Diver Spends 5 Minutes Pulling Fishing Hook From Frightened Stingray’s Mouth

Posted on February 1, 2024January 22, 2024 by Shield Insurance Agency

By Good News Network | Jan 21, 2024 | Fishing Hook | Shield Insurance Agency Blog |

A diver painstakingly worked to remove a stray fishing hook from the mouth of a frightened stingray.

Good Samaritan Raffa Wake-Valais Sarbach was enjoying the clear waters off the Dominican Republic this month when he and his partner spotted the ghost fishing line.

They saw three fish had already died attached to hooks along the 20-meter line—but, then noticed a juvenile stingray was caught on one end, a hook stuck in its mouth.

After carefully turning over the ray, the 37-year-old divemaster worked for almost five minutes to dislodge the hook in the animal’s mouth without causing injury.

Watching it finally swim away was a great moment.

“Fortunately I think we were lucky and that it wasn’t hooked for too long, likely less than an hour,” said Raffa, from Switzerland.

Removing the Fishing Hook

“It took me a good five minutes to remove the hook. Apart from slight injuries to the mouth, the stingray seemed fine.

“If I hadn’t managed to remove it, the hook could have caused the stingray to die. It could have had trouble eating and been unable to swim away.”

The line had two fishes still alive before we got to the stingray—and we freed them too.”

Watch the timely rescue video…

What is a Stingray?

Wikipedia: Stingrays are a group of sea rays, which are cartilaginous fish related to sharks. They are classified in the suborder Myliobatoidei of the order Myliobatiformes and consist of eight families: Hexatrygonidae (sixgill stingray), Plesiobatidae (deepwater stingray), Urolophidae (stingarees), Urotrygonidae (round rays), Dasyatidae (whiptail stingrays), Potamotrygonidae (river stingrays), Gymnuridae (butterfly rays) and Myliobatidae (eagle rays).^[2][3] There are about 220 known stingray species organized into 29 genera.

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Wind-powered shipping - Shield Insurance Blog

Wind-powered shipping is back as a quiet revolution sweeps the seas

Posted on September 19, 2023September 11, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Positive News | by Robin Eveleigh | August 25, 2023 | Wind-powered shipping | Contact Shield Insurance

A sail-powered freighter is the latest attempt to clean up the shipping sector. Electric ferries are also taking to the waves, but the route to a cleaner future is long

Cutting-edge yacht racing technology has been brought to modern-day cargo shipping in a bid to cut the sector’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

Shipping, largely powered by heavy sulfur fuel oil, spews out around three percent of global emissions. Although wind – not fossil fuels – once powered global trade, sails are impractical on modern vessels thanks to their weight and size.

Until now.

Wind-powered shipping

Mitsubishi-owned bulker, Pyxis Ocean, weighed anchor on Monday and retrofitted with two ‘WindWings’, designed by British marine engineers BAR Technologies. They’re expected to save the vessel around three tonnes of fuel a day on its crossing from Singapore to Brazil.

“If you’d asked me two and a half years ago whether wind power would ever again play a significant role in shipping, I would have been skeptical,” said Aleksander Askeland, CSO of Norway-based Yara Marine, which oversaw WindWings’ build and installation. “You need wind to overcome a threshold where it becomes meaningful, and that’s not at all obvious when you have such large vessels to move around. It’s a completely different game to the age of sail.”

BAR Technologies drew on their experience operating in the highest echelons of elite yacht racing to design WindWings, with development funding from the EU and global conglomerate Cargill.

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To help you better understand this complex industry, we have compiled a comprehensive list of insurance terms that you should be familiar with.

Know Your Insurance Terms for Peace of Mind

Posted on August 16, 2023October 3, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Insurance Terms | Start a Quote Today!

Insurance is an essential aspect of our lives, providing us with the necessary protection and peace of mind. However, navigating the world of insurance can be overwhelming, especially with the numerous terms and jargon often used. To help you better understand this complex industry, we have compiled a comprehensive list of insurance terms that you should be familiar with. Whether you are a seasoned policyholder or a newcomer to the world of insurance, this list will serve as a valuable resource.

Insurance Terms

1. Premium: The amount of money you pay to the insurance company in exchange for coverage. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the policy.

2. Deductible: The amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and file a claim for $1,000, you will pay the first $500, and the insurance company will cover the remaining $500.

