Airship Update: Farmers Zeppelin Reaches Oklahoma on National Tour

reprint from NewsOK.com:

Zeppelin Makes Oklahoma City Stop


The Farmers Airship, also known as the Eureka, made a stop in Oklahoma City on Monday. The 246-foot, 14,000 pound airship has been touring the country for the past six months, and is set to return to its California home about three weeks from now.

BY MATT DINGER mdinger@opubco.com
Published: September 20, 2011

The world's largest zeppelin made a stop in Oklahoma City on Monday.

The Farmers Airship, the world's largest airship and one of only two zeppelins
 in the world passes south of downtown Oklahoma City Monday, September 19, 2011.
 Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman. ORG XMIT: KOD

The Farmers Airship, also known as the Eureka, travels at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 feet, and is capable of speeds up to 75 mph, but typically travels at 35 to 40 mph.

Unlike hydrogen-filled airships of the past, this zeppelin is filled with helium, a nonflammable, lighter-than-air gas. What separates a blimp from a zeppelin is the rigid frame inside the ship, which means that it holds most of its shape even when emptied of gas and the engines are mounted on the side and the rear of the ship, rather than the cabin.

“We like to say, ‘We don't fly. We float,'” said David Finney, guest services supervisor for Airship Ventures, the California company that owns the airship.

Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project: The San Diego Charger Girls' Calendar Unveiled

Back when I was just an average sports fan my impression of NFL cheerleaders was like most. Pretty faces and pom-poms used to add excitement during the game, ... especially if your team was behind.

Then I had the honor of being asked to work with the San Diego Charger Girls by Joyce, a good friend from Toastmasters.  I quickly realized I was wrong.

Apparently, volunteers from Toastmasters worked with them the last few years helping them refine their natural abilities, and confidence. Many of them are already experienced performers as dancers or gymnasts, but media interviews and public speaking, that's a whole new arena.

That year they needed one more volunteer, and seven years later, I still return every year. Wouldn't think otherwise. The team is lead by accomplished speaker and professional speech trainer Sheryl Roush of Sparkle Presentations.  Together, we've developed a very unique, customized public speaking program.

One of the layers of the Charger Girls that I didn't understand is that they are one of San Diego's most organized and accomplished charitable fundraising teams. They not only raise funds for charities themselves, they help other organizations raise money for their favored charities.  They also serve by giving their very valuable time.

2011-2012 San Diego Charger
Girls Swimsuit Calendar

In the past I blogged about how the Charger Girls helped us at Farmers Insurance raise money for the March of Dimes (our primary charity to support as a corporation) on two different occasions.  Click HERE for a second article.

The Junior Charger Girls program which allows local girls to practice with the squad and perform at a real game raises money every year for Make-A-Wish. Not only does this help the young ladies develop their dance skills and confidence, they learn the importance of helping others through their charitable works.

Every year members of the squad visit hospitals and local military facilities to lend their moral support and brighten their day.

2011-12 Charger Girls Calendar unveiling

The examples could go on, but one last way in which the CG's support the San Diego Community, as San Diego's Ambassadors, is through their annual swimsuit calendar.

You can always buy a copy at the Chargers' store, or through Chargers.com, but when you buy one from a Charger Girl directly, they not only sign it for you, a donation is made to charity. Each year the 28 CG's vote on who the calendar will benefit. This year they chose the Wounded Warrior Project. 


Click HERE to see the video coverage of the event from LivingFitMagazine.com.

American Red Cross: Workplace Disaster Preparedness Lunch & Learn

Like so many of you, when the "Big" Power Outage of 2011 occurred I was at work.  Luckily, the power was back on by the next day for everyone.  For most it was only an inconvenience getting home and a great story the next day.

But, what if the power outage had been the result of a sizable earthquake?  Many of us would have been stuck at work (3:30pm), and faced an even longer commute back home than what we faced that time.  Others might be stuck at work.

What if the freeways were closed down?  We've seen that happen in the past in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.  

On Thursday, September 29th, 2011, the American Red Cross office in San Diego is hosting a "Lunch and Learn".

"We will provide you information on how to prepare your workplace for emergencies, what to do during a disaster, and how to ensure business continuity." 

Consider sending someone in your office to make sure you're all prepared, and if not, what needs to be done.

