon, Forget Killer Robots. Focus on the Real AI Problems

Elon Musk’s Fixation on Killer AI Distracts from Much More Immediate Problems with Smart Machines

R-T Specialty opens Honolulu office

R-T Specialty L.L.C., a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group L.L.C., has opened a new Honolulu office that will be led by Jason A. Witthun and Marie-Louise D. Lundqvist.

Workers don motorcycle helmets to protect against falling ceiling

Innovation and improvisation in workplace safety have a team of office workers at a government building in India wearing motorcycle helmets at their desks, the Hindustan Times reported on Sunday.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Domaine de Beaurenard (Wine Spectator)

Domaine de Beaurenard’s Coulon brothers have reinforcements waiting in the wings

Marsh names former Aon exec president of US sponsored programs

Marsh L.L.C. on Monday said former longtime Aon P.L.C. executive Michael Westwood has been named president of Marsh sponsored programs.

India financial services group says it suffered cyber attack

(Reuters) — Several units of India’s Religare financial services group suffered a cyber attack, but its systems, operations and sensitive client information were secure and unaffected, it said on Monday.

Firms Pledge to Stamp Out Sexual Harassment. Sounds Familiar

We already have a case study for when VCs promise progress, and it doesn’t look good.

First Shift: States back dealers in ratings battle

States side with dealers in performance-ratings battle; Wells Fargo curtails car lending; Musk calls for regulating AI; Carmakers’ dirty dilemma; Honda’s Disney-themed ‘Minnie’ van.

5 exercises for at-home reformer Pilates

 

Want to bring your Pilates sessions home with you? Here are five ways to bring some reformer moves into your home workouts.

 

If reformer Pilates sounds like your kind of deal, you better be prepared to part with a pretty penny. An hour-long private lesson can set you back hundreds of dollars, while group classes are still quite pricey. But for those without the watertight income, exercise physiologist Jennifer Smallridge and physiotherapist at Sportsmed biologic, Rebecca Huppert put together five spins on classic reformer moves to have you reaping all the benefits in the comfort of your own home:

 

1. Reformer lunges

This move is traditionally performed with one foot on the carriage, one foot on the stable platform, and the lunge pushes the carriage back (creating instability). This can be reproduced with XR Slides on a carpeted area (xrslide.com) by placing one foot on the ground and the back foot on the slide, lunging and then swapping sides. You could also use a book to gain the sliding motion.

2. Hands in straps – pullovers

Without a reformer, a resistance band can be wrapped around a steady object (table leg, tied tightly around a door handle). Lie with your body facing away from the band, ensure there is tension in the band, extend both arms up to the ceiling and pull the band down towards your sides while keeping your pelvis neutral. Challenges to this move include putting the legs up in tabletop, and/or adding an abdominal curl.

3. Leg press

This is one of the foundation moves in reformer Pilates. Without the footbar to put the feet on, you can lie on a mat and place your legs in tabletop, then try to keep the pelvis level as you tap one foot down on the mat at a time. You must engage your core muscles for this to be effective and safe. Add difficulty by straightening the leg each time it lowers, or lifting up the head and chest.

4. Reformer row

Again, wrapping a resistance band around a fixed object will allow a row type movement to be performed. The reformer works well by challenging the core, so to get the same benefits, stand on an unstable surface (BOSU, cushion, one leg stand) or complete a squat at the same time, with your core muscles active.

5. Scooter

This exercise involves one leg firmly on the floor and the other on the carriage, pushing it back against resistance and challenging the gluteal muscles on both sides. Without a reformer, arabesques are a nice way to work these muscles. Stand on one leg, hands on hips and lower your chest/lift your back leg at the same time, so that you feel it working all of the stabilisers of your stance leg. Rise up and repeat.

NEXT: Looking for more home workouts? Try this 20-minute workout today.

 

 

{nomultithumb}

 

Deputy sheriff’s reverse discrimination case reinstated

A federal appeals court has reinstated a “reverse discrimination” lawsuit filed by a white Florida deputy who complained two black applicants were promoted over him.

Insurer must defend contractor in condo water damage case

Failing to put an adequate coat of sealant to a building’s exterior, which led to water damage, can be considered an “occurrence” under a commercial general liability policy, says a ruling that an insurer is obligated to provide a defense.

Risk manager reports suspension for refusing drug test

Shareholder lawsuit over London tower fire filed in US court

The BI Top 10

This week’s most popular stories targeted executive moves at Willis Towers Watson and Marsh, as well as the ongoing developments at AIG.