3. Policy: A contract between you and the insurance company that outlines the terms and conditions of your coverage. It specifies what is covered, the limits of coverage, and any exclusions or conditions.

4. Coverage: The protection provided by an insurance policy. It can include various types, such as auto, home, health, life, and more.

5. Liability: The legal responsibility for any damages or injuries caused to others. Liability coverage is designed to protect you in case you are held responsible for an accident or injury.

6. Claim: A formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company for compensation or reimbursement for a covered loss or damage.

7. Underwriting: The process of evaluating an applicant’s risk and determining the terms and conditions of their insurance policy. It involves assessing factors such as age, health, driving record, and more.

8. Exclusion: Specific situations or conditions that are not covered by an insurance policy. It is important to review your policy carefully to understand what is excluded from coverage.

9. Rider: An additional provision or amendment to an insurance policy that modifies or expands the coverage. Riders are often used to add specific coverage options or increase policy limits.

10. Agent: A licensed professional who represents an insurance company and helps individuals or businesses find the right insurance coverage. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and assist with the claims process.

11. Insured: The person or entity covered by an insurance policy. This can be an individual, a family, or a business.

12. Loss: The reduction in value or damage to property or assets covered by an insurance policy. It can be due to theft, accident, natural disaster, or other covered events.

13. No-claims bonus: A discount or reward given by insurance companies to policyholders who do not file any claims during a specific period. It encourages safe driving and responsible behavior.

14. Comprehensive coverage: An insurance policy that provides protection against a wide range of risks and perils, including theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.

15. Grace period: The additional time given to policyholders to pay their premium after the due date without incurring a penalty or losing coverage.

16. Subrogation: The process by which an insurance company seeks reimbursement from a third party who is responsible for the loss or damage covered by the policy. It allows the insurance company to recover the amount paid to the policyholder.

17. Actuary: A professional who uses statistical data and mathematical models to assess risk and determine insurance premiums. They play a crucial role in pricing policies and ensuring the financial stability of insurance companies.

18. Umbrella policy: An additional liability insurance policy that provides coverage beyond the limits of your primary policies. It offers an extra layer of protection against high-cost claims or lawsuits.

19. Depreciation: The decrease in the value of an asset over time due to wear and tear or obsolescence. Insurance policies often take depreciation into account when determining the amount of compensation for a covered loss.

20. Endorsement: A written amendment or addition to an insurance policy that changes the terms or coverage. It can be used to add or remove coverage options, increase or decrease policy limits, or modify other policy provisions.

Understanding these insurance terms will empower you to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting yourself, your family, and your assets. Remember, insurance is not just a financial product; it is a shield that safeguards your future. If you have any questions or need assistance in finding the right insurance coverage, contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today. You can also start the quoting process by visiting this LINK, and an agent will be in touch soon. Stay protected and enjoy peace of mind with comprehensive insurance coverage.

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Insurance 101 for Beginners

Posted on August 14, 2023August 4, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Insurance | Start a Quote Today!

What do I need to Know About Insurance?

Insurance is a crucial aspect of our lives that provides financial protection and peace of mind. Whether it’s car insurance, homeowners insurance, or any other type of insurance, understanding the basics is essential. In this blog post, we will explore the fundamental concepts of insurance, different types of insurance, and why it is important to have the right coverage.

Insurance is a contract between an individual or business and an insurance company. The individual or business pays a premium, and in return, the insurance company agrees to provide financial protection in the event of a covered loss. The purpose of insurance is to transfer the risk of potential financial loss from the insured to the insurance company.

Basic Terms and Definitions

To understand insurance better, it is essential to familiarize yourself with some basic terms and definitions. Here are a few key terms:

Premium: The amount of money paid to the insurance company for coverage.
Deductible: The amount the insured must pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts covering the loss.
Policy: The contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the insurance coverage.
Coverage: The specific protection provided by the insurance policy.
Claim: A request made by the insured to the insurance company for compensation for a covered loss.

Car Insurance for Beginners

Car insurance is one of the most common types of insurance that people need. It provides financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or damage to your vehicle. Here are a few things to consider when getting car insurance:

Liability Coverage: This coverage pays for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident.
Collision Coverage: This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle in case of a collision.
Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions, such as theft or natural disasters.