RSVP to Wilma Llano at:

(858) 309-1435,

or e-mail: wilma.llano@sdarc.org

Red Cross Headquarters (Kearny Mesa)

3950 Calle Fortunada

San Diego, Ca  92123

You bring your lunch and they'll provide snacks, drinks, and education.

Click HERE for their Website and printable materials to deal with various emergencies:

Wildfires

Fire Prevention

Power Outages

Earthquakes

Heat Waves

Pets & Disaster Safety

& many more.

See you there!

When Real Life Interferes With The Sports World

Often I use sports as an escape from reality.  Little bit of enjoyment after work, or an excuse to crash on the couch all day Sunday and watch football.

Russian Hockey Team consumed in Tragedy

But too often the world of sports reminds us of the worst of reality. Drugs and steroid scandals. Arrests. Domestic violence. Labor strikes. Sexual harassment cases. The need for taxes to build new stadiums. Bar fights.  

As a hockey fan, I'll admit, one of the best things is that most people aren't a hockey fan.  Especially in California.  When you meet another hockey fan you immediately have something unique to talk about.  A way to be different.

Being a hockey fan is like being the fan of a baseball team that always losses.  You're an underdog, and you're a die hard fan since you stay loyal despite always being outnumbered.  It's easy being a Yankees or Lakers' fan. 

You can't swing a dead cat over your head without hitting a football or basketball fan.  They're everywhere.  They're not special.  

But, this off season has been a horrible one for the NHL and its families. Probably most of the world doesn't know, or remember what happened two weeks later. During the summer, there was a drug overdose (drugs mixed with alcohol), and two suicides. All three were enforcer types.  What some might call goons.

The problem is, these enforcers, who are sent out to protect their scorers and intimidate the other teams scorers often have difficulty with the role they are cast.  When needed, they drop the gloves and battle each other.  It's an important part of hockey, but it has a price.

Often nice, small town, farm kids, they have to act the brute to remain in the league.  Can't be a scorer?  Can't be a goalie?  Then you need to be an enforcer.  Some have trouble with this role.

Mike Clinkenbeard: Walk N' Roll For Ataxia

For Farmers Insurance agents like Mike Clinkenbeard, also a member of the Platinum Elite Group, the causes important to his clients become important to him too.

Mike has been involved with the fight against Ataxia for many years, including sponsoring annual fundraisers.  One of Mike and Marla Clinkenbeard's clients has 2 sons who live with Ataxia.

What is Ataxia?  See below.  Hint, it's not a foreign cab.

This Saturday, September 24th, 2011, the "Walk n' Roll for Ataxia" will take place on Ataxia Awareness Day.  The "walk" will take place at Tuna Harbor Park in the shadow of the USS Midway Museum.  Registration starts at 7am, starts at 8am.

No registration fee, donations appreciated.

For more event info, check out the Event Page on Facebook.  Or, SDASG@cox.net, or call Earl at 619-447-3753.

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: Critters in the Road

Did you know...

There are over 1.5 million car accidents involving directly, or indirectly, deer every year, resulting in around $1.1 billion worth of vehicle damage.

Seems like a lot?  Consider this"

"In the 1980's the deer population was approximately 10 million. Today, there are more than 25 million. Losses due to deer and car encounters will only increase as the deer population continues to grow and urban habitats encroach upon rural environments." - SmartMotorist.com

Here's a preview of our newest commercial which will begin airing this week:

The Commercial stars J.K. Simmons as Professor Nathanial Burke explaining the hazards we all face when nature and development intersect.

Public Safety: The Pills Vs. Candy Test

"Don't Guess.  Be Sure." -  California Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

www.calpoison.org

"I'd feel so dumb if I called and nothing was wrong."

"Unless you're an expert, you can't possibly know everything
 about the things that  might hurt you or your family.
  What you CAN do is call the poison experts"

The Pills versus Candy:

 Click to Take the Test

Sure, you passed.  Now, will your children know the difference?

Kevin Tuckey and the Platinum Elite Group are committed to the safety of all the citizens of the communities we serve.  To protect your loved ones, take a moment to...

*  Add the Poison Action Line to your cell phone address book:  1-800-222-1222

* Go to the website and "order materials" in various languages.

We use an investigative and educational process to ascertain your current risk exposure and deliver to you through our 'Value Insurance Proposal' (VIP) the correct levels of coverage at the right price without compromising vital coverages. You need to protect your family and the assets you have spent a lifetime acquiring.