Roagna Barolo: The Essence of Nebbiolo (Wine Spectator)

Luca Roagna crafts pure, expressive wines from vineyards in Barbaresco and Barolo

Apple’s Privacy Pledge Complicates Its Push Into Artificial Intelligence

A puny iPhone is no match for a cloud server.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Pierre Amadieu (Wine Spectator)

Pierre Amadieu has vines with a view in Gigondas, and wines to match

Construction firm says cyber attack could hit results

Insurer can’t compel arbitration in school sex abuse case

A California appeals court has upheld a lower court’s ruling denying an insurer’s motion to compel arbitration in a coverage dispute involving a school sex abuse case.

Lawsuit ensues after cheese is moved

AIG taps Seraina Macia to lead technology unit

AIG has named Seraina Macia executive vice president and CEO of its planned technology subsidiary focused on automated underwriting, marking her return to the insurer.

AI and ‘Enormous Data’ Could Make Tech Giants Like Google Harder to Topple

A new record-breaking research paper is a reminder that AI could make Google, Facebook, and Amazon more immune to competition.

The Net Neutrality Fight Doesn’t End With the Day of Action

The Day of Action gave the fight for net neutrality its spotlight moment. But it shouldn’t end here.

Day of Action: How Facebook, Google, and More Supported for Net Neutrality

On a Day of Action in support of net neutrality, internet giants showed their supports a variety of ways.

Trump Hotels discloses data breach at 14 properties

(Reuters) — Trump International Hotels Management L.L.C. said late on Tuesday a data breach at a service provider compromised card payment details at 14 of its properties.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Domaine Font de Michelle (Wine Spectator)

Domaine Font de Michelle’s Guillaume Gonnet returns to his father’s style of elegant, perfumed Châteauneuf-du-Papes

State insurance laws a logjam in Berkley dispute

A W.R. Berkley Corp. unit may be obligated to provide coverage to a logging company that is being charged with overlogging, according to a ruling in a dispute that hinged on whether Vermont or New Hampshire insurance law prevails.

Battle of the bras hits fashletics industry

The popular Canadian athletic-wear company Lululemon is suing Baltimore-based Under Armour over bra straps, according to media reports.

Auto financing via smartphone is smart move

Consumers have long been able to check their credit and get preapproved for financing through a dealership or lender website, but getting approved on-the-go through mobile devices may become many consumers’ first choice when considering an auto loan.

Duperreault looks to reset AIG’s course: Analysis

A longer time frame to improve results and a shift in capital management should be in the cards at American International Group Inc. under the leadership of industry veteran Brian Duperreault, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) L.L.C. says.

BMO Harris drops single-rate dealer pay for tiered model

Three years after implementing a single flat fee to compensate dealerships for arranging auto loans, BMO Harris Bank has moved to a three-tier model and may soon begin originating near-prime loans.

Mallinckrodt settles US opioid drug probe for $35 million

(Reuters) — Mallinckrodt P.L.C., one of the largest manufacturers of the generic opioid painkiller oxycodone, will pay $35 million to resolve allegations that it failed to report suspicious drug orders, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Chubb names global cyber risk practice head

Bill Stewart will lead the development and implementation of Chubb’s strategy to “deliver the next generation full suite of property and casualty cyber insurance offerings, worldwide,” the company said.

Hey, Tech: You’d Do Well to Stop Ignoring Smaller Cities

Opinion: The tech industry can benefit from bringing beta-testing outside Silicon Valley.

Business Travel Insurance – Insurance from AIG in Malaysia

Business Travel Insurance

In today’s global environment, it is comforting to know that your employees can travel with peace of mind with our comprehensive Group Travel Insurance. We have plans that offer a flexible, cost effective and comprehensive insurance solution to help insure your most valuable asset; your employees, on business trips.

AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad
Menara Worldwide
No. 198, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Wilayah Persekutuan
55100 Kuala Lumpur

1-800-88-8811

AIGMYCare@aig.com

 

Electronic Equipment Insurance – Insurance from AIG in Malaysia

This policy is an all risks cover mainly for computers, data processing equipment, office equipment and all other electronic equipment.

AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad
Menara Worldwide
No. 198, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Wilayah Persekutuan
55100 Kuala Lumpur

1-800-88-8811

AIGMYCare@aig.com

Ambiguous exclusion language leaves insurer liable

Evanston Insurance is obligated to indemnify a policyholder in a personal injury suit because of ambiguity in its employer’s liability exclusion, says a federal appeals court.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Château La Nerthe (Wine Spectator)

Winemaker Ralph Garcin is in at Château La Nerthe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Willis Towers Watson appoints North America broking executives

Willis Towers Watson P.L.C. said Tuesday that it has made four appointments in its North America corporate risk and broking business.

Gwen Stefani sued after fan breaks leg at concert

On Prime Day, These Are the Humans Making Amazon Work Like Magic

Each brown Amazon package passes through many hands before landing on your door.