Renters and Homeowners Coverage for Beginners

If you rent or own a home, it is crucial to have renters or homeowners insurance to protect your belongings and property. Here are a few key points to consider:

Renters Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other covered events. It also provides liability coverage in case someone gets injured in your rented property.
Homeowners Insurance: This insurance covers your home and belongings against damage or loss caused by covered events. It also provides liability coverage and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.

What other types of Insurance are there?

Apart from car insurance and homeowners/renters insurance, there are several other types of insurance that you may need depending on your circumstances. Some common types include:

Health Insurance: This insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and can help protect you from high healthcare costs.
Life Insurance: Life insurance provides financial protection to your loved ones in case of your death. It can help cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, and provide income replacement.
Disability Insurance: This insurance provides income replacement if you become disabled and are unable to work.
Umbrella Insurance: Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your other insurance policies. It can protect you from large lawsuits and claims.

Protection, Family, and Shield Agency

Insurance is all about protection, especially when it comes to your family and assets. Shield Insurance Agency understands the importance of having the right coverage and represents over 40 insurance companies to provide you with the best options. Whether you need car insurance, homeowners insurance, or any other type of insurance, Shield Insurance Agency can help.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK, and an agent will be in touch soon. Don’t wait until it’s too late – protect yourself and your loved ones with the right insurance coverage.

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Wounded Soldiers are being enlisted to restore coral reefs of the Florida Keys, giving them a new mission and purpose.

Wounded Soldiers Help Scientists Save Coral Reefs

Posted on August 3, 2023July 28, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

GoodNews Network | By Andy Corbley | Jul 28, 2023 | Wounded Soldiers | Shield Blog

‘A Blessing’ For Wounded Soldiers Who Help Scientists Save Coral Reefs

Wounded US Army veterans are being enlisted to restore coral reefs of the Florida Keys, giving them a new mission and purpose.

Feeling like they have no purpose is a common despair from veterans of several generations, and the work under the waves is helping combat that sense of listlessness, not to mention putting them in an environment where a lost leg is not nearly as impeding.

The work is part of a collaboration between the Mote Marine Laboratory and the non-profit Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge (CWVC).

Veteran Woulded Soldiers

For a week every year, a team of veterans comes down to help Michael Crosby “re-skin” coral reefs below the waves off the southern tip of Florida.

Crosby has been breeding corals of specific phenotypes that demonstrate tolerance and resilience to rising temperatures and more acidic water, representing conditions that may arise during the next 50 years as the climate changes.

Taking the nursery-raised coral down with them, this year’s work saw a team of 31 veterans seed 1,040 new corals in a reef called Higgs Head. This takes the total of such corals planted by the Mote Laboratory to over 200,000.

They dive down to first clean the dead or dying corals of algae, then use an epoxy resin to glue new, lab-grown coral fragments.

MORE GOOD CORAL NEWS: $25 Million Donation Launches Largest Coral Restoration Project in Hawaii to Renew 120 Miles of Reef

“They have been instrumental in my recovery, helping me learn what I was going to be able to do after losing my leg,” said 41-year-old Army veteran Billy Costello. “It’s great for the heart and the soul, especially when you’re around a group of veterans that have gone through very similar situations and have beat the odds and recovered in such a positive way… It is such a blessing.”

“The coral planting gives the wounded, ill, or injured service member a new found sense of purpose, they get to help the environment and work as a team with other military members who have been what they have been through,” said Lt. Col. (Ret) Andrew Lourake, CWVC Vice President of Operations. “The challenge, camaraderie, and knowing they are making a difference is the highlight of the year for almost all our participants.”

Click here for some more images of wounded soldiers helping the great reefs.

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Love your Daddy! This Sun, Jun 18, 2023, is Father’s Day!

Posted on June 16, 2023May 30, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

HISTORY.COM | MAY 15, 2023 | Father’s Day | Recreational Insurance | Start a Quote Today!

The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972—58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official—that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. Father’s Day 2023 will occur on Sunday, June 18.

Mother’s Day: Inspiration for Father’s Day

The “Mother’s Day” we celebrate today has its origins in the peace-and-reconciliation campaigns of the post-Civil War era. During the 1860s, at the urging of activist Ann Reeves Jarvis, one divided West Virginia town celebrated “Mother’s Work Days” which brought together the mothers of Confederate and Union soldiers.

Did you know? There are more than 70 million fathers in the United States.

