Ahlers & Cressman Lawyers http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blogs.php All Blog Topics en-us Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:03:34 GMT NATURE WORKING THE EARTH! http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=204 You may have all heard about the recent landslides in Italy . But up to now I have never seen one as it was happening. Use this link and you will see a whole hillside in an Italian residential neighborhood slowly slide away taking grown trees with it.

http://sorisomail.com/email/42722/ja-viram-desmoronar-uma-montanha.html

]]> Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:03:33 GMT You may have all heard about the recent landslides in Italy . But up to now I have never seen one as it was happening. Use this link and you will see a whole hillside in an Italian residential neighborhood slowly slide away taking grown trees with it.

http://sorisomail.com/email/42722/ja-viram-desmoronar-uma-montanha.html

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=204 The Art of Loading http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=203 To view file, click here

]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:00:49 GMT To view file, click here

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=203 How numerals 0 - 9 got their shape . . http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=202 Do you know why numbers look like they do? Someone, at somepoint in time, had to create their shapes and meaning. Watch this short presentation and then you will know how our Arabic numbers were originally created a very long time ago and what logic the people that created them used to determine their shapes. It is really very simple and quite creative? You have to admire the intelligence of a person or people that created something so simple and perfect that it has lasted for thousands and thousands of years and will probably never change? When the presentation gets to the number "seven" you will notice that the 7 has a line through the middle of it. That was the way the Arabic 7 was originally written, and in Europe and certain other areas they still write the 7 that way. Also, in the military, they commonly write it that way. The nine has a kind of curly tail on it that has been reduced, for the most part nowadays, to a simple curve, but the logic involved still applies.

Click here and be amazed

]]> Wed, 19 May 2010 11:07:21 GMT Do you know why numbers look like they do? Someone, at somepoint in time, had to create their shapes and meaning. Watch this short presentation and then you will know how our Arabic numbers were originally created a very long time ago and what logic the people that created them used to determine their shapes. It is really very simple and quite creative? You have to admire the intelligence of a person or people that created something so simple and perfect that it has lasted for thousands and thousands of years and will probably never change? When the presentation gets to the number "seven" you will notice that the 7 has a line through the middle of it. That was the way the Arabic 7 was originally written, and in Europe and certain other areas they still write the 7 that way. Also, in the military, they commonly write it that way. The nine has a kind of curly tail on it that has been reduced, for the most part nowadays, to a simple curve, but the logic involved still applies.

Click here and be amazed

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=202 Farmers to The Rescue!! http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=201 CW Roberts employees demonstrating the use of hay to assist in a defense against the oil spill in the Gulf.

To view the video click here

]]> Tue, 18 May 2010 18:52:16 GMT CW Roberts employees demonstrating the use of hay to assist in a defense against the oil spill in the Gulf.

To view the video click here

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=201 Construction Bonds and Surety Companies: What You Need to Know http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=200 Surety bonds are an often hidden yet critical component of doing business in a wide variety of industries. Many types of professionals are required to be bonded, including car salesmen, janitors, nursing home staff, and construction workers, and each bond's primary focus is to protect against fraud or misconduct on the part of the bonded individual. Generally required by state, local, and federal agencies, surety bonds are in place primarily for consumer protection. If the bonded company or individual is found to be engaging in unethical or fraudulent activities, the wronged party can file a claim against the bond and receive compensation (paid for by the bonded company) up to the full face value of the bond if the claim is found to be valid. Surety bonds are exceedingly common in the construction industry and in fact, construction bonds are some of the most common surety bonds on the market today. If you're a contractor, therefore, it's critical that you find a bond company you trust and can rely upon to provide you good customer service when it comes to executing your bonds. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure that your choice is a good one.