FDIC may revive three US bank lawsuits over soured mortgage debt

(Reuters) — A federal judge granted the FDIC permission to revive lawsuits against Citigroup Inc., Bank of New York Mellon Corp. and U.S. Bancorp that he had dismissed last September.

New rule requires US banks to allow consumer class actions

(Reuters) — U.S. banks and credit card companies could be prevented from blocking customers from banding together to sue them under a rule released by the federal consumer finance agency.

Labor Department overtime brief leaves issue in flux

A brief filed by the U.S. Department of Labor with a federal appeals court over the issue of overtime-exempt employees adds further complexity to an already complicated scenario.

Is It Time To Change Your Tyres?

Are you wondering if it’s worth changing your tyres? Our blog takes a look at some reasons why you should regularly check your tyres and the importance of changing them.

The Who’s Who of Net Neutrality’s ‘Day of Action’

Where tech’s leading companies stand on net neutrality’s ‘Day of Action’

New CFPB rule prohibits lenders from forcing arbitration

The CFPB banned banks and other financial services companies from including mandatory arbitration clauses in contracts to prevent consumers pursuing claims of wrongdoing from joining class-action lawsuits.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Domaine La Barroche (Wine Spectator)

A first look at Julien Barrot’s 2016 vintage, and his new cellar

Wisconsin med mal cap ruled unconstitutional

Wisconsin’s $750,000 cap on noneconomic medical malpractice damages is unconstitutional because it imposes an “unfair and illogical” burden on catastrophically injured patients, says a state appeals court.

Generali issues $228 million multiperil European cat bond

Italian insurer Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. has issued a multiperil European catastrophe bond securing €200 million ($228.1 million) of coverage for four years, GC securities said Monday.

Everest Re hires energy portfolio leader

Andreas Graham has joined Everest Re Group Ltd.’s excess casualty team to lead expansion of its energy portfolio and capabilities, the reinsurer said Monday.

No veggies in Veggie Straws snacks: Lawsuit

Elena Walch’s Alto Adige Gewürztraminer (Wine Spectator)

Elena Walch’s stellar success is built on instinct and grit

Google’s People + AI Research Initiative Sets Out to Solve Artificial Stupidity

Injecting more humanity into artificial intelligence could help society – and Google’s business.

China anti-graft official likely to head insurance regulator: Sources

(Reuters) — China is likely to name a senior Communist Party graft-buster to oversee the insurance sector, a signal that the country’s ongoing crackdown on irregular business practices in the financial industry may be set to escalate.

Munster Senior Hurling Champions 2017

Yesterday marked a historic day in the managerial career of Kieran Kingston as the Cork Senior Hurlers became this years Munster Champions.

As the Digital Divide Grows, an Untapped Solution Languishes

The crazy history and secret deals that gobbled up internet-ready frequencies long ago set aside for education.

VW Credit invests in app developer AutoGravity

The lender said the $30 million investment aligns with its goal to create a digital experience for its customers.

Banks Deploy AI to Cut Off Terrorists’ Funding

Computers are better than humans are recognizing small patterns.

EU launches antitrust probe of Irish auto insurance market

European Commission inspectors raided at least four insurance brokers in Ireland as part of an investigation into possible antitrust activity in the motor insurance market.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Le Vieux Donjon (Wine Spectator)

This family estate is under new management, and its track record for excellence is in good hands

Hobby Lobby in hot seat over ancient artifacts

Crafters and home décor enthusiasts hoping to invoke early Middle Eastern culture in their living rooms and kitchens might have to shop elsewhere.

Maersk says too early to predict financial impact of cyber attack

(Reuters) — Maersk said it was too early to predict the financial impact of last month’s global Petya cyber attack that hit the shipping giant’s computers, but added that normal operations had resumed at its ports.

The BI Top 10

This week’s most popular stories include Zurich’s hire of a commercial underwriting lead, and all the news on former Marsh CEO Peter Zaffino’s move to AIG.

The World May Be Headed for a Fragmented ‘Splinternet’

In Germany, Canada, Austria, and elsewhere in the world, tech companies are being ordered to remove online content globally. Here’s why that’s troubling.

London’s Grenfell Tower insurer doubles claims estimate

Amtrust buys back-up reinsurance coverage

Amtrust Financial Services Inc. has purchased $400 million in adverse development coverage from a Bermuda-based runoff reinsurer affiliated with Arch Capital Group Ltd.

Two Giants of AI Team Up to Head Off the Robot Apocalypse

The brains behind Google’s DeepMind and Elon Musk’s OpenAI are studying the ways AIs learn. The goal: to keep machines from going rogue.

Zaffino’s move to AIG gives Duperreault a familiar right hand: Analysts

Peter Zaffino’s appointment to help run AIG with Brian Duperreault gives Mr. Duperreault a familiar lieutenant in his campaign to rebuild the insurer.