With Farmers Insurance & The Platinum Elite Group, there is a difference. Discover:

Why Platinum!

Excerpt from Blog Originally published on Why Platinum?


* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Miami Foodie Escape Contest on Facebook: Another Farmers Insurance Trip

One lucky "foodie" will win airfare for 2, hotel accommodations for 2 nights in the heart of South Beach, and $500 spending cash. 

Our "escape" also includes a Food Network Magazine exclusive prize - a trip for 2 to attend the Food Network Magazine lounge in South Beach, Miami in February 2012.

You'll mix and mingle with popular Food Network Magazine talent while sampling some of Miami's amazing cuisine.

Log into Facebook, and then click HERE to enter Contest.

This is the third contest from Farmers Insurance driven by visiting Facebook, or a Facebook game.  Earlier in the year we saw a contest involving the Farmers Airship and FarmVille.  Later there was a trip to Las Vegas for those who entered through the Mafia Wars game.  

This trip to Miami is available to those who simply visit our Facebook page.  See link above.  It's in connection to Zynga's FaceBook game: Cafe World.

Good Luck, and Bon Appetite!

Tragic Last Words: "It's Paid For, I Don't Need Insurance"

"I don't need insurance, it's not worth much."

"Can I drop my insurance?  I paid the loan off."

"It's paid for, why would I insure it?"

In my career I've heard a few statements like these.

The answer is simple. If it was lost, stolen, or destroyed in a disaster like a wildfire or earthquake, could you afford to replace it out-of-pocket?

Whether it's paid for, or you owe on it outright, it's going to be costly to replace if it disappears.  

Regardless your economic level, your cars, your home, you business, all make up a large part of your assets.  Loss of them hurts financially, and emotionally.  The financing situation is irrelevant in the end. 

No one likes paying for insurance, until they have to make a claim.  Then it seems cheap in comparison.

Recently one of those random fires we're used to in Southern California started.  We usually identify them by which freeway it's closest to. We're a car culture so freeway closures are big. This one started off the 15 Freeway.

A man buys a ranch (and about 100 livestock) to be his retirement home and source of retirement income. It's paid for so it should be a great source of security and income the rest of his life.  

Then one hot (and probably windy) day a fire starts, the area's evacuated, and by the time he's allowed back in, it's all gone.   The ranch.  Most of the livestock.

Auto Insurance: Insuring Older Cars & Your Comp Coverage

Excerpt from a blog originally from Why Platinum?

"My car's paid for.  Why insure it?"

or, "It costs more than the car's worth?"

You have to have the liability coverage, but what about the rest?

In some cases Collision Coverage is expensive relative to the benefit of insuring an older car.  But what about the Comp Coverage?  People often drop both, but they are not attached.  Comp, sometimes called "other than collision", is often an inexpensive part of the policy.

Consider keeping the "comprehensive" coverage even if you drop the "collision."

Comp (Comprehensive) Coverage covers physical damage to your car from hazards such as (but not limited to):

• Fire
• Theft, Vandalism, & Riot
• Lightning 
• Hail
• Flood
• Earthquake
• Explosions
• Damage from Contact with an Animals
• Falling Objects like Trees and Branches

These are all risks that even great drivers face since they don't always involving the skill of the driver.  They happen to the car, often when not even moving.

Animals? 

Health & Home Safety: Tips for Clean Air

Breathe that clean, fresh air … In your home

Reprint from Farmers Insurance:



We live in an ocean of air, yet research shows that we’re not always breathing clean fresh air, particularly in our homes. In fact, air quality is often worse indoors than outside.¹

The main causes of outdoor air pollution are industrial and vehicular missions. Pets, hair, smoke and moisture all combine to pollute the air indoors. And, in addition to other negative effects on our health, air pollution can cause or exacerbate allergies and in many cases serious breathing disorders, including asthma.


Pollution solutions
Here are some tips that may help improve the air quality in your home:

• Source control — Typically, one of the more effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. For instance, if you smoke, do it outside; better yet, QUIT! If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, be sure to operate it safely and maintain it properly. Brush and bathe your pets frequently and do it outdoors, if possible.
  
• Improve ventilation — Try to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Most home heating and cooling systems don’t bring fresh air into the house. Opening windows and doors, operating window or attic fans, or running a window air conditioner with the vent control open increases the outdoor ventilation rate. Bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors remove contaminants from the room and increase the outdoor air ventilation rate.
  