  • Pick an Experienced Provider. Professional surety companies with an extensive history of providing bonds can be a great partner for your business. Not only can they make the bonding process itself a smooth one with a well established underwriting routine, but they can also provide you with a great assessment of your business and its prospects. Check with the National Association of Surety Bond Producers to ensure that your potential surety company has a proven track record of success.
  • Make Sure They Understand your Industry. Your surety company should have a well educated and experienced understanding of not just surety bonds, but the construction industry in general. Their awareness of the market will help determine the types of products they provide and the options they present.
  • Understand the credit and underwriting process. Make sure that the underwriting standards and the credit criteria against which you will be evaluated is clear and easily understood. Your financial history is a critical component of the bonding process and it's exceptionally important that you're able to understand and follow the approvals process.
  • Evaluate Industry Affiliations. Investigate what industry organizations and affiliations your potential surety partner maintains. The National Association of Surety Bond Producers is comprised of more than 5,000 surety agents and brokers and provides education and awareness. The Surety & Fidelity Association of America also maintains a large membership and is a well known organization in the industry.
  • Go with Your Gut. Of critical importance is your own instinct. Trust yourself and, if something seems amiss, go elsewhere immediately. Surety bonds are a large investment and you need to feel that whatever company you choose is going to advocate for you and take a personal interest in your success.

This guest post was provided by Kevin Kaiser, a principal at SuretyBonds.com. AC-Lawyers in no way endorses the company but rather thought they provide relevant and useful information. If you want more information regarding surety bonds, visit their Surety Bond Education Program.

]]> Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Kevin Kaiser - Surety Bonds.com Surety bonds are an often hidden yet critical component of doing business in a wide variety of industries. Many types of professionals are required to be bonded, including car salesmen, janitors, nursing home staff, and construction workers, and each bond's primary focus is to protect against fraud or misconduct on the part of the bonded individual. Generally required by state, local, and federal agencies, surety bonds are in place primarily for consumer protection. If the bonded company or individual is found to be engaging in unethical or fraudulent activities, the wronged party can file a claim against the bond and receive compensation (paid for by the bonded company) up to the full face value of the bond if the claim is found to be valid. Surety bonds are exceedingly common in the construction industry and in fact, construction bonds are some of the most common surety bonds on the market today. If you're a contractor, therefore, it's critical that you find a bond company you trust and can rely upon to provide you good customer service when it comes to executing your bonds. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure that your choice is a good one.

  • Pick an Experienced Provider. Professional surety companies with an extensive history of providing bonds can be a great partner for your business. Not only can they make the bonding process itself a smooth one with a well established underwriting routine, but they can also provide you with a great assessment of your business and its prospects. Check with the National Association of Surety Bond Producers to ensure that your potential surety company has a proven track record of success.
  • Make Sure They Understand your Industry. Your surety company should have a well educated and experienced understanding of not just surety bonds, but the construction industry in general. Their awareness of the market will help determine the types of products they provide and the options they present.
  • Understand the credit and underwriting process. Make sure that the underwriting standards and the credit criteria against which you will be evaluated is clear and easily understood. Your financial history is a critical component of the bonding process and it's exceptionally important that you're able to understand and follow the approvals process.
  • Evaluate Industry Affiliations. Investigate what industry organizations and affiliations your potential surety partner maintains. The National Association of Surety Bond Producers is comprised of more than 5,000 surety agents and brokers and provides education and awareness. The Surety & Fidelity Association of America also maintains a large membership and is a well known organization in the industry.
  • Go with Your Gut. Of critical importance is your own instinct. Trust yourself and, if something seems amiss, go elsewhere immediately. Surety bonds are a large investment and you need to feel that whatever company you choose is going to advocate for you and take a personal interest in your success.

This guest post was provided by Kevin Kaiser, a principal at SuretyBonds.com. AC-Lawyers in no way endorses the company but rather thought they provide relevant and useful information. If you want more information regarding surety bonds, visit their Surety Bond Education Program.

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=200 Empire State Building Old Photos http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=199 To see photos click here

]]> Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT To see photos click here

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=199 Viaduct Gates Will Quicken Closure of Road After Earthquake http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=198 During the 2001 Nisqually earthquake motorists continued to drive over the damaged Alaskan Way Viaduct until the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed the Viaduct hours later. WSDOT plans to install nine (9) gates at entrances to the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Within minutes of a future earthquake, the gates will seal off the roadway and prevent motorists from driving on the structure that may be damaged during a quake. The Alaskan Way Viaduct carries approximately 110,000 vehicles per day.