CSU forecasters up Atlantic hurricane prediction

Colorado State University has revised its prediction for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season upward, now saying the period will see above-average activity.

Southern Rhône 2015 Vintage Preview: Domaine la Vieille Julienne (Wine Spectator)

The 2015 vintage here reflects a philosophical shift

R-T Specialty adds to broker team with professional liability executive

Jackie LaRock has joined R-T Specialty L.L.C. as Nashville, Tennessee-based executive vice president within the RT ProExec practice group.

VW Credit invests in AutoGravity

VW Credit is taking an equity stake in AutoGravity, a car shopping and financing mobile app and Web platform.

Ruling leaves insurers exposed to environmental claims

A 1989 settlement that released insurers from any future claims arising from environmental contamination at five facilities did not include a storage battery facility because it was not specifically named.

AIG to pay Zaffino $15 million ‘sign-on’ bonus

Former Marsh CEO Peter Zaffino will receive a one-time sign-on bonus worth $15 million in addition to a robust pay package when he joins AIG, the insurer revealed in an SEC filing.

Starting A Business On A Budget

Are you a start-up company beginning your journey on a budget? Our blog provides tips that could help your business save some money.

A ‘Neurographer’ Puts the Art in Artificial Intelligence

Google’s in-house artist shows how code that can understand images can also be made to play with them.

Business Claims – AIG

Claims Service

1) Benefits Without Boundaries
2) Customer-Focused Service
3) Technical Superiority
4) Claims Account Relationship Management

 

Contact us to make a claim

AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad
Menara Worldwide
No. 198, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Wilayah Persekutuan
55100 Kuala Lumpur

1-800-88-8811

AIGMYCare@aig.com

myAIG for Partners – Insurance from AIG in Malaysia

myAIG for Partners

Connect with us anytime and anywhere.

We make it easy for you to do business with us through myAIG, our agent inspired portal. Here you will find systems, training, forms and tools including policy and claims status. We also include the latest updates on AIG.

 

AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad
Menara Worldwide
No. 198, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Wilayah Persekutuan
55100 Kuala Lumpur

1-800-88-8811

AIGMYCare@aig.com

Axis to buy London rival Novae for over $600 million

Marsh’s Zaffino to join Duperreault at AIG

Munich Reinsurance America commercial drone policy takes flight

Munich Reinsurance America Inc. has launched a new commercial drone insurance product for insurers and their small to medium-size customers.

Southern Rhône 2016 Vintage Preview: Domaine la Vieille Julienne (Wine Spectator)

This longtime Châteauneuf-du-Pape star is growing

Ukraine scrambles to contain new cyber threat after NotPetya attack

(Reuters) — The Ukrainian software firm used as part of a global cyber attack warned that all computers sharing a network with its infected accounting software had been compromised.

New-vehicle loan terms hit all-time high

The average new-vehicle loan term rose slightly to a record 69.3 months in June as buyers continued to keep monthly payments low while financing ever more expensive vehicles.

How I Got Facebook to Invest in Minority-Owned Businesses

Opinion: Supplier diversity is a great way for women- and minority-owned small businesses to earn money in tech without knowing code.

Zurich taps former AIG exec to lead commercial underwriting

Zurich Insurance Group Ltd. on Wednesday said it has named Sierra Signorelli, formerly of AIG, as chief underwriting officer for commercial insurance.

New-vehicle loan terms hit record in June

The average new-vehicle loan term rose slightly to 69.3 months in June as buyers continued to keep monthly payments low while financing ever more expensive vehicles.

Commercial insurers continue to show positive financial results

Nearly all major commercial insurance lines saw renewal rate increases in the second quarter, according to a report released by insurance exchange IVANS.

China to prosecute ex-chief of People’s Insurance after corruption probe

(Reuters) — China will prosecute the former president of the People’s Insurance Co. of China Ltd. after an investigation found he engaged in corrupt practices including bribery.

Overhauling Facebook Groups Won’t Help Mark Zuckerberg Build Communities

Groups, as it stands now, cannot build the communities Mark Zuckerberg wants it to.

Kill the Open Internet, and Wave Goodbye to Consumer Choice

Opinion: The FCC Would Be Mistaken to Unravel Antitrust Protections

President’s executive order sets the tone for cyber standards

The cyber security executive order issued by President Donald Trump in May calls for reports from various agencies on their cyber security risk management efforts.

By Facebook’s Logic, Who Is Protected From Hate Speech?

The social company’s rules for determining what constitutes a protected class doesn’t always allow for nuance.

On-Demand Delivery Services Gear up for the Chaos of the July 4 Weekend

How do on-demand delivery services deal with the chaos of the July 4 Weekend? Math to the rescue!