A.M. Best Co. has changed its view of the U.S. property-casualty industry's ultimate asbestos and environmental A&E losses down to $117 billion from $121 billion.

It would seem the worst of the financial crises of the last year or so is over, but much of the turmoil they produced is not.

At the start of 2009, there were high hopes but low expectations for Florida's new program to help its nearly four million residents without health insurance.

Inspiration springs from the most unusual circumstances. Just prior to writing this article, I was recruited and interviewed by a national volunteer organization that provides services to business newbies and start-up operations.