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Tuesday, October 1, 2013
I Am Officially A Student
I wish I can survive this life as a student. My husband is so proud of me and he expects a lot for me. I am his key to a good life back in the Philippines and I do not want to disappoint him.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
ACHTUNG! Women thing!
After my post about having a baby, here I am posting about something out of the ordinary. Anyway, I had my regular period last month, and when I say regular, it lasts for 6 days. Then this month, I was delayed, for about 5 days, my period came just yesterday but it is really so abnormal, it is more like spotting. What I find weird is, in between my last period until yesterday, my husband and I didn't do anything (except last Saturday when we were in Stuttgart). Anyway, that is what I find too confusing.
How can you have a regular period that lasts for 6 days with really strong flow and then pregnant. Is that ever possible to happen? Most that I find in the internet has more of like spotting than regular period.
It is so confusing being a woman... :(
Friday, September 13, 2013
On Having A Baby
It seems like every Friday would be a ay for me to rant. Last week was when I forgot the date and today is about how I hate being asked on when are we going to have a baby. It is one of Filipino culture that I honestly hate. I remember when I was 18, and they were all telling me not to have a boyfriend yet because I am still young, then fast forward to 25 years old and they are saying whether I wanted to end up an old maid. And now that I am married they are asking when are we going to have a kid! I really hate it how people love to meddle on my personal affairs. I know that 29 going 30 is not young at all and is best time to conceive a child BUT I am just being practical, and is also for my future child's welfare. I guess I am too westernized for my south eastern family and it is out of the ordinary to take time and enjoy each day.
I don't know how can I end all these questions without offending them with my "no, not yet."
Friday, September 6, 2013
Random Musings on a Friday Afternoon
<The phone rang. It was my husband.>Husband: Hallo, Schatz, wie geht's dir? (Hi darling, how are you?)Me: Mir geht's gut, Baby. (I'm fine, baby).Husband: Gut zu wissen. Du, ich mache gleich Feierabend und ich mache morgen frei. (Nice to know. I am going home soon and I won't go to work tomorrow.)Me: Warum? (Why?) <I mean here about not going to work tomorrow.>Husband: Ich brauche Pause. (I need a break.)Me: Aber vorgestern hattest du schon frei, weil ich krank war. Was wird Michael denn sagen? (But you already had free day a day before yesterday because I was sick. What would Michael (his boss, by the way) say then?)Husband: Er hat gesagt, wer wird am Samstag arbeiten kann freiwillig entscheiden, also ich bin nicht gezwungen, diesen Samstag zu arbeiten. (He said, whoever wants to work on Saturday is free to decide, so that means I am not forced to work this Saturday.)Me: Ja, Samstag ist klar, aber morgen machst du frei, dann am 20.September machst du auch frei wegen meiner Prüfung in der Uni, du hast so viel frei! (Yes, Saturday is clear, but you wanted also to have free day tomorrow, and on 20th of September you're also not going to work because of my exam in the university. You have lots of leaves!)Husband: Morgen ist Samstag, Schatz. (Tomorrow is Saturday, my dear.)Me: Echt? Nein, das ist nicht wahr. Moment... (Really? No, that can't be true! Wait a minute...) (then I checked on the date on my laptop...) Mein Rechner steht auch Freitag, aber nein!!! (My computer also says Friday, but noooo!!!) (then checked the date on my tablet and phone) Mein Tablet und Handy sagen auch es ist schon Freitag! (My tablet and phone says it's really Friday!)Husband (laughing): Guten Morgen! Ausgeschlafen? (Good morning! Enough sleep now?)Me: Habe ich den ganzen Tag geschlafen? Wie kann es sein? Ich dachte, es ist nur Donnerstag! (Did I sleep the whole day? How can it be? I thought, it's only Thursday?)Husband: Ja, du hast Mittwoch Abend geschlafen und bist nur heute aufgestanden. (Yes, you slept last Wednesday evening and woke up only today.)Me: Nein...
And that is the story how my day seemed to be destroyed now, I felt like I missed a lot of Thursday events. What happened to me? Why did I have that feeling that I really skipped a day?
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
A Writer In Progress
I also applied to be a contributor to Worldette Blog, it is a blog for empowered women, travel and everything else related to women. This blog has been in their list for quite a while now and I thought of contributing to them, in order for me to be forced to write, besides, I like their themes! I just hope Marie would accept my application. :D
That's it for now. Please do visit my photo blog, I got new posts today too! ;)
Monday, July 22, 2013
Expat-Blog Post: FAQs Part II
Q: What is the difference between Marriage Visa and Fiance Visa?
A: Nothing. These two visa are one and the same. It just so happened that in the Philippines (or maybe in other parts of the world too), we often hear people referring to it as fiance visa because for one, he is your fiance, and secondly, applying for US visa uses more of this term. But for Germany, they use the term marriage visa.
Q: Is it easier to get Marriage Visa than getting married in the Philippines?
A: It all depends on which city or state your fiance/e lives. Most of the people I know (my classmates in Goethe Institut Makati) waited for at least six months before they get their visa. But I know one who took only a month for her to get the fiance visa. It all depends, whether the background check is necessary for the place you would be migrating, and whether the agent who would conduct the background check does it fast and the lawyer signs it immediately. Just a tip: once you had your interview, follow up after three weeks or a month would not be harmful, in this case, your application remains on top of their priority. Your fiance can do the follow up through email, they do answer immediately.
Q: Which one did you apply?
A: We got married in the Philippines, so I applied for family reunion visa (Familienzusammenführung). For more information about this visa, I answered it already in part one of this FAQs.
Q: Is background check really necessary?
A: Yes. And it takes a while, especially when you lived in different cities from the time you are 18 years of age up to the present. My friend who got her fiance visa was not investigated prior to waiting for visa, but she was after their marriage here in Germany, that's why her residence permit took a bit of a time. There is no way out of this investigation. In my case, I was also not investigated (or maybe I was but I am not aware because no one told me or my family because my husband paid €200+ while processing his Ehefähigkeitszeugnis [Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage] and if they did, they did not send a copy of this investigation to the German Embassy in the Philippines for the reason I don't know) but the embassy asked me to submit an NBI clearance a week before they released my visa, because they said the Ausländersamt where my husband lives sent them an email that a background check is not necessary, and they do not have any legal records about my personality and history. Am I sounding clear on this part? Because I guess the Ausländersamt here are getting some pleas from German fiances or spouses asking them to scrape out the background check in order to get the visa as soon as possible. It is possible, but one must not force the government agencies deciding for the visa to do so because it is also for your own good. Imagine that you have met your fiance or spouse online, and spent only 3 months together every year, how sure are you that he/ she is a good person? That the intentions are clean, that they are not just after your money or after the citizenship? It is all for the security and records, nothing would be lost having this background check. I was glad that my visa took only a while, but also questioned why they did not conduct a background check on my part. They made my husband sign a document that he is capable of providing for me as his wife once I live here in Germany and I would never register in Arbeitsamt in order to get a monthly stipend from the government once I am here. Everything worked in my favor, but it was a bit unfair for my husband in a way, and I was thinking this background check would have been one way for me to repay my husband. But at least they asked for my NBI clearance. I guess, it was fair enough (sorry, my line of thoughts here is a bit complicated, but I hope you did get my point. ;) ).
Q: I have a kid from my past marriage/ ex boyfriend. How will I be able to bring him/ her with me to Germany?
A: I am afraid, I can only answer this question IF you are applying for family reunion visa. Your kid would also have family reunion visa. You may apply for it together with your visa application. Just make sure that his/ her name is also stated on the invitation letter of your husband/ wife. If he/ she is below 16 years old, he/ she does not need German language course. But once he/ she is 16 years of age, he/ she needs already language certificate, the kid must reach the level of C1 of language proficiency. If you are applying for fiance visa, I still haven't heard of anyone who got here to get married and travelled together with her kid. Logically speaking, it is still not possible to bring the kid, because the marriage has not yet taken place, and it can still happen, that the marriage would not happen at all. So for marriage visa application, it is only you on first application and once you got your residence permit, you may already apply a visa for your kid, via family reunion visa. It is however difficult to leave this visa application while you are in Germany, because they are strict against child trafficking or any related crimes. They would not process passport application with only a authorization letter, the mother must be there. If the kid do have a passport already, the guardian needs a special power of attorney to get the visa processing. The rest of the requirements of the kid can be found in the website, Family Reunion Visa requirements.
Q: We've heard a lot about marrying in Denmark and that the processing is easy. How true is that?
A: Yes, getting married there is relatively easy. From what I've heard, the German does not need his legal capacity to contract marriage to get married there. That is one reason why it is easy. If you have your Philippines documents with you during your tourist visa (birth certificate, CENOMAR, annullment certificate, in case married before, passport with visa), you can get married within a week! The problem lies AFTER the marriage. I have heard of some states and cities wherein the Pinay does not need to go back to the Philippines, then they are one lucky couple! But most states or cities require the Filipina to leave the country and apply for family reunion visa, which brings it all back to the difficult part: the report of marriage takes months before it gets available in NSO in the Philippines! And the need to have the A1 language certificate! So the waiting time you wanted to avoid is again there to stress you out. One acquaintance who got married in Hongkong told me that after their marriage, they brought the apostille immediately to the Philippines Embassy to process the report of marriage. She immediately got a copy of report of marriage and she applied for the family reunion visa with this report of marriage. Now, for the Philippines Embassy in Oslo, the embassy that is responsible for marriages in Denmark, I am not sure of their procedure. A friend recently got married there, but up to this time, they never received any copy of report of marriage. My friend brought the original copy of the signed apostille and applied for family reunion visa using this signed apostille and yes, she was entertained in the Embassy! As for CEMAR (certificate of marriage) from NSO, they did accept the CENOMAR since they are aware it takes months before the marriage would be registered in the Philippines. Before you get into this process, research first. Read more, and ask the Ausländersamt on what to do before and after marriage. Do not get into this process without complete information. The Ausländersamt is and will be our best friend government agency until we decide to get a German citizenship (which in my case, I will not!).