• Clean the air — There are many types and sizes of air cleaners on the market, some more effective than others. For information on various air-cleaning devices and how they work, download a free copy of the EPA’s “Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home”.
  

Farmers Insurance: New Reality TV Star?

Weathering Disaster: Weather Channel Series To Profile Farmers Catastrophe Response

OK, maybe we won't be the next Kardashians or even the next "Pawn Stars", but the new series will definitely be entertaining and educational.  Using the drama of real life, viewers will learn how to be better prepared if a natural disaster strikes their hometown, and be assured that if it does, there will be someone there to help with the recover.

We all know that when natural disasters strike, no one in the industry responds as well as Farmers. An upcoming six-episode series on The Weather Channel will focus on Farmers’ catastrophe buses, as well as our responses to tornadoes, firestorms and hurricanes.


Click HERE for some trailers of the series. 

The series, Weathering Disaster, will focus on individual families affected by disasters, and show how Farmers helps them through the rebuilding process.

What’s more, numerous Farmers agents and claims team members were filmed as they helped customers through the recovery process. “One of our goals in partnering with The Weather Channel on this series was to showcase the real-life heroic efforts of the Farmers agents and catastrophe response employees who help our customers through the recovery process,” says Kristina Ferrin, advertising manager. 

“The Weather Channel is a perfect fit for Farmers, and, in addition to our original programs, we will also have various promotional elements and an advertising presence on The Weather Channel’s online and mobile sites.” Additional promotional components include a Weathering Disaster web page where visitors can view the episodes after they air, as well as "promercials" and vignettes shown on the channel.

The shows will air repeatedly throughout late September and October, with initial airings of each on Saturdays from September 17-October 22. Check your local listings for air times in your area.

Across The Waves: Celebrating The Asian Pacific Community

Excerpt from blog originally published on Why Platinum?

Agents of Farmers Insurance and The Platinum Elite Group are committed to the children of the communities they serve. With governmental budgetary constraints affecting schools, any help given to a teacher for his or her classroom can come in very handy.

One such area of support comes in the educational series of DVD's, readers, and lesson plans geared for all grade levels offered free to educators. Perfect for public or private schools, or home schoolers.

"Farmers free resources offer new and innovative tools for bringing lessons in democracy, diversity, history, the arts and literacy to your classroom. The programs and lesson plans will engage elementary school students and help them develop life-long curiosity and love of learning."

Fire safety and child identification programs are also available through your Platinum Elite Team Member. One such DVD is Across The Waves: Voices from the Asian-Pacific American Community.

To preview this and other programs in the series, go to GoFarmersEd.com.

"Across the Waves Brings together eight Asian Pacific American communities who share their struggles and triumphs in their own words. With all original interviews never before seen with stories that are fundamental to understanding the Asian-Pacific American community, Across the Waves provides insights and information not found in middle and high school history books. Narrated by Ming Na (E.R.) and Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy)."

The Japanese Community

The Korean Community

The Filipino Community

Other communities explored on the DVD include: Indian, Vietnamese, Hmong, Cambodian, and Chinese.

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: Gatorade Bath

Definitely a reason to celebrate.  The University of Farmers is named  #1.

Click HERE to learn other reasons why you should not only consider a career with Farmers Insurance, to do it as a member of the Platinum Elite Group.

The newest television commercial in the "University of Farmers" themed Farmers Insurance commercials is set to debut shortly.  Here it is now:

Click HERE to also watch it on our Platinum Elite YouTube Channel.

This newest live action commercial is next in the series starring J.K. Simmons (Spider-man, Juno, Law & Order) as Professor Nathaniel Burke, the mythical leader of our own University of Farmers.

Past recent ads:  The X-Men  -   Dryer Fires  -  Distracted Driving  -  Cat Burglars & Home  -  Lobsters at Work (business insurance)  -  Expansion into Pennsylvania

See our Platinum Elite YouTube Channel for more ads.

The story behind the commercial:

Earlier in the year, Training magazine analyzed thousands of different companies and organizations by several criteria and named Farmers Insurance and it's "University of Farmers" as #1.

Excerpt from earlier blog:

Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, San Diego, CA.: Farmers proudly took first place at Training Magazine’s 11th-annual Training Top 125 contest.