To read the article click here

]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:09:52 GMT John P. Ahlers During the 2001 Nisqually earthquake motorists continued to drive over the damaged Alaskan Way Viaduct until the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed the Viaduct hours later. WSDOT plans to install nine (9) gates at entrances to the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Within minutes of a future earthquake, the gates will seal off the roadway and prevent motorists from driving on the structure that may be damaged during a quake. The Alaskan Way Viaduct carries approximately 110,000 vehicles per day.

To read the article click here

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=198 EPA New Lead Paint Requirements http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=197 The Environmental Protection Agency has instituted a new requirement for contractors who perform work on buildings constructed before 1978 to reduce exposure to lead paint. All contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools before built before 1978 must be certified in the new EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP) and follow specific work practices to reduce human exposure to lead paint by April 22, 2010. All contractors must be trained certified by April 22, 2010. Landlords, property manager, and their employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rule. To locate an EPA-accredited training provider, visit the EPA's Get Lead Safe website at http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-425-5323.

]]> Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:04:39 GMT John P. Ahlers The Environmental Protection Agency has instituted a new requirement for contractors who perform work on buildings constructed before 1978 to reduce exposure to lead paint. All contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools before built before 1978 must be certified in the new EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP) and follow specific work practices to reduce human exposure to lead paint by April 22, 2010. All contractors must be trained certified by April 22, 2010. Landlords, property manager, and their employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rule. To locate an EPA-accredited training provider, visit the EPA's Get Lead Safe website at http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-425-5323.

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=197 Important case impacting contractor lien rights http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=196 The Washington Court of Appeals held last week that a lien recorded by a lien service was invalid because it did not contain language required by statute. This case is very important for contractors and suppliers who use lien recording services to record liens on their behalf.

]]> Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Paul R. Cressman, Jr. On April 7, 2010, Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals ruled in the case of Williams v. Athletic Field, Inc., that a Claim of Lien recorded by a lien service, LienData USA, Inc. ("LienData"), was invalid for failure to utilize a corporate acknowledgment. In this case, LienData was clearly identified as the agent for the claimant, and an individual employee of LienData signed the verification testifying to the truth and correctness of the Claim of Lien, but no corporate acknowledgment was utilized. Note that both a verification and an acknowledgment are to be signed before a Notary Public. The Court held that because LienData was the claimant's agent, and was a corporation, LienData was required to sign an acknowledgement of the Claim of Lien using the corporate form of acknowledgment. Because a corporate acknowledgment was required, the sample form specified in Washington's lien statute was not sufficient, because it only satisfies the requirements for signature by an individual, not someone signing in a representative capacity. As a result, the Court held that the lien was invalid.

If a lien service has recorded liens on your behalf, you should have your lawyer review such liens. Because of additional potential ramifications of this case, it is probably wise for contractors to consult a lawyer prior to the recording of future liens. If you desire additional information, you may contact Paul R. Cressman, Jr. at (206) 389-8243 or pcressman@ac-lawyers.com or Brett M. Hill at (206) 515-2233 or bhill@ac-lawyers.com.

(This opinion was issued by the Court of Appeals on March 24, 2010 but was amended and reissued on April 7, 2010)

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=196 Sound Transit Takes on Obayashi at the Beacon Hill Tunnel http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=195 Sound Transit accuses Japanese contractor Obayashi Corp. of leaving nine voids in the two-mile Beacon Hill tunnel that was built as part of Sound Transit's regional Light Rail construction. Sound Transit has engaged another contractor to fill the voids and has made a claim against Obayashi for $1.6 million. Obayashi disputes that it has any liability for the alleged voids.

To read the article click here

]]> Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:29:07 GMT John P. Ahlers Sound Transit accuses Japanese contractor Obayashi Corp. of leaving nine voids in the two-mile Beacon Hill tunnel that was built as part of Sound Transit's regional Light Rail construction. Sound Transit has engaged another contractor to fill the voids and has made a claim against Obayashi for $1.6 million. Obayashi disputes that it has any liability for the alleged voids.

To read the article click here

]]> http://www.ac-lawyers.com/blog_article.php?article=195