Q: I heard that before a migrant leaves the country, one must have this CFO sticker. What is that?
A: It is a new procedure. Some says it treats the migrants as milking cow. It is an agency that conducts pre-departure seminar. What is discussed in the seminar are basic things: what are the important documents you must have at hand once you step in the airport (things that one must know by heart, such as passport with visa, and copy of your invitation letter or work contract, simply all the documents you sent during the visa application), what are the things you are allowed to have on your baggage and on your hand carry luggages (which one can also read on the airline websites) and how much are the travel tax and the terminal fee. After these things are discussed, you are divided into groups, the US-bound groups, the Europe-bound groups and so on. In these groups, cultural differences are discussed and for fiance or spouses of foreign nationals, they show slide shows of some not-so-good-experiences of some Filipinos in the foreign land. It is sort of like unconsciously asking the group, "are you sure about this? Do you really know your spouse already?" Afterwards, they would ask you to sign a form, in this form, the contact details of your fiance or spouse must be filled in and the contact details of your family in the Philippines. If you already have your visa, you may get your sticker at the same day you attended the seminar, if not, you will be asked to keep the yellow certificate (this, by the way, is also needed for you to apply for change of surname on your passport if you are married to foreign nationals and would wanted to use his surname) and present this again to them once you got your visa. It all takes only one whole day to attend the seminar and get the sticker. Why are we milking cows? Because it is not for free, and you must pay for everything, the seminar, the booklet, the sticker and for what in return? For information that one can get online. But then, maybe because not everyone is patient enough to research online, hence, they need some guide. Mind you, if your passport does not have this sticker, you would NOT be allowed to leave the country, regardless if you have your flight itinerary and visa! Stricter than the visa, right? For more information, visit: http://cfo.gov.ph. By the way, if your case is similar to my friend, who only got a signed apostille from Denmark and no report of marriage or anything, they do accept the apostille, just make sure you already have your visa once you get there. It would be processed like with normal immigrants, and not like with people with family reunion visa.
Q: I wanted to work in Germany, what is the best way to get there?
A: I have been receiving tons of this question after the agreement between Germany and Philippines on getting nurses and caregivers. If you are a licensed nurse, I suggest that you go to the POEA website (or personally at POEA office) to get more information on how to get here as a guest worker. Please take note, only POEA works on this and there are NO agencies, so beware of that. There may be agencies working with POEA about this agreement, but that is more on giving trainings and language courses for successful applicants, and it has nothing to do with the employer nor security of getting here fast. I would like to take this chance too to warn you of illegal recruiters and leaving you as illegal migrants here. Life as illegal migrants here in Germany is not an experience you would wanted to have (or maybe anywhere in the world). Isn't it nice to live in a country without fear of getting caught? So please, contact only POEA for details. If you are graduate of other courses, I am afraid I do not know any other way, unless of course, applying online on these company websites. Some websites I use to find jobs here are: http://www.jobscout24.de, and http://www.monster.de. If you get lucky to find an employer who's willing to make an interview through Skype or something, then, congratulations! You may apply for work visa once you get a legitimate contract with your new employer.
I guess I got to post most of the questions already. Will get back once I get new questions and gathered new information for all of you. (One reason why my husband told me that I can actually start my own office here as a consultant, I just need to take a certain exam to be a social worker, maybe I would think about that.)
On Writing
Well, my husband has always been supportive of my blogging, but sadly, I have disappointed him these past months. He told me, "just write. You do not need big events to report or something, just write about anything. Go out and take a walk, find something interesting in the village, kids playing, horses neighing, the little river that flows in front of our house, anything!" The problem is, I do not often go out. It is weird but I do not want other people to see me walking around the neighborhood. So when I take a walk, I see to it that no one is around. I am not sure why, the Lanzingers are actually nice to me. Once I took a walk and there were other dog walkers, and old people taking the morning walk. They smiled at me and greeted me enthusiastically and asked where I am living and how long have I been here in Germany. It is totally different from what my Facebook acquaiantances have as experiences. I never felt so left out here in our village. They all show me that I am welcomed here and I am part of the community. So you can scratch that thought out, that probably because I am afraid of racist comments or something, because the people here are one of the nicest Germans I have ever met. Except of few instances in the bus, when I was still attending the German language class. The kids are giving me those looks, but not sharp ones, just a look of curiosity. Maybe they are curious, why someone like me, who looks old enough to be their aunt or eldest sister, is sitting with them in this school bus (yes, the time when my class ends is also the time the schools dismisses the kids in grade school and middle school, so the public transportation is converted to school bus). That is why I sometimes let the time pass by by staying in the mall or having coffee or lunch with my classmates to make sure that I do not take the same bus the kids usually take. Never have I heard any racist comments from them when am sitted in the bus with them, just a sigh of frustration that one seat is taken by their aunt. Now, back to my topic, writing. I am not sure really how I can do this again regularly, just like the old times. It seems that happy life equates to lesser thought bubbles popping out anytime and anywhere. It is because writing has always been like a therapy for me, not just a hobby. One acquiantance, who used to be the editor in chief of our high school paper (I was still in sixth grade that time, so I understand when she could not 100% remember me, we were only together twice for an overnight leadership training and peer counselling training), gave me the same tip that my husband told me. She reminded me that it was taught to us way, way back in high school: write a sentence or two a day, regardless how idiot it may sound or if you are trying to write a book, regardless if those sentences still meets your story or theme, just write. The editing will happen only at the end, when you think you got a book done already. She told me this because I found out that she is already one of the known Amazon writers and published already her first book, in hard copy and ebook format. I sent her an email telling her how proud I am of her and that I am one of her fans since her high school days. That was the only time when I read editor's note in newspaper! I wanted to read a lot of works of her and I simply like her writing style. And I told her too, that I also dream of publishing at least one book. She was so supportive and told me that she can help me out once I am ready and she is willing to do the editing part for me!
You see, there are a lot of support group for my writing. The problem lies now in me. How will I be able to apply this tip in my life and be a published author too one day. I guess, that question would remain a question until I find a way one day, and ironing daily is not a good idea to start with (even if it helped me write today).
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Just Passing By
It's so frustrating and depressing not to be able to write anything, not even a Haiku. :(
Friday, April 26, 2013
Filipinos In Germany
Anyway, in case you are new here and lives near Niedergründau, Hessen, feel free to visit the Gemeinschaft. They usually meet every second Sunday of the month (BUT THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON THE MONTH OF MAY BECAUSE OF FLORES DE MAYO IN EITERFELD AND FRANKFURT AM MAIN WHERE THEY WILL BE TAKING PART OF) at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The community is not just for Filipinos, but for all catholics of different nationalities. They serve coffee and dinner after the mass. :)
And if you are Filipinos looking for contacts online, feel free to join our Facebook group page, Filipinos in Germany. The forum is totally new, and we wanted to make it big soon, please help us gather members! :)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Danke Schön
Today I feel a bit emotional. This week has been such a roller coaster ride and the week has not yet ended! However, I already feel so grateful and I guess I can express more of my thanks here in blog to my dear friend, Janine. Although we haven't met personally yet, I am so grateful to have an online friend who understands almost everything that happens in my life. And the biggest thing I wanted to thank her for is for all the motivation and optimism she unconsciously stilled in my heart (naks!) through her blog posts. She said I motivated her to start a personal blog, but she doesn't know that her personal blog did more to me than my blog to her.
If you are expats as well and feeling kind of already under the weather and would wanted to give up trying, I encourage you to visit her blog. I don't mind losing readers and let her gain more because honestly, her blog is really beautiful! The contents are so beautifully created and full of optimism. One writer that every expat should know.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Okay, I'm lying! I just wanted to try my template if it's working. :-p
PS: Trying to put on this template on all my past posts but I feel so lazy tracking back everything. So I guess, I'd stop from editing na. :-p If you happen to backread all my posts and all of a sudden my signature is gone, that's the start of my laziness, anyway, it does not affect the content of my posts. :D
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Thank You, Fr. Deody Dawis, OSJ
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Tiny Little Steps
First of all, I did rigorous research in the internet how to get into University. There are information that I got from friends that I still have to send my documents to be acknowledged by the respective authority. But thorough reading on the site (thanks to my besseres Deutsch, I got to understand a bit of those posted on the site), told me to simply go to the university of my choice and inquire on the International Office what I need to do. My Brazilian friend from VHS told me I need to translate my documents and have them certified as true copies (she got the slot in a Studienkolleg in Darmstadt University). I wanted to go there too, but Darmstadt is a bit far from our home, and I still don't have a Führerschein (she already has, but we won't be sure if we'd get the same schedules so I cannot be 100% sure that I can always drive with her). So I decided to call on Frankfurt University and made an appointment (FYI: inquiries can be done through phone, but since I got lots of questions, and I wanted them to see my documents, I opted for a personal appointment, which, they told me that I don't need to make an appointment through the phone anymore, just go there during their Öffnungszeiten). I went there and got my questions answered, with the appropriate form to fill out. Here are a few questions I asked:
1. Am I eligible to study here?
Yes. Based on anabin.kmk.org, all Filipinos who have Bachelor's degree from the Philippines are eligible to study at any Hochschule or University. I have visited this site long before I talked with them, but of course, I wanted to be 100% sure. When you got only to finish until high school in the Philippines, you have to go to the Studienkolleg or take the Feststellungsprüfung.