As the leading business publication for learning and development professionals, Training ranks thousands of companies from around the world for their excellence in employer-sponsored training and development programs. See the above link for the complete list.

Being named No. 1 means beating out such powerhouses as Microsoft, Verizon, Bank of America, McDonald's, Best Buy, Intel, FedEx, the Loews Hotels, and the United States Navy.


end of excerpt.

"We Are Farmers!"

All of the members of the Platinum Elite Group study educational programs developed by the University of Farmers and at various stages attend the actual University of Farmers to learn to better serve their clients' needs.

In the end, its the quality of service and education your insurer gives you, the customer, that really differentiates one insurance company from another.  Call an agent below and discover the difference.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month: Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom

"Today, 30 percent of US households have no life insurance, according to the industry research group LIMRA. " - source: Life Foundation.

September is Life Awareness Month. Starting in August, Public Service Announcements featuring Lamar Odom (LA Lakers, Khloe & Lamar) will begin airing on television.

Click HERE to read the original press release announcing Odom's selection. To see a "making of" video / interview, see below.

When a loved one dies, the difference between having life insurance and not having it is vast for the ones who are left behind.   Keeping versus losing the home.  Staying in school versus changing schools when the family needs to move.  Maintaining hobbies and activities. Paying off debts. Raising the kids versus working 2 jobs.  Having time to mourn before money concerns overshadow the real loss.  

When Lamar's mother died, he was able to stay at his school.  This had to have had an impact on his basketball development, and his future career.  Read his story next.

Reprint from The Insider - June 17, 2011

"The Insider"'s Christina McLarty met up with Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom at a Catholic school in Los Angeles on June 15, 2011 to talk about his new PSA for the Life Foundation (on facebook) and "baby making."

"It's going well," Lamar answered when asked about his efforts to procreate with his wife Khloe Kardashian. At the moment, Lamar is already a father of three, which is important to the NBA champion who stated that he wanted to "leave behind a legacy" for his children.

The Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families' financial futures.

Lamar grew up understanding the importance of life insurance when his mother passed away from colon cancer when he was 12. Because of her life insurance policy, Lamar says he was able to continue his Catholic school education.

He is now reaching out to people to inform them of the benefits of life insurance through a PSA for the Life Foundation.

In the interview, Lamar also talks about his show with Khloe, "Khloe & Lamar."

Check out the video for more of Lamar's interview with Christina.

end of article

Past Spokesmen for Life Awareness Month have included Actor and Musician Donnie Wahlberg in 2008.  Click HERE for his video.

In 2007, it was Comedian Molly Shannon (Saturday Night Live).

In 2009, it was Actor Chris Noth (Sex and the City).

Past blogs on life: Single Parents

Families with Special Needs Children

Bristish Royal Marine spends a message with his life insurance

Advanced LUTCF Training for Platinum Elite Team Members

The Farmers Insurance agents who make up the Platinum Elite Group whole-heartedly believe in the importance of life insurance in a family's over-all financial plan, and sometimes sadly know the effects when life insurance is missing from the program.

We've had auto insurance clients die who didn't see the need to get life insurance.  Was the car really more important that their family's well-being?  It was insured for more that the people were.

There are a lot of types of life insurance out there, with various features.  Consult with a member of the Platinum Elite Group, like the ones below, to explore, with no obligations, your options.

Always make sure your auto, fire (home, condo, & renters), earthquake, flood, umbrella, and life insurances all properly work together to protect your home, your business, your family, your future.

"We Are Farmers!"

The Platinum Elite Team:

Susanne Romo - Chula Vista & Kearny Mesa  (license #: 0720743) - (858) 751-0956

Araceli De La Torre - Kearny Mesa (license #: 0G17321) - (858) 751-0956

Kevin Tuckey - Mission Valley (license #: 0B72553) - (858) 751-1357

Tony Gutierrez - La Jolla (license #: 0A87116) - (858) 751-0956

3675 Ruffin Rd.

Suite 220
San Diego, CA  92123

We use an investigative and educational process to ascertain your current risk exposure and deliver to you through our 'Value Insurance Proposal' (VIP) the correct levels of coverage at the right price without compromising vital coverages. You need to protect your family and the assets you have spent a lifetime acquiring.

With the Platinum Elite Group, there is a difference.  Discover:

Why Platinum!

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarily an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.