I'm talking about the State of Florida. It seems that almost every insurance-related conference is held in Florida, and it has been like that for as long as I can remember. We certainly can understand why Florida-based associations hold their conferences in the state, but others?

It's definitely not a beguiling weather issue. The last two January conferences I attended were in central Florida, and it was cold as all get-out. After all, 56 degrees in Florida is not exactly ideal weather, and I don't even bother packing summer clothes; just a few sweaters and a windbreaker.

But as you've figured out by now, it's not just the weather this curmudgeon has on his mind. It's television advertising. And to be perfectly honest, the situation is prevalent not just in the Sunshine State, but also in many others where retirees are found. It's those insipient ads from law offices concerning insurance settlements, and how insureds should never talk to an adjuster until they've hired a competent attorney to guide them through the process. After all, according to the ads, insurance companies are out there to sock it to you and not leave a leg, or dollar, for you to stand on. What hooey! Especially in Florida, where companies, and adjusters in particular, are jumping through hoops these days to clean up the mess from the 2004-05 hurricane seasons and trying to help insureds get back on their feet. Same thing is happening in Louisiana, which I visited in June 2006.