2. What documents do I need to submit?
Since I am already a B.S. degree holder from the Philippines, they asked for my transcript of records, diploma and my German language proficiency certificate. Also a copy of my passport (the page with my information) and a certain payment.
3. Should I still need to send my documents for translation or acknowledgement?
I inquired at Frankfurt University, and the answer is NO. Frankfurt University uses the services of uni-assist for processing student application. Since my documents are all in English, all I needed to do is to make copies of them (uni-assist accepts only copies because if you wanted to apply on different universities or colleges, not all are using uni-assist, and you'll need these documents) and then have them certified either in your local Rathaus or by a Notar. They do not accept Beglaubigung from clubs or the like.
4. How much should I pay?
For application, there is a fee of €68 payable to uni-assist, in order for them to start working on your papers.
5. I have heard of free education here in Germany, is it really free?
Again, I inquired at Frankfurt University, so it might be different in other region or university. For the DSH (Deutsch Sprachkurs für Hochschulgang), there is actually a fee of €550. Then during the studies, when you pass the DSH exam, there is a Gebühr of €350 (?) (I forgot it exactly but I just estimated it to this amount) every semester, inclusive of train and bus ticket around Rhein-Main.
So far, I already got my documents certified. On to the next step: sending my documents to uni-assist and then WAIT. For how long? I am not sure, when I get my documents sent, it will all depend on uni-assist and Frankfurt University. Wish me luck!
HINWEIS: I opted to repeat my Bachelor's degree rather than take the Master's degree immediately. Firstly, I do not want to take the risk, it's been years since I graduated and passed the PRC board exam. Secondly, since after board exam, I did not really work directly in the laboratory or the like, I am afraid that my years of experience would be not enough and they might ask me then to send my documents for acknowledgement or something. And lastly, there are moooore paper works to be done doing so, including recommendation letters from UST, which I do not have at the moment, I only have diploma and transcript of records with me, I do not even have my PRC ID with me because I just recently applied for change of name and renewal of it. I kinda hate paperworks, so I chose the lesser one. It's not that bad to repeat my Bachelor, I can at least "specialize" on a certain field of Chemistry.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Jobs for Doctorate Degree Holders in Industries
I have nothing against academic jobs, because without my respected professors, I would not be who I am now. It is just that I think, and I feel, that teaching Chemistry entails a lot of responsibilities. I don't mind teaching languages, because there are always existing reference books to check on grammars and spellings, but for Chemistry, how can I teach bunch of students perfectly when I, myself, cannot solve certain problems all by myself. They sit there, looking up on you, admiring you for the degree that you have attached on your name, then you fail to answer one problem and poof! The title you worked hard for for years is lambasted in a matter of minutes. I am afraid of that time. Unlike in laboratory set up or manufacturing world, there are always room for efforts, that is why they are called the R&D team, research and development. Some researches may work, some may fail, but it is okay. Technologies change overtime, and every new technology suffers from the pain of giving birth to a first-born, but the scientists are not criticized harshly, instead, they are understood, and sometimes are even praised for such failures, because sometimes, new product ideas come from those failures.
That is what I love about working in the industry and not as an academician, the fun of performing tests and proving hypothesis in order to promote them into theories, and maybe, in the near future, into law.
So, as a conclusion, I just wanted to ask, are there non-academic jobs awaiting for Ph.D. in Chemistry title holders in the Philippines?
Monday, March 4, 2013
Where Are The Filipino Bloggers in Germany?
If you are a Pinoy and is living in Germany, would you care to tell me which forum can I find you?
Saturday, March 2, 2013
My Expat Life: From Pinas To Deutschland
First Expat Experience
Year 2008 was the first time I set my feet on Germany grounds, that time, I was the kind of expat that most people think (at least that was what I used to think of before) when they hear the word "expat": a foreigner in a certain country for business purposes. I was here, together with a colleague, to attend a training about process gas analyzers (they are equipment usually used in process to monitor the concentration of gas in the chamber or process). Germany has always been my favorite country. I first heard of it when I was in third grade, when somebody from Köln (Cologne) was added in our roster. She is pure blooded Pinay but her mom is one of those nurses in the old times who became guest workers of Germany, hence they were born and raised in Köln. They decided to go back to the Philippines and settle there for good in the year 1992. She got lots of stories to tell about Germany: the food they eat, the use of fork and knife instead of spoon and fork, the castles, the weather and the language. She taught us basic phrases such as "Guten Tag" and "ich liebe dich". I have always been in love with fairy tales and her accounts about medieval churches and castles made me dream of visiting Germany someday. Then came high school years, and this time, a family friend's family also decided to leave Europe and settle back in the Philippines (yes, it's Ody's family!) and I came upclose and personal again with the German language. Although their family really came from Vienna, they do speak that language that I love. When Ody and I became good friends, my love for the German language grew deeper, that I asked her to translate my poems into German language. Then came university years. For the reason of being undecided until my last year in high school, I ended up enrolling in the B.S. Chemistry degree. Funny how other people avoids this degree, and I took it just because I wanted to study in University of Santo Tomas and I heard that this course have the least number of enrollees. Since I had fun on my high school chemistry class, I thought it won't be that bad. I never realized until now that everything's pre-determined by fate, more so, by the One Above. How is that so? It is because apart from Tourism and Music, only Chemistry students take the German language as a Foreign language requisite. While my classmates curse the subject due to these umlauts and diphthongs, I am loving it (for more funny moments in my college days, I'll leave that for other post). Then came the end of my college days and on to real life. I have worked with lots of companies either as a process engineer or as a chemist and I still try every once in a while to refresh my German. I have always included in my resume this beautiful line: Language/s spoken: English, Filipino and German, even when in reality, I can hardly construct a decent German sentence. This part on my resume helped me land the job at Emerson in the year 2008. I was honestly okay at Hitachi that time (except for those holidays that I need to work), but since I was young and undergoing quarter-life crisis, I kept on forwarding resumes to all companies I found online. Then one day, they called. I went to an initial interview in February 2008, but was called for client/ final interview in May (which was also a bit memorable/ sad event for me, read here). June came when I finally got the result and the plans was already discussed with me. November of that same year when we went to Germany for training. It was short though because we had to go back before Christmas (with us having lots of gifts since the last day was also my birthday), but we went back in February 2009 for the continuation of the training. That month changed my life.
How My Life Changed
Finally, I was in Germany. I got to experience cold weather and snow, got to taste Sauerkraut, got to speak German. It was all dream come true for me. I saw a few castle, and even a witch tower in Gelnhausen (Hexenturm). I thought that time, my life is indeed beautiful! I got a nice job, considered to be really a high-paying job when you'd ask how much I was earning compared to others with the same position that I had. I never thought it was just the beginning of it all. I never thought that one day, I would be living in this land that I only dreamed of visiting.
We were introduced in the company by my manager that time. Most people working in the production area (where I am assigned to be trained) are pure German speakers, save for two engineers who also do field service that's why they can speak English. Sitting beside my trainer is somebody who changed the story of my life. He was my colleague who became my boyfriend and now my husband. He hardly spoke with me! I always caught him staring at me, during buffet, at work, when am walking out the door and he must still work overtime, but he never spoke. There is a smile pasted on his face (which is already normal of him) but I never knew what was going on in his mind. In December, he finally spoke to me and I blogged here that time the line he said. (I never considered that as his first invitation to go out with him. I mean, who would think of that? I only knew him by name and he barely spoke with me. He told me lately how sad he was when I turned him down that time.) We came back to the Philippines to fulfill our jobs in the Philippines. He never failed to send me emails. I think, the ratio is from every 10 emails I receive everyday, half of it was from him. I recognized the effort on him to write in English, and in all fairness, it was improving everyday. I considered that only as emails between colleagues. The first message of him that made me think it was already something else was when I went for Christmas vacation for a total of 2 weeks, he told me it's going to be the longest weeks of his life. I did not give much attention to that. After my vacation, he told me that he heard about the change in dates of the second part of training and he felt sad that "he must wait for another month." I admit, there is already a bit of kilig in my part when he tells me those words, but I kept on ignoring and forcing myself not to give a damn because I hardly knew him and because he is 15 years older than I, he might be married and is only flirting. We came back in February and as a tradition, there is always a buffet on our first day. It so happened that somebody was also celebrating his nth year in the company, hence it was really a party (with beers!). That time, I got to speak with my trainer's wife and we got really close. Because of all the beers around, she told me stories of past company parties and named those who got really drunk, and one of them was he. I was surprised and I asked her what was his wife's reaction to that, that they had to drive him home because he's too drunk to drive alone. That incident paved the way for me to know he's single. It was as if Fate created that party for me to know more about him. Maybe I am a bit of a liberated one, because we are not that typical bf-gf who went through the process of courtship first. The next day, he tried to invite me out again. He did not put his expectations anymore, he said, he just tried his luck again. But because of what I have learned the day before, I said yes. I went out for dinner with him, simply to know him more. I finally came to know what Haxe is. After years of tears, I started to sing and write poems again, all because of him. He sent me sweet nothings each and every day (which I don't know if he really wrote or got it somewhere in the net). If I am not mistaken, it was on the 9th when I was so transparent that it was then mutual between us. We were actually like Juday and Ryan, no actual date to mention, we just took each day at a time, enjoyed each other's company as friends and lovers.