However, Mother’s Day did not become a commercial holiday until 1908, when–inspired by Jarvis’s daughter, Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her own mother by making Mother’s Day a national holiday–the John Wanamaker department store in Philadelphia sponsored a service dedicated to mothers in its auditorium.

Thanks in large part to this association with retailers, who saw great potential for profit in the holiday, Mother’s Day caught on right away. In 1909, 45 states observed the day, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson approved a resolution that made the second Sunday in May a holiday in honor of “that tender, gentle army, the mothers of America.”

FEATURED

Why the Founder of Mother’s Day Turned Against It

Anna Jarvis, who founded Mother’s Day in 1908, passionately opposed its growing commercialization and eventually campaigned against the holiday.

Origins of Father’s Day

The campaign to celebrate the nation’s fathers did not meet with the same enthusiasm–perhaps because, as one florist explained, “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have.”

On July 5, 1908, a West Virginia church sponsored the nation’s first event explicitly in honor of fathers, a Sunday sermon in memory of the 362 men who had died in the previous December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah, but it was a one-time commemoration and not an annual holiday.

The next year, a Spokane, Washington, woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by a widower, tried to establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents. She went to local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers and government officials to drum up support for her idea, and she was successful: Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910.

Slowly, the holiday spread. In 1916, President Wilson honored the day by using telegraph signals to unfurl a flag in Spokane when he pressed a button in Washington, D.C. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day.

Today, the day honoring fathers is celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June: Father’s Day 2021 occurs on June 20.

In other countries–especially in Europe and Latin America–fathers are honored on St. Joseph’s Day, a traditional Catholic holiday that falls on March 19.

Click here to enjoy a fascinating video of several Founding Fathers

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What is the value of having recreational insurance in Michigan?

Posted on June 15, 2023June 21, 2023 by admin

Shield Blog | Recreational Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Living in the state of Michigan can come with a lot of amenities. One of the benefits that come with living here is that you can enjoy many local parks and other attractions. If you are going to move here, investing in a recreational vehicle can be a great option as it can be very fun to use. When you are looking for a recreational vehicle, getting recreational insurance for it is quite important.

This type of coverage can come with many forms of coverage which makes it quite valuable:

Cover the Vehicle

A reason to get a recreational insurance plan is so you can cover the vehicle. When you are going to get a recreational vehicle, you will find that it can cost a lot of money to purchase and maintain. Because of this investment, you will want to protect your asset and ensure it is always covered. With a recreational insurance plan, you will get support to replace or repair your asset.

Reduce Liability Risks

It can also be a good idea to get recreational insurance so you can reduce your liability risks. There is always a chance you can be found liable for an accident when using a recreational vehicle. If you have a full recreational insurance plan, you will get support to cover any damages that you have incurred.

Reach Out To Us

Having recreational insurance continues to be a necessity for those that are in Michigan. When you are looking for one of these plans here, it would be a great idea to call our team with the Shield Insurance Agency. If you do call us with the Shield Insurance Agency, you can receive top support to ensure you are able to make an informed decision and properly protect your recreational asset.

Shark Attack App Uses AI to Forecast and Detect Risk for Swimmers at 89% Accuracy

Posted on June 8, 2023May 20, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

A sophisticated app generates shark attack “forecasts” using artificial intelligence.

GoodNewsNetwork.org | By Andy Corbley | May 19, 2023 | Shark Attack | Boat Insurance

The developers are taking advantage of a deep learning algorithm to compartmentalize over a hundred years of shark attack data to create a sort-of weather forecast for beaches around the US with an 89% accuracy.

Called SafeWaters.AI, they hope not only to save lives—their primary objective—but to help reduce the persecution of sharks in response to attacks on humans.

Shark Attack Risks

The risk of shark attack is about 1 in every 3.7 million swimmers, and 60% (28) of all recorded shark attacks in the US have occurred in Florida.

As the developers point out, most consumers of news regarding AI see it employed for aspects that seem frightening or purely futuristic, such as deep fake video creation or self-driving cars.

But the ability of a targeted AI to parse out trends and forces in mountains of data lends it to working with all manner of unique applications. In this case, over a hundred years of shark attack reports are analyzed, with data points being whether it was a swimmer or surfer, where the victim was swimming, what time of day it was, what the marine weather conditions were like, and even whether they were wearing shiny jewelry.

credit SafeWaters AI

In an era where artificial intelligence is progressively transforming our daily lives, a groundbreaking app, SafeWatersAI, has arrived. This innovative application, which has recently launched its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, revolutionizes our interaction with marine environments. SafeWaters forecasts the risk of shark attacks with an impressive 89% accuracy rate. You can say it’s like a weather app, for sharkiness.