Nobody wanted to believe on what we have. The Germans thought it was just a "fleeting moment" in our lives, that as soon as I get back to the Philippines, the feelings would die between us. They never believed that he could handle a long distance relationship. Back in the Philippines, they also thought it differently, due to the age difference and the culture difference. My only reason back then was, "my grandparents also have 15 years age difference and they made it till this time, even if grandpa is no longer with us, grandma still thinks of him." I never spoke to them of it anymore, except for my real friends who found our story to be so sweet. There was no formal engagement, maybe one reason why our wedding was kinda made in a rush. His way of asking my hand for marriage was also something sweet and funny. He didn't ask me directly, he asked my family. He simply said, he wanted to marry me and if my family would allow it. I was shocked, the same way my family was shocked. My aunt and my lesbian cousin were kilig when they realized that I also didn't know this plan of his. My family realized how kind he is and they saw how much he loves me during his short vacation, hence they agreed. That was the reason why my blogs in 2010 was only until June, I was busy planning his vacation and then after that, I was busy completing my documents. He came back in 2011 and we got married. In a matter of two years, he changed my life from dull, sad and hopeless one into a lively, happy and loving one.
Second Expat Experience
In October 2011, I came back here in Germany, together with my ex-colleagues, but not as a trainee anymore for gas analyzers. I came back in Germany to stay here for good, to join my husband, to be his wife. Contrary to my first expat experience, this time my career is different. I am no longer the gas analyzer expert (but from time to time, I still enjoy exchanging talks with my husband about what's new in this technology), rather I am a housewife. I work 24 hours a day. I finally learned how to cook. I used to be afraid of oil in a pan, hence I never cooked in the past in the Philippines (except for rice). I used to only clean my room, but now, I have to clean the entire apartment. I have NEVER cleaned a bathroom/ toilet, which I am already doing now. I used to only iron my hankies, but now, I have to iron everything, not only my clothes, but of course, my husband's. A lot of things changed. It was hard, but it was all worth it. I sometimes feel sad that I can no longer work as a professional like before, and I must admit, there are times when I thought of coming back to the Philippines, but at the end of the day, I realize, my life is totally different now. I have chosen to get married, hence my career now is a wife, no longer an engineer or chemist. For all the great things he had done for me, and continuously doing, these simple things are the only ways I can show him my gratitude for his unending love and understanding.
That was my journey. This is my journey. It hasn't ended yet. The story is continuously written. That's how I came to meet my husband and how I came to live in Germany. It is not a smooth ride, it is a roller coaster one, terrifying and exciting. You have read in my past posts how terrifying it is, how I one time wanted to give up. But when he agrees to stop for a while and assess everything, I tell him and myself, "Yes, life is a roller coaster, and I would never give up, rather, continue the ride until the end of time", and then I end up telling him what Simon said on this video:
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Mobile World Gone Crazy
I just hope all these blah-blah in the mobile world would end. It's starting to go crazy.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Learn Filipino: Telling Time
The Numbers:
1 - isa
2 - dalawa
3 - tatlo
4 - apat
5 - lima
6 - anim
7 - pito
8 - walo
9 - siyam
10 - sampu
11 - labing-isa
12 - labing-dalawa
20 - dalawampu
21 - dalawampu at isa (dalawampu't isa)
22 - dalawampu at dalawa (dalawampu't dalawa)
30 - tatlumpo
31 - tatlumpo at isa (tatlumpo't isa)
40 - apatnapo
50 - limampo
60 - animnapo
70 - pitumpo
80 - walumpo
90 - siyamnapo
100 - isangdaan
101 - isangdaan at isa
111 - isangdaan at labing-isa
200 - dalawangdaan
1,000 - isang libo
1,101 - isang libo't isangdaan at isa
1,111 - isang libo't isangdaan at labing-isa
1,000,000 - isang milyon
1,101,101 - isang milyon at isangdaan at isanglibo's isangdaan at isa
1,000,000 - isang bilyon
I know it is kind of complicated, I guess, I will save the discussion about telling numbers for the next days. And now, off to telling time!
Telling Time (the correct Filipino way):
It is best to teach telling time using pictures, but before that, here are the important terms to remember:
umaga - morning (12:01 am until 11:59 am)
tanghali - noon (12:00 nn)
hating gabi - midnight (12:00 am)
hapon - afternoon (1 o'clock pm until 5:59 pm)
gabi - evening (6 o'clock pm until 11:59 pm)
minuto - minute
oras - hour
segundo - second
bago - before
makalipas - past
So, first, how to tell exact time. Just add the word ika- and then the number and then tell which part of the day is it, is it morning, noon, afternoon or evening. The formula is: prefix "ika" + number + word "ng" + part of the day. Example:
|Ika-dalawa ng umaga (2:00 am) or ika-dalawa ng hapon (2:00 pm)
|Ika-dalawa at kalahati ng umaga (hapon) (Half past 2 in the morning/ afternoon; Zweiviertel zwei)
|Labinglimang minuto bago mag-ikatlo ng umaga/ hapon (Fifteen minutes before 3 in the morning/ afternoon; Fünfzehn vor drei)
|Labinglimang minuto makalipa ang ika-dalawa ng umaga/ hapon (15 minutes past 2 in the morning/ afternoon; Fünfzehn nach 2)
|Ika-dalawa at dalawampung minuto ng umaga/ hapon (2 o'clock and 20 minutes in the morning/ afternoon)
Easy, isn't it? Well, fear not! Even if you tell time in English or Spanish, the native Filipinos will understand you. I just wanted to share the good old ways of telling time in Filipino. :)
The Price I Got To Pay
1. More blogging time instead of just playing around in Facebook.
2. I will start a book.
3. Should I get admitted at the University, that I'd have my work done better and without delay, especially when our internet is acting up, I can do my homeworks at the University library any time.
Truly, this notebook costs a lot because of these expectations I have to bring into reality.
Nevertheless, I am more than happy and he is still the sweetest and most romantic guy in the world! He makes normal days special.
I love you baby!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Expat-Blog Post: FAQs Part I
Q: Where is it easier to get married? In the Philippines or in Germany?
A: It all depends on you. The first steps are usually the same: NSO birth certificate, NSO CENOMAR, cedula and then sending them to your fiance to process his Ehefähigkeitszeugnis. Anyway, my friend described on her blog a more detailed procedure about marrying in the Philippines, it's best to read her posts for more information (please click here). We did exactly the same things that they did, but in shorter time. We just got really lucky to get our wedding preparation and our wedding itself done within the 21 days visa-free entry of my husband in the Philippines. It is safest to tell your fiance to apply for visa more than 21 days, at least a month or two maybe? And plan everything ahead, best would be that you start planning during his/her vacation/ engagement day. Never try what we did, we just got really lucky that there was a free venue, and our videographer is a family friend.
Q: What does one do when we opt to get married in Germany?
A: Please click here for the requirements that you need to accomplish. The link is from the German Embassy. Please check the embassy website from time to time, in case that there are changes.
Q: How about for family reunion visa?
A: Aside from my friend's blog, which I have already the link posted on the first question, please click here for the list from the German embassy.
Q: Does one really needs language certificate before applying for Marriage Visa or Family Reunion Visa?
A: Again, it all depends on your situation. I have learned from a friend, that when you already have a kid with your German spouse, you do not need the language certificate anymore if you are applying for family reunion visa. For marriage visa, I still have to ask further. However, you lose nothing from attending the language class and taking the exam, at least the Start Deutsch 1. Why? Because even if you opt for the exemption, the Ausländersbehörde in Germany would still require you to take the course anyway. Unless your husband is open to paying the fine for not taking the Integrationskurs. Hence, learning German in Germany would be easier for you, you won't be shocked from the language, because the learning environment in Germany is totally different from the what one may experience in Goethe Institut Manila. I guess, for beginners, it is really helpful when you can ask your classmates using your native language than asking in German.
Q: I have no time to attend the classes in Goethe due to my work. Can I do it on my own?
A: Absolutely! There are lots of websites to go to to learn the German language. Most helpful for me are the following websites:
- http://www.german.about.com
- http://www.busuu.com
- http://www.livemocha.com
Leave The Past To Memories
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Yesterday, we had a small accident. We are not sure if it has to do with the slippery road due to a sudden change with the weather plus it was raining ice or because of our damp filter because, honestly, our car is already quite old. Thank God that nothing totally bad happened to us, only bruises on my legs because of the shopping bag that I was holding at that moment. Because as the woman driving behind us and witnessed everything, it was surprising that we're okay, because from outside, it was a very bad one. Imagine that our car swiveled to the right and we rolled on our side, our plate number was thrown out and the right side mirror was totally broken. We are so thankful for these angels along the road who helped us out yesterday.
Through this situation, I was awakened. I realized that life can really be too short, you never really know what might happen. We had our car freshly checked last Friday by our mechanic, and still, we had that accident. It is really important to always say thank you and I love you to the people around you. Only the One Above knows until when will you be with these people.
I am so thankful for this new chance of life given to us.
Anyway, to everyone reading my blog, always keep safe, especially if you are driving, especially during this winter season. God bless us always!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Scent of Life
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Random Finds: Of Having The Right Person
During a seminar, a woman asked," How do I know if I am with the right person?"
The author then noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so he said, "It depends. Is that your partner?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?" Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind replied the author.
Here's the answer.
Every relationship has a cycle… In the beginning; you fall in love with your partner. You anticipate their calls, want their touch, and like their idiosyncrasies.Falling in love wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love.
People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet."Picture the expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something happened TO YOU.
Falling in love is a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few months or years of being together, the euphoria of love fades. It's a natural cycle of EVERY relationship.
Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship; you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage.
At this point, you and/or your partner might start asking, "Am I with the right person?" And as you reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when relationships breakdown.
The key to succeeding in a relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the person you found.
People blame their partners for their unhappiness and look outside for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes.
Infidelity is the most common. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your relationship. It lies within it.
I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later.
Because (listen carefully to this):
The key to succeeding in a Relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the Person you found.
SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. You have to work on it day in and day out. It takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it demands WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make it work. Make no mistake about it.
Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your partner), Just as there are physical laws Of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. If you know how to apply these laws, the results are predictable.
Love is therefore a "decision". Not just a feeling.
Remember this always: God determines who walks into your life. It is up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let GO..


text:
So earlier today I was overhearing a conversation (note that I was indeed overhearing and not eavesdropping) between a man and my mother regarding our generation. They were talking about how our generation, despite having outstanding intellectual capabilities and school smarts, lack common sense. I agree with them for about 85% of their claim, but for the other 15% I find unfairness with. First off, we are kids. The point of being a kid is to learn all of this common sense and street smarts before we go out into the real world and find out how bad it sucks, so throwing all that blame on us before we even get the chance to learn it is like sitting around a new born chicken trying to coax and egg out of it. Give us time, and we will learn.
I also overhear about how unlucky our generation is. How we can't get Coke for a nickle and how we are victims to the beast that is social media. Again, my degree of agreement is partial. We do have it a bit tougher, in a social sense, since we are vulnerable not only to the physical world, but also the digital world. I feel like there is a relationship between how the economy is and how people view our generation. If times get tough, then it is dumped all on us, which is true, since we will be inheriting the future. However, just like the generations of the past, we will adapt to change, and deal with whatever our crazy society has to offer to us, because what is the other option?
There was my little rant about our generation, which I may look back at when I am my older, wiser self and scold myself for, but who cares? That's what being a kid is about.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Key factsPrint summary
ONLY 4 OWNERS THE LAST FOR 4 YEARS, LOOKS AND DRIVES GREAT, NEW SERVICE AND LONG MOT TILL MARCH 2020, IDEAL 1st CAR, LOW INSURANCE AND ROAD TAX, 50+MPG, A VERY CHEAP CAR TO RUN, VOSA CAT C REGISTERED IN 2015, THE CAR DOES DRIVE 100%, WE ALWAYS HAVE IN STOCK SEVERAL 1st TIME DRIVER CARS TO CHOOSE FROM 1.0 Ltr to 1.4 Ltr, ANY QUESTIONS OR TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE CALL IAN ON 01623 511555, VIEWINGS AND TEST DRIVE BY APPOINTMENT, TRADE SALE TRANSACTION, Part exchange welcome., All major debit cards accepted., Any inspection welcome. Hpi Checked., Comes with full Vosa history print out., Small deposit secures the sale, by phone with a debit card, or in person with £200 cash, Viewing or collection is from Sutton-In-Ashfield., Delivery possible by arrangement, £2.00 per mile one way from NG17 5FD , Next MOT due 30/03/2020, Last serviced on 31/05/2019 at 114,812 miles, Part service history, Good bodywork, Interior - Good Condition, Tyre condition Good, Blue, 4 owners, WE ARE 3 MILE FROM J28/M1 OFF THE A38. CALL US ON 01623 511555, AUTO DIVERTS T0 MOBILE OUT OF HOURS, £850 p/x welcome
This car comes with
Easy Entry Sliding Seats/Front Seat Height Adj., 6Jx15in Charade Alloy Wheels, Metallic Paint, Parking Sensor - Rear, Alarm/Remote Central Locking/Interior Protection, Electric Windows (Front), In Car Entertainment (Radio/CD), 6Jx14in Sao Paulo Alloy Wheels, Air-Conditioning - Climatic Semi-Auto, Power Socket, Body Coloured Bumpers, Mirrors External, Side Protection Mouldings, Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel, Speakers, Upholstery Cloth, Air Bag Driver, Air Bag Passenger, Anti-Lock Brakes, Central Door Locking, Centre Rear Seat Belt, Head Restraints, Immobiliser, Power-Assisted Steering, 3x3 point rear seat belts, Airbags, Alarm, Alloy wheels, CD Player, Central locking, Electric door mirrors, Electric windows, Folding rear seats, Height adjustable drivers seat, Parking aid, Power steering, Radio, Remote central locking
- 201905318519569
- 2006
- 56
- £850
- 85
- 114,812
- Cars
- uMAFnkzvCwU=
Vehicle summary
|Body style
|Engine size
|1198 cc
|Fuel type
|Number of doors
|Number of seats
|Gearbox type
|CO2 emissions
|144 g/km
|Insurance group
|Standard manufacturer's warranty (miles)
|0 miles
|Standard manufacturer's warranty (years)
|2 years
|Standard paintwork guarantee
|3 years
Performance & economy
|Fuel consumption (urban)
|36.2 mpg
|Fuel consumption (extra urban)
|57.6 mpg
|Fuel consumption (combined)
|47.1 mpg
|0 - 60 mph
|17.5 seconds
|Top speed
|95 mph
|Engine power
|55 bhp
|Engine torque
|79.66 lbs/ft
|1467 mm
|Height inclusive of roof rails
|No details available
|3916 mm
|2466 mm
|1650 mm
|Width including mirrors
|No details available
|Fuel tank capacity
|45 litres
|Minimum kerb weight
|1186 kg
|Interior features
|Exterior features
|Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel
|Body Coloured Bumpers
|Electric Windows (Front)
|Mirrors External
|In Car Entertainment (Radio/CD)
|Side Protection Mouldings
|Power Socket
|Spare Wheel (Full Size Steel)
|6Jx14in Sao Paulo Alloy Wheels
|Upholstery Cloth
|Air-Conditioning - Climatic Semi-Auto
|Colour Pack
|Air Bag Driver
|Air Bag Passenger
|Air Bag Side
|Anti-Lock Brakes
|Central Door Locking
|Centre Rear Seat Belt
|Head Restraints
|Power-Assisted Steering
|Seat - ISOFIX Anchorage Point (Two Seats - Rear)
|Front Fog Lights
Please note
This includes MPG figures which are calculated under European Standards, in test conditions, and will vary under normal driving conditions. The information displayed above describes the typical specification of the most recent model of this vehicle. It is not the exact specification for the actual vehicle being offered for sale which may vary. Specifications for older models may also vary. Please contact us prior to purchase to confirm the exact specification of this vehicle.
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text:
SINGAPORE - A man who locked himself and his mother in their Ang Mo Kio flat since Thursday (March 31) night has been arrested after a 13-hour stand-off with the police.
The police said they were alerted to the incident at Block 508, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, on Thursday night when the man did not open the door to some Central Narcotics Bureau officers.
It is believed that he had threatened to kill himself and his mother.
The elite police units Star and Special Operations Command were then activated. Officers managed to break into the eighth-floor unit at about 10am on Friday (April 1).
Some residents from the floors below and above the flat were asked to evacuate.
Retiree Wee Lai Huat, 70, who lives next door, told The Straits Times that the man and his mother had been living in the unit for about eight years.
"They had a loud quarrel last year," he added.
It is believed that at least three knives were retrieved from the flat.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force said that they were alerted to the incident at 9.05pm on Thursday. They set up a safety life air pack at the foot of the block and rescue nets at the front and back of the block as precautionary measures.
A spokesman added that no one requested medical attention.


text: Bolivia looks pretty small on the map if you make a comparison to Brazil or Argentina but with its 1 million square kilometers, it climbs in the top 30 largest states in the world with ease. It is also larger then Egypt and much larger then Turkey. But the country lies in the area which was never heavily populated, so it has only around 10 million of inhabitants, which is the size of Greece or Belgium. Bolivia along with Paraguay, is the only landlocked country in South America. It can…Read More


text:
PopSugarFeb 11, 2019, 12:54 am131 pts
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Brody Jenner Packs On PDA After Ex-Wife Romances Miley RadarOnline 108
A big swirling bucket of the latest rumors, celebrity news and Hollywood gossip. The premier celebrity gossip app. The only apps that gives you a comprehensive real time celeb news stream.
Gossip Bucket aggregates and streams the latest gossip news and headlines from the top sources in one place.


text:
News & events
Research Councils endorse CCFE fusion programme | 18/02/2010
Two UK Research Councils – EPSRC and STFC – recently held an independent review of UK fusion strategy. The aim of the review was to develop a long-term UK vision for fusion in an international context.
The findings of the review panel chaired by Professor Keith Burnett, and the strategy document 'A 20-year Vision for the UK Contribution to Fusion as an Energy Source' have now been issued at: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2010/Pages/energystrategy.aspx
Among the key points:
The Research Councils reiterated their support for fusion research. 'The potential of fusion energy to contribute as a major component of the future global energy system is sufficiently large that it should be pursued in the UK; this is an area of international excellence in terms of research and skilled people in the UK which is contributing to a global challenge. It needs continued funding for the long term, even when difficult financial choices are being made'.
EPSRC will develop a long-term funding mechanism for magnetic confinement fusion, including support for the proposed upgrade of the MAST device at Culham. 'Through an upgraded MAST, the UK can play a leading role in the development of a Component Test Facility which may be important in reducing the risk for construction of the fusion demonstration reactor (DEMO), the step following ITER.'
EPSRC will also seek agreement with EURATOM on long-term funding for JET, recognising its 'essential role in preparation for ITER'.
The high standard of the CCFE programme was recognised. 'The UK has played an internationally leading role (in fusion development)...this has included the operation and exploitation of the world's leading fusion facility, JET, at the CCFE and the development of the spherical tokamak approach. UK expertise in tokamak operations, engineering, and fusion physics...will be essential to the success of ITER. This strength in facility operation is complemented by a leading experimental and theory programme, much of which is carried out in collaboration with universities and international partners.'


text:
Brussels (AFP) - At least three foreigners, including two Belgians and a Portuguese man, were killed in the wave of attacks in Paris, officials from both countries said Saturday.
"At least two Belgians were killed," Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said according to his spokesman who added that Brussels had received the information from the French authorities.
There were no other details following the announcement on RTBF television.