All of this contributes to the total percentage risk displayed on the app.

Currently, the project is being crowdfunded, with 5% of all future sales to be donated to ocean cleanup efforts.

Click here to read the full article and see some great photos…

Biker Gang Gives Granny the Ride of Her Life

Posted on June 1, 2023May 20, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Great-Grandma Gets 90th Birthday Wish to Ride a Harley Again, Courtesy of a Biker Gang

Good News Network | Apr 29, 2023 | Biker Gang | Motorcycle Insurance | Start A Quote Here

A great-grandmother who is mad for motorcycles was granted her birthday wish to ride on the back of a Harley-Davidson – a call-back to her youth while celebrating turning 90.

Fearless Brit Barbara Morris said she “felt 21 again” during her spin around town on the powerful American cruising bike.

She mentioned to her family several years ago that if she made it to 90, she’d like to get back in the saddle one last time.

She was left stunned when her sons arrived recently at her nursing home with members of a local biker group. Though wearing a dress, she had no concerns about straddling the bike right there on the spot, before taking a trip with 13 other riders to a pub.

“I just felt the years melt away,” said the great-grandmother of six. “It was just an incredible experience to feel the wind blowing in my face again.”

Barbara got her first motorcycle license as a teen in the 1950s.

Her granddaughter Kirsty Harvey, 34, who helped organize the surprise for Barbara along with the local biker chapter of Widows Sons, said the inspiring senior had a ‘daredevil spirit’ and wasn’t fazed by anything.

“My uncle said to her ‘You always said if you made it to 90, you wanted to go on a Harley,’ and then she said, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you remember that’.”

“She’s got nerves of steel, she’s not really afraid of anything. She’s kind of from that generation that was made of tough stuff. Nothing really fazes them.”

Barbara got her first bike, a Royal Enfield 350, when she was about 19, and used it to get around while in college. She quickly caught the bug for riding, which she then passed on to the rest of her family.

“She always had a little bike that she nipped about on. Her three sons later all had motorbikes and a keen interest in motorbike racing and groups.”

Visit GoodNewsNetwork .org for the rest of the story…

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Five Parts of an Insurance Policy

Posted on May 17, 2023May 10, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | May 19, 2023 | Insurance | Start a quote today!

Insurance policies can be complex and confusing, but understanding the different parts of a policy is essential to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs. In this blog post, we will discuss the five parts of an insurance policy: premium, deductible, policy limits, exclusions, and riders.

1. Premium: The premium is the amount you pay for your insurance coverage. It is typically paid on a monthly or annual basis and is based on several factors, including your age, location, and the type of coverage you need. The premium is the cost of your insurance policy, and it is important to choose a premium that fits your budget.

2. Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your car is damaged in an accident that costs $1,000 to repair, you will pay $500, and your insurance company will pay the remaining $500. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also means you will pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.

3. Policy Limits: Policy limits are the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered loss. For example, if you have a $100,000 policy limit for liability coverage and you are sued for $150,000, you will be responsible for paying the remaining $50,000. It is important to choose policy limits that are high enough to protect your assets in the event of a lawsuit.

4. Exclusions: Exclusions are specific situations or events that are not covered by your insurance policy. For example, if you have a homeowner’s insurance policy that excludes flood damage, you will not be covered if your home is damaged by a flood. It is important to read your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

5. Riders – Additional coverage and options: Riders are additional coverage options that you can add to your insurance policy. For example, if you have a homeowner’s insurance policy that does not cover earthquake damage, you can add an earthquake rider to your policy for an additional cost. Riders can provide additional protection for specific situations that are not covered by your standard policy.

Does Your Insurance Meet Your Needs?

Understanding the different parts of an insurance policy is essential to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs. It is important to review your policy regularly and make changes as needed to ensure that your coverage meets your current needs. If you have questions about your insurance policy or need help choosing the right coverage, contact your insurance agent for assistance.

At Shield Insurance Agency, we are committed to helping our clients find the right insurance coverage for their needs. Our experienced agents can help you understand the different parts of your insurance policy and make sure that you have the coverage you need to protect your assets and your family. Contact us today to learn more about our insurance products and services.

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