In Lisbon, the secretary of state for citizens abroad, Jose Cesario, told AFP that "a 63-year-old Portuguese man who lived in Paris and worked in the transport" sector died.
A source cited by Portugal's official news agency Lusa said the man apparently died near the Stade de France football stadium where three explosions took place.
The French authorities said one person died there along with three suicide bombers.
A US State Department spokesman also said that the government believes American citizens are among the injured in the Paris terror attacks, ABC News reported.
"The US government is working closely with French authorities to identify American victims," said Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner. "We are aware there are Americans among the injured, and are offering them the full range of consular assistance."
"The US Embassy in Paris is working around the clock to assist American citizens affected by this tragedy," he added.


text:
Following in his family footsteps, William Whitaker has won showjumping's most coveted prize, taking the 2016 Equestrian.com Derby title at Hickstead.
Riding Glenavadra Brilliant, William was the only rider to leave all the fences up, but the roar of the crowd turned to moans of despair when one time penalty appeared on the scoreboard. With eleven still left to jump, had William done enough?
"I knew I was slow, but for a big horse he's quite hot," said William. "At the beginning of the course he was pulling me, so I had to take my time on the corners.
"He started to settle towards the end, and I was able to save a bit to time, but it was half second too little. Luckily for me it was enough today."
Third last to go was Ireland's Billy Twomey who was one of the favourites with Diaghilev after winning the Hamburg Derby last month. However, as in 2015, he had the first part of the Dyke down, to finish on four faults.
This put Billy in joint second place with Harriet Nuttall on A Touch Imperious and Richard Howley with Chinook.
"He jumped fantastic at Hamburg and we were second here last year, so I feel bit disappointed, but he jumped amazing," said Billy. "William rode a copy book round, so it's well deserved.
"This is my fifth time coming second in this class so I need to get my act together."
Harriet also rode a superb round and it looked like she had done enough, but A Touch Imperious had the last down.
"He felt amazing," said Harriet. "He was foot perfect, so to have the last fence was a bit gutting. But there is nothing more we could have done. It's just one of those things."
Last to go was Guy Williams, who has enjoyed many wins over the years at Hickstead – including the Derby in 2012. However, this wasn't his year and after having three down he decided to retire Depardieu Van T Kiezelhof.
With no clears, this meant William was the outright winner on one time fault. His name now joins uncles John and Michael on the trophy, who have both won the Derby four times.
"It's a class I've always really wanted to win," said William. "I'm really pleased for the horse, as he's always knocked on the door. He was second here last year and in other Derby's around Europe, so it's great to finally get the win."


text:
We look forward to hearing from you!
We are next to the Christmas Mouse and accessible from the Beach Road via Gallery Row.
Contact Us!
2405 S. Croatan Hwy
Nags Head, NC 27959
Text/Call: 252-202-2011
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Implenia comes in second in NFF's tunnel statistics | Implenias flies upwards on the 2015 tunnel statistics from Norwegian Tunnelling Society (NFF) and finds itself on the podium for the first time. This was announced at NFFs annual fall conference which was held the 26th to the 27th of November 2015.
Opening of Tresfjord Bridge | On Saturday October 24th, Prime Minister Erna Solberg, declared the Tresfjord Bridge opened.
Opening of county road 204 at Heggedal Station | Tuesday 6th of October the new driving bridge over the railway at Heggedal Station was opened. Implenia was prime contractor on the project that after completion ensures a safe crossing of the railway tracks for both motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The largest concrete casting completed at E6 Vinstra-Sjoa.|In just under two days, Implenia-Aurstad together with Betong Øst, completed the casting of the fauna passage at Bjørkerusten, just south of Sjoa. This is the largest concrete casting that has been conducted on the project.
Breaking ground on the K11 Rådal - Nordås – Flyplassvegen project | State Secretary Tom Cato Karlsen (Frp) from the Ministry of Transport and Communication yesterday turned the first shovel of ground on E39 Svegatjørn–Rådal, contract K11 Rådal - Nordås - Flyplassvegen.
The joint venture Implenia-Isachsen signed contract for the construction works on the route E16 Sandvika–Wøyen – Second contract for the lot Rud–Vøyenenga.
Staiway from Akrobaten Bridge to platform 2 at Oslo Central Station has opened.|On Friday August 28th, the new stairway from Akrobaten Bridge to platform 2 at Oslo Central Station opened. The new stairway has universal design and consists of both a staircase and an elevator that goes down to the platform that serves track 3 and 4 at the central station.
The half-year report for Implenia Group has been published.
Implenia signed major SEK 2.1 billion order in Sweden – Contract to build first infrastructure section of Stockholm's new bypass "E4 Förbifart Stockholm" | Combined tunnelling, foundation engineering and roadbuilding capabilities decisive | Success reflects good market positioning in Scandinavia
Existing sectorial and regional structure adjusted following acquisition of Bilfinger Construction
Implenia signs new record tunnel project outside Bergen – One of two major contracts to upgrade E39 between Svegatjørn and Rådal, lot K11, was signed yesterday.
Breakthrough in Eidanger tunnel | The final blast was fired in the Eidanger tunnel near Porsgrunn Wednesday June 24. This was the last breakthrough in a total of seven main tunnels on the stretch between Farriseidet and Porsgrunn.
Implenia arranges HSE week | Implenia arranges HSE week during the first week of June. The aim is to improve the HSE work on all of our projects, better personal commitment and attitudes to HSE within all our employees, and to strengthen and adapt HSE training within the company.
Implenia signs new hydropower project for new flood channels in Sirdal municipality – Flood diversion capacity in the Gravatn reservoir will be increased.
Transaction successfully closed: Bilfinger Construction now part of Implenia Group | Following the successful closing of the transaction, Bilfinger Construction is from Monday March 2 part of the Implenia Group.
Installation of new staircase from Akrobaten bridge - This weekend the main installations of a new staircase and elevator shaft from the Akrobaten bridge to train tracks number 3 and 4 at Oslo Central Station were carried out. Because train and road traffic in the area had to be temporarily closed down, the works were carried out during nighttime on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Supplier video from Lysebotn II – TYRI has provided lights for one of Implenias wheel loaders, and used Lysebotn II as backdrop for their latest commercial.
Implenia back on track – Good result despite difficult start | Group shows its strength and clearly exceeds targets set half way through the year | Solid generation of funds and high return on capital | Significantly higher dividend | Confident outlook for 2015
Implenia signs project for ground works for new building replacing the S-block in the government quarter in Oslo city centre – Existing caverns will be expanded, including rock and water protection.
Implenia Norge publishes company presentation film.
Implenia gets green light from competition authorities to acquire Bilfinger Construction – Approval granted under anti-trust law in the relevant markets, Germany, Austria and Norway | Acquisition scheduled for completion by start of March.
Implenia signs project for substructure and superstructure of a new bridge over Stjørdal River – The bridge is a part of the development of the passenger transportation offer on the Trøndelag Commuter Rail.


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Purdue University, Lafayette, IN
Osteoarthritis (OA), commonly known as 'wear and tear' in human joints, affects over 27 million people in the United States [1]. There is currently no encompassing solution for the regeneration of damaged articular cartilage. One potential solution involves the close emulation of the native structure of articular cartilage, with special consideration given to maintaining the distinct organized zonal ultrastructure, characterized by both random and highly aligned zones of collagen fibrils, in order to preserve mechanical and cell signaling properties of the extracellular matrix [2]. Techniques such as electrospinning achieve high degrees of alignment, but do so at the cost of denaturing the collagen molecule [3] that may lead to inferior cell recognition and mechanical strength.
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and
Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early
dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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5/20/13 Clinic Board Meeting
This past Monday was the Board of Directors meeting for the Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia. Each time I go these meetings I always come away encouraged and amazed by the fact that this relatively small group of attorneys about 10 years ago has grown to where it is now with each meeting presenting more ways to grow and revealing more ways it has grown.
Now, I am excited to say, the Clinic is set to expand into the Kensington section of Philadelphia as well as Chester! If we are successful in expanding to those locations that would make a total of six Clinics in the Philadelphia area! There was talk that, if the Chester Clinic takes off, we could establish a separate Christian Legal Clinic in Delaware County and perhaps others as we hopefully, God willing, continue to expand.
Another thing to mention is that most, if not all, of our meetings involve someone sharing a story of how God works in their lives in amazing ways. Judge Robert Matthews of Philadelphia Family Court is among the members of our Board. He shared a story of when he was still in practice and his client was a woman who was 94 years of age. It is not uncommon for estate planners to ask what sort of funeral arrangements someone wants, including whether s/he desires a religious ceremony. This particular 94 year old lady said she did not want a religious ceremony. Judge Matthews asked her if she were a member of a church; her answer was "no." He then asked "are you a member of a religion?" She said "no." He then asked – and to this day he does not know why – "are you baptized?" She said "no". The lady's daughter, who was with her, was astonished to learn that her mother was not baptized, and she asked her mother "why not?" She responded with "no one had asked me." Judge Matthews then asked her if she wanted to be and she said "yes". Judge Matthews then asked her whether she believed in the items in the Nicene Creed and whether she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She responded in the affirmative to each of these questions, after which Judge Matthews promptly went and got a cup of water from the bathroom and baptized her then and there in his office. She passed four (4) days later.
How amazing and how simple! I think this story should give the average Christian who says "how can I share the faith?" some inspiration. Sometimes, as with this lady, all you need to do is take that very first step and ask. The faith – and salvation – cannot be shared without someone asking that first question and many people out there are waiting for someone to reach out their hand and ask it. I wonder how many people are out there who could be saved but have not embraced Christ simply because no one has ever asked him/her? God forgive our negligence and give us grace to simply reach out when we have the opportunity, even if it is with a simple question.


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Independent learning and practice
Providing opportunities for kids to practice concepts at their level is critical to help them build deep understanding. Fortunately there are many options for students to develop their skills and study other interests outside the normal school day.
At both elementary schools students have iXL accounts which they can use both inside and outside of school to deepen their understanding of math concepts. IXL's tagline is "practice that feels like play." From my experience so far with the platform, I definitely see truth in that statement. After introducing it, I have students ask me many times a day when we'll be using iXL. As we set up our class routines and culture, I see iXL being a great way for students to practice math independently almost anytime they have downtime (maybe even inside recess!). It is easy to get logged into, it's chunked into small enough pieces that you can feel accomplished even in a short amount of time, and it keeps track of student progress. Most of importantly, like I mentioned earlier, the kids love it!
Something else Harvey Swanson is using, as well as other teachers selectively throughout the district is RazKids. RazKids is a very similar platform to iXL, but instead of math the focus is reading. It has hundreds of books that students can read or have read to them, with comprehension quizzes at the ends of each book. Each book read and each quiz taken gives students stars. As students accumulate stars they can customize a robot with unique features. This "gamification of learning" is very popular and seems to motivate students as they seek badges or rewards for practicing.
A slightly different approach to online learning is Khan Academy. At Khan Academy someone can, as they say, learn anything. They have everything from basic math learning to complex calculus to art history to organic chemistry and so on. It's a pretty amazing site, with lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking. The best part... it's totally free. The lessons are pretty good, and I use many of the math lessons in my own classroom when students are struggling with a concept.
If you'd like any more information about these platforms or any other suggestions, check out the links in the links for families section of the website. For even more information please contact your child's teacher or me.
The first week of school is always fun and full of optimism about the new year. This year feels especially exciting because of all the unique opportunities we have at Brandon. I will keep adding new opportunities and useful information under the "Links for Families" tab to the left. Please check out the LEGO robotics information and get ahold of Mr. Spiece for more information,
In school, we've been getting to know our new math program and new technology. It's been really cool to see students who have all different experience levels with the iPads get a chance to explore the most current mobile technology available.
We're starting with responsibility and the basics when it comes to iPads these first few weeks. The teachers at HSE have decided to start with a fun lesson that goes some necessary information, but has a fun (and functional!) twist at the end. I've been lucky enough to be invited into a few classrooms to help lead this lesson.
First, we looked over the iPad. We talked about how the case helps protect the iPad from accidents, but we still need to be responsible when carrying it or using it. Next, we find each button on the iPad. The two most important buttons are the "tic-tac" button and the "belly button." The "tic-tac" button is the top button that turns the iPad on and off, and switches off the screen. The "belly button" is the circle shaped home button. The names helped students remember and easily identify the buttons.
After we went over the basics, then we learned to put a few skills together for a fun end result. All the students snapped a selfie, using the camera, and the flip camera function. They learned about how the two cameras can be used and where they were. Then through settings we made their selfie the lock and home screen. This served two functions: students now know which iPad belongs to them, and students had a great laugh when they saw their faces behind the apps! Having fun and growing comfortable with the technology is key to building digital literacy.
Welcome back Brandon! At Harvey-Swanson everyone was really looking great in their "High Tech Hawk" t-shirts. We had a great day of learning and everyone seemed to have fun. While having fun we knew how to keep safe and be happy today with an inspirational message from Mr. Phillips.
Something special that Mr. Phillips has been working on for a long time now is his signature "Hawk Talk" video series. Every Monday, Mr. Phillips, with the help of some HSE students, uses iMovie for iPad to put together a video highlighting one of the positive behaviors expected at Harvey Swanson. The videos cover everything from "walking like a hawk" in the hallway, safe playground behavior, and even respectful bus behavior.
The talks always focus on one of the four areas that HSE prides itself on. The four areas we focus on with our School-wide Positive Behavior plan are: Have Respect, Act Responsibly, Work Together, and Keep Safe! You'd be hard pressed to find a student or alum from Harvey-Swanson who couldn't recite our H.A.W.K. expectations. Mr. Phillips regularly reinforces and models these areas of pride with his videos.
Today, being the first day of school, we got an extra special video that focused on the great happiness that comes from following our H.A.W.K. expectations. It also talks about how being happy and helping others is all part of acting like a H.A.W.K. Take a look at the video below, clap along, and be happy!
Bob Larson
Instructional Technology Coach
February 2018


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Custom Logo Design | Ladd Financial Services, Inc.
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Ladd Financial Services Inc. new logo and branding identity. Ellen Ladd is the owner of Ladd Financial and recently chose to incorporate her business so of course she needed a new look to go with her new name. Ellen is a top notch accountant offering not only tax and business accounting services, but financial services as well. She is one busy lady!
We originally came up with 3 logo design concepts for her to choose from based on her initial client questionnaire and consultation. I'm thrilled that Ellen chose the following as her final primary logo as it communicates to her clients that she offers professional services with an elegant touch. We also included two alternate marks for use on web or other branding materials. Then we carried the look through to her horizontal business card design and social media profile image.


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When an individual wants to request reconsideration of a CDR:
Explain the disability hearing process;
Explain his or her rights and responsibilities as they pertain to the reconsideration
Provide the required appeal forms; and
Document the appeal request in the disability control file (DCF).
For instructions on processing the request for reconsideration of a CDR, see DI 12026.025.
In explaining the disability hearing process:
Explain what a reconsideration CDR is by referring to the information in DI 12026.001.
Explain the time requirements in filing a request for reconsideration. For more information
on time limits for filing an appeal, refer to GN 03101.010.
NOTE: When a foreign case is involved, see DI 12026.020B.5. in this section, and DI 12026.025D.3.
Advise the individual of his or her right to:
Request an appeal.
Elect or decline statutory benefit continuation (SBC).
NOTE: In all cases, the individual must sign a statement indicating whether he or she
elects or declines SBC. For more information on SBC, refer to DI 12027.007 and DI 12027.008.
Secure representation. Explain to the individual the importance of informing the Social Security Administration
(SSA) of representation at the earliest possible time.
Present additional evidence to support the appeal. Explain to the individual the importance and advantage of providing additional evidence
and medical sources at the earliest possible time.
NOTE: Although individuals may bring evidence to the disability hearing, it is preferable
that he or she provide any evidence before the completion of the case development
of his or her appeal.
Request SSA assistance in obtaining evidence and, if necessary, that SSA issue an SSA-1272-U4 (Subpoena-Disability Hearing) to compel the production of certain evidence or testimony.
For more information on subpoenas, see DI 33010.050.
Receive a notice of the time and place of the disability hearing at least 20 calendar days before the disability hearing, and the right to waive the
20-day advance notice. If the individual wants to waive this right, see DI 12026.020B.3. in this section.
Receive reimbursement for expenses to travel to the disability hearing location, under certain circumstances. For more information on reimbursement of travel expenses,
refer to DI 33010.045.
Present and question witnesses. Contact the Disability Hearing Unit (DHU) if the individual needs assistance for
a witness to appear.
Waive personal appearance at the disability hearing by indicating that option on the SSA-789 (Request for Reconsideration – Disability Cessation Right to Appear) form. Inform
the individual of the consequences, as stated on the SSA-789 form, of not attending
the disability hearing.
NOTE: The individual can later waive his or her right to appear by submitting a SSA-773-U4 (Waiver of Right to Appear - Disability Hearing) form or a written statement. For more information on the use of this form, see DI 12095.050.
Review the evidence in his or her official file. Inform the individual that this review generally takes place the day of the disability
hearing, but can be done at the FO prior to the disability determination services
(DDS) development, or at other times by making arrangements with the DHU. For more
information on providing access to medical records, refer to GN 03340.035.
NOTE: When an authorized person requests a copy of an electronic folder, include all documents
(paper and electronic) that comprise the official disability folder in the copy provided.
Offer the authorized person the choice of either a paper or compact disc copy of the
folder. For more information on providing a copy of the case file, see DI 81001.030.
Request an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing if the individual disagrees with the disposition of his or her reconsideration appeal.
Advise the individual of his or her responsibility to:
Request an appeal and sign the statutory benefit continuation (SBC) election statement in a timely manner to receive SBC (15-days from the date of notice,
i.e., 10 days plus 5 days mail time for SBC).
NOTE: Clearly explain to the individual that SBC payments will result in an overpayment,
and the individual is responsible to repay the SBC payments, if the appeal is unsuccessful.
For Title II inputs see MS T2PE 003.024 and MS T2PE 003.025;
For Title XVI inputs, post data to the appeals screens in the Modernized Supplemental
Security Income Claims System (MSSICS). For more information on posting appeal information
to MSSICS, see MS MSSICS 020.004.
For payment continuation posting, refer to MS MSSICS 020.015 and DI 12027.008.
Non-MSSICS Cases - Use MSSICS Direct SSR Update (DUSSR). For more information, see
MS BUSSR 002.020 (Statutory Benefit Payment Continuation (UABC)).
Attend all consultative examinations (CE), if requested to do so by the disability determination services (DDS). Inform the
individual that the CE is at no cost to him or her. Explain the importance of attending the
CE and cooperating in other ways because failure to cooperate may affect the reconsideration
Immediately inform the DHU of any event that affects scheduling the disability hearing, e.g., appointment of a representative, a change of address, or any hospitalization.
Provide the following forms as necessary.
Use Form SSA-789 when an individual requests reconsideration on continuing disability
issues, and when selecting whether someone will appear on the individual's behalf.
Assist the individual with completing this form if needed or requested. For instructions
on completing this form, see DI 12095.040.
IMPORTANT: The SSA-789 must be dated at the top of the form upon receipt in the FO.
A completed Modernized SSI Claims System (MSSICS) appeals output can act in place
of the SSA-789 in Title XVI and concurrent cases if the individual also provided clear
written indication of dissatisfaction with the initial CDR determination. There is no MCS
system to record a CDR appeal, therefore the individual must complete an SSA-789 for
Title II cases.
NOTE: Do not use an SSA-561-U2 (Request for Reconsideration) for a CDR reconsideration because the SSA-789 contains
information and questions not covered by the SSA-561-U2.
Use separate Form SSA-795 to capture each:
Election or declination of SBC payments statement, described in DI 12095.171 and DI 12027.010B.4.
NOTE: The individual must complete an SSA-795 whether he or she elects or declines SBC. In concurrent cases,
the individual must complete two SSA-795s; see Exhibits 1 and 3 in DI 12095.171.
"Good Cause" statement with late filing of an appeal, described in GN 03101.020.
"Good Cause" statement for late election of SBC, described in DI 12027.008B.
Form SSA-827 serves as the individual's written request and authorization for a medical
or other source to release information to SSA. Obtain one completed original SSA-827
per case. For instructions on completing the SSA-827 form, see DI 11005.055.
Use Form SSA-3441-BK to collect updated information about the individual's impairment(s).
Use the SSA-3441-BK form for all reconsideration requests for a disability hearing.
For instructions on completing this form, see DI 12095.030.
For instructions on completing the form in the Electronic Disability Collect System
(EDCS), see DI 81010.150D.
Use Form SSA-3881-BK to record information about nonmedical sources of evidence of
the individual's functioning. When the case involves a Title XVI disabled child, obtain
the SSA-3881-BK, in addition to the SSA-789, SSA-3441, SSA-795, SBC Election Statement,
and the SSA-827.
Have the individual complete only one SSA-789, if he or she wishes to file a request for reconsideration under both titles in a concurrent case.
Check the appropriate blocks in the "Type of Benefit" section of the SSA-789.
File or upload the SSA-789 in Jurisdictional Documents/Notices (the red tab) of the
official folder.
If the individual is restricting the appeal to one case only, document the reason(s)
the individual is not appealing all cases.
NOTE: The appeal cannot be restricted to Title XVI-only because an individual must pursue
eligibility for all benefits to be eligible for Title XVI payments. For an overview
of Title XVI filing requirements, see SI 00510.001
If the individual wishes to file an appeal on each issue:
Obtain a completed SSA-789 and the other necessary forms required for appeal of the
medical issue.
Obtain a completed SSA-561-U2 for the non-medical issue.
For Title II cases:
Complete the reconsideration of the non-medical issue before the reconsideration of
the medical issue only when the non-medical issue is critical to eligibility.
Complete the reconsideration of the non-medical issue after the release of the reconsidered
determination of the medical issue, when the non-medical issue is not critical to
Process the reconsiderations simultaneously when the non-medical issue is critical
to eligibility, e.g., income and resources.
For information about non-medical reconsiderations, see SI 04020.010C.1.
For information about due process protections and Goldberg/Kelly procedures, see SI 02301.300.
When processing a waiver of 20-day advance notice for a disability hearing:
Ensure the individual understands that he or she should not waive the right to receive
a 20-day advance notice of the disability hearing if he or she needs additional time
to prepare for the hearing.
Obtain a signed SSA-795 from the individual or his or her representative, containing
the following language:
"I have been advised of my right to be sent a notice of the time and place of my disability
hearing at least 20 days before the date of my hearing. Also, I have been advised
that I should not give up this right if I need additional time to prepare for the
hearing. However, I am prepared to have my hearing on or after [insert date], and
hereby knowingly and willingly give up my right to be sent the 20-day advance notice
as cited in 20 CFR, sections 404.914(c)(1), and 416.1414(c)(1)."
NOTE: Revise the above language to delete 404.914(c)(1) if Title XVI only is involved
or delete 416.1414(c)(1) if only Title II is involved.
Send the individual's statement to the DHU along with the SSA-789.
If the DHU already has the SSA-789, notify the DHU of the individual's statement by
telephone or e-mail. Upload the individual's statement to electronic folder or forward
it to the DHU if the folder is paper.
If the individual wants to appoint an attorney or other qualified person to represent
him or her, refer to the instructions in GN 03910.001.
If the folder is located in the FO, see GN 03910.040H.
If the folder is not located in the FO, see GN 03910.040I.
Inform the DHU by update after transfer (UAT) if we appoint a representative.
Foreign cases are the jurisdiction of OCO and its components. Within the Office of
Earnings and International Operations (OEIO), the International Benefits Office (IBO)
functions as the "field office" for foreign cases. However, the Disability Hearing
Officer (DHO) handling foreign cases is a member of the International Disability Unit
(IDU) operating within the Office of Disability Operations (ODO).
Regional and field offices do not process hearings for foreign cases except when their
DHO has prior involvement in a particular case. In those instances, the IDU requests
assistance from the regional office via the Office of Disability Determinations (ODD).
The IDU's DHO continues to process all other foreign reconsideration cases.
If the individual resides in a foreign country or uses a foreign mailing address and
contacts the FO (rather than the IBO) for assistance in filing a request for reconsideration
of a CDR, follow current procedures, with the following exceptions:
Do not request the case folder.
Do not take any action regarding SBC, other than obtaining an SSA-795 regarding the
SBC election choice and auxiliaries' payments.
Inform the individual that he or she can come to the United States (U.S.) for a hearing;
or he or she can have OEIO review his or her case and issue a decision based on the
evidence of record, which would include any additional evidence submitted in connection
with the reconsideration request. If an individual or representative wishes to appear
at a hearing:
Find out where in the United States the individual wishes to have the hearing held
(the individual's point-of-entry into the United States or his or her temporary United
States residence determines the region where we will schedule the hearing).
Find out when he or she will be in that area; and
Include where and when the individual is available in the material you forward to
Ensure that the individual understands there are no provisions for reimbursing expenses
for travel outside of the United States.
NOTE: If after entering the United States, the individual has to travel more than 75 miles
(one way) to attend a hearing, he or she may request reimbursement for travel expenses
incurred within the United States. For information about reimbursement of travel expenses
to the disability hearing site, refer to DI 33010.045.
When an individual files a new application at the same time as a request for reconsideration,
or before issuance of a reconsidered determination:
Forward both cases to the DDS or to the office where the prior case is located.
Refer to DI 12045.010 (Processing Disability Claims at Different Levels of Appeal, Title II and Title XVI
- Common Issue Cases).
DI 10105.904 General - Auxiliary(s)
DI 11005.056 Signature Requirements for Form SSA-827
DI 12027.008 Evaluating the Time Limits for Statutory Benefit Continuation (SBC)
DI 12027.010 Processing Statutory Benefit Continuation (SBC)
DI 12095.000 Appeals Processing Exhibits - Table of Contents
DI 29001.001 The Right to a Disability Hearing at the Medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR)
Reconsideration Level
DI 33010.050 Subpoenas and Other Requests for Testimony and Documents
DI 81001.035 Copying a Certified Electronic Folder (CEF) to CD
DI 81010.150 Processing Claims Appeals of Medical Decisions in Electronic Disability Collect System
DI 81020.025 Processing Electronic Reconsideration Cases
GN 00203.011 Special Interviewing Situations: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or
Language Assistance Required
GN 03101.010 Time Limit for Filing Administrative Appeals
GN 03101.020 Good Cause for Extending the Time Limit to File an Appeal
GN 03910.040 Appointment and Revocation of Appointment of Representative


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Center for Cancer Epigenetics
Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D., and Mark Bedford, Ph.D.,
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics (CCE) brings together faculty members focused on epigenetics, the study of heritable and acquired changes that affect gene expression and cellular differentiation without DNA sequence alteration. The CCE has two co-directors, Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D. and Mark Bedford, Ph.D. CCE members meet to discuss their current research in an informal setting at regular intervals and at an annual retreat.
Epigenetic changes are now thought to be just as important as gene mutations in cancer development. The ultimate goal of the center is to define the full spectrum of epigenetic changes that occur in cancers, to discover the molecular causes of these changes, and to translate that newly gained knowledge into the clinic in the form of novel, epigenetic-based therapies. Members of the center include faculty from several basic research and clinical departments at MD Anderson, including our Smithville campus, as well as Baylor College of Medicine. Information and ideas are exchanged through weekly seminars and a monthly Distinguished Lecturer Series. For more information about our research programs, use the link "Faculty and Staff" here, or on the left side of this page, to see a list of CCE members linked to each member's individual research interests.
CCE Scholars Program and Pilot Project Awards:
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics Scholar Program provides one year of salary support to outstanding Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows working in the laboratories of CCE faculty members.
2018-2019 Graduate Student Scholars:
- Amelie Albrecht (Xuetong Shen Lab, declined in order to accept the Terry and Janet Klebe Fellowship)
- Mary Figueroa (Joya Chandra Lab)
2018-2019 Postdoctoral Scholars:
- Manish Kumar (Min Gyu Lee Lab)
- Vrutant Shah (Michelle Barton Lab)
2018-2019 Pilot Project/NGS Awards:
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics also supports innovative pilot projects and Next Gen Sequencing projects focused on research that addresses important questions in epigenetics that are not currently funded by outside agencies but which have a high likelihood of obtaining extramural funding in the near future.
- Kapil Bhalla
- Sharon Dent
- Marcos Estecio
- Boyi Gan
- Kevin McBride
- Margarida Santos
- Bin Wang
Contact Us
Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D.
Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd
Unit Number: Unit 1000
Houston, TX 77030
Mark T. Bedford, Ph.D.
Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 389
Smithville, TX 78957


text:
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